Joline's Redemption

by McDonough, Vickie;

  He jogged up the steps and entered the supply room. Thinking to surprise her, he quietly stepped through the door they left open because of the August heat and to allow a cross breeze. But as he neared the door to the store, he noticed the front door had been closed.

  “Now shut the back door.”

  He sucked in a sharp breath. Had he walked in on a robbery? Quietly, he backed into the corner where Jo had hung several ready-made dresses so that he could assess the situation and see how many people he was up against.

  Jo entered the room, walked to the door, and closed it. A stranger followed.

  Baron struggled to come up with a plan. If only he could get the spare gun he had hidden in the inventory desk. But what if the man had a gun drawn? He couldn’t see one in the man’s left hand, but most men were right-handed.

  Jo spun around, her face white. “All right. I’ve done as you asked. Now what?”

  The stranger stepped another foot into the room. He was shorter than Baron but a bit on the stocky side.

  The man nudged his chin toward the stairs. “What’s up there?”

  “Nothing much. Mostly only a few things we’re storing. Look, my husband will return any moment. I’m also expecting his father to come back soon. You’d better leave while you can.”

  Grunting, the man shoved Jo. She stumbled backward, falling onto the stairs.

  Baron clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, waiting for the right moment to jump the man.

  “Get on up there, Sapphire.”

  Baron’s heart lurched. The man knew Jo from before.

  She glared at the stranger but turned and trudged up the stairs. The stranger followed closely on her heels. Baron slipped out from behind a bright pink dress with a full skirt and held his breath as he grabbed a cast-iron skillet that sat on the inventory desk. He tiptoed toward the stairs.

  He swung the skillet, ramming it sideways into the bend of the man’s knees. The man cried out and fell backward down the six stairs he’d climbed.

  Baron pivoted toward the desk, yanked open the drawer, and pulled out his gun. When the man opened his eyes, he was staring into the barrel of Baron’s gun.

  “Jo, get the marshal.”

  She cast him a grateful glance, hurried down the stairs, and slipped past the man and Baron into the store. He heard the door open and fast footsteps retreating.

  The stranger sneered at him. “You the husband?”

  Baron nodded.

  “How can you stand to marry the likes of her?”

  He ground his back teeth together. “I suggest you keep quiet and move into the store.”

  The man rose and shuffled into the other room. “That marshal cain’t take me in. I didn’t do nuthin’.”

  “Bob’s a friend of mine. I’m thinking he won’t see things that way.”

  The confidence disappeared from the stranger’s face, replaced by concern. “Listen, let me go, and I won’t never come back here. A few minutes alone with her ain’t worth going to jail for.”

  “That’s my wife you’re referring to.” He’d never wanted to shoot someone before, maybe with the exception of his own brother for what he’d done to Jo.

  Heavy footsteps came their way, and the marshal rushed into the room, his gun drawn. “What’s goin’ on here?”

  “That man tried to kill me,” the stranger cried.

  “That’s not what his wife told me.” Bob’s expression changed. “Did he tell you I stood up with him at his weddin’?”

  Baron noticed the man’s Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed, and he was looking less cocky than before.

  Bob waved his gun toward the door. “Let’s go.”

  Baron’s pulse returned to normal as Bob escorted the intruder from the store. Jo ran in as soon as they were gone, and straight into his arms.

  “Thank the Lord you returned when you did. I didn’t know what to do.”

  “God knew you needed me.” Baron kissed her temple then trickled kisses along her cheek until he claimed her mouth in a long, slow kiss.

  Clapping and hoots sounded outside the open store door. Baron and Jo jerked apart. Heat warmed his neck, burning a trail to his ears. He’d been so relieved that Jo was safe that he hadn’t noticed the crowd growing outside.

  “They’s still newlyweds, y’know.” Elmer Baxter poked a man in the ribs.

  Chuckles echoed through the crowd as people turned away, returning to their own tasks.

