Quinn's Christmas Wish (7 page)

Amanda stiffened and pushed away looking up at him. “You can’t protect us from the whole town,” she sniffled. “He basically owns the whole town. They will come for Quinn.” Amanda wiped her eyes and turned away, going to check on her son.

She heard Samuel’s footsteps follow. Amanda sat on the bedside and took the cloth from Quinn’s head, rinsed it in the basin, and placed it back on his forehead. She hung her head. “He has a fever.” Gently she placed ointment on the cuts. “He doesn’t normally have a fever,” her voice quivered.

“Shall I go fetch the doc?” Samuel asked.

“I’ll watch him through the night and if he worsens, I can get him,” she answered without emotion.

She stood and turned to face him. “It’s been a long day. I think you should go now.”

“Amanda, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to stay here alone.”

“I’m fine, Samuel. I just need some time alone.” She smiled weakly.

He stood staring at her for a few moments, which seemed like an eternity. He was so handsome and brave. He stood up for her and Quinn. Amanda knew she was falling in love with him more by the second, but now she’d put his life in danger, too.

He placed a tender kiss on her lips before turning toward the door. “I’ll be at the boarding house if you need me for anything.”

She crossed her arms, feeling a chill settle over her body. “Samuel, did that wolf creature take you to Quinn?” she asked nervously.

“Yes, it did.”

“How do you know that creature?” she queried, rubbing her arms.

He paused, but didn’t look back at her. “I pulled it out of Lost Lake,” he replied as he opened the door and departed.

Amanda awoke early. Quinn breathed in and out in a steady rhythmic pattern. She smiled to herself. Last night, she curled up beside him in his small bed so she could hear his every move, and ensure his fever didn’t worsen.

The problem was, he hadn’t moved, not a muscle. At least his fever broke. She carefully got out of bed and kissed him on the cheek.

The rooms were cold so she quickly went about the house lighting the fires. Once the fire warmed the house, she put on her cloak and boots, preparing to leave. She didn’t want to leave, but she needed to let Mr. Murphy know she wouldn’t be in to work.

The cold morning air stung her nose as she rushed down the steps and made her way to the main street. Christmas would be here soon, but in her heart it didn’t feel like Christmas.

She stopped for a moment and looked at the large wolf like prints in the snow. The tracks went through the street, across the park and probably to the edge of the trees.

This town was full of nightmares. They popped up every day. Only the most devilish evil force would flood a town and cause the destruction left behind.

Still, the beast had saved her son, or at least found him. How and why she couldn’t comprehend.

Amanda rushed into the boarding house to find Mr. Murphy setting tables. He turned to look at her. “Amanda, I didn’t expect you in today. Folks have been talking,” he said, placing a cup down on the table.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Murphy. Quinn is ill again.”

He stood in front of her. “Amanda, maybe you should leave this town. Take Quinn and go to the city,” he said tenderly.

“But I don’t want—” she cut off her sentence as the door opened.

The woman stood in the entrance and sent a cold glare her way. It was Mrs. Winlop. Not one of Amanda’s favorite people.

She spoke first. “Mr. Murphy, Bandit Creek is a respectable town, but that woman and her son most certainly are not,” she declared pointing at Amanda.

Shocked, Amanda could only respond with an, “Excuse me.”

“Your son is evil with all his crazy spells, been touched by the devil he has, and now only one year after your husband’s death, you are keeping company with a complete stranger. I believe all that speaks for itself, don’t you, Mr. Murphy? The town is talking this morning, and I can assure you, you will not have any business should you continue to have someone such as her in your keep.” Mrs. Winlop turned quickly and exited the building.

Amanda felt tears sting her eyes. Ashamed and embarrassed, she could only stand static and unmoving, not having any idea what to say.

Mr. Murphy stepped forward, pulling her in for a hug. “Good thing that bitter woman left. I’ve had enough of her bad mouthing you.”

He stepped back and wiped a tear from her cheek. “You never mind what they say, you hear me. You will always have employment here as long as I live.”

Amanda smiled, wishing there could be more people like Mr. Murphy in the world. “I’m causing you trouble and customers,” she stated. “Perhaps you are right. Maybe we should consider going away, because I can’t bear the thought of marrying George Ellis.”

