by Molly Jebber
The sheriff’s voice heightened, as he held out his palms. “We have to take your mother back to town and bring some deputies with us. Frank and Lester Stone are both dead. I’ll tie them to your horse and take them with me. You drive the stagecoach. Leave her with Ruth. We need to tell her what happened to her sister, and then join me at my office. After I drop these two off at the funeral parlor, I’ll join you. Then we’ll head out to find Becca.”
Matt raked a hand through his hair. They had to move fast. “These men are killers. We don’t have much time if Becca is going to survive.” He trembled hearing his words out loud. He stepped inside the stagecoach and prepared what he needed to tend to his mother’s wounds. He applied sutures and a bandage.
The sheriff poked his head inside the stagecoach. “Let’s get a move on and find them before dark. The bandits will want a warm place to sleep and something good to eat. They’ll choose a house and take over. Let’s hope we find them and Becca before these outlaws harm anyone else.”
“I agree.” Matt told his mother they were leaving right away.
Matt stopped the stagecoach in front of Ruth’s. He opened the coach door and offered his hand. His mother went rigid. “I cannot stay here. Take me home. Horace is out of town, but the maid and butler can take care of me.”
“I do not have time to take you anywhere. Ruth deserves to hear from me and not someone else that her sister has been taken hostage. There is no time to make two stops. You must make the best of this. When I return, I will take you home.” He lifted her out and carried her to the front door. He banged it with his foot.
Ruth opened the door and gasped. She stared at Mrs. Carrington and opened the door wider for them to enter. “What in the world happened to your mother?” He lowered his mother to the sofa.
Matt put his hands on Ruth’s shoulders. “The stagecoach was robbed. Mother has been shot, and Becca has been kidnapped. I am sorry to put you in this position, but I had to bring her here. I had to tell you what happened, and I do not have time to take her somewhere else. I have got to go with the sheriff and find her.”
Ruth put a hand to her heart. “Please bring her back. I do not know what I would do without her. Be careful.” She grabbed his arm.
He hugged her and left.
Matt found the sheriff in his office with two deputies. “Have you sent anyone to notify Isaac Kelly of what has happened? He would want to come. Besides, he is an excellent marksman.” Matt knew Isaac was a good shooter from previous conversations they’d had.
“I ran into him at the livery and told him about the robbery and Becca. He should be here any minute.” The sheriff handed Matt a gun belt with two Colt revolvers.
The idea of Becca alone with outlaws made his jaw tighten. If they harmed her, he would go crazy. He pushed the thought she may be dead out of his mind as he wrapped the gun belt around his hips.
Isaac joined them. “Matt, how are you holding up? You must be sick with worry.”
“I am. Thanks for coming. We are going to need all the help we can get.”
The sheriff deputized them and addressed the men. “We’ll track them from the stagecoach. I suspect they will stop at a homestead to find food and shelter. Let’s hope they won’t harm the family they choose to intrude on. Be careful and remember they’ve already proved they’re armed and dangerous. Let’s go.”
Matt put his hand on Isaac’s shoulder. “Isaac, I do not know what I will do if anything happens to her.”
“She is going to be all right. We are going to rescue her and bring her home. Becca is like a sister to me and you have become a good friend. I am right with you every step of the way. It is time to show these men we mean business.” He patted his rifle.
Matt rode alongside Isaac and the other men. He scouted with them for signs of the bandits. After a while, the sheriff raised his hand and pointed to a house half hidden by trees. “This is a perfect place for them to stop. It’s out of the way.”
The sheriff guided his horse to a position where he could face them. “I’ll go on foot and see what I can find. I’ll wave you over if they’re there. Secure the horses and stay hidden in this brush until I signal. Deputies, go around back. Matt and Isaac, you keep low and make your way close to the front.” He dismounted and handed the reins to one of the deputies.
The sheriff approached the house and crouched below the window. The men were ready to move on his signal; they focused on the man in charge.
The sheriff knocked on the door.
