by Carré White
“Who’s there?” asked pa. He entered the kitchen, carrying a rifle. “I thought I heard something. What have you two been up to?” A concerned gaze drifted over us. “You weren’t outside, were you?”
“No, Pa,” said Amelia. “We’re making … um … hot chocolate.”
“I’ll put the pot on.” I reached for a hanging copper pan.
“I thought I heard something.” Pa moved towards the window, peering out between the wooden slats. “Did you girls hear anything strange just a moment ago?”
“It sounded a bit like a growl,” said Amelia. “Should we be worried?”
He nodded. “Until that bear’s caught, yes. We need to be vigilant at all times, even during the day.”
“Yes, Pa.” Amelia glanced at me, her eyes widening.
Our father had nearly caught us outside. There had been something there—something threatening, but had it gone away? After I had heated the milk and added powdered chocolate, I handed a cup to Amelia. “Here you are.”
“Thank you. We can drink this upstairs.”
“All right.” Pa and Tom were in the parlor, with their weapons in hand, moving from window to window, as if expecting an attack. Seeing them like this set me on edge. “How will we sleep tonight?” I whispered.
Amelia yawned. “I’ll have no trouble. I’m plenty tired.”
“I’m not going out again. If you’ve a need, you’ll have to use the chamber pot.”
“Ugh … thank you for the reminder.”
We took to the stairs, while holding our mugs. I glimpsed pa wandering back and forth, the weapon in his hand. Instead of feeling relieved by this, it only added to my worry. Something had been outside. The deep, guttural growl had come from a large animal. Whether it had been the feral bear or not would remain a mystery, unless it attacked the house. Pa and Tom would watch over things, until the danger passed.
“I’m saying my prayers,” said Amelia, dropping to her knees beside the bed. I did the same, waiting for her to speak. “Dear Lord, please watch over us tonight. Please keep everyone safe and sound, and please don’t let this scary, terrible creature attack us in our sleep. Thank you for watching over us today and everyday. Please give strength and guidance to the McAllisters in their time of need and help the Goldmans find their way into your grace, which is heaven. Thank you for our health and happiness and all the other wonderful things you provide on a daily basis. I … ” she glanced my way, “I’m just scared tonight, Lord. I don’t want to be eaten in my bed. Amen.”
“Amen. You won’t be eaten, Amelia. We’re perfectly safe.” I reached for the blanket. “Pa and Tom won’t let anything happen to us.”
“I hope not.”
But, as I settled into the blankets, staring at the window across the room, I could not help wondering at the sound I had heard earlier. Pa had heard it too. There had been something unnatural about the noise—something sinister in the low, thunder of that growl. I shivered, yet it wasn’t from the cold.
In the morning, I woke to find the bed next to mine empty. Amelia had risen already, and I heard female voices in the hallway. Turning to my side, I stared at the wall, while listening.
“We thought they came home last night, but your pa’s not seen them since yesterday,” said Lucy.
“They have Sundays off normally, unless it’s harvest time. Perhaps they decided to spend the night in town.”
“I suppose. Either way, your pa’s gone out looking for them.”
Sliding from the bed, I reached for the door. “Looking for who?”
“Good morning, Saffron.” My sister grinned. She had donned a dress and bonnet, but the clothing was black. “Wilber and Sky aren’t here. They went to town yesterday to enjoy themselves at the saloon. They haven’t returned yet.”
“That’s rather unusual, isn’t it? Monday’s a work day.”
“It is,” said Lucy. “But, I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. They’ve more than likely had too much to drink.”
“I suppose it’s up to us to milk the cows, isn’t it?”
“I’ve done it already,” said Lucy. “No need to bother, but you should get dressed. We’re leaving for the funeral soon.”
“How’s your leg? You shouldn’t have gone into the barn. Amelia and I could’ve milked the cows.”
“It’s better, Miss Fossett. It’s on the mend.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Dudley and Megan would be buried today. “All right.” I closed the door, feeling morose about the events that had occurred and hating that I would have to wear black again for the foreseeable future.
