Oregon Discovery (Trails of the Heart Book 4)

by Rachel Wesson

  “There are twenty of them and only five of us. We need to plan this carefully. They know we are coming so we have lost the element of surprise.

  “What then?” Almanzo was impatient to get going.

  “Patience son, we can't risk your sister being killed,” Scott said quietly

  “She is still alive?” Relief made the tears spring into his eyes but he blinked them away.

  “Yes,” Scott said, “for the moment.”

  Almanzo tried to be patient as the Indians and Scott talked out their plan. Eventually, they decided on the best course of action. He waited as they outlined it.

  “It's risky but it’s the best chance we have,” Scott said.

  “They will kill her, won’t they?” Almanzo asked even though he knew these men had no way of knowing how the kidnapper's minds worked.

  “We won't give them time to do that,” Walking Tall said, his hand gripping Almanzo’s in a gesture of support.

  The Indians were so convinced this was the best way Almanzo couldn’t argue. Anyway, he didn't have a better plan. He agreed albeit reluctantly. They waited until it was nearly dawn and then they moved out but they took off in a different direction from where the men holding Mia were camped. As the Indians had said, they were expecting to be hit from behind. Scott had suggested getting in front of the kidnappers and coming at them from that direction. Hopefully, it would buy a little time. Almanzo had to grab Mia leaving five men to each of the other four. He thought the odds were dreadful but they seemed confident.

  They pushed the horses hard as they made a wide arc. They didn’t want to alert their target of their presence.

  When they reached the spot Walking Tall had recommended, the brave let out a long bird call. Then they waited. Soon it was answered.

  “Mia is a good girl. Very brave. Very quick.” Walking Tall said approvingly making Almanzo feel proud of his sister. “She knows we are here. She will be waiting,” Walking Tall confirmed.

  The group hid the horses and then split up. Almanzo guessed his friends planned on getting the men alone, hopefully killing a couple to reduce the odds against them. He took the knife out of his waist. He had never killed anything before, well apart from when he went hunting but even then he used a gun. It was far less personal than a knife. But if he had to, he would. He had promised his ma, he would bring Mia home.

  His heart thudding, he made his way carefully to where the men were camped. Keeping an eye out for sentries, he saw Scott take care of one of them. He had never seen Scott kill a man before. He didn’t have any choice. There were too many of them and they didn't have time for backup. Almanzo moved on closer. He spotted his sister. She was looking around her but without moving her head. She was clever. She spotted him quickly and blinked rapidly. She didn’t smile or otherwise show any sign she had seen him.

  There was a man standing beside her but her gaze was focused on a group of trees to one side of the clearing. She wanted him to come from that side. What was she trying to tell him?

  He moved closer but her look of alarm in her eyes told him he had made a mistake. He retreated slightly and she relaxed a little but still kept looking in the direction the tree. Then he saw what she was trying to tell him. Harvey was hidden behind a bush, his gun aimed at Mia. Ready to hit anyone who tried to rescue her. Almanzo doubled back. He didn’t know if any of the others would see Harvey. He couldn't take the chance. He had to deal with him. He had his knife. He made his way very slowly until he was standing behind Harvey. The man hadn’t moved, his concentration focused on Mia, his finger hovering over the trigger. Almanzo didn’t want to do anything to make that finger move. He hadn’t come this far for Mia to die from a stray bullet. He had to disarm Harvey without giving him a chance to fire.

  He took a step forward, snapping a twig in the process. Harvey swung around, shooting. Blackness descended, his last thought being one of Tilly….

  Chapter 42

  “Thank you, Mrs. Newland, I feel much better today. Fiona has been a great comfort to me,” Tilly said to the pleasant lady whose house they were staying in.

  “You girls are wise to stick together. A problem shared and all that. Goodness look at the time. Mr. Newland will think I have been kidnapped.” Mrs. Newland was still talking as she left the room closing the door behind her.

  Tilly jumped out of the bed and strode over to the window, all semblance of a girl grieving deeply had gone.

  “Fiona, there is something wrong. I can feel it. Nobody has seen or mentioned Richard in the last two days.”

