Mark grinned and swallowed his last bite. He turned toward the bedroom at the back of the house. “Well, you know, he’s tougher than the rest of us.”
Stubborn was more the word, she thought, watching the boy retreat. Wearing himself out wouldn’t help in a crisis. He needed to be alert, able to think clearly.
Chapter 16
On the porch, Missy nodded to Aunt Della, rocking and doing her mending while watching the evening sky. Jared was headed for the barn, and Seth busy drawing water out of the well.
“Is it getting any closer?”
Della shrugged and snipped the thread from the shirt in her hand. “Hard to tell, just yet. I heard your conversation with Mark a minute ago,” she said, laying aside the shirt and taking a sock from the basket beside her. “Why don’t you step on out to the barn and talk Jared into taking a short nap? My Abe was just about as stubborn as that boy is. Sometimes a woman’s advice can make a difference.”
“Not this woman’s,” Missy shook her head. “I’m the last person that might make an impression on your nephew.”
Della gave a soft laugh and checked her stitches. “I think you might be surprised at the sort of influence you might have with him.”
Missy sighed. Talking to Jared wasn’t always so easy as it had been at the service that morning. Once he made up his mind about something, it was hard to change. “I’ll suggest it,” she promised, stepping off the porch, taking a couple of pitchers with her for water.
Seth saw her coming and smiled. “It’s beautiful out here, isn’t it?”
Missy stared at the shimmering lights to the west, her heart jumping with each slow rumble of thunder that boomed in the distance. “It looks more dangerous than beautiful,” she said as she handed the pitchers to him.
He filled them from the bucket beside him. “A little of both. Don’t look so worried, we’ll take care of it if anything happens.”
Missy smiled at the reassurance in his voice. He had a lot of confidence to be so young. “I know you will. Mark told me that you and he were switching off with a few hours of sleep throughout the night. Aunt Della thought I ought to encourage Jared to get a little rest, too,” she said, glancing toward the barn.
He stood up straighter and scratched his head. “In case you haven’t noticed, he can be pretty stubborn.”
Missy laughed. “I’ve noticed.” She took a deep breath. There was no need putting the task off for later. Setting the pitchers securely on the rock ledge by the well, she turned toward her destination.
Good luck,” Seth called after her.
***
The barn was quiet and warm, only a soft nicker from one of the horses floated through the silence. She stood just inside, letting her eyes adjust to the faint light. “Jared?”
He was beside her almost immediately. “What is it?”
She gave a slight jump and took a step back as he spoke. “I. . I didn’t see you.”
“Is everything alright up at the house?”
Shyness overcame her and left her thoughts muddled. What had possessed Della to send her out here to talk to him? He was a grown man, capable of resting when he thought it necessary. It was only going to annoy him if she tried to interfere. She folded her arms in front of her, as if making space between them. “I just. . .well, Mark said you weren’t going to sleep tonight and Aunt Della thought. . .”
He gave a short laugh. “That I need the rest?”
She tightened her jaw. He was so hardheaded he made a bulldog look passive. “Well of course you do. Mark or Seth will wake you if something happens. She only meant for you to nap for a short time. Besides, Aunt Della and I can watch from the porch for a few hours.”
He turned his head, giving light to the side of his face nearest the door. She stared at the image before her. That was the man she knew. Half sun, half night. Half kind, half bitter.
The light was sweet, funny, caring, a true family man. The kind of man any woman would be glad to love. The dark side was cold, hard, always ready to find fault. She shivered and turned away. “I’m sorry I bothered you. I’ll just be getting–”
“No, wait.” His fingers curled around her elbow and drew her further inside the gloomy light, pulling her closer to him. “There’s something I wanted to ask you about this afternoon.”
A heavy weight seemed to press on her chest, making it hard to breathe. His fingers were like an iron clasp on her arm. Everything inside of her balked. He really had noticed her encounter with the older blonde woman. Now he wanted an explanation to her reaction. And she had none, though she had pondered it all evening.
She attempted to pull away from his grip, but he held her tighter, drawing her even nearer. Heat from his fingers seared her arm and her heart skipped a beat before racing ahead like a rabbit on the run from a hungry coyote.
There was no need to fool herself, excusing her reaction as fear. What was wrong with her? How could she be attracted to a man who could be so cold and unrelenting? “Excuse me, but I really need to get back inside–”
He interrupted, his voice gruff and demanding. “Who was that woman you spoke to just as we were leaving?”
She gave a short laugh and willed her voice not to tremble. “I spoke to a lot of women today, Jared. I can’t possibly remember–”
His voice cooled and the tone lowered. “You know which one I mean. Did you recognize her?”
She stared into the shadowy face. Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper. “No. I don’t know who she is.” It was the truth. Maybe the woman just reminded her of someone she hadn’t liked sometime in her life. A strict teacher from her childhood. Or cranky aunt, or. . .or. . .
“I saw the surprise on your face when you looked at her. Or should I say recognition?” His eyes searched hers, as if they could find the answer if he looked deep enough into her soul.
She swallowed at his accusation and tried to pull her gaze from his, turning her head slightly. “Are you doubting my word? I told you I don’t know who she is.”
