AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She shook her head. Still, no words would come.
“You’ll see in Litchfield, Aida. You’ll see everything.”
“He’s dead,” she whispered. “He’s dead.”
“They all are,” he whispered back. “But you’re safe.” He pulled her head to his mouth fiercely, kissing her so that his whiskers brushed her forehead. “Put your head on Daddy, darlin’,” he said. “No one’s gonna hurt you now. You’re mine, little one. I came for you and I made you obey me, but I knew you were mine.”
“Daddy,” she whispered, closing her eyes.
***
Later, she remembered the hooded cloak he put about her as they moved in the stillness to retrieve their horses, and how his own bandanna and hat cast him into shadow. She remembered how he gave her commands, to keep her head down, to follow him, to talk to no one, and how easy it was to do what he said for she had only one instruction: obey. Preach and Doc followed behind, as Junior had gone on ahead.
They galloped in the early morning light, dust rising in billows from beneath the pounding hooves of his horse. He held her close, his body pushed up against her. His flank was to her back, his arms around her, holding her as if he never wanted to let her go.
Chapter Nineteen
I will love you through the darkness. ? Christopher Poindexter
Litchfield loomed in front of them now, after a long day’s hard riding.
They’d stopped for a brief meal and still, Aida hadn’t spoken. Cole had handed her food, hardtack, and coffee and she’d stared at him as if she had no idea what to do.
“Eat, little girl,” he’d ordered quietly but she’d merely blinked at him.
“Aida,” he’d warned. For a moment, he’d considered spanking her, not harshly, but enough to shake her out of her stupor. But she’d been hurt by all that had transpired, and he thought a different approach would now help.
“This happens to people who’ve witnessed trauma,” Doc said to him. “Give her time, Cole. Be gentle. She’ll come around.”
So instead, he took her upon his knee, his back to the other men, and fed her himself, speaking in low, hushed tones though they were rushed. She obeyed him, eating from his hand, and when it was time to go, he hoisted her upon his saddle. He felt as if he were taking care of a small child as her little hand slipped into his. It was a feeling he quite enjoyed.
Now, as dark began to descend once again, they came to the entrance to Litchfield.
“It’s important you obey me, Aida,” he warned. “Youmustobey me.”
“Yes, Daddy,” she said simply.
Though he liked her compliance, he now wished for a bit of her spirit to return. He wanted to know she was all right. But he had other, more pressing matters to attend to.
“Straight to the stable,” Cole said. “They’ll meet us there.”
When they pulled up to the stable, Cole felt apprehension growing. What would happen, now that the plans were so askew? Had Junior arrived ahead of them? Had he gotten word to those who needed it most? In the darkness, two shadows emerged. He recognized Junior’s slight form, and the sweeping skirts of a tall woman who held herself erect until the riders came into view. She ran straight at Preach. Preach pulled to a stop and fairly leapt off his horse, taking the woman into his arms and kissing her. But it was Aida’s reaction he was most focused on.
He felt her sit up and her grip on his shirt tighten. She gasped. Slowly, he guided his horse to a stop and prepared to let her down, but she was already slipping from the saddle.
“Aida, you wait,” he ordered, but she didn’t, was already down and running toward the woman who stood with Preach. Cole came up behind her as quickly as he could. They had to be quiet, had to be discreet, as the last plans fell into place. A part of him surged with hope and joy as he looked at her face, though he feared being heard. Her eyes were bright with tears as she held onto the woman who embraced her back.
Cole tipped his hat at the woman as he came to Aida’s side.
“Lucille,” he said. “We need to get to cover.”
Aida turned to Cole, her eyes wide. “You know Lucille?” she asked.
Cole grinned. “You could say that, darlin’. Now let’s get you inside.”
“Inside where?” she asked. “I just found her! And you want me to leave already?”
He clenched his jaw. Damn it, the girl needed to mind him. “To safety, Aida.Now.”
