Trouble with Treasure - Cory's POV (ages 13-17)

 By Ava K.

Word Prompt 11- Cory’s POV when he heads down the mountain to get help and gets grabbed by Hugh

Cory sighed, “I reckon I’ll be on my way. I should arrive in Fresno Flats this evening. First thing tomorrow morning, I’ll head back with help tomorrow evening - or the next morning at the very latest.”

Andi dropped her head, but not before Cory saw a mixture of fear, loneliness, and longing etch its way across her face. She said softly, “I reckon.” 

What can I do now? I’m supposed to be taking care of them, and all I’m doing is makin’ Andi more sad by leavin’! 

On impulse, Cory reached out and gave Andi’s braid a teasing yank. “Hey, don’t worry,” he said. “It’s not like you’re all alone. Jenny’s here. You two will be so busy tending Mitch and fishing and panning for gold that the time will fly. Nobody’s likely to come calling. Even if they do, you’ve got the rifle and Mitch’s pistol.”

Andi finally looked up. “Take Mitch’s gun along,” she said.

Cory tilted his head, confused, “What for? I don’t intend to stop riding ‘til I reach town. It’s not likely I’ll need to shoot something on the trail.”

“Cory, I’m scared,” Andi whispered, her troubled blue eyes meeting his. “What if something happens to you? Then what?”

Cory’s heart thumped. She’s worried about me! Tugging on her braid once more, he scooped the pistol and headed out the door, Andi following. Cory swung himself onto Flash and gave her a cheerful grin and wave. Then, he started down the trail and away from the shack, Mitch, Jenny, and Andi. 

        Eight hours later, Cory’s resolve was beginning to waver. You had to. He told himself. Mitch needs help and the girls will be fine by themselves. Andi’s capable enough, and Jenny should be able to help her out. And I should be almost to town now. We might even be able to leave tonight!  

Suddenly, he rounded a corner and almost ran smack-dab into someone. Cory jerked up the pistol in surprise before recognizing who it was. “Deputy Baker! Boy am I glad to see you! Do you know anyone who can help me? Actually, can you come into town with me to fetch someone directly?”

“Hold on a minute,” Hugh said. “What happened? Who needs help?”

Cory stumbled over his words, he was so eager to tell him. “Mitch got shot and he’s unconscious and he’s still bleeding and Andi and Jenny need help and they’re up in a shack in the woods and--”

Cory’s words were cut off as Hugh jumped off of his horse and threw Cory off of Flash. Hugh snatched the gun Cory still clutched in his hands. “I’m goin’ up the mountain young man, and you’re coming with me,” Hugh chuckled menacingly.

“What?!” Cory scrambled to his feet and started for Flash. I’ve got to get help! If he gets up there, I don’t think he’ll help the girls. But before he could mount, he was catapulted backwards by a blow to his face.

With a yell, Cory clutched at his eye. He tried to get up again, but Hugh pushed him back down, grabbed his hands and started tying them together. Cory fought back, but the next thing he knew he was tied, gagged, and secured to Flash’s saddle so he wouldn’t fall off.

Wordlessly, Hugh took hold of Flash’s reins, mounted his big black gelding, and started uphill.

  The next afternoon, Hugh and Cory reached the shack. The deputy hopped off and tied his horse to a nearby tree. He did the same to Flash and then pulled Cory to the ground. Looping a rope around the young man’s bound hands, Hugh started for the small dwelling.

Cheerful girlish voices bounced around the clearing and Cory’s heart stopped. What will he do to them? I can’t help them at all like this. Oh, how can I stop him? 

Hugh stepped up to the door.

“Deputy Baker!” Cory heard Andi cry happily. No, God, no. “I’m mighty glad to see you!” she continued.

Hugh pulled his pistol out of his holster and grunted, “I reckon your joy at seeing me won’t last long.”

Again, Andi’s voice floated out of the shack. “I…I don’t understand. Where’s Cory? Where are Mrs. Simmons and the other men to help my brother? He’s been shot.”

Cory saw Hugh grin, “I know. I met a young fella on the trail. He told me all about it.” He stepped aside and yanked on Cory’s rope.

Cory stumbled into the doorway. Hugh shoved him and Cory fell to the ground with a loud grunt. Both girls shrieked, “Cory!”

Cory crumpled on the floor. He saw Andi drop to her knees next to him and try to untie his bindings. Hugh pushed Andi away. He growled, “Leave him alone. I’ll untie him when he’s learned some manners.”

Cory watched from the ground as Andi scrambled to her feet and stood helplessly next to Jenny. Hugh grabbed the rifle from the corner, unloaded it and threw it at Andi’s feet. He did the same with the pistol Cory had carried and then ordered her to get rid of them.

While she was gone, Hugh ordered everyone not to move, or he’d shoot Mitch. Andi returned, stepping carefully around the deputy in the doorway. “I did what you told me,” she said.

Cory could tell that every fiber of her was aching to retaliate.

