A Question 0f Faith (Historical Christian Romance) Read online

  A Question

  Of

  Faith

  By: Lynn Landes

  By:

  Lynn Landes

  Published by:

  Landes Publishing

  This book is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, and events portrayed in this novel are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2018 by Lynn Landes

  http://[email protected]/

  All rights reserved.

  Other titles by Lynn Landes:

  Mercy's Promise

  Savannah's Promise

  Delta's Dawn

  Dust & Dreams

  Stolen Dream's

  Perilous Dreams

  Chapter 1

  1879- August

  Nebraska

  “It’s heavy tonight,” Saul says as he pulls on the lever to fill a new bag.

  The chute whooshes as the flour pours down and a puff of white dust adds to the already orange glow hanging in the air.

  Dan balances the bag beneath the chute as it fills to the brim. “Yep. How many more?” He asks as he ties the bag shut.

  “Forty-eight,” Saul grabs a second canvas bag, and the process starts all over again.

  Dan groans and straightens the handkerchief over his nose and mouth.

  “We are lucky to get the overtime,” a third voice says.

  Jim smiles as he checks the kerosene lanterns to make sure they are full. He hurries to help Dan and slings the now sealed bags into the wagon, then helps Dan fill the next one.

  “True enough, but I’ll be glad when it cools off. It’s been a hot summer,” Saul says.

  “Fall is coming, boys,” Burton Gilbert teases from the doorway.

  All three men jump and look through the dim haze of flour particles hanging in the air.

  “Mr. Gilbert, when did you get home?” Saul asks.

  Burton laughs and walks down the wooden steps into the lower room. “Only just. I thought I’d see how things are going before I head home.”

  Guilt beats at him when he thinks of his wife, and he knows he should be home with her. Truth be told he’d been in his office for the past two hours working. He attempts to smooth his tight blonde curls but only succeeds in messing them up. The final contract is in his briefcase, along with some essential papers.

  That will come soon enough, he thinks and runs a hand over the large chute, listening carefully as the men get back to work.

  “There’s a shaft bearing squealing. We need to get some oil on that,” Burton says as he listens and watches the process.

  Outside the familiar sound of the water-wheel splashing reminds him that’s he’s home.

  “How’s business, Mr. Gilbert?” Dan asks.

  Burton grins, “Excellent. I got the contract. We will begin expansion of the mill in the Fall. Not only will we be supplying flour but corn!”

  “That’s great ne…”

  A little snap of static pops in the air when Saul releases the lever to fill the next bag and all the men freeze. Before they can react, a louder crack ignites the dust-laden air, and the cloud of orange erupts into a wave of flames.

  With no way to release the pressure it detonates. The pressure is seeking an exit through doors, windows, even the very walls. The concussion explodes blowing the building apart and sending the roof sky high before the debris rains down in flame and fire.

  Chapter 2

  “Abbie!” Stephanie calls and runs up to her just as she is locking up the General Store. “Oh, thank goodness, I caught you.”

  Abbilene Gilbert spins and glances at her best friend. Her cheeks are flushed, and her blonde hair is a mess from running.

  “What’s wrong?” Concern has Abbie frowning with worry.

  “I’m out of flour at the bakery. Can I get a ten-pound bag sent over in the morning?”

  Abbie grins, revealing two deep dimples. Her dark brown eyes dance with merriment. “You scared me, Steph.” She loops an arm through hers, and they walk away from the store.

  “It’s just that the bakery goes through it so quickly,” Stephanie sighs and glances up the road to make sure it’s clear before stepping into the street to cross.

  “That’s because you are an artist,” Abbie teases.

  “It’s true,” Stephanie quips.

  Abbie stops walking and stares at her friend in surprise. “Stephanie Holmes!”

  She laughs out loud, “Your face!”

  Abbie shoves her, “Stephanie! Just for that, you’d better save me one of your sweet rolls,” Abbie sniffs and spins to walk away.

