After Hours Alice Liddell Carolyn Faulkner

Bartering Innocence By Dort Wesley ©2011 Blushing Books Publications and Dort Wesley

Bartering Innocence By Dort Wesley ©2011 Blushing Books Publications and Dort Wesley

Copyright © 2011 by Blushing Books® and Dort Wesley All rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any an y form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Published by Blushing Books®, a subsidiary of  ABCD Graphics and Design 977 Seminole Trail #233 Charlottesville, VA 22901 The trademark Blushing Books® is registered in the US P atent and Trademark Office. Wesley, Dort Bartering Innocence eBook ISBN: 978-1-60968-441-9 Cover Design: ABCD Graphics

Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us! There are plenty more stories such as the one you’ve purchased from Blushing Books! Visit our  online store to view our mighty selection! http://www.blushingbooks.com This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this  book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.

Chapter One

Johnwaswelcomedintothecampasusual,buthedidn’tletdownhisguardfor onemoment.Aslongasthebravesrespectedhim,hewasonewhitemantheywelcomed asanequal.Severalyearsbefore,JohnhadrescuedtheChief’sonlyson,andsincethattime hewanderedinandoutofthevillageashepleased. Johnwasheretotrade.Hewastiredofspendingthewinteralone,andhewanteda warm,willingwomaninhisbed.Therewerealwayscaptivesfromothertribesforsale, andforsomehidesandtobacco,hewouldhaveanicewarmbodytosharehisbedthrough thelonghardwinterahead. Itwaseasytospotthecaptives.Leatherstripswereattachedtotheiranklesand stakedtotheground,givingthemjustenoughleewaytoscrapethehidestobeginthe processofturningthemintobuckskinsforclothing.Itwashardwork,aswasgrindingthe cornintomeal.Johnobservedseveralwomenbenttotheirtasks,andwhileoneortwo seemedcomelyenough,hewaslookingforawomanwithabitmorespirit. Allofasudden,heheardaspurtofangryvoices,andheturnedtoobservethe commotionwithinterest.Tohiscompletesurprise,threeoftheIndianwomenwere circlinganotherwoman,onewhohadflamingredhair!Theredheadwasholdingastickin herhand,andeverytimeoneofthewomencametooclose,theredheadrappedher smartly.Johngrinnedasheheardtheclamorgrowlouderandlouder,findingitamusing thatthelittleredheadwaseffectivelykeepingthethreeotherwomenatbaywithoutdoing anyrealharmtoheropponents. Johnglancedaroundandsawthattheredheadwasprovidingasourceof amusementformostofthecamp,buthefearedthatamusementwouldsoonfadeandturn intoindignationandanger,andonceafewothersdecidedtolendthethreeIndianwomen ahand,theredheadwouldwishshe’dneverbeenborn.AllofasuddenhespottedHeWho WearsRedrideintothecamp,andJohnabruptlyrealizedthethreeIndianwomenwerehis wives,andthattheredheadwasmorethanlikelyhiscaptive.HeWhoWearsRedwas knownforhisquicktemper,andJohnquicklydecidedtostepintothefraytosavethelittle redhead. Heencircledhertinywaistfrombehindwithhisleftarm,andwrestedthestick fromherwithhisrighthand.Sheturnedintoaspittingwildcat,andstartedfightinghim witheverythingshehad.“Settledown,woman.I’mtryingtosaveyourlife!”hegrowled intoherear,keepinghisvoicelittlemorethanawhisper.“Settledown!”hesaidabit louder,butshecontinuedtokick,andJohnabruptlydecidedonacourseofactionthathe hopedwouldsatisfytheIndians.Hedroppedtohisrightknee,andthenpinnedherface downoverhisleftthigh.Hisrighthandfoundherwigglingbottomwithaloudcrackand theredheadgaspedinoutrage.Thesecondsmackfueledhertemper,andthewords spewingfromhermouthwouldhaveearnedhimasoapingathismother’shands!“Stop withthatlanguage!”hescolded,butshemerelyfoundafewmorenamestocallhimashe continuedtospankherroundedbackside.“I’lltossupthisragandbareyourhind,girl!”he threatenedher,andsmiledinsatisfactionwhensheimmediatelystoppedcursing. “Letmego!”shepleaded.“You’rehurtingme!”

“Aspankin’issupposedtohurt!”hereplied.“Nowhushandtakeyourpunishment likeagoodgirl.I’mnotstoppin’untilyoucalmyourself.”Hethoughtheheardher whimper,andhedecidedthatwasthewholepoint.Hewantedhertocry.Hewantedher toappearhumbledandcontritewhenhewasfinished.Hewasdoingherafavor.Asore buttwasamildpricetopaycomparedtoanyofthepunishmentsHeWhoWearsRedorhis wiveswouldadminister.Finally,thefightwentoutoftheyoungwoman,andshestarted sobbing,andcollapsedoverhisknee,nolongerprotesting.Hegaveheranotherdozen hardspanks,makingthemhardenoughtobeheardbythosewatchinginamusement.“You doasItellyou,girl,”hewarnedharshly,thenheliftedheroffhiskneeandploppedher downonthehardgroundonhersorebottom.Shegaspedinpainandtriedtogetup,and Johnshookhishead.“Youdon’tmakeiteasyonyourself,doyou?”Heflippedheroverhis kneeagain,andthistimehetossedupthetatteredskirtofherdress.Shewaswearing drawersthatusedtobewhite,andtheyweresothreadbarehecouldseeherreddenedskin beneaththefabric.Hereachedforthewaistband,onlytohavehersuddenlystopfighting him. “Please…!Pleasedon’tbaremeinfrontofthem!Please!!!I’llbegood!”she franticallypromised. “Onechance,girl,andthat’sallI’llgiveyou.Startkicking,fighting,orcursing,andI’ll bareyouandtakeasticktoyou.Understand?”Hepunctuatedhisquestionwithapainful spank. “Ow!Yes,Iunderstand!”sheanswered.“I’llbegoodnow,Ipromise!” “You’regoingtogetanotherfifty,andIwantyoutocounteachone,”hesaidfirmly. “Ifyoumiscount,I’llstartover…”Hebroughthishanddownonherrightcheek,andshe whispered‘one’.“Iwanttohearyou,girl!We’llstartagain.”Shewascryinghardbythe timehe’dgivenherthefirsttwenty,andbythirtyshewassobbingtoohardtobe understood.Hedecidedtohelpherout,andcountedwithher,givingherthelasttwentyon hersitspots.Thistimewhenhesatherdown,shecriedout,butshestayedinplace.He stood,handonhiships,andlookeddownather.Shewastheperfectpictureofawellspankedfemale. HeWhoWearsRedwalkedoverandaddressedhim.Johngrinned,andthen answeredthemaninhisowntongue. Susanwasscared.She’dbeenscaredforthelastweek,eversincetheIndians attackedtheirlittlewagontrain.Phillipwaskilled,sowasMaryElizabethandher husband,andthethreemenwhoworkedforPhillip.Herbelongingsweretakenor destroyed,andshehadnothingleftbutherverylife…!She’dbeenprodded,poked, slapped,andtreatedlikethelowestslavebythethreewomenhercaptorgaveherto.At leastshehadn’tbeenrapedbyhim,butshe’dseenhimlookingatherwhenthethree womenwhosharedhisblanketswerebusyelsewhere.Itwasjustamatteroftimebefore heforcedherdown,andSusanwasterrifiedthatoncehedidthatshewouldneverbethe same.Thethreewomenalreadyhatedher,andtheytookeverypossibleopportunityto humiliateherandremindherthatshewastheirslave.Todayshe’ddecidednottotakeit anylonger.Whentheyoungestofthethreeyankedonherhair,she’dlosthertemper, grabbedastickandwentafterher.Theyoungestwifehadsquealedinterror,andtheother twowomencametoheraid,butSusanwasfedup,andshedecidedthatallthreeofthem weregoingtogetatasteofherstick.Theywouldeitherenduprespectingherandtreating herbetter,ortheywouldkillher.Atthispoint,shedidn’treallycare.

ShewatchedwarilyastheIndianwhocapturedhertalkedtothemanwho’d spankedher.Shewasshockedwhenthemanspokeandshecouldunderstandhim.These Indianshatedwhites…butherehewas,walkingabouttheirencampmentasifhebelonged. Shetriednottogetherhopesup,butmaybehewouldsaveher?Rescueher.Shewould offertopayhimtogetheroutofhere,butallofherworldlypossessionsweregone.The moneythatPhilliphadwashiddeninthewagonthattheIndiansburned…Shehad absolutelynothing.Notevenherprideanddignity.He’dspankedher…infrontofthe Indians!She’dcried,andbeggedhimtostop,andknewthatthethreewomenwouldmake herlifealivinghellfromnowon.She’dratherdie…! Johnkeptawatchfuleyeonthelittleredhead.Sheseemedlostinherownthoughts, andhecouldn’tblameher.HeWhoWearsRedadmittedthathe’dkilledherhusbandand fiveotherpeoplebeforetakinghercaptive.Johnrealizedshewasprobablygrieving,butit reallydidn’tmatter.Shewasn’tavirgin,andshewouldkeephisbedwarm.Shehad enoughspiritlefttomakeitinterestingtolivewithher.Hecouldprettymuchguarantee thatshewouldgivehimanexcusetotakeheroverhiskneefairlyoften,andthatsuitedhim justfine.Wasperfectinfact,andhewillinglypaidHeWhoWearsRedwhatheasked,after abitofhaggling,ofcourse.Hedidn’twanttoappeartooeager,andHeWhoWearsRedwas anxioustohavepeacerestoredtohislodge.Johndidn’tenvythemanhavingthreewives tokeephappy.Finally,thebargainwasstruck,andheturnedtothefemaleandsaid, “You’recomingwithme,girl.”Heheldouthishand,wonderingifshewouldtakeit willingly,orifhe’dhavetodragheroutofthecampkickingandscreaming.Itdidn’tmatter tohim. Susanlookedathishand,thenputhersinhisandlethimpullhertoherfeet.Heled hertohishorseandmounted,andthenhepulledheruptositinfrontofhim.Shecriedout whenherbottommadecontactwiththesaddle,andthenflashedhimadirtylookwhenhe chuckled. “Youhaveafinetemper,don’tyou,girl?”heteased,wavinggoodbyetotheIndians watchingthemleave. “I’msore,”sheconfessed,hardlydaringtobelievehewasgettingheroutofhere, andthatshewasrescued. “Thenyou’dbestbewatchingthattemperofyours,andthatsassymouth,”he warnedcordially.“I’llnotbesogentleifIhavetotakeyouovermykneeagainsoon.”She shivered,andhewasn’tsureifitwashiswords,orthenipintheair.Hereachedbehind him,anduntiedthebedrollhecarriedwhenherodeawayfromhiscabin.Hetookthe blanketandwrappeditaroundherslendershoulders.“Here.Thatdressofyoursdoesn’t lookverywarm.” “Thankyou.”Shepulledtheblanketaroundher,surprisedtorealizethatshefelt safeforthefirsttimeinoveraweek.TheIndianstookhercoatandhatandscarffromher, andshewaswearingheroldestdressandshoesthedayoftheattack;theydidn’tcareifshe wascold…orhungry.Andnow,shewassaved,andwrappedinanice,warmblanket.For thefirsttimeinaweek,Susanclosedhereyesandsleptsoundly. Johnfelttheredheadslumpandrealizedshe’dfallenasleep.Heeasedherback againsthisbodytomakeiteasiertoholdherandkeepherfromfallingoffhishorse.He’d alreadynoticedthatshewasmuchtoothinandhewasprettysuretheIndiansonlyfedher enoughtokeepheralive.Hewonderedifshewasgrievingforherhusband;somehowshe seemedtoofullofspiritforthat.Ofcourse,shedidhaveredhair,andredheadswere

famousforhavingatemper!Johnsmiledasherecalledhowshe’dfoughtHeWhoWears Red’sthreewives,holdingthemoffwithastickandgivingthemtheworstendofthe confrontation.Thegirlhadspirit,andheadmiredspiritinafemale. ******************** WhenSusanfinallywokeupshewasstartledtofindherselflyinginbedwithaman whosenameshedidn’tevenknow!Hehadhisarmwrappedaroundherandshewasn’t abouttotoleratethatkindoffamiliarity!Hewasn’therhusbandandhehadnorighttobe inbedwithher!Withoutgivingitanythoughtwhatsoever,shewiggledabituntilshecould getsomeleverageagainstthewallofthecabinandshekickedwithallhermight,sending themanflyingoutofbedtolandonhisbuttonthefloor.Shefeltasenseoftriumphathis gruntofpainandnoddedinsatisfactionassherecalledhowhehadspankedher!Itwas onlyfairthathesuffered,too!But,herbravadofadedwhenhecameupoffthefloorwith anangryroar. “Didyoukickmeoutofmyownbed,girl?”Johngrowled,andwhenhesawherturn herchinupinagestureofpurestubbornness,hehadhisanswer.“Youlittlehellion,”he saidinathreateningtoneofvoiceasheclimbedonthebedonhiskneesandgrabbedfor her.Shebackedoutofreach,buthefollowed,andsnaggedherwristinhishandandpulled hertowardhim. Susancriedoutinfearastheangrymanhauledheroverhisrightthighuntilher headwasdanglingoffthebedwhiletherestofherwasonthefeathertickmattress. “Don’t!”shepleadedassheimmediatelyrealizedwhyshewasinthehumiliatingposition. “Pleasedon’tspankmeagain!I’mstillsorefromthelasttime!”shebegged. “Ifyoudidn’twantaspankingthenyoushouldn’thavekickedmeoutofbed,girl!” Johnsaidmatter-of-factly.“ThereisnowayI’mgoingtopermityoutobehavelikethatand getawaywithit,andbestyoulearnitrightnow.” Shefelthimturnupherskirtthen,andtohercompletemortification,hetuggedon herdrawersandthethreadbarefabricripped,exposinghertohisgaze.“No!!!!”Shetried toraiseup,andwhenshecouldn’t,shelungedforwardandwouldhavecrackedherhead onthefloorifhisreflexesweren’tsoquick.Hecaughtherandpulledherbackandshe criedoutinpainashishandfellonherverytenderbottom.“Owwwww!”shehowled. “Don’tdothis!” “Youmightaswellsettledown,girl,becauseyouaregoingtogetyourhindseton fireforthatbitofnastiness.Iwon’tbekickedoutofmyownbed.” “Youhadnorighttobeinbedwithme!”sheaccused.“Youhadyourarmaround me!” “Girl,IbarteredwithHeWhoWearsRedforyou.You’llbespendingalotoftimein mybedwithme,”heannounced,continuingtospankherbottom,whichwasturninga brightredafterjustafewswats. “No!Iwon’tshareyourbed!Youdon’townme!” “Girl,Iownyouandyouain’tgoinganywhere.” “Ouch!”Shetriedtotwistfree.“Stopthisatonce!Iwon’tbemanhandled!”she criedout,hisattitudefuelinghertemper.“I’llleaveifIwish!” “Noyouwon’t.”Hesmackedherbarebottomagainasshedrummedherfeetonthe feathertick.“Youaregoingtosettledown,girl,andpronto,oryouwon’tsitforaweek,”he predicted.Hegaveheranotherpowerfulspankandasked,“Areyoureadytosay‘sorry’ yet?”hedemanded.

“Yes!”shesaidimmediately.Anythingtostopthepainfulpunishment.“I’msorry! Pleasestopnow!” “Idon’tthinkyoumeantthat,girl,”Johnpromptlydecided.“I’mgoingtohavetosee toityoumeanthewords.” “Noooooo!”shewailedashespankedevenharder,hishandlandingonhersitspots andupperthighsandturningthemasredasherbottom.“Pleasestop!Please!I’msorry!” Shestartedcrying. “Tenmore.Count,”heordered. “Ican’t!”shesobbed.“Please,nomore.” “Theydon’tcountuntilyoustart,”hewarned. “Damnyou!ONE.Ihateyou!TWOOOO!Ouch!Three…Stop,please!Fourrrrrrr! Fiiive!OWWWWWWWW!Youneedtostop!Ican’tstandthis….Siiix.Please,please… Sevvven!Enough.OhGod,nomore….Eight…You’reworsethantheIndians!NINE! Teeeen!”Susansobbedandwhenheliftedherontothebed,shecrawledintothecorner andpulledthequiltoverherandgavehimherback. “Neverdothatagain,girl,orI’lltakemybeltoff.”Johnhatedhearinghercrylike that,buthewasn’tabouttoapologize.Sheneededalesson,andhewasgoingtostartashe meanttogoon.Shewouldrespecthiminhisownhome,evenifhishomewasjustasimple oneroomcabin.Itwaswherehelived,andhepaiddearlytogetheroutofthatIndian campandintohisbedforthewinter.Sheshouldbegratefultohim;shewouldn’thave survivedthewinterwithHeWhoWearsRedandhisthreewives.Johnwaiteduntilshe criedherselftosleep,andthenhepermittedhimselftorelaxandgobacktosleep. ******************** Susanwokeagainandshestifledamoanasshetriedtomove.Shewasextremely soreandputtinganyweightonherbottomwasimpossible.Themanwasstillsleeping,but thistimeshewasn’tgoingtokickhimoutofbed.No,shewasgoingtotryandriseandget herselfoutofthecabinandfindsomeoneinthesettlementtohelpher.Shebackedtothe bottomofthebed,andquietlyclimbedoverthefootboard.Onceshewasonherfeet,she foundhershoesandthenheadedforthedoorofthecabin.Sheletherselfoutsideand lookedaroundindismay.Thecabinwasinthemiddleofnowhere,andshehadnoideain whichdirectionsheshouldgotofindhelp. “Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”Johndemanded,standinginthedoorway.He wokeuptheverysecondheheardthedoorofthecabinopenandclose. “Iwashopingwewereinatownorsettlementofsomesort.Iwanttogetaway fromyou!”Hergreeneyesweresnappingwithtemper,anditwaseasytoseeshewas angry.“YoumighthaverescuedmefromtheIndians,butIamafreewoman,andIrefuse tostayherewithyouasyourbedwarmer!”Shesaidthelasttwowordswithasmuch contemptaspossible. “Girl,thereisnoreasonforyoutobesoriled.Ibarteredforyou;it’snotlikeyou ain’tbeenmarried.Idon’tplantohurtyounone,justkeepwarmthroughthelongwinter ahead.It’sdamncoldouthere,sogetyourfannyinsideandI’llshowyouwherethe suppliesaretofixussomebreakfast.” “I’mnotyourslave,andIwon’tcookforyou!”Susanwashighlyinsulted.“Ididn’t exchangeoneformofcaptivityforanother.Youareawhitemanandyoushouldknow better!”

“IgrewupinGeorgia,”heinformedher.“Myfamilyownsaplantationthere. Slaveryislegal…andwhetheryoulikeitornot,whenthoseIndianscapturedyou,they madeyouaslave,andIbarteredforyou,andnowyoubelongtomeuntilIdecidetoletyou go.IspenteverythingIhadonyou,girl,andIamnotspendingthewinteralone.Itgets lonelyuphere.NowcomeoninsidebeforeIhavetoheatyourbacksideagain.”Hesawher eyeswideninfear,andshequicklyobeyedhim,althoughtearsofangerfilledthosepretty eyes. “Ihateyou!”shetoldhim,meaningeveryword. “Youdon’tknowmewellenoughtohateme,”hecalmlyansweredandthenlooked downather,“Whatisyourname,girl?”Whenshelookedathimdefiantly,herepeated himself,“Whatisyourname?” “Mrs.PhillipJamison.” “Notanymore,accordingtoHeWhoWearsRed.Hemadeyouawidow…AndI won’tcallyouMrs.Jamison.WhatisyourChristianname?”Sheglaredathim,andhe shookhishead.“Youdotryaman’spatiencethisearlyinthedaybeforeI’veevenhada cupofcoffee.Tellme,didyourhusbandhavetotakeastraptoyoudailytokeepyouin line?” “No!Phillipneverstruckme!”shedenied. “Well,thatcertainlyexplainswhyyoufeelsofreetoprovokeme,doesn’tit,girl?I’m notabitlikeyourdeadhusband,”hetoldher,hiswordssoftascouldbe.“Ifyoudon’tgive meyourname…now…I’mgoingtobendyouoverandsetyourhindonfiretostartthe day.”Helookedather,hisdarkeyebrowarchingupwards.“Well?” “Susan.MynameisSusan,”sheanswered. “MynameisJohnJericho,Susie,”henodded.“Now,let’sseeaboutsomebreakfast. I’mhungry,andneitherofusateanythinglastnight.” Susanabruptlyrealizedshewasstarving.TheIndianshadn’tgivenhermuchinthe wayoffood,andithadbeenagoodtwodayssinceshewasgivenanythingatall,exceptfor thewatershemanagedtosneakwhenshewasn’tbeingwatched.Shepaidattentionwhen Johnshowedherwheretolocatefood,anditwasn’tlongbeforeshehadbaconoverthefire inafryingpan.Cookingoverafireplacewasnothingnewtoher,andwithinashorttime, theirfoodwasreadytoeat. JohndecidedtoletSusaneatinpeace,andhedidn’tmakehersitdowntodoso.He knewshehadtobesorefromthespankingshe’dgivenher,andhewouldnormallyseetoit shesatdownandobservedthepropermannershe’dbeentaughtbyhisMother.Thisone time,however,hewasgoingtolethertaketheedgeoffherhungerandenjoyherfirst decentmealinoveraweek.Oncehefinished,shewasstilleatingandsavoringeverylast bite,andsippinghercoffeeslowlywithhereyesclosed.He’drunoutofcoffeethelast winterhespentuphere,andheknewwhatitwasliketodowithoutthestrongbrew.It pleasedhimtoseeherenjoyingthesimplepleasureandrelishingeverysecondoffilling herbelly. Shefinallystoppedeatingandlookedathimsheepishly.Hesmiledandasked,“Have youhadenoughnow,Susie?Ifnot,feelfreetomakesomemore.” “Thankyou,butIamfullnow,”shesaid,hercheeksturningpink. “Noneedtobeembarrassed.I’msureHeWhoWearsRed’swivesmadesureyou didn’tgetmuchtoeat,andIknowyoudidn’tgetanycoffeeintheircamp.”

“No,theyonlygavemesomethingtoeattwice.”Hereyesfilledwithtearsatthe memory.“Iwasstarved,slapped,pinched,worked,andlefttiedtoatreeoutsideatnightto freeze.” “Wasthattheworstofit?”heasked,lookingathermeaningfully. “Ifyou’reaskingifIwasabusedasawoman…No,Iwasn’t.Itwasonlyamatterof timebeforeithappened,however.ThemanwhokilledPhillipandcapturedmewaskept busybyhiswives,orhewouldhaveforcedme,”sheadmitted.“Iwasterrified,”she whispered. “Hewon’tbotheryounow,Susie.” “MynameisSusan!”shescolded. “IlikeSusie,”hestatedwithagrin. “Well,Idonot!Iwanttogotoatownorsettlement,Mr.Jericho.Ihavefamilyin OhiothatIcanaskforfinancialhelpsoIcangethome.” “Susie,youarestayingrightherewithmethiswinter.Youmightaswellacceptthat fact,oryouaregoingtospendalotoftimeovermykneegettingyourprettylittlebackside reddened!”

Chapter Two

“Iamnotyourslave,JohnJericho,anditdoesn’tmatterifyoubeatmedaily,Iamnot stayingherewithyouforthewinter,noramIgoingtopermityouforceyourselfuponme! Haveyounomorals?”Susandemandedshrilly.“IinsistyoutakemetosomeplaceIcan arrangetogobackhome.” “Didyoufeelhowcolditisoutthere,Susie?”Johnasked.“It’sgoingtosnowanyday now,andwearetoofarawayfromasettlementforyoutogettherewithoutfreezingto death.Youarestuckhereuntilspring.Youcanwashupthesedishes,andthenwe’llseeif wecan’tcomeupwithsomethingwarmerforyoutowearthanthatpoorexcusefora dress.” “Foryourinformation,thisistheoldestdressIowned!Therestwereeitherstolen orburnedwithourwagon,includingPhillip’ssavings!”Susanwasangryandmakingno bonesaboutit. “Ifyou’dbeenwearingsomethingnicetheywouldhavetakenitandleftyou completelynaked,”Johnstatedmatter-of-factly. “Theydidtakemycoatandscarfandmyglovesandhat,”shebitterlyadmitted,still veryupsetoverthecallouswayshewastreated.Ifshethoughtherlifemiserablelivingin thecoveredwagon,shewastrulymiserable,andterrified,intheIndianencampment. “Iknowthelastweekhasn’tbeeneasyforyou,girl,butit’sovernowandtimetoget alongwithyourlife.Grievingcan’tbringbackthedead,”hestatedwithcertainty,watching hergreeneyestoseeifsheshowedanysignofgrievingforherhusband. “Iamwellawareofthat,Mr.Jericho,”shesaidinasharptoneofvoice.“Butifyou thinkthatI’llshareabedwithyousinceIamawidow,youaresadlymistaken.Iwillnot, andtheonlywayyoucanmakethathappenisifyouforceme!”Sheglaredathim,silently daringhimtochallengeherdecision. “Thereismorethanonewaytohaveyouwillinginmybed,Susie.Icouldwithhold food,orsityououtsideinthecold,orIcouldblisteryourhinduntilyoudecidethatsharing mybedisthebestoptionyouhave.Youthinkaboutthatwhileyoudoupthesedishes.”He wasbluffing,andfromthelookinhergreeneyes,Susieknewit.“No,Iwon’tstarveyouand Iwon’tfreezeyou,Susie.Thereareother,moreenjoyableways,tohaveyouwarmingmy bed.”Hercheeksturnedpinkwithembarrassment.“GetbusynowwhileIfindsomething foryoutowear.” Susanwantedtopickupthecoffeepotandhurlitattheaggravatingman,but commonsensetoldherhewouldjustturnheroverhiskneeagain,andshewasmuchtoo soreforthat.JohnJerichohadrescuedherfromtheIndians,andforthatreasonalone,she shouldbethankful.Infact,theonlyreasonshewasupsetwiththemanwasbecausehe thoughtheownedher,andthatpayingforhergavehimrightstoherbody.Itdidn’t.Still, evenwhenshekickedhimoutofbedthismorning,hehadn’treallyharmedher.Yes,hedid spankher…soundly…butshedeservedaspanking,shewashonestwithherself.Phillip wouldhavegivenherhisfist. JohnwaswellawareofeverymoveSusanmadeasshecleanedupaftertheir breakfast.Shewasdeepinthoughtandhewonderedifshewasthinkingofrunningaway, orifherthoughtswereofherdeadhusbandandallshe’dlost.Shedidn’tseemtobe

grieving,butheknewfromexperiencethatapersoncouldhidetheirdeepestfeelingsfrom theworldiftheychoseto.Susiewasgoingtobearwatching,hedecided.Withhertemper shewaswildlyunpredictable.Thefactthatsheexpectedhimtorapeheratanymoment didnothingtolessenherfearofhim;sheprobablyfeltshe’dtradedoneenslavementfor another,andhedidn’twanthertofeelthatway.Still,hewasgoingtoconvincehershe neededhiswarmthasmuchasheneededhers.Hecouldbepatientforacouplemoredays whilehegavehersometimetogettoknowhimbetter.ThecommentSusiemadeabouthis havingnomoralshadprickedhisconscience.HissweetlittleMotherwouldbeappalledat thewayhewasbehaving. “Doyouknowhowtosew,Susie?”Johnaskedofher. “Yes,Ido,”sheadmitted,lookingattheclothheheldinhishands.Itcertainlywasn’t thekindofdressfabricshewasusedto! “Iknowthisain’tpretty,butitisthebestIcando.Astinyasyouare,Ifigureyou cangetaskirtandatopoutofit,andwecanuseaheavyblankettomakeyouacoatof sortsforwhenyouneedtogooutside.” “Nothankyou,”shesaidprimly. “No…?Whyno?”Hewasshockedatherrefusal.“Thisisn’tgoodenoughforyou, princess?” “ThatlookslikewhattheIndianswore!I’mnotanIndian!”shesnapped. “Yes,thisisbuckskin.It’swarm,Susie,andevenwithafire,thiscabingetspretty darnchillyattimes.You’llfreezetodeathinthatragyou’rewearing.Youdon’thaveto makeyourclothinginthesamestyleastheirs,”heinsisted. “No.”Susandidn’twantanythingthatremindedherofthemosthorribleexperience ofhershelteredlife. “Youarebeingfoolish,girl,”Johnstated. “Maybeso,butmymindismadeup.I’lljustwrapupinablanketifIgetcold,”she decided. “Youcan’tcookwithablanketdrapedaroundyouallthetime.You’llcatchiton fire.” “WhosaidIamgoingtocook?”sheaskedtartly. “Yourhusbandshouldhavetakenasticktoyourbacksideafewtimes,girl,”John announced,andSusancouldseehewascontemplatingdoingjustthat.“Youmightaswell learnrightnowthatIexpectyoutofixourmeals,Susie.Iwillprovidethefoodforyouto cookforus.I’llhelpyoukeepthisplacetidy,butthedishesareyourstodo.It’swoman’s work.” “Whodoesitwhenyouarealonehere?”sheputherhandsonherhipsand demanded. “Ido,ofcourse,butthatisdifferent.Nomanworthbeingcalledamandoesthe cookingandwashingupafterwhenhehasawomantodoit.Didyourhusbandcook?”he askedsuspiciously. “No.” “Areyoualwayssotesty,Susie?”heasked,deliberatingonthebestwaytohandle thecontraryfemale. “No.Infact,Iwasconsideredmeekandmildandobedientinmyparents’home.” Shecouldseeinhisdarkeyesthathedidn’tbelieveher.“Ievenmarriedthemanmyfather

pickedforme,andyoucanseehowwellthatturnedout,”shesaid,hergreeneyesfilling withtears. “Didyoulovethemanatall?”Johnaskedcuriously.Hewantedtounderstandthe prettyredhead. “No,Idespisedhim!” Johnwasstartledbyhervehementreply.“Didhemistreatyou?”heasked. “Yes.Idonotwishtodiscussthedetails,Mr.Jericho!”Sheturnedupherchinina stubbornmanner.“ThatlifeisnowoverandIwishtoreturntomyhome.” “ComespringI’llseetoityougethome,Susie,”Johnpromised.“But,forthiswinter, youbelongtome.”Themeaningbehindhiswordswasn’tlostonSusanandbeforehe realizedwhatshewasgoingtodoshegrabbedfortheknifeshe’dusedtosliceoffthebacon earlierthatmorning.Sheglaredathimdefiantly,fullypreparedtofight. “Iwillnotbeyourslave,JohnJericho.I’llcutyouifyoutrytotakemebyforce!”she promised,wavingtheknifearoundandobviouslytryingtofrightenhim. “Susie,unlessyouwantanothersoundspanking,you’llputthatknifedownright now.Infact,I’veagoodmindtospankyoufortryingtothreatenme!”heannounced, reconsideringhiswords. “Youaren’tgoingtospankmeagain,either!Noonehaseverdonethatbefore,and youareabeastfortreatingmelikeachild!”Susanwasn’tpunishedasachild.Shedidas shewastold,andshewasalwaysthe‘goodlittlegirl’,thechildwhoalwaysdidtheright thingandobeyed…evenwhenshedidn’twantto.“Iwanttogohomenow,Mr.Jericho!” “Doyouwanttodie,Susie?”Johnaskedinalowvoice. “No!” “Youwillifyoutrytoleaveforthesettlementnow.Itisgoingtosnow,andwhenit does,wewillbetrapped.Youaren’tdressedtofacetheelements,girl.Nowputthatknife downorIamgoingtotakeitfromyouandblisteryougoodforputtingmetothetrouble. Youdon’tevenknowhowtoholdaknife!”heaccused. Susansawamusementinhiseyesanditmadeherveryangry.Withoutstoppingto think,sheflewathim.Shewouldnotbehisslaveandshewouldnotsharehisbed! Johnwasreadyfortheattack.Susan’sgreeneyesgavehimplentyofwarningthat shewasgoingtobefoolishandattempttotakehimdown.Ittookhimmeresecondsto disarmher.Heputtheknifeonashelfwhereshecouldn’treachitandthenhepulledher aroundtofacehim,hishandsonherupperarmsasifheintendedtoshakeher.Hedidgive herasingleshake,butitwasn’tviolent.Hesawthefearinhereyesandsaidquietly,“Susie, IhavetoldyouIwillnotrapeyou.Iintendtomakeyouwantmeandcometomewillingly. Doyouhearmenow?” Susannodded.Sheheardhimbutshedidn’tbelievehimforevenonemoment!She wouldnevergotohimwillingly. Hegaveheranothergentleshakeandthenscolded,“Doyouhaveanyideahow foolishitwasforyoutoturnaknifeonme,girl?YousawhoweasilyItookitfromyou. WhatdoyouthinkwouldhappentoyouifyouwoundedmesoIcouldn’tprotectyoufrom whatisoutsidethatdoor?”hedemanded.“Youwouldfreezetodeath,girl,ifyoutriedto leave.And,ifthatdidn’thappen,youmightbetakencaptivebytheIndiansagain.Oreven worse,comeacrosssometrapperswhowouldtreatyouworsethantheIndiansdid.Do youunderstandthis,Susan?”

Shenoddedoncemore,notabouttoopenhermouthandangerhimfurther.His handswerelargeandifhestartedbeatingher,shemightnotsurvive! “Sinceyouclaimtounderstand,thendoyouunderstandthatyou’veearnedyourself agoodspanking?”heasked,determinedtobringhertohersenses. “Noooo!”Susanwailed.Shetwistedfreeofthegrasphehadonherarmsandmoved totheothersideofthetable. “Yes,Iamafraidso.Whenyoubehavebadly,thenyouwillbepunished,andthis wasseriousenoughtoearnyouaverysorehind.”Hewatchedhermovefartheraway,and thensmiledashepulledoutachairandsatdown.“I’mnotgoingtochaseyouthistime, Susie.Youaregoingtothinkabouttheconsequencesofpullingaknifeonamantwiceyour size.Whenyouareready,youwillbringmethewoodenspoonandhandittomeandask foryourspanking.ThenyouwillpullupyourskirtsandlieovermylapwhileIsetyour sweetbuttonfire.” “Iwillnot!”Shequicklydecided. “Yesyouwill.ThelongerIsitonthischairwaitingisthatmuchlongeryouaddto yourspanking,andtheadditionalconsequencesyouhaveearnedwillalsobeprolonged.It wouldbetoyouradvantage,Susie,toacceptthatyouaregoingtobespankedforyour foolishness,andcometomeatonce.” “No,Ican’t!”Sheknewherfacewasabrightburningred. “Whynot?Areyoutellingmethatitisokayforyoutoputaknifeinme?”Hewas determinedthatshewasgoingtoadmitshe’dbehavedbadlyandearnedaspanking.“Was Iharmingyou?” “No,butyouwerethreateningme!”sheexclaimed. “Howisthat?” “YoukeeptellingmeIhavenochoicebutstayherewithyou.” “Youdon’t,Susie.Thewinterweatherwillseetothat.Iamgivingyoushelter;is thatareasontoattackme?” “No,notwhenyouputitthatway,butyoukeepimplyingIwillshareyourbedandI won’tdothat!” “HaveIsaidthatIwillforceyou?”Thedarkeyeslookingatherwereshamingher;it wasanewfeeling,andshedidn’tlikeitatall.“Well?”Heinsistedsheanswerhim. “No,yousaidyouwouldn’tuseforce,”sheadmittedthetruth,refusingtomeethis gaze. “Thenwhydidyouturnaknifeagainstme,girl?”Whenshedidn’treply,hesaid,“It wasbecauseofyourtemper,andIknowexactlyhowtodealwiththat.Fetchthewooden spoonandcometome,Susie.We’llgetthisspankingoverwithandthenyou’llfaceanother consequence,onethatwon’tbeaspainfultoyourbottom,butwillmakeyousquirmnonethe-less.” “Ican’t!”shewhispered. “Youcan.Nowobeyoryou’llearnastrappingfordefianceaswell.” “I’mtoosoreforanotherpunishment!”Shelookedathimpleadingly. “Thatistoobad,Susie.Youshouldhaveconsideredyourhindbeforeyouturned thatknifeonme.Surelyyoudidn’tthinkIwouldpermityoutogetawaywiththat?”he asked. “Ijustwantedyoutoleavemealone!”

“Andyouaccomplishedwhat?Earningaspanking…?Seemstomethatyouneed yourmannersmended,girl.ThisisthelastchanceI’mgoingtogiveyoutomakethis spankingeasieronyourself.Ifyoudon’tcomerightnow,I’llfetchastrapwhenweare throughwiththis.” Hemeantit,sherealized.Hetrulyexpectedhertowalkovertohimandaccepta spankingwiththewoodenspoonshewassupposedtobringtohim!Ifshedidn’tdoexactly whathesaid,hewouldstrapher,too!Therewasnochoicebuttoobeyhim,evenifshe didn’twantto!Hewasstronger,andhe’dalreadyproventhattobetrue.Reluctantly,she walkedovertothetableagainstthewallandpickedupawoodenspoon.Ithadalarge, thickbowlononeend,andalonghandle.Therewasnochanceofitbreaking. Johnwatchedhermoveslowlyanddeliberatelyandhecouldseeshewasstruggling withherselftoacceptaspanking.Hecouldn’timaginethisgirlbeingthe‘goodgirl’she claimedtobe.Itjustwasn’tpossible!Whenshewasinfrontofhimheheldouthishand, butshequicklyhidthespoonbehindherback.Johnwantedtolaugh,butnothingonhis facepermittedhishumortoshow. “Don’tuseaspoon,please!”shebegged.“YouhavenoideahowsoreIam!” Hecontinuedtolookatherandheheldhisoutstretchedhandsteady.Whenhe raisedonedarkeyebrow,Susanslappedthebowlofthespoononthepalmofhishandas hardasshecould.Johnwassurprisedathowmuchithurt,buthedidn’tacknowledgethe paininanyway.Hewasn’tabouttogivetheredheadthesatisfactionofknowingshe’dhurt him.Hepattedhisthighwithhislefthand.Susanstompedherfootinanger,butsheput herselfacrosshislap. “Youdidn’tpullupyourskirts,girl,”hesaid,remindingher. “Ican’tdothat!”shewhispered.“Pleasedon’tmakeme!”shebegged.“I’msorryI threatenedyouwiththeknife,”sheconceded. Johnsmiledtohimself.“Doyouagreeyouearnedthisspanking,Susie?”heasked consideringly. Susanwantedtodenyit,ofcourse,butshecouldn’t.Shehad behavedbadly.“Yes,” shewhispered,andthenadded,“Pleasedon’tbeharshwithme.Iregretmybehavior.” “Ibelieveyou,Susie,”hepattedherbottomgently,andshewinced.“Ihatetohave topunishyouwhenyouaresosore,butifIletyougetawaywithpullingaknifeonme,I havenoideawhatyou’lltrynext.Iwill,however,pullupyourskirtssinceyouwereableto admityouearnedaspanking.” Susanwantedthefloortoopenupandswallowherwhenheraisedherdressand theoneremainingpetticoatsheowned.Hehadruinedherdrawersearlierwhenheripped themfromherandshewascompletelybaretohisgaze.Truthfully,knowingthathecould lookuponherwhenthecabinwasfulloflightwasembarrassingandshameful.Sheclosed hereyes,tryingtopreventtearsfromescapingbutthefirstsplatofthewoodenspoonon hersorebottomopenedhereyesinahurry!“Owwww!”shecriedoutinpain.“Oh,stop, please!ItOwwwwwwwwhurts!”sheproclaimed. “Aspankingissupposedtohurt,”hetoldheroncemore,andcontinuedtoredden herbacksidewithpurposeanddetermination.Hercriesofpainupsethim,andthe spankinghegaveherwasmuchlessseverethanheplanned,buthecontinuedtoapplythe spoontoherhind.“Areyougoingtothreatenmeagain,younglady?”heasked. “No!Iwon’t!”shepromised,andshetrulymeantthewords.“I’msosorry!”

