Jeremy and Jade: A Witch's Tale Part Two
"Jason! Josh!" The two Bolt brothers looked up from their paperwork in surprise. Ben Perkins had never come up to the logging camp before.
"I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. I feel just awful. This wire came in early yesterday morning, but Mrs. Hollingsworth was minding the store while I was delivering groceries to old Mr. Jacobs. And she forgot to give it to me and I didn't ask about wires because I was busy trying to finish my inventory." Ben rambled. " I just found it a few minutes ago."
Ben handed the wire to Jason.
Jason began reading the telegram. "Oh, dear God! Josh! Listen to this!"
To Telegraph operator or Jason Bolt, Seattle, Washington Territory. I am Walter Crenshaw, a driver for the Overton Stagecoach Co. Your brother, Jeremy Bolt is a passenger on my stage headed for Bees Cave, Texas. He is with a woman named Jade Applegate. I think Jeremy has been kidnapped by her. Jeremy sleeps a lot, too much. He is nervous and upset most of the time. I wonder if he is scared of Jade. This woman repeatedly tells Jeremy that his brothers and his girlfriend died in a fire. Also, she tells Jeremy that he remembers their deaths. Jeremy seems like a nice young man. He has dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Jeremy stutters sometimes. Jade often says that she loves Jeremy, but she doesn't act like she loves him. She seems cold toward him like he is a possession instead of a human being. Mr. Bolt, I pray that you and your brother, Joshua are alive because your brother, Jeremy needs your help. My stagecoach is due to arrive in Bees Cave, Texas on Thursday. In case you wonder how I could send this long wire, the telegraph operator, Frank is a buddy of mine. Signed: Walter Crenshaw.(Walter sent the telegram early in the morning of the day he was killed)
"Thank you, Ben for bringing the telegram to us." Jason said.
"Thanks, Ben. Now we know where Jeremy is or at least where he is going. Jason, today is Thursday so Jeremy should be in Bees Cave sometime today." Josh said.
"You're both welcome. Do you two forgive me for not getting the wire to you sooner?" Ben asked.
"Yes, Ben. We forgive you." Jason told him. "What time does the next stagecoach come through, Ben? Can we buy tickets to Bees Cave, Texas?"
"The next stage comes into town at noon today. Yes, you can buy tickets to Bees Cave, Texas." Ben answered.
"Josh, let's go get packed. I'll leave Big Swede and Corky in charge while we are gone." Jason told his brother.
"Jason, we have to talk to Candy before we leave." Josh responded.
"Oh, certainly, we'll talk to Candy." Jason said.
Jason and Joshua stopped by the dormitory to talk to Candy before they went to their cabin. Jason gave Candy the telegram from Walter Crenshaw.
Candy read the telegram. "Kidnapped! Oh, no! And she's telling Jeremy that the three of us are dead. How can she be so cruel to him? Jade Applegate, it seems as if I have heard that name before. Back in school…Oh, I know! She was Jade Gray when we were in school in New Bedford years ago. We thought it was strange that her first name and her last name were both colors. And she didn't like Gray because it is such a drab dull color. So she got her last name changed to Applegate. Oh, no! Now, I remember her family all thought they were witches. Jade bragged in school that her great great grandmother was a witch and she was hanged in New Bedford in 1692." Candy handed the telegram back to Jason.
"Oh, why didn't I realize she was here. I guess because she had not lived in New Bedford for years. I guess she moved back to New Bedford right before…..oh dear God! Jason! Joshua! Jade moved back right before the two of you and Jeremy came to get the Brides. I never believed in witches before. But, what if she knew the three of you were coming and she decided that she wanted Jeremy and she planned this whole thing back then?" Candy was in tears.
"Now, Candy." Jason said gently. You know there is no such thing as witches. It's just an odd coincidence that Miss Applegate returned to New Bedford right before we came to town."
"I hope so, Jason I truly hope so. You and Joshua realize don't you, that Jade is probably the one who was poisoning Jeremy?" asked Candy.
"That could be true, Candy. But, why would Sam Collins confess to something he didn't do?" Josh asked
As if on cue, Ben came running into the dormitory. "Jason, I just got a wire from Marshall Trueaxe." Ben handed the wire to Jason.
Jason read the wire. "Here's your answer, Josh. Mr. Collins is now denying that he poisoned Jeremy. He says that Miss Applegate had him under some type of spell and she told him that he did it."
Candy turned pale. "Jason, I'm so scared. You know how stubborn Jeremy is. He won't go along with Jade's plan, whatever it is. And if he doesn't cooperate, Jade will kill him!"
"Candy, it sounds as if she had Sam Collins under some kind of drug induced cooperation. That's probably what she is doing with Jeremy. It's most likely the reason he sleeps too much and is nervous and upset a lot." Jason replied
"Yes, Candy. Jason's probably right. While we don't like the idea of Jeremy being drugged, it's better than the alternative." Josh responded.
"Both of you are right. I'm just so worried about Jeremy!" Candy said.
"We understand. We are pretty worried too." Joshua replied.
"Candy, what is Miss Applegate's mother's name? That information might be useful at some point." Jason asked.
"Let me think. Oh, dear! I don't remember. Biddie might know." Candy said.
Candy went to the bottom of the staircase. "Biddie! Come down here please! Hurry, please!"
Biddie came downstairs quickly. "What's wrong, Candy?"
"Jeremy is in Texas with Jade Gray….Jade Applegate. What is Jade's mother's name, Biddie? Asked Candy.
"Oh, dear. Let me think." Biddie replied. She pondered for a few moments.
"Myrtle Gray! That's her name. Yes, indeedy. Myrtle Gray." Biddie told them.
Candy and the brothers thanked Biddie. Biddie said she would pray for Jeremy and for them on their trip.
Candy told Jason and Joshua she was going with them. When they started to protest, she held up her hand for them to stop talking.
"Jeremy is my fiancé. The man I am going to marry. I am going to give birth to his children. No witch is going to take him away from me. I will keep up with both of you no matter the pace. I won't hold you back, I promise. I love Jeremy more than my own life. I am going and that is final." Candy stated emphatically.
Jason and Joshua looked at each other. "Candy, thank you for loving our brother so much. Get your clothes packed fast. Meet us at the Stagecoach office at eleven forty five, okay?" Jason asked.
"Okay! And thank you. We will find Jeremy, don't worry." Candy replied.
After they were packed, Jason went to see Aaron Stempel. Josh went to buy their tickets.
Jason walked into Stempel's office quietly. Aaron looked up from his desk.
"Hello, Jason. You don't look too good. I hope there's not bad news about Jeremy." Aaron said.
"Well, he's on his way to Bees Cave, Texas with Jade Applegate. She kidnapped him and it seems that she is keeping him drugged." Jason replied.
"That's certainly not good. But, at least you know where your brother is now." Aaron was concerned.
