Laney: Prairie Roses Collection 14 Read online

  LANEY

  PRAIRIE ROSES COLLECTION 14

  VICKIE MCDONOUGH

  CONTENTS

  Copyright

  Prairie Rose Collection 14

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Other Books by Vickie McDonough

  Dear Reader

  Read All the Prairie Roses Collection Titles

  COPYRIGHT

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously.

  2022 by Vickie McDonough

  All rights reserved

  PRAIRIE ROSE COLLECTION 14

  Vickie McDonough

  CHAPTER 1

  Council Grove, Kansas

  1869

  With a shaky hand, Laney Dawson marked another X on the calendar. Just one more week, and he would be returning. Everything would change. She plopped down in the chair beside the small table and tapped the pencil against the scratched wood top. “I should have left town sooner. What am I going to do? God help me.”

  She couldn’t go through what she had before. She wouldn’t. Somehow, she needed to get out of town, but with little money, no horse, and few supplies, how would she survive? No one wanted to hire a woman, except for places that she would never enter. She stood and paced the small cabin, praying, then she dropped onto the bed. “Help me, Lord.”

  A loud pounding pulled Laney awake. She bolted up, a hand on her heart, staring at the door. Pa? Had he returned early?

  “Laney, are you there?” Another quick knock sounded.

  Relieved to hear her best friend’s voice, Laney jumped up and hurried to let her in. She eyed Esther, whose arms were filled with clothing. “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be working at the trading post?”

  “Pa said I could take off, although I should be preparing our noon meal. I can’t stay long, but I’ve got some things for you.” She made a beeline to the table, set down the stack of clothing, then whirled to face Laney, her eyes bright. “I’ve got an idea.”

  “What kind of idea?” Laney’s stomach clinched. Her friend was well-known for her hare-brained schemes. She warily eyed the flannel shirts and overalls stacked on the table, wondering what her friend was thinking.

  Esther clapped her hands together. “A man from the wagon train that’s camped by the river came to the trading post this morning, looking for a man or teen boy to travel with them and help with the stock.”

  “But what does that have to do with me?”

  “You can hunt, shoot like a man, and I know you can ride. All we have to do is make you look like a man—or rather, a boy.”

  Trepidation marched down Laney’s spine. A boy? She wasn’t a big woman, but dressed as a youth, she could probably pass as a boy of fourteen or fifteen. She fingered her waist-length blond hair, dreading the thought of cutting it. Her mama had often commented how pretty it was.

  Esther stepped closer and grasped her hands. Her hazel eyes grew serious. “This is the only way, my friend. You must leave town before your pa returns. I’ve wracked my brain trying to think up a way for you to get away, and now God has made the path clear.”

  Not so clear to her. “But I’d be lying. Deceiving people.” She shook her head. “That goes against everything I believe.”

  “I know, but if you pull your weight and do the job you’re hired to do, then I think God would forgive a small deception, especially since this seems to be the answer to our prayers.”

  “I don’t know.” Laney walked to the cabin’s lone window and looked out. She was born in this rickety cabin. Council Grove was the only town she had ever been to. Leaving it scared her half to death, but facing her pa again frightened her much more. She couldn’t take his physical and verbal abuse all over again. She wouldn’t.

  Holding up a red plaid shirt with one hand, Esther smoothed out the wrinkles with her palm. “Why don’t you try on these clothes and let’s see how they fit. I can swap them for others if these are too big. If I can make you look like a boy, maybe you’d have more confidence that my plan can work.” She cocked her head and a slow smile tugged at her lips. “Did I mention the man was very handsome? And young? Dark hair and eyes, just like you prefer.” She grinned. “And he looks like he’s probably only a few years older than you. His last name is Buckley.”

  Heaving a sigh, Laney moved toward the table. “He’s most likely married.”

  “He wasn’t wearing a ring, although many men don’t, but there wasn’t a woman with him. If he was married, she probably would have come with him to stock up on supplies before hitting the trail again.”

  “Perhaps.” She held the red plaid shirt up against her. “Looks like this might fit.”

  Esther rushed to the front door and closed it, even though nobody but her ever ventured out to the Dawson cabin. “Go ahead. Try it on.”

  She knew her friend needed to get back to the trading post, so she decided to humor her. Several minutes later, she gazed in the small mirror Esther had removed from the wall by the bed. With her square-shaped face, she had to admit she made a passable lad. “If you don’t look at my hair, I suppose the rest of me could pass for a boy.” Her straight blond hair hung across her chest. She picked up a strand. “But what about this?”

  Nibbling on her lip, Esther cocked her head. “I’ll have to cut it.”

  Laney nearly dropped the mirror and hurried to the table to set it down. Her hair was the only pretty thing about her.

  “Cutting it is your only option if the plan is going to work.”

  “You don’t even know if the man will hire me. I’m not chopping off my hair without knowing for sure. People already think I’m odd.”

  “I suppose we could put it up and find a big slouch hat to cover it.”

  Laney tossed her hair over her shoulder. It had been growing since she was a baby, and she wasn’t partial to parting with it. “Then why couldn’t I just do that all the time and not cut it?”

