by Bonnie Leon
Callie sprinted to the horse and grabbed Koora’s extended hand while her foot found the stirrup. Koora pulled her up behind him, and before she was settled, he kicked the horse and they set off.
Neither spoke for the first few minutes. Callie knew Koora would meet a white man’s justice. She probably would too. She rested her head against Koora’s back and hugged him more tightly.
“Ya think God’s angry with ya for killin’ that man?”
“God? What do ya mean God?”
Callie realized she was talking about the God she’d been reading about in her Bible. “Ya know, God, the one the whites believe in.”
“Why ya care ’bout ’im? He’s not for us.” He settled back in the saddle. “What ya know ’bout ’im anyway?”
“I know ’im.” Callie figured she shouldn’t say more, but something inside prompted her to speak. “Rebecca give me a Bible. I been readin’ it, and I understand what it says.”
“Ya believe in that book?”
“Yeah, maybe.” Callie glanced at the sky and remembered how she’d felt God’s presence while praying with the ladies and when she talked with God while she was walking. “The Book says God loves everyone.”
“Not everyone, just whites.”
“No. I read ’bout how no matter what yer people are or yer religion, God loves ya. And he wants ya ta be ’is child.”
“And what ’bout color?”
“I don’t think that matters.”
“Callie, yer no gal. Yer grown-up. How can ya believe in that religion?”
“Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Thornton, they believe, and they’re grown-up.”
Quiet settled over the pair. Callie loved the Thorntons, and she trusted them. If they loved God, then maybe she should too.
Koora leaned forward and kicked the horse, and they broke into a gallop.
Rebecca had just finished changing Audry when she saw Koora and Callie ride into the yard. Callie swung off the horse and leaped to the ground before the horse stopped moving.
“Mr. Thornton! Mrs. Thornton!” she hollered, running toward the front steps. Koora followed.
Something was terribly wrong. Clutching Audry, Rebecca ran to the front of the house and pushed through the front door.
“What is it?” Willa asked, stepping onto the veranda.
Callie clutched the top of the balustrade.
“What’s wrong?” Rebecca asked.
“Mr. Marshal’s men. We had a run-in with ’em.” Callie took a quick breath. “They’re on their way.” She looked at Koora. “There was trouble.”
“I killed one of ’em, mum,” Koora said soberly.
“What?” Rebecca exclaimed.
Willa pressed a hand to her mouth. “Lord, no. What happened?”
“I was workin’ but got worried ’bout Callie, so I decided ta walk with ’er. When I caught up ta ’er, those men had ’er tied up. I thought they might kill ’er. So I used a sling and hit one of ’em with a rock. Didn’t mean ta kill ’im.” Koora dropped his arms to his sides.
“Of course not,” Willa said kindly. “Who was it that you . . . killed?”
“The one called Jack,” Callie said. “The other man with ’im was the quiet one. He got scared and rode off.”
Rebecca looked toward town. “They’re most likely on their way here,” she said, unable to keep the tremor out of her voice. “We have to tell Daniel.”
“First,” Willa said firmly, “we need to collect ourselves. There’s no need to speak about what happened to anyone outside our family.” She drew in a slow breath, closed her eyes a moment, then looked at Koora. “You did what was necessary. Nothing more will be said about it.”
“But the—”
“Nothing more need be said.”
“Roight, mum.”
Willa turned to Rebecca. “You take the children to Elle’s. She said she’d look after them if we needed her to.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m likely to meet those men between here and town.”
“Right you are.” Willa walked to the balustrade and looked toward Thornton Creek. “If they show up, I want you and the children to hide in the root cellar.”
She moved toward the stairs. “Now, where is Daniel? I thought he was going to stay close.”
“Roight. I think we might ’ave seen him when we was ridin’ home,” Callie said. “Didn’t know it was ’im, though.”
At that moment riders were heard, and everyone looked to see who was coming up the road. Daniel, Jim, and Woodman appeared. They were riding hard. Daniel didn’t stop until he’d reached the staircase.
