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Page 50
ing through the dust, her arms swinging at her sides, her face shining in the heat.
Mike had never been particularly attracted to athletic, outdoorsy women; Dixie, his wife, had been a sophisticate who only deigned to exercise in the comfort of an air-conditioned gym. Maybe that was why he found Abby's attitude so refreshing, so . . . enticing. Despite himself, he had an urge to get to know her better.
Trying to make conversation, he commented, "I've never been on one of those wagon train expeditions, although they do sound fun."
She glanced at him. Her expression seemed, for some reason, incredulous. "I have learned a lot but found our journey most difficult, myself. I suppose an adventurer might enjoy it better. How did you travel here?"
"I drove," he said.
"Cattle?"
That silenced him. Again, her response was off.
He asked finally, "Where did your wagon train come from?" Maybe he could get some information from her that waylike where he could drop her tomorrow.
"Independence, Missouri," she said.
"Oh, come on now," he exploded. At her frightened expression, he tried to calm himself. "Look, I asked a simple question. All I want is the truth."
"I gave it to you," she said in a hoarse whisper, her brown eyes wide and wary.
For the moment, he gave up. Either she was working very hard to keep up a role in order to

 
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