Pony Express Hero

by Rhonda Gibson

  “Well, I’m going to go check on Daisy. Take your time, men, and enjoy your meal.” She left skittish like a newborn colt entering the pasture for the first time.

  He turned to look at Asher. “What was that about?”

  Asher shrugged.

  Why didn’t he believe him? Jacob couldn’t help but dislike the thought of Asher and Lilly being sweet on one another. He knew he cared about her but did he care enough to get this jealous?

  Jacob sat in shock. He loved her. The thought of her caring for Asher tore his heart deeply. He did what he knew he had to do. Jacob silently prayed. Oh, Lord, please help me to work through these emotions and not be jealous of Asher and Lilly. I waited too long. Judged her against my mother’s actions. Oh, how wrong I was.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The next morning, Jacob skipped breakfast. He couldn’t face Lilly knowing she and Asher were planning a future together. He’d ridden the fence lines and turned his mind to the danger that Daisy was still in. Deep down, Jacob felt Sam was the one that had tried and failed at harming the little girl.

  Instinctively, he headed to the canyon where he’d found the fifty head of cattle weeks earlier and returned them to the pasture. Jacob looked down into the ravine. Just as he figured. Cattle bawled and pushed against each other. He couldn’t be sure but figured there were at least a hundred head.

  A fire pit sat off to one side and three men rested on the ground around it. Jacob watched as the noon sun beat down on his back. Sam stood and stretched. Slowly, Jacob backed his horse up until he felt it was safe to swing into the saddle. He needed to get to town and tell the sheriff where the rustlers were holding the cattle.

  Jacob thought about returning to the ranch and telling Lilly what his plans were, but if he did, he’d lose valuable time and Sam might get away with the cattle. He turned his horse toward town and rode hard.

  * * *

  Lilly clanged the dinner bell and waited for Caleb and Jacob to arrive. Caleb stepped out of the shadow of the barn but she saw no movement that indicated Jacob was there as well.

  She turned back to the house, worry lining her gut and mind. Where was Jacob? He’d been gone all day.

  Asher had been sitting on the porch. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “He’s fine. Probably riding the fence line again.” He entered the house and took his seat at the table.

  “Green beans, again?” Daisy whined as she pulled herself into her chair.

  Lilly nodded. She’d hoped to tease Jacob about them, but felt disappointment at his absence.

  The two men chatted about the animals in their keep while Willow tried to persuade Daisy to eat her vegetables. Lilly half listened but mostly worried about Jacob. He’d not come to breakfast or lunch. Had she said something to keep him from the house?

  Chairs scraped against the wood floor as the men rose. She looked to their plates and saw where they’d eaten and were leaving the table. How long had she stewed about Jacob’s whereabouts? She felt the screams of frustration at the back of her throat. A person could go insane with all the uncertainty she’d experienced lately.

  Everyone looked to her as if waiting for an answer to a question. “I’m sorry. I guess I wasn’t paying attention,” she confessed.

  “With Jacob gone, we were wondering if you wanted us to stay close to the house,” Caleb said.

  Lilly shook her head. “No, go ahead and do your evening chores. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

  Caleb nodded. “I’ve got a sow about to drop a litter. Kind of wanted to stick close to the pen tonight.” He headed out the back door with a grin on his face.

  “Tonight is Lewis and Edward’s night off. I think they’ve gone into town.” Asher scratched his chin. “I think I’ll take care of the horses and then take up space on the front porch.” He smiled at Willow. “Maybe you’d like to join me in a half hour. I’ve something I want to show you.”

  Willow nodded. Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “I’ll get Gabe down for the night.” She looked at Daisy and frowned.

  Lilly realized her sister sat with a pile of green beans still on her plate. “Go ahead, Willow. I’ll clean the kitchen and see that my sister eats all her vegetables.”

  “Thanks, Lilly.” Willow and Asher left the room with the baby.

  She placed both hands on the tabletop opposite Daisy and leaned across, eyeball to eyeball with her little sister. “You’re not getting down from this table until all those beans are gone. You hear?” When Daisy nodded Lilly picked up the dirty dishes and started to scrape them into the slop bucket.