“Wearefarfromfinishedwiththis,”heannounced.“Whatyoudidwasserious,”he punctuatedhiswordswithahardercrackofthespoononherroundedbottom.Sheyelped andstartedcryingevenharderthanbefore.“Anothermanmighthavehurtyou,Susie.If you’dpulledaknifeonHeWhoWearsRed,hewouldhavetorturedyoutodeath,probably withthesameknifeyoutriedtouseonhim!”Hegaveherseveralmorehardspankswith thespoon,andwatchedtheovalsturnadeepdarkredonherskin.“Itwasfoolish,Susie,” heinsisted.“Doyouhearme?” “Yes!”shesobbed.“Please,nomore!I’llbegood,”shepromised.Anythingtostop thetormentonherbottom! “I’llstopaslongasyouagreetoaccepttherestofyourpunishment,”hestated, continuingtopepperherbottomwithhardcracksofthespoon. “Iwill!”shescreamedfrantically. Johnstoppedthespankingandcalmlyliftedhertoherfeet.Shewasstillcrying,and hecouldn’tblameherforthat.Itwaseasytoseethatthislastspankingwasgoingtoleave somebruisesonherdelicateskin.Hestoodandturnedhertowardthetable.“Bendover here,Susan,andputyourlegsapart.YouwillstayinthispositionuntilIgiveyouleaveto riseandloweryourskirts.Itisasmallpunishmenttoencourageobedienceoverdefiance. Thereistobenotalking,andyouwillkeepyourlegsspreadtheentiretimeanddonothing topreventmefromlookingatyoursweettreasures.”Hepattedherverysorebottomand said,“Doyouunderstandwhatyouaretodo,Susie?” Shenodded,mortifiedattheposition.Shewasshowinghimherprivatemostarea asapunishment.Heknewitwouldshameher,anditdid.Ittookallofherwillpowerto remainbentoverthetable.Ifheweretocomeupbehindherrightnowshewouldhaveno waytostophimfromtakingher!Shefeltamomentortwoofpanic,butforcedherselfto staycalm.Whenhewasn’twatchingher,shewouldleave.Hehadnorighttoforceherto stayhereagainstherwill. Susiecouldn’thelpsquirmingandJohnwonderedwhatshewasthinking.Heknew whathewasthinking,andrealizedhe’dbeenmuchtoolongwithoutawoman’scompany. Ifhedidn’tendherpunishmentquickly,hewoulddosomethingthatwouldcompletely woundandshamehisMotherifshelearnedofit.“Susie,youcangetupnowandgoabout yourbusiness,”hesaidbriskly,avertinghiseyesfromhersweetbody. Susandidn’tneedtobetoldtwice.Shestoodanddroppedherskirts,andwentto lookoutthewindow,tryingtocalmherselfandstopcrying.Hopefullyhewouldgooff somewhere,orfallasleep…anythingtogiveherachancetoescape.Butthatwasn’ttobe. Shedidn’trealizehewasbehindheruntilshefelthishandsonhershoulderspullingher aroundtofacehim.“Doyouneedtobeheldnow?”heaskedkindly. “No,”sheansweredandwhenshetriedtomoveawayhepermittedhertodoso. “Thencomeandwe’llseeifwecanmakeyousomethingthatwillkeepyouwarmer thanyouarenow.”Whenshewhirledtoglareathim,hehelduphishands.“Ididnotmean toinsultyou,Susie.Iwasn’ttalkingaboutyourhind.Yourarmsarecool,andIdon’twant youtofeelcoldthiswinter.Itisgoingtogetmuchcolderthanitisnow,andyou’lltakeillif wedon’tgetyououtofthisthindress.” Susanforcedherselftoaccepthiswordsatfacevalue.Shedidn’tbelieveitwould getcoldersoquickly.InOhioitwouldn’tsnowforatleastanothermonthattheearliest, andeventhenitwouldn’tamounttomuch.But,forwantofsomethingtooccupyher,she lookedatthebuckskin.

“Workingwiththisisabitdifferentthanwhatyou’reprobablyusedto,”Johntold her,patientlyexplaininghowtheywouldcutthepiecesandsewthemtogetherafter punchingholesinthepiecesandmakingtinystitches.Heshowedherallthetoolsthey wouldneedanditwasn’tlongbeforehe’dcutoutaskirt.Theshirttogowiththeskirthe fashionedafterhisown,onlymuchsmaller. Susanwassurprisedathowsofttheleatherwas,andevenmoresurprisedthata manwouldknowhowtosewsowell.Itlookeddifficulttoher,buthemadeitlookeasy. Shetooktheheavyblanketheofferedandfashionedaheavycloakthatwouldwraparound her,andshecutoutabelttotiearoundthecloaktokeepitclosedagainstthecoldweather. TheyworkedforafewhoursandJohnsaid,“Iamhungry,Susie.”Hewentand gatheredfoodandbroughtittoher.“Thisfornow,andthistomakeastewfortonight.” Hewaspleasedwhensheputasidehersewingandwenttowork.Maybethe spankingmademoreofanimpressionthanherealized.Hedidn’twanttohurther,just enjoyhercompanyforthewinter.Wasthatsomuchtoask? SusandecideditwasbesttoremaincompliantanddowhatJohnJerichoaskedof her,unlessitmeantsharinghisbed.Shewouldfighthimwitheverythingshehadifhe evenattemptedtobedher.Hercompliancewouldcausehimtolowerhisguard,andshe wouldmakegoodherescape.Ifonlyshehadsomeofthesleepingpowdershemadefrom rootsandherbs;shewouldslipitintohisfoodanditwouldgiveherplentyoftimeto escape. Herchancecamemuchsoonerthansheexpected.Johnwaskneelingbesideher, gettingmorewoodforthefire.Susanpickedupaheavyloghe’dmovedbehindhimandhit himovertheheadwithit.Johncrumpledinaheap,andshemadesurehewasfarenough awayfromthefireplacethathewouldn’tgetburned.Shegrabbedtheblanketcoatoffthe bedandleftthecabinandheadedforthesettlement.

Chapter Three

JohnJerichofoughtthroughtheblacknessgrippinghim,onlytorealizehisheadwas killinghim.Hethoughtitmightbeeasiertoletthedarknesstakehimoncemore,buthe wasawarethathewascold,andifhegaveintosleephecouldverywellfreezetodeath.He struggledtowakeup,andgroggilyputahandtothebackofhisheadandfeltahugelump therethatwasresponsibleforhiscondition.Hecheckedhisfingers,andthereweretraces ofblood.Heconcentratedonclearinghisheadenoughhecouldgettohiskneesandhe finallyrealizedhewascoldbecausethefirewasnearlyout.Headdedmorekindlingand oncethefirewasburningagain,headdedsomeheavierlogsontop. Susie!Wherethehellwasshe?Hadsomeonecomeupbehindhimandabductedher?  Hewasputtingmorewoodonthefire,andhehadnoideahowlongagothatwas.Someone hithimfrombehind.Hedidn’trecallfeelingcoldaironhisback,andhewouldhaveif someonehadopenedthecabindoor.Damnit!Thegirldidit!Shewaiteduntilhisbackwas turnedandshehithimwithsomethingheavyenoughtoknockhimoutcold! Johnwasangry…No,hewasbeyondangry!Hewasfurious!Howdareshedo somethinglikethat?And,whereinhellwasshe? Helookedaroundthecabin,and immediatelyrealizedshe’dtakentheheavyblankethe’dgivenhertomakeacoat.Thelittle foolwastryingtogettoasettlement!Sheobviouslydidn’tbelieveadamnthinghewarned herabout,andshewoulddieifhedidn’tgoafterher! Johnmethodicallypreparedhimselftogooutinthefreezingcoldweather,andwhen heopenedthecabindoor,hecursed.Itwassnowing,justashefeareditwould.Heturned aroundandtookhissnowshoesoffthewall.Hewouldneedthemifshe’dgoneveryfar. Andshehadatleastanhour’sheadstart.Withthesnow,anytracksshe’dmadewouldbe covered.Commonsensetoldhimshewouldn’theadtowardtheIndianencampment;he headedintheoppositedirection,hopingthelittleredheadhadn’tmetupwithdangerof anykind,human,animal,ornature. ******************** Susanwishedwithallherheartshe’dlistenedtoJohn.Shewascoldandmiserable anditwassnowingjustashesaiditwould.Theheavycapeshe’dmadefromtheblanket wasgrowingwetandheavyandshewasshivering.Thesnowwaswhirlingsomuchshe wasdisorientedanddidn’tknowwhereshewasgoing.Ifshedidn’tfindsheltersoonshe wasgoingtodie.Itwasallherownfault,too,andmaybeshedeservedtodieafterhitting Johnovertheheadandleavinghimthere!Shebehavedbadly,andshehadbeenhateful eversinceherfatherforcedhertomarryPhilip.JohnJerichodidn’thavetorescueher fromHeWhoWearsRed,buthedid,andhowdidshepayhimback?Ifshecouldhavea secondchance,shewouldtellJohnshewassorryandpromisetobehavemuchbetterthan shehadtothispoint. But,therewouldbenosecondchance.Evenifshehadn’tknockedJohn unconscious,whichshehad,hewouldn’tbeinclinedtoriskhislifetocomeforher,sillygirl thatshewas.Especiallyaftershe’dgivenhimnothingbuttrouble!She’dearnedthe spankingshegaveher,sowhydidshethinkshewassomuchwiserthanhimwhenitcame totheweather?JustbecauseitwasearlyforsnowinOhiodidn’tmeanitwasearlyfor snowhere…andthiswasturningintoaveryheavysnow,completewithbonechilling

wind.Shewassocoldandsotired.Sheneededtorest.Susantriedtoshakeoffthe lethargicfeelingoverwhelmingher,butfinallygaveupandfoundaspotthatwas somewhatprotectedfromthewindandblowingsnowandsatdownforjustafew momentstorest. ******************** Forafirstsnow,thiswasahumdinger,Johnadmittedtohimself.He’dbeenwalking foranhour,andthesnowwaspilingupfast.Ifhedidn’tfindSusansoon,shewouldn’t survive.Desperately,hepushedforward,hishopesoffindinghergrowingslimmerwith eachpassingminute.Hethoughtthatperhapsshewouldturnbackoncethesnowstarted, buthewouldhavemetherbynowifthatwasthecase.Hetookafewmorestepsand lookedtowardatreestandingbyitself.Hesawwhathethoughtwasarockunderneath, andthoughtitodd.Agustofwindblewthroughatthatmoment,andhesawwhat appearedtobearedstrandofhair.Johnhurriedforwardandwasshockedtorealizehow closehe’dcometopassingrightbySusiewithoutseeingher.Ifnotforherhair,hewould have. “Susie!”Hegaveherafirmshake.“Wakeup.Youhavetomoveoryou’llfreezeto death.” “I’mjustdreamingnow,”shesaid. “Youaren’tdreaming,Susie.Ihaveyounow.You’llbefineifyoulistentowhatI say.”Hestoodheronherfeet.“Openyoureyes,girl!”Hegaveheranothershake. “I’mcold,John,”shewhispered. “Iknow.Movingwillkeepyouwarmer.Let’sgo.Weneedtogetbacktothecabin. It’snotfar,”helied. Susanfoundherselfmovingforward,butshewasconvincedshewasdreaming.She tookafewsteps,andthensanktoherknees.“Iwanttosleepnow,”shesaid. “No!YougetupandwalkorIswearI’llheatyourhindagain,”hepromisedher,and tohisshock,shegiggled.Hepulledheruponcemore,andswattedherinthegeneralarea ofherbottom,positiveshecouldn’tfeelathingthroughherclothing.But,itseemedto encouragehertomove.ShemadeitfartherthistimewithJohnpushingandencouraging hertokeepputtingonefootinfrontoftheother. ThesnowcontinuedtofallharderandJohnfinallystrappedonthesnowshoesand pickedupSusantocarryher.Hecouldmakefastertimecarryingherthanhecouldby tryingtokeepheronherfeet.Thelastmiletothecabinwasthelongest,andJohnwasted notimegettingtheminside.Fortunatelytherewerestillembersinthefireplaceandhe wasabletogetafirestartedwithinashorttime.HethenstrippedSusanofhersodden clothingandshookhisheadatherfoolishness.Thefeistyredheadneededadamnedgood spankingandshewasgoingtogetonetorememberoncehewassureshewouldsurvive thisfoolishness. Hetuckedherinthebed,andthenstrippeddowntotheskin,too.Foodcouldwait untiltheybothwarmedupabit.Heusedhishandstorubhercoldskin,tryingtowarmher body. Susanwokefromapleasantdream.Shewastuckedintobed,snuggledunderneath warmblankets.Thecoldwasajustanunpleasantmemory,aswastrudgingthroughthe snow.Shewassafenow.Suddenlyhereyesflewopenasrealityreturnedwithajolt.She wasbackinthecabinandinbed,heldfirmlyinJohnJericho’sarms.Shewasalso completelynudeaswasthemanbesideher.Shegaspedindismay!Howonearthhadthis

happened!“Howcouldyoudothistome?”shedemanded,pullingawayfromhimand wakinghimfromasoundsleep.Sheatleastexpectedtohavesomememoryof…that…! Tearsfilledhereyes. “Girl,Ididn’tdoanythingtoyouexceptsaveyourlife!”Johngrowled,defending himself.HewasangrywithSusanandmadenoattempttohidehisfeelings.Hewatched hergreeneyesfillwithtearsandtohissurpriseshenoddedbeforespeaking. “You’reright,John.YousavedmylifeandIoweyoumygratitude.Iwaswrongto doubtyourwordabouttheweather.Iamsorryforstrikingyouandforrunningaway.In yourplaceI’mnotsosureIwouldhavebotheredcomingaftermeandrescuingmea secondtime.Icertainlyhaven’tdoneanythingtodeservesuchkindnessfromyou,butIam grateful,andIpromisethatifyougivemeasecondchance,Iwon’tbesuchapain.Iam trulysorry,”shesaidsosincerelythatheknewshemeanteveryheartfeltword. “Ialmostwalkedrightpastyou,Susie,”heconfessed,gentlypullingherbackunder theblankets.“Ifthewindhadn’tblowntheblanketandyourhair,Iwouldn’thaveseenyou underthattree.” “Godwaslookingoutforme,”sheadmitted,certainofthat.“Iaskedforhelp,even thoughIknowIdidn’tdeserveit,”sheconfessed.“Iwon’tbethatstupidagain,”she promised. “Iamsureyouwon’t,”heagreed. “Couldn’twejustpretendthatitdidn’thappen,John?”Shelookedathimhopefully. “Fortonight.”Hesurprisedherbyagreeing.“Youneedanotherkindofwarming tonight,”hestatedandwhenhereyesflewopen,hechuckled.“Notthatkind,either,”he grinned.“Youhadaclosecalltoday,girl.Iwantyoutomakesurethatyourtoesand fingersareokaybeforewedealwiththehidingyouhavingcoming…”Hegotoutofbedand sawherfaceturnscarletassherealizedhewasn’twearingastitchofclothing.“Iwasjust gettingusbothwarm,Susie.WhenImakelovetoagirlIwantherawakeandwilling.”He grabbedadrypairofunderwearfromatrunkandpulledthemonoverhislegsandthen overhisarmsandshouldersbeforebuttoningthemupthefront.Drysockswerenext. “Susie,youactlikeyouain’teverseenamangetdressed.Howlongwereyoumarried?” “Notlong,”sheadmitted,herfaceburning. “Notevenlongenoughtoseehiminhislongjohns?”hequeried.Sheshookherhead backandforthindenial.Hewasconfused.“Susie,Iknowyoudidn’tliketheman,butif youwasmarried,hehadcertainrights.Hehadtogetoutofhisbritchessometime?” MaybethisPhilipwassomesortofPuritanwhomadesuretheroomwaspitchblackand fumbledunderthesheets.Ifthatwasthecase,thenitwasnowonderthatSusiewas fightinghimtoothandnailagainstsharinghisbed. “Philipdidn’ttouchmelikethat.”Susanwasashamedtoadmitthetruth.“Wewere marriedforsixmonths,andallhedidwasbeatmewithhisfistsandtellmethatmybeauty wasacurseandheneededtobeatthesinfulnessoutofmebeforewecouldprocreate.” “DidyougotoyourPaandtellhim?”Johnpausedintheactofbuttoninghisshirtto ask. “No.HemarriedmeofftoPhilipandweleftrightaftertheceremony.Ididn’twant tomarryPhilip,andIdidnotwanttoleaveOhio.Paneededmoney,andPhilippaidhimin goldforme.”Shelookedaway.“Godforgiveme,butIamnotsorryPhilipisdead.”

“NeitheramI,”Johnstated,angryatthewayshewastreatedbytheman…andby herfather.“You’resafenow,Susie.Igiveyoumywordyou’llneverfeelmyfist;Ihaveno patienceforamanwhowoulddothattoawoman.” Susanwassurprisedwhenhestretchedacrossthebedtokisshercheek.“Youare safe,Susie,”herepeated.“IpromiseIwon’tmistreatyou,andthereisnoneedtoriskyour lifetogetawayfromme.Doyouhearme,now?”heaskedinasofttoneofvoice.She nodded,andthensmiled.Hewinkedatherandsaid,“StayunderthoseblanketsandI’llget yousomeofthatstew.Itshouldberealtenderbynow.” Hemovedacrossthecabintogetbowlsfromthecupboardwhilegoingovertheir conversationinhismind.Thelastthinghewantedwasaninexperiencedvirgininhisbed, butnowthatheknewshewascompletelyinnocentitexplainedwhyshewassoskittish. She’dcometoexpecttheworstfromthemanshewasmarriedto,andhertreatmentatHe WhoWearsRed’shanddidnothingtomakeherfeelsafe.Hewasgoingtohavetobegentle withSusie,Johndecided,dishingupbowlsofstewforeachofthem.Itlookedandsmelled good.Hewishedtheyhadsomebiscuits,butfornowthestewwouldfillthatcoldspot insidethem. “Youeateverybiteofthis,younglady,”hesaidfirmlyashehandedherthebowl. Shesmiledathimandnoddedinagreement. “Iwill,John.Thankyousomuch.”Sheblewonabiteofmeatandthenputitinher mouth.“Thisissogood,”shecommented. Shewasstillhungryfromwhenshewasheldcaptive;herribswereshowingwhen heundressedher.“Thereisplentymorestewinthepot,Susie,”hetoldher,butwhenshe finishedthebowl,shewassuddenlyverysleepy. “Beforeyougotosleep,Ineedtocheckyouover,Susie.Ineedtomakesureyou didn’tfreezeyourtoesorfeetoryourhands.”Sheeyedhimwarily,butdidn’ttrytostop himfrompullinguptheblankettotouchherfeet.“Sofar,sogood,honey,”hesaidin obviousreliefafterheexaminedherthoroughly.“I’llcheckyouinthemorning.Letmeget yousomethingtosleepin,”heoffered,andsmiledtohimselfwhenhesawthereliefinher prettygreeneyes.Hefoundashirtthatwasnew,butshrunkthefirsttimehelaunderedit. “Thisonedoesn’tfitme,Susie,soyoucankeepitforanightshirt,”heoffered,andthen turnedhisbacktopermithertoputitonwithoutembarrassment. Susiebuttonedtheshirtandwasthankfulitcoveredheralmosttoherknees. “Thankyou,John,”shewhispered.“Iappreciateallyou’vedoneforme.”Shewasfighting sleep,andheknewexactlyhowshefelt. “Gotosleep,Susie.We’lldiscussthistomorrow.”Shewasasleepassoonasshe closedhereyes,exhausted.Theywouldhaveaseriousdiscussioninthemorning,andone thatshewouldrecallifshewastemptedtotakeoffonherownagain.Johnhelpedhimself toanotherbowlofthestewandoncehewaspositivethecabinwassecureforthenight,he climbedintobedandsleptsoundly. SusanwokefirstandshewasrelievedtolearnthatJohnwasstillsleepingsoundly. Sheneededsomeprivacy,andquicklytookcareofherneedsinthechamberpothekept underthebed.Shewasgladtolearnherclothingwasdryfromhanginginfrontofthefire overnight,andshedressedquickly,puttingtheshirtbackonoverherworndress.Her shoeswereruined,buttheywereallshehad,sosheforcedthemonherfeet,hopingthey wouldstretchasthedaywenton.Onceshewascomfortableshewentaboutstarting breakfast.PerhapsifshefedJohnwellhewouldn’tbesohardonher.

Sheknewhewouldspankherforbeingsofoolish,andshecertainlydeserveda spanking,butherbottomwasstillsorefromtheothertimeshe’dpunishedher.Still,she’d goneoutofherwaytoearnanotherlesson,andinhisplace,shewouldseeitdoneand donewell.Howfoolishshewastothinkshecouldwalktoasettlementafterhesaidit wasn’tsafetotry.Sheshouldhavetrustedhimtoknowwhathewastalkingabout.He didn’tseemthetypeofmantolie. ThesmellofcoffeewokeJohn.HesatupandcalmlydressedwhilehewatchedSusie bustleaboutmakingtheirbreakfast.Shedidn’tseemanytheworsefornearlygetting herselfkilledthedaybefore.“You’reupearly,Susie,”hecommentedashewalkedoverto thetableandsatdown. “IwantedtoprovetoyouthatIcanbesomethingbesidestrouble,”shesaidasshe lookedathim.“IamgratefultoyouforrescuingmefromtheIndians,andforcomingafter meyesterday.IrealizedyesterdaythatIhavebeenbehavinglikeanotherperson altogetherforthelastfewmonths,andIpromisedGodIwouldturnmyselfaroundifIwas givenanotherchance.”Shesmiledshyly.“Ithoughtthatmakinganicebreakfastwouldbe agoodplacetostart.”Sheputaplateofbacon,biscuits,andgravyinfrontofhim,along withacupofcoffee. “Now,thisisrealgood,Susie.”Johndidn’tbothertohidehispleasure.“Ilove biscuits,andIneverlearnedtomakethemsotheywouldn’tbreakmyteethtoeatthem. Theseareperfect.” “Mamataughtme,”sheofferedabitofpersonalinformationwithoutithavingtobe draggedfromher.Shesatdowngingerlyonthehardsurfaceofthechair.Herbottomwas stillverysore,andshedidn’trelishthefactthatitwouldsoonbeevensorer.Johnwas goingtopunishheragain,andshehadnorighttoargueorprotest,eventhoughithurtlike theverydeviltositdownalready.Sheearnedanotherspankingforbeingsoincredibly foolish,andJohnwasn’tamantoletsomethinglikethatpasswithoutseeingtoher.She reallydidn’twantanothertanning,butshehatedfeelingguilty,too. “Whyaren’tyoueating?”Johnaskedofher,givingherapuzzledlook. Susanraisedhergreeneyestohis.“IamdreadingthepunishmentIearned.”She sawnoreasontolie. “Youshoulddreadit,”heagreed.“Youwon’tsitafter,notforalongwhile,”he calmlypromised.“Youalmostgotyourselfkilled,littlegirl.Howareyourtoesthis morning?Didyoucheckthem?” “No,buttheonlypaininmyfeetarefromtheseshoes,”sheadmitted.“Thesnow ruinedthem,”sheexplained. “I’llmakeyousomemoccasins,”Johnstated.“Afterweeat,youtakeoffthoseshoes andletmelookatyourfeet.Ifyoufrozeatoe,we’llhavetocutitoffbeforeyoupoison yourwholebody,”hestatedmatter-of-factly. “Noooo!”Susanshookherheadindenial.“No!”shesaidoncemore,hervoicefirm. “Susie,Iwon’tletyoudieoverstubbornness.Andbesides,yourfeetlookedfinelast night.Stopworryinguntilit’snecessary.”Hecalmlywentbacktoeatinghisbreakfast. Susantriedtotellherselfshewasallright,butshecouldn’teatanotherbiteuntilshe knewforsure.MuchtoJohn’samusement,theprettyredheadtookoffherpinchingshoes andpeeledherstockingsoffhershapelylegsandoffhersmallfeet.Shelookedatherfeet andathertoesanddecidedtheylookedfinetoher.“Myfeetarejustfine,John,”shetold himinrelief.

Hegotuptocheckforhimself,andfinallynoddedinagreement.“Looksliketheonly harmisgoingtobetoyourprettyhind,Susie.”Hercheeksturnedabrightpink,andshe openedhermouthtospeak,butquicklyclosedit,givingherselfamentalshake.Hesmiled tohimself;littleMissSusieknewsheearnedagoodspanking,andsheneededittobeone totakeawayherguilt.Hernextquestionprovedhimright. “John,howisyourheadthismorning?”Susiehatedtobringupthefactsheinjured him,butshewasconcerned. “Istillhaveabumpandasmallheadache,butI’vehadworse,”hequicklyadded whenshelookedstricken.“Girl,howinblazesdidyoupickupthatchunkofwood?Itwas heavy,andalmosttoobigforthefireplace.Itburnedalongwhileorthisplacewouldhave beenicecoldwhenwegotbackyesterday.” “I’mprettystrongforagirl.”Shepaused,andthenadded,“Myfatherexpectedmeto workhardrightalongwithmybrotherswhenwewereclearinglandtoplant.Hedidn’t carethatIwasafemale,untilhesawmeassomethinghecouldselloffforalargesumof money.” “Andyouwanttogobackthere?”Johnaskedinsurprise. “IwanttogohometoMama.NowthatIamwidowed,hecan’tsellmeagain,”she owned.Shegottoherfeettoclearthetable. “Susie,yousitdownonthatchairandatleastputonyourstockings.Thisflooris toocoldtobewalkingaboutinyourbarefeet,”hescolded.“Ihaveapairofheaviersocks youcanwearuntilIgetyousomemoccasinsmade,”hesaidashesnappedhisfingers.A fewsecondslaterhewasbackandhandedherthesocks.“Mysisterknittedthese,andthey aretoosmallforme,”hesaidwithagrin. “Thankyou,John!”Susansaidgratefully,pullingthemonoverherstockings.“These areverynice,andwarm,too!”Shesmiledassheheldoutherfeetandwiggledhertoes.“I amnotsurewhyyouarebeingsonicetomeafterthehorridwayI’vebehaved,John…?” Herprettyeyesfilledwithtears.“DoyoubelievemewhenItellyouhowsorryIamfor hittingyou…Andforriskingbothofourlivesyesterday?Iwouldhavediedifnotforyou.” “Ibelieveyou,Susie,”heassuredher.“You’restillgoingtogetyourhindsetonfire, though.” Susanfeltherselfblush,butshedidn’tlookaway.“Iknow,”shewhispered. “Whenyou’reallfinishedcleaningupinhere,youcometomeandaskforyour spanking,younglady.” Susanacknowledgedthatsheheardhim,andthenwentaboutthebusinessof cleaningupfromtheirmeal.Thereweren’tanyleftoverstoworryabout;Johnwasabig eater,andshewouldneedtocookabitmoreatmealsthanshenormallywould.Ofcourse, shelikedtoeat,too,andhertummywasstillgettingusedtobeingfullagain. Asshewashedthedishes,allSusancouldthinkofwasthefactshehadtogotoJohn andaskhimtospankher!Itwouldbesodifficulttodo,butshewasgoingtohavetoaccept thatsmallpartofherpunishment.ShegaveherwordtoGodthatshewouldbeabetter person,andHesentJohntosaveher.Whethershelikeditornot,shewasgoingtoswallow herprideandaskforherspanking,andthencooperateanddowhatJohnsaid,nomatter howdifficult,orhowpainful.Withdetermination,shewashedanddriedthedishes,and madeeverythingasneatasshecould. JohnwasawareofeverymoveSusanmadeasshewashedupthedishesandthe heavyfryingpansheusedtocookthebaconandmadethegravy.Sheknewwhatshewas

doing,anditdidn’ttakeherlongtomakethekitchenareaofthecabinasneatasapin.It wasobviousshetookprideinhertask.Hewonderedifshewouldcometohim,orifhewas goingtohavetogoandfetchhertohim.Shefinishedwashingoffthetableanddriedit,and thenhungthedishclothandtowelonthenailsforthatpurpose.Hewatchedhersquareher slendershouldersandthenturntowalkinhisdirection. “John,Iamfinishedwiththecleanup.”Shefelthiseyesonherashelookedupfrom wherehewassittingonthesideofthebed,andshesawthepieceofleatherlyingbeside himonthebed.Shefeltherstomachmusclesclenchinapprehension,butsheforced herselftosaythewordssheneededtosay.“Willyouspankmenowfornearlygettingboth ofuskilledyesterday?”

Chapter Four 

JohnJerichohadtogivethesassylittleredheadcredit.Shehadmoregumptionthan alotofmenheknew.Itwasn’teasytoadmityoudidsomethingwrong,andhehadyetto meetafemalewhocouldlookhimintheeyeandaskforapunishment…untilSusie.Yep, shehadalotofgumption,andsheprobablywouldn’thavesurvivedyesterdayifshehadn’t turnedandheadedbackwhenshedid.“Pullupyourskirts,Susie,andlet’sgetthis spankingoverwith.I’lltellyourightupfrontthatyoujustcutbyhalfwhatIplannedto giveyouforthewayyouwalkedoverhereonyourownandadmittedyouearneda punishment.I’mrealproudofyouforbeingsobraveandstrong.Iknowthatwasn’teasy todo.” Susanknewhercheekshadtobeabrightpinksinceshecouldfeelthemburning, butshewasrelievedtoknowthatJohnwasn’tgoingtobesoharshwithher.Shedidn’t strugglewhenhereachedforher,andshetriedtobebravewhenhestartedspankingwith hishand.Shewasalreadysosorethateachspankreallyhurt,anditdidn’ttakeverymany swatstobringtearstohereyes.ShewantedtobegJohntostopthepunishment,butshe didn’tdare.Itwouldn’tbefairsinceshe’dclobberedhimandknockedhimunconscious, andriskedbothoftheirlives.Shewoulddoherbesttoendurethepunishmentwithout complaint. Johnknewhewascausingherpain.Hecouldfeelherbody’sjerkyreactioneach timehishandlandedaspankonhertenderbottom,butshewastryinghardtobebrave. “Susie,it’sokayifyoucryout.Iknowithurts,”hesaid,lettingherknowheunderstood. “Idon’thaveanyrighttodothat,”shetearfullyconfessed.“Inearlycausedbothof ustodie.” “Youdidn’tdothatpartonpurpose.”Heofferedcomfortandsympathy.“You ignoredmywarnings,true,butyoudidn’treallythinkitwouldstartsnowingbecausethe weatherisdifferentwhereyoucomefrom.I’veseenthatbefore.” “Youhave?”Shewascuriousabouthispast,buthedidn’ttalkmuchabouthimself. “Yes.IalmostlearneditthehardwaymyselfthefirstwinterIwashere.So,easeup abitontheguilt.Youdidn’tpurposelytrytokilleitherofus.Youhitmeoverthehead, however.And,yousneakedoff.Thatisn’tsafe,Susie.Evenifithadn’tsnowed,youmight nothavemadeittoasettlementinonepiece.Awomanoutherealoneisjustplainasking fortrouble.Thatiswhatthisspankingisabout.Iwantyoutorememberthistanningso youwon’ttakearisklikethatagain.Imightnotbeluckyenoughtofindyouanothertime,” hesaid,spankingherseveralmoretimesandleavingimprintsofhishandonherpaleskin. “Idon’twantanythingtohappentoyou,Susie!” “Whydoyoucarewhathappenstome,John?Youdon’tevenknowme!”Hervoice wasfulloftearsandshetriedtolookoverhershouldertoseehisface.Shewassurprised whenhesatheruponhisrightthigh,eventhoughsheknewheprobablywasn’tfinished withherpunishment.Hehadn’tevenpickeduptheleatherlyingbesidehimonthebed, andsheknewheintendedtostripeherbacksidewiththestrap. “Iwon’tlietoyou,Susie.IsawyoufightingHeWhoWearsRed’sthreewivesandI admiredyourspunk.Ialsoknewwhatwasgonnahappennext,andIwasraisedbya womanwhotaughtmetorespectfemales,allfemales,nomatterthecoloroftheirskin.I

didn’thavenochoicebutstepinandwarmyourhindbeforeHeWhoWearsReddecidedto hurtyou.BuyingyouseemedtobetheonlythingIcoulddotosaveyouandwarmmybed thislongwinter.Ifiguredthatsinceyou’dbeenmarried,youwouldn’tobject.But,I figuredwrong,andwhileIintendtochangeyourmind,Iain’tgonnaforceyou.” “Noneofthattellsmewhyyoucare,John,”shestatedbluntly,moreconfusedthan ever. “Idon’thaveanyotheranswertogiveyou,honey.You’refullofspiritandsass,andI happentolikethatinawoman.”Hegaveherasmile,andthenlookedatherwithregret. “Now,we’vebarelystartedthisspankin’,soturnyourhinduphereandwe’llseeifwecan’t giveyouagoodreasonnottotrysomethingsodarnsneakyagain.” “IpromiseIwon’t,”shesaidwithsincerity.“I’velearnedmylesson,John.” “You’retellingmethatifIletyouoffwiththosefewlittlepatsonyourhindyou’ll nottryclobberingmeovertheheadandtakingoffagain…?”heasked,surprisedather capitulation. “Igiveyoumysolemnword.” “Okay,Susie.I’mgoingtoletyouoffthisonetime,butI’mwarningyouhereand now;yougopullin’anothertricklikethisone,andyou’llnotonlygetatanningyouwon’t like,I’lladddoubleforthistime.Fairenough?” “IfI’mstupidenoughtotakeofflikethatagain,John,thenIdeserveexactlythat.” Sheshudderedattheverythought.“I’mnotthatfoolish,”shetoldhim,andthenadded, “I’mnotawomantogivemywordlightly.” “Ibelieveyou,Susie.”Heshockedherbygivingherakissonthecheekandthenhe stoodheronherfeet.“You’veearnedyourselfaboonthistime,littlegirl.Makeyourself usefulnow,”hebossed,notatallcertainwhyhewasgoingsolightontheprettyredhead, unlessitwasbecausehefeltsorryforherbecauseshewasalreadysoreascouldbeand wastryingtobebrave.Iflettingheroffeasyinsuredherwordshewouldn’ttrytoleave again,thenhewouldgiveherachancetoproveherself.Hecouldalwayswearoutthe leatheronheriftherewasanexttime,hedecided. Herbottomwasstingingbutitwasminorcomparedtothehidingsheexpectedto receiveandSusanconsideredherselfverylucky.Shequicklydecidedshewouldstarttheir noonmealtosimmering.IfshekeptJohnfedandhappyherlifewouldatleastbetolerable untilitwaswarmenoughtomakeittothesettlement.Forthemoment,shewasgoingto doasshepromisedandshewasgoingtomakesureshedidn’tgivehimanotherreasonto punishher.Herbottomwouldappreciatesometimetoheal. JohnwatchedsurreptitiouslyasSusanmovedabout.Itwasobvioussheknewwhat shewasdoinginthekitchenandhismouthwateredashecontemplatedallthemealsshe wouldfixforthemtoshare.He’dplannedcarefullyforthewinter,andtheyhadenough foodtocarrythemthrough.Hewouldalsodosomehuntingclosetothecabinandseeifhe couldn’tgetthemsomefreshmeatonceinawhile.Theywouldbesnuginhiscabin,and hopefully,Susiewouldgetusedtohimanddecidealittlelovingwouldmakethenightsalot warmer. ******************** AfewdayslaterSusansatinfrontofthefire,slowlygoingcrazy.Johnwasout huntingagain,andshehadnothingtodo.Backhomeshewouldhavehadherembroidery, butJohnassuredherhehadnothingofthatsortinthecabin.Thecabinitselfwassoclean itwaspointlesstolookforabitofdust.She’dscouredeverythingthatshecouldscour,and

everypot,skillet,utensil,anddishgleamed.Therewasnosewingtodo,andshehadto admitthatJohnsewedbetterthanshedidwhenitcametousingthebuckskinclothhehad savedinhistrunk.Susanalreadyhadtheirsupperoverthefire,makingapotofhamand beans,butitwasentirelytoosoontomakecornbread.Sheliterallyhadnothingtodoand shewasborednearlytotears. Susangotupandwalkedaroundtheroomagain,stoppingbeforetheoneboxonthe shelfthatJohntoldherwasofflimits.Shehadn’tseenhimopenitsinceshearrivednearly aweekago,butwhenshewascleaningandtidyingtheshelfthatrantheentirelengthof thesouthwallofthecabinandwenttodustthesmall,ornatebox,hehadjumpedtohis feet,tooktheboxfromherhands,andwarnedhersharplynottotouchitagain.Eversince thenshe’dbeencuriousastoitscontents.Withnothingelsetodo,theboxwasprovidinga distractingtemptation,anditwasprovingmoreandmoredifficulttoresisttakingapeek inside. Finally,Susancouldnolongerresist.Johnwouldneverknow,shereassuredherself, andshecarefullyliftedtheboxtocarryitovertothebedwhereshecouldtakeapeek inside.Itwasextremelyheavy,tohersurprise,andwhensheopenedit,shewasabit startledtofinditcontainedjewelry,combs,andonthebottomwasabook.Theideaof havingsomethingtoreadwastooappealingtoresist,andSusancarefullyliftedthebook andeagerlyopenedittothefirstpage.Tohersurprise,shediscoveredthebookwasa handwrittenjournal…thepropertyofoneCarolynSophieBarrettJericho.Susancouldno moreputitdownthanshecouldstopherselffrombreathing.Hercuriositywasaroused andshehadtoknowwhothiswomanwasandwhyJohnhadherjournal.WasCarolynhis mother?Or,perhapshiswife…?Susanwassurprisedwhenshefeltastingofjealousyat thethoughtofanotherwomanhavingaclaimtoJohn,andshewasequallysurprisedto realizeshehadthebeginningsoffeelingstowardtheman!Shecertainlyneverfelttheleast bitofanythingbutcontemptandangertowardPhillip,andthefeelingsJohnstirredwithin herwerenewtoher. Susanjumpedupfromthebedandwenttothedoor,openedit,andlookedoutside toseeifshesawanysignofJohn’sreturning.Shecertainlydidn’twanttobecaught snooping;sheknewassureasshewasbreathingthathewouldspankherifhefoundher goingthroughtheoneiteminthecabinhe’dforbiddenhertotouch.Whenshedidn’tsee Johnshehurriedbacktothebed,pickedupthediaryoncemoreandturnedthepageto readthefirstentry.  June21,1840 Thisismyfirstentryinmynewjournalasamarriedwoman!Yesterday,John andIspokeourvows,andthedaywasbeautiful…Sowasourweddingnight!Johnwasso  patientwithme,evenwhenIcried… Susanwasshocked! JohnJerichowasmarried! Shequicklyplacedthebookbackin theboxandhadjustreturnedittotheshelfwhensheheardJohnoutsidethedoor, stompingthesnowoffhisbootsbeforeheentered.Hewascarryingtworabbitsand smilingproudly. “Hereyougo,Susie.”Heploppedthecreaturesonthetable.“Ihunted;youcan dressthemout.” “Youcandoityourself,”sheinformedhim. Johnlookedather,hisdarkeyesnarrowing.“What’swrongwithyou?”he demanded.

