Quinn's Christmas Wish (10 page)

He perked up listening intently. “A choice? And what was the light?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know, but at least I remembered something.”

“You know, most folks don’t go near the lake? It’s creepy and scary.”

“Well, strange things happen at the lake…look at me,” she said looking around at her tail.

He chuckled and changed the subject. “I think you’ll like Christmas.”

“I think so, too. I just wish I could enjoy it as a person.”

“At least you’re alive,” Quinn said happily.

“Yes, I know I shouldn’t complain.”

Quinn stared at the tree and smiled. His mind wandered, wondering what he could give Jazira for Christmas.

“What are you thinking about?”

“It’s a secret, I can’t tell you.” He frowned pretending to be serious.

She made a funny growl like a bark. “I could make you tell me,” she said playfully, getting up to stalk around him.

“You! You couldn’t make me, you’re still injured.”

She laughed and huffed, sitting back down knowing he was right. “I won’t always be hurt. I’m getting better every day,” she teased, swiping him with a paw and knocking him over.

They both laughed. His tummy hurt from laughing so hard.

“I’m so glad you’re okay, Jazira.”

“Me, too, Quinn. Me, too.”

Snow continued to fall as Samuel looked out the window. His once lonely, large cabin had been transformed into the home he always dreamed of. The fire burned softly in the hearth and the Christmas tree had ornaments made from love. He crossed his arms over his chest, filled with dread at the thought of leaving it even for a little while. The traps had to be checked and maybe he’d get some supplies from Missoula, but he couldn’t ensure Amanda and Quinn would be safe while he was gone.

He heard her footsteps from behind.

“You’re deep in thought,” she whispered, placing her arms around him.

“Yes, I suppose I am.”

Amanda peeked around his shoulder watching Jazira and Quinn outside in the snow. “Quinn is so happy. He loves that she-wolf. If they were a bit older and she was a girl, I think I’d be worried.”

Samuel turned taking her in his arms. “He’s not that young, Amanda.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better,” she scolded.

They watch as Quinn rolled a ball of snow and Jazira helped by pushing it with her head.

“Her shoulder has healed well,” Samuel commented, kissing her on the cheek.

“It has, but she still limps. What is it about that damned lake? And how many others are out there, perhaps just like Jazira. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“No, it doesn’t, and I’m uncomfortable leaving traps down there by the lake. What if there are others like her?”

She looked up at him. “You can’t stay here with us forever and not go anywhere. I know you have traps to check and business to do. You should go. We’ll be okay.”

“I can’t be sure of that. The man that shot Jazira will still be looking for her, and I’m sure it was George Ellis. He’ll be looking for you as well. How can I possibly leave you alone unprotected?”

“I’ll be okay, and I can protect myself and my child. I know how to use a gun and I’d use it to protect Quinn.”

He laughed and teased, pinching her cheek. “Are you sure you’re that tough?”

She swatted him in the arm. “Yes, I am.”

He hugged her tight. “I won’t be gone long, maybe three days at the most. Keep that gun with you at all times, and try to keep the kids in the house as much as possible.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you more, and I’ll be worried to death every moment I’m gone.”

“Now is a good time to go. It’s not snowing that hard and the wind hasn’t been blowing.”

“I’ll leave first thing in the morning,” he stated.

Up early, Quinn went out with Samuel to saddle the horses and ready the packhorse. The animals weren’t comfortable with Jazira, so she stayed further back.

“Samuel, do you think you’d mind if I tried to make something for Jazira for Christmas?” He whispered so she wouldn’t hear. “I’d like to make her something like a collar from the piece of leather over there.” He pointed.

Samuel smiled at him. “You go right ahead, and if you’re so inclined I’d even let you have a piece of this.” From his pocket he pulled out a small bag and loosened the string, digging inside. In his fingers he held a small gold nugget. “It’s from the mine. I’m going to have a ring made for your mom, but I don’t see why you can have a piece for Jazira.”

Quinn beamed with joy and took the nugget, then handed Samuel the cinch under Roman’s belly. “I’ll watch Mom.”

“I know you will, Quinn. I wish I didn’t have to go.”

“We’ll be okay. And Jazira is here, too. She’ll protect us.” Jazira barked loudly, hearing Quinn’s words.

Samuel smiled at the two of them. “You’re both very clever. Keep your eyes and ears open, and watch your mother.”

“We will.”

