Farrowlee Mountain: Wonderful West Virginia, #2

By Brenda O'Bannion

Kate McNaughton's life should be a ball. She has the support of a loving family, a good job as clerk at the mining company her father and brothers work for, and the interest of handsome new miner Patrick. But there's trouble at the mine, and when a tragic accident threatens to tear apart her family, she suspects Patrick may be responsible.

Emily Carter's life should be made in the shade. Newlywed to the superintendent of the mine, she has a life of plenty and prestige. But she can't break the class barrier to make a single friend in this close-knit community, and even her husband is pulling away from her. Now, she's keeping secrets from him.

As if these two women in Farrowlee, West Virginia, don't have enough to worry about at home, war breaks out in Korea, affecting their families in unimaginable ways. Navigating the strife at home and abroad will require every ounce of their strength as they learn that only God can bring peace amid the struggles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tranquility Press
• Release date: Jun 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223001065

Book preview

Chapter 1

The loud horn blasted three short bursts to signal the end of the workday. Kate rushed to put away the ledgers and give the desk a quick swipe to remove the coal dust that settled on everything, even in the offices. Her hands trembled as she screwed the lid on the ink jar with an anxious glance at the door. She grabbed her lunchbox and headed out, desperate to escape before the mine foreman came into the office.

No such luck. He barreled through the door before she reached it.

Well, Miss Kate. You’re in a hurry today. Jakup stood so close she could smell the tobacco stored inside his left cheek. You know the rules. The time sheets and coal production numbers must be completed before you leave. I need to know you didn’t spend your time in this lonely loft office dreaming of dresses and boys.

I entered ten pages today, Mr. Kamenski. Same as every day. The numbers are correct. She turned a shoulder toward the door. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to collect my brothers and sister. Mum doesn’t like them to walk home alone.

That’s right. Safety before all else. Mighty big airs your family puts on. Everyone knows your father walks the road like he owns one side of it and plans to buy the other. His upper lip curled as he spoke, making her stomach roll. Well, the McNaughton family are miners like everyone else in Farrowlee. Time your father acted like it.

She pushed past him, barely able to conceal her disdain. The man made her skin crawl. Not daring to look back, she walked at a fast clip.

Kate wished she’d stayed in the coal-sorting line with the other women. Yet, it was 1950 and more women were advancing in the workforce. She’d used her good grades and a letter of reference from her teacher to get an office job. Unfortunately, it came with the unwanted attention of Jakup Kamenski.

Once away from the offices, she moved toward the gate where all the workers exited at the end of their shifts. The heat from the late-afternoon summer sun felt good on her back and helped smooth the tightness between her shoulder blades. She loved the summer, mostly because it made her forget the bone-chilling cold of winter.

Rudy, Liam, Nessa, Kate called to her siblings. As usual, they stood in a tight circle with their friends. Come now, time to make our way home.

Ah, Kate. We’re just talking about music. There’s some great new hits out, Liam said as he gave her a lopsided grin. Of all her siblings, this one could always melt her heart. Surely you’ve heard of rock and roll?

She stuck her hands on her hips. When would I have time to listen to music, much less the music you kids listen to? Even though they were all close in age, eighteen-year-old Kate often assumed a parental role with her younger siblings.

She glanced at the three of them, almost unrecognizable from the black coal grime layered on their faces and arms. It would take a good scrub to remove the soot before the evening meal, and not all of it would come off until their Saturday night bath.

At sixteen, her twin brothers already had the build of men, with broad shoulders and bulging muscles. Fourteen-year-old Nessa, an outspoken beauty interested in everything and everyone, struggled miserably with schoolwork. She’d left school and started on the sorting line earlier this year.

Let’s go. We’re already late. Kate moved behind the group to herd them home.

About time you vagabonds got here, Mum announced as they came through the door. Get washed up. Your father will leave soon.

Mum turned back to the meal she prepared every day for her husband to take down into the coal mine. He worked the night shift when there were fewer bosses around. Sean McNaughton rarely took well to being supervised. Kate knew her father bristled every time a boss came around. She worried he’d lose his job because of his acidic mouth to anyone in management.

