AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Miss Blackburn, good evening,” Fred Blake, the clerk, said.
“I’m so glad you’re here. I need some help. Fire is headed toward the Mackenzie farm. Garth is out there alone. Is there anyone available to go help him?”
“I’m afraid I can’t leave the hotel, ma’am. But I think Manny’s over at the store. I’m not sure anyone else is around. The men don’t usually play checkers on Sundays. And Doc Potter’s gone.”
“He’s at the Hobbs place. Louise is having the baby. Where is everyone?”
“This is the dinner hour, ma’am.”
“For heaven’s sake, Mr. Mackenzie needs help! Where are all the men in this town? Can’t you sound an alarm or something?”
“You know we don’t have any such thing.”
“Well, we will by the next town meeting, if I have anything to say about it. I suppose I will go pounding on doors tonight. I need a room for the night, for the child and me. Supper, too.” She turned to Mary Alice. “You take the key Mr. Blake gives you and go up to the room. I’m going to try to find some men to help your pa.”
Mary Alice’s face whitened even further. Moisture pooled in her pretty eyes. “Ma’am?”
“Sweetheart, I have to find some people to help your pa. You’ll be fine. I promise. Can you be brave for me? I know what a brave girl you are. You’ve been through so much. I need you to find your courage right now, Mary Alice. I will be back for you soon. I promise you that.” She hugged the girl to her breast.
Mary Alice nodded. “Yes. I will be brave.”
Ruth kissed the top of her blond head. “I know you will. As soon as I know your pa has the help he needs, I’ll be back.”
She hurried out the hotel and over to the mercantile to rouse Manny Stiles. Then she’d head to Hattie’s and interrupt those having Sunday supper in town. After that, she’d knock on private doors. Sunday supper be damned.
Garth Mackenzie, I swear to you. You are not in this alone.
Chapter Seven
Garth’s eyes stung from the smoke. Rivers of sweat trickled over his face and neck. He lowered another armful of burlap sacks into the little creek, saturated them, and headed back toward the fire ring he was building. With a lot of luck, the fire ring would chase the fire toward the creek. Hell, he needed more than luck. He needed a goddamned miracle.
“Mackenzie!”
Garth turned. A man ran toward him. Manny Stiles, the storekeeper. Hooves thundered in the background. More were coming.
“You headin’ it off?” Manny said.
“Tryin’”
“I brought sacks,” Manny said. “Bill Rossi’s right behind me. The Dooley brothers too. Miss Blackburn ousted them right out of Hattie’s Restaurant. Last I saw, she was runnin’ around town like a madwoman knockin’ on doors. You’ll have all the help you need to stop that durned fire.”
Ruth. She’d said she’d send help. Bless her sweet selfless heart.
“By the time I rode outta town, I could smell the smoke, just faintly. It’s gettin’ closer.”
“Closer all the time,” Garth said. “We need to stop talkin’ now.”
Manny nodded. “Here comes Bill now.”
Garth, Manny, Bill, and half a dozen others worked for the next hour, soaking sacks and adding to the fire ring. The flames blazed closer, the smoke made their eyes water, but still they worked. As the evening air turned slightly cooler, the fire died down, but only slightly.
“Good Lord,” Garth said under his breath as he humped back and forth to the creek for water and sacks. “Please. Something’s gotta give. I can’t lose this farm. Please.”
* * *
Ruth lay awake. Beside her in the large hotel bed, Mary Alice slept soundly. The child had eaten dinner, though Ruth had forced her. But at least she’d eaten, and for that Ruth was grateful. She’d taken a long bath and then fallen asleep in tears, worried for her father.
At least she slept. She needed it, and her soft snores were a comfort to Ruth.
