by S. E. Smith
All three men turned at the same time when they heard the soft cough come from Lily followed by another one. A moment later she rolled over and threw up river water on the ice gasping for breath. Caleb and Ethan reached for her at the same time and helped her roll back onto her back. It tore them up as they watched her struggle for another breath. Slowly, she opened her eyes.
“C-c-c-old. So, c-c-cold.” Lily muttered shivering violently.
Ethan took off his jacket. He cut the ties on Lily’s wrist before he sat her up partway and pulled her wet shirt off her sliding her arms into his warm jacket. At the same time the sound of sirens and a helicopter filled the air above the river. Caleb ran down to where Allen’s jacket was and picked it up. Racing back to his brother he shoved out of his jacket and helped Allen remove his wet shirt. Allen couldn’t feel his fingers anymore and had to let his brother undo the buttons for him. He shook violently as Caleb pulled his jacket around him. The warmth felt like thousands of needles against his icy skin. Nodding his thanks since he couldn’t get his frozen vocal cords to work, he struggled to his feet as the Sheriff, Matt Holden, and a few of his deputies walked cautiously out onto the ice.
“What the hell is going on?” Matt barked out. “Shit. Get them to the helicopter.” He turned and nodded at two of his deputies.
“I’ll carry Lily.” Ethan said. “Caleb, you go with them too. You need to get your hands looked at.”
Ethan picked up Lily’s shivering body. She was only partially conscious and he was worried about her. He had noticed a dark bruise in the form of a handprint forming on her left cheek and how her lip was swollen. He bit down the dark rage eating at him. He needed to keep his head until he was sure his brothers and Lily were going to be alright.
Struggling up the side of the bank, Ethan reluctantly handed Lily over to the paramedics. All too soon, the helicopter taking his two brothers and Lily to the hospital in Boulder Flats was just a faint spec in the sky.
“What’s going on, Ethan?” Matt asked.
Ethan looked at the sheriff. They were the same age and had grown up together. “We went to the old homestead to check out some damage to the barn. We wanted to show Lily where we had grown up.” Nodding toward the horse and sleigh still on the other side of the bridge he turned back to look at Matt. “Caleb, Allen and I were in the barn talking about the repairs. Lily wanted to see the house. We were going to join her after we had determined what needed to be done. When Allen went into the house he called for Lily and didn’t get an answer. He found her glove and some blood on the floor in the kitchen. We tracked the bastard who had taken her. Allen and Caleb went ahead while I brought up the rear with the sleigh in case we needed it. Dammit, she was only out of our sight for fifteen, maybe twenty minutes, tops. How could some bastard do this to her?” Ethan said, a shutter running through his tall frame.
“Do you have any idea who it could be?” Matt asked.
“No. I’ve never seen the car before. Allen and Caleb saw more of it than I did. I know whoever was driving was armed. I heard him shooting at Allen and Caleb.”
“How did the woman, Lily, escape?” Matt asked as they walked across the bridge.
“She jumped from the car when it was half way across the bridge. She must have figured he would have to slow down. God, Matt, I’ve never been so scared in all my life when I saw her falling from the bridge. She hit the ice hard and it broke sweeping her under it. Allen jumped in after her.” Ethan turned pleading eyes toward the man walking next to him. “We can’t lose her, Matt. We can’t lose her.”
Matt stopped and stared at the man he had known his whole life. Never before had he seen Ethan lose control of his emotions. Even when they were kids he had always been the calm, steady rationale one of the group. The man standing before him now looked close to shattering into a million pieces.
“Who is the woman? I’ve never seen her before. She looks young.” Matt asked.
“Her name is Lily.” Ethan gave a self-depreciative laugh, “I don’t even know her last name. Can you believe it? I love her more than life itself and I don’t even know her last name or how old she is. We were going to ask her tonight. Maggie hired her a little over a month ago to be our housekeeper. She’s turned our world upside down and inside out.”
“Let’s get you back to the house. I’ll drive you into town. I want to see how the others are doing and post some guards on Lily to make sure the bastard who took her doesn’t get another chance. I’ll have Trace and Brent go over to the old homestead and comb it. Those two could track a lizard in the desert. If anyone can find out who the bastard is or his M.O., those two can. I’d like to meet this girl who has the Cunnings’ men so torn up.”
Ethan nodded as he climbed into the sleigh. Releasing the brake, he turned Audrey around and slapped the reins. Matt watched as Ethan took off across the meadow. He wanted to know more about this girl who had stolen his friend’s heart and from the looks of it, the hearts of his brothers. Boulder Flats was a close-net community. They didn’t appreciate anyone coming in and harming someone, especially one of their women. Sometimes they had even resorted to the law of the west. He couldn’t help but wonder as he walked back to his car how could a man, or men, fall in love with someone and not even know how old they were or what their last name was. Shaking his head, he turned off the flashing lights and drove carefully over the bridge pausing at the spot where Lily had thrown herself out of the car. It was a hell of a long way down. It was amazing she had survived the fall much less the time she was trapped under the ice. Someone must have been looking out for that little girl, he thought.
