Tracie Peterson by A Place to Belong Page A

I do for you?” he asked, turning his attention back to Maggie.
    “When will the next train for Topeka be through?”
    “Well, that’s hard to say. Usually, the train you were just on transfers its passengers at Great Bend. Then it comes on back and picks up eastbound passengers,” the man told her.
    “Usually?” Maggie held her breath.
    “They’ve been having trouble with the Arkansas River. Rains are causing grief with the flood levels. If there’s much more rain, the Arkansas is going to be out of its banks, then there won’t be any trains through for a spell.”
    “If it doesn’t flood,” Maggie began in a hopeful tone, “when will the train be back through?”
    “This afternoon.”
    Maggie bit her lower lip as she thought. Garrett was bound to know she was gone by now. If not, it wouldn’t be much longer before he found out. She couldn’t risk staying in Newton long enough for Garrett to return on the afternoon train.
    “What about a horse? Where could I buy or rent a horse?” Maggie questioned innocently.
    “You could check at the livery stable, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. Horses are hard to come by out here. You won’t find too many people willing to rid themselves of one. Besides,” the man answered, noticing Maggie’s attire, “you aren’t really dressed for riding.”
    Maggie tried to smile, but her mind was in a frenzy. If she couldn’t get out of Newton within hours, Garrett would find her.
    “What about the stage? Will there be a stagecoach or freighters leaving for Topeka today?” Maggie knew she was appearing desperate.
    “I don’t know what’s chasing you, little lady, but the answer is no. Stage isn’t due through here for another day,” the proprietor said sympathetically. “I’d check with the livery stable first, but I’d say if you’re going to leave Newton today, it’ll be on foot.”
    Maggie nodded and thanked the man. She walked to the livery stable, where the livery owner told her there hadn’t been a horse available for sale since February.
    “Where you want to go, little lady?” a foul-smelling man asked Maggie.
    “I’d rather not discuss it,” Maggie said, growing increasingly uncomfortable as the man’s friends joined him.
    “She ain’t your type, Jake,” one of the man’s filthy friends offered. “You’re more my type, now ain’t you?” The other men laughed and ribbed each other with their elbows.
    “You saddle tramps git out. You hear me? Now git!” the livery owner bellowed. When the men begrudgingly walked away, Maggie turned to thank the man.
    “I appreciate your help. I don’t suppose there’s any hope of someone hauling freight out this morning?”
    “Nope, I’d know if there was. As far as I know, you’re stuck here at least until tomorrow, probably more like next Friday. I don’t think the train will get past the Arkansas River crossing.”
    A discouraged Maggie walked to the Harvey House and sat down for a hot breakfast. Her money was going fast, but if she did have to walk out as the hotel manager had mentioned, she would need proper nourishment.
    While eating breakfast, Maggie learned the train she’d been on the night before had already turned back in the direction of Newton. The Harvey girl informed her they expected the train for the lunch meal.
    Maggie wondered what she should do. She could try to hide out in Newton or get on the train after Garrett got off. She toyed with several ideas while absentmindedly stuffing food in her mouth. She was surprised to find herself nearly finished with her meal when the Harvey girl appeared at her table to see if she needed anything else.
    By eight o’clock, Maggie had decided to walk to Florence. The town was a main hub for the stage, and freight was being hauled out every day. Maggie didn’t know how long it would take to walk the thirty miles to Florence, but putting space between Garrett and herself was the only thing that mattered.
    After paying for her breakfast,