Country Capturing

 by Tori H. and Sara M. 

Part 1 - Andi’s Idea

 

Andrea Prescott rolled over in her bed. She didn’t want to get up. She never wanted to get up. Especially since it meant she had to chase her two year old little boy around. Andi looked beside her at the empty messed up covers. Riley had left already.

Andi groaned. Mounds of house work awaited her. Oh I guess I should get up…. At least Jared isn’t awake y- a loud wailing broke her out of her thoughts. Okay, now he is. She climbed out of bed and wrapped her housecoat around her. Andi walked to Jared’s crying form lying in the cradle. She scooped him up and cuddled him as she walked down the stairs. “Now how about some breakfast?”

Twenty minutes later Andi set a plate of eggs in front of her and plopped Jared on her lap. She scooped up some of the yellow blobs and gently handed them to Jared to put in his mouth.

Andi yawned. She glanced out the dirty windows, made a mental note to clean those today, and looked at the Sierra mountains. Just beautiful. Suddenly, Andi wanted to grab her little boy, saddle Shasta, and go for a fast, galloping ride.

Excitement rose in her chest. Jared whined for more. Andi, not paying attention, gave her son what he was reaching for. She handed him her glass cup. He giggled and threw it to the ground with a bang!

Andi flew into the air with a shout, grasping Jared as he started to scream. Her heart beat out of her chest. She took Jared to his room as she calmed herself down.

Andi set him down and gave him a kiss. He was just whimpering now but Andi didn’t dare set him down on that glass covered floor. She knew he would be stuffing his face with glass shards before she could even blink! She walked over to the kitchen and drew out a rag from the drawer. She bent down and gently whipped up the glass. Andi noticed the floors dark with dirt. She sat back on her heels and groaned. Andi knew her conscience was telling her to stay home and clean. clean. and clean.

But what fun was that? Especially with Jared. Oh I do love my little trouble maker son but, oh boy, you can't get anything done chasing him around. She decided, I'll just take Jared for a quick ride and be back in time to wash the windows and fix supper.  

Then she got an idea. It wouldn't be quick, but boy would it be fun to see her friend Rosa again! Yes! That's what she would do! Ride out to Rosa’s place so Jared could play with her two year old son, Tomas and her five month old baby boy, Miguel.

 

PART 2 - The Surprise

 

Andi threw the rag in the sink and ran to Jared’s room and quickly replaced her housecoat with a plaid shirt and split skirt. Scooped Jared up, went to the door and ran out to the barn. One of the ranch hands met her half way with a grin on his face. “Howdy, Ma’am, Goin’ for a ride?”

Andi nodded.

“Want me to saddle your horse for ya?” He questioned. 

Andi nodded again, “Thank you, Joey!”

Five minutes later Joey led a chocolate palomino out from the barn, it was Shasta. Andi shoved Jared in front of the saddle horn and swung up behind him.

She felt a thrill shoot through her spine. Andi hadn’t seen Rosa in months, and she missed her old friend dearly. As she kicked Shasta into an easy lope, she remembered all the good, and the not so good, times she had with Rosa. Like the first time they met, and when they found Andi’s brother-in-law lying in a creek, and many more adventures. Yes, Rosa was always considered one of Andi’s best friends. They had been through a lot together.

Jared sat as still and quiet as a rock. As he always did while riding. Andi looked around as they approached Rosa’s land an hour later. It looked weird. Almost empty. Andi swung off the saddle and grabbed her son. He protested. She hushed the crying baby as she tied Shasta to the hitching rail. Andi ran up the steps but stopped abruptly when she noticed the door wide open. She ignored it and tentatively stepped in.

Andi looked around and gasped.

 

PART 3 - More Surprises

 

Andi clutched her baby. She noticed gun holes in the walls. The house was completely empty. Her head told her to leave before she got into trouble, but her heart told her she had to see if Rosa was here and okay.  As usual she ignored her head and stepped further into the house.

“Hello, there.”

