Carter turned to Ellie. “I’ll do everything I can, and when we find your father, I’ll take care of him as if he were my own father.”
She gave him a nod. But if he thought she’d given up, he was sorely mistaken. Her father needed her.Her.Not Eleanor, with all her social skills and pride. But his Ellie, with all her creativity and strength and determination and whatever else she could muster to find and save him.
Let the others go. She’d bide her time and slip out once they were on their way. Follow them at a distance. She lifted her chin. They’d never know she was there. After all, their focus would be on the road ahead of them ... not behind.
And Ellie’s focus would be on Father.
And God.
What Carter wouldn’t give to stay at Ellie’s side. She was so scared. So worried about her father. He was worried too. He didn’t trust that the men would just turn Briggs loose once they realized they didn’t have Hill.
Of course, he couldn’t tell Ellie that. No need to makeher worry even more, not when he was concerned enough for them both.
Lord, please guard Ellie’s dad and keep him in Your care. You know the situation and knowhis condition. Lord, I pray that he wasn’t hurtwhen they took him, but figure they hit him same as they did Mr. Hill. Please don’t let theman suffer or die. Ellie needs him so much.
“You got your horse, Carter?”
He looked at the marshal. “No, but it won’t take me long. Which way are you going? I’ll catch up.”
“My men found activity around the rail yards. We’ll head out from there and go north.”
“I’ll find you.” Carter did a quick step down the Ashburys’ drive and then ran all the way to the livery downtown. Ellie had seemed so fragile when she heard her father was taken. What would it do to her if something terrible happened to him? She was a strong woman in some ways, but if her father didn’t survive this, she’d be alone.
Could she survive that?
She needs you so much, Lord. She knows that. She remembers her mama telling her asmuch, but the world and the devil have done their best to convince her otherwise. Please help her to seethe truth and embrace it. Help her father to acceptit too.
He reached the livery stables and gave a wave to the boy who was mucking the stalls. “I’ll saddle Mercury myself.” He went through the building and out into the pen outside. There were a couple dozen horses in the corral, but when Mercury saw Carter, he pushed his way through and came to his master.
“You’re a good boy, Merc. I hope you’ve had your feed because we’re going on a little trip.”
Carter had the horse nearly saddled when his father showed up out of the blue. He was carrying a bulging bag, canteen, and bedroll.
He’d never been so grateful to see him. “Dad, I was hoping to get word to you and Mother. I’m sure you’ve heard about what happened.”
“Everyone has. That’s how I knew I’d find you here. I figure you plan to help with the search.”
“I do.” Carter tightened the cinch. “I have to.”
“Figured you might need some things, then.”
Carter nodded and took the canteen to fill at the nearby pump. “Thanks for thinking of these.”
“Partly your mother’s doing.” Dad set the bag down for a moment, then tied the bedroll onto the back of the saddle. “Didn’t figure you’d have time to get things together and we had this stuff in the wagon box.” Given the farm’s distance from town, Dad was always insistent they pack a few items for survival just in case a blizzard or other problem arose.
Carter finished filling the canteen. “Ellie’s back at the Ashburys’, but she wanted to come too. We persuaded her to stay, but you might ask Mother to check up on her.” He slipped the canteen strap around the horn of his saddle.
His father handed him a bag. “I wish I could join you, but this is a young man’s job. This food your mother packed should be enough to share.”
Carter smiled. “Leave it to her to think of such things. The men will know to take canteens, but probably forget about food.”
“They’ll be glad of her thoughtfulness. She got them to wrap up a bunch of the leftover roasted pork. She also included a bunch of other stuff.”
Carter secured the bag to his saddle. “Tell her thanks. I don’t know when we’ll be back.” He stopped directly in front of his father. He’d never been more thankful for his dad’s steady presence. “I love you, Dad.”
Dad wrapped his arms around his shoulders, giving him a tight hug.
“I love you too, Carter. Please be careful. We’ll be praying for you.”
