Brides of Arizona, page 16
“Oh, look.” Fayth pointed ahead and to the left. A herd of antelope raced over a slight rise. They bounded effortlessly across the desert, leaping over bushes and weaving around the cactus. Pulling the horses to a halt, they watched the graceful animals until they were out of sight.
“I wonder what startled them.” Fayth frowned. “Maybe we should head back to the camp.”
“But we still have at least an hour to ride.” Glorianna didn’t want to give up this time. “Why do you want to go back? Are you feeling ill?”
“No.” Fayth glanced over her shoulder. “I just feel uneasy for some reason.” She shrugged. “I’m being silly, I guess.”
They rode down the side of the hill where the antelope had run. At the bottom stood a clump of trees. As they approached the trees, Nina pricked her ears forward. She nickered softly.
“What is it, Girl?” Glorianna patted Nina’s neck. “What’s out there that interests you?”
“It might be me.” Dirk stepped from behind a tree, grabbing Nina’s bridle so swiftly Glorianna couldn’t react.
Chapter 20
Heart pounding, Glorianna jerked futilely on the reins. Her worst nightmare stood before her. A gash, crusted over with dirt and dried blood, covered part of one unshaven cheek. Judging from the redness surrounding the wound, infection had set in. Brown patches of what might be dried blood spotted his clothing. She shuddered, not wanting to know if it was Dirk’s or someone else’s. Bile rose in her throat, and she covered her nose to ward off the stench of his unwashed body. His dark-circled, haunted eyes glared at her. Her stomach churned. Where had he come from?
“Let go of my horse.” Glorianna hoped to keep her voice steady. Then, before he could say anything, she called, “Go, Fayth, get help.”
Dirk’s hand snaked out even as she uttered the words. He grabbed Fayth’s horse before she could turn him. “Not so fast,” he warned. “You’re both coming with me.” Blackened teeth showed through his grin.
“My husband and the others from the camp expect us back soon, Mr. Smith.” Fayth’s words steadied Glorianna. “You won’t get away with this.”
A mirthless laugh filled the air around them. “I heard the little lady say you still had an hour before you had to be back. That will give us plenty of time to put some distance between us and the camp.”
Dirk jerked the reins away from them and led the horses into the trees. A horse, tethered to a tree, waited for him. Dirk mounted, never letting go of their reins. He turned his horse east, riding parallel to the road, but off of it.
“Where are you taking us?” Glorianna bit her lip, knowing he heard the fear in her voice.
Dirk grinned back at her. “I have a little place all picked out for you and me. We’ll be together from now on, so you’d best get used to the idea.”
“But what about Fayth? You don’t need to drag her along.”
He chuckled malevolently. “Oh, I’ll let her go soon enough. Then, it’ll just be the two of us. I didn’t know you were so eager.”
Glorianna shuddered. She looked at Fayth, hoping desperately for a way out of this. Fayth’s closed eyes and moving lips reminded her that she had other help with her at all times. How could she have forgotten?
God, help us, her prayer screamed out inside her head. You can’t let this happen. Taking a calming breath, she tried to gather her thoughts.
Jesus, I know You are my Protector, my Shield, and my Help in time of trouble. You asked me to trust You and lean not on my own understanding. But where are You? How can You allow something like this? What about Fayth and the baby?
Glorianna bit her lip. She knew she was repeating herself. She closed her eyes, and reassurance gradually eased her fear. She knew Fayth would be praying, too. Oh, Lord, if only Conlon were here. Why did he have to leave? But, there I go, questioning You again. Please forgive all my doubts. A gentle peace crept over her. She sighed, feeling as if someone was there with her, holding her close. Thank You, she said silently.
“Are you all right?” Glorianna asked Fayth.
“Shut up,” Dirk barked. “If you talk, I’ll have to gag you.”
Glorianna bit her lip, wondering if she had turned pale. The thought of being gagged with some of Dirk’s clothing almost made her retch.
When he turned back around, Fayth reached over and quickly squeezed her hand. “I’m fine.” She mouthed the words silently. Her smile helped Glorianna relax. God is in charge, she told herself. Remember that.
