by Peterson, Tracie; Davis, Mary; Hake, Kelly Eileen; Stengl, Jill; Warren, Susan May
Several couples exchanged brief knowing smiles before they turned back to the preacher, awaiting further instruction. Moments later the congregation joined in song. The music rang out loudly as Mrs. Smith played a donated piano, and the gathering did their part to assure anyone listening from outside that the service was well underway.
Meanwhile, Tyler hurried out the back door and came quietly around the school to where his horse was hitched. In one fluid movement, he pulled the reins loose and mounted the animal’s back. Then, without making a sound, he pushed the horse into a gallop across the snow-covered plain.
Nathan heard the singing and knew his time had come. He smiled and congratulated himself on the simplicity of his plan. He was Morgan Stewart’s lawyer, and Morgan Stewart was the bank’s owner. He was also the only one besides Ed Anderson who had the combination to the safe. That was he was the only one before he had hired Nathan as his lawyer. Then he had allowed Nathan to keep the carefully guarded secret in a confidential file with Stewart’s other important papers.
The whole thing had been too simple, Nathan laughed. He’d only had to place himself in the community for a couple of years and earn their regard and trust. Then when the opportunity of a good harvest presented itself, Nathan knew his time had come.
He threw the last of his belongings into already bulging saddlebags and made his way down the side stairs of the hotel. He would miss Mrs. Miller’s apple dumplings, he thought, but with thousands of dollars in his keep, he could no doubt buy tasty apple dumplings elsewhere.
He went to the livery and saddled his horse, loading his bags before leading the animal down the empty street. The bank sat there like an unguarded jewel, and Nathan felt his pulse quicken.
Down the street, the townspeople broke into yet another Christmas carol, oblivious to the evil that lurked just steps away. At least that’s what Nathan presumed.
Quickly, he hitched the horse behind the bank. He looked up and down the empty alleyway, and then with great caution, he picked the lock on the bank door and let himself in.
With the door closed behind him, the singing voices were muted. He steadied his nerves with a deep breath and moved toward the safe. One step, then two, and everything was quiet, just as it should be. But as he lifted his foot a third time, a voice stopped him cold.
“Hello, Gallagher.” Ed Anderson sat ever so casually to one side of the room, contemplating the revolver he held in his hand.
Nathan’s eyes narrowed and he whirled on his heel, his own gun quickly drawn from his coat pocket. “Anderson!” He leveled the pistol.
Ed seemed unmoved. His sober gaze never wavered. “Where’s Amy?”
Nathan had forgotten the girl, and now he nearly laughed. “Somewhere you’ll never find her.”
“Now, that doesn’t seem to be a very reasonable way to act,” Ed said.
Nathan sneered. “Drop your gun, Anderson. I have a quicker hand than you, and I won’t hesitate to shoot.”
“Oh?” Ed raised a brow. “Then you won’t mind when the whole town is alerted by the noise?”
Nathan realized Ed was right. He paused a moment to rethink his plan. “Where’s the money?” he asked, noticing that the safe was open.
“Where’s Amy?”
But Gallagher refused to give in, and Ed realized he’d have to draw him out. “Look,” Ed began, “we know you’re using Amy as your protection. I realize that once you leave here, you’ll go get her and force her to ride with you so that none of us will follow.”
Nathan smiled smugly. Anderson had just given him his new plan of action. “That’s right. If you try to stop me, Amy will die.”
“I kind of figured that.” Ed’s voice was cool. “I just figured maybe you’d strike a deal. Like I give you the money and you give me Amy. Maybe we could have a trade-off down by the river.”
“No,” Nathan refused firmly. “I’m not a fool to fall into a predictable plan like that. You’ll give me the money now and you won’t follow me—or you’ll never see Amy Carmichael again!”
Ed got to his feet and took a step toward Gallagher. The look on his face was threatening, and Nathan waved him back with the gun. “If I have to, I’ll shoot you—whether the town hears me or not. When they come running, I’ll just tell them that I stopped you from robbing the bank. Of course, you’ll be dead and dead men tell no tales. Then where will your precious Amy be?”