  “Can I take some milk to my kitty?” Daisy asked, pushing the green beans around on her plate.

  Lilly carried the plates to the washtub. “No, you can eat.” She filled the pan with hot water and ignored the whine in her sister’s voice. As Lilly washed the dishes it dawned on her that Gertrude hadn’t cared much for green beans, either. Funny how both Jacob and Daisy shared their mother’s dislike of the vegetable.

  “I really want to see my kitty.”

  “Well, eat your green beans and maybe we’ll both go see your kitten.” Lilly knew it was wrong to bribe the child but thought she could use a breath of fresh air, too.

  “I don’t like them.” Stubbornness filled Daisy’s voice.

  Lilly sighed. “I know.” She pulled the cookie jar toward her and filled a small plate with them. Willow and Asher would appreciate the treat and it gave her an excuse to see what Asher had for Willow. “I’ll be right back,” she told Daisy as she carried the dish out of the kitchen.

  Their voices drifted through the open door.

  “Oh, Asher, it’s beautiful,” Willow exclaimed. The sound of a soft creak filled the night air.

  His voice sounded gruff as he said, “I’m glad you like it.”

  “It’s the prettiest rocker I’ve ever seen.”

  Lilly leaned against the doorjamb and smiled. How long had Willow and Asher had feelings for one another? Had she been so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she’d overlooked their obvious interest in each other?

  Willow continued. “But I can’t accept it.”

  His voice sounded hurt. “Why not? You and Miss Lilly sit on the porch steps every morning and evening. Ta my way a thinkin’, a lady should have a chair to sit in and one with a baby should get to rock.”

  “But Asher, it’s not proper.”

  Relief filled his voice. “Sure it is. I’ll make one for Miss Lilly, too. That ways you two can sit on the porch and talk to your hearts’ content if you want to.”

  Softness and a faint tremor filled Willow’s voice. “That is so sweet of you. Thank you.”

  Lilly decided not to interfere in their conversation and happiness. She retraced her steps back to the kitchen. Her gaze moved to Daisy’s chair. It was empty and her milk glass gone. The green beans remained untouched.

  “That little scamp.” Lilly put the cookies back in the jar. She hung her apron on the hook and headed out the back door. “I’ll skin her alive,” she muttered as she walked to the barn.

  Asher and Willow’s voices drifted on the night air but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. There was no reason to alarm them. Daisy had simply snuck out to give her kitten milk.

  Lilly entered the dark barn and stopped just inside the doorway. There should have been some kind of lantern lit. She hadn’t expected the complete darkness that enveloped her. Before she could call out Daisy’s name a sweaty palm clamped over her mouth.

  “If you want to keep that brat alive you will do as I say and not make a sound.”

  Sam’s voice rang in her head as if he was yelling instead of whispering hotly into her ear. Lilly nodded her understanding. Her heart beat in her chest and her mouth felt as dry as cotton. The force of his grip caused his fingernails to indent the si
des of her cheek. She flinched and he tightened his grip.

  Sam’s strong arm circled her waist and he almost lifted her off the ground. He stumbled behind her, pushing her and half dragging her. Lilly knew they were headed to the side of the barn that was seldom used. The smell of horses and hay didn’t have the soothing effects it had in the past. Where was Daisy? What had they done to her?

  Once outside under the moonlight she knew she’d been right. Sam turned her toward a pile of hay that rested against the side of the barn. A small form lay still and silent on the hay. To the right of where Daisy lay, two men stood holding the reins of horses.

  Lilly cried out as she lunged toward Daisy. The muffled sound tore from her throat. Sam’s arms tightened and he prevented her from going to her sister.

  “Jacob should have let her die in that ravine,” Sam growled in her ear.

  Lilly struggled to get to Daisy. A black and frightful fear that the little girl was dead caused an acute sense of loss. Nausea rose in her throat.

  “She’s not dead but if you don’t come quietly, she very well can be.” Sam motioned to one of the men. “Show her.”

