Akecheta closed his Bible and stood. “Mrs. Bates, a few of us briefly heard your beautiful voice earlier and I wondered if you might grace us with a closing hymn?” He watched Abby blush as she stood up and began to sing I surrender all. Members of the congregation soon joined Abby and Akecheta felt the spirit of the Lord come alive within the church.
He walked to the back of the church and stood by the door shaking hands with members of the congregation made their way out and to the picnic area. Abby was one of the last to exit, “Mrs. Bates, you do have the loveliest voice. I hope you will sing for us often.” He winked, “Are you ready for our picnic?”
“Thank you and yes, I’m ready.” She smiled.
Akecheta grinned, “I just have to step inside and grab the basket.”
Chapter 8
Reverend Skinner waited just inside the tree line. He’d seen Abby walk into the Marshal’s house and knew she’d have to walk back home. This would be his chance. He would get her to be his bride, whether she approved or not. He couldn’t wait any longer, not with all those Reverends in town and that half-breed trying to steal her hand. He’d seen them sneaking off for their little picnic yesterday and having heard the tinkle of Abby’s laughter he knew he had to act fast.
It appeared luck was on his side today too, as the door swung open and Abby stepped out, alone. That silly girl, didn’t she know any better. He mounted his horse, waiting for just the right moment to sneak up beside her, then quickly picked her up off the ground with one arm and slung her over his saddle. In doing so he accidentally knocked her out or so it seemed, maybe she only fainted at the shock. He didn’t mean to knock her out but decided this would work to his benefit. He could pretend they’d married and he was caring for her after she’d had a small accident and hit her head.
Betsy ran out the door with Abby’s shawl, hoping to catch her, and saw Reverend Skinner ride up next to Abby, and pull her onto his horse. “Alexzander! He’s got Abby!” Betsy yelled as she ran back inside.
“Who’s got Abby?” Akecheta asked as he came in through the back door, having just arrived. Fear, however, snaked its way up his neck as he made his way toward the front door.
“Reverend Skinner, he plucked her up and put her on his horse. I think she fainted. She didn’t even respond! You’ve got to do something!”
Reverend Skinner heard Betsy yell, and he kicked his stolen horse into high gear. He should have known the Marshal was home, how did he miss seeing him arrive. He’d seen him leave the jail with that Indian man and head towards the opposite end of town but had not seen him return. No matter, he had a head start. He could still make it to his hideout if he could get the blasted horse to run any faster.
Akecheta was off the porch, whistling for Genesis before Betsy had time to say any more. Alexzander was right behind him. Together they chased after Skinner as he raced along the river. Abby was hanging precariously from his horse, a horse that was proving to be no match for Genesis who was quickly gaining on him.
Skinner heard the thunder of hooves behind him. Why wouldn’t this horse go any faster? He kicked it again trying to gain speed. Abby was slowing him down hanging like a wet rag doll as she was. At this rate they would certainly catch up to him. Perhaps he didn’t need a little wife after all. Although he still wanted Abby, he didn’t want to be stuck in the jailhouse even more. If they looked too closely, they’d have him swinging from a tree before the day was out. No, unfortunately now was not the time for a wife. He pushed her from his saddle and dropped her from his horse without ever slowing down.
Akecheta watched in horror as Abby crumpled to the ground before him. He reined Genesis in and dropped to the dirt, his legs already moving in a dead run towards Abby.
“Take her to Hattie! Across from the parsonage!” shouted Alexzander as he raced on by.
“Abby!” Akecheta cried as he knelt beside her. She was covered in dirt. He reached down and scooped her light form up in his arms and cradled her gently to his chest.
He lightly brushed away the dirt from her cheek with the pad of his thumb, “Abby, I’m going to take you to Hattie now, but I would really like it if you opened those charming chocolate eyes of yours and look at me. I know you’re in there, Abby. If you can hear me, just know I’m trying not to hurt you or cause you further distress.” He placed a sweet kiss upon her brow and whistled for Genesis who was standing nearby munching on some grass.
