Return of the Outlaws

Mrs. M did not write this 13,000-word novella. Ellen Senechal, the author, is a two-time winner of the Circle C Annual Writing Contests. She has also ghost written numerous "Andi's Journals" in the past, some I revised and used in the Tales books, so her story definitely has a place here. 

By Ellen Senechal

 CHAPTER 1 

May 1887
Andrea Carter Prescott added another handful of flour to the bread dough that she’d just dumped in a clump on the countertop. Viciously she attacked the dough with both hands, kneading, punching, pulling, and rolling, until its sweet scent filled the kitchen and every air bubble had exploded.         

Then, speedily, she began to break off lumps and shape them and place them in bread pans. Andi rolled out the last hunk and lathered on butter in a thick layer and covered it with brown sugar and cinnamon.         

Andi’s mother, Elizabeth Carter, had given Andi this recipe a long time ago. After making it for Riley one day and seeing his delight in eating it, Andi was sure to make a loaf of “cinnamon bread” every time she made regular bread. It was great for a snack or breakfast.         

Andi twisted the cinnamon bread into a loaf and tucked it into the last bread pan, her fingers patting in extra brown sugar on the top. Her mouth watered to think of a warm, gooey slice with a glass of milk.         

It wasn’t long before three loaves of bread were cooking. Andi washed the dishes, scrubbed the flour from the counter, and removed her apron; then she flopped into the nearest chair and let out a breath.How could I ever have thought that being an expectant mother would be easy? she berated herself. At eight months pregnant, Andi was as worn out as could be. She had to force herself to stay awake while she cooked and cleaned.          

But soon—soon!—I’ll have energy. Andi smiled. When I do, I’ll make heaps of flapjacks for Riley’s breakfast, and I’ll race Shasta again.          

She had been able to lope Shasta around the yard once or twice since the start of her pregnancy, but she couldn’t call that much of a ride. She wanted to run, run, run. She wanted to gallop her chocolate-colored horse far, far, far away. She wanted to race him against her husband’s appaloosa, Dakota.         

Andi chuckled softly and looked down at her bulging stomach. “Not now I can’t, but soon,” she whispered.          She glanced out the window and continued thinking of future plans. Maybe I’ll take the baby with me on a ride. Maybe—         

Knock! Knock! Knock! The sudden pounds on the door startled Andi. Staggering up from her seat, Andi groped for the door and opened it. There, on the porch, stood several ranch hands—Alfredo, Billy, Samson, Amos, and Charles, to be exact—and, for once, they were not grinning. Their faces were pallid and worried. “Why, boys, whatever is wrong?” Andi demanded anxiously.         

“It’s your husband, ma’am,” said Alfredo, ducking his head and speaking brokenly, as if loathe to tell her.    

“What about him?” Andi’s heart began to pound. Something was very, very wrong—obviously—and if it had anything to do with Riley, she thought she ought to know.         

“He had an accident, ma’am,” whispered Amos. “He’s hurt really bad and we don’t dare move him. Frank already went for the doctor and we came to take you to Mr. Prescott.”         

“Let’s go right away,” Andi urged. Her voice trembled, and her clear blue eyes flashed their anxiety as she followed them to the barn.         

“I’ll get the buggy—”         

“You’ll do no such thing, Billy,” Andi interrupted him firmly. “If Riley is out on the range, the buggy will take too long to get to him. I’ll ride horseback. Saddle my horse for me, please. At once.”         

“But,” Billy protested, “in your condition—”         

“Nonsense!” Andi snorted. How come these ranch hands are taking their time? I need to get to Riley now. “Just do as I asked.”         

Billy shrugged and brought out an old mare, saddled and bridled and ready to go.         

“Where’s my horse, Shasta?” Andi wanted to know. “This old horse is as slow as molasses. We have to get to Riley quickly, you know.”         

“Sorry, ma’am. You know I haven’t been around long, so I have no idea who your horse is. Would you like—?”

“No, no, this’ll have to do.” Andi wrapped her fingers around the saddle horn, slipped a foot in the stirrup, and, huffing and puffing, pulled herself onto the saddle. “We haven’t much time, and old Molasses is already saddled up. It’ll take too long to saddle another horse.”         

“Yes, ma’am.”         

They all mounted their horses and galloped off. As they rode, Andi questioned the hands. “What happened to Riley? How bad off is he? When did you send for a doctor?” At each question, the hands only shrugged or shook their heads, so Andi took it as a sign that they were either too worried to care or they’d been rushed off without even seeing the accident. Sensing their reluctance to tell her, and seeing how useless it would be to question them further, Andi fell silent. Oh, God, she prayed, help Riley. Help us to get to him soon.          

So deep was she in thought that Andi didn’t even realize what was happening . . . until it was too late.

 CHAPTER 2 

“Where are we?” Andi demanded. She looked about her and recognized a few landmarks but knew that Riley never came up here to work in this area. Never.         

There was no answer from the men.         

“Why have you brought me here?” Andi went on. “I want to see my husband.”         

“Oh, you do, do you?” Amos’s voice was suddenly a sharp snarl.

At the sound of it, Andi’s stomach roiled. She clutched at her horse’s reins until her knuckles turned white. Maybe I shouldn’t have trusted these men. Riley only hired them several days ago. I have to get out of here!          

Amos yanked his horse to a standstill and dismounted. The other men followed his lead, but Andi stayed where she was. Now’s my chance! But as soon as Andi dug her knees into Molasses’s sides, Amos’s hand snapped out and grabbed hold of the bridle. “Oh, no, you don’t,” he said.         

“Let me go,” Andi ordered through clenched teeth. Anger and fear made her head throb and her stomach heave. “Why have you brought me here?” she cried. “Is Riley really nearby?”

“’Course not,” laughed Billy. “He’s—”

Quick as a wink, Amos’s other hand flew over Billy’s mouth. “Be quiet, William!” he snapped. “The lady doesn’t need to know everything.”         

Yes, I do. Andi knew she had to react fast, and her flaring anger helped a good deal. She launched her foot from the stirrup and thrust it at Amos, the toe of her boot stabbing his side like a dagger. With a sudden yelp of pain, Amos released Andi’s horse. Now! Andi’s mind screamed. In the next moment she was galloping away from these so-called “ranch hands.” I’m getting home, and when I do, I’ll tell Riley all about these hands—          

Sadly, Molasses’s name suited her personality. She galloped, but not enough to shake a stick at. In no time at all, the “hands” had caught up, snagged the reins, and dragged Molasses to a stop. “You’re not getting away this time. No, sirree.” Amos’s eyes flashed fire, and Andi knew why. She’d easily outsmarted him with her “kick and run” trick.         

Andi swallowed. She had a feeling that this time she couldn’t get away. She was caught, and she had no choice but to accept the horrendous fact that she was trapped—all too well. 

 CHAPTER 3 

“Dismount, Mrs. Prescott,” Amos commanded. A shiny revolver appeared in his hand. “Now.”         

Andi, tingling with fright and rage, obeyed. The men led the way to an old oak tree and plopped themselves down under the shade. Andi followed suit. Before she knew it, she was tightly sandwiched between Samson and Amos. Probably to keep me from escaping again, Andi thought bitterly. She sighed. Not that I could escape even if I wanted to. She was exhausted. Her heart was throbbing so hard her head felt light. Furthermore, she couldn’t go far without a horse, and Billy held the lead rope of each animal. ’m stuck. Tears welled up, but Andi swallowed them. This is no time to cry. Oh, God, I’m scared to death. Help me to be brave. Show me what to do.          

A slow half hour dawdled by. The sun was hot and bright, even under the tree’s thick branches. Sweat poured freely down Andi’s face. I wish I had a bandana to wipe my face. A single tear coursed down her cheek, mixing with the sweat. I miss Riley. She could almost see him sitting beside her, offering his bandana and teasing her about never having one when she needed it.          

Andi bit her lip and concentrated on not releasing the sobs that were suddenly building up in her chest. Would she ever see Riley again? What were these men going to do with her?         

“Boy, I sure am thirsty,” grumbled Samson abruptly.          

Me, too, Andi thought. Her throat was parched.         

As if in answer, a loud “ya-hoo” erupted from nearby. Charles galloped over. A small bag was slung over one shoulder. In Andi’s fear, she hadn’t even noticed when he’d left the group. When did he do that?  “Did you get everything?” Amos wanted to know as soon as Charles drew up beside him and reined to a stop.         

Charles nodded proudly. “Sure did.” He swung down from the saddle. “Grabbed every last loaf of bread, filled the canteens, and gathered up fruit and dried beef.” He smacked his lips. “We’ll have feasts on the road, Amos.”

Andi gaped at him. “Did you stay behind after we rode off? And raid our kitchen?”

“Yep.” He grinned.“

Hand over that water, will you, Charles?” whined Samson. “I’m dying of thirst.”         

Charles handed over a canteen to Andi. “Ladies first,” he said with a mocking grin.         

