By His Hand

by Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  Part of Eddie was attracted to her free-thinking spirit. He wanted to wrap that up and direct it for his own benefit. She could do so much for him, if he could only find the way to get her focused. He had a lot of time on his hands to think about Allie. He decided he had allowed her too much freedom. That must have been why she felt she could just up and leave him. There was no other explanation that came to him. He thought that if he gave her some small freedoms—decorating the little house with her handmade curtains and such or deciding what to cook each day—she would be satisfied. She would be busy with the little inconsequential decisions and he could go about his business and not have her in the way. And…he’d still have the best part of her when he wanted it.

  Punishing her when she tried to overstep her place was working until she up and left. He wasn’t sure how to remedy that. Whiskey would probably help clear the fog and give him some ideas. He knew she needed a baby. He couldn’t care less. Babies just cause a ruckus and disrupt a man’s life! But she needed one to help keep her tied to him and she hadn’t done her part.

  Eddie thought she might be broken in that department. For a while, he thought she was doing something to prevent it, but he watched her before and after to make sure she had no time for any of that nonsense. He’d have to come out and ask her point blank if she was infertile. Maybe taking in a little orphan child would be enough to cinch the knot. He’d heard those kids were grateful for homes. Maybe the little bastards would work harder than my own offspring. He began to fantasize about the rest of his life. The picture was perfect. He just needed to figure out the best way to make it all happen.

  CHAPTER 41

  It was August 19, 1910. Eddie went to sleep feeling hopeful for his future. He was peaceful. His plan was cast in cement. The fires were under control and he would be out of work soon. Some pay had come, but not all he was owed. Collecting it was his first priority. He wouldn’t leave before he was paid in full. While he waited, he had some cash to keep himself occupied. There were tables and fresh meat in the nearby towns.

  The night was pleasant. The temperature seemed cooler, but he was so exhausted that he wasn’t sure. August was almost over. I’ll finish the month out before I walk away. There probably wouldn’t be any work left after that. Fall should be coming soon, and the fires were tamped down. He’d already worked longer than he thought he would. Two more weeks would be nothing. They might pack him up and send him out sooner. Once he was all paid up, he wouldn’t need to hang out in town to pester anyone about it.

  Eddie kept that in mind the next day as he faced another plate full of potatoes. He’d need to make sure Allie never cooked any for him…ever! He’d had his lifetime supply over the last weeks. Eating them was just for survival now. He needed something in his belly to keep laboring for the next twelve hours.

  He’d been switched to the backfire crew again. He liked this better. The work wasn’t as strenuous. Danger was higher, but it gave his body some rest. Cutting the fire line was hard work. The day was cooler—a much needed relief for everyone. Now…if the rain could just come to finish putting out the fires.

  That would make everyone happy. Just because they had the upper hand didn’t mean they would keep it. The tops of the trees were blowing around, but the wind was calmer down on the forest floor. A few branches had blown out as the day continued. Everyone was paying more attention to their surroundings than usual. The wind provided some relief from the heat, it pushed the smoke out. Moods were much improved. He had buddied up with one of the other guys today. Conversation with him made the day pass much faster. The group had a few decent singing voices. Their songs kept everyone’s spirit up.

  After working for a few hours, a tremendous sound overpowered the angelic voices. It sounded like a train barreling through the forest. That was the only noise in Eddie’s experience that sounded similar. The problem was—there wasn’t a single track nearby. There was zero possibility it could be a train.

  The winds had been increasing all morning. The combined sounds were deafening. All the men stopped working. They were all confused over what was happening. Eddie was scanning the area, trying to figure out the direction of the new noise. He saw many of the men yelling, but he couldn’t hear what they were saying. The roar was overpowering and getting louder.

  One group of men started running toward the group digging the fire line. He saw the panic, but he didn’t understand why. Then a tree exploded into flames in front of him. That sent him running as well. He still wasn’t sure what was happening. Everything was in total chaos. The winds were howling and knocking trees down like toothpicks. Those that remained standing were bursting into flame all around him. Eddie was dodging falling branches…and trees. Flames were reaching out as he ran down the hill. That was the direction of the only water source he knew of. It was down by camp.

  Somehow, he made it all the way down. He wasn’t sure how. He was running for his life and a slight trip over some briars or a stump would have been the end of him. The fire had been racing right behind him. The pace of the fire hadn’t slowed. It was gaining speed.

  Camp was just as chaotic. Everyone was screaming. Many seemed to be running in circles. Some were in the water. He could hear them yelling, “Dive in!” Unfortunately, the drought had considerably lowered the water level. Diving in would likely kill you. The river was so shallow, it wasn’t even covering anyone completely. He grabbed the blanket off his cot and ran quickly to the water’s edge. It was more swamp than river, now. Eddie found a spot to lay down. He was next to another man who was silently crying. Eddie rolled around. He wanted to soak all his clothing and the blanket. Then he spread the blanket out so it covered him and his companion. The fellow had just joined their party a few weeks back. He started out as green as Eddie had been.

