“I’m hot, Frank.” She choked down a chuckle that was bubbling inside her that she knew he wouldn’t understand. After their last conversation she was hot: hot from embarrassment, hot from anger, and hot from this sun! It must be moving closer. That was the only explanation she could come up with for why it felt like the end of July instead of the end of April. She knew the weather was a safe topic…and would stick with that explanation.
Frank sat silent not knowing how to respond. This was not the time or place to get too personal, he realized. So, he sat waiting for her to elaborate so he could decide if he needed to change the direction of the conversation quickly or not.
“The well is drying up and the heat is getting worse. I don’t know what this means for the rest of summer. Ma and Pa are a bit worried about it, but they try not to show it. I may have to spend some time down in the ice house just to find some relief.” She looked down at the table and hoped he believed this was what she originally meant.
With a slight sigh of relief, he joined in her topic of choice “I have heard of some fires already…over in Idaho. Seems a bit early, but they are not in the way of anything and no one is real worried about it now. We have seen some summers with more rain than dry days. Hopefully, we’ll have one of those.”
“Yes, we can hope for that.” She began twiddling her thumbs wondering what to talk about next. “Have you seen Blinne recently? I thought she might be here today, but I haven’t spotted her yet.”
“She is nearing the end and I’m sure the trip in would be too much for her to do right now. I was going to go check on her this week. That baby could come any day.” Glancing around to make sure no one was within ear shot he found another subject “Remember…Paul asked me to come back after our lunch by the river?”
Not the topic she was hoping was next on the list, but she was curious as to what Paul wanted to tell him. “I do. Did you get a chance to speak with him?’
“I did.” But before he could say more, Gladys approached him from behind and sat with purpose.
“Hi, Frank…Allie.” She made eye contact with both and then focused on Frank. “How are you Allie? I’m sorry I haven’t made time to come and see you, but you know how it is. Life is busy. Frank, how are you? I’ve come calling a couple of times, but your mother told me you were out each time.
Allie attempted to hide her smirk as Frank, ever so slightly, rolled his eyes. “Yes, I have been busy helping my father at the bank and catching up on the doctoring side of things here.” Frank locked eyes with Allie before turning to look at Gladys. She had on a yellow dress and not the pale subtle kind. She might be the sun and the reason this place is so darn hot. That dress could blind a person! Turning back to save his eyes from permanent damage, he asked Allie if she would enjoy taking a short walk.
“I would love to Frank, but it seems that Gladys might enjoy your company more right now.” She darn near giggled knowing what she just did to him.
Gladys pulled herself more upright and agreed that she could use the exercise after sitting so long at church. Frank’s expression was perfect. Sure, she felt somewhat bad about the predicament she just put him in, but she needed to stop the direction he was leading their conversation. Sitting smack dab in the middle of the church social was not the place to discuss such matters. Some of these women had sharp ears and what they didn’t hear they would fill in, leaving her unaware of what gossip might start spreading about her, and Frank, for that matter.
Frank hesitated while he glared across at Allie, who fought the urge to laugh out loud. He rose and held his arm to Gladys, while asking if she would care to join him on a brief walk. He looked back at Allie when he said the word brief, trying to convey that he would be back shortly and didn’t want her to leave. Gladys, of course, agreed in an overly excited tone and grabbed his offered arm. They made their way towards the tree line as Mrs. Wimble and Ma were approaching.
Mrs. Wimble spoke first. “It is so good to see you again, my dear. I heard a rumor that you had an accident. A few ladies in my women’s group saw bruises when you first came back to town and I did notice some color on your face. Whatever that was, it looks all healed up now. I sure hope it wasn’t more severe than that. Your ma assures me that you are very healthy and just relaxing at home for a bit.”
Allie looked to Ma who had a just-smile-and-say-as-little-as-possible look on her face.
“Yes…well…I am here, and I am fine now. Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Wimble. You just missed Gladys and Frank. They headed over there on a walk.” As she glanced in the direction they had taken, Allie spotted Pa making his way back with his plate loaded down. Knowing him, he probably already ate some of it, too. At least this conversation will be short…Mrs. Wimble won’t stay long once he arrives.
“I did not. Frank is such a nice man. I hope he stays around for a while. Poor Gladys was beside herself when he moved away. Looks as though she might get her chance with him after all.” Mrs. Wimble turned in their direction to monitor their moves as she continued singing Frank’s praise.
“Hello, ladies!” Pa boomed as he set his plate down and took his seat.
Mrs. Wimble turned and paused. “Hello to you! Oh! Hello, Andrew! Uh…yes…did you hear that? Someone called me. I must go and see what they need. Pleased to see you all again. Do take care.”
Ma and Allie chuckled together for a moment as Mrs. Wimble rushed away before Pa asked, “What was that all about?”
Allie sat, and Ma just shrugged…but they both knew it was Drew’s presence. Since the accident, he made people nervous. They didn’t know what to say or do around him anymore. It irritated Allie, but for now, she would be thankful for not having to deal with Mrs. Wimble anymore today. Most likely, no one would stop over here again and that was fine with her. She’d been uncomfortable in public enough for one day. She hoped they would leave before Frank had a chance to make his way back over.