Andi’s blood boiled, but she was too thirsty and hot to let her pride keep her from taking the canteen. She downed several gulps of the lukewarm water and gave the canteen to Samson.         

While his partners drank, Amos inspected the contents of Charles’s bag. “It’s good that you have so much,” he told Charles. “The journey will be long and hard with few houses to rob. This should last us.”         

“What do you mean ‘journey’?” Andi asked, eyes narrowed. “Where’re we going?”         

Billy looked questioningly at Amos, who nodded. “Might as well tell her,” he said. “It’s too late for her to get away and tell someone else. Maybe it’ll silence her for a while.”         

Billy grinned. “We’re going to Mexico.”         

“We—we are?” Andi’s throat went dry, even though she’d just moistened it with Charles’s water. “We’re riding all that way? I don’t want to—”         

“Ah, who’s asking you what you want to do?” Samson said gruffly.         

Andi stiffened but remained silent. I have to watch my mouth around these five, she mentally warned herself.         

For the first time, Alfredo spoke up. “’Course we’re not riding all that way at once. First it’s to Los Angeles to pick up some partners.”         

“Then it’s on to Mexico,” Billy finished with a flourish.          

No, no, no! This is all too familiar. This has happened before. I have to get away from here!         

But how?

 CHAPTER 4 

“But how?” was the number one question that zoomed through Andi’s head as the group traveled tirelessly for several days. They galloped over vast, wide-and-empty spaces, breaking only on short occasions for meals and naps. Andi soon became saddle-sore. Every day she was overcome with a fresh wave of worry. She longed for Memory Creek Ranch. For Shasta. Most of all, for Riley.         

While her captors slept during their half-hour breaks, with one awake to keep an eye on their prisoner and watch after the horses, Andi lay awake and cried the tears that she forcibly held back during their rides. She prayed for long periods of time, and, even though she was as wearied out as she was, she could never rest well. What’ll become of me? And the baby?

---

“Wake up, Mrs. Prescott.”         

With a breath that came out as a cross between a moan and a yawn, Andi’s eyes opened. Stretching, she sat up.         

“Got to get going,” Amos said, moving on to awake his partners.         

Andi yawned and swiped at her face, which again bore the evidence of a crying spell. Her small nap had been filled with nightmares and tossing. Will this ever end? Andi looked up. The sky was dark and spotted in millions of twinkly stars. A full moon was coming up.         

A memory sparked Andi’s mind—being on the trail with Procopio the Red-handed, Andi had looked up and seen the Milky Way. It had reminded her of God and His power and might. Now, the stars made her feel small and insignificant. Thanks, God, for another reminder of Your faithfulness. Andi pulled herself to her feet. A wave of dizziness swept over her, but she pushed it away. I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me, her mind whispered the encouraging verse.         

“C’mon, Mrs. Prescott!” Amos called. “Mount up.”         

Andi reached for Molasses’s saddle horn. Fumbling, she mounted the horse and slouched in the saddle. Baby Prescott began to kick and squirm, which Andi was glad for. His or her sharp kicks and rolls would keep her awake. To take her mind off her sleepiness, Andi decided to ask Amos some questions that’d been buzzing around her head for days but she’d been building up courage to ask. “So, who are you? Really?” Andi ventured, keeping her voice strong to make sure no frightful trembling crept in. Her fingers dug into the reins. Her blue eyes stayed focused on Amos, who rode ahead of her.         

“Well, Mrs. Prescott, if you must know, I might as well start from the beginning,” Amos said with a slight chuckle. He slowed his horse to a lope, and everyone, including Andi, followed his lead. “We all”—Amos waved a hand to indicate the five men who rode in a circle around Andi—“work for a man named Mateo Vega. He sent us out to pretend we’re your ranch hands and kidnap you.”         

“Why?” Andi’s voice came out as a shaky screech. She couldn’t help it. Mateo Vega? Her worst nightmare!          “He just wants you. Doesn’t ever explain nothing to us,” supplied Billy.         

Amos snapped around and shot him a glare. “I’ll do the talking. Vega put me in charge of this outfit, after all.” He turned around without waiting for Billy’s reply. “Vega wants you for the baby.”         

“He—he knows—”         

“Yep. Got spies, y’know. When he learned how close you are to your time, he said, ‘Now, boys,’ and here we are.” Amos chuckled. “Guess he don’t ever give up. After you Carters already made Benita Rodendo lose so many babies—especially you, Mrs. Prescott—he—”         

“She can’t have my baby,” Andi exploded. She licked her dry lips and swallowed hard. “And we never Carters never stole any of her babies.”         

Amos went on as if Andi had never spoken. “After Procopio was killed, Vega wanted revenge on the one who’d taken his prize from Procopio’s wife, Benita. Now Vega wants to give back to Benita what was taken from her.”         

Andi’s throat closed up. “Benita’s there, too? Where we’re going? Both she and Mateo Vega?”         

The men’s heads bobbed.         

Andi ducked her head and fidgeted with the reins. Oh, God, she prayed desperately, I have never been so scared. And now? Now I have to give up my little treasure? No, God, please, no!

 CHAPTER 5 

Two days more and the weary group trotted into “camp”—a small area littered with tents, small sheds, and little buildings, much like Procopio’s camp had been. Children ran and squealed; women tended fires; men sawed wood and prepared their guns for hunting. Andi was so hungry she could’ve eaten half a steer all by herself. The appetizing odor of chili made her stomach growl.          

After they had dismounted, Amos headed for a cooking pot hung over a small fire. Once again, the others followed. “Lily, that chili almost done?” Amos inquired of a petite young woman bent over the pot.        

The woman straightened, and Andi gasped. Lily was as white as Andi herself, although one could hardly tell, as her tan was deep. Her hair was a dark, pretty color of auburn and was drawn into a bun that lay against her neck in a dejected manner. Her sea-green eyes told their sorrowful tale of hard work. Her whole being—in its drooping, hopeless manner—wailed the news—this woman was a captive who worked as the Mexicans’ servant. Poor thing! Andi’s hands closed tightly into fists. Her blood boiled with anger. No one has a right to do this to an innocent person!          

“Yes, sir, Señor Amos,” Lily said meekly in broken Spanish. Her language was heavily accented. She faltered with the Spanish words.          

She looks Irish, Andi thought.         

Lily ladled helpings of thick, hot bean chili into bowls and gave one to each person. Andi smiled and took hers, but Lily did not look her in the face. Andi greedily gulped down her chili, making sure not one bean escaped her mouth. Her stomach rumbled and the baby expressed his or her delight at the filling meal. “You make good chili,” Andi whispered to Lily as she came by to collect the bowls.         

For a brief moment, Lily’s eyes lit up. Just as quickly, the shine disappeared. Lily nodded simply and moved on. Andi watched her go until Amos began barking orders again.         

“That cabin back there”—he pointed—“is yours. Get going to it.”         

Andi fled, happy for a chance to escape the outlaws, if only for a little while. The welcome sight of two old cots set up in the cabin’s corners sent a surge of unexpected joy through her. The cots were made up of nothing more than hay and old, worn-to-threads sheets, but to Andi’s sleep-hungry eyes they were welcome surprises. Quickly she pulled her hot, achy, swollen feet from her boots and threw herself onto a cot. A moment later, she was fast asleep.

---

“Miss? Miss? Mrs. Prescott? You might want to wake up.”         

Andi tossed her head. No, don’t disturb me. It’s the most wonderful dream. She could feel wind on her face and the baby in her arms. Riley was right beside her as they raced on Shasta and Dakota. It’s such a good dream! Leave me alone!          

“Miss, please wake up.”         

The voice was persistent, and Andi was already half-awake. She knew that the speaker of the voice was the kind that wouldn’t give up until Andi obeyed, so she forced her heavy eyes to open. She dragged herself to a sitting position against the wall, and all thought of her glorious dream vanished. She was still here, in this wretched camp. Outside the cabin walls she heard shouting and Spanish-speaking voices. Sitting beside her on the cot was Lily, the woman she’d seen earlier that… And’s brow scrunched up in thought. How long has it been? Is this the same day?         

On seeing her awake, Lily let out a breath and patted her hand. “It’s good you’re awake, Miss,” she said.    

“Why?” Andi asked, suppressing a yawn.         

“I heard the jefe telling Señora Rodendo that you’re a servant now, too. The two of us must get up early and go to bed late and do many chores.”         

“Oh.” Andi nodded, then stuck out a hand and smiled slightly. “I’m Andrea Carter Prescott, but please call me Andi.”         

Lily shook her hand tentatively, but she didn’t smile. “I’m Lily Peterson Cornwallis.”         

“You’re married?”         

“Yes. I have a handsome son, too.” The momentary light entered Lily’s eyes again, then was snuffed out quickly with her following words, “My poor little John; he was an angel. Looked just like me, too. Then I was taken away from him.”

Andi’s breath caught in her throat. “I’m sorry. How were you taken captive?”         

