He could have sent someone. A hired gun.
Urgency propelled his legs faster. He had to get there before they hurt Heidi.Creator Father, place Your hands around her to protect. Do not let them harm her.
The clearing appeared through the branches ahead, and he could just barely make out the outline of the barn. He slowed to stop at the edge of the trees so he could see what was happening before he entered the clearing.
There was no sign of movement except from the horses in the corral. The animals stared toward the trees to his right.
His gaze caught a motion in that direction, and his breath closed off. That was Fitz, heaving something onto a horse.
A body.
Two Stones tucked farther behind the tree, waving to stop Jericho as he reached him.
He did his best to quiet both his breathing and his racing heart as he focused on the bundle Fitz was adjusting on his horse’s shoulders. That was the skirt Heidi had been wearing.
Anger surged through him. Had the man killed her? He had to assume she was alive. Had to act quickly to save her.
Using the stealth his father and uncles had taught him as a child, he moved through the trees around the edge of the clearing, closing in on Heidi's attacker.
But the man must have seen him, for he swung onto his horse behind Heidi's body and spun the animal, then dug in hard as they lurched into the woods. Just before the trees hid them, he caught sight of Heidi's legs, kicking furiously.
Relief took away a single layer of fear from his chest, but didn't cool his anger. She was alive but still very much in danger.
He took off toward the horses in the corral.
"Wait. We need rifles," Jericho yelled as he sprinted toward the house.
Yes. He could get the horses while Jericho gathered guns.
It took too long for him to grab bridles from the barn, then slip them on his and Heidi's geldings in the corral. Jericho's pinto was pastured down the hill, so he could ride Heidi’s horse for now.
Two Stones leaped onto his mount bareback as Jericho arrived with the weapons.
Dinah stood in the cabin doorway, her worry clear in the outline of her shoulders. "We'll be praying."
He took the rifle and shot bag from Jericho, then plunged his heels into his horse's side. Fitz might have a head start on them, but at least the snow would help them follow his tracks at a run.
Maneuvering downhill in the snow wasn't easy—for them or the horses—but he used every one of his senses to keep his gelding on the trail at a swift canter. The bitter cold stung his face, and branches caught them several times. He ignored it all, focusing on catching up with Heidi and her attacker.
They were gaining ground, they had to be. But the slope became steeper as they followed a route so rocky, the horses kept slipping on ice.
Two Stones eyed the ravine at the bottom. If he remembered right, there was no way to cross it. The man would have to turn left or right. He would likely go right, toward the Mullan Road with access to Virginia City and all the other mining towns.
They could turn now and cut him off—if he took that route.Lord, don’t let me choose wrong.
Two Stones glanced back at Jericho and pointed to the shortcut he was thinking of.
Jericho nodded. "Let's try it." They would need to pick their way carefully, but it was their best chance of heading off the man.
Guide our horses' steps. Let us reach her. Protect Heidi.
He kept up his prayers as he reined his horse toward the steeper section. The animal snorted as its hooves slipped on an icy stone, but Two Stones held his reins steady and leaned back to help the horse keep its balance. One misstep could mean disaster, but God had control over their horses' movements.
And the actions of Heidi's captor.
Thank You that You have already won this battle. Your power is greater than the plans of any man.
At last, they reached level ground beside the ravine. He peered down at the frozen creek far below, then turned his gaze back to the narrow path they were on now. Surely the man had gone this direction instead of turning left at the ravine, which would take him deeper onto Coulter land.
