The Talisman - Crisscross

by Shaunna Gonzales

Trish moved across the wood floor in her bare feet to find Albert reading by kerosene lantern light and Lucinda washing the last of the dinner dishes. She stopped before they noticed her and listened to Albert's deep voice as it resonated through the room. She listened as Albert read from Proverbs, recognizing the verses from chapter three.

  "Trust in the Lord…"

  "…With all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths," Trish finished.

  Albert and Lucinda turned to her. "So, you are familiar with the Bible?" Lucinda intoned.

  "Yes, well… those versus at least."

  "Do you know the next verse?" Albert asked.

  Trish's brow furrowed as she tried to remember if there was more to the quote, finally shaking her head. "No, nothing more comes to mind."

  "Well, that is something at least, honey. Do you remember where you learned those verses?"

  Trish shook her head and pinched her lips into a firm line. "From my mother, I think."

  "Do you remember your mother?"

  "Dear," Albert warned in a gentle tone. "Don't push her." He extended his hand to her. "Please, join us."

  "Thank you." Trish moved to the second chair at the table and sat down, her back perfectly straight. "I really appreciate your letting me stay here. I'll try to find other lodgings tomorrow."

  "Nonsense." Both Albert and Lucinda spoke in unison. Lucinda yielded to her husband, returning to her chore.

  "Lucinda has been wishing for the opportunity to share some of her Southern hospitality with someone that will appreciate it. Quinn wouldn't care if she put a rock on his plate for dinner, as long as he can cut it with his knife."

  Trish instantly thought of the knife Quinn had killed Old Curly with and bit her tongue to keep from telling them she'd seen his knife. "An easily satisfied customer, is he?"

  "Not tonight." Albert chuckled. "Yar takin' his bed upstairs there."

  "He lives with you?"

  "Oh no, couldn't get him to stay for the first two seasons after I married Lucinda. Guess he figured he might be cuttin' in on the honeymoon." Albert shoved his chair back and stood, taking Lucinda in his arms.

  Trish immediately felt uncomfortable. The last thing she needed was to be the third wheel in this small cabin. Would she overhear them tonight? She had to find another place to stay…and the sooner, the better. "Um…I think I'll be heading off to bed."

  Lucinda pushed herself out of Albert's arms. "You poor dear, you must be terribly tired. Let me dry my hands and I'll show you where you can sleep."

  "I am a little tired, but I should tend to my horse."

  "I'll tend to the animal. You get your rest." Albert winked at his wife and donned his hat.

  Lucinda led Trish up the steep stairwell. "You can sleep up here. There's an extra blanket if it gets cold. Quinn rarely uses it. Sleep well."

  Trish felt a pang of guilt for having dislodged the man, but it didn't last long. She closed her eyes and prayed for the faith to trust in the Lord. The apprehension she had experienced earlier faded. God reigned in Heaven, and He was aware of her here, now.