The Sojourn: The Sequel to Almost Kings

By Anne Hassett

Returning home after exacting revenge on the murderers of his nephew Jack, Tim Hassett has a great deal to be thankful for, a loving family and a prosperous ranch. Life is good for the Hassett Dynasty. With the birth of two babies on the same day, their world appears to be ideal. When Mick Hassetts wife, Christina, receives a letter and a visit from her late husbands parents, both events serve to shatter their dreams.

With their abduction of her small son, Robby, peace quickly turns into dangerous chaos. Being a fighter, and with some unexpected help, Robby alerts the people searching for him of his whereabouts. Once he is found their retribution is swift and mighty for all involved in his kidnapping. To Mick, Robby's step-father, danger seems to loom everywhere, and with a longing for his home in Ireland, he jumps at the chance to return there with Christina and their children. Will they make the long trip home safely? The Sojourn is the story of a familys quest to find peace and happiness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Aug 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781466997905

Anne Hassett

Anne Hassett is a native Montanan who has spent most of her life as a teacher and raising her family. She has written 3 other books and is currently enjoying her retirement and writing.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It was the summer of 1867. The sun shone hotly on the Montana foothills as Tim Hassett urged Dan, the big horse he was riding, across the stream. Once on the other side, he dismounted and let the horse drink of the cool water. He loosened Dan’s saddle cinch and he himself stretched his legs a little and then sat down in the shade of a willow tree growing on the green bank. He had been in the saddle since sun up, returning from the gold camp in Diamond City back to his horse ranch some one hundred miles to the east.

His heart felt like a granite boulder in his chest. He had been going over in his mind all that had happened in the last year. His young nephew, John Liam Hassett had come to him from Ireland along with his two foster brothers Patrick Osburn, and Michael MacGlaughlin. They were accompanied by Pat Duffy, hired by Jack’s parents as a body guard for the trio. When Tim thought about how it had all turned out, his heart grew heavier still. When he pictured Jack’s handsome innocent face with his remarkable forest green eyes, he felt a wave of almost unbearable grief.

Jack had not stayed on the ranch with his foster brothers, both married that spring, but he and Pat Duffy had struck out for the gold camps. Gold had been discovered in 1865 in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Helena the capital of the Montana Territory.

Jack, sweet honest Jack, full of the joy of life had been gunned down, shot in the back for the sake of gold. His murderer’s had gone free, released by a corrupt court, but only for a short time. Tim had seen to that. Aided by a group of Fenians, in Ireland called the Dearthaire Eire the Irish brotherhood he had avenged Jack’s death and the deaths of the two friends that were murdered along with him. Now he was going home to his own wife and family.

Tim himself had left Ireland more than twenty-five years before, fleeing for his own life, after killing an English soldier. He had with good Irish luck and God’s help carved out a place for himself and his family in this remote land. He believed in this country and reveled in the freedom from oppression that he had found here. Now finding that here too, there were dark deeds committed by unscrupulous men in high places discouraged him. He was grieving not only for the four young Irish men lying in their graves, but for the death of an ideal he thought that he had found.

Tears, long unshed, began escaping from his eyes, and the Celtic freedom fighter allowed himself to weep. Gasping sobs shook his body, exhausting him, and he slept for a time in the cool shade, and dreamed of Ireland. He again wept bitterly for the unjust deaths of those he had loved.

For a time he lay under the willow tree unaware of anything, save the feeling of being cleansed. Sorrow and bitterness and anger flowed out of him with the tears.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains he rose, and unsaddled Dan and turned him loose to graze on the buffalo grass. The exhausted Celt felt more himself than he had felt in months. He made a camp fire against the chill of the night; he made a pot of coffee, and ate some cold meat and bread that had been provided by Anna Howell a friend in Diamond City.

As he wrapped himself in his saddle blanket and laid his head on his saddle, he knew that he would sleep.

CHAPTER 2

By the time Tim reached the top of the ridge overlooking the ranch house that he had built for Lily, his beautiful wife, he felt almost entirely himself again. He had spent two more nights on the trail, and the solitude had been good for him. His natural optimism and joy in life had returned.

He sat in his saddle and looked down on his horse ranch, the Diamond Q. This land, nearly half a million acres, was his and would be his son’s after him. The three of them, Peter, Paul, and little hell-raising Tommy would share it along with Patrick Osburn, married to his daughter Theresa. Tim also considered Michael MacGlaughlin and his wife Christina to be members of his family.

