Lost: The Allister Saga, #4

By Jacqueline M Franklin

After years of wandering—lost… Gabe has finally found his true love. However, when untold circumstances occur, his past returns to haunt as old memories of dark and troublesome times arise.

 

Rachel had no idea that a chance meeting with a handsome stranger from years past would reappear and change her life forever. Yet, now that their lives have merged, they must fight to survive. With the Allister family rallying around to help—will they endure the odds against them? Will someone pay the ultimate price to right old wrongs? Or will the adversity prove too complex, and all will be lost?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jacqueline M Franklin
• Release date: Nov 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201443320

Jacqueline M Franklin

I am an Indie author who loves to tell a story. I've published many books on Amazon, from poetry to contemporary. However, Historical is my favorite genre. I hope my writing makes you laugh, cry, or touches your emotions in some way throughout your journey. If so, then I have proven with love and the instinct to survive against the odds that anything is possible.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

PAST MEETS FUTURE

Although unbeknownst to us, past misdeeds guarantee a day of reckoning will come.

It was dusk when Gabe Allister stood a short distance from his cabin at the Bar#M#Ranch, where his stepfather gave him a job upon returning after a long absence. With his foot propped on the corral railing, he mulled over the day's events. His wife, Rachel, started having more bad days than good ones in the early stages of being with-child. Although in the last hour, she had finally fallen asleep. So, he took the chance to absorb the unsettling news from his brother Zack, the sheriff, and blood-brother Lone Walker, his deputy. Now they knew why he had been away from home so long. He no longer held any secrets—save the unknown from his past that appears to be returning to shake his newly content life.

Gabe's childhood had not been kind since it seemed he had a knack for making wrong decisions and getting into trouble. It caused the small-minded townspeople to consider him a dimwit. Growing up, he had one faithful friend in Johnny Driscoll, who helped him through the worst of times since the two were always of like-mind. At seventeen, both boys left town to get away from the stigma. While they roamed for a few years, they would, from time to time, come back for short visits with family. However, they never stayed in Peaksville for long. Had they, it was undeniable that he would be the talk of the town by short-minded people and the infamous gossipmongers, Eleanor Landry and Myrtle Rotdale.

Nonetheless, upon returning home alone, he had hoped to find his friend who had come up missing on their latest venture. Instead, he discovered that Johnnie had been murdered by Frank Shoobacher, an acquaintance of Gabe's father, also murdered by Frank.

Given these facts, and after proving he had nothing to do with his best friend's murder, Gabe still felt alone. Even with his family's love, devotion, and support, he still felt lost and unworthy. This time he left town with no intention of returning until discovering what his childhood had molded him into and his worth as a man.

Furthermore, hard as he tried, things and events escaped his memory. Gabe's years of a wastrel lifestyle were upon him, and he had no idea at what cost. How would his past affect his newfound life and happiness? Gabe feared a day of reckoning was on his doorstep between the blackouts and unrecalled situations. Or to what extent would he or his family pay for his sins.

Gabe raised his arms to stretch his six-foot frame. With a sigh, he combed his fingers through freshly washed hair. Through the troubled years of roaming, Gabe let his blonde hair grow chin-length, which Rachel insisted that her husband not cut it shorter. He stared into the starlit night as if to ward off any evildoing.

Now he had a life with his new wife, Rachel, who he called his Sunshine since they first met while in a haze from his latest binge. Her red hair and green eyes followed him while on his self-destructive journey. Even though they didn't know each other, she profoundly impacted him. It wasn't until years later that they would meet again. But it was under some extreme circumstances. To him, she was nothing short of his guardian angel. Not only did she and her father save his life, but he was also forever changed because of love. Now, he had everything to live for since returning home—a wife, a baby on the way, and his family's loving support.

Now, their happiness hinged on the unknown. Am I fooling myself into thinking I can put the past to rest and start again with my Sunshine in the present? Or is it time to face the music?"

CHAPTER 1

LORD HELP US

Love can endure many obstacles. Although in doing so, understanding requires patience by pledging tolerance.

Gabe... help... help, Rachel rasped as her green eyes closed while collapsing at their cabin door. She lay sprawled across the threshold, red hair feathering around her head.

