Page 63 of A Dangerous Heart
“Eli?” she called out. A sudden rush of wings startled her. Three doves scattered from somewhere near the back of the cabin, and the sound made her skin prickle with an uneasy chill. Disoriented, she registered someone stepping out from behind the corner of the house. A blow to her shoulder sent her crashing to the ground. Victor loomed over her, and Clare was paralyzed with terror.
From nearby, a footfall sounded. Eli stood frozen, his gaze ricocheting between his pa and Clare. Recognition and hope flashed across his young face, quickly replaced by horror as Clare tried to scramble to her feet and Victor’s boot drove into her stomach. The vicious kick had Clare doubling over, one shoulder pressed to the ground
“Run, Eli,” she cried. But her nephew stood frozen with shock and fear.
“He ain’t gonna run.” Victor stepped close enough to land his meaty hand on Eli’s shoulder. Eli quivered, his eyes darting once again from Clare back to his pa.
When Eli didn’t move, she pushed to her hands and knees. An ache pulled beneath her ribs.
Run!She willed him.Race to the woods. Get Isaac!
Victor’s right hand hovered over his holstered gun. “Be still.” His threat was obvious, and she had no choice but to obey.
“Where’s that man you’ve been living with?”
Clare tried to hide her surprise. Victor’s lips curled into a malicious smirk.
“Been here a few days. I seen him scoutin’ from across the river.”
Across the river. It was true. Victor was working with Quade. She didn’t dare close her eyes, but she carefully drew in a breath through the pain in her ribs and tried to still her spinning thoughts. It was just like Victor to bide his time and strike when she and Eli were isolated from the others.
She needed to distract Victor. Isaac would come. He was wearing his guns. He would do something.
“Where is he?” Victor demanded.
“How did you find us?” she choked out.
Victor spat on the ground, uncaring when his spittle landed on her. “Lyle wasn’t the only guy in town. Tom Crow saw you and ducked behind the depot.” His tobacco-stained teeth flashed under a thick mustache. “You thought you could outsmart me?” He kicked her booted foot, and pain radiated through her ankle. “Crow tracked you from town all the way to the big house.”
Her heart shrank in fear. Victor had already scouted the McGraws’ homestead.
She saw Eli register his father’s words. David was down at the big house. Tillie and the others. Shadows chased through her nephew’s expression. He loved David. Loved the McGraws. Knew what his father was capable of.
Run.She mouthed the word to Eli.
But he remained frozen.
Victor’s eyes darted from her to Eli. “Your brother in there?” He jutted his chin in the direction of the cabin.
Eli shook his head almost imperceptibly, and Victor frowned. “What, boy?”
“N-no, sir,” Eli stammered.
“Down at the main house, then?”
Clare saw fear and panic cross Eli’s features. They both knew that if Victor descended upon the main house, he might shoot the whole family without a second thought.
“Answer me!” Victor demanded.
Eli jumped. “I’ve been staying in the bunkhouse. Helpin’ with the chores, the cattle and such. Been learnin’ to rope, Pa.” The words rushed out of Eli, each one filled with a hopeful pride.
Victor slapped Eli across the face. “You think you’re a rancher, boy? Barlows ain’t ranchers.” He gave Eli a hard shove toward the cabin. “Git your brother.”
Eli stumbled. “Ben’s not here.”
While Victor was distracted by Eli, Clare saw her chance. She hesitated, guilt twisting in her gut.
I will come for you, Eli.