"A dynasty" he thought, A real Irish dynasty.

Two new babies were to be born this summer. Both Theresa and Christina were due to give birth very soon, and Christina’s little boy Robby was a beloved family member.

Yessir, Tim thought none of my Hassett forbearers, though they were kings in Ireland had what I have right here.

He guided Dan down the slope toward the ranch gate. Dan, like all Hassett horses was trained to answer his master’s whistle. When Tim gave his own unique whistle Dan nickered and this was answered by every horse within ear shot, alerting the family of his approach. Doors flew open, and the yard was filled with people, family, ranch hands, and house servants all clamored to greet him.

Peter and Paul followed by a whooping Tommy ran to open the gate. Dan, though very tired, broke into a gallop through the gate. Tim was home. The boys swarmed all over him. The ranch crew shook his hand, and led Dan away to be fed and groomed. Every person on the ranch knew about the troid and was relieved to have him back safely.

The ranch house door opened and the smiling Lily came toward him. After twenty years of marriage her beauty still made his heart leap, with a sense of wonder at how blessed he had been by the angels with such a beautiful wife.

He held out his arms and she ran to him. The grace and dignity of her Indian heritage were in her every move. She looked into his face, it’s over then?

Yes, he told her justice for Jack and the lads with him, had been dealt.

She looked deeply into his eyes, and your own sorrow and grief, I feel had been released.

As they walked into the big house, with their three sons, Lily had more news for him. Theresa had given birth to a baby boy that morning. They were met by a grinning Patrick, holding the new arrival. He handed Tim his new grandson, a little dark haired mite who looked exactly like Patrick. We have named him John Liam. He said.

Tim looked at the tiny addition to his dynasty and felt a swelling of pride, and protectiveness.

And how is our Theresa? he asked

She’s fine, Lily answered. It was an easy birth after a short labor. In fact they almost didn’t make it here from their house. John Liam came within an ace of being born in the buggy, behind a horse’s rump.

A fitting entrance into the world for a Hassett. Laughed Tim.

Lily made Tim wash off the trail dust, and put on clean clothes before going to see Theresa.

While he was doing that, Mick, along with Christina and Robby arrived. Lily had sent a rider to tell them of the baby’s birth. Christina so near delivery herself needed help getting out of the buggy, but little Robby came tearing in. He was noisily greeted by Tommy. The little boys were very fond of each other, and Tommy was anxious to show off the new baby. Robby eyed John Liam gravely. He’s berry cute, he said and when the baby opened his eyes and sneezed, the boys squealed with laughter. Patrick, who was watching this forging of bonds knew exactly what was happening. His tiny son was being accepted with love into this family. Thank God, he said for the Hassett clan.

Robby held out a little finger, and when the baby’s hand curled around it, he was ecstatic.

Look mama, he cried him’s got my finger. To Tommy he said, Les’ us put him in your wagon and pull him around the yard.

Can we mama? Tommy asked Lily.

She smiled and said, Yes of course, but you need to wait until he’s a little bit bigger.

Lily was eyeing Christina as she held John Liam, and cooed over him. Mick was standing over her watching her also. Women were so mysterious when they held babies. he thought. He wondered if his own mother used that unique sing song tone of voice when she held him.

The women went in to see Theresa who was sitting up in bed beaming with joy.

I don’t know why all the fuss about child birth. she said, holding out her arms for John Liam. I hardly knew what was happening.

Christina laughed, I hope it’s catching, she said. I seem to remember several hours of severe pain, when Robby was born. Of course I wasn’t raised on horse back like you were.

Lily cleared her throat, Um, yes Christina, I’ve been watching you today.

And… . said Christina.

And, I would guess that you will go into labor yourself sometime today. I really think you had better stay here and not go home.

Actually, I have been having some twinges in my back since we got here. I thought it was just the buggy ride, but now that you mention it—

When Tim, all spruced up, came into the room, he hugged his daughter with tears running down his face.

These Irish Lily thought if they’re not laughing, they’re crying.

Lily explained to Tim and Mick that she felt it would be better for Christina to stay, rather than make the two hour buggy ride home, and probably have to come back later that night.

They bowed to her expertise in such matters and Tim sent one of his ranch hands to the cattle ranch he had deeded ti Mick. The young horse wrangler was instructed to bring back clothes for Christina and Robby, and the things for the new baby that the women had been making over the summer.

