by S. C. Wilson
Abby stepped back, breaking the embrace. “I’m all right. I had something urgent to tend to. I’ll explain later. I just need to go get something from my room.”
“Boone assumed you weren’t coming back. Abby, he found someone to replace you. He gave her your room.”
Abby felt dizzy. She placed a hand on the wall for support. “Where are all my things?”
“Boone told the new girl she could have ‘em, but, Mabel told him she would keep your things for you. He didn’t care what she said. Thankfully, Sam was here. He stepped in and convinced him to let Mabel keep your stuff. Everything is in her room.”
“Is she here?”
“No, Boone sent most of the girls to the Rowdy Rabbit. There’s a group of men from the railroad up there scouting the area. He’s trying to get them to lay tracks through Granite Falls and wanted to show ‘em a good time while they’re in town.”
“He’s never one to pass up an opportunity to make money, is he? Look, I really need to go. I’ll be back soon and we can catch up.”
Abby hurried up the stairs and flung open the door to her old room. Someone had taken over. She saw none of her things. She closed the door and went down the hall to Mabel’s room. She spotted most of her belongings stacked in one corner, and her periwinkle dress hung neatly on a hanger close by. She dug through the pile, flinging clothing on the floor until she found her music box.
Abby could feel her heart thumping as she opened the box and removed the false bottom. She let out a sigh of relief. Her life savings were still there—$327.00. She rolled it up and placed it in her coat pocket. After replacing the bottom, she returned it to the pile of possessions.
She and Titan left town, riding out into a nearby area she had never ventured to before. She had heard talk of a woman out here and stories about how she had taken care of women in a delicate condition. The thought of what she was about to do sickened her more than she ever imagined.
Maybe I should just tell Jes I want to stay in Ely. Then I could have this baby. What kind of life is that for a child? I don’t even have a job.
Lightning forked across the sky, cracking the night in two. Abby felt the first drops of rain on her face. The thought flashed through her mind as fast as the next bolt streaked above her—maybe it was God trying to warn her. Maybe what she was about to do was an abomination.
For once, the dark and eerie woods caused her no fear or concern. Her mind was elsewhere, her hot tears mixing with the rain coming down in buckets. At times her horse barely kept his footing as he slipped on the muddy track. With words of encouragement, she urged him on as another streak of lightning lit the sky.
Weathered wood and rusted tin sheets made up the run-down shack at the end of the heavily wooded lane. Her heart sank instantly. Then she thought she felt it again—that tiny movement inside her.
It’s just your nerves getting to you, she thought, willing herself to believe it. She brought Titan to a stop and put a settling hand on her stomach. She waited.
See, nothing. It’s just your imagination. She continued onward, wanting to get it over with as soon as possible.
Dismounting, Abby took in a deep breath and paused. A gust of wind rustled the leaves and set the string of bones dangling from the sagging porch into an angry clatter. Abby shook a rickety post, testing its fortitude before securing Titan to it. She stepped up rotting steps to the weather-beaten door of the dilapidated shack, her face an infringement on a spider’s web as she approached. She rapped on the door, her free hand swiping at the silky strand that clung to her cheek.
The latch clicked. Abby braced herself for whatever loomed behind the warped pine. The door squeaked open a crack, revealing the barrel of a shotgun. Candles cast little light inside. Abby could make out the shape of a stout figure. Nothing more. A shadow where a face should be.
“What do you want?” The voice was thick, husky.
Abby wasn’t expecting it. If she hadn’t known better, she would have thought she was talking to a man.
Another streak of lightning lit the sky, pulling a face from the gloom. Dark eyes glared from sunken sockets, which could have been a hundred years old, if not more. The map of deep lines covering the face spoke of a life that had not been kind. Long hair, white as new-fallen snow, shivered, disturbed by a sudden rush of wind. The old hands holding the weapon were steady, though, as they leveled the gun at Abby.