“All right, Gallagher,” Ed said between his clenched teeth, “you win.”
“Of course I do. Now, give me the money and leave me to ride out of here. Remember, I’ll have the girl and there won’t be anything to stop me from killing her.”
Ed nodded and motioned to the safe. “The money’s still inside.”
“Get it,” Nathan commanded and stepped back. “But first, lose that gun.”
Ed looked angrily at Gallagher for a moment and then put the gun down on the desktop. He crossed the room to the safe and pulled out two full money bags.
“Put them on the table by the door,” Nathan motioned, and Ed did as he was told. “Now, get down on your belly and don’t even think of following me. Not if you want me to release the Carmichael girl unharmed.”
Ed began to get down on the floor. “What assurance do I have that she hasn’t already been harmed?” he asked.
“None.” Nathan leered. “But what other choice do you have?”
Ed shrugged his shoulders and lay down on the floor. He waited until Nathan had grabbed up the money and exited the bank before raising his head. Then glancing around cautiously to make certain Gallagher wasn’t waiting for him, Ed got to his feet, pulled on his coat, and ran out of the bank.
He mounted his horse and circled the building. Gallagher was long gone, much to Ed’s relief, but the tracks in the snow pointed the direction he’d fled, and Ed knew that his brothers and Amy’s family would already be tracking the man. Hopefully, he’d lead them straight to Amy.
Chapter 16
Amy’s mind registered sounds, but she told herself she was dreaming. She thought she heard a horse’s whinny and the sound of movement on the ground above her, but try as she might, she couldn’t push herself to investigate.
She forced her eyes open, only to be blinded by a flood of brilliant light as the door creaked open. She waited, uncertain whether she was dead or alive. Either way, she could only wait, helpless, for whatever happened next.
She felt herself being lifted, and for a moment she wondered if God had come to take her to heaven. The thought comforted her, and she waited limp in the arms that bore her, hopeful that she’d find her celestial home on the other side of the door.
Instead, cold air hit her face, and Amy roused ever so slightly. Trying to focus on the face overhead, she felt a deep foreboding. This was definitely not her heavenly Father who carried her.
“You didn’t expect me to come back, did you?”
Amy shook her head, not in reply to the question, but because she was unsure of the words. Her mind was so muddled, clear thinking so beyond her strength, that she could only bide her time.
“The whole town has been looking for you,” the voice said. “Especially that fool Andrews.”
Amy’s foggy mind grasped at the thought of Tyler Andrews. His name was like a lightning bolt, jolting her with energy. She remained silent, however, feigning the near unconscious state that she’d been in before. She still didn’t have enough energy to fight this man, but no longer was she apathetic, ready to give up.
“Now,” the voice spoke again, “everyone in town is going to have a little more to say about Nathan Gallagher.”
Nathan! Of course, now Amy remembered. Nathan had brought her to the dugout. She forced her mind to remember the events, and through the clouds she pulled together bits and pieces. Yes, yes, she thought, I remember; Nathan planned to rob the bank.
All of a sudden Amy found herself slammed stomach side down against the back of a horse. Just as quickly, Nathan mounted behind her and half pulled her body ac
ross his lap.
“They won’t be so inclined to do me in,” he said with a laugh, “when they see what’s at stake.”
“I wouldn’t count on that, Gallagher,” a voice called.
Nathan whirled his mount around to meet the angry faces of Tyler Andrews and Randy and Charles Carmichael.
Tyler could barely maintain his seat at the sight of Amy, half-dead, sprawled across Nathan’s lap. He gripped the reins so tight that both hands were balled into gloved fists. More than anything, he would have liked to strike those fists against Gallagher’s head.
Randy Carmichael was feeling none too patient either. He moved his horse forward a step. “Let her go, Gallagher.”
Nathan laughed and revealed his pistol. “I can easily shoot her,” he replied, cocking the hammer. “And I will if you try to stop me from riding away from here.”
“But then”—Tyler’s voice was steady—“you’d have no hostage. And instead of bank robbery, you’d be facing murder.”
