By His Hand

by Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  Eddie backed away and started sizing up the town. He didn’t want to be considered part of the group that was growing unruly. The law would probably be showing up soon. He couldn’t find work in any of the usual places, so he’d need to look elsewhere. Only problem was he didn’t know where. This town had all the business one would expect in a town of its size. He generally found work as a laborer. If he could find a family that needed a farm hand, he could manage that easily. He didn’t have the know-how for restaurants or other business work. It would be hard to find work on a family farm. Especially for an outsider that no one knew.

  He had a couple of coins jingling in his pocket and decided to cross the street and see what he could find to eat. He could also ask around for work possibilities. Time to turn on the charm! He wished he could have a bath. He smelled…but that couldn’t be helped.

  He walked into the diner and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dim light inside. There were many open seats. He took one in the corner, so he had a good view of the entire restaurant and could also see out the window. He wanted to watch what happened to the crowd.

  A menu was slapped down on the table in front of him. “Can I start ya off with coffee?” The brunette stood next to his table waiting for his response.

  “No, Ma’am! Glass of ice water would be mighty fine in this heat.” He wanted to ask for a whiskey on the rocks, but didn’t want to get his drinking reputation established this early. He also needed to make his money last as long as he could.

  “I’ll be right back with that. Have a look at the menu. I’ll take your order when I get back.”

  She took off and Eddie appreciated the view of her walking away. She seemed a bit rough around the edges when she spoke, but her dress made it obvious that she was all soft curves underneath. Maybe he could come up with more reasons to get her to come over…just so he could watch her leave.

  He opened the menu and looked for the cheapest meal. Stretching what little coin he had left was a priority. Scanning the menu, he saw his favorite meal, biscuits and gravy. It wasn’t the cheapest option, but his mouth watered regardless. Ah, to hell with my coins. He tried to calculate what he would be left with if he ordered this and decided it didn’t matter. He needed a pick-me-up for his sour attitude. Alcohol would be better, but this would get him going in the right direction. The lovely, sassy brunette was headed his way again. Setting the water glass down, she looked him blankly in the eyes. “Have you decided?”

  Eddie folded his menu. “I’ll have the biscuits and gravy, Ma’am.” He flashed the brightest smile he could muster, and his stomach rumbled loud enough that she broke her melancholy look and stifled a chuckle.

  “I’ll try to put a rush on that. Sounds like you’re pretty hungry.” She used her hand to cover her mouth.

  Time for the puppy dog eyes. Maybe she’ll feel sorry and I’ll get a soft place to sleep for the night. He looked right at her with the face that had won over many girls.

  “I’m sorry that was not polite. I’m mighty hungry. Haven’t eaten in a while.” He was following her face for clues to see if she would bite. Her apple cheeks fell as her smile faded. Hook! “I’ve been down on my luck…what with the layoffs happening. No one has been hiring for a long time.” Her forehead wrinkled and her eyebrows drew together. Line! “My wife and kids took sick several months ago. Kids pulled through and are with my sister while I look for work. Wife didn’t make it, though.” He looked down and paused to reinforce his sad mood. He was apparently managing quiet well. She took a seat across from him and put her hand on top of his.

  “I’m so sorry for your loss. My husband met the same fate about a month back. I’ve been working here and trying to keep the house running. It’s proving to be mighty difficult.” Her face reddened as she realized what she had just revealed to a complete stranger. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t burden you with my problems when you have so many of your own.” She brushed her hands on her apron. “I’ll go put in your order and bring it out to you as soon as it’s ready.”

  She turned, and he kept the somber look on his, so no one could tip her off to his act, but that didn’t prevent him from enjoying the view of her backside. He’d been on the trail for so long, his appetite for a woman had increased as much as his need for food. He just needed to wait. He should know if his plan worked by the time he finished his biscuits.

  It wasn’t long before she returned with a heaping plate of biscuits and gravy…and a side of bacon. Then she put a second plate down with a slice of pie. He wouldn’t get his hopes up just yet, though. He kept the sad look and added a bit of panic to his voice, as he said, “I can’t pay for all of this, Ma’am. It sure does look mighty good, though.” He eyed the plates with pure hunger. A lustful look crossed his face as he stared down at the heaping quantities before he pasted the sorrowful face back on.

  “You eat up. It’s on the house.” She had an eager look on her face and her chestnut eyes were shining with some mischief. He dug into his food in earnest before abruptly stopping with a mouth full of food and a sheepish look on his face. “Oh, don’t stop on my account. Please, eat up while it’s hot.” She began to fiddle with her hands and looked like she was about to say something.

  Eddie took a gulp of water. “It seems like you want to say something. We’ve both been through enough, it sounds like. Feel free to share whatever you need. Sometimes, it’s nice to talk to someone who knows, you know?”

  She nodded and gathered the strength. “Well…oh…this sounds so forward. I’m not normally this trusting, but I know what you must be going through. I don’t have children, so I can’t quite understand that, but I know how it hurts, losing your spouse, I mean.” She swallowed a lump forming in her throat and fidgeted with the end of her apron. “I’m struggling to keep up with work at home and you don’t have a place to hang your head. Maybe we could help each other.” She let her thought hang in air while he sat silent.

