Trail of Dreams

By Sylvia Sheppard

Pallye ODay is on the run from her past, pushed by a darkness that hides terrifying secrets. Exceptionally thin and sickly, twenty-four-year-old Pallye emerges from the woods outside Nowhere, Washington, mute, looking much younger than her age, and unwilling to reveal anything about herself or her past to the townspeople.

As the time wears on, Pallye begins speaking only to those she trusts while gaining weight and beauty, soon attracting the attention of Ezekiel, a brute mountain man. After he drags her from the diner where she works to his mountain home, the residents of Nowhere know they cannot argue with Zek, for he is a man who always gets what he wants. Now as Pallye captures Zeks heart, he must somehow attempt to battle her demons and protect her from her haunting past before it catches up with her.

Trail of Dreams tells the tale of a girls journey to the truth as she attempts to escape the horrors of her past, with help from a determined mountain man.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496909534

Sylvia Sheppard

Sylvia Sheppard is a widow who enjoys fishing, gardening, reading, writing, seclusion, and forests. She has five children, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and lives in Englewood, Tennessee. This is her first novel.

Book preview

Chapter 1

March 6, 1936

PALLYE

Grey rain fell from a mildewed sky. Streaks of soot and dirt ran slowly down the outside of the glass. Pallye ran her fingers down the inside and was surprised when they came away clean. An antiseptic clean one would only find in a hospital.

Looking down into the city she saw all the many people and cars, yet only in her mind came the sound. The city, the yelling, horns blowing, everyone seeming to run like ants in a nasty, gray mist. She hated it. She always had. Cities to a farm girl were like another world. One in which she didn’t belong.

It was raining. Does it always rain when someone dies? Her hands went quickly to her head; the pain was intense when she tried to bring back a memory of the bad things. Only the good flowed softly through her mind. But the bad had to come as well. She felt her very life depended on her memory,

My name is, Pallye Kathleen O’Day. My age is seven years old. No, no that was wrong, twenty four. I live on a farm. Daddy works the fields, Mama works in the house. I help both when I’m not at school. I hate going to school. Not the sisters who taught. Not the other kids, but…

Her mind went blank when she heard the swish of silk robes. All she felt was cold, a bone deep cold that shook her to the core. That sent fear trembling through her body like creeping fingers of death.

The priest, a tall, sandy haired man of forty five, stopped at the doorway when he saw her. Pallye, a lovely child as she grew, was now a stick figure in a grey sack. She should tremble in shame at sight of me. Father O’Malley could remember the long copper hair that curled down to her knees. Still, as her parents wished, it had never been cut, but now, instead of the radiant glow, it hung in ragged lengths, a mousy brown. Always in her younger life, things had to be done her way and all she thought of was the money to be made. Things, she wanted pretty things and don’t mind getting her hands dirty to get them.

Greedy and mean in a way her parents could not, are would not see. I tried to tell them, tried to warn them of her evil. But they wouldn’t listen and even grew angry at me for my warning.

God help her now for he had given up long ago. The way she looked now was to spite her husband and father in law for not giving in to her ridicules wishes. But now, after so long a battle with them, even her mind was gone. He just wished she would die and get it over. Already she looked dead and just wouldn’t lie down. Her soul as well as her health was now lost, for she had not entered the church in years. Her Mother had been a devout christen but it had all been lost on her daughter. Pallye was born evil and would die so.

Get out, Came a weak rumble from the hospital bed, You’re not needed now, you’ll be called when you are.

The priest quickly bowed his head and backed from the room. Even near death, T.C. Henderson, held power in his hands. All obeyed his every word.

Pallye, The dying man called gently, knowing that if he wasn’t gentle in his tone, the girl would bolt from the room. He forced a smile as she slowly turned toward him, and was amazed to see the hint of a smile in return. She hadn’t smiled, hadn’t shown any emotion in years. Perhaps, just perhaps there was hope.

Though there was a flash of fear in her pale blue eyes, She let him slowly take her hand.

You seem improved, He said weakly as he gazed up into eyes that were reminiscent of her father. So like Charles, she was. The best friend he had ever had. This, his daughter, was the worse of his sins. He could barely stand to look at her now, couldn’t bear to look at what he had done. His suffering of the last year was little payment for what he had done.

When all he got was the innocent gaze of her eyes, he asked. How old are you now, Pallye? There was a slight look of confusion for his answer and he sighed heavily. He had his answer, she was the same. Her mind was the same, she had lost it and would never get it back.

Pallye, He said with more strength in his voice. She would obey him as she always had, he knew that and went on, I want you to go home and get what you need. Then you are to go to Max and stay there until he gets home. Do you understand me?

At her small fearful nod, he added, He won’t be there when you get there for he will be here with me for a time. But you are to stay. Don’t leave before he gets there. Now go. I don’t want to see you again.

