Ch 3

"Again Teaspoon! I just got back!" Argued Cody.

"Yeah son, that was the deal. You gotta take Hickok's rides for three weeks. Now get ready."

"Awe Teaspoon. Enough is enough already. This ain't fair."

"Is it better to keep your job or should I let them know you were drinking while on a run, I might add?"

"I think I'd rather be fired. I'm so exhausted and I'm starving to death. You can't just starve me like this. I need a hot meal."

"Oh look Cody, here comes Hickok now. Should I just let him have at you and count that as fair?"

"Nope. No. I'll take the ride." Cody said swinging into his saddle before Jimmy could get any closer.

Jimmy came to stand beside Teaspoon watching Cody ride out the station yard.

"Reckon I should let him off. It's been two weeks?" Asked Teaspoon.

"I don't know. Reckon I should just let it go?" Asked Jimmy.

They looked at each other smiling.

"Naw." They laughed walking toward the barn.

Cody's run was overnight to Saddle Falls. The same town where he had gotten Jimmy into trouble a few weeks ago. He better play it safe this time around. He rode in late in the afternoon. He dropped his pouch and got a room for the night. He would pick up the return pouch in the morning. He took his things upstairs and came back down to the hotel restaurant. He was sick of eating jerky. He noticed a pretty young lady come in. She was an absolute beauty. He watched as she walked in with an older rather large lady following. They sat at a table not too far from him. He could hear their conversation as he ate.

"Sweetwater has to be close. It truly can't be much farther."

"I ain't too sure bout that. It seems like this trail never ends."

"I have faith that we will get there tomorrow. Dorothy, you have to be patient. If we had someone to guide us in the right direction, it would surely be a blessing."

Cody just about choked on his food. He turned around.

"Excuse me, ma'am. I over heard that you are on your way to Sweetwater."

"What's it to ya?"

"Dorothy, please. The gentleman might can help."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude. I ride for the Pony Express. My home station is in Sweetwater. I'll be heading that way in the morning. If you want, y'all can follow me."

"Really? Oh my goodness! Dorothy did you hear! This kind sir will take us the rest of the way!"

"Shannon he might just be full of bullshit. Ya can't trust men out here."

"I don't mean y'all any harm. Just thought I could help." Eased Cody.

"I think it is a grand idea. My sister, Ellen is in our room so there would be a party of three. Would that impose a problem?"

"No ma'am. Not at all."

"It's settled then. When should we be ready for travel?"

"I'll meet y'all right here about nine? Is that ok?"

Shannon looked at the older lady, Dorothy.

"I think that will be just fine." Said Shannon.

"As long as I can get my tobacco afore we go." Said Dorothy.

"Works for me. Excuse me ladies, I better turn in. We have an early day tomorrow."

Cody stood to leave. As he walked away, he looked back to Shannon. She was stunning. Only problem was that huge old goat that she was traveling with. Cody grimaced as he saw her pack tobacco in her mouth. He pushed that thought aside as Shannon stood. He was in love.

Cody was ready and waiting promptly at nine. He already had his horse and the mail pouch. He was all set to ride out. He only needed his lovely travel companion. He didn't wait long before she came down the stairs in a light blue dress. He couldn't help but smile. Dorothy came trudging behind pulling along another girl behind her.

"Howdy ladies. Good morning."

"Morning Mr. Cody. Hope you didn't wait long." Said Shannon.

"I'd wait all day if I had to, I wouldn't dare leave you behind."

Shannon giggled and took Cody's arm.

"I do declare. You know how to make a lady smile."

Dorothy went to get their wagon. The other girl stood behind waiting. She had on a large plain brown dress and a bonnet pulled down to hide her face. Cody couldn't even see her eyes.

"Morning, Miss Ellen was it?"

"I'm sorry, my sister doesn't speak or look at anyone."

"Why's that?"

"She just doesn't. Oh look, here comes Dorothy."

Cody helped load their luggage and the group set out toward Sweetwater. Cody made idle chit chat with Shannon to pass the time. It wasn't long before they arrived in town. Cody showed them to the hotel and livery.

"Will you be in town long?" Cody asked Shannon.

"Why yes, I am moving into the Creech homestead. I believe it isn't too far from town. I am planning on opening up a small shop here in the future."

"No ma'am. It isn't too far. Will you stay in town tonight?"

"Yes I believe so. It is late. We will head that way in the morning to see what needs to be done."

"I would love to show you the way if that's ok? I'll be glad to help y'all settle in."

"I think that would be wonderful Mr. Cody. I shall wait for you in the morning."

"You won't have to wait. I'll be here." Cody said smiling his biggest smile.

"I shall be ready then." Smiled Shannon.

Cody turned his horse toward the station.