  Sinker! He had the perfect quizzical look on his face. She would think he was weighing his options before he spoke. “That would help me out for a while, but I do need to find something that can provide me with funds.”

  Her heart began to race. She needed help and this man seemed like he could provide that. “I can’t pay you, of course, but you would have a place to sleep and plenty of food to build your strength up while you look for work.” She looked at him with a pleading stare. “Oh, I’m sorry I even mentioned it. It’s a terrible idea.

  “No…no it’s not. I see where this could help both of us. But…do you have separate sleeping quarters, Ma’am?” He was playing the perfect gentleman.

  “Oh…of course. Yes. I’m sorry if you felt that implied anything other than strictly two people helping each other out of a terrible situation.” Her head fell, and her face was bright red.

  He chuckled inwardly. “That sounds fine. Better than fine…it sounds wonderful to this tired and hungry body.” He looked down at his plate.

  “Here I am talking away, letting your food get cold. I’ll leave you to it. We can discuss details after you’ve finished.” He nodded his head and dug his fork in, enjoying her walk away from him again.

  Devouring his food did not take long at all. Eddie pushed his plate away after using his finger to swipe up the last of the gravy. She—he still didn’t know her name—was coming to remove his dishes. Her coming would also mean she would leave again. He didn’t think he could grow tired of watching that. “Ma’am?”

  “Ma’am? Oh, dear. We haven’t even been properly introduced and I have you moving in. That doesn’t say much for my manners.” He gave her a soft, sad smile. “I’m Helen.” She held out her hand and waited for him.

  He held her hand delicately as he introduced himself. “Names, Eddie. Very nice to meet you Helen.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. This isn’t right! I’m still in mourning. Her Ben was everything to her. Such a good man. I need to keep Ben’s memory close. She hastily removed her hand from Eddie’s. “I’m off in
two hours. If you meet me back here, we can head to my place and get you settled.”

  “That sounds fine, Helen. Thank you for everything you’re doing. This means so much to me. Please tell the cook that was an excellent meal.”

  Eddie stood and slightly bowed, hoping she would take that as a cue for her to do her walk away again. She complied. He stayed a couple of seconds to admire the view before he took his leave. If he wasn’t so stuffed he would jump up and click his heels. His luck was turning around. If she had some whiskey at her house, he might kiss her.

  Maybe that wouldn’t be such a good idea so soon. He needed to keep up appearances until he had her full trust. Now…what shall I do for the next couple of hours to pass the time? He chose a direction and headed into town. Spotting an establishment for men up the road, he knew exactly what to do while he waited. Not paying for his meal and having a roof and regular meals coming meant he had some spare change. Oh, things are looking up! He began to whistle a tune.

  CHAPTER 33

  Allie had already delivered most of the papers on the route. She was having a hard time breathing and focusing on the job, but she needed to finish. The headline on the front page in bold black letters read “Railroad Layoffs.” She didn’t need to read the article to know what that meant for her own job. She would be laid off to allow some man the opportunity to support his family.

  Her boss had yet to speak with her, but she figured that would be happening before she left for the day. She needed to sit and take a break. Finding the closest bench, she perched herself and decided to read the rest of the paper. She ignored the front page. It made her heart pound in her ears. Flipping through the remaining pages didn’t reveal anything new. The standard reports were the same as they’d been for a while…covering the drought. Wells were failing. Crops were failing. And, now…jobs were failing. Winters were rough in these parts, but she couldn’t help but pine for that season to come sooner rather than later.

  The back page caught Allie’s attention. This was the classified section of this paper. Not much had been posted in the help wanted ads, lately. But today…there was one that screamed to her. They were already advertising for her position, before they even gave her the news that she didn’t work for them anymore. To make matters worse, they were paying more—double—what they were paying her. Worry turned to anger faster than she could control it. She wanted a word with her boss…now! She knew though that she needed to finish her route first. Her anger renewed the energy that the front page had drained away. Finishing the route would not take long now. And, indeed, she had it done in record time.

  Only a half hour later, she marched up the steps to the paper. Bursting through the front door, she called for Mr. Ashton. No one came. She raised her voice and called for him again. His office door opened, and he stepped out, shutting it behind him

  “Now Allie, what’s the meaning of this ruckus? I have a meeting going on in there.” He approached her and crossed his arms mimicking her stance.

  “I saw the paper—front and back!” She spit the words out and waited for him to explain.

  Unfolding his arms, he placed his hands on his hips and cocked his head. “Now we talked about this. And, I was going to tell you today…just hadn’t gotten to it yet.

  “We talked about being replaced. We didn’t talk about the raise you would be giving someone else,” she huffed.

  Dawning crossed his eyes and he softened his posture a bit. “Yes, I’m sure that was a bit of a shock. The position is open for someone to provide for their family. You have your pa to help you. I need to offer a bit more to help whomever I hire. I won’t hire someone who doesn’t have kids. I want to help a family, and this is how I can do it.”