Dirk set a fast pace, heading toward the Superstition Mountains. The road to Florence was a ribbon of brown in the distance. They could only see pieces of it when they topped a rise in the desert. Each time, Glorianna looked at the road with longing. A quiet despair began to settle over her as she wondered if anyone would ever find them. She remembered Conlon’s saying how hard it was to find Indians once they made it to the Superstitions. There were myriad places to hide there.
Two hours later, the sun dipping low in the west, Glorianna knew she had to speak up. Fayth could barely stay upright in the saddle. Pain etched pale lines in her face. “Mr. Smith, we have to stop. Fayth can’t go on like this.”
Reining in his horse, Dirk turned to look at them, his eyes filled with anger. “We have to get to the mountains. We aren’t stopping just because one of you can’t keep up.” He swiveled back around and jerked the horses’ reins to start again.
Fayth’s eyes filled with tears. Her whitened fingers gripped the saddle as if trying to ease the jolting gait. Each time her horse stumbled on the uneven ground, Fayth would bite her lip to keep quiet.
Desperate to do something to help Fayth, Glorianna began to form a plan. Seeing a clear space ahead, she slipped her feet from the stirrup. Glancing at Fayth, hoping she would be quiet, she lifted her leg over the saddle. Saying a quick prayer, she jumped from Nina’s back. Her feet hitting the hard sand sent a jolt through her body. She swung her arms, fighting a losing battle for balance. Falling to the side, she rolled away from Nina and lay still for a moment to catch her breath.
Dirk whirled around, pulling the horses to a halt. “What are you doing?” he yelled.
She sat up as he jumped from his horse and rushed over to her. He grabbed her arm, jerking her to her feet. The smell of his filthy body revolted her. She clenched her teeth, knowing she had to be strong for Fayth and the baby.
Glaring at him, she snapped, “We have to stop. Fayth is tired and it’s almost dark. We can’t keep riding in the desert after dark.” She straightened up, attempting to tug her arm free from his grasp.
He grimaced and tightened his hold on her. “You’ll do what I say. I’ve seen for some time you need to be told a thing or two. Your father is too lax with you.” Leaning closer, his soft-spoken words sent a chill down her spine. “Now you’ll be my woman, and you’ll do what I tell you. I’ve trained many a stubborn mule. I guess I can teach you something.”
Dear God, help me think of something. Fayth can’t even sit straight in the saddle. If we continue, she could lose the baby. Please help us.
Taking a deep breath, Glorianna tried to calm her thoughts. “If we ride in the dark, the horses could walk into a cactus. We can reach the mountains more easily in the morning. We’re almost there. Why can’t we just spend the night here?”
She forced herself to meet Dirk’s gaze as he studied her. Finally, he gave a short nod.
“Get your friend down. We don’t have any bedrolls, so you’ll have to use the saddle blankets.” He released her arm and ran a gritty finger down the side of her cheek. She flinched away, and he grinned. “Then again,” he said with deadly calm, “maybe Fayth can have the blankets, and I’ll keep you warm.”
Glorianna gasped and stepped away. God protect me, she whispered in her soul. “Trust Me,” came the answer written across her heart.
Hurrying to help Fayth, Glorianna shuddered at the thought of Dirk’s suggestion. Fayth slipped from the horse and hugged Glorianna. Peering over the horse’s back, Fayth turned back to her.
“God can handle this,” she whispered. “I know Timothy and the others are following us by now.”
“But how will they know where we are? We didn’t stay on the road. They won’t think to look in the desert for us.”
“God knows where we are. He will show them the way,” Fayth assured her.
“What are you doing?” Dirk growled. He pulled the horses away and glared at them. When they didn’t answer, he spat on the ground. “There won’t be any way to cook food. I don’t have much anyway. Do I have to tie you or will you stay?”
“Mr. Smith, it’s too far to walk. I’m not sure we would find our way from here anyway,” Fayth assured him.
He studied her, then led the horses to a tree and tied them securely. Removing the saddles, he carried their blankets back to them. Glorianna spread them out to dry before the night chill set in. A sweaty blanket wouldn’t be much of a comfort.
