A Texan's Honour

Had he been wrong to bring her along? He shook his head, still seeing no other path for her to have taken. Now, though, it seemed putting half the continent between her and that father of hers might only delay the inevitable. And that was wrong in so many ways he refused to try counting them.

Ten minutes later Virgil returned, clutching a handbill. “Them Pinkerton agents is continuin’ on only to Texarkana. They say they got other agents checkin’ the other lines just to be sure she ain’t travelin’ by rail anywhere in the country.” He passed Alex the handbill and pointed to it as he lit the lantern on the wall next to the door. “I promised to look through the ladies’ car so he give me one.”

The description of Patience was spot on and the drawing was good enough to make her easily recognizable. With the five-hundred-dollar reward—higher than offered for most criminals—he had little doubt she would already be in her father’s hands had she tried to travel alone. “It’s good I asked for Jamie’s private car to bring up the rear,” he muttered, so deep in thought he’d forgotten about Virgil until the porter spoke again.

“No one should wander back here that’s for sure. If you keep those curtains drawn when we stop, no one should even think anyone but you is here. To regular folk it’ll look like you headed west alone. You don’t got to stay shut up, though. Just the lady and them other two.”

“I thought the same.” Alex looked at the handbill Virgil had given him. “Do you understand exactly how much money this is?”

Virgil gave Alex a skeptical look, barked out a short laugh and shook his head. “Too much for the likes of me to have.” He waved off Alex’s concern. “I’d probably get lynched for thievin’ if I started flashin’ that kind of money.” Virgil might act as it he was joking but Alex knew it was an unfortunate truth. “‘Sides, like I said, ya’ll been kind.”

Alex was humbled by this man’s integrity and loyalty. And that integrity and capacity for loyalty gave Alex an idea. “Virgil, we’re headed deep into Texas Hill Country. I have a ranch there. Think about bringing your family to the Rocking R. A job will be waiting for you if you’re interested. I’d like a younger man in the house with Patience and the Winstons when I’m not there. The town’s a good place but still a bit wild.”

Virgil’s eyes widened. “Texas? I’d have to talk it over with my wife. We have a son, too. He’s twelve years of age. Maybe he could learn a trade on this ranch of yours?”

Alex rested his hand on Virgil’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Of course he can.”

Virgil looked thoughtful for a moment then he too smiled. “Would you be needing a cook? My wife, Willow, is a right good cook. Worked in the kitchens growin’ up and she has a position in a big house in St. Louis.”

Thinking of the man on the ranch who currently ruined dinner on a regular basis, Alex laughed. “You have no idea how badly the Rocking R needs a cook. I’ll be surprised if I don’t return to at least one of my men gone from poisoning.”

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