Saved!

 By Micaiah C. and Sara M.

Andi ran out the door with a smile on her face. It had been two months since She had been rescued from Procopio the Redhanded’s camp. It had also been two months since she and Riley had announced that they were officially courting. The downside was Cory leaving. She couldn’t shake off the feeling it was her fault. 

All these thoughts left her as she saw Riley walking toward her. She grinned as she ran toward him. She put her arms around him and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Howdy Riley.” 

“Howdy,” Riley said with a grin. “Chad gave me the day off. What do you want to do?” 

“Let’s go for a ride somewhere new,” Andi suggested. 

“Where to?” Riley asked. 

“What if-” Andi paused, “we went to Fresno and went past it?”

“We could do that,” Riley said thoughtfully. “Just riding?” 

“Yep!” Andi grinned. 

“By all means. let’s go!” Riley started for his horse while Andi ran to the barn and saddled up Shasta. 

Within minutes she came out of the barn leading her chocolate-colored palomino. “All set!” she called. 

Riley kicked Dakota into a smooth gallop as Andi followed. They headed west. 

Andi caught up to him and they rode side by side, “Where should we do?” Riley asked as they rode towards Fresno. 

“Let’s ride past Fresno as planned,” Andi waited while Riley nodded, “And we can ride southwest. That fine?” 

“Sure thing!” Riley said. 

They continued to ride. 

A few minutes later they met up with Melinda. “Howdy Melinda!” called Andi. “What brings you out here?”

“I was going to visit Mother and Ellie was coming over to discuss wedding plans.” Melinda smiled. 

“Have fun!” Andi called as they passed each other on the dry dusty road. I’m sure glad I don't have to join them! Thought Andi. Talking about wedding plans means sewing…

“Your next!” grinned Melinda. Calling behind her, “Riley, you’ll need to join us too!”

Riley blushed, “No thank you!” he called back. His face turned a deep red. 

Andi laughed as she and Riley rode away. 

“It’s a wonderful day for riding,” Andi commented.  

“It certainly is.”

“Want to race?” Andi asked with a twinkle in her eye. 

“Sure-” Riley halted. “What’s the smile for?”

“Nothing!” Andi exclaimed, “Race you to the big tree down there,” Andi pointed. “Ready, set, go!” she took off down the road, kicking Shasta into a gallop. 

“Wait for me Andi!” Riley called after her. “I wasn’t ready!” 

“You're on your own!” Andi called behind her, as she laughed.  In a few seconds, Riley caught up. They raced side by side down the dusty road. 

“I won!” Andi shouted as they raced past the tree. 

“Nope, it was a tie!” 

“Are you so sure?”

“Yep!” Riley grinned, “But I’m going to beat you this time!” he kicked Dakota into a full gallop.

“Hey! No fair!” Andi called after him.

Riley didn’t answer but rode Dakota faster. Andi caught up to them after a few minutes and they slowed down for they were coming close to town. 

Andi groaned inwardly, “Howdy Mrs Evans,” she said as the town's busybody walked up. 

“Andrea! Why on earth are you racing through town?” Mrs Evans scolded Andi. “Even being courted did not change you,” she frowned, “I wonder what marriage will do.”

“Mrs Evans-” Andi blushed a deep red.

“Hello Mrs Evans, how are you today?” Riley dismounted and interrupted Andi. She flashed a quick smile at him. 

“Why I-” Mrs Evens paused, “I am doing fine. Could be better not nearly being run over by Andrea here.”

“Glad to hear you are doing well.” Riley held Dakota's reins tightly. Andi knew he was holding back a sharp word for Mrs Evens. 

Mrs Evens nodded and hurried away. Andi grinned with relief, “Thanks, Riley!”

“Anytime,” Riley grinned at her. “Let’s go!” he swung back onto Dakota and they nudged their horses into a trot. 

***********************

Andi slowed down into a trout as they reached a large clearing, “I wonder what this is,” she said.

In front of them was a large camp. It included a large tent right in the center and at least six smaller ones surrounding it.

“Don’t know,” Riley replied. “Let’s get out of here before anyone knows we are here.” he lowered his voice.

Just as he was about to turn his horse to head back an older Mexican man burst out of the tent, “What are you doing on my property? Get out!” he snarled.

“This property belongs to the town,” Riley replied, his hands clenched.