Lily bit her lip. “I’ve told you too much already.”         

“Please, Lily, you can trust me,” Andi pleaded.         

Lily shook her head determinedly. “I’m sorry, no.”         

Andi opened her mouth, but just then the door flung open, and both women looked at the entrance.   

Mateo Vega stood there.

 CHAPTER 6 

“Lily!” Vega barked at once. “Why are you dawdling here? There’s work to be done! Señora Rodendo needs you at her cabin right away.”         

“Yes, Señor Vega,” Lily muttered, shuffling from the cabin. But, unlike Andi, she did not appear to be the least bit fearful of Vega. Andi caught the withering glance she gave him just before leaving the cabin. But Andi also couldn’t miss the small shriek Lily uttered as she stepped outside. A scared expression overcame her features, and she ran off, head drooping and hands uncurled in fear.          

What on earth? Andi stared after her, completely bewildered. Who or what could’ve scared her like that if it wasn’t Vega?

Vega gave her little time to wonder. He was too busy rattling off orders. “Because of your current condition, you won’t be given any work that is beyond you. Thus, you have no reason to complain about anything, comprende?”         

Andi nodded.         

“All right, then. Here’re your chores.”

---

The days dragged by. Andi did her chores, which consisted of washing dishes, cooking meals, feeding chickens and gathering their eggs, and sweeping the floors of cabins. During her frequent breaks, Benita shoved on her the mending that needed to be done.         

Andi had never been very handy with a needle, but she sewed so often that her seams slowly grew better. If only Riley could see me now! Andi was indeed very busy, but still the hours seemed to crawl by. In the middle of something, Andi’s mind would wander, and her hands would slow. Where is Riley? She wanted her husband so much it hurt to think of him.         

She tried not to remind herself of it, but the thought that Riley didn’t even know where she was always seemed to sneak into her mind. Her husband didn’t know what’d happened to her, who she was with, or anything.  At least when Procopio took Lucy, Sammy, and me, Riley knew who was behind it all. None of us were aware of Mateo Vega’s thirst for revenge. Here Andi always struggled to contain her sobs. It’d take a miracle for him to find me.          

Then a happier fact would pinch her thoughts. I have a miracle-giving God.  Every day she hoped and prayed. Every day nothing new occurred. She was, however, quickly gaining a friendship with Lily. They were often able to sew together, and, when Lily brought her wood to stoke the fire for the cooking pot, Andi managed to snatch a little time for conversation. Sometimes Lily shelled peas or made bread with Andi, and their tongues moved faster than their hands.         

Besides that, they spent the nights in the same cabin, and neither could sleep well, so they filled the long hours with chatter. “When my husband comes, he’ll rescue the both of us. You’ll see.” Andi so often and so confidently said the words to her new friend that neither one could argue it.         

By the end of the second week, Andi was certain she had a deep friendship with Lily. Still, though, there were hurdles. No matter how hard Andi begged or pleaded, Lily would not tell her who or what had scared her the second day of Andi’s stay. Rather, the incident happened several times more, but Andi still found out nothing.         

While Andi was open and honest with Lily, her new friend was secretive and careful. She told Andi no more about her family, or why she was at the camp. She preferred to talk about more careless matters, and Andi went along with it. Lily was a beam of light on Andi’s otherwise clouded days. The other—and more greater—beam was God. During the night, when a scary dream wrenched Andi from a fitful sleep, or during the day, when she felt close to despair while she cooked and worked, she poured her heart and tears out to God.         

Her greatest worry was her child. The delivery date was drawing near, and sometimes babies came early.          With all her heart, Andi wanted to be found in time. She wanted to have the baby in her home, at Memory Creek Ranch, with Mother and Dr. Weaver’s help. With Riley ready to be called upon to see his son or daughter for the first time. This was her most desperate plea, and the one she begged for so earnestly from God that it left her drained.         

But it was not to be. In the middle of the third week, Andi went into labor. Lily alone knew about it, for the Lord provided it to happen soon after they’d retired for the night. It took all night; the sun was just rising when at last a baby cried. Lily managed to creep out and boil water without being caught, which in itself was a miracle. She washed the baby as tenderly as if it were her own, then pinned on a soft cloth diaper Andi had sewn in her spare time from an old blouse Benita had supplied her with.         

Lily smiled as she gently set the newborn in Andi’s arms. “Your son,” she said softly.         

Hot tears of joy and gratefulness spilled down Andi’s cheeks. She fingered the baby’s tiny hands and fuzz of dark hair. A smile cracked across her face.         

“Thank you, Lily,” she whispered, cuddling the baby close. Then she turned pleading eyes upon her friend. “You won’t tell, will you, Lily? Please, please, please say you won’t.”         

“Oh, Andi. I—”         

“Just say I’m not well,” Andi poured out in a rush. “I’ll hide my baby for as long as possible, and Riley will come soon and rescue us all. But I simply can’t give Benita my baby. I cannot.” 

Her tone and eyes were so hopeful and desperate that Lily consented. “It’ll be hard,” she offered in caution. “We’ll have to keep him well-hid and very quiet, along with clothed and fed. Are you sure, my friend, that it would not be easier to allow Benita to care for him? As you’ve been saying, your husband will be here soon; we can retrieve him again then.”         

“No, no!” Andi shook her head so vigorously that stars danced. “Give up my baby? Never.”         

“You’re right. I’m sorry I even suggested it. It was hard giving up my son.” Lily’s eyes grew moist with tears. “Because I know the pain, I will do all in my power to protect your baby from these outlaws.”         

“Thank you, Lily.” Andi squeezed her hand. “I’ll rest today and be up and about tomorrow. My belly will still be big enough to convince everyone that I’m pregnant. No matter what, Benita will not get her hands on my boy.”

 CHAPTER 7 

Throughout the day Andi slept soundly, her baby nestled between her and the wall so that no one who peeked into the cabin could see him. As soon as the baby awoke, with a sharp little bawl, Andi snapped awake and fed him. Lily came in every few hours to change his diaper.          

The outlaws fell for Andi’s story of feeling poorly, and all in all it wasn’t as dreadful as had been expected.         The next morning, Andi forced her weary limbs to get out of bed. She couldn’t stay in the cabin for too long, or the outlaws would become suspicious. She fumbled into a skirt and blouse and braided her hair.     

“Here, Andi.” Lily held out a rolled-up wad of fabric. “Stuff this under your blouse. You must look pregnant at all times today, my friend.”       

Andi accepted the roll and tucked her blouse securely around it. She was too groggy to worry about it slipping.   Then, stooping, she brushed a quick kiss across her baby’s pink cheek. She had just fed him, and he was fast asleep, curled on the cot with a sheet pulled over top his body so that nothing could be seen of him but his tiny head, which was turned towards the wall and hidden behind a stack of clothes in need of mending. “I’ll return soon to check on you, baby boy,” Andi whispered. She had already made plans. Several times today I’ll say I need a break, then mend here in the cabin.          

Confident that today would go as well, if not better than, yesterday, Andi left the cabin and started on breakfast. Lily, bless her heart, had already stoked the fire and had a pot of water boiling. Andi stirred up a batch of hasty pudding and ladled it into bowls, which she and Lily served the men.

Snagging a bowlful for herself, Andi sat cross-legged on the ground and gulped it down. The hot, thick mixture revived her considerably, and, with new energy, she began to collect and wash the dishes.         

“When do we leave, jefe?”         

Benita’s question made Andi snap to attention. She pretended to be interested in washing the dishes, but she kept her ears open for Mateo Vega’s reply.         

“We are still waiting for our last recruits to arrive,” Vega answered. “They should be here in the next day or two.” He grunted. “And for sure we won’t leave until our new servant has had her baby. I don’t want the added trouble of hauling around an expectant mother. She’ll only slow us down.” He scowled. “Not to mention stop us altogether when she has her baby on the trail.”         

Andi bit back a smile. Won’t you be surprised! By the time they figured out her secret, Riley would’ve come and gone! Andi dried the last dish and hurried off to feed the chickens. She attacked her chores with enthusiasm, but it wasn’t long before her meager strength was spent. A throbbing headache and the need to check on her baby urged her to go back to her cabin.         

It was a good thing, too. The baby—whom she called Jared Riley Prescott, as that had been the last name decided upon by her and Riley—was just beginning to squirm. Andi fed him and rocked him to sleep, then took up her mending.  But her vision swam and her head rocketed with pain. Finally, Andi gave up. Pushing aside her supplies, she sprawled out on the cot beside Jared. Immediately, she fell asleep.

---

“Andi? Andi, wake up.”         

Lily’s urgent voice brought Andi back from a deep sleep. Her friend had her by the shoulder, her eyes wide and scared.         

“What…what is it, Lily?”         

“You’re going to be in trouble, Andi.” Lily shook her head. “You’ve been sleeping all afternoon. It’s nearly suppertime.         

