Chapter 4A

As they pulled up, Emerson noticed several of his riders headed that way out of curiosity. They hadn't seen anyone to talk to in quite a while.

A young lieutenant nodded at the herd as he spoke to Emerson. "I am Lieutenant Andrews. Are you in charge of this herd? It is possible the army could do business with you."

Emerson shook the man's hand. "Emerson Trask. Yes, I am and we will listen to any proposition you may make. I didn't know the military was in the area."

"We are supposed to be everywhere, if you listened to Washington. The Indian problems have relaxed some. The government wants to put them on reservations. The problem with that is food. These people always hunted and have difficulty living in one area. Hungry men are not easy to control, so the army needs beef. I assume these cattle are for sale?"

"You are exactly right. Do you have the authority to buy them?" Emerson asked.

By this time several of the trail crew, including Maria and Cathy, rode up to listen. The soldiers were clearly surprised to see the women.

Andrews demonstrated that his officer training included conduct around lovely young ladies. "I am stunned to see two such beautiful creatures in these parts!" As he spoke he tipped his hat. It was obvious to all that he totally liked what he saw. "I assume you ladies are part of this extremely fortunate crew. I am Lieutenant Andrews, at your service."

Emerson laughed as the girls gave the soldier smiles that were meant to dazzle. "I would like the pleasure of introducing you to Cathy Jordan, the lovely blonde, and the dark-haired beauty is Maria Casey." Emerson then pointed to the men of the crew. "If you are interested in their names, let me know."

Maria and Cathy both looked at Emerson. Their pleasure was apparent. "That is what I'd call a proper introduction!" Maria laughed.

Andrews was captivated by the two women. He never let his gaze leave them. Emerson judged him to be a bit of a ladies' man. Andrews shook hands with the girls and began asking questions. It wasn't long before he knew they were both single and from Morgantown.

Emerson waited while the lieutenant made small talk with the women. Finally, he interrupted, "I am sure you are a busy man, Lieutenant. Could we get back to the business at hand?"

"Yes, of course." Andrews realized he had been too attentive to the women, although he felt he had good reason. "I cannot buy these cattle, but my commanding officer can. He is Major Reynolds and our headquarters is presently located east of here about two hours ride. I would be glad to escort you to him. He is looking to buy beef. In fact, he is meeting with someone today in that regard. It would be to your advantage to speak to Major Reynolds as soon as possible."

"I don't think it would hurt to hear what the Major has to say. We can let the cattle rest here today," Emerson decided. "I'll ride back with you."

"Would you mind very much, Boss, if Cathy and I rode with you?" Maria asked Emerson. "We could use the break."

Tom quickly added, "Count me in, too. How about you, Bob?"

"We have to leave a crew to watch the herd," protested Emerson.

"Go ahead," it was Pat Casey. "You youngsters will enjoy it. The rest of us can manage here."

Emerson knew he had no good reason to refuse Maria's request, but felt reluctant to take the girls. "Do you realize the effect you will have on soldiers stationed out here? Andrews was just a sample of how these men will react. It might be best if I ride over alone and talk to the major."

"I don't feel I over reacted, Mr. Trask. I can assure you the ladies will be quite safe with the U.S. Army. I would ask how concerned you are with their safety to allow them to participate in this venture. There are bands of thieves, and even worse out here." Andrews was clearly miffed at Emerson's suggestion that he behaved improperly with the two women.

Emerson turned to face Andrews, his own temper flaring. Maria, seeing Emerson's anger, quickly rode between them. "I appreciate your feelings that this is not safe country, but each of these three was wounded in a gunfight with the Gustin gang, fighting in large part, to protect Cathy and me. I would caution you against suggesting to any of these men that they aren't concerned for our safety. I really don't care to see any more fighting." Maria smiled as she finished, but her message was clear to Andrews.

Andrews quickly softened with Maria's approach. "I really didn't mean to suggest the ladies would not be safe with you. It is obvious that they are in good health. The Gustin gang is another one of our assignments. You were fortunate to survive that encounter," added Andrews. "Perhaps you could help us locate them. Do you have any idea where they would be now?

Cathy could not contain herself. "Lieutenant, we know exactly where they are. That is, the parts the buzzards haven't finished. This crew is serious about its cattle and women, and fight for both. You can cross Gustin off your list of things to do!"

