Jake decided to intervene. He drew his pistol and trained it on Houser. “Is the engineer on board?”
“Yes, he’s taking a little nap.”
“Is there any other westbound train on the tracks?”
“No, but—”
“Then shut the doors. We’re leaving, law or no law.”
Houser’s nervous laugh sounded again. “I can’t let you commandeer a train, Jake?” He darted a glance to Rhyan. “You wouldn’t let him shoot me.”
Rhyan grabbed Houser by the shoulders and shook him. “My wife is dying. I could shoot you myself. Now get this train started.”
The conductor’s eyes bulged, then pushed between Jake and Rhyan, headed down the aisle. Jake followed with the gun barrel in his back.
Houser barked a series of orders that meant little to Jake, but within seconds, the train lurched, then moved away from the depot, gathering speed. Missing was the whistle to alert people the train was leaving the station.
The angry conductor faced Jake. “Well, it’s done. I hope you don’t live to regret this.”
Jake lowered his pistol. He just hoped Carianne lived.
Chapter 20
The sky looked like it wanted to weep along with those who climbed the polished stone steps of the little church called The Cowboy Chapel. Juliette entered with Katherine, followed by Colt and dozens of ranch workers. She’d admired the structure from afar, but up close, its beauty gleamed, even under the dreary canopy.
The stone building was small but beautiful, reminding Juliette of pictures she’d seen of cathedrals, though in miniature.
They found seats in the first row. The short pews only allowed five or six people each. Juliette followed Colt and Katherine, and Maria sat beside her, then Carlos, Maria’s husband.
Something about this place stirred her memory. The simplicity of the altar, the stained glass windows, the simple cross hanging on the back wall. It was like the church in her dream—the one where she was to marry Jake. When he’d disappeared, leaving her alone at the altar.
She shook the image. This wasn’t her wedding day, and Jake wasn’t here.
Brother Hal positioned his lanky form at the lectern, holding onto it like all strength had left him. He fastened a watery brown gaze on the congregants. “Friends, brothers and sisters, we’re going to sing a hymn, and then we’re going to pray for Carianne. I don’t have to tell any of you how often she’s prayed for us.
“I’ve never known anyone who believed in the power of prayer more than Carianne Cason. She’s one of those who have faith greater than a mustard seed, and she moved mountains. She persuaded Rhyan to build this chapel as a house of prayer for the men who work on this ranch.”
He pointed to a box on the table in front of the lectern. His voice breaking, he continued. “She put this box up here for people to leave their prayer requests. What you may not know is she prayed over each request left. I…I have seen hardened men come to the Lord because of those prayers.”
Brother Hal paused to mop his face with a handkerchief. Nothing but sobs from around the chapel broke the silence. He cleared his voice. “Just a few weeks ago, she called us all right here to pray for Jake, and he came home to us. Not only on his way to healing, but bringing Juliette and her family with him. And a wonderful blessing to Jake and to us all.”
Juliette choked on her own tears. They had been praying for Jake that horrible night when she feared he’d die, when some power beyond herself had told her what to do. Calmed her despite the raging storm. Guided her.
They thought her a blessing? She felt like a fraud and small enough to sink into the crevices of the panels holding the hymnals in place.
Brother Hal continued. “As you depart, I ask that you come up here and write down your prayer for Carianne. Before you do, confess any sin and bring your faith to the altar.”
Yes, she must do that. A complete confession. She’d not had the time to confess to Jake, but she would, and not just to him, but to God, then to these good people, and ask the forgiveness of all. Then she’d return to Georgia and confess to the lawyer and face any recriminations awaiting. But not during this ceremony. This was for Carianne’s healing.
“I feel the Lord in this place,” Brother Hal said. “Katherine, will you lead us in Carianne’s favorite hymn? Everyone, please stand. You all know it.”
Juliette got to her feet. As soon as Katherine’s sweet soprano sounded, she knew the words. Rock of Ages, cleft for me. Let me hide myself in thee.