Nathan shrugged. “I don’t intend to rot in any prison, either way.”
The sound of Tyler’s voice had cleared Amy’s head a bit more. She moved it ever so slightly to get an idea of her circumstances. The tiny movement caught Tyler’s eyes, but Nathan seemed not to notice.
I’ve got to keep him talking, thought Tyler. “Look, Nathan,” he began, surprising Charles and Randy with the smooth, open way he spoke, “this doesn’t have to end badly. You know what you’ve done is wrong, but a lot of people have gone astray besides you. You know that God offers forgiveness and new life to all those who ask, no matter what they’ve done. Why not start over?”
“I don’t need a sermon, Preach,” Gallagher said.
Tyler moved his horse closer, his eyes never leaving Nathan’s. “It’s more than a sermon, Nathan, and you know it. If you died right now, you’d have to face God. Are you ready to do that? Are you ready to risk eternal damnation and separation from God?”
“I don’t intend to die right now,” Nathan said evenly.
“But you will if you don’t hand Amy over,” Randy promised, his voice tight.
Nathan shrugged. “But then you’d be responsible for her death.”
Amy stiffened at the words being bandied over her head. Tyler’s horse came forward another pace, making Nathan’s horse prance nervously.
“Stay where you are, Andrews,” Nathan demanded. “I know what you’re trying—and it’s not going to work.”
“I’m not above begging.” Tyler’s voice was off-hand. “I don’t want you to hurt her. I care a great deal about her. In fact, I love her and want her to be my wife.”
Nathan laughed. “How touching. But I could care less.”
“I guess I’ve pretty well figured that out.” Tyler tried to control his temper. “Point is, I can’t help trying. A man such as yourself must surely be in a position to understand that. After all, you’re also facing a most precarious situation.”
“I’ve had enough of this,” Randy interrupted. He narrowed his eyes. “Gallagher, you let my sister go now or you’ll have to deal with all of us.”
“I thought I already was dealing with you,” Nathan said, unmoved by Randy’s declaration. “I seem to be managing satisfactorily.” He grinned.
“Not quite.” Ed Anderson came out of the trees. His brothers, Jacob and Jack, followed. Now six horsemen surrounded Nathan. Slowly he began to realize that he was losing the battle.
“God can still save your soul, Gallagher,” Tyler edged the huge Morgan he rode another step forward. “But right now, you’re the only one who can save your hide.”
Nathan’s horse shied at the Morgan’s nearness and whinnied nervously. Tyler refused to back off and pressed his luck. Nathan quickly brought the gun up from Amy to level it at Tyler, just as the Morgan nudged his head against Gallagher’s mount.
Amy took that opportunity to dig what was left of her ragged fingernails into the horse’s side. Nathan’s mount reared. While Nathan fought to hold on to the reins, Amy slid backward off the horse. She used every ounce of her remaining energy to roll to the side. After that, she could do nothing more than lie there and await her fate.
Without warning, Tyler leapt across his horse, knocking Nathan to the ground. The pistol fired harmlessly into the air as it flew from Nathan’s hand. Within moments, four other men were helping to restrain Gallagher, while Charles Carmichael jumped to the ground and lifted Amy into his arms.
“Pa?” she whispered. Her throat was raw, and her voice was barely audible.
“I’m here, Amy,” he answered with tears in his eyes. “You’re safe now.”
Tyler was at her side immediately. He pulled off his coat and wrapped it around her shivering body. In Amy’s confused state of mind, she found his worried expression almost amusing, but the overgrown stubble of his beard amused her even more.
“You need a shave.” She croaked the words against his ear.
Tyler lifted his head and laughed loud and hard, though tears shone in his eyes. Even Charles had to join in the laughter. “That’s my girl,” Tyler said, lifting her in his arms.
Randy left Nathan to the capable hands of the Andersons. They’d already agreed to be responsible for getting Gallagher to Hays. Ed was the one witness who would be able to confirm the bank robbery, and the others would no doubt be called upon if needed at a later date.