  He was a big man. The giant picked up a pitchfork and started toward the hay. Lilly shook her head and grew as still as her trembling body would allow her to.

  “That’s better. Let’s go.” Sam motioned for the man to back up and they all quietly left the barn, leaving Daisy and the ranch house behind.

  Lilly walked in front of Sam. His hand remained over her mouth as he pushed her along in the shadows until they were far enough from the barn to safely mount the horses. The two men got up on one of the horses while Sam and Lilly watched.

  “I’m going to remove my hand so we can get on the horse, but if you make one sound, O’Reilly is going to shoot you and then we’ll go back to the ranch and kill Daisy. Understand?” Sam hissed against her ear.

  She nodded. Fear for Daisy consumed her. Lilly climbed up on the horse and realized it was one of the Pony Express horses. It flicked its ears nervously as Sam tucked himself into the saddle behind her. His hot breath fanned against her cheek.

  They walked the horse until they were past the pasture that housed the Pony Express corral and then took off at a dead run. Lilly wondered where Sam was taking her and what he wanted. If he’d wanted her dead, he would have already killed her. No, he wanted something else. But what?

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Jacob rode back into the ranch yard. Frustration ate at him. He tied his horse off at the front porch. He’d spent too much time in town waiting for the sheriff to come back. Unfortunately, the man never had returned and Jacob didn’t have any more time to wait for him.

  “You’ve been gone all day,” Asher said in way of greeting.

  “Where’s Lilly?” Jacob looked from Willow to Asher.

  Willow answered. “In the kitchen.”

  Jacob heard them follow him into the house. “Asher, where are the rest of the men?” He walked into the empty kitchen. He turned to look at Willow. “I thought you said Lilly was in here.”

  Confusion laced Willow’s face. “She was.” She turned around. “I’ll go see if she’s getting Daisy ready for bed.”

  “Caleb is at the pigpens. Lewis and Edward rode to town, tonight’s their night off, and Cook is in the bunkhouse.” He leaned against the doorjamb. “What’s going on?”

  “Sam has stolen about a hundred head of Johnson cattle. He’s camping in the canyon on the south side of the ranch. The sheriff is out of town so we have no one to catch him.”

  Jacob studied the kitchen. Lilly’s apron hung on its hook by the back door, but the table hadn’t been cleaned off. That was so unlike Lilly.

  “They aren’t back there.” Willow raced into the kitchen, panic filling her voice.

  Asher and Jacob exchanged knowing looks. Jacob’s heart jumped into his throat. What would Sam do with his sister and Lilly? Why had he taken them? What did he have to gain?

  “I’ll check the barn. Daisy wanted to give her kitten milk earlier. We may be panicking for no good reason.”

  Jacob nodded at Asher.

  Asher was gone in a flash.

  Jacob covered his face with trembling hands. He tried weighing the whole series of events, but all he managed was a tumble of confused thoughts and feelings. He swallowed hard and lifted his chin. He had to get his thoughts together and not panic. Jacob hurried to the dinner bell and began clanging it. Over and over again, the bell rang its sound, shattering the evening quiet. He hoped Cook and Caleb would realize it was a call for help.

  Then he turned to Willow standing behind him. “When Caleb gets here send him to town for the sheriff. Hopefully the lawman is back by now. If the sheriff is not back, tell Caleb to round up Edward, Lewis and some of the men from town. I’m pretty sure Lilly and Daisy have been kidnapped by Sam.”

  He started to untie his horse.

  “Where are you going?” Willow twisted her skirt in her hands.

  “I’m going after them. I have a hunch Sam has taken them to the south canyon.” Once more he questioned in his mind why had Sam kidnapped Lilly? He strained to find that elusive thought just at the edge of his mind. It flickered, disturbing him, but he couldn’t grasp what his mind tried to tell him. He began to catalogue his thoughts one by one. First Daisy, now Lilly. How would getting rid of either of them profit Sam? The answer came, and he groaned, his voice hoarse with frustration. He should have known what the man wanted. Sam wanted the Johnson ranch. Anger boiled in his stomach like a volcano ready to erupt.

