held the same promise of spring. She had a price on her head, and too many men carried bullets with her name on them. But soon all of that would be behind her. Still, the truth nagged her like a hurting tooth. She’d have to deceive good people to escape the past. Sometimes the dirt clung to her no matter how hard she scrubbed.
“How are you doing?” Morgan turned in the saddle to peer at her. “Thawed out yet?”
“When I can feel my hands, I’ll let you know.”
“You haven’t complained since we left.”
“What would you want me to say? Thanks for the good company?”
He tipped his hat and turned back to the trail. Morgan had something she craved—the strength of knowledge. What if Jenkins did catch up with her? The mere thought seared her soul. His ugly snarl and low, contemptuous laugh echoed from every direction.
She scanned the area around them. Jenkins’s scarred face flashed across her mind, features she’d never forget. Some women thought him fine looking with his dark eyes and thick black hair, but when he drank, his right eye jerked like a mad dog.
I’ve got to quit worryin’ on him. Morgan’s the danger here.
At the banks of Willow Creek, they stopped to dismount and water the horses. The cool morning air brushed across her face, smelling fresh and clean. White-capped water gurgled and rushed over rocks as if chased by what her ma had called a banshee. She knew the feeling.
Casey stretched her aching back. The night had been hard—too cold and dangerous. She removed her gloves and massaged her hands. “We made it,” she said and carefully examined Stoney’s legs to check for injuries.
“You had your doubts?”
“Plenty of times.”
“I never took you for one who scared easily.” His voice held curiosity. Good, maybe he’d reveal something about himself.
“I don’t. I’ve been on the run for a long time, and I’ve been in some pretty tight spots. But nothing like the blizzard we left in the mountains. As far as I’m concerned, fighting nature is a lot harder than outthinking a man.”
“I’ll be sure to remember those words of wisdom.” He grinned.
He was a pleasing man when he smiled, but looks could be deceiving. Perfectly straight white teeth were framed by upturned lips, and she saw a dimple high on his left cheek. Most of the men she encountered were toothless, either from fights or a rotten mouth. But none could be trusted.
“If you’re after Jenkins’s reward, he’ll thank you and blow a hole through your heart.”
“I imagine so, if that’s what I planned,” he said. “I told you before. I’m doing this for selfish reasons. Jenkins and I have a score to settle . . . and you’re the bait. Though if you feel grateful for the guide down the mountains, you can cook breakfast. I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”
She glanced around at the open space, a clear target for anyone. “It’s a deal, except I don’t like the idea of being the worm on your hook.” The doubts about him lingered like a pesky burr. “I don’t feel like announcing our breakfast to the whole country, either.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His turquoise eyes sparkled and angered her. “I know a spot where we can see up or down the creek. Does that suit you better?”
“Much better.” Was he testing her, and if so, for what?
She wanted to know his business now, but patience might save her skin. The snow-covered mountains behind them had nearly won. How amazing that something so beautiful could be so dangerous. Folks said the same thing about her. She used to like hearing them, but not anymore.
“They’re most likely stirring up there with no idea you made it out during the night. Jenkins is cunning, and only God knows where they really are. We best eat and push on. Whereabouts you headed?”
She nearly laughed at his attempt to gain information. “Not sure.” She tucked a few strands of hair under her hat. “In the beginning, I only wanted to get away, but I can’t decide in which direction. West to California or on to Oregon sounds good, or even back east where the country’s civilized.”
“Somehow, I don’t think you’d fit into city life.”
“You’re probably right.” She stole another look at the mountains. Oh, how she’d like to believe she’d left the misery behind. “But I have to go somewhere, and I need to make up my mind.”
“Why not Texas?”
“Most wanted faces end up there or in Arizona. I’d like