Andi jumped and screamed. Quickly she covered her mouth as she watched a man in the shadows move closer to her. The light from the windows quickly uncovering his looks. Andi backed closer to the wall. No. No. It can't be! No! She thought.

“Andrea Carter! What a pleasure to see you again.” He chuckled.

Andi gave him a death stare.

“Well-” He looked at Jared. “Oh, wow! A baby? Wait- Who’s the lucky man?”

She ignored his question.

His expression grew dark. “Fine, be that way. Now, I'm sure you remember me as Deputy Hugh Baker.”

Andi rolled her eyes, “Not much of a deputy.” She mumbled.

Hugh launched at her, stabbing his pistol onto her chest. “Now, listen here young lady. I am sure you and your baby want to stay alive! So if you do,” He chuckled. “Listening and respecting me would be the better option. Is that understood?”

Andi nodded. Jared whimpered. Hugh looked at the baby and then shouted, “Jed!”

Then, as if Andi couldn't get any more shocked, Jed Hatton walked through the doors.

 

 

PART 4 - The Prayer

 

Jed’s eyes lit up when he saw Andi. “Well, Howdy, Little lady!”

Andi tentatively smiled at the old outlaw. An outlaw he may be, yet he did save my life, Andi thought. She hadn't seen him since the day he shot Benita. So that she could escape. Even though Jed had murdered and hurt some people, Andi believed he had a good, loving heart deep down inside and he really didn’t want to be a bad guy. He just got caught up in the wrong crowd.

Hugh laughed, “So, I see you two have already met.” 

Andi didn’t know what to say so she said nothing. 

“Nothing now?” Hugh frowned, “Jed, have you met her before?”

Andi held her breath, would Jed tell?

Jed just shrugged his answer, it could have been a yes or no, Andi didn’t know. Andi hugged Jared, “Be still.” she whispered in his ear when he wiggled a bit.

“What are we gonna do with her? She always comes when we don’t want her.” Jed said

“Throw her with the other, what, Mexican girl and her youngn’,” Hugh said, “It's gonna have to do.”

When she heard that, Andi was ready to fight. No way was she going somewhere with Jed willingly! And not with her precious son.

“Come, I won’t hurt you,” Jed hissed in her ear when he came near.

Andi backed up not sure if she should, no could, trust him.

“Little lady,” Jed warned

“Hurry it up!” Hugh glared at them, “No time to spare, knowing how the girl’s brothers always show up.”

Andi gulped, no choice here, Andi sighed and did as Jed asked, he took her to the basement and locked the door behind her. The room was dark as Andi looked around, there was a small beam of light coming under the door crack so she could see just a bit but that was all.

She heard a muffled noise in the corner. She swirled around, she heard it again, what could it be? Rosa? Andi couldn’t help herself, she had to know if it was Rosa. She advanced closer, holding Jared tightly. She saw a slight flash of a light pink dress, Rosa! “Rosa?”

Again, the muffled sound. Andi stepped closer, even though the light was very faint she could still see Rosa lying there, tied up and with a gag in her mouth. Andi gently pulled it out and threw it aside, “Rosa? Are you okay?” she asked.

Rosa looked up surprised. “What are you doing here? And I think so,” Rosa’s voice was raspy, “please untie me.”

Andi nodded and set Jared on the cellar floor, keeping an eye on him she quickly untied Rosa’s hands and feet. She pulled her friend to stand, and Rosa dashed over to an old pile of clothes. “Rosa?” Andi was confused,

“My son!” Rosa was terrified.

“Where are they?”

“Not they. Hector has Tomas, because he took him to town, and I had Miguel, but they took Miguel and put him here.” Rosa kept digging through the mound of dirty clothes and let out a cry when she found her son, fast asleep. She picked him up and cuddled him. “Miguel, my baby.” she said repeatedly, he just stirred sleepy.

“Is he okay?” Andi asked

“Yeah,  I think so.” Rosa answered,

“Good.” Andi said, “To answer your question, I just came to visit but then this happened…” She looked away and said, “What do we do?”

