The Forgotten Saddlebag

by Caleigh C.
Ages 14-17

Sixteen year old Andrea Carter impatiently tugged on Shasta’s lead. “Riley!” she called, “Hurry up! This day isn’t getting any shorter!”

Riley Prescott sauntered out of the barn and squinted up at the sun. “You’re right, Andi. Let’s go.” As an afterthought he added, “Hey, don’t you need a coat or some gloves?”

Andi threw him a confused look. “It’s warm outside.”

“Once we get in the woods, it will be chillier.”

Andi shook her head. “No time.” Before Riley could protest any further, she nudged her horse into action. Shasta took off, leaving Riley behind. A floating “beat you there!” reached his ears. Grinning, he galloped towards the figure growing ever smaller.

***

A few hours later, Andi and Riley sat on the creek bank at Andi’s “special spot”. Riley glanced over at Andi. She sat, shivering, with her arms wrapped around her middle.

“You cold?” Riley smirked. “I told you to bring a coat.”

Andi cast Riley a dirty look. “N-no. I’ll be fine.” Even as she said it, she shivered again.

Riley’s smirk turned to a slight frown. “No, you’re not fine. What would your mother say if I let you catch a cold? Chad would probably fire me on the spot! Here.” He took off his own coat and wrapped it around Andi’s shoulders.

She scowled but hugged the coat tighter. “You know better. Chad wouldn’t fire you. He might give you a good tongue lashing, though.”

“Being fired; one of Chad’s tongue lashings…equally bad. Either way, I don’t intend to have either.” He grinned.

Andi returned the smile. She had enjoyed herself the past few weeks of her regular rides with Riley. “Christmas is only a few weeks away,” she remarked.

“So it is. Any thoughts on what you’re getting me?”

Andi jerked her head toward Riley, her mouth open. When she saw his teasing look, she swatted at him. In his attempt to avoid the slap, he lost his balance and started to tumble into the water. Quick as a flash, Andi grabbed his wrist and pulled him back on the bank. She giggled. “If I hadn’t been there to save you, you would have gotten more than your boot wet.”

He glanced down at his dripping shoe. “You’re probably right.” He grinned. “This reminds me of the time those Indians found us. You were so scared you fell into the water.”

Andi let out a snort. “You weren’t so brave yourself.”

Riley reached over and tugged Andi’s braid. “I was doing the best I could to protect that pretty little blue-eyed girl.”

Andi blushed. “If I remember correctly, you didn’t do a very good job of it.” She retorted. “You got us lost.” She grinned to take the sting off her words.

Riley grinned sheepishly, then stood up. “The sun is getting low. We’d better head home.” He offered Andi a hand, which she gratefully took, and pulled her to her feet. They mounted their horses and started to leave.

Suddenly, Andi pulled on her reins, bringing Shasta to a stop. “Oh! I forgot my saddlebag. You go ahead, and I’ll catch up.”

Riley nodded and kept going.

Andi turned Shasta around and headed back for the creek. She had just dismounted and was bent over to pick up the forgotten bag when she felt a cold, rough hand on her shoulder.

“It’s been awhile, Miss Andi.”

She whirled and looked up at a tall, muscular man with cruel, grayish eyes. She gasped. Toledo. “B – but you – you were in—“

“Jail.” Toledo finished for her. “I know. But fortunately for me, some folks just don’t know how to keep a close eye on their prisoners.” He let out a low rumble of a laugh. Then he turned serious. “You don’t look too happy to see me, Miss Andi.” His grip on Andi’s shoulder tightened.

She winced.

“I came back here just so I could lay sore eyes on your pretty face.” He glanced at Riley’s coat still wrapped around Andi’s shoulders. ‘I see you have a beau.”

Andi’s cheeks flushed. “He’s not my beau. And kindly stop gripping my shoulder so hard. You’re squeezing the life out of me.”

Toledo chortled. “Certainly.” He let go of her shoulder and wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Let go of me you – you animal!” Andi slapped Toledo across his cheek, already knowing it would do no good. She knew from previous experience that Toledo could seem oblivious to pain.

