Carissa shuddered at the thought. Lockhart would hold them hostage in a way they couldn’t even fight. They would constantly have to watch over their shoulders. Their children would never be safe, and Hannah could never be allowed out of the protection of the family’s trusted men.
“So you’ll just let this vendetta of yours go on for a lifetime?” Carissa shook her head. “Sounds like you’ll be back in prison.”
He laughed. “You are such a naïve little thing. I’ll have all the freedom I want. That’s the glory of hiring the dirty work done by others. You needn’t fret, Mrs. Lowe. I’ll be quite content.”
“I doubt William Barnett will sit by idly,” she said. “I doubt any of the men there will tolerate your plans. Not only will they see to her safety, but William will hunt you down.”
For the first time since he started talking, Lockhart looked momentarily rattled. He toyed with the revolver and shook his head. “It will do him no good.”
“I think you underestimate him,” Carissa said, recognizing the need to instill doubt in Lockhart’s mind. “You must remember: William was a soldier. He knows about ambushing and waiting out the enemy.”
“He also took a bullet in the leg that nearly crippled him. Tell me, does he still walk with a limp?”
“Some,” Carissa replied, “but I’ve yet to see it stop him. While you were sitting in prison, William was making friends and securing his future. And did I mention that my father has been working closely with the Mexican government? I would venture to guess that William could work with him—and authorities in Mexico—to hunt you down.” She smiled and leaned back against the iron rail.
“For someone in your position, you run your mouth very freely,” Lockhart said between clenched teeth.
Carissa shrugged. “I’m quite confident of my protectors, Mr. Lockhart. You have the power to hurt me—to kill me. I know that. But should you do that . . . well . . . let’s just say, it won’t bode well for you. And that gives me great comfort.”
Lockhart frowned. It was clear she’d unnerved him. He picked up the revolver and got to his feet. For a moment he looked at her, and Carissa wondered if she’d pushed him too far. But without another word, he holstered the piece and headed toward the kitchen area of the shack. Only then did Carissa realize that her hands were shaking. She felt her pulse racing, and she thought she might faint at any given moment.
Lord, give me strength, she prayed silently. Closing her eyes, Carissa forced her breathing to even. She could feel clarity return, and the darkness that had threatened her only moments earlier faded. It felt as if God were speaking to her in this quiet way, to assure her that He had heard her cries . . . and that gave Carissa a great sense of comfort.
25
That area southwest of here is diverse,” Ted Terry told William and Tyler. They had spread out a hand-drawn map on the dining room table and were studying it.
“See this area here?” Ted pointed to the map. “Lots of ravines and rock. I’d say it’s about a day’s ride, maybe less, from where you’re supposed to drop the money. If I were up to no good, that’s where I’d go to hide out. And from what I hear, they wouldn’t be the first set of thieves to do so.”
Tyler looked at the two points and nodded. “Makes sense to me. Too much to the east, and they’d run into Fort Worth. Too much in any other direction and they’d hit ranches or forts.”
“Exactly. If they’re asking you to leave the money here,” Ted said, moving his finger to the area the ransom note indicated, “my guess is that they’re hiding out here.” He used another finger to mark the second location.
“If we move under the cover of darkness,” William said, “I figure we can get the drop on them. If we head out right away and get ourselves in position, then we can wait them out until we secure the upper hand.”
“Unless, of course, they’re already in position to watch you,” Ted said, giving William a questioning glance.
“Either way, we’re going,” Tyler said. “Leastwise I am.”
“Me too,” William said.
“In that case, I’ve brought two men along who work for me. Their pasts are a little shady, and I know they are familiar with this area and some of its hideouts. They’ve proven to be good men, despite their past—and I’m certain you can trust them to be useful. I’ll send them with you, and hopefully they can help you find your way through the area.”
“My guess,” William said, straightening, “is that Carissa’s captors won’t be worried about covering their tracks out that far. With any luck, we can get to the rendezvous point and trail ’em.”
Brandon came into the room just then. “Seems I’m destined to be late to meals and meetings.”
“No problem. We’re just discussing our strategy,” Tyler answered.
“And you’re sure you want me to stay here?” Brandon asked, looking from Tyler to William and back again.
“We’ll need the women to have protection here. Since Laura can’t be moved yet anyway, I figure you’re the best one to stay behind,” William replied. “You and the others will make a good show of strength. It’d be just like Lockhart to use this money drop as a diversion to get to Hannah and the others.”
“Well, they’ll have to come through me,” Brandon said. “And I don’t intend to make it easy.”
“I’ll send extra men here, as well,” Ted volunteered.
“The sheriff and his men are going to ride with us,” William continued. “They’re just waiting on us to gather our things.”
Ted nodded. “Come on outside, and I’ll introduce you to Reggie and Dave.”
They followed Ted out the back door and into the area by the pen where the men had congregated with the sheriff. “I see you fellows are getting acquainted,” Ted stated. “Reg, Dave, this is William Barnett and Tyler Atherton. I think you boys have met before, but you can get to know each other better now. I told Will that you two know that area west and south of Fort Worth from the old days.”
