by DiAnn Mills
Bonnie would like nothing better than to claw his eyes out. “You’ll never get away with this. The law will be breathing hot on your every move.”
“Not if you want your boy to live. Now run along like a nice mama. Time’s wasting.”
With clenched fists, she rose from the chair. Lester was right. She had no choice but one.
“If I hear any noise or you take too long, I’ll be up the stairs.”
“I understand.”
“Don’t look so forlorn. You’ll come to enjoy this arrangement. No one else has ever regretted my advances except Rosie. She threatened to go to the sheriff one too many times until a good beating took away her stubbornness. I demand obedience. Perhaps I hadn’t made that clear.”
“You may have Laura and Daisy bullied into keeping their mouths shut, but not everyone in this town believes you’re a model citizen.”
He smiled and pointed to the hallway. “I doubt it. Go. You have a job to do. Oh, before you leave, let me give you a clue as to Zack’s new home.”
Her heart slammed into her bosom.
“I have a friend who has a farm in Arkansas. He needs good strong boys to work it. We made a nice arrangement for Zack.”
She sank her teeth into her lip to keep from saying anything that she’d regret later. Hurrying up the winding staircase, a plan began to form. She willed her body to cease shaking and her mind to clear. Papa and Mama would have splattered any man’s blood across the walls of their house if their children had been threatened. Mama would still do it.
And I’m an Andrews.
Bonnie crept past Lydia Anne’s bedroom, stopping briefly to make sure the door was closed. Fear made her dizzy. Later when Lester sat behind bars or was laid out cold in a pine box, she might give in to the terror. But not now. Sudden realization shattered her. She couldn’t put an end to Lester’s evil, not on her own. She needed God, and she hadn’t even prayed.
Lord, have mercy. You are the only one who can help me here. Guide me. Give me strength to see this through.
In the bedroom, she took a quick glimpse out of the window to see if any of the ranch hands had returned. The barns looked deserted. Taking a ragged breath, she turned her attention to the loaded rifle beneath her bed. She dared not make a sound, for she knew Lester had not made an idle threat. She didn’t really want to kill a man, but she would. The many times she’d slipped away for target practice now had meaning.
Once her fingers wrapped around the cold metal barrel, she scooted it to the rug beside her bed. Her gaze flew to the doorway and back. With the ease of a mother who practiced the art of working quietly, she checked to make sure the rifle was loaded. A shotgun would have cut him in two. Not a bad thought.
Rising to her feet, she swung the rifle into her right hand. Her babies were at risk, and no one was going to hurt them. She’d die trying and take Lester with her.
“Mama.” Lydia Anne’s small voice shook Bonnie’s resolve.
“What are you doing up?” she whispered. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”
Lydia Anne pointed to the rifle. “Why do you have that?”
Bonnie laid the weapon across her bed. In an instant she knelt to her daughter’s level and grabbed her shoulders. “You get back to bed this instant, or I will whip you very hard.”
The little girl’s eyes filled with tears.
“Do you understand me?”
Lydia Anne nodded.
“Do not leave your room until I come to get you. Is that perfectly clear?”
Again, Lydia Anne nodded.
“Now go. If I hear as much as a whimper, I’ll not only whip you but take away your kitty.”
Never had she spoken so harshly to Lydia Anne. When this was over, she’d apologize. The little girl scampered across the wooden floor and slammed the door. The crash echoed over the house. Bonnie held her breath.
“Bonnie?” Lester called from the stairway. His boots thudded as he mounted each step.
“Lydia Anne got up from her nap. I’ll be right down.” Her voice sounded more like a frightened child than a confident woman. She snatched up the rifle from the bed and lifted it to her shoulder.
“I’ll see for myself.”
“No need. I’m on my way.”
She made her way to the hallway. Lester hadn’t gone back down the stairs. Maybe he needed a little help.
Lord, my thoughts are so brave, but I’m not. I’m not so sure I can squeeze the trigger, either.
At the top of the stairway, she saw him standing midway on the steps. His eyes widened, then he laughed.
“I didn’t know you knew how to hold a rifle.”
She took aim. “Lay your revolver at your feet. Now.”
His smirk turned to a frown, but he obliged.
“Get out of my house.”
“What are you going to do, hit me with the rifle?”
To reinforce her words, she started down after him. “When I was eleven years old, my father taught me how to shoot. No one else knew. The only reason I practiced and listened to Papa was because he said the day would come when I’d wish I knew how to use it. The day’s come. Your day of reckoning.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
“You’d better, or your blood is going to paint my steps. I’ve never gotten over your spreading gossip about Brother Travis and me, accusing others of killing Rosie, and vandalizing the church and blaming it on Zack.”
He chuckled. “Breaking those windows and destroying a few hymnals hurt my bank account, but it was necessary.”
“What about the reverend’s Bible?”
“It’s in my office.”
“Is there anything you won’t do?”
“Try me.” He planted his foot on the next step.
“Get out, Lester. My finger’s itching to pull the trigger.”
