Читать книгу The Journey Home - Linda Ford - Страница 11

It took all Charlotte’s self-control to keep from wailing with frustration and fear. A miracle? An answer to prayer? It certainly wasn’t either in her estimation. She’d prayed for rescue, someone to offer her a home. The only person to do so was a half-breed. And Lother. She shuddered. She’d as soon sit on the step of Harry’s empty house and wait to die of thirst as marry that man. Of the two, Kody seemed slightly less undesirable. At least he only wanted to escort her to his parents’. Or so he said. God, I know You can’t plan for me to ride out with this man. Please send someone else before he returns.

Why couldn’t some young mother needing help come along and see her? She’d willingly care for babies in exchange for a safe place to live. Or why couldn’t an older couple shuffle by, the woman all crippled up and in pain and needing someone to run and fetch for her? Charlotte would put up with any amount of crankiness if it meant a roof over her head. Hadn’t she been doing so for years, catering to Nellie’s demands? And for what? To be thrown out or left behind at the slightest whim? God was in control. She knew that, but sometimes she found it hard to see how things could work out for good. But wasn’t that when trust came in? When she couldn’t comprehend circumstances?

Wait on the Lord. Wait and see His deliverance. She wished she could read the Bible and find appropriate words of comfort, but Harry had taken it with him.

She sat, waiting expectantly, until her skin began to twitch.

But the platform remained empty. So she trudged back to the store and made arrangements for the mail. Every step carried a prayer for God to intervene. No miracle occurred on her way to the store or her way back, and she resumed her position on the bench, pleading with God to do something. Surely there were people who would welcome her help in exchange for a warm corner to sleep in.

“Psst.” The soft noise pulled her attention to the far end of the station, to a small cluster of trees where Kody waited. “Let’s get out of here.”

She didn’t want to get out; she wanted to stay. She held her breath, praying for God to provide in the next two seconds something—someone—posing less risk than the man waiting for her.

Nothing.

Seems God had narrowed her choice down to this one option. Perhaps she’d displeased God, too, and He chose to ignore her. She pushed to her feet, taking her time about gathering her things, waiting for God to bestow better, praying with every breath. God, help me. I trust You, even though things don’t look good right now.

Slowly she crossed the platform, her shoes thudding hollowly on the worn wood, the dusty air catching at her throat. She paused to glance in the window, saw Mr. Sears at the wicket. He looked up, saw her and turned away dismissively.

“Hurry,” Kody whispered.

The way he glanced about him sent warning skitters along the surface of her skin. “Why?” She spoke the word aloud, albeit softly.

“You’re a white woman, I’m a half-breed. Need I say more?”

Caught up in his suspicions, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one saw her and then picked up her pace.

Kody took Harry’s rifle, her bedroll and carpetbag—all her worldly possessions—and hung them neatly from the saddle, then helped her onto the old black mare he’d found somewhere.

Her doubts intensified. What did she know about this man apart from his own words? “Where’d you get the horse?”

He crossed his arms over his chest and stared up at her, his eyes hidden under the rim of his hat. “You figure I stole her?”

Her ears stung with heat that her caution had sounded accusing. She averted her gaze. “Just asking.”

Kody grunted. “It might ease your mind to know I bought her fair and square from the livery barn. The owner seemed quite willing to part with her. He’s running low on feed.”

At his words a release of tension left Charlotte’s spine weak. She didn’t care to think the law would be after them.

Charlotte studied her mount—thin and probably as hungry as she was. She patted the mare’s neck soothingly.

Kody pulled out of the trees and into the street, drew back as a truck putt-putted past, then flicked the reins and continued.

Charlotte started to follow, but when he headed away from the town to the north, her heart kicked in alarm. Did he expect her to follow him to Canada without protest? She pulled on the reins and turned the mare down Main Street. “Favor is to the south,” she muttered.

Kody kicked Sam in the ribs and bolted to her side. “You can’t ride through town.”

“Why not? I’m a free woman. I’ve broken no laws.”

He reached for her reins, but she jerked away from him.

“Again, I remind you, you’re a white woman, I’m a—”

“So you said. But I am not riding north with you.”

