Chapter Ten

As the days passed Raine fell deeper and deeper under the spell of the rolling green hills and autumn splendor. She refused to let her problems concerning Addison taint her new view of life. Plus, she now had the means to deal with him. When told what she’d found, Gordon wanted it ASAP. “This is your guaranteed key to freedom and whatever you want.”

After enjoying several days of idleness, Raine suggested touring the caves Jesse James used as a hideout. At first Katy balked, crossing her arms stubbornly over her chest. “I don’t want to go!” It wasn’t the first time she’d bulled up, refusing to go with them, preferring to play on the swings and slide.

“You mean you don’t want to wear your cowboy hat? Or go exploring the caves? There’s no telling what you might see. And we can have ice cream after the trip through the cave.” There you go, bribing your child. But she’d learned a long time ago how to win the battle. As long as ice cream and mac-and-cheese existed she had it made.

The mention of ice cream put the winning point in Raine’s column. Katy’s blue eyes took on a speculating gleam. “Ice cream! I get ice cream, too? Okay! Let me get my cowboy hat!” She dashed to the bedroom re-emerging with a pink felt hat perched precariously on her head, the tight chin tie keeping it in place. “Okay. I’m ready to go 'sploring’ Mommy.” Raine rolled her eyes while Cora chuckled.

The road leading to the park was as twisty and windy as a confused snake. No wonder it’d been a great hiding place, she mused, looking at the dense woods on either side of the road. A body could easily get lost in them. She imaged what it must have looked like in the outlaw days—nothing but wilderness, the rolling river, and a few roughhewn cabins sparsely scattered about.

As they waited in line for the next tour, people eyed Raine with open curiosity; she just smiled at them. Their guide, a young woman, perhaps twenty, dressed in a khaki-colored uniform, was thoroughly versed in the history of the caverns and their most infamous occupants, Jesse and Frank James. Leading the way, she soon had everyone enthralled in the stories about the caverns where Jesse James and his band of outlaws had outwitted sheriffs’ posses by hiding in them and eventually swimming to freedom in the nearby Meramec River.

Totally fascinated, Katy listened in awe. She knew who Jesse James was from watching him riding a horse and shooting a gun in old movies. “Are they still here?” She asked in wide-eyed wonder, her gaze sliding from the replica of the outlaw’s campsite, around the shadowy cavernous rock walls as though she expected them to suddenly appear out of the darkness. Several amused chuckles echoed in the cavern.

The young woman shook her head. “No, they’re not here anymore. They left a long time ago.” Raine sent her a grateful smile, appreciating she hadn’t said the outlaws were long dead and ruining Katy’s avid enjoyment.

Afterward, the promised ice cream in hand, they hiked one of the nature trails meandering throughout the park. Later they enjoyed a late afternoon picnic while in the background the river roared softly as it headed downstream. Nibbling on a chip, Raine studied her precocious child. Fascinated with the tour, Katy had asked questions and made her own observations.

“I still didn’t see any grapes and I’d have eaten some, too.” She meant the stalactites, or rock formations created from water dripping for years and years molding rock into what resembled clusters of grapes. Pride swelled inside her. She had such a smart little girl.

Nearing the end of their week at the cottage Cora suggested doing some exploring. Even Katy, who earlier declared she was never leaving the play yard, was up for it.

“There are roadmaps in the office,” Raine said, pulling on a light jacket against the slight chill in the air. “I’ll get one.”

Callie was working at the computer when she entered. “Hey. How’s it going?”

“Just fine,” Raine replied, picking up a map from the holder. “We want to go exploring so I figured I’d better get a map.”

“Good idea. Here.” Callie took the map and spread it on the countertop, indicating where they were. “You’re here.” She marked the spot with a yellow Hi-Liter from a cup of pens on the counter. “From our location, it’s pretty easy finding your way back from any direction. If you keep heading east on the Interstate you’ll eventually reach St. Louis. Otherwise, just follow the map. If you get turned around just stop and ask directions. You’ll find ninety-nine percent of us Missourians would love to help in any way we can.”