Sinking down by Fayth, Glorianna watched Dirk. In the gathering darkness, she could see him studying her. Fear twisted a knot in her stomach. Would he follow through with his threat to keep her warm? What if no one found them? What if Dirk forced her to do something she didn’t want? What could she do to stop him? Where was Conlon? She needed him.
She closed her eyes, squeezing tears away. A picture of Conlon swam before her. She could see his black hair, the wayward lock falling across his forehead. She could picture his blue eyes, brightly reflecting his love for her. If there was any way, he would come for her. In her heart she knew how much he loved her. Somehow, he would find a way to get away from Chastity. He had to.
Nearing exhaustion, Conlon pulled Champ to a halt. They were less than an hour’s ride from Camp MacDowell. In the growing twilight, he watched the cloud of dust approaching. The thunder of hoofbeats filled the air. A sense of dread wrapped around him like a mantle.
A few minutes later, his uneasiness grew stronger as he watched the grim faces of the cavalrymen surrounding him. Timothy pushed his horse close to Conlon’s. “What are you doing here? Have you seen Fayth and Glorianna?”
Conlon shifted in the saddle. “What do you mean, have I seen them?” He wanted to shout his impatience. He needed to know what was happening.
“They went for a ride this afternoon and haven’t returned,” Timothy said. “The guard saw them head this direction, but we haven’t found them yet.”
Forcing his fear away, Conlon replied, “I just rode here from Florence. I haven’t seen any sign of them. You’re sure they came this way?”
Timothy and several of the others nodded. “We saw fresh tracks on the road. There’s no question.” Timothy looked torn between fear and anger. “I can’t imagine why they would get off the road.”
Conlon knew he had to tell him, although he dreaded the reaction. “I might know the reason,” he admitted reluctantly. “I’m here because we met a patrol in Florence. They had just come from tracking a criminal to the Superstitions.” He paused, looking at the men. “They were tracking Dirk Smith. He killed a man before he escaped and headed this direction. I think he might be after Glorianna.”
Timothy paled. “You mean that crazy fool might have Fayth and Glorianna?”
Conlon couldn’t speak for a moment, caught in the panic he knew his friend felt. “I hope I’m wrong,” he spoke hoarsely. “But I’m guessing he has them.”
“What do we do? They could be anywhere.” Fear echoed in Timothy’s voice.
“I think he’ll try to head for the Superstitions. It’s the closest place to hide.” Conlon turned to look at the forbidding mountains in the distance. “I’ll head over there and try to find their tracks.”
“I’ll go with you,” Timothy said. He turned to the others. “The rest of you go back and tell the captain what’s happened. He’ll probably want to send some of you to help.”
“You’ll most likely have to wait until morning,” Conlon added. “We’ll try to leave some sign so you can find us.”
When they were alone, Timothy faced Conlon. “Do you think he’ll kill them?”
“He won’t kill Glory.” Conlon hated to think about the women being at Dirk’s mercy.
“What about Fayth?”
“I don’t know,” Conlon answered honestly. “I hope we catch him before he has to make a choice.” Deciding to keep silent his fears of what Dirk would do with Fayth when he wanted to be alone with Glorianna, Conlon instead turned Champ toward the mountain range. “Let’s ride while there’s still daylight. The closer we get, the better our chances of catching them before they disappear in the Superstitions.”
They rode until the night drew too close around them, then halted. Lord, please watch over Fayth and Glory. Be their protection. The spine-chilling scream of a cougar interrupted his silent plea.
Chapter 21
Glorianna took a sip of water from her canteen. Her stomach ached from hunger and fear. They had ridden most of the morning to reach the edge of the mountains. Dirk looked even worse this morning than he had last night. He hadn’t slept, probably because he was afraid they would take the horses and run. He had been right. She slept lightly, waking several times during the night, hoping he would be asleep and they could escape. Every time, his eyes were on her, the wicked gleam in them making her uncomfortable.
Dirk turned his horse back to theirs. “You.” He gestured at Fayth. Handing her the reins to her horse, he said, “You can go back now. Tell them not to follow us. I’ve got what I want.” He grinned lecherously at Glorianna. “I know she puts on a good show, but she’s really glad to go with me. You can tell the captain and Lieutenant Sullivan that.”
