Bride of the Wild (3 page)

Micah got to his feet. “Please, Miss Fossett. Have my seat.”

“That’s all right. I’d rather stand. It’s just Saffron.”

His gaze drifted over me. “Saffron.” He sat again, eyeing me with consideration, which felt slightly unnerving.

A gust of wind blew a tendril of hair loose, flinging auburn locks into my face. “What about the Goldman family, Pa? What do we do now? It seems we’re not safe.” I slid the offending hair back and secured it.

“Much as I don’t want to, I’ll have to board the first floor windows. We’ll remain indoors at night. I don’t anticipate a problem in the least. I suspect there’s more we don’t know about the particulars of each attack.”

Lucy had joined us, overhearing that last bit. “The family is gone? Every one of them?”

“It seems that way,” I said. “It’s rather shocking. I’d like to know more of what happened.” I glanced at Deer Runner. “Do you know anything?”

Pursing his lips, he seemed reluctant. “Yes.”

“What is it?”

“I saw it with my own eyes. A bear attacked them. My opinions matter little hereabouts, but I say the animal’s gone rabid.” He shook his head. “Bears don’t kill like that. It’s not … normal.”

“Then we should hunt it down and shoot it,” said Tom.

“In good time.” Pa got to his feet, his jaw firmly set. “This business sits ill with me. Roaming around the woods looking for this creature is foolhardy.”

“We bring it here,” said Deer Runner. “Bait it. That shouldn’t be all that hard. Then we kill it.”

“It’s already here,” said Amelia, who had joined us. “It’s killing people in their homes. How shall I sleep tonight knowing some creature is lurking in the shadows? How will any of us feel secure now?”

“Don’t trouble yourself so,” said pa. “Tom and I will keep you safe. You’re no shrinking wallflower yourself, my dear. You handle a weapon as well as any of us.” His gaze drifted over me. “But Saffron’s especially adept. She’s the best shot I’ve ever seen.”

He had complimented me greatly, and I felt a mixture of embarrassment and pride at this declaration. “Oh, stop that. Hardly. I shoot effectively enough.”

“Better than most men. Stop being so modest.”

Tom grumbled, “I disagree. I’m better than her, Pa.”

“I haven’t practiced in ages. I might’ve been good once.” I shrugged.

“And she’s far too humble,” said Amelia, grinning.

Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. “Someone comes.” For a moment, I thought perhaps the creature that had murdered all those people had stepped onto the road; howsoever, it wasn’t a bear at all, but several men on horseback. “It’s the sheriff.”

“I’ve been expecting him.” Pa squinted into the distance. “Your eyesight’s so much better than mine, Saffron. I see blurs.”

“And the deputy and the doctor,” I said. “They’re all coming here.”

“I’ve some sarsaparilla and ice tea,” said Lucy. “We should offer them refreshment.”

“I’ll help you.” Amelia went to the door, while I stared at the approaching men, feeling a sense of disquiet. They would discuss the murders. They had come because they wanted pa’s help—but would he offer it?

Chapter Three

Amelia and I sat on the landing, listening to the men talking in the parlor. Pa felt a hunting party should be the last resort, preferring to bait the animal in town first, capture it, and shoot it. Everyone agreed to this plan, but it could not be implemented until after the funerals had taken place, out of respect to the victims and their families, who had suffered so.

That evening, after everyone had gone, I sat on the bed undoing my hair, while Amelia hummed to herself, changing into her nightclothes. She glanced at me. “What do you think of Micah Blaylock?”

“I don’t think of him at all.” That had been a tiny fib, because I had wondered where he came from and where he lived now.

“He’s handsome.”

“Hardly.” I snorted. “What about him do you find handsome, Amelia? Could you see anything under all that hair?”

“He has kind and expressive eyes.”

I chuckled, “If you say so.”

“He stared at you a great deal.”

“I have no idea why.” My fingers worked through tangles. A loud pounding noise brought my attention to the door. “They should be finished with the boards by now.”

“Goodness, it’s dreadful.” Amelia sat on the bed, facing me. “We won’t be able to see a thing out the windows now. I wonder how long we’ll have to live like this?”

“Until the danger’s passed. I do hope Wilber and Sky are safe in the bunkhouse.”

