[2016] A Widow's Love

by Christian Michael

  He went back home briefly to say goodbye to Sophia and Crystal. He quickly ate some of the meal Crystal had prepared and gathered two horses and one of his trusted hired hands. When he got to a big enough town, he would need to trade horses and rent another one. He couldn’t very well ride one horse hard over hither and yon, the poor beast would die. Once he got another horse, the hired hand could bring his own back.

  Once all the necessary preparations were in place, Kade set out.

  Esme came to consciousness several hours later and found herself staring around at a private compartment. Confused and groggy, her head pounding like it had taken a severe beating, she gingerly raised herself up on to her elbows. Where am I? What happened? Oh God, Sophie! Is she okay? Where’s Kade??

  “Ah,” said a voice she had hoped to never hear again, “Sleeping Beauty awakes. How are you, darling? Did you sleep well?”

  “You!” Esme spat as she stared at Marsh. “What are you doing here? Where am I? Where’s my daughter?”

  “That little brat?” Marsh sneered. “I daresay she’s home with that no good rancher you decided to marry. You didn’t really think I would want some other man’s spawn in my life, did you? As for you and I, well, we’re going to marry and live our own life. Don’t worry though, I will give you enough children to occupy your time and make you forget that girl.”

  “I will never marry you. What on earth made you think that I would consent to such an atrocity? I don’t know why you are so thickheaded that you don’t understand that!”

  Marsh advanced on Esme quickly in rage and pulled her up to stand next to him, practically nose to nose. He gripped her chin with one arm and said close to her face, “You will marry me, if you know what is good for you, Esme dear.”

  Esme tried not to gag at the smell of unwashed breath, beer, tobacco and stale food. She covered her mouth in an effort to block the offending scent but Marsh snatched it away. Before she could react, his mouth was plastered on hers and his tongue was inside her lips.

  Esme jerked away and slapped him as hard as she could before bending over in dry heaves. Before she could rise back up, Marsh had grabbed her hair and pulled her upright. He back-handed her so hard, she saw stars.

  “Don’t you ever, ever hit me again. And if I want to kiss you or touch you, you will allow it. You are mine now, understand?”

  Esme didn’t say anything, she spat in his face instead. Marsh’s face became purple with rage. He doubled up his fist and punched her in the same spot he had hit her before to render her unconscious.

  When Esme was out, again, Samuel began to take off her clothes. I’ll show her. She is mine. That cowboy she married won’t want to have anything to do with her once I claim her and put my seed in her. Even though she was unconscious, it was not a deterrent for Samuel and he proceeded to violate her. Once finished, he straightened his clothes, buttoned his pants and smoothed his hair before heading out the door, pleased with himself. He knew that once she woke, Esme would know exactly what he had done to her. She’ll never go back to that man again. She will be mine forever.

  Kade was tired. He had been following the tracks for three days and still he had not caught up with the train. Please, God, let her be okay. Let her know that I am coming. Please help me find her. I can’t live without her now that I have had the joy of knowing her. Please keep her safe.

  All he could do was continue to pray. He didn’t know what he would do with the animal who was trying to destroy their lives when he found him. He prayed for strength to do the right thing. It won’t do us any good to find Esme only to land myself behind bars for the rest of my life. But his anger against Marsh was so strong, he had a hard time controlling himself.

  Kade groaned when he felt the rain pelt his head once again. He was completely wet and soaked through to the bone. The horse he was using was also tired. He had sent the hand back with his own horse the day before and Kade knew he had to find shelter and another horse soon.

  An hour later, he found himself in a town that boasted of a saloon and an inn. He docked at the inn and went inside. The place was pretty run down, but it would suffice. He asked the man who introduced himself as the owner to house the horse in the stable for the night before ordering bread and stew for dinner and a room to sleep in. The owner, apparently a man of few words, obliged silently.