Jason told Aaron the contents of the two telegrams. He told him that he and Josh were leaving on the noon stagecoach headed for Texas. Jason explained that when the stagecoach stopped for the night, he, Josh and Candy were going to buy or borrow horses so they could keep traveling. Jason said they wanted to get to Jeremy as soon as they could.
Jason asked Aaron if he would go to Olympia to talk to Marshall Leonard Trueaxe and Samuel Collins. Aaron said he would be glad to help. Jason thanked him.
"Jason, wait just a minute before you go, please." Aaron unlocked his safe He pulled out a large envelope. Aaron took a small envelope from the large one.
"Here Jason, I want you and Joshua to use this on your trip to rescue Jeremy. It's twenty five hundred dollars." Arron held out the envelope to him.
"Aaron, I appreciate it very much, but I can't…Jason replied looking directly at Aaron.
"Yes, Bolt. You can and you will. This is a long trip. And it's probably the most important trip you and Joshua will ever make. You will need money for food and for horses. And, before you say it, I know you have some money of your own. Now, you have some more." Aaron nodded toward the envelope.
Jason took the envelope. "Thank you, Aaron for the financial loan and most of all for your concern about Jeremy." Jason's voice was husky.
"It will take us awhile, but we will pay you back." Jason said.
"Jason, don't worry about the money. The only payback I want is for you and Joshua to bring baby brother back home. I've been kinda missing him myself." Aaron replied.
Jason smiled and patted Aaron on the back. Jason headed for the door. Just before he left, Jason turned and said, "Aaron, he's our youngest brother. He's not a baby." Jason smiled again.
"Youngest, right." Aaron grinned.
Jason and Joshua went into Lottie's. They told Lottie about the telegrams. They told her they and Candy were leaving for Texas on the noon stagecoach. Lottie was worried. But, she was glad they had an idea of Jeremy's whereabouts and a place to start looking. Lottie gave them both a kiss on the cheek. She said she would be praying for the three of them.
At noon, Jason, Joshua, and Candy boarded the stagecoach headed to Bees Cave, Texas.
As his brothers and Candy were beginning their journey to Texas, Jeremy was sitting at a table in the way station in Pineville, Texas. He was a bit groggy from the ether Jade gave him last night. Jade told the driver of the Thursday morning stagecoach that Walter was killed by an outlaw looking to rob them last night. She said that the outlaw killed Walter because there wasn't much money for him to steal.
The stagecoach driver, Cookie Wilson, tried to talk to Jeremy. Jade told Cookie her spiel about Jeremy going through a terrible trauma losing his brothers and his girlfriend.
"I'm very sorry for your loss, son." Cookie told Jeremy.
"Thank you, sir." Jeremy replied.
Cookie buried Walter. Jeremy found two tree limbs. He made a Cross marker for Walter's grave.
Cookie said that he could take Jade and Jeremy to Bees Cave. Miss Myrtle said she was going with them. She said she was quitting her job at the way station after the robbery and murder.
When they got ready to leave, Cookie asked Jeremy if he would like to sit up top with him.
"Oh, I don't think you should do that, darling. You will get too hot." Jade protested.
"Nonsense! A little fresh air will do you good, son! What do you say?" Cookie asked Jeremy.
"Sounds good. Thank you." Jeremy replied.
"Well, alright, darling. Maybe the fresh air will help you. Don't tell any of my secrets, Jeremy. You know that would upset me. And you know how I am when I get upset." Jade said sweetly. She patted her purse with her hand. Her gun was in her purse.
Jeremy managed a quick smile for the safety of Cookie and the other passengers. "Your secrets are safe with me, Jade."
Jade and Miss Myrtle got in the stagecoach with two teenage boys going to visit their grandparents and a doctor on his way home from his son's college graduation. Jeremy climbed up top with Cookie.
The stagecoach pulled out headed for Bees Cave.
They rode in silence for awhile. Jeremy enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air. His mind seemed clearer than it had in weeks. Jeremy tried to think of a way to escape from Jade. There had to be a way he could escape without putting others in danger.
"I'm really sorry about your brothers and your girlfriend. I don't mean to be nosy. You seem like maybe you want to talk." Cookie said.
"I wouldn't mind talking about them. I miss them something awful." Jeremy responded.
"Were you and your brothers close?" Cookie asked.
"Yes, we were. We were the only family we had except for our uncle in Scotland since I was 9 years old." Jeremy answered.
"Were you the youngest? I'm just guessing because you are young and Jade said your brothers wouldn't let you fight the fire." Cookie asked.
"Yes, I was the youngest. My brothers were very protective of me. After our mother died when I was five years old, I began stuttering. Lots of people made fun of me because of my stutter. That made my brothers especially protective of me." Jeremy said sadly.
"That's a big loss, both brothers and your girlfriend. Was she the one?" asked Cookie.
"Yes, she was. She was beautiful and sweet and hot tempered." Tears came to Jeremy's eyes.
Cookie smiled. "She sounds like a girl I used to know."
"Oh, no! Whoa!" Cookie brought the horses to a halt.
Jeremy looked ahead. He saw two huge logs on either side of a platform at the edge of the river.
"What's wrong, Cookie?" Jeremy asked.
"I don't see the hook to attach the underwater cable to the stagecoach." He replied.
"I will find it." Jeremy said jumping down to the ground.
Jeremy ran to the edge of the river. Looking around, he did not see the hook. He waded a short distance into the river looking all around for it. Jeremy walked into the river until the water was waist high. He put his head under the water for a few seconds. Jeremy came back up with the cable. Jeremy got out of the water fast. The water was freezing.
Jeremy laid the cable hook down on the river bank. He ran back to the stagecoach.
"Come on, Cookie. Get the horses and the stage to the edge of the platform and I'll fasten the hook under the stagecoach." Jeremy told him.
Cookie drove the stagecoach to the edge of the platform. Jeremy got the hook. He slid under the stagecoach on his back. He attached the hook.
Jeremy climbed up top on the stagecoach. Cookie said giddy up to the horses.
The horses started onto the platform in the river. All of the horses moved on to the platform. The stagecoach was on the platform. The platform moved out further into the river pulled by the underwater cable.
One of the horses in the front became distressed. The horse behaved as if it was going to try to run off the platform.
"What's that horse's name, Cookie?" Jeremy asked.
"That's Buttercup. She doesn't usually act up." Cookie answered.
Jeremy made his way to Buttercup. "Easy, girl. It's okay." He whispered.
Jeremy got on Buttercup's back to try to hold her in place.
"Come on, girl. You don't want these boys to show you up, do you?" Jeremy whispered softly rubbing her neck.
Instead of calming down, Buttercup reared throwing Jeremy off in the river.
"JEREMY!" Cookie shouted.