Pallye turned and ran from the room. Always he had wanted her there with him. He didn’t now. Why did this somehow make her feel as though she had been released from a prison of some kind? Why did this make her feel free?

Pallye stopped suddenly in her tracks. She had been looking down as she ran, darting among all the grey suits until a pair of western boots stopped her cold. She didn’t look up for she knew who was there.

What the hell? Her husband barked down to her, How the hell did you manage to get here. You looked dead when I left.

Carl, His sister, Martha, said from beside him. Pallye’s eyes went quickly to the black high heels beside his boots. Please watch your language, She said, The baby.

Pallye slowly lifted her eyes just enough to look into the defiant grey eyes glaring up at her. Katherine, the one person she stayed alive for. She had hoped she could come to know the child in time, that Katherine would come to understand. But Katherine grabbed Martha’s skirt and stepped behind her, not wanting to look at her Mother.

Pallye dropped her eyes once more. The child she had only held once, at her birth, before she was taken from her. The child who had never been hers. Martha was good to her, took very good care of her. Katherine was safe with Martha, Pallye knew she was.

Go home, Pallye jumped back in fear at the snap of Carl’s voice, I don’t want to see you again until this is over.

But Pallye had made a dash around him before the words were out of his mouth. She had to get out, out into the dirty air of the city. There was something she had to do. She was too frightened at the moment to remember, but she did know it was something that was urgent. People rushed around her as she hurried on her way. The tall buildings stood gray and lifeless around her. It was so cold. She had forgotten her coat but could not bring herself to go back for it. Where was color in her world? Suddenly the cold left her as color sprang into her mind. She was hurrying through a field of tall corn now so green it hurt her eyes to see. As she went the corn fell behind and green vines took its place. Vines held tight to their stakes as huge red clusters of tomatoes hung from the willowy branches. Yellow squash and large orange pumpkins littered the ground around her. I will bake a pie for Mama when I get home. Mama was so sick but she loved the sweets Pallye made for her. Daddy would smack his lips and proclaimed her to be as good a cook as her Mother had ever been and I will laugh as I offer him a plump biscuit and tell him to wash up for supper for I have made him his favorite, chicken and dumplings.

T.C. Henderson lay on his back, glaring up at the ceiling. She had given him a moment’s hope, but there was no hope for her now. In his agony he had turned to God, but God wanted nothing to do with him. Then he had turned to Charles, his only friend in this life. T.C. had promised the man that if he would just take away the pain, he would help Pallye out of the hell he had put her in. But it was too late from the start. T.C. had talked to her for hours. Tried to tell her ways she could escape death. Though she would gaze at him through inquisitive eyes, she didn’t understand anything he was saying. She couldn’t comprehend that her life was in danger. There was only one way to help her now.

T.C. held up his hand for the huge man who stood in a darkened corner. Cotton was his bodyguard who had been at his side for years. A huge hulk of a man called, Cotton, for the color of his skin. His head shaved bald. The dark glass’s he wore clashed with the white of his face.

As Cotton stood beside his boss, he felt uneasy. He cared for Henderson, but knew he had lied on several occasions’, because of Henderson’s son, Carl. For Carl held things over his and his partner, Toni’s, head. Things Cotton knew would get him killed if T.C. knew.

Listen to me and listen well, Henderson ground out between his teeth. When that doctor gets here I’m going to order him to kill Pallye. I want it done quickly and painlessly, do you understand? Follow her home and stay with her until she gets to his house. She has a means of getting in, so just watch her until she is there. When it is over, report back to me. I am leaving it up to you to make sure he does it right. Now go after her and do your job. Not what Carl tells you either. You damn well better follow my orders this time because I have people watching you. Now damn you, you trader bastard. You better do it.

Papa isn’t going to like… .

There was fire in Henderson’s eyes when he snapped, Did I ask you who wouldn’t like it? Right now you need only worry about what I like. One word to anyone and you’re a dead man. Now get the hell out of here and do what I told you.

Both men’s blood ran cold when the soft voice asked from the doorway where he had heard the last of their conversation. And what did you tell him to do.?

Papa, Henderson said in the weak tone of a man with only hours to live, I didn’t hear you come in.

Cotton made a quick retreat as the old man made his way toward the bed. Watching Cottons every move, the old man stepped aside until he was gone. Then, turning back to Henderson observed, You are feeling better I see.

Looking at Papa, Henderson saw an older man in immaculate attire. He walked with the help of a cane now, his hair and mustache gray, but what was astonishing was the fact that Papa was at least twenty years older but looked much younger than his own fifty three years. Henderson had worked hard to go over Papa’s head and came close. Then cancer took over and drove him to his knees. If he had only held on a few more years. You are looking good, Papa. Henderson said honestly.

