Ron spoke up, “So, our family raised the ransom?”
Lonnie laughed. “Said they could. In the morning I’ll send them word where to take the cash.”
Ron asked, “And, will you let us go when you have the money?”
Lonnie issued a maniacal laugh. “Not likely. Soon as I have the money in my hands, you and your father are done for. I’ll set off that dynamite and it’s boom for you.”
“That’s what I figured. How would you feel if someone treated your son the way you’ve treated me?”
“Huh, I’d kill anyone who tried, but no one will bother him. I don’t own a bank and a fancy house. I won’t foreclose on poor people like me.”
“Do you realize how much my father tried to help you?”
“Help me? Help himself is what he did. Now he owns my business, curse his rotten soul.”
Ron shook his head. “No, he doesn’t own it, the bank does. He isn’t the bank. He works for the bank same as the tellers and I do.”
Lonnie screamed, “Shut up or I’ll shoot you and your old man right now. Your talking makes my head hurt.”
Virgil whispered, “Sounds like Lonnie is going more off the rails.”
Milton tapped Virgil’s arm. “We’re gonna have to kill Lonnie to get the Novaks out of there alive.”
“May have to but let’s try to capture him. I think I can cut Ron loose without Lonnie catching sight of me. Byron’s too far from the door and I’d be fully visible trying to get to him.”
“If he sees you, he’ll shoot for sure.”
“Keep watch. If he looks like he’s going to, you’ll have to fire. I’ll be right by the dynamite. Not sure my shooting wouldn’t set off the whole crate.”
Milton crouched. “I’m gonna work my way to the front where that big window is.”
“Okay, I’ll head the other way to the door.” Bent almost double to conceal his tall body from the windows, Virgil crept to the shack’s door.
Lonnie’s shadow was visible in the lantern’s light. He was still ranting but making less sense now. He’d started on his parents and how they’d mistreated him. Watching for his chance, Virgil slipped inside and concealed himself by a storage cabinet.
He took his knife from the shirt pocket where he’d stashed it and opened the blade. Ron shifted so his hands were near Virgil. He sliced through the ropes on Ron’s wrist. There was no way he could do the same with those around his ankles without Lonnie seeing him.
Ron kept his hands behind him as if the ropes were still binding him. He wriggled until his ankles were near Virgil.
Lonnie yelled, “Here, what do you think you’re doing?”
“Trying to get more comfortable. What difference does my changing position make if you’re going to kill us anyway?”
Lonnie laughed. “None, so wiggle all you want. You’re not getting away.” Lonnie started raving again.
Virgil didn’t dare move. Cold as he had been, sweat broke out on his brow. The moisture leaking from the crate of old dynamite had almost reached Ron’s trousers.
Ron whispered, “Now.”
Swiftly, Virgil sliced through the ankle ropes then put the knife in Ron’s hand.
Ron said, “Papa? Papa, are you conscious?”
Byron muttered what sounded like a faint yes.
Ron whined, “Papa, since we don’t have long, scoot over near me so we can touch shoulders. I’m scared and need to be closer to you for the time we have left.”
Lonnie jeered, “Hear that, Mr. High and Mighty Banker? Your lily-livered son is scared.” From the sound, he opened another whiskey bottle. How much could one man drink?
Ron pretended to sob, Virgil supposed on Byron’s shoulder.
His voice weak, Byron comforted his son, “At least we’re together, son. Your sister will take care of your mother.”
Ron said, “I know she will, Papa. I’m ready to go.”
Byron’s voice had gained a little volume. “I think I am too.”
Virgil stood. “Ron, get you father off the boat. Your sister is waiting on the shore.”
Lonnie shouted. “No-o-o! I won’t let you cheat me.” He grabbed a gun as Ron dragged his father from the shack and over the side.
Virgil shouted, “Milton, abandon ship.” He backed out the door, his revolver aimed at Lonnie. “It’s over, Lonnie. Give up and come with me.”
“You think I’ll let you take me to jail? I”ll take you with me to hell.” He fired at the dynamite.
