The Fortune Read Online Free PDF Page A

shoulder. “We would not be who we are unless we know who we were.”
    With that philosophical statement, Josephine left Frankie by the creek. Her hands shook from the dark memories washing over her. She shoved them back into a corner and slammed the door, but it took every ounce of strength to do so. Her eyes burned with unshed tears but she refused to let even a drop fall.  
    She had to focus on here and now, not on the nightmare of her past mistakes. After a deep breath, she got to her feet and left the creek. As she walked the distance to her family’s wagon, darkness crept in around her. The breeze swept up the mist from the water and it swirled around her legs.
    The light from the campfires and lanterns, and from Independence, shone into the gathering twilight. Mr. Avery had warned them that within a few days, the nights would be pitch black—darker than anything she’d ever experienced. Frankie shivered as though fingers were walking up her spine. The world ahead was unknown, full of promise, but fraught with danger and hardship.  
    Four months until life could truly begin. It wasn’t going to return to normal since there was nothing to return to. The Chastains would discover their new lives and Frankie only hoped it was better than what they left behind.

Chapter Three
    The day of departure dawned with a crystal-clear blue sky and bright sunshine. The air was pregnant with anticipation as the pioneers began to emerge and check their wagons for readiness. Oxen snorted, their breath clouds of white in the cold morning air. Although he’d made the trip three times already, John’s gut was tight with expectation.
    He watched the settlers chatter and smile as they made ready. The mood was jubilant, at least for today. Once folks started walking and driving their wagons across land, their attitudes wouldn’t be as happy. Within two weeks, there would be fewer smiles and more focus on the tasks at hand. For today, he would do what he could to help them make ready.
    John walked to the livery to retrieve his horse, eager to get started. After paying for the boarding for the past week, he saddled his roan, Blue, and led him out into the street. Fortunately for the wagon train, it hadn’t rained recently in this area, leaving the soil hard-packed and dry, perfect for weighty wagons.
    “We’re about ready to hit the trail one last time, boy.” He petted the horse’s neck, glad to have the same companion by his side for five years. Blue was a rare wild blue roan mustang who he swore was smarter than him some days.
    “Malloy!” Tom Avery, the younger brother of the wagon master, hailed him from behind.
    Although John wanted to pretend he hadn’t heard the younger man, he knew he’d already twitched at the sound of Tom’s voice. Truthfully, how Buck had a sibling like Tom was a mystery. Buck was smart, solid and a good man. Tom was an eighteen-year-old fool who tripped over his own feet on a regular basis. He also had a tendency to blame anyone within shouting distance for the debacles that happened daily.  
    “What is it, Tom?” John hoped he didn’t sound as impatient as he felt. The boy didn’t try to be a walking disaster.
    Tom rode up, his blond hair poking out from beneath his crooked brown hat. He bounced awkwardly in the saddle, but with a huge grin on his face. “Buck wanted me to ride with you, get to know what to do when the wagon train first heads out.” He glanced around at the wagons and the people preparing them. “Folks sure are busy.”
    John resisted, but just barely, to slap his forehead. “Yep, they surely are. If you’re gonna ride along, don’t get in my way and don’t ask stupid questions.”
    “What’s a stupid question?” Tom sounded genuinely confused.
    This time John had to stop himself from slapping Tom. Jesus, how was he going to last four months listening to the boy? His patience wasn’t that strong and neither was his self-control.
    “Never mind. Just shut up and do