Musing #64 - Chapter 4

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 4. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

“But how?” was the number one question that zoomed through Andi’s head as the group travelled 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!

What do you think happens next? Feel free to leave your guesses in the comments below!

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