“Good for you,” Hugh grunted as he holstered his gun. “I don’t want to spend the rest of the day with a gun in my hand. If you three behave yourselves, I’ll let the boy loose.” He turned toward Mitch, who was still in bed, sitting motionless. “I know you won’t be any trouble, Carter. According to the boy, you about bled to death the other day. I reckon you’re pretty much confined to bed.” Bending over Cory, the man cut the ropes holding him and ripped out the gag.

Cory sucked in a long, shuddering breath. Ahh, fresh air. Looking at Andi, Cory said, “I’m sorry. I was nearly to town when I met the deputy hurrying up the trail. I was so glad to see him that I told him everything that had happened-”

He was cut off by Hugh saying, “He sure did. And I appreciated it. Keep talking boy,” he chuckled. “It makes for a good story.”

“I asked him to go with me into town and find help,” Cory continued, seething over the interruption, and getting up. “But he laughed and yanked me off my horse. He snatched the gun away and told me we were going back up the mountain. I tried to get away, but he did this,” he motioned to his bruised face. “And he tied me up. I don’t know what’s goin’ on, but he’s no deputy.” He glared at Hugh with as much strength as he could muster. “He’s a weasel, and a disgrace to the badge he used to wear.”

Hugh smiled slyly at Cory’s speech. “The boy’s right,” he said. “I’m not a deputy, and those six long, miserable weeks back in Fresno convinced me that I never want to be. But I drew the short straw, so I got the job. It worked out just like we planned,” he gloated. Cory watched as Mitch propped himself up and fixed Hugh with a cold, blue stare.

“What worked out?”

The ‘deputy’ ambled across the room and stood next to Mitch. “The bank job. I’ve come for the money. Where is it?”

Cory’s mouth dropped open as he connected the dots.

Andi burst out, “You led the posse the wrong way on purpose.”

Hugh winked at her,” That’s right, girl. Soon as Sheriff Tate left town, I knew the time had come. I let Rob and Ike know, and they got clean away - like we figured. I’m sorry they’re dead, but there’s no use mourning over what can’t be changed. All that gold will give me comfort in my time of sorrow.” He shifted his gaze back to Mitch and jammed his gun into the younger man’s uninjured leg. “Where’s the gold?”

------------

The fire was burning low. Cory lay, tied, in front of the fireplace. His head swirled with the events of the afternoon and evening. The girls finding, hiding, and eventually revealing the bags of money. Hugh ordering them to make dinner. The youth eating a meager dinner of their own. Being trussed up like calves again for the night. 

Everything has moved so fast! But now, we really need to find a way to get rid of Hugh. He really can’t be trusted. He might even hurt the girls! Maybe they have some ideas. Cory cautiously whispered, “Andi. Jenny. Are you awake?”

A beat later Andi replied, “Of  course I’m awake. How can anyone sleep tied up like this?”

“I’m awake, too,” Jenny chimed in. “What are we gonna do?”

Cory hissed, “We can’t let that snake run off with our town’s gold. We gotta do something.” His words were met with silence. “Andi,” he tried again. “I know Mitch thinks we should let Hugh take the money and leave, but hang it all! Some of it belongs to my folks. Maybe your family can afford to let bank robbers run off with your money, but my pa can’t. It’ll ruin him.”

“I’m with Cory,” Jenny put in quietly. Cory gave her a grateful glance. “How do we know that skunk is telling the truth about leaving us here? What’s to stop him from taking one of us with him, or worse - shooting us? Mitch can’t do a thing about it, laid up like he is. But we can.”

“Hugh’s got a gun,” Andi reminded them.

“There’s three of us,” Cory fired back. “Who’s volunteering to draw Hugh’s fire,” Andi returned. Silence. But what can we do? 

Suddenly, “You’re right, Cory. So is Jenny.” Cory’s heart lifted. Andi continued, “We need to be ready. And I’ve got an idea.”

A sharp jab woke Cory after a long, long night. “Get up, boy. Light a fire. I’m hungry,” Hugh barked. The bank robber untied his hands and feet. Kneeling at the fireplace, Cory coaxed the tiny flame he lit into life.

The door banged and Andi entered saying, “What about Mitch? You need to let him go.”

“He’s no use to me this morning. I’ll just have to tie him up again when I leave,” Hugh answered.

Cory’s heart stopped. Andi voiced the question he was thinking: “What do you mean?”

“You kids will feed me and help me pack up. I’m leaving like I promised but,” he paused, “I’ve decided not to take any chances. I’m tying you all up.”

Jenny moaned. Cory was so shocked, he dropped the piece of wood he was trying to light. He spun around. “We’ll die,” Cory shouted at him. “Haven’t you done enough?” Rage flooded through his veins.

Hugh laughed. “Take it easy, boy. I won’t tie you so tight you can’t eventually get loose. It’ll only slow you down some. Now get the fire goin’ so I can eat and be on my way.”

All Cory’s energy drained, his shoulders sagged, and he turned back to the fire. Soon. He heard Hugh grab Andi’s arm. “I told you to rustle me up some grub, girl,” Hugh ordered harshly. “He can tend the fire without your help. You and you - ” he pointed at Jenny “ - get me something to eat.”

