randomplaces | Greater Love 2

Grinning, nodding their heads at Lisa, the men dispersed, except for the one that was still on his knees.

The boss looked down at him, then over his shoulder at Lisa. He spat to one side.

"Perfect," he said. "The gal 'n the Bible toter. Girl, meet yer new pardner. Y'n he'll be workin' t'gether f'rm here on in, kapeesh?"

She gave him a sullen look as she dismounted. "Yeah."

He turned to the cowboy, who was on his feet now, dusting himself off with eyes downcast.

"Kid, whyn't y' show yer new pard thet lil' room offin th' bunkhouse."

"Yes sir, Mr. Tomkin," said the brown-haired puncher quietly.

The boss turned back to Lisa and saw her struggling with the girth on the broken saddle. "Leave that. Cooper'll tend ta it. You go fix yer bunk 'n git cleaned off."

She scowled, but followed the young cowboy back to the house to get her bedroll. He picked it and her battered suitcase up from where they lay inside the door.

"I'll carry that," said Lisa sharply.

He coloured. "Sorry."

They said nothing as they headed down into the little tree shaded dip where the sprawling bunkhouse lay. Lisa found herself putting all the energy she could muster into walking straight. She hated the thought of appearing weak in front of a 'Bible thumper'.

Then the puncher broke the silence. "What's yer name? Mine's Wyatt Earp."

She glanced at him disbelievingly. "Yeah, right."

"It is. Wyatt Earp Walker. But most folks call me Earp."

She ignored the offer of friendship and stared at him. "Lisa Colleen O'Mally. Where'd you get a handle like that?"

"From my pa. His was Frank James."

"Oh." Things were starting to spin in a really distracting manner.

He looked at her in concern. "You okay? Yer whiter'n a sheet.... Oh, Lord!"

He caught her as she fell.