A woman appeared. The two spoke for a few moments, then she shook her head and shut the door.
The sheriff walked toward them. “They’re not here. Let’s keep going.” They untied the horses, mounted, and resumed their search.
Matt anticipated each house would be the one where they would find Becca. As more time passed, his mind cast doubt on finding her before dark.
The sheriff reined in his horse and pointed to a small ranch where smoke billowed from the chimney. Two horses were tied to the hitching rail. “Dewey and Nora Grayson live here. They have two small children. It’s not like Dewey to leave horses tied out front. The barn’s in the back. Whenever I visited, he always insisted on taking my horse to his barn. I have a gut feeling about this one.”
Matt straightened his shoulders. “Let me scout out the house this time.”
The sheriff dismounted. “No. I’m going, and you’re staying here. Tie your horses to a tree and watch for my signal. I’ll wave my hand if they’re in there, and then everyone duck and be ready with guns drawn. Line up behind me by the front door and keep low to the ground. When I point to the door, we’ll barge in.”
Matt squeezed his thumbs in his fists. There was no time for an argument. He prayed for God to protect the posse and Becca.
Slow and deliberate, the sheriff snuck to the house with gun in hand.
Matt held his breath. The sheriff waved.
Matt, Isaac, and the deputies sprang into action. His gun cocked, he readied himself.
The sheriff whispered, “Dewey’s on the floor, along with another man. Becca’s tending one of the outlaws. Blood is pooled around him. Another man is holding everyone at gunpoint. Nora Grayson and the two children are huddled in a corner of the room.”
Matt could see his breath. Becca was alive, but this ordeal was not over yet. He edged closer and flattened himself next to the door. “This will be tricky.”
Isaac sighed and kept his long gun tucked close to his chest. “We must be careful. Innocent people could get killed in the crossfire.”
On the sheriff’s command, Matt raised his leg and kicked open the door.
They rushed in. Furniture clattered. Nora and the children screamed. Shots rang out.
Matt’s heart pounded as bullets whizzed by his head. He rolled to the ground and shot the big gunman in both legs. The man fell to the floor, screaming in pain.
Matt’s heart plummeted. Becca lay flattened on the floor. Nora and the children sat huddled in the corner sobbing. The woman he loved didn’t move.
The big man grappled with his gun in hand and aimed at Matt, but Isaac’s bullet hit his hand. The gun skidded across the stone floor near the fireplace.
The sheriff kicked the gun out of reach and yanked the other gun from the man’s holster. He rolled him on his stomach and pulled his arms behind his back. He slapped handcuffs on the stout and fat bandit’s wrists. “You did a fine job, men.”
Becca scrambled to her feet and ran to Matt.
He held her tight and pressed her head against his chest, then pulled her back. Her dress was splattered with blood. He searched her for any sign of injury. “Where is this blood coming from?”
“I’m all right. It’s from the dead man on the floor. I’m glad to see you, but when shots rang out, I feared you would be killed. I couldn’t stand it if anything happened to you. Hold me for a minute.”
“I was sick with worry about you. You mean everything to me.”
“I love you and have
missed you.”
Luke tugged at Matt’s sleeve. “Can you help my pa?”
Becca stepped to the boy’s daed and addressed Matt. “Mr. Grayson was shot by one of the robbers at pretty close range.” When Matt moved to care for the injured man, she joined Mrs. Grayson and held her hand out to Matt. “This is Dr. Carrington. He’ll help your husband.”
Mrs. Grayson thanked Matt and hovered over her husband.
Luke knelt beside Matt. “Is my pa going to die?”
Matt removed his small hand still holding his sleeve. “Your pa is going to be fine. I will take good care of him.” He used his knife and cut away the sleeve of Mr. Grayson’s shirt to examine the wound. He lifted the man’s arm to check him from behind. “The bullet went clean through.”
Isaac put his hand on Becca’s shoulder. “You scared us, little lady. I am glad you are all right. Your sister will be relieved too.”