“Okay off to the cabin with the two of you. I don’t like goodbyes. Stay in the house as much as possible until I’m back.”

Quinn nodded and turned towards the house but stopped. He spun around and ran toward Samuel and wrapped his arms around his waist. “Come home soon,” he said in a cracked voice, and he turned and ran to the house with Jazira on his heels.

The three of them stood at the window and watched him leave. Jazira whined and Amanda sniffled.

“Oh, for pity sakes, look at us three,” his mom giggled, dabbing her eyes.

“Mom, is it okay if I go to the barn for a bit?”

Her brows creased pondering his request. She didn’t know what he was up to, but she nodded in agreement.

“Why are we going to the barn?” Jazira asked playfully.

“Well, I hoped you would stay in here with Mom.”

She sat and hung her head. Amanda clued in that he must be doing something for her for Christmas. “Jazira, how would you like to learn how to bake?”

Her eyes perked up. “I used to help my mom,” she said with sadness.

“I bet you did. Well, I could use some company while I make bread and then perhaps we could make a coffee cake. How does that sound?”

“Okay,” she said looking at Quinn out of the corner of her eye.

He ran to the door and put his jacket and boots on before dashing out the door. Amanda could see the hurt look in her eyes.

“Jazira, would you like to make something for Quinn for Christmas?”

She jumped up and her tail wagged happily. “Really? I would like that, but what can I do? She huffed and looked at her paws. “I don’t have hands.”

“You can help. I think we could knit Quinn a pair of gloves and a hat. I always struggle holding the yarn. I could use help with that.” Amanda went to the side of the chair and pulled the yarn out which was stuck on a stick. “Jazira, do you think you could hold this yarn while I knit?”

“Of course,” she said happily, taking the stick in her teeth. “Can I really give it to Quinn for Christmas?”

“Yes, and I know he’ll love it.”

“Thank you, Amanda. Thank you so much.”

She smiled at the critter and for the first time, actually saw the little girl within the beast. Her heart broke for Jazira, but she didn’t let it show.

Time zoomed by and at lunch, Amanda and Jazira decided to check on Quinn. Amanda went to the door and yelled for him.

“Quinn, you come in for lunch now. Do you hear me?”

His response warmed her heart, knowing he was okay. “I’ll be in right away,” he shouted back.

“Okay, Jazira, we’ll finish the hat tonight, then we’ll be done.”

Jazira jumped around in excited circles. “I’m so happy.”

Quinn came in through the door, and Jazira ran and pounced on him, sending him to the floor with a crash. She licked his face and sat on him.

He laughed and sputtered, wiping his nose. “Jazira, I can’t breathe.”

She got up. “Oh! I’m sorry.”

Amanda chuckled at the two of them. The day went on and Quinn went back outside. She knitted quickly, watching Jazira’s excitement grow with each completed row. Once completed, Jazira took his gift in her mouth and strutted around the house proudly. “He’ll like them, won’t he?” she muttered around the mitts and hat in her mouth.

“He’ll love them. We’ll wrap them in some paper and he can open them on Christmas morning, which is less than a week away.”

Jazira yawned, and it was suppertime when Quinn came in. He looked tired but pleased.

Eating dinner had them both asleep and in bed early. The next day came and went uneventfully.

∗ ∗ ∗

Mid afternoon on the third day, Jazira lifted her head off the floor and growled. Amanda and Quinn both jumped. Jazira ran to the window.

“Something’s wrong, Quinn,” she whined. “I hear voices, bad voices.”

“I don’t’ see anything,” Amanda’s voice rose in alarm and she ran to fetch a gun.

Jazira paced back and forth by the window. “I think you should both hide!” she growled nervously.

Amanda loaded the rifle, still looking out the window. Coming through the trees and into the clearing was Samuel. She smiled, but it quickly disappeared when she realized he wasn’t alone. His hands were tied behind his back and following him were three other men.

Amanda shrieked. “Oh God, this can’t be happening.”

Jazira’s hair stood on end and she growled deeply with her teeth bared.

“I won’t let him hurt you. I won’t!” She continued to growl.

Amanda bent down to her. “Jazira, you have to go. Run! They won’t shoot us, but they will shoot you.”

“Mom’s right, you have to run Jazira. Don’t let them catch you. We’ll be alright.”

She cried and shook her large head. “I can’t leave...not again.”

“You have to Jazira. We’ll be okay. We’ll escape somehow, you’ll see. Now go!” He ran down the hall to the back door and called her. “Please, Jazira, go before it’s too late.”