Top of the morning to you all! Kate’s father entered the kitchen from his bedroom with a playfulness that trademarked his personality. He pulled a suspender over each shoulder and reached for his jacket hanging on a hook near the door.

His children smiled, but none replied except for Nessa, who loved to banter. Da, you know it’s almost evening. You really should pay more attention to the time of day!

Ah, my darlin’, time is about me being Irish. What kind of Irish man would I be if I didn’t start the workday with a ‘Top of the morning’?

The kind who can tell day from night! Nessa, his kindred spirit, bore his thick black hair and jovial nature.

Time to stop this foolishness and see your da off to work, Mum said as she put a wrapped bread and butter sandwich in his lunch pail. A boiled sweet potato, a jar of green beans, and a thermos filled with coffee completed his meal.

Aye, ’tis time, children. Gather around. He waited as his family circled the table once owned by his mother, a wedding gift from her father. They assembled themselves and reached for each other’s hand.

Da bowed his head and continued in his booming voice. The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his face upon thee and give thee peace. Heavenly Father, watch over this family in their night’s sleep and keep me safe as I work to bring your bounty from the earth. Amen.

His eyes circled to each member of the family before he grabbed his hard hat equipped with a light that would guide him through the dark mine. I’m off to spend time with the mice and all else that roam in the bowels of the mine. May the leprechauns dare not interrupt your dreams, my lovely family.

Kate watched her father as he ducked below the door frame and left the house whistling. Once again, love for this man swelled within and her heart whispered, Stay safe. She turned and went up the steps to the loft to prepare for bed.

I’ll thank you not to be waking me up in the morning. I have the day off, Nessa announced as she vigorously brushed her long black hair. Kate secretly envied her sister’s hair, so different from her own wild, curly, red mane. The only things they shared were their deep blue eyes.

It’s not the good news you think it is, Nessa. The company is only doing this because production is down, Kate replied with a sigh. They’re rotating days off to address the problem, even though the union is fighting against it.

Nessa stopped brushing and turned to her sister. Why would the union not like it? I think it’s lovely to have a day off during the week.

Because, you little goose, it’s a day without pay. Now turn off the light and come to bed. One of us must be up early to work.

Kate rolled her eyes when Nessa stuck out her tongue. Sometimes you act no older than Shannon or Chloe.

The next morning, Kate rose quietly, careful not to wake her sister. With six children to feed and clothe, the McNaughton family needed all the income they collectively provided.

MOST DAYS, KATE ATE lunch at her desk from a lunchbox she filled each morning; but today, she made a quick trip home, drawn by the thought of a fresh bread aroma sure to fill the house. She could already taste a slice slathered with butter.

She hurried through the door expecting to be engulfed by a tantalizing scent. When nothing hit her nose, disappointment rose from her hungry stomach. Mum, what’s wrong? Where’s the bread?

It’s Nessa. I sent her to buy flour ages ago. She hasn’t come back, and I can’t leave the wee ones to go find her. Kate watched as her mother opened and closed her hands as if she were already kneading the dough. Five-year-old Shannon and three-year-old Chloe played with their dolls nearby, unaware of their mother’s tension.

I’ll go find her. Don’t worry. She probably found a friend to talk to. Kate wished she believed the words. Her heart raced at the thought of the many things that could happen.

She hurried to the main street of Farrowlee, intending to start at the Company Store. Mr. O’Leary will know what time she left—if she made it there at all.

The sight from inside the front door of the store stopped her cold. Nessa stood before the baking goods, tears streaming from red, swollen eyes. Beside her stood a large black man.

Mr. O’Leary, you should separate the bags of flour from the bags of sugar. Last time I confused them and purchased the wrong one, the man said with a chuckle as he reached for the flour. This flour is the one I need. Please put it and this box of soap flakes on my tab. He held the bag in his hands for a moment, then walked out the back door of the store after he gave Kate a slight nod.