“This morning, I peeked on you and saw that were fast asleep. I tried to wake you up, but you only swatted at me, and I knew you were tuckered out. So, I did your chores for you and made lunch. But Vega’s sneaky. He figured me out. He can tell that something is up. Please, Andi, you need to get up and fix supper, and act normally, or . . .”         

Lily’s voice trailed off, but Andi caught the point. She struggled to sit up. “How’s Jared?” she asked.     

“Absolutely fine. I changed his diaper, and he’s been asleep ever since. You can feed him when you get back. For now, go.”         

Inwardly thanking God for that blessing, Andi ran from the cabin. Once again, Lily had built up a good fire, and beans and rice were already underway.  Good ol’ Lily! Refreshed from her long nap, Andi finished the supper preparations and beat at the dinner bell.  

Vega liked all of his compadres to gather during mealtimes. In quiet, fluent Spanish, they conversed together and Vega relayed his latest plans to them. Old logs provided seats for everyone but the servants, who ate near the fire. Now the bandits came flowing in, clamoring in their foreign tongue and demanding their food.

Andi, with Lily’s help, served them all. Afterwards, the two women scooped out some beans and rice for themselves and sat down to eat. Despite the fact that she’d skipped the midday meal, Andi’s stomach felt tied in knots and she wasn’t the least bit hungry. The bright, hot sun made sweat pour down her neck and into the collar of her blouse. She felt dizzy. What’s the matter with me? Andi choked down a little coffee, but she couldn’t bring herself to take even a small bite of her meal.         

Lily, of course, noticed. “What’s wrong, Andi?” she asked, being mindful to keep her voice low.

Only Andi could hear her over the outlaws’ chaos. “I just don’t feel well, I guess,” Andi muttered.         

“My friend…” Lily’s face was twisted in an expression of sincere sympathy and agony. “You really should tell. Your delivery was so hard and long, and you’re tired to the point that you’re almost too ill to do anything. Please, you’ll hurt yourself. Tell them.”         

“No, Lily. Never.”         

Lily’s jaw was set. “I do not want to hand Jared over anymore than you do, Andi, but neither do I want you to become sick because of all this stress and work.”         

“No, really, Lily. I’ll be fine.”         

Lily appeared to be about to say something more, but Vega broke in, “Andrea, we have finished. Clean the dishes and help Señora Rodendo straighten up her cabin before we retire for the night. Rapido.”         

“Yes, sir.” Andi struggled to her feet. Fighting back overwhelming dizziness, she slowly began gathering the plates and tin cups.

In the back of her fuzzy mind, Andi overheard the conversation going on between Vega and Lily.  “Please let me help Andrea,” Lily was begging.         

“Nothing doing. You get going to your own chores. Shoo!”

Andi turned in time to see Lily heed Vega’s command. Then Andi wearily grabbed the last dish and carried it to the fire. A Mexican woman stood there, her jet-black hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her face reminded Andi of a storm cloud—angry and ominous. She was busy hanging a fresh pot of water over the fire. “Get to work,” she snapped at Andi, gesturing to the pot.         

Andi nodded and began. She hardly noticed when the woman sat down on a nearby log to supervise her as she worked. Andi was too tired and too focused on her work to know just how closely the woman was watching her every move. 

 CHAPTER 8 

Andi gave the shelf a final sweep with her cleaning rag. “I’m done,” she told Benita.         

Benita nodded curtly. “Bueno. Now, there is someone here to see me. Take the rags you have used and clean them. I had water brought while you were busy.” 

“Yes’m.” Andi took the rags Benita handed to her and left the cabin. No sooner did she round the corner than she stopped. Were those distinct whispers coming from inside? They carried clearly to her ear, and she listened intently. “Andrea is not pregnant, Benita.”

Andi gasped. She peeked through the open window. The woman who’d watched her while she’d scrubbed dishes stood talking with Benita. Being just as fluent in Spanish as Benita and her companion were, Andi ducked beneath the window to continue to listen. “You did what I asked you to?” Benita asked.         

“I did. I followed her every action very carefully. I also noticed that when she bent to scour the cooking pot, something moved under her blouse, and she pushed it up with her hand.”         

Andi clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from screaming. They’ve uncovered my secret! Lily’s wad of fabric was still up Andi’s blouse. No, no, no!

“Is there anything else, Sofia?” Benita wanted to know.         

“The way she carried herself,” the woman named Sofia answered. “Also, she’s so close to her time she should have been groaning with pain or holding up her stomach—not shoving it up—and her face really gives it all away. Benita, she’s had her kid and is hiding it somewhere in her cabin. I’m sure of it.”         

“Then when she’s not looking, investigate. If you find the baby, bring it to me.” Benita sounded angry. “Andrea thinks she’s so clever. I am glad Vega pointed out that Lily was doing Andrea’s work this morning. And who couldn’t miss the baby’s cry from the cabin? Si, I believe Andrea is indeed being very secretive.”

Andi’s heart pounded in her ears. Her hands became clammy. She felt sick, sicker than at any other time in her life. She can’t have my baby! Riley will not come in time; I have to handle this myself.  After breathing a quick prayer for courage and speed, Andi rose and raced to her cabin. A plan was taking shape in her mind, and she had no time to waste.

 CHAPTER 9 

Andi hurriedly took up the sheet on her bed and folded it over. Grabbing a needle and some thread, she sewed the sheet together with great, sloppy seams. It was a sorry excuse for a bag, but it’d still work, Andi decided. She crammed her change of blouse and skirt inside, added her hairbrush, Jared’s few diapers, some hair pins, and an old, worn apron. Then Andi tied the bag to her shoulder.         

Just as she was stooping to pick up Jared, Lily entered the cabin. At the sight of Andi, looking worried and desperate, with her messy bag knotted over one shoulder, Lily’s brows drew together in confusion. “What are you doing?” she asked.

In hasty, clipped sentences Andi explained. “I have to leave right away,” she finished.         

“Oh, Andi!” Lily’s green eyes grew wide with horror. “How I pity you! But you are running away? What about your husband? Surely he will—”         

“No, Lily, it’s been too long,” Andi broke in. “I have to go now.” Then, on a sudden impulse, she cried pleadingly, “Come with us, Lily. Together, we’ll reach freedom, safety…and our families. Please, Lily, come with me, away from this horrible, horrible place.”         

Lily chewed on her lower lip. Her eyes, always so clear that they gave away all of her thoughts, told Andi she was greatly tempted by her request. A moment later, Lily smiled. “I reckon so. Why not? I haven’t run yet out of fear and longing for a companion. But you have courage, Andi, and…” Suddenly, tears began stealing down Lily’s cheeks. “You clearly care for me.”         

“Of course, I do, Lily! Why wouldn’t I? And don’t you want to be back with your family?”         

“Oh, there’s nothing more that I want than to be with my husband and my baby again,” sobbed Lily. She swiped at her tears. “Thank you, Andi.” She added her own change of clothes to Andi’s bag, then offered the sheet from her cot. “Use it to bundle up Jared,” she said.         

Andi did so. Afterwards, she whispered her plans. “Night has not yet fallen, but we haven’t a moment to lose. Sofia could come in at any moment. Quickly, now, here’s what we’ll do—we’ll creep by the shed and take some food items for the journey. We’ll also, if possible, get rope and a gun of some sort, but that’s closer to impossibility, so we’ll keep the food as top priority.”         

“Right,” Lily agreed.         

“And we’ll have to be absolutely quiet through it all,” Andi warned.         

Lily nodded.         

“Afterwards, we’ll head for the woods and decide on directions then. You ready?”         

“No,” Lily admitted. “As a matter of fact, I feel really shaky. This is mighty bold, Andi.”         

“Yes, I know. Let’s spend a moment in prayer before we go.” They bowed their heads and each earnestly asked for strength and God’s guidance. It was hard, but Andi found herself ending with, “But not my will, but Yours be done, Lord.”         

Feeling more confident, the women left their cabin, Andi leading the way, Lily following close behind. They tiptoed to the storage shed. Lily slipped inside and came out a moment later with her arms full of jerky and dried fruit. “Not much, but it should last us,” she whispered hoarsely, placing the food in Andi’s bag.         

Andi nodded her agreement and stepped forward, motioning for Lily to follow.  “We’re gonna try to get that rope and gun,” she hissed. “Let’s head to Benita’s cabin. But remember, at the first sign of danger, we run.”         

Lily gave her head two hard bobs, then soundlessly trailed Andi to Benita’s cabin. But as quickly as they came, they ducked behind a row of scraggly bushes. A mob had gathered in front of Benita’s cabin, and Benita was screeching loudly in Spanish.         

Vega pushed his way through the crowd and neared Benita. “Stop that screaming and be reasonable!” he demanded. “What’s wrong?”         

“It’s Andrea!” Benita hollered, ignoring Vega’s orders. “She is gone! She has left, and taken the baby with her.”         

“How do you know?” called out a man in the group.         