Amanda knew the she-wolf was uncertain, but then she turned and ran out the door.

Quinn closed the door and ran back to his mother’s side. “Mom, what should we do?”

A tear ran down her cheek. “I don’t think we can do anything, Quinn. They have a gun pointed at Samuel’s back.”

They stopped outside the front door, and George Ellis got his rotund body off the horse and so did his outlaw friends.

Amanda opened the door. She locked eyes with Samuel. Fury and anger resonated deep within him. He had a black eye, a bloody nose and a gag in his mouth.

“I told you you’d be mine, Amanda. You’ll not marry anyone else, but me. Do you understand?” he spit.

“Just let him go, George,” Amanda pleaded. “Please.”

His evil laugh stabbed her in the heart. “No, I don’t think so, Amanda. He’s quite cooperative like this.”

George spread his arms, looking at the cabin. “Well, well. This is a nice home, isn’t it? Bet you thought you’d just stay here, play house and not worry about me, didn’t you,” he shouted. “That’s okay. I like whores like you.”

Quinn jumped out the door and down the stairs with his fist’s flying, hitting George in the stomach.

Amanda yelled, and Samuel struggled, falling off the horse.

A backhand sent Quinn flying into the snow. “Stop, George! Please, just stop. I’ll do what you want. I will, but please let them be. Let them go, and I’ll do what you wish.”

Samuel fought to stand, but one of the men kicked him in the stomach sending him backward into the snow.

“Oh, I know you’ll do what I want. And you’ll like it. Do you understand?” he spewed pointing his gun at Quinn. “I think me and my boys are hungry. Get your ass in the kitchen and fix us something.”

Amanda turned, feeling more defeated than she’d ever felt in her life. How had this happened? When would the hurt stop? She and Quinn couldn’t bear it any more.

They dragged Samuel in and tied him to a chair.

Quinn stayed in front of her. He had a swollen cheek and another split lip. Amanda was so proud of him.

She placed food on the table and the men devoured the meat and bread like rabid dogs.

When they finished, George rose and wandered to the tree. “Awe, look guys. They thought they’d have a nice Christmas together. “Isn’t that fucking sweet. I have my own plans for Christmas. You’re gonna be Mrs. Ellis a night from now.” He sauntered back to the kitchen and toward Amanda. He flipped his knife to one of the men who held it at Samuel’s neck.

Amanda backed up until she ran into the counter. Quinn started for her, but George cut him off. “That knife is awfully sharp, Quinn, and I have no use for Samuel. Think twice before you move.”

Quinn halted and Amanda closed her mouth with a strangled cry. George pinned her to the counter pressing his body into hers. “I can’t wait, darling. I’m sure you can’t either. Mrs. George Ellis you will be.” His tongue jutted out licking the side of her neck. “You are delicious.”

Amanda felt sick to her stomach. She twisted her head away from him.

“Get dressed, Amanda. We travel in fifteen minutes.”

“But it’s dark. Quinn and Samuel are hurt.”

He shoved her away from him. She stumbled and fell. “He won’t be attending the wedding.” He stated pointing at Samuel. “But Quinn, he’s coming. Billy’s looking forward to having him as a brother, and Quinn’s my insurance that you’ll behave your pretty self.”

Soon Amanda had Quinn bundled up and ready to go. “Be brave, Quinn. We’ll be okay.” She placed a kiss on his cheek.

Samuel remained unmoving, staring at the men with hatred. Tears streaked her face and she mouthed the words “I love you” to him. His eyes closed, and Amanda turned away.

Ellis’s followers securely tied Samuel. “He won’t be going anywhere. He certainly won’t interrupt our marriage, if he lives at all.”

They left the cabin and mounted horses, following the trail back down Crow Mountain.

Jazira watched them head down the mountain without Samuel. Once they were out of sight she ran to the cabin and stood on her hind legs looking in the window. Sure enough she could see Samuel fighting a hopeless battle with the ropes, trying to free himself. She yelled his name. “Samuel!”

He looked up and tried to yell, but he couldn’t with the rag in his mouth.

She jumped down and ran to the door, pushing at the wood. It wouldn’t open. Time flew by while she desperately tried to get in, scratching, chewing and pushing. It was no use. Then she remembered the back door. Running to the back she tried the same thing. Nothing worked. She wandered back to the front of the cabin feeling helpless then looked into the window.