Free Dark Journey Home by Cherie Shaw

vehicle, he opened up the umbrella and held it
over Olivia, as her uncle assisted her in getting out. 
     
    It was about two hours later when their trunks were
finally delivered to their hotel rooms, and Olivia was glad to be able to
freshen up, and change her clothing to a light blue gown which had always
matched her eyes nicely, then planned on having a quiet lunch with her uncle in
the hotel dining room.  Claude arrived at her door, and as they descended the
stairs to the first floor, then into the dining room, Olivia asked, “Where are
Maria and Ricardo, uncle?”
     
    Claude answered, “Maria had some shopping to do at
some of the shops in town, so they will arrive later.  Logan decided to go with
them, as he said he wanted to send a wire to his bank in Seattle, and check on
an account that he may still have there, and possibly have some funds wired to
the hotel for him.  I told him that I would pay his expenses while we are here,
but he wouldn’t hear of it.  He said he owed us his life, and wouldn’t want to
take another thing.  In addition, he did promise that between himself and
Ricardo, that they would see to it that we arrived safely at the ranch in Texas.” 
     
    Then looking at Olivia, as they walked to their table
in the dining room, he asked, “By the way, dear, being as we are on a vacation
and wish to see as much of the states and territories as possible, what do you
think of visiting the Wyoming territory, that is after we see my ranch?  Logan has invited us to travel with him to his father’s ranch, and Logan’s home of
course.  It seems that Logan’s father raises horses, also captures wild
mustangs and trains them for riding, and you know how I love horses, having a
few at home in the stables.  Too it might be enjoyable for us to go riding
through that wild country, and see just what seems to draw folks to leave the
safety of the east coast, and homestead out there in the wilds.    
     
    “Anyway, Logan said that after that, he will see to
our returning safely to New York, I’m not at all sure that I want to put the
young man out that much though.  Otherwise, we of course, will travel by stage
and rail back by ourselves, which we would be most capable of doing.  However,
we wouldn’t see nearly so much of that desert land, and may wish we’d have
gone, after we return to England.  Though I told Logan that I would talk to you
about this, also that it was too soon to decide.  What do you think, dear?” 
     
    “Well, of course, although this is all very sudden, Uncle,
again it’s entirely up to you. Certainly, I will go along with whatever you
decide.  You always know what’s best; after all, you are the businessman of the
family.”
     
    “Yes, Ollie,” he agreed, “though I wish just for once
that your brother Garth would take on a little more of my responsibilities, and
stop this never-ending foolish adventure hunt of his around the globe.”
     
    Olivia laughed, “You know Garth, Uncle, and he will
never change.  Let’s just accept him as he is, along with his lovable
adventure-hunting ways.”  Olivia had been sorry to hear that Garth had not sent
any messages to the hotel, as when they’d first arrived Claude had checked that
out with the desk the first thing.  He also told the clerk to direct Garth to
the townhouse, where they would be staying for a couple of weeks before heading
out west, or if there was a message, to be sure and have it sent.  Olivia was
disappointed, but hoped to hear from her brother soon anyway.   
     
    The luncheon in the dining room of the hotel was
delicious.  Neither Olivia nor her uncle noticed Henry Birch as he sidled up to
the rain-streaked window to peer into the dining room during the meal.
     
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    Logan Wakefield picked up the cablegram waiting for
him at the hotel desk, while he and Ricardo waited for the clerk to hand them
their room keys, as Maria sat resting on an easy chair in the lobby, weary from
an