by S. C. Wilson
“Oh!” Sarah said with a slight tremble in her voice. “You startled me. Did you get the food off the table?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to go with me? I’d feel a lot better knowing you weren’t going out there by yourself. You know how dangerous it can be.”
Jessica stood and listened to the cautions she knew by heart. She and Toby had been lectured many times about the dangers of the Devil’s Fork River: how swift the current was, how it swallowed anything that entered, and how they must only fish in the small inlet leading off of it.
Jessica knew it was impossible to catch fish in that river anyway because she had seen Toby try it once. The current was too strong, and it had snagged his line as soon as he had tossed it in. She had watched in horror as Toby jumped onto one of the boulders close to the bank to free it. She’d been furious. They both knew the rules. Toby had begged her not to tell a soul, and he had even made her pinky swear, the most sacred promise a ten-year-old could make.
Jessica continued listening to the speech she could have made herself. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, annoyed at the delay and repetition.
Jessica crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I’m not a baby,” she said. “I’m ten years old.”
Wringing out another piece of clothing, Sarah continued. “I don’t care if you’re thirty. You will always be my baby.”
“I’ll stay away from the river. Promise. So don’t worry.”
“That’s what mothers do. You’ll understand that when you grow up, get married, and have children of your own.”
“I’m never getting married. Boys are disgusting,” Jessica said, wrinkling her nose.
Sarah smiled down at her daughter. “I think someday you will probably change your mind.”
“No, I won’t!” She pinched her lips together.
“Well,” Sarah said, “let’s not argue about boys. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of discussions about them when you’re older. You be careful today. I don’t know what I’d do if something ever happened to you. Maybe you should come with—”
“Nothing is going to happen,” Jessica interrupted, sensing her opportunity slipping away. It was time to go before her mother changed her mind. “I’ll be all right.”
“Oh, very well,” Sarah said. She gently took hold of Jessica’s chin, tilting her head back so that she could look directly into the young girl’s eyes. “You don’t put so much as a toe into that river. Is that understood?”
“I won’t, Mama,” she said, practically bouncing with excitement. “I promise.”
“I mean it,” Sarah said, reiterating her words as she leaned down and kissed Jessica’s upturned cheek.
Jessica hugged her mother’s aproned waist tightly in an unusual outpouring of affection before turning and running toward the barn.
She heard her mother yell. “Stay out of the water!”
“I will,” she called over her shoulder as she waved a final goodbye.
Chapter Three
Jessica saw Toby brushing the morning’s dirt and manure from his arms. She couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease him.
She sang, “One scoop, two scoops…”
Toby bent down as fast as he could and picked up a clod off of the ground.
“Makes Toby smell like poo—”
He hurled it at her, yelling, “You’re so stupid!”
Jessica ducked, narrowly avoiding being hit by something firm and foul smelling. It soared past her head and hit the barn door with a thud.
“Ha! You missed me,” she said, sticking out her tongue.
“You’re such a pain in my—” Toby said but stopped himself. If his mother heard him, he’d get the switch. Today was going to be a great day. He wasn’t going to let his little sister get him into trouble, not today.
Fishing pole in hand, Jessica hurried out of the barn, determined not to let anything delay her further. The fishing spot wasn’t far, but would take her short legs half an hour to get there. It didn’t matter to her how long it took, really. She loved the walk and had done it so many times with Toby she could do it in her sleep if she had to.
Jessica walked confidently, pole over her left shoulder, feeling as if she could conquer the world. In her other hand she carried a stout stick she found along the way. She swung it through the air, fighting off hidden enemies as she continued.
The woods were blanketed in colors. The vibrant scarlet, honey, and ginger hues enhanced the red in her hair, as it gleamed in the bright morning sun. Many of the trees were already losing their leaves, carpeting her path in beautiful autumn foliage. She might have been old enough to gain temporary independence, but wasn’t too old to enjoy kicking the small piles of leaves into the air as she made her way along.