As if to answer, the door burst open and shut behind whoever it was. “Hello?” Andi said, not really sure what else to say

“Hey, little lady.” Said a voice. Andi winced. she knew that voice all too well.

“What do you want, Jed?” her voice snapped at him.

“Whoa, little lady. Just delivering supper.”

“Fine, you can go now.” Andi said firmly . She didn’t want to be in the awkwardness of his presence.

“Haven't lost your spunk, have you?” Jed chuckled.

Andi glared even though Jed couldn’t see her. Andi knew deep down that she should be nice to Jed for helping her. But, he also was the one that almost had her killed shooting her in the head. So, what was the point? She sighed loudly.

“Alrighty gals, but I gotta be going now.” He gave a wave and walked out the door. The lock banged.

Rosa looked up. “Oh Andi…” her eyes were concerned, “You came at the worst time.”

Andi forced a laugh. “Yeah, I can see that.” Andi’s eyes dropped. “What happened?” Andi asked with concern.

Rosa’s eyes filled with tears. “It was horrible. Oh Andi! What are we going to do?” She flung herself into Andi’s arms as she burst into tears.

“It’s going to be okay, Rosa.” Andi hugged her friend “God will protect us. Want to pray?”

Rosa looked up. “Sure” she sniffled.

“Okay,” Andi started, “ Dear, Jesus, we know that you have the plans all worked out for us, Lord and please just help us to trust in you and put our faith into you, Lord. And please, please keep us safe and our children. Amen.”

“Amen.” Rosa echoed

 

 

PART 5 - A Tough Time

 

Andi stood, “Rosa, let’s check around and see if there is any place we can get out.”

Rosa just shook her head, “There are only some beans and maybe some apples.”

“Oh, well, we will figure something out.” Andi said, she was determined to get out of here.  Jared started to cry so Andi sat back down. She snuggled Jared until he was quiet again. “So, what really did happen?” Andi asked her friend.

Rosa looked down, “I was just washing dishes in the kitchen, when someone knocked on the door, I opened it to see them two,” she shuddered, “they asked for a drink since it’s a warm day. I was getting a glass of water for them when I was grabbed from behind and spun around. They told me they were going to keep me for ransom and kidnap my son and take him and sell him to the Chinese.”

Andi gasped. she loved Jared so much and hearing that someone wanted to take her friend’s child was devastating. How did Rosa stand hearing that?

Rosa went on, “I fought back, and they shoved me down here and locked me and Miguel in here. What are we going to do, Andi?” Rosa’s eyes were wide with fear, “I can’t let them take my baby.”

“We will try our best.” Andi finished speaking when the cellar door was flung open.

“Girl?”

Andi frowned when she heard Hugh’s voice.

“Come on, I know you are down there.” Hugh trampled down the steps and glared at them with a grim smile, “Ready to hear our plans?”

Andi didn’t answer.

Hugh’s smile vanished, “So ya two are gonna be quiet? ‘Bout time, the Mexican girl was just yipping the whole time.” Hugh’s voice got rougher, “So, we are gonna take ya kids. Come on, give them to me.” Hugh said when Andi and Rosa clung their children tighter,

“No.” Andi said firmly, there was no way she was giving up Jared!

“I didn’t ask, girl, I demanded.” Hugh took a step closer

Andi backed away, Rosa did the same.

Hugh glared at them and marched straight up to them and reached for Jared, “No!” Andi shouted and dropped herself to the ground, still holding Jared tightly. She glanced up to see Hugh step towards Rosa, her gaze flew to the door, it was open! Andi quickly thought of a plan.

Hugh swore and grabbed for Miguel. Rosa stepped aside. Hugh turned away from Andi and Jared, “Girl, give me the kid!” Hugh’s voice was hard.

Andi stood and backed to Rosa, The door. She mouthed, run. Get out. She nodded her head towards the door, hoping and praying Rosa would understand.