Lester backed down to the entrance with Bonnie following him. She prayed Juanita would stay in the kitchen. The front door opened wide, and Zack walked in. He glanced up at her with a puzzled stare. Before Bonnie could warn him, Lester whirled around and grabbed Zack’s shoulders. His hand slipped to her son’s neck.
“Maybe you’d better drop the rifle.” Lester meant business, but so did she.
Bonnie’s mind raced back to all the times she’d slipped away in the past few months for target practice. With God’s help, she could save her son from this monster.
“What is happening here?” Zack attempted to shake off Lester’s hold, but the man appeared to hold him tighter.
“Don’t worry, Zack.” This time her voice did sound stronger.
“But you don’t know how to use a rifle, Mama.”
She forced a smile. “Remember the coyote that Thomas found dead outside the chicken house a few months back?”
Zack nodded. “Shot right between the eyes, and none of the ranch hands owned up to it.”
“That’s because your mama shot it, just like I’m going to finish up the coyote who has his filthy hands on you.”
She squeezed the trigger just as Lester threw Zack on the floor and reached for the door. The bullet lodged in the wood just above Lester’s head. She raced down the stairs after him, but when she reached the door, Lester had already been stopped. Travis had him pinned to the ground with his knee into his back.
“That woman is mad,” Lester said. “She tried to kill me.”
“I heard enough of the conversation to know you’re lying.” Travis glanced up at Bonnie. “Are you all right?”
She nodded. “He still didn’t acknowledge killing Rosie.”
“That’s because he didn’t do it.”
“Then who did?”
“Sylvia. She confessed earlier today. Laura and Daisy went to the sheriff this afternoon once they learned abou
t the confession and revealed Lester’s dealings. He’s on his way out here now to arrest Lester for abusing Rosie and the others.”
“Sylvia killed Rosie?” Lester winced as Travis tightened the hold on his arms. “She couldn’t hurt anyone, not with her gentle spirit.”
“Well, Lester, she did.”
“But . . . but Sylvia cared for my no-good brothers when they came begging for handouts.”
“Love and jealousy often rule a person’s judgment.” He glanced up at Bonnie. “I’ll tell you the whole story later. Right now I need a rope.”
“What did you ask me?” Slow down. You’re angry with Lester, not Travis.
Travis startled. “A rope. I need a rope to tie up Lester.”
“I’ve spent the past hour with a man who was threatening me and my children, and now all you do is ask me for a rope?”
“I’ll get one,” Zack said. “I want him tied real tight.”
All the fear and fury from the ordeal sent shivers up and down her arms while her face flushed hot. “And to think I wanted you to ask me to marry you.”
Travis sputtered. “What?”
Realization of what she’d just said hit her like a blast of cold air. Maybe she was mad. He hadn’t made an unreasonable request. What was wrong with her? She shook all over. “I’m sorry. Oh my, I must go see about Lydia Anne.” She whirled around in time to see Juanita staring with her mouth open. Instead of making one more ridiculous statement, Bonnie avoided them all and hurried after her daughter.
*****
Travis went through the motions of tying Lester’s hands while his mind spun with what Bonnie had said.
“Did you see what my mama did? Why, she sent a bullet into the front door right where Lester had been standing,” Zack said. “But why did she get so mad about the rope?”
“I have no idea, but I’ll find out when the sheriff gets here. He was right behind me. I was afraid of this when your uncles and I found Lester gone from the bank.”
The sound of horses’ hooves punctuated his words. Within minutes, Sheriff Arthur had Lester in custody. “I’ll take him into town,” he said. “Thank God our womenfolk can now live without fear.”
“A prayer answered.” Travis stood and glanced at Zack, who happened to be grinning.
“What are you smiling about?” Travis said.
“The look on your face when Mama said she wanted to marry you.”
“She must have been real upset,” he said.
“You mean upset enough for the truth to come spurtin’ out?” Zack laughed. “You best go see what you can do to make her happy. And be careful. She’s a good shot.”
Travis trembled all over. Without another word, he made his way into the house.
“Bonnie, I need to talk to you.”
No answer.
“Bonnie?” He still shook like a scared rabbit. Maybe because he felt like one.
“She’s upstairs,” Juanita said from the front porch.
Travis made his way up the staircase, all the while rehearsing what he should say, yet realizing the words would refuse to come. One thing he knew for sure: He loved Bonnie Kahler.
“Bonnie?” he called softly. He didn’t want her aiming that rifle at him.
“I’m right here.”
He glanced up and saw her holding Lydia Anne. Both were crying. How was he supposed to handle that? Lord, I’m in trouble here, and I need help.
“Is she all right?” he said
“I scared her,” Bonnie said with a sob. “I said ugly things to her when I was afraid Lester might hurt her.”
Lydia Anne snuggled against Bonnie’s shoulder. It looked to him like the little girl was doing better than her mama.
“We need to talk,” he said.
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I was upset about Lester and said things I didn’t mean.”