“She never came back after I gave her some rags to wash. I sent Sofia, and she found her things gone in the cabin,” Benita answered. “A hasty search around camp showed no sign of her whereabouts, either.”

“What of Lily?” Vega asked. “They are almost always together. Is she gone, too? If not, Andrea shouldn’t be far.”         

“Oh, I haven’t even bothered to look. My mind is solely on Andrea.”         

“Then let’s not jump to conclusions. Regan?”         

A huge, burly man with an evil face appeared. Andi was suddenly aware of Lily shuddering beside her. She turned. Her friend was shaking like a leaf. I know she’s scared, but this scared? C’mon, Lily, stay strong.         

“Yes, what is it, jefe?” asked Regan.         

“Check and see if Lily Chadwick is around.”         

The man’s smile was wicked. “With pleasure, jefe.”          

Chadwick? Andi thought to herself. Lily Chadwick? She again looked at the terrified woman by her side. It’s not the same Lily, is it? This Lily said—         

Suddenly, Lily gave a small scream, leaped up, and ran.

Without thinking, Andi jumped to her feet.  “Lily! Wait!”  Then she clapped her hand over her mouth. Her head spun with horror. She’d just given away their hiding spot.

 CHAPTER 10 

“After those women!” shrieked Benita, and the mob gathered around her swarmed forward.          

Run! Andi’s mind shouted, and she forced her heavy feet into a blind run, no longer caring to be silent. In her arms, Jared wailed his unhappiness. Andi followed Lily’s auburn braid until finally she caught up with her, and the two ran together. When Lily stumbled, Andi held her up. Then Lily’s skirt caught on a bush, and together they yanked it free, not even noticing when it tore.         

But when Andi’s braid snagged on the same bush, they couldn’t get her loose. Panic and despair set in almost immediately. Andi practically threw Jared into Lily’s arms and then hacked at her braid with her dull knife. She couldn’t think straight. “Take off your ribbon and undo the braid!” Lily cried, sobbing.         

Too late. Andi knew they had no time to wait for her to undo her braid. The bandits’ shouts and footsteps were coming dangerously close. If they waited for her, they’d never escape. In that moment, Andi made her choice. She yanked off her bag and thrust it at Lily. With tears choking her voice and cascading down her cheeks, she said, “Run, Lily. Run to safety. Take my son with you, and…and find Riley. Tell him where I am.”         

Lily’s eyes showed her fright and reluctance. It was clear she didn’t want to obey, but it was also clear that she knew it was the best choice. “I will, Andi,” she blubbered, “I will.” Then she turned tail and ran.         

Andi broke down into sobs. I lost. Her heart felt like a million daggers were tearing it apart. I’m not free. I’m still stuck with these outlaws. And now my son is gone. Another thought made her groan. What have I done? I gave Jared to Lily without a thought. I know nothing about Lily’s family, or her background. My mind was a mess. All I cared about was the idea of giving up my son to Benita.          

Andi’s knees were like water. They couldn’t hold her up. She dropped to the ground and buried her face into her arms. Her braid, still caught on the bush, gave a painful yank, but she hardly noticed. Did I do the right thing? Oh, God—         

Fingers closed around her wrist, and Andi didn’t fight them. She watched through bleary eyes as Vega tore her braid from the bush. Then he pulled her to her feet. “Go after Lily,” he barked to several men, and they ran off. “Come, chica,” Vega hissed, returning his attention to Andi. He dragged her along behind him as he set off at a brisk walk. “You have much explaining to do.”

---

It took no more than five minutes to stride back to camp. All the while Andi prayed hard for Lily and Jared’s health and safety, her own safety, and guidance for Riley to find her. I know, Lord, that I prayed “May Your will be done,” but, oh, God, it’s so complicated! I’m so scared. Will I ever see Jared or Riley again?          

By the time Vega and Andi reached Benita’s cabin, Andi was trembling with fright, for with each footfall Vega’s grip grew tighter and his expression more angry and wicked. He pulled Andi into the cabin, releasing her at last once the door had slammed shut. She stood, head bowed and hands clasped, while Benita and Vega conversed in frantic whispers.         

Finally, Benita turned upon Andi, her black eyes sparking in wrath. “How dare you run away!” she sputtered in Spanish. “Where is your baby? Where? What about Lily? Where is she?”         

“Hopefully safely away,” Andi returned.         

Benita cried out in anger, but Vega laid a consoling hand on her arm. “Lily knows nothing of these woods. I sent men for her, and I am certain she will be found. The baby, also.”         

“Are you quite sure of this?” Benita questioned.         

“Yes, indeed. They’ll no doubt be here by morning.”         

“I like the way you think, jefe,” Benita said, calmed down. “Let’s retire for the night, as we have a long journey ahead of us. You know we shall leave the minute Lily and the baby return and our final recruits arrive.”

She turned to Andi and flicked a hand. “You, follow me.”

 CHAPTER 11              

Benita firmly told Andi she would sleep with her in her own cabin so that Andi could not escape again.          

Ha! Benita fell asleep as soon as she laid her head on the pillow, leaving Andi wide awake.  Andi stayed this way half the night, tossing and turning. She couldn’t hold back the horrifying thoughts that flooded her mind. What if began a series of overwhelming nightmares.        

As Benita’s small clock struck twelve, Andi shot up. Sweat poured down her face. Her heart raced. Her body shook. Oh, God, why? Tears filled her eyes and ran over. I want to be home. I want my husband. I want my baby.Her throat was dry. I’ll get myself a drink. That, I can do.         

Andi went quickly to the barrel outside Benita’s cabin, in which the Mexican woman kept the water meant only for drinking. Water for meals, baths, etc. was to be fetched from the nearby stream. Andi eagerly filled the dipper and held it to her lips, relishing in the coolness of the water as it slid down her throat and the missing drops trickled down her chin. It helped clear her mind a little, and she tossed some of the water on her face. Ah! Relief! As she went to dip the cup-like spoon for another scoop, a sudden commotion of Spanish voices started. Vega, fully dressed and wide awake, came forward, lighted lantern swinging.          

Andi dropped the dipper in shock. What’s going on?

“Andrea!” Vega ordered. “Get back in the cabin! Rapido!”         

“Why? What’s—?”

“Go!”
Andi fled. She ran into Benita’s cabin and found the woman standing in front of the window. She had pulled a housecoat over her nightgown and her fuzzy, unbrushed hair tumbled about her shoulders in disarray. Her face was ashen. “Benita, what’s going on?” Andi demanded, coming to stand beside her.         

Benita only curled her lips and shook her head, but she didn’t shoo her away, so Andi stayed at the window. While remaining alert, Andi’s mind ran wild with possibilities and ideas. When English voices joined the Spanish ones, a glimmer of hope sparked. Has Riley come?        

“You!” Vega shouted. “What do you want? Speak your business.”         

“I am Mario Venice, jefe, and these men with me are—”         

“Mario! At last! It has been so long, my good friend.”           

Friend? Andi’s hope dashed into a bazillion pieces.         

“Benita!” Vega called. “Come at once and greet the new arrivals.”         

Benita yanked on a skirt and blouse and tied a ribbon around her unbrushed curls. Andi followed her outside.         

“They have come, Benita!” Vega said. “We now have all the recruits we need. As soon as the searchers for Lily return, we shall leave for Mexico.” Shouts erupted.

Andi drew back and fought the urge to cover her ears. I’m so tired of Spanish. Of this camp. Of these men.          “Now, men!” Vega yelled over the commotion. “Get some sleep. We leave at daybreak.”

---

Andi slept fitfully the rest of the night, waking at dawn to help pack bags and get ready for the trip to Mexico. The hours crawled by. Six, seven, eight. At nine o’clock, Benita angrily stormed into her cabin, where Andi was busy cleaning. “The searchers have returned, and they could not find Lily or your baby,” she hollered at Andi.          

Hurrah! Despite her heavy, weary feeling, Andi’s heart sung with joy. They got away! Hopefully, Jared is safe and sound with Lily.          

“The jefe has made other plans,” Benita went on. “You were brought here for the baby—and I am greatly disappointed the mission was not successful—but you make a good servant, too. Lily has been gone too long, and it scares Vega. Should she bring back help, she will not find you here. You, me, and a certain Cynthia Arnaz will leave this place and head for another. We know a camp quite a distance from here, where we shall be safe. We’ll stay there until Vega sends word to move on.”         

“And where is Vega going?”         

“He is staying here, continuing the search for Lily. And then he shall go on to Mexico and wait for us there. Vega is smart. If at any time Lily’s rescuers come, he can scramble right out of here at once.”         

“But we’re not going to Mexico?”         

“No. At least not right away. Lily is aware of our camp down there. She would find you for sure. No, we are staying right in this state, in a camp Lily is completely unaware of, until Vega locates a new camp for us in Mexico.”

