The boys who had tracked Love and those with him were back. The trail had dried up in some rocky country east of Kalispell. The story was that Love had started west and then circled to make their way east, trying to lose any pursuit. Tired without food and needing fresh horses, the trackers gave up and headed back to regroup and head out again with food and some spare horses.
Having left his orders with Wentworth and Modeen, Barnabas rose with Em that morning confident that the day ahead would be quick and easy, that he, Em and Wheeler would likely stay the better part of the day, do some shopping and have dinner at the Lickskillet, and then head on back to the ranch for supper and any news from Larado, Will Ames, and Zane Geraghty, who had just ridden out.
Breakfast was done, and the horses and the two buggies were ready as the Pikes and Doctor Laurant mounted the buggies. Three out riders were to ride along with them, Modeen selected Dallas, Pecos Pete, and Logan McVay, Phineas' brother, who were already mounted for the trip
"Gonna be a grand day from the looks of it." Barnabas said loud enough for all to hear, "Let's get to it then."
"Yes, a grand day," Emeline replied as cheerily as she could. Indeed, it was bright and clear, a slight warm breeze pushing about high, wispy clouds. It was a perfect day for a drive, and normally she'd be looking forward to a chance to get into town and indulge in some visiting and shopping.
But this morning in particular, Emeline had a horrible headache, and was dreading having to relive what had happened the day before. She'd not slept well -- she'd been awake for a very long time, feeling cold and distant even though she'd been secure in her husband's protective embrace. And when she did drift off, nightmares forced her awake again.
Morning had been a welcome relief, with its chaos in preparing breakfast and getting together what they'd need for the trip to town. And the kind company of Angie and Pythias, as well as taking care of Wheeler and Barnabas had distracted her.
But now that they were settled in the buggy, with town and the interview ahead, the headache was back in full-force, although she tired to hide it as best she could.
As they closed in on Kalispell, Barnabas couldn't help but notice that Em was just not herself. "Maybe we pull off and have the doc have a look at you. You seem in distress, and we can't be havin' that." He said. Now Barnabas was no fool; he knew the pressure and stress of facing anyone with the details of what had happened out there.
He had faced that same stress and pressure himself more than once, but it was the first time that would always be the hardest. He also knew that she had nothing to fear; she had been justified in shooting Sisie's brother, that was self-defense. His shot at Sisie was simply in defense of his wife and son, and even though the girl was unarmed, she was far too close to Em and Wheeler.
"It's just a bit of a headache," Emeline murmured, "nothing bad, and there's no need to hold things up." She forced a smile, then sighed. There was no getting anything past Barnabas, and no sense trying.
"I didn't sleep well," she explained, "nothing a little chamomile tea won't fix, and I want this nonsense past me." She took her husband's hand and gave it a squeeze. "I'll be all right once this is over. And it's such a nice day, I'd be remiss not to appreciate it."
This really was better than just moping around home, and once the interview as done, she knew she'd feel much better.
"If it does not improve, we'll see about some headache powder from the doctor. I'm sure she has some with her," Then again, it might be clear by the time we get to town." He said, hoping that it did clear, but resolute in the solution if it did not.
"And you're right about the day, it is shapin' up real nice. Be good to see folks and do some shopping. This other business shouldn't take all that long either. I mean, it ain't like they're gonna arrest me. It's all just a clear-cut case of self-defense. No other way to look at it. You were set upon. Plain and simple, no other way'a lookin' at it." Of that he was certain, it was just this new County Sheriff they would be dealing with. With Speed it would have been over by now.
"I trust you," Emeline murmured, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. "Maybe while we're in town I can get a new derringer. I... I lost mine, I threw it at that man." She smiled, even though she didn't look up. "It seemed like a smart thing at the time, although I don't know what I thought it would accomplish."
She paused for a moment, then muttered, "Maybe something bigger, more powerful, just to carry around the ranch...in case." Not that she ever wanted another 'in case', but she'd feel better if she was equipped to deal with any threat, Human or animal.
"Gun's empty, seen it before. Just a natural reaction. Ya throwed it. Likely what most folks'd do, given the same situation, and sure, we can have a look an' see whot they got. Too bad that gun shops closed. I thought he'd do alright." Pront answered her. "I was thinkin' the a derringer is a mite small, an' she only has two shots ta boot."
He thought for a moment, "Guns like mine might be more'n you can handle. Weight-wise, now the Colt, they have a couple of models that might fit the bill. We'll have a look at whot they got, an' whot can be ordered from the factory. I'll feel better if'n you was better armed. I never gave it much thought before, an' I shoulda'."
"I've carried a derringer since leaving Ohio," she explained, but he knew that, "I like having it around the house and in town, but you're right, I should have something more appropriate when I'm out around the ranch."
Heck, Humans were the least of the potential threats, there were mountain lions, bears and snakes, oh, my! Something with more firepower would help her feel safer, if she ever ventured out again!
"We can look," she muttered, "something pretty."
"We can certainly look, and we can certainly get both," Was his opinion on the matter, but this was a lesson when she was out gathering berries and such. Having the proper protection was a must! "It's like having some of the boys with us until this Tom Love business is solved."
That was a loose end out there, something deadly that needed taking care of. The hope was that this new County Sheriff would handle it, unless the man and his gang left the county, which seemed unlikely.
"I'm supposing you have a list of things you need to get at the Mercantile or the General store?" He queried, sure that she did. "We've time for that. Or, we'll make time."
"Yes, I did make a list," Emeline confirmed, "we can drop it at the mercantile then pick it up later." Well, there were a few things she wanted to hand pick, but most of the items on the list were basic, and didn't need her attention.
As for the escort, it did make her feel safer and protected, even though it was a reminder of what had happened. "All this fuss makes me feel like the Queen of England," she murmured with a grin, "all stately and pompous. And I suppose that makes you Albert, right?"