“Nothing!” Johntookhistimeremovinghiscoatandhatandhisbootsbeforeslippingintothe pairofmoccasinsheworeinsidethecabin.“WhathappenedtosetoffyourtemperwhileI wasgone,girl?”heasked,hiseyesstudyingherintently. “Nothing!” “Well,ifnothinghappened,youcanjustgetyourfannyoverhereandtakecareof theserabbits.” “Youkilledthem,youcleanthem.”Shefoldedherarmsoverherchestandglaredat himbelligerently.Howdarehebringherintothiscabinwhenhealreadyhadawife? Itwas disgusting. “Susie,areyouneedingyourhindwarmedagain?” “Iwouldn’ttryitifIwereyou!”Sheturnedupherchinandgavehimtoknowshe wasnotonebithappy. “Nowthatsoundsalittlelikeadare,”hedrawledslowly,approachingher. Susanprudentlybackedoutofreach,butshebackedrightintothebed,andbefore shecouldprotestshefoundherselflyingfacedownontopofthequiltandhishand smackedagainstherbottom.“Damnyou,JohnJericho!Stopit!”sheyelledwhenhe whackedheragain. “Idon’tknowwhatsparkedyourrottenmood,littlegirl,butIhavethecureforit,” Johnannounced,spankingheragainandagain.Whenshecursedhimagain,henodded.“I guessyoureallydoneedyourhindwarmed.”Hestartedtopushupthebuckskinskirthe hadmadeforher,andthensuddenlyasked,“Itisn’tyourwomanlytimeisit,girl?”He didn’twanttoembarrassherifshewaswearingprotectionforthat.AndLordyknows womengotcantankerouswhentheywerehavingtodealwiththatpartoflife. “Howdareyouaskmesomethingsopersonal,you…you…youman!”Shespatthe wordathimlikeitwasanothercurse. “Susie,youarereallyaskingforasorehind.”Heshoveduptheskirttobareherbutt andthenhespankedherhard.“Idon’tknowwhathasyousomad,girl,butbestyouget overitfast.” “Youhavenorighttotellmewhattodo,damnyou!” “ThehellIdon’t!”Heswattedheragainandyetagain,andshecriedouteachtime. Hegrowled,“Girl,IswearIdon’tknowwhat’sgottenintoyouwhileIwashunting,but you’dbestgetoveritfast.”Hishandslappedherrumpafewmoretimesuntilherskinwas abrightpinkandheheardhersniffling.Hestoppedthenandpulledherskirtdownto coverherbeforeheturnedheroverandleaneddownsothathisfacewasmereinchesfrom hers.“Yougetyourfannyoverthereandcleanthoserabbits,MissSusie.Understandme?” Shegavehimasullenlook,butshenodded.Hesatupandreleasedherandwatchedheras shecrossedthecabinandtookupasharpknife.Thelooksheleveledonhimwarnedhim thatshe’dratherusetheknifeonhimthantherabbitsandhekeptaneyeonherwhileshe worked. Susanworkedquicklyandplottedtheman’sdemisewhileshewasoccupied.She wonderedifCarolynevenknewwhereherhusbandwas.Whatkindofmanwentoffand lefthisfamilybehindwhilehedidexactlyashepleased?Thelongersheworked,the angriershebecame.Sheputtherabbitsonaspitoverthefiretocook.Thehamandbeans wouldkeepuntiltomorrow,shedecided.Freshmeatwouldbeawelcomechange.

Johntriedafewtimestomakeconversationwiththefeistyredhead,butsheignored him,andevengavehimherback.Hismindwentbackoverthedayandhecouldn’tfigure outonesinglethingthathe’ddonetoputherinsuchanevilmood.Heneverdid understandhowawomancouldbefineoneminuteandcryinginthenext.Hedecidedto giveheruntilaftertheyatetosettledownandifshewasn’tinabettermoodbythen,he wasgoingtoknowthereasonwhy.Hewouldn’tputupwithsulkingandtemper. Susantriedashardasshecouldtoputasideheranimosity,butshekeptputting herselfinCarolyn’splaceanditmadeherfurioustothinkthatshehadbeenstartingto trustandevencareforJohnJerichowhenhewasallbuttryingtocheatonhispoorwife! Well,shewasn’thavinganypartofthat!Nomatterwhat!Shewasinaregularsnit,and whenshewasangry,Susantookitoutoneverythingaroundher.Sheslappedabowlon thetable,andthenpickedupawoodenspoonandslappeditonthetablewhileshefetched thecanisterthatheldflour,andplaceditonthetablewithabang. John’spatiencewaswearingthinandhepromisedhimselfthatifSusieslammedone morethinghewasgoingtomakeherregrethertemper.Itwasn’tfivesecondslaterthat shebangedthelidonthepotofbeansshehadsimmering.Itwasthefinalstraw.She neededalessonandhewasjustthemanforthejob. SusangaspedwhenJohntookherbythearmandspunheraroundtofacehim.“Girl, Iamfeduptoherewithyourtantrum.EitheryoutellmewhathasyouinsuchasnitorI’m gonnaturnyourhindupandsetitonfire.” “Idon’toweyouanexplanation,JohnJericho!”Shelookedathiminpuredefiance, refusingtotellhimonedamnthing. “Okaythen.”Hepulledachairfromthetableandcarrieditintothemiddleofthe room,whilehepulledheralongafterhim.Heputthechairdown,tookaseat,andthen hauledastrugglingSusanoverhisknee.Inlesstimethanittooktoblink,he’dhoistedher skirtoutoftheway,andstartedspankingherbarebuttocks.Hewasirritatedandannoyed, andheintendedtomakehisfeelingsknowninawaythatwouldgetthroughtoher.Hewas awarethatSusanwasyellingathim,tellinghimtostop,butheignoredher.Itwastimefor hertolearnheonlyhadsomuchpatience.Hedidn’tmindspankinganaughtybottom whenitneededspanking,andthiswasonetimehewasn’tgoingtostopuntilhewasdamn goodandready. SusanfinallyrealizedthatallofherkickingandfightingandscreamingatJohnto stopwasonlyfuelinghisdeterminationtoseeherwell-spanked.Shemadeherselfquit struggling,andwhenshedidthatherangerdisappearedandshestartedcrying.Sheknew inherheartthatshewascryingbecauseshewassodisappointed.Injustashortfewdays shehadfalleninlovewithJohnJericho,andithurtdeeplytoknowthathewasmarriedto someoneelse.Heonlywantedhertosatisfyhismanlyurges.Thatwasall. JohnfinallyrealizedthatSusiewascryingasifherheartwasbreaking.Hestopped spankingher,wonderingwhyhefeltsoguiltyforgivingherthepunishmentshe’dbeen askingforeversincehereturnedfromhunting.Heonceagainpulledherskirtdownto coverherflamingredbacksideandthenhelpedherup.Thistimeshedidn’tfighthimwhen heofferedcomfortandcameintohisembracewillingly,cryingagainsthisshirt.“Honey, what’swrong?”heaskedonceagain. “Idon’tknowverymuchaboutyou,”sheexplained. “Thatiswhatthisisallabout?”hequestioned,humorinhiswords.“Susie,that’sno reasontogetmad.Justwhatdoyouwanttoknow?”

“Yousaidyourfamilyownedaplantation,butifthatistrue,whyareyououtherein themiddleofnowhere?”Hergreeneyeswerefulloftearswhenshelookedathim. “It’salongstory,Susie,”headmitted.“Ihadtogetaway,andIendeduphere.” “Thatdidn’tsoundlikealongstorytome.”Shesmiledathimthroughhertears. “It’shardtotalkabout,”headmitted.“MaybeaftersupperI’lltrytofindthewords.” Whenshenoddedanddidn’tnagathim,heasked,“Doyoufeelbetternow,honey?”When hesawaflashofindignationinhereyes,hegrinnedandadded,“Otherthanyourhind,that is…?” SusanfounditdifficulttostayangrywithJohnwhenhegrinnedlikeamischievous littleboy.Shenodded,andthensaid,“I’msorryIbehavedlikethat.” “It’sdonenow,”hesaidforgivingly.“Howsoonwillthatrabbitbedone?Thesmell ofitroastingismakingmehungryasabear!” “You’llhavetobepatientawhilelonger,”shetoldhimaftercheckingthemeat.“I wantthistobecookedjustright.” Hemadeafacethatshefoundfunny,buthebusiedhimselfwithsomethingelse whileshemadesomefriedpotatoestogowiththerabbit.Shealsohadbiscuits,andJohn hadtoforcehimselftokeepbusywithhisprojectratherthanheadforthetableandsit therewaitingwithhistonguehangingout.Susiewasagreatcookandheappreciatedthat. Shefinallycalledhim,andheimmediatelyputdowntheknifeheusedforcarvingand headedforthetable.“Thislookswonderful,Susie,”hecomplimentedher. “I’mhungry,too,”sheadmitted.“Itisnicetocookforsomeonewhoappreciates goodfood.” “Yourhusbanddidn’tlikeyourcooking?”hequestioned,clearlyshockedbyher words. “HeconsideredmewastefulwhenIaddedanoniontopotatoes.Iwassupposedto usethemsparingly,aswellasmeat.HefeltIspenttoomuchtimeworryingoverfood whenIshouldbeonmykneespraying.” “Hewasn’trightinhishead,Susie.Thereisnothingwrongwithyourcooking.Do youbelieveme?” “Yes,Ido.”ShesmiledatJohn.“IcookthewayMamataughtmetocook.Myfather neverscoldedherformakingtoomuchfood.Heatehisfillandwentbacktowork.Ifthere wasareasontocriticize,hewouldhavedoneso.Philipbelievedthatfastingandgoing hungrywasproofofhisloveforGod.Hetriedtoforcehisviewsonme,butIamafraidI liketoeattoomuchtosharehisbeliefs.”Shesmiled,butJohnfrowned. “YouwerethinasasaplingbeforeyouweretakenbyHeWhoWearsRed,weren’t you,honey?”heaskedsharply,barelycontaininghisangeratherabusivehusband. “I’veeatenmoresinceI’vebeenherethanIdidinthethirtydaysbefore,”she confessed.“Iwillnevertakefoodforgrantedagain.” “Damnit,Susie.Thatjustisn’tright.IswearifyourhusbandwasaliveI’dkillhim foryou.Hesoundslikeonemeanbastard.” “Hewasmean,”sheconceded,andthenshestartledJohnbystating,“Hetriedtokill mewhenhesawtheIndiansweregoingtowinthebattle.HeWhoWearsRedsavedmy life.” “Iamgladofthat,honey.”Johnreachedacrossthetableandtookherhandinhis.“I ampositivePhilipthoughthewassavingyoufromshameanddegradation,butI’mgladhe didn’tsucceed.”

“SoamI,”shetoldJohn.Sharingthatmomentseemedtofreeherfromthechilling horrorshefeltwhenPhilipturnedhisgunonher,hiseyesseeminglyfullofhatred.Shestill feltthathesimplydidn’twanthertoliveifhewasgoingtodie. Theyfinishedtheirmeal,andactuallyatetoomuchbecauseitwassodelicious. Susandidn’treallyfeellikedoingthedishes,butshegottoherfeetandfilledthedishpan withwatershe’dputoverthefiretoheatwhiletheywereeating.Shewasshockedwhen Johnpickedupthedishtowelanddriedthedishesforher.Shegavehimagratefulsmile andwhentheyfinished,hesaidsoftly,“Comeandsitdown,Susie,andI’llansweryour question.”

Chapter Five

Susangingerlytookaseatintherockingchairshepreferred,mindfulofhersore bottom,andJohnsatintheotherone.Itwaslargerthantheonesheconsideredhers,and shewaitedonhimtospeak.Hewasquietforsolongshethoughthe’dchangedhismind aboutansweringherquestionofhowhecametobesofarfromhomeinsteadoflivingon hisfamily’splantation.Whenhespoke,shecouldtellhewasrelivinghispast. “Ihadeverythingayoungmaninthesouthcouldexpecttohave.Agoodfamily, lovingparentsandbrothersandsisters.Wewerewealthyandlifewasperfect.Myolder brotherandsisterwerealreadymarried,andthereweregrandchildrenformyparentsto spoil.OnedaymysisterAnnabroughthomeafriendfromschoolbythenameofCarolyn, andItookonelookatherandwasinlove.Icourtedherandwonfavorwithherparents, andmadehermybride.Carolynwasveryspoiledandexpectedthingstogoherwayallthe time.Shealsoflirtedoutrageouslywithanymanwhocaughtherfancy.MyMamadidn’t approveandmadeherfeelingsknown,andCarolyndecidedweneededtobuildourown home.Ifinallygavein,justtokeeppeaceinthefamily,butthehousedidn’tsuitCarolyn. Shewantedittobeasgrandasmyparents’home.WequarreledandIlefttokeepfrom wringingherneckbecauseIwassoangry.WhileIwasatmyfolks,seekingtheiradviceon thebestwaytohandleCarolyn’schildishbehavior,someonerapedandkilledCarolyn.I wasaccusedofmurderingher,andherfathertriedtohavemehanged.Myfatherand brothersbarelygotthereintimetosavemyass.Iwentfrombeingarespectedmemberof thecommunitytobeingasocialoutcast.ItwasslowlykillingmyMama,soIleftandended upouthere.AsfarasIknow,Carolyn’smurdererhasneverbeencaught.” “Iknowyouwouldn’tdosomethinglikethat,”Susansaidsoftly. “Thankyou,Susie.No,Iwouldn’tdosomethinglikethat.Iwouldn’tkillawoman overfoolishness,whichisallCarolyn’sbehaviorwas.Ididloveher,oratleastIthoughtI did.It’sbeenseveralyearsnowandI’vegrownupsome,too.Istillsufferalotofguiltthat Iwasn’ttheretoprotectherwhensheneededmemost.” “Itwasherchoicetoseparateherselffromyourfamily.” “Ishouldn’thavepermittedit.Ishouldhavecutaswitchandstripedhersixwaysto Sunday,”Johnstatedwithconviction. “John,youhavetostopblamingyourself.Thepeoplewhoknowyouarepositiveof yourinnocence,I’msure.Ithinkyouneedtogobackhomeandseethem.Perhaps Carolyn’smurdererhasbeencaught…?” “Ishouldhavegoneafterhimmyself,”hewhispered. Susandidn’tknowwhattosay,andJohnseemedmorethanreadytochangethe subject.“Thatiswhatbroughtmeouthere,Susie.Mystoryisnomorespecialthanany othermanwhoistrappingforaliving.It’sasolitarylife,butagoodoneforthemostpart. TheychattedabitlongerandthenJohnannounceditwastimetoturnin.Susan wasn’tsleepy,butsinceshehadnothingtodo,shedidn’targue.Itstillfeltstrangetoshare abedwiththeman,buthedidn’ttrytoforcehimselfonher.Atleastherquestions,or mostofthem,wereansweredaboutCarolyn.Hewasawidower,andnotcheatingonhis wife.Susanfeltmuchbetteraboutthat,butshecouldn’thelpbutwonderaboutCarolyn, andhowtheydiffered.Thefirstchanceshegot,shewasgoingtoreadCarolyn’sjournal

andlearnwhatshecouldabouther‘rival’.AlthoughCarolynwasnolongerliving,her memoryheldconsiderableswayoverJohn’sfeelings.SusanneededtoknowwhatJohn preferredinawoman.Howelsewasshegoingtomakehimfallinlovewithher? Thefoolgirlwasuptosomethingagain,andJohnknewitassurelyasheknewhis namewasJohnJericho.Shewastooeagertoseehimgohuntingtoday.Johnslowlyputon histrappingsandleftthecabin,promisinghewouldreturninabit.Whenshetoldhimto takehistime,henodded,everyinstincthepossessedtellinghimshewasplanningtorun awayagain.Thistimehewasgoingtocatchher,andhewasgoingtosethersweetbutton fire.Hestompedaway,untilhewassurehewasoutofsightandthenhewaited. ******************** SusanpeekedoutsidetomakesurethatJohnwastrulygone,andnotturningaround becauseheforgotsomething,andwhenshedidn’tspothim,shehurriedtotakedownthe journalandread.  June28,1840,  IcannotbelievethatJohn’sMamascoldedmeinfrontoftheentirefamilythis morning.Iwasonlymakingourguestswelcomelastnight,andIhadnoideaitwas consideredimpropertohavesomanydancepartners.Iwasmerelybeinggracious,butJohn sidedwithhisMama,andoncewewerealonehesaidhewouldspankmeifithappenedagain! IremindedhimthatIamnotachild,andhetoldmetostopbehavingasthoughIwere!Iwas insulted,ofcourse.IslappedJohn’sface,andthenhedidthemostheinousthing…Hepulled metoourbedandhepushedupmyskirtsandspankedmybarebottomwithhishand.Icried andcriedandbeggedhispardon,andheheldmeandsaidhewassorry,too.  July4,1840 ThecelebrationtodaywasexcitingandIwashavingawonderfultime,until  John’sMamagrabbedmebythearmandtoldmetostopmakingaspectacleofmyself.Iwent toJohnandaskedhimtodealwithhisMama,buthetookhersideandscoldedmeonceagain. HeevendaredtosendmetoourroomandtoldmeIcouldgostraighttobedsinceIdidn’t knowhowtobehaveasamarriedwoman.Irefused,andtheverysecondIstarteddancing withPhillipCrabtree,Johncameoverandtossedmeoverhisshoulderandcarriedmefrom theballroom,andhespankedmeandputmetobed.IammiserableandwishI’dnever married.  July5,1840 Johnapologizedforbeingsuchabeast.HealsopromisedtotalktohisMama andorderhertotreatmemuchbetter.Iwantanewhouse,andfeltitwastimetoinsistJohn considerit.Hesaidthereisnothingwrongwiththishouse.Iwillhavemywayeventually!  Why,Carolynwasnothingbutaspoiledbrat!Susanrealized.Therewasnomention oflovinghernewhusband!Everythingwasaboutherandwhatshewanted.PoorJohn! He’dmarriedachild,notawoman!  July15,1840 Finally,JohnrealizedthathisMamaandIarenotgoingtogetalong.His Fatherhasgivenusatractoflandonwhichtobuildourhome!Iwantittobebiggerthanhis Mama’shome,butJohnsayswedonotneedsuchalargehomesinceitwillbethetwoofus.I willhavemyway.”  July30,1840 IamsoangrywithJohn!Hetookmetoseeourhome,anditisnotnearlylarge enough.Herefusestomakeitanylarger,andItoldhimIwillnotlivethere.Heseemsto

thinkIshouldbegratefultoliveinahousethatishardlyasbigasaslavecabin.Iwon’thave it!Hehasgivenmeuntiltomorrowtoseethingsdifferently…orelse.IoverheardhisMama tellinghimtocutapeachtreeswitchandwearmeout!IthinkFatherJerichoshouldwear herout!  August7,1840 IdonotwishtoleavethebighouseforoursmallhousebutJohnhastoldmeI willbegoingevenifhehastocarryme.ItoldhimthatIshallgohometoDaddyandMama, andhesaidIamfreetoleaveanytimeIwish.Heissomean.Itrulyhatehimwhenhelistens tohisMamainsteadofme.  August20,1840 Wearemovedintoournewhome.Itisnice,eventhoughitissmall.AtleastI shallnothavetoendureJohn’sMamaandherbossinessanylonger…andIwillbefreetohave visitors.IhaveaskedDaddytosendReisaandOlivertocareforthehouseandgrounds.Iwill notuseJohn’sslaves.TheyareuppityandonlyanswertoJohn’sMama,andIdonotwantto bespiedon.ItwassimplyawfultohaveJohn’sentirehouseholdappraisedofeachargument  JohnandIhad.Nowthatwearelivingapartfromthatterriblewoman,Ishallbemistressof myownhomeandthingswillbeasIwantthem.  August30,1840 Johnisangryandstompedaway.HedoesnotlikethefactthatIhavefriends whostopby,andhewasfuriouswhenheoverheardmetellingRichardPauleyofmyplansto expandourhouseandmakeithuge.ForthefirsttimeIreallythoughthemightactuallycut andpeelaswitchandstripeme.Thespankingshe’sgivenmeareterribleenough,andIdo notwishaseriouspunishment.IalsohaveanotherproblemwithAbelMcCory.Hetriedto makemekisshimyesterday,andIfearhewillcomebackwhileJohnisawayandforcehis attentionsonme.HeisstillupsetImarriedJohninsteadofhim.Idon’tloveAble;nottheway IloveJohn.Ihearhimnow,sowillcloseandtrytomakeamendswithmyhusband.Iamtired ofallthesillyfussingwedo. ThatwasthelastentryandSusanfeltfrustrated.ShewonderedifJohnhadreadthe entries,andifthemannamedAbelMcCoryhadbeenquestioned.Justthenthecabindoor openedandshewascaughtred-handedwithCarolyn’sdiaryinherhandsandtheopenbox lyingbesideheronthebed. JohnsuddenlyrealizedwhySusanhadbeensoeagertogetridofhim.Shewas snoopingthroughCarolyn’spersonalitems.Hewaslivid. “John,Iknowyou’reangry,andyouhaveeveryrighttobe,”shesaid,hercheeksa guiltyred,“butIhavetoaskyouthis…Haveyoureadthisjournal?” “No,”hethrewthewordather,hisvoiceharshanddamning,“Andyoushouldn’t have,either!Iwantyourbacksidebarerightnow,andIwantyoubentoverthetable. You’regoingtogetatanningyouwillneverforget.” Susan’shandswereshakingandsheknewshedidn’thaveaprayerofescapinga spankingthistime.ShedidsomethingshamefulandJohnhadeveryrighttotakeherto task.Sheputthejournalonthebedandthenwalkedovertothetable.Whenshewas thereshepulledupherskirttorevealherbarebottom,andthenshelayoverthetable, givingJohnatarget.Asangryashewas,thespankingwasgoingtohurtlikecrazy. Johnremovedhisgloves,hat,coat,andbootsandhewentrightovertowhereSusan waswaitingandhegaveherbarehindahardspank.“Iamdisappointedinyou,young lady.”Hespankedheroncemore,andthenwalkedovertothecupboardandtookouta

woodenspoon.“I’msurethiswillmakeanimpression,”hestated,andthenstarted spankingherwiththebowlofthewoodenspoon,causinghertocryoutinpain.Whenshe saidshewassorry,heignoredherandkeptrightonspanking,leavingovalsofthespoonon herthighs,sitspots,andcheeks. “Oh,John,pleasestop!Please!Iknowitwaswrong,butIwassobored…and curious!I’msorry!” “Thatisnotagoodexcuseforsnoopingwhenyouwerewarnedoff,”Johnscolded, andspankedhersitspotsagain. “Owwwww!Owwwwww!Pleasestop,John!Icouldn’thelpit.Itwasjusttoo tempting,andIwantedtoknowaboutCarolyn!”sheconfessed.Johngaveherafewmore hardlickswiththewoodenspoon,andshestartedcryinginearnest.“I’msorry!I’msorry!” shesobbed.“Please,stop!”shebegged. “WhyareyousocuriousaboutCarolyn?Itoldyouallabouther,”Johnpointedout, provinghe’dbeenlisteningtoherafterall. “Idon’thaveagoodexcuse,John.Iwasboredwithnothingtodo,andIwascurious. WhenIsawthejournal,Ithoughtitmightbeabooktoread,butitwasn’t.AndthenI wantedtoknowmoreaboutCarolyn.” “Why?” “Because.”Herfaceturnedred. “Thatisthekindofanswerthatwillgetyourhindturnedevenredder,”he announced,spankingherreddenedbacksideagainandagain. “BecauseIwantedtoknowwhatshewaslikecomparedtome.”Herfacewashot andhadtobeasscarletasherbehind.Itwashumiliating. “Whatfor,Susie?”Johncouldn’tfigureherout,butherecalledhermoodoftheday before.“Didyougosnoopingyesterday,too?” Susanwashonesttoafault.“Yes,”sheadmitted. “Andfindingthatdiarysparkedyourtemper…?” “Yes.”Therewasnodenyingthetruth. “Nowthisisgettin’realinterestin’,”Johnsaid.“Wereyoumadbecauseyoudidn’t getachancetoreadthewholethingyesterday,orwastheresomeotherreason?” “Ithoughtyouleftyourwifebehindandwereplanningtojustusemeassomeone convenient.Iwouldn’tcheatwithanotherwoman’shusband!”shestatedclearly. “Iwouldnevercheatonmywife!”Hewasobviouslyoffended,andthehardhand thatlandedonherstingingbacksidegaveprooftothefact.“I’venevermetanyonewho neededaspankingmorethanyou!”hescolded,spankingheragainandagainwhileshe howledinpain. “IthinkCarolynwasawful!”Susanunwiselydeclared. “Youhadnorighttoreadherprivatethoughtsjusttocriticizeher,”Johnsaidangrily andhestartedspankinginearnest. “Shewasaspoiledbrat!”Susaninsisted,andthencriedwhenhespankedeven harder.“Okay,Ishouldn’thavelookedatherjournal!I’msosorry!Pleasestop,John!”To hersurprise,hedidstop,andthenhepulledhertoherfeet. “Youneverdosomethinglikethatagain,younglady.Hearme?” “IknowwhokilledCarolyn.” “What?”Hiseyesblinkedinsurprise.ItwasthelastthinghewasexpectingSusan tosay.

“IknowwhokilledCarolyn.HisnameisAbleMcCory;hetriedtoforcehimselfon heradayortwobeforeshewasmurdered,andshefearedhewouldtrythatagain.She wroteaboutitinthelastentryshemade.” “Putthejournalaway,Susan,”Johnorderedsharply. Susandidn’targue.Shecarefullydroppedherskirtandwalkedacrosstheroom. Sheclosedthediaryandcarefullyplaceditbackintheboxandputtheboxbackonthe shelf.Thenshestoodtherewithherheaddown.She’ddonesomethingbadandshefelt guilty.“Areyoustillterriblyangrywithme,John?” “IthinkIhavearighttobe,don’tyou?” Shenodded,stillunabletolookathim.“I’msorryIupsetyou.” “Istilldon’tunderstandwhyyou’resodarncuriousaboutCarolyn…?”Helookedat her,butshestillhadherheadbowedinshame,andshewasstillcrying.“There’snoneed tokeepcrying,Susie.What’sdoneisdone;I’llgetovermymad.”Shenodded,butcouldn’t seemtomovefromthatspot.“Damnit,Susie!You’reremindingmeofapuppywhogota swatfromanewspaperanddoesn’tknowwhy.Talktome,”heorderedsharply. Sheshookherhead‘no’.Shewasmortifiedbyherbehaviorandbyheradmissions tohim.Andshewonderedifhewasreallysodensehedidn’tunderstandwhyshe’dread thejournal.Johnsuddenlytookherbythearmandmarchedherovertoherrockingchair andplunkedherdownontheseat.“Youcanjustsitrighthere,Miss,untilyoustopsulking anddecidetotalktome.” “Ithurtstoomuchtositrightnow!”Susantriedtorisefromthechair,butJohn merelysatherbackdownwithathump.“Owwwwww!”shecomplained. “Sit.Don’tmove.IwantyoutocomeupwithsomethingIcanunderstand.” Hefeltlikeanasswhenshestartedcryingagain,butheignoredherandpickedup hiscarvingandwenttoworkonceagain.Women!Theydroveamancrazy! Hestilldidn’t understandwhySusiefeltsheneededtoreadCarolyn’sjournalwhenhe’dneveroncebeen temptedtoreadherprivatewords.AndthenSusiedaredtocallCarolynan‘awful,spoiled brat’,whichwasprobablytrue…butwhydidSusiecare?Ofcourse,he’dsaidsomerotten thingsaboutherdeadhusband,buttheguywasalouse.HemistreatedSusie,andwasn’t smartenoughtorealizethetreasurehehad.MaybeSusiefeltthesamewayabout Carolyn…?Hegaveheranothertenminutes,andthensaid,“Areyoureadytotalktome now,Susie?” “Yes,ifyouletmegetupfirst.”Hergreeneyestoldhimhowmuchpainshewasin. “I’mhurtingsomethingawful,John.” “Youearnedthattanning,”heannounced. “Iknow,”shewhispered.“Please,mayIgetupnow?”sheaskedhopefully. “Yes.”Shewastednotimeinjumpingtoherfeetandthenherhandswentbackto herbottomandrubbedgingerly. “Areyousupposedtobedoingthat?”Johnaskedinexasperation. “Probablynot…?”sheguessed,buthenoticedshedidn’tstop.“Ican’thelpmyself, John.Youwereangryandyouletmeknowit!I’mstingingstill!” “Iwarnedyoutostayoutofthatbox,didn’tI?” “Yes,youdid.Ishouldhaverespectedyourwishes,butIwassimplytooboredfor somethingtodo…andIallowedmycuriositytogetthebestofme.I’msorry,”she apologized,andthewordsweresincere.“Ican’tundoit,however,andIwon’tsayI’msorry forthinkingCarolynwasaspoiledchild!Shetreatedyouawful,John!Whiningand

complainingallthetime…Flirtingwithmen,andplottingtoupsetyourMama.Sheshould havebeenspankedlike thisafewtimes!”Susiesaidthewordswithfeelingassherubbed hersmartingrearagain. “SheplottedagainstmyMother?”Johnwasstartled. “Shelovedtoupsether,andtheonlyreasonshewantedahomeofherownwas becauseshecouldn’ttelltheservantswhattodo.TheywereallloyaltoyourMama!” “ThatsoundslikeCarolyn.Shewastooyoungtogetmarried,”hestated.“Iknew thatwhenImarriedher.Ishouldhavegivenherafewmoreyearstogrowup,butshe wantedoutfromherfather’srulesandIknewshe’dfindsomeoneelseifIdidn’toffer.I wassurethatmarriagewouldmakehergrowupfaster,settleherdown,andIthoughtthat Iwasmatureenoughforbothofus.IshouldhavecutaswitchanduseditthefirsttimeI caughtherflirtingonthedancefloor.” “I’msorryshetreatedyouthewayshedid,John.Youareagoodmanandyou deservedmuchbetter.” “You’rejealousofCarolyn!”Heblurtedthediscoverywithoutpausingtothinkabout itfirstandhadthesatisfactionofwatchingSusan’sfaceturnanembarrassedred.“That’sit, isn’tit?Youreadthejournalbecauseyouarejealous!”Hechuckled. “Don’tyoudaremakefunofmyfeelings!”Susanangrilystompedherfootonthe floor.“Imeanit,JohnJericho!I’llstopcookingforyouifyoudon’tstoplaughingthis instant!” “Jealous…!Ineverwouldhavethoughtit!”Hewasfoolishenoughtokeeprighton teasing,andlearneditwasamistakewhenSusanpickedupthewoodenspoonfromthe tablewherehe’dleftitlyingandcameafterhim. “Ow!”heyelledwhenshesmackedhimhardonhisshoulder.“Susie,youputthat down!”Sheignoredhim,andcontinuedtododgehiseffortstotakethewoodenspoonfrom herhands.Shedancedoutofreach,andcameuponhisbackside,andlandedanother smackonhisbutt,andthenlaughedinsatisfactionwhenheholleredagain.“Girl,ifyou don’tstopthisI’mgoingtospankyourhindagain!”Sheignoredhimoncemore,andhe finallyletoutabellowandtackledher,takingherdownonthebedandcoveringherwith hisbody. Susanfinallyrealizedthatwhackinghimwiththeheavyspoonwasn’tthesmartest thingsheeverdid.Helookedpositivelyfuriousandwithoutpausingtogivethematterany thoughtatall,shethrewthespoonacrossthecabin,outofreach.Toherabsoluteshock, John’sbodystartedshakingontopofhersandittookheramomenttorealizethathewas laughing!“Ohyou!”Shetriedtopushhimoffofher,buthewassimplytooheavy.Her eyesmethis,andthenhewasloweringhismouthtohersandkissingher!Thekisswas softandgentleandpersuasive,andSusanfoundherselfenjoyingthesimplepleasure.He kissedherafewmoretimes,andshecouldn’tdenyherresponse. Johnwasamazedatthetendernesshefeltfortheredhead.Therehadbeenother womensinceCarolyn’sdeath,butnotoneofthemaffectedhimthewaySusandid.He foundhimselfeagertopleaseher,andcherishher…Feelingshethoughtlongdead.Partof himwasalreadyinlovewithSusieandheknewthatoncehemadeherhis,hewouldnever wanttolethergo.Shefeltperfectunderhim,andgonewasthefearheexpectedtoseein herprettygreeneyeswhenhegottooclosetoher. SusanknewtheexactmomentthatJohn’sgoodhumorturnedtopassion.Hiskisses deepened,andhishandslidunderthetunictopsheworeandsoughtoutherbreast.She

heardamoanofpleasureandwassurprisedtorealizeitwascomingfromwithinher!John wasshowingherthattheintimacysharedbetweentwoadultscouldbepleasurablefor themboth,andshedidn’twanthimtostoptouchingher.Shekissedhimback,hertongue duelingwithhisastheytastedeachother. “Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant,Susie?”Johnaskedofher.“Iwon’thaveyou sayingIforcedyou…?” “I’msure,John,”Susanwhispered.“I’mverysure.”And,sherealizedwithcertainty, shewassure.Sureofherfeelingsandsureoftheman.Sheneededtobeheldandloved, andshewassureitwouldbespecialbetweenthem,evenifshewascompletely inexperienced.“You’lltellmewhattodo?”sheasked. “Justbeyourself,honey.”Hebusilyuntiedthelacesholdinghertoptogether,and thenhepulleditoverherheadsohiseyescouldfeastonherbreasts.“IfeellikeI’vebeen waitingforyoualongtime,Susie,”hewhispered,andthengavehimselfovertomakingthe momentspecialforbothofthem.

Chapter Six

Susancouldn’tbelieveshewasactuallypermittingJohntotouchhersointimately, andthatshefeltnoshameandnorevulsion.GivingherselftoJohnfeltright.Sheloved him,andshefeltsafewithhim.ShehadneverwantedPhilipinthisway,anditwouldhave sickenedherifhe’dtouchedhersointimately,eventhoughshe’dknownthemanforsome timeandwasmarriedtohim.ButshewantedJohn.Whenheremovedtherestofher clothingshedidn’ttrytohideherselffromhisgaze.Whatshesawinhisdarkeyes reassuredherthatshewasdesirable,andmaybeevenpretty.Hedidn’tseeherasanevil temptress,butasalovelywoman.Hewasn’tashamedofhisbody’sreactiontoher,andshe feltcompletelysafe. Johncouldn’twaittogetridofhisclothing,andhequicklyremovedeverythingto standinfrontofhercompletelynude.Susie’seyeswidenedasshesawhowlargehewas. “You’rebig!”shewhispered. Johnchuckled.“Bigenough,Iguess.”Hereyeswerefulloftrepidation.“Don’t worry,Susie.Iamgoingtogorealslowanddothisright.Iwillbegentle.” Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoreply.Hetookonerosetippednippleintohismouth andteasedherwithhistongue.“Oh,John.Ididn’tknowthiscouldfeelgood!”she admitted,hervoicefullofawe. “Itwillfeelevenbetter,honey,”hepromised,remindinghimselfthatheneededto goslowly.InspiteofthefactthatSusiewasmarried,shewasstillaninnocent,andshe deservedgentlenessandhisconsiderationasheclaimedher. Susan’slowerbellyachedandshefeltwetbetweenherlegs.Shedidn’tknowifthat wasnormal,butsinceJohnseemeddelightedwithherresponse,shesimplyenjoyedthe sensationshewasresponsibleforcreating.Hishandsweresogentleandshewasabitin aweofthat.Howhecouldspanksohardoneminute,andthentouchhersocarefullyinthe next…itwasamazing! Johntookherhandandguidedittohispulsingmanhood.“Iknowyouareshy, Susie,butIwantyoutofeelhowmuchIwanttomakelovetoyou.Whenyoustrokeme,it givesmethesamekindofpleasureyouarefeelingwhenItouchyouhere.”Hestrokedher littlebudandshemoanedwithlongingformore. “Iwanttopleaseyou,too,John,”shewhispered.“Willyoutellmewhattodo?” “Youaredoingjustfinerightnow,”hereassuredher.Hefinallyhadtostillherhand. “I’llshoottoosoon,honey,ifyoukeepthatup,”hewhispered,smiling.“Iwanttomakethis lastalongtime.” Susanwasunpreparedfortherenewedassaultonhersensesashecaressedherand madeherwrithewithanaching,burningneed.Shewasbegginghimtogivehermore,and whenhefinallymovedbetweenherlegstoclaimher,hetoldherthattherewouldbeabit ofpainthefirsttime,butneveragain.Susanwasbeyondcaringaboutthat.Sheneeded Johnandsheeagerlyacceptedhimasheslowlyenteredher.Therewasalotofstretching, andthenthepromisedpain,whichbroughttearstohereyes,butJohnstoppedmovingand gaveherbodytimetoaccepthim.Hekissedawayhertears,anditdidn’ttakelongforhim toreignitethefiresofpassionwithinher.

Johnfounditeasytobecarefulofthepreciouswoman.Hisfeelingsforherwere growingdeepereveryday,andhefounditremarkablethatshewaswillinglygivingherself tohimwithsuchabandon.Hewantedtoprotecther,andgivinghertimetoadjusttohim wouldonlymakethefinaloutcomeoftheirlovemakingthatmuchbetter.Hesmiledto himselfwhenhefeltherstartmovingabitbeneathhim,andhemovedslowly.“Isthisall right,honey?Idon’twanttohurtyou.” “Itfeelsfinenow,John,”sheanswered,returninghiskisseswithherown.Shetried tomatchhismovementsandwassurprisedwhenthetensionbuiltasbefore…onlythis timeitexplodedallaroundherandshecriedoutinpleasureandsurpriseattheintensityof herfeelings.Johnsaidhernameashefoundhisownreleasewithinher,andwhenhe rolledoffofher,hepulledhercloseandsimplyheldher.Susanwascontentandhappy. Therewasnoshame,andnotears.Theexperiencewastrulybeautiful! “Howareyoufeeling,Susie?Doyouhurt?”Johnwasconcerned. “Ifeellikeabeautifulwomanforthefirsttimeinmylife,”shereplied,andthenshyly added,“Itmightbewrongformetosaythis,butIamsogladthatPhilipdidn’ttouchme. Youmademyfirsttimespecial,anditwouldhavebeenterrifyingwithPhilip.Thankyou forbeingsopatientwithme,John,andforgivingmetimetoacceptmyfeelingsforyou.” “Youwereworthwaitingfor,honey,”hetoldher,andthenleaneddowntokissher neckinasignofaffection.“Letmegetsomewatertobatheyou,”hesaidashereluctantly movedawayfromher.Hetookthewaterpitcherfromthestand,andfilleditwithhot waterfromthepotoverthefirethattheykeptwarmallthetime.Headdedsomecool watertoo,andthenputthewaterinthebasin.Hefoundaclothforbathing,andwetit. “Letmehelpyou,Susie,”heoffered,gentlypullingherlegsapart.Hedidn’twanthertobe frightenedbythebloodstainingherlegsandthequiltontopofthebed.“Thisisperfectly normal,”heexplainedinacalmtoneofvoice. “Whatisnormal?”sheasked,thoroughlyembarrassedhewasbathinghermost privatearea.Shesawthebloodandwasimmediatelyshamed.“Ohno!”Howawfultostart hertimewhiletheyweremakinglove! “It’snotwhatyouthink,honey,”Johnexplained.“Thefirsttimeawomanlieswitha man,sheloseshermaidenhead,andthereisblood.Itonlyprovesthatyouwereinnocent, anditisnothingtobeashamedof.” Hecleansedherandthensaid,“You’dbestputyourclothesonnow,Susie.Idon’t wantyoutotakeachill,andit’stoosoontojoinagain.Youmightbeabitsoreadayortwo, untilyourbodyheals.Itwon’teverhurtlikethatagain,Ipromise.” “Itwasn’tsobadthistime,”shewhispered.“Iknowyouweretryingtobegentle withme.” “Iwas,”headmittedwithasmile.Sheblanchedwhenshesawthebloodonthe quilt. “Ohno!I’llhavetowashthisrightaway,John,oritwillberuined!”Susanwas embarrassed,butshewenttoworkonthequilt,andbythetimeshehungittodry,there wasnotraceofbloodanywhere.Hopefully,itwoulddryquicklysotheycouldputitback ontheirbedthatnight. Susanwasembarrassedanddidn’tknowwhattodowithherself.Shedecidedto peelsomepotatoesandputtheminabowlandwenttositinherrockingchair,completely forgettingthatsittingdownwaspainful.“Owwww!”Shejumpedrightupandglaredatthe manresponsibleforherpredicament.“Darnyou,John!Ican’tsitdownagain!”