 CHAPTER 12 

Andi groaned as she placed a heavy load of firewood down and yet still felt the sting of burns on her raw, chapped hands. They shook with cold, yet burned with pain. Her cheeks were flushed crimson, and her teeth chattered. So much for us staying at the camp for only a little while, Andi thought bitterly, rubbing her hands together for warmth. That “little while” had turned into four long, work-filled months that felt more like years to poor Andi. The November air seemed especially icy this year.         

And yet as bad as Andi’s hands ached, and her neck and back screamed with pain, the ache in her heart was a thousand times worse. She yearned to be with Riley again. And hold her son in her arms. And be in her house.  And be away from every bandit she’d ever heard of.

Here at the camp she seemed to work nonstop, and with no mercy from any of her “jefes.”  A darker tan than she’d ever worn before had settled over her skin, and her blue eyes were dark and lifeless. The Mexicans fed her well, but anxiety had its obvious toll on her. She was beginning to look thin and haggard. I wonder if Riley would even recognize me. 

Passing by Benita’s mirror one day, Andi hardly recognized herself. The sparkle and joy had totally left her. She was droopy and frightened. Lord, Andi prayed now as she stacked the firewood neatly, help me. Please, help me. She blinked hard to keep back the hot tears threatening to spill. Recently, she’d found herself praying nothing else. She tried to focus on good, happy things, but it’d been so long. It seemed that all that flooded her mind now were doubts and worries. Surely any posse has given up on finding me by now. I will never be found. Never! You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.          

The verse, with no warning, suddenly popped into Andi’s head. She’d tried to concentrate on many others, like “Be strong and courageous,” or “The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” They were all lifelines for her, and she clung to them, thinking of them day after day, night after night. Isaiah twenty-six three suddenly rooted itself in her mind right along with the rest, but for some reason it spoke to her loudly.  Lord, help me to trust You. No matter what. Peace. What a wonderful word! Lord, I want peace!         

She thought of David, of his many Psalms he wrote while his soul was in turmoil within him. I feel in much the same place. But I shall trust. The next verse wormed its way in, Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.   

An everlasting rock, Andi thought. No matter what happens, He’s always there. Always. So, I shall trust. I shall trust that He has a plan in all of this, and I shall trust that, be it His will, Riley can and will find me. From then on, Andi whispered, “Trust,” when her worry arose and swept over her. The more she trusted, the more peaceful she became. God has a plan in all of this. I just need to trust.

---

Evening fell. Andi wiped down the last dish from supper and left for her cabin, envisioning a warm cot and blanket and a moment alone with God. She wriggled into a nightgown and flopped down onto the cot. With a soft moan, she pulled up the blanket and closed her eyes. God—

“Psst.”

Andi’s eyes flew open, and she shot up to a sitting position. What was that?

“Psst.”

Andi looked up. The glass pane on her window had been pushed back, allowing the cold air to seep in. There was also a face covered with black linen, revealing only two gray-flecked blue eyes. Andi’s immediate reaction was a small shriek.

“Hush!” hissed a masculine voice from behind the linens. “I’m going around to the door. Open it for me, will you?”

“Wh…who are you?”

“Never you mind. Just do as I say, and be quick about it.”

Andi gulped and scuttled across the cabin. Who is this person? Another bandit? She pulled on her skirt and blouse, shedding the nightgown onto the floor. Then she pushed back the bolt and opened the door. The man stood there, his black attire making him look like a dark shadow against the night. “Come, follow me, and be quick and silent,” he said, moving off.

Andi followed closely. The man led her to a group of horses. All of them except for one was mounted by a black-clad person. In one smooth motion, Andi’s leader hiked himself up onto the remaining horse and offered his hand. “Get up,” he ordered.

Andi took the hand and was sitting behind the man a moment later. He clucked to the horse, who immediately spurred into an easy, fast lope. Andi looked behind her shoulder. The other men were following her. Whatever is going on? After an hour’s ride, Andi finally dared to voice her question aloud.

The man looked back at her, his eyes expressionless, then glanced in all directions, as if looking for something. At last, he reined in his horse and motioned for the others to do the same. “You’re Andrea Carter Prescott, correct?” he said.

“Yes, I am. How do you—”

“Be patient, Mrs. Prescott, and I’ll explain.” The man dismounted and pulled Andi down with him. Then he led his horse behind a vast thickness of shrubbery. Finally, he returned his attention to Andi. “I am Lily’s husband.”

Andi couldn’t help it. She squealed her joy. “You’ve come for me? Oh, I knew—”

“Careful! You don’t want to be caught, do you?”

Andi clapped her hand over her mouth, knowing it’d be useless to tell this man they were no doubt way out of the bandits’ earshot.She hadn’t felt so excited in a long, long time. Her eyes closed as she whispered a quick prayer, “Oh, God, thank you!”

“It wasn’t easy finding you,” the man went on. “We headed first to the camp where Lily said you would be. It was absolutely empty. We rode around for weeks, finally stumbling upon the correct location. I recognized Benita Rodendo immediately, and feigned my loyalty by telling her I’d robbed a bank and handing over sacks of money. She welcomed me into the camp, promising safety and a journey to Mexico. I followed you around a bit, and finally decided to make my move.”

Andi’s eyes grew wide. She hadn’t even noticed when this man and his companions had entered the camp. Does it matter? Not really. I’ve been found!

 CHAPTER 13 

The man, whose name was Luke Cornwallis, told Andi she’d never been far from Los Angeles. “That means it’ll take less than a week to get to my home,” he explained.         

They rode the whole way, and it was pure bliss to Andi. She continually thanked God for this huge miracle. The group arrived at a small cottage with handsome white walls clung to with ivy. The windows were clean and glittered in the afternoon sun. A red-tile roof, fully adorned with colored leaves, looked bright and cheerful. An old, wooden door that almost hung only by its hinges completed the homey scene.

---

Luke had everyone dismount, and they tied the horses to the hitching rail. Then they entered the cabin.         Andi’s heart was throbbing, and her breath felt trapped in her chest. She ran to the woman who sat knitting in a corner of the three-room cottage. “Lily!” she cried, tears streaming.         

Lily dropped her work and threw her arms around her friend. They clung to each other, sobbing and choking.   “Oh, Andi, Andi, Andi!” Lily cried. “You are safe! Luke, you have brought her back to me!”         

Andi pulled away from her friend and swiped at her tears. “Thank you so much for rescuing me,” she said, addressing all in the room.

Luke cleared his throat uncomfortably and scuffed the floor with his boot. “It…uh…was the least we could do, after you saved Lily.”         

Andi didn’t know if his awkwardness was because of what she’d said or the fact that Luke had just watched two women dramatically release their emotions. Either way, she brushed it off. She had something more important to ask. “When can I go home?” She knew the question was a little rude, considering all they’d just done for her. But I have to know! I want to go home to Riley!         

There was a sudden silence. Then Lily smiled. “Where are my manners? Andi has experienced a lot and appears to be undernourished. Luke, do bring in some water and heat it so that she may take a bath. I’ll get a dress for you, Andi, from the bedroom. Then I’ll prepare a hearty supper.” She disappeared into the room.          

Luke left, followed by his partners.

Andi sat down on the chair Lily had just vacated. When Lily returned and dropped the clean dress onto the table, then set to preparing supper, Andi went up to her.  Tossing aside all courtesy of asking to help her prepare the evening meal, Andi said instead, “Where is my baby?”         

“Your son? Ah, yes, Jared! He’s in the bedroom.”         

“Thank you.” Andi made a dash for the room Lily had recently left. Her fingers closed around the doorknob.          

Suddenly, Lily rushed forward. “No, no, I’ll get him for you,” she said.         

Too late. Andi had pushed the door wide open . . . and what she saw inside made her gasp.

 CHAPTER 14 

Bags littered the room from roof to floor. Paper bills carelessly thrown about added to the clutter. Worse, at least one hundred wanted posters lay about, all of them screaming, WANTED: $1,000 Thomas Chadwick, with a picture of Luke Cornwallis on each!         

Andi’s mouth fell open, and Lily burst into tears. “Oh, my husband will do something dreadful for sure if he finds out—”         

“What is this?”         

Andi and Lily spun around as one. Luke—no, Thomas—stood, arms crossed, face red with rage.

Andi clasped her clammy hands together to keep them from shaking. Who is this man? 

“Lily!” Thomas bellowed. “Look! Look at what has happened! Now there’s absolutely no chance of Andi going home!”         

“B-but you promised—” Lily stammered.         

“I promised she would because you begged, and,” Thomas’s voice grew low and dangerous, “under the condition that she would never see through this door. Now if she goes home, she’ll tell everyone where Thomas Chadwick is!” He turned to Andi. “Young lady, consider yourself as a permanent guest in our home.”

---

Andi sighed. How long have I been in this stuffy excuse for a room? It felt like days, but she knew it’d only been a matter of hours since Thomas had first tossed her into the “guest bedroom” of the cottage. It was windowless, dank, and dirty. More like an upstairs cellar than a room. I can’t see a thing. And all I can feel is—          

The sound of a door opening drew Andi up short. She scrambled to her feet. Lily stepped into the room. In one arm she held a tightly-rolled bundle of what appeared to be blankets. In the other hand she carried a lighted lantern, which cast a cheerful light all over the room.