  “Stephanie!” a female voice calls out.

  Stephanie and Abbie turn and inwardly groan. “Hello Minnie,” Stephanie says.

  Minnie is dressed in her beautiful soft pink, bustled dress. Dark blonde hair is tucked beneath a large hat. “Hello, Abbilene.” She turns back to Stephanie before she can respond. “I haven’t seen Tucker lately. Did you pass on my message to him?”

  Abbie moves to stand behind Minnie and step away from the two of them.

  “I did, Minnie. He’s engrossed with his work.”

  “I’m sure. Perhaps he just needs a reason to slow down.” Minnie giggles. “I’m off. Perhaps I’ll pop in at the Sheriff’s office.” She spins and heads off.

  “Poor Minnie,” Stephanie sighs and turns back to Abbie.

  “Maybe Minnie’s right,” Abbie replies. “No one likes to be alone, Steph.”

  “True, but my brother isn’t looking for love right now and I feel bad for the women who won’t listen when I tell them that.”

  “Isn’t that when it usually happens?” Abbie teases. The sun is starting to set, painting everything in shades of gold, and Stephanie stops to stare up at her sign. Stephanie’s Bakery. “I still can’t believe it’s mine, Abbs. I mean, who gives someone a business for a wedding present?”

  “Ozwald loves you Stephanie, and he believes in you. You are lucky.”

  “I know.” She hugs Abbilene and squeezes her. “I’ll save you two of my sweet rolls. Doesn’t Burton get home tonight?” Stephanie asks softly.

  “Yes, but I won’t see him until dinner tomorrow. He’s working.” Abbie pushes the hurt back and hides it from her best friend.

  “That’s ridiculous,” Stephanie hisses. “Have you tried talking to him?”

  “Oh, Stephanie, we are way past that. Ten years of marriage, and he still feels like a stranger.” Abbie sighs and glances at her friend.

  “Maybe if you…”

  “No,” she interrupts her. “Burton blames me for not giving him a child. He’s rarely home, and when he is, well, he’s so distant.” Abbie swipes a stray tear.

  “I’m so sorry, Abbs, I didn’t know things were so bad.”

  “I know. I didn’t want to believe it. I’ve tried to talk to Burton about adoption before he left, and he shouted at me. I’ve never seen him so mad.” Abbie grows quiet.

  “Why would he get mad?”

  “He said that I failed him, Stephanie,” she whispers and glances away.

  “That’s ridiculous. God’s plan isn’t always our plan, Abbilene. Come have dinner with us,” Stephanie pleads. “Oz will be home soon.”

  Abbie smiles at her, “No, I should get home in case Burton comes home. I’ll have the flour delivered first thing in the morning.”

  Stephanie hugs her tightly, and Abbie turns and takes two steps when the sky erupts in flames. The ground rumbles, and she stares in shock. All the noise surrounding her fades away, and she stares at the
smoke and flames rolling up into the sky.

  People rush into the street around Abbie, and they all look in the direction of the Mill.

  Abbie starts running without thinking. Two more explosions rock the night, but she doesn’t stop running. Abbie hears a wagon beside her.

  “Abbilene! Get in!” Stephanie’s husband, Ozwald calls to her. Abbie climbs into the front seat, and Stephanie pulls her close.

  “Go!” Stephanie shouts.

  Oz doesn’t need to be told twice. He snaps the reins, and the horses break into a gallop.

  Gilbert Mill is a half mile outside of town, set on the banks of the Tar River. Men are already working a bucket brigade of water, trying to stop the flames when they arrive.

  Abbie jumps from the wagon as it slows to a stop, ignoring Stephanie and Oz when they shout for her. She picks up her skirts and runs towards the burning building, screaming Burton’s name.

  Strong arms grab her and toss her to the ground, just as a third explosion erupts. A large body covers her, shielding her from the flames and debris.