  Esther stepped behind her and started braiding her hair. “Think about that. It’s quite windy on the prairie. What if your hat blew off and Mr. Buckley saw it and realized you were a woman? Or what if someone saw you braiding your hair? It would be too risky.”

  Dropping onto the bed, Laney placed her face in her hands. “I don’t see how this crazy scheme can work.”

  Esther sat beside her. “I honestly believe it will. You’re resourceful, independent, and you can be most determined, especially considering the alternative. Do you really want to be here when your pa returns from prison?”

  “No. I don’t. I can’t bear his anger and cruelty, and I won’t let him hurt me again.” She glanced around the small cabin. The thought of being alone with her pa made her tremble. Would he somehow blame her for Ma’s death, even though her mother’s demise was clearly his doing? At least before she passed, Ma had been a buffer. He should have been hung, but instead he went to prison for stealing money and food from the mayor’s house.

  She remembered how many times he’d hit her and her mother, even breaking Ma’s arm once. “I don’t I have a choice. Pa gets out of prison in three days. It should only take him two or three more to get back here. I have to be gone by then.”

  Esther squeezed Lainey’s hand. “I’ll miss you something fierce, Elaine Dawson. You must write to me once you get settled.” Esther jumped up. Now, let me see what I can do to hide all that lovely hair of yours. You go right away and talk to Mr. Buckley before he hires someone else. Don’t delay, because the first of the wag
ons have already crossed the river. By this evening, they’ll all be gone.”

  Heaving in a steadying breath, Laney determined her friend was right. This Mr. Buckley was her best option for getting away—her only option.

  * * *

  Ethan Buckley blew out a frustrated breath. No one in the whole town of Council Grove needed a job. At least not one bad enough they were willing to travel the Santa Fe Trail to earn a wage. Somehow his family would have to make do. If only Joey was older, but he couldn’t expect his nine-year-old brother to pull the weight of an adult, even though the boy was eager to help. He needed another man. The one he’d hired in Independence had gotten drunk and been tossed in jail for nearly beating a man to death. At least he found out about the man’s bad character before they got too far out in the wilderness where it would have been hard to get rid of him.

  Ethan glanced at the sky. He would have had to fire that man no matter where they were. If he’d known Herb Allen’s penchant for drinking and gambling, he’d never have taken him on in the first place. But losing the wrangler left him in a pinch.

  His sister Keri walked out of the trading post and looked around, waving when she spotted him. Matt, his middle sibling, followed carrying a sack of flour on one shoulder. Keri smiled as she stopped a few feet away. “They had everything we needed. Could you find Chase and get the cornmeal, coffee, and crate of small things I bought?”

  “Sure thing.” He scanned the town for his brother. Chase had also gone looking for a driver and livestock hand.

  A touch to his arm drew his gaze back to his sister. “Did you find someone to work?”

  Pursing his lips, he shook his head. “Maybe Chase had better luck.”

  “Perhaps we’ll find someone at the next town we come to.” Her gaze scanned Council Grove. “You might want to track Chase down. Before you know it, our turn to cross the river will come.”

  He nodded and started off toward the west end of town. A few minutes later, he spied Chase coming out of the livery, leading his horse. “Did you get Thunder’s shoe replaced?”

  Chase nodded. “But I didn’t have any luck finding another wrangler. Did you?”

  Shaking his head, Ethan gazed around the town. “Seems nobody in these parts is looking for work.”

  “We’ll manage. Keri can guide the team on the small wagon, and Joey can help.”

  “I know. I’d just feel better with another man.”

  Chase clapped a hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “Then pray him in.”

  Ethan pursed his lips. He believed in God, but praying hadn’t kept his pa from dying in the battle at Palmito Ranch at the very end of the war. Nor had prayer done any good when his ma had taken sick shortly after he and Chase had returned from fighting in the war. And it hadn’t kept Keri’s husband alive. Why should God care about finding them a driver? He focused on his brother. “Keri needs us to pick up some things she purchased at the trading post.”

  Chased walked along beside him. “Did she get some more coffee?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Good. I can do without another driver, but I gotta have coffee.”

  Ethan grinned. Everyone in the family knew Chase was a grouch until noon without several cups of coffee. “If we get low again, you can have my second cup. It’s better than the alternative.”

  Chase gave him a good-natured shove with his shoulder. While he tied his horse to the hitching post, Ethan entered the store.

  He glanced for the pretty gal that had waited on him earlier. She stood with her back to him, tying her apron strings. When she spun around, her eyes brightened. “Mr. Buckley. Did my friend find you? He’s…um…interested in working for you.”

  Ethan’s heart bucked. “No, he didn’t.”

  “I told Lane where your wagon was parked, so he probably headed there.”

  “I’m here to collect the things my sister bought, then I’ll head back to the wagon.”

  The young woman walked around the counter and patted a five-pound bag that sat atop a crate labeled Arbuckle. How appropriate that their supplies rested in a coffee crate. “My pa mentioned you’d be back for this.”

