"I know…it is strange, isn't it." Amelia agreed.
"Did they hurt you bad?" Mark asked, his face full of emotions he barely held in check. "They must have. I've heard the Comanche are really ruthless with their captives."
"The Comanche's did, at first. I never had shoes. I was such a tenderfoot. My feet hurt for a year, and finally one day they quit hurting. Yes, to answer your question. They beat me regularly. The women were especially mean. They beat me, walked on me, and tore my clothes from me. But…I refused to sleep with the warriors. That's why they were so tough on me. They made me want to die some days. All the while though, they were making me stronger and I didn't know it."
"Dear God. A woman having to go through all of that. If only Bertram and I had pressed on." Mark fretted.
Cale shook his head. "Since you and Bertram were not accustomed to the Comanche and their ways Mark, it's probably best you didn't. They'd have killed you sure."
"Maybe they would've, but at least…I wouldn't feel so damn guilty. But living with the fact that we didn't is hard. It's hard. Why do you think I drink. I can't face what I let Bertram do that day…turn away."
"I know, but your honesty is exactly what Amelia needed to hear, Mark. She needed to know what happened to her folks, and to the other two." Cale explained. "She's having a time going forward with her life too right now. So the two of you can help each other, I'm sure."
Mark glanced at Amelia, "So…what are you going to do, Amelia? Are you going to approach Judy and Bertram?"
"No," She looked at him with sad eyes. "I've found out all I need to know. Let them have the money. I'll make out somehow." Amelia said looking at Cale.
Cale smiled. "I want you both to come home with me. Amelia is no stranger to farming after all this time, and I think you'll be a real help. So you don't have to fret about your future…unless you have other plans."
"That's real generous of you…" Mark remarked. "Amelia, what do you think about it?"
"I'd like that. I'd like it very much." Amelia smiled at Cale and reached for his hand.
Mark seemed to take note of the hands and saw how Amelia felt from her expressions.
"Are you going to tell Bertram and Judy?" Mark asked.
"There's no reason to." Amelia sighed. "It isn't any of their business now. They have their life to live, and we have ours. So be it."
Mark nodded. "You are right about that. Then when will we leave?"
"How long will it take to get your things together, Mark?"
"About ten minutes." Mark laughed.
"Alright, if Amelia is ready to leave, we'll head out in a couple of hours. If that's agreeable."
"Couldn't suit me better. The sooner I get out of this town the better. I had a sister once, but that was a long time ago. From now on, if she wants anything to do with me, she'll have to find me."
"Good. We can go with you to help you get things together, or meet at the boarding house on ninth street."
"Let's meet at the boarding house then, it won't take me long." Mark explained.
"Fine. We're in rooms 301 and 302. Come on over when you are ready."
"Sounds good."
"And Mark…you won't be needing that whiskey any more." Amelia told him.
Mark looked skeptical, but nodded. "Fair enough. If you can give up all you had, I think I can give up whiskey."
Once they were back at the boarding house Cale walked Amelia to her door.
She turned to look at him, "Want to come in?"
"If you like…" he smiled.
He followed her inside and she went to her bag she'd brought with her. "I don't have much packing."
"Amelia, I'm sure you've got some reactions to work out in your head about all this…"
She turned to look at him. "No, actually I don't. They made it very simple for me to walk away from them, Cale. I'm glad actually. Like Mark, I have no reason to hang around here any longer. I've found out what I needed to know. And…" She looked at him now, "thank you for making me come here."
"There's no lingering feelings, or hurt about Bertram then?"
"None…when I saw him, I felt nothing, Cale. Nothing at all. I'm not sure why. I'm not a fickle person. But there was nothing there. He didn't take me into his arms and look happy to see me, did he?"
"No, he didn't."
"And she…was shocked."
"I think they both were. I just wanted to make sure there were no lingering doubts about it."