  “I thought you hated Richard. Why are you thinking about him?”

  “I would prefer to know where he is. I saw him talking to Mr. Harvey the day before yesterday. They stopped talking when I walked by. I think they were planning something.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know but Almanzo doesn't like Harvey. Says he can't be trusted.”

  Fiona grinned at Tilly. “Almanzo isn’t fond of Richard either but I can understand his reasons.”

  Tilly flushed at Fiona’s good-natured teasing. Almanzo hadn’t come back after they had told him about their meeting with Richard. He’d left saying he had to speak to his friends and they heard nothing since. Maybe he was staying away on purpose? Was he shocked? No, it must be something else. Maybe his sister had returned. What was her name? Sarah. Or Rick was worse. She couldn’t bear staying in town another day.

  “Maybe we could take a ride out to see Bridget again?”

  “Bridget? Is that what you are calling him these days?”

  “Fiona, stop it. I am worried. I think Richard is planning something. Something horrible.”

  “You should go to see the sheriff. Tell him your misgivings about the rescue and what Richard has told you since.”

  Fiona was right. She should speak to the Sheriff. Richard had changed his story about the raid more than once. She didn't have anything concrete but maybe the Sheriff could investigate what Richard had said about her father’s businesses. There had to be some paperwork proving Richard was not her father’s sole heir despite what he said.

  “We have to do something. I can't sit here all day.”

  The two women made their way to the sheriff's office. He was out but Deputy Davitt was there. He made the girls feel welcome. Fiona explained what Richard had said about the massacre.

  “I know it's not much but how did he know those details? We never told him. He doesn’t like me being friends with Tilly, I mean Miss Masterson.”

  “There is more. Richard Weston has told me my father made him his sole heir prior to us making this trip. Is it possible to check whether that is the truth? I know my father had some old fashioned views but making a man who wasn’t family his heir, seems rather odd to me.”

  “Rather suspicious he died soon afterward too. Isn’t it?” Fiona asked. If Tilly hadn’t been distracted by her worries, she would have smiled at Fiona playing detective while batting her eyelashes at the single deputy.

  “Thank you for coming in ladies. I will discuss this matter with the Sheriff and we will send a telegram to the sheriff’s office in San Francisco. Perhaps they will be able to enlighten us. In the meantime, perhaps you ladies should continue to stay with Mrs. Newland. It might be safer than wandering around the countryside right now.”

  “But we hoped…”

  “Thank you, Deputy. I promise Miss Masterson and I will not leave town without telling you first.”

  Fiona half dragged a protesting Tilly out the door. “Tilly, we need to get some horses.”

  “But I thought…”

  Fiona nudged her friend before turning and smiling back at the deputy.

  “You like him a lot don’t you?”

  “I wouldn’t spit on him if he was on fire. Can't you see he is in on whatever is going on here? Up to his sweaty old armpits.’

  Tilly looked at Fiona in confusion.

  “Tilly Masterson, I didn’t survive 14 years in the orphanage system without learning
a trick or two. We need to get out of town. Now. Before it’s too late. Do you have money in your purse?

  Tilly nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She had thought Fiona had set her heart on the Deputy. Her friend had her totally fooled.

  “Right let’s go hire a buggy or some horses or something to get us to the Hughes place. We will be safe there.”

  Tilly followed this new Fiona toward the blacksmith. He agreed to rent them a buggy when they explained they were calling to see Jo Hughes.

  “Ask Mr. Rick when he is coming back to school. My children miss his teaching.”

  “We will, thank you kindly Mr. Black.”

  The blacksmith laughed loudly startling Tilly. “Sorry Miss but my name ain’t black. The men call me Blacky due to my job. You have a good day now.” He turned his attention back to Fiona. “You look lovely today Miss Murphy. You take care now too you hear?”

  “Yes Blacky, I will. Say hi to the boys for me.”

  “Will do Miss Murphy.”

  Tilly looked at Fiona with new eyes. Blacky or whatever his name was, seemed smitten by Fiona and judging by the pink tinge to her friend’s face, his interest was returned.