Papa said nothing as he walked to his bedside. His look was one of curiosity. He stood beside the bed, his gaze piercing as if looking inside Henderson’s head to see what was there.

Uncomfortable with the way he was being observed, Henderson was first to break the silence, I just sent him to look after Pallye.

Hhhhmm. The girl I just saw running from the building like the hounds had been set lose on her? Looked to me like it’s a little late to be concerned. If it is true what they say that you won’t make out the day, she won’t make the hour.

Papa, I know you promised me you wouldn’t touch her until I am gone. Like you, I am worried she won’t make it that long either.

Bullshit, The older man said in the same even tone, You have never cared about that girl. How she has held on as long as she has beats the hell out of me. I want to question her, that’s true. If what Luke says, she could hold the answer to what happened to Johnny. She could very well know. If what Luke is telling me is true, that sissy son of yours will join you real soon.

You want to question her, the cops, Henderson angrily replied, Then there are those who want her dead before either of you can get at her. So who will get her first, Papa? And is she going to live long enough to give you any answers?

Oh she will live, Papa assured him. I have my men at her house right now to make sure of it. And when I have her I will see that she is well before I start asking her anything. You see I really liked the girl. And you are right. I’m afraid, it will either be me are she will be dead. By cops as well as your son.

Henderson’s head fell back on his pillow as if willing himself to die.

Not until, Papa agreed, You have been the closest thing to a friend I have ever had and my brother in law to boot.I keep my word, T.C., something you never learned to do. I’ll be waiting.

The Fed’s want her to. T.C. reminded him.

Papa chuckled and joked, In this weather they need to build a trash can fire to keep warm. I can see them all now. My boys, yours, and the feds, all huddled around a fire, all waiting for the other to move.

Pallye walked slowly through the thong of people, as she had every day for what seemed forever. Mr. Henderson had commanded her to come and she had obeyed like a pet dog. Now she felt free. Free to do whatever she wished. And there was something she wished to do. It was slowly clearing in her mind.

She was freezing in only the long sleeves of her dress. But this time it was from the weather, not from fear. Even though there were hundreds of people around her, she knew from past experience that she was not seen in some cases, and ignored in others.

The house she lived in was on a side street and when she turned the corner to go there she was suddenly alone. Then she was standing before her house. Several men in their grey suits and fedora hats stood on the street corners. Pallye had seen them all before but had stopped acknowledging them long ago. Not once had any of them looked straight at her are even said her name. It was as if she didn’t exist. Long ago she had started thinking of herself that way. She didn’t exist.

Pallye looked up at the stone mausoleum she lived in. It was not a home but a huge crypt for the dead. Quickly she dropped her eyes and hurried up the stone steps and into the huge wooden front door. Here it was warm at least. She didn’t look at the massive front room with the heavy dark blue velvet furniture. No, the kitchen was the gathering place in this house. She couldn’t bring herself to call it a home, it wasn’t.

Pallye all but ran up the stairs to her own little room. It was done in pink sateen, lace and bows. It was the room of a little girl, not a woman. It was the way Carl wanted it, not her.

Pallye didn’t stop until she stood before the mirror of her bathroom. Staring at the face of a hollowed out skeleton, she refused to believe was her own, she thought again. The room of a child, not a woman. Why had she never thought of that before? Why had her husband insisted on keeping her a tiny little girl? And why had she never seen it that way before now?

She took out a small brown bottle from her medicine cabinet, opened it and turned it up to take a small sip. Not too much, she needed to think now. She put the bottle back where it was and turned to go back into her room.

Pallye jumped when she heard the slamming of the front door downstairs. She wasn’t afraid of the sound. Only one person slammed the door in this house and all he wanted was food.

But this time she heard his slow footsteps on the stairway. Pallye lay quickly on her stomach across the bed.

Cotton opened her door and looked in. Good, she was asleep. He would have time to cook something before she woke. Easing the door shut, he went back down the stairs.

Pallye waited until he was all the way down before she moved again. She went to her closet and pulled out two dresses from the back. The dresses she hadn’t warn in years because Carl wouldn’t allow it. But he was gone now and she knew he wouldn’t be back anytime soon. The dresses she chose were from long ago. She had made them before she was married, from clothe that was given her by her father, and help given her by her mother. Dresses made with love. She wanted nothing given her after that. Something was pushing her so hard to hurry her steps she could hardly breathe. Pallye rushed to get her grey dress off but found it stuck fast to her back. Carefully, she peeled it free and tossed it on the bed. She gasped as she saw blood on the dress. Not stopping to question it, she eased out of her under clothes as well. Wadding the bloody clothes into a ball, she stuffed them behind her bed. Not bothering for underwear, she slipped one of the dresses over her head, then the other. Pallye reached to the top of her closet and took out a small, black, beaded purse. Taking out all papers, she left in it a long string of beads. Her mother’s rosary was all she had. She put this, as well as a night gown and under garments in a small overnight bag. She was ready and even if she was stopped she was doing as she had been ordered.

