The Journey Home

by Linda Ford

  Charlotte folded the letter and tucked it into her bag. “I’m doing just fine, Lother. How about you?”

  “A little lonely, my dear. But seeing you has fixed that right up.”

  Kody settled back, lowering his head and acting for all the world like he’d fallen asleep in the saddle. He didn’t like the tone of proprietorship he heard in this Lother’s voice, but it was none of his business and maybe the man would offer Charlotte the protection she needed.

  Charlotte shuffled back, tucking her feet under the bench.

  “What’s this?” The man indicated the bedroll and carpetbag on the bench. “Planning a trip, are you?”

  The storekeeper had moseyed out to take part in the conversation. “Harry and his wife moved out. Miss Charlotte’s waiting for word to join them. That what your letter says?” he asked. “Harry sending for you?”

  Charlotte shrank even farther back. She stared past Lother.

  Kody lifted his chin just enough that their gazes connected. At the trapped look in her eyes he squeezed his hands into fists.

  “No need for you to leave the country.” Lother’s words were low, his voice soft, yet Kody heard something he didn’t like. The sort of noise a rattler made before it struck. “I’m willing to share my name and my home with you.”

  Charlotte’s chin jutted out. “I have other plans.”

  “Joining your brother?” the storekeeper asked.

  Charlotte flashed the man a defiant look. “That’s my business, isn’t it?”

  “Mighty important business, too.” The man snorted and returned inside.

  Lother rocked back on his heels. “You’re a strong young woman. ’Spect you could produce a whole lot of sons. Man needs sons to help on the farm. That brother of yours might be willing to sell me his land real cheap. Or I could wait a bit and get it for back taxes. With sons to help I could expand.”

  Kody wondered how soon he expected his sons to be big enough to help. Ma had taken in several babies while Kody lived at home, and he seemed to remember they were nothing but work for a couple of years and then they only ran around getting into mischief. Not much help, in his estimation. But this man had other plans for his babies. Plans including Charlotte as a broodmare. Kody twisted the reins until his hands hurt.

  Lother touched Charlotte’s cheek. “You’ll do just fine,” he said, his voice was as oily as the matted hair poking out from under the blackened edges of his hat. Kody could never understand a man who didn’t wash up and comb his hair occasionally.

  Charlotte twitched away from the man’s touch, her eyes wide, dark with fear and something more, something Kody could only guess was loathing. It was plain she didn’t much like this man.

  Kody didn’t like him at all.

  Lother shoved Charlotte’s belongings aside and sat very close, pushing his thigh against hers.

  The man went too far. Kody leaned forward, preparing to spring to Charlotte’s defense.

  But Charlotte leaped to her feet. “Excuse me, I have to get to the train station.” She grabbed her belongings and hurried down the street.

  Lother called after her, “You best be changing your mind soon and stop playing Miss High-and-Mighty. Ain’t like you got other beaux.” The man turned, saw Kody watching him. “What are you staring at, Injun? Move along.”

  Kody didn’t need the man’s permission, nor did he swing Sam into the street because he’d been ordered to. He had to see what Charlotte had up her sleeve. She’d said her brother had told her to wait. Did she have somewhere to go? Someplace safe from this Lother man?

  He rode slowly to the end of the block and circled around by a back street to the train station. He dismounted and shuffled slowly to the platform, acting as if he had no reason in the world to be there other than aimless boredom. He didn’t want to attract attention, nor have anyone suspect he had any interest in Charlotte.

  She sat on a bench in the shade, slumped over her knees as if in pain.

  He controlled the urge to hurry to her side and, instead, sauntered along the platform to stand near the edge, facing the tracks. His back to her, he said, “You figure out a place to go?”

  She sniffed, a dry, determined sound that brought a slight smile to his lips. He’d expected tears, not this attitude of defiance. “I have no money. No family apart from Harry. No one here has room or ability to keep me. But I’m not stuck, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m not alone. God is with me. He’s promised to provide all I need. I’m sitting here praying.”