“I…uh…I heard about you. Heard you could help a woman who was in trouble,” Abby said, her voice rising as she competed with a rumble of thunder.
The woman studied Abby’s body, squinting her eyes so hard Abby wondered if she’d closed them. “Get in here then,” she said, opening the door wider. “How fer along is ya? Two?”
Abby stepped inside. “Almost three months,” she said, wiping rain from her eyes. She blinked when the image persisted, and swallowed hard when she realized there was nothing wrong with her vision. The woman still looked the same, though something about the darkness within the hut seemed to accentuate her harsh features. It was as if death itself grinned at Abby when she smiled.
Abby shivered. Her clothes were soaked through and no fire burned in the stone hearth to warm her. Ash and chunks of charred wood, the remains of numerous fires, had grown into a cold, messy pile within. The shanty had a damp, earthy smell and it seemed no warmer than it had been outside.
The woman propped the gun on the wall next to the door. “No problem fer me, but I ain’t gonna lie. You gonna feel it. I git twenty dollars. You got money?”
Abby turned away. The simple task of separating twenty dollars was complicated by nervous fingertips. She returned the roll of money to her coat pocket before facing the old woman. “Yes, here,” she said, handing over the money.
“You git in there.” The woman aimed a crooked finger at a door in similarly gnarled condition. “Git on the table. I’ll fetch what I need. Take this.” She handed Abby the candle.
Abby walked into the room and closed the door behind her. The wood felt cool against her back when she leaned on it but did nothing to ease her fear and panic. She breathed hard but slowly, making every effort to calm herself.
She could not contain a small shriek when a cat suddenly darted across the floor in front of her, hissing on its way.
She held out the candle, revealing the room in a flickering orange light. A large wooden table was in the center—stained brown on one end.
Chapter Four
“Hmm.” Toby reached for one of the two cards left in Aponi’s hand. The woman across the table betrayed no emotion, which he took as the sign he was looking for. He let go of the card and opted for the other one instead. He glanced at it, at his own hand and back, a slow smile stealing across his face. “You’re the old m-maid!” he said, laughing, laying out a pair of deuces.
“That makes three in a row.” Aponi tossed her lone card on the table and slid the pile toward him. “Shuffle the deck.”
The familiar clatter of the door latch halted the flittering of cards between Toby’s hands. Game forgotten, he rose quickly, knocking the chair over in his haste. The door had already opened by the time his hand was on his rifle.
Ahanu stood in the doorway.
“Come,” Aponi said, motioning.
Toby picked up the overturned chair and did his best to hide his unease. Heart hammering against his ribs, he forced himself to take a calming breath. He didn’t have many memories of that awful day in Granite Falls. Whatever evil was left of that day had wormed its way into the shadows of his mind, unseen and forgotten. It took swipes at Toby nevertheless. Since then, he’d become prone to panic.
When he was much younger it had been even harder to deal with. Without another soul to trust and confide in, he had huddled alone in the barn with the horses, knees pulled to his chest, feeling as if his heart would explode. He never knew what would cause the attacks or when they would happen.
Over the years, he’d learned to tame the worst of it. He released another calming br
eath and watched as one of the biggest men he had ever seen ducked his head and stepped into the cabin.
“Came to check on you. You no come back to tribe,” Ahanu said.
“I’m fine. Just staying here until Jesse and Abby get back from place called Ely. Sit down.”
Toby sat and slid one of the chairs with his boot. “I’ll deal you in.”
Ahanu took the offered chair, but shook his head. “Don’t know white man game.”
Toby and Aponi shared a knowing look. “We’ll teach you,” he said, picking up the cards.
Jesse took a seat at the kitchen table and motioned for Edith to join her.
“What is it?” Edith asked.
Jesse placed her hands on the table. She had no idea how Edith would take the news she was about to deliver. She felt unsteady. The familiarity of the wooden table, the place she had spent so much time over the last few years, had a soothing effect. Bracing herself against that solidity, she pushed on before she could change her mind. “I have something I need to tell you.”
