CHOICESCHOICES
Tiny beads of perspiration dotted Cody’s forehead as he swung the axe with even strokes. It puddled up in the center, then trickled down either side of his face and into his eyes. The salty moisture stung them, causing tears to dwell up and cloud his vision. Cody paused in between strokes to wipe the perspiration from his eyes with the back of one hand. As soon as the salty moisture had been wiped away, Cody repositioned his hands on the axe and went back to work.
A short time later, Cody set down the axe and walked over to the horse trough and pump. He pumped the handle once, twice, before a trickle of water fell from the spout. When the water flowing from the pump had increased into a steady stream, Cody cupped his hands under the spout and drank thirstily. When his thirst had waned, Cody splashed water onto his face and head, then started back over to the woodpile. He had just dragged a log onto the chopping block, positioned the axe on his shoulder and started to swing it, when the sound of his name being called stopped him in mid-motion.
Cody lowered the axe to the ground and turned in the direction his name had been called from. He squinted in the early morning sunlight and could just barely make out Rachel walking toward him. As she grew nearer, Cody could make out a troubled expression on her face. His own apprehension grew as he waited for her to reach him. Somehow he had a feeling that Rachel’s troubled expression had something to do with Lou.
When the housekeeper was within hearing distance Cody asked, “What’s wrong Rachel?”
“I’m not sure, Cody.” Rachel responded as she drew to a stop in front of him.
Cody’s apprehension turned into puzzlement. “Why don’t you tell me what’s bothering you so we can figure it out together?”
Rachel smiled as the blond rider. For all his boasting and joking, Cody could always be counted on to be serious if the need arose. She made a metal note to herself to try and remember this sweeter, more serious side of Cody the next time he did something to exasperate her.
“I found this packet lying under the set of bunks that Kid and Lou share.” Rachel told him, handing the packet to him.
“What’s in it?” Cody asked as he examined the packet.
“Why don’t you look inside and tell me what you think it is.” Rachel suggested.
Cody did as she suggested. “Looks like some sort of powder. Talcum, maybe. What do you think it is?”
“I don’t think its talcum powder, Cody. At least I’ve never seen powder that color before. I think its medicine.” Rachel said.
“Medicine?” Cody said in surprise. “Why would medicine be lying around the bunkhouse. All the medical supplies are stored at your place and no one around here has been sick –“
Cody’s voice broke off in mid-sentence as a sudden thought occurred to him. An image of Lou’s pale, sickly figure the last time he had seen her, appeared before his eyes. “Lou. You think this belongs to Lou?”
Rachel nodded. “It makes sense doesn’t it? You’ve seen how bad she’s been looking lately?”
“Why wouldn’t Lou tell us though? Why would she hide it?” Cody asked.
“I don’t know Cody, but I’m going to find out.”
“Have you shown this to Teaspoon?”
“No. I’m heading into town now.”
“I’ll go with you.”
Cody grabbed his hat and shirt off a nearby fence-post and drew it on as they walked.
