The One Who Waits for Me Read Free Page A

beast. The soldiers drew up as the inferno threatened. Lifting an elbow to shield his eyes as the wind caught burnt embers and scattered fiery darts, Pierce called out, “Is that a homestead?”
    The men’s gazes focused on a distant dwelling and small outbuilding, now engulfed in flames.
    â€œThink we should check on the livestock?” Preach’s gaze focused on the small holding pen that sat to the side of the shanty. Smoke shifted and clogged the men’s view. “Can’t tell if there’s anything in there. Can you?”
    Shaking his head, Pierce said, “I can’t.” Pulling his handkerchief over his mouth, he said, “I’ll ride in and see.”
    â€œI’ll ride with you.” Preach pulled up alongside him.
    Keeping to the rim of the fire, the men’s eyes fastened on the crudely constructed corral. Moments later the shanty’s roof collapsed to the ground.
    Heavy smoke roiled upward. Pierce’s eyes teared up from the searing inferno. “Easy, Sue.” He spoke softly to the mare, nudging her closer. The animal veered from the heat. He lifted his voice to get his friend’s attention. “Preach!”
    â€œSir!”
    â€œI’m going to check the gate!”
    â€œI’ll do it, sir!”
    â€œYou ride ahead and see if you can spot any sign of life.” The owners had to be around—unless they were burnt alive in the inferno. Spurring the mare, Pierce rode toward the flames.
    Sue stepped lightly, shying, but he pushed her closer. Heat nearly blinded him when he reached the pen and found it empty. Giving Sue her head then, he galloped on, holding his left arm up to shield his eyes. He didn’t breathe until he burst through the fiery perimeter and rejoined the men. Preach was back. His mahogany face was smoke blackened, his eyes sorrowful. Two women were draped across the back of his horse.
    Pierce’s bleary gaze skimmed the strange sight. “What’s that?”
    Glancing back at the two inert forms, Preach said, “The way I see it, sir? Trouble.” His dark eyes rested on the female forms. “Pure trouble.”
    Wiping his eyes with his handkerchief, Pierce tried to focus. “Are they the homesteaders?”
    â€œDon’t know, sir. I found this one—” he rested his hand on a seared trouser—“trying to pull this one”—his hand moved to the second form—“out of the flames. If I hadn’t come along when I did, they’d both be goners.”
    Able to see now, Pierce rode up, eying the strangers. “They’re too young to be homesteaders. Where are their parents?”
    â€œDidn’t see anyone but these two crawl out of the field.” He motioned to his passengers. “Don’t know why they’re wearing men’s clothing, but they ain’t men, sir. They’re women. If you and Gray Eagle will look after them, I’ll ride back and look for others.”
    Pierce dismounted and moved to Preach’s horse. The Indian scout joined him. Together, they gently moved the limp forms to the ground. Pierce bent close to one, sighing with relief when he detected life. “This one’s breathing.” He turned to the other. “And so is this one.”
    Preach rode off as Pierce and Gray Eagle poured water from a canteen on their handkerchiefs and wiped the women’s faces. One started to come around, fighting off Pierce’s assistance.
    â€œIt’s okay, lady,” he said. “You’re safe.”
    The woman looked at him, and Pierce met a pair of clear hazel eyes. Their gazes locked, and then she struggled to break his hold.
    Pierce’s nodded to the second woman. “Easy, ma’am,” he said to the first. “There’s another woman with you. Any idea who she—”
    The girl shot upright and leaned over the other female lying beside her. She lightly shook the unconscious form. The young