  He nodded his thanks then picked up a sack that smelled of coffee. He tossed it to Chase, who was eyeing the woman. It hit him smack in the chest, but he grabbed it before it fell. He shot Ethan a scowl.

  “We need to get going.” He picked up the crate, but a hand on his forearm held him in place.

  The woman nibbled her lip, her hazel eyes hesitant. “My friend is a bit on the small side, but he’s quite capable. He’s been on his own for some time now. He can shoot real good, hunt, and handle horses. He’s honest too.” Her gaze shifted away for a moment. “I hope you’ll look at more than just his size and will give him a chance.”

  “I don’t judge a man because of how big—or small—he is.”

  She smiled. “Good. Lane has had hard times lately, but I know he’ll pull his weight.”

  “I’m obliged that you sent him my way.” Ethan tipped his hat to her, then headed out the door.

  “If that fellow’s so scrawny, I don’t know as he’ll be much help.” Chase tied the coffee sack to the back of his saddle.

  “I’m sure he can guide the oxen. It would be helpful if he’s a good hunter.”

  “Guess we’ll have to see.” Chase unhitched his horse and climbed on. “See you at camp.”

  Ethen hiked the crate up on his shoulder and headed back to the wagon. He hoped Chase didn’t run off the guy before he got a chance to talk to him.

  As he reached the wagon, he saw Keri and Joey talking to the smallish man—boy really. The guy wasn’t even as tall as his sister. Still, he’d try not to judge him to harshly.

  He set the crate in the back of the wagon then circled around to meet the man. Small in size was almost an understatement. The guy couldn’t be more than five-and-a-half feet tall and this as a sapling. “Afternoon.”

  The kid—for he couldn’t be much older than Matt’s fourteen years—squirmed and shifted his feet. Big blue eyes stared up from a slouch hat that looked too large for him. Ethan could read the desperation in the kid’s expression. Was the kid in trouble? Running from something? He sure didn’t want to bring trouble to his family.

  “I’m Lane.” The kid held up a trio of skinned and gutted rabbits. “I brought you these for your dinner.”

  “That’s right kind of you.” Ethan motioned to his sister. “Keri, take the rabbits and put them to soak. We’ll have stew for supper. Joey, go with her.”

  Keri eased up close and whispered, “I like him.”

  Ethan studied his sister. She was smart and not easily taken in. “You don’t think he’s too young?”

  “He might make a good friend for Matt and help keep him focused on his tasks.”

  “Maybe. Let’s make sure everything is packed. It will be our turn to cross soon.”

  As his brother and sister walked away, Ethan focused his attention on the kid dressed in a faded flannel shirt and worn overalls. He surprisingly held a fairly new rifle at his side, and his pleading sky-blue eyes tugged at Ethan’s compassion. This kid wasn’t the skilled workhand he was hoping for, but perhaps they could help one another. “You know how to drive a wagon?”

  Lane nodded. “Driven a buckboard plenty of times. I’m a good shot, too. I can help hunt for food for your family or help with the horses—whatever you need.”

  “You ever worked with oxen?”

  “Uh…no, but we had several cows in the past.”

  “We?”

  Lane looked away. “My family had cows but that was a while back.”

  “Where are your folks?”

  “Ma’s dead. Ain’t got no siblings.”

  Ethan didn’t miss the fact that Lane didn’t mention his father, but perhaps he was dead. Many men died during the war—he knew that more than he wished. “You got nothing to keep you here in Council Grove?”

  Lane pursed his lips and shook his head. “I’m looking for a fresh star
t.”

  Sighing, Ethan pushed his hat up on his forehead. The boy told a good story, but could he really pull his weight?

  “We get up before sun-up, work hard all day, and sleep hard. You reckon you can do that?”

  His eyes brightened. “Yes, sir.”

  He wasn’t sure why, but he felt sorry for the kid. “What do you plan to do when you reach Santa Fe?”

  Lane shrugged. “I’ll find some other kind of work, I imagine.”

  “The job only pays twenty dollars, plus meals.”

  “I’m fine with that.”

  “All right. Prove to me that you can shoot.” He pointed to a tree about fifty yards away. “Hit the trunk of that black walnut.”

  The boy turned toward the tree, lifted and cocked his rifle, and shot, barely taking time to aim. Ethan was surprised to see the bark scatter where the bullet hit its mark. Was that a lucky shot?

  “Was that good enough?”

  “Now hit that mulberry a ways past the walnut.”

  The boy took aim, a bit slower this time, and fired a shot, once again hitting the target.

  “Guess you’ll come in handy if we face any Indians or outlaws.”

  A tiny smiled lifted one corner of Lane’s mouth.

  Ethan gave the boy a stern stare. “If you don’t pull your weight, I’ll leave you at Fort Larned.”

  Lane swallowed hard. “That sounds fair.”

  “Go get whatever belongings you have and make it quick. We’ll be crossing the river within the hour.”

  The kid turned and picked up a half-full burlap sack and his rifle. “Got everything right here. I would like to run back to the town and say goodbye to my friend, if that’s all right with you.”