  “Waiting for a miracle?” Far as he could see, God had not smiled any more favorably on this woman than on himself. For his part, he’d given up waiting for miracles or, for that matter, evidence of God’s love.

  “I guess you don’t believe in miracles or God’s provision.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and stared down the empty tracks. “Can’t say one way or the other. Might be God sends them both your way.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  There seemed nothing more to say after that. He could, having done his duty, ride away and leave her to God’s care. Yet he didn’t move. How often had he heard Ma say, “Son, what kind of people are we if we see a soul in need and turn our backs? Whatever the color of your skin, that uncaring attitude is savage.” He wished he could shut off her voice, but it spoke softly in the back of his mind. She practiced what she preached, always helping those in need often without so much as a word of thanks. “I don’t do it for the praise of men,” she’d say. “I do it for God. He sees and knows my heart.”

  Kody had not one doubt what his mother would do in this situation. And what she would expect him to do. But she saw it in terms of black and white. He saw it in shades of red. He smiled, knowing Ma would appreciate the irony of his thoughts.

  He uncurled his arms and let his fists hang at his sides. He could not walk away from his training. Again, he smiled, seeing the incongruity of his reasoning—unable to walk away from his training, yet determinedly riding away from his parents who had provided the training. His smile flattened. Best for those back home that he headed north, far, far from them all.

  Except if he was to do what Ma expected, that might change. “I know someplace where you can stay safely until you get word from your brother.”

  “You do?”

  “With my mother and father.” It totally fouled his plans, but he could not leave Charlotte here.

  He heard her huff. Knew she would refuse.

  “You got a better idea?”

  “Yes. I’ll wait back at the farm.”

  He spun around to face her. “You can’t mean that. You have no water. No food.”

  Her stubborn look didn’t change.

  “And what about your friend Lother?”

  “He’s not my friend.” She looked down the street as if fearing the man would follow her. Slowly, she brought her gaze back to Kody and stared at him for a full thirty seconds. “Seems I don’t have a whole lot of choices.”

  He could hardly describe her reaction as grateful. “Maybe it’s the miracle you’ve prayed for.” He knew from the scowl on her lips that she didn’t believe it any more than he did. “I need to get a few things. Why don’t you go back to the store and arrange to have any messages forwarded care of Reverend Douglas in Favor, South Dakota?”

  She nodded, reluctantly, he figured, and he left her to take care of that detail while he headed toward the livery barn. He patted his pocket, knowing his purse would be much lighter before he left town.

  This decision of his meant he would be heading south, instead of north, heading back to the very place he’d vowed to leave behind forever.

  Chapter Four

  It took all Charlotte’s self-control to keep from wailing with frustration and fear. A miracle? An answer to prayer? It certainly wasn’t either in her estimation. She’d prayed for rescue, someone to offer her a home. The only person to do so was a half-breed. And Lother. She shuddered. She’d as soon sit on the step of Harry’s emp
ty house and wait to die of thirst as marry that man. Of the two, Kody seemed slightly less undesirable. At least he only wanted to escort her to his parents’. Or so he said. God, I know You can’t plan for me to ride out with this man. Please send someone else before he returns.

  Why couldn’t some young mother needing help come along and see her? She’d willingly care for babies in exchange for a safe place to live. Or why couldn’t an older couple shuffle by, the woman all crippled up and in pain and needing someone to run and fetch for her? Charlotte would put up with any amount of crankiness if it meant a roof over her head. Hadn’t she been doing so for years, catering to Nellie’s demands? And for what? To be thrown out or left behind at the slightest whim? God was in control. She knew that, but sometimes she found it hard to see how things could work out for good. But wasn’t that when trust came in? When she couldn’t comprehend circumstances?

  Wait on the Lord. Wait and see His deliverance. She wished she could read the Bible and find appropriate words of comfort, but Harry had taken it with him.

  She sat, waiting expectantly, until her skin began to twitch.

