Forever by Your Side

by Tracie Peterson

  Maybe Faith wasn’t able to deny her feelings as well as Connie had thought. She guessed doctors were just as human as everyone else.

  The next morning, as Tom helped Adam Browning care for his livestock, he couldn’t help but think of Connie. She had felt so right in his arms. All he wanted was to tell her how much he loved her—how he wanted to spend his life with her.

  “Tom, check the leg wound on the bay, would you?”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Browning.” Tom inspected the wound. “It’s healing nicely.”

  “Thanks. Would you mind turning him out in the pen?”

  Tom led the bay to the outdoor pen and removed the lead and bridle. Besides thinking of Connie, he thought of the transformation that had happened in his own life. Connie’s father had helped him see that God did exist. It hadn’t happened in one stellar moment, but rather in a long presentation of truth. Adam Browning had used the Bible, but also had proven God in nature and by the word of his own testimony. His patience and kindness toward Tom had struck a deep chord. If his own father had been a godly man, Tom might never have doubted God’s existence.

  He turned at the sound of someone approaching and saw a worried-looking Isaac entering the barn. Tom made his way back inside and found Isaac whispering something to his father.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  They both looked at Tom. Isaac glanced around, then spoke in a whisper. “We should get inside. There’s trouble brewing.”

  They headed into the house. “Mother?” Isaac moved through the kitchen into the dining room. The aroma of sausage gravy and biscuits filled the air.

  Mrs. Browning and Mrs. Kenner sat in the front room, reading the Bible. They smiled when they looked up, and Mrs. Browning asked, “Ready for breakfast?”

  “There’s going to be trouble,” Isaac answered. “Where’s Uncle Lance?”

  “Upstairs,” his mother replied. “Why?” She frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  “Ruth Sheridan died. One of Sam’s friends learned of it and has gone to find Sam. Worse yet, he knows Faith had something to do with the delivery.”

  Mrs. Kenner gasped and put her hand to her throat.

  Mrs. Browning sighed. “We knew it was a possibility. The tribes all believe that if the doctor can’t save the patient, they too should die. Hope and I were just talking about that yesterday.”

  “We should get them out of here. Faith isn’t safe, and Connie might not be either.”

  Mrs. Browning nodded. “How long do we have?”

  “Not long. Sam was in the north gathering horses, but he’ll leave that in a heartbeat when he hears the news.”

  “Then we haven’t much time,” Mr. Browning declared.

  A hard knock pounded on the front door. Tom was closest and went to see who it was.

  Clint Singleton came inside without invitation, pushing past Tom. “We’ve got trouble.”

  “We know,” Adam Browning replied.

  Singleton frowned. “You know about the soldiers?”

  “What soldiers?” Tom asked before Mr. Browning could.

  “There are several companies of soldiers coming our way. No one knows why, but word has spread among the Indians that they’re coming here to kill everyone.”

  “The soldiers may actually be to our benefit,” Mercy Browning said. “Faith and Connie helped Sam Sheridan’s wife, Ruth, yesterday. She was in labor, and the baby didn’t make it. Isaac just told us that neither did Ruth. Sam’s friend has gone to find him. He will no doubt demand a blood price.”

  “You’re right. The soldiers may well be our salvation,” Clint said. “Where are Faith and Connie now?”

  “Upstairs. They had such a rough time of it yesterday that we let them sleep in.”

  “You should get them out of here. Maybe you should all go,” Clint said, shaking his head. “I don’t think any of this is going to calm down so long as you’re here.”

  Mrs. Browning turned to her sister. Mrs. Kenner was positively white. “Hope, you should pack your things. We’ll get you an escort and get you out of here before Sam can harm Faith.”

  “Take Connie with you. If she was a part of this, she won’t be safe either,” Adam declared.

  Tom wasn’t sure what part he should play. He wanted to make sure Connie stayed safe, however. “I can help them get away,” he offered.

  “Thank you, Tom,” Mr. Browning said.

  Mrs. Browning headed for the stairs. “I’ll go wake the girls and get them packing.”

