Our characters, Catherine, Trevor, Joann, Ross, and Jacob are riding out the last few miles into 1908 Charleston in a logging company freight car. Catherine tries to release any obligations the others felt to keep her safe. However, they’re unwilling to back off. They’ve invested time, energy, and love in her. Jacob is presently only interested as he’s new to the situation.
(Page 62 in paperback)
Catherine absorbed as much oxygen as her lungs allowed and then let it all escape. “I need to confront an evil force bent on faking my kidnapping and probable death in order to obtain the fortune that had been left in a trust.” She explained to Jacob. She continued in fear over the racket caused by the slowing train. “The three goons are after me to return my dead body to my stepparents. They then will bribe the courts to release my money.”
Joann stood, shook off any dirt and crumbs from her skirts, and braced herself against the machinery. “One of the many lessons I’ve learned, child, is that you can’t always get what you want. Your stepparents are a bit spoiled, I’d say.” She checked out the expressions on the men. Turning to Catherine, she offered an alternative, “Let’s disappoint them.” She smiled her warm motherly face to Catherine.
“Adventure! Ah, I love adventures.” Jacob rubbed his hands together and stood up. “Do you have a plan, Mrs. Garrett?”
“Soon, she’ll have one soon,” Ross confidently answered. “So, are you with us, then?”
The train had slowed more, so instead of waiting for Jacob’s answer, they settled on the floor and hid, while they waited near the open door for the train to make a pass through another logging camp. Ross glanced out and estimated time of arrival into Charleston in less than an hour. “There’s those tall church steeples and the roads are wider. We’ll probably have to jump this ship just before it pulls into the lumberyard, or we’ll have to wait until dark. What do y’all think?”
“Exactly, my friend,” Jacob started gathering his cloth bags. “Let’s wait until dark. The crew won’t empty this car right away. These bags are my fortune, young Catherine. Nobody will bother to steal them,” he laughed before he added, “Except those who own less,” he winked at her and it sent a message of perseverance and an attitude of understanding priorities.
Their hunger and exhaustion made the waiting for dark nearly unbearable, but the hugs and smiles of encouragement made the time arrive for escape from their cold transport. The men jumped down on silent feet and the ladies passed down their weapons and sacks of meager supplies, and then they too jumped. Trevor caught Catherine by her waist and purposely slid her to the ground as slowly as she would allow. He landed a kiss, a warm slow kiss, on her lips and he thrilled at her willingness to stay in his arms.
Egad and Enough! (for now)
Eleanor Tatum 
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