The Path One Follows

The Difference In A Moment

The sun was out again, sneaking it's way through the medical wagon. Grant had watched the sun show itself slowly. Sleep had been elusive. The memories of the previous night had even found there way into his dreams. Were they just dreams? Life would be simpler if they had been. Frank might never forgive him. This hadn't been something he'd planned for, but he wanted it for himself. He wanted Jolie. While the war waged inside him, he'd decided it was finally time to get out and walk around. It had been long enough. The trail wouldn't get any easier. It was surprising they hadn't run into anyone else yet. There were only a few hours to the canyon and then on to the abandoned fort. They'd decide how best to proceed from there. It was defensible in case they had to stay a while. Amazingly, he managed to get dressed and find his boots and moved to the driver's seat to put them on. There were a couple of close calls with his balance, but being hung up on a hammock like a prize goose at a butcher's shop was a new experience. The camp had all started waking up. Time enough to brew some water for coffee and they'd be off.

Tad was giving his regular greetings when he noticed Grant. Suddenly, his face went from joyous to solemn. Something was wrong. Tad never looked that upset.

"I'm glad to see you up and about Grant, but if I'm honest about it, I'd hoped to have another day before I had to have this talk. Mostly, because I know what you'll do. As your friend, I'd advise against it, but I'll support you either way."

"That's not ominous or anything. The hell are you so antsy about? Were we attacked? Is everyone ok?"

"We were not attacked, but we have lost someone. Last night, Frank took his wagon and headed straight out onto the plains. I'm guessing he chose last night because Junior was on guard duty. He'd easily guilt him to silence and make him leave. We only know that much because Greg had been up and about. Half asleep, it didn't even dawn on the moron that something wasn't right. They've been on the move for about five hours now. "

"I'm gonna need my horse. He can't just take off like that!"

"Why would you chase him? It's the wrong direction and you're barely on your feet."

"If he's caught out there it could be trouble for all of us?"

"And Jolie? "

"What does that mean?"

"If you want to lie to yourself, I get that, but you aren't fooling me. That woman had it for you bad and I'm almost positive you feel the same for her. I ask again. What is your purpose in going after them?"

"Tad, I'm gonna be real honest. I do in fact care for her. More than I should a married woman. I'd love to be her hero again, but I can't let down this caravan. I have a duty to catch up and stop them. I hope Frank will listen to sense. "

Tad studied him for a moment. He knew that look in Grant's eyes well. The man that never betrays his duty, wishing he could just ignore it this one time.

"Here's what I'll do. We will get you prepared and sent after them. I'll finish our job at the canyon and head for the fort. We are four days out from that. When we arrive, I'll stop camp for three days. That's all I can risk. You have one week to finish your mission. I don't want you stuck out here alone. Can you make that concession?"

Grant just looked at him dumbfounded.

"Are you sure?"

"I know you won't ignore your duty. That now includes bringing Jolie to safety. I suppose you can bring her family too. I love you man. I'd never make you choose."

"You are more than a friend. You're my brother for life. "

"Ok. If you get all tender I'm gonna change my mind. "

Tad gave a mocking smile. Grant actually laughed.

"I've only known this woman for a short time. I wonder if it's always going to be a rescue mission. "

"Be careful Grant. I'm sure there'll be a day when she pulls your ass out of the fire. Keep count if you want. Bill her later."

The shook hands and embraced each other as family and went to prepare for their individual missions.

*

There was no time to debate in a committee. That's why these trips had designated leaders. In the beginning, they tried democracy. It wasn't worth the loss of life. Grant knew what needed to be done. He got Colleen to help him prepare his horse. One last bit of caution for the road. With his pack added to the saddle, he set out to find Frank and Jolie.

*

Colleen watched Grant lead his horse away alone. The man had to be crazy. She wondered if he even realized that he had a thing for that married woman. If not, he's the only one that hadn't noticed. She finished packing up with the others and moved to gather for departure.

*

Tad was worried. There wasn't room for so many unknown variables in this planning. His groups made it safe because he stuck to the plan. He thought he should be mad at Grant, but the man really was oblivious. That smile that was on his face before Tad had found him was all he needed to send Grant after them. It hurt him to give the bad news, but they'd get where they were going. Preferably without any more setbacks, but he'd face whatever was ahead. It was all he could do.

*

After working his legs for a bit, Grant finally mounted his horse. They were probably about six hours ahead of him now. How he planned to convince them was up in the air. Last night had to be real. Jolie wouldn't confess her love and then just leave. That's the part that had him worried. It didn't make sense. Nothing to do about it now. Picking up their trail he sped his horse to a gallop.