When Jeremy didn't come to the surface in a minute, Cookie dove in the river. He pulled Jeremy up. Jeremy was unconscious. His head was bleeding. Jeremy was breathing.
Cookie swam with Jeremy back to the stagecoach doors. The two teenage boys opened the doors. They pulled Jeremy into the stagecoach.
The doctor, Dr. Henry Hobart, immediately examined Jeremy.
"Cookie, we have to get to the next stopping point as soon as possible so I can tend to this young man. How long until we get to the next way station?" Dr. Hobart asked.
" Once we get through the river, it will be about fifteen minutes to the next way station." Cookie told him.
"Alright, I will do what I can for him until we get there." Dr. Hobart replied.
Cookie swam back to a spot where he could get a hold of the stage and climb to the driver's seat.
Buttercup had calmed down. Cookie was still wondering what had caused Buttercup to get upset. Perhaps Cookie should have wondered who had gotten Buttercup upset.
Dr. Hobart took Jeremy's wet shirt off of him. The doctor took off his own jacket and covered Jeremy with it. The teenage boys, Jack Parker, age 17 and George Parker, age 15 offered their jackets.
"Thank you, boys. That will be a big help." Dr. Hobart told them.
The boys took off their jackets. The doctor put them on top of his jacket that was over Jeremy.
Dr. Hobart examined Jeremy's head, He had a large knot on the side of his head. He had a concussion. Jeremy also had a cut on the side of his head. Dr. Hobart stopped the bleeding from the cut. The doctor had his medical bag with him. Dr. Hobart used ten stitches to sew up the cut Jeremy stirred and moaned a little during the procedure.
The platform reached the other side of the river. Jack Parker slid under the stagecoach and removed the hook. When the stagecoach rolled off the platform, Jack left the hook lying on one of the logs that were part of the platform.
As soon as Jack got inside the stage, Cookie made the horses run as hard as they could. They arrived at the way station in about eight minutes.
Cookie jumped down and ran inside the building. He talked to the manager, Ruth Finley about Jeremy. Mrs. Finley rushed to get the bed ready for Jeremy. She had it done by the time, Cookie and Dr. Hobart were bringing Jeremy inside.
Mrs. Finley gave the doctor lots of towels and blankets. Jade looked in Jeremy's bag. She gave the doctor a pair of long johns.
Dr. Hobart and Cookie got Jeremy out of the rest of his wet clothes. They dried him off and put the long johns on him. They put Jeremy on the bed and covered him with two blankets.
Fortunately, there was a fireplace in the bedroom. The Parker boys built a fire in it.
Dr. Hobart examined Jeremy again. Jeremy was developing a fever. Dr. Hobart began putting cold cloths on his head.
About an hour later, Dr. Hobart went into the front room of the way station. Jeremy's fever had gone down some.
Dr. Hobart saw Jade and Miss Myrtle sitting at a table eating.
Cookie walked over to the doctor. "How is Jeremy, doctor?"
"His fever has gone down some. I believe he will be fine but it's going to take some time. He has brain fever. We will have to stay here for a few days." Dr. Hobart answered.
"Stay here?!" Jade barked.
"So that's what gets your attention, is it? You have not shown one bit of concern about Jeremy since he was injured." The doctor told her sharply.
"Well, of course, I'm concerned about Jeremy. I've just been staying calm so you wouldn't have two patients to tend too." Jade said in a kind tone.
"I'm sure." Dr. Hobart said skeptically.
The group remained at the way station for several days. Even though they had the option of taking another stagecoach that came through, Jack and George Parker said they would stay with the group to help out when needed. Mrs, Finley sent a telegram to notify the boys' grandparents about the delay.
Three days after he was injured, Jeremy woke up. He had a high fever. Dr, Hobart and Mrs, Finley took care of him. Jade tried to play the distressed sweetheart. Miss Myrtle was watching everything that went on.
Dr. Hobart examined Jeremy. He said Jeremy needed to stay in bed at least two more days before traveling. Jeremy did not talk much. He was drowsy and slept a lot.
That night, Jade said she would sit with Jeremy. Dr. Hobart agreed.
Later in the night, everyone awoke to the sound of Jeremy screaming.
"No! They are not dead! Why are you saying that? Stop it! You're making me sick! Stop it!"
"It's the truth, darling. You must accept it." Jade told him
Dr. Hobart and Cookie ran into Jeremy's room.
Jeremy was sitting up in the bed. He was sobbing with his face in his hands..
"What did you do to him?!" Dr. Hobart demanded.
"I just told him the truth about his brothers. He had forgotten." Jade replied.
"You didn't have to tell him now." Dr. Hobart told her.
Dr. Hobart sat down on the side of the bed. "Jeremy, son, please try to calm down. The doctor patted him on the back.
"I'm t-t-trying. I am so up-up-s-s-et. She keeps telling me my brothers and Candy are dead! It's not true! It's not true!" Jeremy told him.
The doctor looked grim. Dr. Hobart got up and left the room.
"Yes, Love. I'm afraid it is true. I'm so sorry." Jade said.
.
Jade sat down on the side of the bed. She put her arms around Jeremy. He was trembling. Jeremy put his head on her shoulder and cried heartbroken sobs.
"Oh, Precious! I'm so sorry. Hush, Precious, hush. Jeremy, I need to tell you something." Jade said soothingly.
"What is it?" Jeremy asked. His head was still on Jade's shoulder.
"The truth is…" Jade began.
"Oh, Jade, dear. Remember our plans." Miss Myrtle said coming into the room.
"Yes, Mother, I remember." Jade replied dully.
"Good girl." Miss Myrtle told her. Miss Myrtle turned and walked out of the room.
Jeremy looked up. He watched Miss Myrtle walk out of the room. Then he looked quizzically at Jade.
Jade hugged him close. "I'll tell you later." She whispered in his ear.
Later in the day, Dr. Hobart asked Jeremy if he felt up to traveling. Jeremy said he wasn't sure if he felt like traveling today. Dr. Hobart said they would spend one more night at the way station.
That night, Jade sat with Jeremy again. It was cold and the fire in the fireplace was burning out.
Jeremy had been sleeping peacefully. He started tossing and turning saying "Jason! Joshua! Candy! Please help me! I need you! Where are you? Don't you love me anymore?"
Jeremy jolted awake in a cold sweat. He laid back on the bed and sobbed into his pillow. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Whatever I did to make you stop loving me. I'm sorry! Please love me again!"
Jade sat down on the bed. She touched Jeremy's shoulder gently.
"Oh, darling. You had a nightmare. You are alright. I love you, Jeremy. I truly do." She whispered to him.
"Why are you saying that you love me now, Jade? How can you love me with all the terrible things you have done to me?" Jeremy asked her.
"I know it doesn't make sense, Jeremy. But, please believe that I really love you. My mother is behind all the bad things I did to you. She said if I didn't do those things, she would kill you." Jade whispered.
