Kitty stared out the stagecoach window as if the passing trees and shrubs were fascinating, but she was acutely aware of her fellow passengers. Not that there was anything noteworthy going on. Tom was telling Sophia about his plans for their ranch. She was trying mightily not to look bored. Cart's nose was deep inside Buffalo Bill. Winthrop was snoring lightly with his head tipped back, mouth open and drool trickling down his chin. True continued to stare at her with an infuriating half smile.

2 hours dragged by. Tom stopped talking and the only sounds were the clop, clopping of the 6 horses pulling the stage and the birds twittering in the trees. Then, with an eerie suddenness the temperature dropped, the skies darkened and the air felt oddly still. The birds were silent.

Up in the driver's seat Slim felt the change in the air and reached around for his rubber poncho, rain was sure to come.

Inside the coach the chill was felt. True stuck his head out the window and looked up at the darkening clouds, "Gonna be a mother of a storm." The words were no sooner out of his mouth when thunder roared and without even a few scattered warning drops, buckets of rain poured down. Kitty quickly reached above her window and unfurled the leather window shade. Anyone next to a window did the same, even Cart imitating the grown-ups. Kitty smiled, "Good job Cart. The shades will stop the rain from coming in unless the wind really picks up." The boy beamed at her approval.

Slim gripped the reins to hold the horses steady. There was nothing but sheets of rain and dark skies as far as the eye could see. He considered his options. Turn around, but it was 10 miles back to the depot, detour 2 miles west to take shelter in an abandoned building or forge ahead. Slim's mind told him to detour west but he desperately wanted to stay on schedule and be home for Eliza's birthday. He studied the sky and indulged in wishful thinking. Maybe the storm wouldn't be so bad. Maybe they'd ride out of it soon. He flicked the reins and ploughed ahead.

The storm didn't bow to wishes. Rain mixed with ice pounded down relentlessly and the winds grew ferocious. The horses struggled against the violent gusts and the stage lurched and swayed precariously. Flapping window shades gave no protection and everyone inside was wet and shivering. Kitty tucked her feet up under her to avoid the cold puddles forming on the floor. True stuck his head outside, "Damn it Slim, we're cold, wet and the wind's knocking us over. Find shelter."

Slim knew True was right. He yanked the reins hard to veer west but was stunned by a flash of light. Lightening struck an oak tree just ahead. The two lead horses reared. The other four panicked and tried to pull away. Slim stood and used his body weight to pull the reins but he couldn't get the horses under control. One started to fall and pulled another on top of him. Slim could hear the sickening crunch of bones. He jumped to the ground to see what he could do. In the wet, cold, windy darkness he could barely keep his footing. The two 2 downed horses were thrashing frantically and the other four were in a twisted mess.

Inside the coach the Tom squeezed Sophia's hand, "I'll go see if the driver needs help. I'm good with horses."

He slipped out the door and the wind slammed it shut. Inside they could hear the horses' frantic cries above the howling winds. The stage swayed, pulled and pushed by lurching horses and thrashing winds. Cart was petrified, "What's happening. Are we going to die?"

"Don't be stupid." Winthrop spoke with contempt but his eyes were filled with fear.

Sophia wanted to reassure the boy but knew he didn't take to her. Kitty reached over and took Cart's hand, "It's all right, come sit between me and your father. It will be warmer. Don't worry. We'll take are of you."

Comforted by Kitty's touch and voice the boy climbed over his father and sat close to her. She put an arm around him and pulled him close. A shot rang out, a second shot followed.

"Wwwhat happened?"

Kitty whispered gently, "Cart, if a horse falls and can't get up it's best to put him out of his misery."

The door opened. Tom and Slim looked wretched. Slim spoke quietly, "Two horses went down and had to be shot. The other four got away. We have to get to shelter. There's a building 2 miles from here."

"TWO MILES." Winthrop was outraged.

"Wait." Sophia looked at Slim, "There's big cave about a half a mile south."

Slim frowned, "You sure?"

"Yes. I grew up around here - before I lived abroad."

Slim nodded, "All right." He removed his rain poncho and held it out along with a spare he'd found under his seat. I figure one should be for the boy and the other for the ladies to share. Maybe you 2 ladies could trade off."

"She can have it." Kitty and Sophia spoke simultaneously.

It wasn't lost on Kitty that yesterday Sophia tried to kill her and today she was offering protection from the rain. "Sophia can start off with it. We'll switch later."

Slim handed one poncho Cart and the other to Sophia. Winthrop spoke up. "Actually, I should get this one not my son. He is in excellent health while I on the other hand am often plague by illness." Winthrop produced a little cough.

A hint of humor lit Sophia's brown eyes. She shoved her rain poncho at Winthrop. "Take this one and leave the boy his." The man didn't hesitate and squeezed it on over his head.

Sophia muttered, "No surprise." She spoke so quietly no one heard. No one but Kitty that is and she wondered what Sophia meant.

7 cold, wet people slogged through the storm, pelted by rain and hail, and fighting against howling winds. Sophia led the way with Tom by her side. Kitty walked with a protective arm around Cart. True and Winthrop came next followed by Slim who kept an eye on them all to make sure not one fell or got hurt.

After a long half-mile, they found the cave and hurried inside. Slim and Tom managed to start a fair size fire. Everyone gathered around, stripped down as much as was decent and spread their garments out to dry.

Kitty looked at Cart, "Take off your shoes, socks and outer clothes then warm yourself by the fire. Don't worry we all feel silly." He smiled and did as he was told. Kitty undid her hair and let her drenched curls fall to her shoulders to dry. Sophia stared with wonder and jealousy. Kitty had to be – what – seven years older than she, but the redhead's hair was thick and vibrant while hers was thin and had lost all luster.

Winthrop removed his drenched shoes and socks and warmed his white, puffy feet by the fire. He looked at Slim, "How do you intend to get us out of this mess?"

Slim sighed wishing he had behaved differently when the storm started. "The storm's still raging. We'll wait it out and then I'll go find the horses that got away. Practically speaking, it will be morning before I can set out."

Winthrop scowled, "What makes you think you'll even be able to find then? They could be a hundred miles away by now."

Tom had grown tired of the man's attitude, "Winthrop, horses don't wander in the rain for no reason, they find shelter and stay put. You have no idea how long it would take a horse to go a hundred miles. Slim, I'll help search in the morning."

Slim smiled gratefully, "Thanks Tom. Anyone else care to help?" He looked pointedly at True.

"I will." Kitty called out. "Me too." Sophia waved her hand.

Kitty saw the look on Slim's face and smiled slyly, "Slim, a woman can spot a horse as well as a man and she can grab a bridle and walk him just fine."

Slim laughed, " All right. Anyone else?"

Out of embarrassment True raised a limp hand, "Me."

Winthrop put a hand on Cart's shoulder. "I have a child to think of. It's my responsibility to stay with him.

"Of course Mr. Winthrop." Slim stood, "I'll get this fire built more. We'll be spending the night here. I'll keep it as warm as I can."

Winthrop looked alarmed, "What about food?"

Tom raised an eyebrow, "Missing a meal won't hurt you none."

Slim suppressed a smile, "First thing in the morning we'll find the horses and get the stage going. Halfway to Dodge there's a small depot where we can eat. I'll be sure we have drinking water before then. Now, let's all try and rest."

TBC