LONG WAY HOME Page 4

  “You expect to defend the household with those?” Mrs. Hardeman asked.

  “Mim, don’t be so negative,” Sarah admonished. “There are seven of us who can swarm on intruders while Rob blows this trumpet. That’s sure to alert neighbors to come to our aid.”

  Rob puffed out his chest. “Bet I can toot it loud. Wanna hear?”

  Mama ruffled his hair. “No, dear, save it for an emergency.”

  Parmelia focused on the three older women. “The noise will alert us, but we wait until the intruders come upstairs. That gives us a better chance of attack.”

  Sarah nodded and took her mother’s hand. “You see, if they’re coming up the stairs and we pound the first one, he’ll fall back on the others. It gives us more of a chance to defeat or scare them away.”

  Grammy looked at Parmelia. “I don’t know if it’s good enough, but I’m sure it’s better than nothing.”

  “We just have to hold them back until the Yankees get here.” Parmelia tried to offer assurance she didn’t feel. She knew they were no match for Jeff Lawson. Would Darrick and his men be?

  Chapter Six

  The next day, Darrick and his men rushed to the jail as soon as they heard a renegade had been captured. He was shocked when he saw the battered man on the cot. It couldn’t be.

  He knelt for a closer look. “Good Lord in Heaven. Matt Bailey, is that you? What’s happened, man?”

  Matt looked at him. “How ya know m’name?”

  Darrick wondered how Matt had walked in his condition. The man’s feet were wrapped with filthy rags soaked in blood. A scraggly beard didn’t hide the gaunt lines of his face, and his clothes were in tatters. He lay bare to the waist and a shoulder wound looked infected.

  Darrick put a hand on Matt’s uninjured shoulder. “I’m Darrick McDonald. Remember me?”

  Relief spread across Matt’s face. “Tried to tell...help Parmelia...Wouldn’t listen.”

  “I’ll listen. Can you tell me how you came to be in this shape?”

  Matt grabbed Darrick’s arm. “Lawson’s coming. Tell Parmelia.”

  “We know he’s coming. That’s why I’m here. We want him and his men stopped.”

  “Finally.” Matt closed his eyes.

  Darrick commanded, “Stevens, get this man some fresh water. Davis round up soup and bread. Jackson, send for a doctor to clean and tend to his feet and shoulder.” He shook Matt’s shoulder gently. “Stay awake for me, Matt. Tell me what’s happened to you.”

  Stevens handed a pitcher and cup to Darrick. He helped Matt drink. Darrick took out his handkerchief and poured water on it, then bathed Matt’s face.

  Matt seemed to revive slightly. “Captured with others; stripped of our weapons and shoes. Packed into a boxcar like corded wood. Went to Camp Douglas.”

  “I’ve heard of it. Bad place.” Darrick gave Matt another drink.

  Matt met Darrick’s gaze. “It’s a hellhole, worse than you can imagine. When we were herded in, I gagged at the stench. But I saw John Edmondson there. Remember him?”

  Darrick nodded. “He’s from Summerville.”

  “He told me I’d get weaker from the food and filthy conditions. I knew I had to get away before that happened.”

  “Matt, I heard no one gets out of that place alive.”

  “John told me one of Lawson’s men had been there and died trying to escape. John said how Lawson and others had turned renegade. Said Lawson and his raiders were heading for home. I had to warn Parmelia. Lawson said he’d get even with her for refusing to marry him. And I didn’t know if Sarah and her family were safe.”

  Incredulous, Darrick asked, “You escaped and walked all the way here without shoes?”

  “Had to.” Matt sounded as if talking had taken the last of his strength.

  Darrick continued bathing Matt’s face. “Stay with me a little longer, Matt. Davis is coming with your food. Tell me what you know about Lawson.”

  “Passed his camp. Has ‘bout ten men.”

  “Where? Can you tell me where?”

  “Near Sarah’s. No one at her place.” Matt shook his head. “Lawson’s not there now. Packing up. Coming here. Won’t be long.” Matt opened his eyes. “Is Sarah with my family?”

  “Everyone’s safely at your grandparents’ house.”

  A terrible thought hit Darrick. He turned to the man standing beside Matt. “Were you the one guarding the Bailey house?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Who took your place?”

