The train slowed.
“Hold on, we’re stopping,” Shea told them.
Phoebe held on so no one had to help her. There was a great screeching sound and a final jerk before the train was quiet. “Why have we stopped?”
“It’s one of the stops along this route. They need to bring more water on the train, and people probably will get off or on. It’s over an hour’s wait. We could eat in a restaurant if you like,” Shea offered.
If only she could settle her hand on the crook of his arm and have him escort her off. “I don’t think so. But if you could bring me back something, I’d appreciate it.” She flashed him a fake smile.
“I’d be glad to. Jasper come with me. Adel take good care of Phoebe.” He started down the aisle. He turned and glanced her way before he stepped off.
“He certainly is a handsome man,” Adel said. “I bet that ranch of his is big.”
Phoebe stopped listening to Adel and watched out the window. People were coming and going, most in a hurry. She’d never be expected to hurry again. Maybe it would be nice to enjoy just being alive. She’d have more time to talk to God and thank Him for all her gifts. She wanted to have a grateful heart, but it would be something she’d work on. Sometimes it still confused her that she couldn’t stand up. It was the worst after she’d been sleeping. Her legs wouldn’t move, and it was like finding out she couldn’t walk all over anew. Would she ever get used to it?
Chapter Seven
There had been a line at the restaurant, and it had taken almost the entire time they were stopped for Shea to pick up the food. He didn’t have a chance to ask around for a nurse. His confidence in the Gateses continued to wane as the day went on.
Jasper still hadn’t decided what he preferred to eat when they had finally gotten to the head of the line. There were only two options. Shea ordered, and when the food was boxed for them, Jasper didn’t see it as his job to carry it.
“Here, take this,” Shea said impatiently as he shoved the box into Jasper’s arms. It wasn’t just a free train ride; Jasper was getting paid handsomely to accompany them. “I expect you to help at every moment.”
Jasper looked as though he was about to protest, but he accepted the box with a sullen snarl on his lips. “I don’t mind helping now and then, but I came so Adel didn’t have to travel back alone,” Jasper whined.
“Then you don’t need to be paid. I’ll take the box back.”
“I’m a paid companion to my sister.”
Shea stopped walking and scowled at the other man. “You have to be joking. If that is the case, then you and your sister can get off the train here. I don’t employ people who don’t pull their own weight. You started out well taking care of the wheelchair.”
“I was just doing you a favor. But now I understand. I accept your offer of employment.” Jasper took the box and walked to the train.
Shea stopped and stared after the other man. Drawing in a deep breath, he shook his head. Should he yell his frustration or laugh at the stupidity of the situation? Staring at the train, his gaze met Phoebe’s through the window. If she could put up with them, so could he. But only until he lined up better help.
After they boarded, he passed out the food and they ate in silence, which amazed him. Why wasn’t Adel chattering on? Shea watched her, and every time she opened her mouth to talk, her brother shook his head at her. Shea pursed his lips, trying not to laugh.
Phoebe gave him a wide-eyed glance. “That was wonderful. Thank you both for bringing it for us.”
“My pleasure,” Jasper said. He smiled as though he’d pulled off some major feat.
Phoebe gave him a quick nod and then smiled at Shea. She appeared to understand that it was nice to share frustration with someone else. He usually got to share things with his brothers, but they seemed so far away.
Jasper prompted Adel to clear all the dinners away. Had Jasper ever worked a day in his life? Adel and Jasper were nothing like their cousin Dee.
“Did you travel from Texas just to buy that bull?” Adel asked him.
“I came up the Chisholm Trail with my brother Rafferty and our cattle.” He chuckled softly. “It was quite the drive. He traveled home while I secured the bull.” At the thought of home, he grinned. “I’ve missed a passel of little Kavanaghs being born by now. I rarely stay away from home this long. I’ll have a lot of catching up to do when I get home.”