Rounding a small bend, she came upon what she considered to be the finest fishing hole in the world. She didn’t actually have any experience with other fishing holes, as this was the only place she had ever fished. This spot probably wouldn’t seem great to anyone else, but through the eyes of this ten-year-old girl, it was magical.
Jessica turned over several rocks, grabbing any worms she spotted before they could burrow back into the ground. She held half a dozen captive on a curved piece of elm bark. She settled onto her favorite rock situated between the Devil’s Fork and the small cove she considered her own, and then baited her hook.
She studied the worm as it squirmed on the sharp tip of her hook. I’d rather kiss this worm than kiss a boy. Jessica was still bewildered that her mom would think she would ever fall in love with a boy let alone marry one.
With her line in the water, she sat listening to the crashing water of the nearby river. The sound calmed her. She’d once been so relaxed she had fallen asleep, only to be jerked awake by the sound of Toby yelling, “You got one!” It had been a trick, as it was her brother tugging on her line. She usually liked having him around. At times like that, though, she had to fight the urge to push him in.
Her mind drifted back to her conversation with her mother. She usually jumped at the chance to go to town, but not this time. Her father had made her a new cane fishing pole and she had been eager to try it out. Besides, she thought, what girl would want to go to town when they can go fishing. At her age, there wasn’t much she could do to contribute to the family. When it came to fishing, though, she was the best.
Sitting there, she came to the conclusion that her mother was just going to have to accept the fact that she was growing up. She was only ten, but she could take care herself.
Toby got the horse and wagon headed toward Granite Falls with a smart snap of the reins. His sister, Jamie, sat in the back on an old, folded up quilt, and his mother sat on the wooden seat beside him. For Toby, too, this was one of the best days ever. Usually when they went to town, he was stuck riding in the back with the girls. On the rare occasion their father couldn’t escort their mother to town, the job had always fallen to Daniel. Finally, Toby felt like the man in charge. He was proud his father had finally trusted him with the responsibility.
There was rarely any trouble in town. Even so, Toby had brought his rifle with him so he was prepared. He was very good with a gun and had already made several successful hunting trips with his father and brother.
Toby pulled up to the hitching post and helped his mother and sister down. The serene little town was a hotbed of activity on that fall day, and he watched the people walking the streets, their booted feet kicking up dust as they hurried along. Toby tried to stand taller than his thirteen years, chest puffed out with pride while he waited next to the horses.
Mr. Carlson greeted the women as soon as they entered the store. “Good morning Mrs. Pratt, Miss Jamie. Jacob is out back unloading some feed.” He winked at Jamie.
Smiling, Jamie thanked Mr. Carlson before practically skipping her way toward the back of the store.
Sarah went about collecting the things she needed. She took her time, remembering being young
and in love; how her heart used to feel like it was bursting out of her chest when she saw James. Her smile widened at the thought. Sarah truly couldn’t think of a nicer young man for her daughter. Jacob was nice-looking, polite, and financially secure. His family owned Carlson’s. If things worked out the way she hoped, she wouldn’t have to worry about the young couple struggling to put food on the table.
Standing in the back doorway of the store, Jamie called out, “Hi Jacob.”
“Jamie!” Jacob said. He beamed as he dropped the feedbag off his shoulder. “How are you today?” He brushed the dust off his shirt as he made his way over to her.
“I’m fine. And you?” Jamie’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red as she wiped a few remnants of grain from his shoulder, enjoying the feel of him beneath her fingertips.
“Much better now that I get to see you. I was hoping you’d be in today. There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you. Been wanting to ask for a long time. Just not sure how to say it.”
Jamie’s heart beat like a drum. It thumped so loud in her ears she thought for certain Jacob could hear it too. The day she had dreamed about for so long was here. At least, she hoped it was. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Mother always says if you have something to say, just go on and say it.” Jamie held her breath.