Genesis wandered over as if he had all the time in the world. Carefully Akecheta laid the unconscious Abby over his saddle. Then he climbed on behind and ever so gently lifted her into his arms. He held tight to her as he kicked Genesis into a quick gallop. He didn’t want to move too fast and cause her pain, but he didn’t feel he should waste any time either. Head injuries could be deadly and he had no intention of losing Abby now that he’d found her.
He knew the church was just down from the livery, so he hurried that direction, never slowing Genesis as he entered town. He was coming down Fifth Avenue looking for the parsonage. A young boy stood on the steps of the mercantile and so he hollered out, “Hattie, we need Hattie!” hoping the boy knew who Hattie was and where to find her as he couldn’t remember.
“Follow me!” Reuben Messer raced down the steps, across the street and directly through the middle of the park. As he crossed the next street he yelled, “Hattie! Open up! Miss Abby’s hurt real bad! We needs your help!”
Hattie opened the door having heard Reuben’s screams through the open window. “Miss Hattie, you gotta help!” Reuben stood holding the reins of Pastor James’ horse, Abby lay unconscious in his arms. Pastor James slipped his feet from the stirrups, swung his leg over the saddle and jumped to the ground never letting go of Abby.
“Bring her inside,” she ushered, “the room on the right,” she directed and Akecheta laid her softly on the bed and took a small step back.
“You’re going to have to give me a little bit more room to work,” Hattie told him. “Reuben, can you get me a pail of clean water?”
Reuben spun on his heel and raced from the room without a word. Hattie looked up at Pastor James, “What happened?”
“That Skinhead fellow grabbed her. Betsy thought she fainted. Then the man dropped her from his moving horse. She hit the ground hard. Hasn’t come to since.”
Reuben rushed back in with the pail of water, “Here Reuben, help me clean her up, wash her face carefully. Look for any large bumps.” She turned back to Akecheta, “About how long would you say she’s been out?”
“Fifteen minutes or so,” he replied as he watched Reuben wash the dirt away from her beautiful face. “The man didn’t get too far before he threw her from his horse.”
“Miss Abby isn’t gonna die like my Pa and Reverend Bates, is she?”
“We have to take really good care of Miss Abby and pray for her, so she can heal. I’m going to do my very best to make sure she wakes up. Do you think you can help me take care of her?” Hattie knew how Abby had longed for Reuben to know she didn’t blame him for Samuel’s death, but Reuben hadn’t come near Abby, until now. Perhaps, this was what he needed to help him move forward.
“Uh, Miss Hattie, she’s got a big knot on her head back here.”
Hattie moved her hands to where Reuben indicated, as Akecheta watched. “She sure does, Reuben, see you’re a big help already!” she smiled. “Now, I need you to run over to the mercantile and get as much ice as you can carry, so that we can try to get the swelling down.”
“Yes, Ma’am! I’ll be quick as lighting!” and he shot out of the clinic leaving Hattie and Akecheta to tend to Abby.
Hattie turned to Akecheta, “I umm, I need you to step out of the room for a bit, so I can get these filthy clothes off her and check for other injuries. I really hope she didn’t break her arm, it was finally healing from a previous injury.” She reached out and touched his arm, “You could heat some water, so I can bathe her. It won’t take me long and then you can come back in.”
Akecheta lo
oked from Abby to Hattie and back again, then simply nodded and left the room. He found a large pot and set the water to boil. What was he going to do now?
Genesis neighed outside, catching Akecheta’s attention, and so he stepped out on the porch. “Good work ol’e boy,” he rubbed his hand down his long nose and Genesis nibbled at his fingers looking for a treat. “I’m sorry I don’t have any treats on me, boy; was in a bit of a rush.”
“I brought an apple.” Reuben said as he wobbled over, his arms full of ice and an apple perched on top. “I thought he might like it, after running Miss Abby all this way,” grinned Reuben.
“That’s very kind of you, thank you. I - I don’t think we’ve actually met, I’m Pastor James.”
“I’m Reuben Messer, my Ma runs the mercantile.”
“I bet you’re a big help to her,” winked Akecheta as he watched Reuben hop a little from side to side.
