Chapter 47

It was more than a week since we'd left Monroe, and we was just comin' up on the outskirts of Shreveport, so I decided to pull off the road and make camp by the river.

It was one of those days where I felt weary of travellin'; although, I knowed in my heart that I was better disposed to long journeys than some, 'cause of the time spent in the war.

Almost as if she could hear my musin's, Izzy spoke. "I cain't believe your brother travelled all this way by hisself."

I smiled. "He made that journey in less than a month."

Izzy's eyes grew wide in surprise. "What?"

I chuckled at her reaction. "He didn't carry nothin' except what would fit in his saddlebags. He warn't totin' furniture and whatnot."

"Oh." Izzy thought 'bout that afore speakin' again. "How well do ya know Rosa?" She looked a might nervous, and I wondered if she was scared of meetin' Emmett and his wife. "And how did she end up in Texas if'n her Grandma lives in Tennessee?"

She was in an excitable mood, and the questions was comin' faster than I could answer.

"What's she look like? Is she very pretty?"

"Hold on there Missus," I said in a teasin' tone, "Just give me a chance, and I'll settle your curious mind."

She giggled, the sound of it goin' straight to my heart, like always. I was quiet for a time, as I tried to recall everythin' Emmett had telled me.

"Rosa's Pa was from back home in Robertson County, and it was his Ma that Rosa took care of durin' the war." I glanced at Izzy to find her listenin' closely. "Rosa's Pa was in the army. This was way back afore the war, maybe close to thirty years ago now."

"For a time, he was sent to Louisiana, and that's where he met Rosa's mother. Her folks was from the Canary Islands but moved here years and years afore."

Izzy looked confused. "Where's that?"

"I asked Emmett the same question. It's more southern than Spain, but I reckon it's a part of it."

Izzy's eyes was wide now with curiosity. "So Rosa's Spanish?"

I grinned. "She would say that her Ma's an islander. She's right insistent 'bout it. It was all confusin' to me, so I didn't ask no more questions." I said with a shake of my head.

"Ya still didn't say how she ended up in Texas?"

"The army." I give my shoulders a shrug. "Her Pa got sent there afore Rosa was born. Been there ever since."

"So, is she pretty?"

I nodded, keepin' my eyes on the trail. "She is. The first time I seen her, with her long dark hair and bright blue eyes, I reckoned she had to be the prettiest gal I ever laid eyes on," I turned to look at my wife, a hurt expression startin' to form on her face, "but that was afore I met ya." I telled her with a smile and a wink.

She giggled again and smacked my arm lightly. "Ya's quite a charmer Mister Cullen."

"You're the only one I ever care to charm, Missus Cullen."

***WYiMA***

Campin' by the river afforded us the chance to have fish for breakfast. It was a welcome change.

I discovered that Izzy was still full of questions as we loaded up the wagon to leave. "Ed, do ya think life in Texas is gonna be very different from the way life was back home?"

"I reckon it will be. Emmett says it is hotter'n home and drier. Not as many trees he says. But there's a fair amount of people settlin' around there. The army's buildin' a fort and the town's growin' because of it."

Izzy got a sad, lost look in her eyes as I spoke. "What's ailin' ya darlin'?" I asked as I put my hand on her shoulder.

"Everythin' has changed so fast…" She took a breath, "For years and years, everythin' in my life was exactly the same, then the war happened, and nothin' was the same…" She looked up at me then.

"Are ya homesick?"

"I know I'm supposed to be but…" she give me a wistful smile. "I cain't be homesick when I'm with ya, Ed. You're my home." She said afore wrappin' her arms around me and lookin' up at my face.

"I miss my brothers, and I know I will 'til the day comes, Lord willin', that I see them again. I miss my Mam and Pap, but that's somethin' I'll carry with me forever. But I don't miss Tennessee, not since I married ya. I admit to bein' frightened of startin' life in this new place, but I know we'll make our way. I reckon it ain't in either of us to fail."

"Ya are a marvel," I telled her afore kissin' her lips.