Andrews seemed to see the group in a new and more serious light. "That is good news. They were reported to be a seasoned and dangerous bunch. That must have been a battle."

Cathy was all sugar again as she smiled at Andrews. "We have a couple of hours. I'll tell you all about it as we ride."

Maria chuckled as she said, "I bet she'll use the whole two hours telling it." With that, the entire group laughed. Then Maria nudged her horse closer to Emerson's. As the group watched, Maria gave Emerson a smile and asked, "Emerson, Dad said they could watch the herd. As a favor to me, can we ride along, too?"

Emerson groaned as the crew laughed. "I don't think Emerson is going to able to refuse that request!" laughed Tom. "If he does, he must have been wounded worse than any of us realized."

Emerson looked at the smiling faces. Even Pat Casey was enjoying this. He returned Maria's smile. "I can't refuse that request. but keep in mind you are indebted to me now."

With the long and dangerous drive nearly complete, Maria was feeling reckless. "Of course, Emerson. You can collect anytime. I just don't know how a girl like me would ever be able to pay you back." She was still close to Emerson, but everyone heard her answer.

"Maria! You are so forward! I love it. I think this trip has changed both of us," Cathy added. "Let's ride everyone. Maria has sacrificed something, as yet unnamed, for the benefit of us all. We can thank her later."

As Cathy, Maria, Tom, and Bob fell in with the lieutenant, Emerson faced Pat Casey. "Sir, I didn't mean-"

Pat was trying to keep a straight face. "Don't try to hand me a line. I can see what's going on! "

Emerson sat his horse, trying to come up with a response.

Pat Casey and Miguel, who had been listening to the conversation, both broke into laughter. "Emerson, you'd better get going or you'll be left behind and that smooth lieutenant will be sweet talking those girls all the way." Pat was enjoying the situation.

Emerson turned his horse and chased after the rest, with the realization that Pat didn't seem to be upset about Maria flirting with him. Maria had known he would not refuse her almost any request, and that he lacked the nerve to try to collect on that debt.

As he rode behind the others, Emerson was deep in thought. He accepted Maria's power over him. He would probably play the fool at some point, but thoughts of her consumed him. A smile from her meant more than money. She was in control, not him. That could leave him vulnerable, but Emerson admitted to himself he could do nothing about it.

Maria dropped back a short while later, bringing her pony alongside Emerson's. "You have been so quiet and thoughtful, Emerson. Are you angry with me?"

Surprise showed on Emerson's face. "Angry? Maria, why or how could I be upset with you? I've trying to decide how to collect on that debt."

Maria's leg was touching his as they rode. "So that's your big problem! I think I can help you there." The rest of the riders were strung out a short distance ahead as the passed through a rocky canyon. Soon they passed around a boulder and were gone from view.

"Stop your horse!" Maria whispered.

Surprised, Emerson pulled back on the reins. He brought his attention back to Maria. She was leaning out of her saddle and brought her lips close to Emerson's.

"You'll have to help a little," she smiled.

Emerson felt as if he were dreaming. He leaned down and pressed his lips to Maria's and was lost in the passion she seemed to draw from him. Finally, Emerson pulled back, staring into Maria's eyes.

Her voice was heavy with emotion as she spoke. "I consider that payment in full. Am I terrible?"

Emerson could not find his voice. He simply searched her eyes, not wanting to forget what he was seeing.

"Unless I am fooling myself, I'd have to think you're satisfied. We'd better catch up to the rest." With that, Maria kicked her pony and took off after the rest.

Lieutenant Andrews was still listening to Cathy as Maria rejoined them. Cathy looked at Maria, then glanced back at Emerson and nodded her head knowingly.

The small cavalcade rode into the army post in mid afternoon. It had been a pleasant ride with Andrews concentrating his attention on the two women. Bob, Tom and Emerson exchanged smiles several times over the last few miles as they watched the lieutenant's efforts to impress the girls.

Before they dismounted, Andrews thought of another opportunity to see Maria and Cathy. "Next week, one week from today, is the Governor's Ball in Santa Fe. Major Reynolds has plans on attending, along with some of his officers. It would be nice to see you ladies there," Andrews added.