  “I’ll get our things packed,” Mrs. Kenner said, hurrying away.

  “I’m serious,” Clint said, looking at the men, “you should probably all go.”

  Mrs. Browning stopped at this and came back. “I won’t leave, Adam.”

  Mr. Browning shook his head. “I don’t believe they’ll hurt Mercy or me, but anyone who is a stranger might be a problem. How far out is the army?”

  “Only about ten miles,” Clint answered. “I’m going to go speak with the Indian Legislature. I sent word for them to come to my office.”

  Browning nodded. “Lance, get your things ready, and when the army arrives, I’ll go immediately and request an escort to at least get you and the others to the train. For now, though, I’m going back to Clint’s office with him. We’ll try to head things off with the tribes.”

  “Are you sure you won’t be in danger as well?” Tom asked.

  “These people know me. They know I am not the enemy, and I mean to prove it by staying to face them. It won’t be the first time we’ve had trouble.” Mr. Browning moved to the door, then turned back. “But frankly, it might be good for you to go with them, Mercy. I won’t have time to worry about you, and I may need Isaac’s help.”

  “I don’t want to leave without you,” Mrs. Browning said.

  “I know, but do this for me.”

  They both fell silent for a moment, and finally the gravity of the situation seemed clear. Mrs. Browning nodded.

  “Let’s go,” Browning said to Clint.

  Once they were gone, Mrs. Browning went upstairs, and Isaac went to move his sheep into the pen rather than the far pasture.

  Tom didn’t like the situation at all. Once they left the protection of the house, the Indians would have the advantage. They could lie in wait and ambush the entire lot. He needed to talk to Connie.

  He made a dash up the stairs, hoping he could have a minute alone with her while her mother helped her sister and niece pack. He saw Connie huddled with her female family members in the bedroom. It was obvious they were praying.

  Tom had only just come to believe God existed. Would God listen to him if he prayed? He was a sinner. Wasn’t there a verse in John that said God didn’t listen to the prayers of sinners?

  “Oh good, Tom, you can help us,” Mrs. Browning said as she caught sight of him standing in the doorway. “We need to hurry.”

  By the time the army arrived, it had been decided that Tom would remain at the reservation while Connie and her family would head to Portland. Isaac insisted on staying to care for the livestock so their father would be free to do whatever he could to maintain peace.

  Connie didn’t want to leave, but everyone insisted. Even Tom and Clint wanted her out of the way. She knew there was still the matter of figuring out who was responsible for inciting the Indians to war. She hadn’t had a chance to speak to Tom about the additional details Faith had learned about the location of the Indians’ gun house. She knew she needed to tell him before they forced her from the reservation. Unfortunately, he’d been busy helping Isaac with his sheep.

  That evening they ate in shifts and tried to keep an eye out for anyone approaching the house. Connie had never seen her father so upset, and in turn, that upset everyone else. Adam Browning was known for being calm and collected, and the fact that he was agitated and afraid was unusual.

  “Connie.” She turned to find Tom. “I was hoping to talk to you.”

  “I wanted to talk to you too.” She pulled him into t
he kitchen, where they could be alone. “What did you want to say?”

  “You go first.”

  Connie felt momentarily lost in his gaze. He really did have the most beautiful blue eyes. “I . . . uh, Ruth said something about the place where Sam goes. The house filled with rifles. I don’t know where it is exactly, but it’s not far from the big bend in the river. Near where I saw them unloading crates.”

  “The night Clint kissed you?” Tom asked.

  Connie nodded, ignoring the fact that he sounded jealous. “Exactly. Ruth said it’s in the woods to the north of the river. Get your journal, and I’ll sketch it out as best I can.” He started to go, but Connie stopped him. “Wait, I almost forgot. Ruth said there are always guards around the house.”

  “That makes sense. If your entire future depended on the contents, you’d have guards there too.” Tom turned to go, but heavy pounding on the front door drew their attention. “It sounds like someone is trying to beat the door down.”

