Chapter 6

Jeremy and the ranger whom Jeremy called Jason several times in order to be sure that they were believed. They left the envelope with the hotel clerk as was requested. Then they went to the train station and got on the train. They had been instructed to sit on the left side by a window across from each other so that those who were watching could see that they were there. The train started to move and slowly got the momentum up to speed and soon they had traveled quite a distance. As they sat across from each other, The ranger had instructed Jeremy to follow his lead at any moment. If he decided to get up to walk to the end of the car and stand outside, Jeremy was to do the same but on the opposite end. Their plan was to jump off the train when it slowed down as they passed the water tower. There were horses and a couple of the loggers waiting for them.

The Reverend Johnson and his wife rolled drove their wagon to the cabin and were about to get out to ask for directions when the door opened, and Joshua came out of the house with his hands tied and a rope around his neck. Jason looked and did not do anything but looked at Joshua who noticed him and communicated with a slight almost invisible sign, one that they had worked out as kids playing on the mountain and used occasionally when something serious was happening.

"Keep going, do not stare at the visitors, they will think there is something wrong. Bronson, make sure he is secure in the Milk Barn and bring Pilar out to the kitchen, we need help with the vegetables!" Sheila said as she turned her attention to the visitors.

"Hello, ma'am, I am Reverend Johnson, and this is my wife." Jason tipped his minister hat and then said:

"We must have taken the wrong turnoff and we were wondering how to get back to the main thoroughfare. Could you be so kind as to point us in the right direction?" Sheila looked at him, she thought for a moment, She had too much at stake to let her plans go awry just because someone had come snooping onto her private property. She stood there watching them, looking at them and the wagon. Then she said:

"Reverend Johnson? I am so very sorry, but I will have to detain you and your lovely wife for a while since we are expecting an event to take place shortly and wouldn't want you to get caught in the 'action'!" she said as she stepped off the porch. Raul, Baker, I would like you to take this lovely little family to the 'guest house' see that they are comfortable and also get them some food and water." I hope you don't have to be anywhere important soon, This even will be over within the hour, I am sure and then you can leave. Meanwhile, enjoy the time in the 'guesthouse' Raul and Baker will see to your needs." As she finished, she turned around and went to the Milk Barn.

Jason and Matilda were escorted to a small barn where they were put in a small stall, tied to the posts and the wagon was gone through like a fine tooth come. They did not find anything unusual. They found some clothes, Bibles, and a few womanly trinkets that they assumed belonged to the wife.

"Why are you tying us up? We won't be going anywhere?" asked Matilda playing the part of a woman who had no idea about the bad part of the world.

"Well, Mrs. Johnson, let's just say for insurance. We do not want you to leave as there may be some shouting, fighting and a few gun shots to be heard and we want you to be safe. Of course, we will come to get you when this is over. So, I have brought you some water and a little bread made by our kitchen maid Pilar." Baker said as he had tied both their hands together and wrapped the rope around the post. He also tied their feet. Jason was not happy but trusted Matilda who had a way to get out of any situation.

"You each have one hand to feed the other so, it may be a little romantic? No?" said Raul, who had finished searching the wagon. Baker and Raul both left. Shutting the door and locking it. Jason looked at Matilda who was calmly sitting with a small pair of sewing scissors in her hand. Since they had one hand free, she started to cut through the ropes. Jason laughed and pulled out a little sawtooth knife that he kept in his pocket. They smiled at each other and got to work.

In the Milk Barn, Joshua had communicated to Candy that Jason was nearby. She wanted to know where Jeremy was, but Josh had not seen Jeremy. He had watched as Pilar was taken out of the milk barn and wondered if he would ever see her again. His life and hers both hung in the balance. The door opened and Sheila walked in. Looking at Joshua and then at Candy she made her decision.

"Well, I almost have all of the family here. Yes, Joshua! I know that it was Jason you saw, don't know the lady but I am sure she will be disposed of as well. But to begin with I will tell Mrs. Bolt, that her love of her life, her husband has abandoned her!" Candy gasped "NO!"

"Oh yes, I had him and perhaps we now know it wasn't Jason that boarded that train, but soon, the train will have an accident and go off the rails. Do you know where the bridge is Miss Bolt?" Candy looked at her and she wanted to shout. How could she be so cruel! Sheila just waited; she knew Candy well enough from reports that she would say something. But nothing came from her. She just stared at Sheila who was unconcerned with her.

"So, I will spare you Mrs. Bolt watching your children die, but I want to be sure that you do die! So, you will go first. Bronson, take Mrs. Bolt outside to the horse training arena!" Sheila said and then she turned to Joshua, I suppose you need to stay here with those brats, or they will start crying! so you will stay. I have something else in mind for you anyway!" Joshua was tied up; Candy did not go willingly so Sheila hit her and knocked her out. The baby was crying, and two-year-old Jonathan ran to hide behind Joshua. He was scared!"

"Sheila, what about a family? Didn't you want a family? You could have these two children. They won't remember anything? They are too young! Can't you let them live? You could raise them as your own! Without a husband, you would not have to have your…" Joshua gulped before he said the next words:

"You could have children and not ruin your figure! You would still be beautiful!" Joshua stopped and held his breath hoping that this would save the children. He was worried that she might want to kill them first. Sheila thought about it and said:
"You are right, I would have to raise the Bolt children who will of course inherit the mountain, That would secure my claim to the mountain. Maybe I don't need the deed just yet?" Joshua was hoping that what he had said would convince her.

"Well, Joshua, since I will own the mountain, I will let the children live at least for now. Thank you for pointing that out to me!" Joshua looked at her, his blue eyes were hurting for Candy and Jeremy but if this was a way to keep the children alive, he was all for it.

Sheila then decided that Joshua would be in the training arena as well. This way, he would be able to shoot his brothers and the mother of the children as well as the other lady and then he could shoot himself! Suicide yes, She could say: "He went crazy and killed his own family. Thank God, I was the one who took the children to safety! She laughed and had Bronson take Joshua out to the arena.