Secrets & Charades

by Cindy Ervin Huff

  “It’s okay. We know you had nothin’ to do with this. Take Pete with you and get this note to Farley. Tell him we’ll meet him at the north fork. When you catch up with Walters, bring him with you.” Jake hoped that would be the route Bart took after delivering the note. “Wait here, Sims. I need to go back for somethin’.”

  Jake raced back to the house, ran to the bedroom, and rummaged through the wardrobe until he found Evangeline’s infamous petticoat. He pulled his hunting knife from his boot and ripped the lining loose. Money poured onto the floor. He pushed aside the overwhelming sensation that he was invading her privacy or stealing her money. It galled him to think he would be using her money to redeem her, but her safety outweighed his pride. He grabbed a pillow case and stuffed it with the money, retraced his steps, and leapt on Traveler’s back. Once he had rejoined Sims, he prayed for God’s peace and whipped up his horse. Sims kept pace at his side.

  At the fork, he was surprised to see Griggs and Danby. “Where’s Farley?” Jake demanded.

  “The boss decided we could take care of this better ‘n he could. He’s got more important things to do.” Griggs smirked like an idiot.

  “What about the ransom?” Jake could almost anticipate the answer.

  “He ain’t payin’ it. As I said, he figured we could take care of this better.”

  “What kind of man leaves others to rescue his wife?” Sims asked.

  Griggs shot a suspicious look at the marshal. “And just who are you?”

  Jake went to answer the man. “This is Jasper S—”

  “Saunders,” the marshal interrupted. “Jake and I served together … in the war.”

  CHAPTER 34

  Violet’s prattle about the latest fashions matched the rhythm of the wagon’s traverse over potholes. The heat from the sun only added to Evangeline’s discomfort. Half-listening, her mind drifted to thoughts of Jake. What possessed me to trade lunch with my husband for …

  Violet’s hysterical scream jerked Evangeline back to the present. She recognized the sound of gunfire as Javier fell from the wagon. The horse bucked then began to gallop. Evangeline climbed over the seat to grab the reins and bring Sage to a halt. Violet sat frozen, her face a ghostly pallor. There was no time to comfort her. She grabbed her bag and raced back to Javier’s body. Evangeline wiped blood from the young man’s face as riders approached.

  “You’re wastin’ your time, missy,” Bart taunted. “I’m a dead shot, and at that range with this fine sniper rifle, that Mexican is meetin’ his maker right now.”

  Evangeline rose and glared at him. “Why was it necessary to kill this man?”

  Bart’s smug expression stood in contrast to his disheveled appearance. His companion wore a bowler hat and a stained suit vest over his worn flannel shirt. A well-chewed cigar revealed where his mouth hid underneath a thick beard. His eyes told Evangeline he was enjoying her dilemma.

  Bart smiled wickedly as he grasped Evangeline’s arm. “It’s you ladies I want.”

  “Whatever for?” Violet’s eyes widened as she leapt from the wagon, catching her voluminous skirt on the wagon brake.

  “Hitchcock, see to that.” Bart’s friend went into action, reaching the wagon as Violet ripped her dress. He brandished his rifle, causing Violet to once again go into hysterics. He slapped her, and she quieted to heavy sobs.

  “Get back in the wagon,” Bart growled. We’re gonna take a little ride together.”

  Violet boarded first, giving Evangeline time to reach for the rifle Javier kept under the front seat.

  “I wouldn’t even think of touchin’ that rifle. By the time you did, our snobby Ms. Farley would be dead. Now pick it up gentle-like and toss it away.”

  Evangeline did as he commanded.

  Bart tied the two horses to the carriage while Hitchcock stood guard. Evangeline sat in the front seat with Bart while Hitchcock joined Violet in the back.

  Violet’s trembling voice seemed to feed Bart’s mood. “Why … why are you doing this?”

  “Shut up! You know what you women done.” Bart swatted Sage hard with the reins. She whinnied and jerked, racing forward. He pulled on the reins, but the horse would not slow.

  “You must be gentle with her,” Evangeline said in the calmest voice she could muster. “She’ll overturn the wagon if you don’t loosen your hold on the reins.”