Virgil intended to plunge into the water but a loud explosion launched him into the river amid flying debris. He thought of Alexandra watching from shore then something hard struck his head.
Chapter Fifteen
Alexandra kept her focus on the boat as she removed her boots and socks. From the shore she recognized the form of her brother helping Papa. Where were Virgil and Milton and that crazy Lonnie? In only seconds, a deafening explosion sent the man she loved soaring into the water. Abandoning her X, she ran to the water’s edge. For a few seconds she searched but didn’t see Virgil surface.
She dived into the river and swam as fast as she could toward the last place she’d seen him. When she’d told him she could swim like a fish she hadn’t exaggerated. She covered the distance rapidly. By the time she reached the spot where she thought Virgil had disappeared, Milton was there too.
Treading water, she yelled, “Have you seen him?”
He scanned the area. “No.”
Without delay, she dived into the water. Normally the river was clear, but the explosion had disturbed it. The murky water hid everything. She surfaced and gulped air, then dived again.
This time she saw his light-colored shirt. She grabbed hold and pulled him to the surface. Milton helped her hold Virgil’s head above the water.
They towed him to the shore where Ron and Papa waited. Ron hobbled to help bring Virgil to dry land.
She rolled him to his stomach and pounded on his back. “Virgil Witt, you cough out that water and open your eyes.”
He made a gurgling sound and spewed water on the sand. But, he didn’t open his eyes. Instead, he exhaled and appeared to collapse.
Alexandra was barely conscious of the tears streaming down her face. “Don’t think you can die on me, Virgil. You buck up and take a deep breath. You promised me you wouldn’t die.”
“Stop hitting me.” He rolled to his side. “You’re going to kill me, woman.”
She dropped to the ground beside him. “Oh, Virgil, don’t ever scare me like that again.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her head to his shoulder. “I’ll sure try to avoid being in any more explosions. Is everyone accounted for?”
Milton looked at the river. “Haven’t seen Lonnie. Don’t see how he could have survived, do you?”
“Reckon he preferred death to prison.” Virgil sat up, pulling Alexandra with him.
Alexandra gasped. “You have a terrible gash and lump on your head.”
He grinned for her. “As you have mentioned many times, I’m too ornery for a head injury to damage me. Time to retrieve my boots.”
Alexandra braced his shoulders. “You sit right there. I’ll get yours and Milton’s boots, holsters, and hats.” She hurried to gather up their belongings.
She was back in time to see Virgil examine his empty hands. “No idea what happened to my revolver. You lose yours too, Milton?”
“Sure did. Better a couple of firearms lost in the water than us.”
Virgil pulled on his boots. “That’s the gospel truth.”
Alexandra donned her socks and boots.
Milton scanned across the water. “We’re not going to look for Lonnie tonight are we?”
“I don’t think any of us are in good enough shape right now.” He turned to send a gaze toward her father. “Byron, we brought two extra horses so you and Ron would have a way home. If you need to, we’ll leave you here and come back with a buggy. Do you feel strong enough to ride?”
Still l
ooking barely conscious, Papa rubbed his arms. “After that bracing swim, I believe I can.”
Milton stomped into his boots and buckled on his empty holster. “I’ll bring the horses here so you don’t have to walk, Mr. Novak.” He clamped on his hat and staggered toward the trees.
She stared at her father, taking in for the first time his battered face. “Oh, Papa, you must be in a great deal of pain.” She glanced at her brother. “You, too, Ron.” Her father’s injuries appeared more serious.
Ron looked at his father. “Papa took more blows than I did. That Becknell used any excuse to lash out at Papa. Knocked him out a couple of times.”
Her father took her hands in his. “I thought Ron and I were goners. I knew Virgil would be searching for us, but I’d given up on help arriving in time to save us.”
He glanced at Virgil. “Sorry, Virgil, I should have had more faith in you and Milton.”
“Thank your daughter. Alexandra is the one who discovered where you were being held. Turns out my neighbor—you know Mrs. Tucker— is related to Lonnie’s mother.”