  But the platform remained empty. So she trudged back to the store and made arrangements for the mail. Every step carried a prayer for God to intervene. No miracle occurred on her way to the store or her way back, and she resumed her position on the bench, pleading with God to do something. Surely there were people who would welcome her help in exchange for a warm corner to sleep in.

  “Psst.” The soft noise pulled her attention to the far end of the station, to a small cluster of trees where Kody waited. “Let’s get out of here.”

  She didn’t want to get out; she wanted to stay. She held her breath, praying for God to provide in the next two seconds something—someone—posing less risk than the man waiting for her.

  Nothing.

  Seems God had narrowed her choice down to this one option. Perhaps she’d displeased God, too, and He chose to ignore her. She pushed to her feet, taking her time about gathering her things, waiting for God to bestow better, praying with every breath. God, help me. I trust You, even though things don’t look good right now.

  Slowly she crossed the platform, her shoes thudding hollowly on the worn wood, the dusty air catching at her throat. She paused to glance in the window, saw Mr. Sears at the wicket. He looked up, saw her and turned away dismissively.

  “Hurry,” Kody whispered.

  The way he glanced about him sent warning skitters along the surface of her skin. “Why?” She spoke the word aloud, albeit softly.

  “You’re a white woman, I’m a half-breed. Need I say more?”

  Caught up in his suspicions, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one saw her and then picked up her pace.

  Kody took Harry’s rifle, her bedroll and carpetbag—all her worldly possessions—and hung them neatly from the saddle, then helped her onto the old black mare he’d found somewhere.

  Her doubts intensified. What did she know about this man apart from his own words? “Where’d you get the horse?”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and stared up at her, his eyes hidden under the rim of his hat. “You figure I stole her?”

  Her ears stung with heat that her caution had sounded accusing. She averted her gaze. “Just asking.”

  Kody grunted. “It might ease your mind to know I bought her fair and square from the livery barn. The owner seemed quite willing to part with her. He’s running low on feed.”

  At his words a release of tension left Charlotte’s spine weak. She didn’t care to think the law would be after them.

  Charlotte studied her mount—thin and probably as hungry as she was. She patted the mare’s neck soothingly.

  Kody pulled out of the trees and into the street, drew back as a truck putt-putted past, then flicked the reins and continued.

  Charlotte started to follow, but when he headed away from the town to the north, her heart kicked in alarm. Did he expect her to follow him to Canada without protest? She pulled on the reins and turned the mare down Main Street. “Favor is to the south,” she muttered.

  Kody kicked Sam in the ribs and bolted to her side. “You can’t ride through town.”

  “Why not? I’m a free woman. I’ve broken no laws.”

  He reached for her reins, but she jerked away from him.

  “Again, I remind you, you’re a white woman, I’m a—”

  “So you said. But I am not riding north with you.”

  Kody grunted and fell back to her horse’s rear. He pulled his hat lower over his face. “You’re going to regret this,” he murmured as he followed.

  Charlotte kept her thoughts to herself, but she didn’t intend to regret riding north when relief lay to the south, nor did she intend to ride out without giving God one more chance to send an alternative to riding into the unknown with a dark stranger.

  As they traveled the three-block length of the street, Mrs. Williams stepped into view. The woman cleaned and cooked for Pastor Jones. Surely this was God’s answer. The good Mrs. Williams would offer sanctuary to a stranded young woman. Charlotte edged her horse closer to the sidewalk and called out a greeting.

  “Charlotte, how are you doing?”

  “I’m actually in need of shelter. Harry has moved and until he sends for me, I am homeless. Perhaps you’ll allow me to stay with you. I could find a job and provide for myself. I just need a place to sleep.”

  “I don’t see how you could find work when hundreds of men are unemployed, and besides, with my husband being sick…” The older woman shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

  Charlotte nodded. “Thank you, anyway.” She edged the horse back into the street, muttering to herself, “I wouldn’t be in her way at all.”

  Kody grunted. “Times are hard.”