  “Don’t need no woman tellin’ me how to drive.” Bart’s surly tone changed as he loosened the reins and spoke softly to the horse. “Easy girl, settle down now.” As Sage calmed, Bart winced in pain. He held the reins in his good hand and remained silent.

  Hitchcock seemed to take pleasure in resting his rifle on the back of Evangeline’s neck or turning it toward Violet’s face.

  “You ladies best be quiet lest my partner here gets distracted by your chatterin’ and pulls the trigger.” Bart kept his face forward while his words chained the women to their places.

  Evangeline took careful note of the terrain during their silent ride. She sorely regretted her fear of riding. By now she might have figured out an escape route if they could free themselves from their captors.

  After a few hours, Bart stopped the wagon. “We get out here.”

  Evangeline reached below the seat, and Bart grabbed her wrist. “Hey, what you after now?”

  “Please, may I get my medical bag?”

  “What for?”

  “Violet is with child, and she looks very pale.”

  Bart held his injured hand on the elbow of his gun hand. Pain reflected on his face as he eyed the bag. “Tie it to my saddle horn.”

  When Evangeline was finished, Hitchcock unhitched Sage. “Climb aboard, ladies.” Violet grabbed Sage’s mane and swung up without hesitation, offering Evangeline her hand. Hitchcock kept his rifle aimed as they settled on the horse’s back.

  Evangeline prayed as her anxiety increased. Father, help me stay on this horse. Deliver us, please deliver us.

  The men took positions in front and behind. As Evangeline patted Sage, the horse’s calm seemed to pass to her. Thank you, Jesus, for the wisdom to have Sage pull the wagon.

  Violet whimpered as they rode. “If he kills us, your bag will do us no good.”

  “But there are sharp objects in my bag,” Evangeline whispered from her position behind her friend. Her grip around Violet’s waist turned to a brief hug of assurance as the men picked up the pace.

  “You all shut your mouths. No talking!” Bart barked.

  They rode for over an hour before coming upon the soddie Jake and Evangeline had stayed in their first night. From the direction they had approached, it was virtually unnoticeable except for the chimney protruding from the sod roof.

  “Get on in there,” Bart ordered. “Hitchcock, I’ll watch the women while you go back and cover our tracks.”

  The coolness inside gave them relief from the late afternoon sun. Bart hadn’t bothered to take the picnic lunch or water from the carriage. He ordered the women to sit on the floor near the wall. His silent vigil at the lone window blocked much of the light and gave the soddie an even more dismal feel.

  Evangeline worried for Violet, who was sagging against her. How different it had felt sharing the soddie with Jake. His presence had made her feel safe and the darkness merely part of the journey. Jake, I’m sorry I didn’t stay home. Please, Father, don’t let me die.

  Hitchcock returned within the hour. “Backtracked in a few different directions. Oughta confuse anyone tryin’ to find us.”

  “You better be right.”

  “I’m a tracker so I oughta know how to cover tracks.”

  “Mr. Vickers, may we have some water?” Evangeline asked.

  “Where do you suggest I get it?”

  “There should be a rain barrel outside. May I check to see if there is water?”

  “Just remember, if you don’t come back, your friend dies.” Bart’s threat formed a shiver down her spine, and Violet whimpered again. Neither Bart nor Hitchcock left to accompany her
. She momentarily thought of running, but Hitchcock would probably relish shooting Violet. She resolved to be as cooperative as she could while still trying to find an escape. Her body quaked as the familiar helpless feeling tried to surface. Please, God, keep us in Your care. She took deep gulps of air, forcing her feet forward.

  Evangeline checked the barrel. The last rain had filled it. She put water in the bucket and set it down. Before going back inside, she climbed the hill until she reached the roof. Ripping a long piece of petticoat, she stuffed it into the loose chinking of the chimney. It waved as a salute in the breeze. She hurried back down, grabbed the bucket, and reentered the soddie.

  Bart shoved his gun in her face. “What took you so long?”

  “I had to relieve myself,” Evangeline blurted.

  He grunted and signaled for her to join her friend on the floor. After taking the dipper and drinking his fill, he passed it to Hitchcock, who took a long draft and spat tobacco on the floor. He refilled it and drank again before passing the dipper to the women.

