His mind whirled with the possible outcomes of taking the calf from their ranch. She must be bringing the little fellow to him. That would likely bring the entire village here. He could handle that, though. He’d have steady trading for weeks, no doubt.
But could he protect the calf and carry on business atthe same time? He’d find a way. Maybe if he kept the calf in one of the buildings during the day and let him graze in the courtyard at night.
Lorelei shifted on her horse. “You offered to let Curly come to your trading post. Is that—”
He gave a strong nod. “Yes.” He could figure out the logistics later. For now, he had to set her mind at ease and help the calf settle in.
Turning, he waved for them to follow. “Bring him closer to the fort.”
Elsa mooed as they approached, and the calf bleated out a response. Would it be possible to get the little fellow nursing from her? Did they even want that? It might be harder for Tanner to get his pint of milk each day. A burn rose in his throat just thinking about not having the soothing liquid.
One step at a time.
Once they reached the gate into the little fort, he reached up to take the buffalo calf and carry him inside. No need to bring the horses in too.
Lorelei gave him a grim smile as he wrapped his arms around the youngster and slid him down. The little guy would be too large to carry soon. The calf bawled in complaint of the jostling, but once Tanner set him on the ground, he spread his wobbly legs.
In fact, one of those legs had a piece of leather wrapped around the hoof. “What’s wrong with him?” He glanced back at Lorelei.
She dismounted and moved to the calf’s other side. “The hoof is abscessed. It has to be soaked in salt water two or three times daily and kept clean.” As she spoke, she stroked Curly’s neck, then scratched the knot of hair between hisears. The sweet smile brightening her face nearly distracted Tanner from the meaning of her words.
Soaked twice a day? On top of everything else he had to manage around here? He really would need to find a young trapper willing to settle down and help as shopkeeper. At least for a time. He could worry about payment cutting into profits later.
Lorelei was speaking again, so he forced his attention onto her words. “That’s why White Horse and I have come too. We’ll stay and help with the calf. White Horse could help translate if you’d like. Whatever you need.” Her voice took on that same apprehensive tone her expression had carried moments before.
She wanted to stay ... here? With the calf? His mind stuttered over the idea. Where would she sleep? Surely not with the calf. His own quarters would be the only decent shelter. He could bed down in the trade room. That would be far enough away for propriety, but he could still hear if she called out because of danger.
And White Horse?
He studied the man who’d come to stand beside Miss Rosemary in front of the calf. He looked every part the defender and protector. Here to guard both the calf and Lorelei. Tanner had known these women trusted the brave or they wouldn’t allow him to live on their property and be a partner in their business. But even to the point that they relied on him to guard their sister’s virtue?
His own protective instincts rose up. That seemed a role that should be given to blood kin, or at least an actual relative. Why wasn’t Riley here to protect his sister-in-law? His wife’s health must be poorer than Tanner had realized.
No matter. Lorelei would need no protection from him. And he’d exhaust his last breath to defend her from any other threat.
He gave a firm nod. “You’re welcome to my quarters. I’ll sleep in the trade room. The calf can stay inside fort walls, and we can move things around in the storeroom if he needs a place inside.” He looked to Rosemary. “Will you be staying too?” That might make things a bit more proper.
She studied him, her gaze sharp enough to make even the most seasoned detective squirm. At last, she spoke in a terse voice. “I need to sleep at the ranch. But I’ll be over here daily. We’ve brought food for them to eat, but anything they need from your store, we’ll settle up each week.”
Tanner nodded. “I imagine any help White Horse can offer as an interpreter will more than cover supplies they need. And they’re welcome to my food.” They were welcome to anything he had if it kept Lorelei safe, especially if White Horse occasionally helped translate for him.
“We pay our own way, Mr. Mason. We won’t be beholden to you.” Rosemary’s voice took on the sharp command of an army officer. And something in her expression looked like she wanted to say more.
He waited. Best she get out everything that bothered her.
“Just so you know, Mr. Mason, we are placing a great deal of trust in you. You’ve been a good neighbor so far, stepping in to help and showing yourself to be a man of decent character. If that changes ... If you do anything to break that trust or endanger my sister, even unintentionally, I can assure you retribution will be swift and complete.”
He fought hard not to crack a grin. He didn’t question for a second whether this feisty sister could accomplish everyword of her threat, but she clearly didn’t realize the lengths he would go to protect the charges placed in his care.
“I accept the responsibility and will do my utmost to prove worthy of your trust.” He extended a hand to her.
She gripped his palm and shook. “See that you do.”
Lorelei opened her eyes to darkness.
Not complete black but a murky light that showed unfamiliar surroundings.
Tanner’s cabin.
