look at him. “This can’t be happening. It’s impossible. There must be some explanation.”
“This has been a strange day, but you are fine. Safe.” He stood and drained the remainder of water from the glass, drinking thirstily. When he was finished, he placed it on the small table near the sofa. “I thank you for quenching my thirst, ma’am.” Taking off his hat, he gave a slight, courtly bow. “You mentioned something about letting the law know about those men.”
Afraid to take her eyes off him lest he disappear, she stood, walking backward to the house phone on the bar. Raising a hand, she pointed to a chair. “Sit down. This won’t take long. I have…questions.”
Reno watched as she walked to the counter and picked up a rectangular…something. She touched the surface a couple of times, then held it up to her ear. “Yes, this is Journey Stanton.”
She heard Reno’s sharp intake of breath, but she kept speaking. “I filed a complaint earlier about the two gentleman who committed the hit-and-run in the HEB parking lot.” She paused to listen. “Yes, that’s right. They were harassing me. Well…they followed me home. They tried to hurt me.” Glancing at Reno, she held his confused gaze. “No, they didn’t. Uh…a friend came to my aid. He knocked them out. As far as I know, they’re lying unconscious on the north side of Enchanted Rock State Park. Their truck is parked at my neighbor’s.” She gave the dispatcher the address. “Yes. Please let me know. I…uh…live alone and I’m frightened.”
Reno stepped closer, as if to shield her from any danger.
She noticed his actions and a warm feeling washed over her. Just being near him made Journey’s heart race. “No. As far as I know they don’t know where I live.” She cleared her throat. “Is there someone I can stay with? No. No. I don’t have anyone.” She nodded. “Yes, I’d appreciate you letting me know. Goodbye.”
As soon as she replaced the receiver, he spoke up. “I won’t leave you until it’s safe to do so.”
His words made her tremble. “Thank you. I appreciate your offer.” His kindness didn’t surprise her one bit. Journey glanced toward him; grateful he was still standing there. She kept expecting him to vanish at any moment.
“How is it that you are alone? Unprotected?”
“I’m not married. I live by myself in Austin. This is my great-aunt’s home. She’s visiting her brother. I’m housesitting for her.”
Reno seemed to digest what she told him. “You shouldn’t be alone. It’s not safe.” Rising, he paced across the room. “I would stay and protect you…but I cannot. I have to catch the next stagecoach.”
His concern warmed her heart. “I wish you could stay too.” Panic gripped her. Now that he was here – however impossible that seemed – how could she let him go?
He pointed to the telephone. “You spoke to the lawman on that…”
“Telephone. Yes. They’re sending someone to search for the men. They’ll let me know as soon as they find them.”
He nodded, removing his hat. They were both standing, stealing glances at one another. “Can I ask you a question?” he muttered, then cleared his throat.
“Yes, of course. I’m sure you have some. As I do.” She motioned to the dining table. “Sit with me, please.”
“All right.” He moved ahead of her quickly, holding out a chair for her to take a seat.
“Oh, thank you. Such a gentleman.” She giggled softly. “I knew you would be.”
“Why?” He waved his hand, dismissing his own question. “This is all so very strange.” Coming around to sit across from her, he pulled his chair nearer the table, leaning toward her intently. “Did you say your name is Stanton?” Before she could answer, he chuckled. “I haven’t even introduced myself.”
“You don’t have to.” She spoke just above a whisper. “I know who you are.”
Reno stared at her intently. “How could you know? We’ve never met.”
“No. We haven’t.” She wanted to blurt out what she knew, but she didn’t. The impossibility of the situation baffled her. Journey was afraid she’d say the wrong thing and he’d disappear in a poof of smoke. “I know of you. You’re Reno Black.”
“I am.”
He smiled at her and Journey felt her heartrate go crazy.
“And yes, my name is Journey Stanton.”
“I heard you tell the lawman your name. The children I befriended. The ones I was protecting tonight. Their last name is Stanton.”
“Saul, Huck, Emory, and Tess. Right?”
“Yes! Are you related?” Just hearing their names said aloud sent a