“Iguessyoushouldn’thavebeensnoopingthroughthingsyouweretoldtoletbe,” heremindedher. “WhatareyougoingtodoaboutAbelMcCory?”sheaskedcuriously. “I’mnotsure,Susie,andIreallydon’twanttotalkaboutit.”Hecouldseehe’d managedtohurtherfeelings.“Honey,Ineedtodosomeseriousthinkingonthis.Please don’taskmeanymorequestionsrightnow.It’snothingtodowithyou;it’smyproblem.” Susannodded,andcarriedherbowlofpotatoestothetableandstoodtheretopeel them.Johntookuphiscarvingonceagain,andremainedsilentandmoodywhileshefixed theireveningmeal.Afterwards,hegentlycarriedherofftobedandkissedher passionately. ******************** Thedayspassed,andtherewereevenmoresnowstormstokeeptheminsidethe cabin.Theyhadplentytoeat,enoughwoodtokeepwarm,andwatertodrink.Theyalso spentagooddealoftimemakingloveandtalkingofmanythings. Theirupbringingwasvastlydifferent,andJohnfeltthatSusiehadbeenmistreated formostofherlife.HerMotherlovedher,withoutadoubt,butherfathertreatedbothof themcruelly.Worstofall,hesoldSusantoherdeadhusbandinspiteofthefactSusan pleadedwithhimnottomarryherofftoamanshedidnotlikeandwhowasplanningto takeherfarawayfromherMotherandeverythingfamiliar.Herwishesdidnotmatterone littlebittothecruelman,justthemoneyhewouldgetforsellinghisprettydaughter.Her Motherpleadedwithhim,too,andhetookastraptohertostophercomplaining,andSusie wasalsopunishedwhenshetriedtohideandavoidherwedding. SusanfeltthatJohnwasluckytoberaisedinafamilythattrulylovedeachother, andsheencouragedhimtogohomeonceitwasspring.Shehopedhewouldtakeherwith him,buthehadn’tmentionedwantingapermanentrelationshipwithher. “Itlookslikewearefinallygettingabreakintheweather,Susie,andI’mgoingtogo hunting.Wecouldusesomefreshmeat,”Johndeclaredasheputonwarmerclothing.“Do youthinkyou’llbeallrightherealoneforawhile?”heaskedwithateasingwink. “Ofcourse!”sheanswered. “Notgoingtogetintoanymischief?”hewantedtoknow.“Ihaven’tspankedyour hindinthreeweeksnow!” “Andyouaren’tgoingtospankmeagain!”sheretorted. “Wanttobet?”heaskedwithagrin.“Infact,I’mgoingtospankyoutonight,justfor thefunofit.” “What!?Why?”Susanputherhandsonherhipstoglareathim.“Ihaven’tdone anythingwrong!” “Yesyouhave,honey.And,I’lltendtothematterlater.Inthemeantime,you’dbest thinkofawayortwotosoothemytemper.” “Whattemper?”Shestompedherfoot. Johnchuckled,strappedonhissnowshoes,pickeduphisgun,andthenleaneddown tokissher.“You’dbestbehave,Susie.Yoursweetlittlehindisinenoughtrouble!”he whispered,winked,andthenleft. Susanshutthedoorbehindhimandthenstompedherfootoncemore.“Ihaven’t doneanythingwrong!Andyouarenotgoingtospankmeagain,JohnJericho!” 

SusanmanagedtokeepbusywhileJohnwasouthunting,butallshecouldthink aboutwasthepromisedspanking,andmuchtoherdisbelief,shefeltthesamesortofneed inherprivatepartsthatshefeltwheneverJohnkissedherandtouchedher.Whatwas wrongwithher?Howcouldthethoughtofaspankingfillherwithexcitement?Spankings hurt,anditshouldbethelastthingshewanted! Johnwasn’tgonelong,andhishuntingtripwassuccessful.Theyhadawonderful mealofvenisonsteaks,andtherewasenoughmeatlefttofixforthenextfewdays,but SusanfeltJohn’sdarkeyesonherasshemovedaboutthecabinandsheknewthathewas stillplanningtospankher!Hesaidnothingaboutthepromisedspanking,butshewas positivehehadn’tforgotten. JohnwatchedinamusementasSusierushedaroundthecabin,tryingtostaybusy. Eventhroughhershirthecouldseehernippleswerehard,andheknewshewasthinking ofthespankinghepromisedbeforehewenthunting.Itwastime.“Areyoureadytobare yourhindforme,Susie?”heaskedfromwherehesatontheirbed. Shewhirledaround,hercheeksaprettypink.“Ihaven’tdoneanythingtoearna punishment!”shedeclared. “HaveIsaidanythingaboutpunishingyou?” “Yousaidyouweregoingtospankme!”sheaccused. “Iamgoingtospankyou.Comehere,”hepattedhisthigh. “No!”shegasped. “Comehere,honey.” HisvoicewassoftandpersuasiveandSusanfoundherselfunabletoresist.She reluctantlywalkedtohim,hereyeswideandfullofuncertainty. “Goodgirl,Susie,”Johnsmiledreassuringly.“Nowpullupyourskirtandletmesee thatprettyhindofyours.I’msureitneedsathoroughspanking.” Susiecouldn’tfindthewordstodenyhim.Sheslowlypulledupherskirtsanddidn’t strugglewhenhegentlyeasedherdownoverhisleftthighandthebed,hishandfinding herveryvulnerablebottomandpattinghercheekswithafamiliaritythatmadeherblush. Hewasn’tbeingabitroughwithherandshetrulydidn’tknowwhattothink. “Yes,yourprettybacksideneedssomecolor,Susie,”Johnsaidsolemnly,butthe spankinghestartedgivingherwasn’ttheleastbitpainful.Hewouldgiveherseveralswats, andthencaresshercheeks,effectivelyrubbingawayanystinghecreated.“Nowwhatdid youdotoearnthisspanking,younglady?”hequestioned. “Nothing!”shegasped,andthensquealedwhenhespankedabitharder. “Nowthatisn’ttrue,MissSusie,”hecontradictedher. “WhatdidIdo,John?”sheasked,confused. “Youhaven’tgivenmeareasontoswatyourprettybackside,Susie,andIliketopay attentiontothispartofyou!”hedeclared,givingheranotherspankthatbroughtforth anothersqueal.Hechuckled,andthenrubbedawaythesting. Susanwasverymuchawareofthefirebuildingwithinher,andwhenhishands movedlowertocaressherthighs,shewassoonmoaning,andpartingherlegsabitsohe couldstrokeherinnerthighsaswell.“John,Ididn’tknowitwaspossibletoenjoya spanking!”shegaspedafteranotherwell-aimedspanktoherbackside. “So,youareenjoyingthis?”heteased,hisfingereasilyslippinginsideherwarmand wetsex. “Yes,verymuch!”

“ThenI’llhavetospankyoujustabitharderandlonger,”hepromised,suiting actionstowords.JohnwascarefultowatchSusanforsignsofdistress,butitwasobvious shewasenjoyingthesexyspanking,andeventhoughherbottomwassoonstinging,she offerednocomplaintwhenheundressedherselfandhim,andthenenteredherwilling body.Heheldherafterwardsandsaid,“Youaresuchanaughtylittlelady,Susie,andI’mso glad.Iloveawomanwithspirit.” Susannoticedhestilldidn’toffertomarryher,andshewenttosleepfeelingabit sad.Theystillhadseveralmonthsbeforeitwouldbesafetomakethetriptothe settlement,andhopefullyJohnwoulddeclarehimselfbythen. ******************** JohnleftSusiesnuginthecabinandwenthuntingonceagain.Itwasgoodforthem tohavesometimeapartonceinawhile,andJohnneededsometimetothink.Hewasstill havingtroublebelievingthatAbelMcCorywasresponsibleforCarolyn’sdeath.Abelwas hisbestfriendallthroughtheirschoolyears,andhestoodashisbestmanwhenhemarried Carolyn.SurelyCarolynmisunderstood…?ButthenJohnwouldrecallthatAbelwasoneof thefirsttopointafingeratJohnandaccusehimofbeingfuriouswithCarolynand threateningher.HerousedCarolyn’sfathertoafrenzysothatthemanwouldn’tlistentoa thingJohntriedtotellhim.JohnhadwonderedforthelastfewyearswhatmadeAbelturn onhim,andnowheknew.Comespring,Johnwasgoingtogohomeandclearhisname.He owedittohisfamily…andtoCarolyn…tofindthetruth. HealsoowedittoSusie,andtotheirfuturetogether.Thelovehefeltforthefeisty redheadwasmuchdifferentthanwhathefeltforCarolyn,andheknewhisMamawould loveherasmuchashedid.Whenspringarrived,hewasgoingtotakehisnewbridehome withhim. ******************** SusandidasshealwaysdidwhenJohnwasaway,andmadesuretheirhomewasas cleanasshecouldmakeit.Shealsoputsomethingontocook,justincasehishunting wasn’tsuccessful.Johntaughtherhowtoworkwiththesoftleather,andshewasworking onanotherskirtandtopforherself.Atleastitgavehersomethingtodo.Shewasbusy sewingwhensheheardJohnoutside.Shesmiled,happyhewashome.Agreetingwason herlipswhenthecabindooropened,butitquicklydiedwhenthreemenshedidn’tknow cameinsideasiftheyownedtheplace. “Whathavewehere?”Oneofthemenlookedathercuriously. “You’rerightpretty,honey.” Susandidn’tliketheirlooks.“Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded. “It’sfixingtostormagain,andwewantedshelter,andsomethinghotinourbelly,”a thirdmanansweredpolitely.“Youtwoboysstopstaringatthelady.Can’tyouseeyou’re scaringher?” “There’snothingtobescaredof;we’reharmless,”thefirstmanliedwithasmile. “Ifyouareharmless,thenyouwillleaveatonce!” “Nocalltoberude,littlelady.We’rehungry,andinthesepartsit’sthecustomto feedfolkswhentheydropby,”theoldermaninformedher. “Lookslikestewinthepot,Smith.” “Itisn’tdoneyet,”Susantoldhim. “Wecanwait,”themancalledSmithanswered.“Mightwesitdown,ma’am?” Susannodded.Therewerethreeofthem,andshecouldn’tdoanythingelse.

Oncetheyweresettled,Smithasked,“WhereisJericho?” “Hunting,”shetoldthetruth.Lyingwouldn’thelphersituation. “Notmucharoundtheseparts,butJerichoisaluckysortandifthereisgame,he’ll findit.”Themanactuallysmiled.“Noneedtobescaredofus,littlelady.Iknowwelook scruffy,butwewon’thurtyounone.” ThecabindooropenedthenandJohncameinside.Hisdarkeyeswenttohersand whenhesawshewasfine,herelaxedabit.“Sawwehadvisitors,Smith.It’sbeenawhile.” Heofferedtheoldermanhishand. “Wescaredyourlady,Jericho.Weweren’texpectingbuttofindanemptycabinto getwarmin.” Johnwalkedovertowhereshesatonthebed,andputhisarmaroundher.“Thisis mywife,Susie.” “Well,congratulationsareinorder!”Smithsaidwithahugegrin.“Ididn’tseeno ringonherfinger…?” “Haven’tbeentobuyoneyet,”Johnrepliedquietly.“Iwanthertohaveanewone.” “That’srealsmart.”Thefirstmanwasstillgivingherthathungrylookshehated. “Don’tbelievewe’vemet…I’mJohnJericho.” “WilliamCoffield,andthishereisDruryHolmes.WemetupwithSmithacouple monthsagoanddecidedtowintertogether.” Johnnodded.Hedidn’tlikethelooksofthetwo,butitwasSmith’sbusinesswhohe winteredwith. “Didn’thaveanyluckhunting?”theonecalledHolmesaskedcuriously. “Nope,nottoday.Susie,honey,doyouneedmetobringupsomethingelsetogo withthestewyouhaveon?Thesemenwillneedagoodmealtotravelon.” “Icanmakesomethingfaster,John.Thestewwillbealongtimeyet,”shestated. “Thatwouldberealsweetofyou,honey,”Johnnoddedagreeably.“Wouldyouput onsomecoffee,too?”heaskedpolitely. “Ofcourse.”Susanwasn’tcomfortablewiththestrangersinthehouse.Theireyes seemedtofollowherwherevershewent,anditmadeherfeelclumsy.Shehurriedasmuch aspossibletofeedthem,andwasrelievedwhenSmithtoldtheothertwoitwastimeto moveon. Theygrumbled,andthemannamedWilliamCoffieldcomplainedandsaidhewas lookingforwardtospendingthenightinsteadoftrekkinganothereighthourstowhere theywerewintering.Theothermanlaughedandsaid,“Youwouldn’twantcompanyeither ifyouhadapurtyyoungwifetocuddle.” Smithfrownedandtoldthemtogetamoveon.HeturnedandspokequietlytoJohn. “Jericho,don’ttrustthemtwo.Theyknowyouhaveawomanherenow,andIain’tsosureI cankeeponeorbothofthemfromtryingtotakeherfromyou.” “Thanksforthewarning,Smith.”Johnshookhishandagain,andwatchedthethree menuntiltheywereoutofsight.Hebarredthedoorwhenhecameinside,andthenlooked atSusanandscolded,“Whydidyouopenthedoortothosethree,younglady?” “Ididn’t!”shequicklydenied.“Theybargedrightoninsidewithoutknocking!Iwas sogladyoucamehomewhenyoudid.Ididn’tknowhowtogetridofthem.Smithkept tellingmeIwassafeandtheywouldn’thurtme,andIknowhemeantit,butIsawtheway thoseothertwomenwerelookingatme!”

“Susan,youneedtokeepthisdoorbarredwhenIamnothere,”Johnsaidsternly. “DoIneedtogiveyouasoundspankingtoimpressthisuponyou?” “Noooo!”sheanswered,strickenthatheseemedangrywithher.“John,Ididn’tdo anythingwrong!Iwassittingheresewingwhentheysimplybargedin!” “Itthedoorwasbarred,theycouldn’thavedoneso.”Hetookherbytheshoulders andgaveheralittleshake.“IwillstrapyouifIevercomebackhereandfindthisdoor unlockedagain.Doyouhearme?” “Youarebeingmeantome,JohnJericho,andIwon’ttolerateit!Ididnothing wrong,andyouareactinglikeIsetouttoenticethosementocomehere!Ididn’t!They aretheonesyoushouldbemadat!Theyaretheoneswhodeserveahidingforwalking insidewithoutknockingfirst!” “Areyoufinishedyellingatme,Susie?”Johnaskedquietly. “Idon’tknow.Areyoudonescoldingme?”shedemanded,turningupherchinand daringhimtosayanotherword.” “Yes,I’mdonescolding.Ithinkyouneedareminder,”heannouncedandbeforeshe realizedwhathewasabout,Johngrabbedherandbracedhisfootuponachairand droppedheroverhisbentkneeandstartedspankingoverherskirt.WhenSusiehollered bloodymurder,hetossedupherskirtsandspankedherbarehind.“WhenIaskyouifyou understand,littlegirl,Idon’texpectyoutostartscoldingme.Isthatunderstood?” “Ohhhhh!Youarebeingsounfair!” “Iamtryingtoprotectyou,Susie.Ican’tdothatifyoudon’tpayattentiontowhatI tellyoutodo!Whenyouarereadytopromisemeyou’llkeepthedoorbarredwhenIam away,thenI’llstopspankingyou.Inthemeantime,I’mgoingtoseetoityouregretbeing sodarnsassy!” “Iamnotgoingtogiveintoyou,JohnJericho!”sheunwiselypromised,andhe spankedevenharder,aimingforhertendersitspots.“Owwwww!Youaresuchanass!” Hespankedevenharderyet. “Don’tyouunderstand,youlittlefool!Idon’twantyoutosufferthewayCarolyn did!Shewasbatteredandbruised,andnowomanshouldeversufferthatway.Youlisten tome,Susie.Iloveyou,anddamnit,ifIhavetospankyoualldaylong,you’regoinglisten tomeandstaysafe!”

Chapter Seven

“Yousurehaveafunnywa “Yousurehaveafunnywayofshowingsome yofshowingsomeoneyoulovethe oneyoulovethem!”Susanre m!”Susanretortedas tortedas Johncontinuedtospankheru Johncontinuedtospankherupturnedbar pturnedbarebackside ebackside,butinsidesh ,butinsideshewasrejoicin ewasrejoicingthatJohn gthatJohn  finally admittedhelovedher!“Stopnow,please!” admittedhelovedher!“Stopnow,please!” “Ihaven’theardapr “Ihaven’theardapromisefromyouye omisefromyouyet,littlegirl,”John t,littlegirl,”Johnsaid,empha said,emphasizinghisword sizinghiswords s withmorehardspankstohe withmorehardspankstoherburninghin rburninghind.Hecouldse d.Hecouldseethathersk ethatherskinwasad inwasadeep,dark eep,dark red,butthiswasonebattle red,butthiswasonebattleofwillsheinte ofwillsheintendedtowin ndedtowin.Hersafety .Hersafetywastooimporta wastooimportantto ntto himtoriskthechanceofher himtoriskthechanceofherdefiance. defiance. “Okay,youwin!”Shefina “Okay,youwin!”Shefinallygaveover llygaveover.“Ipromise .“IpromiseIwillkeep Iwillkeepthedoorbarr thedoorbarredwhen edwhen youareaway.”Susanex youareaway.”Susanexpectedhimto pectedhimtostopthepain stopthepainfulchastisement,b fulchastisement,buthedidn’ uthedidn’t.“John,I t.“John,I promised!Yousaidyouwo promised!YousaidyouwouldstopwhenI uldstopwhenIpromised!” promised!”Thespank Thespanksreallyhurtn sreallyhurtnowand owand Susanwastrulydesperate! Susanwastrulydesperate!“Please, “Please,John!Iamsorr John!Iamsorry!” y!” “Yoursassynatureandstubb “Yoursassynatureandstubbornnesshasma ornnesshasmadethisremi dethisreminderquite nderquitepainful,hasn’t painful,hasn’tit, it, Susie?”hedemanded Susie?”hedemanded,makingsure ,makingsurehersitspotswe hersitspotswereaflamefr reaflamefromhishardha omhishardhand. nd. “Pleasestop!Iwillber “Pleasestop!Iwillbereasonableno easonablenow,”shecapitula w,”shecapitulated.Herle ted.Herlegswerekicki gswerekicking ng furiouslyandtearswerestr furiouslyandtearswerestreamingdown eamingdownhercheeks. hercheeks.Shetrulyregre Shetrulyregrettedbehav ttedbehavinglike inglike suchastubbornfoolandrefusin suchastubbornfoolandrefusingtogivehimh gtogivehimherpromisew erpromisewhenheaske henheaskedforit.Susan dforit.Susan knewshewouldn’tsitwithoutfe knewshewouldn’tsitwithoutfeelingthisspa elingthisspankingforat nkingforatleastafew leastafewdays!“I’m days!“I’msorry, sorry, John!Pleaseforgivemen John!Pleaseforgivemenow!”shebe ow!”shebegged. gged. “Andforwhatelsedoyou “Andforwhatelsedoyouneedtoap needtoapologize?”John ologize?”Johndemanded demanded.Hewasn’t .Hewasn’tgoingto goingto makethesamemistakesw makethesamemistakeswithSusiethathe ithSusiethathemadewith madewithhisCarolyn.He hisCarolyn.Heincreased increasedthesting thesting onhercheeksandthen onhercheeksandthenmovedlowerto movedlowertoheruppert herupperthighs.Ifever highs.Ifeveraladynee aladyneededafi dedafirmhand, rmhand, itwasSusie.Shewasspirite itwasSusie.Shewasspiritedandfe dandfeisty,andhe isty,andhewouldhavehe wouldhaveheroverhiskne roverhiskneequiteofte equiteoftenin nin theyearsaheadhesurmi theyearsaheadhesurmised.“Well,li sed.“Well,littlegirl?” ttlegirl?” “Idon’tknow!”shetear “Idon’tknow!”shetearfullyadmitted fullyadmitted.“Oh,please, .“Oh,please,John!Icanno John!Icannottakeanym ttakeanymoreof oreof this.Iamsorryforeverythin this.IamsorryforeverythingIhavesaid gIhavesaidordonesin ordonesinceIwasborn ceIwasborn!”shesaid !”shesaidin in desperation,andtoher desperation,andtohersurpriseJohnga surpriseJohngaveherone veheronefinalwhacka finalwhackandputheron ndputheronherfeet, herfeet, chuckling. “Iwouldsaythatcoversabr “Iwouldsaythatcoversabroadrange oadrangeofmisdeeds,Su ofmisdeeds,Susie.”Heope sie.”Heopenedhisarm nedhisarmsto sto offercomfortandsheimmed offercomfortandsheimmediatelysteppe iatelysteppedintohise dintohisembrace,need mbrace,needinghiscomfort,a inghiscomfort,andhis ndhis love. “Whatdidyouwantmeto “Whatdidyouwantmetosay?”sheask say?”sheasked,sniffling ed,snifflingandswiping andswipingathereye athereyeswiththe swiththe backsofherhands. “Youwerescoldingmewhen “YouwerescoldingmewhenallIwasdoi allIwasdoingwastrying ngwastryingtokeepyou tokeepyousafe,honey.A safe,honey.A simple,‘Yes,John,Iwillkeep simple,‘Yes,John,Iwillkeepthedoorbar thedoorbarredwheny redwhenyouareaway ouareaway,’wouldhave ,’wouldhaveprevented prevented thisspanking.Yoursassymouthe thisspanking.Yoursassymouthearnedyou arnedyouasorehind.” asorehind.” “Didyoureallymeanwha “Didyoureallymeanwhatyousaid?” tyousaid?”sheasked,look sheasked,lookingupathim ingupathim,hopeinher ,hopeinher prettyeyes. “IalwaysmeanwhatIsay “IalwaysmeanwhatIsay.Youleave .Youleavethedoorunba thedoorunbarred,Susie,an rred,Susie,andseeifI dseeifIdon’t don’t takeastraptoyourhind!” “Oh,don’tbesilly,John!”She “Oh,don’tbesilly,John!”Shestompedher stompedherfootforemphasi footforemphasis.“Yousaid s.“Yousaidyoulove youlove me…”sheshylyremindedhim.

John’sdarkeyeswerein John’sdarkeyeswereintentashelook tentashelookedather. edather.“Idoloveyou, “Idoloveyou,Susie,butsurely Susie,butsurely youalreadyknewthat?” “Ihopedyoudid,butitis “Ihopedyoudid,butitisnicetohear nicetohearthewords,”she thewords,”sheadmitted. admitted. “Amanmightliketohear “Amanmightliketohearthewords,too,now thewords,too,nowandthen.” andthen.”John’sgaze John’sgazewasonhera wasonherand nd hewaitedforheranswer. “Iwouldn’thavesharedy “Iwouldn’thavesharedyourbedifI ourbedifIdidn’tlove didn’tloveyou,John.”Why you,John.”Whysheshouldbeso sheshouldbeso embarrassedwasamyste embarrassedwasamysterytoher,butshe rytoher,butshewas.“Ido was.“Idoloveyou,”shesa loveyou,”shesaidsoftly. idsoftly. “Iintendtoputmyringon “Iintendtoputmyringonyourfinger, yourfinger,Susie.Iconside Susie.Iconsideredgiving redgivingyouCarolyn’srin youCarolyn’sring, g, butdecidedyoushouldhave butdecidedyoushouldhaveyourownrin yourownring.Iwanttota g.Iwanttotakeyouhomea keyouhomeasmywifean smywifeand d presentyoutomyfamily.Wi presentyoutomyfamily.Willyoumarryme llyoumarrymeandcomew andcomewithme,Susie?” ithme,Susie?”heaskedf heaskedformally. ormally. “Yes,John.Iwillbeyourwife “Yes,John.Iwillbeyourwife.”Shewassm .”Shewassmilingandhe ilingandhereyeswere reyeswereswimmingwi swimmingwith th tearsofhappiness. “Youarealreadymywi “Youarealreadymywife,mywoman,i fe,mywoman,inthewaytha nthewaythatmattersmost.Sa tmattersmost.Sayingthe yingthe wordsinfrontofapreache wordsinfrontofapreacherwon’tmake rwon’tmakeusanymore usanymoremarriedtha marriedthanwealrea nwealreadyare,”John dyare,”John saidwithconvictionashelea saidwithconvictionasheleaneddown neddowntokissherten tokisshertenderly.“Plea derly.“Pleasekeep sekeepthatdoorbarr thatdoorbarred, ed, honey.Smithdon’ttrustCoffield honey.Smithdon’ttrustCoffieldorHolmes,”he orHolmes,”headded.“ added.“Itwillgiveme Itwillgivemepeaceof peaceofmindifI mindifI knowyouwillobeyme.” “Iwillobeyyou,John,”shesaid “Iwillobeyyou,John,”shesaidwithaloving withalovingsmile.“Idon smile.“Idon’ttrustthemei ’ttrustthemeither,”she ther,”she added,shuddering.“Theyscaredme.” “Comehere,honey,”hewhisp “Comehere,honey,”hewhisperedand eredandpulledher pulledherclosertoholdher closertoholdhersnuginhis snuginhis arms.“I’llkeepyousafe, arms.“I’llkeepyousafe,Susie.Ipromise Susie.Ipromise.”Shesurren .”Shesurrenderedtoh deredtohim,offeringhim im,offeringhimherlove. herlove. Whileherbacksidewasb Whileherbacksidewasburningand urningandstinging,shega stinging,shegaveherselfcomp veherselfcompletely,securei letely,secureinthe nthe knowledgethatJohntrulyloved knowledgethatJohntrulylovedher…justas her…justasshelovedhim. shelovedhim.Shedidn’t Shedidn’tthinkshewould thinkshewould everfindhappinesson everfindhappinessonceherfather ceherfathersettledonP settledonPhiliptobehe hiliptobeherhusband,but rhusband,butnowPhilipw nowPhilipwas as dead…andshewasma dead…andshewasmarriedtoa rriedtoamansheloved mansheloved.Lifewasg .Lifewasgood,andbe ood,andbestofall,shewas stofall,shewaswith with amanwhotreatedher amanwhotreatedherwell…eveni well…evenifhedidsp fhedidspankheren ankherentirelytoomuch! tirelytoomuch! Johndideverythinginhis Johndideverythinginhispowertomak powertomakeSusanfeel eSusanfeellovedandch lovedandcherishedthe erishedthenext next coupleofweeks.Hemade coupleofweeks.Hemadelovetohera lovetoheralloverthecab lloverthecabin,makinguse in,makinguseofthetable, ofthetable,insisting insisting shewashisdessert,andta shewashisdessert,andtastingheruntilsh stingheruntilsheexploded eexplodedwithpassion. withpassion.Shefeltlike Shefeltlikeawicked awicked womanforenjoyingtheact, womanforenjoyingtheact,butwhenJohnin butwhenJohninsistedonde sistedondessertthenext ssertthenexttime,shesaton time,shesatonthe the tableandleanedba tableandleanedback,pullinguphe ck,pullingupherskirtand rskirtandopeninghe openingherlegstoofferhi rlegstoofferhimwhathe mwhathe craved.Hepleasuredh craved.Hepleasuredheroncemore eroncemorewithhistonguea withhistongueandlips,and ndlips,andwhenher whenherspasmsof spasmsof pleasurewereover,hegaveherafewsecondstorest,andthenhedeclaredhewanteda secondhelping.Susanscrea secondhelping.Susanscreamedthesecon medthesecondtimeshefoun dtimeshefoundherrele dherrelease,andthe ase,andthethirdtime thirdtime soexhaustedherthatJohnputh soexhaustedherthatJohnputherdownfora erdownforanap.Hea nap.Heawakened wakenedherlaterby herlaterbystrokingher strokingher gently,andthenheclaime gently,andthenheclaimedhisrewar dhisreward,ridinghe d,ridingheruntiltheyboth runtiltheybothexplodedw explodedwithjoyand ithjoyand passion.Susanfeltlovedan passion.Susanfeltlovedandcherished. dcherished. WhensheshylyaskedJohnif WhensheshylyaskedJohnifshecouldplea shecouldpleasurehiminthe surehiminthesamewayh samewayhedidher, edidher,he he toldher‘yes’,butalsotoldhe toldher‘yes’,butalsotoldhershedidn’ rshedidn’thavetodo thavetodoanythingshed anythingshedidn’twant idn’twanttodo.Susan’s todo.Susan’s inexperiencenearlyd inexperiencenearlydrovehimwild rovehimwild,butJohnloved ,butJohnlovedeverysingle everysinglesecond,and second,andoncehewas oncehewas sated,hegaveherplea sated,hegaveherpleasurejustasinte surejustasintense. nse. Theonlyincidentthatmarr Theonlyincidentthatmarredtheirid edtheiridyllicdaysofma yllicdaysofmakinglovewhe kinglovewheneveran neverand d wherevertheypleased wherevertheypleasedwasthetime wasthetimethatJohnheard thatJohnheardSusanswear Susanswear.Hecouldn’tb .Hecouldn’tbelieve elieve she’dsaidthatparticular she’dsaidthatparticularword.“Susie, word.“Susie,youareala youarealady,andlad dy,andladiesdonotuse iesdonotusethatkindof thatkindof language!” “Oh,pooh,John!Ihurtmyfinger!”

“Andyouusedadisgustin “Andyouusedadisgustingword.Youne gword.Youneverhearm verhearmetalkliket etalklikethat!”Hewa hat!”Hewasmore smore thanalittlebitshocked.“ thanalittlebitshocked.“Ioughttosoapyour Ioughttosoapyourmouth!”Itwa mouth!”Itwaspreciselythe spreciselythewayhisMa wayhisMama ma dealtwithbadlanguage. dealtwithbadlanguage.Heandhis Heandhissiblingsquickly siblingsquicklylearnednot learnednottousecertain tousecertainwords words unlesstheywantedagood unlesstheywantedagoodsoaping.When soaping.Whenhewasalmost hewasalmostfullygrown,heth fullygrown,hethoughthewas oughthewas oldenoughtousetheword‘d oldenoughtousetheword‘damn’inhe amn’inherpresence. rpresence.Hewasshame Hewasshamedtorealize dtorealizethathis thathis Mamadidn’tconsiderh Mamadidn’tconsiderhimtheadulthe imtheadultheproclaimed proclaimedhimselftobe,a himselftobe,andshemarch ndshemarchedhim edhim insidewithherfingersgr insidewithherfingersgraspinghisea aspinghisearandmad randmadehimcutoffa ehimcutoffasliverofsoap sliverofsoapandsuckon andsuckonit it untilitdissolved.Hedid untilitdissolved.Hedidnotswearin notswearinfrontofheraf frontofherafterthat. terthat. “I’mnotperfect!”shesna “I’mnotperfect!”shesnapped.“A pped.“AndI’llswea ndI’llswearifIwantto! rifIwantto!”sheadd ”sheadded,clearlyin ed,clearlyina a testyframeofmind.“Youc testyframeofmind.“Youcanjuststoppre anjuststoppretendingyou’ tendingyou’veneverh veneverheardthewor eardthewordbefore!” dbefore!” Herfathersworealot.An Herfathersworealot.Andwhenshei dwhensheinjuredherse njuredherself,thosewere lf,thoseweretheterrible theterriblewordsthat wordsthat slippedoutofhermouth! Johnwasn’tabouttoputupwith Johnwasn’tabouttoputupwithhersass!He hersass!Hetookherbythe tookherbytheelbowand elbowandmarched marched hertothewashstand,tookouthis hertothewashstand,tookouthisknife,and knife,andcutoffasliver cutoffasliverofsoap. ofsoap. “No,John!”Susanbacked “No,John!”Susanbackedaway.“Iwon away.“Iwon’tletyoudoth ’tletyoudothattome!” attome!” “Yougetyourhindoverher “Yougetyourhindoverhere,Susie.Youe e,Susie.Youearnedata arnedatasteofsoap,an steofsoap,andyou’llgetit. dyou’llgetit.I I won’thavemywifecussingli won’thavemywifecussinglikeafield keafieldhand!”She hand!”Shebackede backedevenfarther venfartherawayfromhi awayfromhim. m. “Youcancomehereand “Youcancomehereandgetthisoverw getthisoverwithrightnowan ithrightnowandsaveyourse dsaveyourselfaspankin lfaspankin’,‘causeifI ’,‘causeifI havetofetchyou,you’regoing havetofetchyou,you’regoingtogetyourhind togetyourhindturnedre turnedred.” d.” Susanshookherhead‘no’.“ Susanshookherhead‘no’.“Iamsorryfor Iamsorryforusingthatword usingthatword,andIwon’t ,andIwon’tdoitagain doitagain,” ,” shesaid.“Pleasedon’t shesaid.“Pleasedon’tpunishmethis punishmethistime.Icann time.Icannotabidethe otabidethetasteofsoap,” tasteofsoap,”shetoldhim, shetoldhim, hereyespleadingwith hereyespleadingwithhimtobeforgiv himtobeforgiving. ing. “Icannotabideladies “Icannotabideladieswhoswear.La whoswear.Lastchance,little stchance,littlegirl.Ifyoucome girl.Ifyoucomenow,the now,the soapingwillbetheend soapingwillbetheendofit.IfIcome ofit.IfIcomeafteryou,you’llsoa afteryou,you’llsoapwithoutrinsi pwithoutrinsingforalongti ngforalongtime, me, andI’llwearoutmyhand andI’llwearoutmyhandonyourpre onyourprettybutt.” ttybutt.” SusanknewJohnmeantwhat SusanknewJohnmeantwhathesaid,butt hesaid,buttherewasno herewasnowayshecouldb wayshecouldbringherself ringherself tomeeklywalktohimand tomeeklywalktohimandacceptthesliv acceptthesliverofsoaphe erofsoaphewantedtop wantedtoplaceinher laceinhermouth.Itwas mouth.Itwas simplytoohumiliatingandtood simplytoohumiliatingandtoodisgustingtoacce isgustingtoaccept.“Please pt.“Please,John…I’lltake ,John…I’lltakeaspanking aspankingif if youwishtopunishme,butdon’t youwishtopunishme,butdon’tusethesoap! usethesoap!Ireallycan Ireallycan’tdothat!” ’tdothat!”sheinsisted. sheinsisted. Johnwasdonetalking.Here Johnwasdonetalking.Hereachedher achedherinthreelong inthreelongstrides,grabbe strides,grabbedherwrist dherwristand and thendraggedherback thendraggedherbacktothewashstan tothewashstand.“Open d.“Openyourmouth,”hefi yourmouth,”hefirmlyordered rmlyordered.She .She shookherheadno.Johnpinch shookherheadno.Johnpinchedhernose edhernose,cuttingoffhera ,cuttingoffherairuntilshewa iruntilshewasforcedtoope sforcedtoopen n hermouthtobreathe.Heput hermouthtobreathe.Heputthesliverofsoa thesliverofsoaponherton ponhertongue,andthen gue,andthenheldhermo heldhermouth uth closedwithonehandontop closedwithonehandontopofherhead ofherheadandtheothe andtheotherunderher runderherchin. chin. Susanstompedherfeetan Susanstompedherfeetandhereyes dhereyesfilledwithte filledwithtears!Thesoa ars!Thesoaptastedhorri ptastedhorribleand bleand shewantedtogag.Shetrie shewantedtogag.Shetriedtotwistfree dtotwistfreeoftheholdJohn oftheholdJohnhadonher, hadonher,buthewas buthewas determinedshenotspit determinedshenotspitoutthesoapunti outthesoapuntilhewassatisfi lhewassatisfiedshe’dha edshe’dhadthefullbe dthefullbenefitofthe nefitofthe punishment.Susanknewshe punishment.Susanknewshewouldnever wouldneverswearagai swearagainifthiswasthe nifthiswastheconsequence consequence!Itwas !Itwas awful!Trulyawful!!She awful!Trulyawful!!ShetriedtotellJoh triedtotellJohnwithhere nwithhereyesthatshew yesthatshewassorry,buthe assorry,butheignored ignored herpleading.Thesoap herpleading.Thesoapslowlydissolved, slowlydissolved,fillinghermouth fillinghermouthwithbubblesa withbubblesandshethought ndshethought shewasgoingtoretch. JohnsawSusan’sprettyfaceturn JohnsawSusan’sprettyfaceturnpaleand paleandhereyesw hereyeswidenwiththe idenwiththeknowledge knowledgeshe she wasgoingtobesick.Here wasgoingtobesick.Hereleasedher leasedheratonceand atonceandgrabbed grabbedthebasin.She thebasin.Shespitoutthesoap spitoutthesoap immediately,andgrabb immediately,andgrabbedthecupof edthecupofwaterhefe waterhefetchedforher tchedforherandrinsed andrinsed.Nothinghelp .Nothinghelped ed ridherofthetaste,howeve ridherofthetaste,however.“I’msorry, r.“I’msorry,John!Please John!Pleasedon’tever don’teverdothattomea dothattomeagain!”She gain!”She

wasintears,andJohnfeltsorryforher.Hedidn’tspankherrightthen,butgaveher stomachtimetosettle.  Itwasn’tuntilafterlunchthatshedecidedtothrowanothertantrum,losingher temperovernothingatall!ThattimeJohntookheroverhiskneeandsetherbottomon firewhileshekickedandthrewaroyalfit.Whenhestopped,shethrewawetdishragat himandtoldhimhecoulddothedishesbecauseshedidn’tfeelwell.Hewatchedin disbeliefasshecrawledintobed.Whenshewokelater,hercheekswerescarletasshecut upheroldraggeddressinto‘grannyrags’.Susanwasembarrassedascouldbe,butonce shetookcareofherneeds,shecametohimandapologizedforbeingsuchawitch,and explainedhertemperwasimpossibletolivewithrightbeforehermonthlytime.John smiledatherandtoldherheknewhowtodealwiththattemperofhers,andthenhe huggedherandtoldhershewasthesweetestwomanonearth. Johnstayedclosetothecabinduringthefourweeksfollowingtheunexpectedvisit fromthethreetrappersbecausehedidn’ttrustHolmesandCoffieldnottoreturnwiththe ideaoftakingSusiewiththem!Whenamonthpassedandtheydidn’treturn,Johnfeltit wassafetorelaxhisguardsomewhatandgohunting;theyneededsomefreshmeat.He informedSusieofhisplansandshenoddedinunderstanding.Theyreallydidneedthe meat,andshewouldbefine.Shewasoftheopinionthattheyhadoverreactedtotheir visitors. “Youmakesuretobarthisdoor,Susie,anddon’tletanyoneinside,”hebossedina sterntoneofvoice. Shelearnedherlessonaboutbeingsassyandstubborn,andshequicklypromisedto doasshewastold.Susandidn’twantanyonetoeverwalkinonherthewaythosethree mendidthelasttimeJohnwasaway.Itwasfrighteningandonparwiththetimethe wagontrainwasattackedbyHeWhoWearsRedandtheotherIndians. Susanbusiedherselfaroundthecabin,makingsureitwasspotless,andsheusedthe timetowashafewitemsofclothingandhangthemtodry.Shejumpedwhensomeone triedtoopenthedoor.ItwastoosoonforJohntobeback! “MissSusan!”avoicecalledthroughthedoor.“Youneedtocomequick!Wefound yourmanandhe’shurtrealbadandcallingforyou!” Susandidn’tstoptothink.SherushedtothedoortofindCoffieldandHolmes standingthere.“WhereisJohn?”shedemanded. “Aboutthreemilesfromhere.Smithisstayingwithhim,”Coffieldsaid.“Hurryup andgetyourcoaton.Heain’tgotmuchtimeleft.” Susanrantodoasshewastold,herheartbeatinginfearandtearsfillinghereyes. HowwouldshelivewithoutJohninherlife?Hewaseverythingtoher.“Let’shurry!”she toldthemenandsetoutinthedirectionshesawJohngowhenheleft.Themeneasilykept upwithher. Susan’smindwasracing.WhatcouldhavehappenedtoJohn?Howcould somethinghappentohimandhernotfeelitinherheart?ShefollowedinCoffield’s footsteps,andHolmesfollowedbehindher.Themenwerehurrying,andtheywalkedand walkedwhilesheprayedthatJohnwouldbeallright.MaybeSmithwouldbeabletodo somethingtohelpJohn?Afterwalkingforwelloveranhour,Susansuddenlyrealizedthat theyshouldhavereachedJohnbynow.“IthoughtyousaidthatJohnwasonlythreemiles fromthecabin?”sheasked.