Rosa gave the faintest of nod, Andi slipped towards the steps while Hugh’s attention was on Rosa, Rosa yelled, and Andi dashed up the steps with Rosa right behind her.  

“Get back here!” Hugh shouted after them, but he was too late. Rosa and Andi got away, almost.

Andi thrust Jared into Rosa’s arms and slammed the door and locked it. She slumped against it, “Rosa.” was all she could say

“Well, well. What’s this?”

Andi jumped to her feet and faced Jed Hatton, I should have known he was still here! Andi was upset she forgot about him.

Jed frowned and put his ear to the cellar door. “How did you get him down there and you out?” he glanced over at them and chuckled.

Andi bit her lip, what should she say? Why was Jed so good humored about this? She had to be careful what she said because she saw Jed had a pistol. She eyed it wondering how to get it from him. Jed saw her eyeing it and placed his hand on it.

“I won’t ever hurt you or your youngn’ little lady.” he said

Rosa suddenly spoke up, “Keep me here but let Andi go, she didn’t come to get mixed up in this.”

“No, Rosa. I won’t leave you now. Never. I am staying.” Andi said and faced Jed, “I’m going to keep your word on that.” she stared at him

“Good.” he went back to the kitchen.

“Um,” Rosa said, “Now what?”

“We go to the kitchen too. I need some information.”

Andi spun and followed Jed to the kitchen, she couldn't stay by the cellar door and wait for something to happen.  

“What do you want with us?” Andi demanded as soon as she got in Rosa’s kitchen,

Jed looked surprised, “Nothing. It was the boss’s idea.”

Andi had her doubts.

 

PART 6 - Hugh Again

 

Andi frowned at Jed, “Then let us go.”

Jed didn’t answer but went and got a cup of coffee. They watched has Jed poured a cup of coffee. Andi’s mouth was watering for a nice warm drink of coffee. “Jed.” she said aloud, “You heard me. Why can’t you let us go?”

“I can’t, little lady. You know that. I’ll be in trouble.” Jed said

“Jed Hatten, no.” Andi marched back to Rosa. “Rosa, we are going right now. Come.”

Rosa, eyes hesitant, followed Andi into the living room. There was only one door to get out and it was behind Jed Hatten. He had moved and was blocking the door and standing in front of it, pistol in hand.

“I know your plans,” he said in a low whisper

“Let us go!” Andi said firmly, she marched up to Jed and said “We didn’t do anything! Maybe you and ol’ Hugh there should mind your own business for once!” She pushed past him, ignoring the pistol.

“Stop, little lady. I will shoot.”

“No, you won’t!” Rosa cried out and she ripped the pistol out of Jed’s hand and faced it towards him. “You put those hands up Mr. Hatton!” Rosa sounded very brave, but Andi could tell she was struggling to hold it up. She quickly moved to stand next to her. Andi pulled Jared into her arms as she took the pistol from Rosa’s shaking hands. Rosa scooped up Miguel and cuddled him. Andi faced Jed.

Jed’s face was a mixture of sadness and regret. “Go ahead.” Jed spoke softly.

Andi looked at Rosa, puzzled. She turned back to Jed and asked, “What do you mean?”

Jed smiled a sad smile as he looked away. “Oh little Lady. I have done some bad stuff in my day. And now I’m running from the law. I live every day in fear that I will be caught and hanged. I guess what I am tryin’ to say is…. It might be better to be shot then hanged.”

Andi let the pistol fall to her side as she processed what he had just said. “You want me to shoot you?” She was horrified.

Jed slowly nodded

“No!” Andi nearly shouted. She couldn't shoot Jed, even though he had shot her before, but he had helped her. “No,” Andi repeated, “I can’t shoot you, Jed Hatten. I’m just going to go. Rosa with me. You, Jed, can just turn yourself in!”

“Why are you calling me Jed Hatten and not just Jed? You did in the past.” Jed Hatten changed the subject fast.