“I won’t leave Glorianna.” Fayth nudged her horse closer to Nina.
“Then you’ll die,” Dirk snarled. He whipped his knife up, lunging at her throat.
Fayth jerked back. Glorianna screamed.
“Now get out of here.” At Dirk’s command, Glorianna gave Fayth a pleading look. Fayth turned her horse and rode away, glancing back at Glorianna only once.
Dirk nudged his horse next to Nina. “Now it’s just the two of us.” His rancid breath made her cough. “Let’s get lost in these mountains.”
He tugged on the reins, and Nina followed. Tears filled Glorianna’s eyes as she watched Fayth disappear. She felt all her hopes vanish as well. “Trust Me. Lean not on thine own understanding,” a voice whispered.
Minutes later, Dirk jerked the horses to a stop. He stared back into the desert and cursed. Glancing behind them, Glorianna could see a rider racing toward them. Her heart beat wildly as she thought she recognized the lean form. It couldn’t be, could it?
She nearly fell when Dirk forced the horses to plunge ahead. He turned up a steep slope. Evidently, he thought the rocks would offer shelter. Glorianna loosened her feet in the stirrups. Perhaps she could jump off again. That would give the rider a chance to catch them. One look at the sharp incline they were traveling up convinced her it wouldn’t be a good idea. She clung desperately to Nina’s saddle, hoping to think of something.
“Get down.” Dirk’s raspy voice echoed in the stillness.
He dragged her to the rocks, making her climb in front of him. When they were hemmed in on all sides by the huge boulders, he pulled her down.
“Smith, you may as well give up. I know you’re up there.”
Glorianna gasped and tried to rise up. It was Conlon. He had come for her.
“She’s mine, Sullivan. She’s always been mine.”
“If you think she wants you, then why don’t you let her decide?” They could hear Conlon working his way up the slope as he talked.
Dirk stood, pulling Glorianna up in front of him. “Stop right there,” he ordered. His knife blade flashed in the sunlight. He stuck it under Glorianna’s chin, making her tip her head back to avoid the blade. She didn’t dare breathe. “If you come any closer, I’ll cut her. Then neither one of us will have her.” His maniacal laughter filled the air.
From the corner of her eye, Glorianna could see Conlon pause. He held his rifle loosely in his hand. She’d seen him on the drills and knew the speed with which he could swing the gun into firing position.
“Let her go, Dirk. She doesn’t want you.” Glorianna wondered if he felt as relaxed as he sounded. “By now the troops are on their way. You can see their dust from up there. You won’t get away with this.”
“I don’t know how you found us, but I’m not letting her go. You may as well go and tell the captain. Now get out of here before I hurt her.”
While he was talking, Dirk’s knife eased away from Glorianna’s throat. She lowered her head slightly, getting a better view of Conlon. She watched him open his mouth to reply, then pause, his gaze going to the rocks above them.
“Smith.” Conlon’s voice lowered. “There’s a cougar on the rocks above you.”
“Don’t try to bluff me.” Dirk’s knife swept up under Glorianna’s chin, forcing her to lift her head again. “Now head on back to your horse and ride out of here.”
In the silence that followed, Glorianna strained to look at the rocks above them. The knife blade kept her from turning her head, but she could hear the rattle of tiny rocks sliding down from above. She began to tremble.
“Please, he isn’t bluffing.”
A low growl above them confirmed her fears. Dirk whirled. His grip loosened. Glorianna dropped to the ground. She could see Conlon swing his rifle up in one smooth motion. Fire and smoke belched from the end of it.
The rifle cracked. The cougar roared. Dirk’s frantic scream washed over her. A heavy weight landed on her back, knocking the air from her. In one continuous motion, the body rolled over the top of her and off the rocks. She thought of the long drop to the hillside below and shuddered.
“No!” Glorianna screamed as hands wrapped around her arms, lifting her. She lashed out, struggling to get free.
“Glory, Sweetheart, it’s all right.” Conlon’s soothing voice finally broke through her fear.
