Betrayed in the Night

 By Sophie T., age 14

#6 A Night in the Hills

     Clip! Clop! Clip! Clop! The sound of hooves echoed off the boulders, and cliffs of the moonlit canyon, as a shadow passed over the rocks. It hurried through rocky tunnels where the moonlight could no longer be seen. Then the shadow appeared in the open again where a sparkling sky hung. Rocks crumbled under them and tumbled down, down into the darkness below.

     The rider glanced at the full moon and changed directions, trying to keep on the right track. A howl shook the cold night air, causing shivers up and down his spine. His hands shook holding the reins. It seemed as if an invisible force was pushing him forward, as the rider looked back over his shoulder a few times. The force was guilt. Every now and then the horse slowed under the weight of the bulging saddlebags she lugged. The rider leaned forward, urging the poor creature on. They trotted on into the night. Every few minutes the rider would dig his heels into the horse’s sides, and the horse would pick up her pace again. Hurry! Hurry! Giving one last glance behind him, the rider slapped the horse’s rear end, and they took off toward the hills.

     The sky was getting lighter as they slowed to a stop in front of a shanty. His eyes narrowed at the sight. The roof sagged with proof of weather, and the rotten boards that had once been called a porch lay scattered everywhere. A few skinny chickens pecked at the dirt. “What happens when you leave an old woman and kid to a nice house.” he growled under his breath as he dismounted and started undoing the saddlebags. A faded dollar sign was visible on the bags in the faint light of dawn. The horse nearly collapsed with relief when the bags were lifted off and slung over the man’s shoulder. The man groaned under the weight, and staggered to the door.

     Slowly creaking it open, he peered into the darkness, and called softly “Ma?” no answer. But a single candle was lit on the table. He grunted, and groaned as he managed to slide the bags across the floor in the darkness toward the fireplace. The man reached over, and fingered the coals. Stone cold. He shook his head, muttering something about “irresponsible boy.” The burlap bags made a dry scraping sound as they were slid into the back of the fireplace out of sight. His hands shook, as they quickly covered them with ash. His heart thudded in his chest. He threw a look at the door, expecting someone to burst through at any moment.

     “What are you doing?” accused a quavering voice behind.  He whirled around, but relaxed when he saw it was only his younger brother. The thirteen-year-old’s scared face glowed orange from the candle light. Dark hair fell over the boy’s left eye.

     “Aren’t you s’posed to be in bed?” He snapped when his pulse returned to normal.

     “Troy, what are you doing?” The boy repeated in a “get on with it” tone. “This is the first time you haven’t come home drunk in a month”

     “Well that’s my business boy! A man’s got a right to be in his own house. Now you just shut your trap, and get on to bed.” The boy just stood there with a confident air. Troy lunged at his brother, grabbing his arm, ready to pulverize.   

     “Troy, leave him alone!” came a parched whisper in the darkness, causing him to loosen his grip on the thin arm, and turned to see his mother approach them. “Please” she added, earnestly searching his face. A good three feet taller, Troy stared down at his frail mother, eyebrows raised.

     “I thought you were sick”

     “Your younger brother’s quick thinking and hard-earned money got me a doctor.”

     Troy snorted. “The last thing I want to hear is a compliment to that disobedient runt.” Tears welled in his mother’s eyes, her lips trembled.

     “Disobedient!” she exclaimed. “Disobedient! That child is my only hope now that your pa’s dead and you’re up to thieving, gambling, and drinking! I don’t remember the last time I even had a square meal. The least you could do is go, and leave us in peace!” Tears were streaming down her red cheeks now, she bent her head with shame, now regretting her outburst. “You may go to bed Avery.” She whispered. Avery glanced at his mother, before hurrying upstairs.

     In the loft the straw crunched under his sheet as he laid back, staring up at the cobwebs. He strained his ears to listen to the conversation below. Finally Troy spoke.

     “Well ma, I was just going to tell you that I was, before you started blubbering.” Avery’s heart leaped with joy. “Found me a pretty rich girl in the hills near Fresno.”

     “So you’ve weaseled your filthy soul into another innocent girl’s affections eh?” Ma sighed. “I do feel sorry for her.” Silence. Avery could only imagine what this was doing to ma. He squeezed his eyes shut, and shook his head. Avery creeped his hand under the mattress to wrap his fingers around cold metal. The derringer. His most prized possession. His, now that Pa was dead. He would protect Ma with it even if Troy was his brother. Avery shook his head again. No, Troy was no brother of his, but maybe to the devil. Troy cleared his throat.