“I’d refuse to allow you to marry that abomination,” he stated. “But that Mr. Campton seems like a mighty fine fellow.”

“I’ll only cause him trouble, too. I already have,” she said sadly.

“The man has big shoulders,” Mr. Murphy countered.

Amanda looked outside. It had started to snow again. “Tomorrow is December 1
^st
, but it doesn’t feel like Christmas to me. I guess it hasn’t since Walter’s death. Oh goodness me, I don’t know why I’m going on like this. I really just wanted to let you know that I couldn’t come in until I know Quinn’s better.”

“Go home to your boy, Amanda. His health should always come first.”

She walked to the door and out into the snow, pulling up her hood. Coming around the corner of the building, and not paying attention, a man came stumbling from the alley. She halted, recognizing Jack. How he managed to drink like he did surprised her. It also made her sad.

“Do you need help, Mr. Jack?” she asked.

He stopped not far from her and swayed, but remained standing. “You need help, Ms. Amanda.”

“Mr. Jack, you’ve had too much to drink again. Why do you drink so much? It’s not good for you.”

“I may have been wrong,” he said slurring. “Doesn’t happen often.”

Amanda didn’t know what he might be trying to say. She shook her head.

“There’s evil in this town, but it might not be the she-wolf,” he mumbled.

Now she knew he must be losing his mind. “She-wolf?” Amanda questioned.

“Yup, pulled from that lake the creature was. There’s not much good that comes from that lake.”

The hairs stood on the back of her neck. Could he possibly be talking about the creature she saw last night…the one who helped her son?

“Quinn needs her,” he said, spiting in the snow. He bent over. “See, it has changed,” he continued, pointing to the melting snow. “It’s all here. Quinn needs her, but she must die.”

Amanda’s heart pounded in her chest. “Jack, you aren’t making any sense.” But then he seldom did.

“It’s a struggle of good and evil. I fear evil has descended upon Bandit Creek. Keep the she-wolf safe.”

Then as though he’d never even spoken to her, he stood and stumbled away, mumbling about the old mine.

Amanda caught her breath and ran home. She didn’t know how much more excitement she could take in her life.

She entered her home and quickly went to check on Quinn. There was no change. He’d never been out of consciousness this long. She chewed her nail and wondered about fetching the doctor.

After changing Quinn’s clothing, she put a pot of coffee on the stove and proceeded to do some baking. She kept an eye on Quinn and busied herself in the kitchen. Hours passed and soon she had delicious sweet loaves and cookies pulled from the oven to cool.

A knock at the door startled her. Cautiously, she walked to the window and peeked out. A smile crept over her face.

Wiping her hands on her apron, she opened the door to let Samuel in. He smiled back. “I got tired of waiting for you to need me for something.”

Happy to see him, his deep strong voice caused quivers in her belly. She closed the door behind him.

“I’ve already relied on you for far too much,” she said softly, looking up at him.

She could see the remnants of their passionate encounter still burning in his eyes. His lingering hunger warmed her heart.

“How’s Quinn?” he asked sincerely.

She motioned him to come in. “He hasn’t woke, but at least his fever broke. If he doesn’t wake by dinner, I think I’ll fetch the doctor.”

“I can do that for you,” he offered.

She grinned. “See you’re helping me again.” She moved to the kitchen. “Would you like a cup of coffee? And a freshly baked cinnamon bun?”

He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.

“I’d do anything for you if you bake like that all the time,” he responded, sitting at the table.

Amanda placed a cup down in front of him. Before she could move away, he reached out and grabbed her by the waist. With no chance to resist, she found herself on his lap. His lips touched hers and she felt warmth spread through her body. He nibbled her ear lobe before releasing her and setting her back on her feet.

“I’ll always want you, Amanda. I’ve only had the pleasure of knowing you a couple days, but I feel as though I’ve known you all my life.”

She didn’t know what to make of that declaration so she went about putting a bun on a plate for him. “Maybe you were lonely,” she replied looking down at him while setting the plate in front of him.

“Then I’ll always be lonely, just for you.” The look on his face let her know how serious he was.

“Can I ask you something?” she said, changing the subject. “I ran into Jack this morning and he said something very odd.”

Samuel laughed, shaking his head. “I haven’t been in town often, but doesn’t he always say odd things?”