“It’sjustabitfurther,”Coffieldsaid.“Keepup.” Susanabruptlyrealizedthatthetwomenhadtrickedher!Shestoppedinhertracks andsaid,“Takemehomerightnow!” “Youarecomingwithus,girlie,”Holmessaidwithaleeringgrin.“Wegotallsortsof plansforyou.” “No!Johnismyhusband,andIwanttogohomenow!” “Heain’tnobody’shusbandnomore.Iseentothat,”Coffieldsaidwithalaugh.“I putabulletthroughhim.So,lady,youbelongtousnow,andweaimtogetourmoney’s worth.Nowunlessyouwanttostartpayinguphereandnow,you’llmoveyourfannyand keepup.Ifyoustartslowingusdown,we’llbareyououthereandhaveusasampleonthe waytoourplace.” “WhereisJohn?”Susanwasfrantic.“Heneedshelp!” “Hedon’tneednothin’,”Holmesspit.“He’sanuppitybastardwholooksdownon folkslikemeandCoffield.Hegothis,andnowwe’llgetours.” “Iwon’tletyoutouchme!” “Sureyouwill,girlie.You’llbebeggingforitrealsoon.”Themanlaughedandthen shovedher.“Moveyourtail.” Susanhadnochoice.Ifshetriedtofightthetwoofthemouthere,shewouldlose. Shehadnoweaponofanykind,andevenifshedidescapethemouthere,shewouldfreeze todeathbeforeshecouldreachthecabin…andifJohnwashurt—sherefusedtobelievehe wasdead—shewouldn’tknowwheretobeginlookingforhim!Susantriedtogatherher witsabouther.Sheneededtorescueherself.CoffieldandHolmeswouldhavenoqualms aboutusingher.“WhereisSmith?”shewantedtoknow. “Wetookcareofhim,sodon’tthinkhe’sgonnastickupforyou,girlie.It’sjustyou andthetwoofus,andwe’regoingtohaveussomepartytonight.”Hegrinnedin anticipationandSusanshuddered.Shewasfrightened;evenmorefrightenedthanshewas intheIndianencampment. ******************** Johnfelthewasbeingfollowed,andhetriedtodecidewhoitwas.TheIndianshad treatedhimwellsincehesavedtheChief’ssonfromdrowningwhenhegothisfootcaught insomevinesunderwater.Johndidwhathewoulddoforanychildindistress,andwent underwaterandfreedhisfoot.Theboyrantotellhisfatherwhathappened,andlaterthat day,JohnwassurroundedbyIndianBraves.Hewasinvitedtotheircampforafeast,and alwayswelcomedasanhonoredfriend.Johndidnothingtoabusetheirtrust,buthewas wellawarethatnotallofthebravessharedtheirchief’spointofviewabouthim,andJohn wasalwaysonhisguard…justincase. “Jericho.”Heheardavoicecallweakly.“Overhere.Can’ttakeanotherstep.” JohnhurriedtofindSmithproppedagainstatree.“Yourwomanisintrouble.I triedtostopCoffield;didn’tknowthatHolmeswashidingtogetmefromtheback.They spottedyouthismorning,knewshewasalone.Youhurrynow,andkillthebastardsfor me.”Themanclosedhiseyesanddied,havingsaidwhatheforcedhimselftostayalive longenoughtosay. Johnhurriedtowardthecabin,prayingthatlittleSusieobeyedhim.Ifsheleftthe doorsandwindowsbarred,thetwomenwouldn’tbeabletogetinside.Shewasprobably terrified,though,andJohndidn’tlikethatonelittlebit.Heshouldhavelistenedtohis instinctsanddealtwiththetwomensooner,beforethishadachancetohappen.

HismindtookhimbackintimeandtotheafternoonhefoundCarolyn’sbody.He couldn’tgothroughthatagain,notnow,andespeciallynotafterfindingSusan.Heloved herwitheverythinghehadandlifewouldn’tbeworthlivingwithouthertobrightenhis daysandsoothehisnights. Hefinallywascloseenoughtoseethecabin.Therewasnosmokecomingfromthe chimney,andthedoorwaswideopen.CoffieldandHolmeshadSusan. ******************** Susanwasexhaustedfromtryingtokeepupwiththemen.Herfeetwerecold,and shewashavingahardtimebreathing.They’dwalkedforhoursandshewasreadytodrop. “You’dbetterkeepmoving,girl,”Coffieldturnedandraisedhishandtoslapher,but theslapneverhappened.Themanfelldeadfromanarrowinhisback. “Indians!”Holmesscreamed,andheturnedtorun.Twobravesgrabbedhim,and anotherusedaknifetoendhislife. Susancouldn’tbelieveit.HeWhoWearsRedlookeddownatherfromwherehesat onhishorse,andbeforeshecouldsay,“Notyouagain!”hegrabbedher.Susanstruggled andtriedtogetfree,butthemanmerelygruntedandputherfacedownacrosshismount infrontofhim.Whenshestillcontinuedtofightandstruggle,heslappedherbottom… hard.Sherefusedtocry. ******************** Johnfoundthetrailandfolloweditasquicklyashecould,butitwasobviousthetwo menhadseveralhours’headstart.HeprayedthathewouldgettoSusanbeforethey harmedher,andheprayedthatiftheydidtouchhershewouldn’tputupafightandget badlyhurt.KnowingSusan’stemper,however,heknewshewouldtrytostopthemfrom usingher.Heprayedandhurriedevenfaster. ******************** Eventually,HeWhoWearsRedpickedherupandpermittedhertositinfrontof him.Hesaidsomethingtoher,butSusandidn’tunderstand.Helaughed,butdidn’tspeak again.SusanwasworriedsickaboutJohn…butsheknewbetterthantrytoescape.The Indianwouldfindher,andthenhewouldmakeherregretbeingborn.Thethoughtof returningtohiscamp…andtohiswives…madeherill.LifewithoutJohnheldnointerest forheratall.Susanwantedtodie,andperhapstheeasiestwaywastomakeHeWho WearsRedAngryenoughtoendherlifehereandnow! Susanconsideredthepossiblesolutionstoherproblem,andwasabouttomakea grabforhisknifewhensheheardhernamebeingcalled!Shelistenedagain,andthen yelled,“John! JOHN !” Hesuddenlyappearedbeforeher,andtohersurprise,HeWhoWearsRedhelped herdowntothecrowdandpermittedhertoruntoJohn.“Ithoughtyouweredead!”she sobbedthewords,throwingherselfathimandwrappingherarmstightlyaroundhisneck asheliftedherfromtheground.“OhGod,Ithoughtyouweredead!” “Areyouallright,Susie?Didthosebastardshurtyou?”heasked,holdingher shakingbodyascloseaspossible. “I’mfine.Theysaidtheykilledyou!” “TheykilledSmith,buthelivedlongenoughtotellmewhattheywereupto.Icame assoonasIcould,”hewhispered,stillfeelingguiltyforleavingheralone. “HeWhoWearsRedsavedme,”Susanannounced.TheIndianwasactuallysmiling! WhenJohnputherdowntowalkovertospeaktotheman,Susanrefusedtoreleasehim

andwalkedwithhim.Thetwomentalkedforseveralminutes,andthenclaspedeach other’sarmsinfriendship.JohnwasgrinningasheledherawayfromthemenandSusan asked,“Whatissoamusing,JohnJericho?” “HeWhoWearsRedgaveyoubacktomebecausehesaidhishomeisamuch happierplacewiththetroublemakergone!”Whenshegaspedinoutrage,Johnchuckled. Butthenheturnedserious.“HeWhoWearsRedsaidthatthetwomenwerebad.They abusedayounggirlfromanotherbandwholivesnorthofhere;herbrotherisvisiting,and recognizedthemwhentheyspottedthemwithyou.HeWhoWearsRedwassureIdidn’t sellyoutothem,sotheyfollowed.” “Ishouldhavesaid‘thankyou’tohim,”shesaidremorsefully. “Youshouldhavekeptthatdoorbarred,younglady,”John’sfearsuddenlyturnedto whitehotangerandrage.“WhenIgetyoubacktothecabin,Iamgoingtowearoutthat leatherstraponyourhind.YouwillnotsitdownforamonthofSundaysbythetimeI finish.WhenIgiveyouanorderIexpecttobeobeyed!Howdareyoudefyme,littlegirl?” “Ididn’t!”sheinsisted. “Thenhowdidtheygetinsidetotakeyou?”hedemanded. “Theytrickedme,John!Pleasedon’tyellatme.Ifeelfoolishenough!”Sheneeded sympathyrightnow,notanger. “Youarestillgoingtogetagoodlicking,Susie.WhenItellyounottodosomething, youare,byGod,notgoingtodoit,unlessyoudon’twanttositdownforweeksafter!”

Chapter Eight

Susancouldn’tbelievethatJohnwassoangrywithherandthreateningtopunish her!She’ddonenothingwrong,andshe’dbeenfrightenedjustasmuchashewas!The walkbacktotheircabintooklesstimethanshethoughtitwould,butthecabinwas freezingcold.Johngaveheradarklookasheshutthedoorandbarredit,andthenheset aboutbuildingafire.Hequicklyhadonegoingandwithoutevensparingaglanceforthe redhead,hewalkedtohischestandtookouttheleatherstraphekeptthere.Hedidn’t bothertellinghertocometohim.Hecrossedtheroom,tookherarm,andpulledherover tothebed.Itwastoocoldtotakeoffhercoat,andSusanhopedthatitwouldprotecther fromwhathehadplanned.John,however,hadotherideas.Hejerkedherdownoverhis leftthighandthebedandstartedtoshoveupherskirtandhercoattobareher! “No!”shecriedout.“It’stoocoldinhereandIamalreadyfreezing!” “Youwon’tbecoldmuchlonger,”hesaidwithagrowl,bringinghishanddownon herflesh,whichwasindeedcold!Shescreamedinpainandhehadnodoubtthefactshe wassocoldwasmakinghishandhurtevenworsethannormal.Itwouldmakethelesson oneshewouldrecallfortherestofherlife!HespankedagainandagainandSusiepleaded withhimtostop.“I’llstopwhenI’mdamnsureyouwon’tbeabletositdownforatleasta month!” “Noooo!Theytrickedme,John!Thisisn’tfair!”Shebeggedhimtolistentoher,but hewastooangrywithher.“Youaregoingtohateyourselfforthis!”shepromised. “Youdisobeyedme,woman!Doyouknowhowluckyyouarethatthosetwodidn’t wanttofreezetheirprivatesinthecold?”Hepickeduptheleatherstrap,anduseditto leaveastingingredweltacrossbothcheeks. “Theysaidyouwerehurtandcallingforme!”Shetriedtoexplain,butthestrapkept falling,andsoonshewassobbingtoohardtoformacoherentthought. Johndidn’tstopthrashingheruntilherskinwasweltedandbruisedandswollen.It wasaharshpunishment,butwell-deserved.Hepushedheroveronthebedandthensaid, “You’reluckythatallyougotoutofthisepisodetodaywasasorehind,Susie!Youpull yourselftogetherandfixussomethinghottoeat.” Susanwassosorethateventhesimplestmovementhurt.Herbottomandupper thighswereflamingandburningsomuchshecouldn’ttoleratethesoftskirtagainstthem. But,shegottoherfeetandremovedhercoatsoshecouldmoveaboutthecabin.She couldn’tstopcryingassheputonapotofcoffee,butJohncallouslyignoredher.Hewas workingononeofhiscarvingsandhadhisbacktoher.Susanknewhewasstillangry. Itwasallshecoulddotoconcentrateonthesimpletask.Shedecidedtomakea simplehashandwhenthefoodwasfinallyreadyshetoldhimtocomeandeat. Johngottohisfeetandcrossedthecabin.Hesawtherewasonlyoneplacesetat thetable.“Youaregoingtositdownandeatsomething,Susan.”Hisdarkeyestoldherhe wasstillangryandwouldn’thesitatetopunishheragainifshedaredtoarguewithhim. “I’mtooilltoeat,”sheexplained.“Ineedtoliedown.” Helookedathercloselyandthengotupfromthetabletocometoherandplacehis handonherforehead.Shewasburningup!“Whydidn’tyoutellme,Susie?”heasked. “Let’sgetyouinbed.”

Theangrymanofbeforewasreplacedbythemanshe’dcometolove.Hecarried hertotheirbed,undressedher,andcoveredherwiththeshirtofhissheusedasa nightdress.Johnpulleddownthequiltandblanketsandgentlyputheronthesoft mattress.HefeltawfulwhenSusancriedoutinpainandquicklyflippedoveronher tummy;hershirttailrodeupwhenshedidthatandhesawhowsoreandangryherhind was.Shewascoveredwithpainfulweltsandherbottomwasswollenandbruised!He wantedtokickhimselfforbeingsoharshwithher.He’dprayedtoGodaskingHimtokeep Susiesafe,andthenhegaveheralickingthathewouldn’tgivehisworstenemy!Whatthe hellwaswrongwithhim!!!“I’msosorry,honey,”hewhispered. Susandidn’tanswer.Herthroatwassorenow,andshejustwantedtosleep!She wasawarethatJohnforcedhertoswallowsomethingthattastedbitter,andsheknewhe placedcoolclothsonherforehead.Healsomadehercrywhenheputsomesortofsalveon hersorebackside.Therewasasoftheatthatseemedtomakethepainlessnoticeable,and shefellasleep. Whenshewokeup,shespottedJohnsittinginarockingchairhe’dpulledbesidethe bed.Hewassoundasleepandshewonderedwhyhewasn’tinbedwithher.Shetriedto situpandwasshockedtolearnthatshewasn’tinanypainfromthespankinghegaveher earlier.Shewasalsoextremelythirstyandsheneededtorelieveherbladder.Sheusedthe chamberpot,tryingnottowakeJohn.Herlegsweresowobblyandshefeltweak.Still,she neededadrinkofwater,andshewalkedonthecoldfloortogetadipperofcoolwaterfrom thebucket.Ittastedgood. “Susie,whatareyoudoingoutofbed?”Johnleapttohisfeetandrushedtoherside. “Youneedtobeinbed,honey,”hesaidgentlyashecarriedherbacktobed. “I’mfine,John.I’mhungry,too!Isthereanyhashleft?”sheasked. Helookedatherandtearswelledinhisdarkeyesashelookedather.“Youmade thathashfourdaysago,sweetheart.You’vebeenveryill;IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou,” hewhispered. “Fourdaysago!”Shewasshocked.“Areyouserious,John?Ifeelfine!” “Youranafeverandyouweredelirious.Ipackedyouinsnowseveraltimestobring downyourtemperature,andfinally,yourfeverbrokelastnight,andyoufellintoanormal sleep.Youneedtorestnow,”heinsisted. “I’mfine,John.Icancookussomethingtoeat.” “You,littlelady,aregoingtoobeymeandstayinbedandletmetakecareofyou!” Heleaneddownandkissedhertenderly.“Youscaredme,Susie.Reallyscaredme.Ilove you,”hewhispered,kissedheragain,andthensaidfirmly,“StayrighthereandI’llfixyou somethingtoeat.” Susanwantedtogetup,butshedecidedtohumorJohn.Thestrappingshe’d receivedwasstillfreshinhermind,althoughithappenedfourdaysago!Itwashardto believethatshe’dbeensoill,butJohnlookedhaggardenoughforthattobetrue.Herlegs wereweak,too,andshewassimplystarving.ItmadehersmiletowatchJohnmoveabout. Heknewhowtocook,eventhoughhe’dtoldhermanytimesthathisskillswerelimited. Hefinallybroughtheraplate,andSusanwaspleasedtofindthateverythingtasted good.Sheenjoyedeverylastbite,andwassuddenlyverytired.“Yourestnow,honey,”he insisted,andshemeeklyclosedhereyesandslept. ThistimewhenSusanwokeitwastofindJohninbedwithher,andhewassleeping soundlyandsnoring.Shegotupandwenttositinherrockingchairinfrontofthefire.

Hermindwentbacktotheeventsthatwerestill‘recent’inhermemory,andtearscameto hereyes.She’dbeensoafraidthatJohnwashurtandshewouldn’tgettohimintime…only tohavethatterriblemantellherhe’dkilledJohnwhensherealizedshe’dactedfoolishlyfor believinghim.Shehadn’twantedtoliveifJohnwasdead,andsheknewshe’dratherdie thatpermiteitherofthemtotouchher!Susanstillcouldn’tbelievethatHeWhoWearsRed savedheroncemore,buthedid,andhebroughthertoJohn,whowasaliveandwell.And shecouldn’tbelievethatJohnwhippedherwiththeleatherstrap,buttherewasstillafaint tendernessthattoldherhedid.Itreallyhurt,too.Shedidn’tbelieveshedeservedthe punishment,butthen,she’dbeensofoolishandgullible.Shewasremindedofthetimeone ofheryoungerbrotherssneakedawaytogo‘swimming’withhisoldersiblingswhenhe didn’tknowhowtoswimyet.Mamachasedafterhim,fearinghewoulddrown,and prayinghewouldbesafeuntilshearrived.Joeywasalreadyinthewater,andherMama screamedtogetTimothy’sattention.Timpulledhisyoungerbrotherfromthewater,and oncetheyweresurehewasgoingtobeallright,Mamasethislittlebottomonfirewitha stickshepickedupofftheground.ItwasahardspankingbecauseallofMama’sfear turnedtoanger.ThatiswhathappenedwithJohn.Hespankedhersohardbecausehewas terrifiedforher,andwhenshewassafelybackinhisarms,hisfearturnedintorighteous anger.Thestrappingwasterrible,butitonlymeanthelovedher.Ifshehadtobeill,she pickedagoodtimetodoit!Shemissedallofthe‘sitting’shewouldhavehadtodoona verysorebehind!Shesmiledtoherself,andthenjumpedwhensherealizedthatJohnwas standinginfrontofher. “Whatareyoudoing,sittinghereandsmiling?”heasked,smilingdownather. “Iwasgettingridoftheghosts,”shetoldhim.“Iknowthateverythingthat happenedwasseveraldaysagotoyou,butformeitwaslikethismorning.Ineededto thinkitthrough,”sheexplained.“Ifeelsolucky,John.Theytoldmeyouweredead.” “Isthatwhyyouopenedthedoor?”Heneededthetruth. “No…TheysaidyouwereinjuredandthatSmithwaswithyou,andyouwereasking forme.Iwassoscared,andIgotmycoatandwenttobewithyou.Ittookmeoveranhour torealizewe’dgonetoofar…andthatiswhentheysaidthey’dshotyoudead,andSmith, too.Iwantedtodie.ThenHeWhoWearsRedcame,andhismenkilledthem.Ithoughthe wastakingmebacktohiswivesagain,andIwasaboutreadytoprovokehimintokilling me,”sheconfessed.“ThankGodyoucalledformewhenyoudid!Ididn’twanttolive withoutyou.” “AndthenIbroughtyoubackhereandthrashedyou…andyousosick!Iwantyou toknowthatI’veneverfeltsolowinmylife,Susie.Ibegyourforgivenessforstrappingyou likethat.Itwaswrong.” “Thereisnothingtoforgive,John.YoudidthatbecauseyoulovemeasmuchasI loveyou.Allyourworryandfearturnedintoanger,andIgotaspanking.I’mfine,although IhavetoadmitI’mgladIdidn’thavetositthelastfewdays!”Shegavehimasmileand thengiggledathisexpression. “Iputsomethingonyourhindafewtimesoryouwouldn’tbesittingsoeasyright now,”heconfessed. “Thankyou,John,”shesaidsoftly. “Yourskiniscold,”hesaid,touchingherleg.“Comebacktobedandgetwarm.” “CouldIjustwrapupinsomethingandsithere,John?Please?Iwanttoenjoybeing alive.”

Hecouldn’tdenyher.Hegottheblanketfromthebed,andstoodheruptowrapher init,andthenhegotapairofsockstoputonherbarefeet.“Don’tyoueverscaremelike thisagain,Susie,”helookedupfromhiskneelingpositiontosay.Hehadtearsinhiseyes, andthenherestedhisheadonherlap.Susieranherhandthroughhishair,andhewasat peace,andvery,verythankful. Thenextweeksseemedtopassslowly,butneitherofthemminded.Theyhad plentytoeat,andtheonlyvisitorstheyhadwereIndianswhomeantthemnoharm.John alwaysgavethemsomething,whetheritwascoffeeorsugar,orflour,anditmadethe Indianssmileathisgenerosity.Susanwasunderstandablynervous,butshetrustedJohnto protectherandkeephersafe.And,whenhewentouthunting,shekeptthedoortothe cabinbarred.Shedidn’twantanotherlessonwiththatstrap. OnedayitfeltwarmerandSusancouldn’tstayinsidethecabin.Shewassoexcited, andsheaskedJohnwhentheycouldleaveforthesettlement.Hepatientlytriedtoexplain thatwinterwasn’tdonewiththemyet.Hepredictedtheywouldhaveatleastoneortwo moregoodsnowstorms,andremindedhertheydidn’twanttobecaughtoutsideifthat happened. Susanstompedherfootandsaidshedidn’tbelievehim,butherefusedtopackup andleave.Shecontinuedtofuss,tellinghimhewasjustputtingoffleaving.Johnfinally hadenough. “Susie,I’veheardenoughcomplainingnow.Settledown.I’velivedupherelong enoughtoknowwhattoexpect.Wearenotleavinghereforafewmoreweeksyet.One morewordisgoingtoearnyouaspanking.” Susanpressedherlipstightlytogether,andwhileshedidfixtheirsupper,shemade itveryclearshewasnotinthemoodtomakelovethatnight.Johnshookhishead.Aslong asshewasbeingquietonthesubjectofleaving,hecouldlastanightwithoutsnuggling. However,thenextdaywasevenwarmerthanthedaybeforeandSusanflashedhim adirtylookandsaid,“Wecouldhavebeentothesettlementbytonightifwe’dleftwhenI wantedto!” “Susan,ittakesseveraldaystogettothesettlementfromhere.And,theweather canchangeinaheartbeat.Ihopeyoudon’tplantospendtodayfussingatmeaboutthis, becauseitisniceenoughtocutafewswitchesandstripeyourhindgood.” “Ihavearighttomysay!”sheindignantlyinformedhim,hertemperflaring. “YoualsohavearighttokeepquietonceI’veexplainedwhyyoursaywon’twork. I’mnotabouttotakeyouonthetrailuntilIknowwehaveachanceofmakingittothe settlementwithoutanotherblizzardcatchingusoutintheopen.” Shemutteredunderherbreathandhewassureheheardhercallinghimnames.He pointedatherandsaid,“Enough,Susie.Iwon’tgiveyouanotherwarningtoday.” Susanthoughthewasbeingridiculous,butshekeptheropinionstoherself.Abit laterJohnannouncedthathewantedtogohunting,andhetoldhertostayinsideandbar thedoor.“But,itisniceoutside!Idon’twanttobecoopedupinsidewhileyouareoutside enjoyingtheday!Itisn’tfair,John!” “Susan,Ithinkyouneedadamnedgoodspanking,”hestated,andeventhoughshe triedtoeludehim,hemanagedtocatchher,tossheroverhisshoulderandcarryherinside. Hepulledoutoneofthechairstothetable,tookaseat,flippedheroverhislap,tossedup herskirts,andthenstartedspankingherbaredbottom.“Iamnotsurewhyyouareacting sosassy,butIguessIhaven’tdonethisforagoodwhileandyouareoverdueasorehind.”

“Youjuststoprightnow,JohnJericho!Youwouldn’twanttostayinsideeither!”she yelledathim.Hishandwashardandeachspankwasstinginglikecrazy. “Itisn’tsafeforyoutobeoutsidewhenIamnothere.Now,areyougoingtobarthis door,ordoIneedtospanklongerandharder?” “I’lldoit,butIwon’tlikeit!”sheanswered. Johngaveheronemoreresoundingwhackonhertenderbacksideandthenputher onherfeet.Hepickeduphisgunandmadesurehehadeverythingelseheneeded.He turnedtokissSusan,buthereyeswereflashinginanger.“Youmindme,Susie,”hewarned andthenwaitedoutsidethedooruntilsheshutitandputtheheavybarinplace. SusandecidedthiswasjustaboutthemeanestthingJohnhadeverdonetoher… Confiningherinsidethecabinwhenitwassoniceandwarmoutside.Shedidn’twanttobe coopedupwithinthesamefourwallswhenitwaswarmandsunnyandeverythingsmelled sofreshandnew.Shedidn’twanttoclean,andshedidn’twanttocook,either.Shewanted tobeoutsideandgoforanicewalk.ThemoreSusanstompedaroundthecabin,the angriershegot.Finally,sheworkedupagoodmadanddecidedthatshewasn’tachildto beorderedinside.Shewouldn’tgofar,butshewasgoingtohaveherwalk,andshewould returnbeforeJohngotback…andhewouldneverknowaboutherlittleexcursion. Susancarefullybankedthefiresoitwouldn’tgoout,andatthelastminutedecided topickupanextraknifeofJohn’sforprotection.Sheunbarredthedoor,openedit,and steppedoutintothesunshine…andfreedom!Susanclosedthedoorandtookoffatabrisk pace.ShehadatleastanhourtoenjoyherselfbeforeJohnwouldreturn,andsheintended tomakethemostofthathour.Johnwouldneverknow,andwhathedidn’tknowwouldn’t hurtherstillsmartingbottom! ******************** Johnwasn’tgonelongbeforehestartedfeelingguiltyoverthethingsthatSusiesaid tohim.Hewouldn’tlikeitifhehadtostaycoopedupinsidethecabinonsuchaniceday, either.Itwasn’tfairtoexpecthertostayinsidewhenshesimplywantedtobeoutsidethe sameashim.Hedecidedtogobackandgether.Shecouldcomewithhimandhewould seeifshecouldkeepquietwhilehefoundthemsomefreshmeatfortheirsupper. Johnreachedthecabin,andknockedonthedoor.“It’sme,Susie.Unbarthedoor andcomeonoutside.It’stoodarnnicetobeinsideonadaylikethis,”hesaidwithasmile. Whentherewasnoexcitedsqueal,andthedoordidn’topen,heknockedagain,abitlouder. Surelyshewasn’tsleeping?Whentherewasstillnoanswer,hetriedthelatch,andthe dooropenedonanemptycabin! Johncalledandcalled,buttherewasnoanswer.John’sheartfilledwithfearashe lookedaroundthecabinforanysignofastruggle.Therewasn’tany,andthefirewas banked.SurelySusiewouldn’tdefyhimandgooutsidebyherselfwhenhewasn’thereto protectherincaseoftrouble…?Hethoughtaboutitandnoddedslowly.Yes,thefeisty redheadwoulddojustthat.Shecouldbeascontraryascontrarycouldbe,andshedidn’t expecthimtocomebackandfindhergone.HedecidedtoseeifhecouldfindMissSusie, andthenshewasgoingtocutafewswitchesandpeelthemandhewasgoingtostripeher hindallthewayhome. ******************** Susiewashavingawonderfultime.Itwassimplybeautifuloutside,butwhenthe sunwentbehindthecloudstherewasstilladefinitenipintheair.Shewalkedforquitea distance,andthenreluctantlydecidedsheneededtogetbacktothecabin.Sheheaded

backwhenshethoughtshespottedsomeoneonthetrailaheadofher.Shewassostartled sheturnedtotryandhideandherfootcaughtinavineandshefell.Herankletwistedand shecriedoutinpainasshefell.Sheheardsomeonecrashingthroughthebrushtogetto herandshedrewtheknifeindesperation,wishingwithallhermightshe’dstayedinthe cabinasshewastoldtodo. “Areyouhurt,Susie?”Johnasked,kneelingbesideherandtakinginherpale expression,andtheknifeshewasclutchingasalifeline. “Itwistedmyankle,John,”shewhispered,feelingveryfoolish.“Ispottedmovement, andwastryingtohurryandhide…”Johnhadherbootandhersockoff,andheranklewas veryswollen.Atleasthedidn’tseeanybrokenbones. “IwasgoingtohaveyoucutseveralswitchesandIwasgoingtostripeyouevery stepofthewayhome,butIguessyouwon’tgetyourtanninguntilIgetyoubacktothe cabin.Youcertainlycan’twalkonthisankle.” “I’msorry,John.Ijusthadtobeoutside.Ishouldhaveobeyedyou,”shetearfully admitted. Hepickedherupinhisstrongarmsandheadedforthecabin.“Yes,Susie,you shouldhaveobeyedme.Nowyou’veearnedyourselfagoodspankingandwiththisankle, you’llbesittingonyoursorehind.” “Couldn’tyoupleaseforgivemejustthisonetime?”shebeggedofhim.“Iwon’tdo thisagain,”shepromised. “Yousaythateverytimeyougetintotrouble,Susie,”heanswered,carryingheras thoughsheweighednothingatall.“Especiallywhenyouknowyou’regoingtogetyour hindspanked.” “I’minpain,John,”sheturnedhertear-filledeyesupathim. “I’msureyouare,”heagreed.He’dtwistedhisankleatimeortwo,too.Itwas painful,butitdidn’tmeanhewouldletherpullastuntlikethisandescapethesorehind she’dearned.Susieneededtoknowtherewerelimits,andthathecouldbetrustedto enforcethelimits.Sheneededafirmhand,andhewasjustthemantosupplythatfirm handwhereitwoulddothemostgood. “Howdidyoufindmesoquickly?”sheaskedcuriously. “Icamebacktoinviteyoualong.Seemsyoudecidedyoucouldsneakoutandbe backlongbeforeyouexpectedme,right?” “Yes.”Susandidn’tbothertolietohim.Healreadyknewthetruthofthematterand therewasnopointinlying.“IfIhadachancetodoitallover,Iwouldn’tsneakoff,”she said.“Doyoubelieveme?” “Yes.Butthatdoesn’tmeanyouaren’tgoingtogetagoodspankingfordoingit today.” Susanrestedherheadagainsthischestashecarriedherallthewaybacktothe cabin.Oncetheyarrived,hesatherinherrockingchairwhilehefetchedicecoldwater fromthestream.Hesoakedatowelinthecoldwater,andthenputitaroundherankleto takedowntheswelling. “Oh,thatistoocold!”SusantriedtoremovethetowelbutJohnreacheddownand grabbedherhand. “Youleavethatbe.Youneedtodealwiththeswelling.” Hewaitedonhertherestoftheday,whilemakingsureshestayedseated.Herankle stoppedthrobbingsomewhatwhentheswellingreceded,andbythetimetheyfinished

supper,shedidn’tnoticeitatallunlessshetriedtoputweightonit.Johnpatientlycleaned uptheirdishesandthenhelookedatSusanandsaid,“Timeforyourspanking,younglady.”

Chapter Nine

“But,John,Idon’twantaspanking!”ThelookinSusan’sgreeneyeswaspleading.“I knowthatwhatIdidwasverystupidandfoolish,andIendeduppunishingmyselfby hurtingmyankle!”Shehopedherwordsweremakinghimthink,andpossiblyfeelabit sorryforher. “Twistingyouranklewasanaccident,notapunishment.”Johnshookhisheadat herattemptstogetoutofadeservedspanking. “Youdon’tunderstand,”sheinsistedasheeasilypickedherupfromherrocking chairandcarriedherovertothebed.“IfeltsobadfordisobeyingyouthatIdidn’tenjoy mywalknearlyasmuchasIshouldhave.Iwasfrightened,”sheadmitted,chewingonher lowerlipashelookeddownather.“Then,whenIcaughtaglimpseofyou,itmademe rememberthoseothertwomenwhotriedtotakemeaway…Iwasreallyscared,John.I’ve learnedmylesson,andIwon’tdothatagain.” “Thatisgoodtoknow.Butyouarestillgoingtopayupforthistime,”hesaidsoftly, andthenadded,“Youaregoingtopullupyourskirtandlierighthereonthebed,andyou aren’tgoingtowigglearoundorkickyourfeet.”Hegrabbedapillowandgentlyliftedher footandplacedthepillowunderneathtocushionherankle.“Now,pullupyourskirt,Susie, andshowmethatyouarewillingtomakeamends.Youscaredme,too,youknow.” “Ididn’tmeanto!”shetoldhim.“Ididn’tknowyouwouldcomebacksosoon.” “Itwasn’tfairtoleaveyoucoopedupinsidethecabin,butitwaswrongforyouto disobeyanddefyme.Thatiswhyyouaregettingaspanking,girl.Nowpullupthatskirtso Icansetyourprettyhindonfire.” “But,John,Iwillhavetositallthetimeforadayortwo!”sheremindedhim.“You havenoideahowmuchaspankinghurtstositon!” “YesIdo,andIalsoknowitwillmakeyouthinkthenexttimeyou’retemptedtorisk yourlife.Iwasluckytofindyou,Susie.Andyouwereluckyitwasmewhofoundyouand notsomeoneelse.IsawacoupleofHeWhoWearsRed’sgroupouthunting.Doyoureally wanttoendupbackthere?”heasked,wantinghertothink. “No!”shedenied,feelingevenmorefoolish.“I’msorryIletmytempergetthebest ofme,John.”HereyeswerebrimmingwithtearsnowandshefinallyacceptedthatJohn wastrulygoingtospankher.Itwasherownfault,too.She’dactedlikeachildhavinga tantrum.Therewasreallynoexcuseforthewayshe’dbehaved.Johnwasrightaboutit notbeingsafeforhertobealoneoutsidethecabin.“I’msorry!”shesaidagain,lookingup athim,needinghimtobelieveher. Johnnodded.“Icanseeyoumeanthat,honey.Let’sgetthisspankingdone.” Hisbrowneyeswerefullofpurposeanddetermination,andtherewasnothingelse todobutcarefullypullupherskirt,andtakecarethatshedidn’tputanyweightonher injuredankleasshepushedherselfupenoughtopulltheskirtuphigh.Hedidnotkeepher waitingforthefirstspank.ItlandedjustassoonasshewassettledandinplaceandSusan couldn’tstopherselffromcryingout.Shewaspositiveshehadaredhandprintonherright cheek,andthenJohngaveheramatchingoneonherleftcheek.Twicemorehishandfell andherupperthighsfeltbranded!ThenJohngavehersitspotsthesamefierytreatment. Eachhandprintburnedandflamed!

“Areyoubeginningtoregretyourbehavior,MissSusan?”Johnasked,hisvoicesoft, yetfirmandunyielding. “Yes,Ido,John!IamverysorryandIpromiseIwillneverdothisagain.”Shemeant thewords. “Good,”hereplied.“Wearegettingsomewhere.Stayrightwhereyouare,no wiggling,andletthosespanksburn.Iamsteppingoutsidetocutacoupleofswitches,”he announced.“BythetimeIfinishstripingyourhind,youwillwishyouhadobeyedme.” “Ialreadydo!”shecriedout,butJohnmerelyopenedthecabindoorandstepped outside.Susanwantedtorun,butwithherinjuredankletherewasnowayshewouldget twostepsoutsidethedoorbeforeJohnwouldhaveher.Herbacksidewasalreadystinging unbearably,andthesamespotsthatwereonfirewerestartingtoitch.Shesowantedto reachbackandrub,butJohnhadwarnedheragainstthatfromtheveryfirsttimehe spankedher.Hewouldjustrepeatthespanksandthenswitchher!Aswitch!Ithadbeen yearssinceshewasswitched,andeventhenherMamadidn’tbareher!Itwasthecalvesof herlegsthatsufferedtheindignity,andallbecauseshesneakedofftoeatberriesinsteadof doingthechoresshewastoldtodo.Mamaswitchedherbacktothehouse,andherFather bentheroverandstrappedherhard.Shehadtoworkoutinthehotsunfortherestofthe day,andwhennoon-timecame,hemakeherworkstraightthroughandshewasn’t permittedtostopandeatwiththefamily.Hedidletherhavesupper,butthensenther straightuptotheloftandherpalletonthefloor.Susannevershirkedherdutiesagain. Butthiswasdifferent.Shekeptthecabinascleanasshepossiblycould,andshe workedhard,too.Thisswitchingwasfordisobedienceanddefiance,andforriskingher safety.ThatwaswhyJohnwasgoingtoputredweltsalloverherbackside.She rememberedhowtheswitchmadehercalvesburnanditchlikeathousandbeestings,and shecriedatthethoughtoffeelingthatsamesensationalloverherbottom!Shewould almostratherJohnusetheleatherstrapthanaswitch! Alltoosoonhecamebackinside,closingandbarringthedoorbehindhim.“Whyam Igoingtoswitchyou,Susan?”heaskedofher,andSusanwantedtoturnoveronherback tohidehervulnerability! “IamsorryIdisobeyedyou,John.Iknownowhowfoolishitwas.Pleasedon’t switchme…Yourhandishardenough,andIalreadyregretmybehavior.Ican’tstand switches,”sheadded,hopingtodissuadehim. “Youaren’tsupposedtoenjoythis,honey,”Johnsaidsoftly,andthenheflickedthe switchacrossthehandprintsonhercheeks,leavingaredlinethatpuffedup. “Owwww!”Susancriedoutasthelineoffirespreadacrossherbottom.“Don’t!”she pleadedasthesecondstripefellrightbelowthefirst.“Owwwwwww!”Itwasevenworse thansherememberedfromherchildhood!“Stop,please!”shebegged.Hedidn’t,andSusan couldonlyliethereandcryasJohnstripedherbottomcheeksandherupperthighs.He evenlandedafewacrossthecalvesofherlegs,andthenhestartedonhersitspots.Susan screamed.Onthattender-mostarea,theswitchwasevenmorepainful. “Iwantthistobealessonthatyouremember,Susie.Ican’tprotectyouifyoudon’t obeyme.Punishingyoulikethisgivesmenopleasure,andyoucanprayIneverfindit necessarytodothisagainforthesamething.Iwillwearoutthreeswitchesonyourhindif youareeverthisfoolishagain.”Withthosewords,hegavehertenmorestripes,allinthe samespot,thecreasebetweenherbottomcheeksandherthighs.Sittingwasgoingtobeas painfulashecouldmakeitwithoutresortingtocruelty.“DoIhaveyourfullattentionnow,

Susie?DoyourealizehowmuchIloveyouandvalueyou?DoyouunderstandnowthatI willpunishyouseverelyeverytimeyouputyourlifeatrisk?” “Yes!”Shewassobbingsohardshecouldbarelyspeak,butsheknewshehadto assurehimshe’dlearnedherlesson.“I’msorry!” “Yes,Iknowyouare,honey.”Hesatbesideherandpattedherbackcomfortingly.“I knowyourhindfeelslikeaswarmofbeeshadatyou,butitisnothingcomparedtowhat youwouldhavesufferedatanother’shands,sweetgirl.It’stooearlyforbed,sopulldown yourskirtandI’llcarryyoubacktoyourrockingchair.” “Idon’twanttositdownrightnow!”shedeclared,hertemperassertingitself. “Yesyoudo.Lyingherelikethismakesmethinkyouwantmorespanking,”hesaid, givingherupturnedbottomaheartysmack.Shecriedoutinpain. “Don’tdothat!”sheyelled.“Justleavemealone!” “Iguesswearen’tdonehereifyouhavethatmuchattitudeleft,”Johncommented. Heusedhisrighthandtospankheragain,whilehislefthandheldherinplace.Shewas tryinghardtotwistaway,butJohnwasn’tabouttoletherdothat.“Sassinessaftera punishmentisn’tagoodidea,Susan.Itjustearnsyouanevensorerhind.”Hisfatherswore itworkedwondersonanattitude,andJohndecidedtogiveSusanareasontomendher manners.Hedidn’tspareherbottom,herthighs,orhersitspot.Finally,thefeistyredhead stoppedstrugglingandacceptedthespanking.“Areyoureadytodoasyouaretold withoutabunchofsass,Susie?”heaskedinasoothingtoneofvoice. “Yes,”shewhisperedtearfully. “ThenI’llhelpyouup,”hesaidandhehelpedhertoherknees.Tohissurprise,she immediatelyputherarmsaroundhiswaistandrestedherheadonhismidsectionand cried.Hegentlypriedherarmsawayandthensatdownandpulledherovertositonhis lapsohecouldoffercomfort.“It’sallovernow,honey,andyouwon’tdothatagain,will you?”Hiswordsweresoftandgentle. Susanneededtobeheld;sheneededhiscomfort.Shehatedswitches,andthislatest encounteronlyreinforcedthathatred.Onceshefinallystoppedcryingshesaid,“Please don’teverdothatagain,John!Itrulycannotbearaswitch.Iwouldratheryouuseda leatherstrapthanaswitch.Ithurtsmeinside.” “Whyisthat?”Hewantedtounderstand.“It’stoomuchlikeawhip,”sheconfessed. “ItmakesmefeellikeIamsomeanimaltobewhippedintosubmission.Itmakesmeangry ontheinside,evenifIdodeserveapunishment.Iambeggingyounottodothatagain…” ShewastremblingandJohnrealizedshewasserious.“Allright,honey.Nomore switches.Idon’teverwantyoutofeellessthanyouare.” “Thankyou,”shesnuggledcloser.“Pleasejustholdme,John.I’mstillshaking inside.” Johnheldhertightly.Heregrettedusingtheswitchnow.“Ifelttheleatherstrap wastooharsh,”heexplained. “Yourhandhurtsenough,John,”shesaidsoearnestlythathehadtosmile.“Idon’t imagineyouhaveanyideaofhowstrongyouare!Thatfirsttimeyouspankedme,inthe Indiancamp,itwastheworstspankingofmylifetothatpoint.” “IneededtospankyouhardsothatHeWhoWearsRedwouldn’ttortureyou.He hadtosaveface,andyou,amereslave,attackedhisthreewives!” “Theydeservedit,”shehuffed.

