by Mary Alford
“Did you see anyone out there?” Erik murmured so low Mason had to lean close to hear.
“Not so far.” He dropped the jacket onto the sofa. “I’m going to help you sit up now.” He placed his arm around Erik’s shoulders and eased him halfway upright.
Erik groaned and clutched his injury while pain contorted his expression.
“I’m sorry, brother. I know it hurts.”
Erik dragged in air. “Just keep going.”
Mason did as his brave partner asked and lifted him up to a sitting position.
“It’s cold out and I don’t know how far we’ll have to travel before we have service or reach the rancher’s place.” Mason didn’t like his partner’s pallor one little bit. “Can you get your arms in the jacket?” Because he had doubts.
“I think so. I could use some more of those pain meds, though.”
Mason watched his partner make several attempts to get his arm through the hole before he helped Erik the rest of the way.
“Thanks. I guess I’m a long way from being a hundred percent.” Erik’s raspy voice scared him the most.
“You take a break and I’ll get the pain meds.” He went into the kitchen and looked around for the pills, then shook out a couple once he found them and shoved the bottle into his pocket.
With a glass in hand, he brought the pills to Erik.
“Thanks.” Erik closed his eyes and laid his head against the back of the sofa.
He felt his partner’s forehead. The fever had spiked. Erik was burning up.
Mason hurried to the kitchen and grabbed a cloth. He dampened it with cool water and placed it on Erik’s forehead.
How could they leave with Erik in such bad shape? He required a doctor’s care before the wound became infected.
Mason noticed fresh blood seeping through his partner’s shirt. The wound had opened back up.
He knelt in front of Erik. “You’re bleeding. I need to change the bandage before we go.” Erik’s lack of response had him wondering if the decision to evacuate would come too late to save his partner...
* * *
Willa stared down at the child who had snuggled up against Mamm’s side and fallen fast asleep.
“I hope I don’t have to wake her.” If this kinna kept right on sleeping, it would be a blessing from Gott.
Mamm’s face reflected the stress of what was taking place around her. Her tremors were more prominent. Being jostled around in the back of the buggy would not be gut for her illness, but their choices were quickly being taken away.
“We must do what is necessary, dochder. That man will undoubtedly return with more. I will survive this. The buggy won’t be so bad.” Mamm obviously wanted to put on a brave front, but Willa understood fully how difficult the journey would be on her and the injured marshal.
“I’ll take Samantha with me now. Mason will come back for you soon.”
Mamm’s clear eyes held hers. “I’ll only slow you down. You and Mason should take the kinna and leave. I’ll be oke here by myself for a while. What are they going to do with an old woman?”
Willa reached for her mother’s hand. “We aren’t leaving you. Mason will help you to the buggy as soon as we have Erik inside.”
Mamm looked with affection at the sleeping child. “She’s a precious one. She told me all about what happened to her mamm and daed. And about that bear she loves. I hate that she must go through what she is.”
“I do, too.” Growing up, Mason used to tease Willa about being the mamm of their little group, always worrying over everyone, putting their wishes above hers. Willa had learned it all from her mother’s example.
Surviving this man Bartelli was just the beginning. Samantha was all alone in the world and it was heartbreaking to think about what would happen to such an innocent child out in the Englisch world.
“Relax for now,” she told her mother, and slowly untangled Samantha’s tiny arms from around Mamm’s waist. “It won’t be long before we’re ready to move you to the buggy.” She gently lifted the child into her arms. The little girl stirred slightly. Her eyes popped open and she stared into Willa’s for a moment before she closed them and laid her head against Willa’s neck.
Willa sighed gratefully. If the child woke up during the process of moving her to the buggy she’d be frightened. Hopefully, she’d sleep until they were safely away from the house.
“Be careful, dochder. I can’t lose you, as well.”
Willa’s hand was suspended over the doorknob. Her mother’s tragic words had her turning toward the woman she loved so much.
Though she had no doubt her mother missed both Miriam and her mann deeply, she hadn’t spoken of the loss in a long time. Sometimes, it was easier just to tuck the grief away and not revisit it.
She turned and smiled. “I miss her, too. And Daed. I wish they hadn’t left us so soon.”
Mamm’s expression softened. “Jah, but Gott’s will must not be questioned no matter how hard it is for us to accept.”
Willa thought about the way Miriam had died—taken in a fire set by a man who had become obsessed with her. She’d struggled for a long time to understand how such an act of violence could be Gott’s will. How had what happened to Samantha been Gott’s will?
Never once had she questioned Gott’s sovereignty when it came to the things that happened in this world, or even here in her community, yet she wished she could understand His plan. Why, with everything Mamm was going through, had He chosen to take her husband’s life? Or her oldest child’s?
Willa let go of the momentary doubts. Her faith in Gott must be stronger than them. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.” Golden Boy noticed her preparing to leave and tried to follow, but she couldn’t risk him running outside and being harmed. She gave the command for the dog to stay. Golden Boy grumbled but obeyed.
She forced a smile and left the room. The enormity of what they faced pressed in. It was life and death. Not just hers and Mason’s but everyone in this house.
