Alice felt strangely vulnerable at that moment. Much like Laurie, she had doubts about her ability to be of any help to these women.

"Well," said Michelle, looking the poor young woman over, "I was going to ride down south and check the herd if you're interested. Could use another set of eyes countin' heads."

"Sure," Alice said, almost afraid to meet the woman's eyes. But when she did, Michelle was smiling, and she didn't seem at all threatening.

"But you might want to changed into some long pants so ya don't get burrs on your legs."

"Burrs? Are we going to need to be getting out of the truck...