Free Colin's Quest by Shirleen Davies Page A

husband, Reverend Olford, at last Sunday’s service.”
    Sarah’s enthusiasm dropped at the mention of Wesley Bell’s father. Everyone knew Wes served as the foreman and would take over for his father one day. She hated the thought of Caleb working around him. She wouldn’t, however, pass her concerns onto Caleb. He needed work and no one in the area paid better than the Bells.
    “She’s right, Caleb. The Bells always need good men and pay well. And it’s not too far a ride from town.”
    “Sounds good. Tell me where it is and I’ll ride out there tomorrow.”
    “We can do better than that. My husband and I are going out there tomorrow anyway. You can follow us.” Bessie pushed from the table, picking up plates, waving off Sarah’s offer to help. “Why don’t you two young people take a walk? Sarah, you can show Caleb our town. Maybe he’ll decide to make River City his home.”

Chapter Six
    Mindell, California
    “You understand, I cannot promise you anything. We are a small congregation with few people and little money to feed three more mouths. Our children are gone, so my wife and I will take care of them until you return. If families haven’t been found for the girls by then, they’ll have to go back with you.”
    Tightening his grip on the brim of his hat, Colin cast a quick glance at his cousins, who flanked Coral, Opal, and Pearl. They’d convinced the girls to clean up as best they could, even though little could be done with their soiled clothes.
    “Whatever you can do would be appreciated, Reverend. We won’t be back through here for at least two months. Is that acceptable?”
    “Yes, young man, as long as you promise to return. There’s only so much I can do for them.” He looked at his wife, who eyed the girls with the same wariness Colin had felt when he first saw them. The reverend turned toward her, indicating with a nod for her to show the girls inside.
    “Come, girls.” Without waiting, the older woman started inside, not noticing the three didn’t follow.
    “Go on with you, lassies.” Quinn settled a hand on Coral’s back, encouraging her to follow the woman.
    “No. We’re not staying.” Coral moved away, crossing her arms, her face set. “We don’t need their help.”
    Wrapping a hand around her arm, Quinn pulled her toward the house. “Sorry about that, ma’am. She’s a little upset about us riding off.” He glared down at Coral, daring her to speak.
    “I quite understand.” Stepping forward, she wrapped her arm around Coral’s shoulder, directing her inside. “Come, dear. You other girls follow us and don’t give these poor men any more trouble.” This time, the woman’s stern gaze moved the younger girls to action and they rushed to catch up.
    Rummaging in a pocket, Colin pulled out money, holding it out to the reverend. “It’s all I can spare.”
    “It’ll be enough. You have a safe journey. Rest assured, we’ll take good care of them.”
    Swinging up on Chieftain, a sense of unease filled Colin. The reverend and his wife appeared to be good people and were willing to take the girls in until their return from Oregon. In his mind, the worst situation would be they’d have to take the girls to Circle M Ranch and find homes in Conviction or nearby ranches.
    Reining his horse around, Colin glanced over his shoulder, seeing Coral watching him out of a grime covered window. Spotting his gaze, she dropped the curtain. Something about the look in her eyes bothered him in a way he couldn’t define.
    “Let’s go, lads. We’ve miles ahead of us.” Brodie held Hunter steady next to Chieftain as Quinn joined them.
    Shaking off the apprehension, Colin nodded. “On to Oregon, lads.”

    River City, Oregon
    Bessie dropped the towel next to the sink, mumbling at the pounding on the door at such a late hour. Her husband had left hours before to be with a family whose father’s illness had taken a bad turn. The doctor didn’t expect the man to live through the