Nothing There But The Wind.

Thankfully I didn't see anything. This close to the city I was worried about bandits who might see our small wagon train as easy pickings and looked forward to joining up with a larger group in Independence where we would have more guns.

"Little jumpy there, greenhorn," Cassidy's voice broke through my heightened alertness as she rode up beside our wagon. Her vibrant red hair danced in the light breeze, a vivid contrast to the muted landscape. Cassidy loved to pick and tease me though I gave as good as I got.

"Better safe than sorry sweetcheeks."

"Speaking of which. Looks like we will have to make camp soon" I nodded to the thunderstorm in the distance. It looked a ways off but if the winds carried it our way it would be better to set up camp and ride it out then try and push the wagons through the mud and the muck.

"All ready ahead of you cowboy. I scouted out a field not far from here with some high ground less than a mile out where we can set up camp." Cassidy nodded with a sly smile trying to show me up.

"Good. I just hope we have time to set up camp before it floods." I shook my head at Cassidy as she rode beside us ON her horse.

"You can always cuddle with us ladies in the wagon Monsuir Flint." Juliette teased.

"Tempting but I doubt I get much sleep." I shook my head at the thought.

"I will see if Dad can spare Luke and Jasper to help you and Butch set up camp." Cassidy nodded.

"Merci, Cassidy." The Madame smiled.

"What?" Cassidy asked.

"She said thank you." I smiled.

"Of course Madame." Cassidy nodded and rode on ahead.

"Nice to see you are picking up some French." The Madame smiled at me.

"Little hard not to. Your beautiful tongue has been in my ear for the last two days now," I confessed, stealing a fleeting glance at her radiant smile.

"You flatter me, sir. You should see what else I can do with my tongue." She teased slyly.

I pulled the wagon into the hilled clearing as the dark clouds loomed overhead, and the distant rumble of thunder sent a shiver down my spine as it was growing closer. The winds began to howl and the cold winds cut through me, signaling the approaching storm. We had to set up camp quickly. I saw the others moving with a sense of urgency to set up camp before the rains set in. I hopped down from the wagon, my boots sinking into the soft ground as I observed Butch's approach.

"Where did this come from?" Butch said as he came over holding onto his Bowler hat as the wind rustled about his mutton chops on either side of his face. he really needed to get himself a proper hat I mused to myself. He was a bit plump around the middle but still strong and muscular no doubt from moving countless barrels of beer and crates of whiskey in the saloon. "We need to get the tents set up first?"

"Got you." I nodded already thinking the same thing. It was either get the tents up or huddle together in the covered wagons for the night. With the lead wagon loaded down with supplies meant nine of us would have to share the two which wouldn't make for a comfy night.

"Belle. You and Abigail grab the blankets and bed rolls. Mei-ling, Fiona, and Maeve help with the tents." Butch barked out orders at the girls.

As the wind howled and the dark clouds loomed overhead, urgency pulsed through my veins. Butch's voice cut through the chaotic gusts, barking orders at the girls, urging them to swiftly. We battled against the relentless wind, struggling to anchor the flapping tent poles into the unyielding ground. The canvas whipped and strained against our efforts, threatening to tear away. Thunder rumbled ominously, a reminder of the approaching deluge. The gusts threatened to snatch the canvas from our grasp, and we strained against its resistance. We knew that time was of the essence, as the dark clouds loomed overhead, ready to unleash their fury.

Just as we fought to secure the flapping tent, two young men appeared on the scene. Luke, with his wiry frame and a mischievous spark in his eyes, exuded an air of audacity. His tousled hair and a rugged stubble gave him a roguish charm. Jasper, standing a bit taller with a solid build, had a calm and collected demeanor that contrasted with Luke's liveliness. His steady gaze and weathered hands spoke of experience beyond his youthful appearance. Their dusters flapping in the strong cold winds.

"Need a hand, ladies." Luke smiled as he looked at the girls. Luke tried to be charming though it was clear what he was after. I will be surprised if he made it out of the trip with a dollar to his name.

"You boys round up the horses." Butch, without missing a beat and put the two young men to task.

"You heard the man. You can dip your wick later." Jasper tipped his hat at the ladies and headed off to coral the horses together within the circle of wagons on the hill. I saw Sam the leader leading the other settlers and cowboys to pitch camp as the skies grey darker and thunder rumbled in the distance, a stark reminder of the approaching tempest.

"Abigail, blankets! Belle, secure the food! Let's get everything settled before the storm hits!" Barked Butch, as the girls hurriedly moved bedding and supplies into the tent before the rains hit.

"Has anyone seen Mon Cherie Kitty?" Juliette asked as she held her hat on her head against the wind. I scanned the faces around me, hoping for a reassuring answer.

"I saw her heading into the woods just a while ago. Said she needed to use the restroom," Abigail replied, pausing in her task.

"In this weather? We need to find her," Butch urged, his worry matching my own as I looked to the tree line.