***WYiMA***

Shreveport was big and sprawlin' and busy as all get out. It was so busy in fact, that I didn't feel right lettin' Izzy go anywhere alone, so I had her wait in the wagon with Jack, down the street while I visited the telegraph office. Afterwards, I planned for us to go together to gather supplies.

I sent a message to Emmett, lettin' him know we'd made it to Shreveport, and then collected the letter from Jacob that was waitin' for me.

I opened it, intendin' to give it a quick look-see, and read it closer later, but the first line grabbed my attention and held it.

Chapter 48

I opened it, intendin' to give it a quick look-see, and read it closer later, but the first line grabbed my attention and held it.

Ed,

I surely hope this letter makes it to Shreveport before you do, because we found out some mighty disturbing news about James Forrest since I wired you last.

He's a dangerous man, Ed. More dangerous than we feared.

Thanks to the Sheriff here alerting the surrounding counties, Cyrus, the feller that was with Forrest, has been captured.

He was all too willing to give up everything he knew of Forrest, and made it clear that  James  was the one to kill Izzy's uncle. I doubt it will save Cyrus from hanging as an accomplice, but that's for the judge to decide.

The tale he told was not a pretty one, and it made my blood run cold to hear some parts of it. I'll give it to you as it was given to me.

Forrest's name is really Jahu Forrest. He's from North Carolina, and fought for the South during the war, that was until him and one of his brothers, Ezekiel, deserted and joined up with the Yankees. They didn't become no regular Yankee troops though. The Forrest brothers and a few other fellers led raids on Southern towns, stealing livestock and goods, leaving their own people to starve.

At one point, Ezekiel and Jahu deserted the Yankees as well. Ezekiel was caught by Confederate Troops while trying to sneak home, and even though Jahu had been traveling with him, he somehow avoided capture.

A small detail of soldiers were dispatched to transport Ezekiel from North Carolina to his regiment, which was camped outside of Petersburg at the time.

Less than a day after arriving, Ezekiel was shot for desertion.

Jahu never dared show his face in North Carolina again, despite the fact that he'd left a wife and child behind. Cyrus said Forrest didn't care about his wife anyhow, and she's been living these past two years with the belief that he was executed along with his brother.

That no count Forrest never intended to get a divorce Ed, and planned to marry Izzy whether it was legal or not.

I had to stop readin' for a minute to calm myself. Just the thought of that no good bastard usin' Izzy in such a manner made me want to find him and kill him slow and painful. I squeezed my eyes shut and took a breath afore continuin'.

He never got in trouble for deserting the Yankees, and right after the war, Forrest changed his first name to James and decided he'd try his luck in Tennessee.

Within a month of arriving here, he was arrested in Sumner County for horse thieving, and sent to prison for a year.

While there, he met up with a fellow prisoner named Marcus Hawkins. You probably recognize the name, since that feller was in your regiment. He sounds like a regular no good, just the type that Forrest would make friends with.

I remembered Marcus. He warn't the kind of feller I wanted anythin' to do with.

I admit that I had been forced to kill many a man on the field of battle, but in my heart and soul I regretted every one. Marcus was vicious and cruel, seemin' to delight in the killin'.

Over time, James learned that Marcus was one of the men who transported his brother to Petersburg, and ultimately to his hanging. Marcus, not realizing that he was talking to the man's own brother, laughed about how the prisoner begged and cried for them to let him go, shedding tears like a woman.

Now, James Forrest may not care for another soul in this world, but the man loved his brother.

The words he heard from Marcus's mouth set off a burning hatred, hotter than hellfire, and from what Cyrus told us, James spent the rest of his time in prison plotting his revenge against those three men.

Soon after he was released, he found Marcus who'd gotten out some time before him, and tortured that man until he died. I'll spare you the details until the next time I see you face to face.

If you don't remember the part I'm fixing to tell you now, you may want to hold onto your hat.

The other two fellers in that detail that transported Forrest's brother were John Stokes and Charles Swan.

You'll remember we heard tell of John Stokes found drowned in the creek months ago. Doc said he must have fallen and hit his head just before hitting the water. Cyrus says that it was Forrest that did it.