Pallye could smell the aromas coming from the kitchen. If she was quiet, she knew she could slip out without Cotton knowing. She slipped out the front door, quietly closing it behind her. On the street, she saw only one man standing a short distance away. He would know what she was told to do. He wouldn’t think anything of it. Pallye rushed out onto the sidewalk and just past her house, she turned down an alleyway, that was the way she always went to see Max.

More than one pair of eyes watched her, she was sure of that. She made herself slow down as if nothing was wrong and walked until she came to a lose board in a fence. Pushing the board aside, she went through. She was in Max’s back yard.

Max had been her doctor since she came to live in the city, but the only time she was sent to him was in case of an emergency. Seemed like she had a lot of emergencies because she was here often. Taking the key from under an empty flower pot, she opened the door and went inside.

In the alleyway, Cotton stopped short when a man he knew to be a federal agent stepped in front of him. Back off, The agent warned, If you try anything you die. That go’s for Papa’s men as well.

Then she is in there. Cotton stated, for he had only missed her a moment ago when he went up to her room.

Yes, she’s in there. The agent replied, And I am warning you, start anything and we open fire.

Cotton smiled in a way that didn’t hold hummer. We have a standoff then.

Only if you boys get in our way. Are you here with Papa’s men?

No, Cotton answered. Each of us is here on our own. This is going to be fun.

Take your stand, The agent warned, But I believe both of us need to get Papa’s men out of the way before we settle our difference’s.

Inside the house, Pallye went into the room she stayed in on her visits. Quickly she removed her clothes and taking a pair of shears, went into the bath. Throwing her long hair over her head, she began to cut. When it was done, she had cut every inch, right down to the scalp. Gathering every hair, she stuffed it into a paper bag and went back into her room.

Opening the closet, Pallye took out several boxes she had stored there. Max gave her privacy and she knew he would never betray her. Shaking now with urgency, she hated that she was doing this to him. In a way to try to make it up, she took the huge diamond from her finger and laid it on the dresser. Pallye first dressed herself in patched jeans, a faded blue checked flannel shirt and warn brown boots. All she had taken from neighbor’s trash are clothes lines. She also had a huge grey poncho with a hood and a faded green back pack.

In the back pack she had a dented pot and frying pan, another pair of jeans and shirt. Then she added the black dress and underwear she had brought with her, tossing the grey dress aside. In a drawer she took out the seventy five dollars she had managed to get up. Putting it in the black purse, she added this to her collection.

She went then to the kitchen, where she got several cans of milk, four cans of beans and coffee. She wanted to take sugar but was afraid she had already weighted herself down too much.

Going back into her room, Pallye tied a pillow and thin blanket on top of the backpack. She managed to get the backpack on her back and stand with it. She went quickly and got the bag with her hair from the bathroom. She would dispose of it along the way. Holding the bag to her chest she thought of the sad look that would be on her father’s face when he saw what she had done. She quickly put the bag in with her other things. She would keep it for a while until she got over the guilt she now felt for cutting it. Taking the poncho, she put this on over all. As a last thought, she grabbed three small prescription pads and several short pencils to drop in her pocket.

Pallye checked all the windows and found Cotton in the alley, four men in black business suits a short distance away toward the street. On the other side she saw the grey suits. That was what she had always called the men she knew to be Papa’s men. They were all looking toward each other and not at the house. No one was in front of the house.

Pallye slipped out the front of the house with no one seeing her. Once on the street she looked much like other rift raft that was there. No one even looked her way. It was like she had vanished into thin air.

Chapter 2

Shots echoed through the house as federal troops ran into the room. Papa’s men fired back as they made it for the back door. One of Papa’s men went to his knee and another grabbed him and pulled him out the door. Other than that there were no injuries.

Max sat on the floor leaning back against a kitchen cabinet, his long legs stretched out before him as he held a bloody dish towel to his nose. Frowning up at the agents, he mumbled through the dish cloth. It’s about damn time.

Max was a tall man of only thirty. His hair was a thick chocolate color. His eyes a dark brown. In all his looks were younger than his years. He had flown through school, a genius it was told. At only thirty he was a top orthopedic surgeon.

You all right? The agent asked as he helped Max to his feet, There were men outside. He explained. Had to get through to get to you. What the hell is going on?

Wiping at his nose, Max calmly explained, I saw Cotton outside. When I called to him to ask where Pallye was, they jumped me.

Where? the agent barked out, What the hell do you mean, where? She’s in here isn’t she?

Max calmly looked up at the agent and asked, Do I look like she’s here? They searched, she’s gone. She was gone when I got here.