No matter what, she would do everything in her power to prevent her strong mother from having to bury another family member.
Erik stood near the front door, holding on to the frame as if it were the only thing keeping him upright. The strain on his face confirmed how difficult getting upright had been for the injured man. She really hated that they had to force him and her mother into a situation that could turn deadly on a moment’s notice.
Mason studied the outside from the living room window. He turned as she approached.
“Do you see anything?” She glanced down at the child, grateful Samantha still slept peacefully.
Mason shook his head and lowered his voice. “Erik has a fever. I’m afraid the wound is on the verge of being infected.” He held her gaze. “I sure hope this isn’t a mistake.” He gently touched the little girl’s hair. “I’ll take Erik out. You and Samantha stay behind me. Once I get him inside, you and Samantha stay with him while I go back for Beth and Golden Boy.”
Willa glanced over to where Erik was barely holding on. “I wish there was some other way, but there isn’t.” She clasped his arm. “You’re making the right decision.”
“Thank you,” he said, as if the words meant the world to him. “Let’s get out of here.” He moved to his partner’s side and put his arm around Erik’s waist. “Keep your eyes open.”
With that warning tightening her midsection, Willa followed Mason as he opened the door and assisted Erik out onto the porch. He stopped long enough to scan the woods in front of the house. “I don’t see anyone. Are you ready?” He looked over his shoulder at her. Those serious blue eyes pinned hers.
She wasn’t, but she would be strong for him. “Jah, I’m ready.”
They moved forward, Erik stumbling as they crossed the porch. The slightest effort of putting one foot in front of the other came at a cost.
Step by step Mason somehow managed to get Erik to the buggy. Willa hurried to open the door.
“Here, let me take Samantha from you. I’m going to need your help. Erik, can you hold on to the buggy for a second?”
Erik confirmed. Before she could transfer the child into Mason’s arms, Samantha woke up. Her frightened eyes latched on to Willa.
“You’re safe,” Willa assured her, and did her best to calm the child. “We’re going to take a buggy ride.”
The child squirmed in her arms, vigorously shaking her head. “I don’t want to leave.”
Mason took her from Willa. “Samantha, look at me.” The child’s frantic eyes met his. “Be strong for me. We must leave. It’s not safe to stay.”
Erik mumbled something.
Willa didn’t understand the words. “What did you say?”
Before Erik could repeat it, a sound coming from the other side of the buggy made it clear. “Someone’s coming,” Willa whispered in a frightened tone.
“We’re too late.” Mason sat Samantha on the ground and edged to the back of the buggy.
When Samantha would have followed, Willa grabbed her hand and held on to it. “You must stay with me, kinna.”
A second later, Mason returned. “I counted at least a dozen men. There’s probably more.” The buggy wouldn’t keep them shielded from the front door as they tried to reach the house. “I’ll cover you. Can you help Erik inside?”
She would do whatever he needed. “What about you?” How could she leave him here alone with so many?
“Don’t worry about me—just get everyone into the house. I’ll be right behind you.” Mason leaned down to Samantha’s level. “Stay in front of Willa and run as fast as you can when she tells you.” He straightened. “Hurry, Willa. I can’t hold them off for long.”
She drew in a shaky breath and nodded.
Mason crept to the back of the buggy. Once in position, he looked over his shoulder, nodded and opened fire.
“Now, Samantha!” With her heart racing, Willa gathered Samantha in front of her and tightened her arm around Erik’s waist.
While Mason kept the men pinned back, Willa struggled to get Erik up the steps.
Inside the house, Golden Boy barked ferociously. He must have heard the shots and wanted to come to the rescue. Willa was grateful the door was closed so the dog couldn’t get out because she believed he would go after those dangerous men and would probably die for his valor.
Samantha raced across the porch and reached for the door handle. She threw it open and kept right on running.
“Stay, Golden Boy,” Willa told the dog before he jutted from the house. She stumbled with Erik over the final step, her breathing labored from the exertion.
With strength she hadn’t known she possessed, Willa all but dragged Erik across the porch while Mason continued shooting behind them. Erik’s foot hit the threshold. Almost there. Before they could step across into safety, a wave of shots showered down all around them. The men were shooting back.
Willa lost her hold on Erik and both hit the porch. He screamed as Willa covered his body with hers.
“Go, Willa. Get inside the house,” she heard Mason yelling.
Golden Boy barked nearby, almost as if he were urging her on.
Willa heard a tiny voice calling for the dog. Samantha. Golden Boy’s feet padded across the wood floor in answer.
She had to get Erik inside the house before they took a stray bullet.
“Can you crawl?” she asked against Erik’s ear. “We can’t stay here. We’ll die.”
“I think so.” Erik managed to get on his hands and knees. Each movement would probably amount to more damage to the marshal’s injured body, but he ignored the cost and kept going.
As Erik continued his slow trek, Willa glanced over her shoulder. The men outnumbered Mason, and they knew it. They would come for him soon enough. She couldn’t let that happen.