I started to feel a panic inside as I tried to recall how Izzy had said her Pa died. If'n he was really killed by Forrest, I didn't know how I was gonna tell her…

Forrest never had a chance to kill Charlie Swan as the man was already dead before he got to Robertson County. So instead, he was planning on taking his anger out on Izzy.

Thank the good Lord she stowed away in your wagon Ed. If she had married Forrest, I don't believe she'd be living now.

I could feel my heart beatin' wild in my chest and the sweat beadin' on my brow at his words.

Cyrus is convinced that Forrest is crazy. He knew that he was going to kill him for knowing too much, so he ran away. He says he'd rather take his chances with the judge than with James Forrest.

He also says that Forrest is still after Izzy.

Ed, I don't want you to worry your mind about her brothers, they are well protected. It's your wife and you that I'm concerned for. I'm sending a letter to your brother immediately after sending this one, letting him know everything.

Take extra care, my friend, and keep Izzy close beside you.

Jacob Black

The panic that set in that time warn't for fear of tellin' Izzy somethin' that might upset her. The panic I was feelin' was over the fact that I'd left my wife alone, not knowin' how great the danger to her truly was.

I tore out the door like a man afire and ran toward our wagon. I could hear Jack barkin' his fool head off afore I could see him. When I got close enough, all I could see was him straining at the rope 'round his neck.

"Izzy!" I called, half expectin' her to poke her head out of the wagon and smile at me. When I reached the wagon, I jumped up on it and practically dove inside. Izzy was nowhere to be found. "Izzy!" I called, hopin' to hear her answerin' call. I stood and looked in all directions at the folks millin' about. "Izzy!"

She was gone.

Chapter 49

I turned away from the wagon and runned straight to the Mercantile, hopin' against hope that I'd find Izzy inside, all the words from Jake's letter still runnin' through my head.

'So instead, he was planning on taking his anger out on Izzy…'

I prayed silently to the good Lord that she'd been her willful self and gone against what I telled her to do. Nothin' would have made me happier than to find her inside that store, eyein' the sweets she had a hankerin' for.

She always tried to stop me from buyin' 'em for her, not wantin' to waste the money, but I couldn't resist the happy smile it put on her face when I would pull a candy stick from my pocket and place it in her hand.

If'n she was inside that store, I'd be so happy that I'd buy her a whole jar of candy….

But my hopes turned to dust soon as I stepped across the threshold and discovered not a soul inside exceptin' the proprietor and myself. He was a tall, stern lookin' feller, but as soon as he seen the panic I was in, his expression turned to one of concern.

I explained as quickly as I could 'bout my wife and he assured that he hadn't seen her. That left me with nothin' to do 'exceptin' to set out to look for her, but where to start?

I could hear Jack still barkin' as I left the store, that storekeeper followin' me with an offer to help, all the while hollerin' for his sons to come. I couldn't stop to listen…

As soon as I seen Jack, still strainin' at the rope, the thought hit me like a bolt of lightnin'…

Jack was a witness to whatever happened to Izzy...

Sure as shootin' that dog loved Izzy with everythin' in him. If he couldn't find her, warn't no one on this earth who could. My hands was shakin' as I untied the rope and spoke to that dog more serious than ever afore. "Jack boy, if'n ya know where he took her and show me, you'll be gettin' the best cut of meat at supper from here on out…" I tried to keep from breakin' down as I said the words.

As soon as the rope fell away from him, Jack took off out of that wagon and across the main street like a shot. I grabbed my rifle afore tearin' out after him.

My heart was in my throat as I forced myself not to consider what that bastard mayhap be puttin' my Izzy through at that very moment. The fact that Jack was sure of his way give me hope, and I clung to that hope with everythin' in me as we travelled through the busy streets.

I couldn't stop thinkin' 'bout Izzy and how scared she must be…

I'm comin' sweet girl. Have faith.

In one way, I was glad she didn't know the whole truth 'bout Forrest, but I reckon she knowed enough.

If Forrest hurt her, I was gonna hurt him worse.

