Well as promised another update. I was hoping to do it sooner but with the move and all, I didn't really have time. So, like the last one this isn't betaed, so deal with my grammar errors.
The Other Side
Chapter 12
Gil was awake before the sun broke the plane of the horizon. He stood before the hazy window and watched the glow intensify as the day began. Sara was still asleep, on her side wrapped up in several blankets. Occasionally Gil would glance back at her. He regretted dragging her through all of this in her condition. If she wasn't as stubborn as he was, he was convinced he could have talked her into staying with Heather until the heat settled down.
Sara stirred and opened her eyes. She noticed his silhouette standing at the window. "Is it time to leave?" Her eyes closed as she snuggled deeper into the fluffy covers.
He sighed. "I'm afraid so." Gil approached the bed and lowered himself down to sit beside her. "We need to get as far as we can today."
Her eyes opened again and it was then she noticed his face. "Why haven't you shaved?"
Gil brought his hand up and ran it over the two day beard that had formed. "Jim noticed a sign down at the law office. The governor has a bounty out on all of us."
"Oh my god." Sara gasped and quickly put a hand over her belly.
He was quick to ease her worry and moved his hand to cover hers. "I'm not letting anything happen to you or our baby. If we can get out of the state and into the North West Territory or California we should be good."
"What if someone catches us?"
"Sara we've got a long two day head start, and if that sled really works out, we should be able to manage over forty miles a day." He moved his hand around her belly, and he instantly felt a kick. Gil smiled as his heart welled with pride.
Sara watched on at his reaction and knew that he would do anything to protect them, even if it meant laying down his own life.
After she managed to pull herself out of bed, Gil escorted her down to breakfast. They ate fairly quickly and left the small inn to find Jim and Grey Wolf ready to go. Sara situated herself on the sled as Gil climbed onto his horse. Once she gave a nod that she was ready, they left a trail of dust as they vacated town.
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Bobby stayed the night at the brothel and visited with Heather the next morning without the presence of Nic.
"What can I do? I feel so helpless."
Heather placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of him. "Nothing. Don't acknowledge the fact that you know anything of where they went, or of your involvement period. It's a good way to be shot."
Bobby sighed deeply. "What about the kid? Is he going to kill me?"
She shook her head and sipped her coffee. "You're not on the list." She let the silence overtake them and she thought about questioning Bobby. Anything to get an idea of where they might be. "So, you said that it's possible that they headed West." It was more of an out loud thought than a question.
With a grin Bobby replied. "It was something Sara had mentioned one time. She said she's always heard of the magnificent forests and thought it would be a good place to live without anyone knowing." Heather smiled and inclined her head. "Well, I guess I'll head back out to Al's and see what I can salvage." He pushed the chair across the wooden floor and stood.
"Will you be back?" Heather quickly asked.
Bobby smiled. "Yeah, I'm sure." He placed his coffee on the table and secured his hat.
Heather remained in her seat as he walked out. She hoped things would eventually settle down, but the loud blast she heard outside had her rushing towards the door. Heather ran towards the fallen man in the street. "Bobby!"
She practically fell to his side. His shirt soaked with blood, and when he tried to talk, he could only gargle the thick red fluid. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked around. Standing not twenty feet away was Nic. He was clutching a double barreled shotgun; smoke gently rising from the barrel indicating where the shot had come from.
"What have you done!?" She yelled at him.
Nic's cold face glared down at her as he reloaded the gun. "My job." He turned and walked back towards the governor who was grinning wildly at Nic's actions.
Bobby coughed and Heather redirected her attention to him. She knew no words could ease his worry, so she remained with him as he drew his last breath.
Hot tears streaked her face and she cursed herself for letting Bobby mention to Nic his very little involvement. When she thought she was the only person in the town, Catherine kneeled next to her. She offered silent condolences by placing a hand on her shoulder. Both women knew that he couldn't lay in the street, so they each grabbed an arm and managed to pull him behind the brothel.