Willa grabbed the handgun from her apron pocket and started shooting. The men stopped their barrage long enough to take cover.
She grabbed Erik around the waist and pulled him the rest of the way inside. He slid to the floor at her feet. Willa turned, expecting to see Mason behind her. He was heading for the stairs when another round of shots forced him back to the buggy.
“Mason!” Terrified he would die, she started after him, but he stopped her.
“No. Go back inside.”
She didn’t want to leave him, but she had to think about Erik. He remained in the line of fire. Willa closed the door and helped Erik to his feet. She eased him back to the sofa and looked around for Samantha. The little girl huddled behind the sofa, clutching Golden Boy tight.
Willa hit the floor as stray bullets flew through the wooden exterior and lodged into the opposing wall.
She was terrified that, with so much gunfire, Mason would be struck.
“Stay down and where you are,” Willa told Erik and Samantha. When a brief reprise occurred, she crawled across the floor to the door. She had to do whatever she could for Mason.
Willa leaned out and aimed at the advancing men. Several cries assured her she’d hit at least some. She ducked out of sight and stayed low when the men swiftly returned fire. Steadying her nerves, she shot again. “Hurry, Mason. They’re coming.”
He turned at the sound of her voice. “I have to get the horse out of the line of fire before its shot. Stay inside and get down.”
Mason moved to the buggy door. Willa continued shooting while she watched in horror as the mare reared up on her hind legs and pawed the air. Mason quickly unwound the reins from the porch before the animal hurt herself.
“Cover me,” he yelled.
She fired again. Mason disappeared inside the buggy. He gave the command and the frightened mare shot forward at a frantic speed. Somehow, Mason kept the animal under control. The horse turned around the side of the house and away from danger.
Willa did her best to keep the men pinned down until Mason was out of their firing range. But when a round of bullets strafed the front near the door, she jumped back inside and hit the floor. She reached up and locked the door, then covered her head as more rounds flew around the living room.
The sound of the horse galloping, and the buggy wheels rattling, came from behind the house. Willa kept low and started for the back door, hoping there wouldn’t be more shooters in that direction.
Samantha leaped from her hiding spot beside Erik and grabbed for Willa’s hand. The dog followed at her heels. With bullets landing all around, Samantha was in danger of being struck.
“Komm with me. I will be back for you,” Willa told Erik, and hurried Samantha along to her mamm’s room and opened the door. The dog passed them and paced the room with a whine. The situation was way beyond anything Golden Boy had experienced.
Mamm sat up as they entered. “What’s happening? So many shots.”
“I’ll explain soon. Mason is in danger.” She leaned close to Samantha. “Stay here until I come back.”
“No.” Samantha’s trembling plea tore free. She clung to Willa’s hand, tears filling her eyes. “I don’t want you to go.”
Willa knelt beside the little child. “Mason is out there alone. If I don’t let him in, he could die. He wouldn’t want me to put you in danger, Samantha. Please, trust me. Wait here with my mother and Golden Boy. We’ll both be back soon.”
Samantha’s chin wobbled but she slowly nodded.
“Good girl.” Willa hugged the child close before she let her go.
With a final look at the woman in the bed, Willa started back for Erik when a sound at the back caught her attention. She moved to the window. The mare rounded the corner of the house, her e
yes flashing with fear. The only sound now was the noise made by the horse and buggy. Where had the men gone? She caught sight of Mason pulling back on the reins.
“Whoa, mare,” he yelled multiple times before the horse eventually followed his command and came to an ugly stop, snorting and stomping the ground.
Willa ran to the door, unlocked it and threw it open. “Hurry, Mason.” As soon as their attackers spotted the buggy, they’d realize Mason hadn’t gone far. She couldn’t imagine what would happen once they figured out everyone they were looking for could be found hiding inside the house.
Mason swung from the buggy and wrapped the reins around a porch post before he ran inside. Willa slammed the door shut and locked it.
“They’re everywhere. More than I can count.” He hurried to the front of the house. At the edge of the window, he kept out of sight as he looked out. “We’re trapped, Willa. There’s no way we can get out now.”
Panic set in at the dreadful truth. “What can we do? There must be something.” She wouldn’t accept that such bad men were going to win. It wasn’t fair for Samantha’s story to end here.
Mason’s attention returned to the world outside. “Where did they go? They were there a second ago. I don’t see anyone.”
Willa slipped behind him and looked over his shoulder. Nothing but her quiet homestead appeared in their limited view.
“I don’t like it.” Mason urged her away from the window. “With all the gunfire, it’s possible one of your Englischer neighbors would have heard and called the sheriff, but we can’t count on that.” His hands descended on her shoulders. “No matter what, we can’t give up. There’s too much at stake.” Willa wasn’t sure which of them he wanted to convince.
He slipped to the back window. “So far, I don’t see anyone back here, but we’ll never get everyone into the buggy before they hear us. They’ll shoot us all if we try to leave.” He appeared to struggle with a solution. “There’s no way I’m leaving you alone to protect two sick people and a child. Not with a virtual army surrounding the house.”