Andi studied her friend’s face. It was filled with sorrow; her eyes were shiny with tears, and her lower lip trembled. However, right then Andi didn’t feel any sympathy for Lily whatsoever. Lily has betrayed me. She told me nothing of her husband. She rescued me only to imprison me. Out from her mouth shot, “Why have you done this to me?”

Lily sighed, and her tears ran over. When she spoke, her voice sounded choked. “I’m very sorry, Andi. Really, I am. It was not my intention for any of this to happen.” She looked pleadingly at her friend. “All I wanted was for you to be safe, and escorted home to your husband.”

“Yeah, right,” Andi snorted. “You’re a traitor, Lily.” Andi’s throat grew tight. “You never told me. And now I’ll never get home! I don’t know where I am, who your husband is, or even who you are.”

“Please, Andi, let me explain,” Lily begged. Andi bit her lip and looked away, trying to hold back her own tears. “My husband is a crook,” Lily sobbed. “He never uses real money, but instead counterfeit bills. He cheats people with fake money and makes his life robbing stage coaches. That’s what he gave to Benita, too, to get into the camp where you were—counterfeit dollars. The real reason I was taken hostage was because my husband tricked a man named Jose Regan, though I didn’t dare tell you that then.”

“So, is Regan the man you were so terrified of at the camp?” Andi asked, still not looking at her friend.

She spoke softly. “Yes. He has such a strong dislike for my husband. It was his idea to kidnap me as revenge on Thomas. When you helped me escape, I was joyous, but also worried about you. Few people care about me, Andi, and you are, or were, one of those few. Anyway, Vega and his men all know Thomas, so I implored him to disguise himself well before going after you. I know the route they’re taking, and I gave Thomas specific instructions. It seems that Benita Rodendo fell for it. All of it, from disguise to money.”

Lily held out the bundle she had in her arm. “Take it, Andi.”

Andi looked at Lily, then took the bundle into her arms. She pushed away the folds of the blankets.

Your son,” Lily said, and Andi remembered that long-ago morning, back in July, when Lily had said the very same thing—when she’d been only a kind friend whom Andi had trusted with all her being. Now Andi’s fingers shook as she removed the rest of the baby’s coverings. Tears ran in abundance at the sight before her. “My baby!” she cried, hugging him tightly to her chest. “I never thought I’d see him again!”

Jared had grown into a fat, rosy-cheeked dumpling of a baby, with soft, fine locks of sandy hair covering his little head. Even sound asleep, his fingers curled around the thumb Andi pressed to his palm.

“This is dangerous,” Lily spoke up suddenly, “but not as much as you’re staying here would be.” When Andi looked up at her quizzically, Lily continued, “My husband—there’s no telling what he’ll do. So, take this”—she handed over a burlap sack overflowing with quilts and food supplies, which she had carried under Jared’s blankets—“and run. Run far, far away…to your home.”

Andi closed a hand around the bag. “What about you?”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll make believe you are still in here and pretend to check on you often with meals. I’ll tell my husband you’re caring for your son now. He won’t question it for a few days at least—I hope. You’ll be fine, too; there’s enough food in that bag to last you weeks, along with diapers and pre-made bottles. After taking Jared all those months ago, I’ve fed him goats’ milk, and he loves it. Also, with this bit of rope and another piece of fabric, Jared will soon be tied securely to your back for the journey.”

“How do I know you’re not tricking me again?” Andi demanded, more sharply than she’d intended. “You’re probably just pushing me out so you can call Thomas and have him angrier with me.” To her own ears, what she’d just said sounded absolutely loco, but Andi was already hurt too deeply to care. No matter how much she’d suffered at camp, this sting of Lily’s betrayal cut worse, even if it was mostly Thomas’s fault. Lily could’ve told me ahead of time who she was married to.

“Please, Andi,” Lily pleaded tearfully. “Trust me.”

Trust. The word hit Andi with an unexpected pang. She felt touched by the sincerity in Lily’s voice and the sight of her friend’s red-rimmed eyes. “All right, Lily.” Andi gave a barely perceptible nod. I guess things can’t get much worse…can they?

Lily offered a small smile, then again bundled Jared in his warm, cozy blankets and tied him to Andi’s back. As she guided Andi outside, she whispered plans. “You are about fifty miles away from Los Angeles,” she said.

“Fifty miles?” Andi’s heart sank. At least five days’ worth of nonstop walking. “Don’t worry,” Lily consoled. “There are many small towns and villages leading up to there, places where you can find friendly souls and rest. Perhaps hitch a ride. Always ask sheriffs for directions. Make sure you travel north.”

“Thank you, Lily. I…I’m sorry for doubting your loyalty.”

“You needn’t be sorry, dear friend. It is understandable. But now you must promise me something.”

“What?”

“Say not a word to anyone about my family or me, or our location, or anything. It is as if we never met. Promise me that, Andi, promise.” Her hand grabbed Andi’s and held on tightly. “Do it as thanks to me that I have freed you.”

“I promise, Lily. I won’t tell.”

They embraced quickly, then Andi whipped around and ran. Her heart was heavy. I’ll never see you again, Lily, but you’ll forever be a true friend in my heart.

 CHAPTER 15  

Slowly one day dawdled by. Then two. Andi was weary and cold, but she concentrated only on putting one foot in front of the other. It’d been a miserable journey, short as it may seem. Both nights she’d barely slept a wink. Worse, the first night into the second day it poured torrents of rain, sending Andi to seek shelter beneath trees. Still, she became thoroughly drenched, and her baby was little better. Press onward. Press onward.

Jared whimpered continually in misery. Sneezing and kicking, he remained tied to Andi’s back except for the times—which happened often—that she pulled him into her arms and fed him the bottles of milk Lily had packed. When the ground was dry, she built a fire and warmed the milk first. When the ground was wet, Jared’s milk remained either cold or lukewarm.

No matter how hard Andi tried to pacify her son, she knew he suffered, and if it weren’t for her own exhaustion and aching limbs, she’d carry him the whole way. Jared was one of the two reasons that kept Andi going. The other reason was Riley. To know she was so near him.

Press onward. Press onward. Andi hoped she was traveling the right way. She felt as if she’d lost all sense of direction. She prayed hard that she’d run into a town soon. Late in the afternoon of the second day, Andi finally stumbled into a small, busy town. So great was her excitement that for a moment she felt dizzy and saw stars. Then she ran, and as soon as she crossed the border relished in the fact that she was with people—active, alive people who would no doubt help her out. Yet her joy popped like a balloon only a moment later when she distinctly heard a man exclaim, “Look, oh, look! Look at this Mexican lady with a white baby on her back! Must be a runaway thief!”

And all discussion and activity among the townspeople ceased as they surged around Andi like a strong current she could not avoid. They clamored and pulled at her, yanking Jared from her back. Instantly he burst into ear-splitting wails. “Give me my baby!” Andi shouted so loud her lungs threatened to shatter, but still no one seemed to hear.

Then, suddenly, miraculously, a man pushed his way through the crowd. A star-shaped gold badge glittered in the sun from where it was pinned to his chest. The sheriff! The sheriff whistled and yelled, “All right! Break it up! Madge, give me the baby.”

Reluctantly, the townspeople obeyed. Muttering protests, they wandered away. Now the sheriff, with Jared in his arms, fixed his attention on Andi. “Who are you and what do you want?”

Andi cringed. She knew that her dull eyes, tanned skin, dark hair, and Mexican clothes could convince anyone that she was Mexican. Not everyone is nice to Mexicans. Andi thought a moment. Should I tell him who I am? There are no doubt wanted posters out for me. I wonder if I even look like the picture anymore. If I don’t, the sheriff would laugh at me and toss me out of the town quicker than I could blink. I’d never get directions. No, I shall not tell him. So, she smiled and lapsed into Spanish. “Me llamo Andi.” No full name. “May I please have directions to Los Angeles?”

“Looking for work, are you?”

Andi nodded.

“Well, you and the baby have a little ways until you get to the next town, and then it’s a distance from there to Los Angeles. If I were you, I’d get a stage.” He snickered. “That is, if you have the money.”

Andi’s cheeks flushed with anger, but she only nodded again. After all, the man’s words were true. She hadn’t a cent on her. Her shoulders sagged. I’ll never get home. “Do you have a train around these parts?” she mumbled, eyes on the ground.

“Yep, over that a’way.”

From the corner of her eye, Andi saw the sheriff gesture to the right of town. She looked up and forced a smile. “Thank you.”

The sheriff nodded. “May I have my baby?” Andi held out her arms.