  Connie started for the front room, but Tom held her back.

  “What if it’s the Indians?”

  “Papa and Uncle Lance would never let anyone get the drop on us.” She pushed past him, and Tom had no choice but to follow her.

  Two soldiers stood just inside the living room with another dozen or so outside the door. Maybe they’d come to stand guard.

  “I’m afraid I don’t understand,” her father was saying to the captain.

  Connie froze in place. She could feel the tension. Something wasn’t right.

  “You’re under arrest,” the captain said. “We’re taking you back to Portland to try you for the murders of Gerome Berkshire and Samuel Lakewood.”

  Chapter 19

  It’s the order of Major Wells, ma’am,” the captain told Connie’s mother. “All of you women are to leave the reservation, including the Sisters at St. Michael’s.”

  “But we’re not on the reservation,” Mama protested.

  “Sorry, ma’am. That’s the way it’s going to be.” The dark-haired captain refused to be moved. “We’ll have a wagon arranged for all of you to ride in.”

  “I don’t want to leave my husband.” Mama had been fit to be tied since the soldiers marched Papa away hours earlier.

  “He’ll accompany us under guard. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must arrange your transport.” The captain gave her a curt bow and exited the house.

  Mama looked at Connie and then at Aunt Hope and Faith. “This can’t be happening. Why do they think Adam killed anyone? He hasn’t even been away from the reservation for some time.”

  “Don’t worry. Lance will figure it out,” Aunt Hope said, putting her arm around her younger sister.

  Connie could see that her mother was trying to be strong. “Poor Adam. He loves these people so much,” Mama said.

  “Which is partially why they believe he killed Mr. Berkshire and Mr. Lakewood,” Faith reminded them. “We know he isn’t capable of it, but they don’t. I’m sure once we’re able to speak to Major Wells, everything will be sorted out. Major Wells has always been fair, at least from what Seth has said. The few times I’ve met him, he’s seemed very friendly and reasonable.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “We’d better finish packing. The captain said his men would be coming for us soon.”

  Mama nodded. “I’ll get my things together.”

  Aunt Hope gave her sister’s shoulder a squeeze. “I’ll put together food for the trip. I know the army will have their own, but just to be on the safe side, I’ll make sure we have what we need.”

  Her mother looked to be in such a state of shock that Connie could hardly bear it. “I’ll help you, Mama.” She followed her mother upstairs while Aunt Hope went to the kitchen to pack food. She couldn’t imagine the pain her mother was feeling. “Try not to fret. I’m sure it will all be sorted out.”

  “It’s just not fair. We’ve done nothing but love these people. We’ve always respected them and been friends with many of them for over twenty years. Your father would do nothing to risk their lives, and he certainly wouldn’t kill anyone or incite a war.”

  “I know, but apparently someone thinks they have proof against Papa. I’m sure it’s wrong, but we’ll have better luck if we are there to plead our case. Just remember, we have powerful allies in Washington. If need be, we can call on them to help as well. I’m certain Uncle Dean would rally many of his friends, even the president, if need be.”

  Her mother pulled several of her father’s shirts from the wardrobe. Her eyes filled with tears. “This is just such a nightmare. I want only to awaken and find that it’s nothing more than that.”

  Connie nodded. “I want that too, but we have to be strong, Mama. God won’t leave us without guidance and counsel. We must put our trust in Him. Many times you’ve told me that, and I believe it.”

  “I do too, but I don’t understand why He didn’t keep this from happening. I can’t see anything good in it.”

  “Perhaps the good will come later. Maybe through this, our faith will increase, and we will become even stronger in the Lord.” Even as she spoke the words, however, Connie wasn’t sure she believed them. Why was God allowing this?

  After they finished packing, Connie went in search of Tom. She found him in the barn with her brother—speaking in hushed whispers.

  “Am I interrupting?” she asked.

  They both startled. Isaac shook his head. “No, come join us.”

  “I wanted to say good-bye. I know you’re both staying, but I wish you were coming along. I’m afraid of what we might encounter. We have quite a distance to travel to reach proper civilization.”

