By His Hand Read online

  By His Hand

  Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  Edited by: Grace Augustine

  Cover Art by: Tell ~ Tale Book Covers

  Author Photo by: Heidi Marshall Photography

  Copyright © 2018 Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  All rights reserved.

  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Published in the United States by Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  This book is a work of fiction. While the events leading up to and regarding the fire are true, most of the characters are a work of the author’s imagination. A few mentions of notable true people are used when appropriately necessary to keep the historical information as accurate as possible. All effort was made to convey the true events factual as much as possible. The author accepts all faults for any errors that may be found.

  ISBN: 10: 1986516296

  ISBN-13: 978-1986516297

  DEDICATION

  TO DAN, MY OTHER HALF

  aCKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Thank you to Jan Sass for being my first editor and helping build confidence to pursue publishing. To my beta readers for not only reading but providing encouragement along the way. Grace and Linda for all the encouragement and support, and to my fellow Indie authors who have all assisted me to get this far. A big thank you goes to Dan, my loving husband, for being patient while I was busy typing away instead of running the house (my regular job), keeping me focused and driven throughout, providing ideas to guide me, and loving me in all the ups and downs during this process.

  Coming Soon - In His Time, Book 2

  Carried Through Chaos series

  by Stefanie Bridges-Mikota

  CHAPTER 1

  Allie’s hazel eyes fluttered open. Her head was pounding and she had that metallic taste in her mouth again. She spat blood out on her cold, hard bedroom floor. Where was he now? She was panicky but kept still to listen. No sounds, nothing but silence.

  She took a deep breath. He’s gone…for now. But he’ll be back. Allie tested her strength, pulled herself up, and stepped to the wash basin. She kept her eyes down to avoid the dreadful mirror that no longer reflected the independent girl she was finding harder to remember. She didn’t want to see the wreck of a women she’d become. She splashed water in her face then cupped water into her hands to rinse out her mouth. The once clear water was now tainted, much like her life that was so full of promise.

  She was resolved! It was time. She had been planning, hoping to save more, but she needed out…now. She carefully put weight on her tender ankle. It still smarted from last night. Slowly she reached her dresser and the canister tucked in the back of her drawer.

  She took in mending from the local bachelors. Eddie set it all up. They would come to him. He would bring her the clothing. When she finished the mending, he would deliver it back and collect the money. She never saw a red cent…or so he thought. Some of the men knew what was happening and slipped her money. Sometimes it was hidden in the mending they would send. Other times, Mabel, her closest neighbor, delivered it when she saw Eddie leaving.

  Allie was grateful, yet terrified, that Eddie would discover their donations. Those few people kept her hopes up. Some people still cared. She held on to those thoughts when Eddie allowed her to head into town. Many folks turned their heads, some even looked down at her with arrogance oozing.

  Like you are better than me. Please! We all have our secrets, some are just more visible than others. That brought a chuckle! She knew a few of those secrets. Mable didn’t just bring the money to her, she was also a great gossipmonger. Probably how some had learned her full story! I better not let Mabel see me leave or Eddie might get tipped off too early. She opened her canister and forty-two cents jingled out onto the bed. Not much, but it will have to do. She placed the money in her coin purse and threw a few necessities into her bag. With one last look around the room, she took a deep breath and opened the door into the darkness…and a new beginning.

  March was warming up early. Allie still needed her wrap, but it was nothing like the bitter cold and snow that had blanketed this whole area and seemed to never want to leave. Maybe this would be a good sign? Spring’s coming early this year in more ways than one, I hope. She marched on toward Falcon. Either Eddie is having himself a good time, or he found a place to sleep that good time off. Her stomach churned.

  Usually at the height of the evening one could faintly hear the patrons of Grand Forks, even from this far away. Falcon and Grand Forks were about half a mile apart on opposite sides of the St. Joe River. The name of the river brought a bubble of laughter to her throat. There was nothing saintly about this area. The populations were small, but that didn’t stop them from making a loud ruckus in the many fine establishments that formed the midtown square.

  The whistle was like clockwork. No one needed a clock if they knew the train schedule.

  It must be closer to morning than I thought. At least I won’t have to wait too long for a train.

  Allie was thankful that the depot was not in Eddie’s direction. Her plan would never work if she had to appear in the same town he spent most of their money in. She just needed to slip in unseen—then beg them to let her ride. Even with fare, they might laugh her out of town.

  The train was used to transport the local rail workers to various areas to lay track and blast tunnels. They ran at regular intervals to get the men to work on time. She knew some non-workers were allowed to ride under special circumstances, but many men wouldn’t see her situation as a problem.

  With most of the notable town folk spending their time and money in the next town up and the remaining few good souls sound asleep in their beds, her first step should be easy. As she neared town, Allie pulled her wrap up to cover her head and pointed her eyes down in hopes she wouldn’t be recognized.