Ma must have understood Allie’s feelings as she encouraged them to finish and get on home. At Ma’s request, the men made short work of the rest of their meal and they were off—with Allie in the back of the wagon where she could be alone with her thoughts. Drew was catnapping. This was, no doubt, due to the piled plate of food he had just eaten.
Frank hadn’t made it back to continue their conversation, but Allie knew he would find her soon. She just hoped that next time he would wait until they were in a more private area. Overall, church was good. There were looks from some that she couldn’t interpret, but nothing too upsetting for her. Of course, word had yet to spread about her hope for a divorce. She may have to go into hiding for a while once that news broke. She closed her eyes and decided to let tomorrow worry about tomorrow. She would take notes from Drew…and use this day to rest.
CHAPTER 20
Allie carried the last bucket up from the creek. Watering the vegetable patch was exhausting work. Every year they did this job, but it was usually only for a couple of weeks to a month before the fall rains returned and water began filling their well. She had already been carrying water for longer than they usually did all year, and it was only a couple of weeks into May.
Of course, their well wasn’t dry, but they hoped to prevent that by adding this chore earlier. The weather wasn’t cooperating and seemed to be stuck in the same pattern over the last several weeks: hot, dry, and relentless! That’s all it seemed to know.
“Maybe it forgot what to do?” She thought out loud, using her apron to wipe the sweat that was trailing down the side of her face. Then she chuckled as she realized she was talking like the weather was alive and could be convinced to change. Apparently, it was beginning to get to her—and not just the plants that seemed to die a few more each day.
Looking across the field, she spotted Pa and Drew. They were doing the same job, but their work required carrying the water farther. Each bucket added a little more to the animal trough. Pa had talked about creating a path for the animals to drink directly out of the creek, but decided to continu
e with the buckets. This way, the creek would remain clean in case they ended up needing it for the household. The people living downstream would appreciate it, too.
While she was making her way back around to the front porch, Allie thought she saw something move out of the corner of her eye. Turning, she placed her hand above her brow to block the hellish luminous orb. Nothing was in view, but her eyes felt sunburned and everything seemed to look blurry, making it hard to see much beyond the first few feet in front of her.
Allie continued to walk inside as someone ran up the steps behind her, grabbing her around the shoulders. She screamed and whipped around quickly, but her eyes wouldn’t cooperate. The sun was so bright outside walking into the dark house made everything look black.
Her hands flew to her face in a well-practiced move to shield what might be coming. Then she heard Frank’s voice in a soft soothing tone that quickly changed to a chuckle. Suddenly, the front door banged open and the chuckle was replaced with voices. Everything was swirling around her. She could hear multiple voices, but was unable to tell who belonged to them. Falling to the floor, she placed her hands on her ears and attempted to block them out.
“Drew! Drew!” Frank attempted to distract him before Drew could follow through with his raised fist. It hit him square in the jaw just as Pa was making his way into the house. Pa put his body between Frank and Drew so no further punches would be thrown.
“Now, what is the meaning of all this!” Pa’s voice boomed through the small room getting everyone’s attention. Allie remained on the floor, but lowered her hands. As her eyes began to focus, she began to understand what just took place.
Frank spoke first while rubbing his jaw. “I startled Allie and that made her scream. I guess Drew heard her and came running to her rescue.”
Pa spoke next. “Why would you do a thing like that, Frank?”
Allie’s head cleared and she began to follow the conversation.
Pa gently shook Drew to get his attention. He had remained in the same position staring at Frank.
Frank began to explain, “I’m sorry! I didn’t realize…um…Allie put me in a bit of a situation a couple of weeks ago that I am still trying to undo. I was just doing a little payback is all. I didn’t think it through, I guess.” He bent down and helped her to her feet. “You okay?” He held her gaze trying to read her eyes.
Allie’s face broke into a smile and she nodded her head. “What do you mean still undoing the situation?” She placed her hand over her mouth attempting to stifle her giggle.
“That little walk you sent me on with Gladys turned into her finding any reason possible to drop in at my house and ambush me when I return…almost daily. It seems that was all the encouragement she needed for me to become her prey.”
Not able to hold back anymore Allie let out a loud cackling sound that she could tell unnerved Frank more.
Pa noted the turn of events and the abrupt change in emotions.
“Come on, Drew,” he called out as he began walking out the door. “Everything’s okay.” Not turning back around, he called out, “Frank, please remember to think next time you’re around my daughter. I don’t need a lovesick young man causing all kinds of ruckus round here. I have work to do.”
Allie’s and Frank’s eyes would have popped out of their heads if they weren’t attached. They were both silent for a long while, not quite knowing how to recover from Pa’s words that still hung in the air.
Frank spoke first, while Allie tried to recover from her father’s brazen comments. “Well, I think I’ll go see what Doc’s up to. He’s been using me lately for second opinions and catching me up on the town folk. He’s decided, since I’m here, that he’s going to take a vacation for a couple of weeks. I’ll be running the practice while he and his wife visit family.” Frank turned and began walking out.