Standing there in the hallway with the western sun shining through the window, Bonnie looked like an angel, his angel. “I think you meant every word. I’ve been in love with you for a long time, but I never thought you’d have any feelings for a man like me.”
She tilted her head, and a fresh glazing of tears sprinkled her cheeks. “That’s not true, Travis. You are a fine man, and I love you.”
“You do?”
“Yes.” She sniffed, and he pulled out a handkerchief for her. “You’re always doing this.”
“I’d like to do it permanently. Take care of you, I mean.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m more than sure, and I want your children as mine.”
“What is Brother Travis saying?” Lydia Anne said.
“I’m asking your mama to marry me and let me be a papa to you, Zack, and Michael Paul.” There, he’d said it, and the words came out just fine.
“Say yes, Mama.” Lydia Anne lifted her head from Bonnie’s shoulder.
Bonnie sighed, then smiled through her tears. “I don’t think I have a choice.”
“Do you mind if I come up there and give you a kiss?” he said.
“Mama or me?”
Travis laughed. “Both of you.”
*****
Travis walked by the barber shop. How many times had Hank offered him a haircut and a shave? He should get himself fixed up. And he should tell Bonnie the truth about his past. Should have done so the afternoon she agreed to become his wife. In fact, his whole congregation needed to be told what had happened in Tennessee. The days of hiding from the past were over.
If he planned to marry Bonnie and wanted God to bless him and his new family, then the story must be told. Tomorrow morning just before the sermon seemed like the best time. Bonnie always arrived a little early. Then he’d tell his flock. He glanced down at his clothes. Morgan had given him a fine suit, one that would fit. High time he wore it.
Travis retraced his steps on the boardwalk and twisted the knob on the barbershop door.
“Welcome, Brother Travis,” Hank said, glancing up from a newspaper. “What can I do for you?”
“That offer still open for a haircut and a shave? I thought the town might want to see what their preacher looks like.”
Hank laughed until he held his sides. “Just set yourself right down.”
*****
Travis wished Zack still lived with him, but he’d stayed with his mama since the day Sylvia and Lester had been arrested. Travis needed someone’s opinion about his appearance this morning. Freshly groomed and wearing Morgan’s suit, he looked like his old self. But his heart had changed. God had slowly taken care of his relationship with Him during the past year, from his time alone in the mountains on through his pastoring of Piney Woods Church. This morning he needed God’s guidance more than ever. Before lunch today, he’d know whether he still had a church and a future bride and family.
The thought occurred to him of heading over to see the reverend and Mrs. Rainer before church, but did that mean he didn’t trust God for the outcome today? No point in taking a chance. He snatched up his Bible and stepped out into the early January air.
His habit was to be at church before anyone else considered getting there. That way he could pray. This morning he needed prayer. He should have left the house before daylight. After all, he’d been awake.
At eight o’clock, the door swung open, and the reverend boomed his familiar, “Morning.” Travis swung around from the front pew.
“Is Brother Travis here?” the reverend said.
“It’s me.” Travis managed to stand. “I decided it was about time I looked more presentable.”
The reverend’s eyes widened. “My land. I never thought . . . Why, you’re a fine-looking man.”
Travis smiled. “We’re going to talk about my change in church this morning after I tell Bonnie. I’m goin
g to need a few prayers while I confess to everyone what happened in my last church.”
The reverend walked toward him. “I knew right from the start what caused you to leave Tennessee. When you answered the call, I wrote one of your brothers, and he told me the whole story. He has regrets about the way he and your other brothers handled the problems there.”
“And you still asked me to pastor this church?”
“We have a merciful God, and I wanted to give you an opportunity to start over. I knew someday I’d hear your side of the story.”
“Thank you. I’m a mite nervous, but my mind’s made up.” He glanced about. “No one’s seen me but Hank, so we’ll see how many other folks won’t recognize me.”
The reverend chuckled. “My guess is no one, except maybe Bonnie.”
Travis stayed seated in the front pew until the church filled up. Why hadn’t Bonnie come early? A few folks shook his hand, and Morgan even called, “Good morning,” not recognizing his own suit. Travis took the steps to the pulpit, hoping his heart didn’t jump from his chest before he got there. Seemed like since he came to Kahlerville, his heart had taken a beatin’. Help me, Lord. I have to be honest.
Glancing at the pew where Bonnie and the children always sat, he watched as she and the children made their way down the aisle and took their seats. She stared at him oddly. The color drained from her face. Oh, how he loved this woman. Would she and her children trust him after this morning?
“Good morning,” he said to his congregation.
Immediately the room hushed.
“I see that you don’t know your own preacher. Hank kept offering me a haircut and shave, so I finally took him up on it.”
Everyone laughed.
“I also had a good man give me a suit. So I guess on the outside I’m a new man. What I’m about to tell you is about the man I used to be, the man who was asked to leave his last church. When I’m finished, if you choose to have me step down as your preacher, I’ll do so.” He stole a look at Bonnie. “I never meant to deceive any of you. I simply wanted to forget about my past and start my life over by serving the Lord with a clean heart and a clean slate.”