“I saw you two riding like there were demons after you,” he said. “What happened?”
“I seen those men,” Callie said. “They stopped me on the road. Said ta tell ya that yer out of time and they’re comin’.”
“How many of them were there?”
“There was just two, but . . . Koora killed one, and the other man rode away. Figure he went ta get help.”
“The roustabouts and drovers are working down on the south section,” Jim said.
“So it’s just us?” Daniel asked, looking from Jim to Woodman to Koora. His eyes rested on Koora. “You know how to use a gun?”
“I do.”
“I’ll see that you get one, then.” Daniel’s eyes stayed on Koora. “How did you kill that man?”
“Sling and a rock.”
“They had rifles?”
“Roight. They did.”
Daniel looked toward town. “Figure there’ll be extra men this time, probably more bushrangers. If we’re to take a stand, we’ll need help.”
“The men won’t be back ’til the end of the day,” Jim said.
“I could go after them,” Rebecca offered. “I know the area, and I’m a good rider.”
“No,” Daniel said. “I’ll not have you risk your life.”
“But . . .”
Daniel raised his hand, palm out. “You’ve got to think of the children. Where would they be without a mother? Marshal’s men could be out there anywhere. And I . . . I don’t want to think what they’d do to you if they got hold of you.”
“What ’bout me?” Callie asked.
“You?”
“Roight. I can ride. I could get help, eh?”
“And what will you do if those men find you?” Rebecca asked. “They’ll blame you for what happened to the man who was killed.”
Callie leveled a serious gaze on Rebecca. “Yer fine people. I care ’bout ya. I want ta help.” Her eyes teared. “And . . . and God will look after me.” She smiled. “Yer God is a big God, roight? That’s what ya always say, and I believe it.”
“Oh, Callie.” For a moment Rebecca could think only about how her years of praying for Callie had been answered. “You believe?”
“Roight. I do.” Callie moved toward the horse. “I best be on me way, eh?”
“Be careful.” Rebecca caught hold of Callie’s hand. “I couldn’t stand it if something happened to you.”
“You keep your eyes open for trouble,” Daniel said, helping Callie up into the saddle.
“I’ll be watchin’.”
Koora stood beside the horse, his hand resting on the animal’s shoulder. “Watch yerself, eh?”
“I will.”
“Ya’ll find the blokes down on the south end, along the deep draw, beyond the river,” Woodman said.
Callie nodded.
“God be with you,” Willa said.
“He is, mum.” Callie turned the horse and kicked it and galloped toward the road.
Rebecca stepped close to Daniel and took his hand. “She’ll be fine, right?”
“Right.” He looked at Rebecca. “I want you to take the children to the root cellar. I don’t want them ’round when those bushrangers get ’ere.”
“But—”
“Rebecca,” Daniel said sternly.
“I’ll have Lily watch them. I won’t leave you.” With a challenge, Rebecca met
his eyes.
Daniel smiled and pulled her close. “You’re a one aren’t you.” He smoothed her hair. “You stay hidden though.”
“All right.”
“You promise?”
“Yes. But I know a little bit about using a gun. I might be able to help.”
Daniel gazed at her, then cupped her cheek in his hand. “I’m so sorry. This is my fault. All of it.” He turned then and stared at the distant prairie.
Rebecca pressed in close to his side. “Daniel. Please, no more regrets. You did what you thought you had to.”
“No. I did what was easiest.” His eyes glistened. “I didn’t have enough faith to wait. And now you and mum and the children . . .” He shook his head. “If Dad could see me—”
“If your father could see you, he’d be proud,” Willa cut in. “You’re a brave man and an honorable man. And you’ve done your best to protect and care for this station and your family.” Willa’s eyes were filled with pride. “Your father couldn’t have asked for a better son.”
Daniel smiled. “Thanks, Mum.” He looked over the small group. “Probably be right smart if we prayed, eh?”
Woodman stepped up to Daniel. “I don’t mind prayin’ with ya.”
Jim and Koora joined them.
