After Grandpa died, Grandma Dyer stayed in St. Francisville to care for her mother until she passed on, and also because both Uncle Tom and Uncle Will had chosen to live there too. Mama would want to go see about Grandma Dyer, but with all the family to take care of, she’d say she didn’t have time to go away. Molly reached for Clara’s hand.
“If she’s not doing well, then you should go to her. Clara and I can handle things here. I’m off for the summer so we can watch after Daniel, Alice, and Juliet. We both know how to cook and take care of a home because you’ve been such a good teacher.”
Clara quickly joined in with Molly. “Alice and Juliet will be no trouble at all, and Tom will be working and Dan could go out to the ranch like he’s always begging to do, so we’ll all be fine.”
Mama’s hands dropped to her lap. Her gaze flitted from one daughter to the next. “You’d do this for me? I really must go and check on her condition.”
Molly wrapped her arms around Mama’s shoulders and Clara did the same from the other side. “We love you, and we’re old enough to share the responsibility. Papa will want you to go as well, and he can take care of getting you a ticket on the eastbound train.”
“I’m so lucky to have daughters like you two girls.” Mama sat back and blinked. “No, I’m not lucky. God gave you to me and your father to take care of and nurture through your childhood, and it looks like the Lord helped us to do a fine job. Luck had nothing to do with it.”
She swiped at her cheeks once more then leaned forward and picked up the pitcher of lemonade. “Now, it’s time for us to enjoy a bit of refreshment and talk about the celebration next week.”
That was Mama, soon as one problem set itself right she turned to another task at hand. One thing for certain, she wouldn’t have to take care of this one all alone either. With as many womenfolk as they had in the family, everything would be handled to perfection. Nothing would mar the family picnic. Molly would bet her life on that.
CHAPTER 20
SALLIE WIPED HER brow and made sure the food she’d prepared for later was covered and ready. A hot July Fourth was nothing new, but a little cooling breeze would be nice. This was the last family get-together before she boarded a train for Louisiana to see about Mama, so she wanted it to be extra special for everyone.
The laughter of her children drew her to the hallway where they jostled and teased in their excitement about the holiday festival. Manfred kissed her cheek and handed her a parasol. “You’ll need this today. Everyone’s ready to go. Tom’s gone on ahead to meet Faith, and Ted and Clara have also gone on.”
Molly grabbed Alice’s and Juliet’s hands. “So that leaves me to corral the girls. C’mon, let’s go have some fun.” She glanced at her youngest brother. “Okay, Daniel, you come with us.”
His bottom lip dragged down. “There’s just too many girls in this family. When we get to town, I’m gonna find my friends.” He stomped out the door ahead of them.
Sallie had to stifle a chuckle at her youngest son. At twelve he wasn’t quite a man, but he had grown so much this past year that he wasn’t a little boy anymore. Why did they have to grow up so fast?
The girls skipped down the sidewalk then slowed their pace to walk up toward town. Manfred held Sallie’s hand. “Shall we go have some fun, too?”
“I’d be delighted.” She laughed and then opened her parasol when they stepped into the sunlight. With so many people being in town today for the festivities trying to find a place for the carriage didn’t appeal to either of them, so she and Manfred walked the few blocks to Main Street.
While they walked, she kept her eyes trained on the three girls not far ahead. As much as she trusted Molly to look out for her sisters, Alice and Juliet could break away and disappear in the blink of an eye.
Manfred squeezed her hand. “I want you to enjoy today. Tom and Will are taking care of your mother and she’ll be fine. You’ll get there soon enough to see to her needs.”
“Thank you, my love.” Waiting those months to hear from Manfred during the war had been worth every moment of agony to be married to this man today.
Others joined them in heading to town so that by the time they reached the area where booths and concessions were erected, people milled about by the droves.
“Land sakes, where did all these people come from? They must have come from the next county, or else the area around Stoney Creek has grown much more than I knew about.” Never had she seen this many people in town at one time. The crowds were even larger than last year, and Mayor Gladstone said they set a record then.
Red, white, and blue bunting and flags decorated every storefront, railing, and post visible all along the street. With all the concessions and attractions gathered at one end of town around the courthouse square and park, the noise created quite a din.
Molly joined her with Alice and Juliet in tow. “I didn’t realize we’d have this many people around. I think we’ll stay here near you and Pa. Danny went off with his friends.”
That was fine with Sallie. Danny could take care of himself, but she liked having her two younger ones near. She waved to Hannah and Micah coming into town with Micah’s mother and their children. Grace rode Starlight into town for the first time, and she sat proudly in the saddle with her father on Midnight beside her. Hannah lifted her basket to show she’d brought her food to add to Sallie’s.
Micah helped Hannah and his mother down from their perch, and Joel scrambled from the rear. Micah kissed Hannah’s cheek. “I’m taking Midnight and Starlight over to the livery so they’ll be out of the heat. I need to keep Midnight ready for the race.”