* * *
Phoebe could hear the love he had for his family in his voice. Somehow it made her estrangement with her mother worse. Her mother wouldn’t want her back now. She wasn’t worth money to her. No rich son-in-law for her. It was hard to swallow the whole matter. She’d tried extra hard after her father’s death to be a perfect loving daughter, but her mother never appreciated her or maybe she just never saw it. She was a frigid woman with a colder heart. Still, her spirit might be lighter if they weren’t alienated.
“So, there are berths for the women and separate ones for the men. What about married couples? I mean, don’t the husbands worry about their wives being alone? Or what if it were a father and his daughter?”
Adel gave her the strangest look. “You really think men and women should be in the same berths? That is utterly scandalous thinking! I have to say you appear to be so good and innocent, but you cause me to wonder.”
Phoebe’s heart sank, and her stomach churned. “You aren’t understanding what I’m saying. I was just wondering about the safety of the women while they sleep.” Heat flooded her face; it was certain to be crimson. The only scandalous thing she’d ever done was become a mail-order bride, and that didn’t even actually happen. Sure, she ran away and took a train by herself… She raised her hands to her blazing hot cheeks, wishing she could sweep the warmth away. Dropping her hands, she folded them. Adel was correct, she was scandalous, but wasn’t she paying the price with the loss of her legs working properly?
She stared out into the blackness beyond the window. No, that wasn’t how God was. He was a loving and forgiving God. Her accident was just an accident. What happened to the strong woman she’d been? Where had that girl gone? Her body shuddered and in her weakness, she couldn’t bring it to still. It had taken so little for Adel to make her feel shame.
With unshed tears in her eyes, she leaned forward. “Shea, could you ask Mary…” A good cry would do her wonders, but this wasn’t the place.
“Of course. I’ll be right back.”
Adel looked angry as they watched Shea leave the car. “Where is he going? Who is this Mary?”
Phoebe stared at her hands instead of answering. The day had defeated her, but she wasn’t about to let Adel bully her.
The tension was thick. Phoebe felt two sets of eyes on her, but she kept her head down. It seemed to take forever, but the door to their car opened and Mary entered, followed by Shea. Relief filled Phoebe’s soul.
Mary shooed Adel out of the way, and then Shea gently picked Phoebe up and carried her close. Mary marched in front of them and then stopped. She turned. “I’ll take Phoebe’s bag,” she snapped at Adel.
Jasper stood and held it out for Mary.
“I’m sorry,” Phoebe told Shea. “I’m going to try harder to be stronger. I wasn’t seeking to cause trouble. I just wanted to know that every woman was safe. I don’t know why, but sometimes my brain wants the answers to unusual questions.”
Shea chuckled. “You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m not clear what Adel thought to accomplish by calling you scandalous.”
“She wished to look better than Phoebe in your eyes, Shea,” Mary said over her shoulder.
Phoebe relaxed. It wasn’t as bad being carried if she relaxed. Now that she knew, she’d probably never be able to relax again.
Shea set her down on the bench as he did before and left her alone with Mary. Mary was friendly and matter of fact. She was genuinely kind. As soon as Mary helped her get ready for bed, she opened the door.
He stepped in, scooped her up and found the assign
ed berth. He gently set her on the bunk and stepped away. “Good night, Phoebe. Thank you, Mary.” He turned and left.
“He is such a gentleman. Let’s get you tucked in and hopefully tomorrow will be a brighter day for you.”
Later Phoebe closed her eyes as she heard Adel come in. Adel muttered something about it not being fair that she had the upper bunk. Adel wasn’t even grateful that she could climb to the upper berth.
The accommodations were much better than Phoebe would have thought. Everything was so clean, and the bunks were roomy. Her thoughts wouldn’t quiet, and soon she was hopping mad again about being called scandalous. Did Adel have designs on Shea? Phoebe’s lips twitched; poor Shea.
Chapter Eight
Shea sat up rapidly. The train had come to a screeching halt, and he heard shouting. He got dressed and moved to the passenger coaches trying to discover what was wrong. He was met by chaos, and no one seemed to know what was happening. He paused at a window and peered out. The darkness was being interrupted by the beautiful sunrise on the horizon.
