Chapter 33
After talking to Bella, Veronica felt a little better about leaving her young friend behind.
She was grateful that Bella had found a friend in Bryson, even if he was several years older than her.
And in truth, Veronica would have trusted Bella with Bryson alone if either of them had more skills with a weapon.
On more than one occasion, she was certain Bryson had been close to telling her he preferred the company of men over women.
Growing up in their conservative community, though, she could understand his hesitation.
All she could do was make sure he knew she would always be there for him, no matter what he said or didn’t say.
The more time he spent with Bella, though, the more she saw his true colors starting to emerge.
They were good for each other, a friendship solidifying an affront of Veronica’s eyes as they worked through their past issues together as a team, offering fresh insight into issues that had once plagued them before.
Saddling up two more horses, Veronica led the group consisting of her mother, father, and older brother back down the road toward town.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had seen either of her parents in the saddle before.
There was a quick glance in her mother’s direction that told her that Mauve was obviously enjoying herself.
“Do you remember when Veronica stole that horse?” Mauve asked.
“I don’t think I ever tried to steal a horse. I might have taken off on one a few times without asking, but I never stole one.”
Luka chuckled. “The only reason you never actually stole one is because you didn’t make it very far before getting caught. I remember you were about seven years old when that happened.”
“Is that when I wanted to run away from home?”
“That would be the time. I can’t exactly remember what your reason for trying to run away from home was. I think you had gotten into an argument with us about going to church, and from out of nowhere, I heard the barn door burst open.”
“I’m starting to remember that a little more now. I thought the pastor was trying to steal my soul.”
Luka laughed. “You had just been taught in school about the Indian history in our area. Back then, they were allowed to teach a lot of different beliefs in school settings. Your mother wasn’t very happy with the idea of you learning about the Indian culture and their belief system, and you tried to prove your point by running away after stealing a horse. ”
“If I’m remembering right, I got bucked off not very far from the homestead.”
“Well, the fact that you stole one of the fastest horses we’ve ever had and weren’t used to riding him just yet made a huge difference. I still wonder how far you would have gotten if you’d had a little more experience riding such a large horse.”
Veronica could still remember how freeing the sensation had been.
All she had wanted to do was escape the restrictive views of her mother and the locals.
It was still hard to believe she was back there now, fighting for the same group that had consistently ostracized her from the community.
None of that mattered to her now. Just because they didn’t see eye to eye on things didn’t mean she wanted any of them dead or suffering.
She had a duty to protect as many people as possible.
No amount of ill will or questionable character would change her mind on the matter.
Still, she wished the conversation would turn away from her and back to anything else.
Veronica had never enjoyed reliving the stories of her youth and glory days being a social pariah on the mountain.
Those were stories she wanted to save for Bella and Bryson.
At least they might get some valuable knowledge about how life had been growing up.
They needed to know there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
They didn’t have to live and die without ever seeing the world.
Even as she thought it, though, Veronica realized it might all be different now. The world had changed.
“I don’t want you to think I’m trying to push you into something that you don’t want to do yet, but have you given any more thought to the idea of ordering your skills as a mechanic? I’m sure you realize how useful they would be at a time like this,” Mauve said.
“With everything going on and what happened on that scouting trip to try to find some of the supplies we’re going to need to make it through the winter, I really haven’t had time to think much about it. Between that and fighting for my life, I just haven’t given it much thought.”
Her mother rolled her eyes. “I don’t know why you feel like you need to be on edge all the time when you are around me.
I just thought it would make for good conversation, and I certainly am not trying to push you to make a decision.
I was just wondering if you had thought about it and what your thoughts were on the matter. ”
“I’m really sorry. I wasn’t trying to snap at you and definitely not trying to be on edge all the time, but I just have a lot on my mind.
After the things that happened when we went out, I’m really worried about some sort of retaliation coming from the militia we ran into.
If they happen to come and no one in Dodger Run is ready for them, it really could be a massacre. ”
A silence fell over the group, and at that moment, Veronica realized her father and brother had been listening to the conversation she was having with her mother.
She didn’t want to frighten everyone but knew it was a very real danger.
Men like Markwood didn’t simply crawl back home and lick their wounds.
He was going to come for them all. Knowing that at least one person amongst them recognized Nick nearly solidified the fact they were coming into her mind.
It wasn’t a question of if they were coming but when that time would be.
As Dodger Run came into view ahead of them, she was happy to see they had finally posted a sentry near the road leading into town.
Hopefully, they had the good sense to post more than one at the other entrance as well.
Though there was likely danger all around them, her biggest concern was the main road at the other end of the village.
They had nothing to fear from the other farmers and homesteaders farther up the mountain. It was the ones below who worried her.
“I think the first person we should talk to is Colton Smith. Out of everyone in town, he’s the only one who can convene a council. Once we get that in place, we’ll be able to have an open discussion about the possibility of the militia heading this way,” Luka said.
“That sounds like a good idea,” Conner said. “While you’re doing that, I’m going to go head down to the main road to see how many men they have posted at the main entrance. If there isn’t anyone there, then I will take up post and wait until somebody replaces me.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Veronica said.
“Do you want to come with me? I think the more people we have at the front, the safer we’re all going to feel about what’s happening.”
“I think you can manage on your own, and I’m sure they have somebody out there as it is, but the more we have protecting the town, the better off we will be.”
“All right, I’m going to head down there.”
“I think I’m going to head down to the mayor’s house with Dad. I’m sure Colton is going to have a lot of questions, and I am one of the few people who have actually been outside of these walls. We’ll let you know as soon as we have word when there is going to be a council meeting.”
“Considering it’s nearly noon, I’ll head to the town hall for the woman’s meeting and let them know what’s happening,” Mauve said.
As the group separated, her heart started to race once again.
It was going to be the first time she had spoken with Colton Smith since convincing his daughter to leave home and follow her passion for becoming a freelance photographer.
To say there was bad blood between the two was an understatement.
Veronica would be surprised if she made it past his front porch without being shot at.
The only saving grace she had was her father riding by her side.