Gone? The agent asked in disbelief. You were supposed to be watching her.

I was at the hospital, Max replied sarcastically, You, Cotton and Papas men were to watch her. What the hell happened there?

Holy shit, The agent replied. His hand wiped slowly down his face as he groaned. Looking furlong at Max he said. Heads are going to roll. Trouble is mine will be among them. We were all so busy watching each other, she got right by us.

Max dropped his head and painfully informed him. You need not search far. She won’t make it for long without help. Even with help I’d say she won’t last more than a day. She’s all but dead now.

Pallye was but three blocks from the house when she saw a man leap on the back of a truck. If he could do it she could. It took only a short while before another truck stopped at the same corner. The tail gate was down and there were barrels chained to the cab. Pallye wiggled between two barrels and lay down. Soon she was asleep as the truck rumbled on its way.

It was dark when she awoke, dark and silent for the truck had stopped. Pallye sat up and slowly looked around. The truck had stopped at a small restaurant and no one was in sight. Slowly she slipped out and stood holding tight to the truck. Her legs felt like they were on fire. Taking a few steps away, her legs and back sent lightning bolts of pain through her body. It was all she could do to walk. Her stomach to was on fire, cramps slashing their way throughout her insides.

Pallye forced herself to go on though she knew not where she was going. She heard the sound of a train and went toward the only sound that made any since to her and she followed that sound into the blackness of a moonless night.

She was sick and that was all she knew. Where she was, what she was doing out in the dark was a mystery. She had never been outside a house at night, this she did know. Pallye fell full length, the ground scoffing her face. For a few minutes she lay there but knew she had to get up. Knew there was somewhere she had to be, though she had no idea where.

The huff and puff of the train was louder now, she was getting close. She looked far down what must have been tracks at what were the bright lights of a train. In only a few more steps she stumbled over something hard and sprawled out once more, hitting her head on another hard object when she went down. As Pallye lay where she had fallen she knew she couldn’t get up again. Slowly her mind went blank as the pain subsided into oblivion.

Max took a sip of his coffee as he leaned back against the counter in his kitchen. Over the rim, he stared hard at the agent at the door. The sandy haired man of a little over six feet walked over to the cabinet and took another cup. Without asking, he took up the coffee pot and filled his own cup. Help yourself, Max invited after it was done.

The cold blue eyes of the stranger jumped to Max as he tasted his coffee. You make good coffee, The stranger remarked. He looked down into his cup for a moment before adding, I understand you were the girl’s doctor.

Max said nothing for a full minute, and then only replied, Yes.

Gritting his teeth, the man stressed, You were more than her doctor. Now tell me, where is she?

Are what? Max calmly replied, Beat the hell out of me? Don’t you think that has been done on several occasions and by men good at their jobs? You know as well as me that I was more than that. The agency has had me trying to get something out of her for years. She hasn’t told me a thing they wanted to hear, do you think she would tell me where she was going? Why is everyone so bent out of shape anyway? I have told all, she isn’t going to live out the day.

And that was what we were told about Henderson, The man answered sarcastically, He lasted three more days and every day he asked if she had been found. It was as if he held on deliberately just to give her more time.

Who the hell are you? Max snapped in anger.

Mike Page, He snapped back. I have been doing the same thing you have from inside the family.

A slight smile touched Max’s lips, Looks like we are both useless right now.

Mike worriedly scratched his head and asked, Do you really think she ran away?

Max reached into his pocket and took out a huge diamond ring, tossing it to Mike, he replied, I know she did, she left me that. She would have gotten the hell beat out of her if she was caught without it. She ran away weighing sixty eight pounds, with kidney damage, and half beat to death. All you’re going to find are her bones, if that. No one else has seen that ring. Good hunting to you all.

Mike sighed and admitted, We will be searching. I’m going now to her childhood home.

Curiously, Max asked, Why the urgency? I know she can’t tell you anything? Her mind is a blank; she doesn’t know anything to tell.

Mike’s eyes glazed in anger as he replied, She lived in that house for ten years. She knows something.

Taking a slow sip of coffee, Max studied the man for a moment before observing, It seems to be important to you, too important. What is your personal hand in this?

Quickly, Mike covered his anger and replied, Nothing personal. I just know of crimes Henderson was into. We all just want answers.

T.C. is dead, Max replied, So I would guess you mean Carl. Carl is to much a coward to do anything. Are is he? I wonder?

You’re out of it, Mike snapped, You just go about your business and stay out of it.

Max said no more and watched as the agent stalked from his home. Mike was hiding something, this he knew, but as far as Max was concerned, it was over. Little Pallye, along with all this espionage business he should never have gotten into to begin with. First he was going on a long vacation and try to get it all out of his mind. But one thing he could never forget. Pallye would stay in his mind forever.