Andi took a step back. The man was glaring right at Andi as if she was to blame for something, but what? Who is this man? Andi wondered. 

The man gasped, “It’s you!” he pointed a shaky finger at Andi. “You!” 

Suddenly Andi realized who he was, “Paco!”

Riley spun to face her, “Andi, who is he?” he demanded. 

“A man who kidnapped my mother and I a long time ago,” Andi said under her breath. Just so Riley could hear her.

Riley’s face tightened. “Andi, let’s go. Right now.” 

“I never would have thought to see you again, Mr Prescott,” a sneering voice broke into their mist. “And with a pretty lil’ lady.” A young man about Riley’s age walked out of the largest tent and pointed a pistol at them. He had a large round ugly face and a scar running down his right cheek. He wore a large gun belt and a stetson hat. He had on black trousers and a red checkered shirt that was smeared with dirt and dust.

“No. It can’t be,” Riley’s astonished voice reached Andi’s ears. 

Andi gasped, Riley knew this man? “Riley?” 

“Tom Malloy! After all these years!”

“Well isn’t it just nice and convenient for you to wander into our camp. I don’t think I want you to leave just yet,” he grinned.

“Let’s go Andi,” Riley said, turning his horse.

“Well now isn’t that nice! You’re on a first-name basis with this gorgeous young lady!” Tom smiled. “I just don’t think she suits you!”

Riley stiffened.

Andi started to turn her horse but it was too late. Tom ran over and yanked her off Shasta.

“Riley!”

Riley jumped off Dakota’s back and slapped Tom straight in the face.

Tom yelped and let go of Andi, “You're going to pay for that!" he screamed as his face turned a bright red, “You two aren't going anywhere!”

Suddenly men came out of nowhere and grabbed the two of them. They led them into the largest tent where they were tied up. 

Tom walked in, “I thought I should tell you a little about this operation since you will soon be part of it.”
            “What do you do? Rob banks?” Riley frowned.

Tom grinned, “Not quite. Stagecoaches.”

“What do you want with us?”

“We always need a good cook.”

Andi giggled, If only they knew how I cook. 

“A man to tend our horses might be nice.”

“How long do you plan to keep us?” Riley asked

“We can’t let you go now. You know too much,” Tom replied. He turned to Andi and asked, “Why are you named Andy?”

“Like I would tell you,” Andi mumbled under her breath but Tom heard her. 

He just laughed, “I like a girl who is sassy.” he left the tent after swiftly tying them up. 

“Oh Andi, I’m so sorry,” Riley hung his head. “We never should have gone for a ride.”

“Don’t be, Riley. It’s not your fault,” Andi said. All the while thinking, why is Riley blaming himself? I’m as much to blame for getting us into this mess.

A scruffy man marched in the tent a few minutes later, “Come on boy,” he said. He untied Riley’s feet and yanked him out of the tent. Andi watched them go, helpless to do anything. She just whispered a prayer. “Jesus, only You can help us out of this mess. Protect us and help us, Yeshua, thank You. So be it.”

She relaxed, for she knew no matter what, Jesus had them in His hands. 

            Riley came back in about a half hour later. He was thrown down next to Andi. “Riley, Riley? Are you alright?” 

“I am. They made me water the horses. I also got a good look at the camp.” 

“Anyway to escape?” Andi asked.

Riley shrugged, “I don’t know.”

Andi sighed, “I guess we'll-” She was cut off as Paco came in and grabbed her.

“The boss wants to see you.”

“No,” Andi exclaimed as her ropes were untied and a gun shoved into her back.

“You're coming,” he said and Paco shoved her out the tent flap and walked her into a smaller tent on the right side. 

“Howdy ma’am,” Tom tipped his hat as she entered. “The fire’s just outside. Start cooking.”

Andi frowned, “Why should I?”

Tom’s smile turned into a frown, “Because I said so. If you don't, you'll never see your young man again.” he smirked at her.
Andi gulped, “Where’s the food?” 

******************

Andi was thrown back into the tent late that night after her hands were tied once again. “Oh Andi!” Riley gasped, “Are you alright?” her face was smeared with dirt and her split skirt and plaid shirt were equally as dirty. “Tom didn’t hurt you, did he?” 

Andi shook her head, “I’m fine, just tired.”

Riley “We’ve gotta get out of here! I have a plan!”

“What is it?” Andi asked, she’d do almost anything to get out! 

