No.He could almost hear Ella’s voice whispering in his ear. Bad things happened in life. He couldn’t stop them all. But that didn’t prevent the hurt from crushing him inside.
Travis squeezed his arm, jolting him from his thoughts. “Just a little longer, Cody. These animals will be ready to push hard the last miles.”
“We’re running out of time.”
Steel glinted in Travis’s gaze. “We’ll find her.”
Cody nodded. He exhaled a long breath, moving a little ways upstream. Raking his hands through his hair, he closed his eyes. “Please, God. Be with my wife and our unborn child. Keep them safe, I beg You. I can’t lose them.” His voice hitched. “You brought Ella into my life. Please keep her there.”
Words clogged in his throat. He sank to his knees, silent prayers welling in his heart. Cody didn’t move until Travis’s hand landed heavy on his shoulder.
“C’mon. Let’s head out.”
He didn’t need to be told twice.
Ella worked feverishly to loosen the material holding her captive. The gag had slipped the tiniest bit, but not enough for her to call out. Anxiety welled in her gut as time passed. Every minute was a minute closer to Howard’s return. How had she ever fallen prey to his charm?
God, help me!
A tiny whisper sounded in her soul, one that calmed the frenetic rhythm of her heart.Focus.
Ella drew in a long breath. She slid her fingers back along her bonds as far as she could. There! The knot was within reach. Slowly, she wiggled a finger into the middle. Her hands bent at an awkward angle. Ella pushed through the discomfort. She slipped another finger into the underside of the knot.
Sounds came from the hallway. She froze. Her lungs cramped as she waited for the door to open, but it never did. Instead, she heard two women in conversation. They were so close. Ella shut her eyes, said a prayer, and screamed into her gag.
The conversation stopped. She yelled again. The handle jiggled. A woman’s voice called out. “Hello? Is someone in there?”
“Help me!” Her voice sounded muffled. Ella tried again and kicked her feet against the base of the bed. A loud thump reverberated through the room. She kicked again and again and continued to scream.
The handle moved frantically, matching the pace of Ella’s heart. If Howard came back before the door could be opened…
No. She refused to think of the repercussions. If he was bent on winning big at the gambling tables, she still had time.
Hopefully.
The woman called through the door again. “My mother-in-law is getting assistance. Hold on.”
Why did minutes feel like hours? An eternity passed before a key grated in the lock. The door pushed open to reveal a bellhop and the ladies. All three gasped when they saw Ella tied to the bed. The older woman rushed forward in a flurry of skirts. “My dear girl!” She untied the gag with deft fingers. “What on earth happened?”
Tears flooded Ella’s eyes, relief pulsing through her body. A thread of fear still remained. “I was kidnapped. The man is at the saloon. He…he’s trying to take me back to Boston.”
The woman’s gray eyes hardened. She turned to the bellhop. “Notify the authorities at once, young man.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The wide-eyed boy backed out of the room. Ella silently blessed him for his immediate action.
The woman pulled a hatpin from her hair. “Let’s see about getting you freed.” She fiddled with the knot binding Ella’s hands. “I’m Dorothy Jefferson.” She nodded at the raven-haired beauty standing at the foot of the bed. “This is my daughter-in-law, Lydia.”
“I’m Ella Brooks. Thank you both.” Her chest rose and fell in rapid bursts. “I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t showed up.”
“Think nothing of it.” Moments later, the fabric fell away from her wrists. Ella sucked in a sharp breath as feeling flowed painfully back into her hands and arms.
Lydia sat beside her, muslin gown billowing, hands out. She nodded at Ella’s arms. “May I?”
Ella held them up. The young woman rubbed firmly with brisk motions. “Come to our room. You’ll be safe there. When the authorities arrive, you can tell them your story.”
Dorothy peered at her. “What happened to your face, Ella?”
She swallowed. “Howard hit me.” Touching her cheek, she winced. “It’s bruised, isn’t it?”
