Trail to Shasta (9781101622049) by J. R. Roberts Page A

Kemper asked, “why don’t we circle ahead of them?”
    Ahern turned and looked at his friend.
    â€œWhat?” Kemper asked.
    â€œI was just thinking,” Ahern said, “that might be the first time you’ve ever had a good idea.”
    â€œMaybe it’s just the first time you ever listened to what I have to say.”
    Ahern thought a moment, then said, “No, that’s not it.”

EIGHTEEN
    They traveled several more days without stopping at a town. Clint finally relented and pulled into the town of Calvert. It had a general store that doubled as a saloon, and not much else. They restocked a bit but the ladies were not able to find a bathtub. They did, however, buy several pairs of britches.
    After they left town, the girls took turns in the back of the wagon, changing from their skirts to their pants. When they were done, Bridget ended up in front with Clint, while Bride was in the back of the wagon.
    She noticed Clint craning his neck to look back behind them, and she put her hand on his arm. He whipped his head around to look at her.
    â€œIs something wrong?” she asked.
    â€œI’m just keeping an eye out behind us,” he said.
    â€œDo you think we’re being followed?”
    â€œWell, maybe not followed,” he said.
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œI mean I thought someone might be trailing us—that is, not following us, but following our trail, keeping out of sight.”
    â€œWhy would they do that?”
    â€œI don’t know,” he said. “They could be following me because they recognized me, and at some point, they may want to try me.”
    â€œTry you?”
    â€œTry to kill me.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œJust because of who I am.”
    â€œThat must be a terrible thing to live with,” she said.
    â€œOn the other hand,” he said, “maybe it’s not me.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” she asked.
    â€œIs there any reason you and your sister might have been followed?”
    â€œFrom Ireland?”
    â€œI don’t know,” he said. “From Ireland, from New York.”
    â€œWhy would anyone follow us?” she asked.
    â€œI don’t know,” he said. “I’m asking you.”
    â€œI have no idea.”
    â€œWell,” Clint said with one last look behind them, “maybe I’m just wrong.”
    * * * 
    Ahern and Kemper rode into Saint Joseph, Missouri, ahead of Clint and the Shaughnessy sisters.
    â€œWhy don’t we wait for them here?” Kemper asked when they stopped in a saloon for a drink.
    â€œNo,” Ahern said.
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œBecause I’ve already made plans for Council Bluffs,” he said. “I’ve got some men waitin’ for us there.”
    â€œOh,” Kemper said. “Well, why didn’t you tell me that before?”
    â€œI didn’t think there was any reason to confuse you.”
    â€œWhy do you always treat me like I’m stupid?”
    â€œSeems to me I’m less likely to make a mistake that way,” Ahern said.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œNever mind,” Ahern said. “Drink your beer, then we’ll pick up some coffee and jerky and get back on the trail.”
    â€œWhy don’t we spend the night?”
    â€œWhy don’t you stop makin’ suggestions, Kemp?” Ahern asked.
    â€œHey,” Kemper said, “I’m the one who suggested we get ahead of them, remember?”
    â€œYeah,” Ahern said, “and you should quit while you’re ahead.”

NINETEEN
    When they rode into Saint Joseph, Bride was visibly relieved to see a real town.
    â€œThe first thing I want is a bathtub,” she said, “and a hot bath.”
    They had bathed along the way in streams and waterholes, but they were all cold, just a quick in and out.
    â€œI want a long soak,” Bridget said.
    They both looked at Clint.
    â€œAll right,” he said,