Toledo raised his free hand and brought across Andi’s cheek. “Simmer down, señorita, or you’ll be sorry.” As tears squeezed out of Andi’s eyes, Toledo brought his thumb up to wipe them away.

Andi slapped his hand away.

Toledo whistled. “You’re even prettier when you’re angry, Andi.”

Andi glared up at the smirking man.

“Let’s go.” Toledo glanced around. “We’ve already wasted too much time. That man of yours will start to wonder where you are. And we don’t need any –“ he paused, glancing around. “nosy boyfriends.”

He probably already is wondering where I am. Andi thought. “He’s not my boyfriend.” She said aloud. Seeing there was no chance of escape at the moment, she went over to where Shasta was and started to mount.

“No.”

Andi looked up in surprise. “I’m not going to walk.”

Toledo laughed. “Of course not. Tie the horse to that tree. You’re riding with me, chica.”

Andi’s stomach coiled in disgust. Blinking back tears that threatened to spill over, she tied Shasta to the tree, loose enough for Shasta to get out eventually. It seemed not-so-long-ago she had loved riding Sultan, Toledo’s white stallion. Now she hated the thought of it.

“Hurry up!” Toledo called.

Andi turned and walked back to her captor, and then, suddenly, sat down on the grass. Toledo folded his arms across his chest and cocked an eyebrow, looking down at her in bewilderment. “What are you doing, señorita?”

A grunt was the only thing that came from Andi’s lips. “Tsk, tsk. You’ll learn to like me, Andi. I’m pretty charming. You’ll see.” He waited for a reply, and when none came, he rolled his eyes. “Fine. Have it your way.” He bent down and picked Andi up.

Good. He’ll get no help form me. She went limp. 

Nevertheless, Toledo acted like she weighed no more than a sack of flour. Gently he sat her on Sultan. He paused for a moment, gazing at her. She looked away. He patted her knee. “It’s okay, chica.”

Andi turned and gave him a dirty look. No, it’s not. Not one bit.

Toledo swung his leg over Sultan, sitting behind Andi. Wrapping his arms around her, he grabbed the reins. A trigger was pulled in Andi’s mind and, with a snarl, she jerked her head upward, delivering a jarring hit to Toledo’s chin. She threw her elbows outward, knocking the reins out of Toledo’s hands.

A sharp jab in the back told her the young man had not appreciated the sudden rebellion. She spun around – and looked straight into the barrel of a pistol.

“Turn around, chica, and don’t try anything funny.” Toledo wasn’t smiling now.

“Toledo, you’re the nastiest, most ill-mannered man I’ve ever met. When my brothers find you, they’ll beat you up and kill you. They’ll –“

“Enough!” Toledo roared, eyes flashing. Suddenly, Andi saw the butt of the gun coming towards her head. She heard a loud crack and felt a sharp pain in her head. Then everything went black.

***

Oh my aching head. Andi slowly opened her eyes. Toledo loomed over her, his face having a semi-anxious look.

Seeing Andi awake, he smiled. “Well, hermanita, you’re finally awake. You were out for a while.”

Through gritted teeth, Andi retorted, “I’m not your little sister.”

Toledo chuckled. “You haven’t lost your spunk, I see.”

Andi tried to sit up, but her pounding head brought her back down. She looked around. She was lying on the floor of a small shack, furnished only with a small cot, a wood stove, and a barrel, as well as some sacks of what looked like flour. “Where are we?”

Toledo grinned. “Mi casa. At least for now it is.”

Andi growled. “It sure isn’t my home.”

Toledo shrugged. “It will be eventually.”

No, it won’t. She took a deep breath. “Why, might I ask you, did you kidnap me?”

“I missed you and that pretty face of yours.” He bent closer and tipped Andi’s chin back. “You’re pretty encantadora, you know.”

Andi reeled back and winced. Too much movement caused her headache to get worse. “Don’t call me charming. I’m not charming. Not to you anyways.”

Toledo frowned and stepped back, changing the subject. “How’s that nephew of yours, Levi? I’ve still got scars from that whip.”

“Good.”

Toledo rolled his eyes. “You can either be a good chica, or you can be the wildcat you are right now.”

I’ll be the wildcat.

“Go fix me some supper.” Toledo sighed. “It’ll be nice to have a woman around again.”