“Uh, Pastor James, think we can give this ice to Hattie now? It’s mighty cold!”
“Let’s see if Miss Hattie is ready for it.” Akecheta smiled, thankful for a reason to return inside and rush Hattie along. The boy was trying so hard not to wiggle.
They walked back inside and Akecheta knocked softly on the bedroom door, “Hattie, Reuben is here with the ice.”
Hattie peeked out the door, “I’m almost done in here. Reuben, did you get the ice broke up?”
“Yes, Ma’am, I did,” he said proudly.
“Alright, you can set it in the sink and wrap a small piece in two towels for me. The towels are folded on the table,” she directed.
Akecheta helped Reuben while they waited for Hattie to open the door. It was taking a little longer than he thought it should. He wanted, no, he needed to see Abby. He had just begun to pace the floor when Alexzander and Betsy burst through the door.
“Where is she? Is she alright?” Betsy asked, though she didn’t stop for an answer as she made her way to the room where Hattie worked on Abby.
Akecheta turned to Alexzander, “Did you catch him?”
Alex shook his head, “I’m sorry to say that no account, good-for-nothing, scoundrel got away from me. There was a small bend in the river and he jumped it. That darn horse was a jumper, not a runner.”
Akecheta shook his head as he continued to pace the floor, his eyes constantly looking towards the closed door. What could possibly be taking so long? Was Abby ok? Had she woken up yet? Akecheta was becoming undone by his worries and he knew it. He tried to calm his soul and give it to God, as he paced the floor, but it was proving to be rather difficult.
Alexzander watched his friend, his brother, as he paced the floor. Every time his eyes glanced toward the door, Alex found himself smiling. He’d known, he’d felt that small whisper, though at such an odd time he’d barely believed it, yet he’d known in his soul Akecheta would fall for Abby. So, he stepped out in faith and did as God asked.
“You’ve got it bad, my brother.” Alex smiled as Akecheta stopped his pacing and stared hard at him, his mouth slightly open in protest.
Reuben laughed, “I know’d he loved Miss Abby. You shoulda seen how tight he was holding on to her, Marshal.”
“I - I…”
Hattie opened the door and Akecheta spun around, “How is she? Can I see her now?”
“You may see her but remain quiet please. She’s going to have a pounding head when she comes too.”
Betsy slipped out the door and wrapped her arm through Alexzander’s. “Will you walk me to Abby’s? I’d like to get her some comfortable clothing of her own for when she wakes up and I better check on that cat of hers.”
Akecheta never heard them leave, he was already sitting next to the bed that held his sweet Abby, well he hoped she’d be his.
Leaving the chair, he knelt next to her bedside, taking her small hand in his he began to pray over her.
Abby stood with her back against the cold concrete wall, waiting in the darkened hallway of the servant’s quarters near the door. Why was she back here? How did she get here from Betsy’s house? The room looked like her room back home, but that was impossible. She heard Kitty’s cries of anguish pierce through the silent night, she’d longed to run and comfort her older half-sister. She tried to open the door, but it wouldn’t budge. She knew if she could open the door, she could get to her papa and her sister. Why wouldn’t it open?
It felt like just yesterday that Kitty had snuck her upstairs to visit with papa, but they’d been caught. Their stepmother ushered them from the room, breaking Abby’s arm with her force. Abby could still feel the pain, but she saw no injury. Abby stopped and tried to get her bearings. Although she did not know what was happening, she tried to rest in the fact that Kitty had a plan.
Kitty had warned her of their stepmother’s intentions to hand her over to one of the lynch mobs the moment their father passed. The violence in Atlanta had gradually been escalating and it would not be too difficult a thing to accomplish. Papa, God rest his soul, had not known the evil that resided within the woman he chose to marry until it was too late.
Kitty would be coming for her soon. Abby knew she must be ready and she could only pray that whatever plan Kitty had cooked up would work. That somehow, she and Kitty would be safe, far away from Atlanta and the evilness of their stepmother. Though Kitty didn’t have as much to fear, Abby worried for her sister’s safety should Natalie O’Byrne learn of Kitty’s involvement in her escape.