If he killed…

No, I couldn't think on it.

As I recollected all the bad he'd done, I knowed he warn't gonna let Izzy go with less than he'd done to her Uncle.

My stomach churned at the thought, and I fought against the urge to lean over and empty its contents on the side of the street. I had to keep goin' and followin' Jack, it was the best hope of findin' my girl.

What I did know, for sure and for certain was that, when I caught up with him, James Forrest warn't gonna live to see the sunrise of another day.

Chapter 50

I followed Jack like my life depended on it. Well, I reckon it did 'cause I couldn't imagine no sort of life without Izzy. In the short time I'd known her, she'd come to mean everythin' to me.

When we reached the railroad station, Jack suddenly stopped runnin' and searched around on the ground a bit. It was a right busy place with folks comin' and goin' and I started into panickin', thinkin' that Jack had lost Izzy's scent, and this would be the end of the line for us.

I crouched down beside him and spoke in a pleadin' tone. "Come on boy, I know ya can find her." Jack seemed to sniff the air then. I couldn't rightly tell if he actually sensed somethin' or if it was a sound he took off after when he bolted past the depot toward the rail yard out back, where a couple rows of empty freight cars sat waitin'on the side tracks.

He didn't stop runnin' 'til we reached the last line of cars and then started in to whimperin' when he found somethin' lying' on the ground there. As soon as I seen up close what had got his attention, my heart jumped into my throat, recognizin' it to be the hair ribbon Izzy was wearin' just afore I left her.

I could've cried for joy knowin' we was on the right track, but there warn't no joy in me; not 'til I had her safe in my arms. I crouched down by Jack again as I had somethin' needed sayin', and I prayed for him to understand me, just this once.

"Boy," I whispered, "I'm suspectin' that our girl's in one of these here cars," I telled him as I pointed to them. "Jack, ya gotta try your best to be quiet, 'cause if'n he hears us comin' I'm afeared of what he'll do to Izzy."

That dog looked me in the eye, and I swear I seen understandin' there. He give a little huff as if to say 'I heared ya Ed'.

I surveyed the line of cars, some of 'em had their doors flung wide open, so me and Jack checked them first. Just as I suspected, they were empty. That left two cars with their doors shut tight. I pressed my ear against the side of the first one, but it was as silent as the grave inside. However, when I tried to move on to the next car, Jack refused to follow me. It was only then that I noticed how he was standin', still as stone, and starin' at that door.

My stomach twisted as I walked back over to him. It was too quiet in that car, and I was afeared for what I was gonna find inside as I reached to slide open the door with a tremblin' hand.

Chapter 51

I stood by that freight car, pistol drawn, watchin' my own hand fixin' to slide the door open. Suddenly, the memory of my Pa's voice come unbidden to my mind.

"Son, afore ya leave, I want ya to know that I'm proud of ya, and I would feel that way whether or not ya was goin' off to war. You're a good man, same as your brother."

I recollected how he stood beside the old apple tree and pulled his kerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow afore continuin'.

"Noble, that's what ya are, like lions, brave and proud. The problem is that ya view the rest of the world as bein' the same way."

He put his hand on my shoulder,

"I feel I've wronged ya somehow by keepin' ya so close to home. Emmett, not so much, but you Ed…"

He shook his head as he looked down at the ground.

"I reckon it was on account of losin' your Ma that I worried more than was natural for my children, and now you're bein' throw into the worst of it, and know nothin' 'bout what mayhap come against ya."

He looked me in the eye then and spoke low and serious.

"I'm fearful for ya son, 'cause bein' the way ya are, ya ain't suited to fight against them that ain't like ya. Men that ain't noble, men that ain't never gonna do somethin' just 'cause it's the right thing to do."

"I'm speakin' of the worst kind of men, Ed. They take pleasure in another man's pain. You're gonna meet up with them on both sides of this war. Whereas good men mayhap be like lions, these other fellers they's more like snakes. They's the kind ya gotta kill or be killed by 'em. But it ain't easy, 'cause to win against 'em, ya gotta think like 'em."

