Thanks to everybody (Guest B, MandieJoe4ever, Giggles14, Mandie fan, & E Blythe) who reviewed Chapter 5. I hope you haven't died of suspense yet. ;) One of my favorite Mandie/Joe scenes is below. I hope you enjoy it!
"That girl has interfered for the last time!" a voice thundered from below.
Joe clasped Mandie's hand as they listened intently. The voices lowered, and the young people strained to catch snatches of the conversation over the crackling of the fire below.
"Paris...ruined plans...George in prison...Rome..."
Mandie and Celia stared at each other. Joe glanced from one to the other in confusion.
"I'll say!" a voice suddenly yelled above the rest. "Me an' the boys woulda had thet gold long ago if'n thet gell an' her cat hadn't been so nosy."
Mandie gulped. One of the bandits!
The conversation continued in lower tones, and the young people gave up on trying to listen to it. Mandie sank down to the floor. "We've got to get out of here." she said determinedly.
"We will." Celia said cheerfully.
Joe lowered himself to the floor, his back against the log wall. "What did those men mean by Paris and Rome and George? Don't you have a college friend named George?"
Mandie shook her head. "They meant a different George. When Celia and I went to Europe with Grandmother the first time, Jonathan was kidnapped by some foreign spies in Paris. The people wanted something from Mr. Guyer, but Uncle Ned came and rescued Jonathan and later he helped catch the spies." Mandie chewed her lip in confusion. "What I don't understand is how that could be connected to the jewelry thief in Rome."
"Jewelry thief?" Joe asked.
Mandie sighed. "I'm sorry, Joe, I forgot you weren't with us. Didn't we tell you about the actor, George Rushton, who turned out to be a jewelry thief?"
"I think I vaguely remember something about that." Joe nodded slowly. There was silence for a moment, then Celia spoke up.
"Mandie, did you hear that other man talking about the gold?"
Mandie nodded.
"I think he was one of the bandits who wrecked the train." Joe stated. "And nearly got Uncle Ned killed."
"Yes." she agreed. "But why is he involved in kidnapping us? Does he expect to get a ransom for me?" Mandie almost chuckled at the idea. Anyone who knew her mother and uncle at all would realize that demanding a ransom would be fruitless.
Joe smiled, the grew serious again. "Even though it seems ridiculous, that actually could be why they've kidnapped you, Mandie."
"A ransom?" she said in disbelief. "I wasn't serious, Joe."
"I know you weren't," Joe said, lawyer-like. "But think about it, Mandie. These crooks go to a lot of trouble to steal that gold, and then get sent to prison for it. When they get out, what's the best way to get money and revenge at the same time? Kidnap and hold you for ransom, of course."
Mandie was still. If they were after the gold, then this wasn't just a delay in the Christmas plans. This was serious. Up until that moment she hadn't realized the gravity of their situation, but now it dawned upon her. A twinge of fear squeezed at her heart, and she felt for Joe's hand.
"Will you—can we say our verse?"
Celia nodded, and they joined hands. "What time I am afraid I will trust in Thee." the three repeated together.
Heavy footsteps pounded up to the door. Joe leaped up and stood in front of Mandie just as the door flew open and two masked men entered with pistols drawn. One bent down and picked up a piece of the cut rope. He showed it wordlessly to his companion and then they took the young people by the arms and marched them out of the cell. Mandie caught her breath in pain when she put weight on the injured ankle. Joe paused and looked from her to the guards, then he put an arm around Mandie and helped her hop down the stairs. One of the guards kept a pistol aimed at his back, while the other dragged Celia along by the arm. The narrow staircase opened out into a larger room, and behind a desk in the center of the room sat another masked man. Mandie stared at him. Just like the others, he wore a black outfit, cloak, gloves and mask, but this man was different, Mandie decided. He had an air of authority and wore a large silver ring.
"So we meet again, Amanda Shaw." the boss said. Mandie's scalp prickled.
Joe released her, and one of the guards placed the severed ropes on the desk The Boss picked it up and fingered it. "Where is the knife?" he gazed steadily at the three young people.
"Where is what knife?" Mandie asked innocently.
The cold, steely eyes looked out of the mask at her. "One of you has a knife." Mandie felt her heartbeat quicken. The boss picked up the severed rope. "This rope was obviously cut. Where is the knife?"
Mandie swallowed hard and glanced at Joe out of the corner of her eye. His expression was unreadable.
"Why are we being held here?" Mandie was surprised at how steady her voice was.
The cold eyes narrowed, and the man growled: "Give me the knife."
Mandie stared at him for a moment. They needed that knife. Even though Joe hadn't thought it would be very useful, Mandie was convinced that they could at least use it for something. She shook her head no. One of the guards stepped forward and pressed the cold barrel of a pistol against her head.
Mandie stiffened, her heart beating faster. She heard Joe's sharp intake of breath.
"Young man," the Boss broke the tense silence by addressing Joe smoothly. "I can see you care something for this girl. Lay the knife on my desk and she won't get hurt."
Mandie's eyes met Joe's. She could sense anger toward the men and concern for her battling in Joe's mind.
A moment passed, and the Boss spoke again. "Come now. My man has no problem shooting a girl. One squeeze of the trigger, and you will have the rest of your life to regret your decision. Don't be foolish."
Time seemed to stand still as the Boss stared calmly at Joe. The guard tightened his grip on Mandie and pressed the pistol a little more firmly to her head. Mandie trembled.
Joe slowly reached into his pocket and laid the knife on the desk.
The guard released Mandie and shoved her toward Joe. He caught and held her tightly.
The Boss stared steadily at Joe, "Remember, if you cause any trouble, this young lady—" he motioned to Mandie "—will pay for it." he then turned and addressed the two guards. "Take them away."
"Are you all right?" Joe whispered into her ear as they started back up the stairs.
Mandie clung to him, feeling numb. She could still almost feel the cold of the pistol against her head. "I-I think so," she stammered. Her mind was going around and around, trying to make sense of it all, and she couldn't remember when she'd felt so tired so suddenly. She'd had a small headache ever since regaining consciousness, but now it had intensified. Her head was pounding by the time they returned to the room and the guards shut and barred the door behind them.
Celia arranged a few old sacks she'd found into a makeshift bed. Joe helped Mandie over to it and Celia knelt down beside her, worry creasing her face. "Are you sure you're okay, Mandie?"
"I'm fine, Celia." Mandie insisted. "I just have a headache."
Joe knelt down beside them. "Let me see your head."
Mandie grudgingly submitted to his examination. Joe bit his lip as he saw the cut, and he quickly tied the handkerchief on as a makeshift bandage. "Why don't you try to rest?" he suggested gently.
Mandie nodded. She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Well, at least that ending wasn't quite so suspense-full! ;)
Oh wait! There's still a really big question left unanswered! Joe sure seemed worried about Mandie's head injury. Is it really serious? Will she be okay?