"Why would your mother want to kill me?" He asked.
My mother was in love with your father a long time ago when they were young. It was before your parents got married." Jade told him.
"My dad has been gone for many years. Why is your mother trying to get back at him now?" Jeremy wondered.
"She's crazy." Jade whispered in his ear. "Please don't tell anyone I told you. She would kill you if she knew. Please, Jeremy. I really do love you.I knew if I handled it, I could keep the poison dosage low enough not to kill you." Jade burst into tears.
"Okay. I won't say anything. But, I don't believe you. I know that you don't love me. And I think this whole thing was your idea" Jeremy told her. "I cried on your shoulder and let you hug me last night because I was frightened by the nightmare. It won't happen again. I love Candy, not you."
"I understand, Jeremy." Jade replied.
.
"Jeremy, may I get in the bed? I'm cold." She asked.
"No, you can't get in the bed with me. I'll sleep in the chair and you can have the bed." Jeremy said.
"No, you're injured and sick. You need the bed. I will sleep in the chair." Jade responded.
"Suit yourself." Jeremy said.
Jade huffed.
Jeremy smiled. He was pleased that she was upset about not getting her way.
The next morning, Mrs. Finley cooked a big breakfast for everyone. All of them ate together. Jack and George talked about all the plans their grandparents had made for their visit, The boys were excited. Jeremy enjoyed hearing their plans. He was glad they were looking forward to their visit. But, it made Jeremy's heart ache with loneliness for Jason and Josh. Of course he was heartsick and lonely for Candy too. Jeremy had to find a way to get home.
Later that morning, Jeremy, Jade, Miss Myrtle, Jack and George Parker, Dr. Hobart, and Cookie got on the stagecoach. They thanked Mrs. Finley for all of her help.
The group thought they were on the home stretch of their journey. They had seventy five miles to go to get to Bees Cave. They made good time until the afternoon when one of the stagecoach wheels began wobbling badly.
Cookie brought the stagecoach to a halt on the edge of some woods. He and Jeremy with the help of Jack and George got the wheel repaired. But by that time, it was getting dark. Everyone agreed that they would camp out for the night and arrive in Bees Cave tomorrow.
They ate supper and then went to bed.
Jeremy placed his blanket far from Jade's blanket..
Jeremy was tired from working on the wheel. He felt feverish.
Several hours later, Jeremy suddenly awoke. He was burning with fever and he was terrified.
"Jason! Please help me! Jade wants to kill me! Please Jason! Where are you!?" Jeremy sobbed. 'Jason doesn't love me anymore! What did I do? What did I do?"
"Jeremy! Your brothers and Candy are dead, you must accept it, darling." Jade told him.
"No, you're wrong! They are not dead!" Jeremy shouted. "Where are they? Why can't I find them? They would never stop loving me. Never!"
Jade ran to Dr. Hobart. "Dr. Hobart, please wake up! Jeremy is having some type of episode because of that brain fever. He thinks his brothers and fiancé are alive. He is searching for them."
Dr. Hobart got up. He looked around for Jeremy, The doctor didn't see Jeremy anywhere.
"Where is Jeremy?" Dr. Hobart asked.
There was an awful scream from the woods. Dr. Hobart, Cookie, and the Parker boys ran in the direction of sound. Jade started to run that way too.
"Miss Jade, you better stay here. Let the men find out what's going on." Cookie told her.
"But, it's Jeremy. He needs me." She replied.
"Please stay here. We will let you know something soon." Cookie said.
There was another terrifying scream from way down in the woods.
"I can't stay here, Cookie. I have got to help Jeremy." Jade said.
"Okay, come on." Cookie replied.
The men and Jade ran into the woods.
Everyone looked all around for Jeremy. They could not find him until there was yet another heart stopping scream.
"NO, JASON! PLEASE JASON! DON'T LEAVE ME!" Jeremy was in agony..
"Jeremy, it's alright. You are safe. No one is going to hurt you. We are going to take you back to the campsite. I will give you some medication to help you sleep." Dr. Hobart told him. I'll give you something for your fever too."
"I saw Jason. I asked him to stay here with me. He said no. He said that I'm not his b-b-brother anymore. Why would he say that? What happened?" Jeremy was heartbroken.
"Jeremy, you have a high fever. That plus the brain fever is causing you to have hallucinations. Your brother is fine, Your brother loves you. But, he is not here with you." Dr. Hobart said.
Jade came running up to Jeremy. "Oh, darling. I'm so glad we found you. I was so scared." Jade knelt down and hugged Jeremy. He pulled away from her.
"Leave me alone! It's your fault Jason won't stay here with me! It's because of you that he says I'm not his brother anymore! Get away from me!" Jeremy shouted at her.
.
"Sweetheart, your heart is racing. Please try to be calm. Your brothers are alive. They still love you" Jade replied.
Cookie and Dr. Hobart helped Jeremy back to the campsite. The doctor gave Jeremy some medicine for his fever and some Laudanum to help him calm down. Jade asked if Jeremy would recover from the brain fever. The doctor said he would recover but it takes a long time.
Jade helped Jeremy lie down on his blanket. "One minute, you tell me my family is dead. The next minute, you say they are alive. Which is it, witch?" Jeremy asked.
"Don't you know?" Jade laughed. She went back to her blanket and laid down.
Everyone went back to sleep.
The next morning,Cookie and the Parker boys checked all
the stagecoach wheels. Each one was in good shape.
Dr. Hobart said it was fine for Jeremy to travel as long as he stayed inside the coach.
Everyone loaded up. The stage pulled out on the final stretch of their journey.
Jeremy slept on the stagecoach. He murmured his brothers' and Candy's names. He did not cry out or scream.
The stagecoach arrived in Bees Cave.
Jeremy told Jade he was not going with her and her mother.
"I know this is going to end with you killing me. Just kill me now and get it over with, witch!" Jeremy told her.
"You don't want me to kill those innocent Parker boys, do you?" Jade said furiously.
"No, I don't want you to kill those boys." Jeremy replied.
"Then you had better cooperate. If you don't, the poisoning may start again." Jade said coldly.
No one heard Jeremy and Jade's conversation because of all the commotion going on in town.
Jeremy went with Jade and Miss Myrtle to their house. It was several miles out of town. It was in the woods. It was a large house with several bedrooms.
They took their bags in the house. Miss Myrtle went to take a nap. Jade and Jeremy went into his room.
"Well, Jade. You got me. I couldn't escape from you on the trip because of your threats to the others and my injury and illness. There's no one here now but us and your mother. I'm not going to cooperate. So kill me. That's what you want. Do it. Now." Jeremy said.
"Jeremy, that's not what I want. You remember what I told you in Pineville. I love you. I want you to be my husband. I want to have your children." She said.