  She turned her head and blinked to fight back the tears.

  “Allie, times are tough for everyone right now. We all need to do our part to help those who need it.” He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder.

  She inhaled sharply. “Yes! I understand clearly, Mr. Ashton. Thank you for the opportunity you gave me, even if it was short. I will clean up in here and head home when I’m finished.” She turned to busy herself.

  “Thank you for understanding. When you’re finished, please find me and I will pay what you are owed. You have been an exceptional employee and I thank you for your hard work” He turned back to his office to rejoin his meeting.

  Allie wanted to get out as fast as she could. He was going to pay someone double for the same job because they would have children. She would have had a child. Would he have paid her more if she did? Would she ever have children? She couldn’t think about that right now.

  Finishing the sweeping and placing the broom back in the closet, Allie rapped on his door to let him know she was leaving. Mr. Ashton cracked the door just wide enough for her to see him. He handed her the coins due and gave her a sympathetic look. That made her boil. She didn’t want or need sympathy! She needed a job. She was right back where she started! All she wanted to do was go to her spot on the creek. She wanted to place herself in solitary confinement. Otherwise, she wasn’t sure she would be able to control her actions around others.

  Stepping out into the glaring sun, she glanced both directions and noticed a familiar figure down the road. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths hoping to keep her composure. If he saw her, he would want to come and talk. She didn’t need that right now. She decided to keep a steady pace through town and not draw attention to herself. Once out of town, she could run her energy off making her way to the creek.

  Thankfully, walking through town was a good choice. Frank didn’t attempt to approach. She wasn’t even sure if he spotted her. He’d been in a conversation with another gentleman.

  It was too hot to run, but Allie didn’t care. She would have the creek to cool her off. So, she ran…and ran…and ran. She made it to her serenity spot at the back of her house. She turned in a circle and didn’t see anyone. Her outer-most layers of clothing were on the bank. And, before she knew it, she felt the relief of the cool water. The creek was shallow, but she could sit and splash the water around to cool off. Her nickers would soak up the water and keep her cool for a while once she climbed out to dry off.

  She sat there thinking for a while about the events that had just taken place. The more she thought about it, the more enraged she felt. If she had a child! If she was born a male! If she hadn’t married Eddie! If…if…if! The ifs would drive her mad. She needed to pull herself out of this. Her thoughts were interrupted by the snap of a twig and an all-too-familiar male voice calling her name.

  Panic clawed at her throat. She was half naked. Her pa would consider this full naked if Frank saw her. Without moving, she hollered from her spot in the creek. She hoped her voice would stop him—and no movement would keep his eyes away from her specific location.

  “Frank, I’m here. Please stop! Turn around until I tell you!

  “Okay,” he shouted back sounding confused. He did what she had asked and waited until she said he could turn back.

  She very quickly donned her dress and made her way up the bank. After perching on her favorite tree, she hollered at him to approach.

  Frank walked over. He’d tried to make sense of all the splashing he’d heard. The situation slowly dawned on him when he saw her dress becoming wet as the seconds passed. Her hair was dripping and hanging limp around her face. A mischievous smile turned up at the corner of his mouth.

  “You take a little swim, did you?”

  “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” She covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

  “By the looks of your dress, I can see why you wanted my back turned. The few dry spots should be soggy shortly!” He pulled up and sat down beside her, breaking out in full laughter.

  “Shut up!” The anger was returning to her voice.

  “Whoa, now! No sense getting upset at me. I didn’t do anything wrong.” He drew his brows together and gave her a long stare back.

  She gave a curt, “Sorry.” Then she
drew her knees up and hugged them to her chest.

  “Now…do we have to go through all this penny nonsense for me to get to the bottom of what’s eating at you? Or, can we do this a little more grown-up like?”

  She harrumphed! His question irritated her further.

  “All right then!” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a shiny penny, and held it out to her.

  Allie looked at the penny and turned her back to him.

  She was sure a stubborn one, but he usually got, at least, a word or two out of her. This complete silence treatment (not counting her childlike noises) was new. She seemed to be testing his patience on a regular basis these days.

  “I can be a patient man. I’ll just sit here. You talk if you want, or don’t. I don’t mind.”

  They sat there silently for a while. Then her patience finally wore thin. She wanted him to leave and she knew he wouldn’t without talking first.

  “Fine, if you must know! I’m not sure why you are so nosy!”

  “Hey! No reason to be rude!” He tried to match her mood.

  “Sorry.” She turned so they were side-by-side, but she wouldn’t look at him. Staring at the creek felt better. She tried to envision the coolness of the creek…washing over the hot rage inside her.

  “Three thousand men have been laid off.”

  Frank was confused. What in the world would make her so angry about that? He was saddened to know so many lost their employment, but what did that have to do with Allie. It didn’t affect him.

  “I heard that. Talked with a few folks in town today and they were all abuzz with the stories.”