A Question
Of
Faith
By: Lynn Landes
By:
Lynn Landes
Published by:
Landes Publishing
This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2018 by Lynn Landes
http://[email protected]/
All rights reserved.
Other titles by Lynn Landes:
Mercy's Promise
Savannah's Promise
Delta's Dawn
Dust & Dreams
Stolen Dream's
Perilous Dreams
Chapter 1
1879- August
Nebraska
“It’s heavy tonight,” Saul says as he pulls on the lever to fill a new bag.
The chute whooshes as the flour pours down and a puff of white dust adds to the already orange glow hanging in the air.
Dan balances the bag beneath the chute as it fills to the brim. “Yep. How many more?” He asks as he ties the bag shut.
“Forty-eight,” Saul grabs a second canvas bag, and the process starts all over again.
Dan groans and straightens the handkerchief over his nose and mouth.
“We are lucky to get the overtime,” a third voice says.
Jim smiles as he checks the kerosene lanterns to make sure they are full. He hurries to help Dan and slings the now sealed bags into the wagon, then helps Dan fill the next one.
“True enough, but I’ll be glad when it cools off. It’s been a hot summer,” Saul says.
“Fall is coming, boys,” Burton Gilbert teases from the doorway.
All three men jump and look through the dim haze of flour particles hanging in the air.
“Mr. Gilbert, when did you get home?” Saul asks.
Burton laughs and walks down the wooden steps into the lower room. “Only just. I thought I’d see how things are going before I head home.”
Guilt beats at him when he thinks of his wife, and he knows he should be home with her. Truth be told he’d been in his office for the past two hours working. He attempts to smooth his tight blonde curls but only succeeds in messing them up. The final contract is in his briefcase, along with some essential papers.
That will come soon enough, he thinks and runs a hand over the large chute, listening carefully as the men get back to work.
“There’s a shaft bearing squealing. We need to get some oil on that,” Burton says as he listens and watches the process.
Outside the familiar sound of the water-wheel splashing reminds him that’s he’s home.
“How’s business, Mr. Gilbert?” Dan asks.
Burton grins, “Excellent. I got the contract. We will begin expansion of the mill in the Fall. Not only will we be supplying flour but corn!”
“That’s great ne…”
A little snap of static pops in the air when Saul releases the lever to fill the next bag and all the men freeze. Before they can react, a louder crack ignites the dust-laden air, and the cloud of orange erupts into a wave of flames.
With no way to release the pressure it detonates. The pressure is seeking an exit through doors, windows, even the very walls. The concussion explodes blowing the building apart and sending the roof sky high before the debris rains down in flame and fire.
Chapter 2
“Abbie!” Stephanie calls and runs up to her just as she is locking up the General Store. “Oh, thank goodness, I caught you.”
Abbilene Gilbert spins and glances at her best friend. Her cheeks are flushed, and her blonde hair is a mess from running.
“What’s wrong?” Concern has Abbie frowning with worry.
“I’m out of flour at the bakery. Can I get a ten-pound bag sent over in the morning?”
Abbie grins, revealing two deep dimples. Her dark brown eyes dance with merriment. “You scared me, Steph.” She loops an arm through hers, and they walk away from the store.
“It’s just that the bakery goes through it so quickly,” Stephanie sighs and glances up the road to make sure it’s clear before stepping into the street to cross.
“That’s because you are an artist,” Abbie teases.
“It’s true,” Stephanie quips.
Abbie stops walking and stares at her friend in surprise. “Stephanie Holmes!”
She laughs out loud, “Your face!”
Abbie shoves her, “Stephanie! Just for that, you’d better save me one of your sweet rolls,” Abbie sniffs and spins to walk away.
“Stephanie!” a female voice calls out.
Stephanie and Abbie turn and inwardly groan. “Hello Minnie,” Stephanie says.
Minnie is dressed in her beautiful soft pink, bustled dress. Dark blonde hair is tucked beneath a large hat. “Hello, Abbilene.” She turns back to Stephanie before she can respond. “I haven’t seen Tucker lately. Did you pass on my message to him?”
Abbie moves to stand behind Minnie and step away from the two of them.
“I did, Minnie. He’s engrossed with his work.”
“I’m sure. Perhaps he just needs a reason to slow down.” Minnie giggles. “I’m off. Perhaps I’ll pop in at the Sheriff’s office.” She spins and heads off.
“Poor Minnie,” Stephanie sighs and turns back to Abbie.
“Maybe Minnie’s right,” Abbie replies. “No one likes to be alone, Steph.”
“True, but my brother isn’t looking for love right now and I feel bad for the women who won’t listen when I tell them that.”
“Isn’t that when it usually happens?” Abbie teases. The sun is starting to set, painting everything in shades of gold, and Stephanie stops to stare up at her sign. Stephanie’s Bakery. “I still can’t believe it’s mine, Abbs. I mean, who gives someone a business for a wedding present?”
“Ozwald loves you Stephanie, and he believes in you. You are lucky.”
“I know.” She hugs Abbilene and squeezes her. “I’ll save you two of my sweet rolls. Doesn’t Burton get home tonight?” Stephanie asks softly.