The men nodded, although from the looks of their ages, Tyler was certain the old days couldn’t have been too long ago.
“We want to get out there and use the night to conceal us,” William told the men. “Do you think you can help us to navigate the area?”
“Sure thing,” Reg told him. “Glad to help.”
William nodded. “Good. Then I guess we’d best saddle up and head out. It’s a long ride.”
“I wanna come, too,” Andy said. He looked to William. “I can help you . . . I know I can.”
“You can help me most by staying here. In case this is some sort of a trick—and believe me, Lockhart is full of deception—you may well find your hands full right here at the ranch.”
Andy’s brows knit together. “I never thought of that, Will. I’ll stay. Hannah and the others will be safe with us here.”
“Good. I knew I could count on you. Brandon and Berto will give you directions if the worst happens. Listen to them. They’ve had to fight through ambushes before.”
“I’ll listen, Will. I promise.”
Carissa looked at the empty bowl beside the bed. It had been days since Lockhart had offered her any food. The last thing had been a small bowl of grits, and Lockhart had never bothered to even retrieve the bowl. In fact, he’d been pretty scarce of late. She wasn’t even sure where he or the other men were staying at night, because most of the time she was alone.
Her vision blurred when Carissa tried to sit up, and weakness from lack of eating left her too feeble to seek that position for long. She checked the water pitcher and found it dry.
Falling back against the small pillow, Carissa watched the dizzying spin of the room. She knew she’d angered Lockhart with her comments about how he would fail. To punish her he’d left her alone for most of the time. Maybe this was his way of killing her without having to do the job himself. He’d just let starvation and thirst consume her.
She tried to pray, but her mind was beginning to play tricks on her. She thought s
he heard voices from time to time and didn’t know if she was losing her sanity or if the men were standing just outside the door. Twice she’d awakened to find Lockhart standing over her. The last time he’d made some comment about the affair soon being over.
Carissa had lost track of how long it’d been since Long Knife had first taken her, but it seemed like an eternity. She’d seen nothing of any of the other men since Lockhart had dispersed them to their various duties, but she couldn’t help but think that if Long Knife had been there, he would have seen to it that she had food to eat. He seemed more compassionate than the others.
Sleep overcame her again, and when Carissa awoke sometime later, Lockhart had returned and was seated at the table. She couldn’t tell what he was doing, but it looked like he was writing in a book. Maybe he was keeping a journal of all that had transpired. He looked up and found her watching him and closed the book rather hard. Getting to his feet, he crossed to the bed and looked down at her.
“I see you’re still alive. Maybe next time you won’t be so quick to voice your opinion. I have a great many ways to punish you that don’t involve my having to put a bullet in you. Just remember that.”
“Water . . . please,” she managed to speak. Her mouth was so dry it very nearly choked her.
He looked at her for a moment longer and then checked the empty pitcher. “I suppose I can do that. Of course, I will expect your full cooperation from here on out.”
Carissa didn’t know what else she could do. She was far too weak to engage in a sparring match of words, so she nodded. Lockhart picked up the pitcher and left the shack for several minutes. When he finally returned, he held only a small tin cup.
“I’m afraid you’ll need to let the dirt settle to the bottom. There’s not a lot of water in the creek. Dry time of the year, don’t you know.”
Carissa didn’t care. She reached for the cup, desperate for something to drink. Lockhart only laughed. “Drink it if you like.” He walked away.
A wave of hatred gave Carissa momentary strength. She ignored her dizziness as she sat up and reached for the cup, but found she lacked the strength to lift it. Tilting it toward her, Carissa put her hand in the muddy water and pulled a handful to her lips. It was gritty, and she was barely able to straighten the cup before growing quite faint.
When she opened her eyes next, the room was once again deserted. The sky was dark and the room chilly. She thought several times that she heard someone talking, and she found herself wishing whoever it was would come and speak to her. If she were dying, she didn’t want to face it alone.
You’re not alone, Carissa, a voice sounded somewhere deep in her mind. I will never leave you, nor forsake you.
She knew the words were somehow from God. Peace descended over her like a comforting quilt. An image of Gloria’s face came to her, and she smiled. With Gloria, Carissa could see that the sufferings of the past were not without reward.
She thought of how much she had wanted to provide Gloria with a father. Maybe after she was dead, Laura and Brandon would adopt Gloria and give her their name. Carissa hoped they might. She knew that Tyler would continue to visit them and that Gloria would see him from time to time. She hoped that he would tell her stories about how he and Carissa had met. She hoped Tyler would tell Gloria how he’d saved her mother’s life.
Thirst consumed her and Carissa strained to pull herself to the side of the bed. She reached for the cup on the floor, hoping the sediment had settled and that clear water could be had. With all her strength, she forced herself to sit. It felt as if someone else were directing her limbs, however.
Grasping the cup was difficult. Carissa’s hands didn’t seem to want to do what she needed them to. She wanted to cry, but instead she concentrated on the task at hand. Water was all she wanted. Water was what she desired.