  The depot serviced the Milwaukee line and lay at the edge of town. Service was pretty dependable except for the occasional delay from a tree on the tracks or a slide. With the depot door in front of her, Allie quickly opened it and slipped inside. Not many were waiting for the morning train. She gazed to the wall and found the large round clock—4:43 A.M. Good, just a few hours and she could pull out on the first train. She found her way to a bench and sat. Her eyelids were drooping, and her ankle was downright throbbing. Two hours of sleep won’t be enough…but maybe I can sleep on the train.

  CHAPTER 2

  Allie woke with a fright. She was vaguely aware of footsteps and a voice from behind her. Her heart was pounding, and blood was rushing in her ears too loudly to hear clearly.

  “Miss? Miss? Can I help you? “I am Walter Templeton, Ma’am. I work for the railroad. Can I be of assistance?” He walked around to face her.

  “Oh! Yes…ah…dear…pardon me, please,” she began, sitting upright to rub the kink in her neck. She took in the freshly pressed uniform standing before her. “I am Mrs. Alice Coghill and I’m hoping I’ll be permitted to ride. I’m on my way to meet my family in Montana, sir,” she added, folding her hands in her lap to hide their shaking.

  Mr. Templeton paused, assessing the multiple colors that donned her face and replied with a barely disguised edge to his voice.

  “Mrs. Coghill! This rail line is for workers only, ma’am. Is there any way your family could come and meet you or maybe your husband could deliver you to your destination?”

  Her hands stilled, and her throat held a lump that refused to dislodge itself. She coughed, then choked. One hand flew to her mouth to cover her coughing while the other hand formed a fist as she patted her chest.

  “Oh dear, ma’am! Let me get you some water.”
Walter grabbed a tin cup and ran out back to pump some water. He returned quickly, the water still sloshing back and forth as he held it out to her. “Here you are, ma’am. Please, take this.”

  Allie grabbed for the cup and emptied it in one gulp, with hopes she would dislodge the fear in her throat. She regained control over her breathing and voice, took a deep breath, and pleaded with the man in front of her.

  “Sir, I am in desperate need. My husband…well…he…he can’t find me. Please!” She was whispering, with her head bent and eyes on the hands that were trembling in her lap.

  Placing his hands behind his back as he filled his lungs, Walter delivered his reply in a tone that did not allow for further conversation.

  “Ma’am, I am sorry! Policy will not allow me to let you ride the train. Your circumstances are not a necessity. Please, will you head on home?” The words were formed in a question, but the way he spoke them let her know she had no choice.

  Tears threatened to fall, but she refused to let him see them. Allie pulled herself up, turned, took a breath, and walked out into the morning sun.

  Once out of Mr. Templeton’s view, the tears flowed freely. What now? I can’t go back. Eddie will already know I wasn’t there last night. What will he do if he catches me? Can I walk? While she was deep in these thoughts, someone tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped.

  Twirling his hat on his hand, a man Allie had never seen before broke through her thoughts.

  “Ma’am! I…uh…well, I overheard you in there talking with that railroad man. I have an idea to help you, if you think you can trust me.”

  Allie was stunned speechless for a moment. “What? I’m sorry. You…you want to help me? Why?”

  He chewed his lip. “’Tisn’t right, Ma’am…what happened in there. You clearly need assistance. And…well…he plumb refused you. Here, take my handkerchief.”

  Allie hesitantly reached for the handkerchief and then dabbed her eyes and wiped the end of her nose. “Thank you, sir. But, what plan? He won’t let me ride and now…well…he knows me.”

  The man’s mouth formed a smirk and his eyes held a sparkle. “That’s why we need to change your looks, ma’am. Would you be comfortable enough in men’s clothes?”

  “What? I’m not sure I’m following you, mister.”

  She looked to her left and right to make sure no one was close enough to hear their conversation. The town was waking up, but it wasn’t as busy as it would be in about an hour when the first train was due. The sign at the mercantile was just flipping from closed to open. Someone at the restaurant across the street was sweeping the boardwalk in preparation for the breakfast rush.

  “Name’s Fred, ma’am. I have a change of clothes here in my pack. I usually change after work. My missus likes me in clean clothes for dinner. And I prefer to eat right when I get home. Works out better for both of us that way.” Fred rubbed his belly to accentuate how much he loved his wife’s cooking. “Would you like them? You could put ’em on and I’ll buy a couple of tickets for me and my…uh…work buddy.” He put his hat on his head and smugly placed one hand in his pocket while holding the bundle of clothes out for her to take.

  Allie’s head began to swim. Can I pull it off? “Well, Mr. Fred,” she said, smiling, “I do believe I have nothing else to lose.” With resolve she grabbed the bundle from him, thanked him, and headed to the outhouse. “Please wait for me, sir. I’ll try to hurry.”

  Fred turned his back to attempt to be respectful, even though she would change in private. What is proper in this situation? He chuckled to himself.