  The next morning, Kade woke with renewed energy and ordered breakfast. As he ate, the innkeeper told him that the next town was a day’s journey ahead and the train would be passing through there very briefly. If he was lucky, and arrived by morning at the town, he would be able to catch it. Kade tipped the man well and set off once again. He hoped he could not only find Esme, but a new horse as well, when he arrived at the town.

  Esme struggled to contain her anxiety. She had heard the conductor say that they would be arriving at the next town in a couple hours. She hoped to make her escape there. When she had woken again after the beating Marsh had delivered, she had discovered to her horror the liberties the man had taken with her. She didn’t know what she would tell Kade, or how to explain it. She hoped the love they shared was strong enough to overcome what had happened to her.

  After that day, she had made an effort to tolerate Marsh, afraid he would try to violate her again if she stood up to him overtly. Luckily, he seemed to believe he had cowed her with his brutality and she would not act against him again. She hoped that confidence on his part would serve her well and make her escape possible.

  Marsh arrived in the room as the whistle which announced their arrival blew. He told her that he would be going to the store to get some items once they stopped at the station. She didn’t say anything, just nodded. Several minutes later, as the train rolled to a stop, Esme feigned the need to go to the lavatory. She thought she may have overacted, but Marsh seemed to buy it and let her go without incident while he headed to the front to disembark.

  Esme knew she had to be quick; the train would only be at the station for fifteen minutes. The next stop was in more than three days and she didn’t know what she would do if she had to stay another moment more with her captor.

  The lavatory was a foul-smelling place. It consisted of a hole in the ground where anyone was free to “go”. It was barely tolerable when the train was in motion, but whenever there was a stop like this, the smell of the accumulated waste and urine that had built up for years was nearly unbearable.

  Breathing through her mouth and the handkerchiefs she had tied around her face, Esme opened the long window that was in the lavatory and climbed on the sill. Bracing herself for impact and praying she didn’t break anything, Esme jumped. The force of her fall winded her and she laid prone on the ground for several minutes. When she was able to catch her breath and stretch her back without pain, she gingerly got to her feet.

  Surveying her surroundings, Esme felt the thrill of victory. She had done it! She was free! Now she needed to get to the post so she could send a telegram to Kade. He must be so worried! And my Sophie, my darling Sophie! I am coming, my loves! Behind her there was a forest but she didn’t know what was in front of her because the train blocked her view. The train blew a warning whistle that jerked her out of her contemplation. Good grief, has it been ten minutes already?! Think Esme, where do you go?

  Quickly but carefully, Esme began to walk. The last thing she needed was for Marsh to come back at that very moment and find her missing from both the room and lavatory. He would see the open window and put two and two together. When she cleared the train, she saw the Sheriff’s office up ahead, she knew she could send a message from there – and tell them about Marsh too. Maybe they could help her get home. Walking faster now, Esme approached the building and entered it.

  Samuel whistled as he shopped and paid for his purchases. In the next town, he planned to take Esme to the nearest preacher to wed her and then settle there. If Kade Scott went searching for Esme, he would go to her old home. He’s probably on his way there now! Laughing to himself at his own cleverness,
Samuel made his way back to the train and boarded. When he entered the cabin he had bought for Esme though, she was not there. He checked the dining area and did not find her there either. When he saw the open window in the lavatory, Marsh became angry.

  The chit has some nerve, thinking to take off like that! How dare she?! And here I tried to be civil and give her free reign of the train. Well no more. She’s going to be locked inside the compartment from here on out!

  Samuel quickened his face when he heard the warning whistle. He stopped by the compartment to take his bag and money before disembarking. As the train pulled out of the station, he caught a glimpse of Esme stepping into the sheriff’s office.

  Kade ran his horse hard. The innkeeper said he would need to arrive at the station at sunrise or he would miss the train – it was barely there for fifteen minutes! Even though he was practically flying towards the town, Kade knew it was hopeless. At best, it would take him another hour to reach the station and it was nearly sunrise now! The horse could only go so fast and he knew she was almost through. If only she hadn’t thrown a shoe in the middle of nowhere! I could be there by now!