“It only has one small window. That’s been boarded up and the door fortified. I’m sure they’ll be fine. I hope whatever’s been attacking people goes away. Perhaps, it’s already dead? If the creature’s rabid, it shall die soon enough.”

“True.”

“What do you think of the plan to bait and kill it?”

“It’s a wise idea. Pa’s good sense can always be relied upon. Going into the mountains is a last resort.” But what an exciting adventure that would be!

“I have to use the privy.”

“So do I, but I’m not certain we’re allowed. We might have to find the chamber pot. Ma had it in the closet, from what I remember.”

She made a face. “No. One quick trip outside can’t harm anyone. We’ll bring a lantern and a rifle. I really don’t want to use the chamber pot.”

“I’ll go with you.” I slid from the bed, placing my feet in slippers. “Let’s hurry before anyone’s the wiser.”

Lucy had gone to bed already, but pa and Tom were awake, talking in the parlor. Several lamps glowed with yellowish light, casting shadows into the corners of the rooms. My mother brought in furniture and rugs from back east, the house feeling rather luxurious and cozy. We were one of the better off families in the community; only the Heffermans were wealthier, because they owned the livery, the mercantile, and the hotel. I had grown up with many advantages, never having starved or suffered, as had so many in these parts. The most difficult experience of my life had been the wagon train, traveling for three months through harsh conditions, but we had persevered.

In the kitchen, my sister reached for the lantern, while I lifted a rifle from hooks on the wall. “We won’t dally,” she said. “I’ll go first.” She threw up a board that secured the door. “What an ordeal. I’m looking forward to this ending soon.” Then she removed the second board. “I’m not sure this is really necessary. We’ve never seen or heard a thing on our property. West of town is where all the incidences occurred. Didn’t the Goldmans live near the creek?”

“Yes.” I grasped the door. “Let’s go now, before pa sees us. Then we’ll be forced to use the chamber pot.”

“That’s all the encouragement I need.” My sister dashed from the house, bounding down the wooden steps to a pathway that led through the kitchen garden and further.

I held the rifle firmly, following closely, while gazing around. “It’s very quiet tonight.” There might have been one cricket chirping from the grass, but nothing else made noise. The moon glowed in the distance, barely clearing the edge of the mountaintop. “Hurry up.”

Amelia flung open the privy door, the aroma of human waste lingering. “I’ll make this fast.” She hung the lantern on a rusted hook and closed the door, the hinges creaking.

I glanced nervously into the darkness. The whiny of a horse came from the stables, while the gentle lowing of the cows in the pasture echoed into the night. I felt a slight chill, but it wasn’t cold enough to produce a shiver.

When Amelia emerged, she grinned. “Your turn.”

“Move aside, please.” Slipping past her, I entered the tiny room, hurrying to do my business. I did not want to linger outdoors any longer than necessary, and I worried pa would yell at us, if he knew we had defied him.

“Hurry up.”

“I’m trying.” When I finished, I stepped from the latrine, closing the door behind me. “Lead the way.” I gave her the lantern.

“It’s so quiet now.”

“It was quiet before,” I whispered, while a tingle ran down my spine. The wind gusted briefly, sending clouds before the moon, blocking the small amount of light it provided. “Let’s go fast!” I rushed by her, my feet wanting to sprint.

“Wait for me!”

We weren’t more than three feet apart, running down an often-used path, past the gated garden. Fear had gotten the better of us, but with good reason. I had nearly reached the door when a noise shattered the quiet, the sound so startling, I stopped where I was, but I held the door open for Amelia, who darted into the house.

“What was that?” she asked, her eyes widening. “That sounded like a growl.”

Rushing inside, I all but flung the rifle at the wall and grasped a wood plank, placing it across the door, creating a barrier to whatever had been outside. “I don’t know.” The sound had come from some distance, but it remained imperative we lock ourselves in securely. “I think it’s best we don’t go out again tonight.”

“Do you think it was the creature?”

I shrugged. “I’ve no idea. Let’s go to bed.”

“Are we safe here?” She looked panicky, her eyes alight with fear.

“I believe so. All the downstairs windows are boarded. The doors are secure. We’re armed to the teeth. We should be fine.”

“Who’s there?” asked pa. He entered the kitchen, carrying a rifle. “I thought I heard something. What have you two been up to?” A concerned gaze drifted over us. “You weren’t outside, were you?”