Kody grunted and fell back to her horse’s rear. He pulled his hat lower over his face. “You’re going to regret this,” he murmured as he followed.

Charlotte kept her thoughts to herself, but she didn’t intend to regret riding north when relief lay to the south, nor did she intend to ride out without giving God one more chance to send an alternative to riding into the unknown with a dark stranger.

As they traveled the three-block length of the street, Mrs. Williams stepped into view. The woman cleaned and cooked for Pastor Jones. Surely this was God’s answer. The good Mrs. Williams would offer sanctuary to a stranded young woman. Charlotte edged her horse closer to the sidewalk and called out a greeting.

“Charlotte, how are you doing?”

“I’m actually in need of shelter. Harry has moved and until he sends for me, I am homeless. Perhaps you’ll allow me to stay with you. I could find a job and provide for myself. I just need a place to sleep.”

“I don’t see how you could find work when hundreds of men are unemployed, and besides, with my husband being sick…” The older woman shook her head. “I’m sorry.”

Charlotte nodded. “Thank you, anyway.” She edged the horse back into the street, muttering to herself, “I wouldn’t be in her way at all.”

Kody grunted. “Times are hard.”

Right then, Lother stepped out of the hotel. Charlotte shuddered as Lother glanced past her to Kody.

“You. Injun. What are you doing following my woman? Leave her alone.” He waved his arms like he shooed chickens into the henhouse.

Kody didn’t answer but said softly to Charlotte, “Make up your mind. Either ride on or stay with him.”

“Some choice.” She nudged her plodding horse onward, ignoring Lother’s words following her down the street.

“No decent woman would keep company with an Injun of her own will.” Anything more he had to say was lost in the clatter of horses’ hooves.

Mrs. Craven peeked out her window as they passed, her eyes narrowing on Kody, then widening at Charlotte’s riding with him. But she let the curtain drop without offering help.

As they rode out of town, Charlotte swallowed back the bitterness rising in her throat and resisted an urge to shake the dust from her skirts. She only asked for a little shelter. Instead, she was forced to accept the charity and kindness of a stranger. She prayed kindness guided this man’s actions. God, I need help. Please send someone.

A mile down the road, Kody edged forward to ride at her side, but neither of them spoke. What could she possibly say? She’d accepted his help out of desperation. She felt no gratitude. Only a mile-wide hope that God would still see fit to send an alternative to accompanying this man into the unknown.

They had ridden perhaps an hour when the sound of an approaching car brought them to a stop at the side of the road. Charlotte expected the car to growl past and turned her head to avoid the cloud of dust. But the vehicle drew to a halt beside them and Sheriff Mack stepped out.

She wanted to laugh and cry and cheer all at once. God hadn’t forgotten her. Why hadn’t it occurred to her to consult the sheriff? “Sheriff, am I glad to see you. Perhaps you can help me.”

“That’s why I’m here.” He pulled out his gun and leveled it at Kody. “Put your hands in the air and get down real slow.”

For the second time in the same afternoon, Kody’s arms went up and he dropped to the ground easily and gracefully.

Charlotte’s heart stalled with alarm. Had she unwittingly accompanied a fugitive? She swallowed hard, trying to ease the gritty feeling inside, like she’d taken in too much dust in the last blow.

What had Kody done?

And why had she allowed herself to believe he wanted to help her? She’d been duped by talk about a God-fearing mother. She’d been taught you couldn’t judge a man by the color of his skin. Seems you couldn’t judge by his words or demeanor, either.

“Something wrong, Sheriff?” Kody asked in a low voice, apparently unconcerned.

She doubted he could be as indifferent as he appeared with the sheriff motioning him away from his horse.

“Charlotte, get in the car,” Sheriff Mack said. “And you—” he kept his gun steady as he approached Kody “—turn around slow.”

Charlotte sighed in relief as she got into the front seat of the sheriff’s car. Sheriff Mack lived with his maiden sister. They’d be glad to take her in and she’d find a way to prove her value to them.

She watched as the sheriff handcuffed Kody and pushed him into the backseat. I wonder what he’s done. Too bad. He seemed like a nice enough fellow.

