Chapter 11

Mercedes slowed Lucinda's pace upon reaching Trail's End's town limits. Her shoulder throbbed. She could barely remain in her saddle. Have to hide. Those brutes…will come.

Lucinda grunted at her.

"Can't…take chance," Mercedes pointed out. She rasped heavy broken breaths. Sweat beaded across her face despite the chill. She made out the livery to her left.

Lucinda whinnied and turned in that direction. She trotted up to the livery's door and neighed loudly.

"Gracias," Mercedes expressed. She bit her lip. Then she called out, "¡HOLA! Hello!" She managed to dismount from Lucinda's back. Pain seared at her again. She slumped against the hitching post. ¡Por favor ayuda me!"

Penny stuck her head out. "Hi! Be right…" She gasped at Mercedes' condition. "GOSH! What happened to you?" She ran out to the injured rider. "Blue! BLUE!"

"Hey what's going on? I…" He rushed toward the two women. "What in blazes?" He supported Mercedes. "Just relax, Ma 'am. We'll get you help."

"Gracias. Hide me…Comancheros….Manolito…Mi Manolo…" Mercedes muttered. She slumped into his arms.

"Manolito? Comancheros? Hey! Maybe they're the same guys!" Penny realized. "Isn't that one of your friends' names?"

"He's my uncle by marriage…well it's complicated. Get the door." He carried Mercedes in as gently as possible. "Miss, what's Manolito's last name?"

Mercedes nodded. Gratitude shone warmly from her eyes. "Man…olito Montoya. I need to know…he's safe."

"As far as I know, yeah. I haven't seen him in a few days. He's been at Rancho Montoya. Uncle Buck was there with him for a bit," he explained. "Hey! You're the lady he talked to Pa about."

"Buck? Buck…Cannon? Is he here? I need…Manolito…He'll know," Mercedes whispered. Her face paled.

"Where's your town doc?" he wondered.

"Right next to the saloon. Get Doc Rivers and then find your uncle. You'd best hurry. I'm going to wash her wound. Maybe Mr. Cannon might know?" Penny directed.

He nodded. "I'd say so. Be right back." He put another dollar from his own money on the table. "For the trouble." Then he ran out the door and up the block toward the saloon as if Hell itself was on his tail.

Penny shook her head. "He's getting this back." She filled a basin with water and brought a couple of clean towels out. Then she sat down next to Mercedes. "Hang in there. Blue will help you. He'll get Mr. Cannon yet."

Mercedes nodded. "Manolo…mi Manolo…." Then she drifted into a deep sleep.

Penny dabbed the towel in the basin. She pulled Mercedes' jacket and shirt to expose the wound. She grimaced. "Wow. Looks like someone sure screwed up in treating this before. Don't worry. We'll get Doc Rivers. He'll fix you right this time." She turned toward the door. Hurry, Blue!