“Iknow,honey.Ithoughtyouverybrave,strong,courageous,andIspankedyouto protectyou…Then,sillystubbornfemalethatyouare,youhadtojumprightupafterItold youtosit.Youearnedthatsecondspanking.” “Itwashumiliating,”sheconfessed. “Youdidn’tgivemeachoice,honey.Ihadtomakeyoubehaveorloserespectin frontoftheIndians.But,ifyou’dsattheremeekascouldbe,IdoubtthatHeWhoWears RedwouldhavesoldyouforapriceIcouldpay.”Herubbedherback.“Imightenjoygiving yourhindaplayfulswat,orasexyspankin’,butIdon’tenjoymakingyoucryoutinpain, Susie.I’lladmitthatIhaveaweaknessforfeistywomen…andIenjoyalittlebitoftaming, butitpainsmetohavetopunishyouseverely,andyou’vecertainlyearnedafewofthosein theshorttimewe’vebeentogether.Doyouthinkyoucouldstoppushingmenow,oramI goingtohavetokeepsettingyourhindonfiretomakeyoumind?” “It’smyprideandmytemper,John.I’vealwayshadtroublecontrollingthem,butI canpromiseyouIwon’tdisobeyyouaboutwanderingoffaloneagain.” “Yousaidthatwhenyouhitmeovertheheadandranoff,”heremindedher. “Thatwasdifferent!Iwasescapingthen,runningaway,andIhadnointentionof comingback.ThistimeIwasmerelygoingforalittlewalkandthencomingrightback here.Iwasn’trunningoff!”sheclarified. “Notgoingtodothatagain,areyou,honey?”heaskedmatter-of-factly. “No…Itwasprettyfoolish,”shewhisperedagainsthisshirt. “Itwasthat,andnowyouwillsitonyourhindandthinkabouthowluckyweboth arerightthismoment.Wearetogether;youaresafeandIwasabletobringyouonhome. Itcouldhavebeenmuchdifferent,honey,andIdamnwelldon’twanttoloseyounowthat I’vefoundyou.” Susandidn’thavetimetosayanythingbeforehestoodandpickedherup.She wincedwhenhesatherinherrockingchair.Shehadnodesiretositdown.Itfelt miserable.“Thisisterrible,John!Please,mayIgotobedearly?” “No.Sittingispartofyourpunishment,younglady.Youquietnowandthinkon whyyouneedthislesson.” Johnwentbacktohiscarving,andpretendedhedidn’tnoticewhenshetriedto squirmwithoutbeingseen.Sittingwasnotgoingtofeelgoodforacoupleofdays,atleast. Shewouldn’tbeleavingthecabinwithouthimagain,andhewassureofthat. Susanwasmiserable.Sittingonaspankingwasbadenough,buttheswitchingwas tentimesworse!Theitchwasnearlyunbearableandshesimplycouldn’tsitstill.Shewas inpain,andwithherankle,shecouldn’tgetup.ShewantedtobegJohntopermithertogo tobed,buthewasdeterminedshelearnalesson.Susanfeltthelessonwaswell-learnedby nowandwasquicklyturningintoover-kill.Shewasreadytoscreaminfrustrationwhen Johnasked,“Areyoureadytogotobed,younglady?” “Yes.”Shejumpeduptostandononefoot. Johnturnedandraisedoneeyebrow.“DidItellyouyoucouldgetup?”heasked. “No,butJohn,youaskedifIwasready,andIam.Icannotbeartosithereanother minute!” “Susie,whenyouaregivenapunishment,youneedtoacceptit.Youarguedwithme fromtheget-go,andafteryoubeggedmenottoswitchyouagain,andthenyoudidn’twant tosit.Youargueeverything.Youdidn’tsitthereandthinkaboutwhyyouwerebeing punished.Yousatthereandsquirmedconstantly,andthenyoucouldn’tevenwaituntilI

toldyouyoucouldgetup.Youjumpedup,andthat,MissSusiewasamistake.Iwasgoing toletyougoandliedown,butIthinkyouneedtositbackdownandsitstillandaccept yourpunishment.Notalking,nosquirming,andnogettingupuntilItellyouthatyoucan.” “Please,no…!”shegasped.“John,Iamintoomuchpaintositdownagainrightnow. Iwanttogotobed…!Please?” “Doyouwantanotherspankingbeforeyousit,Susan?”heasked,hisdarkeyes warningherhewasserious. “No!”Shewaspoutingnow,andgivinghimreproachfullooks.Hehardenedhimself toit. “Sitdownnow.” Thewordsweresaidsoftly,butSusanrealizedhewasextremelyserious.Ifshe didn’tsithewouldspankheronceagainandthenshewouldsitonanevensorerbottom. Shegingerlyeasedherselfdownonherchair,tryinghardnottocry. “YourtimestartsovereachtimeIhearyousnifflingorcrying,orseeyousquirming. Youaregoingtoacceptthispunishment,Susan.”Hewentbacktohiscarving,buthis hearingwastunedtolisteningforanysignthatshewasn’tobeyinghimasshewasgoingto do,evenifshehadtositthereallnight. IfSusanthoughtshewasmiserablebefore,shewasexcruciatinglymiserablenow. Shewantedtocry,butshecouldn’t…!Shewantedtomovetoeasethediscomfortofsitting, butshecouldn’t!Johnwasinsistingsheacceptherpunishmentwithoutargument.He wantedhertolearntocontrolherself.Shedidherbest,butwastrulyattheendofher endurancewhenJohnroseandwalkedovertolookather. “Thatwasmuchbetter,”hestated.Hetoldhershecouldstandup,andthenhe carriedherovertothebed.“Getyourselfsettledforthenight,Susie.Ifthatankleisn’talot betterbymorning,youwillbedoingalotofsitting.” Susanpromptlydecidedheranklewasgoingtobefullyrecoveredbymorning.She gotreadyforbedandwasdeterminedthatshewasgoingtogiveJohnherbackforthe night,butwhenhejoinedherinbed,histouchwasgentleandhesoothedherswitched backside,rubbinggentlytoeasesomeofthestingandtherelentlessitching.Shewasstill goingtobesorethenextmorning,butatleasthewasgivinghersomereliefnow…andthen pleasure.Shefellasleepinhisarms,completelyoverhersulk. Whentheywoke,Susanfoundheranklewasstillabittender,butshecouldstand andwalk,andshewasgrateful.Shemighthavetositsome,butshewouldfindwaysto keepsittingtoaminimum. “Comehere,Susie,”Johnsaidasheopenedthedoortolookoutside.Hewaiteduntil shewasbesidehim,andthenhepulledthedooropensoshecouldsee,too. Susanwasshockedtolookoutsideandseeallthesnowonthegroundandthatit wasstillcomingdown!IfsheandJohnhadleftwhenshewantedto,thentheywouldhave beencaughtoutintheopen,withnoshelter.Shewaswrong,andhewasright!Susanwas suddenlyashamedofherselfforgivinghimsuchadifficulttimethelastcoupleofdays.Her greeneyesfilledwithtearsassheturnedtolookathim. “I’msosorryIwassodifficult,John.” “Noneedtosay‘sorry’,honey.IjustwantedyoutoseesoyouwouldknowthatI wasn’tbeingastubbornjackass.I’manxioustogohome,too.Iwantyoutomeetmy family,andhavethemmeetyou.It’llbeanotherthreeorfourweeksbeforewecanriskthe tripdownthemountain.Doyoutrustmenow?”hewantedtoknow.

“Yes,Ido.Iwon’tcomplain,”shepromised,standingontiptoetokisshim. “NowthisisthesweetSusieIlovesomuch,”hesaidwithagentle,teasingsmile. ******************** “Nooneisgoingtothinkbadlyofyou,honey,”Johninsistedthreeweekslaterwhen theywerespendingtheirlastnightinthesmallcabin.“We’llseethepreacherorthejustice ofthepeacewhenwegettothesettlementandmakeuslegal.Godalreadyknowswelove eachotherbutwe’llsaythewordsinfrontofwitnessesandmakeitreal.Folksaren’tgoing tohateyourclothes,either.There’llbeothersdressedthewayyouare,butwecanseeif wecanfindyousomeclothestotravelhomein.Thereisnoneedtofret.” “Womencanbecruel,John.IffolksknowIwaswiththeIndiansthey’llassumethe worst.” “Iwon’tletanyonemakefunofyou,Susie.Nowyouneedtogetsomesleep;we haveseveraldaysofwalkingaheadofus,andyou’regoingtobewornoutifyoudon’trest now.” Susiesnuggledcloserandwhispered,“Iamgoingtomissthiscabin,John.” “SoamI,honey.Butithasserveditspurpose,andit’stimetogohomenow…for bothofus.Iamanxioustointroduceyoutomyfamily,andforyoutomeetthem.Ijust knowthatMamaisgoingtoloveyou.” “Ican’twaittoseemyMama,too.IwanthertoseehowhappyIamnow.” “IamlookingforwardtomeetingyourMamaandyourfamily,honey.”Hewasgoing toknockherfatheronhisassfortreatinghersoshabbilyandsellinghertoanabusive bastardlikePhillipJamison. Theyfinallywenttosleep,aftertheymadeloveagain.Theygotupearly,hadagood hotbreakfast,andmadesuretheyhadeverythingtheywouldneedforthelongwalktothe closestsettlement.Susandidn’tknowwhattothinkwhenJohntooktheboxfromtheshelf thatcontainedCarolyn’sjournalandjewelry,buthemerelylookedatherandsmiled.The journalwillhelpmeprovewhokilledCaro.Ineedtoputhertorest,Susie.I’llgivetherest ofherthingseithertoherMotherorgivethemaway.Iwanttogiveyouprettythingsthat areboughtjustforyou.”Hecrossedthecabinandkissedher.“DoyouhaveeverythingI toldyoutopack?” “Yes,John.Butwhatabouteverythingelse?”sheasked. “Someoneelsewillcomealongandmakeuseoftheplaceandconsiderthemselves lucky.Wewon’tbecomingbackhere,sweetheart.” Susanwavedasilentgoodbyetoherhomeofthelastfewmonths.Shewouldmiss it,andtheclosenessshefeltherewithJohn,butashesaidthenightbefore,itwastimefor thembothtogohome.Thefartherawayfromthecabintheywalked,themorefrightened shefelt.Shehadn’tbeenaroundotherpeopleinalongtime,andshewasn’tsurehowshe shouldact.Whatifthesettlementwasthesameonethewagontraintraveledthrougha fewdaysbeforeHeWhoWearsRedattackedthem?Wouldpeoplethinklessofherfor beingtakencaptive?SurelytheywouldknowthatshehadbeenlivingwithJohnJerichoas hiswomanforthelastfewmonths…Shewasn’tusedtobeingtreatedkindlybytownfolks, butshedidn’twanttobescorned,either. “Whatareyoulookingsoworriedabout,younglady?”JohnaskedwhenSusiehadn’t saidonesinglewordinwellovertwohours. “I’mafraidthatpeoplearegoingtoridiculeme,”shewhispered.

“Iftheydo,thenI’llridiculethemrightback,”hepromised.“Nowstoppoutingand justenjoythescenery.Thisistooprettyadaytospenditfretting.And,I’mgonnahaveto stopandcutaswitchifyoudon’tstopit.”Theshockedlookonherfacewaseverythinghe couldhavehopedfor.Hestartedlaughing,andthenpretendedhewasmortallywounded whenshesockedhimonthearm. “Thatissomean,JohnJericho!”shescolded. Johnsuddenlyhushedher,andthensaidquietly.“Iwantyoutohidebehindthose bushesandnotmakeonesound,girl.”

Chapter Ten

SusanhadnoideawhyJohnwantedhertohidebehindthebusheshepointedat,but shequicklydidasshewastold.SherealizedthatJohnknewwhatwasbestwhenitcameto theirsafetyandsurvivalinthiswildland.AshorttimelatertwomencameuponJohnand slappedhisbackheartily,abittooheartilyinSusan’sopinion. “Jericho,it’sbeenawhile,”amanwithscragglyredhairexclaimed. “Ithas,Amos,”Johnrepliedcordially,butSusanwasn’tfooled.Itwasobvioustoher thatJohndidn’tcarefortheman. “Youheadedin?”Amosasked,hiseyesnarrowingspeculatively. “Iam,”Johnsaid,nodding. “MeandThumperarelookin’ferfriendsofourn;maybeyouseen‘em…BillCoffield andDruryHolmes…” “Can’tsayIhave,”Johnliedcoolly. “Theywastomeetupwithusafewdaysagoandweain’tseennosignof‘em.They werewinteringwithSmith.Youknowhim?” “Sure,everyoneknowsSmith,”Johnstated. “Hisplaceisupnearyours,right?” “Aways,”Johnanswered. “Youain’tarealfriendlysort,”Amosdeclared. “Idon’tlikeyourkind,Amos.Alwayslookingforaneasybuck.Iguessit’sluckyfor meI’mnothaulinganyfurstotrade.” “Now,thatain’takindthingtosay,Jericho.”Amospretendedtobewounded. SusanwishedwithallherheartthatJohnwouldshutupandtheothertwomen wouldbeontheirway.Shewassuddenlystartledwhenshewasgrabbedfrombehind.She letoutayelp,butalargebeefyhandwasslappedoverhermouthasthemanstartedtopull heraway.SusanknewshehadtomakeJohnawareofwhatwashappening.Shethrew herselfbackwardsinsteadofresistingandwhenthemanstartedtolosehisbalanceshe kickedhimashardaspossibleandbithishandviciously.Hebellowedinrageanddropped Susanonthehardground. Shedidn’twaitforhimtocomeatheragain,butjumpedtoherfeetandrantoward John.Hewasbusywiththeothertwo--allthreewereholdingwickedknivesintheirhands-andSusan’stemperflaredtoanunholylight.Shegrabbedalargestickfromtheground andhittheredheadedAmosashardasshecouldoverthehead.Heslumpedtotheground andJohnquicklydispatchedThumperwithhisknife. BeforeshehadtimetowarnJohnaboutthethirdman,hecameoutfrombehindthe bushesandSusangaspedatthesizeofhim.Hewastrulyagiant!“John!”Shepointed. Johnwhirled,hisknifestillinhishand,buthequicklyputhishanddownwhenhe sawtheotherman.“Thaddeus!”hegreetedhimwarmly.“Whatareyoudoinghere?” “Shehurtme,John,”Thaddeussaid,holdinguphishand.“Shebitme.Iwastryingto getherawayfromthetrouble.” “Hegrabbedme,John!”Susanwasstillbrandishinghersticklikeaweapon.

“Susie,thisismyfriend,Thaddeus.We’veknowneachothereversinceIcameout here.Hewastryingtokeepyousafe,nothurtyou.”Hisdarkeyeswerefullofmeaningand Susanquicklyrealizedthathewantedhertoapologize. “Thaddeus,thisismywife,Susie.Shethoughtyouwerewiththem.She’snevermet youbefore,”heexplainedcarefully,andThaddeusfinallynoddedinunderstandingand smiled. “Youhaveawifenow,John.” “Yes.She’sfeistyascanbe,too,”Johnsaidwithagrin. SusanfinallyrealizedthatThaddeuswaslikeGlenParkerbackhome.Big,harmless, andmorelikeachildthananadultalthoughhewasfullgrown.Sheputasmileonherface andsteppedforward.“I’msorryIbityourhand,Thaddeus.Ithoughtyouwerewiththose twoandIwasafraid.MayIseeifyouneedabandage?”sheasked. Thaddeuslookedatherandthennodded.“Ithurts.”Heheldouthisbigpawand Susanwasgentleassheexaminedtheteethmarks. Shewetaragandwasheditwithsoapandwater,andthensheaskedJohnforthetin ofsalvetheycarried.Hegotitoutofhispack,andwatchedwithprideandamusementas SusiemadeaproductionofdoctoringThaddeus’hand.Onceshewasdone,shelookedup atthebigmanandsaid,“Thatshouldmakeitfeelbetterrealsoon,Thaddeus.I’msorryIbit you.” “Youwerescared.Iunderstandnow.John,let’sgo.Theyarebadmen,lookingfor otherbadmen.Iheardthemtalking.” “Youcomingtothesettlement?”Johnasked,andwhenThaddeusnodded,hesaid, “We’llenjoyyourcompany.” “Iknow.”Thaddeusnodded,andthenlumberedoff,hisstridelongeventhoughhis stepswereslow. JohnkneltbesidetheredheadedAmos,whowascompletelystill.“Thesetwowon’t becomingafterus.” “Ikilledhim?”Susanaskedinhorror. “Hehithisheadonarockwhenhefell,”Johntoldher.“And,evenifyoudid,itwould havebeeninself-defense.”Hegottohisfeetandtookherinhisarms.“Iadmireyour spirit,girl.Thanksforwadingin,butIamgoingtosetyoursweethindonfirethefirst chanceIgetforriskingyourlifetohelpme!” “Thatisn’tfair,John!”sheexclaimed. “Nope,butIhavemymanlypridetothinkof,andnomanwantsalittlebittygirl savinghisbutt,”hegrinned,andthenkissedher. “John,kissingSusiecanwaituntildark!”Thaddeuscalledimpatiently,andwhen theyreachedhissidehesaidfirmly,“Nospanking,John.Susiewashelping.” “Thankyou,Thaddeus.” “Nomorefighting,Susie.You’retoolittle.” Johnsnickered,andthentookherhandandsaid,“Iloveyou,Susie.” TheywalkedagooddistanceandwhenThaddeusstartedsinging,hisvoicebrought tearstoSusan’seyes.Hesangbeautifully.And,sinceJohndidn’thushhim,Susanknewhe felttheyweresafe.Theymadecampbeforedark,andJohnquicklyfoundthreerabbitsto putoverthefirethatThaddeuswaspainstakinglybuilding.Susanputcoffeeontobrew, andhelpedJohndressouttherabbitsandputthemonthespittheyimprovised.Thaddeus

watchedherworkandwhenshecaughthiseyeandsmiled,hesaid,“Johnisluckytohavea prettywife.Youworkhard.MyMahatedtoworkandmyPabeatherwithastick.” “Thatsoundsawful!”Susangasped. “Mawaslazy.Itriedtohelpherout,butPasaidcookingwasawoman’sduty.Ma saidshe’drathergohunting.Shedidn’twanttobeawoman.” “Iknewanotherladywhofeltthatway,”Susansaidasshenodded.“Shelivesin Ohio,andwhenherfatherdied,shetookoverhisfarmandrefusedtohireamantowork theland.Mostpeoplejustletherbe,andshesworeshewouldnevermarry,andasfarasI knowsheneverhas.” “Madidn’twanttobemarried.Sheisdeadnow.SoisPa.I’mallalone,butIhave friends,”heexplained.“Iknowwhatisrightandwhatiswrong,andIwon’thurtnobody unlesstheytrytohurtmeormyfriends.” “IwishI’dknownthatbeforeyoutriedtohelpme,”Susansaid,feelingterriblefor bitingandkickingthesensitiveman. “Johndidn’ttellyouaboutmefirst;Iknowthatnow.I’mnotmadatyou,andIhope youain’tmadatme,neither?”hewantedtoknow. “No,ofcourseI’mnotmadatyou,Thaddeus!Ithinkyouwereverysweettowantto protectme.Isn’tthatright,John?”Sheturnedtohimtoaskforsomesupport. “Susieisn’tmadatyou,Thaddeus.Ifshewas,youwouldknowit,believeme.She getsallsassyandshestompsaround,givesyoumeanlooks,andsheslamspotsandpans. ThenIhavetospankher,”Johnsaidwithateasinggrinandawinkattheotherman. Thaddeussnickeredandthenhesaid,“Susieislittle,John.” “Yes,sheis,butshemakesupforthatwithherbigtemper.” Susanhadenoughofhisteasingandsmackedhisarm.“Youbehave,JohnJericho!” “Yes,ma’am,”hesaidmeekly,buthissparklingeyestoldanotherstoryaltogether. Theyenjoyedtheirroastedrabbit,andafterthecleanupwasfinished,Johnsaid,“It’s timetoturnin,Susie.We’llneedtosleepnowandgetupbeforedawntoeat.Iwantto makegoodtimetomorrow.Thisweatherwillholdforjustsolongbeforewegetrain.” Susandidn’targue,andsoonallthreeofthemweresleepingpeacefully.Morning came,andafterbreakfast,theywalkedalldaylong,stoppinglongenoughtoeatsome biscuitsandjerkyaroundnoon.Theyspentanothernightcampingout,andwalkedagain thenextday.Susanfeltlikeabigfoolthethirdnighttheymadecamp.Sheknewnowthat sheneverwouldhavefoundthesettlementbyherself,anditmadeherattemptatrunning awayseemevenmorefoolish. Johnknewsomethingwaswrong,buteachtimeheaskedSusanaboutit,shemerely shookherheadandrefusedtotalktohim.Johnpermittedittogoonuntilafterthey’d eaten,andthenhesaidafewquietwordstoThaddeusbeforetakingSusan’sarmand marchingherawayfromthecampforsomeprivacy. “Whatareyoudoing,John?I’mtiredandIwanttogotosleep.” “Notuntilyoutellmewhyyouarebroodingandinamood,girl,”hesaidfirmly. “Idon’twanttotalkaboutit,”shestubbornlyrefused. “Wronganswer,”hesaid,pullingherovertoatreestump.Hesatdownandthen pulledherdownoverhislapandgaveherbottomaresoundingwhack.“Youaren’tgetting upuntilyoutellmewhathasyousoupset.”Hespankedhertwicemore,positiveshe couldn’tfeelonedarnthingwithallthepaddingcoveringher.“Talktome,Susie.”

“No!”sherefused.“Iwon’tbebullied,JohnJericho.Ihavearighttomyprivate thoughts.” “Notwhentheymakeyouallmoodyandgrumpy.”Hetosseduphercoatandher skirtsandspankedbareskin.Susanyelpedandthenstartedkickingherfeet. “Youletmego,damnyou!” “Swearingnow,littlegirl?”Johnaskedindisapproval.“Icanalwayscutoffasliver ofsoap.” “No!Neveragain!”Shewouldhavestompedherfootforemphasisifshecould have.Instead,shecriedoutinpainasJohnspankedheragain,hard! “I’mwaitingforanswers,Susan,”heremindedherashekeptrightonspanking. Susanwasgoingtobesoreifshedidn’tdumpherprideandtellthetruth.Hemadesure hersitspotswerereceivingtheirfairshareofthespankingandhefinallyheardSusie sniffling.Soonhewouldhavehisanswers,butinthemeantimehesethercutelittlehind onfire.Hehateddefianceandtherewouldbenoroomforthatkindofdisrespectful behaviorintheirmarriage. “Pleasestop,John!”Susanfinallybegged.Herbottomwashurtingunbearablyand shedidn’tthinkshecouldtakeanymorespanking.“Please!” “I’llstopwhenyoutellmewhathasyouupset,notbefore.”Hepunctuatedhis wordswithtwomoreheartyspankstoherbottomcheeks. “Ican’ttalkwhenyouarespankingme!Owwwwwww!Itsimplyhurtstoomuch! Owwwwww!AndIcan’tthink!Owwwwww!Pleasestop,John!Ouch!Pleeeassse!”she beggedofhim.Hedidn’tstop.Hecontinuedtospankherasifshehadn’tsaidonedamned word! “Please,John!I’mbeggingyoutostop!” “I’llstopwhenyoutalktome.”Hewasbeingfirm. “Ican’t!”shesobbed.Hewasbeingmean,andshesimplycouldn’ttellhimwhenhe wasspankingher. Somethinginhertoneofvoicegotthroughtohim.Hegentlysatherupandsaid, “Okay,sugar,youtalktomenow,andnomorestalling.” “Ifeelfoolish,John.IkeeprememberinghowIsetoffalonetogotothesettlement… Iwouldhavediedifyouhadn’tcomeafterme.Iwouldn’thaveknownhowtogetthere eveniftheweatherwasniceandmildlikenow.Ifeelsostupid…”shewhispered.“Idon’t knowwhyIdidn’tbelieveyou.” “Becausewewerestrangersthen,andyou’dbeenthroughmonthsofhell.Your fatherbetrayedyouandsoldyoutoasick,viciousman.ThenHeWhoWearsRedgaveyou overtohiswives,andtheymistreatedyou.IspankedyoubeforeIevenknewyournameor youknewmine.Youwereafraidandyouwantedtobesafesobadlyyoutookarisk.You werealsosoundlyspankedasIrecall.”Hewaitedamomentandthenasked,“Isanother spankingnecessarytoeaseyouofthisguiltyouarefeeling?” Susanlookedathiminshock.“Youwouldn’t!”shegasped. “Ifyoucontinuewiththismoodybehavior,feelingsorryforyourself,Iwillmakeita pointtosetyourhindonfire,”hepromised. “Ican’thelphowIfeel!”shesnappedathim,whichshediscoveredwasnotthething todo!

“SeemsIwasright,”Johnsaidcalmlyandbeforethefeistyredheadcouldgarnerhis intentions,heflippedheroverhiskneeforasecondspanking.Hetossedupherskirtsfirst andeasilyheldherinplaceashespankedandscolded. Susancouldn’tfreeherselfnomatterhowhardshetried.Johnspankedheralready soreandtenderbottomandhescoldedher,too.Hiswordsstungasmuchasthesharp slapshelandedalloverherbottomandhersitspots.Itwasagoodthingtheywouldbe walkingalldaytomorrowbecauseshewouldn’tbeabletositatall,atleastnotwithouta gooddealofpain.Thespankingseemedtogoonandonandon,butfinallyJohnaskedif shewasoverherguiltandSusanwashappytosayshewas. Johnsatheruponcemoreandthensimplyheldherandpermittedhertocry.He reassuredherthatshewasfinenowandkepttellingherhelovedher.Hewasn’tabit surprisedwhenshefellasleepinhisarms.Shewasexhaustedattryingtokeepupwiththe paceheseteachday.Hecarriedherbacktotheircampandputhertobed,thankfulthat Thaddeuswassleeping. ThenextmorningSusanwasextremelysore…andeverytimeshetriedtositdown shewasremindedofthefactthatshehadbeensoundlyspanked.Hergreeneyesglittered withtemperasshelookedatJohnbuthesimplywaggedafingeratherandshedecided againstmakingascene.Shepackeduptheutensilsshe’dusedthatmorning,andthey movedoutonceagain.Thedaywasdifferentfromthepastfewdaysinthattheymetother peopleonthetrail.Someofthemwereaswaryoftheirpartyastheywereofthem!Susan metonewomanwhoseemedterrifiedandherhusbandannouncedtheywereplanningto settlefiftymilesfurtherwest.JohnspentseveralminuteswarningabouttheIndiansbut themanwasadamant.Hewastakinghiswifealong,andhewouldkillanyonewhocame lookin’fortrouble.Susanfeltsorryforthewoman.Shewouldn’tsurvivelongoutthere. Johndecidedtheyshouldmakecamponemorenightbeforeheadingintothe settlement.Hepreferredtogoinwhenitwasdaylight.Susanwasanxioustoheadfor home,butsheknewitwaspointlesstoargue.Ifshehadlearnedonethinginhermonths withJohn,itwasthatheknewwhathewastalkingaboutmostofthetime.Johnalso decideditwasimportanttokeepwatchoverthecamp.Itwasnosecretthatsomemen madetheirlivingstealingoffofothers. Fortunately,thenightpassedwithoutincidentandaftereatingbreakfast,they headedforthesettlementandSusanwassuddenlyfrightened.Johnscoldedherandtold hertostophavingsuchfancifulthoughts.Afewpeoplegreetedthem,lookingheroverout ofpurecuriosityandtryingtofigurehowshecametobewithJohn,buthegavethemno explanations.HeledherintoastoreandtoSusan’spleasureheboughtherabrandnew ringaftermakingsureitwouldfitherandthatshelikedit.Heaskedwheretheycouldfind aministerorajusticeofthepeace,andtheshopkeepergavethemtheinformation.John askedThaddeusifhewantedtobehiswitness,andthebigmangavehimahugesmileand agreed.Theyfoundthejusticeofthepeaceandthemanwasonlytoowillingtoperforma legalandbindingceremonyforthem.OnceshewaslegallyJohn’swife,Susanwaselatedto thepointofbeinggiddy.Johngrabbedherandspunheraroundandthengavehera smackingkiss,muchtoThaddeus’amusement.AsecondtriptothestoreandSusanhad clothestotravelhomein,andsodidJohn.Hearrangedforpassageonasteamboatthree daysfromnowtotakethemtoSt.Louisandfromtheretheywouldtakeatraineastward. Susanhatedthedelay;nowthatshewasonherwayhome,shewasanxioustoget there,butJohnfoundthemaroomtostayinandshehadtoadmititwasnicetosleepina

bedagain.Thebustleofthesettlementwasniceafterlivingsolonginthewilderness,but JohnnoticedthatSusanwasveryshyaroundstrangers…especiallyaroundotherwomen. ShewasalsoshockedwhenJohnhandedhersomemoneyandtoldheritwashersto dowithasshewanted.“Ican’tdothat,John!I’veneverhadmoneybefore!” Itwashisturntobeshocked.“Thenhowdidyoubuypersonalitems?” “Ididn’t.IfIwantedsomethingIwouldaskMamaandshewouldtellmyFather.If hethoughtitnecessary,itwouldbeaddedtothelisthetooktothestore.Mamadidn’thave money,either.Myfatherwouldtakeheralongwithhimtoshopattimes,ifyardgoods wereneeded,butshedidnotdarespendonepennymorethanhepermitted.Philipwasas badasmyfather.” “Iamnoteitherofthosemen,andyoumayspendwhateveryouwish.I’lltellyouif youstartoverspending,andifitcontinues,I’lltakefirmermeasures.SomehowIdon’tsee thatbecomingaproblem,”hesmiledather.“Seriously,honey,itwon’thurtforyoutohave somemoneyofyourown.Ifyouwantahairribbon,buyit.Ifyouseeanythingyouwant, youarefreetopurchaseit.Thisisyourmoneytodowithasyoulike.” “ButhowwillIknowifIhavespenttoomuchofthis?”shequestionednervously.“I don’twantusstrandedsomewherebecauseIhavespentmoneyfoolishly.”Susanlookedat herhusbandandhecouldseesheneededanswers. “Susie,donotrepeatthis,butwedon’tneedtoworryaboutrunningoutofmoney.I haveplenty.” “Youdo?”Shewasclearlyshockedagainandhedidn’tknowwhethertochuckleor shakeher! “Ido.Nowwillyoupleasestopworrying?Ididn’tgiveyouenoughmoneytoget intotroublewith.Itisfunmoney.And,ifIcould,IwouldwhipyourfatherandPhilipboth forbeingsocruelandstingywithyou.Youdeserveprettythings,andonceIgetyouhome, Iamgoingtospoilyoushamelessly.” Susansmiledandthenaskedhesitantly,“Willyoucomeshoppingwithme,John?I dohaveafewthingsIwouldliketobuy.” “Good!Sure,I’llcomeandcarrythepackagesforyou,”heagreed.Severalminutes laterhewastemptedtoturnheroverhiskneeandspankhersoundly.Everycentshe spentwastobuysomethingniceforherMama,hersisters,andherbrothers.Shegot nothingforherself….butyet,sheboughtherrottenfathersometobacco.Susanwas smilinginpleasure,andhedidn’thavethehearttoscold.“Whataboutyourself,Mrs. Jericho?Surelysomethinginthisstorecatchesyoureye? “Isawonething,”sheadmittedshyly,andthenadded,“Idon’thaveenoughmoney lefttobuyit,though.” “Whatisit?”Johnasked,lookingaroundforthemysteriousitem.Hefollowedhis wife’sgazeandsawthemusicboxshewaslookingatsowistfully. “No,John,itistooexpensive,anditwillgivememorepleasuretogivegiftsthanto buysomethingsofrivolousformyself.” “Isthisit?”heaskedashewalkedovertopickuptheprettyboxandopenit.He knewbyherexpressionthathewasright. “Isn’titsimplybeautiful?”Susanwhisperedindelightedawe. Itwasn’tnearlyasprettyassomeoftheoneshismothercollectedovertheyears, butSusanloveditandthatwasallthatmattered.Afewminuteslaterhe’dpaidfor everythingshe’dpickedout,despiteherprotests.Whenshetriedtogivehimbackthe

moneyhegaveher,herefusedtotakeit. “Youkeepthat,honey.Itisyours.” Susanthankedhim,andthenshethankedhimagain,andthatnightwhentheywent tobed,shetoldhimthatnoonehadevergivenhersuchaprettygift.Shemadelovetohim withallherheart. Finallythedaycamewhentheysaidgood-byetoThaddeusandboardedthe steamboat.Theircabinwasverytiny,butbothSusieandJohnlovedbeingonthewater anddidn’tspendmuchtimecoopedupinthecabin.St.LouiswasjustasSusie remembered.Toomanypeople,allrushingaround.Johnwasabletosecureticketseastfor thenextday,andhespentevenmoremoneybuyingSusanmoreappropriateclothing. SusanworriedthatJohnwasspendingtoomuchonher,butshelovedhernew dressesandpetticoats,shoes,hats,andherunderthings.Healsoboughthersomeperfume andsomejewelry.Susanfelteveryinchafinelady;sheactuallyhadatrunknow,andshe noticedthatJohnhadacoupleofnewsuits.Helookedlikeagentlemannowthathe’d shavedoffhisbeardandhadhishaircut. WhentheyreachedOhio,Johnfoundthemaroomtorentwhiletheyvisitedwithher family,andoncethey’drestedupfromthetripandhadagoodnight’ssleep,Johnrenteda horseandbuggyandtheyheadedoutoftowntodrivethedistancetoherparents’farm.He sawsomefolksstareatSusaninshockandsurpriseandonewomanevendaredtoswish herskirtsastheydroveby.Susieignoredherandseemedtowither. “What’swrong,honey?”heasked. “Womencanbeviciouswhentheydon’tunderstand,John.I’veneverdoneanything tothem,butmyfatherforbadeusfrommakingfriendsintown.Itmadethewomenangry andtheythinkwearesnobbish.” “Well,youcancertainlysmilenow,honey,andholdyourheadup.You’vedone nothingwrong,andyourfatherhasnorighttotellyouwhattodonow.” “You’reright,John,butIfeelasthoughIshouldwarnyouthatheisn’tgoingtobe happytoseeme.”

Chapter Eleven

ItmadeJohnangrytoseehisprettylittlewifewithdrawintoherselfatthevery prospectofvisitingherfather.“Honey,yourfatherhasnosayoveryounow.Ifheisangry thatwearemarried,thenthatishisproblem,notours.Iwon’tpermithimtotouchyouor harmyouinanyway.Now,youholdyourheadupandputaprettysmileonyourface.You haven’tdoneonethingwrongandIrefusetoallowyoutobehaveasifyouhave.” “Youjustdon’tknowhim,John,”shewhispered.“Noonedarestospeakuptohim.” “Hewilltreatmywifewithrespect,”Johninsisted,andleanedovertokisshercheek. “Now,areyougoingtostopfretting,ordoIneedtostopthisbuggyandturnyourhindup foragoodsmacking?” “Youwouldn’t?”shegasped,lookingathimindisbelief.“Thereareallsortsof peoplearoundhere,John!Iwouldbemortifiedifyoudidthat!” Johndidn’tsmilealthoughhewantedto.AtleastSusie’sprettygreeneyeswere snappingathimnowandshehadsomecolortohercheeks.Shewasbeautifulandhe wouldbedamnedifhewouldlethernastyfathertreatherasifshewassomeobjectathis disposal.Hereallywantedtopunchthemanforsellinghispreciousdaughtertoaraving lunatic.But,forhiswife’ssake,hewouldrestrainhimself…aslongasthebastarddidn’t insulthisdaughternow. Susancouldn’thelpbutbenervous.JohnwasnothinglikeherfatherorPhilipand shejustknewherparentwouldbelividthatshemarriedwithoutconsultinghimfirst, nevermindthatshedidn’thavetheopportunity.Shegrewevenmoretenseasthey approachedthefarmalthoughshedidherbesttohidethefactfromJohn.Shewouldn’tput itpasthimtodojustashethreatenedandturnheroverhisknee!Thatwouldbeso humiliatingitwasunimaginable.“Turnintothisnextlane,John,”shespokesoftly,buther heartwaspoundinghardwithinherchest.Howcouldthingspossiblylookthesamewhen shefeltsocompletelydifferentfromthegirlwholefthere? “Itwillbeallright,Susie.”Johnleanedovertokisshercheek.Hedroveuptothe houseandwasn’tsurprisedwhenawomancameoutside,wipingherhandsonherapron. Itwasobviousfromthewayshelookedoutacrossafieldthatsheexpectedherhusbandto comeanysecondtodealwiththeirvisitors.Whenshedidn’tseehim,sheputasmileon herfaceanddeterminedtobepleasant.JohnknewtheexactmomentsherecognizedSusie. Hergreeneyesopenedwideandshesquealedindelight! “Susan!Oh,babygirl,isitreallyyou?” “Mama!”Susansaidhappily,jumpingdownfromthebuggybeforeJohncouldwalk aroundtohelpher.“I’vemissedyousomuch,Mama!”shesaidasshehuggedhermother tightly. “Letmelookatyou,daughter,”MaryAlicesaidwithalaugh,holdingSusanatarms’ lengthtostudyherfeaturesintently.“Youlookhappy!” “Iamhappy,Mama.ThisisJohnJericho,myhusband.John,thisismyMama,Mary AliceHowell.” “Husband?”MaryAlicelookedatherdaughterinconfusion. “It’salongstory,Mama,butPhilipJamisonisdead,andhewasnevermyhusband, onlyinname.JohnisthemanIlovewithallmyheart.”

MaryAlicerecoveredquicklyandheldoutherhand.“Itisnicetomeetyou,John. Pleasecomeinside.I’llputonsometea,andIjustbakedcookies.” “Thankyou,ma’am.Itisapleasuretomeetyou,too.Susiehastoldmemany wonderfulstoriesaboutyou.” “Well,thatiscertainlynicetohear,”MaryAliceanswered,apleasedsmileonher face. Theywereinsidejustafewminuteswhenthescreendoorslammed.Johnsawthe smilesonhiswife’sandmother-in-law’sfacesfadeaway.Heavystepsprecededastonyfacedmanasheenteredthekitchen.Hegavehiswifeadisapprovinglookbeforeturning toseewhohadinterruptedtheirdaybydaringtoshowupathisdoorstep.Hefrowned whenheseteyesonSusan.“Whatareyoudoinghere,daughter?Whoisthisman,and whereisyourhusband?” “Susanismywife,sir.MynameisJohnJericho,”Johnintroducedhimselfashegotto hisfeetandheldouthishand.TheoldermanglaredathimandignoredJohn’s outstretchedhand. “Susan,whenIspeaktoyouIexpectananswer!”hespokesharply. “Father,thisismyhusband.Themanyoupickedisdead;theIndianskilledhim.” “Youexpectmetobelievethat?Andyoulived?” “IwastakencaptiveandJohnrescuedme,”Susanrepliedinaneventoneofvoice. “Youcouldn’twaittorunofffromyourhusband,couldyou?”themanasked accusingly. “Susiedidnothingofthesort,Mr.Howell.HeWhoWearsRedkilledPhilipbeforehe couldmurderSusie.Iboughtherfromhim,andwefellinloveandarenowmarried.He producedtheirweddingcertificateandBernardHowellreadoverthedocument. “Howdareyoumarrywithoutmypermission,girl?Youshouldhavecomehere rightaway.” “How,Father?”Susan’stemperfinallyasserteditself.“AllofPhilip’smoneyburned inthewagon.Ihadtheclothesonmybackandnothingmore.And,Idonotneedyour permissiontomarrywhomeverIwant.Iwasawidow,althoughitwasinnameonly.Your preciousPhilipJamisonwastotallyinsane.HebeatmeandstarvedmeandtheIndians treatedmebetterthanhedid.” “Youdon’tknowwhatyouaresaying,daughter!”Bernardlookedatherinshock. “Ihopethemoneyyougotformewasworthit,”shetearfullyproclaimed. Thescreendoorbangedagainandtwolittleboysracedinside.“Norunninginthe house,”MaryAlicescoldedbeforetheygotintotroublewiththeirstrictfather. “Weseenthebuggy!”JoeygiggledandthenranandhuggedSusan.Johnsmiledas shegiggledandlaughedasshehuggedhimJoeythenherotherlittlebrother,Charlie. “Didyoubringusapresent?”JoeydemandedandbeforeBernardcouldexplodeshe nodded. “OfcourseIdid.Ibroughtapresentforeveryone,”Susansaidproudly.“Mama, whereiseveryoneelse?” “Tim,Mike,andTommyareinthefieldshoeing,andNellieispickingberries.We’ll havetofixaspecialsuppertonight!”shesaidwithasmile.“Howlongwillyoubestaying, Susan?”sheaskedhopefully. “ThatisuptoJohn,”Susanreplied.“Hehasn’tseenhisfamilyinseveralyearsandI amsuretheyhavemissedhim.”