Is that what I am? His lady slave, to do all the cooking and cleaning? Well, he’ll be sorely disappointed. Andi crossed her arms over her chest. “No.”

Toledo’s face darkened and he stepped closer. “What?”

“No. I’m not your –“

“Listen here, girl. You’ll be whatever I want you to be. Fix the grub. Now.”

Andi scowled. Seeing she had no choice in the matter, she walked over to the stove, where she found cornmeal, flour, sugar, bacon, and coffee. She got to work.

***

As she sat the plate of bacon and cornbread in front of Toledo, he smiled. “Good girl. Pour me some whiskey.”

Andi grimaced, but looked around. “There’s none here.”

“In the barrel.” Toledo said through a mouthful of cornbread.

Andi’s face turned to a look of disgust. “Learn some manners.” She mumbled under her breath.

Toledo snickered. “I apologize, amiga.”

Andi felt her face flush. She quickly turned away and poured a small glass of the foul smelling liquor. As she sat it in front of Toledo, he frowned. “More.”

Andi shook her head. “You have no business getting drunk.”

Toledo started to get up from his chair, then sat back down. He waved her away with his hand. “Eat if you want.”

Andi shook her head.

Toledo grunted. “That stomach of yours will be growling soon, no?”           Andi didn’t reply.

Toledo got up. “Wash these dishes.” He said as he plopped his plate and glass in Andi’s arms. At her infuriated look, he chuckled. “There’s a bar of soap and a bucket out back.”

Andi turned on her heel and stomped out of the shack. There was a mall well outside, as well as the bucket and soap. She sat down on the cold, damp ground and started scrubbing furiously. How dare he put me to work like this! What does he plan to do with me?

Andi shuddered at the thoughts of what he might want with her. She had to figure it out. She sent up a quick prayer. As she walked inside, Toledo was sprawled out on the bed, with his hat over his eyes. At the sound of Andi, he lifted his hat and sat up. Taking a deep breath, Andi walked over to where Toledo sat. “Are you taking me for ransom?”

Toledo looked surprised. “Why, no,” he laughed, “you will make a good esposa.”

Andi reeled back in horror. He intended to take her as his wife! She gulped back a sob. No crying! Glaring at Toledo, she placed a hand on her hip. “Mr. McGuire, I am afraid you are mistaken. I will never be your wife. You might as well forget it.” Andi wanted to kick herself. Why had she said that? It would only make matters worse.

Instead of replying, Toledo asked, “How’s your head?”

“Fine. Didn’t you tell me not-so-long-ago you would never hurt me?”

Ignoring her question, Toledo stepped closer. “I’m going to bed. You can sleep on the floor. If you get cold,” he smirked, “just tell me to move over.”

Andi’s face flushed bright red. “Never.”

Toledo just laughed. “Listen, girl, whether you like it or not, you’re with me now, so you might as well give up the sass. I wouldn’t want to have to teach you a lesson.” His face softened and he grabbed her chin. As he started to bring it to his lips, he said quietly, “I never got to give you a proper kiss.”

Andi, too weak to fight any longer, closed her eyes and sent up a prayer while trying to back away. Dear Lord, get me out of this. You know I can’t do it alone.

“Let her go.”

Toledo’s hand dropped from Andi’s chin as he looked up.

Andi’s eyes popped open. Toledo’s normally dark-skinned face was pale. She whirled around. All three of her brothers stood in the doorway, as well as Riley.

Chad stepped forward and grabbed Toledo by the ear. “Out.” Dragging Toledo behind, Chad stalked out of the door and slammed it behind him. A long spew of curses made Andi’s face turn red. 

Turning her attention to her rescuers, she wondered aloud. “How did you –“

“Easy, little sister.” Mitch strode toward her as she swayed. He led her toward the floor.

Andi immediately snuggled up against her older brother’s chest. “I’m so glad you’re here. He – he –“ A sob broke her sentence. Burying her head in Mitch’s chest, she sobbed her heart out.

“Shhh. It’s okay, we’re here now.” Justin laid a hand on her back.

“He wanted to make me his-his wife!” Andi managed to squeak.

She felt Mitch’s grip tighten. “Well,” he said, “we spoiled his plans.”