His thumb went under her chin, his finger pressing deep into her cheek, turning her gaze back to him. “She frightened you. Are you denying that?”
The closeness between them sent shivers down her spine. His fingers were like hot embers, burning into her face. She resisted closing her eyes and tilting her mouth to his. Her heart pounded in her ears, the roar matching the distant thunder, all but drowning his voice from her hearing. “No. I mean. . .”
He seemed not to notice that she wasn’t answering, his sapphire gaze searching her face. For a second, he moved closer, his face lowering to hers, his lips brushing hers with a whisper, sending her heart reeling.
“Hey, Jared, have you seen. . .”
His fingers released her arm and they sprang apart as Seth stopped in the doorway. “I’m sorry…I…”
Jared cleared his throat. His words were sharp and crisp. “Have I seen what?”
Seth turned, his line of vision looking back outside. “I just wondered if you knew where that spare rope was for the well.”
“Look under the porch, behind the steps. Mark pushed it up under there a few days ago.”
Silence occupied the air as he walked away.
Missy massaged her elbow where his fingers had held her tight, trying to rub away the tingles that flowed down her arm. Her lips were still trembling from his brief kiss.
“I guess you’d better get back inside,” he said, his eyes avoiding her face.
Glad for her dismissal she headed for the door, then paused, forcing her voice to a normal tone. “Something about her did upset me. I’m just not sure why it affected me that way. I’ve tried and tried to remember, but I have no idea who she is or where I might know her from. I can only ask that you believe me.”
He shrugged and reached for a lantern hanging on a post. “Maybe it’ll come to you later.”
Chapter 17
Her feet pounded the hard ground, but it seemed as if she was getting nowhere. She had to get away. Air hung
heavy in her chest. She struggled to swallow as her throat began to close. Faster, faster.
But he was quicker, grabbing at her hair and hat. The toe of her shoe caught on a fallen branch and down she went, her knees slamming into the dry grass along the bank. His hands were around her neck for a moment, then he pulled her to her feet.
His grimy face only inches from hers; putrid breath blew across her face, sending shudders down her spine . He would kill her if he could. She knew that now. The lies, the kind words, all of it for his own sake.
Help me, Lord. Please help me. With every inch of force she could muster, her fists met his scraggly-haired cheeks. He began to shout.
She struggled against his massive strength, her teeth sinking into the hand that clenched her arm. His scream of pain echoed in her ears as she began to run again into the darkness before her.
“Missy! Missy! Are you all right? Wake up, girl!”
She opened her eyes to see Della Murphy’s worried expression looming over her. The small oil lamp in her hand cast a glow in the dim light of the room.
Clutching her skirt, Missy sat upright from the pillows she’d been reclining on, remembering she’d only come in to rest for a few moments. She blinked her heavy eyes. She must be more tired than she’d thought. Shadows around the doorway told her that a brother or two were standing just outside.
“You were shouting to wake the dead!” Della exclaimed, putting her hand on Missy’s forehead, as if checking for a fever.
Missy shook her head. “No, I’m not sick. Just a. . .a dream. I think maybe something that happened that. . .that day. I just can’t remember, exactly. There was. . .somebody. A man.” A sob rushed up her throat. “But I‘m not sure.”
Della set the lamp on the bedside table and sat on the bed. “Now you just lay back. It’s all over now. You’re safe here, you know. You probably heard Seth shouting out there.”
Missy lay back and smiled as the woman arranged the thin quilt around her, tucking her in as if she were a child. Had her own mother done the same for her? It was easy to summon an image of someone loving her, taking care of her. But it was only a wished for memory.
“You want me to sit here until you get back to sleep?”
Missy shook her head. “No, but thank you. And I’m sorry I awakened you.”
“Now don’t be silly,” Della laughed. “I was just worried about you.”
Della was almost to the door when Missy remembered. “Is it still going to storm? Are Jared and Seth out watching?”
Della paused in the entry. “They’re still out there, only it’s Mark with him, now. Jared says it’s slow moving, but will probably do something in the next hour or so. Fade away or hit us full force. Which is a good reason for you to get some rest. They’ll call if they need us.”
Missy snuggled back under the covers and watched the lacey curtains dance in the tepid night wind, an occasional flash in the distance. It was nice to have the window open without mosquitoes biting every second. According to Jared, the hot, dry air had kept them away for most of the summer. Probably kept the summer sickness down, she thought.
Her eyes blinked open. Why would she think that? Had she been sick during the summer at some time in her life? Did mosquitoes make her sick? Shaking the useless thought from her mind, she focused on the flowing fabric, waiting for her eyelids to grow heavy and close, ushering her to a more peaceful sleep than the one from which she had woken. An owl hooted in the distance and her eyes blinked open again. A sigh escaped her lips. She would never be able to sleep. Might as well get up.
***
Leaning against the porch rail, she trained her eyes on the sky. The air outside was cooler, the wind beginning to pick up. A rumble of thunder sounded in the distance as she stared at the horizon, glowing off and on with ever increasing lightning. Another flash and she could see Jared making his way to the house. She moved and stood closer to the stairs, her heartbeat matching his every step.