Obviously, Callie hadn’t heard about Brad’s farmer. She also detected Callie was referring to more than directions. She was still curious about the injuries to her face but good manners kept her from asking. Though weeks since Addison had beaten the daylights out of her, she was still black and blue and sore. Shadows turned her blue eyes darker than storm-tossed seas thinking of the vivid nightmares she wrestled with every night. Thoughts of that night, and Addison, were never far from her mind.

“Callie, thank you,” Raine said, squeezing her hand before leaving. Callie surmised she was being thanked for not prying.

In the SUV, Raine said. “How about we take the country roads and see where we end up. We have the map. Surely, we can manage our way back here. And who knows, we might even run across Brad’s old farmer.”

Chuckling, Cora pointed to a squiggly line. “Let’s go that way.”

“That way, it is! Same road-rules apply, girls, if we see anything interesting, we stop.”

“You know,” Cora said awhile later, gazing at the passing scenery, “I really like it here. Everyone’s so warm and friendly. And the country’s so pretty. It’d be so beautiful all covered in snow.”

A vision of a snow-covered wonderland filled Raine’s head. And a white Christmas—that would be totally awesome. An idea started forming. Nothing was settled concerning Addison so why not remain here through the holidays? She’d see what Cora thought about it.

The road, blacktopped and emitting the sharp tang of freshly laid asphalt, was a breath-holder of hair-pin turns with hardly any shoulder. Heaven forbid they would meet another vehicle, she’d for sure slide right off into the steep ditch and it wouldn’t surprise her if it had started as a cow-path cleared by earlier settlers. She pictured wagon loads of families rolling their way to the nearest town for supplies or church on Sunday. Later they’d make their way back home in the gathering dusk, ever-conscious of wayward outlaws and marauding Indians. And without a doubt, Indians had made these hills their home long before any settlers came along.

The road led to a river that had to be crossed if they were to continue. The only problem was the rust-stained iron skeleton of a bridge. Goose-bumps peppered her body and her hands turned clammy. Was she having a panic attack? Get a grip! It’s only a bridge and not the first one you’ve ever crossed. Yeah right! Only this one looked like its warranty had run out years ago. Creeping onto the one-lane contraption, she had a white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. It was foolish that the old bridge scared her. Obviously, other people crossed it every day. Even now someone was waiting at the other end.

“Oh . . . my, this is scary,” Cora stared wide-eyed at the green-tinted waters flowing several feet below them. One thing was for darn sure, if they plunged off it she wouldn’t worry about drowning, she’d die of fright before she ever hit bottom.

Along the riverbank, a picnic area was dotted with tables and barbecue pits. Two weathered looking shanties sported all manner of advertisements from float trips, to boat rentals, to soda ads. The place was busy though, she noted, taking in the number of vehicles. Maybe they did have something here. It just might be fun taking a float trip some time—when it was warmer, that is.

Raine darted a sideways glance then focused her eyes back to the narrow strip of road between the sides of the bridge.

Excited, Katy craned her neck to see the river. “Let’s go ‘fimming,’ Mommy! There’s a ribber! And we can go fishing, too! Please Mommy, pretty please.”

“It’s too cold to go swimming now, Katy-bug, but when it gets warmer I promise we’ll go.” Glancing in the rear-view mirror, she wasn’t surprised to see the lower-lip-droop.

“But those people are ‘fimming,” she pouted. “They don’t ‘fink it’s too cold.”

“That’s because they’re used to the cool water, baby, and we’re not. But I promise, as soon as it gets warm I’ll take you swimming. How does that sound?”

Ever the bargainer, Katy asked. “Do I get one of those floaty-ring things?”

Raine laughed, her daughter would make a terrific attorney someday. “Yes, you can get one of those floaty-ring things.”

“Okay.” Seeing the dimpled smile, a rush of love flooded over Raine. As long as Katy was happy she could handle anything.

Reaching the end of the bridge, she heaved a huge sigh of relief. Give her a shoulderless road over a rickety bridge anytime. Waving to the patiently waiting driver, she mouthed “thank you.”

Eventually they came to the city limits of a small town, the picturesque welcome sign read: “Green Glade, Population 2,121.” The lamp-post lined streets held an old-world ambiance with their stately old homes nestled under centuries-old trees amid lawns still lush and green. Friendly waves from folks puttering in their yards or relaxing on wide, wrap-around verandas had her waving back and wishing she could join them. They came upon an ornate old stone courthouse centered on the town-square. At least a hundred years old, she could only imagine the history it had seen.

