Jack was aware of Reuben’s approach first. His brisk trot became a little offbeat, he grunted and shot a blast of air from his nostrils, informing Abigail of the soon-to-have company. She tensed a little inwardly, keeping her cool facade, not even looking back while continuing on her path, now listening at the sound of the horse and rider closing in from behind. 

It wasn’t obviously Reuben, but whoever it was didn’t pose any immediate threat, since Jack would have reacted differently had he picked up on any reason for further warning. He was intuitive like that. Still, she did take the precaution of placing one hand on her Colt until Reuben strode up alongside and made his identity known. He immediately started yacking. Apparently, a little travel time gets his tongue to wagging more than what was fitting for a man of his stature. Nevertheless, the man had done himself a little physical upkeep since she’d viewed him last, the trimming of his beard being one of those things. He wasn’t half bad looking to be honest about it and, in contempt of his grooming, managed to keep his ruggedly masculine appeal. 

– Life was funny like that. Despite what Jacob Manning and his gang had done to her and her family, Abigail hadn’t lost her [i]physical[/i] attraction for men, especially those a little on the older, rugged side. In fact, in some peculiar way, that traumatizing experience may have even had an influence on the contrary to what one might expect. Not that she’d ever be willing to tell anybody that, or even admit it to herself –

She eased back on Jack, allowing Reuben and herself to keep an easier pace together, but she gave Reuben no more than a nod and a fleeting glance to acknowledge his presence. Otherwise she didn’t respond, not so much as an expression to break her cool, that was until he happened to mention the dark stranger he had seen earlier – 

Her complexion paled a touch, lips parted slightly, eyes widened. It wasn’t too dramatic, maybe no more than the look of someone who just realized they left the stove burning before leaving the house that morning. It would have however been enough for Reuben to take note of her concern. Oddly enough, she avoided remarking on Reuben’s query, instead reverting to a former topic he had passed by. Her facial expression relaxed to its former cool state as she spoke:

“I waited just out of town till the sun was clear up. Had myself a tad issue prevent'n me from wait'n at a more convenient placing.” She gives Reuben a portioned smile. “Good to see you had no problem track’n me along this single path.” Inspecting Reuben’s mare genially for a moment, she adds; “Jack still has his stud danglers about him, so I’m guess’n he might try mounting that fine gal of yours at some point.” She laughed real lightly, possibly amused by her own stroke of humor. “In any case, I’m glad you made it. Bout time a man had his own balls in tack enough to make an effort under these circumstances. Shows suitable poise in my book.”   

Regardless of her banter and persistent cool demeanor, Reuben’s mentioning of the dark stranger had not escaped her thoughts. She inevitably returned to the topic, bit her lip for a second, then shifted a disquisitive glance in Reuben’s general direction. 

“I ain’t gonna sully the truth of the matter, I know I’m at a sweet age and not too bad to be look’n at for any man. Gal like me riding alone as I have, it’s bound to attract a hot blooded stalker or two along the way. Don’t let it worry you none at all.” The fact that she was holding back information, yet wasn't at all intimidated by Reuben's blunt interest, may have been evident by her following inquisition;

“Did he have himself a riffle - hat seen well more than its fair share of use?” 

While she’s asking the question, Abigail Kate drew a pocket size bottle of whisky from her saddlebag and extended it to Reuben. “Since I’m doubt'n we’ll be making it to the next town before nightfall and we will no doubt be required to set up camp out here - and see’n you’re highly unlikely to be using my prime body for comfort at this point - I’ve taken it upon myself to provide a different variety of sleep’n aid for ya.” Strapped with string to the bottle was a crisp hundred dollar bill. “I’ll be give’n ya the rest of the payment once the job is done.”