By His Hand

  The ground underfoot still showed some evidence it had rained. The heat of today would surely evaporate all of that before the plants could get enough to drink…if they were able to get any. The ground was so hard and cracked that the water had a difficult time penetrating deep enough. She learned that the hard way. She had spilled some of her buckets while carrying the water to the garden. That soil was still soft and manageable, but it had its drink twice a day, every day. The water that fell on the other ground seemed to pool up just long enough for the sun to take it all for itself.

  Entering town today was different from Monday. Monday started off as a normal day. Streets were empty while most tended their farms. That only left those living in town milling about. That changed quickly when everyone came to town seeking as much information as possible. Today, it seemed everyone was just trying to process what they had learned on Monday.

  She walked through the front doors of the paper and made her way to the broom closet. She was putting her apron on when Mr. Ashton placed a stack of papers on the counter. “Morning, Allie! Got a little rain last night. Seems to have helped decrease the actual size of the fires and lift the spirits of those living with it.”

  That was a great way to start the day. Good news was all she wanted to hear. “That’s wonderful.” That was all she could say. She hoped if she didn’t add more, he wouldn’t add more. She didn’t want anything to take away from the good. She walked over to see what he had placed on the counter. One look was all it took. The good feeling changed back into a knot that settled in her stomach…and refused to dislodge. The papers had names—mostly those of the missing. A few had been listed as dead already. She couldn’t look and turned away to clean the window on the front door.

  Looking out the window gave her a view of the almost deserted town. Someone was exiting the dress shop with a brown paper package. She was too far away to identify. A small group of men stood outside of the restaurant. They probably just finished breakfast. She saw Doc and Mr. Jonson. He seemed to be walking better. His foot must have healed by now. Mr. Ashton usually joined them, but the constant clicking in the other room was taking all his attention. The sheriff was also there. She could see him when he turned. Frank would be there, too. He was probably the other set of feet she could see, but the upper body and face was blocked by the other men. She knew that he joined Doc for breakfast most days. So, it had to be him. The group didn’t stay in front of the restaurant long. They began to make their way toward her. Maybe not to her directly…but to the paper.

  Allie just wanted to do her job and go home. Dealing with people would take more energy than she had. She stepped aside as they pulled the door open and filed in.

  “Morning, Allie!” They all said…almost in unison. She nodded in acknowledgement. “Is Mr. Ashton busy? Didn’t see him this morning. Understand why, though,” Doc spoke for the group.

  Allie just pointed, and Frank made the oddest face. Allie thought it was sort of cute, but turned away. She hoped he would get the hint that she wanted to be alone. He didn’t. Frank lagged behind as the rest of the group crowded into Mr. Ashton’s office.

  At least he waited. She made her way over to the table with the liquor. Depending on Frank, she may need it to give her some strength. She didn’t want to turn to liquid courage and be like Eddie, but her life was in shambles. Tragedies continued to unfold in the aftermath of the fire. And she didn’t know what else to do. She couldn’t cope anymore. It was all so overwhelming.

  “You okay?”

  Two little words! She didn’t know how to answer. Yes, she was—and would be. Somehow, she knew that, but she felt so helpless. She couldn’t fix her own life or help those who worked so hard all those months ago to help her. All she could do was pray. She had and would continue to do so. Was that enough? She was tired of waiting. Her patience was wearing very thin. Frank must have read her thoughts because he wrapped her in a hug and held her tight. They stayed that way until the group of men came out of the office to pour over the stack of papers on the counter.

  “What’s the latest?” Frank reluctantly walked closer to see what they were examining.

  Sheriff Paul was the only one to speak. “Names.”

  Realization was written all over Frank’s face. Allie couldn’t stand to look. She turned away and grabbed the broom to give herself something to do. She felt like running…and would have if she wasn’t obligated to stay. She swept harder than necessary. She hoped the continuous strokes over the worn wood floor would drown out the sound of the shuffling papers. Frank watched her but kept his ear toward the group. The men straightened the papers and thanked Mr. Ashton before heading out to start their day.

  Doc paused when he passed Frank. “You stopping by the office today?”

  “Not sure yet,” Frank replied, keeping his eyes fixed on Allie. Doc followed his gaze.

  “Good to see you, Allie. You take care.” He left before she could respond.

  “Have you looked?”

  She knew what Frank was talking about. She played dumb anyway. “At what?”

  “The list, Allie! Have you checked for names of people you know?” He paused…then continued when she ignored him. “At least tell me you checked for Eddie?”

  At the sound of his name she looked up and froze, uncertainty in her eyes. “No, I haven’t, and I don’t want to.”

  “You don’t want to? You need to know. Maybe this will be your answer.”

  “I don’t want him dead, Frank. I never wanted anyone to die.”

  “I know that, but we don’t know God’s way. Maybe this is God’s answer…and it was just his time.”

  “What a horrifying way to die.”

  “You don’t even know. Let’s not jump to conclusions. You need to know if his name is listed. Maybe he left the area after you left. He could be long gone.”