She flew to her sister’s side as Nessa reached out a trembling hand to grab a bag from where the man had taken one, then turned to her sister with questioning eyes. Kate nodded and walked to the counter.

What happened? she asked the storekeeper, keeping her voice low so Nessa didn’t hear.

Not sure I can say, Finn O’Reilly responded. Your sister’s been standing there almost since I opened this morning. I tried to get her to tell me why, but she didn’t seem to hear me. He sighed. I wanted to help her, but I didn’t know how. Saddest thing I’ve ever seen.

Nessa struggles to read. She says the letters jump around so much she can’t make out the words. It embarrasses her. Kate looked at the back door. Who’s that man? And why did he stand next to Nessa?

His name is Isaak Brooks. He’ll be the new teacher at the black school when summer is over. Hasn’t been here long. He paused. He’d only moved to where Nessa stood when you walked in. I think he made that speech about mixing up the flour and sugar to help Nessa.

Kate had more questions about the man but knew it was best not to show interest in him. Please put the flour on our tab. I’ll get her home, she said, then walked back to where Nessa still stood. She put a gentle arm around her sister’s shoulders and guided her out the front door of the store.

Chapter 2

It was mid-afternoon when Kate straightened and twisted her tight shoulders, weary from bending over the endless ledger entries. She glanced at the industrial-size clock on the wall across from her desk. Three p.m. Only a few more hours to go. Jakup Kamenski entered the room just as Kate stood to stretch.

Going somewhere, Miss McNaughton? he said with a glance at the clock. A little early for quitting. Or do you McNaughtons have your own time?

I just stood for a stretch. Or is that something the company doesn’t allow? Her eyes meet his in defiance.

My job is to make sure everyone is earning their pay, Jakup said with a smirk.

Is there something I can do for you, Mr. Kamenski? If not, I’ll get back to work. Kate eased into the chair at her desk and picked up a pen. Ignoring the foreman, she concentrated on the production ledgers, hoping he wouldn’t look over her shoulder.

As a matter of fact, you can do something for me. He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and tossed it onto her desk. New man starts tomorrow. He’s a dynamiter. Get his paperwork ready. Jakup left without another word.

Kate shook her head. How long would she have to put up with the likes of this man? On her first day at the mine, Da had told her, Remember, Kate, never think ill of a person. But never let them take advantage of you, either. ’Tis not the McNaughton way.

She picked up the crumbled paper and read the name scrawled across it.

Patrick Davies, day shift, #3 shaft

Liam and Rudy’s crew. She hoped this Mr. Davies was a seasoned miner—someone who could help her inexperienced brothers. Whoever he was, she doubted she’d ever see him. The name was one of sixty miners who worked at the Farrowlee mine.

THE WIND THREATENED to blow up Kate’s skirt as she waited for Nessa and her brothers to make their way to the meeting spot. She clutched at the folds of fabric with both hands as she watched the dark clouds rolling in. A quick glance around the yard of the mine confirmed her siblings were once again taking their own sweet time to meet her. She looked back at the coming storm and worked her way through the swarm of workers, ready to be home after a hard shift.

There they were in their usual huddle of young co-workers. Surprised, she saw someone new among them—someone obviously not their age. A hit in her gut set off an internal alarm. Why would someone so much older be standing with a group of teenagers?

Nessa, you and your brothers come on. Time to go home, she said as she approached the group.

Liam turned to his big sister with a smile spread wide across his face. Kate, this is the newest member of our crew, Patrick Davies. I don’t know how much of a dynamiter he is, but he sure knows his music, especially for an old guy. Liam jerked his head toward Patrick and added with a laugh, And don’t hold his being Scottish against him.

Her eyes moved to the face of the man Liam introduced. The intensity of the deep blue eyes mixed with a shock of wavy black hair left her weak-kneed. Er, uh, nice to meet you. We won’t keep you any longer, Mr. Davies. I’m sure you’re eager to get home to your family. Kate motioned to her siblings. Let’s go. A storm is about to break.

Delighted to meet you, Miss McNaughton. I’ll be on my way, but it’s to the bachelor’s housing, seeing as I’ve not yet put the old ball and chain around my neck.