Just talk to Twiggy, Christina told him, she will know what we need.

Marcia Twiggs was Christina’s housekeeper. She had lived on the cattle ranch since long before Mick had taken over, first a foreman, and now as owner. Since cattle ranching was new to Mick, Twiggy had been a valuable source of information for him.

CHAPTER 3

The day was catching up to Theresa, and she had fallen asleep along with her little son. Christina was also resting in the room Lily had gotten ready for her. Lily and one of the hired girls were cleaning the birthing room, and getting it ready for yet another delivery. Hertha, another of the hired girls, had taken the little boys to the strawberry patch.

The term Hired Girl was unique to Montana. Everywhere else they were called maids, but these girls would have been insulted to be thought of as servants.

Tim took Patrick and Mick out to the shady side of the porch where he kept a jug of poteen the strong irish whiskey he kept tucked in the hollow of a big cottonwood tree. THey sat down in rocking chairs and drank a toast to Patrick, and Theresa’s new son, and another to Tim and Lily the new Seanathair and Seanmhaire, Grandfather, and Grandmother. By then they were feeling like discussing the troid waged to avenge Jack’s death, and the deathes of Denis Murphy, Thomas Cheevers, and Pat Duffy.

Tim told in detail the horror story, the killers attempts to flee the vengeful Irish, and one by one the demise of each. The gentle Mick shuddered, "I should have been there to help you. You avenged my mothers death, I should have been in this troid."

No, No, Laddie Tim sighed, "you and Patrick are men of a new age now. You must see to raising your new families. A Gailach Triod is an old worked tradition. Now you must raise your children in a new world, you must make your own traditions."

With that the three Celtic warriors drank another toast, Nau Saol they all shouted New Life.

CHAPTER 4

Hertha and the little boys came into the big ranch kitchen with those strawberries that had not been devoured on the spot, just as John Liam woke up and began to wail. His hungry cries also awakened Christina who had been dreaming of David Colton, her first husband, Robby’s father. She felt rather shocked, it had been years since she had even thought of him, much less dreamed of him. In her dream he was sad that his parents didn’t know that he was dead, and she had promised him that she would write to them. She sat up and stretched her cramping legs just as she felt the first pains of labor. SHe eased back down until it passed, looked at the clock and waited for the next one.

Lily with her unfailing Salish instinct, knew what was happening, and went into Christina’s room just as the second pain made itself felt.

Aha, she said, I told you so. how long between?

Five minutes. Christina gasped.

When that pain was over, Lily helped her to stand up.

Better stay up and walk between pains as long as you can. Lets let gravity do some of the work. Lily smiled

Do you want me to call Mick? He’s been out on the side porch with Tim and Patrick and a jug of that Irish booze all afternoon.

Christina laughed, no, no, this job is hard enough without me worrying about him.

I agree with that, but some women want their men right there with them through the whole thing. I have always thought it was kind of out of spite, you know, he put the baby in there, he can help get it out. I think I will have Herta keep Tommy and Robby on the other side of the house too.

Lily did send one of the girls to tell the men that Christina had gone into labor.

Shall I go to her? asked Mick

Miz Hassett said you men was just to stay out of the way. the girl answered.

A relieved look washed over their three faces.

It was a frantically busy day for Lily, what with helping Theresa care for John Liam and keeping track of Christina’s labor. Then too, people kept coming to call.

Word had spread about the new baby, and about Tim’s return.

All the women including those from the Indian encampment across the river had brought beautiful hand made baby gifts. They were all full of advice about Christina’s labor, and they all offered to stay and help with the delivery. All offers of help had been tactfully declined by Lily, saying that she could manage with Herta’s help. They all knew that Herta Bender was an experienced mid-wife.

The household with it’s army of hired girls and Margaret the cook moved along fairly smoothly with meals on time, and food for the visitors. The children were fed picnic style on the back veranda, well away from all of the hub bub. Robby, though he was having a good time, started to miss Christina. When Lily came out to the veranda to sit and rest a moment, he climbed into her lap and asked, Gamma, where’s my mama?

"Your mama is fine, Cushla she said She is just busy right now, getting you a baby too."

A baby, like John Liam?

Well, maybe not just like John Liam, but a baby for you to take home and love.

He clapped his little hands together, Can I see my Mick and tell him?