“I have some news of my own, but you go first.” Edith patted Jesse’s hand.
Jesse took a deep, steadying breath. She hoped she was doing the right thing by telling her the truth. Just say it. She cleared her throat. “I hope you don’t think I’m—”
“Well, there’s the disappearing man.” Felix approached the table, a grin on his face. “Everyone all right?” he asked.
“We’re fine,” Jesse said as Felix took the seat across from her.
Edith stood and walked to the counter. “Jesse, we were just about to sit down and have supper. You’re welcome to join us.” She picked up a plate. “What did you want to tell me?”
“Thanks, Edith. I’m starved.” Jesse shrugged. “It was nothing.”
“I gotta take mine on the go,” Felix said. “I gotta pick up a load of feed down in Big Oak. Charles can’t make the run with me. If Tom wasn’t needin’ that grain tomorrow, I’d put it off. It’s raining cats and dogs out there.”
“I’ll go with you.” Jesse said.
“I could sure use the help. Job pays a dollar.” Edith came over and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. “I meant two dollars,” he said.
Edith patted him on the back and smiled.
Jesse nodded. Telling Edith the truth would have to wait. “So, what’s your news?” she asked.
“Felix can tell you all about it on the way to Big Oak. You boys just hurry up and get some food in ya before you leave.”
“We’ll probably get back late tomorrow because of this rain. Will you open the store for me?”
“Sure thing,” Edith said. “Don’t rush. You two just be careful.”
Her warning did not go unheeded. By the time they got the wagon rolling out of Ely, the wheels slid through mud thick like porridge.
“Damn rain. Might take us all night to get down there,” Felix said, snapping the reins. Rain poured from the brims of their hats.
Abby rode through the dark street, tired and cold, but restless. She had to see Jesse tonight. She may not have the nerve later.
With Titan secured out front of Edith’s place, she hurried inside. She went to the room Jesse always stayed in and let herself in. She crept toward the bed, arms stretched, and bumped into the footboard. Her hands found soft linens but no warm body within.
They must’ve decided not to go, Edith thought, hearing a noise across the hall. She climbed out of bed and pulled on her housecoat.
“Jesse?” Edith rapped her knuckles gently on the door. “You boys back already?”
Boys? Jes must not have told her yet. Abby opened the door. “He’s not here. Where is he?”
“Abigail Flanagan.” Edith pulled her close in a hug. “It’s so good to see you. He went with Felix to pick up a load of feed down in Big Oak.” She felt Abby’s body tremble, felt the coldness seeping out of her. “You’re soaking wet. Let me fetch you a towel and get you a change of clothes.”
“Thanks, and I can just slip on one of Jesse’s shirts. He won’t mind.”
Edith brought Abby a towel. “I’ll put on the coffee and meet you in the kitchen. We have a lot of catching up to do,” she said, pulling the door shut on her way out.
Abby was delighted to see the blazing glow coming from the fireplace in the kitchen. Although she was dry, and could feel the heat radiating through the oversized shirt, a shiver ran through her body. She was grateful when, at last, Edith handed her a warm mug.
“Are you all right, dear? You look upset.”
“I just have a lot on my mind,” Abby said, looking down into the cup. The liquid was as black as the despair eating away at her. “I’ll be fine. How are you? Everything all right?”
“Well.” Edith paused and put her palms flat on the table. “I do have some news. I’m getting married.”
“Married? To who?”
“Felix. We just thought it was time. Oh, hell. I’ll be honest. No need to keep it from you.” Elated and unable to keep the news bottled up, Edith leaned over and whispered, “I’m going to have his baby.”
Abby held Edith’s hands. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you two.”
“Who would’ve thought? Isaac and I never conceived. Thought it was never in the cards for me. No one was more surprised than I was, that’s for sure. Felix is a good man. He’s going to make a great husband and father.”