  The private’s eyes widened. “No one, sir.”

  Darrick leapt up. “This man is Miss Bailey’s brother. His intent was protecting the family.” He signaled his men. “Come with me. I hope we’re not too late.”

  Chapter Seven

  Parmelia moved the stack of pans from the kitchen chair before scooting it back in place. She opened the door.

  “There you go, Rob. You gather the eggs, and Nancy will be down in a few minutes to milk the cow.”

  Rob looked sullen. “I’d rather milk the cow. That old hen always pecks at my legs.”

  “But Nancy does a better job milking. Be a good boy and get the eggs.” She ruffled his hair.

  “Okay, but I think we oughta eat that old mean hen.”

  “What can I do?” Sarah asked.

  Grammy pointed to the flour sifter. “Sift the weevils out of the flour until you have enough cleaned for biscuits and bread. I swear I’m sick to death of those pesky weevils.”

  “At least we still have flour, Grammy.” Parmelia pointed out. “If we’re careful it’ll last another three or four months.”

  Grammy looked at the supply. “Now we have milk and eggs, I’m tempted to make a cake. I think we need something festive around here.”

  Parmelia clapped her hands. “That sounds lovely.”

  “What sounds lovely, my dear Parmelia?”

  Parmelia whirled toward the voice she dreaded.

  Jeff Lawson stood in the doorway, one arm holding Rob under the throat and his other holding a gun to Rob’s head.

  “You let my brother go right now,” she said with false bravado. Fear paralyzed her. What could she do to protect Rob? To protect Grammy and Mama?

  “Now why would I do that?” He stepped into the kitchen. Four men followed.

  Parmelia tried to think of a defense against this madman but came up with nothing. Nothing but talk. “The town’s crawling with Yankees. Get out while you can, Jeff.”

  “Oh, I can whenever I wish. In or out. I’m smarter than any Yankee.”

  “They want you dead or alive. You don’t stand a chance against all of them. Let my brother go and leave.”

  “You want to take his place?” He moved the gun from pointing at Rob’s head to gesture at her.

  She grabbed Jeff’s arm where it pressed against Rob’s throat. “I want you to release him and go away.”

  Jeff released Rob. Before Parmelia could step away, Jeff grabbed her hair. “Just as I remembered. Spun silk the color of sunset.” He appeared to spot Sarah for the first time. “What have we here? Another rose waiting to be plucked?”

  Parmelia pressed her hands against her hair, trying to pull it free. “Leave Sarah alone. You have no quarrel with her.”

  “It wasn’t a quarrel I had in mind for you Southern belles.” He tugged Parmelia to one side but didn’t release her. “Simpson, take charge of Sarah. I wonder who else is staying here?”

  He motioned to the three men still waiting. “Boys, why don’t you look around?”

  Parmelia screamed, “Run, girls!”

  She and Sarah kicked at their captors. Grammy hit one with her rolling pin.

  Jeff yanked harder on Parmelia’s hair. “Stop it unless you want the old lady shot.” He aimed his gun at Grammy.

  Sarah and Parmelia froze in place.

  Grammy put her hands on her hips. “Jeff Lawson, your mama didn’t raise you to treat women this way.”

  “Never mind how she raised me. Tell me who else is in th
is house and make it fast.”

  Grammy said, “Well, my daughter-in-law Martha is here. So is Mrs. Hardeman.”

  The three men returned, shoving Parmelia’s mother and Mrs. Hardeman ahead of them. “Just these two other old women. Lots of nice stuff, though.” He gestured to Mrs. Hardeman. “You ought to see the jewelry in that one’s room.”

  “Never mind that. Where are Sarah’s sisters?”

  Parmelia looked at Sarah and said, “They’re staying with friends across town.”

  “Oh, yeah? Then why did you yell ‘run girls’?”

  Parmelia tried to sound indignant. “What would you have said? ‘Run, old ladies’? I hardly think Mama or Mrs. Hardeman would appreciate that.”

  Inside she quivered with horror, but she fought to pretend only indignation with these ruffians. She had no doubt of the fate that awaited her and Sarah with these men unless help arrived soon.

