Wyatt’s forehead wrinkled, but he continued. “And Darby will be going for help. We’ll be splitting up and riding hard over incredibly rough ground. If all goes well, someone should reach civilization by early afternoon. We need to know who’s going and who’s staying behind with Cookie and Angie.”

“Is he still out there?” Grace asked. “Waiting?”

“We will have to assume so, yes.”

“Which way are you going?” Peter asked Darby.

“I’m open to suggestions.” Darby looked at Wyatt, then Roy.

“You might take the route around the back of the Devil’s Pass, then to Targhee Falls,” Cookie said. “It’s the longest, but fewer obstacles. It’s still a hard ride, and anyone riding with you should be prepared.”

“I’ll go with Darby.” Liam licked his lips and grinned.

Bram gritted his teeth. “If you’re riding out, you’ll go with me.”

“But—”

“With me or not at all.” He stared down the young man. “We’ll go east to Yellowstone Park.”

“That leaves me heading north to the town of West Yellowstone,” Wyatt said.

Soft murmuring followed the announcement.

“We”—Zofia pointed to herself and the other two Polish women—“will stay with hurt ladies.”

“I’ll remain behind as well,” Roy said.

Grace, Stacy, and Peter looked at each other. “My wife and I will go with the deputy,” Peter finally said.

“I believe I’ll stay,” Grace said.

“Be ready in ten minutes,” Bram said.

*  *  *

Cookie struggled to her feet and came over to me. “All your clothes were on that wagon, right?”

I nodded.

“You’ll need warm clothing to make that trip. Come with me.” I followed her to the gift shop, where she handed me a long-sleeved T-shirt, hooded sweatshirt, and water-resistant jacket, all with the Mule Shoe logo. “Put these on. Layers. I think I have a hat and gloves in lost and found.” She disappeared behind the counter for a moment, returning with a pair of wool gloves and a knitted hat.

“Thank you, Cookie. I don’t think I would have thought about it until I was out there.”

She moved closer, wincing slightly as she bumped into the counter, and lowered her voice. “I don’t know how this is going to turn out, but if things go south here, I’m going to make a run for my cabin. The lodge is too big with too many ways to break in.”

“Are you sure it’s safer there? And that you can make it?”

“I don’t know, but just as you’re dividing up to increase your chances of getting through, I think we should divide up so we’re not all sitting around like . . . sheep, waiting for the slaughter.” She patted my cheek. “You be careful out there, and get out safely, you hear?”

I nodded. I didn’t trust my voice.

Chapter 20