"None of that is going to happen, Jade. Not with us. Why don't you give up this insanity and find a man who loves you?" asked Jeremy.
"I can make you love me, Jeremy." Jade insisted.
"Jade, I love Candy. You don't really want a man who has to be forced to love you, do you?" Jeremy asked.
"I want you, Jeremy! I love you! Don't you understand?" asked Jade.
"No, Jade. I don't understand why you love me when you know that I love Candy." Jeremy replied.
"Well, maybe you will understand when you have forgotten all about Candy and your brothers….forever." Jade said cruelly.
Jeremy looked at her puzzled.
"Candy, Jason, and Joshua will be in Bees Cave tomorrow. They are coming on the stagecoach. Walter sent your brother, Jason a telegram the morning of the day I killed him. That's why I shot him. He told me about the telegram. I have contacts along the stagecoach route that have been keeping me informed of the progress of your siblings and your girlfriend." Jade looked angrily at Jeremy.
"So, are you planning to kill all of us?" Jeremy asked. He was shocked to know that his family was coming after him.
"No, Jeremy. As I keep telling you, I love you. My plan is to marry you and have your babies. As for the others, they will be alright if…. You cooperate." Jade said.
"So, if I don't marry you, you will kill my family?" Jeremy asked her.
"Yes, that's the plan. But not the whole plan. I am going to give you a witch's brew to drink. If you don't drink it, I will kill them. This witch's brew is very strong. It will make you love me and it will make you forget Jason, Joshua, and Candy. You have to drink one a day for at least three days. You will start today. Oh, by the way, I suppose you realize that your memory improved some because I could not spike your food and drinks for much of the trip home. That's why you remembered that your loved ones are alive." Jade explained.
"What about me having Brain Fever? The doctor said it would last a long time." Jeremy inquired.
"It shouldn't be a problem. But, if the combination happens to kill you, well, at least, Candy won't have you either." Jade laughed.
"You talk like you love me, alright." Jeremy smirked at Jade.
"I believe I will give you today's witch's brew now. I want to sleep with you tonight. Get started on those babies." Jade told him. "I will be right back."
Jade locked the door as she left the room.
Jeremy climbed out the window. He walked along the porch roof until he got to a place where he could jump down to the porch. Jeremy jumped down to the porch. He ran to the stable. He saddled a horse quickly. Jeremy ran to open the stable door. He got on the horse and rode out fast.
Jeremy got several yards down the road when he heard another horse coming up behind him.
"JEREMY! You had better stop!" Jade shouted. "I don't like being disobeyed!"
Jeremy kept riding. He heard Jade coming up behind him. He shook the rein a little to make the horse go faster. The horse went faster.
Suddenly, there was a loud BOOM!
Jeremy's horse crumpled to the ground. Jeremy felt like he was going to retch. He looked behind him. Jade was holding a shot gun. She had shot and killed the horse.
"Come on, Jeremy. I can guess what you're thinking. If you let me go ahead and kill you, then Candy and your brothers will be safe. Oh, no. If you force me to kill you today or tonight, I will kill all of them tomorrow." Jade said wickedly.
Jeremy stood up. He checked the horse to make sure he was not suffering. The horse was gone.
Jeremy walked back to Jade. She offered to let him ride double with her.
"No, you witch! I will walk." Jeremy spat the words at her.
When they got back to the house, they went to Jeremy's bedroom. Jade had stopped in the kitchen to get the witch's brew.
"Sit down on the bed, Jeremy. Since you were naughty, you don't get any supper. So this brew may work faster. Here drink it. Don't try to spill it or spit it out. You will only make things worse for your loved ones." Jade said.
"Here, drink it, darling. Then we can have some fun." Jade smiled.
Jeremy took the large cup from Jade. He drank it down. It tasted bitter.
"Get undressed except for your long johns and lie down on the bed. "
Jade told him.
Jeremy did as she said.
"Jade, come here a minute, please dear." Miss Myrtle called from her bedroom.
"I will be back in a minute, Jeremy." Jade said.
Jeremy just looked at her.
It was about five minutes later when Jade returned to Jeremy's room.
Jade found that Jeremy was snoring.
"Tomorrow night, Jeremy." Jade said.
Jade left the room.
Later that night, Jeremy woke up crying for Candy.
"CANDY! Where are you? I can't find you! Please don't leave me! Come back, Candy!" Jeremy shouted.
The mountain is on fire! Jeremy thought. Candy is up there, I have to save her. Jeremy got dressed fast. He went to the door. It was locked.
"Jason! Joshua! Unlock the door! I have to save Candy! Open this door!" Jeremy screamed.
They are up on the mountain fighting the fire. They locked me in so I couldn't go up there. Jeremy thought. Well, I have to go out the window.
Jeremy climbed out of the window. He jumped down to the porch.
He ran far out into the woods searching for Candy.
Jeremy was having a horrific hallucination because of the brain fever and the witch's brew. He could see flames of fire and choke on smoke even though there were no flames or smoke.
"CANDY! CANDY! Where are you? Answer me! " Jeremy screamed.
"I'm over here, sweetheart! Please help me!" Jade answered.
"CANDY!" Jeremy yelled. He ran in the direction of the voice.
Jeremy found Candy crumpled on the ground or so he thought in his feverish mind.
"Candy! Thank goodness!" Jeremy reached for her.
"Hello, Jeremy." Jade said as she stood up.
" You're not Candy, are you?" Jeremy was confused.
"What do you think, Jeremy?" Jade asked.
"You are not Candy. She would say let's find Jason and Joshua before they get hurt or killed." Jeremy replied.
"No, I'm not Candy. I'm the woman you are going to love soon. You will be so happy, Jeremy. You will forget that Candy ever existed." Jade told him.
"I'll never forget Candy. I love her. I wish I could find her. She is going to get hurt or killed in this fire. I need to find Jason and Joshua too." Jeremy worried.
"Jeremy, there is no fire. Come on, let's go back to the house." Jade reached for his arm.
Jeremy did not let her hold his arm. But, he went back to the house with her. He suddenly felt very tired. Jeremy needed to sleep. He did not see flames or smell smoke anymore.
Jeremy and Jade went inside the house. It was nearly morning. Jade went with Jeremy to his bedroom. She locked him inside the room. Jade went to her mother.
From inside his bedroom, Jeremy could not hear everything that Jade and Miss Myrtle were saying.
"Mother, I need to marry someone and I love Jeremy in my own way. I want to have children. Jeremy is so handsome. His children would have to be beautiful. " Jade said.
"Well, you should have slept with him before you started giving him the witch's brew. The witch's brew affects some things you know." Miss Myrtle responded. "I'm going back to sleep."
Jade left her mother's room. She went downstairs to the looked through her great great grandmother's recipes. Jade stirred up a love potion.