  Jeff nodded at the three men who’d searched the house. “Tie the old women and the kid to chairs. Must be some rope in the carriage house.”

  “I’ll look,” one of the men said.

  Parmelia hoped Katie and Nancy had escaped from the house and run to the soldiers. She prayed the Yankees would arrive in time to save her and Sarah and help the three older women and Rob.

  Soon Lawson’s man returned with two coils of rope. He tied Rob and the three women to kitchen chairs.

  Mrs. Hardeman was crying and cursing at the same time. “I knew I should have stayed home. I knew I was better off there.”

  Jeff snorted. “Lady, you don’t have a home. Last I saw, it was in flames.”

  “Nooooo.” She slumped in the chair sobbing.

  “I love you, dear.” Parmelia’s mother watched her with tears in her eyes but chin held high.

  “I love you, too, Mama, and you, Grammy.”

  “Don’t worry,” Grammy said. “We’ll be all right here until help comes.”

  Jeff sneered, “Well, isn’t this sweet enough to cause a toothache? You all make me sick.” He gestured to his men. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  He leaned near Parmelia’s ear. “Just remember, girls, if one of you gets away, we’ll shoot the other one.”

  “You want I should set the place on fire?” Simpson asked eagerly.

  Jeff said, “No, you can torch the whole town later. No use lettin’ the Yankees know what we’re up to yet.” He jerked Parmelia, “This way, I can take my time enjoying my dear Parmelia before the Yankees know we’ve been here.”

  Chapter Eight

  Darrick ran down the street, his six men fast on his heels. He spotted two girls heading for him and stopped when he drew even. The girls ran as if their feet were on fire.

  “Girls, what’s wrong?” he asked.

  The oldest one said, “Come quick! Bring lots of men. Jeff Lawson’s got our sister and Parmelia Bailey.”

  The other girl said, “We don’t know what’s happened to Mim and the Misses Bailey.”

  “That’s where we’re headed. How many men were there?”

  “Maybe half a dozen.” The oldest looked toward the younger, “Is that what you think, Nancy?”

  Nancy nodded. “They looked mean. Katie and I climbed out the window and down the tree.”

  “Good for you. You know where the town hall is?”

  When the girls nodded, he said, “Go there. Tell the colonel that we’re going after Lawson, then go to the jail and help Matt Bailey.”

  Katie looked puzzled. “Matt’s there? I don’t understand.”

  “I can’t explain now.” Darrick started running but called over his shoulder, “Stay there until someone comes for you.”

  He slowed as he reached the Bailey home and drew his gun. “Webster, you and Houle take the other side. Morris and Rhoades, take the front. The rest of you come with me.”

  Cautiously, he slid into the carriage house for a quick search. “Several men stood here.”

  He eased toward the open kitchen door. Peering inside, gun ready, he saw the bound women and Rob as they spotted him.

  “Thank heavens, you’ve come,” Martha said. “That horrid Lawson took Parmelia and Sarah.”

  Darrick sliced through her bonds while his companions took care of the two other women and Rob. “How long have they been gone?”

  Martha looked toward the parlor. “Maybe five or ten minutes, although it seems like forever. I heard the clock chime the half hour as they were leaving.”

  Before help arrived, Rob had scooted his chair so his back was to his grandmother’s and had worked on her ropes.

  “Good thinking, son,” Jones said.

  Rob tugged on Darrick’s sleeve. “One of ‘em wanted to set fire to this house with us in it, but Lawson told him to wait and later they’d torch the whole town.”

  What if Darrick couldn’t find Parmelia and Sarah before Lawson used them? Dread and anger built until he feared he’d explode. “Were they on foot?”

  Grammy rubbed her wrists. “I didn’t hear horses, but they must have them nearby.”

  “Where are Katie and Nancy?” Mrs. Hardeman sobbed. “I want my babies.”

  “Both safe.” He held Martha’s hand. “Matt’s at the jail, hurt bad. We sent for a doctor, but he’ll need a long rest to heal.”

  “My Matt? Matt’s here?” Martha asked.

  “He was coming to warn you about Lawson, but he’s too sick to help now. He’s at the jail until he can be moved. You can see him there. Katie and Nancy are with him.”

  The other four soldiers joined them.