  Right then, Lother stepped out of the hotel. Charlotte shuddered as Lother glanced past her to Kody.

  “You. Injun. What are you doing following my woman? Leave her alone.” He waved his arms like he shooed chickens into the henhouse.

  Kody didn’t answer but said softly to Charlotte, “Make up your mind. Either ride on or stay with him.”

  “Some choice.” She nudged her plodding horse onward, ignoring Lother’s words following her down the street.

  “No decent woman would keep company with an Injun of her own will.” Anything more he had to say was lost in the clatter of horses’ hooves.

  Mrs. Craven peeked out her window as they passed, her eyes narrowing on Kody, then widening at Charlotte’s riding with him. But she let the curtain drop without offering help.

  As they rode out of town, Charlotte swallowed back the bitterness rising in her throat and resisted an urge to shake the dust from her skirts. She only asked for a little shelter. Instead, she was forced to accept the charity and kindness of a stranger. She prayed kindness guided this man’s actions. God, I need help. Please send someone.

  A mile down the road, Kody edged forward to ride at her side, but neither of them spoke. What could she possibly say? She’d accepted his help out of desperation. She felt no gratitude. Only a mile-wide hope that God would still see fit to send an alternative to accompanying this man into the unknown.

  They had ridden perhaps an hour when the sound of an approaching car brought them to a stop at the side of the road. Charlotte expected the car to growl past and turned her head to avoid the cloud of dust. But the vehicle drew to a halt beside them and Sheriff Mack stepped out.

  She wanted to laugh and cry and cheer all at once. God hadn’t forgotten her. Why hadn’t it occurred to her to consult the sheriff? “Sheriff, am I glad to see you. Perhaps you can help me.”

  “That’s why I’m here.” He pulled out his gun and leveled it at Kody. “Put your hands in the air and get down real slow.”

  For the second time in the same afternoon, Kody’s arms went up and he dropped to the ground easily and gracefully.

  Charlotte’s heart stalled with alarm. Had she unwittingly accompanied a fugitive?
She swallowed hard, trying to ease the gritty feeling inside, like she’d taken in too much dust in the last blow.

  What had Kody done?

  And why had she allowed herself to believe he wanted to help her? She’d been duped by talk about a God-fearing mother. She’d been taught you couldn’t judge a man by the color of his skin. Seems you couldn’t judge by his words or demeanor, either.

  “Something wrong, Sheriff?” Kody asked in a low voice, apparently unconcerned.

  She doubted he could be as indifferent as he appeared with the sheriff motioning him away from his horse.

  “Charlotte, get in the car,” Sheriff Mack said. “And you—” he kept his gun steady as he approached Kody “—turn around slow.”

  Charlotte sighed in relief as she got into the front seat of the sheriff’s car. Sheriff Mack lived with his maiden sister. They’d be glad to take her in and she’d find a way to prove her value to them.

  She watched as the sheriff handcuffed Kody and pushed him into the backseat. I wonder what he’s done. Too bad. He seemed like a nice enough fellow.

  The sheriff grabbed up the horses and tied them to the car. “Good thing Lother sent me after you,” he said to Charlotte as he got behind the wheel.

  A prickly sensation crawled along Charlotte’s skin. She pulled her skirt down hard and tucked it around her legs. “Lother? What’s he got to do with this?”

  The sheriff chuckled. “No need to play coy with me, Charlotte. He told me you two were to marry. Said he saw this Indian take you out of town.” Sheriff Mack started the car and edged down the road toward Big Rock. “But don’t you worry. I’ll take care of your kidnapper.” He scowled over his shoulder at Kody. “Guess you know better than to expect any mercy. It’s the rope for you.” He turned and smiled at Charlotte. “I’ll make sure you’re safe with Lother before nightfall. Might even agree to stand up for him at his wedding.” He nodded, seeming pleased with himself.

  Charlotte stared at the sheriff. Nothing he said made any sense. Safe with Lother? She shuddered. “Are you saying Lother thinks I’ve been kidnapped?”