  Jo giggled. “I guess they’ll all have something to talk about at supper.”

  Baron wasn’t quite ready for levity. “That man remembered you … from that place.”

  Jo nodded. “We knew this could happen.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I sure didn’t expect it would happen so soon.”

  Jo walked over and closed the door, standing there for a long moment. Finally, she turned to face him. “I think we need to discuss the land run idea.”

  He had mixed feelings about the subject. The land rush had been what brought Mark to Guthrie and into Jo’s life. But then, on the other hand, if his brother hadn’t come here, Baron never would have met Jo, and Jamie wouldn’t have been born.

  “What are you struggling with?”

  “Many things. My parents only recently settled here. Your family is here—the store.”

  “That’s true, but we can always come back to visit them. Right now, we need to think of our family—you, me, and Jamie.”

  “You’re right. The Cherokee Strip run is next month, so that doesn’t give us much time.”

  Jo took hold of his hand. “No matter what, we need to pray about our decision.”

  Baron smiled. He loved that Jo had turned her heart to God and saw the wisdom in seeking Him when an important decision needed to be made. “Once again, you’re right, dear.”

  Jo cuddled against his arm, smiling up at him. “I’ll never tire of hearing you say that.”

  “Which one? You’ll never tire of hearing me call you dear or saying that you’re right?”

  She cocked her head, giving him a sassy grin. “Both.”

  Baron chuckled and pulled her into his arms, so thankful to God for protecting her.

  September 16, 1893

  Orlando, Oklahoma Territory

  Jo stared out the tent door at the huge crowd. The dust that had been prevalent for days finally began to settle as most everyone had stopped milling about because they were waiting for the race to begin. People had gotten into position at the starting line days ago. She remembered the same excitement that surged through the mass of Boomers right before the land run of 1889. Like last time, about ten minutes before noon, the noise of thousands of excited people eerily quieted to an occasional horse whinny, dog’s bark, or baby’s cry. All was quiet so no one would miss the starting gun.

  Baron was somewhere near the front of the line. She smiled, thinking about how he’d been so excited that he hadn’t slept but a few hours last night, even though Luke had relieved him where he and his horse stood in line. She stepped through the flap of the tent that held the store they’d operated for the past week.

  Luke hammered the lid on the last crate in the tent—half-filled with vinegar bottles, just about the only liquid that remained from the rush this morning. He shook his head and chuckled. “I still can’t believe anyone would buy castor oil or vinegar to drink.”

  “I suppose if that’s all they can find, they’re happy with it, but it turns my stomach to think of it.” She shuddered. “I hated castor oil whenever Lara made me drink it when I was young.”

  Luke grimaced. “Me, too. I’m sure glad we filled those extra barrels with water as Gabe suggested.”

  The flap snapped, and Jack walked in. “It sure got quiet out there.” He glanced around the near-empty tent. “What else needs to be packed?”

  “Not much.” Luke lifted the crate and headed out of the tent.

  Jack moved toward a row of tables still standing.

  “We’re almost done. Just th
e tables, counter, and then the tent.” Jo examined the empty area, amazed they’d accomplished so much in the hour since they’d closed. While her back was to the men, she scratched at a trickle of sweat that ran down her chest. She longed for a soak in a tub, but that wouldn’t happen for days, not with the drought they were experiencing.

  Jack folded up a small table and carried it and another toward the exit. “I have to admit that husband of yours sure has a head for business. I never expected y’all to sell so much before the run.”

  “I was hopeful. I’m glad he ordered another trainload of supplies to arrive in Perry tomorrow, though, or we wouldn’t have enough for our store there—if we have one. Now we just need to pray Baron is able to get a town lot.”

  “I’ve been prayin’ all day. It’s in God’s hands.” He winked at Jo. “It always has been, sis.”