  She knew that wasn’t the case. He’d want her back. She just didn’t know how he would try to get her. Maybe he found work elsewhere…and is just biding his time. As much as she wanted him gone from her life, she didn’t want him dead. She could never wish anyone dead. There was a possibility all the people she knew were dead. That kept her from searching the names.

  “I’ll look, it would be Edward Coghill? Correct?” He raised his brows hoping for an answer.

  She continued sweeping where she already had. “Yes.”

  Frank stepped over to the counter and began to shuffle through the papers. There were too many names. First, he looked through the list of the dead. She didn’t want him on that list…but Frank did. It would certainly make his life easier and be final for her. Frank wanted Eddie punished for what he did to Allie. No man should be allowed to live after what he did!

  “He isn’t listed as one of the dead.” He continued to look through the missing. This was a longer list. He suspected that many of these names would eventually move to the other list, but there was hope that some would be found alive. The list was random. There seemed to be no order to it. It made the search take longer, but he eventually found it. Edward Coghill was listed as missing with no other information given. Well at least I know his last whereabouts give or take a few million acres. “He’s missing.” That’s all he could say. What else could he say?

  She paused…then quickly picked up the pace of her sweeping. Frank stepped into Mr. Ashton’s office and closed the door. This left Allie alone with her thoughts. Couldn’t he have done that in the first place? She sighed and eyed the decanter before changing direction. She began to sweep an area she hadn’t swept for the third time, yet.

  “Can we find anything more about someone listed as missing?” Frank sat facing Mr. Ashton.

  “So…you saw? I realized when I was writing it…but didn’t have the nerve to tell her. I don’t know everything that happened, but she is still Mrs. Coghill.

  “She’s not dealing with it well. Your floor is going to be cleaner than it’s ever been.” He attempted a joke, but it failed to lighten the mood.

 
; “I’ll see what I can find out. But…we may never know. Some are reporting bodies burned beyond identification.”

  Frank let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. “All we can do is try. Thanks.” He stood, ready to leave and added. “Let me know first…if you hear anything…please. I don’t want her to find out without me.” He stepped back out where Allie was still frantically sweeping. “Let’s go.”

  She froze. “Go! I’m at work. I can’t just leave.”

  “Yes, you can. Mr. Ashton will understand. Come on.” He held out his hand and waited for her to take it.

  Allie looked confused, but put the broom and apron away anyway. Then she headed to the door without taking his hand. He was glad she’d listened to reason. He didn’t know where they were headed, but knew he wanted to get her away from the information source. Frank didn’t think they would hear back soon. He would get her away now and make sure she stayed away for the rest of the day. That would buy him time until she came back on Friday.

  So, they walked. He wanted to put as much distance between her and the paper as possible.

  “Why don’t we go check in on Blinne? I haven’t seen them for a while. Little Lena is probably ready for a checkup, anyway.”

  Doc had just been out not that long ago, but he didn’t care. It gave them something to do and Blinne could help take her mind off everything. Allie nodded and remained silent for the entire walk.

  Frank hoped that Blinne had some kind of magic that would help. He was fresh out of ideas. The walk didn’t take as long as Frank thought it would. Since there was no conversation, they walked a bit faster than usual. Blinne saw them before they saw her. She was outside. Lena was in a blanket contraption that left Blinne’s hands free. Frank had seen this before, but it was usually a native trick. Quite genius. She met them at the porch.

  “Hi, there. What are you two doing out together?’ She thought they were going to keep a safe distance to discourage gossip.

  Allie kept her gaze down…so Frank answered for them. “Out for a walk. Need to clear the mind.”

  Blinne cocked her head toward Allie before opening the door for them. “Everything alright? I haven’t been to town in a great while. I don’t want Lena around anyone just yet. My mother tells me I’m paranoid, but after our last illness I’m not ready to deal with that again any time soon.”

  “That’s understandable, but she’s going on what, four months now?”

  “Three and a half, actually.” Blinne shifted a bit and removed the contraption. Then placed Lena in her cradle. “Please…come…sit. I’m getting a bit lonely out here. George doesn’t bring any news home. He’s afraid I’ll get too worked up, I guess.” All three took seats with Blinne on one side of the table and Frank and Allie across from her.

  “There is no easy way to tell it, so here goes. As I’m sure you have been aware there are many fires burning around right now. Seems they converged a few days ago causing a fire storm.” Frank paused to let her absorb that information before continuing. “Now, of course, we are all fine down here, but…”

  Allie interjected. “Eddie is missing.”

  “What?” Blinne stood, shocked by the news.

  “We don’t know any details. It seems he was in the area and now he’s missing. His name is on the list.”

  “What list?” She directed her question to Allie, but she knew Frank would answer.

  “The paper has been receiving information at a steady pace. There is a dead and a missing list.”

  Blinne kept her focus on Allie, as she pointed to the door. “Frank, please leave. I’ll handle it from here.”

  Frank was shocked. He was being dismissed. “I’d like to stay and walk Allie home when she’s ready.”

  “No, sorry. I need you to go. You’re only adding to the problem. I’ll make sure she makes it home from here.” She walked to the door and held it open for him.