He spun around in a panic. Sunshine! Gabe ran to pick her up and hurried into the house to lay her on the bed.

About the time he did so, her eyes fluttered. Ga... Gabe, she whispered. Fever... not well.

He felt her flushed cheek with the back of his fingers. Oh, hell, you're right. I'll be right back, honey. I need to go up to the ranch house for help. It's closer than Ma and Pop's cabin.

Hurry... please, hurry.

I’ll be right back, Sunshine. He kissed her forehead and rushed out the door for help. Gabe ran as if his arse was on fire with fear. Afraid for his wife and their unborn child.

◈

Rachel tried to awaken, but her eyelids remained heavy. Although her mind would not stop wandering about what was to come. She felt to the bone that Gabe could never harm anyone. However, the powers that be seemed to be disputing it. She just prayed Zack and Lone Walker could help him since they had help from the Pinkerton, Rance Dundy.

However, the slight glimmer of hope they thought was at hand was a town bigot, Leroy Capsler, who paid to have him unjustly imprisoned. Nonetheless, Leroy was also in jail but murdered by a man with a vendetta against him. Now, with no clues, a cloud loomed overhead.

Why did an important man in Peaksville, such as Leroy Capsler, frame my husband? Not to mention pay to have both of his wives and daughter killed, much less other innocent people in his journal. Even my brother-in-law, Lone Walker. Why? Just because he is a half-breed? Such hatred.

Nothing made sense in her feverish state as her mind kept spinning with random fears. Tears fell as her heart broke while thinking she may lose their baby. Rachel wanted to open her eyes and lift her head off the pillow, but it was too heavy. No use. Tired. So weak.

◈

Gabe, followed by Gerttie, then Virginia, rushed into the small cabin, Please bring us some cold water and clean rags, dear, said Virginia.

Meanwhile, Gerttie hurried to loosen the bodice of Rachel's nightgown. Little missy, you be takin' it easy. We’ll have you fixed up in a jiffy.

An hour later, after Gerttie and Virginia had continuously wiped Rachel down with cool compresses, she still appeared lethargic as her energy waned.

I'm worried. Should I ride into town for Doc Grisby? asked Gabe.

You come with me, and we'll do just that, said his stepfather, Chance Marley, when entering the small cabin. Pop came and rousted your ma and me, so she'll be along in a minute after collecting what she needs to help Rachel. Meanwhile, son, let's head for town and get Doc back here as soon as possible.

Later, when ole Doc Grisby arrived. He hustled into the cabin to take care of his patient.

The family gathered outside to wait. Ma, I can't lose her. I don't know how to exist without Rachel, said a visibly shaken Gabe. She and her father put me back together. Had they not, I wouldn't have made it.

Don't go thinking the worst, darling. Many women who are with-child have a hard time in the beginning. I'm sure Doc will have her fixed up in no time. Once he got here, we had her fever coming down, so that's a good sign.

Your mother is right, Gabe, Virginia added, trying to lighten the atmosphere. Goodness, but I had one dickens of a time birthing Laredo. I always told him because he was the youngest, he wanted to give me a bad time. She chuckled. Still does. Although Chance did get into his fair share of orneriness.

Doc Grisby walked outside with Gerttie, who had helped him with Rachel. Even though dark, there was enough light filtering through the window and open door, from the moonlight, to see their expressions. They watched as Doc rolled up his shirtsleeves.

Doc, how is she. Will my Sunshine be all right? asked Gabe, hurrying over to him.

Folks, I won't tell you any stories. You know I don't work that way. Rachel is resting comfortably for now. Getting her fever brought down before I got here was a major help. But her loss of appetite due to the sicklies has worn her out. It's worrisome. For the next week, it's bed rest. I'll be back to check on her in a couple of days. Until her sicklies pass, I'm afraid she's in for a rough time.

We'll see to it that someone is with her when Gabe isn't home, Breanna said with Chance's arm wrapped around her shoulders while he held her close.

I’ll go one better, son. You stay around the ranch and work for the next few days. That way, you’re nearby the house should Rachel need anything, said Chance. And for your own peace of mind.

