D orothy saw Artie from the window before he ever reached the shack. She hadn’t been up long, and her father hadn’t had his breakfast yet, so she slipped outside. A few vultures circled overhead in the near distance.
Dorothy didn’t think she had ever seen Artie so pale and haggard. He pulled off his hat, even smiling when he saw her, but that couldn’t hide that something had clearly happened since the day before.
She frowned. “Is something the matter? I didn’t expect you so early.”
“I know. I apologize.” He glanced toward the Superstitions with a sigh.
“What’s happened?” She could see it in his face, but she had no idea what she saw.
“A lot has happened.” Artie sighed again. He looked down at her, and she thought he tried to smile once more, but the attempt failed. “We’re going up into the mountains again. Sheriff Wright gave me a few minutes first.”
Dorothy almost didn’t ask. “Did someone discover your father’s whereabouts?”
“Yes and no.” Artie shook his head, turning his hat around in his hands. “It’s complicated. Or I think it’s complicated.” He looked up. “I’ll explain it all when I get back.”
Dorothy nodded.
“I may not be back by tomorrow. If you’re willing to go into Apache Junction tomorrow, I…” Artie paused, sighing once more. Dorothy wondered how many times he would sigh before he left. “Dorothy, I won’t know who sent you that note or who planned on meeting you there. It wasn’t myself, or Theo, or even Fred.”
“Why do you want me to meet them?” She shrank from the idea.
“Because they threatened you.” Artie twisted his hat around again. “If there is someone connected to my father dealing out his demands in his absence, they need to know that you gave the gold to me. As my father’s son, it being his debt, that ought to be enough to satisfy them.”
Dorothy’s heart raced.
“I would go with you and would prefer to, but I can’t be in two places at once.” He glanced toward the mountains again. “Sheriff Wright says he will have a deputy on duty at the Pavilionp tomorrow, but there is no way he could know who is there to meet you, unless you are present to approach.”
She thought of the walk there and back, but Artie seemed to read her mind.
“I asked Theo if he would walk you there and back.” He winced at what must have been an expression of horror on her face. “Only if you’re willing for him to accompany you. I can absolutely promise that he won’t hurt you. You’ll be safe with him.”
She couldn’t seem to stop the words that came next. “You would have said the same about your father.”
She regretted her words as the instant pain flooded his face in response.
“I-I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it. I am really sorry.”
“I know.” He glanced down with another sigh. “I know Theo better than I ever did my father, Dorothy. I know that I can trust him. I wouldn’t leave my sister and stepmother with him if I didn’t. I understand, though, if you cannot. I didn’t want you to have to walk that distance alone again and Theo is the person I could trust the most to ask.”
“I’m surprised you remembered me. You must have a lot to consider right now.”
Artie shifted, glancing over his shoulder again. “I ought to go. Are you doing all right?”
Dorothy nodded. “I didn’t hear him last night.”
“That’s good.” Artie sounded weary. “I pray that he’s gone.”
“As do I.”
He shook his head. “I really need to go. I’ll be praying for you.”
“You will be in my prayers as well.” Dorothy wondered if she had ever said those words to anyone before, except her father.
Artie managed a shadow of a smile. “Thanks.”
Dorothy watched him turn to go, then shook her head. “Artie?”
He looked back at her questioningly.
She took a deep breath. “Th-thank you for thinking of me. I will be glad to accept your brother’s escort tomorrow, if he offers it.” She wondered if he had any idea how much effort it took her to say those words and mean them.
She saw the shadow of a smile again. “You’re most welcome. I’ll see you when I get back.”
She wondered why her heart sank as she watched him go. It went even further down as she reentered the shack, silent except for her father’s woodwork.
Father in Heaven, wouldst Thou keep him safe? Comfort him too, no matter what they may discover. Bring him back safe, I pray Thee.