page13 (2/2)

His gaze went to the Indians for a moment “Friendly?”

She nodded

He led her out the door, and she sighed at both the bright sunshine and the fresh air The s in the store, yet she hadn’t noticed it until they’d stepped outside

“For thethe building behind them “When they want to be”

She shivered again None of the, but their stares were acute and left her chilled “Isn’t that why you’re out here? To fight them?”

“No”

“But you would if they attacked, wouldn’t you?”

He shrugged “Guess that would depend on why they attacked”

Even her throat was quivering “What do you mean, why?”

“They only attack when they want to steal women Not toothe men in a battle”

Co the stones beneath the soft soles of her slippers, she hurried to reain “The woive—?”

“I have work to see to,” he said “I assume you can make it to the barracks on your own”

The cabins were only a few yards ahead, and she had no doubt how fast she could make it there and shut the door Matter of fact, there was probably a rooster tail of dust behind her, but she didn’t care Her focus was on whether the cabin door had a lock or not

It didn’t, and Millie was dragging, pushing and shoving one of her trunks to barricade the door when a knock sounded

“Ma’a his head in the doorway

“Y-yes?” she stuttered, breathing hard, mainly because her heart was still in her throat

“Briggs wanted ht like a bit more than you had for lunch”

“Oh, thank you” Stepping aside so he could squeeze in the s—the trunk was almost in place—she waited until he set the pot and a delicate china cup and saucer on the table “Mr Cutter, how many women are here at the fort?”