A Headstrong Woman(42)
“Do that,” he nodded; his tone said he understood she was avoiding the topic.
“We should get back to work,” Alexandria turned toward the corral. “You don’t think you’re going to try that again do you because if you do we’re in for an argument you won’t win,” he informed her.
Alexandria, her arms crossed, turned and faced him. Her eyes narrowed as she took a deliberate step closer to him.
“Really?” she asked and watched Jonathon pull back as though suddenly wary of her.
Alexandria smiled, “You can relax; I have no intentions of trying that again.”
“Good,” his voice was heavy with relief.
“Do I make you tired?” she asked and Jonathon laughed.
“You keep me on my toes, you definitely keep me on my toes,” he responded as they mounted and prepared to return the heifer to the herd.
They were half way to the range when Rusty, his face grim, rode up.
“We’ve got a hole in the north west corner of the fence and cattle missing,” Rusty informed them.
“Ever had this problem before?” Jonathon asked.
“No, well once a long time ago, but it was small compared to this.”
“Rustlers?” Alexandria’s eyes were wide.
Jonathon turned to her and nodded.
“Come on, I’ll show you the spot. We followed the tracks, but they led into the creek just past the property line and we lost them from there,” Rusty offered.
“Should we go for the sheriff?” Alexandria asked.
“We can,” Jonathon replied, “but chances are they wouldn’t turn up anything. I will send for them when we’re through, just for good measure.”
Just as Rusty had said, there was a neat hole, intentionally cut, and tracks marring the ground. They followed them across the property line and into the stream. They were nearing an area of small hills and rocky terrain when a shot buzzed past Alexandria’s ear and startled Spirit; he sent her spilling into the cold stream.
Rusty grabbed Spirit’s reigns and led him toward home at a gallop. A moment later, Jonathon was reaching for Alexandria and settling her into the saddle in front of him. A few more shots landed in the stream around them, but none came as close as the one that had almost claimed Alexandria. Jonathon slowed Raven as they passed through the hole in the fence and reined him in beside Rusty.
“Glad you made it. Whoever took those cattle intend to keep them” Rusty said to Jonathon.
“No joke,” Jonathon responded. “You okay?” Jonathon asked Alexandria. “You’re not having a very good day.”
“Hadn’t noticed,” she returned.
“What else has happened?” Rusty asked and Jonathon shared her morning experience with him.
“Be careful. I don’t want to lose another boss,” Rusty cautioned her. Not trusting her voice, Alexandria nodded; she was starting to shake uncontrollably. It was a mild day and she hadn’t bothered with her coat, that combined with shock were taking their toll.
“Have you got a blanket I can borrow?” Jonathon asked Rusty.
“Sure. I’ve got to go to the bunk house I’ll get another.”
“Thanks,” Jonathon said as he took the blanket and wrapped Alexandria in it. “Let’s get you home,” Jonathon suggested as he tied Spirit’s reigns to Raven’s saddle.
“I can ride,” she argued.
“And freeze to death? I think not,” he argued. Alexandria at first tried holding herself erect, but soon gave up and leaned against Jonathon. “Are you sure you’re okay? Getting shot at is a pretty traumatic experience.”
“Shaken, sore, and cold, but I’m fine.”
“Do you ever admit when you’re not?” he teased her.
“Not if I can help it,” she confessed.
Chapter Ten
“What on earth happened now?” Anna demanded as she watched her sister dismount and climb the porch steps.
“Rustlers stole our cattle and then shot at us when we tried to retrieve them,” Alexandria watched her sister frown.
“Alexandria, are you sure trying to run this ranch by yourself is such a good idea?” Anna demanded.
“I’m not giving up, Anna,” Alexandria’s chin was raised and her jaw firm; she was not a quitter. Alexandria dismissed the topic and moved inside to change from her wet clothing. She was soon redressed and joining the others in the kitchen. Jonathon sat at the table, Anna across from him.