“So you know exactly what you're doing, don't you?” Mike called out. Alexa grinned at him. “Do I, now?” she challenged. “Say, how far away is the next little town along that road? Two miles? Three? Four? There aren't any maps.”
“I don't know,” Mike shrugged. “It takes the stage about an hour to get there.”
“Let's see how long it takes on foot,” Alexa said. She turned away from her very interested audience and set out at a slow trot, quickly passing beyond the stakes. A little way beyond them, she looked back over her shoulder. All of the men, including Mike, were just standing there as if they couldn't fathom the situation.
“Catch me if you can!” Alexa taunted them, and kicked her speed up to a sprint. Behind her, she heard a sudden commotion and then the sounds of pounding feet. She ri