“I’m so glad you did.”

“So am I.” Mitch rested his chin on Andi’s head.

Just then Chad barged in. His face was red and he was breathing hard. “That no-good, scoundrel of a –“

“Chad.” Justin shot Chad a warning look. At the sight of his sister, Chad’s face melted into compassion. He dropped to his knees and engulfed his little sister in a bear hug.

With tear-filled eyes, Andi looked up. Riley stood in the doorway, smiling. “How did you know I was here?” she asked softly.

“After ten minutes of riding I decided you should have caught up with me by then. So I turned around and retraced myself to the creek. When I saw Shasta tied –“

“Shasta!” Andi gasped. “Is he okay?”

Chad laughed. “Always more concerned about the horse than yourself. He’s fine. In fact, he’s outside now.”

Andi breathed a sigh of relief.

“As I was saying,” Riley continued, “once I saw Shasta, I knew something was wrong. Especially since Shasta’s rope was tied so loose he could have easily gotten away.” He paused and looked at Andi with admiration. “Then I saw the horse tracks leading away. I started to follow them but I wasn’t sure if I would need backup, so I galloped back to your house.”

“And gallop he did!” Mitch laughed. “Rode poor Dakota straight into the barn and started yelling nonsense.”

Riley grinned sheepishly.

“Once we were able to learn what happened, we took off.” Mitch continued. “We were able to track you down, between Toledo’s horse tracks and Tucker’s nose.”

“Tucker came too?” Andi questioned.

Riley nodded. “Figured he could be of assistance.”

Good old Tucker. “Where are we?”

“Outside of a small town several miles from Fresno.”

Andi let out a small whistle. “We’re an awfully long way from home.”

“We sure are, sis.” Chad ran a hand through his hair. “What happened to your head? There’s a knot the size of a camel’s hump.”

Andi grimaced, then related the story. When she was done, all three brothers’ jaws were tight – a sure sign they were furious.

“Justin?” Mitch looked questioningly at their oldest brother. “We can’t let him treat her like this and get away with it.”

“Trust me,” Chad said, looking fondly at his sister, “He didn’t get away with it. He’s unconscious and tied up with a gag in his mouth.” He frowned. “When I knocked him out, he wasn’t saying very nice things.” Chad picked Andi up and set her on the bed. “Let’s have a look at your head.”

After a minute of inspection, Chad declared, “There’s a definite lump, which is why your head hurts so much. I don’t think there’s a concussion,” he said as he rose to his feet, “but I’m no doctor. As soon as you feel up to it, we should start home.”

“Tomorrow morning?” Andi turned a hopeful face to Justin. She was too tired to make the long trip home.

Justin nodded. “It’s too late to start now. It’s about a three hour ride back home. Get some rest, and we’ll get started in the morning.”

***

“No concussion.” Doc Weaver declared. “A little rest and you’ll be better in no time.”

Andi smiled. “Thank you.”

Doc Weaver just shook his head. “You’ve gotten into more scrapes than I can count.”

Andi grinned sheepishly.

“Well, I must be going. You’re not my only patient I have, although you may be my most frequent.” Doc Weaver’s eyes twinkled as Mother escorted him out of the room.

***

As Andi sat on the porch reading a book, she became aware of footsteps stomping up the steps. She looked up. Riley and all three brothers stood in front of her.

“We have a gift for you, little sister.” Mitch said with a twinkle in his eye.

“From the way you all are looking at me, I’d say it’s a rattlesnake.” Andi leaned back in the rocking chair, eyeing the boys skeptically.

Justin laughed. “No, nothing like that.”

Riley brought his hands from behind his back. As Andi looked down at her saddlebag, she burst out laughing. Then she jumped up from her chair and rushed inside without a word, leaving everyone looking at one another in bewilderment.

She was outside again in a moment. “I’m sorry, I forgot to give this to you,” she said, thrusting Riley’s coat into his hands and retrieving her saddlebag at the same time.

Riley laughed. “I was wondering if you had decided to keep it.”

Andi blushed, then looked down at the saddlebag. “I never did pick it up. If only I could be less forgetful!”

Chad grinned. “It sure would cost you a lot less trouble!”