The aroma of coffee lingered, along with bread Lucy had baked. A loaf sat on the table with a small bowl of freshly churned butter. The boards had been taken from the doors, and I hurried outside into the crisp morning air, intending to use the privy. On the way back, I glanced at my feet as I walked, remembering the events of the previous evening. The growling noise had been nearby—far too close for comfort. I searched the ground for animal prints, something to give credence to my fears, but I found nothing.
“Saffron!” called my sister. “Come at once! Pa’s back!”
I hurried towards the house. “What happened? Did they find Wilber and Sky?”
The paleness of her skin appeared even whiter now. “You should come inside.” She held open the door, refusing to look at me.
“Oh, my word, this can’t be good. You look like you might be ill.” My heart hammered in my chest. “What’s happened, Amelia?”
Pa appeared in the doorway. “You best sit down, girls. I’ve something to tell you.” Lucy and Tom approached, their expressions somber. “Everyone, sit, please.” Pa indicated the chairs around the table. “I’ve something to say to Saffron.”
“Is it Silas? Is he well? Has something happened?” I slid onto a wooden chair. “What’s happening? Why are you all so troubled?”
“Wilber and Sky had been in town by all accounts. I spoke to Sheriff Palmer this morning. They were seen leaving the saloon sometime after midnight.”
My hand went to my throat. “Has something happened to them?” I knew the answer. I could see it on my father’s face.
“Their bodies have been discovered not far from here,” he said softly. “It’s … I’ve gone to see them. They’re with the undertaker now.”
“Was it the creature?”
He nodded. “It appears that way.”
“It’s just too awful to contemplate,” said Lucy, with tears in her eyes. “I almost can’t believe it. We didn’t hear a thing.”
“Weren’t they told to stay indoors?” asked Amelia. “They shouldn’t have been wandering around in the dark.”
“Pa, are you certain?” I gazed at him, searching for any sign that he might retract his words, words too horrible to believe.
“The sheriff brought the doctor, who confirmed the cause of death. The markings were the same as what happened to Dudley and Megan and the Goldmans. I suspect there’ll be a meeting after the funeral today. Everyone will be there. Something must be done about this now. We cannot wait another day.” He placed a hat on his head. “I’ll prepare the wagon. We need to leave within ten minutes, girls. Go ready yourselves. You’re coming as well, Lucy.”
“Yes, sir.”
Our ranch hands had perished. They had been eaten alive in the night, not far from where we were, and we had heard nothing, not one shout, not one scream, not one cry for help. It seemed the devil himself had come to Fern Valley and taken up residence, lurking in the shadows and waiting to harm us. We were under attack. No one was safe.
Chapter Four
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Pastor Boyd read these words to us, as we stood by the graves of Dudley and Megan. The Goldmans would be buried too sh
ortly, their simple pine caskets lined up one after another, the entire family having been slaughtered.
I gripped Amelia’s hand, feeling as if I might faint on my feet, the enormity of the situation weighing heavily on me. The proof could not be denied. All those bodies … arranged one after another … it was too horrible to look at. I lowered my eyes to the grass beneath my feet. Everyone had gathered, even the drunks in the saloon and the whores from the brothel. We stood in solidarity, in grief, shocked by what had occurred in our peaceful, quiet town.
While the preacher spoke, the McAllisters held one another and cried, their cheeks glistening wet. My beau, Silas Hefferman, stood with his family, his mother rocking on her feet. He supported her on one side, while his father held her arm on the other. We would stand for an hour, listening to the words of our pastor and the Bible readings that should have eased our pain, but the suffering continued, because the danger remained in our hearts and minds. We had yet to bury Wilber and Sky. That would have to wait for another day … another funeral ….
Once the service had concluded and the caskets had been lowered into the ground, we said our final goodbyes. I tossed a bundle of wildflowers into Megan’s grave, silently vowing to avenge her death. While I had listened to Pastor Boyd, my mind spun with the turmoil of my thoughts. So many had died within the past week—far too many, and something had to be done about it.
