Sagebrush Song
Into the West
Episode #5
by
J.A. Campbell
Sagebrush Song
Into the West #5
An Echelon Electric Short eBook
First Echelon Press Publication / December 2011
All rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2011 by J.A. Campbell
Cover Art © Karen L. Syed
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Liane–you might just be one of my biggest fans.
One
"I can't believe he let you come." Tina glanced at Rowe while she drove toward Flagstaff.
The cowboy shrugged. "I promised to behave. He made me leave my gun at his place though." Rowe sounded uncomfortable about that.
Tina smiled. "Yeah, most people don't carry guns, at least in town, these days."
"Strange."
Tina wasn't sure how to reply to that, so she dropped the subject. "Did you talk to Eli about your plan?"
Rowe shrugged again. "Some. He wanted me to get a local to help. I told him there weren't any local ladies. He just doesn't know how we will convince your parents to let you go. And he thinks it's too dangerous."
"I'm sure he's right."
The cowboy nodded. "It was a good excuse to come see you. We do need to do something about Matherson though and my plan is a good one."
Tina snorted. "If you can't get the Sheriff to help, I doubt he'll be interested in anything I have to say."
"Maybe not. Might be more concerned about the situation if a woman is involved though."
"Why?"
Rowe looked at her as if she was crazy.
"Because men like to protect women."
Tina frowned. "Really? Like in the movies?"
It was Rowe's turn to frown. "Movies?"
"Um, never mind." Tina dropped that subject too.
They sat in a sort of awkward silence listening to the country music blare on the radio. Tina wondered what the cowboy thought about the music. He hadn't said anything to her yet, but it had to be very strange. She wondered if he'd heard any heavy metal, or if everyone had been playing country. She'd probably find out today what he thought about it.
"Hey, how did you get back to my time?"
Rowe grinned. "Figured I'd want to come back. Last time I was here I grabbed a chunk of turquoise. That damn guardian rattle snake almost bit me too, but we had a quiet discussion and I got my rock."
"Did you kill the snake?" Tina couldn't remember seeing the snake anytime recently.
Rowe shook his head. "No need. Only kill 'em when I have to. I think that snake is special too. Never a good plan to go killing creatures that hang out around magic portals."
Tina stared at Rowe for a minute, trying to decide if he was serious or not. He winked at her, but she still couldn't tell. Finally, she laughed. "Good point."
She fell silent as they reached the outskirts of Flagstaff. She was focusing on her driving and almost missed the wide-eyed look on Rowe's face as he stared out the window.
"You okay?"
"Yes. Eli warned me, but Flagstaff has changed."
"I bet it has." Tina tried to watch Rowe's reactions while she drove. The expressions that crossed his face ranged from amazed to worried, to a closed down expression she didn't understand.
Tina made a wrong turn and pulled over to look at her directions, muttering curses.
"Is something wrong?"
Tina shrugged. "No, just made a wrong turn."
Rowe shook his head. "I don't know how people find their way around out here. All of the landmarks are hidden by houses."
"The houses and buildings are landmarks. And the streets have names."
"Just not used to having this many people around."
"When I moved here Flagstaff felt small. New Jersey is super crowded compared to here. Now." Tina paused. "I don't know. It still feels small, but every time I come here I'm amazed at how many people there are. I'm getting used to the desert I guess."
Tina got back on the right street, made a few more turns and then they were at the recital hall. The parking lot wasn't crowded and Tina found a place close to the door. The building was older, brick, and looked like a theater or concert hall. A couple of people walked toward the door. Tina checked her watch then tugged on Rowe's hand.
"We're running a little late, come on."
He gawked as she dragged him toward the theater. He almost tripped on the curb, then he stared at the ground frowning. He kicked it on purpose and then knelt and touched it.
Tina pulled his hand and Rowe let her lead him inside the building. It was dark, but Tina saw signs to Maria's recital. Rowe followed her and she saw him hastily take off his hat. They entered the dance hall. About thirty other people were scattered throughout the seats. She was surprised that so many people were here to watch Maria. She and her dance partner were the only ones performing and Tina hadn't expected so many people to show up. She remembered dance performance from when she was a kid and normally only parents and close friends came, which meant if there were ten kids, there might be twenty people to watch.
"Cold in here," Rowe said.
"Yeah, it's called air conditioning."
"Too bad we don't have this at home. Nice to get out of the heat."