Rebecca grasped Daniel’s hand.
The family stood beneath the hot sun and bowed their heads. For a few moments no one said anything.
The heated earth and air felt good to Rebecca. A breeze touched her like a caress, and she envisioned the blue sky with its tattered clouds and felt as if she were standing beneath a grand cathedral—a place where God waited to meet with her.
Willa spoke first. “Our heavenly Father, you are ever faithful to your people. You see us here, weak and helpless and dependent upon you. It is only because of you that we dare accept this task.
“We have no doubt that you are the creator of all things, the protector of us all, and the provider of all we need for life. You are a great and mighty God. We bow to you and to your will. On this most weighty juncture, I pray that our hearts are brave and strong and yet that we shall still know compassion and mercy.”
Again quiet settled over the group. Rebecca felt the Lord’s presence, yet she couldn’t speak. Still, she was confident that her voice was heard by the one who listened.
Finally, Daniel prayed. “God, it’s my doing that we’re ’ere now needing your help. I ask for your forgiveness. I was foolhardy and sinful. May you be merciful toward me. But even more so, to my family and friends. I know that whatever happens ’ere today, you are still God and my life belongs to you.”
Rebecca was breathlessly proud of Daniel. She couldn’t remember loving him more than at that moment.
“Lord, I have people ’ere I love. I pray for your protection. Amen.”
Rebecca couldn’t stop the tears. She looked up to see Willa pull a handkerchief from beneath her cuff and dab at her eyes. Even Woodman and Jim blinked back tears. Koora had an expression of appreciation and understanding.
Daniel placed an arm about Rebecca’s shoulders and gently squeezed. “Everything will be fine, luv.”
He smiled down at her, and the dimple in his cheek appeared. She leaned against him. “I love you. Oh, how I love you.”
Two hours passed, and no one came. Daniel, Woodman, Jim, and Koora kept watch, each armed with a rifle. Willa and Rebecca sat on the veranda, their rifles at their sides. Lily kept the children entertained indoors. The servants and their children had taken refuge in their cottages. The estate was quiet and felt as if it were waiting to take another breath.
“Willa, do you think we’ll have to use these?” Rebecca asked, referring to the guns.
“I pray not. But if we must, then the Lord will help us.”
“I’ve never killed anyone. Never even considered it.”
“I doubt today will be the day we’re forced to take a life. But whatever comes, I pray for the Lord’s strength.”
“I thought some of the men from the district would be here.”
“Yes, I’m sure they meant well. But how would anyone know they’re needed?”
Rebecca watched the plains, wondering what had become of Callie and praying that she and the men would return soon.
Joseph pushed open the front door and marched onto the veranda. Holding up a wooden sword, he tromped back and forth in front of his mother and grandmother.
Carrying a sleeping Audry, Lily stepped out of the house. “I’ll get him roight back inside,” she said.
“Oh, let him play for a bit,” Rebecca said.
Lily smiled down at the little girl in her arms. “She’s such a lamb. I’ll put her to bed, eh?” She walked into the house.
A swirl of dust appeared in the distance, and Rebecca stood. “Someone’s coming!” She stared at the cloud, praying it was Callie and the rest of the workers.
Willa stood next to Rebecca, her arm circled around her waist. “All will be well,” she said.
Rebecca silently repeated the words. All will be well. All will be well.
There were several riders, but Rebecca couldn’t tell who they were. Was it Callie, or was it Marshal and his men?
“Will you look at that!” shouted Jim with a broad grin. He was the first one to recognize the riders.
They were men from the district—Davis Crawford, the bartender; Patrick O’Brien from the mercantile; Rush Linnell; Rev. Cobb; even Charles Oxley, the banker; and a handful of others—plus Cambria.
“Oh, my heavens!” Willa exclaimed. “Praise be to God! He’s provided us with an army.” Her eyes glistened with tears.
“What is Cambria doing here?” Rebecca asked as she followed Willa down the front steps and into the yard.