     “So there, I’m going.” Avery held his breath as he listened to Troy’s heavy footfalls. The door slammed shaking the house.

     A wild plan flashed through Avery’s mind as he thought of that girl who was waiting for a nice young man to marry her tonight, but getting Troy instead. No! It’s impossible! I won’t do it! He scolded himself before drifting off.

 

* * *

     Avery woke with a jump, heart thudding against his ribs. He sat up in his straw tick. Bam! Bam! It sounded like someone was trying to rip the door off its hinges. Troy. Just the thought of his brother coming back made Avery’s stomach churn. He peered over the edge of the loft to see Ma with her ear pressed to the door, a frying pan in hand.

     “Who is it?!?!” She croaked. “If you’ve come back I’ll knock you clear to San Fransisco!”

     “Ahem! It’s the law.” Ma saw Avery, and raised her eyebrows.

     “Ma, a frying pan? Really?” Avery pulled out the derringer, and shoved it in his pants. He jumped down the ladder just as a heavyset sheriff strolled in, followed by a handsome young deputy. The sheriff looked at Avery, then ma. They were eye level. The deputy pulled out a comb, and smoothed his already perfect hair.

     “Can I help you?” Ma asked.

     “Yes,” the deputy spoke up. “Does anyone have a mirror around here?” The sheriff lightly slapped his arm.

     “Hush up Oliver, that’s not why we’ve come. I’ll put it this way ma’am, there’s been a bank robbery, and you’re suspect A.” Ma scowled, and shook her head.

     “I don’t understand.”

     “Oliver, show us the evidence, and put that stupid comb away.” Oliver patted around in his pockets, and finally pulled out a pad.

     “Fresh hoof prints leading to here.” Oliver read off the list. “Spilled coins, and dollar bills on the way. Witness spotted your horse galloping down Main Street around one-o’clock. And the last piece of evidence will lie here.”

     Avery’s hands suddenly broke out in a cold sweat. His heart pounded faster, as he remembered what his wicked brother had been doing last night. He stole a glance at the fireplace, and then at Ma. She scowled in confusion, not fear. Oliver looked from Avery to Ma.

     “Uncle Melvin, these two just don’t seem to be the type for bank robin’. And wouldn’t the thief take the loot somewhere other than his own house?” 

     “Hush up Oliver, and get your mind on business. Now we have to search the premises.” The Sheriff hiked up his pants, and looked around.

     Avery backed up against the wall, heart racing as he watched the two men throw clothes out of trunks, and root through cabinets. His hands started shaking when Oliver walked near the fireplace. “Ma-” Avery started to whisper, but caught Oliver’s eye.

     “It’s alright honey, we didn’t do nothing.” Ma squeezed Avery’s shoulder. Oliver bent down, and peered into the fireplace. He kicked the mounds of ashes, till burlap could be seen, and then a dollar sign. A smile spread across his face.

     “Over here Uncle! Take a look.” The Sheriff ran over.

     “Well that was the easiest bank robbery I ever did see! Why you two ever attempted this I’ll never know.” He eyed Avery. Ma’s hand flew to her mouth as Oliver held up one of the bags to examine. Avery could see a tear trickle down her cheek.

     “Heavier than I thought it would be.” Oliver remarked. Avery’s fists clenched and unclenched, as he imagined what Troy was doing right now while they took his blame. Probably riding to his honeymoon with this girl he was going to marry. Probably kissing her with his foul lips, and holding her innocent hand in his dirty rotten one.

     He’s gone far enough. This is the last straw! Avery seethed. The crazy idea that he thought of last night came back to him, and he knew what he needed to do. Defiantly pushing his hair out of his face, he felt in his pants for the derringer to make sure it was still there, and stormed out the door.

     “Avery!” his mother called. “Avery Swanson where are you going?!?”

     “I’m going to kill him!” Avery yelled before slamming the door. Avery was so mad he could hardly see, as he fumbled untying the worn-down nag they called a horse. Troy had taken the mare. The next few moments were a blur, as he ran with the nag, and hopped on its back. He heard the door creak open and Ma call.