“Wecanstayforafewdays,ma’am,”JohnansweredthequestioninglookMaryAlice leveledonhim.“Wetookaroomintown,however,sothereisnoneedtoworryabout puttingusuporhavingusunderfootallthetime.” “Iwon’thavefolkssayingIcan’tkeepmyownfamilyundermyroof.Youcancelthat roomandbringyourstuffhere.” “Andwherewillwesleep,Father?”Susanaskedquietly.“Wewillstayintownasmy husbandwishes.” “You’vegrownasharptongue,daughter,”Bernardcomplained. “Ihadtoinordertosurvive,Father.Iwon’tbebulliedorpushedaroundanymore,” Susantoldhim. Hegaveherahardlook.“Shecanstayforsupper,wife,butifshecan’tspendthe nighthere,thenshecanbeonherway.” “Mr.Howell!”MaryAliceexclaimed,hergreeneyesfillingwithtears.“Susanjust arrived!Iwanthertostay!” “Youhavenosayinthematter,woman.Gettowork.I’mexpectingahotmealfor dinner.” WhenSusanwouldhavesaidsomethingmore,Johnstoppedherwithabarely perceptibleshakeofhishead.Shedidn’twanttoobey,butsensedherhusbandwasright. OnceBernardleftthehouse,sheborrowedanapronfromherMamaandofferedtohelp. WhenlittleNelliecameinsideJohntoldhisexcitedwifethathewasgoingforabitofa walk.Susandidn’tstoptoconsiderthemeaningbehindhiswordssinceshewastoobusy exclaimingoverhowmuchNelliehadgrowninthepastyear. ******************** “Whatdoyouwant?”BernardsnarledasJohnapproached.“Icantellyounowthat girlain’tgettin’nokindofdowryfromme.” “Iwouldn’ttakemoneyfromyouifyouofferedit.” “Thenwhatdoyouwant?Igotworktodo.” “IwanttoknowwhyyousoldyourowndaughtertoamanlikeJamison?”John demandedangrily. “Hewasagood,steadyman,andthatfoolgirlneededanoldermantotameher.” “Tameher?Isthatwhatyoucallstarvingherandbeatinghernightlysoshe wouldn’ttempthim?Didyouknowthatmantoldhershewasn’tfittohavehischildren untilhebeatthesinfulnessoutofher?ShewasskinandboneswhentheIndianskilled Jamison,Howell.Yousentheroffwithanabusivesonofabitchwhomistreatedher constantly.Anddon’tbothertellingmeyoudidn’tknowwhathewaslike.Ifthetwoofyou weregoodfriendsyoucouldn’thelpbutknowhowhetreatedwomen.” “Susanhasawildstreak.” “Shedoesnot.Sheisabeautiful,spiritedwoman.She’sstrong,capable,andwhenI methershewasfightingoffthreeotherwomenwithastickandwinningthebattle.She hascourageandstrength,andthisisforher.”Johntookaswingandknockedtheolder manonhisbutt.“Iexpectyoutotreathercivillywhilewearehere,andifIsomuchasever hearyou’veabusedSusie’sMamaorhersister,Iwillcomehereanddoforyou.”John pickeduphishat,putitonhishead,andthenwalkedawaywhilethemantriedtostench theflowofbloodfromhisbrokennose.

WhenSusangotalookatherfatherwhentheycameinsideforthenoonmealshe shotJohnalook,buthesmiledatherinnocently,andpraisedMaryAlice’sbiscuits.“Iknow nowwhereSusielearnedtomakesuchgoodbiscuits,ma’am.” ThemealwaspleasantandifSusanwassurprised,shedidn’tleton.Shewashaving toomuchfunlearningwhatherbrothersandsisterhadbeenuptowhileshewasaway, andshewaspleasedtolearnthatTimothywasplanningtobemarriedinafewmonths.Of coursethemealwasovermuchtoosoon,andBernardsaidtheyallneededtogetbackto work.“Wecansitdownaftersupperandtalk,”headdedgruffly,andthenpretendedhe didn’tseetheshockedlookhiswifebestoweduponhim. Thatevening,aftersupper,whentheyallgatheredintheparlor,Susanpassedout hergifts.Hersisterandbrotherswereallpleased,andherMama’shappysmilewas everythingSusancouldwishfor.Shehandedherfatherhispresentlast,andheactually wassurprised.Heunwrappedhistobaccoandthankedher.“Thisisrealniceofyou, daughter.Thankyou,”hesaid,andthenadded,“Youshouldn’tbespendingyourhusband’s moneyongiftsforme,though.” “Susanspenthermoney,anditgavemepleasuretowatchherenjoyingherself,” Johnsaidwithasmile. Therestoftheweeklongvisitwentwell.JohnknewthatSusanhatedtoleave,but hepromisedhertheycouldcomeandvisitagainandshenoddedinpleasure.Itwasn’t untiltheywereboardedonatrainheadingsouththatshelookedathimandsaid,“WhenI leftwithPhilipoverayearagohepromisedIwouldneverseemyfamilyagain.Hewas wrong,andIamsogratefultoyouformakinghimwrong,John.Thankyou.Thistime MamawassmilingandnotcryingwhenIleft.Shelovesyouandthinksyouarewonderful.” “Ithinksheisaspecialwoman,Susie.” “Shetoldmethatyoupromisedwewouldcomeifsheeverneededus.Ican’ttell youhowmuchIloveyouforthat,JohnJericho.IonlyhopeImakeasgoodanimpression onyourMamaasyoudidonmine.” “MyMamaisgoingtoloveyou,too,honey.Ipromise.” Travelingprovedtobeabitofaproblem;acoupleofdaysintotheirtripSusanwas morethanalittleupsetwithonemotherwholethertwosmallboysrunaboutthe passengercarirritatingeveryone.And,thereweretwomenwhoweretryingtopickafight withanotherman,simplybecausehewasshortandbaldandclutchinghisvaliselikeitwas alifeline.Susanwasgettingtiredoflisteningtotheirbelittlingcomments,andshewas readytospankthetwolittleboysherselfandthensitthemdownanddarethemtomove. Atonepoint,afterthetwochildrengrabbedanolderlady’syarntouseasaball,Susan startedtogetupfromherseat,butJohntookherarmandreseatedher,shakinghishead ‘no’.“Letthemotherhandlethesituation,”hewarnedsoftly,forherearsalone.Susangave himanannoyedlook,butshedidn’ttrytogetupagain. JohnsuspectedthatSusiemightbeinthat‘beforehermonthly’periodoftimethat madeherseemlikeanotherpersonaltogether,buthewasn’tgoingtopermithertostart troublejustbecauseshefeltmean.“I’mthinkingweshouldstopforacoupleofnightsand sleepinarealbed,Mrs.Jericho.Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?”Thelookshegavehimwas fulloffire.Hefrownedandthensaid,“Ofcourse,wecouldtakeabreaksoIcancutafew switchesandwearthemoutonyourhind.” “Ifyouwanttospanksomeonesomuch,thenwhydon’tyoustartwiththosetwo littlebratsoverthere,orbetteryet,switchtheirmotherforlettingthemannoyeveryone

elseonthistrain…andifthatdoesn’tsatisfyyou,whydon’tyouwhipthosetwoforacting evenworsethanthosechildren!”Susandidn’tcarewhoheardher,andnearlyeveryonein thepassengercarwassurprisedbyheroutspokenness.Susandidn’tmindthecurious looksshewasreceiving;someexpresseddisapproval,ofcourse,althoughafewpeople weremurmuringinagreementwithher. Themotheroftherambunctioustwolittleboysgaveheradisapprovinglookand gatheredherboyscloseandtoldthemto‘sitdownsothemeanladydidn’thurtthem.’The olderofthetwokidsstuckhistongueoutatSusanandshestartedtogetupagain,butJohn satherdownhardontheseat.“Yousithereandbequiet,Mrs.Jericho.” However,itwasthetwomenontheothersideofthecoachwhowerelookingfor troubleandnowtheyhadanewtarget.Johnpretendednottohearacoupleoftheir remarks,butwhenthecommentsgrewpersonalinnature,hegottohisfeetandwentto wherethetwowereseated.“Mywifeistiredofyourconstantpickingonthisother gentleman,andI’lladmit,you’regettingonmynerves,too.Maybesheisasharp-tongued littlewitch,butsheismy sharp-tonguedlittlewitch,andIwon’thearanotherwordfrom thetwoofyouabouther.” OneofthemenhootedandmadefunofJohn’ssuit.“Doyouthinkyoucanstopus, dude?” “IfIhaveto,”Johnsaidquietly,andSusanimmediatelyknewthatthetwohadno ideawhat,orratherwho,theywerefacing.”Shegotupandunsteadilymadeherwayto standatJohn’sback. “Pleaseletitgo,John.Theydon’thaveacluethatthey’repickingonthewrong man.” “Sitdownnow,Susan,orIswearIwillmakesittingadistantmemoryatthesoonest possiblemoment.” “Youarespoilingforafightasmuchasthesetwoidiots,butthethingis, youknow better!” “Goingtohidebehindyourlittlewoman’sskirts,sissyman?”oneofthemendared totauntandinthenextsecondhewasmoaninginpainfromthehardkickSusandealthis knee! “Susan,thisismyfight,andyouwillnotmixin!”Johnsaid,hisvoicealowgrowl. “Iamserious,John!Youcan’tkillthesetwomenbecausethey’retoostupidtoshut up.Thisisn’tlikethosetwomenwhoaccostedusonthetrail.” “Youmixedinthen,too,andIforgottowhipyourhindforit.” “Nonsense,Thaddeuswouldn’thaveletyou!”shedaredtocomment.“Heisa gentleman!” “Thaddeushasn’tspentasmuchtimewithyouasIhave,”Johnretorted,andthen,to hershockanddismay,hetookherarmandmarchedheracrosstheaisleandafewseats forwardandsatherdownwithaplop.“Youmoveoneinchfromthisspot,Mrs.Jericho,and I’lltanyourighthereinthiscarinfrontofanyonewhowantstowatch!Hearme?”he demanded,histempermakinghiswordsmoreofathreatthanapromise.HesawSusie’s prettycheekscolorabrightredbuthergreeneyeswereflashinginanger.“Answerme!” “I’msuremyfatherheardyouallthewaybackhome!”Shedaredtosasshim. “Mindme…orelse!”hetackedonominouslyandthenturnedhisattentiontothe othertwomen.“Now,arethetwoofyougoingtositdownandkeepyourcommentsto yourselfordoIneedtotossbothofyouoffthetrain?”

Susanwouldhavelaughedatthemen’sconfusedexpressionshadshenotbeenso angrywithJohn.Itwasasclearascouldbethattheywerebeginningtohavesecond thoughtsabouttakingontheangryman.Still,theyweremenandfullofpride;backing downnowwouldmakethemlookweakandmakethemalaughingstockinfrontofthe otherpassengers.Theylookedateachother,andthenmadethemistakeoftakingonJohn Jericho. Susaninstantlygottoherfeet,grabbingtheparasolthatJohninsistedshebuy.It honestlydidn’tlooklikeJohnneededanyhelp,butshedidn’twanttobeleftoutofthefray. Sheswungthesillyumbrellaandmissedhertarget,cloutingJohninstead.Heletflywith hisfist,andoneofthemenwentdownhard,asdidthesecondman.Thenheturnedon Susan,whowasstaringathiminhorror.“Don’tyouevenconsiderdoingwhatyouare thinking,JohnJericho!”Shedroppedtheparasolandbackedupafewsteps,buttherewas onlysofarshecouldgo. Johnbackedheragainstthesideofthetraincarandthenhegrabbedherwristand pulledheragainsthim,hisdarkeyesneverleavingherbalefulexpressionforonesecond. Hesatdownonthebenchandwithinseconds,hehauledherfacedownoverhislap. “Didn’tItellyounottomovewhenIsatyoudown?”heasked,histonefullofhusbandly outrage.“Didn’tItellyounottomeddleinmyfight?”Heraisedhishandandspankedher soundly,positiveSusancouldn’tfeelathingthroughherskirts. “Iwillneverforgiveyouforthis,JohnJericho!”Susanrailedathim,kickingherfeet andtryingtoescapetheholdhehadonher. “Rightnow,Mrs.Jericho,Idonotgiveadamn!”Johncontinuedtospankher,putting somerealeffortbehindtheswats. Susanwasmortified!Thespankswerepainful,andshewasafraidthatshewas goingtocry!“Pleasestop,John!”shefinallybeggedhim.“Iamhumiliatedenoughforone day!” Somethinginhertonegavehimtoknowthatshewasonthevergeofcrying,andhe gaveheronelasthardspankforemphasis,andthenrightedherandsatheronthebench directlyacrossfromhim.“Youwillsitrightthere,younglady,andyouwillnotmoveso muchasamuscleuntilIgiveyoupermissiontodoso.Atthenextstop,wewillbestaying overafewdays,andIassureyouthatlittlespankingisonlyalittlesampleoftheoneyou aregoingtogettonight.” Ifpossible,Susan’sfaceturnedanevenbrightershadeofred.Shecouldn’t rememberthelasttimeshewassoutterlyhumiliatedandashamed.ThehandprintsJohn leftonherbottomwerestingingbadlyandithurttositstill.Shewantedtostandup,but whenshesquirmedeventheslightestbit,hisdarkeyebrowshotupandsilentlywarned hershewasabouttorepeatthehorribleexperienceofbeingspankedinfrontofother people!Tearsofshamefilledhereyesandeachtimeshetriedtoblinkthemaway,more cametoreplacethem. Theolder,baldingmanmovedhisseattoonedirectlybehindtheirs,hisinstincts tellinghimthathewouldonceagainbeaprimetargetwhenthetwobeatenmenregained consciousnessandwerelookingtomakethemselvesfeelwholeagain.Thewomanwiththe twochildren,urgedthemtotakeanap,andtheelderlywomanwiththeknittinggaveSusan asympatheticsmile. Susanwonderedhowlongitwouldtaketoreachthenexttown.Herbottomwas burning,andsittingstillwasmakingithurtworsewitheverypassingsecond.Johnwas

lookingoutthewindow,andshecouldn’ttellifhewasstillangryornot,andshecouldn’t helpbutwonderhowonearthshewouldhandleanotherspankingwhenherbottomwas alreadysosore.SurelyJohnwasn’tseriousaboutpunishingherfurther?Shecouldn’thelp butwonderwhyhewassoangrywithher.Shecouldn’tjustsitthereanddonothingwhen theoddsweretwotoone.Ofcourse,shewasresponsibleforstartingthewholeandentire mess.Sheshouldhavekepthermouthquiet.Thecrampsinherlowerabdomenwerea signalofwhatwastocome,andshewasfilledwithsadness.She’dsohopedshewas carryingJohn’sbaby,butbythisevening,shewouldhavehermonthlyflowonceagain.At leastitexplainedwhyshewassotouchyandirritable. “John,”shewhispered.Whenhisdarkeyesturnedtoher,shesaid,“Iamsorry.” Tohersurprise,hisgazesoftened,andhereachedoutandpulledherovertosit besidehim.“Trytosleep,Susie.Wewon’treachourstopforatleastanothertwohours.” Susanrestedherheadagainsthim,feelingsafeasheputhisarmaroundhertohold herclose.Shefellasleepanditwasn’tuntilthetrainsloweddowninpreparationtostop thatshewoke.“Areweclosetothestation?”sheaskedofJohn,anxioustogetoffthetrain andstretchherlegs. “Won’tbelongnow,”heanswered. Sheglancedaroundandthewomanwiththetwochildrenwastalkingtothemina lowvoice.Theoldermanwiththesatchelwasstillrightbehindthem,anxioustoleavethe train.ThetwomenJohnbestedweregivingSusanevillooks,buttheydidn’tbotherher nearlyasmuchasJohn’snextcomment. “Wearegoingtotakeabreakforadayortwo,Susan,andseeifwecan’timprove yourmood.Perhapstravelingonanextremelysorehindwillhelpyoutomendyour manners.”

Chapter Twelve

Truetohisword,JohnandSusanleftthetrainatthenextstop.Susanwouldhave relishedadayortwotorecoverfromthearduoustrip,butshewasn’tlookingforwardto stoppingnow,notafterJohnpromisedtopunishher.Herbacksidewasalreadysorefrom thehardspankingheadministeredonthetrain!Heheldherarmtightlyasheescortedher insidethestationtomakearrangementstomoveontwodaysfromnow.Theagentdidn’t askanyquestions,andSusanassumedthatpeopledidthisallthetime.Itwasboringto rideforhoursonendwithnothingmuchtodo. Johnfinishedwiththeclerkandthenpickeduptheirvalisesandsaid,“Stayright besideme,Susan.Thosetwomenyouhadsuchfunangeringdecidedtogetoffthetrain, too.Idonotwantyouleavingmysideforaslongaswearehere.Doyouhearme?” “Yes,John,”sheanswered,notabouttomakehimanyangrierthanhealreadywas. Shewalkedalongsidehimuntiltheycametoahotel.Johntookcareofregisteringthem andwasgivenakeytotheirroom.Heaskedaboutbathsandwastoldthatatubandwater wouldbebroughttotheirroomshortly. Johnledthewayuptotheirroomandthennoddedinsatisfactionwhenhenotedit wascleanandneat.Thebasicswereallthereanditwouldbeagoodplacetostayfora coupleofdays.WhenheputSusiebackonthetrainthen,shewouldhaveanicereminder tositonfortherestofthejourneytoGeorgia.Hewasn’tgoingtopermithertorantand ravetooraboutotherpeople.Shewasalady,asweetlady,andshewasgoingtoactlike one. Shewasalsoactingnervousandskittish,heobserved.She’dremovedherhatand placeditonthebureau,andshewasstandinginfrontofthewindow,lookingout.Susie knewshewasinforacoupleofgoodspankings,andhedidn’tintendtoletheroff,either. Sometimeswaitingforatanningwasworsethangettingitoverwith,andhewasn’tgoing toturnheroverhiskneeuntiltheyhadbathsandsupperanditwastimetogotobed.That wouldgivehissassywifeafewhourstodreadwhatwastocome. TheknockonthedoorstartledSusan,butJohnansweredrightaway,openingthe doorwidetoadmitseveralyoungboyscarryingatubandbucketsofhotwater.Theyput thetubbehindthescreenandbythetimetheyfinisheddumpingbucketsofsteaminghot waterintothetub,itwasfull.“Yougofirst,Susie,”Johnordered.“Justremember,Iwould likeahotbath,too.” “Youaremorethanwelcometogofirst,John.Infact,IinsistuponitsinceIintendto dawdleforatleastanhouroruntilthewatergrowscold!” “Stillfeelingsassy,huh?”heanswered,removinghisboots.“Fine,Iwillgofirst.”He droppedhisbootsonthefloor,andthentookherarmandmarchedheracrosstheroomto acorner.“Youcanjuststandrighthereinthecornerandthinkaboutthespankingyouare goingtogettonightandwhetherornotyouwanttokeepsassingme,littlegirl!”Heended hiswordswithaslaptoherbehind,andthenhurriedtostripoutofhisclothingandsink intothehotwater. Susanwasfuriousatbeingplacedinthecornerlikeanaughtylittlegirl!Shewaited untilsheheardhimsplashingaroundinthewater,andthenshegrabbedherhandbagand hatandlefttheroom,closingthedoorasquietlyaspossible.

Johnheardthedoorshutwithasoftclickandcalledout,“Susie?Areyoustillinthat corner?”Noanswer.“SusanJericho,you’dbestanswermerightnow…”Noanswer. “Damnitalltohellandback.Sheisthemostcontrary,stubborn,feistylittlebratIhave evermetinmywholeandentirelife!”Johnjumpedoutofthetubandtoweledoffquickly beforegettingdressedandrushingoutthedoortofindher. ******************** SusanwasangrywithJohn.Sheknewshewasprickly;theslightcrampingwarned herofwhatwasahead,butJohndidn’tneedtobesodarnmeantoher.Admittedly,she shouldhavekepthermouthshutonthetrain,butthoselittleboysandthosetwomenwere makingthetripunnecessarilyunbearable.Someonehadtospeakup,andshewastheone whodid. Shespottedastorethatlookedinterestingandwentinsidejustintimetowitnessa youngboygrabaknifefromacaseonthecounterandrunoff.Beforeshecouldsay anythingatallamaninanapronstartedyellingatamanstandingbythecounter.“See here,you!Iwon’tberobbed.Youeitherpaymeforthatknifeyouwaslookingatorgiveit back!” “Ididn’ttakeyourknife,shopkeeper!”themansaid,andSusancringedasshe recognizedthevoicefromthetrain.Shewassurehisfriendhadtobecloseby,andsure enough,hecamefrombehindadisplayandsaid,“Gregdidn’ttakeyourknife;hewas lookingatthesebootsIheldup.” “I’mgoingtogettheSheriff.Youareeitherpayingmeorgoingtojail!”Thestore ownerwaslivid. “Itellyou,Ididn’ttakethatknife,mister!”themaninsisted,gettingmad. “Idon’tbelieveyou!” “Sir,”Susanspokeup,eventhoughshedidn’twantto.“Thatmandidn’ttakethe knife.Isawwhodid.Itwasayoungboyaboutthistall,”sheheldherhandevenwithher eyes,“andhehadredhairandfrecklesalloverhisface.Hewalkedinaheadofme,grabbed theknifeandran.” “RudyPhares!”theshopkeepermutteredangrily.“Sir,Iapologizeforaccusingyou,” headded,hisfacered.“Thatboyisaproblem!”HelookedatSusanandsaid,“Thankyou forspeakingup,ma’am.Ialmostmadeaterriblemistake.” “Sothisiswhereyouranoffto,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidfromdirectlybehindher. “Idecidedtodosomeshoppingwhileyouwereenjoyingyourbath,”shelied sweetly. “Yourwifesawsomeonestealingfromme,andI’mgoingtogettheSheriffsoshecan tellhim.Willyouwaithere?Iwon’tbebutaminute.”Thelittlemanhurriedaroundthe counterandtookofffortheSheriff’soffice. “Areyousureyouwanttodothis,wife?”Johnaskedmeaningfully.Hewasfurious thatshewouldlietogetamanintotroublejustbecauseshedidn’tlikehim! “Itain’tlikeyou’rethinkin’,”thewronglyaccusedmanspokeup.“Thatshopkeeper thoughtItooktheknife,butIdidn’t.Yourladysawwhodidandclearedme.” “Idon’tlie,JohnJericho!”Susanpertlyinformedhim. “Susie,youarejustdiggingyourselfindeepereverytimeyouopenyourmouth,and youjustliedtomewhenyousaidyoudecidedtodosomeshoppingwhileIwastakinga bath,”headded.

“No,Ididdecidetodothat,”shelookedhimintheeye.“WhyelsewouldIhave comeinhere?” “TorunawaybeforeIcouldpaddleyourbarehind,”hepromptlyanswered,and thenhadthesatisfactionofwatchinghercheeksturnred. “Youareabeastattimes!”shewhispered,mortified. “Justaniratehusbandwhohashadenoughofyoursassywaysfortoday.Youwill telltheSheriffwhatheneedstoknow,andthenwearegoingbacktoourroom.Any shoppingyouhavecanwaituntiltomorrow.Isthatunderstood,”hespokefirmly. Susannodded,nottrustingherselftospeak. Theshopkeepercamebackandsmiledwhenhesawher.“TheSheriffisright behindme,”hesaid,andwithinaminutethemanjoinedthem,andSusanansweredhis questionstruthfully.Thetwomenstatedthattheydidn’tseetheboy,andtheonewhowas almostaccusedofthecrimethankedSusanforbeinghonest,andfornotholdingagrudge. “Idoubtitwouldn’thavecometomuchifwedidn’tfindtheknifeonyou.”The Sheriffofferedreassurance.“IliketomakesureIhavetherightpersonbeforeImakean arrest.Sam,”heturnedtothestoreownertoask,“IknowthatRudyisaproblem,butyou knowwhatit’slikelivingouttherewiththatjerkstepfatherofhis.IfIgettheknifeback andtakeastripofftheboy’shide,willyouletitgoatthat?Ihavehopesofturningthatboy aroundwithsomefirmguidance.” “IfIgettheknifeback,Iwon’tpresscharges,”Samanswered.“Ifhewantstheknife, I’lllethimworkforit,ifhegoestoschoolandworkshereafterwardsandonSaturdaysto payforit.” “That’sdecentofyou,Sam.”TheSheriffnodded.“I’llseetoitRudyacceptsthe offer.”Heleftjustasquicklyashearrived. “Andwearegoingbacktothehotel,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidfirmly,takingherarmto leadheroutofthestore. “Ma’am,thankyou.Afterthetroublewegaveyouonthetrain,itwasrealdecentof youtospeakupforme.Makesmeashamedofearlier.” “Iwastestyonthetrain,andIsaidthingsIshouldn’thave,”Susanacknowledged withasmallsmile.“Iwouldneverletsomeonebeaccusedofsomethingtheydidn’tdo,” sheaddedwithameaningfullookforherhusband,whohadthegracetoflush.“Let’sgo, John.Mybathisprobablycoldbynow,”sheconceded,disappointed. “I’llhavemorehotwaterdelivered,honey,”Johnpromisedashewalkedheroutof thestoreandbacktothehotel.“Youweresupposedtokeepyournoseinthecorner,and youwillhaveanotheropportunitytostandthereandthink,”hewarnedher. “StandinginthecornerisforchildrenanditmakesmefeelstupidandIwon’tdoit,” sheargued. “Yesyouwill,”hesaidcalmly.Hestoppedbythedeskandaskedfortwomore bucketsofhotwatertobesentupstairs.Hefiguredthatwouldbeenoughtoheatthewater enoughforhertoenjoyherbath.Oncetheywereintheirroomhetoldhertocheckthe bathwaterandshewaspleaseditwasstillwarm…notashotasshewouldlikeit,butit wasn’tcold,either.“Getin,andwhentheybringthewater,Iwilladditmyself.”Whenshe openedhermouthtoprotest,hesaid,“Susan,Ishouldwarnyouthatmypatienceis strainedrightnow.Iamtryingtobecourteousandpermityouabathandsomesupper beforeItanyourhindandputyoutobed,butonemorewordfromyouthatisn’tsweetand

nice,oristheslightestbitsassyorargumentative,andIamgoingtobareyouandspank yourightnow.Isthatclear?” Susan’seyeswidened,butshenodded,andthenhurriedtodoashesaid.He couldn’tverywellspankherifshewassittinginatubfullofwater.Aquickcheckshowed herthatshestilldidn’thavehertime,andshewasrelieved.Shedidn’twantanother spankingwhenherbottomwasstillsotender.Theknockonthedoorarrivedjustasshe satdowninthewater.SheheardJohntelltheyoungboystowaitinthehallway,andhe roundedthescreenandwarmedthewater.Susanthankedhimandheardhimthankthe boys.Heaskedthemtocomebackinanhourtoemptythetubandtakeitfromtheroom, andtheypromisedtheywould. JohntookaprettynightdressfromSusan’svaliseandcarrieditaroundthescreen. “Thisisallyouwillneedtonight,Susie.” “Ican’tdodowntothediningroominmynightclothes!”Shewasobviously shocked. “Iamgoingtoordersomethingforusandhaveitsentup.Yourmoodisinneedof mending,wife,andIamnotgoingtopermityoutorileanyoneelsetodayortomorrow.” “Iwon’t!”shesaidautomatically.“John,it’sthattimeagain!”shewhispered,her cheeksscarlet.“IamsorryI’mactinglikesuchawitch.I’llbefineinadayortwo,”she added. “Youcan’tactlikethiseverymonth,wife.Iwon’thaveit,andifyoudo,thenyou’ll knowexactlywhattoexpect,”hepromised.“FinishupsoIcangodownandorderour supper.I’mhungry.” Susanpurposelydawdled.ShewasfuriouswithJohnandshemadenoattemptto hideit,mutteringunderherbreathandcallinghimvilenames.Shedriedherhairwitha toweluntilitwasalmostdryandthensheslippedonhergownjustastherewasaknockat thedoor.She’dforgottenthatJohnaskedtohavethetubemptiedandremoved.Hegave herablankettoputaroundhershouldersandthenhadhersitacrosstheroominachair whileheallowedtheyoungboysintheroom.Itdidn’ttakethemlongtofinishtheirtask whileshecombedthetanglesoutofherwethair. “KeepthisdoorlockeduntilIreturn,Susan,”Johnorderedsternly. “Youareridiculous,John!Wearen’tinthewildernessanymore.” “Youreallydon’twanttositdownatalltomorrow,doyou?” Susangotupandlockedthedoor,butcouldn’tresistcallingout,“Ijustmightnot unlockitwhenyoucomeback!” “Youjusttrythat,littlegirl,andseewhathappens,”Johnreplied,hisowntemper flaringatherwords.Thelittlebratwaspushinghimforallshewasworth.Andheknew justthecure. BythetimeJohnreturned,Susanhadhadenoughtimetoregretherthreatnotto unlockthedoorforhim.Hereyeswerewetwithtearsandhebarelyputdownthetray beforeshewashugginghim.“Iamsoawfulattimes.Iwasafraidyou’ddecideI’mnot worthyourtroubleandjustleavemehere!” “Iwouldn’tdothat,Susie,”hecomfortedher.“Iwillspankthedaylightsoutofyou inabit,butIwon’tleaveyou.Youaremywife,nowandalways,”hesaidmeaningfullyand thenhekissedher.“Nowsitdownhereandeatwhileyoucanstillsit.”

Susandidn’tfussathim.Thesmellofthefoodmadeherrealizehowhungryshe was.SheandJohnenjoyedthesimplefareandoncetheywerefinishedheleveledhisdark eyesonherandshecouldn’thelpsquirming. “Nowthen,Mrs.Jericho,wehaveadamngoodspankingtotakecareof.Youare goingtogoandstandinthatsamecorneryouweresupposedtostandinwhileIwastaking mybath.Iexpectyoutopullthatgownuptoyourwaistandbareyourfannyandkeep yournoseinthecorneruntilItellyouotherwise.Iwilltakethekeywithmeandlockthe door.Ifyoumoveoneinch,you’llearnyourselfamuchlongerandharderspanking.Mind menow,Susie.Yourhindisalreadyinmoretroublethanyourealize.” Susanwasembarrassedashestoodtherewatchingtomakesuresheobeyedhim. Shehatedstandinginthecorner!Itmadeherfeelfoolish.But,shewalkedtothecorneras shewastold,andwhenhesaidhernameinwarning,shepulleduphergown.Itwas terribletostandtheresoexposed,butJohnhadarighttobevexedwithher,shereminded herself. Atleasthewasn’tbehindherstaringather,shecomfortedherselfassheheardthe dooropenandshut,andthenthekeyturninginthelock.Shefeltlikedroppinghergown andsittingonthebeduntilhereturned,butknowingJohnasshedid,hewouldsomehow knowifshedisobeyedhim.Shestoodthere,feelingembarrassed,andwaitedforwhat seemedlikeanhourforJohntoreturn!Whenshedeterminedthatsomethinghadtobe wrong,shewasreadytogetdressedandgoandsearchforhimwhensheheardthekeyin thelock!“Wherehaveyoubeen?”sheaskedsharply.“Iwasreadytocomeandlookfor you!” “Thatwouldhavebeenahugemistake,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnreplied.“Iwasfinding justtherightpaddleforyourhind,andIwouldhavetesteditonyourightthenandthere.” Susanwhirledtofacehim,andhereyeswentwidewhenshesawthethinpaddlein hishand.Itevenhadahandleonit,andhe’dcarrieditthroughthehotelanduphereto theirroom!Anyonewhosawhimknewhewasplanningtopunishheranditinfuriatedthe redhead.“Howcouldyouembarrassmelikethis,JohnJericho?”shedemanded,lettinggo ofhergownandputtingherhandsonherhipstoglareathim. “Anddoyouthinkyourbehaviortodayhasbeenanylessembarrassingforme?”he askedquietly. “IhavetoldyouIamsorry;you’rejustbeingmeantome,John!”sheaccused. “No,honey.Iammakingdarnsureyougetthelessonyouhavecomingtonight,and ifIdon’tseeanimprovementbeforetomorrowI’mgoingtowalkyououtoftownandcuta fewswitchesandstripeyousixwaystoSunday.”Hesatonthebedandsaid,“Youcan comehere,Susie,andwe’llgetthislessonstarted.” “No!”Shegavehimherbackasshestompedtothewindowtostareoutside.“I’m goingbackhome,John.Iwon’tbemarriedtoamanwhothinksmesoawfulhehasto spankmeallthetime!” “Nowtheregoesyoursassymouthagain,Susie.”Johnsighed,andthenhewasoff thebedanddraggingherovertothebed,wherehesatdownagain. Susanstruggled,butitdidn’tdoonelittlebitofgood.Johnhadheroverhisleft thighandthebedinnotimeatall.Hepinnedthecalvesofherlegswithhisrightleg, shoveduphergownandthenwrappedhisleftarmaroundherslenderwaistashestarted spankingherbottom. “Owww!John,stop!Someonewillhearyou!”

“Idon’tmuchcareaboutthat,Susan.Nomanworthhissaltwouldbeupsetoverme givingyouarichlydeservedspanking.”Hesmackedherroundedcheeksuntiltheywere coveredwithstinginghandprints,andthenhespankedlowerandmadesurehersitspots werered,too. “Stop,John!Ithurts!”shepleadedwithhim. “I’vebarelystarted,honey.”Hecontinuedtospankherupperthighsandwhenthey matchedhercheeksandsitspots,hestartedalloveragain.“Youneedtolearntocontrol thattemperofyours,Mrs.Jericho.” “Iwill!”shepromised.Anythingtostopthepunishment.Sheknewthatiftherewas anyoneinthenextroom,oracrossthehall,theycouldhearwhatwashappening,andthat wasmortifying!“Please,John,nomore!Iwillbegoodnow!” “Susan,I’mnotstoppinguntilyourhindissosoreyouwon’tsitforalongtime withoutrememberingthistanning.Youpickedafightwiththosetwomenonthetrain,and thenyoumixedinmyfightafterItoldyounotto!Thisisfornotobeyingme.”Hespanked evenharderandshecriedout. “No!Please,no!”Susanwasdesperatetostopthespanking.Shedidn’twantto screamandcarryon!Itwouldbetoohumiliatingtoeverleavethisroomifhecontinued! “John,Iamsorry!Ibegyou,stop!” “Yoursassymouthhasputyouinthisposition,Susan.Youneedtostopmaking excusesforyourselfeverymonth.I’msureitisn’tfuntosufferthroughthat,butIdon’tsee otherwomenmakingabigdealoutofitandlosingtheirtemperoverlittlestufflike childrenbeingchildren!”hescolded. “I’msorry!”shecried. “Notassorryasyouaregoingtobe,”hepromised,pickingupthepaddlehe’d boughtfromthestorekeepernamedSam.Itwasthinandwouldstinglikefire,butSam assuredhimitwouldn’tleaveseriousbruises.JohnwantedtogiveSusiealesson,not injureher. Susangaspedinshockasthepaddlecrackedacrossherrightcheekleavingafiery imprint.“Owwwwww!”Thepaddlelandedagainonthesamespotandshetriedeven hardertojerkfree.“Noooooo!John,noooooo!Itburnstoomuch!”shedesperately pleadedwithhim.Itdidn’twork.Hegaveheranotherhardswatonthesameexactspot, andthenswitchedtoherleftcheekandgaveherthreemore.Herupperthighswerenext, andthenhersitspots.Shewassobbingandlyinglimplyoverhisthighandthebed. “This,littlewife,isforleavingthisroomwhileIwastakingmybath.Youwere supposedtobestandinginthecorner,notsneakingoutoftheroomafteryouweretoldnot toleavemyside.”HespankedherevenharderwiththepaddleandSusanwaspositiveshe didn’thaveonelittlebitofskinleftonherbacksidebythetimehefinallystopped. Johnputthepaddleasideandthenherestedhishandonherhind.Itwashotand throbbingandlookedswollentohim.Hehatedcausingherpain,buthislittlewifeneeded tolearnhehadlimitstohispatience.Johnshudderedtothinkwhatthosetwomenwould havedonetoherifthey’dcaughtheroutalonesomewhere.Susanwastoofeistyforwords attimes.“Areyougoingtomindmenow,Susie?”heaskedgently. Shemutteredsomethingandhechosetobelieveitwasaffirmative.Hesimply couldn’tinflictanymorepainonherrightnow.Hehelpedherupandthenturneddown thebedandhelpedherlieonhertummybeforecoveringherandleaningdowntokissher

cheek.“Yougotosleepnow,anddon’tletmecatchyourubbingyourcutelittlehind.You hadthatspankingcoming,Mrs.Jericho,andyou’llwearituntilitgoesawayonitsown.” Susanhurttoomuchtomove.Thatwoodenpaddleleftanunbelievablefireandshe doubtedshewouldbeabletositforaweek!Shecriedherselftosleep,onlytowake extremelyearlythenextmorning.Shehadtorelieveherbladderandgotuptotendtothe matter.Usingthechamberpotwaspainful,andshewasn’tsurprisedtorealizeherflow startedduringthenight.Shetookwhatsheneededfromhervalise,cryingoncemoreas sherealizedshedefinitelywasn’tcarryingJohn’schild.Itwassuchadisappointment,even thoughJohnkepttellingherthathewantedtohavehertohimselfforawhile.Hesaidit wasn’tunusualforacoupletobemarriedforseveralyearsbeforemakingababy,but Susanfeltlikeafailure.ShereturnedtobedonlytohaveJohnpullhercloseandtellher thathelovedher.Inthatwayhehad,healreadyknewwhyshewassoupset,andhewas lettingherknowthatshewascherishedandloved.Shewenttosleepagain,safeinhis arms,andprayingthathewouldforgetallaboutspankingheragainashepromisedhe would!