After Heather was sure that Bobby's body was safe, she quickly walked to the telegraph office. Her mind raced as she debated on sending a broad message to see if Jim would get it. She tapped the pencil on the small wooden table as she thought.
Just then the machine beeped and the man attending it scribbled down the message. He tore the paper and turned around. "Heather, this is for you." She grabbed it with a confused look.
Once she was done reading the note she glared wide eyed at the operator. "You never gave me a message. I was here to send one but didn't. That's all you know, got it." The man gave a confused nod. That was the only conformation she needed and left.
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Grey Wolf made a habit of riding well in front of Jim and Gil. He was constantly scanning the land for any kind of prey animal. Between towns he knew they would need to eat something. Several times a few young deer would run out from in front of them, but he would let them go. Only when a large buck or mature doe jumped up from his resting place did Grey Wolf take aim.
Gil and Jim would stop and watch as the activities unfolded. They would catch up as Grey Wolf finished dressing the deer. Both men would wave as they just walked past him. Once he had finished skinning and cutting the meat, Grey Wolf would catch up with them.
The same routine occurred every day as they rode. They were beginning to get a collection of hides from their friends kills. Jim and Gil had decided to just continue riding until they knew they were a safe distance. The first week they kept up a tiring pace just to make sure that they were able to put as many miles between themselves and the persistent danger they knew would be coming after them. The second week they had slowed down. Gil had his doubts they would decide on a destination before the birth of his child as Sara was beginning to become more uncomfortable. Both he and Jim knew she was close to delivering.
The mountain air of California was chilling in the morning. The fugitives could see their breaths as they silently rode. Sara would wrap herself within several hides to keep warm. Her abdomen churned constantly and even a sharp pain would take a hold of her every now and then. She was determined not to let on to Gil or Jim about her discomfort. But she couldn't fool Grey Wolf.
He rode past on the fourteenth morning of being on the run and silently got Jim and Gil's attention. With a subtle point, he indicated to them to glance back at Sara. Gil turned to see her with her hands over her belly and trying to fight off pain.
Without stopping his horse, Gil jumped off and was at her side in an instant. "Sara, what is it? What's wrong?" At the loss of his rider, the horse stopped as did the horse pulling Sara.
"Nothing." She gritted between her teeth.
"You're in pain. Please tell me what's wrong." He pleaded as Jim and Grey Wolf joined him in evaluating her.
Sara sucked in an easy breath as the pain subsided. "See it's already past."
The former sheriff shook his head. "I don't think so."
Grey Wolf agreed. "The baby is ready and will be born soon."
The breath left Gil's lungs. He was left completely in shock. Grey Wolf disappeared while Jim and Gil remained with Sara. They never moved until the return of their friend.
"Just ahead there is shelter." He glanced towards the sky. "The weather's changing." Both men looked up through to collection of tall evergreens and agreed.
They hurried along following until the cave came into view. "Wholly cow, what lives in there?" Jim commented at seeing the size of the dwelling.
Without a second thought Grey Wolf dismounted followed by Gil who then helped Sara up from the sled and into the cave. Jim took up the task of unsaddling the horses, while Grey Wolf helped situate a place for Sara. They placed several deer hides on the cold rock ground. Gil eased her tiring body down onto the makeshift bed. When Grey Wolf was done, he went about the task of building a fire. Gil stayed with Sara while the other two worked. Grey Wolf and Jim left only to return a short time later.
Sara was resting while Gil sat on a rock that was next to where she was lying. His face expressed his worry as he softly stroked her hair. Her eyes opened to look up at his concerned face. The smile she gave him helped relieve the worry on his mind.
Grey Wolf took the several plant items Jim had helped him gather and began arranging and preparing them. Jim looked on as he took several different of the leaves and mashed them together on a rock.
"What's that for?"
Without looking up he responded. "These will help control the pain."
Jim glanced at Sara. "She's not in pain."
Grey Wolf also looked in her direction. "Not right now."