  Evangeline took her finger and carefully cleaned the tobacco residue from the edge of the dipper before drinking, then wiped her hand on her dress. Violet’s face registered disgust as she handled the dipper. Evangeline shot her a warning look, and Violet drank without complaint.

  “Which one of you women,” Bart spoke the word like a curse, “knows how to cook?”

  “I imagine I can do a fair enough job with the supplies on hand,” Evangeline said. She glanced at Violet as a plan formed in her mind. With shaking hands, she lit the fire. As she reached into the box of provisions, smoke filled the room. She ran to Violet and pulled her out the door. As they ran, a shot blasted past their heads. Violet froze, sobbing hysterically. No amount of persuasion could get her to move.

  Hitchcock reached them in two long strides and punched Evangeline hard in the face.

  She held her footing.

  “Open the damper and the window,” Bart instructed Hitchcock as he pushed Evangeline back into the soddie. He jerked Violet by the arm, causing her to wince and stumble. His eyes flashed anger as he hissed at Evangeline. “Try somethin’ like that again, and you won’t live to tell about it.” He looked at Hitchcock. “You do the cookin’.”

  “I ain’t your servant.” The man swore under his breath as he prepared the meal.

  Violet grew more and more agitated, which fueled Bart’s manic state. He paced like a caged animal, looking out the window one moment, glaring at Violet the next.

  Insects moved from the wall onto Violet’s dress. She jumped up, desperately trying to dislodge them.

  Hitchcock slapped Violet to the floor. She remained motionless while tears ran down her face. Evangeline crawled over and pulled her close. She rested Violet’s head in her lap and stroked her hair while she prayed silently. Please, Lord, make a way of escape. Don’t desert us in our hour of need. She wondered how long it would take Jake and the others to find them. Please, Lord, show Jake where we are.

  Hitchcock glared. “Now that we’re done with the grub, you two can clean up.”

  The women started the chores. If the tin plates had been breakable, Violet’s shaking would have created a pile of shards and more trouble from their captors. She dropped two plates and a cup before the dishes were clean.

  “What exactly have we done to you?” Violet asked in a timid voice.

  Bart remained silent and glared.

  Evangeline returned his stare. “Even a condemned man knows why he is being hanged.”

  “You women are all alike. You connive to get your men to do what you want and then pretend you had nothin’ to do with it. A man serves his country because his wife tells him it would make her proud. When he comes home, she treats him like he’s some evil thing—cryin’ and accusin’ him of changin’. Your high and mighty husbands are gonna pay for your return, but I ain’t returnin’ ya.” A malicious smile appeared on his face. “They’ll be better off without ya.” Bart’s wild-eyed expression brought Violet to hysterics again, and Hitchcock raised his hand to slap her as before.

  Choking back the tears, she sat down and huddled on the floor.

  Evangeline finished the dishes while silently praying for deliverance.

  ***

  The sound of a single gunshot echoed in the distance. The men kicked their horses into a gallop. It seemed like an eternity to Jake until he spotted the white flag flapping in the breeze. Somehow, he knew Evangeline had put it there. Thank You, Lord. I need Your wisdom and peace. Keep her safe. Don’t let these men take her from me. Signaling to the men to stop, he dismounted. They joined him behind a boulder.

  “Do you think he shot one of them?” Duke asked.

  “Sounded like it,” Sims responded. “If that’s the case, it won’t be long until he shoots the other.”

  Duke began to inch away. “I’ll sneak down and see what I can do.”

  Jake stopped him. “No, I’ll go.” He couldn’t let anyone else do his job. He angled his way down the hill until he leaned near the door. From this vantage point, he saw three horses tethered nearby. Sage whinnied recognition. Jake stood still until he heard movement inside.

  When Evangeline opened the door, he could tell she was startled, but she kept her composure and adjusted her stance to block the view of the men inside. She emptied the dishwater at Jake’s feet. Her cheeks were bright red, and his hands fisted.

  Swearing emanated from inside. “What are you doin’, woman? Come in and shut the blame door.”

