Chapter 21 [Trail's End]
Buck inspected the supplies. With John's money added to his poker winnings, he'd bought four new rifles and six boxes of bullets. Impatience brought out the fidgets in him. He glanced back toward the bedroom.
In there, Doc Rivers examined Mercedes' shoulder. Wish Blue Boy could come later with the ladies. John needs these bullets and rifles! Nah. Can't do it. Those banditos could still be out there.
"Whatever's bothering you, Mr. Cannon, it'll be all right," Penny reassured him.
He nodded. For her benefit, he forced a grin onto his face. "Course it will! We'll get back to Chaparral and everything'll be great. You'll see."
"Blue just said the same thing. I just hope Miss Mercedes is okay. Want a refill?" She held up the coffee pot.
"Yeah I could use a touch more. Thanks, Penny." Buck accepted the fresh coffee in his cup. He took a long draught from it. "That sure has a kick! I like it!" He glanced toward the stove and the pot on it. "You're going to have to give me that bean recipe. That's sure something else."
"I'm glad you like it." She looked quickly toward the bedroom door. Then she turned back toward her cooking. "You really think there's a place for me at the ranch?"
Buck shook his head. "Missy, you're hard working, dependable and you care. You've saved Blue's life twice. You're helping out big time right now. Big John sure likes folks like you. And then there's how Blue and you feel about each other. And then I like you."
"Thanks." She blushed.
"You're more than welcome." Then he saw Rivers walk out of the bedroom. "What's it look like, Doc?"
Rivers cleared his throat. "Given what's happened, she's healing extraordinarily well. I'd say in three days, she'll be able to ride on a horse."
"Three days? How long before she can ride in a wagon?" Buck winced. He didn't really care to wait around much longer in that town.
"I have a wagon, Mr. Cannon. We can set up the mattress real nice for Miss Mercedes in the back. Maybe we can take it easy on the trail?" Penny suggested.
"That would be suitable," Rivers relented. "Just take care with the bumps and jostling in the wagon." He put his hat on. "Good luck with the trip. Godspeed." He shook hands with Buck. "Take care."
"I sure will. Thanks, Doc." Buck watched Rivers leave. Then he turned to Penny. "How fast can you get packed?"
"I can be out tonight. I just need to let that guy know about this place. Then I'll leave a note at the shop. Can you watch the beans? I'll be back in fifteen minutes," she agreed.
"Yeah go on. I'll let Blue know when he gets in here." Buck watched her leave as well. Yeah we can get moving. Good thing with us needing to take it slow and all. He glanced toward the door. Just hope she's ready for the trip.