Jade poured the love potion in a cup. She took the cup to Jeremy's bedroom. Jeremy was asleep.
Jade walked to the bed.
"Wake up, Jeremy. I have something for you." She shook him by his shoulder.
"Leave me alone, witch!" Jeremy said. "I had a dose of brew today."
"This is a different one, Jeremy. This is one you will enjoy and so will I." Jade said with her wicked smile.
Jeremy sat up on the side of the bed. "If I drink it, will you go away and let me sleep?" He asked.
Jade laughed. "If you drink this, you will want me to stay."
Jeremy drank the love potion. He laid back down and closed his eyes.
Jade sat down in a chair to wait. Jeremy went to sleep.
An hour later, Jeremy woke up crying out for Candy.
"Candy! Where are you? Candy!" Jeremy shouted.
"I'm here, Jeremy. Don't you want me?" Jade asked.
"No, Jade. I don't want you. As I keep telling you, I love Candy." Jeremy answered. If that last concoction was to make me love you, it failed. Let me ask you. How is all of this going to end? Really?"
"Right now it looks like you and your family are going to die. If I don't get what I want, you in love with me and your baby or babies in my belly, then all of you will die." She answered.
"How are you going to kill us?" asked Jeremy.
"I'm not sure yet. But, I think I will save you for last. Maybe when you see that your precious Candy really is dead, you will love me." Jade responded.
"Jade, I have come to a decision. I will marry you and be the father of your children if you will let my brothers and Candy return to Seattle unharmed. And if you agree to never bother them again. That goes for your mother too." Jeremy said.
"Oh, yes! Jeremy! Yes, I agree to that, darling. And Mother will too. Oh Jeremy, I am so happy! I will be a great wife and mother!" Jade was ecstatic.
"Since, I am now your fiancé. I want free range of the house and the property. No more locked doors. No more potions. Agreed?" Jeremy asked.
"Agreed, darling. Yes, you have made me so happy, sweetheart. I love you, Jeremy." Jade replied.
"I love you, Jade." Jeremy whispered. "How bout we work on that baby?"
"Oh, yes, darling. I have longed for you to love me and now my dream has come true." Jade whispered.
"Yes, sweetheart, your dream has come true." Jeremy said choking back tears. "I love you."
Jeremy was sweet and loving with Jade. When it was over, Jade held Jeremy in her arms as he slept. She cried happy tears.
The next morning, Jade told her mother about the change in Jeremy. Miss Myrtle agreed to leave Jeremy's brothers and Candy alone.
At about noon, Jason, Joshua, and Candy arrived at the house. Jeremy and Jade met them on the porch.
"I'm glad to see you. But, I'm afraid you have come on this long trip for nothing." Jeremy told them.
"Jeremy, what are you talking about? We know this woman kidnapped you. She was the one who poisoned you." Asked Jason.
"You're right, Jason. But, that's all over now. Jade and I are in love. We're gonna get married. I'm gonna live here with her and her mother." Jeremy replied.
Candy gasped. She burst into tears. "Oh, Jeremy! How could you treat me like this!"
"I didn't mean to hurt you, Candy. It just happened. I guess it was meant to be." Jeremy said kindly. Candy had no idea how much Jeremy wanted to take her in his arms and kiss every inch of her beautiful face.
Candy buried her face in Jason's shoulder and sobbed.
"You are really something, Jeremy. We make this long hellish trip out here to save you from these witches and you tell us you want to stay."
Joshua said.
"That's right, Joshua. I want to stay. Jade and Miss Myrtle are my family now. I suppose this is the last time we will see each other." Jeremy replied. It took all of Jeremy's strength not to stutter.
"Jeremy, are you quite sure? You never want to see us again? You never want to see Seattle or Bridal Veil Mountain again? What about Mom's and Dad's graves? Jason asked quietly
At the mention of his parents' graves, Jeremy bit his lip for a second. Jason saw it
"I'm sure, Jason. This is my home now." Jeremy answered.
"Well, I guess we will go back to town. Come on, Candy. Let's go, Josh" Jason told them.
"Jason! You can't be serious! We come all this way to get Jeremy and now you just say let's go!?" Joshua exclaimed.
"Josh, Jeremy is a grown man. He can make his own decisions. And apparently he has made his." Jason replied.
"Jeremy, May I ask one thing of you before we leave, please?" Candy inquired.
"What is it?" Jeremy asked.
Candy walked up to him. "May I have one last hug?"
Jeremy wrapped his arms around her. Gawd, she was so beautiful. She was soft and warm and she smelled like sunshine. (Well, like sunshine would smell if it had a scent). Jeremy held her tightly.
Jeremy's mind was racing as he hugged Candy. Feel my love, sweetheart. Know that no matter what I say, I love you and I always will.
Candy hugged Jeremy tightly. She gave him a little kiss on his shoulder.
"I'll always love you, Jeremy. I will miss you." Candy whispered in his ear.
"Be happy. Promise me." Jeremy gulped.
"I promise. Oh, Jeremy!" Candy cried.
"It's alright, Candy, it's alright." Jeremy whispered.
"Candy, I suppose we had better go now." Jason said gently.
Jeremy and Candy ended their embrace.
"Well, Jeremy. I guess this is goodbye. I can't say that I understand your decision. However, I will respect it." Jason gave Jeremy a brief hug.
"I don't understand your decision nor do I respect it because I think you are making a terrible mistake. But, you're my brother and I love you and that's all that really matters." Joshua said.
Jeremy and Joshua shared a short hug.
The two oldest brothers and Candy got into the buckboard. Jeremy waved and said goodbye as they left. They waved and said goodbye.
Jade went into the house. Jeremy stayed outside. When the buckboard was out of sight, Jeremy walked to the edge of the road.
Jeremy looked down the road in the direction of town. He could see the buckboard.
"Goodbye. I love you, Candy, Jason, Joshua." Jeremy waved at the buckboard until he couldn't see it anymore.
Later in the afternoon, Jeremy went for a walk in the woods. After that, he went back to the house. He ate supper with Jade and Miss Myrtle.
After supper, Jeremy suggested that the three of them go for a walk in the woods.
"Isn't it getting a little too dark, darling?" Jade asked.
"No, it will be fine, Sweetheart. I will take a lit lantern just in case." Replied Jeremy
"Okay." Miss Myrtle agreed.
The three of them went walking in the woods. Jade and Miss Myrtle didn't know that earlier during the afternoon, Jeremy had gone through the woods, pouring kerosene here and there. They also didn't know that he had drank two cups of poison witches' brew.
As they walked along, Jeremy lit matches on his belt and threw them out. After he did this several times, flames of fire started coming up everywhere.
"What is going on, Jeremy?" Jade asked.
"This is my plan, Jade. My plan to insure that Jason, Joshua, and Candy are safe. You, your mother, and I are going to die in this fire. To make certain that we die, I drank a double dose of poison brew and I put poison in your drinks at supper."