  Fiona ignored her as she took the reins. “Can you drive?” Tilly asked her.

  “No, but neither can you so between the both of us we will have to learn and fast.”

  They had only been to the Hughes place once, but it wasn’t difficult to find. As they came down the track, they were met by Jo, Bridget, and Rick all fully armed.

  “It's Tilly and Fiona. Why are you here? Who's chasing ye?” Bridget said, relief making her voice louder than usual.

  “It’s a long story but the short version is Fiona thought we would be safer here.”

  “Come inside and get something to drink. Carrie, can you take their rig to the barn please,” Jo asked. “ Give those poor horses a drink. You have run them hard on such a hot day.”

  Tilly apologized. “Sorry Jo, we wouldn’t have pushed them but it was imperative we get out of town. Fiona thinks Deputy Davitt may be working with Richard.”

  “Your fiancé and Davitt? I find that hard to believe. Richard has only just arrived in town. Davitt has lived here years.

  “Richard is working with a man called Harvey. We didn’t make the connection until the other day when Almanzo called. Fiona remembered my father and Richard speaking about some connection in Portland. We think it was Harvey.”

  “Did you tell Almanzo?”

  “Yes, why didn’t he tell you? He said he was going to consult with you over some other issues…” Tilly trailed off not wanting to admit to these people everything Richard had said.

  “We haven’t had a chance to speak to Almanzo, he had to ride out in a hurry,” Rick explained. “Davitt and Harvey are friendly, always have been from what I’ve heard. What did the sheriff say?”

  “Before you answer my husband, come into the house. Otherwise, the both of you will melt.”

  Tilly pushed her hair back out of her eyes. Jo was right, the sweat was rolling down her back not that she would admit to it. Ladies didn’t sweat.

  They followed Jo into the kitchen and after several glasses of cool water, they told Rick, Jo, and Bridget the story of how Richard was now Tilly’s father’s heir. Bridget laughed when Tilly mimicked Fiona’s attempts to flirt with the Deputy.

  “Poor Davitt, I almost feel sorry for him. He hasn’t had much luck in the female department.”

  “Given how bad he smells, and those teeth, I cannot say I am surprised.

  “But how did Richard become your father's heir? Do you not have any other relatives?” Rick asked.

  “Apart from me, you mean?” Tilly responded more sharply than she meant to be.

  “Sorry Miss Masterson I wasn’t trying to be rude but it would be normal for a guardian to be appointed as you are still underage. I would have thought your father would appoint a family member though.”

  “Well, Richard was my fiancé. My father’s decision, my opinion didn't matter.” Tilly knew she sounded bitter. She was.

  “Even so, it seems rather convenient your father makes him his heir and then your father dies in a suspicious attack. What did Deputy Davitt suggest you do?”

  “He said to stay with Mrs. Newland. He would tell the sheriff and send a telegram to San Francisco.”

  “That sounds sensible advice.”

  “Do you think we should have stayed in town?” Tilly asked, suddenly feeling bad at intruding on these people she barely knew.

  “Not at all my dear. I believe you should always trust your instinct. My wife would welcome a distraction. Bridget loves to entertain so please feel welcome to stay as long as you wish.”

  “My husband is going to lie down ladies. I will be back in a few minutes. In the meantime, Bridget and Carrie will be happy to look after you.”

  “Thank you, Jo.”

  “Where is Almanzo?” Fiona asked Bridget as soon as Jo and Rick had gone. The Irish woman turned pale.

  “He hasn’t come back yet. He took off a few days ago. Miss Johanna and Mr. Rick are worried about him but they won’t admit to that.”

  “Who is he with? Where did he go?” Tilly asked, her heart hammering against her chest.

  “He rode out with Paco, Walking Tall and Scott Jones a couple of nights ago. “

  “Where did they go?”

  “We don’t rightly know, Tilly. But don’t you start worrying your pretty head about it now. Those Indians will keep Mr. Almanzo safe. They treat him as one of their own.” Bridget sounded confident but she couldn’t keep the worry from her eyes.

  Tilly said a quick prayer to help Almanzo come home soon. She couldn’t bear to lose him.