By the end of the service, Juliette had found a peace with God she couldn’t begin to understand. He would be with her through whatever came, and not a trace of fear remained. She got in line with the rest to leave her written prayer, the only burden left was concern for Carianne.
The next day, the ladies gathered at the Double Bar H Ranch to hold a vigil. Those men who had to work went about their duties, and those who could gathered at the church. They all awaited word from Chicago.
Juliette didn’t know all of the ladies scattered around Katherine’s parlor, but she understood they came from the area farms and ranches. Of them all, she wanted to get to know Emma better. Maybe because Emma was from the South, she felt a kinship with the grandmotherly woman.
Emma sat in a rocking chair in the center of the gathering, reading from the large Bible resting on her lap. The cadence of her voice was almost as comforting as the words.
Katherine rocked Emmy Lou in one of the twin rockers beside the fireplace. Juliette sat on the raised hearth along with Maggie Comings. Rachel and Myra had found chairs together as they usually did, but were uncharacteristically sedate. Martha Amerson sat with them crocheting granny squares.
Arabella paced the room, clenching her hands in front of her in a white-knuckle grasp. The fine silk skirt of her expensive gown rustled as she moved from one corner of the room to the window and back.
Emma was reading in the gospel of Luke and had just finished the parable of the pearl of great cost when Arabella stopped in front of Juliette. She reached out and lifted her locket. “How exquisite. I’ve often admired your locket. Its sentimental value must be priceless.”
When Arabella released it, Juliette caught it in her hand and rubbed the stone between her fingers. “Yes, Jake gave it to me.”
“Then it must mean a lot to you.” Arabella turned her back to Juliette and addressed the rest. “Why don’t they let us know something? Surely the train has arrived in Chicago by now.”
No one had an answer. She strode to the window and stayed gazing out as if willing someone to appear. Emma continued her reading.
Arabella was right. They should have heard something by now. Juliette felt her nerves tensing. Rachel mentioned setting out something to eat, but Juliette’s stomach roiled at the thought of food.
No one made a move and Arabella resumed her pacing. As she made her round to the window, a loud gasp made all of them look her way. “Colt is coming.”
Boots pounded the porch and Colt opened the door, breathing heavily. He swept his hat off.
Juliette suspected all the women held their collective breath.
Colt nodded. “Jake sent a telegram. They arrived in Chicago and an ambulance was waiting.”
“Praise the Lord,” Emma said. “How is Carianne?”
“Don’t know. That’s all the telegram said. Deck is staying at the post office, waiting for more news. I came on to tell y’all.”
Everyone started talking at once. “We’ll make sandwiches.” Myra’s voice rose above the others. She started for the kitchen.
Rachel followed. “You stay long enough to eat, Colt.”
“I’ll lay the baby down first.” Colt bent over his wife and kissed her forehead while scooping Emmy Lou into his arms.
“Thank you, sweetie,” Katherine said. “I’ll have your plate ready by the time you wash up.”
The couple’s intimate moment touched a chord in Juliette, a sadness, and a longing for Jake. She’d hoped he would return before
she had to write to Matthew Ward. As an officer of the court, the lawyer would have to insist she return to Georgia to answer for killing Harp.
“I’m sure Jake will let us know as soon as he can.” Emma closed the Bible and scrambled to her feet. “We’ll keep believing all will go well.”
When everyone else had followed Emma to the kitchen, Juliette hung back, sending up a prayer of gratitude. For the miracle He had sent Carianne, but also the blessings of sending her to these people. They would take care of her brothers and Annie. She need not worry about them when she left.
She’d grown to love all of them, and they her. And her whole family. When Papa was alive they’d had neighbors like this, always ready to help one another. Extend love and comfort. That had all changed when Harp married Grace. Juliette was so wrapped up in her concern for her family, she’d not seen it happening until it was too late. Harp had gradually run everyone away.
Now she knew why.
***
Rhyan wasn’t subtle in his agitation. He pounded the wooden floor of the small waiting room, from the seating area where Jake sat, to the gaping hallway that led to the operating rooms of this huge hospital. He slapped the open palm of one hand with the fist of the other, the pop-pop-pop setting Jake’s teeth on edge.
