Page 2 of Whispers of Helena
The truth settles over me, cold despite the inferno raging around us. My knees buckle, and I collapse to the floor beside him, cradling the baby between us. His tiny face is still now, his breath so faint I can barely feel it.
“I love you. I’m sorry,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to the baby’s soot-covered forehead. “I’m so sorry.”
I turn to my husband, brushing the ash from his face, though it doesn’t matter now. My tears drip onto his skin, and I kiss him too, my lips trembling against his cheek.
“I love you so much.”
The fire’s roar intensifies; the room shaking with its fury. I close my eyes, pulling them both close, and press my face into the crook of the neck of my beloved husband.
“Lord,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “Save us, please.”
The last sound I hear is the crack of the ceiling giving way, and the world turns to ash.
Cold
Helena
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for theLordthy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:6
The bitter windclaws at me as I step out of my truck, its icy fingers prying into every gap in my coat. It’s six-thirty, and the parking lot of the town’s diner is already buzzing with life under a still-dark sky. Guided by vague memories of a map and my headlights, I drove to Hawthorn, Wyoming last night and checked into the town’s single motel with a reservation in my name. After a sleepless night, I’m here, desperate for coffee and a hot meal.
The diner door swings open, spilling warmth, chatter, and the smell of frying bacon over me. I blink against the sting of cold tears, tugging off my woolen mittens as my eyes adjust to the soft glow inside. Scanning the room, I see no empty tables, just townsfolk bundled in plaid and denim, speaking in low voices over steaming plates. I settle on an empty seat at thecounter, aware of curious eyes as an older woman with silver hair in a tight bun approaches, her face shifting into an odd, rigid smile.
“Need a menu, dear?” Her voice has the faintest tremor, as if she’s wary of my presence.
“Yes, please. And the biggest coffee you’ve got,” I reply, hoping the warmth of a cup of coffee can thaw out my body.
“We just have one size, but I’ll keep it full for you,” she promises.
“Perfect,” I say, rubbing my cold hands together as she sets down a worn mug and fills it from a pot that looks like it hasn’t left its burner in decades. She studies me for a moment longer, eyes narrowed.
“Are you new here, or just passing through?” she asks.
“Both?” I answer. “I’ve been sent to work for the Hayes family. Might just be through the summer, might be longer.”
The name Hayes seems to hang heavy in the air. She leans in slightly, voice lowering. “They sent a pretty little thing like you to Devil’s Ridge?”
I nod. “I guess they did.”
A man a few seats down gives the woman a look. Concern and pity momentarily cross his face before he shakes his head and returns to his eggs. She fixes a stern gaze on him before turning back to me.
“You’re gonna need more than just coffee. Make sure you get yourself a good breakfast,” she says, setting a menu in front of me. “I’ll give you a minute. Name’s Ruth if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Ruth,” I reply, looking over the menu as I crack open a pod of creamer and pour it into my coffee.
Once my order’s in, I settle in with the well-worn Bible I was given the day I left home. Its brown leather cover is tattered, the pages covered in blue and black ink where I’ve underlined passages. I fan the pages until I find my place in Deuteronomy, letting the familiar verses quiet my thoughts. I make it through a couple of chapters before Ruth brings my food, and I dig in. True to her word, my coffee mug never sits empty.
“You were hungry,” Ruth remarks, a hint of a smile in her eyes.
“I missed dinner last night,” I admit.
She nods, her gaze softening with almost a motherly concern. “Make sure those men out there let you eat, darling. You’ll need it.”
“You make it sound like the Hayes Ranch is…demanding.” I glance up, trying to gauge her expression.
She pauses, eyes darkening as she meets mine. “Keep that Bible close and look out for the boy. He’s been without his momma for years now. Make friends with Eli, and mind to keep out of Silas’s way. Do those things and you’ll be just fine.”