  Sobbing now, Abbie doesn’t fight him when he picks her up and runs back to safety. Stephanie and Oz run to meet him, and she knows they are speaking, but everything fades to silence. The hissing of the flames taunts her as it licks its way through, up, and over the building.

  Stephanie stays back with Abbie while the decision is made to wait out the fire. “Take her home, Stephanie.” Tucker orders. “We will let you know what we find.”

  “No! I’m not leaving him,” Abbie declares.

  “Who?” Sheriff Tucker Manning asks.

  Abbie turns to look at him and blinks in surprise. “Tucker?”

  He squats down in front of her with a frown of disapproval.

  “What were you thinking, Abbilene, running towards a burning building like that?” He demands.

  “Tucker!” Stephanie snaps at her brother and attempts to shove him back from her.

  “I was thinking of getting to my husband,” she turns back to the flames and tremors rack her body. “Burton’s inside,” she points.

  Tucker glances back at the engulfed building and sighs, “I’m sorry, Abbie. You should go home.”

  “No!” Done with everyone trying to send her away, she stands up and stomps closer to the building.

  Two hours later, the Mill is still burning. Ashes dance on the wind and the glow of the burning building sends an eerie coloring skipping around the night air.

  Sheriff Tucker Manning and his deputies are struggling to keep the families back and away from the heat and flames. Many of them have gathered to see if their loved ones are inside, and Abbie sits with them.

  “Here’s a blanket, Stephanie. I’ve kept one for Tucker when he takes a break,” Minnie says softly.

  Stephanie accepts it and stares at her in surprise. “Thank you, Minnie. I don’t think he’ll be stopping anytime soon.”

  She walks away and drapes a blanket around Abbie’s shoulders, while others gather close.

  Father Jacobs walks through and stops in front of Abbie. “Mrs. Gilbert,” he squats down in front of her and takes her cold hand in his. “Can you tell us how many men work the night shift.”

  “Yes, Father. Eight,” Abbie begins, but a voice interrupts her.

  “Eight, I have their names here, Father,” Sterling Gilbert is the general manager of the Gilbert Mill and Burton’s cousin. “I’m the General Manager. Any further questions will be directed to me, not Mrs. Gilbert.”

  “Sterling!” Abbie jumps up and rushes to his open arms.

  “It’s going to be alright, Abbilene,” he presses a kiss to her head.

  Dressed in a suit, with not a single hair out of place. Sterling leaves an impression of all business. He typically leaves Abbie alone when Burton is traveling, allowing her to run the Gilbert General Store.

  “Abbie will be going home. My carriage is waiting.” He leaves no room for argument. Stephanie stiffens and steps back to look up at him.

  “No. I’m not leaving my husband,” Abbie snaps.

  Everyone falls quiet for a moment as Father Jacobs speaks.

  “This fire will burn long into the night child. Even through the day tomorrow. There’s nothing for you to do here.”

  Abbie looks past them at the raging inferno and her gaze trails around as everyone works together with buckets trying to keep the flames from spreading towards town. They work desperately to keep the debris from catching anything else on fire.

  “I suggest we get to work, then.” She pushes past them, draping the blanket around a mother of one of the workers. She grabs a bucket and hurries to the river to do what she can.

  “You heard her. We need all the help we can get!” Sheriff Manning shouts. “Buckets are by the river. Strong winds could blow the flames toward town. Keep the grass wet, watch for drifting ash and sparks.”

  Sterling watches Abbie and turns back to look at what’s left of the Mill. His eyes glisten with unshed tears and his jaw clenches. They are in for a long night. He sighs and walks to grab a bucket.

  Chapter 3

  A shout goes up from the side of the Mill. Two men carry a body forward and place him gently on the ground.

  Abbie stops moving and holds the empty bucket in her trembling hands. Her stomach drops and bile fills her throat.

  “Oh, God,” she whispers.

  “Jimmy!” A female voice shouts, and she starts screaming. Family members hold her back, “My baby!” she sobs and falls to her knees at his side. Half his body is badly burned. It looks as if he was thrown clear of the building.