“I don’t know if you are aware of it,” Jacob said and then cleared his throat as he searched for the right words, “I like you. I like you a lot. I’m not sure how you feel about me, but I would like to spend more time with you. Get to know you better.”
“Oh, Jacob, I would like that very much,” she said, trying her best not to sound like an anxious schoolgirl.
Jacob’s smile widened. “I’d like to come by your house this evening and have a talk with your father. Do you think he will give us his blessing?”
“I think he will. I heard him tell Mother once he thought you were a fine young man.”
“Well, will he still feel the same when I tell him I want to start courting his daughter? I know how protective fathers can be.”
“I think he will give us his blessing. Father is a kind man. I can’t think of any reason why he wouldn’t approve of us.”
“I’ll be out at your place this evening as soon as I get my work done,” he said. Looking past Jamie, he saw Sarah standing at the counter. “It looks like your mother is ready to go. Let me walk you in.”
Jamie whispered, “And don’t be scared of Father. I think he will be happy for us.”
Jacob walked up to the counter. “Hello, Mrs. Pratt. Let me load your things for you.”
“That really isn’t necessary, Jacob. I didn’t buy much today and we can manage,” Sarah said, motioning through the large plate glass window for Toby to come inside. “Besides, I’m sure you have more important things to do.”
“It’s always my pleasure to help,” Jacob said. He grabbed the two largest bundles from the counter and headed toward the door. Jamie watched his broad back and shoulders as he met Toby in the doorway and handed off a sack of dried beans. She grabbed the bag of coffee and hurried outside to join them, leaving her mother standing at the counter.
“Mrs. Pratt, can I help you with anything else?” asked Mr. Carlson.
“No, I think I…oh, can I get four of those?” Sarah asked, pointing to a glass jar on the shelf behind him.
Mr. Carlson dropped four of the sweets into a small paper bag. “Will that be all?”
“Yes, and thank you.” She smiled, sliding the bag into her dress pocket. “You have a blessed day.”
“You too, ma’am,” he said as he made his way toward the back of the store.
Jacob tipped his hat to Sarah as he passed her on his way back to finish unloading the feed.
A group of four very rough-looking men exited the Rowdy Rabbit Saloon down the street. So drunk they could barely stand, they whistled and jeered at several women passing by. The obvious leader of the group stumbled his way toward Carlson’s store with his cronies following closely behind. His gaze immediately locked onto Sarah Pratt, who was helping Toby and Jamie arrange their purchases in the wagon. He walked up next to them, and tried to take a sack of flour from Sarah’s hands.
“Here,” he said, noisily spitting tobacco juice into the street, “let me help ya with that.” A trail of brown spit rolled down his chin, which he carelessly wiped on the sleeve of his shirt.
“No,” Sarah said, trying her best to hide her disgust. “We can manage, but thank you just the same.”
“Aw come on now. Don’t be like that. Name’s Jake. What’s yours?”
“Uh…Sarah,” she said, reluctantly.
“Well, that’s a pretty name. Matches the face,” Jake said and then snorted.
“We’re in a hurry. I told my husband we wouldn’t be gone long.”
He released a long, slow belch. “Husband. Well, that’s one lucky som’ bitch,” he finished with a hiccup and a pained look on his face.
“Look, we don’t want any trouble. We just need to be on our way.”
“Don’t have to run off. I know a place where we can go. Just you and me.” He gave her a wink.
“Jamie, get in the back. Toby, untie the reins. Look mister, I don’t mean to be rude, but we have to be on our way.” Sarah tried her best to remain calm as she climbed up on the seat and placed Toby’s rifle on her lap.
“Well, hurry on home! Wouldn’t want that husband to worry,” Jake said with a hiss. He used a fat finger to flick the brim of his hat.
One of the men, a skinny blonde, approached the wagon. He brazenly lifted a lock of Jamie’s fine blond hair, letting it play loosely through his dirt-encrusted fingers. The act was made even more offensive by his crooked, tobacco-stained teeth, flashing yellow and brown through a malicious grin.