Of course Micah would be racing today. He had raced every year since he’d come back to Stoney Creek, and usually won. “I’m glad to see both of you. After you see to your horses, Micah, will you take your basket and put it on our back porch or in the kitchen with mine?”
Hannah shook her head and shooed Micah off. “I see Levi and Ellie have also arrived. You go take care of the horses, and we women will look after the food.”
Micah nodded. “After I take care of business at the livery, I’ll be over at the gun contest booth.”
Levi waved, jumped down to unhitch his horse from the back of the wagon, then rode out to join Micah on the way to the livery.
Ellie dismounted from the wagon, watching as her three boys met up with Joel and ran off together. “We finally made it. Those boys of ours are going to either give me gray hair or an early grave.” She held little Sarah tightly by the hand.
Manfred spoke up. “I’ll take care of the driving soon as we’ve loaded everything from Hannah’s wagon.”
Hannah hitched her wagon to the post near the bank where they began unloading. She shaded her eyes against the sun. “While you and Manfred take care of the food, Ellie and I can take the children over to the church for the children’s activities. Will that be all right, Sallie?”
“Of course. You go ahead and get them entertained.”
Grace grabbed Alice’s and Juliet’s hands and followed Hannah and Ellie. Molly glanced down Main Street. “Margaret isn’t here yet. I’m going to run down and help her get ready.”
After Molly left, Sallie and Manfred clambered aboard Ellie’s wagon for
the short ride back to the house. They unloaded the food and stored it in the kitchen, then Manfred unhitched the wagon and led the horses to the stable. At last they once again set off to town on foot.
As they neared the church, Manfred scanned the crowd. “Where is everyone? Aren’t Ellie and Hannah supposed to be here? I don’t see them.”
Sallie glanced down the street and glimpsed her oldest daughter. Molly had stopped to talk to a man outside the livery and was shaking her head and frowning. What in the world was her daughter doing talking to a stranger like that? She was supposed to be with Margaret. Suddenly the man grabbed Molly’s arm and yanked her into the livery.
Sallie gasped and grabbed Manfred’s arm. “Some man just grabbed Molly and dragged her into the livery!”
Manfred jerked around and peered that way, but the street and boardwalks were empty on that end. “I don’t see anything. You say they were at the livery?”
Sallie squeezed tighter. “Yes, I saw him take her inside. Do something!”
Manfred’s jaw tightened. “I’ll get the sheriff and we’ll see what’s going on.” He ran in the direction of the sheriff, who stood with both Levi and Micah at the gun booth.
She called after him, “Hurry!” At least the sheriff and the Gordon brothers would know what to do.
Sallie squeezed her eyes shut. Oh, Lord, take care of my child.
That awful man had grabbed her and covered her mouth before she had a chance to scream. Why hadn’t she walked on by after leaving Margaret instead of stopping when she heard those unfamiliar voices coming from inside the livery? Curiosity had landed her in trouble before, but not this bad.
The man shoved her inside and pushed her to the floor. He trained a gun on her and said, “Keep quiet, little lady, and you won’t be hurt.”
Two other men came from the back where all the horses were boarded. They held the reins of Micah’s horse, Midnight; Grace’s horse, Starlight; as well as several others. The taller and heavier of the two said, “What’s all the ruckus? You’re supposed to be outside keeping watch.” Then his gaze fell to the floor and to Molly. “Clem, what’s she doin’ in here?”
Molly froze. They were stealing horses! She opened her mouth to yell, but the one called Clem poked the gun at her head.
“I warned you, little lady. Scream and I’ll shoot.”
Her heart thundered in her chest as the cold steel pressed against her temple. Molly gulped and closed her mouth. Bile rose in the back of her throat, but she swallowed hard. She had to keep her composure. Help would come soon. She stared at the two men to memorize their features. The one behind her kept the gun pressed close.
“Sorry, Mort, but she was wanting to know what I was doing here. I was afraid she’d yell and have the whole town looking this way.”
The man glanced behind him. “We don’t need no witnesses.” He pulled a bandanna from his pocket and threw it at Clem. “Here, tie this around her mouth, and use that piece of rope to tie her hands.”
Clem caught the scarf and grabbed the rope to do as the other man said. She almost gagged at the foul odor and taste of the dirty fabric. He tied the rope so tight around her wrists she couldn’t move her hands. She pressed her tongue against the bottom of her mouth behind her teeth to keep it from touching the awful scarf. At least she could breathe, and he had tied her hands in front of her, but what would they do with her after they finished their job? With all the people at the other end of town for the festival, no one would even realize horses were being stolen right under their noses. She hated to see them take Starlight from Grace, but what could she do?
If only she had a gun hidden in her skirt, she could defend herself.