Kate left him with a nod and hurried along the street to home, emotions swirling. He’s just another miner. And a rude one at that! Yet, the blue eyes and Scottish accent were still in her thoughts when she and the rest of her siblings entered the house just as the rain started.

KATE, GIRL, HAVE YOU heard a word I’ve said? We need to feed the boys. Your father wants them to attend the union meeting tonight. Mum dished cabbage and sausage soup into bowls with a force that caused splatters on the stovetop—a mess Kate would have to clean later.

Set these bowls of soup on the table, lass. Your da’s already left for work. He went early to have time for union talk with the miners coming off the day shift. Her mother turned to take cornbread from the oven, mumbling just loud enough for Kate to hear. I hate it every time there’s a meeting. Too many chances for men to get hot-headed.

Kate knew better than to defend her father’s actions to Mum. Too often she’d watched her mother go silent when Da started union talk. With lips pressed in a straight line, her mother would find something to busy her hands.

Having grown up in Ireland, Mum often talked about the volatile and dangerous actions the union brought. Yet Kate never heard her share those feelings with Da.

She agreed with her mother. She couldn’t see much the union had done about the conditions at the mine or for the needs of the miners. Still, her father was a staunch believer in the United Association of Miners, so she kept silent about her doubts.

After dinner, Kate helped get her younger sisters to bed, then sat with Mum in the front room. She enjoyed this time of day when her mother could rest from the busyness of caring for the family.

Tonight, Mum seemed anything but restful—she jerked at any sound coming from the night. More than once, Kate watched her mother get up and stare out the window into the rainy night.

The boys will be home soon. They’re probably bunched up with their friends talking about music or figuring a way to get to Welch for a movie.

Naïve you are, daughter, if you think they’re talking about anything other than union business on a night like this. Mum shook her head and sighed. I’ve been a miner’s daughter and a miner’s wife all my life. Put a group of frustrated workers with a union that does more talk than action, and you have the makings of a problem. Your brothers are young and impulsive, Kate. If they fall in with a bunch of hot-headed miners who think they can fix things the union can’t or won’t, there’ll be trouble.

Her mother moved away from the window and took her seat before continuing. I’ve seen what men, good men, can become when their backs are against the wall. Miners need to be heard, but most of all, they need to know they’re respected.

Kate’s mind went to Jakup Kamenski. Mum was right. Everyone deserved to be treated with respect.

As the evening wore on, Kate repeatedly looked at the clock on the shelf in the kitchen. With each tick-tock, her tension grew. Where were Rudy and Liam? Surely the meeting was over long ago. Relief flooded her when they came quietly through the door.

Both young boys stood in clothes soaked through with rain, looked at their mum and Kate, then at each other. She’d seen this twin action many times—they conversed between themselves without saying a word. They’d communicated just then. She was sure of it.

Without a word, the boys turned to go into the bedroom they shared.

Kate looked at her mother, her forehead wrinkled in confusion. Why would her lively brothers who loved to gab have suddenly gone silent?

Pray, Kathleen. Pray hard, Mum whispered. Something is up, mark my words.

THE KITCHEN CLOCK STRUCK three times, and Kate still lay awake. Was Mum correct? Could her brothers be up to something no good?

She whispered into the night. Well, little brothers, I’ll not spend another sleepless night because of your shenanigans. Tomorrow, you’ll tell me why you came home so late.

She finally drifted into a fitful sleep with Mum’s words, Something is up, weaving their way through her dreams.

The ache in her head when Mum’s voice woke her at six a.m. reminded her of how little sleep she’d gotten. Kate stayed buried under her covers long enough to devise a plan. When she met her siblings for their walk home after the shift, she’d send Nessa on ahead and hold her brothers back for a talk. Whatever was up, she intended to find out.

Chapter 3

Emily scurried up the steep hill when she heard the blast of the horn signaling the end of the workday. It would never do for Henry to know she’d walked to the grocery store and post office. She enjoyed her time in town, although it did little to