"So, you love your family enough to lie, commit murder and die for them?" Jade asked.
"Yes, I do." Answered Jeremy.
"Well, I didn't see this coming. Why do you think it necessary for you to die with us?" Jade questioned.
"Since I'm taking two lives, I think I should give mine as well. Plus, if I'm gone and one of you survives, you won't have me to pursue. Hopefully, that would keep my family safe." Jeremy replied.
"Oh, Jeremy! I don't believe that you would do something like you describe in your plan. You're too kind. You're too tender hearted. So quit teasing and let's go back to the house." Jade was very nervous.
"Believe it, Jade. I asked you to kill me and get it over with several times and you refused. You said the only way for my family to be safe from you and your mother was for me to marry you and forget about them." Jeremy said.
"And you agreed to that, Jeremy. And Mother and I agreed to leave your family alone. Today, we kept our word. We let them go without any trouble. I didn't even say anything about you hugging Candy." Jade replied.
"Yes, you and Miss Myrtle kept your word today. But, the real problem is that I don't want to live without my family. I don't love you. I love them. I lied to keep them safe. Just like I'm killing you two too keep them safe. God forgive me." Jeremy responded.
Jeremy started throwing out more lit matches. The flames kept spreading throughout the woods.
Jade and her mother ran deeper into the woods where the flames had not reached yet.
As Jeremy walked along throwing out the matches, he began to feel terribly sick. Finally, he had to stop walking because he felt so awful. Jeremy went to the side of the trail and retched violently. There was blood in his mouth and throat. It was a side effect of the poison.
Jeremy collapsed. As he fell to the ground, he thought he heard people calling his name. It must be Jade and Miss Myrtle he thought.
Jeremy was mistaken. It was Candy, Jason, and Joshua. They came running up to him.
"Jeremy! Sweetheart, talk to me! What did she give you!?" Candy yelled at him.
Jason was holding up Jeremy's head.
"Candy? Is is really you?" Jeremy said weakly
Yes, Jeremy. It's me. Please tell me what she gave you. We have to get away from this fire." Candy replied anxiously
"I took poison. A double dose." Jeremy said in a barely audible whisper.
"Jeremy, you took poison?" Jason was astonished.
"Joshua, open your canteen, please. Let me pour this in it." Candy said frantically.
Candy removed a locket from around her neck. She opened it and poured most of the contents into Joshua's canteen. Candy put the locket back around her neck.
"Put the top on tightly and shake it up, Joshua." Candy said.
Joshua did as Candy said.
"Now, open the canteen and give it to me," Candy said.
Joshua handed her the canteen.
Candy put the canteen to Jeremy's lips. "Drink this, Jeremy. Hurry, sweetheart. This will save you from the poison. You must drink it now. Please, Jeremy." Candy was about to cry.
Jeremy resisted the water. He wouldn't drink.
Jason was holding Jeremy's head up. "Jeremy Shaddix Bolt, you start drinking this water or I will kick your arse all the way to Oregon! Now drink it!" Jason bellowed.
Jeremy began drinking the water.
"That's good, Sweetheart. That's right. Keep drinking. You're doing good, Jeremy. Keep drinking." Candy said soothingly.
All at once, there was a loud explosion. From way down deep in the woods, they could see fire coming down the trail.
"Josh! You grab Candy! I've got Jeremy!" Jason shouted.
Jason scooped his youngest brother up into his arms. Joshua picked up Candy.
"Run, Joshua, RUN! Jason screamed as the fire was coming toward them.
The two brothers ran as hard and as fast as they could.
When they got to the buckboard in front of the house, Jason laid Jeremy down in the back. Josh sat Candy in the back with Jeremy. Josh gave Candy the canteen. Candy started giving Jeremy some more water. She was holding up his head as he drank.
Jason and Josh got in the front of the buckboard. Jason gave the horses the signal and they took off at a gallop.
From behind them, they could hear explosions of fire. No one looked back.
When they got to town, Jason stopped at the sheriff's office. He asked where the doctor lived. Sheriff Waters told Jason how to get to Dr. Hobart's house. Jason thanked him.
When they arrived at Dr. Hobart's home, the doctor came out to meet them.
"Hello, I'm Dr. Hobart How can I help…..JEREMY!" He shouted when he looked in the back of the buckboard.
Jason, Josh, and Candy were startled.
"Oh, you know our brother, doctor." Jason said.
"Your brother?! Your brother?! Oh, thank The Good Lord!" Dr. Hobart said happily. He looked like he might just dance a jig.
"Let's get Jeremy inside and I will tell you." Dr. Hobart said.
The doctor helped the two older brothers take Jeremy in the house.
They got Jeremy settled in a bed. Dr. Hobart examined him. The doctor said that Jeremy would be fine. He gave Jeremy some more antidote for the poison. Dr. Hobart said that it was fortunate that Candy had some antidote to give Jeremy. He said that saved Jeremy's life.
Dr. Hobart's housekeeper, Miss Pinkerton fixed some chicken broth for Jeremy.
Candy sat on the side of Jeremy's bed feeding him tiny bites of broth.
Dr. Hobart sat in the den with Jason and Joshua. "How about a little drink?"
"How about a lot of little drinks?" The brothers replied in unison. All three men laughed.
"That's a family joke, doctor." Josh explained.
" I understand. I can't tell you how glad I am to see both of you and Jeremy's fiancé, Candy. Jeremy was so upset on the trip out here. He had nightmares several nights because Jade kept telling him the three of you had died in a fire back home." Dr. Hobart told them as they enjoyed their drinks.
Dr. Hobart told the two Bolts about Jeremy's accident on the trip. He explained about the Brain Fever. He assured them that Jeremy would be fine.
"We certainly appreciate all of your help, Dr. Hobart. We love our brother more than our own lives. We would never be able to face life without him." Jason said.
Miss Pinkerton called them to supper. Dr. Hobart, Jason, and Joshua ate a good meal. Miss Pinkerton saved a plate for Candy. She wanted to sit with Jeremy for awhile.
Candy sat on the side of the bed. She was holding Jeremy's hand. Candy watched his chest rise and fall as he slept. Thank God, she and his brothers went back for him. Thank God too that Jeremy is a terrible liar. It was impossible for Jason and Joshua to believe that Jeremy never wanted to see them or their home again.
Jeremy stirred. He began gasping for breath. "CANDY!" Jeremy opened his eyes.
"I'm right here, Jeremy! I'm here, Sweetheart!" She stroked his cheek with the tips of her fingers.
Jeremy looked at her. His breathing slowed to normal.
"It's really you, isn't it, Candy? I'm not hallucinating am I?" He asked softly.
"Yes, it's really me, Jeremy. You are not hallucinating. I love you so much. When you get well, I want us to get married. Okay?" Candy asked.