“Frank! Wait!” Allie quickly tried to gather her thoughts. “The last time we spoke you were going to tell me about what the sheriff talked to you about, but we were interrupted.”
He slowly turned and motioned for her to sit as he took another chair. “Do you know where Reno is?”
Nodding, she replied, “Vaguely. I know it is south of here…in Nevada.”
“Paul seems to think that might be your best bet…going there, that is. File for the divorce there. Seems they are granting divorces like it’s nothing—no big deal. One catch, though…you must live there for six months, but it’s a guarantee. You won’t have to depend on the mercy of a judge.” Frank sat quietly as she processed the information.
She folded her hands in her lap and focused on her breathing. Moving to Reno was a lot to take in. She didn’t know anyone there. Could she live all alone?
“I will have to think on it. My first thought is protection. No one is there. What if he follows me? I would end up back where I started.” Her eyes became distant and out of focus as she pondered the possibilities.
“That’s why the sheriff told me instead of telling you…so I could help you figure out if it was an option for you.” He stood to say good-bye to her. He knew she needed to absorb the information for a while. “If you need to talk, I’ll be at Doc’s during the day for the next two weeks. The schedule is busy, but I will always find time for you.” He took a step out the door before turning back to add, “Oh! And Blinne had a baby girl. She asked me to tell you she would love for you to come see her soon.”
Allie didn’t move as he made his way out and closed the door behind himself. She continued to sit for a long while before realizing how much time had passed. Ma had asked her to prepare supper for them tonight while she was visiting with a neighbor. Pushing all thoughts aside, she rose to make her way to the kitchen.
CHAPTER 21
Eddie had been watching Allie and her family for a while. His camp wasn’t far away, and he stayed hidden in the brush. He hated camp life. Cooking wasn’t an option as the smoke would tip someone off to his location. He didn’t have much food left and, judging by the way his clothes were hanging from him, he clearly wasn’t eating enough.
The last time he was only here a short while and he doubted anyone would recognize him. But he stayed to himself and away from town, just in case. Going in, getting a bath, some decent food, and maybe a game at the tables would be heaven. But he wouldn’t take the chance of running into the few that might recognize him. He was tired and hungry, but at least he wasn’t cold. That was one positive if he wanted to think that way about it.
Everything was dry and brittle making his movement difficult when he got close to the house. Every footfall had to be placed very carefully or the noise of the crunch underneath could tip anyone off that something was there. All the stillness and crouching led to a very sore back and legs. Grumpy couldn’t begin to describe his current attitude. He was ready to be finished. Things were looking like he might be able to come out of hiding and take what was rightfully his anytime now.
Eddie was thinking of just how he would come out of hiding and daydreaming about his trip back home when he accidently shifted and broke a stick with his foot. Allie, was just outside the house and turned to look. His heart stopped. He was sure she had heard him…or smelled him. He was ripe from weeks of hiding out. But, he breathed a sigh of relief when she turned back to the door. Just a few seconds later a man came running up and he heard Allie scream. Through the open door, he saw the commotion that followed.
Eddie had come to gather information…and now he knew that Allie and her family were not completely comfortable. Suppressing disappointment, he continued to watch quietly from his hidey-hole. He’d hoped enough time had passed that everyone would have their guard down. Judging by their behaviors, this was not the case. He began to reform his plan. He hadn’t anticipated needing to drag this out longer, but he was patient. If he didn’t wait until the right time, he would be caught before he was able to get her back to Idaho.
As the commotion settled, he was already thinking about his options. He was hot, miserable, and hungry. No
t being able to move on to the next part of his plan irritated him to no end. Staying and continuing to camp was not an option. He didn’t even want to think about it. He didn’t want to continue being miserable. The only option was to head back to Idaho for a while. Then he could wait out Allie and her family in some comfort.
His thoughts wandered to Pearl. Her company would help pass the time while he waited for everyone here to get back to their routine. Thinking of Pearl left a smirk on his face. He could slip back to town and catch the next train. Tonight, on the train, he would dream about clean clothes and a meal prepared by someone else.
CHAPTER 22
The wet cloth Allie placed on her neck to make the walk to Blinne’s home more bearable was drying…and she was only half way there. The walk back home later in the day would be worse, she thought to herself.
Seeing Blinne’s baby was bound to bring forth varied emotions, but the alternative would be sitting at home going back and forth between what to do about Frank. She trudged on, making her way over the top of the hill. Pausing to enjoy the view that opened from the woods, she took a breath and tried to calm herself. She could see their house down below. It was small and bursting with love. Birds were chirping from their nests in the trees. It was a happy sound. One day…maybe soon…she could also be as happy and content. Putting one foot in front of the other, she made her way down the other side of the hill and walked up to the front door.
Blinne was singing from behind the door, adding to the surreal feeling of joy from the little house. This was a big contrast to her melancholy mood. Allie knocked, and the singing stopped. The door opened and the bright smile on Blinne’s face was just as bright as her yellow dress. “Oh, Allie! I am so glad you came. Come in, come in!”
Allie stepped over the threshold and gave Blinne a tight squeeze before walking to the table to set her hat and washrag down. “Well, don’t make me wait, let me see your angel.”
By His Hand Page 9