He rushed toward the berth car where the women were. Suddenly, shots rang out and everyone ducked. Drawing his pistol, he glanced around. Was Phoebe all right? More bullets were fired, and two windows blew apart. His heart thumped loudly.
It seemed the train was being robbed. He didn’t care about wealth; he just wanted to protect Phoebe. The shooting stopped for a moment, and Shea wound his way through the crowded passenger coach. Before he reached the door; it slammed open.
A tall man with a blue bandana tied to hide the lower half of his face moved through with Mary in his grip. Her eyes were filled with fear.
“Everyone out! Get off the train!” the tall man shouted.
Shea had to get to Phoebe. Was Adel trying to help? Probably not, that woman was out for herself. He holstered his gun.
“Mr. I’ll shoot you if you don’t get off,” the gunman warned Shea.
“There is a woman in the car behind you. She can’t walk…”
“The one on the floor? Go take her off the train!” ordered the masked man. “If you ask me, someone oughta put a bullet in her head, put her out of her misery.”
Shea could feel the fiery breath of the robber behind him. The women’s berth was vacant except for Phoebe. She sat on the floor struggling to get her nightgown straightened out. She screamed as he scooped her up but quieted when she recognized him. She clutched her dressing gown, and he hastened off the train with her in his arms.
Carrying her, he tried to talk to her, telling her it would be fine and by the time they joined the rest of the passengers she was breathing easier. His heart had plain broken for her when he’d spotted her on the floor. It must be beyond frightening to be unable to run when a man with a gun told you to.
“Phoebe, listen to me, please.”
Her gaze met his.
“I need you to remain as still as possible. Let’s just try to blend in with the others.”
Her brows furrowed for a moment before she nodded. Then she wound her arms around his neck and clung to him.
“Jasper!” he called softly when he spotted the man. “Get over here so I can put Phoebe’s robe on.”
“I tried to shoot them wicked men, but…” Jasper puffed his chest before he took Phoebe in his arms.
It was doubtful that Jasper knew how to shoot, but now wasn’t the time to mention it. As carefully as he could, Shea put the robe around Phoebe. He wished he had shoes for her to keep her feet warm.
Two other masked men stood before the crowd. “Line up single file!” the shorter of the two yelled.
After everyone obeyed, he ordered them to sit. “As soon as we get what we came for, you can all be on your way.”
“Have you seen Adel?” Jasper whispered.
“No, she left Phoebe alone on the floor of the train. She’s fired and so are you.”
Jasper’s eyes widened as in shock. “What are you talking about?”
The short man stood in front of Jasper. “Is there something you’d like to share with me?”
The other man had a brown hat pulled down low. He had a pillowcase in his hands. “All guns go in here!” He kicked a few of the men who weren’t quick to give up their guns.
Shea tossed his in the bag and stared at Jasper. Just as he thought, Jasper didn’t have a gun. Next, Shea plucked Phoebe off the dew-laden ground and set her on his lap. Improper? Probably, but she needed to stay warm.
The man with the brown hat stopped and stood in front of them. “This the girl who can’t walk?”
She shivered.
“Yes, it is. I don’t want her becoming sick.”
The man nodded and continued walking. He snatched up another pillowcase and walked the line demanding cash and jewelry. One older woman stuffed a ring in her mouth and the man threatened to strangle her until it fell out. She quickly added the ring to the bag.
When it was their turn, Shea handed over his money and Phoebe put her crucifix in the bag. The man reached into the bag and handed Phoebe her necklace back. “You need this more than us.” He continued collecting the valuables.
“What’s taking them so long?” Jasper demanded.
“They’re probably having trouble getting the safe open,” Shea responded under his breath.
“Where is Mary?” Phoebe asked, her voice shaking.
“I’ve been able to observe her the whole time,” said Shea. “They let her go back to her patient, and she’s doing just fine now.”
