Free No Less Than the Journey by E.V. Thompson Page B

fact that she was naked from the waist up, ‘You are not leaving the boat at Memphis.’
    ‘No, but a US Marshal from Arkansas, across the river is going to be there to speak to Aaron – and he wants me to meet up with him.’
    ‘Why?’
    Wes was almost fully dressed now and aware of her own nakedness, Anabelita pulled the cotton sheet up about her breasts as she waited for his reply.
    ‘Aaron believes the marshal might be able to help me find work, or at least tell me what’s happening on the mines in Missouri, where I’m heading. I believe Arkansas has a border with that State.’
    ‘It’s more likely that Aaron is hoping this marshal will help him persuade you to become a deputy Federal Marshal,’Anabelita said, ‘He thinks you would make a good lawman … and so do I. You’re not a killer as many so-called lawmen are, and you can deal with difficult men – as you proved last night.’
    Pulling on his boots to complete his dress, Wes glanced up to give Anabelita an arch look, ‘Ah … but I don’t suppose I could expect a similar reward every time I did something like that.’
    His remark failed to provoke a response in a similar vein. Her eyes widened in disbelief and she demanded angrily, ‘Is that why you think I let you make love to me? As a reward? Do you honestly believe I have so little regard for my body – and my self-esteem – that I would offer it to anyone who does something for me? Is that what you think?’
    Aware that his unthinking and tasteless joke had not been well-received, Wes said hurriedly, ‘Of course not, it was meant to be a joke, but it wasn’t in very good taste. I’m sorry … I truly am.’
    She was only partially mollified but just then the Missouri Belle ’s whistle emitted another discordant and ear-splitting shriek and the riverboat slowed noticeably.
    Hurriedly jumping to his feet, Wes said, ‘I really must go now, Anabelita. As soon as we get underway again I’d like to have a chat with you … about us. You and me.’
    ‘You mean … you want to give me another opportunity to show how grateful I am to you.’
    Looking pained, Wes replied, ‘It meant a lot more than that to me, Anabelita – and so do you, I think you know that. But I really must go now.’
    He could hear members of the riverboat’s crew shouting and indistinct distant replies. Hurriedly crossing the cabin floor to where she was sitting up in the bunk, he kissed her.
    The kiss lingered for longer than he had intended, but arenewed outbreak of shouting from outside caused him to straighten up.
    Looking down at her he said, ‘I’m a very lucky man, Anabelita. I would like to stay that way.’
    Hurrying to the cabin door, he opened it – and was gone.
    Behind him, Anabelita sank back on the pillow. When she thought of what Wes had said, and what had happened between them she smiled … and it was a contented smile.

CHAPTER 10
    Once outside Anabelita’s cabin, Wes discovered that the sounds he had thought to be the Missouri Belle ’s berthing signals were, in fact, a precursor to the altercation now taking place between the riverboat’s crew and the occupants of a keelboat.
    A large and unwieldy craft, the keelboat was manned by men who Wes thought were even rougher-looking than Bodmin Moor tin-miners. Their vessel was being manoeuvred into a berth adjacent to that used by the riverboats and a great deal of muscle-power – and a string of ear-scorching oaths – accompanied the efforts of its ragged crew.
    Wes decided to make use of the respite it offered. Hurrying to his cabin, he cleaned up and changed his clothes before returning to the deck.
    A great many of the steamboat’s passengers were lining the rails and watching the continuing saga of the keelboat with varying degrees of partisanship and Wes saw Aaron leaning on the rails among them.
    As he made his way towards his friend someone stepped into his path and Wes recognized the young man with whomhe had tangled in the saloon.
    He