Sure you can. Come on and we will go and find him. Come on Tommy, we’ll find Daddy too.

Lily knew that Robby was feeling a bit lost and confused, Mick would give him a feeling of security and comfort. She had not a doubt in the world but that all three of the men were pretty well oiled by now.

It would do them good to look after the little boys for awhile.

They were greeted with Irish enthusiasm, the kind inspired by Irish whiskey. The crowd on the side porch had grown. Neighbors who had brought their wives to visit the new baby had stopped by for a touch of Tim’s hospitality. The young wrangler sent to Mick’s ranch had returned, not only with the needed supplies, but with Twiggy as well. Since it was a dry ride he, of course needed to wash the dust from his throat, so he too was among the crowd.

Twiggy knew what these events could be like, so she had come to lend a hand to Lily.

Tommy and Robby gave a shout in unison when they saw their Da’s.

Da Robby cried, you know sumfin? Gamma told me we are gonna have a baby too. Mama’s getting it for us right now.

The crowd on the porch chuckled at this innocent announcement.

You don’t say, Mick said, lifting Robby into his lap. My goodness, that is good news.

Mick raised worried eyes to Lily, "and how are things going with getting us this new paiste?"

She’s fine. Lily smiled. I would guess that in two hours at the most there will be another little one to call me Gamma.

She swept the crowd on the porch with a withering gaze, and immediately every man there suddenly remembered that he had something else to do.

Twiggy had been sitting with Christina all evening keeping watch. It was a little more than the two hours that Lily predicted when she came and called to Lily.

I think we should get her into the birthing room. Come and see what you think.

A cry from Christina signaled that she was right. The birthing room was kept in readiness all of the time for the ranch women, and occasionally for a woman from the Salish encampment. In the last twenty years, Lily, with Hertas help had delivered most of the babies in the area.

Mick was summoned to carry his wife to the special room, then was being shooed out, when Christina called him back.

Mick she gasped, promise me something.

Anything dearie, just be all right.

"Mick, David came to me in a dream. He can’t rest because his parents don’t know that he is dead.

Promise me if, well, anything happens to me, you will let them know, promise."

Mick was stunned. His feelings had gone from anxiety to down right terror.

He stammered, I promise, I promise, but you’re going to be fine.

Enough now, out. Lily was pushing him from the room. When she closed the door the three women along with Christina got down to the business of bringing new life into the world. It was a ritual as old as Eve, and they all understood it from their own births. They were all part of the mysterious sisterhood of creation. The room was darkened, so the baby’s eyes wouldn’t be shocked by the sudden glare of light. They all spoke softly so that the wee one would not be frightened by any unaccustomed noise. Soft blankets were warmed by the fireplace. They all stood by Christina’s side offering their hands, and strong arms to hang onto as she pushed the baby from her body into a life of it’s own.

When Mick found himself out in the hall and the door closed, he dropped into a chair, feeling weak and helpless.

He was joined by Tim and Patrick, who both knew exactly what he was going through.

She’ll be fine laddie. said Tim, "If anything was wrong Lily would have known long before now.

She is as aware of things as an Irish woman."

Mick looked at Tim with gratitude, then explained about Christina’s dream, and the promise he made.

Consider it done. Said Tim, and to Patrick, "since you have the best gift of gab, compose a letter to J.B. Colton explaining in detail all that has taken place. I will have two of my lads take it and deliver it personally to them.

It’s much quicker than sending a letter through the mail, and much kinder than sending a wire."

Thanks, Tim, I wonder if I should go tell Christina now so her mind will be at ease.

At that moment a wailing sound from the birthing room assaulted their ears. The unmistakeable first cry of a new born soul.

The men jumped to their feet and Mick reached for the door knob, but Tim stopped him from opening the door.

I’m afraid you need to wait until the women say you can come in. It would be all your life’s worth to go bustin in now.

Tim was right. Lily was caring for Christina, Twiggy was gently wiping the baby’s eyes clean, and Herta was putting clean linens on the bed, so all was perfect for the new father.

Twiggy had lain the small bundle in Christina’s arms when Lily opened the door and told Mick to come in a see his new daughter.

He reached the bed in two strides and fell to his knees beside his wife.

Isn’t she a beauty? Christina said.

Mick was too consumed with emotion to answer her. Relief that mother and daughter were both all right and an overwhelming love swept over him.

Yes. He finally choked out,