Jake didn’t blame him. He’d be walking the floor with Rhyan if his leg wasn’t aching. Back there in this massive hospital, people hung between life and death with nothing but the doctors’ skills and prayer to save them.
After almost an hour, a doctor in a white coat appeared from the dark hole and came toward them. “Mr. Cason.”
With eyes dulled by worry and fear, Rhyan shot a glance at Jake before facing the doctor. “Yes.”
“Your wife’s blood pressure is holding, miraculously, and we’ve stopped the hemorrhaging.”
“When can I see her?”
“We’re still operating. You have to make a decision and right now, I’m afraid. As I’ve said, the rupture has been repaired. However, if your wife were to conceive again, it would be fatal.”
Rhyan coughed and sucked in a breath. “We already have two children.”
The doctor slid a fleeting glance to Jake. “I’ll be frank, Mr. Cason. It’s extremely hard for a married couple to abstain. Usually, the wife feels healthy and strong, and after a few years, convinces herself and her husband she can have another child.”
“That won’t happen. Do what you have to do.”
“We can remove the womb, and there would be no chance for your wife to conceive. It’s called a hysterectomy. She would live a normal, healthy life—and, as you say, you already have two children.”
“No chance? Are the chances for her recovery better if you do something…so radically?” Rhyan was a man who counted the odds in every situation. “What did she say?”
“Mrs. Cason is not conscious. You’ll have to make this decision, but her chances are very good either way.”
Jake hoped he never had to make a decision like this.
Rhyan coughed again. “Then do it—this hyster, whatever.”
The doctor nodded and began walking backwards. “Hysterectomy. I believe it’s the right decision. And good that you brought her here when you did. Another half hour and she would have been too weak to withstand the operation.”
Rhyan sank into the chair beside Jake, propped his elbows on his knees, and buried his head in his hands. Not sure whether he was praying or just overwhelmed with the decision he’d been forced into, Jake waited until he sat up and scrubbed his face with his hands.
The doctor had brought relief to Jake, and he couldn’t help but think Rhyan was thinking the same. He slapped his boss on the knee. “She’s going to be all right.” It was hard to think of anything else to say.
A commotion in back of them prevented his having to come up with anything. Two uniformed officers came toward them.
“Either one of you Jake Gresham?” The older policeman asked.
Jake stood. “That would be me.”
“You’re under arrest, Mr. Gresham, for commandeering a Union Pacific Railroad train at gunpoint.”
Rhyan sprang to his feet. Expecting him to argue with the policeman—explain the circumstances, Jake said nothing. “Go with them, Jake. I’ll send you a lawyer and get you out by night.”
“I doubt that,” the taller, younger officer said. “This is a serious offense.”
“I understand that, officer, but there are extenuating circumstances. May I have a private word with my friend before he goes?”
The belligerent young officer looked like he wanted to argue, but his partner gestured with his head, and they strode to just inside the doorway.
“I expected this,” Rhyan said. “But not so soon. Commandeering a train is a federal offense. I’m sure I can get the charges dropped. Most of those charges include robbery and murder. Our reasons were life and death. You heard the doctor say if we’d waited a half hour more, Carianne wouldn’t have made it.”
“You think that’ll be a good enough reason to drop the charges?”
“Either that or a whole lot of money. It’s the railroad bringing the charges and they’re greedy.”
Chapter 21
Juliette pulled the library door closed and locked it. Instead of mounting Sweetie Pie, she pulled the horse along the quiet street to the post office. Tucked inside her reticule was the letter to Matthew Ward. She’d apologized for her previous evasive answers to his questions regarding Harp Munson’s whereabouts. Along with an explanation of why and how she’d killed him, then disposed of his body.
Enough information to get her a very long prison sentence, if not hanged.
She tied Sweetie Pie to the hitching post, drew in the fresh air blowing in from the west. Squaring her shoulders, she marched into the post office. The tapping of the telegraph keys greeted her, and she surmised Dorcas Wagner was behind the curtained area, working the machine.
