Thread: The story of when we met (Candira and Kolath)

The questions were to be expected. It was rare that she left any job incomplete. And it wasn't as though she easily made it to and from town without being called in to talk to everyone, it seemed. Really, she should have been gone for hours, not just the short time it had taken to get to and from the shop and meet up with her new customer. Her assistant foreman was no fool. It was part of the reason she'd hired him on in the first place. No, all is well. Mr. Cavanaugh arrived in town somewhat unexpectedly. He was in need of a place to stay and he's interested in our livestock. Emma said that she would fill the order while I got our guest settled. It didn't seem right to leave him to wander town while I finished my errands. I'll send someone back to get everything soon, she said with a smile. Please take care of our horses. With that, she took her leave and guided her guest happily, professionally, warmly toward the house where at least two of her sisters were waiting. Roxanne, the young woman who kept their paperwork, records, and banking in order sat at the table with Veronica, the foreman of the ranch. They were drinking some coffee talking about when they might next go into town. Oh! Hello, Cora. You're back awfully soon, Veronica said, pushing a tendril of her chestnut locks back into her bun. Did you run into some trouble? Roxanne sat quietly, her green eyes sizing up the stranger with her older sister. Hmm, looks like you brought a guest, too. Please introduce us, she said, affecting a smile. The warmth didn't quite reach her eyes, however, and it appeared that she was the most calculating of the group. Most likely, she was one who always kept track of the whereabouts of the workers. The relief that flooded through her at seeing at least two of her sisters alive and well was nigh indescribable. It must have shown on her face, but she collected herself quickly. Of course. Roxie, Ronnie, this is Marcus' friend, Luke. He's a cattle buyer and he wanted to throw some business our way. I figured I should get him back here so you could show him around instead of letting him wander while I did the errands. Emma's filling the order so someone else can go pick it up in awhile. She said she'd take care of everything. Roxanne's face softened a bit at the mention of her sister's late husband and she nodded, understandingly. Well, it's nice to meet you Luke, she said smiling genuinely this time around. We'll be happy to take care of you. I'll get the guest room set up for you so you can stay awhile. I'm sure you must be tired from the ride in--we're so far out from everything. With that, she took her leave, her green cotton dress swishing as she walked past. Veronica for her part, offered her hand, and smiled. It's nice to have you here. I can tell you about our cattle when you're all ready. Cora likes to give the tours, though, so I'll let her have at it. In the mean time, I need to get back to the corral. I'll be there if you need me. Oh, Veronica, wait. Where's Laura? Oh, she's helping out with a calving in the barn. I expect she'll be back in soon to get in an early lunch. She's got a big day ahead of her--check ups and all that. Right. Thanks. Well, all of them were safe. As long as they weren't alone, the sisters would be just fine. She felt better already. That meant that their new hand was still out in the fields where he was supposed to be. And it was about a day's ride. She could find reasons to have the hands helping her sisters at all times, or even to send her sisters away if need be. But until they had the man in hand, it was best to keep them in the dark, according the Luke. When they were alone, she let all the worry and relief show in her face and took a deep breath. It seemed her sisters had taken her word. And why wouldn't they? Still, it seemed as though things were a little too easy. Something wasn't quite right, and it wouldn't be until that man was captured. Alright, what would you like to see first, Luke? she asked, knowing that someone could walk in any moment. She chose to let her questions be casual, just like her tone. But for the moment, she let herself show a little more concern than she might.