Total pages in book: 51
Estimated words: 47977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 240(@200wpm)___ 192(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 47977 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 240(@200wpm)___ 192(@250wpm)___ 160(@300wpm)
“And Louisa Davenport? What if she caves under questioning from her son? I can see that happening.”
“That rich bitch is going to keep her mouth shut too. Do you think she wants it known she helped us escape? Not only escape but gave us funds that will get us through the winter,” Scarecrow prompts.
“Still… I’m not comfortable with the fact. And though we may have stayed away from the authorities up until now, they are going to beef up looking for us even more now that we have Ember. Nevada isn’t safe for us anywhere. They will comb every inch of these mountains and deserts, and you know it.”
“It’s remote here.”
“Not remote enough for my liking.”
There’s a long pause, but then Scarecrow finally says, “So, you still thinking Wyoming?”
“Yes,” Papa Rich says. “Montana is an option, but a Ranger buddy of mine once told me of a very old and desolate town in the mountains. It will be in poor condition, but nothing we can’t handle.”
“And you’re positive we can find it? I’m just not liking the idea of having my wives travel through a huge state to hunt for a town we may or may not be able to find.”
“Which is why I’d like to suggest an idea I’ve been stewing on,” Papa Rich says as I hear him inhale deeply from the pipe he’s smoking. “I say you and I leave for now. It’s going to be winter soon, and from the looks of the sky, a storm is brewing. We brought back plenty of provisions for the women to live off of while we’re gone. The snow the storm will bring will keep them… securely in place until we return. We go and scout the area, find our new home, then come back and get your wives to start a new settlement.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about leaving the women alone up here. The winters are brutal.”
“I get that,” Papa Rich says. “But I know Ember knows how to survive just fine. I taught her well. I’m also sure your wives know how to make do. And I think you and I have a better chance buying that truck we saw and heading out on our own. Ember being with us could draw more attention.”
“The last time you left Ember unattended, she burned down an entire town. You really think we can trust her?”
“She’s learned from her mistakes, or she wouldn’t have left with us. We didn’t have to tie her up and drag her back here. Plus, you have your two wives to look after her. You know damn well those women wouldn’t dare anger you by doing something as foolish as trying to leave. Where would they go? What would they do?”
“You have valid points,” Scarecrow says slowly. There’s a long moment of silence, and then he adds, “We better get moving at first light. I don’t want to hike down the mountain in the snow and rain.”
“I don’t think Husband will appreciate you spying on his conversation,” a voice from behind me says, startling me as I spin to face my accuser.
“I—”
Wife Number One motions for me to follow her, fear in her eyes as she glances at the door, expecting it to open any second. “I just don’t want you to catch the wrath of Husband.”
I follow her to where Wife Number Two is working on masoning the fire pit with the river rock and the bucket of clay.
“Can I help?” I ask, grateful that Wife Number One is only trying to help rather than get me into trouble by telling Scarecrow and Papa Rich that I practically had my ear to the door.
“Snow is coming soon,” Wife Number Two says, not looking at me as she continues to build. “If we don’t get this hole patched up with a chimney, we’re going to freeze.” She points to the rocks. If you hand me one at a time, I’ll apply the clay. I can move faster that way.”
I rush to her side, grateful to have something to do and also for a way to help prove my worth. I’m sure they are wondering who I am and why I’m here.
“I’m Ember,” I begin as I hand a rock to her. “Richard is my… father.”
“We know who you are,” Wife Number One says from behind me. “Scarecrow told us all about you and what you did… to Hallelujah Junction.”
I freeze, scared to look over my shoulder at the woman in fear of the judgement I’d see in her eyes. I wonder what they must think, having an arsonist under their roof.
“My name is Holly,” Wife Number One says. “And this is Violet.”
“We’re sisters,” Violet adds. “My father promised our hand in marriage to Scarecrow not long ago, which is how we came here.”
What kind of father would do such a vile and cruel thing? One look at Scarecrow says it all—he’s not husband material. He’s just… disgusting.