The cool cloth slowly washed away silent tears. Pallye had no idea who comforted her as she lay helpless. All she knew was she was so frightened not knowing where she was are what had happened to her. A strange voice only confused her more.

You’re better, The gruff voice said from above her, I thought for a while there I was about to become rich. What I would do with all that money I don’t know, but I would have it. Can’t turn you over alive. Not after what I’ve seen.

Pallye opened her eyes and saw the hazy face above hers. She felt the cool cloth slowly bathing her face.

There was a cocky grin on an old man’s face. She didn’t know him but something was telling her he meant her no harm.

Names Nate, The rough voice said as way of interdiction, I’m just your everyday bum. Not so agile anymore so I just sit and watch the trains go by. Get tired of one place, I move on to another. I thought you were a suicide until I got you back here and looked you over. Now I am finding out you’re wanted. Wanted real bad it seems. There is a hell of a reward on your head, girl. The old man sighed heavily and confessed, For some reason I have suddenly grown a heart. Now all I have to do is get you on your feet enough to get you the hell out of here,

Nate cared for her, made her eat when she was able, somehow got milk for her when she couldn’t hold anything else down. He knew from the first that she was hooked on some kind of drug along with everything else. He explained this to her and was surprised to see the look of confusion in her eyes. She hadn’t known she was hooked on a drug. Then came the look of pain that told him she knew who had given her the drug. She seemed to understand everything he told her and to let him know she did without saying a word. At times she would try to talk but it caused pain in her throat. He just hoped her voice would come back to her in time.

Pallye was so afraid the day he slipped her into a boxcar. He was going with her, but was seen. As men rushed to stop him he ordered before he ran away. They don’t know you are in there, hide.

Pallye was soon on her way again. Alone into the unknown. At first she trembled with fear as she huddled in the corner of the boxcar. Then she grew sleepy and as she slowly fell asleep, a feeling of peace came over her. She had a feeling she was running to something instead of away. She slept soundly through the entire day and night.

The rising sun the next day found Pallye sitting in the doorway with her feet dangling over the side. She watched in fascination as wooded arias and small towns went by. At times people would wave at her and she would quickly wave back. The tingle of fear seemed to always linger in the pit of her stomach, yet it wasn’t as fierce as it had been in the past. She had come away from Nate with two more shirts, a red baseball cap, a thick blanket and a tarp for a tent.

Nate had been so nice to her and without his help she knew she would have died. Yet, for some reason, Pallye wasn’t sad that he was gone now. She felt better than she had in so long she couldn’t remember.

Pallye thought part of it was because she was starting to remember all the little things that happened when she was little on the farm. She remembered Mama and daddy. Mama was sick for a long time and had started to lose her mind at the last. But Pallye remembered the days she was well and herself. Mama was a strong woman and well suited for a farm wife. Poor Daddy struggled every day. Mama was born on a farm, Daddy wasn’t.

Mama had been married before but had no children. She had thought she couldn’t have a child, but soon after she and Daddy were married, she found out that wasn’t the case. But Mama was already sick by that time and the polluted air from the city would cut her life even shorter than the five years she had been given. Mama talked Daddy into getting the farm with what he had saved and what money she made from selling the boarding house that she and her first husband owned. It worked and Mama lived another fifteen years.

Poor Daddy had never lived anywhere near a farm. Even in Ireland he had lived and worked in a city. But for Mama’s health he agreed. Pallye smiled as she remembered the tantrums he would have when he couldn’t do something right, are broke something. One she remembered above others.

Mama was working in the kitchen as Pallye set eating a jelly biscuit at the table when Daddy bellowed from the back door.

Woman!! The plow is broken I tell you! My rows look as if I followed the trail of a snake!

In a soft, calm voice Mama disagreed, All you need is more practice. There is nothing wrong with the plow.

It is broken I tell you! I will have to get another one!

And I say there is nothing wrong with the one you have. We can’t buy another just because you can’t yet plow strait. Besides, we can’t afford another.

Woman, as the man of the house, my say goes! I say the damn thing is broken!

Yes, Mama replied in the same calm voice, Your say goes.

Then you agree I must buy another!

Without looking up from her work, Mama answered, I only agree, your word goes. Right out my kitchen door it goes and you with it if you curse one more time in front of me babe.

Pallye smiled at the memory, But another was slowly coming through, But Mama.

You will not, but mama me lass. Mama said angrily, You are not a beaver, no matter what you say. Of all the things you wish to try. You will drown, young lass. I waited well into my forties for a child of me own. Now you wish to drown her in a beaver’s pond?

The door shut behind Daddy and he asked. What is all this about beavers?

Oh nothing much, Her mother said as she frowned at him, It is just that your friend has her convinced she can stop up the deep ditch out behind the farm and make herself a beaver pond to drown in."