     “Avery! You need to come back!”

     “Don’t worry!” he heard himself say, and kept galloping. Troy was going to stop bothering them and making trouble in town. I’ll make him pay! A lump swelled up in his throat. For everything! Memories flashed in his mind to when he was a little kid, when pa wasn’t dead, when Troy didn’t listen to anybody even then.

     “. . . Troy what are you doing with that cigar? Pa told us to get the chores done.”

     “What does it look like? I’ll do what I want . . .”

     “. . . Gambling? You know Pa doesn’t allow that.”

     “Who cares? Now you better skedaddle, and keep your trap shut, or I’ll kill your dog.”

     “Noooooo!!! . . .”

     Avery squeezed his eyes shut, trying to make the memories go away. Still they haunted him as he rode on and on. He didn’t know where he was going, or where he was, just that he had to find Troy. Not wanting to really kill him, but somehow make him pay for the damage he caused.

     The air was thick, and heavy with fog. Just how Avery’s mind felt, foggy. He fingered the derringer, and replayed the night before, trying to remember where Troy said he was going. Frinso? Fresno? Oh, Fresno!  

* * *

 

     Crickets chirped. The trees rustled softly in the wind. Night had fallen on the road. All Avery could think about was Troy. The old nag staggered on, till she grew so tired Avery had to step down and walk her. They had passed the sleeping town of Fresno hours ago with no one in sight. But Avery had the feeling that Troy went still farther.

     “Oh you didn’t! How many universities have you been to?” The sudden voice that came out of nowhere made Avery’s heart jump to his throat. Fear took his breath away. His arms squeezed the horse’s neck, as his eyes searched the darkness. All was still. He opened his mouth to say “Who goes there?” but nothing came out.

     “Never mind that, I don’t want to sound arrogant. Here, let me light a match so I can see your pretty face.” Avery could now see a few sparks flickering behind a bush, and two figures hunched over it. They were smiling at each other. It was Troy, and his bride. Avery sighed, and grinned.

     Mission practically accomplished! He took a deep breath and lowered his voice. “Troy!” He bellowed, and reached in his pants for the derringer. Troy frowned, and looked up. His jaw dropped. The girl screamed, and grabbed Troy’s arm, causing him to drop the match. It snuffed out before Troy could recognize him. Avery scowled, feeling along the waistline of his pants. The derringer was gone! Nooo!! It must have slipped down his pants while he was riding. His heart raced. Oh shoot! Shoot! Now what?!? All his plans seemed to sink down a hole now that the derringer was lost.

     Troy stood to his feet. The petrified girl with him. “Gimme another match Kate,” he ordered. Avery gripped the horse’s mane in his sweaty hands, breathing hard, as Troy stepped for a closer look with a new match. “Who are you?” Troy demanded. Avery chewed so hard on his lip, he tasted blood. What would Troy do if he knew who he was? Troy was not two feet away when he smiled. “You!” he rasped. “Stay back Katie, let me handle this snooper.” Kate ignored him, and walked over.

     “Why it’s a little boy!” Avery relaxed when he saw Kate. Surely Troy wouldn’t do anything to him in front of her, would he? Suddenly Troy heaved him off of the horse. The next thing Avery knew he was on the ground gasping, with his stomach aching like crazy. “Troy!” The girl shrieked. “Don’t hurt the little boy!”

     “Yeah,” Avery grunted, “Don’t hurt the little boy.” Troy grabbed him by the collar, and started punching him in the jaw over, and over. Suddenly, it stopped. Avery cracked open his eyes, in time to see Kate tackle Troy, and they rolled in a heap of petticoats. “I’m thirteen, thank you very much, and this man is about to ruin your life.” Avery called from where he lay, aching.

     “And I’m about to save it!” Oliver called galloping up. “Your ma told me everything, you don’t need to worry about it anymore. We’ll arrest him. By the way there was nothing in that money bag but horseshoes, look” he pointed to a pile of bags behind the bush. “He brought the real stuff with him.” Avery grinned, and watched as Oliver leaped off his horse, and punched Troy.

     Sheriff came up, and handcuffed Troy. Oliver, and Kate lied on the ground, panting. Oliver stuck out his hand and grinned shyly. “I’m Oliver.” Kate took it.

     “Kate.”