◈◈◈

Later, once they were settled in their cabin, Chance looked at his wife with worry as she sat on the edge of their bed. Even with the help of a cane, he limped slightly. It resulted from an injury he received while riding with a posse a few years earlier. Chance sat beside his wife and clasped her hand. Will Rachel be able to carry the little one?"

She sighed while slowly shaking her head. Well, if it were just the sicklies, I'd say it will pass. But, C J, with her fever, and all the turmoil surrounding Gabe, I just don't know.

Whatever it is, said Chance, I don't think it's going away anytime soon either. More so since Leroy Capsler's murder. Also, the many unanswered questions left from the damn journal that Nancy Jo gave the boys. It's unsettling how there are so many deaths at his hands. Be they directly or indirectly. I still don't understand how a person can carry such hatred.

True. That poor Nancy Jo, and Geraldine, who I didn't know well. She seemed like a lovely lady the few times we met in town. But I know what you mean—he was bad to the bone.

Chance grimaced. To think Leroy's greed and bigotry led him to pay someone for murder are unfathomable. But to hire the deaths of not only one wife but two. More unconscionable is paying someone to kill his daughter.

She leaned into her husband's embrace. It's also hard to think his reign of hate would go on and on by framing Gabe just to get at Lone Walker because of his bigotry. A sob slipped out. Oh, C J, nothing about this makes sense. It was nice to see Geraldine's calming influence on Nancy Jo. Maybe she helped her with making amends to Lone Walker and Candace.

You could be right, he said, unbuttoning her bodice. Let's get you comfortable. Then I'll make one of Hessy's toddies to help you sleep. Deal?

She smiled. You always know what I need, Mr. Marley.

He grinned. Ahhh, my little friend, doing for you comes easy. He pushed her dress down over her arms. "Now, up you go, and off with the dress, I'll make a Hessy toddy.

Upon his return, Breanna had leaned on a propped arm. She untied the bow on her chemise with her free hand to let her breasts fall free. Her long curly blonde hair fell over her shoulders, which held scarce gray. And with her deep-blue eyes sparkling with a mischievous smile, she shoved back the comforter. Darling, unless I’m mistaken, I believe the toddy will go down much better if it cools a bit. Don't you think?

Do ya, now? Chance said with a warm, appreciative grin while placing the toddy on the bedside table. After sitting on an overstuffed chair to remove his boots and socks, he stood to undress. His well-toned body, rust-colored hair, and slight graying at the temples added to his charisma. I do believe we both will sleep much better tonight. But first, I'd say you have too many clothes on, Mrs. Marley. Come here. When she did so, he helped to remove her chemise.

Breanna hugged her husband's hips and groin while laying her head on his chest. With no barriers separating them, she said. I could hold you like this forever, C J. I love you so much. I'm grateful we finally made our way to each other. All the years of loneliness have vanished in the blink of an eye. We are so blessed.

He caressed her hair. My Little Friend, we are blessed.

Breanna smiled while caressing his rising hard-on. Touching you like this makes me feel alive, darling. Do you ever think about those times our attempts to get close were interrupted before we married?

He chuckled while cradling her face, which revealed their love and passion in each other's eyes. I'm not apt to forget. Especially that night with the incident in the tack room, my little minx, when Slim nearly found us. While you found the humor in the situation, must I remind you of the hard circumstance I was left with, my little friend? And I do not wish to repeat having to restrain myself anymore when it concerns my wife.

Indeed. However, when my laughing ended, I was left in need of fulfillment. However, that is not the case now. She chuckled sensually. Tonight, I guarantee my neediness and your appealing hard circumstance will dally to our heart's content.

Ahhh, I do have high hopes, baby, he said while they snuggled in their bed. Let's dally away, Mrs. Marley. We have plenty of toddy fixings to get us through the night.

◈◈◈

Gabe listened to the rise and fall of his wife's breathing while she lay across his chest. Even though her fever finally broke during the night, she was exhausted and in no time fell asleep once everyone had left their cabin. He took the last drag of his cigarette, then dropped it into the ashtray on the bedside table, trying not to disturb her.