T.C? Daddy asked curiously, I have never seen the man look her way. What is all this about?

You tell me, Mama huffed angrily, I saw them out on the back steps and she was reading to him. I know it is her seventh birthday, but like you say, he has never paid mind to her before. Why now?

Mama was worried but that wasn’t unusual. Daddy was worried and that was. Why? Mr. Henderson was his best friend?

Chapter 3

The soft popping sounds had Pallye scrambling to the door of the boxcar, knowing what she was hearing. Looking up ahead, she saw a man tumble from the train. She was close and had no time to waste. Gathering her things, Pallye threw them, then herself out the door. She hit the ground hard but got quickly to her feet to run back and gather everything up. The huge corn field was dry and wilted but leaning over she ran for the tall trees on the other side. Only when she had made a short distance into their mist did she stop to look back.

Pallye crawled slowly to the edge of the trees to look ahead at the train, which had now stopped. There were about ten men standing in a line beside the train with their hands in the air. Five others stood before them with long rifles in their hands. It seemed no one had seen her jump from the train and no one was coming back her way.

Pallye took a long painful breath and leaned back against a tree. Fear like hot coals burned in her stomach. What am I doing here? She berated herself. I am in the wilderness alone. I need to go back. I cannot take care of myself. Mama, Daddy, I am afraid, I am all alone and so scared.

Weeping in terror, she took out her pillow and blanket. Wrapping herself in a cocoon, she laid her head on her pillow and was almost instantly asleep.

The sun had not yet risen when she awoke the next morning. Sitting up she looked out at a sky that was just beginning to pink in the east. Pallye just sat and stared at the beautiful color for a short while.

West, that was where she was going. Turning her head slowly she looked to the way she was going. Into the unknown, looking to the east, she thought. I know what lays there. Something dark and evil seemed to be closing in on her. West, west was safety, warmth, comfort was to the west. She did not know how she knew it, just that she did. Closing her eyes she let her mind drift, trying to think back, back to the reason she was here.

Carl’s snarling face swam into her mind. Pallye felt cold fear in the pit of her stomach as she saw blood running down the side of his face. He was so angry he spat out his words into her face, You think you can hurt me! You are nothing, you couldn’t survive without me and you fight me?! You will never in your lifetime be through with me. You are my wife and you will be my wife until I no longer want you. When that time comes you will die, die, but you will never leave me alive. You had better think of that before you hit me again. You will never get away from me alive.

Nevertheless, she had. Pallye felt strength seep into her body. It took strength she didn’t know she had to jump from that train. She had the strength to carry all her belongings and run across that field. When she left, it was all she could do to carry that backpack, now she could lift it and run. Maybe not very fast but she had done it. West, she was going west until she swam in the ocean. Maybe not, she thought as she got to her feet. I can’t swim. It would be bad to walk all that way and then drown. Pallye smiled at her thought as she packed up her belongings to go on.

Pallye had slept soundly through the night without dreams. It was as if a warm hand had reached inside her to take all fear away. That had never happened before. She was right to keep going to the west. She knew that now with everything in her. Again, she felt she was not leaving but going toward something. Something was waiting for her and she now felt warm and calm inside for the first time that she could remember.

Shafts of sun light flashed from the treetops to the ground below. Warm now and Pallye took the heavy poncho off and tied it with her pillow and blanket on top of her backpack. With her red ball cap pulled over the now tiny ringlets on her head. She felt a lively tingle as she looked around at the beauty of the forest. Tiny green buds now covered branches to hint of spring. She knew not to stray far away from the train tracks, knowing if she did, she could become hopelessly lost. A can of condensed milk wasn’t helping the hunger pains now and she knew she was going to have to find a store to replenish her supplies.

Pallye begin to walk just a few feet into the tall trees. After a short while she saw a small dirt wagon road along the side of the tracks and went down to follow it, hoping it would lead to a store are small town. Late in the afternoon, she came upon a water tower and small log store.

As Pallye opened the door to peek in, a happy young boy of maybe fifteen called out a greeting, Come in, come in. I haven’t seen a face in hours and would love the company.

Cautiously, Pallye went inside, her eyes quickly going to several heads of animals up high on the walls.

Hope you’re not looking to hunt, The boy called out from behind the counter, "There an’t a critter left in these woods that’s fitten to eat.

Pallye looked at him. He was a tall, very thin boy with blond hair a slightly turned up nose with a scattering of large freckles that looked more like they were drown on than real. He had slightly bucked teeth with a straw caught tightly between them. Pallye dropped her head quickly after her first look, not wanting him to get a close look at her face.

What can I get for you? The boy asked politely Pallye looked up in confusion, wondering how she would communicate with him. Still she wasn’t able to speak loud enough for anyone to hear. Looking quickly around, she went for the first thing she saw, a small bag of sugar though it was something she didn’t need to weigh herself down with.