With a sigh Jim glanced around the darkened cave. "We'll need more light." He grabbed a small piece of wood from the fire and walked past Gil and Sara. Once far enough back, Jim set the flaming piece down and took another look. The small fire was just enough for them to better see their surroundings. He glanced up to see the small trail of smoke follow the ceiling towards the mouth of the cave. "If we keep it small we'll be able to see better." He commented as he walked past Gil again.
Jim rejoined Gray Wolf near the main fire and he glanced out over the forest they inhabited for the moment. He knew they were well ahead of any danger that was tracking them, but other dangers lurked. He was pulled from his thoughts by the elbow of Gray Wolf. "Food." Jim nodded and proceeded to pick up a rifle as he walked out.
Gil was paying attention to Sara as she rested. His hand continued to stroke over her hair offering more comfort to himself than to her. As he sat his nose picked up the scent of something strange. Gil glanced back towards his friend and watched as he stirred something in one of the small tin cups they carried with them.
Grey Wolf approached and kneeled next to Sara. "Help."
Gil gently woke Sara. "Honey, sit up for a moment."
Her eyes opened and shined with exhaustion. Gil helped steady her and Gray Wolf held the cup to her lips. "Drink."
Sara sipped the liquid in the cup and pulled back to cringe. "What is that?"
"Herbs. Drink."
She did as asked before a contraction started. Her face scrunched up in pain. Gil kneeled beside her and pulled her close to him. He gently rubbed her back and rocked her doing whatever he could to ease her discomfort.
Grey Wolf looked down at her. "Rest. It won't be long now." A gunshot echoed through the trees. Gil jumped and Grey Wolf held out his hand to settle his friend. "Food."
Jim returned with the carcass of a mule deer. He and Grey Wolf went to work skinning and cutting up the meat from the animal. Jim proceeded to cook up the meat, while Grey Wolf worked on the hide. While he was working he began a soft chant to ease his companions worry.
Gil had stretched out next to Sara, his hand rubbing circles over their baby, while he watched Grey Wolf work. Sara was also keeping an eye on them as they worked. She turned her head to look at her husband. Gil sensed her glare and looked down at her. "How do you feel?"
She smiled. "I don't know what he gave me, but I can feel the contractions but the pain is very manageable."
He smiled. "That's good."
"I'm glad they're here." She stated.
"Me too." He leaned down and kissed her lips gently. "Get some rest."
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The three fugitives were finishing their dinner while looking out into the darkness. Flashes of lightning were temporarily illuminating the woods. Occasionally Gil would glance back to Sara and when he was convinced she was resting went back to eating.
"How much further are we going to go?" Jim pondered out loud.
Gil shrugged. "I just want to make sure we're far, far away."
A sudden bright flash turned their attention to the world beyond, and the booming, earth shaking clap of thunder that followed caused them to jump. Sara bolted up from her slumber at the noise. "Gil!"
The three men turned, Gil jumping to his feet and rushing to her side. "It's okay, I'm here. It was just thunder."
She shook her head and winced. "Pain." Her teeth gritted as she fought through the pain.
"Help" Gil called as he glanced back towards his friends and they were quickly by his side. Jim stood over the couple while Grey Wolf kneeled and placed a hand over her stomach. He nodded. "It's time." He walked back towards the fire and retrieved the mixture he prepared earlier.
Gil was on the verge of hyperventilating at the thought that he was about to see his baby come into the world. He didn't know what to do. Sara was the one who directed him when Mandy had her baby, but this was different. This was his Sara.
Grey Wolf instructed Jim to sit behind Sara, keeping her propped up. Gil remained at the side, clutching her hand to help in any way he could. Sara was breathing hard as her contractions were intense and close together. Grey Wolf approached her with what looked like wet spinach on his finger. "Open." Sara opened her mouth and he packed the leaves on the roof of her mouth. "They will help with the pain."
Sara felt the instant tingle from the concoction. She swallowed her salvia that contained the enzymes from the mixture. Gil watched her face to see if there was any change. Her face puckered from the bitterness, but turned again as another contraction hit her.