Finally her efforts were successful. She put her hand in the cup, and this time drew out water that was fairly clear. She sucked it up from her palm, then brought the cup to her lips. She tipped it and could feel the liquid slide down her dry throat and hit her empty stomach. Then the water seemed to cause her stomach to spasm, and Carissa teetered for a moment on the side of the bed, feeling as if she would vomit. Without thinking, she dropped her hold on the water to steady herself and the cup fell to the ground. The last of the water quickly soaked into the dry floorboards and disappeared, leaving only sediment behind.
Carissa gasped and tried to reach down as if to somehow save some of the water. The room spun and darkness engulfed her. “God, please,” she whispered, her throat still too dry to function properly. “Please help me.”
Laura sat in bed with Daniel asleep on her lap and Lucas doing likewise in her arms. She still marveled at the two sons God had given her. At one time in her life she had despaired of ever finding a husband and then Brandon Reid came into her life. The boys looked just like him.
“What’s that smile all about?” Brandon asked, entering the bedroom the Barnetts had given them to use.
Glancing up, Laura met her husband’s sweet expression. “I’m very blessed. That’s what the smile is about. I feel like I’m touching the sky.”
He smiled and sank onto the bed beside her. “So you aren’t sorry you married me.”
“Never,” she said, feeling close to tears from sheer joy.
Daniel stirred, and Brandon got up. “I’ll put him to bed,” he said, lifting the small boy in his arms. He carried Daniel to the opposite side of the room where his bed awaited, then turned to Laura, who was gazing down at Lucas.
“He’s quite perfect, Mrs. Reid. I don’t believe I’ve thanked you for him.”
She smiled. “You thank me every day just by loving me.” She carefully stood and placed the sleeping baby in his cradle and covered him.
Laura wasn’t surprised when Brandon came behind her and took her in his arms. “Laura, I don’t want to ever be separated from you. I know events will cause that to happen, but I’d rather spend the rest of my life at your side.”
“I feel the same way,” she said, lifting her face to his.
He rewarded her with a passionate kiss before lifting her in his arms. He placed her carefully on the bed and pulled the covers up to warm her. “I need to check outside, but then I’ll be coming to bed. Do you need anything while I’m up?”
She shook her head and sighed in contentment. But once Brandon had gone, Laura couldn’t help but grow worried as she thought of Carissa. Was she cold? Was she being cared for? The ransom note promised to set her free, but these were evil men. Would they keep their word?
Night after night she had prayed for her sister—Brandon too. Poor Gloria cried so often for her mother that Laura felt compelled to join her. It seemed so hopeless at times, and yet she knew full well that there was always hope with God.
A light knock sounded on the door. “Yes?” Laura called softly.
The door opened to reveal Juanita. She tiptoed across the room with a glass of milk. “I thought you might like some warm milk. I know these days are very hard for you,” she whispered.
Laura smiled. “You’re so kind, Juanita. Thank you.”
Juanita nodded. “You are worried for Carissa, sí?”
“Yes. Very worried. She’s been through so much in her young life—first with her husband, Malcolm, and now this. I worry that she’ll lose her faith—that she’ll give up hope.”
“Your sister is a good woman. She has grown in the Lord, and she knows His faithfulness. You should not worry. No matter what happens, God . . . He will watch over her.”
“I know,” Laura said. She sipped the warm milk. “But God watches over a lot of good people who still find themselves in peril—who die. I just don’t know how I would bear it if . . .”
Juanita put her finger to Laura’s lips. “You no speak of it. Your sister . . . she is in His hand, and His grace will be enough. Now you finish the milk and I will take the glass back for you.” She smiled in a motherly fashion, and Laura did as the older woman
instructed.
“Thank you again,” Laura said, giving the glass to Juanita.
“You are welcome.”
Juanita turned back to the door and passed Brandon as he entered the room. He looked at her with a worried expression, but she only smiled. “I bring Miss Laura some milk,” she whispered. “Good night.”
“Good night, Juanita.” Brandon closed the door behind her and came to the bed. Sitting, he pulled off his boots.
“Is everything all right outside?”
He nodded. “We have men on watch. Lockhart would be a fool to try and get in here.”
Laura waited for Brandon to ready himself for bed, then pulled back the cover and relished his warmth as he pulled her into his arms. For a long while neither said anything. Laura could hear the beating of Brandon’s heart and his even breathing, but she knew he wasn’t asleep. “I’m trying so hard to be strong,” she finally said.
“I know. But just remember, you don’t have to bear this alone. I’m here, and so are the others. We all love Carissa, and we will continue to do whatever we can to bring her home safe.”
“But what if she doesn’t come home?”
Brandon didn’t so much as move a muscle. “We will deal with that if it happens. No sense planning for the worst at this point. There’s no reason to believe Lockhart won’t set her free.”
“There’s the matter of them not taking the ransom money,” Laura answered.
He tightened his hold on her ever so slightly. “I didn’t realize you knew that part of the plan.”
“I overheard you men talking. I think it was the best decision, but I know that it won’t bode well for Carissa if William and Tyler aren’t able to capture the men who took her.”
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