Tracie Peterson - [Land of the Lone Star 03] by Taming the Wind

troubled by the question, she noticed. He nodded and pulled out a roughly drawn map.
    “We looked into driving them to California or taking the Goodnight-Loving Trail to Denver. We even thought about the older route up through eastern Indian Territory. But given the facts and the need to be back in time for the womenfolk, this is the shortest and easiest trail to take. With, I might add, the fewest complications.”
    “How many cattle are we lookin’ to move?” someone else asked.
    “At least twenty-five hundred,” Ted Terry replied before William could answer. “Maybe a few more. William, Tyler, and I have contributed to this herd so the sale will benefit everyone. William and I are providing most of the gear and grub, but Tyler brings expertise and a few good men to the table, as well.”
    “We are also blessed to have a qualified horseman,” William added, nodding toward Brandon Reid. “Brandon grew up on a horse farm in Indiana. He’s taken on the old Lawton farm in order to raise some quality animals. He’s agreed to be our head wrangler.”
    The discussion went on and on with every imaginable question being posed. Carissa tired of the details. Gloria and the other children were playing with Marty Dandridge, Hannah’s ten-year-old sister, so Carissa had no excuse to leave. She glanced around the room until her gaze fell on an Indian shield hanging on the wall. The sight of it made her shiver. Why would such a thing be on display?
    “That question brings us to the issue of food,” William replied.
    Carissa wasn’t sure what question had been asked, but decided to pay better attention. A grizzled older man stood up.
    “Name’s Osage McElroy,” the man declared. “Most of ya know me. I worked quite a few years with Tyler’s pa. Then he was kilt, and for a time I took care of the place for Tyler. I can cook a fair bit. Ain’t had no complaints, I might add.” He grinned and rubbed his graying reddish-brown beard. “I’ve been workin’ of late for Will Barnett, and he asked me to run the chuck wagon on this here drive. I figure to keep you boys fed well. There won’t be any liquor, however, and if I find any on you or in the camp, I’ll be forced to destroy it.”
    “And then you’ll be fired, and you’ll be forced to make your way back alone—even if we’re in the middle of Indian country,” William added. “We’re gonna make this drive sober. There won’t be any gambling, either, and on Sundays we’ll have a time of prayer and Bible reading. If you have a problem with this, you’d best say so now and quit the drive.” He waited a moment to see if anyone wanted to back out.
    Carissa was surprised that no one offered so much as a protest. Maybe they’d all worked together long enough that they knew what to expect in the ways of do’s and don’ts.
    “Once we get to Abilene, you’ll be paid, and you’re free to do what you like with your money. You’ll also be free to stay or return with us. We plan to make it an immediate turnaround so that I can be back in plenty of time for the birth of my second child. And while that isn’t expected until nearly October, Mr. Reid here has a wife who’s expecting in August.”
    Laura blushed and lowered her head at the comment. Carissa was amazed how easily such delicate matters were discussed in mixed company. Back in Corpus Christi such details would have been reserved for the women alone. If men ever discussed the topic at all, Carissa was certain it was only in passing references of congratulations.
    “My point here is that what you do to entertain yourselves in Abilene will be your business. However, until then . . .” He paused and looked around the room. “Until then, it will be mine and Ted’s. We’ll expect your word on the matter.”
    The men around her nodded and the conversation continued. Carissa listened to William discuss the route and what they could expect. He answered questions posed by Hannah and Mrs. Terry, then