Page 20 of Furi

“She needs to think on it.”

“Tomorrow she has another delivery to make.”

“She going alone?”

“I would prefer she does not but, me going with her drew too much attention last time and it’s too long for Emily it will be difficult to take feed for three days for her. If I go I will have to stay out of sight and look after Emily. It will not be easy.”

“You stay here, I’ll shadow her. She won't see me.”

“This one is the furthest out. It's an overnight on the trail, there and back. Betty knows where to camp.”

“I’ll manage. Stay close but not so she sees me unless something happens.”

“This town is less lawful than others. It’s the one I’d rather she stayed away from, but she will not knowing it's important to do the deliveries.”

He gave a nod. “I’ll see to it.”

****

The wagon loaded she checked it was secure, not that she had to 4 had already done that. She knew he couldn’t go with her this time; the journey would be too long and difficult for Emily. 4 knew that and would care for her.

She’d have to go it alone this time.

Seeing the camping set up rolled up, food and drink to take with her, she wouldn’t be using a campfire. It was draw attention and be seen for miles. Her father never cared for this next town. It was more lawless than the others. He always kept her close and did his business quickly leaving as soon as he could. She’d try to do the same.

Spare wheel where is should be, the truck was loaded. Satisfied she turned to 4 holding Emily and hugged them both, kissing Emily on the head. “You be a good girl for 4. Don’t cause him any trouble. I’ll be back in 3 days.” She kissed her again and looked up at 4.

“You sure you want to do this?” he asked.

“We have a contract. Can’t afford to have them come here. It's not the first time I’ve gone to this town. I’ll be fine. Stick to what Dad did. In and out no lingering.”

“Don’t let them take advantage of you. Stick to the price.”

She nodded. “I will. The Grocer isn’t that bad.”

With one last kiss to Emily she opened the door and stepped up closing it behind her. Turning the solar truck on she set off. Putting in her destination the truck almost ran itself. And rode for the next hour before eating her breakfast sandwich and drinking the coda.

Keeping an eye on the area around her, she saw nothing to worry her. Patting her gun reassuring herself that she was armed if it was needed. She didn’t care for this town much herself.

But she was determined to get this done. It might be the last time she had 4 to rely on with Emily. He could leave soon. They all could. She would need this payday if she was going to have to hire men to replace them. That thought not sitting well with her. There were few people she knew and fewer she’d say she could rely on.

Some old school friends might be worth a look at.

But she was going to need a dozen to help her. Sighing she concentrated on the road. Lunch soon passing and the sun starting to go down as she hit their usual camp site.

This time, she wouldn’t use the tent. She had the whole front seat to herself. She’d sleep there.

Her father would sit up most of the night guarding the truck and her but she couldn’t do that and drive next day. 2 nights and 3 days of that and she’d be useless. She’d have to get some sleep and hope to stay invisable.

Pulling up near the river the rocks that were so familiar, parking in the shadows creeping across the land. It would be hidden by them, not a blot on the landscape for anyone to see. Taking her gun and wash bag, while she could she went to the river, did her toilet and washed up. Keeping an eye on the land around her. Before heading back to the truck.

Spotting she had a visitor. Dropping her bag, she pulled her gun and moved in. A scout. Coming out of the trees as he started to undo the cover on the truck. They both knew he had no right to do that.

“Take your hands off my goods.” He turned to face her. All smiles. She knew him. Had seen him before in the town she was going to. “You’re a ways from town.”

Lifting his hands he stepped back and gave a nod. “True. Was following a thief and then came across your tracks.”

“That why you’re making my business yours?”