  “I know. I’m learning that to be true.” Jo lugged one of the heavy tables toward the exit, following her brother. Though she was learning to trust in God more each day, her life was once again in turmoil. After that last encounter with a man who knew her from the bordello, she and Baron had made the decision to move, but where they were going to live still had to be decided. If Baron won a claim in Perry, they would make their new home there. If not, they’d return to Guthrie and rethink their plans. No matter what, she didn’t want to be too far from her family. She’d already spent enough years away. If they made their home in Perry, they’d only be a short train ride from Guthrie.

  Luke grabbed another table and carried it out while Jo attempted to drag the last one toward the exit. Jack nudged her aside and easily hoisted up the table then stood with his shoulder holding back the flap for her to pass through. “So, are you missin’ that little scamp of yours?”

  “Of course. And the big one, too.”

  Jack grinned. “It sure was nice of your mother-in-law to offer to keep him so you could be here to support Baron.”

  “I hope Jamie is behaving. Could you imagine trying to keep him corralled in a tent now that he’s walking?”

  He chuckled. “It sure would have added to our workload, especially since that scamp didn’t just start walkin’. He started runnin’ almost at the same time.”

  “I suppose I’ll find out what it’s like if Baron gets a claim. I can’t leave Jamie with Maureen for months until we get a house and store built.” She blew out a breath. “It makes me tired just thinking of chasing after him all day.”

  Jack chuckled and handed the table to Luke. “You might have to rig up some kind of pen to keep him safe.”

  Jo tapped her lips. “That’s not a half-bad idea.” She turned and cocked her head. “So, are you missing that pretty wife of yours?”

  “You know I am.” Her brother’s ears turned red. “It worked out well for her to return home with her folks to fetch the rest of her belongings while I helped you. But after takin’ so long to decide to marry, I’m wantin’ Cora by my side again.”

  “I understand. I miss Baron, too—and I just saw him a few hours ago.” Jo wiped the new layer of dust off the top of the sideboard that had served as her checkout counter. “If things don’t go well with the startup of your church near Gabe and Lara, you might think of coming to Perry—that is, if we end up there.”

  “I’ll consider that, but I imagine things will go fine since Gabe donated the land and is building the church. Besides, staying there means I can also work some for him.”

  Jack handed another table up to Luke, who loaded it on the wagon. Covering her eyes against the near-noon sun, Jo looked toward the start of the race as the eerie silence continued. For as far as she could see through the settling dust, people on horseback and in wagons and buggies of all kinds lined the horizon, stretching out for miles. “How much longer until noon?”

  Jack pulled out his pocket watch and popped open the cover. “It’s about five till.”

  “We’d better be ready to hang on to the horse when the race starts.” Luke jumped down from the bed of the wagon, stirring up a cloud of dust.

  Jack turned toward the tent. “Let’s pull down the tent stakes real quick—”

  The sound of gunfire erupted, and a thunderous cheer rang out. Jo jumped. “It’s too soon!” she cried, but she doubted the men could hear her over the deafening roar of the crowd.

  Luke spun and ran to the closest team while Jack rushed to the other one. The horses’ heads jerked up and they pawed the ground, but neither team broke free.

  Clouds of dust filled the air, making seeing difficult. Jo covered her face and hurried into the tent, thankful it was still standing. “Lord, please guide Baron and let him land a claim.”

  Finally, after weeks of preparation, days of waiting in line, and several tense hours, Baron kicked his horse and yelled, charging forward with the rest of the horde. A gun had gone off early, but there was no stopping thousands of anxious people. He rode with the leaders, urging his horse as fast as he could go. He hoped he hadn’t made a mistake by choosing to ride a horse rather than taking the train, but it was too late now to change his mind.

  He held on as his horse jumped a small creek and then he angled the bay toward the east just a smidgeon as the leaders spread out. He hadn’t ridden this fast since the day he searched for Jo. The wind whipped his face and clothing, blowing off the layers of dust that he’d collected. He hunkered down, leaning slightly forward, like he’d once seen a jockey ride a racehorse. The horse’s mane slapped his face, but he kept the position.