  As Jake crawled back up the hill toward his men, he heard Hitchcock threaten to put a bullet in the women’s heads if they tried any more nonsense. He resisted the strong urge to go back. “They’re safe, at least for now. Sounds like Vickers has an accomplice.”

  “If we hadn’t seen the piece of cloth, we’d have ridden right past,” Walters said.

  Duke removed his hat and wiped his brow with his forearm. “What’s the plan, Boss?’

  “It’ll be dark soon. We’ll wait.” Jake instructed each man into position around the soddie.

  “You’re taking a risk, Marcum,” Sims said. “How do you know he won’t kill your wife and her friend before we can get them out?”

  “I think Bart’s more interested in the money than shootin’ the women. What would you suggest?”

  “Same as you, I’m afraid. If it was only Vickers, I’d block the chimney and smoke him out. He’d either come out or die in there.” Sims scanned the area to see if the others were in position. “I’d keep a close eye out for Farley’s men.”

  “I know not to trust any of ‘em.”

  “More than that, they’re wanted for murder and bank robbery in Missouri and Indiana. Funny how they got hooked up with Paine, aka Farley.” Sims refrained from saying more.

  Jake’s blood ran cold as he thought about what could happen. They could rescue the women and still end up in a gunfight with these two. And what if more of Farley’s men showed up? Everyone could die. Again he prayed.

  When the sun finally melted behind the horizon, the men went into action. Bo secured the horses so they couldn’t escape. The others took their positions near the door and window.

  ***

  Inside the soddie, Evangeline had a prayer vigil swirling in her mind. Relief flooded her that Vickers and Hitchcock had tired of tormenting them. They’d settled into a not-too-friendly game of cards.

  “Hitchcock, you’re the worse cheat they is. I seen you palm that ace.” Bart slammed his fist on the table.

  Violet jumped and clung more frantically to her friend.

  Evangeline thought she heard the clink of spurs over the sound of Bart’s violent outburst.

  “No one calls me a cheat.” Hitchcock gathered up the cards and flung them into the fireplace. Embers ignited the cards.

  Bart leapt to his feet to put out the fire. “Idiot. Tryin’ to send smoke signals?”

  “I still don’t like the idea of you goin’ for the money.” Hitchcock spat a stream of tobacco towar
d Violet, landing the glob near her feet. She flinched but made no sound.

  “It’s my plan. I come up with it. I go get the money while you take these two over to Baxter Hill and take care of ‘em.”

  Hitchcock grumbled under his breath. “Yeah, I know. I get to do your dirty work.”

  “And your share will make you a rich man.” Bart flexed his right hand. In his rush to put the fire out, he’d used it without caution. Evangeline saw sweat forming on his brow.

  “You got any laudanum in that bag?”

  Evangeline’s heart raced. Every fiber of her body tensed while her mind cried out in prayer. Where was Jake?

  “Woman! Did you hear what I said?” When she didn’t respond, he stuck his gun in her face. His angry tone captured her full attention. “Do you have any laudanum in that bag?”

  “I don’t think so. I ran out and have not been able to get more.” Evangeline quelled her rising fear for the sake of Violet. Bart’s nearness caused nightmarish memories to play in her head. A cold chill overtook her. She tried harder to breathe. God, hide me under Your wing.

  “Dump it out on the table and let’s have a look,” Bart ordered.

  Evangeline did as she was told.

  Bart scanned the contents. “Which one is laudanum?’

  “I told you there is none.”

  “Then what is all this stuff?”

  “Those are for headaches, stomach disorders, and nerves. I brought those items along for Mrs. Farley. I had no need for painkillers.”

  “What is this?” Bart held up a small brown bottle. He obviously misread the expression on Evangeline’s face. “So … you do got somethin’ for the pain.”

  “That is not a painkiller.”

  As he tipped the bottle back, several drops fell on his tongue. “Hey, what is this?” Bart cursed and heaved the bottle toward the women.

  Violet screamed as she scrambled out of the way. The bottle crashed into the wall as Bart fell to the ground, paralyzed.

  Hitchcock knocked his chair over as he turned his head to get a better look. He pointed his gun toward the ground. “Bart, you okay?”

  As Violet screamed again, the men came running. Griggs crashed through the door, dispatching Hitchcock with a single shot to the back of the head.