  Willow dropped a shaking hand over his. “At least wait for Asher. If Lilly and Daisy aren’t in the barn, he can go with you.”

  She looked over Jacob’s shoulder and gasped.

  He turned to see Asher coming toward them carrying Daisy’s small form. The anger dissolved to icy fear as Jacob ran to them. His baby sister was gagged and tied up, her little hands at awkward angles and he could see how the rope had cut into her tiny wrists. He rubbed the back of his hand across his mouth. Lightly he fingered a curled tendril of hair on her cheek. “I’ll take her.”

  Asher laid Daisy in his arms. Her eyes remained closed, her face pale as death. Jacob hurried to the house. He needed light to see if she was breathing.

  Willow rushed ahead and opened the door. “Take her to her bedroom,” she instructed in a calm voice.

  Jacob did as she said. He laid her on top of the little Dutch girl quilt. Her chest rose and fell. His knees sagged. Thank the good Lord she was alive. He gently removed the gag from her mouth while Willow worked on the twine that bound her feet.

  Asher stood in the doorway. His jaw worked with anger. A few moments later the front door banged closed, alerting them that the other man had left the house.

  Willow gently pushed him out of the way. “Let me look at her.” She ran her hands up and down Daisy’s arms and then her legs. “Nothing feels broken.” Then she moved her hands to the girl’s head. She felt around. “Help me get her into a sitting position.”

  Jacob picked up his sister and held her in his lap as he sat back down on the bed. Her head rested against his chest. She felt so small. “Why isn’t she waking up?” he asked.

  Willow’s hands were back in Daisy’s hair. “She has a large lump back here.” Her concerned eyes met his. “She must have bumped her head. Go ahead and lay her back down on the bed.”

  Scuffling boots in the hallway told Jacob that the men had arrived. Caleb and Cook stuck their heads into the bedroom doorway. “What’s going on?” Caleb asked without entering the room.

  Jacob hugged Daisy and then laid her back down on the bed. “Daisy has been hurt and Lilly is missing.” He turned to face the men. “Caleb, go into town and get the doctor and the sheriff. The sheriff may not be back yet. If not, round up Edward, Lewis and any other men tha
t will come and meet me in the south pasture. Sam is holed up there and if I’m not mistaken he’s taken Lilly with him.”

  Caleb headed out the door. “I’ll be back as quick as I can.”

  Jacob called after him. “Take one of the Pony Express horses and ride as fast as you can.”

  The young man didn’t answer but simply raced out.

  “What can I do, boss?” Cook asked.

  “Go with Caleb. I don’t know if Sam has anticipated that we’ll go to the sheriff or not. But if he has, he’ll have men waiting outside of town to stop the boy.” Jacob’s gut knotted. What kind of danger waited for the men? What kind of danger was Lilly in? How far would Sam go to acquire the Johnson ranch?

  Cook was an older man, much too old to ride a fast horse into town in the fading light of the day. Yet, he didn’t protest. He simply nodded and hurried from the room.

  Jacob turned to Willow. “Is she going to be all right?”

  Willow nodded. “I think so. We’ll know for sure when the doctor has a look at her.” Her hand shook as she wiped the hair from Daisy’s face.

  “Take care of her, Willow. I’m going after Lilly.” He turned to leave.

  Asher stood in the doorway. “I’m going with you.”

  Jacob shook his head. “No, I need you here.”

  Anguish filled Asher’s face. “You don’t trust me to have your back,” he accused.

  “That’s not it.” Jacob realized Asher blamed himself for Daisy’s being hurt and Lilly missing. He walked up to Asher and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I need you here to protect Daisy. There is no other man I trust to do this for me.”

  Asher’s tormented green eyes looked up at him. In a thick Irish tone, he whispered, “I should never have let it happen in the first place.”

  “Asher, this has been planned for a long time. They just chose today to carry it out. This isn’t your fault.” He held up a hand to silence Asher’s protest. “I need you to take care of Daisy. If Sam kills Lilly he’ll be back for Daisy and anyone else that stands in his way. I trust that you will be here to protect her.” Jacob looked deeply into the other man’s eyes.