Chapter 3

Rhianna O'Brien stood on the porch and took in the scene before her. Five men sat on horseback waiting for her. She knew the outcome of this search rested with her. For a moment she felt the task was too great for her. She hadn't felt this way since planning her first battle so many years before. The years seemed to weigh on her heavily and for the first time in her life she felt unequal to the task. She knew, as a leader of men, she couldn't show fear or hesitation. She squared her shoulders and assumed the mantle of command once again.

Heath Barkley had been watching this mysterious woman. He had never met anyone like her and he was intrigued. He sensed she was unsure of herself and seemed to shake her for a moment before she once again appeared to be in complete control. There was definitely more to this woman than met the eye. He glanced at his oldest brother, Jarrod. Jarrod was certainly curious about Rhianna and Heath knew there would be many more questions and probably a confrontation or two. Jarrod would get the answers to the questions they all had. His reverie was interrupted when he heard Rhianna call softly, "Brady!"

The most magnificent horse came trotting around the corner. He was a chestnut horse with intelligent eyes. He was a large horse, at least seventeen hands, with well developed hindquarters. He also had something of a thoroughbred look to him. He was clearly trained to obey Rhianna and waited for her. To Heath's amazement, Rhianna mounted him with an agility borne of many years of riding. To the experienced horseman, it seemed as if they were one creature. As they rode out he noticed she rode silently and the two seemed to act with one mind, the perfect marriage of rider and mount. She reminded him of Nick and Coco in that regard.

The search party came to the crossroads where they would separate into their teams. They gathered for a last meeting.

"All right," said Rhianna, "Stay in your groups. We don't want anyone else lost out here tonight. We all have guns. If you find Mary, fire a signal in the air. Jarrod and Mr. McCall will fire one shot, Heath and the Sheriff two shots, and Jack and I will fire three shots. If you hear the shots, go to where that pair is assigned in case more help is needed."

As the others rode off, Rhianna looked at Jack. He was her closest confidante and her brother-in-law; he was family. "Jack, we'll find her and she will be fine; I believe that and so should you." At his nod, they rode off to find Fort Barkley and with any luck a little girl.

After the search party rode off, the three women tried to find something to do to keep their minds off of the horrible possibilities; they knew it would be a long night. Victoria sat near Kathleen and asked her, "Why didn't you tell us about your family?" This question had been uppermost in her mind since their visitor had come to the door.

Kathleen looked at Victoria and said carefully, "We've always had to be so careful; it's just second nature to me not to trust anyone. I'm sorry. We have never felt more safe and free than we do here. I never want to leave this place. I want both my girls to grow up here knowing they are free; that they are loved and able to choose their own path in life. I know that that is what Jack wants too. Except for missing Rhianna, he's never been happier."

Audra came in and announced, "Mother, dinner is ready. Kathleen, I have sent one of the hands to get Bridget and bring her here. You can spend the night here with both your girls." Kathleen was grateful and missed the significant look the two other women exchanged. The three women then went into the dining room and attempted to eat. There was little conversation as each woman had many thoughts to occupy her mind. Kathleen did little more than pick at her food.

After the meal, the women returned to the front parlor to wait. Victoria and Audra picked up handwork. Victoria was working on some embroidery and Audra was mending some clothes for the children at the orphanage that was her special concern. Kathleen just sat there holding her oldest daughter in her lap and thinking about Ireland and the days she had spent raising Rhianna. She had always been a special child with far too many responsibilities thrust upon her at so early an age. Kathleen gave a heavy sigh. She was grateful her sister had come, but at the same time wished Rhianna would, for once, be free of the obligations that had been her life.

Rhianna and Jack neared the shack where the Barkley children had played. She knew it was critical to reach Mary quickly, but Rhianna was a careful individual. They came upon the shack silently and made a complete circle around it before riding near it. There had been no signs of anyone in the area, but it never hurt to be cautious. After they were convinced it was safe, they rode in. As she neared the shack, Rhianna suddenly stopped. She knew without a doubt Mary was here and was safe. A wide smile was on her face and she looked very relieved. Jack looked at her, and asked, "What is it?" Rhianna just looked at him searchingly and said, "Why don't you look in the shack? I'll stand watch here."

