In Destiny by Andy Mitchell, the story begins in January 1880 in the Arizona Territory. Cora Jackson sits on her weathered porch. The creaking wood under her rocking chair feels like a familiar comfort. She gazes westward. Her eyes narrow at the silhouette of a man on horseback slowly emerging from the horizon. She stands up. She goes inside her cabin without hurry. She picks up her thirty-eight caliber Remington revolver. She comes back out and sits again. She keeps the pistol clearly visible.
Watching The Rider Draw Near Without Panic
Cora stays seated steady. She does not rush. The earthy aroma of the forest hangs in the air fresh and pungent after the night’s rain. Muted light filters through the overcast sky. Birds chirp in a melodic way greeting the new day. She feels the wooden handle of her pistol. A cold resolve settles in her chest. She stares unflinchingly at the approaching stranger. She stands ready to defend herself if need be.
Greeting The Stranger With Firm Caution
The man stops about fifteen yards in front of her. Morning ma’am he says. His voice carries weariness mixed with politeness. Morning she replies. Her tone stays guarded and firm. Name’s Will Martin he states. He tips his hat slightly in respect. Cora thinks to herself this one is a real talker. I’m Cora she says. What do you want?
Will Martin’s Polite Request For Work
Will explains he looks for short-term work and a place to rest his head. He has been on the road north from Wickenburg. He aims for regular work up in Colorado or maybe Wyoming. He could use a break and a bit of cash in his pocket. He notices her barn roof could use some fixin’. He nods toward the structure.
Cora’s Careful Study Of The Stranger
Cora sizes him up. His saddle and the rest of his gear look clean and obviously well-maintained. He looks her right in the eye. His gaze stays unwavering and sincere. His voice carries a slightly higher pitch than she anticipated. A distinctive twang hints at his origins. His piercing blue eyes appear clear and straightforward. Will stands a little taller than her around five and a half feet. When he talks he shows earnest simplicity. His speech stays direct yet not harsh. His budding beard gives a rugged yet incomplete look.
Noticing Something Rare In His Expression
What catches her attention stays a certain vulnerability in his expression. She seldom sees that quality in a man. It stirs a cautious hope within her. It suggests Will might be someone she could trust.
Agreeing To A Practical Trade For Supper
I could use more firewood Cora states. Her tone sounds pragmatic. If you can find and chop enough logs for the woodpile I will see to it you get supper. Can do Will answers. Should I start right away? As soon as you can she says. Tools stay in the barn. She did not have a large wood stove so she instructs Will to cut the wood into pieces no longer than one foot long. So that you know you are not allowed inside my cabin. We will have our meal on the porch here.
Will Begins The Work Without Delay
Fair enough Will says. I will put my horse in the barn and get started. It looks like there are some dead trees where the creek elbows. I will start there. Will points at the elbow in the creek. He nods and goes into the barn.
Reflecting On The Comfort Of A Man Nearby
Cora watches him start to work. Then she takes a moment to reflect. What a pleasure it was to have a man around. She had loved her late husband Walter though she would be the first to admit he had his flaws. His biggest fault one that overrode all others was that he rarely felt his efforts were good enough.