“Merry Christmas, Sis,” Randy said, laying a hand on Amy’s dirty cheek. Tears gleamed in Randy’s eyes, too.
“Quite a present,” she replied weakly.
“Let’s get her to Doc,” Tyler said, heading for his horse with his precious cargo.
“I can take her,” Randy offered. He reached out his arms, but his father’s hand pulled him back.
“I think you’d have a fight on your hands if you tried to separate them now,” Charles said softly.
Randy nodded. “I suppose you’re right. If it were Betsey…”
“Or Dora,” Charles interjected. “There comes a time when fathers and brothers have to step aside. Now, come on, let’s get back to town.”
Tyler held Amy close, whispering endearments and encouragement all the way back to Deer Ridge. She snuggled against the warmth of his coat, thanking God silently for sending help in time to rescue her from Nathan’s plans.
She opened her eyes briefly and gazed up into the haggard face of the man she’d come to love more dearly than life. With a smile, she whispered, “I love you, Tyler Andrews.”
Tyler shook his head with a grin. “You’re something else, Amy Carmichael. You endure all of this and now you want to finally get around to telling me that you love me?”
“Just thought you’d like to hear it.” She smiled, closing her eyes.
Tyler leaned down and placed a kiss against her forehead. “You bet I want to hear it. I want to hear it every day of my life for the rest of my life!”
The entire town was waiting and watching for the riders to return. When they caught sight of Tyler’s huge horse, they strained their eyes to identify the bundle he held. Cheers went up when Randy and Charles moved ahead to announce that Amy was alive, but extremely weak. Charles handed his reins to Randy and went quickly to Dora and Angie to assure them that Amy was safe. There were tears of joy on their faces as they followed arm in arm to Doc Taggert’s office. In hushed conversation, the townspeople gathered behind them and followed in the street to gather outside the doctor’s office.
Tyler waited outside with Charles, while Dora and Angie went inside to be with Amy while Doc Taggert examined her.
“Where’s Gallagher?” Jeremy Smith asked the question everyone wanted to know.
“The Andersons are taking him to Hays,” Tyler replied. His mind was not on the question, though. He had been reluctant to leave Amy’s side, and now he ached to know if she would be alright.
“Then he’s alive?” someone else called out.
Randy moved through the crowd with Betsey at his side. Their children were being tended back
at the school by one of the town’s women, while baby Joey was safely tucked in the crook of his mother’s arm.
“He’s alive,” Randy said, coming to stand beside his father. “He could just as well be dead and so could Amy, if it weren’t for Tyler’s patience.” A smile crossed Randy’s face. “Good thing for Gallagher, ’cause patience ain’t exactly one of my own virtues.”
The crowd laughed, and then Charles hushed them all. “I want to thank all of you for your help in finding Amy. We’re stuck out here so far from everybody else in the world that we’ve truly become one big family. Without working together, we’d probably all perish.”
Murmurs of agreement went through the crowd before Charles could speak again. “Truth is, and you folks need to understand this, Tyler Andrews saved this town from disaster. See, Gallagher didn’t just take Amy, he planned to clean out the bank as well. Amy overheard his plans and that’s why he kidnapped her.”
The exchange of looks between the people varied from anger to plain shock. Their hopes and dreams were pinned on their savings and earnings.
“Look, I know you folks feel the same way I do about having a full-time parson around these parts. I think we pretty much owe that to Tyler and I’d like to propose we hire him on as Deer Ridge’s first pastor.” Charles sent a beaming smile toward the man he knew would one day be his son-in-law.
Cheers from the crowd confirmed that Deer Ridge’s residents felt the same way the Carmichaels did.
“It’s the least we can do,” Jeremy Smith said to the crowd. “We wouldn’t even have the money to last through the winter if it weren’t for Andrews getting wind of Gallagher’s plan.”
“That’s right,” Mrs. Smith agreed enthusiastically. “I think Pastor Andrews is just what this town needs.”
Tyler held out his hands to quiet the enthusiastic response of the people before him. “I appreciate the offer,” he said.