The boy quickly walked to her and took the small bag from her hand, he explained, People hiking these woods need something stronger than this, Taking a small jar with a screw top, he went back to the counter to explain, I can put some sugar in this and it will stay dry. I can also get you other things in jars. How far you thinken to go?

When Pallye only stood and stared up at the tall boy, he frowned and scratched his head in confusion, You know somethen? He said, Here I’ve been talken my head off, and you an’t said a word? Guess that’s cause I stay here day after day, cause Gramps said I got to, and don’t never see a soul. I got it all planed out though. Soons I get a little older I’m hitten the road just like you. I’d do it now but I’m used to eaten. Guess that’s why I know what all you need because I been plannen it all out myself. Just stay put and I’ll put it all together for you. That is, if you got money?

He looked at her for only so long as it took her to nod, then went on as he gathered up what he thought she needed, as Pallye stood and watched. What? You got a cold are somethen? I had one a few weeks back, lost my voice like you too. Ma said it was a blessen but I didn’t think so. I got some of the stuff she mixed up for me so I’ll give it to you for free, along with some peppermint, that’s good for your throat to.

Pallye smiled and dropped her head. All in one day, she had what she needed plus diagnosed and given a cure, without speaking a word. The boy had even taken her backpack from her back and packed everything for her, then put it back. When Pallye left the store with her things, he was standing at the door, still talking until she could no longer hear him.

Hot beans tasted wonderful. In addition, the sweet pickles with them were food for a king. Pallye was leaned back against a tree stump slowly sipping her coffee before it came to her. She had made a fire pit, then a fire with no trouble at all. She hadn’t given a thought to cooking her meal or making coffee? She even knew to take the pot from the fire and add a little cold water to settle the grounds. How was it she knew?

Pallye closed her eyes, knowing that letting the memory come natural was the only way she could remember without pain. She was herself in the past, jumping quickly from her warm bed and running down the stairs. Her breath came in smoky mist as she knelt before the fireplace; her hands shook with the cold as she lit a match. Putting the small flame to the kindling beneath the logs, it started up quickly. Pallye could feel the warmth coming from the flames and warming her freezing hands. She saw herself going quickly to the kitchen and doing the same to start a fire in a wood cook stove.

By the time, her father came into the room it was cozy warm and the aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. This had been her mornings since the time she was no more than seven are eight. The house was warm and breakfast started before Mama came into the room.

Mama. Mama was sick, she remembered. At times, she could not get out of bed. There were times Pallye could see confusion in Mama’s sweet grey eyes. For a short while Mama did not know where she was, are who Pallye and her father were. Then there would be times when Mama would be all right. On these days, Daddy would be so happy. He would joke and laugh, and even sing to Mama. Pallye remembered joining him in song as she worked in the kitchen. Daddy said they did not sound half-bad. Even Mr. Henderson said that their voices were so sweet it made him want to cry.

Mr. Henderson… . As tall as the autumn corn in the fields, his hair so black it would flash blue in the sun. He laughed as he and daddy shared a joke as they walked in the fields. In his white shirt, his black coat tossed over his shoulder, Pallye would watch him. So hansom, so good she thought him to be. All he needed was a white horse to be her prince at the time. In her six-year-old mind she was in love and when she grew, he would be her husband and her very own prince.

She turned seven and thought all her dreams were coming true. He was beginning to see her, to pay attention to her. He came out on the morning of her seventh birthday and in his hand was a small gift wrapped in pink paper with a big purple bow. Her very favorite colors so she knew it was for her. He sat down with her on the steps of the house and gave her the gift. She was so happy she hated to open it. When she did she was careful not to rip the paper, are damage the bow. It was a book about beavers and he asked her to read it to him. Pallye was a good reader and it was a simple book for her age. She read him every word. He told her how smart he thought she was. He told her how pretty he thought she would be when she was grown. All she wanted to hear he said. Beavers, she always thought of the beavers when she thought of her prince.

Pallye quickly shook the thought from her head, I loved him, she thought. It came back to her now. She loved him with every beat of her young heart. ‘I wonder for how long I loved him’. But she could remember no more. It was enough for now for she knew it would all come back now. She did not know how long it would take, but she knew it would. That was all that mattered for now…

Chapter 4

It all seemed to get easier every day now. Pallye could feel the strength growing in her body as she went on. She could eat a little more now but knew not to eat much at a time, for it made her stomach hurt if she did. She liked the food she cooked for herself over a fire, liked looking up at the stars at night, and even liked huddling under a tent at night when it rained. And each day she learned more, could do more than the day before.

When she once more heard the trains whistle she went toward it and followed the tracks. She knew she couldn’t as yet run and get up on a moving train. She