  Laying under the blanket helped to filter out the smoke. It made breathing a bit easier and his chest didn’t feel as heavy. Eddie knew all they could do was wait it out. They hadn’t been trained in what to do if the fire attacked them…only how to be the attacker.

  Those in charge had given a little instruction about fires in the beginning…the basics, really. No one had enough experience to know what to do with this inferno. Not even those in charge knew what to do in this situation. There was nothing left to do but wait…and overthink.

  He tried playing out different scenarios, but in his limited experience he couldn’t think of a better solution. The water was heating up and he could hear men screaming. Trees were falling into the water and he prayed one wouldn’t fall on him. He wasn’t much of a praying man, but right now it seemed like a smart idea.

  Talking to God was the only thing he really could do. So, he prayed. He prayed for his life to be saved, for the fire to turn direction, for the slimy blobs he felt against him to move on. He lifted his head to let some light in under the blanket. The only light source was from the fire. The sun was blacked out by the smoke. The small amount of light let him identify the blobs as fish. And they looked dead. The water was like bathwater and he figured it must have cooked them.

  A tree slammed down right in front of them, the fir bows slapping their backs and sending them jumping and running. Eddie wasn’t sure where they were heading. The poor soul next to him was terrified beyond belief.

  The two of them took off. Eddie was vaguely aware of screams fading in the distance. Their chests were heaving and gasping to find air. The fire was raging in their lungs. It seemed like there was no oxygen in the air. They needed to find shelter. The wet blanket flung over their shoulders like a cape was used to ward off the embers that were raining down on them. Some still found skin and sent searing pain through his body.

  They ran into the black—not knowing where else to go. That appeared to be the only way they could go. A wall that seemed like one solid flame was rapidly growing behind them. The fire was behind them and smoke circled around. The blue sky and sunshine from just an hour before were completely gone.

  Night had come hours early—and w
ould stay for two long days. Eddie didn’t know if others were dealing with the same situation. Three million acres had—or were about to be—raging. Whole towns were running for their lives. He prayed the sun would brighten his dark reality. The sun wasn’t coming for Eddie, though. His whole world in all directions turned black as he hit the ground hard.

  CHAPTER 42

  The papers told a bleak story: millions of acres were destroyed, many lives had been lost, and countless others were still missing. Property was devastated. Allie was working in the office straightening out some files when more information arrived. The stories were too much for one person to digest: Fires burning so hot nothing remained, trains carrying passengers barely escaping as the engines were pushed to their limits.

  The people of Deer Lodge were fortunate they had survived to hear the stories—not learn of them first hand. They were south of the disaster areas. Allie put down the papers and decided to take a walk. Her boss didn’t even look up. He was too consumed with what was being sent over the telegraph.

  Allie paused on the front steps. She wished the sun could wash her face of the helplessness she felt. Deer Lodge hadn’t had to deal with any of the burning rage, but they did have smoke and haze hanging low in the air.

  According to the telegrams, the fire bypassed them at some distance. Over the weekend and into the start of the week, the sun had turned a pretty shade of pink and the bright blue sky looked cloudy from smoke. Those who ventured into the streets were using handkerchiefs to cover their noses. They hoped it would filter out some of the bad air. Not many were out on this normally busy day of work. Those that did brave the air were huddled in a group—most likely talking about the fires. It would be the only topic of conversation for many days—perhaps weeks—to come.

  She started to cough and decided to head back inside. She would need to bear the stories that were beating a rhythm on the telegraph machine. It didn’t matter where she was—in or out. It just provided a different perspective to the same information. Everyone was afraid and had refused to speak about it for months. Now, it all roared to life. The amount of devastation was yet to be seen. Some reports were saying hundreds lost, others didn’t want to put a figure on it…yet. Everything was in total chaos.

  Mr. Ashton walked out of his office with his hand on his face. “I need a drink!” He made his way over to the corner where he had some spirits and poured himself a good portion. “Would you like one, Allie?”

  Normally, Allie would have said no. Life with Eddie made her despise liquor. But, today, she could use something to calm her nerves. She nodded her reply.

  He handed her the amber liquid. “Whole towns are gone: De Borgia, Haugan, Henderson, Taft, and Tuscor— all in Montana.

  Good riddance to Taft! That town was as evil as they come. She took a swallow and let the burn scorch her throat.

  “Falcon and Grand Forks in Idaho—completely destroyed!” Her mind went fuzzy. She missed part of what Mr. Ashton was saying. “Wallace is partially destroyed.” He finished his drink in one swallow and headed back to his office.

  Allie remained standing there trying to process what he’d just said. She was friends with some of those people. What had happened to them? Was Eddie still living there? What does this mean for me? The questions swirled around her brain so rapidly, she couldn’t process them. She took another swig and coughed as it went down.

  It was already starting to do its job! She walked to the window to sit on the stool placed under it. The stories would keep coming for the next several days. She couldn’t listen to them any longer for today. She left without speaking to Mr. Ashton. He wouldn’t even notice she was gone for hours. Today would stand still as information was collected. No one knew what to do or how to help. Hopelessness settled onto this small town.