I slowly drew my hand back from that door as the memory of that talk with my Pa played on in my mind…

"A snake lies in wait, coiled, ready to strike, and never usually makes a sound 'til it's too late."

I leaned my ear against that door again and put all my concentration into listenin' for any sound comin' from inside. I even stopped breathin' for a time…

What I heard then, liked to turn the blood to ice in my veins. There warn't no mistakin' the sound of someone whimperin', and I knowed in my heart it was my Izzy. I warn't about to give myself time to revel in the knowledge that she still drew breath, 'cause at that moment I was a man driven by only one desire: the desire to kill the sumbitch what was makin' her cry.

Thinkin' back on my Pa's words made me suspect that Forrest knowed full well that I'd be comin' for him, mayhap he even lured me here, and would be lyin' in wait in order to put a bullet in my head.

I moved away from the door, slow and quiet, and made my way around to the other side of the car. Soon as I turned the corner, I could see that the door on this side had been slid open a few inches; the bastard more 'n likely usin' the openin' for light to see by.

I come at that openin' the same way I would an enemy soldier durin' the war, careful and quiet. When I got close enough to peer inside, my eyes was immediately drawn to where the light was shinin' across somethin' lyin' in the middle of the floor.

She was on her side, facin' away from me, her hands tied behind her back, and her body shakin' from her sobs. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from cryin' out.

Across from where I stood, just as I had suspected, was James Forrest, gun drawn, watchin' that other door like a hawk. I pulled the hammer back on my revolver, and pulled the trigger.

Chapter 52

Izzy screamed at the sound of my gun goin' off, and Forrest turned to look at me, the surprised expression on his face almost comical, afore he slumped to the floor in a heap.

Seemed like my bullet had hit its mark.

I flung that door open wide afore scramblin' inside the train car and over to where Izzy was now lyin' on her back starin' at me with wide frightened eyes. She was gagged, and I swallowed hard at the sight of her bloodied face. The bastard had torn open the front of her dress, as well, but not the shift that was underneath. I didn't know quite what to make of that…

I knowed I shoulda' checked on Forrest first, but nothin' could keep me from Izzy.

I laid one hand against her cheek as I pulled the gag away with the other. "Darlin', I got ya." I telled her afore leanin' down to gently kiss her forehead.

"Ed," she spoke in a raspy voice, her lip was cut and swollen, but the fear in her eyes was gone.

"Let me get these ropes off ya," I said afore rollin' her carefully back to her side. I'd just gotten the last of the knots undone when Izzy yelled. "Ed, look out."

I seen movement out of the corner of my eye, and realized that Forrest warn't dead. I went to grab for my pistol as I seen him reachin' for his gun where it had fallen beside him.

Afore I had a chance to shoot him again, however, Jack come flyin' out of nowhere and tore into the bastard.

I warn't sure how he done it, but considerin' how high off the ground that doorway was situated, Jack must've taken a mighty leap to make it through.

Today, me and him were of the same mind: warn't nothin' gonna keep us from Izzy.

As soon as I was certain that Forrest warn't goin' for his gun again, I pulled Jack off him. "Stop boy," I said as I kicked Forrest's gun away.

Suddenly, we was surrounded by the sound of voices. The other door to the freight car slid open wide, and several men bounded inside, guns drawn. I held my hands up in surrender.

"Sheriff, that's the feller whose wife was kidnapped," I turned to look at who was speakin' and recognized the proprietor of the store.

"That true?" I turned to find the sheriff holdin' a gun aimed at my chest.

I nodded my head, "Yes sir, that's the feller there what took her. Can I please see to my wife." My voice broke with emotion then, and I swallowed back the lump in my throat, knowin' how badly Izzy needed me.

He glanced down to where she was lyin' on the floor, all curled up on her side and sobbin'. The Sheriff give me a look of pity and nodded afore lowerin' his gun.

I immediately dropped to the floor and pulled Izzy against me where she continued to cry into my shirt.

"Sherriff," one of the men surroundin' Forrest called, "this here feller's dead."

His words barely registered in my mind.