  Webster said, “Found footprints. Coming and going.”

  Houle added, “Counted five men who waited in the carriage house.”

  “Let’s go, men.” Darrick nodded to the women. “Sorry to abandon you, ladies, but we must catch up to them.”

  “Save our girls,” Martha called.

  Darrick followed the footprints Webster had found. “Houle, you and Jones get our mounts and catch up to us.” To the others, he said, “He’s not even trying to cover his trail.”

  Webster agreed, “Either he’s moving too fast to bother, or we’re walking into a trap.”

  After a quarter of a mile, Darrick yelled, “Here’s where another man waited with their horses.” He waved the men forward on foot.

  In a few minutes, Houle and Jones caught up to them. Darrick and his men climbed into the saddle and were fast after the ruffians.

  As they gave chase, Darrick realized where Lawson was headed. “He’s going toward his daddy’s land.”

  “We searched every dadgum inch of his father’s house and land,” Houle said.

  “He probably moved in behind us,” Webster said.

  Darrick thought not. “Probably just arrived. Remember Matt Bailey saw Lawson packing up camp near the Hardeman place.”

  “You believe a Reb?” Jones asked. “Might be working for Lawson.”

  “Not Matt,” Darrick said. “He hates Lawson too much.”

  Webster said, “Looked to me like your friend had walked a long ways. Don’t see how he kept going with his feet in that shape.”

  “Probably took him a day or more to walk from the Hardeman place.” Darrick couldn’t waste time thinking of Matt. He had to save Parmelia and Sarah. “Here’s what I think. We ride to that ridge and spy out the land. Once we spot them, we’ll leave our horses. If we wait until dark, we may be too late.”

  The soldiers raced ahead. As they neared the ridge, they slowed to prevent the renegades from hearing their horses. Up the side of the hill, they wove a trail through boulders and undergrowth.

  Darrick halted in the cover of trees at the crest. “There, see across that clearing?”

  He and his men dismounted.

  He gestured to the west. “Have to go around the clearing and stick to the trees to get to them.”

  Webster pulled out his spyglass. “Their camp looks as if it’s been there at least a day or two.” He passed the spyglass to Darrick.

  Darrick�
�s blood froze. Parmelia and Sarah were tied together, back to back. Lawson circled, as if he were taunting them. “The girls are all right so far, but it doesn’t look good.”

  Jones stepped forward. “If you give Houle and me time, we can circle around and come up on the other side.

  Darrick pulled out his watch. “You have ten minutes, starting now.”

  Chapter Nine

  Parmelia tried to be brave, but she had never been so frightened. She held Sarah’s hand but could offer no other comfort to her friend. Unless soldiers arrived soon, they were doomed. At least they hadn’t been raped instantly. Jeff preferred relating all the things he had in store for her. Appalling things she hadn’t known existed.

  “My little cherry blossom, ripe for plucking.” Lawson smiled as he trailed his fingers across her face and down to squeeze her breast. “You’d better make sure you please me, Parmelia. When I tire of you, I’ll turn you over to my men. If you’re still alive when they finish with you, I’ll make you pray for death.”

  “What about Sarah?” she asked. “Surely you can let her go. You don’t have a quarrel with her.”

  The ruffian called Simpson said, “He done promised her to me. I was the one what brought her here.”

  In an instant, Lawson’s smile turned to rage. “You’ll do what I say. She’s mine until I say otherwise. Got that?”

  “Sure, Jeff. Sure.” Simpson backed away.

  “Boss, you oughta let us have one of ‘em,” a scruffy man protested. “Ain’t right you git ‘em both.”

  Faster than Parmelia would have believed possible, Jeff pulled his revolver and shot the man in the head. The body dropped at Parmelia’s feet. She shuddered and tried not to look. But she didn’t want to make eye contact with any of Jeff’s men, not even the two she recognized.

  Holding his gun, Jeff looked around the camp. “Anyone else want to complain?”

  Sarah sagged, sobbing, and almost overbalanced Parmelia.

  Parmelia whispered, “Pull yourself together, Sarah Hardeman. This is no time to pass out.”

  Sarah gasped, “Why wait longer? I’m freezing and scared almost to death. I wish he’d shoot me now before he or his men get to me.”