Deer Runner and his friend, Micah Blaylock, had attended the service, standing near several men I knew who worked in town. Butch Cashman was a carpenter and handyman, and Bryce Thompson had married Leah Cavanaugh last summer and they had a child. He worked at the livery. They huddled together, although Micah glanced my way often. He had been to the barber, because his longish hair no longer touched the collar around his neck. His beard had been trimmed as well, appearing nearly shorn now. There was still something rugged and wild about him—something compelling I could not quite put my finger on.
As I made my way towards Silas, I glanced over my shoulder at the men, knowing they had been speaking about how they planned to bait and capture the creature that had ruined our peace of mind. I longed to hear their conversation, but it would have to wait.
“Silas.”
He reached out a hand to me. “I just heard about what happened, Saffron. I’m shocked and frightened for you, my dear.”
“We’re fine. We were safe in our house.” I squeezed his hand, feeling eyes upon me. Glancing around, I saw only Micah looking in our direction. “What will happen?”
“That’s being decided soon. There’s a meeting at the hotel. I do hope you’ll join us. Everyone is welcome.”
“Of course.” I would not be left out of the discussion, which pleased me.
Silas drew me away towards the church, where others had gathered. My father and the sheriff spoke, while Amelia and Lucy stood with Silas’s older sister, Susan. The sounds of weeping remained disconcerting, as the McAllisters had gathered by the graves of their children, watching as men shoveled dirt upon the caskets.
“This will sound selfish,” I said. “But, I wish we could talk in private. I haven’t been alone with you in a week. Not since the last social, and before all of this happened. We haven’t had one moment alone together.”
“These are extraordinary times. Nothing like this has ever happened, as far as people can remember. We must put everything aside for the moment. The only thing that matters is our protection.”
“I know.” Now I felt badly for wanting to be with him.
“There’ll be plenty of time for us to sit and talk, Saffron.” He smiled contritely, his pale blue eyes sparkling. “I’ve missed you too.”
Those words gladdened me. “I’ll feel safer once this thing is killed.”
“Without a doubt.”
Several wagons departed, while a family scrambled into their carriage. People had begun to leave. “Where are they going?”
“The hotel. This can’t wait any longer. They plan to bait it tonight.”
Pa waved to me. “Come along, Saffron.”
“I’ll walk with Silas.”
“I’m going over with my family.”
My spirits waned at this declaration. “Truly? Can’t we walk together?”
He squeezed my hand. “I’ll see you at the hotel. Don’t look so downtrodden. We shall resume our courtship soon enough.” Turning from me, he hurried towards his family, while Amelia headed in pa’s direction.
“Saffron!” pa called.
“Yes, I’m coming.” I scowled, because Silas and I had not spent more than thirty seconds together and I doubted I would be able to speak to him later. Everyone waited by the wagon, Lucy and Amelia had already seated themselves, leaving Tom and I in the back, which displeased me greatly.
Deer Runner stood nearby, the Indian wearing the same leather fringe and feather outfit from the day before. I planned to join Tom, sitting with him, but Mr. Blaylock brought forth his horse, a brownish mare with a white patch between her eyes.
“You may ride her, if you wish,” he said.
“I … ” Stunned by the suggestion; I stared at him.
“We’re off!” Pa grasped the lines and released the brake. “Don't dally, honey. They’ll start the meeting without us. We can’t miss this one.” The wagon creaked, the wheels turning, crunching over gravel.
The Indian mounted his steed, encouraging her to trot alongside. Most of the mourners had already left, but the McAllisters remained, grieving by their children’s graves. I had been abandoned, as my family expected me to travel with Micah Blaylock, who was still essentially a stranger. Already in poor spirits, I failed to hide my displeasure, the corners of my mouth turning down.
Noting this, Micah said, “I’m hardly anyone’s prize, but I won’t bite. I promise.”