The sheriff thought a moment, but then placed Jared in her arms. “I don’t know much of who you are or where you came from or where you’re going, but your face seems honest, and also shows the bearings of hard times.” For a fleeting moment, a look of understanding crossed the sheriff’s face. He gave her a slight smile, tipped his hat, and left.

“All right, Jared,” Andi whispered to her baby. “It’s mighty bold, but Mama has an idea of how to get home.”

 CHAPTER 16 

Andi trudged her way to the train station. In spite of the bright sun, she shivered with cold. Her clothes were still wet. And her nose and head felt stuffy. “I hope this works,” she whispered to herself. The train seemed to have just pulled into the station. Andi looked both ways and headed for an empty storage car. Climbing inside, she slowly shut the door after her. The car was layered with thick, yellow hay. It felt warm and soft. Andi burrowed down into it.

“It’ll be tricky,” she told Jared, pulling him onto her lap, “We’ll have to trade trains often, when we get to Los Angeles and again when we pull into Bakersfield, but we’ll arrive home soon enough. You’ll see.” Andi laid her head back and drifted into blessed sleep.

---

The days and nights whizzed together. Three train rides and several days later, Andi opened her bleary eyes as she felt the car pull to a stop. “Out! Out! Everyone out! Fresno! Fresno!”

Fresno? The word clicked. Fresno!         

Andi pulled herself to her feet, collected her meager belongings and Jared, and, laboriously pushing back the car door, stepped onto the station platform. She looked about her, tears flowing. I’m here! I’m here! Finally! Thanks, Lord.        

“You, lady! Stop! Stop right there!” The stationmaster came over and stood in front of Andi. She swallowed past her aching throat. He didn’t look happy. Not one bit.

“Y-yes?” she said.         

“You’ve been stowing away, haven’t you?”         

“I, uh—”         

“Don’t lie to me! I saw you step from this car.” He pointed an accusing finger at her. “Pay me what you owe for a train ride. No one travels for free on this train.”         

“I—I don’t have the money.”         

“Well, that’s obvious.” He chuckled dryly. “Very well; this is a case for the sheriff.”         

“Sheriff?” Andi’s head felt heavy. Her throat throbbed. Any more of this, and I’m sure I’ll swoon. She already felt so sick, both inside and outside. Why couldn’t this man see that?  

“Yep, the police.” He grabbed her arm. “C’mon.” The stationmaster pulled Andi into the sheriff’s office, ignoring her cries.

“You don’t know who I am!”

Every time she went to say her name, he cut her off. “You can tell it all to the sheriff,” he told her.

She held Jared tightly and prayed with all the might she possessed. 

“Sheriff Tate!”         

“Yes?” The sheriff looked up from his work.         

“Got a stowaway here. Refused to pay her way.”         

The stationmaster shoved Andi forward. She caught herself on a chair and glanced at the sheriff. He looked absolutely worn out with worry. I wonder why?     

The sheriff didn’t even glance her way. He shook his head at the stationmaster. “Not now, Ezekiel. The Carters and I are still trying to figure out where Andi went off to.” He rubbed his temples. “This thing is weighing on me somethin’ awful. Taking care of little ol’ stowaways just doesn’t seem to matter right about now.”         

“Any clues for the case yet?”         

“None whatsoever. Riley is completely beside himself with fear. They’re all home now, refreshing their horses and packing up again. Oh, if we only we knew where Andi went off to!” He sighed. “I can hardly think straight. All we’ve done is search, search, search. It’ll be five months tomorrow that she went missing.”         

“I’m sorry, sir. Here’s the stowaway. Do what you want with her. I’m off.” He turned on his heel and stalked out of the office.         

Sheriff Tate returned to his books, notes, and maps a moment, then finally looked up at Andi. She was staring right back at him.          

Will he recognize me? “Sh-sheriff Tate?” She hesitated, then out launched, “It’s me.”         

The sheriff was staring at her with an unreadable expression. His eyes grew wide. “Andi?”         

She nodded.         

“You-you’re the stowaway?”         

Another nod.         

“But how?”         

The world was beginning to spin. Her fever, the excitement, the lack of sleep, and the realization that she was finally found swept over Andi in an overwhelming wave. She dropped into the chair in a dead faint.

 CHAPTER 17 

“Let me go! Oh, Riley, save me! Save me!” Vega came closer. “You are mine now, missy.” “No! Riley, where are—” 

Andi jerked awake from the terrifying nightmare. She flew to a sitting position, her heart beating fast. Her head throbbed. “Riley!” she shrieked, thrashing wildly. “Riley!”         

“Shh.” Hands closed around Andi’s shoulders. “It’s all right. You’re safe.”         

Andi didn’t know who was speaking, but the voice was soothing and familiar. She allowed the unknown person to push her back down onto the pillows. Then, reaching up, she latched onto one of his hands and held it firmly.         

“Shh.” Fingers brushed across her forehead, moving aside the sweaty strands of hair clinging to her face. “You have influenza. But you’re safe. I’m here.” The hand holding hers squeezed gently. “And I’m never letting you leave my sight again.”         

Andi wanted to know more, wanted to say more, but the fever enveloped again, and she dropped into a delirious sleep.

---

The next time Andi awoke, she felt better. Her head still ached, but it didn’t pound. Where am I? What happened? Forcing her eyes open, Andi looked around her. I’m…it couldn’t be! Am I really—?          

She was. She was really and truly home. She recognized the bedroom as her and Riley’s own at Memory Creek Ranch. This bed is so soft! And Riley—  Her gaze landed upon him. He sat at her side, head buried in his hands. A basin of water and a cloth sat nearby. A lamp was the only light in the room. “Riley?” Andi whispered hoarsely.         

His head jerked up. He looked at her face and let out a breath. “You’re awake.” He laid a hand against her forehead. “Your fever’s down.”         

Andi’s tears rose, choking her. “You look all worn out.”         

Riley smiled and clasped her hand tightly in between both of his own. “I’m fine now. Completely fine.”         

“Oh, Riley!” The tears Andi was holding back spilled. A sob ripped from her throat. It sent her into a sudden coughing fit.         

Riley reached quickly for a cup of water, which he held to Andi’s lips. Weakly, she batted it away. The fit was passed, and she had important things to say and ask. “I thought I’d never come home again,” she whispered. “The days were so long—and so hard.”         

“Hush, Andi. Dr. Weaver told me that you mustn’t overexert yourself, but rather rest and regain your health. Besides, your brothers and I have been figuring out most of it. From Molasses’s sudden disappearance, to the messy kitchen, to the note we found.”         

“What note?”         

“One signed ‘Mateo Vega.’ That was all, and it was so clumsily scribbled I think it was quite accidental that it was there at all. It must’ve fallen, unnoticed. However, it still gave us some sort of a lead. At least we knew what’d happened. But I’m talking too much. Dr. Weaver and your mother will have my hide. Go back to sleep.”         

“But—”         

“No buts.” Riley pressed a kiss to her cheek. “You’ll have plenty of time to tell me later. Sleep now.”         

But Andi couldn’t sleep. She had more to ask. “Where’s the baby? Is he all right?”         

Riley beamed. “Your mother has our little son. He’s in better shape than you are.”         

“He seemed so miserable,” Andi rasped, then coughed.         

“Dr. Weaver inspected him, too. A slight cold, but nothing serious. Your mother has him taken care of. “Now . . .” Riley dipped the cloth in the basin, wrung it out, and draped it across Andi’s brow. “Go back to sleep. I’ll stay right here.”

---

Several days more, and the fever finally left Andi. At last, she was able to crawl from bed and enjoy a hot, lengthy time in the bathtub. Afterwards Mother brushed out her hair and tied it back neatly. “There,” she said, adjusting the ribbon, “you’re all clean and fresh, sweetheart.”         

Andi stared at the Andi in the mirror. What a big change! The old skirt and blouse weren’t even fit for rags. They’d been tossed in the trash and burned, never to be seen again. Instead, she wore a new dress. That hideous weeks’ worth of tangles her hair had used to be now lay against her back in soft, silky curls, all held back by one big bow. Her hands were clean. So was her face.          

And I’m home. Andi sighed with contentment. God never left me. Thanks, Lord, for always being there. For being my rock. Helping me trust. And never letting me go. She smiled at her mother. “How well did Dr. Weaver say I am?”         

“Well enough to come to the Circle C tonight for supper,” Mother answered, beaming.         

“And well enough to make me a loaf of cinnamon bread for breakfast someday soon,” said a voice from the doorway. “Believe it or not, I’ve missed your cooking.”         

Riley strode into the room, all smiles. He pulled Andi into a heartfelt embrace. “It’s good to see you up and around, looking well,” he said. “We’ve been very worried about you.”         

Andi relaxed in his arms. “It’s good to be well. And to be here.”         

“I sure did miss you, Andi,” Riley said.         

“I know. I missed you, too.” Andi let out a breath and smiled. I’m safe. Jared is safe. Riley is here. And we’re all home. Andi looked up at Riley. “You know what?”         

“What?”         

“It’s good to be home.”

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