Kidnapped

Chapter 8 - A Pawn

It was still quite early when Josiah Trelawny rode into the camp at Shady Belle. He waved at Bill, who was on guard duty, as he headed towards the house.

He was quite surprised to see so much activity so early in the morning. Usually half the camp were nursing hangovers, from the night before, or having a quiet coffee by the main campfire.

As Josiah hitched his horse, he saw Hosea running around collecting supplies. It wasn't unusual to see Susan chivvying people up, but not this early in the morning.

Josiah walked over to Hosea, frowning slightly.

"Morning!" he beamed, "what's going on?"

Hosea shook his head, "Emmeline's got a fever. Its not looking good, she could lose her foot if we don't hurry!"

Josiah glanced around the camp. Not seeing Dutch, he guessed he must be looking after you.

"Where's Arthur?" he asked.

Hosea shrugged, "probably still in his room, if you've got nothing better to do, you could rouse him, I'm probably gonna need his help."

Josiah nodded, and headed into the house.

Josiah knocked on the door of Arthurs room. A muffled voice yelled to come in, so he opened the door and peered inside.

Arthur was looking at himself in the mirror, trying to decide whether he needed to shave.

"Staring at yourself wont make you any better looking dear boy!" Josiah quipped.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "what brings you here so early?"

Josiah frowned, "apparently Emmeline has a fever. Hosea says he's going to need your help, sounds like her leg is infected..." he hesitated, "I may need to borrow your camera again, Arthur."

Arthur shook his head, "doesn't the poor kid have it bad enough, without you taking photographs of it!"

Josiah hummed, and scratched his head, "we may need a little more leverage than I thought, more unpleasant pictures, may do the trick."

Arthur rolled his eyes, and handed the camera to Josiah. "Just don't tell Hosea or Dutch."

Dutch sat on the edge of the bed, stroking your face.

"Whatever happens Emmie, I'll be here, I'll be with you," Dutch soothed.

You let out another sob, "you're gonna let him hurt me, aren't you?"

Dutch pressed his lips to your forehead, in a tender kiss. He didn't answer. He had no intention of lying to you, but he wasn't sure you could handle the truth. He knew exactly what Hosea was going to do, he just hoped the pain would be too much, and that you would pass out.

Hosea entered the bedroom, closely followed by Javier and Charles. Arthur and Josiah followed them in.

Susan wasn't far behind. She headed immediately to the fireplace in the bedroom, and lit a fire.

Hosea gestured for the others to put down the supplies they were carrying, close to the bottom of the bed.

You watched as they all came into the bedroom. If you were scared before, you were terrified now.

Dutch held your hands rubbing your knuckles with his thumbs.

You didn't see the nod that Hosea had given him. Even if you had, there wouldn't have been anything you could have done. Before you knew what was happening, Dutch had held your arms above your head. You felt hands on your legs, and another across your stomach, holding you in place, unable to move.