Alexandra explained, “Mrs. Tucker even drew us a map. Good thing, too. Seems as if we were almost too late.”
Ron explained how Lonnie had captured them and forced them to climb into his wagon. “He threatened to shoot not only us, but any bystanders unless we did exactly as he said. His eyes were as wild as his accusations. I decided he’d slipped from eccentric to insane.”
Papa patted her hand. “I sure hope your mother didn’t see you dressed like that.”
She giggled, as much from relief as the thought of her mother’s reaction to her odd attire. “She wouldn’t mind if she knew it would help you. We’ve all been worried half out of our minds. Lula wanted to come but she can’t swim. We need to teach her soon.”
Milton approached leading horses. “Miss Novak told us she could swim like a fish and she sure did. After the explosion Virgil was drowning and sank from sight. Miss Novak dived until she found him then pulled him to the surface. Between us we got him to shore.”
Alexandra glanced at Virgil. “I told you you’d be glad I was along.” She took the reins of her horse at faced the deputy. “You should call me Alexandra. After this ordeal, don’t you think we deserve to be on first name terms, Milton?”
He grinned and dipped his head in a slight nod. “Reckon we do, Alexandra.”
Ron helped Papa to his feet then helped him mount his horse. “Are you sure you can sit in the saddle? I can ride home fast and get the buggy for you.”
Under his bruises and cuts, Papa was pale. “I can make it, son. I can’t wait to get home.” In spite of his claim, he looked as if he could barely sit in the saddle, much less ride.
She must have appeared worried because Ron leaned near her. “I’ll ride beside him and keep watch.”
After sending her brother a grateful smile, she took Virgil’s arm. “You almost drowned. Can you ride all the way home?”
He shifted position so one arm was around her and with the other he held her hand. “As long as you’re with me, I dare anyone to try and stop me.”
They rode without speaking or stopping to rest. Dawn was breaking and mist rose from the low places and from Pearson Creek. She loved this time of day when everything appeared so fresh and dew hung in droplets. She wished she could paint well enough to capture the spell cast by sunrise and the mist. That they’d successfully rescued her father and brother buoyed her spirits further.
Papa weaved from side to side and she feared he’d fall before they reached home. Ron kept pace with him and appeared ready to catch him if he did lose his balance. She wondered how her brother had managed to be so strong.
When they reached her home, they rode to the back door rather than the carriage house where the horses were kept. The door flew open and Lula and Buddy flew down the steps. Freddie Pate rushed to take the horses’ reins. Behind them were Mama and Mrs. Connor.
A wide smile appeared on Papa’s battered face. “What a welcome sight.” Ron helped him dismount.
Joyous tears streaming down her face, Mama hugged Papa. “Byron, let me hold you. I’ve been so worried and missed you so much. Oh, your poor face. Does your body match?” She lightly moved her hands over his arms and back as if reassuring herself he was really there.
Papa embraced her and planted a kiss on her lips. “I was worried, too, Alyssa. Ron tried to keep up my spirits but I feared I’d never see my girls again.”
Lula hugged his other side. “I’m so happy to see you able to stand. You look so weary, let’s go inside. Mrs. Connor has a lovely breakfast for us.”
Ron hugged the housekeeper. “I missed you, too, Mrs. Connor. I’ve also missed your food. We haven’t eaten since we were kidnapped. I don’t think our swim was enough to wash off our grime.”
“I’ll take care of your clothes and you can have a hot bath to soothe your skin. First, sit down in the kitchen and eat.”
Virgil petted Buddy as he and Milton edged away. Alexandra grabbed Virgil’s hand. “You two are included. You need a good meal before you go clean up and write whatever kind of report is necessary.”
Mrs. Connor must have overheard. “Sheriff and Deputy, your places are set at the table. Don’t be insulting my cooking by leaving before you’ve eaten.”
Milton grinned. “When you put it like that, how can we resist? Not that I wanted to, mind you.”
They crowded around the kitchen table, which was designed for six people. Someone had brought in extra chairs from various places in the house.
Mama sat next to Papa. “Now, Byron, start with when you were abducted and don’t leave out any details.”