  “I know, but I’m confident that the army will be able to keep you safe,” her brother replied. “Still, if it makes you feel better, I could ride along until you reach Willamina.”

  “No, because then you’d have to ride back alone. I don’t want either of you in danger. If you came with us to Portland, you’d be safer.” She looked at each of them, hoping they would change their minds.

  “We can’t, and you know that. I need to help Isaac with the farm,” Tom said, then looked at Isaac. “And Isaac is going to help me with our investigation. I told him about the house of guns. The soldiers have demanded that all of the Indians appear for a count in the morning. That will hopefully remove the guards from where the rifles are stored and allow Isaac and me to see what’s what.”

  “Maybe you could take some soldiers with you,” she suggested.

  “We were just discussing that, and I think we will.”

  Connie nodded. “Good. I’m glad you’ll have each other. I’m so afraid the uprising is going to start before we can figure it out. Having Papa arrested has been the worst that could happen.”

  “It’s going to be all right, Connie,” her brother said. “Pa’s faith is strong. Mama’s too. They’ll get through this and be just fine. Now we need to do the same.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. I’m trying to keep a positive spirit.” She looked at Tom. “I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you. Either of you.”

  “Nothing’s going to happen to us,” Tom said. “We’re smart, and we’ll be careful.”

  She felt tears trying to form. Her throat ached as she fought back the urge to cry. “I hope so.”

  She turned and ran from the barn. She knew if she remained much longer, she would have begged them to leave with the rest of the family.

  She slowed her pace when she reached the house. A dozen soldiers had formed two lines in front of her home. Connie knew it was time to go. There hadn’t been time to go speak with Rosy and say good-bye.

  Clint appeared from the back of the house. “I was just coming to find you. They’re waiting on you.”

  “I know. I wanted to say good-bye to Isaac and Tom and ask them one more time to come with us.”

  “And will they?”

  “No. They feel they must stay here. You’ll be too busy to worry about taking care of our sh
eep or the other livestock. This way you won’t have to concern yourself with it. I hope you will all be safe.”

  Clint laughed. “The army will keep the Indians in their place. My father is due here tomorrow, and they wouldn’t dare do anything with a man as important as my father in residence. I found out that was the original reason for the army being here. Additional men will likely arrive with my father. The telegram delivering orders to arrest Adam and bring him to Portland was just happenstance.”

  “It’s ludicrous, and you know it.”

  “Well, I want to believe that, but sometimes people just aren’t who we think they are.”

  “I’m going with you, Uncle Lance. I have a picture of Mama and Papa, and we can show it to the man at the hotel before we go to the jail. If Papa can be arrested just because he supposedly signed a hotel ledger, then hopefully we can prove he isn’t the same man who checked in.”

  Her uncle threw a pleading glance at his wife. Aunt Hope just shrugged. “You know how stubborn we can be.” She looked toward the kitchen, where Mama and Faith were talking to Nancy. “You’d better head out, or you’ll have the rest of the women with you as well.”

  He shook his head and gave an exasperated sigh. “Very well, Connie. Let’s go.”

  The carriage was waiting for them at the curb. David, Nancy’s full-time groundskeeper and stableboy, stood holding the horse.

  “Thank you, David. I’ll bring the carriage around back when I return.” Uncle Lance helped Connie into the small carriage, then quickly climbed up and took the reins.

  Connie said nothing until they neared the hotel. The front desk clerk had told police officers that he could identify Adam Browning as the man who had signed into his hotel. Connie was still uncertain how her father supposedly being at the hotel was linked to the killings of Berkshire and Lakewood.

  Uncle Lance brought the horse to a stop in front of the Grand Hotel. The place betrayed its name by not being at all grand, even if it was in a decent part of town.

  After setting the brake, Uncle Lance climbed down and then assisted Connie. He wore the same suit he’d used for travel. Aunt Hope had been up late, brushing the dust out of it and making certain it looked good. He had a particular set to his expression that was all business.