“I-I didn’t know I was.” Andi stammered,

“You are.” Jed smiled a little

“Okay, Jed, how ‘bout you just turn yourself in?”

Jed glanced out the dirty windows and said, “I’ve thought about that before but….” he paused, “I just can’t bring myself to do that. Not yet.”

Andi frowned but said nothing, “Well, bye.” Andi started to head out the door carrying Jared.

Jed suddenly grabbed her arm, “You won’t get the sheriff will you?” his eyes were alarmed

Andi thought for a few minutes and said, “I am.” she held up her hand to stop Jed from talking, “I won’t tell them that you were here if you leave now. Rosa, we can keep it a secret, right?” Andi waited till Rosa nodded “Jed?”

Jed paced in the living room, “I don’t know, I supposed that will work. What about Hugh?”

“He will stay where he is till we get the sheriff.” Andi said

“Okay….” Jed drew out the word, “I’ll get going. And Andrea, thank you.” he gave a small smile and turned and he was gone.

Rosa came alongside Andi as they watched them go. Jed was gone. Andi turned to Rosa and gave her friend a hug. “Well, We’re free to go!” Rosa smiled and for the first time all day she had color in her cheeks.

All of a sudden a loud Bang! Erupted from the backyard. Andi jumped as Rosa screamed. “W-what was that?” Rosa asked, shaking.

Andi shook her head as she walked towards the door. Jared and Miguel were sleeping on the dirty couch, but Rosa scooped up both boys and plopped them on her hip. Andi peeked out the door. Hugh jumped out and said, “Miss me, pretty lady?”

Andi jumped back. How did he get out? Andi’s thoughts were swirling,

“No answer, pretty lady?” Hugh stepped closer. Andi slammed the living room door in his face as he leaned closer. She ran across the room and hid the pistol under the couch. “Rosa, Hugh is out!” she hissed in her friend’s ear.

Rosa paled, “How-” she didn’t get a chance to finish.

Hugh slammed the door open, he grinned slyly, “Well, looky here.”

“What do you want with us?” Andi demanded.

Hugh’s grin grew bigger. “You gals had a lot of guts to lock me up in there and now you’re gonna pay.” He said it with such authority it sent shivers up and done Andi’s spine.

 

 

PART 7 - What Now?

 

Andi crouched over in the corner of the kitchen, Hugh had made them march over in the corner and stay put. Andi glanced at Rosa, “Rosa,” Andi whispered softly,  “don’t say a word about the pistol. I’ll have to get it sometime and shoot Hugh. You need to grab something and get him down. Got it?” Andi hurriedly glanced at Hugh who was not paying attention to them.

“Got it.”

“Get apart!” Hugh’s voice roared as he hurried over to them,

Andi shot away from Rosa and Rosa’s eyes widened.

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be afraid. Andi reminded herself. She stood and faced Hugh. “I don’t know how many times I have to ask but, What do you want with us?”

Hugh laughed a mean laugh, “Why, I’m going to take those youngn’ and take you two to Mexico. Carter girl, you are so brown they will think you are just another girl.”

“No!” Rosa gasped, Andi knew what she was thinking, Hugh had almost taken Jared and Miguel before and now he was going to try and take them again? Andi couldn’t believe it and she knew Rosa couldn't either.

“I didn’t ask you.” Hugh glowered

Andi hunkered down clutching Jared, she had to come up with a plan. One to get away and one to get Hugh captured.

“Where is Jed?” Hugh demanded

“I don’t know. He left a bit ago.” Andi didn’t know where he was so it was the truth.

“Hmmm….” Hugh glared at Andi no doubt thinking she was lying. Andi wasn’t about to tell.

Hugh glared at Rosa, thinking she would speak up. It wasn’t happening.

“Fix me some grub.” Hugh demanded

“What?”

“I don’t know whatever is around this shack.” Andi glanced at Rosa, surely she would know.

“There are apples and beans in the cellar. I will fetch them.” Rosa slipped downstairs, no doubt glad to get away from Hugh.