  The horse’s hooves thudded against the ground as Baron searched for signs to let him know he hadn’t veered too far off course. He’d started the race in Orlando, which was close to fourteen miles due south and a short way west of the Perry town site.

  After a mile or so, he slowed his horse to a trot and looked over his shoulder. He could see several riders on either side of him, but thanks to the fine horse Gabe had loaned him, he was one of the leaders, best as he could tell. Riders coming from the north had to ride farther, so he should be in good shape. Thank You, Lord.

  Now, if only the town wasn’t filled with Sooners who managed to slip past the army’s guards and sneak into the Cherokee Outlet early, he might fare well.

  Mile after mile passed by, and he knew he had to be getting close, but finding the town site on virgin prairie wasn’t easy. A distant train whistle sounded, and Baron jerked his head to the right. He could see the smoke in the distance. “He-yah!” He kicked his horse from a lope to a gallop. He had to beat the train to have any chance to win a town lot.

  Hooves thundered, matching the frantic beat of Baron’s heart. The train whistled again as it drew closer. Never had he participated in anything so exhilarating.

  Up ahead, he saw people milling about. He frowned. So the Sooners had made it to Perry before him—and they had already staked out their tents. He slowed his horse as he reached the first of the claims. Man after man waved him on, some with flagged stakes, others with rifles and guns. He rode on, continuing his search for an empty lot.

  The hiss of the train as it slowed echoed across the plains, followed by the roar of the riders. He saw people jumping off the top of the train and the platforms and climbing out windows. Baron reined his horse away from those running toward him and encountered more men waving rifles and flags.

  And then—praise God!—he saw the last man in line before the barren prairie opened up again. He clucked to the horse to increase his speed once again. “C’mon, boy. We’re almost there.”

  As he reached the last claimed lot, he drew the horse to a halt and slid off. He pulled his blue flagged stake from his saddlebags and surveyed his land. It wasn’t much, just dirt and grass, but soon a new town would spring up where only nature had been. Baron couldn’t stop grinning. He glanced at his neighbor and nodded.

  “Howdy, friend. You’re fortunate you made it before all them train folks got here.”

  “Just barely did.” Baron walked his horse around his lot, both cooling the winded beast and survey
ing his land. If Jo, Jack, and Luke arrived tomorrow as planned, he’d have his store open in less than twenty-four hours. It boggled his mind to think of all the changes that would soon occur here.

  As the train riders ran by, Baron held on to his horse with one hand and waved them on with the other one. It sure was a glorious day—one that dreams were made from.

  All he needed was for Jo and Jamie to arrive to make things perfect.

  The train whistled and slowed as it approached the Perry town site. Jo wiped the dust from the inside of the window with her handkerchief and tried to look out, but too much dust coated the outer glass for her to see details. All she could make out were the forms of people nearby but not faces.

  She sat back, her handkerchief against her nose, waiting for the train to stop. Her car was filled with sweaty, smelly men, still hoping to get a claim, but she feared that by now they were too late and their hopes would soon be dashed. Jo understood their excitement—and even their disappointment. Once again, she’d been too young to ride in the land rush. Just another year, and she could have ridden at Baron’s side, but it wasn’t to be.

  She laid her head against the seat as the train stopped and fanned herself as the eager men forgot their manners and battled one another to get to the door. Pushing, shoving, and curses filled the car. She was more than ready to get out in the fresh air again.

  She prayed that Baron would be waiting. Getting a claim meant a new start for them—a start farther away from Badger’s clients—and made it less likely she’d encounter one of those heinous men again.

  Anxiety and excitement made her limbs quiver. Had Baron gotten a claim? Was he even here? What if his horse had stumbled and fallen? It might be days before they knew anything. “Please, God,” she murmured, “let him be safe.”

  Finally, the last man rushed from the car. Jo stood, picked up her satchel, and made her way down the aisle. The late-afternoon sun shone in her eyes, and she could hardly see past the steps.

  “Jo!”