  He reluctantly stood and scratched his head as he walked out. When he passed Blinne she whispered to him. “Find out whatever you can—as quickly as you can.” He nodded and left. He was still confused. How did sweet Blinne just take control like that?

  She closed the door and took the recently vacated seat next to Allie. Allie fell into her open arms but remained silent. She didn’t know what to do. Cry, laugh, or shout? She wanted to do all three. Blinne understood this in a way Frank never could, but she didn’t blame Frank for that. Allie opened up more to Blinne. She knew the whole story. Being with her was comfort enough—even if they didn’t speak. Yet she felt the need to let it pour out now. “I don’t want him dead.”

  Blinne was petting her hair. “Of course not, honey! I know that.”

  “Why? Why would God do that?”

  “Oh, Allie. God wouldn’t do that. Eddie made his own choices. We don’t know any details of what happened. Whatever they are…it wasn’t God’s doing. It was Eddie’s. I know Eddie hurt you and probably others, too. God isn’t punishing him for that. Bad things happen to good people, too. Just look at all those people who are affected by this inferno. Not all of them were like Eddie. God helps us through those times if we let Him. He never promises a perfect life, but he does promise to be there to walk through it with us. All we can do is pray. We pray for everyone affected. We pray for the dead and injured. We pray for those who can and are helping. And, we pray for the government and land owners and managers to have the knowledge and wisdom to know how to move forward so this won’t happen again.

  Allie let her tears flow. She would have to wait for the story—if one ever came. She may never know what happened. They stayed that way for a while until Allie felt like she could head home.

  Blinne started wrapping the blanket again to carry Lena, but Allie scooped her up first and headed out the door. Blinne didn’t mind. She knew her little girl could give the love that Allie needed right now. Nothing like the love from an innocent baby who could laugh in the midst of the storm to cheer you up. Lena would work her magic on Allie…all the way home.

  CHAPTER 44

  News was slow now that the main event was over. The stories that came in over the next several days were mixed with heartache and triumph. They were stories of lives lost in unimaginable painful ways, most burned beyond recognition. The fire overtook anything and everything in its path. Fighting it was impossible. People stood by and watched their livelihood destroyed in seconds. Everything that they had worked so hard to accomplish vanished as if it was never there.

  There were stories of people running for their lives and wandering back into civilization without their eyesight or with feet burned so badly the flesh was gone. And stories of those surviving the raging fire just to succumb later from wounds suffered. It was gut wrenching to read through them all.

  Some of the stories, however, were amazing acts of survival. The missing train was found in a tunnel with the tracks burned and destroyed on both sides. The survivors on board were mostly women and children. The lawmen had forced the cowardly men off at gun point to allow more women and children to board. People, including a young boy by himself, turned up in Missoula after wandering through the forest for days to escape the raging vegetation. Some braved the flames to push through. Others hunkered down in areas already burned. Some were licked by the fire…but not killed.

  All of this was too much for Allie to process. She took some time off from her job at the paper, so she wasn’t around it all the time. It was depressing, and it raised too many questions in her mind.

  The number of those missing shrank. Many were moved to the dead list. The number of dead grew significantly. Eddie’s name was one of those that moved. Mr. Ashton did his best to learn the story. They knew he had joined the firefighters early on and was stationed in Northern Idaho. Those who had survived from his party said he worked both lines: backfires and cutting fire lines.

  Allie was told Eddie was a great worker. That didn’t really surprise her. He did fine at his work. It was his personal life that was lacking. Those that were there
the day the fire overtook them said Eddie was in the river one minute and gone the next. Only two ran from their party and only two partial human remains were found a few days later. One of them had to be Eddie. He was buried where he lay—no marker left.

  Allie felt nothing after this news. She had been so raw over the last several days with all the stories that she had nothing left to give. Her body was empty and numb. Her problems were solved. God didn’t do it though, as He wasn’t allowed. Eddie took care of it for Him.

  The prospects for her future should have made her ecstatic, but she couldn’t feel anything. She had felt so much for so long. She was ready to put it all behind her and start fresh. This time with more knowledge than she ever knew she would or could possess. Every decision would be patiently considered and prayed about. She knew her body would feel many emotions as it slowly let her process everything in the days ahead, but that didn’t scare or worry her. She would have God there to help her through it. And, most likely, Frank. He hardly left her during this whole time.

  They were together now. The festival committee decided to bump it up a few weeks earlier this year. Everyone needed cheering up and they were hopeful this would be just the ticket to do the job.

  Allie was going through the motions…and Frank knew that. He had taken sole responsibility for their committee and didn’t ask her for anything. He had even taken bits of paper and strung them together to make decorations that matched. They would be hung to mark the kid section in each booth. No one would wonder where to find them.

  Moving the date up didn’t allow for time to plan and prepare. The fire created big transportation obstacles for the out-of-area exhibits. It would be the same run-of-the-mill festival they always had, but this year the people would make it special. The hunger for something good to focus on was more than enough to make this year the most memorable festival ever.

  Frank was stringing more and more paper and rattling on and on with mindless conversation to help comfort Allie.