Red West II.

Chapter thirteen - The departure

Jane watched as the shadows under the trees gradually swallowed six riders one after another. It was hard to stay still at that sight, even harder than she had thought in the moment she realized there was nothing she could do about Leo's decision.

Her lover was not only attractive and gentle; Leo Akanishi was responsible, composed during tense situations and a very good shooter, but he was also too empathetic sometimes and stubborn as hell. She loved him for what he was like, and she would have never wanted him to change, but still... No matter Leo promised to be careful and he had the others with him, her heart squeezed anxiously, when she saw him leaving.

At first, Jane wanted to insist on going with them to Ohio, before her common sense pushed itself forward and she realized even without Leo telling her, that it would be safer for everyone if she stayed in Leadville.

Leo swore to come back as soon as possible and she believed him. He always kept his word and thanks to the railway, which enabled much faster travelling than a few years ago, they would be probably together again in just a couple of weeks. Nevertheless, it didn't make any easier to let him go.

Jane was well aware of the constant danger upon their heads and she couldn't disagree with Leo's intention to let the situation calm itself down a little, but she just could not keep calm while not having him close. However, she didn't let her worries show themselves, when they parted... As the Riders' leader of such a young age, he needed their trust, not doubts. Jane was determined to support Leo despite her own inner fear.

Suddenly, a hard hand squeezed her shoulder gently and tore her away from deep thoughts. Jane glanced to the side, at Cullen, who was there with her to see the little group off just a mile north of the city.

"He'll be fine," the man said, with a surprisingly calming tone.

Cullen seemed to change his attitude, after that private conversation with Leo. As if the young leader told him something what managed to ease the man's suspicion and worries. Jane knew there was also a sensitive side in the older man, though he almost never showed it. She was grateful that he tried to encourage her.

"I know," she smiled a little before looking in the direction of the leaving group for the last time and her eyes immediately focused on the last visible figure.

The black-haired Rider stood there, on the edge of the dim light and forest shadow, as he stopped and turned his horse to look back one more time as well. Jane knew she wouldn't be able to stop worrying, until her lover would be back again, but still she smiled and raised her hand for a parting wave. She saw that Leo relaxed somehow, and waved back. Then he was gone, going after the rest of his companions.

Jane took a deep breath and looked at the temporary Riders' leader: "Let's go... We have a job to do as well."

Cullen just nodded and gave her the reins of her mare back, which he guarded while she was parting with Leo before. She could still feel the warmness of his kiss on her lips and she prayed to feel it again soon. Till that moment, they had to gather as much information about Tabor as was only possible and to do it inconspicuously. That man proved himself a very dangerous opponent.

***

The first goal on the long way of the six-rider group, which they had to achieve, was Denver. They chose the northern road leading out of Leadville, which was the newest one and the most comfortable to use for fast riding. It was more risky than to proceed through the forest directly to the east, as there were many other travelers using it, but Leo insisted they had to move fast, so they took their chances, while keeping on alert.

Quite soon, they arrived at the crossroads, which connected their road with the path heading across the mountains to the west, but their journey took them in the opposite direction. For the whole first day, they were quite lucky; they met only a small convoy consisting of three carts and two families, heading toward their naive silver dreams to Leadville. The migrants didn't give their fast riding group more than one curious glance, not even to Leo with his hat deep in his face. The beginning of their trip went without any significant issues.