"Okay." Jeremy agreed. "Candy, will you lie down in the bed and sleep in here with me, please? I am not talking about sex. I just want us to hold each other if that's alright with you." Asked Jeremy.
"Of course it's alright, Jeremy." Candy answered.
She undressed to her pantaloons and got into the bed.
Jeremy and Candy held each other close. Candy put her head on Jeremy's chest. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she listened to his strong steady heartbeat. Candy said a silent prayer of thanks to The Lord.
Jeremy stroked Candy's hair as he held her tightly. She was real and she was here with streamed down his face. Jeremy said a silent prayer of thanks to The Lord.
Jeremy and Candy fell asleep. They slept peacefully through the night.
The next morning, Candy woke up early. She got up and got dressed. She kissed Jeremy's cheek. Then she went downstairs.
Candy found Jason and Joshua finishing breakfast with Dr. Hobart.
"Please sir down, Candy. I will ask Miss Pinkerton to bring your breakfast. I trust that you slept well?" Dr. Hobart said. "Oh, and good morning. Please forgive my poor manners."
"Good morning, doctor, Jason, Joshua. Your manners are excellent Dr. Hobart I slept fine. So did Jeremy…" Candy blushed. She had said more than she meant to say.
"It's alright, Candy. You and Jeremy are engaged. There are special circumstances. We came very close to losing Jeremy." Jason said.
"Plus, we know that our brother was a gentleman with you. He would never make you feel uncomfortable or awkward. Jeremy loves you with all of his heart, Candy." Joshua told her.
"Yes, he does. I am very blessed to have Jeremy. I love him deeply as well." Candy replied.
Miss Pinkerton brought Candy's breakfast. "Thank you." Candy told her.
"Dr. Hobart, would it be alright for Jeremy to have something light for breakfast? " Candy asked.
"Yes, that would be fine. I will go talk to Miss Pinkerton." Dr. Hobart went to the kitchen.
Jason and Joshua sat at the dining room table with Candy as she ate her breakfast. She knew they were about to jump out of their skin.
"For goodness sake, go see your brother!" Candy laughed.
"We don't want to be rude." Jason replied.
"You are not being rude, Go ahead." Candy smiled.
Jason and Joshua hurried to Jeremy's room.
Josh knocked on the door.
"Come in." Jeremy said.
Jason and Josh went into the room. Jeremy was sitting on the side of the bed.
Jason and Joshua sat down on either side of Jeremy.
"Jeremy, I apologize for screaming at you back at the Applegate property. I know you were very sick and confused. I was just so scared that… " Jason choked up.
"You don't have to apologize J-J-Jason, I under-" Jeremy burst into tears.
Jeremy fell against Jason sobbing. Jeremy cried his heart out. Jason hugged Jeremy as tight as he could. Joshua hugged Jeremy as tight as he could from the other side. All three brothers cried until they had no tears left.
When the brothers had regained their composure, Jason spoke in a gentle tone. "Jeremy, why were you trying to kill yourself?"
"I was going to do it to protect Candy, and Josh, and you from Jade and her mother. I thought if I was gone and Jade could not pursue me anymore, then the three of you would be safe in case they survived. Because I was going to kill them too. And I thought I should give up my life since I was killing two people." Jeremy explained. "Jade had control of me by threatening to kill other people especially the two of you and Candy if I didn't do what she wanted." Jeremy continued.
"So you agreed to marry her so she would agree to leave us and Candy alone. Then you were going to kill them and yourself so we would be safe and you wouldn't have to marry Jade, right?" Josh asked.
"Right, Josh." Jeremy replied.
"You love us that much?" Jason asked.
"Yes, I love you and Joshua and Candy that much, Jason." Jeremy said quietly.
The three brothers hugged tightly again.
There was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" the Bolt brothers yelled in unison.
Candy came into the room. She had a tray for Jeremy.
"Oh, boy! Food!" Jeremy grinned.
Jason, Joshua, and Candy stayed in the room while Jeremy ate his breakfast. It was bland food but it wasn't broth so it tasted great to Jeremy.
Later, Dr. Hobart examined Jeremy. He said that Jeremy was doing well. He said Jeremy needed to stay two more days to rest. Then he would be able to go home by train. No stagecoaches except to get to and from the trains.
The next day, Sheriff Waters came to the doctor's house. He said they investigated the fire scene on the Applegate property. He said that Mrs. Gray and Miss Applegate were not at home. He also said they did not find any sign of human remains. Sheriff Waters said he believed that the fire was caused by a lightning strike. Dr. Hobart and the Bolts thanked the sheriff for coming by.
Two days later, Candy and the Bolt brothers thanked Dr. Hobart and Miss Pinkerton for all of their kindness and help as they left Bees Cave Texas.
They had to make a short stagecoach trip to another town to catch the train back to Olympia Washington Territory. They were all excited to be going home.
That night on the train, Jeremy and Candy were in his room. Jeremy was lying on the bed. Candy was sitting in the chair next to the bed.
"Candy, May I ask you something?" Jeremy inquired.
"Of course, Sweetheart." Candy replied.
"Where did you get that poison antidote?" Jeremy asked.
"It belonged to my great great grandmother." Candy answered.
"So, you have had it for a long time, I guess?" He asked.
"Yes, I have. Why do you….oh!" Candy exclaimed.
"Yes, Miss Pruitt. I'm wondering why you didn't give me the antidote earlier during all those times I was being poisoned. Exactly why was that, Miss Pruitt? Did you like seeing me weak and frail instead of my usual strong manly self? Or did you perhaps think that I might become so fragile, that you could have your way with me? Now, is that what you thought, Miss Pruitt?" Jeremy grinned mischievously.
"Well, actually, Mr. Bolt. The honest truth is I forgot I had the antidote. Biddie thought of it when I was packing for the trip to Texas. You know the trip I just made with your brothers? The one where Dr. Hobart said I saved your life with the antidote ? So it turns out that it was fortunate that I didn't use the antidote earlier because if I had, how would I have saved your precious life in Texas?" Candy smiled sweetly.
"You have a good point, Miss Pruitt. And you reminded me that I never thanked you for saving my life." Jeremy said softly.
Jeremy got off the bed. He offered Candy his hand. She took his hand and stood up from the chair.
Jeremy took Candy's face in his hands. He looked deeply into her eyes.
"I love you with all of my heart. Thank you, Candy for saving my life." He said in a husky voice.
Jeremy gave her a very passionate tender kiss. Candy caressed his cheek as they kissed.
When their kiss ended, both of them had tears in their eyes.
"I love you with all of my heart, Jeremy. You are welcome." Candy whispered.
They hugged each other as tight as they could.
"You feel so good!" Jeremy and Candy said in unison.
They laughed loud and joyfully.
Jeremy and Candy were very happy.
The End
.