“Are you out of your mind, Sterling? It’s our Mill! They would be alive if …” she stops speaking as the truth of her words hit her. Burton is gone, along with the workers on shift. Her knees collapse under her, and she drops to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. “He’s dead,” she cries softly.
“Damn,” Tucker grumbles and snaps orders out to Sterling. “Take the supplies stacked by the front door to the wagon.” He shoves his armful at Sterling and ignores him to care for his friend.
“Abbie,” Tucker squats in front of her unsure of how to handle this. Don’t touch her Tucker, he shouts at himself, but the sounds coming from her are ripping his heart apart.
“Abbs,” he drops to the ground beside her and drags her into his arms. She wraps her arms around his waist and accepts the comfort. He rocks her softly, murmuring words of gentle grace. It’s exactly what she needs. Burrowed in his embrace, she weeps for everything they should’ve had.
Sterling catalogs everything the Sheriff “confiscated” making sure to add a few extra items that the victim’s families might need. He isn’t completely heartless, but Burton worked his whole life for this Mill and business. It damn sure won’t be allowed to wither away now that he’s gone.
He stops for a moment when he realizes the truth of those words and closes his burning eyes. “I promise Burton to see your legacy safe.”
Abbie isn’t sure how long they remain in that position, but when she realizes how they must look, she stiffens. “I’m so sorry, Tucker, forgive me,” she scrambles out of his arms, and he runs a hand over his scruffy face.
“Nothing to forgive, Abbie. It’s understandable. Please go home and sleep.” He climbs to his feet and straightens his clothes, stepping closer to her. “I’ll come get you when we’re able to get close. Once you trusted me as a friend, trust me now,” he pleads.
“It has nothing to do with trusting you, Tucker. I need to be there. Excuse me while I clean up.” Abbie hurries to through the store, grabbing a clean dress and dry shoes, and rushes to the back room to wash up and change.
With trembling hands, she dresses and washes her face clear of the soot and tears. She takes a second to bow her head in prayer.
“Father, I’m so scared. I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know how I’m going to make it through this. I need your strength and guidance. Please shelter those of us who are waiting in your loving embrace. Amen.”
Abbie leaves the room and walks back to the front of the store, where Sterling and Tucker are waiting.
“Abbilene, don’t worry about a thing here. I will take care of the store. You just get some rest. Take as long as you need. I will keep Burton’s legacy safe.” Sterling promises, and Abbie is struck by the thought that perhaps he isn’t as cold as she thought.
“Thank you, Sterling. Burton would be proud of you.” She hurries outside, followed by the Sheriff.
Chapter 5
The tarps are used to create a cover for the families waiting, and a second is set up to offer shelter for the bodies while they identify them.
Abbie hands out supplies, blankets, and handkerchiefs. When the rain comes, they all breathe a sigh of relief. The shower blows through quickly, and behind it, the sun rises, daring to shine down on them.
The deputies keep the families back as the dig through the smoking rubble begins.
Tucker sighs and rubs the back of his neck. Recovering bodies is proving to be almost impossible. The men of the town refuse to give up. They work tirelessly for two days, dragging out bricks, and each time the sobs and crying start, Abbie withers a little more.
Ozwald and Stephanie keep everyone fed while they keep a close eye on Abbie.
When the fourth body is carried out and placed inside the tent, Abbie waits for the screaming, but it doesn’t come. Her heart starts pounding in her ears, and she refuses to look up from the ash-covered boots that stop in front of her.
“Do you recognize this?”
Stephanie gasps when Tucker holds out a silver pocket watch. “Thank you,” she says hoarsely, and when the wailing starts, she realizes the sound of mourning is coming from her.
“I’d like to go home now, Stephanie,” she whispers, staring down at the pocket watch she gave Burton on their wedding day. His initials are engraved on the back.
“Okay, Abbs.” She guides Abbie to the wagon where Oz lifts her to the seat.
Looking back at the steaming mass that claimed her husband, she is struck by the image of Tucker holding his hat with his head bowed as if praying.
A few minutes later, they pull through the deserted town, and the silence is deafening. It’s as if the whole world is holding its breath. Never has she hated the sight of her home more than now. Burton was proud of the two-story white home with its gable roof and black shutters. He specifically wanted a gabled entrance and wrap-around porch with large columns. The carriage house on the back of the house was added on after they moved in.
The irony is that once it was complete, he was rarely home. When the wagon stops in front of her home, she isn’t surprised to see Sterling waiting.
He rushes forward to lift her from the wagon and steady her. “I’m so sorry, Abbilene,” he whispers.
“Abbilene,” her Mother calls, rushing out onto the porch followed by her Father.
Overcome with relief, she sobs and runs into her Mother’s embrace.
“He’s gone, Mama,” she weeps.
“It’s going to be okay, Abbilene. We’re here for you.”
Stephanie hugs Abbie’s Father and follows them all