Jamie was overwhelmed by the foul stench of his breath. Unable to hide her disgust, she pulled away, shoving his hand aside. Those beady eyes narrowed even further, and his cheeks flushed an angry shade of crimson at having been rebuffed so publicly.
“You rude bitch!” he shouted as the wagon pulled away.
Toby’s heart raced. He snapped the reins, the wheels kicking up clouds of dust as they sped away. Looking over his shoulder, he was relieved to see how quickly he’d put distance between them and the men standing in front of Carlson’s.
“Slow it down,” Sarah said, her voice quiet yet commanding. She gently held Toby’s shaking hands, preventing him from snapping the reins again.
Toby’s lip trembled and his heart pounded as the wagon rolled out of Granite Falls.
Chapter Four
After the discovery in Sutter’s Mill, news of gold spread across the country like wildfire. People flocked to the area via the Oregon and California Trails. The Pratt family was one of many who made the journey west in search of a better life.
The exponential population growth brought prosperity to the towns of the region. New roads branched off from the trails as new cities grew along these routes. One such road led to the town of Granite Falls.
James Pratt had found a promising parcel of land just outside the town. Standing in a natural clearing, he studied the slow-moving stream through the ponderosa pines, and an old, long-forgotten barn. Even though the structure was dilapidated, he sighed, contented. He looked beyond the roof of the barn to the towering presence of Mount Perish. Its summit rose majestically in the distance. James knew he was blessed to find such a beautiful place. He visualized bringing new life back to the barn, and more importantly, where he would build the new house for his family.
Mount Perish could be seen from hundreds of miles away. The largest peak in a long range of mountains, it inspired awe in all who gazed upon it. The mountain rose so high, crest disappearing into the clouds, it appeared to touch heaven. The statuesque mass was adorned by thousands of acres of untamed wilderness growing from its slopes. Areas of lush green vegetation provided shelter for a vast array of animals—grizzly bear, beaver, deer, and fox, to name a few. On the west face
, glacier-polished granite crags formed enormous pinnacles. Projecting skyward, they gave a castle-like appearance.
The towering pines cast their shadows on a plethora of descending waterways cascading down the sides of the mountain. Some trickled, looking for the best route, polishing stones along the way. Others would jet and spit off of the face of the sheer granite walls, screaming to be let off the mountain.
Three massive waterways ran down the mountain’s east face, converging into Devil’s Fork River. This vast, fast-moving current was named because of the pitchfork shape it made just above the convergence. Thousands of gallons poured into the river there, creating a waterfall of epic proportions. Devil’s Fork was hundreds of miles long, its downward flowing twists and turns creating numerous white water rapids.
A portion of the river surged at the wide-ranging base of Mount Perish, separating the mountain from the three towns nestled in its foothills. It provided a natural protective barrier for the mammoth mountain. The ferocity of the rushing water was enough to deter most from attempting to cross. Those foolish enough to try would find themselves overcome by the deluge or risk having their bones snapped, mere twigs against the massive boulders. As such, Mount Perish had been untouched by humankind.
Granite Falls, Ely, and Big Oak were the three towns settled in the foothills of the mountain. A narrow, well-traveled dirt road ran though the towns and beyond. The northernmost, oldest, and largest of the towns was Granite Falls, named after the massive waterfall nestled in the woodlands just six miles from the town’s center. What had once been an old military fort had been transformed over the years. It was now home to Carlson’s General Store, Granite Falls Stables, Doc Tilson’s office—in the back of which he resided—and the Rowdy Rabbit Saloon. Though small, the town was busy and thriving.
The shop owners did well for themselves, but none so well as the Rowdy Rabbit Saloon. The establishment was the first and only two-story building in Granite Falls. The ground floor housed the saloon, while the second story was reserved for business of a more risqué nature. Preferring to trade coins for drink rather than save their money, most of the men heading through town spent their time at this local watering hole. The colorful ladies who worked there were kept as busy as the bartender.