Musing #71 - Chapter 11

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTER 11. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

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.”

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

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