The street ran down a steep hill that had Raine riding the brake, her stomach doing cartwheels and Katy squealing, “Wheee . . .! It’s a roller coaster! Let’s do it again, Mommy!” And so they did. They hadn’t planned on stopping but they spotted a fast-food restaurant, and Katy suddenly had to use the potty.

Raine gave Cora a knowing look. “Then I guess we’d better find you a potty.” Their entrance attracted curious looks that turned to deeper scrutiny. They weren’t being rude so Raine just smiled back. After using the facilities, Katy announced she was starving and just had to have a burger. Raine gave Cora another, I-told-you-so look.

Everyone returned to their conversations save for one woman who kept glancing in their direction. Raine saw the curiosity but also something else, compassion. “You know,” she looked at Cora, “something tells me this might be a good place to stay. It’s got such a safe, cozy feel.” Scanning the town-square, she noted the police station on one corner. Across from it was the bank. Only a crazy person would rob a bank with the police right next door. Rob the bank. Go to jail. Go to court. No collecting two hundred dollars. Actually, it was a pretty nifty set-up.

“It’s out of the way, too, if you know what I mean,” Cora pointed out.

Let’s take a really long vacation.” Raine suggested. “Let’s find a place, maybe something outside of town, though.” Not wanting to be easy pickings.

“Can I have a f’ing-set?” Katy chimed in, waving at one of the strangers. It was the same staring woman.

Watching the trio, Inez McCullin felt the inexplicable need to get more acquainted. Maybe it was the battered, golden-haired woman that drew her, or her God-given makeup to help people and this young woman had help-needed written all over her. She also had a story to go with it and before too much longer she’d pry it out of her.

“Hon, I’ll be right back,” Inez said to the man beside her. Hank McCullin shook his head at his wife, knowing curiosity over the newcomers was killing her.

Reaching them, Inez addressed Raine. “What a precious doll-baby you have.” Katy beamed at the compliment. Inez smiled at Cora. “You must be so proud having such a little cutie-pie for a granddaughter.”

Cora gave Raine a furtive look. It was fine if people assumed they were mother and daughter, figuring the fewer who knew the real truth the better to keep Addison off their trail.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of both my girls.” Cora never batted an eyelash. After all, she did consider them her girls, and she was proud of them.

“I’m Inez McCullin,” the attractive, silver-haired woman dressed in blue jeans, low-heeled black boots and a sweater of sage green said. “You all must be new to the area. I know just about everybody and their dog in these parts and I don’t recall ever seeing you before.”

Unease rolled through Raine. “We’re just doing a little exploring. We stopped for gas and the clerk said we should check out the area.” The white lie had her blushing. It was partly true. They were exploring, they had stopped for gas, only no one ever mentioned the little town. Suddenly an idea flashed like a light bulb switched on. A slight nod from Cora said they were on the same train of thought. Hopefully it wouldn’t derail. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, Raine took the bull by the horns.

“Actually, we’re looking for a place to stay for a while. I was in an accident and I’m not as up to par as I thought.” Eyeing Katy, she motioned to another table some distance away. “I didn’t want my little girl hearing us. You know what they say about little pitchers having big ears.”

“Yes, I do.” Inez agreed. “I’ve got six grandbabies about your little one’s age and the things that come out of their mouths sends my kids into fits. I keep telling them they should be more careful. And I raised four kids so believe me,” she speared Raine with a keen stare, “I know when someone’s pulling my leg, telling one whopper of a lie. Now young lady, what’s your real story? There may be some frost up-top but I’m sharp as a tack and those marks didn’t come from any car wreck.” Her tone dared Raine to deny it.

“How’d you know?” Caught in a lie, Raine was mortified.

“Easy. My girl looked just like you and to keep her daddy and me from knowing what was going on she concocted some cock-and-bull story about being in a wreck, said those pesky airbags caused her to look like she’d been in some kind of battle.” Inez made a face. “I guess in a way she was, and by the looks of you, the same kind. I hope you gave him as good as you got.”