A pause.

“What’s the matter with you this morning? You’re as jumpy as water on a hot skillet. Something on your mind?” the robber asked suspiciously.

Cory took his breath sharply. Please, God, don’t let her break under the pressure! 

“I don’t like being tricked,” Andi said defiantly. “You said you’d leave. You never mentioned anything about tying us up.”

“I reckon I left out a detail or two. I apologize. Now fix my breakfast,” Hugh grunted.

Cory’s beating heart started picking up the pace. Almost there! You can do this, Andi! 

Hugh called to Andi, “You got any trout left from yesterday? That was the best trout I ever tasted.” He paused and Cory knew and was shaking her head. “No steak?” the robber continued, “No eggs? You got anything in those supplies to fill a hungry man’s belly?” 

Perfect! Cory thought in delight. When Andi replied, Cory could barely detect the strain and revulsion in her voice. “Actually, we do.”

Cory turned, watching her carry the bag that held the dead rattlesnake over to the table. “We were saving this as a special treat for our supper the last night of the trail,” she said. 

My turn. “No!” Cory cried, trying to make his voice sound as sad as possible as he rose and joined Andi at the table. “He’s already eaten our trout. You can’t let him have this, too. I’ve been looking forward to it all week long!”

“Shut up, boy,” Hugh growled, glaring at Andi. “Cook it up quick. My belly’s screaming for breakfast.” Andi asked innocently, “Don’t you want to see what it is first? Maybe you won’t want it.”

Cory laughed, “He won’t. Then we can have it all!” He smacked his lips. Don’t over do it, Cory Blake. He warned himself.

Hugh slammed his fist down on the table. “Enough jabbering. Show me my breakfast then get to it!”

“Yes sir,” Andi gulped. She reached into the back and then shrieked. “It’s a rattler! Watch out!” Then, she flung it directly at Hugh.

Cory watched in delight as the snake hit its target head on.

Everything happened so fast after that. Hugh fell, groping for his pistol that was on the table. Realizing that it was gone, he grabbed Andi and locked his arm around her neck. Cory grabbed the gun as Hugh rose to his feet, still choking Andi. Steadily, Cory raised the gun level with the robber. “The gun,” Hugh calmly told Cory. “Give it to me and I’ll let her go.”

Steeling his nerves, Cory shook his head. “No. You let Andi go, get on your horse, and clear out of here. The money stays with us.”

Hugh chuckled, low and menacing. 

Give me strength, God! 

“You’re a kid. You won’t shoot, not when I have your friend right where I want her,” the man said triumphantly. “Put the gun on the table and step away.”

Cory hesitated and Hugh barked “Now!”

“Do it, Cory,” Mitch ordered.

Lowering the gun, Cory thought he heard just a touch of panic in his voice. He laid the pistol on the table and said, “I’m sorry, Andi. I reckon I should have yanked you out of his way before going for the gun.” His stomach dropped to his toes. I failed. I failed to keep the girls safe. I failed.

 Cory watched as Hugh released Andi and shoved her away. As Hugh reached for his gun a loud bang-crash-thud noise echoed in the cabin. Cory stared at Jenny, armed with a cast-iron frying pan, standing over the groaning man who had slumped to the floor. The pistol spun slowly on the floor a few feet away. Cory quickly grabbed it.

“Should I whack him again?” Jenny asked cheerfully of Mitch. “I was sort of hoping to knock him out so he wouldn’t be any more trouble.”

Mitch sat up, rubbing his newly unbound wrists, thanks to Andi. Cory immediately handed him the gun, grateful to be rid of the weapon. “That won’t be necessary, Jenny,” he answered. Slowly and deliberately, Mitch pulled back the hammer until it clicked. Hugh froze from still writhing on the floor. “I think Hugh knows I mean business when I say he’d better not so much as twitch while Cory ties him up.”

Happily, Cory scrambled to do Mitch’s bidding. In a few minutes Hugh was tied securely and attached to the foot of the bunk bed. The robber hollered and cursed so loudly, Cory finally had enough of it. He found a handkerchief and gagged him. Standing back to admire his handiwork, Cory said, “When you can talk politely in the company of ladies, we’ll take it off.” He grinned at Andi. 

A few minutes later, Mitch told Cory to go back into town for help. They still needed Mrs. Simmons and men to carry Mitch down, and now they needed an escort for Hugh, too. Cory hurried outside and saddled Flash. Andi wandered out after him.

As he swung up, Cory said, “This time I’ll come back with the help I promised.” Even to him, his ‘cheerful’ voice sounded flat. Cory gathered up Flash’s reins and waved at Andi. He glanced back before rounding the bend and saw Andi, waving limply. 

I pray this is the last time I leave Andi in the middle of nowhere. And boy, I hope I don’t run into any robbers this time. God got us through this situation, though, and I reckon He’ll get us through anything else they throw at us. 

Thus reassured, Cory grinned, for real this time, and settled into his saddle for the long ride to town.