Musing #63 - Chapters 2 and 3

Andrea Carter Prescott and the Return of the Outlaws

CHAPTERS 2 and 3. Go HERE to start this story from the beginning.

“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 ahold 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 and—

          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.

          I’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?

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

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