An icy chill skittered down her spine. Where had that thought come from? She hated guns and killing, but right now she’d like to see this man dead. Her eyes squeezed shut. Oh, Lord, please forgive me. You know I hate guns, but a friendly face holding one on these men would be mighty welcome.
The three men conversed in the corner, but she couldn’t make out their words. They kept glancing her way before the one called Clem went back outside. He stuck his head back through the door. “Everyone’s still at the other end of town.”
“Good. We’re done here. We took the best-looking horses. It’s time to go.” Clem still pointed his gun toward her. He leaned over her and yanked her head back until it hit the post behind her. He twisted his hands in her hair. “Don’t try any funny stuff or think about runnin’ out that door. We’re taking you with us just in case we’re spotted.”
He pushed her again, and her head slammed against wall. She all but lost consciousness and her head hurt. Tears welled but she blinked them away. All the things Andrew and Mama had spoken in regard to defending oneself came back in a rush. But there must be some other way. Killing for any reason was wrong. Now faced with her own threat of death, doubt crept into her soul. How could she defend herself against these horrible men? What if they killed her? Her heart thudded with the realization that if they did, she would never see Stefan again.
Andrew spotted Micah Gordon and Sheriff Bolton slipping into the alley behind the businesses lining Main Street. He furrowed his brow then frowned even harder as Levi followed after them. What was going on with those three?
Dr. Whiteman rushed up to him. “Andrew, Sallie saw a man drag Molly into the livery. I told the sheriff, and he and the Gordons are investigating.”
Terrible scenarios filled Andrew’s head, ranging from a simple explanation to assault to an all-out robbery of some kind. But why the livery? Then it dawned on him. Some of the finest horses in the county were there waiting for the big race this afternoon.
He turned to head for the livery. Dr. Whiteman grabbed his arm. “Be careful, Andrew. You’re not armed and that man could be dangerous.”
Andrew started down Main toward the livery, but it looked quiet. He mimicked Micah’s path and went up another block before shifting and heading for the alleyway. If Molly was in trouble her uncles and the sheriff would take care of it, but the more help the better.
When he neared the block with the livery, he spotted Micah and the sheriff inching their way along the back wall. Levi had disappeared. Staying as quiet as possible, Andrew quickened his step until he was right on their heels.
When Micah saw Andrew, he motioned him to stay back against the wall. Levi reappeared.
“Looks like there may be two or three men in the livery. The only reason they could be there is the horses. After Micah and I left our horses there Willie left with us to enjoy the fun for a bit. That’s when they must have gone in. Don’t know how long they’ve been in there, but it’s only been about five minutes since the doctor came to get us.”
Micah nodded his head and asked the sheriff, “What now?”
“If they’re stealing the horses, and Molly is inside, then we have to make sure they don’t take her with them.”
Andrew swallowed hard. Or leave her dead on the floor. A man could kill a woman in a minute without firing a shot if he was strong enough to snap her neck. Cold chills ran through him. They wouldn’t let that happen to Molly.
Sheriff Bolton pushed Andrew into the shadow of the building. “You stay here. We’ll need you if anyone gets hur
t. Micah, Levi, and I are going to position ourselves on either side of the back doorway and catch them as they come out. If they have Molly with them, we’ll have to be careful with our aim.”
Andrew hunkered down behind a stack of crates and waited. In only a minute or two, which seemed like an hour, the back door flew open and three men barreled out, one on Midnight holding the reins of Levi’s horse. The second one rode Starlight, and the third one raced out with Molly on the saddle in front of him.
Andrew peeked around the crates. Molly kicked up a storm, but a cloth covered her mouth and ropes secured her hands. The sheriff fired a shot of warning as did Micah, who also called out to his horse. The black stallion stopped and reared up, causing the horses behind him to swerve out of the way. When the other two men didn’t stop Levi fired and hit the middle man, who fell from the saddle. Starlight fled out of harm’s way. The man holding Molly pushed her from the horse and raced off, almost trampling the sheriff. The rider atop Midnight dropped the reins of the other horse he led but couldn’t gain control of Midnight.
Micah grabbed the reins and kept his pistol trained on the thief. “Whoa, Midnight.” With a jerk of his gun, he forced the man to dismount then sent Midnight back into the livery with a brisk slap on his hindquarters. Meanwhile, Levi raced after the fleeing man, firing shots as he went.
Andrew’s heart skipped a beat and then thudded against his ribs. He ran over to Molly while the sheriff arrested the man who’d been shot. He could assess the man’s wound later.
He knelt down beside Molly and pulled off the bandanna. “Are you all right?”
She coughed and nodded, then indicated her tied hands. As soon as the rope was loosened her anger spilled out. “How dare they treat a lady like that? Who do they think they are stealing horses? Hanging is too good for them.” She glared as she watched the sheriff and Micah start down the road toward prison, guns trained on their prisoners. The wounded man held his arm, which apparently had been merely grazed by the shot.
Love Never Fails Page 16