  Thirty minutes later, Kade had to accept defeat. The horse refused to budge, she was out of strength and he was out of time. They were in a deserted area, there was no place he could go to get another horse, not even a place he could go to water the poor miserable beast. Kade sank to his hunches behind the animal and leaned against her.

  “Help me, Lord!” he pleaded. “I just want to hold her again.”

  Esme tried to reign in her elation as she left the sheriff’s office. She had managed to send the telegram and the train was gone – she prayed it had taken Marsh with it. She needed to find an inn where she could stay while she waited for Kade. She still had some of the funds she had swiped from Marsh the previous night. As she walked, her stomach rumbled. She had not eaten since the night before and she was starving.

  She saw a market ahead and entered. The boy at the counter told her they had biscuits and eggs available and she gratefully ordered it. As she sat at the table in the back corner, she thanked the Lord for his protection. Her gratitude was short-lived, however, when the front door chimed. Craning her neck, she barely managed to keep quiet when she saw Marsh’s distinctive figure enter the store. She couldn’t be sure it was him but she couldn’t take the chance of waiting. Quickly, she quietly eased out of her seat and covertly made her way to the front of the store. She knew the bell above the door would chime when she left but there was nothing she could do about it.

  As she feared, she heard a shout of recognition behind her as soon as she opened the door. Esme stepped out into the street and began to run. She saw merchants ahead of her setting up their carts for the day and ran for them praying they would provide some sort of cover for her. Esme heard Marsh shouting behind her and ran with all her might. She was not used to running and Marsh had longer legs than she. They were beginning to attract attention.

  She got to the merchant stalls and, as she had hoped, the crowd provided a measure of cover she could lose herself in. She hid herself in a narrow alley and ducked behind a pile of garbage. She sighed with relief when she saw Marsh walk by as he searched for her in the crowd of people.

  The sound of horses caught her attention; across the street, two horses were tied to a pole. A plan formed in her mind. Softly and carefully, Esme left her make-shift protection and stepped out onto the street under cover of the crowd and made her way to the horses. Furtively, she glanced around but did not see any sign of Marsh. Praying no one could see what she was doing, Esme calmed the horses and let them catch her scent. She tried to remain calm so she wouldn’t spook the animals. They were friendly enough and calm when she untied the rope tying them to the pole. She led both of them away in the opposite direction, hoping no one would question her or stop her. But she need not have been worried, everyone was too caught up in the morning bustle to pay her or the horses any attention.

  She didn’t dare mount one of them immediately, it would put her above the crowd in height and Marsh would be able to see her clearly. So she continued to walk until she got to the tracks. Quietly, she led them into the cover of the forest. Praying forgiveness for stealing the horses, she clambered on the back of the one who seemed stronger and set the other one free.

  Once again Esme set out in the opposite direction, going back the way she had just came, using the trees for protection. She passed the crowd in minutes and made her way to the outskirts of the town, following the tracks. The trees were starting to thin; she knew she would need to move fast to avoid detection. Heart in her throat she led her horse into the open when she crossed the town line and began to quickly pace him into a near run.

  After ten minutes without hearing the sound of perusal, Esme breathed a sigh of relief. She stopped and checked all around for any lurking figures but did not see anyone in the open area. Praying that she was going in the right direction, and giving the horse reign to gallop, she continued to follow the tracks.

  “Oh you think you are so clever, don’t you dear?” Samuel mumbled to himself. He had watched Esme untie the horses and had followed her to the tracks. She was smart, he gave her credit for that, but not as smart as he. He took the chance that she wouldn’t mount the horses in the crowd; he also knew she wouldn’t use both horses and would need to set one free. So he followed her carefully and bade his time. When she released the other horse, Samuel took it and set out after her. She was going along carefully but he knew she would follow the tracks so he sped up past her and crossed the town lines before Esme did. Now it was time to play cat and mouse. Let the poor creature think she had the upper hand and had bested him. When she stopped for the night, he would make his move.