“He mentioned the wolf to me today. He actually called it a she-wolf, and told me it was important to Quinn and that we shouldn’t let it die. He told me it was pulled from the lake.”

He set his fork down and swallowed. “He spoke to me as well. He told me I shouldn’t have saved the beast. He said I should have let it drown.”

Amanda pulled out a chair and sat beside him. “He also told me he’d been wrong and that the wolf should be saved.”

“I have to admit, it is the most bizarre creature I’ve ever encountered. It clung to what I thought was ice even though ice hadn’t covered the lake yet. It could have easily swum to shore,” Samuel declared.

“I think Quinn was feeding it. I noticed some bread and left over eggs and beef gone from the ice box.”

Samuel nodded his head. “He told me he was visiting a friend yesterday. Perhaps it was the creature. I don’t think the beast will stand a chance. There are posters already up all over town. George Ellis wants the creature’s head and is willing to pay a very handsome reward. Groups of men were already riding out of town early this morning.”

“Don’t let them kill her,” Quinn said, standing at the entrance of the kitchen. “Please save Jazira.”

Amanda jumped to her feet and so did Samuel. She ran to her son who swayed. Samuel moved to his side, steadying him.

“Please, can you help me to the fire?” Quinn requested.

Amanda motioned him to the sitting room and over to the sofa.

“I want to sit up, Mom.”

She grabbed some cushions and a blanket, propping him up and tucking him in. She felt his head. He didn’t seem to have a fever.

Samuel stoked the fire burning in the hearth and Amanda fetched a glass of water.

“Here, honey, have a drink of water,” she said, helping him with the glass as he squinted then hit his swollen lip.

“Careful,” she winced for him.

After a couple mouthfuls, he looked imploringly up at Samuel. “Please, Samuel, don’t let them kill Jazira.”

He knelt before the boy. “Quinn, you’ve had a very rough night and a fever to boot. I’m sure you’ve had some terrible nightmares to go along with that sickness.”

Quinn shook his head emphatically. “No, Jazira is real. You have to believe me.”

“Sweetie, Samuel is right, you’ve been very sick this time.”

He pushed her hand away as she tried to feel his head again. “No! I’m serious. Jazira is real.” His panicked eyes sought Samuel’s. “You saved her from drowning again. You pulled her out of Lost Lake. She told me that.”

Amanda didn’t know what to make of her son’s story, but she didn’t want him upset.

“Mom, Jazira saved me from Billy Ellis and his friends. I did fight,” he smiled weakly at Samuel, “but there were three of them.”

Amanda noted the look between the two males and wondered what was up.

“It’s my fault they are trying to kill her. She came out of hiding to help me and now they will kill her.” He sniffled touching his sore nose.

“Quinn, she’s not a normal wolf,” Samuel stated.

“I know that. She can talk. She came here with her family in a wagon. She’s from a far away country, but the flood hit them. She drowned and she can’t remember how she became a wolf.”

Amanda shook her head at the unbelievable story. How could it be? “Honey, I don’t know what we can do?”

“We have to do something,” he pleaded.

The sound of shattering glass caused Amanda to scream and dive overtop of Quinn to protect him. A large piece of wood lay on the floor. Shards of glass covered the room.

“Nobody move,” Samuel commanded while he carefully moved to behind the sofa. He scooped Amanda up and placed her in the kitchen first, then returned for Quinn.

He disappeared, coming back with the large chunk of wood. A note was attached by a piece of twine.

Amanda watched Samuel shake with anger as he slammed his fist on the table. “I should have killed that bastard last night!”

“What…what does it say?”

“Amanda, pack some things for you and Quinn,” Samuel demanded.

“But…,” she stammered.

“I’m sorry Amanda, don’t argue. It’s not safe here for either of you. I’m taking you both from this town.”

Amanda caught Quinn’s stare. The note laid face up on the piece of wood. The words “QUINN”, “EVIL” and “MUST DIE” stood out above the other words.

“We can go to the Sheriff,” Amanda answered back.

“Sure, we’ll tell him on the way out of town.” He pulled on his boots and jacket. “I mean it, Amanda. I’ll give you an hour. I have a cabin out of town and we’ll go there. Maybe we can find Jazira,” he said looking at Quinn.