  She walked in no particular direction, letting the alcohol take its affect. The smoke settled in her lungs and weighed down her chest. She didn’t care. The towns were gone. Her friends…those that helped her escape…who knew what they had experienced. Were they still alive? She didn’t know. She found herself entering one of the restaurants and took a seat at the corner table. It wasn’t until after she sat down that she realized it was the same table, in the same restaurant, where she’d first met Eddie.

  It seemed so long ago. She ordered coffee and waited for her cup to be placed on the table. As she took her first sip, Frank took the seat across from her. He didn’t say anything…just sat with her. Everyone was silent now that she thought about it. They stayed that way while she finished her coffee. She placed her nickel by her cup and headed to the door. He followed. She spoke first. “You’re a doctor, Frank. Maybe you’re needed?

  “I already thought of that, but the tracks are badly burned. Trains can’t get there. Fires are still raging. That makes horse travel very dangerous. They are isolated right now. They’ll have to use the resources they have and fend for themselves for the time being. Wallace has a good hospital if it hasn’t burned and people can get there.”

  Isolated! That single word brought Allie to her knees in the middle of the street. Even in her darkest times, she’d had glimmers of hope from those she had considered friends. They were her small beacons of light. She had never been isolated. She couldn’t even imagine what that would feel like.

  Frank sat with her. He didn’t speak. He wanted to be a rock for her to lean on.

  “The towns are gone…where I lived…I don’t know what’s happened. The people…my friends…Eddie…” She stared blankly ahead as the tears came quickly, pouring streams down both cheeks.

  Frank picked her up and carried her off the street. She sank into his arms and buried her head on his shoulder. Instead of setting her down, Frank continued to walk straight out of town. She didn’t know where they were going—but she didn’t care. She’d been in his arms for a long time when he set her on the ground. She immediately realized where she was and that made her cry more. Frank had carried her all the way to her tree and creek. Her safe spot. Frank doesn’t realize he’s replacing my safe spot. She leaned into him until her soft repetitive sobs drifted into sleep.

  When she woke, she had no idea how long they had been there. Frank was asleep with his back against the tree and Allie’s head was in his lap. She felt safe for the first time in a long time, but she didn’t really know why. The fires were still raging, but the worst seemed to be over for now.

  So many questions remained. She didn’t know if she would ever have the answers. Everything that she knew had been upturned…like Eddie had once done to the kitchen table when he was drunk and angry. She would have to right what she could and move on from what had been shattered.

  With the table, she could see what was lost and what was salvageable. With this…she had no idea. Frank was stirring, and Allie said good morning. She didn’t really know what time of day it was, but she thought that was the most appropriate comment. Frank just yawned and gave a sad smile back. He would stay or leave—whatever she wanted. She knew this.

  “Let’s go back to the paper. I don’t want to know what the reports are…but I need to know.”

  He nodded and stood. He held his hand out for her and she accepted. They made their way back to town—slowly and quietly. She wasn’t sure what more she would learn. She knew she could handle it with Frank there…whatever the news.

  As they approached the paper, they could see many townsfolk had the same idea. The building was crowded. Frank and Allie weaved through to the main area. Mr. Ashton had his door propped open and was reading aloud as he wrote down the messages coming over the telegraph.

  The previous reports were laid out on the counter for anyone to read. Young Mr. Ashton was not to be seen. He must have been in the back room working frantically to prepare an early edition of the paper.

  Despite the sizable crowd and more trying to enter, the only voice was Mr. Ashton’s. He was currently giving missing reports. No names, yet. Only numbers were reported so far. The figures blurred together. Allie co
uldn’t add it all up fast enough.

  The latest report was a missing train…a whole train of people! Any train available loaded up with as many as they could hold and made its way to either Spokane or Missoula. One train didn’t make it in and no one knew where it was.

  Whole parties of firefighters were missing, and people were being sent out to the last known areas to search. Allie dropped to her knees and begin to pray out loud. Others joined in slowly. Soon, they all became one voice repeating Allie’s short prayer over and over.

  “Lord, all mighty and powerful, please help those who are lost and injured and give direction to those who are seeking.” It was a simple request for them to make. They could only hope it would be granted…for the sake of those on the receiving end. Allie sent her prayer up after repeating it a few times and another took a turn leading. It continued that way for a long time before people started to make their way back home. Their minds were filled with too much information and their bodies were overcome with emotion and grief. Allie stayed until Frank pulled her up and led her out. He would see her home and she would give in to exhaustion well before dark.

  CHAPTER 43

  Allie kept busy doing chores at home as Tuesday came and went. She tried to keep her mind off what she knew would be the only topic in town for the next several weeks. That was impossible. She wanted to know what had happened to those she cared about. Keeping her body busy was not enough to shut her brain off.

  Today she would get more information. She hoped what she found out would be answers instead of more questions. She was on her way back to the paper. At least she slept well last night. Rain had come sometime during the dark hours. She wasn’t sure of the exact time, but the pitter-patter that fell on the roof lulled her to sleep. She hoped it was enough to help quench at least some of the raging monster that lay to the north.