Hearts in the Right Place

by PollyannaHeartie

This is a continuation of "Faith, Hope, and Love." Jack's mother has arrived in Coal Valley, as has a mysterious stranger. Jack and Elizabeth are courting, though they don't ever seem to be able to woo peaceably. What affect will Jack's mother have on their relationship? What is the stranger's secret? And what hearts will find their right place?

35. Chapter 35

Chapter Thirty-Five

"Few delights can equal the presence

of one whom we trust utterly."

~George McDonald

Inside the saloon, Gabe's head popped up when he heard his mother's voice. He glanced over and saw that Miles and Emily had, also, looked up. He nodded at his brother and Miles put his head back down. Ann had moved to comfort Emily and Gabe gave his sister his best encouraging look. Ann guided Emily's head back down. Gabe, too, lowered his head, but turned it so he could keep watch on his younger siblings.

Allen looked back at the students before hollering back, "What do you want, lad'y?"

Cat's voice rang in through the doors. "The question is what do you want."

Allen stood still and quiet as the seconds ticked past.

"Allen," Cat called, again. "What is it you want? We need to know so we can help you get it and then our children can come home."

Allen looked back at Elizabeth and she saw that he seemed confused. Finally, he yelled back, "I want my horse, a clear path out of here, and five hundred dollars."

Elizabeth frowned. She couldn't imagine where they'd find five hundred dollars in Coal Valley to give Allen. Gowen might have it but she knew there was no way that he'0d help.

Several seconds of silence crawled by before Cat replied. "Okay, we're going to work on that. In the meantime, tell me how the children are doing. Maybe we can talk with them or see them?" Cat asked, hopeful.

Allen looked back at the students, all with their heads down. It looked they were all napping, though he could tell from the occasional whimper and cry that they weren't. He turned back around. "No, you can't talk to the kids! No!"

After a minute, Cat's voice belted through, again. "Then, can we talk with Elizabeth? Or Mrs. Thornton?"

Allen looked back at Elizabeth and a chill ran down her spine. She could see the panic in his eyes. He pulled his gaze from her and began to pace, again.