Chapter 11
Lily faded in and out of consciousness over the next three days. She had developed a mild case of pneumonia and had severe bruising on her hip and leg where she had landed on the ice. She also had a shallow cut on the back of her head where she had been hit, as well as, bruising from where her assailant had hit her across the face. Allen had been released after he had taken a hot shower and changed into some dry clothes. The nurse had pumped him full of hot coffee to help ward off the chills. Caleb’s hands were treated. He needed stitches for one peculiarly bad cut but otherwise he was going to be fine. It was Lily they were worried about. She had never fully regained consciousness and was unable to answer any questions about her abduction.
All three men stayed at her side, growling whenever the doctor or nurse came in to suggest they go home to get some rest. After the first night, Ethan’s friend, Doc Harley, had a couple of cots and blankets sent up with instructions if the men didn’t take turns getting some rest he was going to give them each a sedative to help them whether they wanted it or not. Helen, Clive, and Ed came daily to spend time with Lily. Even Brad and Harold came in to see how she was doing, telling her they miss her cooking. Helen had reassured Lily she was taking care of the kitten so Lily didn’t need to worry about it. Clive had taken a liking to the little bugger and was spoiling it rotten.
“Why won’t she wake up?” Allen asked holding Lily’s pale hand in his. “I want to see her eyes. I need to tell her I love her.”
“Harley said she’ll wake up when she’s ready. She’s been through a lot. He said sometimes it just takes time for someone who has gone through a traumatic event to heal. He said the best thing we can do is talk to her. Let her know she is safe and we love her.” Ethan said quietly. He had pulled a chair up near the head of the bed and was running his hand over her face and hair. He didn’t think he would ever get enough of touching her.
“Well, I don’t fucking like it.” Caleb growled from the window. “She should have woken up by now.” Walking over and picking up Lily’s other hand, he rubbed his thumb back and forth. “Lily, you hear me. You fucking wake up right now. Enough of this shit. You need to open those beautiful eyes of yours and tell us you love us. Do you fucking hear me?” Ethan and Allen frowned in disapproval at Caleb.
“Caleb, you owe me a dollar.” A soft voice whispered. Lily struggled to find her way bac
k to consciousness. She hurt all over. From the top of her head down to the tips of her toes she felt like she had been beaten, run over, and put through a grinder all at the same time. She could feel her men in the room with her and wanted to be with them but she just couldn’t seem to get her body to cooperate. Focusing on moving her lips first she knew she had to respond to Caleb before Allen and Ethan tore into him. Now she focused on trying to work her eyelids. If she could just convince them to open a little she felt like she could work at getting the rest later.
Lily’s eyelids slowly lifted with great effort. She stared blurry eyed up at the ceiling with a frown. She didn’t remember any of the rooms at the main house having a ceiling like this. It was too much effort to turn her head. She was just about to give up and close her eyes again when Caleb’s face came into focus above her.
“Don’t you fu…,” Caleb began before starting over, “Don’t you close those beautiful blue eyes yet, sweetheart.”
Lily frowned as she let her eyes move around. Ethan’s face slowly came into focus behind Caleb’s. “Where am I?” She whispered hoarsely. Was that her voice? Why did her throat hurt so bad? She was having a hard time keeping her eyes open.
“You’re in the hospital, baby.” Ethan said. “You’ve had us scared.”
“Allen?” Lily asked.
“I’m here, baby.” Allen said as he squeezed her hand.
Lily turned her head slowly towards him. “I thought it was time for me to go again.” Lily said sleepily. “I love you. All of you. So very much. I don’t have much time left. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to hurt you. I didn’t want to…” Lily faded back to a peaceful sleep unable to stay awake any longer.
Helen stood in the doorway of the hospital room. She was holding a tattered journal in her arms, silent tears sliding down her cheeks. Wiping them away, she moved into the room walking over to Ethan.
“Lily asked me to give this to you if something should happen to her. I don’t know if this is what she meant but I think you should read it. I know I shouldn’t have but I couldn’t help myself after a copy of an old newspaper article fell out.”
Ethan took the journal from Helen with a sense of forbearing. He knew whatever was in the journal would answer many of the questions he and his brothers had about Lily. He just didn’t know if it was important any longer.
Helen looked at Lily and smiled sadly. “She’s an incredible young lady who deserves to be loved.” Walking over, she leaned down and kissed Lily’s forehead before turning and walking to the door. “I’ll tell the nurses not to disturb you. You’ll need time to absorb what you are going to learn and decide if you can accept what Lily has to offer you.”
Allen, Caleb, and Ethan remained silent as Helen closed the door quietly behind her. Ethan walked over to the corner chair and turned on the light. Sitting down, he opened the journal and gasped when he read the inscription. Clearing his throat he looked at his brothers with tears in his eyes.