"They made it easy for me, because they had no feelings for me in the first place. I knew that the minute he opened the door and looked at me. It is strange that when I saw him, I felt nothing. Nothing at all. I think I stopped feeling anything a couple of years ago. Maybe that's cold of me. I don't know. But because he discarded whatever we had, it was easy to walk away and not look back. Same with her. We never got along well anyway. But Mark…I never expected to feel anything for any of them. And yet, I did for Mark. I saw some kind of hurt in his eyes today. A hurt that is real."
"He's obviously got a little more heart than the other two." Cale remarked.
"I can't believe he refused the money so easily."
"It shows he has character."
Amelia shook her head. "I never expected it of him, but I'm glad. If it weren't for him, I'd have to erase my family from memory altogether. Luckily I have him to remember with."
"I'm glad Amelia. It's not good to erase everyone."
"Cale," she came up to him now, and put a hand on his chest. "I don't want Mark and I to be a burden to you."
He looked down into her face and tipped her chin up to look into her eyes. "You are no burden. And we'll talk later. But I want you to have some time first, to sort this all out. you've been hit with this news and it needs to simmer for a while."
He didn't kiss her though and she had hoped for a kiss. She waned to be in his arms, in his heart.
Strangely, though, he sort of backed off from that. Did he regret his words of caring for her now? Maybe it was all just the moment, and not meant to be.
She moved away and continued to pack her things.
She looked up at him. "I'm ready when you are."
He smiled, and about that time, Mark knocked on the door.
"That was fast." Amelia smiled as she opened the door to him.
"Told you it wouldn't take long."
"I'll get my things," Cale told them and left the room.
Mark sat on the edge of her bed and looked at her. "How did you meet him?"
Amelia raised her head and looked at Mark. "He came to the Huaco camp where I'd been traded by the Comanche. They were on their way to the reservation and they couldn't take me with them. So the chief traded me to Cale."
"Huaco's? How did you get there?"
"The Comanche were starving, their crops failed, all they were living on was meat and berries. They needed goods for the winter. They traded me to them. The Huaco's were a good people Mark. They were gentle people, and not cruel at all." Amelia explained. "I grew to think a lot of them. Like family, almost."
"You mean there are such things as good Indians?" Mark cried.
"Yes, there are. They treated me as one of their own. I learned many things from them. Including how to farm."
Mark's eyes rounded on her, "That's amazing."
"Yes, I thought so too. After being beaten by the Comanche…."
"Beaten?" Mark's eyes widened. "It really is a wonder you survived, Amelia."
"Yes, I was beaten, Mark. My back is full of scars they left."
"My God, Amelia…" he cried his eyes misting with real tears. "I am so sorry."
"The important thing is, I survived Mark." She told him gently.
"It makes what Judy and Bertram did all the more horrible. You suffering so, them taking your money and your future…It's not fair"
"Mark…I didn't love Bertram any more. I knew that before coming here. You see, the Comanche treated me so badly that I became angry that Bertram didn't find me and take me
away. I guess I couldn't forgive him. That's probably pretty ugly of me. But it is the truth. I can admit it and say it now. I couldn't even remember how he looked."
"And now…can you forgive what they did?" Mark asked fumbling with his hat. "Can you walk away and not feel regents?"
"I don't have to, Mark. That's the wonderful thing. If the money makes them happy, then fine. I don't care. I know one thing, Mark. I can survive. I've proven that."
Mark nodded, "You sure have."
"And you, can you forgive them?"
Mark growled in his throat, "I'm not sure. I'm just not sure. She's my sister Amelia. The cold hearted bitch is my sister and what she did to you…is unforgivable. They called me a weakling. Said I couldn't stand up for myself. Well, when I refused the money, they had to eat their words."
"But I can forgive her."
"Then…I'll try. For your sake." Mark nodded.
"Good. Whatever happens, we'll make it, Mark." Amelia promised. "Sometimes you find family in other places. Places you aren't expecting to. And you can love them just as much or maybe more."
"And this Cale…are you in love with him?" Mark asked.