“Cambria Taylor,” Jim almost shouted. “What are you doing here?”
“I came ta help. I’m a good shot, and I figured ya could use me.”
He took hold of her arms, acting as if he would scold her. “I ought to tan your hide.” A smile broke out on his face, and he scooped her into a hug.
“I just couldn’t not come,” she said. “I love ya. I’m going ta be yer wife soon, and figured I belong with ya.”
“All right, then,” Jim said. “You’re a ringer for sure.”
“Oh, Cambria,” Rebecca said. “You are something. I wish you’d stayed home where it’s safe, but I’m so glad to see you.”
“Couldn’t stay away.” She grinned.
“Got word those blokes Marshal hired were in town and figured ya’d need some help out ’ere,” Rush said.
Mr. O’Brien climbed down from the back of his small, sturdy paint. He smiled. “Knew if I needed help, ya’d be there.” He shook Daniel’s hand.
Mr. Oxley approached Daniel. “This is my fault. I owe you.”
“Thank you. But this isn’t your fault. I had a choice, and I made the wrong one.”
The men put their horses in the barn, out of sight, and the waiting resumed.
Mr. O’Brien stood beside Daniel, resting a foot on the corral fence. “Where’s yer crew?”
“They’re down the south end today. Callie’s gone for them.” He kept his eyes on the endless plains. “You see how many men Marshal had?”
“Not exactly, but there’s a number of new faces in town. I saw a mob of them at the pub downing their grog. Figure we’ll have our hands full.”
Another group of riders approached. They weren’t Daniel’s men.
“Lily, take the children to the root cellar,” Rebecca said, trying to quiet her thumping heart. “Please. Hurry.”
“Roight, mum. I’ll fetch the bybie. Come along, Joseph.” Lily took Joseph’s hand and led him inside.
Rebecca, Cambria, and Willa moved indoors and stood at the windows. The men took up places in the barn and cottages.
Daniel, Woodman, Jim, and Koora stood in the yard and waited.
There were a dozen men riding with Marshal. When they rode up to the house, the horses raised dust and stirred up the chickens, w
ho started squawking and carrying on as if they were expecting to become the evening’s meal. Rebecca thought she could hear Audry crying.
Marshal sat upright on his horse, looking pompous and overconfident. Rebecca wasn’t surprised to see him. He was most likely so sure of having his way that he couldn’t resist being present to claim his prize.
She recognized the two men who’d visited before. The one she knew as Luke was riding Chavive. “Chavive,” she whispered, feeling the sting of tears.
The mare didn’t look her usual good self. She was thin and needed a brushing. She swished her tail again and again, chewed on her bit, and danced from side to side. Luke was heavy-handed with her.
Daniel moved toward Marshal, keeping his eyes on the man. “I see you felt the need to bring along help.” He said, his tone light.
“Dangerous country,” Marshal said. “Never know when trouble might arise. In fact, one of my men was killed today. Heard it was a servant of yours that did it.”
“No one ’ere did any killing.”
Marshal leaned on the saddle horn. “Oh? Well, figure we can sort that out later. I come to claim my property.”
“Get down off that horse, and we’ll do business.”
“No need for business. Time for that’s over.” Marshal glanced from the house to the barn and then to the cottages. “Right fine property. It’ll do nicely. Shame you and that lovely wife of yours didn’t see fit to move your things out. Sorry to see you lose everything.”
“We’re not leaving. It’s you who’ll not be staying.” Daniel walked toward Marshal. He took an envelope out of his front pocket. “Payment in full.” He held it out. “Take it. Douloo’s not for sale.”
Marshal smirked and brushed it aside. “Don’t figure you and your mates are any kind of challenge for my men.” He glanced at the collection of bushrangers. “They’re first-rate with a gun and don’t mind killing when there’s a need.” His small eyes surveyed Daniel, Jim, and Woodman. “You’d be wise to take your family and move along. Don’t think you’d enjoy seeing your friends and loved ones die.”
“I told you; we’re not going anywhere. You’re a fool not to take good money.”