“You might want to sit down.” Ethan said in a somber voice. Clearing his throat, Ethan began reading.
To our beloved daughter, may you find happiness. Happy16th birthday, Lily. Love, Momma and Da. Dated: May 23, 1917.
Ethan cleared his throat again before picking up the picture under the caption. He handed it gently to Allen and Caleb. It was a picture of Lily when she was sixteen. Only Lily and her parents were dressed in old fashion clothing similar to the pictures people had taken when they visited old ghost towns. It was obvious this picture had been taken long ago. Ethan continued reading.
May 23, 1917.
Today was my 16th birthday. Momma and Da gave me a journal so I could write about all the exciting things they say will happen in my life. Da gave me a beautiful red ribbon and momma braided it into my hair. Da is going to take momma and me to town in the wagon. There is supposed to be some type of festival and momma begged Da to take us. I am so excited.
June 20, 1917
James Butler came around again today. Da threatened him with the shotgun. He asked Da for my hand in marriage. The man scares me. Da told him to leave and not come back. Da told me not to worry. I know some of the girls get married this young but I don’t want too. I want to travel the world. Momma tells me stories every night of all the wonders to be found. She talks about what it was like in Ireland before her and Da came to America. I want to see the world before I settle down with someone who loves me the way Da loves Momma.
July 10, 1917
I wish I could write more and more often. I don’t want to use up all the pages. I want to save some for when I travel so I can record all my adventures. Amy Mullins’ family is moving to Texas. She promised she would write and tell me about it. Oh, but to go somewhere else.
September 14, 1917
Today my heart broke. My beautiful Da was killed in an accident. At least the sheriff said it was an accident. He was working with James Butler at the Peterson’s place. James claims Da fell off the roof of the barn. My Da could climb anything and not fall. I suspect Butler had something to do with it but the sheriff won’t listen. I don’t know what momma and I will do. The farm is all we have left besides each other. Da, if you are in heaven, please help momma and me. I miss you so much already. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.
February 16, 1918
It has been a hard winter. Momma had to sell most of the livestock. Many of the towns’ folks have become very ill. Some have died. I’m scared for momma. She hasn’t been well since Da died. I’m afraid I might lose her and then I won’t have anyone. James Butler keeps coming by but momma won’t give the man the time of day. She sends him away before he even gets off his horse. If the spring doesn’t come soon I fear our food supplies will run dangerously low. Da, if you can hear me, please take care of momma. She misses you so much as do I. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.
June 15, 1918
I’ve had to pick up some housekeeping work with the Peterson’s to help buy food. The garden isn’t producing as much as we would like. Mr. Marshall at the General Store has agreed to purchase some of our vegetables to sell at his store. I’ll drop it off once a week when I go to clean the Peterson’s. James Butler hasn’t been around much lately, thank goodness. Momma is still weak and needs me. I do what I can around the farm. We are down to just old Gladys, the mule, and Trudy, the milk cow, plus a handful of chickens. Thank goodness for the chickens, their eggs have been a blessing. Some nights I get so hungry but I know I shouldn’t eat the food we need to sell. Da, momma says to say hello. She’ll wait for you. I love you too, Da. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.
December 24, 1918
A blizzard blew in last night. There is almost an inch of ice on the inside of the windows. I can’t write long as we need to save the candles. I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas, Da. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.
February 23, 1919
James Butler has been coming around again. Two of our chickens have disappeared and I suspect he had something to do with it. He is trying to get momma to marry him but she won’t. She won’t ever look at another man. She still grieves for Da. He threatened her. I told her she should tell the sheriff but she won’t. I’ll be eighteen soon and the Peterson’s have said they will hire me fulltime as their housekeeper. The farm is more than what momma and I can handle. If I get the job the Peterson’s said we can move into the cabin near the main house. I’ll move momma there and will be able to take care of her better. Da, I’m worried. Please, if you are looking down on us say a prayer for us. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.
March 4, 1919
Oh, God. Please help us. James Butler caught me alone in our barn today. I was so scared. He grabbed me and it hurt so bad I screamed. Momma heard me and came running. I know he would have hurt me more if Momma hadn’t picked up the pitchfork and threatened him. He told her he was going to marry her and have me too. It was going to be a packaged deal. He said such awful things Momma and I both cried. Da, i
f you are there, please keep us safe. I’m so scared. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.
April 11, 1919
James Butler came to the house and threatened Momma and me again. He caught me in the barn again and hurt me. Momma came out with the shotgun and warned him away but I fear he will be back. All our chickens are dead. I found a man’s footprint leading away from the coup and it was right after James Butler hurt me. The sheriff won’t listen to me but I plan on telling him what happened again tomorrow when I go to town. I don’t want to go and leave Momma alone but we need to sell our canned goods. The sheriff said Momma and me needed to move away last time. I know he’ll tell us again but where will we go? We have no family. Please Da, we need you. Love always, your faithful daughter, Lily.