"I think so. But time will tell. He's a funny man in many ways. I like him. I like him a lot. I trust him too. Which is saying something." Amelia smiled. "I haven't trusted in a long time, a very long time. Cale seems to understand me so well. We get along."
"Then I'll trust him too." Mark nodded. "He seems like a good man, Amelia. And above all, I want your happiness."
"Thank you Mark, but you've got a life to lead too."
"Yeah, I guess I do…now!"
Chapter Twenty-One
When they arrived back at the farm, Hodge and Sarah were very happy to see them. They hugged them and talked for a long time.
"Everything go alright here?" Cale asked.
"Everything went good. No problems. Glad you are back, it's beginning to get cold again." Hodge smiled. "Who is this?"
Hodge pointed to Mark who sat in the rocking chair and waited to be included in the conversation.
"This is Amelia's cousin, Mark. He's going to be living with us, helping out." Cale explained. "We need to expand the size of the house and do some repairs on the barn. And maybe, just maybe we'll make a farmer of him."
"Good, lots of work here. I am Hodge and this is Sarah my wife." Hodge introduced her. "We are glad you have come along."
Mark smiled. "I've heard a lot of good things about the two of you. I’m pleased to meet you."
Amelia and Sarah went off into the bedroom to talk.
"Well…you did not stay with fiancé?" Sarah asked.
"No, he was married to my other cousin." Amelia smiled.
Sarah shook her head. "He did not wait for you?"
"No, he did not wait." Amelia said lowly.
"Then now you can marry Cale…"
Amelia looked down at the floor. "I don't know. He hasn't asked me yet."
"Why not?"
"I don't know. He told me he cares for me, but after we found out about Bertram, he didn't ask me to marry him, only to come with him, here."
Sarah studied that a moment. "I know he loves you, I see it in his eyes, every time he says your name or looks at you, I see it. He loves you…"
"I know I love him…" Amelia sighed.
Sarah's eyes widened and she smiled. "That is very good. I am so happy for you."
"Well, don't be too happy. As I said he hasn't asked me yet. He's been kind of quiet since we left San Antonio. Something is on his mind I guess."
"Don't worry. I get Hodge to find out." Sarah smiled impishly.
"I'd really like to know what's on his mind. In San Antonio, he…well…he told me how he felt about me. I think he loves me. Something is holding him back now and I'm not sure what it is. He knows I don't love Bertram." Amelia admitted. "Back in San Antonio, he kissed me…and the way he kissed me…I just knew he loved me. Now, he's acting differently. Maybe he's changed his mind." Amelia cried.
Sarah shook her head. "Cale not…how you say—fickle."
"No, he isn't. But something is on his mind." Amelia said and hung her head. "Maybe I said something that has him doubting me. Maybe I reacted wrong, or I don't know what it is, but it's killing me. I love him Sarah, truly."
"He brought you back didn't he? He loves you, I know that. You are right, something is on his mind. We find out and I tell you." Sarah promised.
As they were about to join the others Sarah turned to look at Amelia. "You not sorry about your fiancé are you?"
"No, not at all. If anything I'm happy it's all over. I want to get on with my own life. I want to make a home and a family."
"Good."
Sarah and Amelia prepared a big meal and they were all so famished they didn't waste any time devouring it.
When the meal was over, Mark went out on the porch to smoke. Cale followed him.
"Want to take a look at the place?" Cale offered.
"I'd like that." Mark agreed.
They walked off, as Amelia peeked outside to see what they were doing.
"Cale likes Mark. I'm so glad."
Sarah told Hodge what Amelia had told her. "He want you as his woman. I know this. But he not ask. I will speak with him." Hodge promised.
"Thanks, Hodge."
Hodge went outside and joined the men.
"I want you to know something Mark." Cale was telling Mark as they looked around the barn.
"What's that?"
