“Bring the herd to a halt and call me back,” he said.
“Roger,” Colt said.
He whistled loudly as Forest motioned for me to follow him as we worked together to slow the herd down. It was nerve-wracking because at one point, I kept thinking one of the cows was going to run against my leg, but Flynn Ryder was more intuitive than I gave him credit for.
The cows started grazing immediately and Colt called Theo back.
“Are you close to the shed?” Theo asked.
“We just passed it,” Colt said.
“Stop the herd there,” he said. “Any volunteers to stay at the shed tonight? The fire isn’t looking good. It could either come from the west or southwest and we need to keep a watch tonight.”
“I’ll stay, boss,” Forest responded.
I was already nervous about Jude and now Forest was going to be here alone?
“I can stay with him,” I said.
Atlas and Colt looked over at me with their eyebrows raised as Iris looked amused.
“Two people watching is better than one, especially if we need to move the herd quickly,” I said, feeling nervous from their attention.
“You’re right,” Forest said. “Thank you.”
“Webber said he’d stay with Forest too, just in case they need to move the herd,” Colt said.
“Thank you, Webber, but you don’t have to,” Theo said immediately.
“I don’t mind,” I replied back.
“It’s a good idea and at least someone is up at all times,” Colt said.
The line was quiet. “Ok, you’re right,” he said. “One of us will bring you back some water and food. Be careful and call us if you need anything.”
“Roger that,” Forest said.
We rode back the way we came, and I tried to remember if I saw a cabin. I was mistaken when Theo said shed, he really meant shed. It wasn’t bigger than twelve by twelve, and I thought it looked like something that housed tools.
“We will bring something for you guys and if you can think of anything before one of us comes back, let us know,” Colt said, as Forest and I got off our horses.
“Theo and I will keep an eye on the fire; I’m sure Jude will also keep an ear out from local fire departments too. That way none of us are blindsided,” Colt said.
“Sounds good,” Forest said, taking Flynn Ryder from me. “Have we discussed a fire line?”
“I’m sure Jude and Theo have,” Colt said. “Here take the gun and an extra radio.”
He handed both to me.
“Thanks for doing this,” Atlas said. “Give us a call no matter what, ok?”
“Gotcha,” I said. “I’m glad I can help.”
“Yeah, thank you,” Colt said.
“Alright, quit lingering, get back home to your wifey,” Forest said then turned towards Iris. “And go make some money.”
Colt chuckled. “Alright, but seriously, thank you. Be safe.”