Rachel's eyes fluttered, and she whispered, Gabe, are you okay? You're dealing with so much uncertainty. Now, I've added to the misery with my troubles.

He wrapped his arms around her. You do not add misery, my Sunshine. And you should be fast asleep.

I feel as if that's all I do of late. I barely remember everyone being here. Although I do recall Doc Grisby's voice. Huh! Rachel's eyes revealed panic. Is... is our baby all right?

Shhh, you're both fine, Sunshine. But Doc said a week's bed rest for you to ensure all remain well.

Oh, but I can't. I have to—

No, you do not, Mrs. Allister. It's bed rest for the week. And to make sure you do so, between Ma, Gerttie, and Virginia, you will have no choice in the matter. Wade told me I'll be working around the ranch, so if I need to get Doc, I'll be right here. He tilted her chin toward him. You and our baby are all that matters. Everything else going on around us will take care of itself, Sunshine. Okay?

She bobbed her head. Of course, you're right. I don't want to take any unnecessary chances. Rachel snuggled into her husband's embrace. Don't leave me. I need to feel you beside me. I'm lost when you're not here, sweetheart.

As I do you, Sunshine. Try to sleep because I'm not going anywhere. With his head tilted back against the headboard, Gabe stared into nothingness with worry and frustration tugging at his core. He unconsciously began to rub his hand over her back.

Try not to worry, Gabe, she said while closing her eyes. We'll get through this. She soon fell asleep in her husband's embrace. However, a tear fell onto his chest.

He held her tighter with his chin resting atop her head. Shhh, I'm right here, Sunshine. Still, before he fell asleep, Gabe said a silent prayer. Lord, help us all. Especially my wife and baby. Don't make them pay for my mistakes, whatever I may have done.

CHAPTER 2

CATHERINE

It's a given that changes are part of life; however, some are far worse than others—yet life goes on.

Breanna woke up while wrapped in her husband's arms. She couldn't resist and kissed his lips softly.

His eyes fluttered as a smile formed. Hey, morning, my little friend. You’re perky. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.

It's a good morning, indeed.

He cupped a bare breast while looking at her. I'd say the toddy I fixed you last night did the trick. I certainly enjoyed beyond description how it worked its magic?

She chuckled while pointing. Do you think so? If that's the case, why is it still sitting on the bedside, C J?

He couldn't resist when her breast brushed his lips, so he flicked his tongue on her nipple. Mmmm, as I said, it worked its magic. Besides, in reality, who needs a toddy when I have my sexy wife in my bed. And she's touching me back. I'd say I'm a winner all around.

You opportunist, she teased while nudging his growing hard-on with her knee. Then, again, touching you is my favorite pass time.

They laughed while trying to outdo each other with teasing and tickling. Then Chance pinned her to the mattress and straddled her while filling her receptive body with his hard-on. Now, my little friend, it would appear as if we both have an impending gratification in the advantage department. And believe me, I plan on taking full advantage.

A loud knock sounded at their cabin door.

Chance's eyes showed his displeasure. Holy hell. Then he plopped back on the bed. We are fated to interruptions, so once again, I'm left with a hard situation. He grinned while looking at her perky nipple. And you, as you have rightfully informed me, are left very needy as well. Ahhh, he said while massaging himself to relieve his discomfort.

Ma! Pop!

Oh, no, it's Zackary, said Breanna as they hurriedly got out of bed. She pulled on her robe. Something isn't right.

It's never good news this early in the morning and sounding so frantic, Chance said while shimmying into his Levi's. He adjusted his diminishing erection en route to the door. As he opened it, he combed his fingers through his hair. Son, come in and tell us what's wrong.

It isn't Lacy Marie or the children, is it? Breanna asked while hurrying over to pull her son into an embrace.

I hate to come out so early, Zack said.

Don't worry, dear. I'll make coffee for us, and we'll sit down and talk.

Ma, he said, genuinely upset that she could now see, it's Grandma B.

Sudden tears fell as she covered her mouth with a shaky hand. Oh, no.

"Grandma B was hanging on when I left town. Abe hurried over to Doc Grisby's before coming to my house. While Lone