Grey Wolf stood. He raised his hands into the air and began to speak in his native language. Jim was beginning to get concerned with what was happening, but when Sara relaxed as the pain eased. Gil breathed a sigh a relief, at least until Grey Wolf kneeled between Sara's legs and raised the blanket. He removed the pants she was wearing.
"Time to push."
Over the next ten minutes Gil encouraged Sara to push on every contraction. He was afraid that Sara wasn't going to have enough energy to continue. "Come on Sara." He glanced down to see the baby's head. "Please Sara."
Jim rubbed her shoulders and also encouraged her. "You can do it Sara, just one more."
Sweat covered her face and brow. Her jaw was sore from gritting her teeth, her throat sore from the cries of pain. She shook her head in a discouraging manner, but Gil wasn't about to give up. "Sara, you're almost there. Come on, you can do it." He squeezed her hand and she nodded.
Sara took a deep breath and held it as she pushed. She felt her teeth were going to break from the pressure, and just as she was about to stop, another simultaneous flash of lighting and boom of thunder shook the ground.
Then pressure and pain instantly eased and complete exhaustion took over. Her body slumped back into Jim as she took a deep breath. The silence in the cave was broken by the shrill cry of her infant. Her heart welled with joy and it seemed she caught her second wind. She managed to sit up with Jim's help as she looked down to her baby.
Gil pulled her into a soft embrace and kissed her sweat soaked hair. "You were right. It's a boy."
The boy continued his loud cries as Grey Wolf wrapped him in the few blankets they had before passing him to Sara. He stood once again and spoke several words that only he understood.
Sara cradled her infant to her bosom as he cried. "Shhhh." She cooed to the screaming baby.
"He sounds like a bear." Jim commented as he stood to look down at the youngster in his mother's embrace.
"Matoskah." Grey Wolf uttered. They all glanced at him wanting clarification. "White Bear."
Gil grinned and glanced at Sara. She smiled back. "Matt for short."
They all breathed a sigh of relief when little Matt finally settled down and began to nurse from his mother. Gil remained with his family while Jim and Grey Wolf went to the mouth of the cave and sat by the fire. Jim placed a hand on the Indian's back. "Good job."
Grey Wolf glanced out into the darkness. "The great spirit looks after all of us."
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They stayed within the protection of the cave for several days before Gil made the decision to keep moving. While he and Jim were getting the horses ready, Grey Wolf was showing Sara how to wrap her infant within the deer hide to keep him warm. She clutched her valuable bundle as she walked out towards the horses. Gil held out his arms to her and she passed their son to him. A wide smile broke out on his face as he cradled his infant. Sara was still sore from the delivery, but managed to climb aboard her horse. Once she was situated, Sara extended her arms to her husband. With a final kiss to his son, Gil passed him up to his mother.
After a glace back towards the place that provided them shelter and allowed for the birth of his child, Gil nodded and the four continued on.
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Nic stood and watched from the window at the jail as several locals went about their daily activities. The number of town folk about the town had dropped drastically since the governor's arrival. The young man was keeping an eye on the telegraph office as every few days the young runner boy would go down to the brothel and then return. He knew Heather was in communication with his fugitives.
"I don't see how this is getting you anywhere. They are getting further and further away by the day." Tom stated.
Nic never flinched. "You don't get it do you." He watched the boy return to the office across the street.
Tom scoffed. "Enlighten me." He leaned back in the chair and propped his feet up on the desk.
With a shake to his head Nic turned to respond. "Heather's obviously reciving messages from one of them. Possibly telling her where they are and where they are going. Patience is the key. It's like setting a trap; just because the rabbit is close, doesn't mean you'll catch him, unless you give him enough time to fully take the bait. I have a feeling once they reach a destination where they feel safe, Heather is going to leave. She'll go after them."
"And you'll follow her?" Tom speculated. Nic nodded. "Brilliant." His fist pounded the wooden desk top.
Nic scoffed. "That's the difference between me and you."
Awwww, its' a BOY!! But wait, is Heather going to lead this bounty hunter to them…you'll just have to wait and see.
TDCSI
