The Journey Home

“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.