“No, Pa,” said Amelia. “We’re making … um … hot chocolate.”

“I’ll put the pot on.” I reached for a hanging copper pan.

“I thought I heard something.” Pa moved towards the window, peering out between the wooden slats. “Did you girls hear anything strange just a moment ago?”

“It sounded a bit like a growl,” said Amelia. “Should we be worried?”

He nodded. “Until that bear’s caught, yes. We need to be vigilant at all times, even during the day.”

“Yes, Pa.” Amelia glanced at me, her eyes widening.

Our father had nearly caught us outside. There had been something there—something threatening, but had it gone away? After I had heated the milk and added powdered chocolate, I handed a cup to Amelia. “Here you are.”

“Thank you. We can drink this upstairs.”

“All right.” Pa and Tom were in the parlor, with their weapons in hand, moving from window to window, as if expecting an attack. Seeing them like this set me on edge. “How will we sleep tonight?” I whispered.

Amelia yawned. “I’ll have no trouble. I’m plenty tired.”

“I’m not going out again. If you’ve a need, you’ll have to use the chamber pot.”

“Ugh … thank you for the reminder.”

We took to the stairs, while holding our mugs. I glimpsed pa wandering back and forth, the weapon in his hand. Instead of feeling relieved by this, it only added to my worry. Something had been outside. The deep, guttural growl had come from a large animal. Whether it had been the feral bear or not would remain a mystery, unless it attacked the house. Pa and Tom would watch over things, until the danger passed.

“I’m saying my prayers,” said Amelia, dropping to her knees beside the bed. I did the same, waiting for her to speak. “Dear Lord, please watch over us tonight. Please keep everyone safe and sound, and please don’t let this scary, terrible creature attack us in our sleep. Thank you for watching over us today and everyday. Please give strength and guidance to the McAllisters in their time of need and help the Goldmans find their way into your grace, which is heaven. Thank you for our health and happiness and all the other wonderful things you provide on a daily basis. I … ” she glanced my way, “I’m just scared tonight, Lord. I don’t want to be eaten in my bed. Amen.”

“Amen. You won’t be eaten, Amelia. We’re perfectly safe.” I reached for the blanket. “Pa and Tom won’t let anything happen to us.”

“I hope not.”

But, as I settled into the blankets, staring at the window across the room, I could not help wondering at the sound I had heard earlier. Pa had heard it too. There had been something unnatural about the noise—something sinister in the low, thunder of that growl. I shivered, yet it wasn’t from the cold.

In the morning, I woke to find the bed next to mine empty. Amelia had risen already, and I heard female voices in the hallway. Turning to my side, I stared at the wall, while listening.

“We thought they came home last night, but your pa’s not seen them since yesterday,” said Lucy.

“They have Sundays off normally, unless it’s harvest time. Perhaps they decided to spend the night in town.”

“I suppose. Either way, your pa’s gone out looking for them.”

Sliding from the bed, I reached for the door. “Looking for who?”

“Good morning, Saffron.” My sister grinned. She had donned a dress and bonnet, but the clothing was black. “Wilber and Sky aren’t here. They went to town yesterday to enjoy themselves at the saloon. They haven’t returned yet.”

“That’s rather unusual, isn’t it? Monday’s a work day.”

“It is,” said Lucy. “But, I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. They’ve more than likely had too much to drink.”

“I suppose it’s up to us to milk the cows, isn’t it?”

“I’ve done it already,” said Lucy. “No need to bother, but you should get dressed. We’re leaving for the funeral soon.”

“How’s your leg? You shouldn’t have gone into the barn. Amelia and I could’ve milked the cows.”

“It’s better, Miss Fossett. It’s on the mend.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Dudley and Megan would be buried today. “All right.” I closed the door, feeling morose about the events that had occurred and hating that I would have to wear black again for the foreseeable future.

The aroma of coffee lingered, along with bread Lucy had baked. A loaf sat on the table with a small bowl of freshly churned butter. The boards had been taken from the doors, and I hurried outside into the crisp morning air, intending to use the privy. On the way back, I glanced at my feet as I walked, remembering the events of the previous evening. The growling noise had been nearby—far too close for comfort. I searched the ground for animal prints, something to give credence to my fears, but I found nothing.

“Saffron!” called my sister. “Come at once! Pa’s back!”