He caught sight of her as his foot found the first riser. “Better wake up Seth and Aunt Della,” he shouted over another boom from above. “I’m going to help Mark in the barn. The horses are pretty nervous.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned and headed back to help his brother.
***
The thunder moved in in rolls, like cattle stampeding across the prairie. She hugged herself as the entire house vibrated with the roar from the sky. Della was dressed and in the kitchen as Missy stepped inside. She turned toward the back room and Seth was exiting his room at a run, heading outside.
“I’ve never heard such a racket! We’re liable to be in for a mighty big storm,” Della exclaimed, following Missy to the porch.
On the porch, the two of them watched the sky, barely a second in between each bolt. Missy pulled the shawl on her shoulders closer and glanced at Della.
The wind was steadily increasing, blowing leaves and sending dry branches hurtling against the house. She glanced at Della and their eyes met. It was too noisy to talk to each other, but the alarm was plain in the older woman’s eyes.
“Let’s go back inside,” the older woman suggested.
They were barely inside the door when a deafening BOOM sounded from outside.
Della clutched her arm and they both moved towards the window.
Missy sucked in her breath. “I see flames behind the barn!”
Chapter 18
Mark pulled a bucket from the well as she arrived. He pointed behind them and shouted, “Take it to Seth.”
She could see him, a shadow in the bright firelight , his arms swinging as he used a wet feed bag to beat the blaze consuming the corral around the back of the structure. She stared at the spreading clusters of fire. Was it possible to put it out?
“Go Missy, Go!” Mark shouted.
She blinked hard, drawing her eyes from the hypnotizing flames. This wasn’t the time to dawdle or let fear take hold. She had to do her best to help save the barn.
Please give me courage, Lord. She took a step forward. The handle of the heavy bucket digging deep into her hand, sending shooting pains to her shoulder. Gritting her teeth, she slowly made her way to towards Seth with the heavy burden.
Setting it next to an almost empty bucket, she picked up a spare feed sack and pushed it into what was left in the used bucket, soaking it completely She pulled it out and handed it to Seth as he returned for more.
Della’s arm came round her and grabbed the empty bucket, heading back to the well. Missy took another bag and plunged it into the new bucket. Water soaking into her dress, she headed for the nearest patch of fire. No need for Jared to criticize anymore. Her hands were going to do some real work, now.
***
The flames danced like thousands of candles glowing across the dusty yard and beyond. The heavy sack worked well to snuff out the spreading sparks as they crawled across the barren ground, attaching to any twig or blade of dead grass available, using them like wicks in a lamp.
Twice she had re-wet the bag and come back to the battle that there seemed no end to. Her arms ached with every swing. Her eyes stung and tears trickled down her cheeks. She paused only to wipe the salty sweat from her brow and lip.
Jared’s voice rang through the air. “Get the horses out before the barn starts to burn. Let ‘em go!”
Missy kept her eyes on the flickering light that danced near her feet, beating out the nearest flames. Della set another bucket of water near her and she soaked her bag again.
Thunder crashed as if on top of her and she covered her head and cowered for a second, the boom still echoing in her ears as she stood. Torrents of rain began to pour, soaking her face and clothes in a few moments. The horses, already spooked by the fire, were running wild with fright past her and toward the open range. She caught sight of Mark, his hand grasping the mane of Frost, his favorite horse and the one he intended to ride in the Chance Day race.
He was struggling to stop the frightened animal. His feet with no bearing, he was being dragged alongside.
Aunt Della’s voice rang loud from the porch. “Let go, Mark!”
Jared ran past her in a flash and Missy willed her sodden feet to follow. Please make him let go, Lord. He’s not thinking right.
Jared failed to arrive at his side before Mark managed an attempt to swing onto the back of the terrified animal. Frost, bucking to get away, sent the slender body of his would-be rider crashing into the rail fencing that surrounded the yard.
Missy’s leaden feet suddenly became lighter as she ran toward the injured boy. Della’s scream echoed in her ears as she arrived at Mark’s side and knelt. The rain had slacked some and the abundant lightning gave illumination to the lifeless form on the ground before her. His eyes were closed, blood covered his face from a wound at the hairline.
Chapter 19
Without a moment’s contemplation, she ripped a piece from her sodden apron and applied it to the young man’s forehead.
“His arm, his arm,” Della moaned, crouching next to her.
Missy’s heart lurched in her chest as she stared at the piece of bone. White and gleaming, it pierced through the skin in Mark’s forearm.
A bad fracture, dangerous and hard to set. But the wound on his head was the most worrisome. Her stomach swam with near terror. She swallowed against the rush of acid up her throat, and pressed her free fist tightly against her stomach, willing calmness.
Jared stared at his brother’s still body and Della sobbed uncontrollably. Seth put his hand on his aunt’s shoulder, as if to comfort her. But his face gave away the fear that he was trying to hide.
“Jared, get a blanket and let’s get him inside,” Missy said taking charge of the seemingly paralyzed family. The rain pelting Mark’s face was cleaning the wound, letting her have a better view of it. Her heart spun as she observed the injury. It could be very serious if his skull was fractured.
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