The Vicky Series: Book 1: Chasing a Dream

Chapter 51

Vicky hoped she was right. As the minutes ticked by and became hours, she couldn't sleep. Her instincts of preservation were prickly. Every little rustle or twitch brought her from the verge of sleep back to a state of high alertness.

She hoped the posse would find her so she wouldn't have to risk flight. But when Louie reported that the posse had broken off for town, Jefe decided to turn back for Chihuahua in the morning. She knew this was her best chance and she had to take it.

A rustling sound reached her from nearby. One of the men stirred in his sleep. Vicky peered at him through her lashes while feigning sleep. He was awake. The vile grin that appeared on his grubby face conveyed the indecent thoughts that no doubt involved her. Every nerve in her body tingled.

She stretched and rolled over, turning her back to him. She felt his eyes boring into her back. She began to fear that he would interfere with their escape. Another awareness surfaced and Vicky's eyes searched for the source. Louie was looking at her. He saw the whole scene and it was clear on his face he didn't like it.

Vicky smiled. Although he didn't smile in return, she felt his gaze soften and she understood. At first Louie proclaimed her annoying and bothersome. In the past week he had become kind and protective. Survival was paramount but this tentative kinship went deeper than a mutual desire to save their hides. Louie really cared for them now.

Trust.

She sighed and slept at last. A few hours later she was instantly awake and fully aware. She searched about moving only her eyes. A few seconds later a hope burst in her heart. A shadow moved in the perimeter outside the camp. She heard no sound, and saw nothing more.

Just a gut feeling.

Vicky had learned to trust her gut. She again stretched and rolled over to view the rest of the camp. She took mental inventory and all were accounted for. The sentry slept as he leaned against a tree. Vicky smiled. It was time. Gently she slipped the papoose pack on in front. Her body would shield Naomi Beth if it became necessary.

She lifted her skirt and crept toward Louie. She lay down again and stretched out her arm to touch him. He opened his eyes and defensively grabbed her wrist. He might have broken her arm if she hadn't stifled a cry with a quick gasp. He loosed his grip and patted her hand apologetically.

She winced and rubbed her wrist. After looking around again, she mouthed the word "NOW". Louie's face scrunched in puzzlement. He looked around quickly. As his eyes fell on the sleeping sentry he nodded smiling. He lifted a saddlebag and as he stood, she realized he'd removed his spurs.

He was glad she could ride bareback. It would save time not having to saddle up. He handed Vicky a canteen then scooped up his blanket and quickly rolled it up. He arched an eyebrow as she lifted her skirts and held them awkwardly. He stifled a chuckle when she only shrugged.

To creep about she needed full range of motion in her knees and ankles. And she sure as hell didn't want their tell-tale rustling to wake anyone up. She swallowed the lump in her throat and sent up a prayer.

This is it—the point of no return!

Her skin bristled suddenly in goose bumps. They were being watched. She silently prayed it was a scout for the posse. Her hand slipped into the secret pocket of her skirt and gripped the handle of her pistol. Her indignation on her capture had kept them from discovering her weapons.

The horses moved about slightly at their approach. Vicky gently soothed the horse they were taking, stroking his neck and nose and whispering to him. She reached down offered fistful of grass. While she kept the stallion quiet, Louie tied on the rag-socks. They led the horse a few yards from camp.