“I … I normally don’t ride with strangers.”
He waited patiently for me to step into the stirrup, and, seeing how far the wagon had gone already, ambling up the street, I sighed deeply, placing a foot into the metal ring. I sat sidesaddle, although it wasn’t designed for it. To my astonishment, Mr. Blaylock stepped up, tossing a leg over, while an arm went around my midsection. Stunned, I stared at him, noting our proximity, his face no more than a few inches away. Hints of leather and coffee lingered in the air between us.
“Are you comfortable?”
“Hardly.” I hated that I sounded so shrewish. “I could’ve walked, sir. This wasn’t necessary.” The horse trotted into the thoroughfare, heading towards the middle of town where the hotel and the shops were.
He held me even tighter, digging in his heels, propelling the horse forward into a brisk trot. “We should hurry.”
I bounced upon the saddle, and the leather dug into my backside, while I feared I might fall to the ground. “Oh!”
Within moments, we approached pa’s wagon, Tom waving to me, a lopsided grin splitting his face. “Ha! Look at Saffron.”
No one seemed to care about my plight and the fact that I had been left in the clutches of a stranger. Mercifully, the ride had been short, because Micah’s horse arrived at the hitching post that ran the length of the front of the hotel. Others had tethered their animals, and pa set the brake on the wagon, glancing at me over his shoulder. My beau was nowhere to be seen, having disappeared into the building.
“I think I’ll dismount now,” I murmured, wanting to be let down so I could join my family. When Micah failed to loosen his grip, I glanced at him. “Sir?”
“Micah. Call me Micah.” Hazel eyes roamed over my face. “You’re the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.”
Bewildered by that bald statement, I pushed against his chest, sliding to the ground, my booted feet meeting gravel. “I’m … I’m spoken for.”
He nodded pragmatically. “I apprehended as much.”
Pa glanced my way, waving. “Come along, Saffron. Must you distract every man in Fern Valley?”
Embarrassed, I could not look at Micah, my eyes darting to the hotel. “Oh, dash it!�
� I muttered, hurrying for the door.
Amelia waited for me. “Did you enjoy your ride with Mr. Blaylock? He certainly seemed entertained. He can’t take his eyes off you.”
I brushed past her, entering the building, where I stood in the lobby. “Hush! Stop that. You all abandoned me. I had little choice in the matter. He seemed determined to bring me here.” People had gathered in the dining room from the sounds of it. “We’re going to be late.” I spied Mr. and Mrs. Hefferman, who might soon be my in-laws, if Silas would ever propose. We had waited long enough now.
Tom and Amelia and Lucy and I stood at the back of the room, while pa waded through the throng to sit amongst the sheriff and several deputies. Every family within a fifty-mile radius had joined us, along with their servants, ranch hands, and the pastor, Roger Boyd. Silas and his family were to the front, my beau gazing raptly at those in authority, waiting to hear what they would say. To my chagrin, Micah Blaylock came to stand behind me, the hairs on my neck tingling with this awareness. I hadn’t perceived it before, but he gave off a type of energy; the feeling wasn’t disagreeable in the least, but disconcerting nonetheless.
“Ladies and gentleman,” said Sheriff Palmer. “It’s another day and another horror. As many of you know, last night at the Fossett Ranch, Sky Verlander and Wilber Ross were attacked. They had been on their way home from town. Their bodies were not discovered until this morning. They didn’t heed the warning to stay indoors at night.”
Several people whispered, while others appeared dazed, having heard the news for the first time.
“We’ve formulated a plan to bait and kill the creature. I’ve already discussed the particulars with the mayor, but other details have yet to be worked out.” He nodded to Mayor Ward, who got to his feet.
The older man cleared his throat. “We plan to close the town tonight, folks. Those of you who enjoy the distractions of the saloon and the brothel will have to hold off for a bit. I’m sorry about that. I apologize to all the business owners who’ll be inconvenienced, but it’s paramount we bait and kill this bear.”