Andi watched her go, She set Jared on the couch next to a fast asleep Miguel. She slid her arms around them and whispered, “I will do everything I can to protect you.”

Andi bowed her head and said a silent prayer. God, You are with us I know, I am asking you to protect us and keep us safe. Watch over our Jared and Miguel, God. Amen. Andi lifted her head to see Rosa coming through the door and carrying a bag of apples and a few cans of beans.

Andi hurried over to her and took the apples, “Rosa, can you do the beans?”

Rosa nodded once and got out a pot and started to warm the beans up,

“Hurry it up, girls, we need to get going!” Hugh demanded.

Andi looked through the drawers until she found a knife and a spoon. She cut the apple up into pieces while Rosa opened the can of beans and spilled it into the pot. They carried it over to where Hugh sat watching them. Andi slammed the plate of apples on the table in front of Hugh.

Hugh jumped up and snatched Andi’s arm. “Oh you little….” He slammed her onto the ground. Rosa let out a yell and Jared started to cry. Hugh spun around. “You!” He pointed to Rosa, “Make that boy be quiet!”

Rosa jumped and scooped up the little boys shakenly. Andi’s face was white as chalk as Hugh turned back towards her. He pulled out a pistol.

Andi’s eyes grew huge. “W-where did yo-” She started but Hugh interrupted her. “Haha!” He let out a laugh. “You think I’m stupid?”

Yes I do. Andi thought.

Hugh continued, “When the Mexican girl went down to get food and you were looking around I found your little hiding place and snatched it.”

Andi shuddered. Oh no! Why didn’t I keep it on me?

“So now…” Hugh cocked his pistol.

 

 

PART 8 - The Rescue

 

Rosa cried out, “NO! Please! Stop! Kill me first.” Her eyes were full of tears and fear but still she was brave. “Andi has no right to be killed! She wasn’t even here when you came.”

Andi’s heart broke. Right there was the deepest love and care of one of her best friends.

Hugh stood there shocked. “Well…” He looked at Andi. “No. I-I want it to be her gone first. You’re easier to handle.” He waved at Rosa. Rosa was loudly sobbing. “I am gonna count to three.” Hugh said to Andi. “And then I will shoot.”

Andi closed her eyes and prayed, God, thank you for giving me a wonderful life and for my husband and my beautiful son. And my family. And for Rosa. She heard Hugh start counting. “1….2…”

BANG!

Andi cried out. She sat there for a moment and felt no pain. She opened one eye… then another. She saw Hugh lying flat on the ground. “What?! B-but I am supposed to be dead!”

Chad stood there. “Not on my account, little sister.”

Andi jumped up and leaped into his arms. “Oh Chad! H-how did you know we were here?”

Chad let go of Andi and looked into her tear filled eyes. “It was Jed.” The look of confusion on Andi’s face told Chad to continue. “He wrote a note and stuck it on our door. As soon as Mother told me I raced out here.”

Andi smiled and cried. Oh Jed, she thought, I knew he was a true good man deep down. “We didn’t have time to get Justin.” Chad admitted. “Well we will have to tell him some other time.”

“Where is Riley?” Andi asked. At that moment Riley came slamming through the door with Mitch at his heels.

“Andi!” her husband shouted, he came running over to her, Andi smiled and yet again another pile of tears pooled down her face, “I never thought I would see you again, Andi. I was so scar-” he broke off, struggling to hold back his own tears.

Andi hugged Riley, “I am okay now. That’s what matters.” Jared crawled over to his Dad, “Dadda!” Riley lifted him up and hugged him.

Andi gave Rosa and Miguel a hug too. “Hey , everyone…” They looked at Andi. “I think we should say a prayer and thank God.”

Mitch smiled and said, “I will say it!” He began, “Dear God, thank You for protecting Andi and Rosa and their children. We know it was only You who had saved them. Thank you, God, for protecting them and being with them. Amen.”

“Amen.” everyone echoed