Late that night Andi and Riley quietly stepped out of the tent. It was pitch black out with hardly any moon at all. Riley had sawed their ropes with a tiny pocket knife he had found in his pocket, he had forgotten he had had it. “Andi,” he whispered. “Follow me.” he led the way through the camp. He had gotten a good idea of where everything was. 

“Just where do you think you are going?” a scoffing voice reached them through the dark. 

Andi glanced at Riley, eyes wide. “Run.” he mouthed at her. 

“Not without you.” 

Riley turned to face the man who came upon them. It was none other than Tom Malloy, “Mr Prescott and Andy,” he said, “I wonder where the two of you just might be going this late,” He glared at Riley. “Get back to your tent,” he ordered. The three of them marched back Andi and Riley were in. Riley ducked in, Andi was about to follow when she was yanked back. “No Andy, think again.” he smirked, “You are coming with me.”

“Paco!” he hollered through camp, obviously not caring if he woke the others up. 

The man came stumbling from his tent, “Yes sir?”

“Tie this man up in the tent,” Tom turned back to Andi. “Come on,” he tugged her arm. 

“Andi!” Andi risked a glance back; Riley was staring after them with fear in his eyes. Andi wished she could go back with him but she didn’t have a choice. Not when Tom had a gun. 

“Where are you bringing me?” she demanded.

Tom grinned, “Wouldn’t you like to know.”

“How do you know Riley?”

“We were old pals back at one of the forts our fathers served at.”

“Pals?” Andi looked doubtful. 

“Let’s just say I didn’t like him and he didn’t like me,” Tom shoved her into one of the tents. You’ll stay here tonight.” 

Andi groaned as he tied ropes around her hands and feet, “Better get some sleep; we're moving on in the morning. Can’t very well stay around here with everyone in here o township looking for the two of you.”

Andi gasped. 

******************

The next morning Tom strutted into Andi’s tent, “Time to get moving! The days awasting!”

“I’m not going anywhere with you!” 

“Yes you are,” Tom replied. “What did you say your last name was again Andy?” He changed the subject.

“I didn’t.” 

“Well, what is it?”

“I’m not going to say.”

Tom pointed his gun at her, “You’d better.”
Andi sighed and gave in, “Carter. Andrea Carter.”

Now it was Tom’s turn to be surprised, “You mean I’ve got Justin and Chad Carter’s little sister!”

Andi nodded miserably.

“How do you know that geek?” Tom asked, referring to Riley.

“He lived on our ranch when we were little. Now he’s one of Chad’s best foramen. We’re also courting.”

Tom grinned, “That happens to be very convenient!” He grabbed one of her arms.

“What are you doing?” Andi asked, alarmed, she tried to yank her arm away but Tom was too strong. 

“Nothing,”

“Andi!” Riley burst into the tent. Tom dropped Andi’s arm as Riley shoved him aside. Tom only stayed on the ground as Riley had his gun and it was pointed right at him. 

“Don’t shoot,” Tom’s voice shook. 

“Stay there and I won’t,” Riley said, he turned to Andi, “Are you alright?” he asked.

“I am,” Andi said, grateful. 

“Let’s go,” Riley said. 

“You're not going to get away!” Tom screamed, “I have men everywhere!”

“So do I.”

Justin, Chad, Mitch and the sheriff walked in at that moment. 

“Justin!” Andi leaped into his arms.

“What! How!” Tom sputtered.

“Only by the grace of God. Someone you never cared much for as I remember.”

Tom put his hands up in surrender, “You win.”

Riley grinned and lowered his gun. He put his arm around Andi after she stepped out of Justin's grasp, “Are you okay Andi?” he asked.

She nodded, “Are you?”

He smiled, “Of course, my princess.”

************

“You can open your eyes now!” Riley exclaimed a week later.

Andi gasped, “It’s beautiful Riley!”

They stood in front of a large, bubbling stream.

“It’s the one I brought you to when we were little and we stayed the night with the Indians.”

“I remember!”

Riley took his saddlebags of Dakota and spread a small picnic blanket on the ground next to a large tree. Andi set their picnic basket by it. 

A little later as they sat on the creek bank and dipped their feet in the water, Riley put his arm around Andi’s shoulders, “Andi,” he started, “I’ve been thinking, and would you be opposed to setting a date for the wedding?” he asked softly.

Andi grinned, “That would be perfect!”