A minute later, the curtain parted and Dorcas popped out. “I thought I heard someone come in.” Dorcas waved a paper in her hand. “A telegraph just came in from Rhyan. Carianne has awakened from her surgery, and the doctor declared it a complete success.”
Sudden joy shot through Juliette. She didn’t know Dorcas well, but she grabbed the woman in a hug. “That’s wonderful. Thank you, dear Lord.”
Dorcas returned her embrace warmly, then stepped back. “She’ll have to remain in the hospital for at least two weeks, but there’s going to be a lot of celebration over this news.” She pressed the telegram to her bosom.
“I’ll tell everyone at Sollano. Please post this letter for me and I’ll be on my way.”
Dorcas took the letter unaware it would seal Juliette’s fate. “Of course. Yes, tell everyone. You’ll save Deck a trip.”
“Did it say anything about Jake?”
Dorcas understood her underlying concern. “No, but I expect he’ll be coming on home. He might already be on the incoming train.”
Juliette smiled, hope building in her heart. Rhyan would doubtless stay with Carianne and spend every spare minute with her, but he wouldn’t need Jake now. There should be no reason for him not to come on home.
She rode toward the ranch stables with a lighter heart. Her future was now up to God and the law, and Jake would be coming home. She could tell him the truth face-to-face, plead for his forgiveness, and ask that he protect the boys and Annie. They would go to chapel on Sunday, and she would speak to the people. By that time, Mr. Ward would have received her letter. Only then could she return to Georgia.
Thad ran out to take Sweetie Pie’s reins.
Juliette hugged him. “Why are you working in the stables? Is Corky all right?”
“Sure. He wanted to learn how to drive cattle—how to work with my cow pony, so I took his place.”
“That was kind of you. Will you find Deck and tell him Mrs. Cason survived the surgery and will perhaps be released from the hospital in two weeks.”
Thad’s wide, toothy grin show
ed his eagerness to share that news. “I will, and Deck will tell all the men. They’ve been pretty worried. They all like Mrs. Cason a lot.” He laughed. “More than Mr. Cason, actually.”
“I doubt that, but there’s a lot to love about both of them. I’ll see you at supper.” God was good. She could leave Thad and Corky and Annie in Jake’s and the Casons’ care without any worries.
“Sure, Jul. I’ll take care of Sweetie Pie when I get back.”
He led the horse into the stables and came back out within seconds on a big roan stallion. She waved him on and crossed the yard to the house.
After notifying everyone of Carianne’s condition, she left them rejoicing, climbed the wide staircase, and tracked to her bedroom. She needed some serious time in thought and prayer. Was it possible to expect one more miracle? Of course all was possible with God.
But this was a mess she was handing Him. She still couldn’t regret that Harp was dead, but she should have handled the situation better. Been more aware of what was happening to Annie. Yet God had separated those sins away from Him. As far as east is from west, or so the Bible said. So who was she to dwell on them? Her faith might be smaller than a mustard seed, but it must sustain her through the crisis to come.
If she lost her freedom, even her life, it wouldn’t be as bad as losing Jake’s love. Oh, please, Lord, send him home soon.
She must see him, feel his arms around her, if for one last time. A final kiss. She’d offer him release from his promises to her. Jake shouldn’t be bound to a woman who might not be able to marry him after all. She had to give him an opportunity to hear the truth, but she wanted an opportunity to plead her case to him before having to plead before a jury of strangers.
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting her thoughts. “Come in.”
A smiling Mrs. Darlington swept into the room, a schoolroom slate held in one hand. “I have something marvelous to show you, Miss Kendal. When I heard you’d retired to your room, I couldn’t wait.”
“That’s quite all right. Please have a seat.” Juliette indicated the two green wing chairs by the tall window. After Mrs. Darlington had settled, she sat on the edge of the plush seat of the other chair. “This is about Annie?”
Escaped (Intrigue Under Western Skies Book 4) Page 18