The Judge gave a quick nod. He seemed fed up with Mr. Hill, too. “I will tend to the matter, Louis, but we must explain everything to Miss Briggs first.”
Wait ... was that blood on Mr. Hill’s light gray suit coat? She struggled to keep her own voice steady. “Please, where is my father? Is he injured?” She couldn’t stop from trembling.
Carter slipped his strong arm around her, steadying her.
The Judge took a step toward her. “The kidnappers left a note saying they were taking Louis. As I said, it seems they mistook your father for him.”
“But—”
“My dear.” Marvella touched her arm. “Your father and Mr. Hill do bear a remarkable resemblance to each other.”
Eleanor managed a nod. It was true, they did.
Carter’s tone when he spoke was furious. “Did these fools say what they wanted?”
The Judge nodded. “They are demanding train service be returned to Kalispell.”
“That isnotgoing to happen.” Louis shook his index finger at the group. “Mark my words!”
The Judge ignored him and went on. “They say they’ve telegraphed James Hill and won’t release his son until he agrees to return service to Kalispell.”
Mr. Hill looked about to explode. “The very idea that they think they can threaten me and my family. It’s beyond the pale.”
No, what was beyond the pale was this man ranting about himself when he was safe and Father was not!
She met the Judge’s eyes. “Did they strike my father?”Please, Lord ... don’t let Fatherbe hurt....
Hill almost growled the answer. “They did. Ruthless cretins. I’ll see them all in jail.”
Carter’s grip around her tightened. “How many of them were there?”
“I don’t know.” Mr. Hill sat back down and allowed the doctor’s ministering, but winced. “They hit Stewart firstand he fell. Then me. Got us from behind. I never saw any of their faces. When I awoke, I found myself on my back, a note in my pocket and a horrific pain in my head.” He seemed to be calming down and offered Eleanor a regretful look. “Your father was nowhere to be found. Thankfully someone saw me fall and came to my rescue.”
How much more could she take? Her stomach roiled. She looked at Carter. “I don’t feel well.”
How humiliating to admit that she wasn’t strong enough to stomach all that had happened.
Marvella nodded to Carter. “Take her back to the house.”
Her stomach clenched. “But I need to know what’s happening. I—”
“We will all go to the house and plan what is to be done.” Marvella was calm and commanding. “Milton, have Jim bring the carriage around. We must get Ellie home.”
She didn’t fight Carter’s hold on her. His arm supported her as he led her to the carriage. Halfway there, her knees gave way. Carter swept her into his arms.
The Judge took a seat with Jim up front, and Carter squeezed into the carriage’s second seat next to Marvella, nestling Ellie on his lap.
She couldn’t breathe. Could barely think. She was a child again, small and helpless against forces taking away someone she loved ...
She kept her eyes squeezed shut and turned her face deeper into Carter’s solid chest. Father was strong, but a hit on the head could kill a man. Would the brigands who took him care for him if he was injured? Or would he bleed to death?
God, please...The prayer came as easy as breathing. Thewords jumbled in her mind, but He knew.Please keep him safe. Keep everyone safe. Help us tofind him soon.
Marvella patted her knee. “It will be all right, my dear. We’ll get your father back safe and sound. Once the men realize they’ve taken the wrong man, they’re sure to release him.”
Would they? Or would their anger make them hurt him? Even kill him? She glanced at Carter’s face. His tight lips said he wasn’t so confident that they’d let Father go.
They reached the house, and Ellie started to move out of Carter’s grasp, but he held her fast. “You just stay where you are, Ellie. I’ve got you.”