“Depends on how you look at it. He got shot.” It was out before she could stop her wayward tongue. Well hell! Might as well call the news stations and broadcast her story worldwide. However, instinct said to trust this stranger and the next thing the whole sordid story came spilling out like water from a faucet.

Inez let out a shrill whistle that had several heads turning in their direction. “Sorry. It was out before I couldn’t stop it.”

“Don’t worry, and I didn’t shoot him. The idiot shot himself. So, what did your daughter do in her situation?” Raine asked.

Amusement lit up Inez’s face. “Simple. She divorced him. I’d have done more than that but Cory, that’s my girl, just divorced him. Anyway, it was either divorce or one of them was going to get killed. But don’t think he just walked away. No sir . . . ree! That man tormented my girl for months until one night she finally had her belly full of his shenanigans. She met him at the door with a loaded shotgun. He got the message all right, when she shot the hat off his head.” Inez chuckled with pride. “Her daddy taught her to shoot like that, her sister and brothers, too. Anyway, she warned him if he came around bothering her anymore the next round was going further south than his head, she was done warning him and he knew what to expect. Bless her heart, that girls got a lot of me in her. Just to make a believer out of him she put a round in the porch between his legs. He took off like his pants were on fire and she hasn’t seen hide-nor-hair of him since. Shoot, it was worth repairing the hole in the porch just to get rid of him.”

Raine laughed at the picture Inez painted of the incident. “Your daughter sounds like a very strong woman. I’d like to meet her some time.”

“She is a strong woman, and if you stick around these parts long enough I’m sure you’ll meet her. She’s a deputy with the sheriff’s office. Cory Dugan’s her name.” There was no mistaking the pride in Inez’s voice. “And, it seems you two have something in common already—ornery men. Sounds like that husband of yours was well-deserving of the dose of medicine he got. Too bad it didn’t finish him off.” Inez McCullin reminded her of Cora, she didn’t hold back her opinions, either.

As for Inez, the minute the trio walked in and seen Raine’s injuries she’d known where they’d come from. They’d come from a very brutal and very angry man. She’d never understand why a man got off beating on a woman, no matter what the circumstances. In her book, he was nothing but a low-life slug. She also imagined there were more than just the visible injuries, too. Her heart was hurting, too, but it wasn’t broken because a man who loved you never raised a hand to you. Her gaze swung to the little girl. No doubt the S.O.B. had used her as leverage for no woman worth her salt stayed with a man like that. And she figured there was a boatload of guilt for not leaving sooner but she shouldn’t feel guilty for doing what she thought best. Now she needed help and was getting it.

“Are you really looking for a place to light?” Raine nodded. “Then I know just the place.” And all she had to do was convince that wickedly handsome but irascible devil, Jess Harper, of it. It wouldn’t be easy but she knew just the right way to handle the man. Trick him! Back him into a corner! “It’ll take a little coaxing of the old boy. He’s the loner type, a bit stand-offish, if you get my drift. Cantankerous, too, but he’s got a heart of gold, especially where kids are concerned. Even lets out his cabins to the county children’s home as a sort of youth camp.”

Raine pictured some smelly, crusty old buzzard, a beard down to his knees, living in some stinky hovel in the woods. Probably didn’t bathe except for Saturdays. Okay, Raine, you’ve been watching too many old westerns. Though she appreciated Inez’s help, she had a feeling the crusty old man definitely wouldn’t want three females intruding in his hermit world.

“I appreciate your help but I can’t accept it. We don’t want to be someplace we’ll be intruding on.”

“You won’t be intruding,” Inez informed her quickly, maybe a little too quickly.

“I also don’t want to bring any trouble down on anyone that helps us. I don’t know if my husband’s looking for me but it’s a very good possibility and he’s not beyond going after anyone helping me and that could include you and your friend.”

“Don’t you worry about us; we’re a tough and hearty bunch around these parts. You just let me handle everything. And you won’t be intruding. It’ll do him good having some company around that rambling old place. There’s plenty of room for all of you and the cabins are set far enough apart you won’t be in each other’s backyards.” Raine opened her mouth then closed it, knowing she’d be wasting her breathe for Inez was already keying in a number on her cellphone. “You just sit tight while I talk to Jess; tell him what we’re doing.” More like he’d be telling her where to go. Oh well, she thought, heading outside. This call needed privacy.