Abby continued to wait, listening to the sounds of those moving about the house and waited for it to quiet. It took some time for the stillness of the house to return and she’d nearly dozed off with the lull of it. The soft pad of footsteps alerted her to someone’s presence before the soft glow of the candle was evident. Who was there? Had her step-mother come for her? Abby shook with fear.
Kitty slipped around the corner, the light of the candle showing the grief upon her face and the redness rimming her hazel eyes.
“Papa is at peace now as I’m sure you heard?” Kitty whispered softly.
Abby nodded as a few more tears slipped down her cheek.
“I need you to take this,” Kitty handed her a small basket of food, “and your belongings and go to our little hidey hole at the edge of the property. Do you remember it?” Kitty asked.
“Yes, but aren’t you coming with me?”
“This is all part of the plan. I will be required to go into town in the morning to make the arrangements for Papa’s burial. I will come for you then, but for your safety, and my peace of mind, I think you should go now.”
Kitty looked up toward the stairs, Abby followed her gaze as Kitty continued. “We have no idea what she will do, and we must see to your safety first. I have already taken a few blankets to the hidey hole as well as some other foodstuffs. You’ll be fine there for a few hours, dawn is nearly breaking now. I won’t be long.”
Abby took the small basket, hooking it over her good arm as she leaned forward hugging Kitty. “I’ll see you in a few hours then.” She nodded bravely and picked up her small bag of belongings. Taking one last long look at Kitty, she opened the door that would not open only moments before and stepped into the eerie early morning fog that had descended upon the grounds of the Rosendale plantation.
Carefully she made her way around the edge of the property without the use of a candle or lamp, least she draw any attention from the house. She was so tired, her arm ached, her head hurt, and it hurt to breath. Why was it taking so long to reach the hidey hole? It didn’t seem to take this long to reach when she was younger. The trees around her swayed menacingly, the stars above were barely pinholes in the sky. She continued to move as fast as she could feeling as if eyes were upon her. She had to get there. It was the only place Natalie O’Byrne knew nothing about. This secret hide out that Kitty and Abby had used since the passing of her mother. After what seemed like hours, Abby arrived at the hidey hole and was amazed at all the belongings she found stashed there. How had Kitty gotten all of the things from her room in here?
The jingle of harnesses off in the distance grabbed Abby’s attention and she listened closely to see if it was coming towards the hidey hole. As the sound drew closer it carried Kitty’s voice with it. She was singing and horribly so! Why was she singing like that! Kitty had a beautiful voice! Abby cringed as she tried to listen…
The evil witch is watching me, watching me
Her eyes like snakes and sharp as blades.
Watching me, watching me
For you, the tainted one, she hungers
Watching me, watching me
I, the bait and You the meal
She’s watching me, she’s watching me
Kitty was singing it over and over again, her voice hoarse. Abby longed to tell her to be quiet! She sounded like a frog! Abby watched through the peephole as the wagon approached but it only slowed.
“Meet me at the opening near the willow tree. It will be safer there.” Kitty spoke without looking toward the hidey hole as the wagon continued on.
“Abby!” Kitty called as she stopped the wagon finally, “Come, we must hurry. She knows you are missing. She – she wants to rid herself of you. I must get you to safety, you cannot be found. We must hurry lest we be late.”
“Late? Late for what and what about the trunks?”
“I have arranged transport for them, not to worry. Let’s go.”
“Here, hand me your things. I’ll throw them in the back of the wagon. Can you manage to climb up or do you need help? I do not want you to further injury your arm.”
“I think I can manage. Ms. Lena said it was healing nicely and wrapped it tightly before I left. Abby looked down and her arm was not wrapped as she thought. Instead it hung at an awkward angle, and she choked back a scream as she pushed herself to keep going. She had to get in the wagon.”
“Perhaps, you should take my hand anyway and allow me to pull you up?” Abby reached for Kitty’s hand, but it was just out of reach. “Reach for me, Abby! Take my hand!”
Abby put her foot on the step and reached for Kitty’s hand with her good arm. Her feet nearly faltered, but she finally made it onto the moving wagon.
Wanted Preacher Page 9