Abby’s lip quivered. She bit it even as she felt her brow furrow, the flood of tears unstoppable. She squinted against it, anyway, before stifling a sob with the palm of her hand.
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Edith asked, pulling her chair closer. “It’ll be all right. Nothing can be that bad.”
“I…I’m with c-child, too,” she said, her voice breaking as the words came tumbling out.
“Congratulations. That’s wonderful news. A child is a true blessing. Jesse must be thrilled. Why are you so upset?”
“It’s just not the right time. I went to the old house out by the Gleason farm. You know who I mean…don’t you?”
“Agnes? You went to see her? But why? Why would you want to get rid of your baby—and why would Jesse let you go through that alone?” she said, brow creased in confusion.
“Jesse doesn’t know. He doesn’t want to have children. I’ve heard him say it. I’m just going to tell him when he gets back that it’s over between us.” Abby wiped her tears on Jesse’s shirtsleeve and continued. “He can go live his life and I will stay here and raise this baby on my own.”
“Abby. You need…you have to tell him. It’s the right thing to do. He may surprise you when he finds out.”
Abby didn’t want Edith to know the truth. “Edith, I’ve made up my mind. I’m letting him go.” Resolute, she continued. “I want him to be free and not tied down with a wife and child. His life would never be the same.”
“I guess you know what’s best. I just hope you’re making the right decision.”
“I am. I know I am.” Abby scooted her chair back from the table. “I’m going to wait for him in his room. I want to tell him as soon as he gets back. I’m so sorry to be so emotional, especially after you told me your wonderful news. I really am happy for the two of you.”
Edith paced the empty kitchen, the questions swirling in her mind. Should I tell Jesse? He needs to know so he can step up and be the man Abby needs. Be a father. But, you know you shouldn’t meddle in other’s affairs.
As tired as she was, Edith didn’t go back to bed. Instead, she spent the remainder of the night pacing, feet unable to stop. She weighed the pros and cons, praying for some clarity about what she should do.
Wet clothes stuck to their skin and water seeped into their boots, but Jesse and Felix were grateful for even a small break from the torrent.
“We should make better time, at least, now that we’re out of that,” Felix said, snapping the reins. The horses slipped in the sludge.
“Oh, what was Edith going to tell me?” Jesse asked.
Felix grinned.
“We’re gettin’ hitched.”
“I’m so happy for you.” Jesse slapped him on the back.
“There was no rush to get down here to pick up feed. I used it as an excuse. I ordered a ring for her and got the wire today that it was ready.”
“Don’t you sell rings at the Post?”
“I do, but they’re just simple bands. I wanted something real special for her, so I had one engraved down in Big Oak.”
Jesse nodded. “So, when’s the big day?”
“Two days. Scratch that. It’s after midnight, so tomorrow. It’s kind of a rushed wedding, if you know what I mean.”
“Not really.”
“She’s carrying my child. Best to get married before she starts to show. Being unwed with a child can ruin a woman’s reputation, ya know?”
Jesse nodded. “So, that’s why you’re marrying her? To save her honor?”
“Heck no! I love that woman. I’ve been asking her for years to marry me and she always said no. I guess this baby helped me finally convince her to settle down. Hey, you and Abby can stay for the weddin’ can’t ya?”
“I’m not sure. I need to get home.”
“Well, I know Edith would love it if you two could make it. The whole town will be there.”
“Maybe we can. I’d like to.”
The mud sucked against the horses’ hooves, each step of their struggle to pull the load splitting the night air with a wet gurgle.
Jesse shifted uncomfortably, her clothes chafing. “Have you ever sold gold before?” she asked.
“No. Never looked for it. The odds aren’t in my favor. Why?”
“I found a couple nuggets and I need to get some things. What do I do? Just take it to a store and do some trading?”
“Absolutely not! Storeowners will haggle with you. You take that to a bank. They weigh it and you get paid per ounce. No negotiating.”
“Is there a bank in Big Oak?”
“Yeah, sure.”