Better Than Gold

Chapter Ten

It was almost dusk when Nick and the Bakers reached Lodi. They would have been in the town hours before only one thing after another had continued to happen along the way. Once they'd found a place for the wagon and taken the horses to the livery stable, Nick and the Bakers went straight to the hotel. With the way their luck had been running, every one of the Baker's and Nick were more than grateful for any room the hotel had available. Soon Patrick Baker and his wife were settled in a room, Bridget had her own room, and Nick had his.

Midnight should have found Bridget in bed; instead it found her tossing and turning. She hated it when she was like this. Around midnight, she got tired of it and swung her legs over the bed. If she was going to be this restless, she might as well dress and do something. Question was what? After dressing, Bridget slipped into the hallway and started walking. She'd felt the breeze from what she presumed was a window at the end of the hallway when she, her parents and Nick had climbed the stairs earlier. If nothing else, guess she could stand there and take in the crisp night air and imagine the stars that flickered over head, until she could shake the uneasy feeling inside of her.

It wasn't long she heard a familiar walk, along with the sound of spurs lightly tapping the floor; Bridget knew she wasn't the only one who couldn't sleep. "Thought you said nothin' would be able to keep you up tonight." She said once Nick joined her at the window.

It never ceased to amaze Nick how Bridget could tell when it was him that walked up to, or around, her. He leaned on the window sill and looked over the darkened town. "I didn't think anything could." Then, even though he didn't know why, he asked, "You feel it too, huh?" He'd been feeling on edge ever since they reached Lodi and up unto the moment he heard Bridget's door open, he'd thought he was the only one. After watching her walk to the window and just stand there, Nick had the deepest impression he wasn't alone.

"I don't like this, Nick. Something's not right. Me inside's knows it, but I've got nothin' in me 'ands to prove it. It's just…" she hesitated then added softly, "only other time I've felt this way before is when there be danger about. If there be danger, it would be nice to know where it be and why."

Nick had lay in bed turning one thing after another over in his mind, as he too felt the same way. However, he knew of no free man that would have a reason to be out to get him. Also, the way the Bakers had always talked, Dan Peters was the only on to have ever caused them problems. Not knowing about Mr. Peter's escape, Nick was left with nothing to find. When all was said and done, he didn't know what they could do about it at the moment.

He took a hold of Bridget's arm. "Neither one of us will be of any use tomorrow if we don't at least lay down and rest." He headed back down the hall, still holding onto her arm. "Once you're inside your room make sure that you lock your door. Same thing with your window," He said as they reached her room, "If there is danger out there for us, I don't want it to have easy access to you." Then, thinking about her parents, Nick sighed and told her he'd have to disturb them and ask them to do the same thing.

Nick's concern made Bridget blush and feel warm all over. Though, she didn't let it get in her way of thinking about his safety. Laying her hands on his upper arms, Bridget asked, "Will you be doin' the same for me? I mean, lockin' your door and securin' your window?" She knew she wouldn't be able to relax and go to bed if he didn't.

Nick smiled and, without half way thinking, tilted her head upwards. "If it helps give you a peace of mind, I will." He then kissed her gently on the lips and pulled back. "Now get in there and stay there until I or your parents come to get you." He didn't mean for it to sound like an order, only it came out that way. Bridget might have normally made a comment about his bossy nature and told him off for it, but she was actually starting to get tired. Besides, his kiss had her head spinning again and his genuine concern for her safety was wrapping itself around her like one of her soft feather filled quilts.

"Yes, sir," Bridget smiled from ear to ear, as she slipped back into her room. Only when Nick heard the door lock did he head back to his.

0000

It was almost three in the morning when Dan Peters made his way into Lodi. He was tired and wanted nothing more than to get into a nice cozy bed. That being the case he headed straight for the hotel. He was to be bitterly disappointed as he stopped in front of the establishment and read the NO VACANCY sign in the window. He had to find a place to sleep. Turning around, Mr. Peters headed for a nearby boarding house, hoping he'd be able to find something there.

While Mr. Peters was looking for a place to sleep, the moon and stars watched as Heath lay sleeping next to the campfire he'd built once it had gotten to dark to travel. While the blond haired cowboy was able to get some sleep; it was a restless one. He kept dreaming of Nick and other people he could not see clearly. Every time Nick was calling out for Heath to help them, every time that happened Heath found himself sitting upright and perspiring. By the time the sun came up, Heath had already saddled Charger and was riding as hard and as fast as he could to Lodi. He was convinced more than ever that his brother was heading for trouble or was already in it.