Page 54 of Earl of Excess
“Mr. Duplantis knows animals. I’m glad he checked on her. Bring her inside,” Aunt Theo said, holding the door open.
“Duplantis saw a man rowing a boat earlier. The boat is still docked,” Smith said, pointing in the water’s direction. “It’s across from the Duplantis’ dock.”
“We think he’s holding her in the cabin up on that hill.”
“Be careful. Take our walking sticks, in case you come upon snakes,” Grandmère said, grabbing the sticks from behind the door. “We will be here, waiting.”
They heard Dandie trying to get up. “Go on,” Grandmère urged. “I’ll take care of the dog. Bethany would not want her up there. We keep the fencing in as good shape so we can keep the gators and snakes at bay,” she added.
“I’ll bring her back, “Matthew promised, heading to his room, and returning with his boots, planning to put them on in the boat.
“I know you will.” Grandmère smiled through tears. “Find my girl.”
“Wait, let me help you with those boots. You will need them,” Grandmère said, pointing out Tobias’ leather boots.
A few minutes later, the two men were heading out the door, hurrying to get to the other side of the tributary and not knowing what they would find.
*
Bethany tried herbest to breathe. Her face felt like it had exploded. She tasted blood on her lips.Surely, they would miss her by now. But would they even find her?Bethany did not know where she was.How would they?
Dandie!The thought hit her cold. Her dog could be dead. If she ever got a chance, she would repay Smoot for his cruelty. Closing her eyes, she prayed they would find her dear puppy was still alive, hoping her mother was watching over her.
“Is anyone here... anyone, at all?” Her muffled voice didn’t help. She listened, unable to hear or see. It made her realize how Matthew must have felt for those long, hard weeks when he could see nothing. How terrifying. She could barely see light through the thick black bag. It was filthy. Noticing the rag was not tied around her face, she spat it out, gasping and trying to breathe fresh breath where there was none. “Help,” she yelled, as loud as she could.
They had bound her hands and feet, with a bag tied around her neck—it was loose enough that she could breathe, but not loose enough for her to free herself from it. Stressed, she closed her eyes and laid back on the floor, her chest heaving from exertion.
“Help!” a garbled male voice shouted from somewhere nearby. “I cannot breathe,” he cried.
“Truly sorry, but I am slightly tied up here,” she said in a huff.Was that Smoot? What had happened that he was yelling for help?Then it hit her. Snakes. This cliff was known for them—so much so, it was sometimes called Snake Hill.Smoot had dragged her up here. He deserved what he got.Her body quaked with fear. She could not see them and prayed that she was not near one. All she could see was darkness. Bethany needed to think. Smoot obviously had succumbed to panic. The man certainly would not have his way with her, as he had threatened. She wanted to laugh, and might have, had the thought not terrified her. How had this day gone so badly?
“Keep your breath shallow,” she finally said, not really caring if he heard her. But her conscience was clear. She had helped him.
Thankfully, it wasn’t hotter. That would certainly mean more snakes. The bayou was beautiful, but it came alive with danger in the summer. She was used to the dangers, but not with her head wrapped in a bag with a foul rag.
“I’m sorry,” Smoot cried out, his voice growing faint. “Please, someone help me,” he panted.
“You are slime, Caleb Smoot!” Bethany ground out, angry that she was in this predicament. “And you are a coward with no regard for others. You hope to trade another human being so that you won’t face the punishment for what you did.”
She had worn her voice out, crying for help.How long would it be before they missed her?
Time dragged before she finally heard voices. “Help,” she called, barely able to hear her own cries. She was frightened.
“I see the cabin,” a male voice yelled from a short distance away. “The door is open.”
It was Matthew’s voice. She could hear him and Tobias. They had come for her!
“Smith, here’s Smoot. I’m going to check for Bethany.”
Bethany could hear Tobias talking to Caleb Smoot, telling him to calm himself. The man was still alive.Of course, he is.Grandmère would help him.
“Help me. I’m over here,” she called out, in a raspy voice.
“Bethany!” Matthew clawed at the ribbon that tied the bag closed. Frustrated, he ripped it open and pulled it off her head.
She gulped huge gulps of air with tears flowing down her cheeks. “You came for me.”
*