"I'm in love with Amelia. I have been since I met her. She is so strong in so many ways and doesn't even realize it. She's beautiful. And she's the kind of woman I can love easily. But she was spoken for when I met her. That's why I insisted we needed to find Bertram so she could make up her mind about him. I didn't want to put any pressure on her about it. I think she loves me too. But since you’re her only family, I wanted to ask your permission to marry her."
Mark studied Cale for a moment, and then glanced at Hodge who was listening too.
"I think it's grand. She needs someone. She's been through so much. All I ask is that you treat her right and love her. She deserves that."
"Yes she does, and more." Cale added. "But…there is a problem."
"Oh?"
Cale mashed the toe of his boot into the ground. "There's this fella, Dolby. He killed my mother and three sisters. I've got to confront him once and for all."
"Killed your mother and sisters?" Mark repeated and gasped. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am. But I can't prove it. I've got to settle things with him before I can ask her to marry me. I wouldn't want it to come between us. It's just something I feel I have to do. The law won't do anything without proof. I have none. Amelia doesn't like guns. And there will be gunplay I can promise that. So, I've got to get this taken care of before I ask her."
Mark stared into his eyes. "You're talking about some kind of showdown? Aren't you?"
"Yes. With Dolby it's all he'll understand."
"Does she know about this?"
"She knows I suspect him. That I want to even the score."
Mark shook his head. "Then I think you better settle it before you ask for my cousin's hand in marriage. I'd hate for you two to marry then you get killed by this outlaw Dolby."
"I just wanted you to know." Cale told him. "It's the reason I've hesitated to ask her. I wanted to the minute I found out Bertram was married. Then I realized that this thing between Dolby and me isn't settled. I've got to settle it first. And she might not understand that. She hates guns and killing. She told me that a while back."
Hodge had been quiet and suddenly he shook his head. "It is not good, friend Cale."
"What?" Cale jerked about to look at Hodge.
"White squaw has been through a lot of things. She has suffered greatly. If you do this, this will hurt her too. She loves you. You love her. Maybe you forget about Dolby and just get on with life." Hodge insisted.
"I can't forget what he did. Him and his men raped my thr
ee sisters, you know that. They are out there in that cemetery today. How can I forget about it? It stares me in the face every time I come home. I have to end it for my sake and for Dolby's." Cale fisted his hands at his side.
Hodge saw the reaction and shook his head. "Not good. If you do this, if you knew you would do this, you should never have brought her back here. You will hurt her."
"This has nothing to do with Amelia. She isn't involved and I want to keep it that way. This is between Dolby and me. It's time to finish it, Hodge. I have to finish it. I thought you above everyone else would understand that."
"Not good." Hodge said and walked away. "Iron Kettle went peaceably to the reservation. He did not want to leave the river and go. But he did. He humbled himself for peace. Sometimes peace costs more than war. You war with Dolby. It is not good."
Cale turned to Mark who was frowning. "You can't prove he did it?"
"No."
"Then friend, you need to walk away from it." Mark suggested.
"If it were your kin, what would you do?" Cale's patience was running thin and his voice rose with every word he spoke.
Mark shrugged. "I did nothing when Amelia was captured. Nothing. Now today, I'm sorry for that. Then I think about it, and I know I'd have been killed if I had tried to save her. I went after her several times, but I'm no tracker. I didn't know what I was looking for. It was a waste of time. But there wasn't a day went by I didn't worry about her. I know how you feel, actually, I think I do, but having a showdown with this character, I don't know. Will it help you? Will it help Amelia? Would you be better off if this man was dead? Would you be better off if you went to jail for his death? You gotta think about this…"
"I have done nothing but think for a long time now. It's time to do something." Cale insisted.
"Why don't you think about it a little more? You've got a chance to have a lady that loves you, a family, a home. You want to throw it away for five seconds of pleasure of seeing justice done. With no evidence, if you kill the man, you'll go to jail. If he wins, you die, and Amelia is alone again. I see nothing good coming from all of that." Mark shook his head. "I don't think Amelia deserves that."
Heart of a Captive Page 17