Jack opened the door slowly and carefully. He knew Rhianna would never allow him to look if she knew Mary was dead, but he was still apprehensive; this was his daughter. He held the lantern up and saw Mary huddled in the corner half asleep, but all right. "Mary!" As he scooped her up in his strong arms she woke and cried, "Papa! I scared." As he held his daughter he knew she needed to get warm. He took her outside where Rhianna was taking out the blankets.

Rhianna smiled at him. "Let's get those wet clothes off and wrap her up. Then I want you to take her back to the Barkley's place and take care of her. I'll stay here and wait for the others." As Jack did what she suggested, he heard her take out her gun and walk to the rise and fire three shots.

Kathleen got up and carried her daughter upstairs and put her to bed. As she came back down Victoria realized she no longer looked worried. She was curious, but knew she had to introduce the visitor who had arrived while Kathleen was upstairs.

"Kathleen, this is an old family friend who dropped by. Howard, this is Kathleen Ryan, our assistant foreman's wife. Howard Merar is our town doctor."

To everyone's surprise, Kathleen smiled and laughed. "Let me guess, my sister suggested he come out? I'm sure she told you not to worry me. How just like her. I am fine, really."

As Audra took the doctor to get a drink, Kathleen took Victoria aside. "I need to talk to you, Mrs. Barkley."

"Of course, dear. Let's sit over here. Now, what is it?" Victoria asked, kindly.

Kathleen began slowly, "I'm not worried about Mary anymore; I need you to understand a few things, and to ask a favor." Kathleen took a deep breath, she knew Rhianna might never forgive her for this conversation, but she needed to protect her. "I was upset about Mary when Rhianna showed up, but I was more relieved to see Rhianna. She suffered a great loss a year ago and just threw herself into work. I hadn't seen her in over a year. It's been so difficult to know my baby sister was in pain and I could nothing to help her."

Victoria said, astonished, "She's your younger sister?"

Kathleen smiled, "I know she seems older; I was fifteen when she was born. I know you and Mr. Jarrod were concerned to hear she's been here watching the house. She's only concerned for our safety. I can't tell you any more than that, but believe me, it's important or she wouldn't be here. The favor I want to ask you is this: please don't ask her to explain. She will tell you when she can."

Victoria thought about all she had heard. She thought about Rhianna. She had liked her at once. "All right, Kathleen, I won't press for an answer now, but there are things that need to be discussed with my family soon."

At that moment, the front door burst open and Jack entered with Mary wrapped in several blankets. Victoria called for Dr. Merar and ushered all of them upstairs.

An hour later, all the searchers were back trying to dry out and get warm. The men were having celebratory drinks and Rhianna was standing and staring into the fire waiting for word on Mary's condition. Jack came downstairs and went straight to Rhianna, "She going to be fine. She wants to see her 'Auntie Ree'."

Rhianna went upstairs and saw her niece warm and sleepy in the big bed. She went and sat down next to her to make sure she really was okay.

"Auntie Ree! I was cold. Katie showed me the little house and said to wait there and you would come get me." Mary's voice was quiet and sleepy.

Rhianna didn't know what to say, if she could manage to say anything at all. Kathleen came up, put her hands on Rhianna's shoulders, and spoke quietly. "She's asleep now; she just wanted to see you. Go and get a drink and warm up. Get some sleep, Alanna, you look exhausted."

Rhianna went downstairs with a heavy heart and there stood Jarrod Barkley with a serious look on his face. "I want to talk to you Miss O'Brien."

"No, Jarrod," Victoria broke in.

"But Mother…" Jarrod was indignant.

"I said no, Jarrod. Not now. Everyone is tired. Thank you, Rhianna, for all you have done. Would you like to sleep here tonight? We have plenty of room." Victoria extended the offer graciously.

"No, thank you, Mrs. Barkley. I need to go." Rhianna was anxious to get back to her camp.

Victoria wanted to object but she knew she needed to back off…for now. She was determined she would get her out of the air and into shelter, though.

As Rhianna started to leave the house, Jack stopped her by asking, "How do you bear it?"

Standing in the open doorway she turned to him standing with the Barkleys and quietly said with tears in her voice, "I don't have a choice." She turned and walked out closing the door quietly.