“You shot the robber in time to save Matt. We are fortunate to have you in our lives. Thank you. When you all came in the door, I was shocked and relieved. I’m anxious to hug Ruth and Benjamin. I thought I might not see any of you ever again.” Tears stained her cheeks.
“No need to thank me. You’re like family to me.” He leaned over to Matt. “Can I do anything?”
“Yes. My bag is tied to my saddle. I need it to suture and bandage Mr. Grayson’s wound.”
“Consider it done.” Isaac winked and hurried out.
Matt chatted with Mr. Grayson until Isaac returned and handed him the bag. He pulled out everything he needed and tended to Mr. Grayson’s gunshot wound. He could not steady his hands. The thought Becca could have died today would not leave his mind. Pushing this aside, he focused on his patient.
Mr. Grayson spoke to Becca. “God bless you, miss. You risked your life to protect me and my family. You are a brave woman. I was useless, but you kept your wits about you. How did you do it?”
Becca pressed her hands to her heart. “God deserves all the credit. Without Him, I would have fallen apart.”
Matt finished with Mr. Grayson and moved to the bandit motionless on the floor. He checked for a pulse. “He is dead.”
Nora whirled around to Becca. “Was he dead this whole time?”
Becca blew out a breath. “Yes, but I feared we would all be killed if I didn’t convince Gus otherwise.”
Matt slid his arm around Becca’s waist. “You are one courageous woman. You must be exhausted. It is time for me to take you home.”
The sheriff peered in the door. “Isaac has the prisoner outside. Do you want to check his wounds before we leave?”
Matt headed for the door and raked a hand through his hair. “Yes. I will have a look at him.”
Becca gripped Matt’s sleeve. “Did you find your mamm? How is she? What about Frank Stone, the driver? I checked his brother, but he was dead.”
Matt ran his finger along her worried brow. “We found them. Mother will recover, thanks to you. Frank Stone didn’t survive.”
Becca frowned and shook her head. “Those poor men didn’t stand a chance. Lester was killed first. Frank passed them the bank money. They could have taken the chest and left, but they shot him anyway. They’re coldhearted killers.”
Matt left to examine Gus, glad the sheriff had gagged the man with a handkerchief. He ripped a towel and tied the strips around the three gunshot wounds. “The shots did not hit anything major. He will be good to ride back to town. I will bring what I need to the jail and take the bullets out then. I do not want him anywhere near my office.”
The sheriff and deputy threw the moaning man over a saddle and secured him with rope.
Even though groans escaped the man, the gag prevented him from speaking. Matt shook his head. The murderer deserved to suffer. He waited until the sheriff and men left with the prisoner and then joined Becca.
Becca slid her arm through his. “I’ll ride with you.”
“I have missed having you close.” He mounted the horse and reached for her hand. “Ruth must be beside herself with worry. I left Mother with her when I told her what happened. I did not want to inconvenience Ruth, but I did not have time to make other arrangements. I was frantic to find you. I hope it was not too awkward for Ruth.”
Becca stepped back. “I can’t imagine your mamm being nice to my sister. I hope she didn’t argue with Ruth. You did put her in an awkward position.”
“It was not the best idea, but time was of the essence. As soon as we reach Massillon, I will take her home. It was awkward for me, too. I have not talked to my mother for a while now. I wanted nothing to do with her.”
Becca mounted the horse and rested her chin on his back. She wrapped her arms about him and didn’t say another word.
Isaac followed the sheriff and deputies and rode alongside Becca and Matt. “How are you two holding up?”
Matt slowed the horse. “Glad Becca is safe, and none of us were shot. I felt better having you there, friend.”
Becca said, “Yes, thanks again, Isaac.”
The horses’ hooves pounded against the dirt. They rode in silence.
Matt warmed at having her arms around him. She had been through a dangerous situation. The blood-stained dress and splats on her arms and face had scared him. Those outlaws had no conscience. She had protected others and shown courage and strength most women could not have mustered in such a terrifying situation. He loved her even more, if possible. She was too quiet. What was on her mind? Would she allow him to court her again?
