Grandpa tried to smile, “Thanks, Mason.”
Chapter Nineteen
Grace plodded slowly up the hill praying with each step that she wouldn’t tumble back down. Thankful she added several layers of cushioning to her wool booties, Grace found if she took careful steps she could avoid the larger rocks. It was much more challenging to climb up the hill than it was riding down. Grace stumbled twice, once catching herself and once falling to her knees, but she pushed herself back up determined to make it to the crest of the hill.
As Grace climbed, Clay became more disheartened. He had no idea where Wade might have hidden Grace. Maybe she isn’t on the ranch. Wade might have hidden her somewhere in town with Lucinda’s help. If he tried to search the town, the sheriff would know, and grandpa’s idea to keep the family business private would fail. Grace’s safety was more important than Hutchison pride he decided as he rode across the range back toward the ranch house.
Both Grace and Clay were headed toward each other but miles apart.
~ * ~
Wade finally rolled out of bed in the middle of the afternoon. He rubbed his sore jaw wondering when he had been punched. He didn’t remember riding home the previous night or Cora waking him that morning. He supposed he made someone angry at the saloon. It didn’t matter. They’d all try and be his friends when he owned Hutchison ranch.
He strolled into the kitchen and heard his grandpa ask, “What in the world happened to you? You better stop drinking and staying out to all hours. How is this ranch going to run if you shirk your chores?”
“Not my problem, old man,” Wade replied. “As soon as the lawyer returns and this place is mine, I’ll hire another ranch hand to do my work. I’ll be able to afford it with you, Cora, Elizabeth, and Clay off the ranch.”
“Get out of my sight,” Grandpa yelled.
“Gladly,” Wade answered. “As a matter of fact, I’m sick of all of you. I’ll just stay in town with Lucinda until the ranch is mine.” He stormed out of the kitchen headed for his room to pack some clothes oblivious to the fact that Elizabeth had been in the parlor and heard every word.
When Elizabeth heard the back door close, she walked into the kitchen. She sat on one of the chairs across from grandpa and asked, “When Wade said we’d all be gone from here he didn’t mention Grace. You don’t suppose…?”
“Absolutely not,” Cora assured. “Wade may have a cruel streak, but he isn’t stupid. Even if he forces Hutch’s hand and ends up with the ranch, none of us would leave or do anything until Grace is brought back safely.”
“She’s right,” Grandpa agreed. “If I have to hand this place over to Wade it won’t be until I see Grace back safe and sound.”
The three were discussing the situation when Clay returned and poured himself a cup of coffee before explaining that he didn’t know where else to look for Grace. Grandpa told him of Mason’s offer, and Clay said he’d send one of the hands over to Mason’s later and have them meet in the morning to search again. When Clay told them about his idea that Grace might be in town, they all agreed that it was a good possibility.
Cora added, “There are a few abandoned ranch houses on property purchased and incorporated into larger ranches. She could be anywhere. If Lucinda is helping Wade, she might have arranged to have one of the cowboys she knows from the saloon transport Grace further away. Hutch, we don’t have a choice. Clay needs to speak to the sheriff.”
Grandpa nodded but didn’t say a word.
Clay finished the sandwich Cora had given him and stood. “I’m heading to town. It’s getting late. Grace is about to spend her second night alone or worse with someone that might harm her. If the sheriff can start a search in town and Mason’s pa’s ranch hands help me search the ranches, we might find her before Wade can force grandpa’s hand.” He strode out of the house heading toward town.
~ * ~
Grace made it to the top of the rise and sat on the ground to catch her breath and rest. She wished she had water, but after the climb, she knew anything she could carry water in would have spilled. The bright sun bore down on her, and she needed to find some shade for a while and pushed herself up and headed for a small copse of trees nearby.
Breathing a sigh of relief when she stepped into the shade, Grace dropped to the ground again and pulled off her heavy coat. She looked at the landscape around her, and if not for the position of the sun, she’d have no idea where she was or where she should go. She bowed her head in prayer thanking God for keeping her safe. Looking up at the empty land in front of her she prayed aloud, “Please God, show me the way.”
Grace heard a horse whinny and froze in place. Was Wade returning? After not moving for several minutes, Grace didn’t hear any hoofbeats and decided that she was stressed and hearing things. She stood to gather her bag and coat when she heard the whinny again. This time she knew the sound came from the trees behind her. She carefully made her way through and peeked