Papa launched into his tale between bites of ham, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, biscuits, and fried apples.
Alexandra rejoiced that they were all together. Then, she realized that a man had died a few hours ago. True he was a horrid man and undoubtedly insane, but he was a human. Sadness tempered her joy but she turned her attention to her loved ones.
Chapter Sixteen
When they’d eaten their fill, Virgil stood. “As soon as Milton and I change clothes, he and I will have to ride back and look for Lonnie’s body. I don’t see how he could have survived. Since I did, thanks to Alexandra and Milton, it occurs to me he may be injured and need help.”
Milton pushed back from the table. “Whether he did or not, we need proof. Then, we’ll have to let his family know.”
Virgil held his hat by the brim. “I’ll stop by Mrs. Tucker’s as soon as I’ve cleaned up and find out where Lonnie’s wife is staying.”
Milton reached for his hat and clamped it onto his head. “I’ll meet you at the office soon as I can.”
Alexandra followed Virgil out the door. “You’ll come back to tell me what you discover, won’t you?”
“If you want me to.”
“Of course I do. I didn’t know that man and he sounds awful, but he had a family. According to Mrs. Tucker, his late mother was a nice person.” She tiptoed and kissed his cheek.
His eyes were solemn as he pushed her hair from her face.
She met his gaze. “I know I must look a sight. I’ll clean up right away.”
“You look beautiful. Different, but still the prettiest woman I’ve ever seen.”
She leaned her head against his chest. “Then, you won’t run away from me anymore?”
He tipped up her chin. “I’m finished running from you but I have to get moving.” He kissed her gently then increased the pressure.
She clung to him, returning his kiss.
When he pulled away, his breathing was ragged. “You tempt me to remain here, but I have a job.”
“I know. Can Buddy stay with me?”
He appeared hesitant. “If you’re sure your parents won’t mind.”
She laughed. “After you rescued Papa and Ron, I suspect you could drive cattle through the house without them objecting.”
He grinned. “Let’s not try that.” He signaled to B
uddy. “Go with Alexandra.”
Buddy appeared to waver between following Virgil or staying with her.
“Come on, Buddy. I’ll get you a nice piece of ham.”
As if he understood, Buddy followed her into the house. She gave him several slivers of ham and settled him on a blanket in the kitchen. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He gobbled his ham but followed her.
She hurried upstairs. To avoid Mama, she took the back stairs. Papa had beaten her to the bathing room. She resigned herself to waiting until he and Ron had finished.
She was petting the dog when Lula rapped on the doorframe.
“Come in.” Alexandra gestured to the bed beside her.
“You must be sleepy but I had to ask about you and Virgil. He looks at you as if he could eat you for dessert.”
“He said he won’t run from me anymore. I hope I need a fast lesson in laundry and housecleaning.”
“Your mother will insist on a big wedding.”
“I’m not sure I want one. Besides, Virgil hasn’t officially proposed.” She looked down at her clothes covered in mud and horsehair. “Speaking of Mama, I’d better get out of these before she sees me on this bed. She’d call me a heathen and then skin me.” She stood and brushed horse hair and dust from the coverlet.
“She’s so relieved I don’t think she’ll find fault with anything that happens today.”
Alarmed, Alexandra took Lula’s hand. “Has she been criticizing you?”
Lula squeezed her fingers and released them. “Nothing like that but she was on edge. I’m sure you can understand. We stayed up quite late hoping to wait for you but we eventually went to bed.” She giggled. “Freddie is precious. He slept in the blue bedroom and you’d have thought he was a prince.”
Reassured, Alexandra stripped out of her clothes and donned her robe. “He is such a hard worker I’ll bet he has an even nicer room when he’s grown.” She didn’t know where to put her clothes. They were too soiled to place with her other laundry. She’d ask Mrs. Connor where hers and Papa’s and Ron’s should go.
Later when she was clean, she took Buddy outside to play with him. Lula joined them. They laughed at the dog’s antics.
Alexandra's Awakening (Pearson Grove Book 2) Page 11
