Annabel's Savior

By Susan Horsnell

The Civil War, the death of his brother, the loss of his sister-in-law and unborn child - how much more can a young man endure?
Annabel's mother is disowned by her family and murdered as a harlot.
For two years the young girl is tortured, beaten and denied the basics of life.
She is on the run from not only her grandfather, but all men.
Will these two tortured souls find a way to help each other heal, or will a tragedy tear them apart forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223525738

Susan Horsnell

I’m an Australian author who lives in Queensland when not travelling and I write in a variety of Romantic sub-genres, including Western,  Historical, Gay, Mafia, and Contemporary Romance.  I have published over 60 books and novellas, many of which feature strong, independent heroines and rugged, alpha male heroes. Some of my popular series include the Outback Australia series and The Carter Brothers series. My books are known for their well-researched historical details, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and real life experiences. My work has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, and I have been a Finalist in both the Rone Awards and Laramie Awards as well as being a multiple times International Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author. If you're interested in learning more about my books:  Linktree https://linktr.ee/SusanHorsnell   

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Copyright © 2016 by Susan Horsnell

The right of Susan Horsnell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed, or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon, or similar organisations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical, or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental.

The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously.

Edited: Redline Editing

Proofread: Leanne Roger

Published by: Lipstick Publishing

One

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Sam stood, shoulders slumped and head bowed. A lone tear trickled a path through the stubble, which covered his cheek, while the small coffin was lowered onto the larger one.

His sister, Edith clutched his hand so tight, it became numb. She rested her head against his chest and her small body shook with sobs.

Sam’s mother and father clung to each other, their faces etched with grief.

Moaning echoed through the hills as the coffins disappeared beneath shovel loads of pungent earth. As the final covering of dirt was patted down, Sam released himself from his sister. He knelt next to the fresh mound and gently placed a single white lily, Hattie’s favorite flower, and a silver baby’s rattle atop.

The mourners watched with tears in their eyes before turning and trekking down to the homestead.

Sam was left alone with his grief. He reached out and placed his palm on the fresh grave while his tear-filled eyes attempted to focus on the grave alongside.

It had been only two months since they had buried Isaac. Why hadn’t the war ended just one day earlier? Isaac would still be alive and Sam wouldn’t feel like he’d broken his promise and let his brother down.

***

May 1865

Isaac, over here, Sam whispered. He could just make out the shadow of his brother in the failing light.

Dust and smoke filled the air, swirling around them, as Isaac joined Sam and they crept toward the trees. This battle had been the worst they had been involved in. Bodies of men, some old enough to be grandfathers and others so young they should still be in school, lay strewn across the battlefield. They would not see tomorrow, or, the much hoped-for end of this war.

North and South had suffered severe losses. How much longer would this bloody war persist? The brothers, mercifully, had again survived. They had discussed how it was only a matter of time before their luck finally ran out.

Sam had already been shot in the thigh and now walked with a limp. His insistence on remaining in the war troubled Isaac greatly but, Sam steadfastly refused to leave his ‘big brother’.

They took shelter under a small outcrop of rocks surrounded by trees and out of sight of any stray southerners.

Isaac and Sam Miller hailed from Cedar Gulch, up in the Texas Panhandle. They had left their ranch two months earlier to fight for the Union, the cause they believed in, even though most of their friends had joined up to fight for the South. Both men believed strongly, it was past time that slavery was brought to an end. If the cotton crops were affected by lack of labor, then, so be it. They had argued with friends, time and again, that no man had the moral right to enslave another. Opinion in their hometown was split down the middle.

Now, here they were, huddled together, grateful to be alive after witnessing such atrocities. They were well and truly ready to go home. It had been two long months of hell.

Isaac pulled out his canteen and took a large gulp of warm, less-than-pure water. As he wiped his mouth with the remnants of his tattered uniform sleeve, he held the canteen out toward Sam.

His brother took it and drank thirstily. What are we going to do? Our horses are gone and it’s a long walk back to the fort. Sam screwed the lid onto the canteen and handed it back.

I'm not sure but I suggest we wait out the night here. Best to be sure there is no one around before we move. We'll make our way back to Fort Cook at first light. Hopefully, they might send out scouts to see if anyone is alive and we can hitch a ride.

Sam shimmied down and lay with his head on his arms, his rifle beside him. As he gazed heavenward at the stars obscured by smoke, he let out a loud sigh.

What’s wrong, little brother? Isaac asked as he settled alongside.

Just thinking about our friends who got killed today. Ma, Pa, Edith, Hattie, the ranch. Do you think we’ll see them again soon?

Who? Our friends who were killed, or home?

Sam chuckled despite the seriousness of their situation. Those at home of course.

Phew, for a minute there I thought you meant our dead friends. Isaac joined Sam in chuckling but within seconds he became serious again. I surely hope so. I’m kinda hoping to get home in time to be with Hattie when she has the baby. I’ve got two months to get outta here.

Sam knew his brother regretted leaving his pregnant wife. He blamed himself for Isaac being involved in the war. When Sam had turned twenty-one, just over two months ago, he had announced he was headed out to join the Union. The war had been raging for almost 4 years, the ranch could be taken care of by his Pa, his brother, and the ranch hands until he returned. He needed to do his part. His Pa and Isaac had argued he was valuable where he was, but, when Sam had insisted on going, Isaac felt he'd had no choice but to go along to keep him safe.

Sam was terrified something would happen to his brother and he would never forgive himself if Hattie lost her husband, and the baby, its father. I’m plain tired of all the killing and fighting. I just wanna go home.

I know, Isaac said wistfully. Will you promise me something?

Sam turned his head in the direction of his brother’s voice. Of course, I will.

Promise me you will take good care of Hattie and the baby if I don’t make it back.

Sam swallowed the lump which had temporarily lodged in his throat. A chill scooted down his spine. Don’t talk that way. We’re both gonna make it back.

Promise me, Sam, Isaac insisted.

Another chill galloped down Sam’s spine. You know I will but we will make it home.

Isaac rose to his feet. Get some sleep, I’ll take the first watch. The ground crunched under his boots as he moved a short distance away.

Sam closed his eyes but, although he was tired to his bones, sleep eluded him. An ominous feeling clouded his thoughts, dragging him down into a black pit of despair.

***

Sam, Sam, Isaac whispered close to his brother's ear as he shook him awake.

Bolting upright, Sam grabbed for his rifle. He’d been asleep for what felt like ten minutes. He noted the dawn light beginning to break, his brother had taken watch all night!

I'm just headed into the bushes and then you can take over, Isaac instructed.

Sam nodded sleepily but darkness and Isaac moving away, prevented his brother from witnessing the acknowledgment.

A gunshot pierced the silence and sleepiness fled as Sam leaped to his feet, rifle in hand. Although his first instinct was to rush to his brother’s side, he remained where he was and listened. Could be someone shooting for fun or at some critter. No use announcing our whereabouts if it’s the enemy.

A horse and rider thundered past, so close, Sam was sure he’d been spotted. When they continued away from him, his breath escaped with a whoosh. He hadn’t even realized he’d been holding it in. He paused for a few more minutes to make sure there was no further danger.

The sun was poking its head above the horizon when Sam located his brother. He rushed to his side, dropped his rifle as he slumped to his knees, and gathered him into his arms. He knew in his heart, Isaac was gone but held him close, rocked him, and spoke to him quietly.

Isaac, wake up. Please don't leave me to fight alone. I need you watching my back, I need your guidance. Tears cascaded down his face, their journey halted by Isaac's red, bloodied chest. "You can't be dead, Hattie and the baby need you. I can't look after them as well as you can. Please, Isaac, wake