Bid For Freedom

Chapter 38

Dani smiled to herself as Sam shuttled steaks to her. Delicious smells wafted through the clearing making her mouth water. She glanced up as Jeremy rode in.

"I can smell those steaks clear at the back of the herd. Please say dinner is done."

She nodded. "Just gettin ready to ring the bell."

"Thank God!" he said as he swung to the ground. "Let me help." He grabbed the metal bar and ran it around the inside of a metal triangle. He grabbed a plate and helped himself to the meal, not bothering to wait for anyone.

Caleb did the same, loading his plate with twice as much as she'd ever seen him eat. He threw his saddlebags over his shoulder and grabbed her hand. "Come on."

Her eyes widened and she swallowed hard.

He pulled her down the riverbank and sat on a rock. "Sit. Eat with me."

She gulped and sat beside him, barely picking at the meal she had looked forward to.

"I won't bite you, Dani. Eat while it's hot." He shoved another bite in his mouth. "The men are all gonna bathe later. I figured you'd wanna do the same. I'd prefer that to happen without an audience."

"I, uh..." she stammered, unsure how to word her question.

"I'll just stand guard. You'll bathe by yourself."

Dani chewed a steak for a minute as Caleb fumbled through his saddle bags.

"Here's some clothes for ya. And, I thought I put it in here. Yep there it is." He withdrew a bar of soap, a silver plated mirror and a comb. "Figured you might wanna do your hair or something. I bought these for ya back in town."

Dani wiped her hands on her filthy pants before accepting the gift. She ran her fingers over the leaves engraved on the handles. "They're beautiful."

"They're yours." He took another bite, chewing slowly. "When you're ready, there's a good sized pool just over the bank. No one will bother you."

Dani glanced over at Caleb then darted to the water's edge where she dove in.

"What about your clothes?"

Dani laughed. "Just leave em on the rock."

"I meant the ones you're wearing."

She dove under the water again, savoring the coolness as it washed away the dirt and grime from the trail. She finally climbed onto the shore and removed her clothes. She picked up the bar or soap, rubbing it on the fabric. She used the rocks as a washboard, then rinsed her clothes and hung them on a nearby bush.

She glanced up the hill and spotted Caleb, his back to her as he stood watch. Every once in a while, he'd turn to make sure no one was across the creek from her. She smiled at his thoughtfulness, then gathered the soap and finished bathing.

A chill was in the air when she finished and dressed in the clean clothes.

She tapped Caleb on the shoulder. "Your turn."

He grinned. "I already had mine earlier, remember?"

"Thank you."

"You had me a bit concerned that you didn't understand what a bath was when you jumped in with all your clothes on."

"I took my boots off."

He laughed. "Yes, you did. Jeremy told you the wagon is crossing first tomorrow?"

She nodded.

"Let me know what help you need and I'll make sure it happens."

"I was gonna do most everything tonight." She grimaced.

"And I spoiled those plans," he teased.

"I guess I can still do most of it. It'll just be way past dark when I get done."

As soon as they walked into camp, Jeremy stood. "Let's go, boys. Bath time."

Caleb tossed the soap to Jeremy. "Didn't see anything but I'd post a guard anyway."