“Oh, good. She’s been so helpful and nice to me, Shea. Where do you suppose we are?”
“Some place close to Burlington.”
“We’re past Humboldt,” said a man sitting not far to the left of them.
“Thanks for the information.” Shea gave him a nod. “I must have slept through the last couple of stops.”
“They were brief stops. No one got on or off at the stations all night.”
“We’re still in Kansas?” Phoebe asked.
“I realize it seems like we’ve been on the train for a while, but we yet have a long way to go—”
Screaming and yelling came from the people sitting near the luggage coach. They were furious about something. It was hard to see, and he didn’t want to jar Phoebe.
Jasper stood but dived back down when shots started blasting. “They’re going through the cases and throwing them off the train!”
“My wheelchair!”
“It’s fine, it’s just things. We can replace your chair.” Shea found he had a better view now that people sat back down and stayed low. The wheelchair looked to be the next item thrown off the train, but the man who’d let Phoebe keep her cross scanned the line until he saw her. He saluted and placed the chair back in the car, away from the door.
“That bandit must feel special pity for you,” Jasper said.
Others stared in their direction, and some gave her a quick nod or small smile. Jasper had a big mouth.
“It’s fine, Shea. No one gave me looks of pity. They are all just as frightened as I am.” She took her hand out of his grasp. He hadn’t noticed he had been holding it too tight.
“Your hand…”
“I’m fine. I wish we knew where Adel is. Are the safes as heavy as they say?” She turned and gave him a smile. “I’ve read a dime novel or two.”
He chuckled. “They certainly are, and frequently the conductor doesn’t have the combination. There’s a lot of money that changes hands in Abilene with the cattle sales. I hope it’s one that they can get into.”
“What about your money?” she whispered.
“Rafferty carried it with him. It’s secure at home. Besides, we don’t carry it all.”
She nodded. “What about the rest of the trip?”
“I’ve got that covered.” He hesitated before saying another word, and she gave a quick nod as she acknowledged understanding. It was hidden.
She shivered.
“I could give you my jacket to wear.”
“I�
�m fine it’s warmer being close to you.”
* * *
Another shot rang out, and Phoebe put her hands over her ears. She started to turn her head in the shot’s direction, but Shea put his hand on her cheek.
“You don’t need to see that. I have a feeling we’ll hear a blast anytime now,” he told her.
“Blowing up the safe?” She realized the conductor was possibly dead.
“Yes.”
She held her crucifix in her hand and closed her eyes.
Lord, please protect us.
She opened her eyes, relieved to discover the number of people praying, heads bowed, some even with their hands together in supplication. Others were moving their lips as they spoke to God. A few said The Lord’s Prayer aloud. Every prayer would help.
A peaceful feeling entered Phoebe’s heart, and she just knew they would be fine.
Not long after the blast, the sounds of hoofbeats sounded as the train robbers rode away. Finally, a man wearing the Missouri, Kansas, Texas Railroad uniform instructed everyone to board and sit in the passenger cars. A few collected their ransacked luggage with murmured cries of distress at things that had been taken.
Shea carried Phoebe gently and set her down next to him. He took off his jacket and settled it around her shoulders.
The empty seat was disconcerting. Where was Adel? Surely, she hadn’t wandered off. What if she had been carried off? Phoebe’s heart raced until she eventually caught sight of the other woman.
Adel plopped down in her spot and shook her head. “What a night! I thought for sure we were all going to be killed.”
Jasper stared at her. “Where have you been? Do you know how worried I was that you weren’t with our group?”
“A nice man traveling with his sister helped me off the train, and I remained with them.” A tear ran down her face, and she blinked. “Forgive me?”
Adel didn’t seem particularly sorry. Her tears were probably fake. Phoebe glanced out into the morning light. It wasn’t nice to think such things. God had kept her safe. She needed to be charitable to others in gratitude.
Shea: Cowboy Chance: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 10 Page 4