  Time passed slowly and quickly for Esme. She was tired and hungry and her body was starting to hurt, unaccustomed as it was to riding. She slowed her horse down to a gentle trot in an effort to soothe her aching muscles. When that did nothing to help her, she got down and walked the horse for some distance as she contemplated her options.

  Suddenly, the noise of galloping hooves caught her attention. Heart in her throat, she looked all around her to see if Marsh had caught up with her after all. But the rider was not behind her, the horse that came to view was ahead of her. Esme mounted her own horse again, preparing to flee if she needed to. A single woman travelling alone could attract the wrong attention. But the horse raced past her without stopping. Esme only caught a brief glimpse of the rider. She whirled her horse around.

  “Kade?” she gasped breathlessly.

  “KADE!” she screamed, praying she was right. The horse and rider slowed to a stop just a few yards ahead of her and slowly turned. The rider pushed his hat off his head and stared at her. She saw his lips move but couldn’t hear the sound. It didn’t matter. She would know that face and form anywhere. They dismounted at the same time and ran towards each other. He opened his arms and she launched herself into them, laughing and crying at the same time.

  Kade held Esme so tight she couldn’t breathe, but she didn’t complain. He picked her up and whirled her around in his joy, set her down and pulled her into another embrace. He kissed her all over her face and ran his hands over her body checking for bruises, relieved when he found none.

  “How touching.” A sneering voice said from behind them.

  Both Kade and Esme stiffened as they turned to face Marsh. In their excitement neither one had noticed his approach. He had a gun leveled at Kade’s head. Kade slowly swept Esme behind him and pressed her to the ground without a word. Esme was too stunned to speak.

  Marsh didn’t say anything more, he just cocked his gun. His face was a mottled mix of anger, hate and jealousy as he stared at Kade. The two men stared at each other, each waiting for the other to make his move. Kade was crouched low, arms open. He didn’t have a weapon on him, his gun was in his saddle bag.

  Before either man could move, a whirl of pink and cream attacked Marsh and sent him sprawling, his gun
flying out of his hands. Kade took his chance without hesitation and followed Esme’s move. He straddled Marsh and began to punch him in an effort to immobilize him. But Marsh was strong, he fought back and soon their positions were reversed. The men tumbled around on the ground, each desperate to get the upper hand. Suddenly a shot rang out and both men froze as the bullet flew haphazardly close to their heads.

  Esme held the gun in between two shaking hands. Kade took advantage of Marsh’s distraction and struck a powerful blow to his head, rendering him unconscious. Esme nearly cried in relief when she saw the tall man crumple to the ground.

  Kade opened his arms and she ran into them. Neither one said a word, they just held each other tight and reassured themselves the other was alright. After long moments, Kade broke away from Esme and told her to keep an eye on Marsh.

  “If he moves even a little, shoot him in the leg, okay?”

  Esme nodded her understanding. Kade went to his saddle bag and rummaged around until he found some rope. He came back and trussed up Marsh like a Christmas goose and tied him to the horse Esme had ridden. Miraculously, none of the horses had ran away amidst all the noise and gunfire, they had nerves of steel. Kade also tied the horse Marsh had used to his own. He helped Esme mount in silence and climbed up behind her. Neither one spoke, they were reveling in the chance to just hold one another.

  Kade led them back to the town and delivered Marsh, still unconscious, to the Sheriff, explaining everything the man had done. Then he hunted down the merchant who owned the two horses Esme had stolen and paid him handsomely to purchase the horses - nerves of steel didn’t come easily or cheap and he was going to buy them while he had a chance.

  Kade and Esme stayed in the town that night (and the next several ones), at the local inn. They both needed the rest after the tumultuous week they had been through. Kade sent a telegram home the first night to let everyone know he and Esme were safe and would be home soon.