His heart broke for Becca. She was exhausted.
He should have taken his mother to the office. Dorothy would not have liked taking care of her, but she would have done it for him. Becca was tired and weak. His mother was the last person she would have wanted her sister to have to deal with, let alone having to face his mother herself. He would get his mother out of their house as soon as possible. He was relieved his mother was all right, but he meant what he said. She had done enough meddling in his private life. He wanted nothing to do with her.
Chapter Seventeen
Becca, Matt, and Isaac, breathless and disheveled, stepped inside Ruth’s house.
Ruth’s tears stained her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around Becca. She stepped back and held her sister’s shoulders. “I am happy to see you. Why is there blood on your dress? Were you shot?”
Becca hugged her sister. “Don’t worry. It’s the robber’s blood, not mine. One’s dead and one’s in jail. I’m fine. It must’ve been horrible for you to wait and wonder about me, but the ordeal is over. I’m blessed Matt, Isaac, the sheriff, and his deputies rescued me.” She missed Benjamin and couldn’t wait to wrap her arms around him. “Where’s Benjamin?”
Ruth’s body relaxed. “He is at Hattie’s. We will let him stay with her tonight. You can see him in the morning. You need to rest.” She moved to Isaac and held him tight. “I am glad you are home safe. Thank you for bringing my sister back to me.”
Isaac kissed her cheek. “I consider Becca my sister too.” He rubbed his forehead. “Since I have had my hug, I must get home and catch up on my chores. You and Becca have plenty to talk about and will want some time alone. I will stop by your shop and see you tomorrow.”
Ruth blushed. “Becca and I might take the day off from work. If I am not there, visit us here.” She kissed his cheek, then closed the door behind him.
Matt clasped Becca’s hand and led her to the chairs near his mother. Her eyes were closed. “Mother, I would like to hear your version of what happened.” Eloise opened her eyes wide. “Do not be ridiculous. We can talk later. You need to take me home and let Becca rest. This ordeal has worn her out.”
Mrs. Carrington must not have been sleeping. She was too quick to answer Matt’s question. It was hard to tell if she had softened after what they had been through together. Maybe she would have a change of heart toward her since she had saved her life. If she did, at least something good would come of this horrific experience.
He shook his head.
“This will take but a few minutes. Start talking.”
“We were robbed, and you know the rest.”
Matt shook his head. “Why did they take Becca and not you?”
“Becca suggested they leave me, since I was wounded, and take her.”
Mrs. Carrington’s voice was laced with regret. Becca liked this side of Matt’s mother.
His eyes went from Becca to his mother. “Let me get this straight. Becca offered herself instead of you?”
“Yes, she did.”
“After all the petty and mean things you have said and done to her, she saved you?”
Eloise put a hand to her heart. “Yes, and I appreciate what she did more than I can say.” She spoke in a quiet voice and looked at Becca. “I would not be here if it was not for you. I do not know where you found the courage to stand up to those men.”
Becca’s eyes drooped from exhaustion, but her heart soared. Mrs. Carrington had spoken kind words to her in a sincere and genuine voice. “Your words mean a great deal to me, but God was with me, and He deserves all the credit. I’m happy Matt found you and tended to your wound before it became serious.” Matt patted Becca’s arm. “I have been thoughtless making you both talk about this now. It is time for us to leave. Mother, I will take you home. We can discuss the robbery tomorrow.” He opened the door. “The sheriff and his deputy must have picked up the stagecoach. Ruth, do you mind if I borrow your buggy to take my mother home? I will return it tomorrow.”
“No, of course not. Take it.”
Eloise asked, “Will you take me to your house? Your father will not be home until around noon tomorrow. He went to a meeting.”
“Yes.” He draped her shawl over her shoulders. “I’ll bring the buggy to the front in a few minutes.” He went to the barn.
She supported her arm with her other. “Thank you for taking care of me.”