  “Don’t touch him!” Doctor Flanders shouts. He rushes over and drops to his side with his bag.

  Half his body is melted, and his clothes have become fused with the skin. His face is rippled and black and the scent of burning flesh is ripe on the air. His Mother is despondent as the women pull her away.

  No one says what they are all thinking. This will be the first of the bodies recovered. The Doctor checks him for a pulse and shakes his head no.

  “Give us some space,” Sheriff Manning urges the crowd to move back and accepts a blanket to cover the body with.

  Abbie drops to her knees with Stephanie and Sterling beside her.

  “Please, Abbie, let me take you home. Burton would not want you to see him like this,” Sterling pleads.

  Abbie looks up and stares at him with haunted eyes. “I won’t leave him.” Tears stain her face washing through the soot on her cheeks, leaving little rivers of clean skin.

  “I promise, Ozwald will come get you if they find, Burton. Let me take you home,” Stephanie begs and helps her stand.

  “No!” Abbie jerks away to walk over to a log.

  Sheriff Tucker shouts orders, and they begin searching the woods for signs of any more survivors or bodies.

  Father Jacobs consoles Jimmy’s mother and urges them to go home. He promises to care for her son. Before she leaves, she rushes over to Abbie and shouts at her.

  “You have no right to be here with us! This is all your fault! Now my son is dead!” Spittle flies from her lips, and she raises a hand to strike Abbie, but Sheriff Manning steps in front of her.

  “No!” he shouts.

  “That’s enough!” Sterling hisses. “All of the Mill workers knew the risks! They signed papers stating that very fact. I’m sorry for your loss, but you should be thanking Mrs. Gilbert. If it weren’t for this Mill, you’d be long gone from this town.”

  “You’re disgusting! My son is dead!” Sobs rip from her soul, and she deflates, all anger gone and Minnie hurries to help her to the wagon.

  Abbie trembles and glances around at the faces of those staring at her. “I’m so sorry,” she whispers hoarsely.

  Stephanie sits beside her and offers her a cup of water. “Drink this,” she urges.

  Abbie accepts the cup and stares down into it. When the second shout sounds out, everyone runs to see who it will be.

  “Abbie, let me go,” Sterling offe
rs, and she accepts.

  “Thank you,” she murmurs and sits back down, afraid that if she doesn’t, her legs will give out.

  Stephanie clasps her hand, and they sit together. When the screams start, Abbie covers her face with both hands, relieved that it isn’t Burton but ashamed to feel that way. Sobs wrack her body as she wonders how she will be strong enough to endure this.

  Abbie closes her eyes and prays for help. Sterling returns and sits beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “It’s not him, Abbeline.”

  “Thank you,” Abbie stands up and moves away from his touch. She stops to speak to Pastor Jacobs.

  Stephanie frowns at Sterling and looks to her husband. Ozwald is talking to her brother and nods before hurrying to her side.

  “Stephanie, there’s nothing more we can do. It’s time to go home before things turn ugly.”

  “I’m not leaving Abbilene,” Stephanie snaps.

  Tucker stomps to his sister. “Yes, you are.”

  “Stephanie, go home,” Abbie insists from behind her. “I’ll be fine.”

  “Abbs, please…” Stephanie starts to say, but Sterling has pushed his way into the conversation once again.

  “Abbilene will be safe with me. I will make sure she gets home,” Sterling declares.

  “No. As of this moment, Mrs. Gilbert is under my protection for her safety.” Sheriff Manning states stepping into the group.

  Before Sterling can object, Abbie moves closer to Tucker, thankful for his assistance. “Sterling, I will need you to handle the business in the morning,” Abbie says to placate him, and her strategy works.

  Sterling visibly puffs up in pride, pushing his chest out he squeezes her arm, “Of course, you don’t worry about a thing. I will handle everything.” He rushes to his carriage and snaps at his driver to leave.