The sheriff grabbed up the horses and tied them to the car. “Good thing Lother sent me after you,” he said to Charlotte as he got behind the wheel.

A prickly sensation crawled along Charlotte’s skin. She pulled her skirt down hard and tucked it around her legs. “Lother? What’s he got to do with this?”

The sheriff chuckled. “No need to play coy with me, Charlotte. He told me you two were to marry. Said he saw this Indian take you out of town.” Sheriff Mack started the car and edged down the road toward Big Rock. “But don’t you worry. I’ll take care of your kidnapper.” He scowled over his shoulder at Kody. “Guess you know better than to expect any mercy. It’s the rope for you.” He turned and smiled at Charlotte. “I’ll make sure you’re safe with Lother before nightfall. Might even agree to stand up for him at his wedding.” He nodded, seeming pleased with himself.

Charlotte stared at the sheriff. Nothing he said made any sense. Safe with Lother? She shuddered. “Are you saying Lother thinks I’ve been kidnapped?”

“Good thing he saw your predicament.”

“But I went of my own free will.”

The sheriff stopped the car and faced her. “Didn’t you just ask me for help?”

“I need someplace to stay until Harry sends for me.” Her eyes stung with embarrassment as she prepared to beg. “I thought I could stay with you and your sister.” She hated the desperate tone of her voice, but truth was, she had quickly dispensed with her pride about the time she walked off the train platform. “I could scrub up after the prisoners for you.”

Sheriff Mack shook his head. “No can do. If I take you back, I’ll turn you over to Lother. It’s my duty.” He patted Charlotte’s hand. “Now don’t you fret none. Many a young lady has been nervous on her wedding day. It’s perfectly normal. But once it’s done, you’ll feel better.”

Anger and disgust raged inside her at the way these men decided her future with absolutely no regard for her wishes. “I would not marry Lother if he was the last man on earth.” She tipped her head toward Kody. “This man is the only one who has had the decency to offer to help.”

Sheriff Mack looked uncomfortable. “Now, Miss Charlotte, no need to get all high and mighty on me.”

“He’s done nothing wrong. Release him at once.”

“Now wait one cotton-pickin’ minute.”

“Now.” She tilted her head toward Kody, indicating she wanted him released.

“You’re making a mighty big mistake.”

But Charlotte would not relent.

Muttering dark predictions about her future, Sheriff Mack took the handcuffs off Kody. “You’re free to go.”

Charlotte stepped out of the car as Kody backed away. He remained motionless as Sheriff Mack untied the horses. When Kody made no move to take the reins, Charlotte reached for them.

Sheriff Mack looked at her a moment, then scrunched up his lips on one side and made a sound of disgust. “Lother isn’t going to be happy about this.”

She didn’t answer, although her brain burned with angry retorts. Too bad about Lother. That’s your problem, not mine. Next time you should… There would be no next time for her. She intended to seek refuge with Kody’s parents in Favor. What choice did she have? No one else offered sanctuary. God, help me.

She turned her head away as the dust whipped up around the departing vehicle.

Only after the gray cloud abated did Kody turn and in one smooth move, leap onto Sam’s back. “Let’s get out of here,” he muttered as he urged Sam into a run.

Charlotte climbed onto the mare’s back and kicked her sides, trying to catch Kody, but it seemed the mare’s fastest pace was a bone-shuddering trot that practically shook Charlotte from her back. After several futile attempts to get the animal to gallop, Charlotte settled back into a slow walk as Kody and Sam disappeared over a hill. The puffs of dust swirling from Sam’s hooves gave her direction.

Why would no one help her? I wouldn’t be a burden. I’d make them glad they’d taken me in. But her silent arguments were a waste of time. She had to think about the future. My times are in Your hands. God had promised. He would not fail her.

With each exhalation she let out fear and disappointment. With every indrawn breath, she pulled assurance and peace into her heart. Certainly she couldn’t understand why He would choose to send help in the form of a stranger and a half-breed. But she would not fear. She would trust. She’d allow Kody to take her to his parents, but she’d be on guard at all times to make sure she got there safely.