Returning to the table, she found Katy playing in the enclosed playground while Cora sipped on a cup of coffee and kept a watchful eye on her. She pushed a second cup toward Raine. “So?”

“Ms. McCullin wants to help and knows the perfect place for us. Apparently, some old geezer owns a bunch of cabins and she’s calling him to see if he’ll let us have one. They’re supposed to be back in the woods off the beaten path.” She took a sip of coffee. It tasted pretty good for fast-food coffee.

“I know we had the same idea but are you sure we can trust her?” Cora sounded unsure.

“I do. We’re total strangers, too, but she’s willingly extended a hand to help us. I think we should accept it.” Reaching across the table, she squeezed Cora’s hand.

“I appreciate your concern. You’ve been with me all the way since this whole mess started. If you’re not comfortable doing this then we’ll forget it.”

“Oh, stop it!” Cora sniffed. “Okay. If you think she’s all right, then so do I. And if that old geezer will rent us one of his cabins then we ought to stay.” A horrid thought had her shuddering. “Oh Lord, I hope the place is habitable. I can just see pigs and chickens running all over the place!”

“Stop it! You’ve been watching too many old Ma and Pa Kettle movies. Ms. McCullin wouldn’t recommend them if they weren’t livable. I just hope the old geezer’s not so cranky he scares Katy.” Raine’s preconceived ideas of Jess Harper couldn’t have been further off the mark, as she was soon to learn. “And being off any main roads will be safer, too.” If Addison knew she’d left he might have his minions looking for her. “I know its wishful thinking but why couldn’t he disappear forever and leave us alone.”

“Fat chance that’ll happen! You can take it to the bank he’ll get down and dirty before he’s through. No way will Addison let you go without a fight.”

“You’re right, and changing our route will buy us some time should someone be following us.” Glancing out the plate-glass window she saw Inez McCullin talking, pacing, and waving her hands agitatedly. A let-down feeling settled over her. “Ms. McCullin doesn’t look happy. He must be refusing to let us stay.”

“Could be,” Cora was watching, too. “It’s amazing a complete stranger who doesn’t know us from Adam wants to help us.”

“She saw right through that accident story. Told me her daughter used the same one to cover up what was happening with her husband.”

While waiting, Raine related Inez’s story about her daughter and her now ex-husband. When she reached the part about shooting into the porch between his legs, Cora laughed with relish. “Good for her! I don’t even know the girl and I already like her. Apparently, it takes a bullet to make thick-headed men listen.”

They were still laughing when Inez McCullin returned. “Everything’s all set. Jess Harper’s happy to put you girls up for a spell.” Well, happy wasn’t exactly the way she’d describe his reaction but he’d get over being mad as soon as he got a glimpse of Raine Andrews. Despite the deep bruises and purple-ringed eyes she was a looker and what man could resist that river of waist-length blond hair. “Just whistle when you’re ready and I’ll lead you out to the Harper place.”

Raine hesitated. “Before we go, how much is he asking to rent the cabin?”

Money was no object, plus she’d done several editing jobs since leaving Phoenix. She had a good reputation and that meant staying on top of her game and keeping her name active. Also, working helped take her mind off her problems. Some nights after Katy and Cora went to bed she’d edit for hours until her eyes turned bleary with fatigue. Then she’d crawl into bed and pray the nightmares stayed away. There were too many nights she woke up heart pounding in sweat-soaked panic, sure that Addison had found them.

“Four hundred a month, that includes utilities. This time of year the cabins sit empty so the extra will be a little bonus for ‘ole’ Jess.”

Raine’s mouth dropped open and her battered eyes widened with shock. Surely Inez was mistaken. Cora strangled on her coffee. Gasping, she asked. “Are they livable? Is there a roof? For that price are you sure they aren’t falling down around his ears?”

“Don’t you worry; you’ll love the place so much you’ll never want to leave. And once you get to know Jess Harper you’ll find he’s not so cantankerous.”

A moment of trepidation filled Inez. Should Raine’s husband find her here there’d be fireworks for sure. She’d hate for Jess to get hurt. On the other hand, her new friends needed help, and besides that, it was going to be such fun watching Jess handle the three females, especially the pretty but battered young mother.