  Allie fumbled in the tight quarters. She slipped her dress off and then her skirt. She would keep the rest on to make changing back a quicker process. With the extra underclothes, it may make me look a little rounder than normal. She pursed her lips in thought as she pulled on the once-white shirt. It hung down too far…even though parts of the shirttail had been ripped off. She knew what that was from and didn’t want to think of what this man used his shirt for out in the middle of nowhere with no proper toiletries. She shuddered and pulled the pants up. They were baggy, but not so big they would fall off. And, unlike the shirt, they were intact. She shivered as she gathered up all of her garments and placed them in her bag before she headed out. The pants felt odd on her, but she would take odd over pain any day of the week.

  Fred stood across the street and, by the look on his face, she must look a fright. His mouth was open and eyes where bugging.

  She stepped up onto the boardwalk. “Well, Mr. Fred! How do I look?”

  He quickly clamped his mouth shut and began to stutter, “Uh…uh…here, take this.” Fred practically threw his hat at her and she then realized what others might think when they saw her. She was only half disguised.

  With quick hands she pulled the hat down over her brown hair and then pushed the hair that bunched out up and onto the top of her head. “There. Is this better?”

  Fred gave a quick nod. “Yes, but we better be quick about this. Anyone sees you up close and they’re gonna know.” He pulled his lips under his teeth to keep from laughing and marched into the depot with her following slightly behind.

  Fred stood at the counter, slapped some coin down and asked for two tickets for today’s 7:00 A.M. work train. Walter grabbed the coin and passed Fred two tickets and change; apparently not noticing the figure standing in the corner closest to the door.

  Allie was motionless. Am I even remembering to blink? She tried to calm herself and act casual. Fred took the tickets and walked passed Allie. He never looked directly at her, but she caught his eyes pointing to her and then the door. She waited a few seconds and followed. Her eyes needed to adjust once outside. The sun was climbing higher in the sky and more people were bustling about. She did not, however, see Fred. Which way did he go? She could hear a pounding sound to her left. When she approached the corner of the building someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into the shade. Immediately her arms flew to her head. “Please don’t hurt me,” she gasped as the tears began to fall.

  “There you go with that again!” Fred reached into his pocket and retrieved the handkerchief once more.

  Allie took it and tried to calm down. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me.”

  “That’s okay, I should have been more considerate. Stay here until the train stops. Here is your ticket. Don’t let anyone see you before you board that train.” Fred turned to leave, then stopped. “Oh…and…uh…keep the handkerchief.”

  Allie looked down at the tattered red and white cloth then back up at the spot where Fred had stood just a moment ago. “Wait, Fred! Thank you.” She peeked out from the shadow, but he was already gone. Allie tucked herself back into the shadows that Fred thought safe for her and waited to hear the glorious sound of the whistle.

  Minutes dragged out, but it wasn’t long before the whistle could be heard in the distance. The mighty green hills in these parts were tall and steep. Sound tended to ricochet off them. The whistle sound was usually a startling, loud repetition, but now it was sweet to her ears. She waited until the train pulled in and the big steam puff cleared before she made her way out. She needed to move fast. If anyone she knew saw her, or someone noticed she was not really a man, the whole scheme would be lost. She tugged Fred’s hat down, pulled her ticket out, and headed for the line that was beginning to form.

  There were three men in front of her, so she just stood and waited with her head down and her heart pounding in her ears.

  “Ticket, Sir.” The ticket taker towered over her and he looked down his nose to find her eyes.

  Allie jumped. “Oh!” Then she cleared her throat and willed it to sound deeper. “Here!” She shoved the ticket in the man’s face in an attempt to take his eyes from her. It worked. He took the ticket and stepped aside so she could board. One step, two steps, three, and turn. She was in. Can’t mess this up now. She made her way to a bench and settled herself with her head down, so she could pretend to sleep.

&n
bsp; Her long, dark eyelashes gave her an advantage. She could see through the small slit, but it looked like her eyes were completely shut. This was a trick she had used on more than one occasion with Eddie. More men were making their way into her car and finding benches. How could anyone sleep on these trains? She shifted on the hard, backless bench. She knew they could and often Eddie did. I just might fall off this bench if I fall asleep.

  Several of the men who filled in the seats around her appeared to have had a rough night. They all looked tired and old, and a few still seemed drunk. Some huddled up and took the same posture she had taken. Others chose to stand in the isle and hold onto the grab bars. It would be a while in this position for her. She must remain a man until they reached Missoula. That is where she could change back and ride on a proper passenger train the rest of the way. The train whistle blew a short toot to signify that it was time for all to board.

  I can’t believe this is working. Allie thought about the last several hours. Once this train moves, Eddie will be at least two hours behind me. That’s when the next train departs from Falcon. The train came to life and slowly began to move. A lone tear fell down her cheek.

  CHAPTER 3

  Eddie was walking home just before the sun came up. He worked the afternoon shift so there was still plenty of time for sleep before he needed to head to Falcon to catch the work train.

  I am going to have to work an extra shift to pay back Tom. Why can’t I be better at my cards? Even with my extra one, I still lost too many times. At least they didn’t find it on me last night. I better be more careful, or I’ll be a dead man in no time.

  He opened his front door and stepped inside. It was cold in the two-room shanty. The fire had died and nothing was cooked for breakfast.