"Go fetch Doc Miller," the Sheriff said in answer.

"Didn't ya hear me? The feller's dead. Doc ain't gonna help him now." The same voice answered.

"Not for the dead man, ya idiot; for the lady."

I didn't look up or pay no heed to the goin's on around me after that.

None of it mattered.

My girl was hurtin', so I held her close and rocked her like a babe; Jack sittin' right beside us all the while.

Chapter 53

When the doctor arrived, he conferred with the Sheriff afore examinin' Forrest's body. "Well, the cause of death is the bullet wound to the chest, but his arm and shoulder got mauled pretty good by the dog." I heared him say.

So it was for certain that I'd killed a man. It warn't the first time, but it was the first time I actually took joy in the killin'. God forgive me, but it was the truth.

The doctor approached us then. "Mister, I'm thinkin' it may be better if you take your Missus outside," he telled me in a quiet tone.

Of course he was right. Here I was, holdin' my wife while the man who tried to kill her lay in a pool of his own blood not ten feet away.

Chapter 54

Listenin' to Izzy's account of what she'd suffered at the hands of James Forrest was almost more than I could bear. I swallowed hard as I listened, and buried my feelin's deep afore she was aware. The last thing she needed was to be worryin' 'bout me.

Even though Izzy wouldn't remove her tattered dress, she did let the Doc examine her through her clothes, after which he determined that nothin' appeared to be broken. When he was finished, he and I stepped into the outer office while Izzy changed into her red dress. It was the only one she owned now that warn't tainted by the memory of James Forrest.

Afore I left the room, she give me a look so sad and forlorn, that I almost stayed there with her, but there was somethin' needed doin', and it was better if Izzy didn't know about it just yet.

I wrote a brief letter and handed it and the letter sent by Jake, to the Deputy waitin' there. "I need ya to kindly give these to the Sheriff. My wife ain't in any condition to speak with him today, but these two letters will explain more than enough of what he needs to know 'til we come see him tomorrow."

After Doctor Miller explained to the feller that what Izzy needed most was rest, he seemed satisfied that we warn't gonna skip town.

After leavin' the horses and wagon in the care of the livery stable, I secured us a room at a boardin' house not far from there. The place was run by a pleasant old widow lady named Missus Duval.

It was a sore trial watchin' Izzy say goodbye to Jack for the night, even though he was only gonna be as far as the back yard. As we turned to go inside, I felt as if I was leavin' a little part of me out there, so I could only imagine how hard it was for Izzy.

"Come on sweet girl," I telled her, "Ya's just about dead on your feet."

It was early evenin' when we arrived at our room, and Missus Duval, gentle lady that she was, had a table with our supper laid out, waitin' for us there.

Even though we hadn't eaten since early mornin', Izzy barely touched her food.

"Ain't ya hungry darlin'?" I asked as I reached over and patted her knee. She winced a little at the touch and I coulda kicked myself as I yanked my hand away. "Izzy, I'm sorry. I didn't realize…"

"No," she said in an urgent tone as she grasped my hand and held it in hers. "I'm just a little sore. I reckon it will feel even worse come tomorrow." She tried to smile, "My lip hurts, and my cheek; well, it's makin' it kinda hard to eat."

I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath. Forrest's face filled my mind, and I fought against the white hot hate that was workin' to consume me. The bastard may have been gone, but the damage he'd done would be around for days, if not longer, servin' as a reminder.

Watchin' Izzy struggle to eat caused a knot to twist in my own stomach. I was thankful when she had no trouble finishin' the bread puddin' at least.

After supper, or what there was of it, the tub I'd ordered for Izzy's bath arrived, along with Missus Duval and her granddaughter bearin' ewers of hot and cold water. She begged a word in private with my wife and, even though I was hesitant to leave her, Izzy signaled that she would be fine.

I helped carry the dinner dishes downstairs, and Jack ended up feastin' like a king on our scraps. After makin' sure he was set for the night, I made my way back upstairs.

When I arrived, I found Missus Duval and Izzy chatterin' away like they was old friends. When she seen me, Missus Duval give me a smile and hugged Izzy carefully, afore clearin' out of the room.