  Bridget gave them small tasks to do, more to keep their minds and hands occupied rather than to make them work. They sat peeling beans and corn but there was no conversation. Each of the women was caught up in their own thoughts.

  Jo came back about a half an hour later. “I believe you are right about Deputy Davitt. My husband likes to see the good in everyone but I haven’t trusted that man in a long time. Is there anyone in San Francisco you know you can trust? Someone who would know your father’s wishes?”

  “Yes, his solicitor. He was my godfather. Used to visit us all the time until Mother died and Father and Richard became friendlier. I could send him a telegram.” Tilly wondered how far the nearest telegraph office was. In San Francisco, you didn’t have to walk that far to find one. Out here in the middle of nowhere, you probably had to travel miles.

  “I think it would be best if you didn’t go back into town for a while. Who knows you came here?” Jo said, her expression thoughtful.

  “The man at the blacksmiths. He said to tell your husband his children were missing him.”

  “Blacky. He isn’t a gossip. I will go into town and see what I can find out.” Jo stood, taking her bonnet from the peg.

  “Miss Johanna, I do not think that is wise. Let me go. People don’t really take much notice of me.”

  “No Bridget, you stay here and look after everyone. I won’t be long.”

  Bridget looked like she was going to argue but Jo’s mouth was set in a determined line. Tilly stood up.

  “I will go with you. You can’t go alone.”

  “No thank you, Tilly. I think it’s safer if you stay here.” Jo said, her tone telling Tilly not to argue. “Give me your godfather’s details. I know the man in the telegraph office, he is discrete.”

  Tilly wrote out the information for Jo while she went to tell her husband she was heading to town. Bridget kneaded some bread furiously. The women stood at the door waving Jo off. It would take her the best part of the day to drive the wagon into town and back. She had promised to call at Newlands store and if it was safe, she would bring back some of Tilly’s and Fiona’s personal belongings.

  Tilly, Fiona, and Bridget spent the day doing chores and entertaining the children. Bridget laughed a lot at Tilly’s expense.

  “It
is going to take you a while to settle down as a homesteader Miss Tilly. Didn’t you ever do any chores at home?” Bridget asked as she showed Tilly how to peel a potato without losing half the vegetable.

  Tilly colored as Fiona giggled.

  “Miss Tilly dusted a bit sometimes but otherwise she left everything to us servants.” Tilly made a sound but Fiona ignored her. “In fairness to Tilly, the mistress of the house would have needed sleeping salts if she saw her precious daughter working.”

  Tilly smiled at the reference to her mother. Fiona was being kind to her employer who would have taken to her bed for days rather than allow her child do anything menial.

  “I am eager to learn. Fiona has shown me some things but I don’t know anything about farming,” Tilly said.

  “You can come and milk the cow with me. I will show you how to do it,” Nancy piped up, her little face lit up with excitement at the thought of showing an adult how to do something. “I won't let you near Daisy. She has a nasty temper and it hurts if she kicks.”

  “I don’t think Miss Tilly is ready for milking just yet, Nancy darling.”

  The disappointment on the child’s face caused by Bridget’s remark was too much for Tilly.

  “Of course I am. Why don’t you take me to meet the cows now and later we can milk them together?” Tilly bent down so she was the same height as Nancy.

  Nancy beamed putting her tiny hand into Tilly’s larger one.

  “But Miss Tilly you are going to ruin your clothes,” Bridget argued.

  “Dresses can be washed,” Tilly said, still holding Nancy’s hand.

  “That will be something I will be showing you how to do, next. Then you might be less willing to get covered in cow muck.” Fiona grumbled making Bridget and Tilly laugh.

  Chapter 43

  “He’s coming round, careful now. Watch his arm,” Scott shouted a warning.

  Almanzo tried to lift his head but stopped at the pain. His stomach roiled as the pain hit him in waves.

  “Drink some of this my brother. It will help with pain,” the child gave him a drink. He screwed up his mouth at the taste but she insisted he drink more. He wanted to talk to her. Ask her something but what? His mind strived for information but instead found blackness. He gave in to it again.