"What was that about?" I asked my wife.

Izzy smiled, even though it appeared to pain her, "She's real sweet Ed. She give me some clothes." Izzy's eyes teared up, "She kind of put me in mind of my Mam, I hate to ponder what she would have made of today…" She said in a whisper as a tear escaped her eye.

I quickly crossed the room 'til I was kneelin' in front of her. "Speakin' as someone who loves ya with all my heart, I reckon she'd be glad that Forrest was where he couldn't ever hurt ya again." I carefully kissed her forehead and then her cheek, avoidin' all the places where she was cut or bruised.

She give me a little nod afore I turned away and commenced to fix the water in the tub to the right temperature.

Izzy watched me silently.

When I was finished, I stood and placed the screen in front of the tub and turned to face her. "Darlin', I reckon you'll want to get in there now afore the water chills." She give me a little nod and went behind the screen.

As much as I longed to go back there and help her, I knowed she didn't want me to see the worst of what Forrest had done to her. I decided I wouldn't press her on that. Not yet.

I pulled out one of my Pa's books and settled in a chair, openin' it to the part where Gulliver awakes to find his legs and arms fastened to the ground. My mind couldn't settle on the words in front of me though, and I slammed the book shut in frustration. It was then that the sound of Izzy's quiet sobs come to my ears. Without a moment's hesitation, I tossed the book on the bed and hurried to my wife's side.

Chapter 55

Izzy had managed to get her dress off and was leanin' against the tub wearin' only her shift, her body shakin' with sobs.

As much as I wanted to hold her, I was afeared of my touch causin' her pain. "What can I do?" I begged, feelin' helpless.

"I'm tired, I'm hurt, and I'm ugly." She said, still cryin'. "I hate him Ed. I hate him so much."

I couldn't stop from wrappin' my arms around her then and kissin' the side of her face.

After a time, she got control of herself, and spoke to me in a whisper. "Can ya help me get my shift off?"

I nodded afore carefully liftin' it up, notin' the bruises on her arms as I did. Once it was clear of her body, I found myself holdin' back a gasp.

Dear Lord.

Her arms and legs had bruises on 'em, but her sides and back had definitely taken a beatin' as well. Izzy continued to look down at the floor and cry. "How can ya even stand to look at me?"

I shook my head and carefully turned her to face me. "Izzy, the worst part of seein' ya like this is knowin' I failed to protect ya. God's truth, I thought Forrest was long gone," my voice caught on the words. "I'm never gonna forgive myself for lettin' this happen." I hung my head, not able to look at her.

"Ed," she whispered as she put her hand on my cheek, makin' me look her in the eyes, "it ain't your fault. Ya saved me. Don't ya be takin' none of the guilt of this upon your own shoulders." She scolded. "I'm just feelin' sorry for myself is all, and I'm ashamed to say that it's my vanity makin' it so. Not that I think of myself as any great beauty mind ya, but at least I ain't never beenfrightenin' to look at afore…"

"Izzy, ya could never be frightenin'." I leaned in and touched my lips to hers. "Ya are and will always be the most beautiful woman I've ever known. These marks is only temporary but even if they warn't, it wouldn't change the way I feel 'bout ya." I held up my maimed hand. "Ya taught me that when ya accepted me the way I was… by lovin' me despite my flaws."

She grabbed my hand and brought it to her swollen lips, kissin' it tenderly. "Ya got no flaws, Ed. Your poor hand serves to remind me daily of how close ya come to not survivin' that war. How close I come to never knowin' ya." She kissed my hand again.

"Thank ya for helpin' me undress." She sounded defeated as she placed her hand on the side of the tub.

She looked toward me and froze, her surprise showin' when she noticed I was unbuttonin' my shirt. Her eyes studied me as I removed each article of clothin' and then silently stepped into the tub, reachin' for her hand to help her over the side as well.

Once we were settled, I washed her battered body while she cried herself out against my chest, releasin' all the fear, pain and sorrow she'd been holdin' inside.