Chapter Thirteen

Susanwasn’tveryhappywhenJohninsistedsheaccompanyhimtobreakfast.She triedtotellhimshedidn’tfeelwell,buthesawthroughthatexcuseandtoldherthatsitting onaspankedhindwasapartofthepunishment.Susanknewhercheekswereredasshe enteredthediningroomonhisarm.Shewaspositivethateveryonehadheardher spankingandwouldmakefunofher. Johnseatedheratatableandsmiledwhenapretty,youngwaitressbroughtthem coffeerightaway.Hegavehertheirorderandthenhelookedathissquirmingwife.“Sit still,Susie.” “Ican’t,John!YouhavenoideahowsoreIam,”shewhisperedsosoftlyhehadto straintohearher. “Areyouregrettingthewayyoubehavedyesterday?”heaskedquietly. “Yes!Iregretteditevenbeforeyou…youknow…!”Shelookedaroundtoseeif anyonewaspayingthemanyattention. “You’llregretitevenmorebeforethisdayisoverwhenIbareyouagain,”hestated, hisdarkeyestellingherhewasperfectlyserious.“Theonlythingremainingtobedecided isifItakeyououtoftowntocutswitchesorifthatpaddleisgoingtogetusedagain.The wayyoubehavetodaywilldeterminethatdecision.” “John,youcan’t!”Herfacewasscarlet.“I…can’t !”Hergreeneyesbeggedfor understanding. “I’mnotgoingtoletthatbeafactor,Susan.Nowenjoyyourcoffee,andsitstill.I expectobediencetoday.” Susanmadeherselfsitstill.Shewouldsimplydieifhebaredherforaspanking today!Eventhethoughtofitmadehercringe.DidnothingbotherorshameJohn? Susan askedherself. Johnwasabitstartledtoseehereyesfillwithtearsandhewonderedifperhapshe shouldn’thavementionedspankinghersosoonintotheday.HeknewthatSusanwas extremelymodest,evenaroundhim,butshe’dgonetoofaryesterday,andsheneededa veryfirmlesson.Evenifthatlessonoffendedhermodesty,hedecided.Still,shewouldn’t evenlookathim,andhesawherdabathereyeswithherhandkerchief.Hefeltbadfor upsettingher…andshehadn’teventakenasipofhercoffee. Whentheirfoodwasbrought,Susantookonelookatitandknewshewasgoingto beill.Shejumpedupandranfromtherestaurant,tryingtomaketheirroombeforeshe humiliatedherselfevenfurther. Johnaskedthewaitresstoputtheirmealsonatrayandsaidheneededtocheckon hiswife.“Mightshebeinthefamilyway,sir?Lotsofwomencan’tstandeggsthen…”she saidsomatter-of-factlythatheknewshewasn’ttryingtoberudeorvulgar,buthelpful. “No,she’sjustfeelingpoorlythismorning,”hereplied. “I’llsendthisonuptoyourroom;yougoandseetoyourMissus,”thegirlbossed. Johnnoddedandbythetimehereachedtheirroom,Susanwaspasttheworstofit. Hegothersomewatertorinsehermouth. “Herenow,youwillbeallright,Susie.”Hepulledherintohisarmsandheldher close.“I’msorryIupsetyou,honey.”

“John,IpromiseIwillbehave.Pleasedon’t…Notnow!Icouldn’thandleitifyou baredmeforanotherspanking.I’mreallysore,andIreallydon’tfeelgoodthismorning.” “Iwon’tbareyou,honey.I’msorryIevensuggestedit,”heapologized.“I’msorryI upsetyousomuch.” Therewasaknockonthedoor.“That’sourbreakfast.Doyouthinkyoucaneat now?”heasked,fearingthatbringingthefoodintheroommightmakehersickagain. “I’mbetternow,”shetriedtosmile.“I’msorryIembarrassedyouagain.” “Youcouldn’thelpthat,honey.Itwasmostlymyownfault,anyway,”heconsoled herasheopenedthedoortoadmitoneoftheyoungboyswhobroughtupthewaterthe eveningbefore.Oncehewastippedandleft,Johnshutandlockedthedoor,andthenhe crossedtheroomtoholdheragain.“Iamsorry,honey.Ishouldhaveknownthat threateningtobareyouagainwouldoffendyourmodesty.” “I’mtrulysosorerightnowthatIcouldn’thandleanotherspankingsosoon.I promiseIwillbegoodnow,”shesaidsosincerelythatheleaneddownandkissedher. “Iknowyouwill,Susie.”Hetookthepillowsfromthebedandputthemononeof thechairsandthensaid,“Trytositandeatsomething.I’msureyouwillfeelbetterthen.” “Ijustwantsomecoffeeandsometoast,John.Youcaneatmyfood.” Hedidn’targuewithher.Heknewthatshedidn’teatmuchbreakfastduringher monthlytime.Aftersheatesometoastanddrankafewsipsofcoffee,shelookedathim andsaid,“Ireallyfeelrotten,John.WouldyoumindifIgobacktobed?Thatistheonly thingthathelpswhenIfeelsomiserable.” Johnhelpedherremoveherclothingandgetintohernightdressagain,andtrueto form,Susiewenttosleep.Hefinishedeating,andthentookthetraybacktothekitchen. He’dmadesurethedoortotheirroomwaslocked,anddecidedhewoulddoalittle shoppingforhiswife.Hetrulydidplanonspoilingherandafterthespankinghegaveher yesterday,sheneededabitofreassurancethathewasn’tjustabitbullywhodidn’tmind embarrassingher. WhenSusanwokeupsunlightwasstreaminginthewindowandJohnwassittingin achairreading.“Heythere,”shesaid,smilingathim.“Whatareyoureading?” “AcollectionofshortstoriesbyEdgarAllenPoe.Themanhasanimagination,”he saidwithachuckle.“I’vemissedreading,”headmitted,andthenlookedather speculatively.“Youlooklikeyouarefeelingmuchbetter…?” “Iam.Mybellyisn’tcrampingnowandmyheadacheisgone.Ifeelnormalagain,” shestated,andthengotoutofbedtowalkovertowherehewasseated.“John,Iamsorry forthewayIacted.Iknowthisishardtounderstand,butitisalmostlikeIamanother personfortwoorthreedaysbeforesanityreturns.Idon’tmeantobeevil.” “DoesthatmeanIcanexpecttospankyouonceamonthfortherestofourlives?”he teased. “Probably,butyouneedn’tbesofirmtomakeyourpoint,”shesaidruefully.“I’m notgoingtosittoowellforawhile.Thatpaddleisnasty,John.” “Thenitisakeeper,”hesaidwithateasinggrin,andproducedthepresenthe boughtforher.Helovedwatchinghersmileindelight,andwhensheputherarmsaround himandkissedhimlovingly,heknewhewasaluckyman.Hewouldkeepthatpaddle handy,however. Truetohisword,theyspentthedayandnightintown,andleftthefollowing morning.Beforetheylefttheroomtowalktothetrainstation,JohninstructedSusanto

pullupherskirtsandbendoverandputherhandsontheseatofachair.Shelookedatthe paddleinhishandandthedeterminedexpressioninhisdarkeyesanddecidedthat cooperatingwasinherbestinterests.Johnwasn’tharsh,butthetenstingingswatsonher stilltenderbottomremindedherthatshewastobehaveherself,andtoldherwhatto expectifshedidn’t.Susandidn’tfindsittingonthehardbenchseatonthetrainvery comfortable,butJohnletitbeknownhewasn’tgoingtotolerateanymoretantrumsfrom her,andtherewastobenocomplaining.Susantookhiswarningtoheartanddidherbest tobehave.Thelastthingshewantedwasforhimtodecidetheyneededanotherstopover ontheirtripsouth. ******************** ThetrainmadeastopinCuriosityFalls,GeorgiaandJohnandSusandisembarked, havingarrivedattheirdestination.Susanknewthatherhusbandwastenseandunsureof thewelcomehewouldreceive.IthadbeenoverfiveyearssinceCarolynwasrapedand murdered,andmanypeoplewereconvincedhe’dkilledher.Susanknewdifferently;John mightspankawoman,buthewasn’tthetypeofmanwhowouldcommitmurder.She slippedherarmthroughhisandsmiledupathim.“Everythingisgoingtobealright,John. Ibelieveinyou.” Johnnodded,andthensaid,“Thanks,honey.Iknowyoudo,andIappreciateitmore thanyou’lleverknow.Justtrytoholdontoyourtemperifanyonestartssayingbadthings; itwon’thelp.I’mgoingtorentabuggytotakeusouttoWhisperingOaks.Iwouldleave youheresoyoudidn’thavetowalktothelivery,butIhonestlydon’twantustobe separated.Idon’tknowwhatCarolyn’sfatherwoulddotoyouinretaliation…”Hisvoice trailedoff,andSusancouldseehewastrulyworried. “Idon’tmindthewalktothelivery.I’vewalkedatrailwithyou,remember?”she askedwithasmalllaugh. Hechuckledatthememoryandsaid,“Yes,Iremember.You’reonefeistyredhead whenthechipsaredown.Comeon,Mrs.Jericho.Let’sgetthatbuggyandheadforhome.” Thereweresomestaresastheywalkedthedistancetothelivery,butnoonewas openlyhostile.Johnrentedthebuggyfromamanhe’dnevermetandpromiseditwouldbe returnedthenextday.ThemanwaspaidupfrontandwhenJohnsaidtheyweregoingto WhisperingOakshewastold,“Mr.Jerichowillseetothereturn.I’mnotworried.” Johnjustnodded,puttheirvalisesintheback,andthenliftedhiswifetositheron theseat.Heknewshewasstillabittenderfromthatpaddlinghegaveherafewdaysago, butshesatstillanddidn’tcomplain.Hewasproudofher. Onceontheirway,Johntoldherabouttheareaandpointedoutdifferent plantationsontheway.TheypassedoneownedbyCarolyn’sfather,andJohnwastedno timegettingthroughthatareatothemuchsaferlandsbeyond.Susanwasabitshockedto seealltheslavesoutworkinginthehotsun,butitwasacommonsight.Afterafewhours theyfinallyreachedWhisperingOaksPlantation.Oneelderlymanwasworkingclosetothe roadandlookedupastheydrovepast.“MisterJohn!Welcomehome!”heexclaimedwitha happysmile. “Hello,Moses,”Johnsaidwithagrin.“Howareyou?” “Iberightasrain,”Mosesanswered,andthenadded,“YourMamaisgonnadance whensheseesyou,MisterJohn.” “IamgoingtodancewhenIseeher,too,”Johnagreed,andthensaid,“Thisismy wife,Susie,Moses.”

“Welcomehome,MissusSusie.”Mosessmiled. “Thankyou,Moses.”Shesmiledrightbackathim. Johnknewthatwordofhisnewwifewouldpassamongtheslavesnow,andhewas relievedthatshewasgracious.Hefiguredshewouldbe,butsomepeopletreatedslavesas iftheyweren’thumanbeingswithfeelings.Susanwasn’tlikethat.Hedroveforquitea whilelonger,pointingoutdifferentplacesontheplantationandwavingateveryonewho recognizedhim. Susan’sfirstviewofthelargehousecausedhertogaspinwonder,andthenin dismay.ShelookedatJohnandsaid,“Youmustberich!” “Iam,”heagreed. “John,thisistoomuch.Iwon’tknowhowtoactinsidethathouse.It’sforfancy peoplenotlikeme!YourfamilyisgoingtoknowI’mnotusedtolivinglikethis!” “Theylivedinacabinwhentheyfirstsettledhere,Susie.Andyouaremywife…I knowyou,andyouwillfitinnicely.Myfamilyain’tsnobs.”Hesetthehorsestoabrisk pace.Whentheycametoastopinfrontofthelargehome,Johnjumpeddownandwaited forSusantostandupsohecouldhelpherdown,butshecontinuedtositthereandstareat thehouseintrepidationanddismay.Johnshookhisheadandreachedforher,liftingherin hisarmsandcarryingherupthefrontstepsandinsidethelargehouse. “John!John,isthatreallyyou?”awomancriedoutfromthetopofthesteps,and thenshecamerunningasfastasshepossiblycould,avisioninherbeautifuldressofroyal blue.Shethrewherselfintohisarmsandlaughedandcried.“MamaandPapaaregoingto besohappytoseeyou!”shedeclared,hugginghimastightlyaspossible. “Aren’tyoumarriedoffyet,Anna?”Johnaskedteasingly,holdingheratarms’length sohecouldlookather. “Iammarried,youhorridbeast.AndrewisoutoftownonbusinessandinsistedI stayherewithMamaandPapawhileheisgone.Andwhoisthis?”shedemanded,her browneyesfullofcuriosityasshelookedSusanoverheadtotoe. “This,nosygirl,ismybeautifulwife,Susan.Susie,thisismybabysister,Anna.She hasgrownupwhileI’vebeenaway.” “Hello,Anna.I’veheardsomanywonderfulthingsaboutyoufromJohn.It’sniceto meetyouatlast.” “Youareasurprise,butagoodsurprise.”Annanoddedthoughtfully.“Isuspectyou convincedhimtocomehome…?”sheasked. “IthinkitistimeforJohntoclearhisname.”Susansawnoreasontoavoidthe subjectofCarolyn. “Iagree,andMamaisgoingtoLOVEyou!”Annaexclaimed.Sheturnedandthenran backupthestepscallingoutloudly,“Mama!Mama!Mama!Comequickly!Youneedtosee whoishere!” “Sheisjustlikeyoudescribedher,John,andIloveheralready,”Susansaidwitha bigsmile. Theyheardadooropenupstairs,andawoman’svoicescolded,“Mygoodness,child! Whatisallthefussabout?” “Come,Mama.You’llsee!”Annagrabbedhermother’shandanddraggedheralong. “There,see!”ShepointedatJohnandlaughedhappily.“See,Mama!” “Oh,John!You’realive!Iknewitinmyheart,butit’sbeensoverylong!”Clara Jerichoburstintotearsandcamerunningdownthestaircasetoholdhimclose.“Howdare

youstayawaysolong,youngman?!I’veagoodmindtocutaswitchandwearyououtfor scaringmeso!”shescolded. “I’msorry,Mama,”Johnsaidcontritely,hugginghertightly. “He’smarried,Mama!”Annawhisperedloudly. “What?”ShelookedatSusansuspiciously.“You’remarriedagain,John?” “Yes,ma’am.Mama,thisisSusan.Susie,thisismyMama.” “I’veheardnothingbutwonderfulthingsaboutyou,ma’am,”Susansaid.“Yourson isafineman,andIlovehimwithallmyheart.” “Ibelieveyoudo,dear.”Clarafinallynoddedinacceptance. “ShewantsJohntoclearhisname,”AnnatoldherMother. “Hewouldneverdosomethinglikethat,”Susandeclared. “Susie,we’veonlybeenhomeforfiveminutes;canwewaituntiltomorrowtoclear myname?”Johnaskedteasingly. “Ifyouinsist,”sheanswered,andthenwarned,“I’mnotgoingtoletthismatterrest, JohnJericho.” “Honey,IhopeyourealizethatI’mnotgoingtoallowyoutomeddleinthis?” “Meddle?IamyourwifeandyoucanbetIamgoingtomeddle!Iwanttopointat themanwhodidthisandshamehimintoadmittingit…especiallytoCarolyn’sfather!” “Susan,IswearI’mgoingtocutaswitchifyoudon’tsettledownrightnow!”he sputteredasadoorslammedtowardtherearofthehouse. “Clara!Clara!OneofthefieldhandssaidhesawMasterJohnhome!Well,I’llbe! It’strue!Welcomehome,son!” “Fatheritisgoodtoseeyou.”Johnsteppedforwardtogreethisparent. “Youlookwell,John.”RobertJericholookedintohisson’sdarkeyes.“Whoisthis prettylady?”hewantedtoknow. “Thisismywife,Susan.Susie,myfather,RobertJericho.” “Yourwife?”Robertseemedsurprised.“Welcome,Susie.We’rehappytohaveyou aspartofthefamily.Clara,haveyousentwordtothefamilyyet?Everyonewillwantto joinusfordinnertonight.” “Wejustarrived,sir.Mamahasn’thadtimetodomorethancatchherbreath.While Iwouldliketoseeeveryone,itmightbebesttogiveSusiesometimetogetsettledinfirst.” “Thatisjustplainsilly,John,”Susancontradictedhim.“Youhandledmyfamilyin onesittingandIcandothesamewithyours.Besides,weneedtodealwith…” “We’llleavethattalkforlater,Mrs.Jericho,”hewarnedsharply. “Isee.” “No,youdonotsee,butyouwillifyoudon’tletmehandlethisinmyownway, honey,”hewarnedher. “John,youareabigbully!”Annaspokeup.“MamaandIwouldlovetohearwhat Johndoesn’twantustoknow,Susan.We’llshowyouupstairstoyourroomandhaveanice longchat.” “Anna,don’tyoubestartin’somethin’,”Robertwarned. “Oh,Papa,youknowverywellthatwearegoingtotalk.Youmenallthinkyouneed toprotectusfromeverylittlething,anditdoesn’tdoabitofgood.Comeon,Susan.I’llfill youinoneverythingJohndoesn’twantyoutoknowabouthim.” Susangiggled,andthenfollowedhersister-in-lawupthewindingstaircase.

Claralaughedatherson’sdisgruntledexpressionandthenhurriedafterthetwo youngerwomen.ShehadafeelingshewouldlearnmorefromSusanthanfromJohn. Oncethefemaleswereontheirway,Robertsaid,“Comeintomystudyandhavea drink,son.IhavetoadmitI’mcuriousaboutwhatyourwifewantsustodealwith.Doesit havetodowithCarolyn’sdeath?” “Yes,sir.IknowwhokilledCarolyn.Thetruthhasbeeninherjournalallthese years.SusiesnoopedandreaditandCarolynnamedthemanresponsible.” “Someoneweknow?”Robertasked. “AbelMcCory,”Johnanswered. “Awww,surelynot!Why,he’sbeenyourfriendforyears!Heasksaboutyouevery timeweseehim!” “He’salsotheonewhotriedtogetCarolyn’sfathertohangme,”Johnstated. Therewererunningstepsoutsidethedoorandthenitwasthrownopen.“Robert,I knowwhokilledCarolyn!ItwasAbelMcCory.IsawCarolyn’sjournal!”Clarasaidina rush.“Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthis?” “IknowwhatIamgoingtodo.Excuseme,Father.Thereisadomesticmatterthan requiresmyattention.” “Don’tyoudarethreatenthatdearchild,JohnJericho!”Clarasteppedinfrontofher son.“Why,sheisaperfectangel!” “Thatangeldoesn’tknowthemeaningoftheword‘obey’.” “Nonsense!Sheonlywantstoclearyourname.” “Whoisonthosehorses?”Johnasked,hiskeenhearingpickingupthesoundhis parentsweresousedtohearingthattheydidn’thearathing.Hehurriedtothewindowto lookoutandthensworeunderhisbreath.“Father,youdidn’tspankAnnanearlyenough whenshewasachild,andIfullyintendtorectifythematterwhenIcatchuptothosetwo witlessfemales!”Hewasoutoftheroomonadeadrunandheadingforthestablesinthe nextsecond. ******************** “SowhatarewegoingtosaywhenwetalktoMr.Barrett?”Annaaskedhersister-inlaw. “I’mgoingtotellhimthetruth,ofcourse.Surelyhewillwanttoknowwho murderedhisdaughter.Howmuchfartherisittohisplace?I’mnotusedtoriding!” “Wehaveawaystogo,Susan,andIamnotsosurebutthatweshouldn’tturn aroundandheadback.Mr.Barrettmightnotbeinclinedtogiveyouachancetoexplain. HetookCarolyn’sdeathveryhard.” “I’msurehedid.Hespoiledheroutrageouslyandgaveherherwayineverything.I simplyrefusetopermithimtothinkthatJohndidsuchahorrendousthingtoCarolyn.She certainlydidn’tdeservewhathappened,butthetruthofthematteristhatitishisownfault morethanJohn’s.” “YousoundjustlikeMama!”Annamarveled.“Okay,we’llgoandvisit,butdon’tbe surprisedifhescreamsatustoleave.Hedoesn’tlikebeingaroundanyoneclosely connectedtotheJerichofamily.” “Thenmaybeyoushouldjustshowmeasfarasthehouseandletmegoonalone. Hewon’tknowwhoIamuntilI’veshownhimthediary.” “Thatsoundsreasonable,”Annaallowed,andwasnearlyunseatedwhentworiders appearedonthepathbeforethem.

“Nowwhereareyoutwoprettygirlsheadedallaloneonsuchaprettyday?” “It’snoneofyourbusiness,”Susanansweredfirmly.“Pleaseletuspass!” “Ithinkthatwouldbeacrime,don’tyou,Abel?” “Abel?AbelMcCory?”Susanaskedsharply. “Yes,atyourservice.DoIknowyou,Miss?”Hewasobviouslydrunkandhisspeech wasslurred. “No,we’venevermet,”Susantoldhim.“Weneedtobeonourway.” “What’syourhurry?Wejustwantsomecompany.” “Yes,Iknowallabouthowyouliketoforceyourcompanyonwomen,”Susansaid caustically. “YouwillrotinhellforwhatyoudidtoCarolyn,”Annaadded. “Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Abelsuddenlylookedawholelotlessdrunkthanhe didafewminutesagain. “You’llfindoutsoonenough,”Susananswered. “I’llfindoutnow!”HemovedquicklytograbherbutSusanwasready.Shebrought theridingcropshecarrieddownonhishand,andbeforehecouldreachoutagainshegave himashove,knockinghimtotheground.Theothermanwaslaughinguproariously, enjoyingMcCory’spredicament. AbelgotupfromthegroundandlungedforSusanonlytoconnectwithasolidfistas Johnputhimselfandhismountbetweenhiswifeandtheenragedman.“You!”Abelspat theword. “WearegoingtoprovethatyourapedandmurderedJohn’sfirstwife,”Annasaid angrily.“AndIamgoingtotestifythatyouaccostedushere.” “Iknowyounow,John’slittlesister,”Abelsaid,andthenlookedatSusanand immediatelyputtwoandtwotogether.“Well,John,youhaveanotherprettywife.Wonder whatfolkswillsaywhenyoukillthisone?” “Youwon’tfindmeashelplessasCarolynwas,yousonofabitch!” “OldmanBarrettwillbehappytohearyou’reback,John,oldboy.” “He’llbeevenhappiertoknowwhoreallykilledhisdaughter,”Johnstatedcoldly. “Stayawayfrommywifeandsisterifyouwanttolivetoseetrial.” “Webothknowwhoisgoingtohang,anditwon’tbeme.” “TheonlyreasonI’mnotdealingwithyoumyselfisbecauseIwanttoclearmyname andIcan’tdothatwithyoudead.” Johntookhiswife’sandsister’sreinsandstartedleadingthemhome. “Iwantmyreins,John!”Annafumed. “You’rethisclosetoaspanking,littlesister.”Hegaveherahardlook. “Whatonearthfor,John?Wejustwentforalittlerideandthosetwoaccostedus!” Annafibbed. “Isthatthetruth,Susie?Didthetwoofyougoforaride,orwereyouplanningto seeMr.Barrett?”

Chapter Fourteen

Susanlookedatherhusband.Hisdarkeyeswerewarningherthatlyingwouldonly landherinmoretrouble.Sheraisedherchinandsaidquietly,“Youknowverywellthatwe weregoingtospeaktoMr.Barrett,John.Iampositivethathewillwanttoknowthetruth aboutwhokilledCarolyn.” “Susie,didn’tItellyoutokeepyourprettynoseoutofthisaffair,andleaveittome tohandleinthebestwaypossible?”Hisvoicewasquietbutonlyafoolwouldthinkhe wasn’tupsetwithher.“Idonotwantyouinvolved.Mr.Barrettmighthurtyoubeforehe calmsdownenoughtohearwhatisbeingsaid.” “Hedoesn’tknowme,John.Ithinkitissafestformetoapproachhim.”Susan continued,inspiteoftheforebodinglookonJohn’sface. “Ithinkthatmywifeandsisterbothneedagoodspanking,”heannounced. “Youwouldn’tdaredosomethingsodespicable,JohnJericho!”Annadeclared. “Littlesister,youjustaskSusieifIwoulddare,andthenyoudoyourbesttokeep fromprovokingme,orelseI’llstopthesehorsesandcutaswitchhereandnow.” Annalookedathernewsister-in-law,andSusansilentlywarnedhertoshutup! AnnaabruptlyputherselfinSusan’splaceandrealizedthatherownhusbandwouldscold herforbeingsoimpetuous.“John,itwasmyideatogoandseeMr.Barrett.Susanthought itbesttowait.”Shefibbedagain,willingtotakeascoldratherthanseeSusieintrouble withherbrother. “Isthatso,Anna?”Johnaskedquietly,tooquietlyinSusan’sopinion,butbeforeshe couldwarnAnna,John’sarmsnakedaroundherwaistandheliftedherfromhersaddle andtossedherface-downacrosshisownsaddleinfrontofhim.Hesnatchedtheriding whipfromSusan’shandandbroughtitdownacrosshissister’sbottomwithevery intentionofmakingsureshefelttheblow. “No,John!”Susanprotestedhisactions,butJohndidnotpayheranyattention.He wasdeterminedtoseehissisterpunished! Annaletoutascreamofmingledpainandrage,butJohnignoredherdirethreats andgaveherasoundthrashing.“Doyouhonestlythinkyoucanbatyoureyesatmeand convincemeyouaretellingthetruth,littlesister?”heasked.“Ourparentshavespoiled you,andIamnotatallconvincedyouareoldenoughtobemarried.YouknowthatBarrett isnotrational,andthefactyouagreedtotakeSusietoseethemanshowsalackofcommon sense.” “I’msorry,John!”shesaid,burstingintotearsofcontrition.“Iwanttoseeyour namecleared,too!” Hecouldhearthesincerityinhervoice.“Iunderstandthat,Anna.And,Iloveyou forfeelingthatway,butthereissuchathingaspatience,andthatiswhatIaminsistingon now.Doyouunderstand?”heaskedmeaningfully,givingherupturnedbottomonemore painfulstrokeofthesmallridingwhip. “Owwwww!Yes,John!Idounderstand!Pleasestop!Andrewwillbedispleased!” “Displeasedwithmeforgivingyouaspankingyouearned?Ordispleasedthatyou earnedaspankinginthefirstplace?”heasked,tryinghardnottosmile.

“Both,”shetoldtheabsolutetruth.Andrewbelievedinspanking,too,andifhe learnedthatJohnpunishedher,hewouldtakeheroverhiskneeagain!“Pleasestop!Iam sorryandhavelearnedmylesson.” Johngaveheronemoresmack,butwithhishandthistime,andthencarefully plunkedheronhersaddle.“Donotlietomeagain,littlesister.Itistheonething guaranteedtosetoffmytemperandearnyouasorehind.” “IjustwantedtoprotectSusan,”sheexplained.“Ididn’tthinkyouwouldactually punishme!”Shewaspoutingnow. “Nowyouknowbetter,andSusanalreadyknowsthatsheisintrouble,”headded, givinghissilentwifealookthatspokevolumes,andSusanfeltcrushed.Sheknewthat look.Itmeanthewasgoingtospankher! “Sheonlywantstoclearyourname,John!Thatisnotacrime.Susanlovesyouand thatismorethanyoucouldsayforCarolyn!”Annaaccused.“Ithinkitmeanofyoutobeso unappreciativeandrigid!” “Doyouwantanotherspanking,Anna?”Johnasked,lookingathisfeistylittlesister. Sheglaredathim,butfinallyshookherheadno.“Notanotherwordthen.” Therestoftheridehomewascompletedinsilence.Johnsentthetwooftheminside andtoldSusantogoupstairstotheirroom.Susanknewthatheintendedtopunishher. Shewashumiliatedandembarrassedthathewoulddothatandleteveryoneinthe householdknowwhatheintended,butshequicklyranupthesteps.Ifshedidn’tobeyhim, hewouldspankherwherehefoundher.Johnwastotallypredictablewhenitcametothat. AnnafoundherparentsinherFather’sstudy.“Mama,youmustspeaktoJohn!Heis inaterriblemood.Healreadythrashedmeandheorderedhisownwifeupstairsasifshe isanaughtychild!”shedramaticallydeclared. “What?”Clarajumpedtoherfeet.“Johnbeatyou?” “Witharidingwhip!”Annanoddedtearfully,reachingbacktorubhersmarting bottom.“Hurry,Mama!SusanonlywantstohelpJohn,andheisbeingdreadfullymeanto her!” “Clara,youstayrighthere,”Robertfirmlyordered. “But,Robert…!”Claraturnedtofacehim,stompingherslipperedfoot.“Didn’tyou hearourdaughter?” “Idid,andIalsoknowthatJohnwilldowhathethinksbestinhismarriage.Wewill mindourownbusiness.” “Ican’tdothat!”sheargued. “Yesyoucanoryoumayverywellfindthatyouaren’ttoooldforagoodspanking!” “Robert!”Clarawasscandalized.Annawasstandingrightthere,listeningtoevery word! “Clara,shouldn’tyoubeoverseein’dinner?”Whenhiswifereachedthedoorway, clearlyfuriouswithhim,headded,“Anddon’tbethinkin’tosneakupthebackstairs, either,wife.”Shestiffenedandthenhurriedfromtheroom.“Andyou,younglady,canjust comerightoverhere,”hesaid,beckoningathisdaughter. “IshouldhelpMama,”Annaprotested. “Nonsense,Anna.Iwanttoknowwhatyoutwogirlswereupto.” “WeweregoingtoseeMr.BarrettandtellhimwhomurderedCarolyn.”Annaknew herparentwellenoughtoknowthathewasseriousandwantedanswers.Shewonderedif hewouldhavewordswithJohnfordaringtostrikeherperson!

“What?Youagreedtothis,Anna?YouknowthatoldmanBarrettiscrazy.You’ve beentoldoverandovernottogoanywhereneartheman!Itdoesn’tshockmeatallthat Johnturnedyouoverhisknee!I’veagoodmindtodoitmyself!”hethreatened. “Papa!Don’tbesilly!Iammarriednow!”Surelyhewouldn’tdoanysuchthing! “I’mstillyourfather,younglady,andIamnotatallpleasedrightnow!Justbecause you’remarrieddoesnotmeanthatyoucandisobeymeatwill.GoingtoBarrett’shouse wasveryfoolish.” “Wedidn’tgetthatfar,thankstoAbelMcCory!HewasdrunkandaccostedSusan andme.Shestruckhimwithherridingwhip.Hewasgoingtohither,butJohnstopped him.Abelmadeallsortsofthreats,too.HejustthesameastoldJohnhewasgoingtorape andkillSusanandblamehimforit!Rightnowheisprobablystirringupallourfriendsand neighbors.Johnshouldhaveshothim!”shedeclared. “Johnwantstoseehimtriedforrapeandmurder,Anna.”Hefrownedandadded, “YouhadnobusinesstakingSusantoBarrett’splace,daughter.” “Idisagree,Papa!SusanwantstoseeJohn’snamecleared,andshewantstohelp withthat,whichshehaseveryrighttodosincesheishiswife.” “Therearesomethingsbestlefttomen,Anna,andifAndrewwerehere,hewould takeyouoverhiskneeandremindyouofthat.” “Oh,youmenareallalike!”Annascolded.“IfnoneofyouwillprotectSusan,thenI willdosomyself!”shedeclared. Robertwasoutofhischairandgrabbedherbeforeshereachedthedoorway.“Ido believeJohnwasrightearlierwhenhesaidIdidnotspankyounearlyenoughwhenyou weregrowingup;anerrorIintendtorectifyrightnow!” “No,Papa!”Annatuggedonherarm,butherfatherhadafirmgripandshewas unabletokeephimfrompullingherovertohisdesk.Hepushedherdownoverthe polishedsurfacewithinstructionsto‘stayput.’Unlikeherbrother,RobertJerichohadno qualmsabouttossingupherridingskirtandthepetticoatsbeneathtorevealherruffled drawers.“No,youcan’tdothis,Papa!JohnalreadythrashedmewitharidingwhipI loanedSusan!” “Idoubtyoufeltathingthroughalltheseskirts,”Robertstatedwithoutsympathy andbroughthishanddownonherroundedbottom.Susantriedtojumpup,butRobert pushedherbackdownandkepthislefthandonherbacktokeepherrighttherewhilehe continuedtospankher.“JustbecauseyouaremarrieddoesnotmeanIwillturnablindeye tooutrightdisobedience,andyouknowdamnedwellyoudisobeyedme,younglady.” Robertcontinuedtospankhiserrantdaughteruntilshewasintears.Hescoldedheruntil shewasbegginghimtostopandtellinghimshewassorry. “Barrettiscrazyenoughtotakeitinhisheadtomakeherpayforsomethingshehad nopartof.HowwouldyoufeelrightnowifsomethinghadhappenedtoSusie?”Robert demanded,notpermittingAnna’stearstodissuadehimfromwhatheconsideredhisduty asherfather. “Awful!I’msosorry,Papa!Pleaseforgiveme!”Annawasgenuinelydistressed,and shewasinpain.HerPapawaswrongwhenhesaidshedidn’tfeelthatspankingJohngave her.Shewasalreadyhurtingbeforehedecidedtospankher!“Please,Papa,stop!I’ve learnedmylesson.OwwwwwwIthurtstoomuch!”shepleadedwithhimtostop. Robertgaveheranotherdozenhardspanksandthenasked,“Whatdoyouthink Andrewisgoingtosayaboutallofthisdaughter?”HeknewforafactthatAndrewturned

Annaoverhiskneewhenhefelttheneedtodoso,andthatwasonereasonAnnachosehim overtheotherboyswhocourtedher.Shewantedandneededastrongman,notonewho wouldcontinuallytrytopleaseherwithoutregardtohertantrumsanddemands. “Oh,Papa,pleasedon’ttellhim!”shecriedoutindismay. “Ihavenointentionoftellinghim,”Robertsaidquietly.“Youwilldothatyourself.” Hegaveheronefinalhardspankandthenpulledhertoherfeettostandinfrontofhim. “Yougotoyourroom,younglady,andstaythereuntilitistimefordinner.Iwillexpect youdownstairswithasmileonyourface,andnopouting.Isthatunderstood,Anna?” “Yes,Papa!”sheanswered,andthenturnedandranforherroom,cryingasshe hurriedthroughthehouse. Robertdecidedheshouldgoandcheckonhiswifenext.Hequicklylearnedshewas notinthekitchenoverseeinganything,andoneofthegirlstoldhimMissusClarawent upstairs.Robertfelthistemperflareashestartedupthesteps.Ifhislittlewifewasnear JohnandSusie’sroom,hewasgoingtomakesureshewasn’tabletositdownforaweek! Heheardvoicesinthehallwayandwasn’tonebitshockedtoseeClarastandinginfrontof thedoortoJohn’sroom,herhandsonherhips,lecturinghimasonlyamothercould. “SusandidnotrealizethatBarrettcouldhurther,JohnJericho!Iwillnotpermityou topunishher!” “Susandisobeyedme,Mama,andIwon’ttoleratethat.”ItwasthenthatRobert noticedtheswitchesinhisson’shand. “Youarebeingtooharsh,John.” “Iwon’tmakethesamemistakeswithSusiethatImadewithCarolyn.” “Carolynwasaspoiledlittlewitch;Susanisalovelyyounglady,andyouarewrong inthisinstance,”Clarainsisted. “Mama,pleasemove.IampleasedthatyoufeelprotectiveofSusie,butsheknew fullwellwhatshewasdoingtoday,andifIhadn’tcomealongwhenIdid,AbelMcCory wouldhavehurther.Sheearnedapunishment.” “Butnotaswitching!”Clarastompedherfootonthefloorandrefusedtobudge. Robertmadehispresenceknown.“Clara,Iwarnedyounottointerfere,didInot?” “Robert,Johnismakingaterriblemistake!” “Youbestworryaboutthemistakeyoujustmade,wife.Gotoourroomnow.Iwill bealongshortlytoremindyouthatawifeisexpectedtoobeyherhusband.” “Robert!”Clarawasscandalized.“Notinfrontofthechildren!”shewhispered. “OurchildrenareadultsandyouareinterferinginJohn’smarriage,wife,afteryou werewarnednottodoso,andIbelieveItoldyouwhattoexpectifyoudisobeyedme… Correct?”heaskedwithdignity.Clara’seyesfilledwithguilt.“Youmayapologizetoyour son,Mrs.Jericho,andtakeyourselftoourbedchamberimmediately.Thismatterwillbe dealtwithprivatelyaslongasyoushowmetherespecttowhichIamentitledthisvery minute.” ClaraclosedhereyesforafewsecondsandthenapologizedtoJohn.“Iamsorryfor interfering,John,butIdofeelyouarebeingharshandbegyoutoreconsider.”Afterthat, shehurrieddownthedoortothebedroomshesharedwithherhusbandandquietlyshut thedoorafterher. Johnsteppedforward,preparedtoenterhisroomanddealwithSusanwhenhis Fatherreachedoutandtooktheswitchesfromhishand.Johnraisedaneyebrowand lookedintoRobert’ssolemneyes.“Sir?”

“WhileIdonotcondoneyourMama’sinterference,sheisright.Thesearemuchtoo harshforthissituation,John.Yourhandwillmakeenoughofanimpression.Susiemeans well,andshedoesnotknowBarrettlikewedo,likeyoursisterdoes.AndAnnahasbeen dealtwithfirmly,butIonlyusedmyhand.Susiedoesn’tdeserveaswitchthistime,John.” Hewalkedawaycarryingtheswitchesinhishand. JohnenteredthebedroomandsawSusiesittingonthebed,lookingforlorn.“Why onearthwouldyoudosomethingsofoolishasgotoseeBarrett,honey?”heaskedquietly, sittingdownbesideherandtakingherhandinhis. “Igotcaughtupintheexcitement,”sheconfessed,hereyesfillingwithtearsshe refusedtoshed.“YourMamaandyoursisterarejustsonice,andthey’vesufferedsomuch. Iwantedtoenditrightaway,”shetoldhim.“Annaisgoingtohatemenow!Ican’tbelieve youwhippedher!”Hereyeswerefullofaccusation,andshewasmorerelievedthanshe daredtoletonthathehadn’tcarriedthewhipupheretouseonher. “Idoubtshefeltathingthroughallthoselayersshehadpaddingherbackside,”John scoffed. “Shewascrying,John.” “Becauseshewasangrywithme,”heshrugged.“Ishouldn’thavespankedher, however,andIwillneedtoapologize.Inmymindsheisstillthatlittlegirloffiveyearsago insteadofagrownwomanwithahusband.Itwasn’tmyplacetowarmherhind.” “No,itwasn’t,”Susanagreed. “Butyourhindisallmine,”hetoldher.“DoyouhaveanyideahowfrightenedIwas whenIsawyougirlswithAbelMcCory?” “He’sevil,John.I’mafraidofhim,”sheadmitted.“But,youhavetorealizethat neitherAnnanorIexpectedtomeethimontheroadtoseeMr.Barrett.Thatwaspurelya chancemeeting,andIwassorelievedwhenyoucamealong.”Hereyeswereshiningathim now.“Thankyou.” “Iwon’teverletanyonehurtyou,honey,”hetoldher,leaningdowntotenderlykiss hersweetlips.“But,Iwon’tpermityoutorecklesslyputyourselfindanger,either.Itold youtokeepyourprettylittlenoseoutofthisbusinessandletmetakecareofit,didn’tI?” heasked. “Yes,youdid.ButIwanttohelp,John.” “Whichissweetofyou,buttoodangerous.Youdisobeyedme,wife,andyouknow whathappenstolittlegirlswhodisobey,don’tyou?” Shewasafraidshedid.Susanlookedathimhelplessly.“Weareinyourparents’ home,John.Iwillbemortifiedandhumiliatedifyoupunishmehere!” “Thatistoobad,honey.AnnaiswearingasorehindrightnowthankstoFather,and Mamaisgettingalessonrightnow,too.Spankingshappeninthishouseandinthisfamily. Now,ifyoustandupandpullupyourskirtsandloweryourdrawersandlieoverthebed,I willonlyusemyhandthistime.IfIhavetowrestlewithyou,I’lltakeoutthepaddleand makesurethatsittingisverypainfulforafewdays.”Hegaveheramomenttoconsiderher options,andthenheasked,“Well?Easyorhard,Susie?” “Easy,”shewhispered,hercheeksabrightredwithembarrassment.Sheslowly stoodupandgatheredherskirts.Itwasdifficulttountietheribbononherdrawerswhile holdingupherothergarments,butshesomehowmanaged,andthensheputherselfwhere Johnwantedher.Hewastednotimeingettingdowntobusiness,either,andthefirstspank landedimmediatelyonherleftcheek.“Owww!”sheexclaimed,startled.

“YouneedtolearnrightnowthatAnnaisamischiefmaker,”Johnstated,spanking herrightcheek.“Youarenottopermithertotalkyouintothingsyouknowwillearnyoua spanking.”Hespankedagainandwasn’tabitsurprisedtoseearedhandprintappearon herdelicateskin.“Ifthereisanexttime,Iwillusethepaddleorcutaswitch!” “Ihateswitches!”shecriedout.“Youpromisedyouwouldn’tuseoneagain!”she remindedhim. “Iwillifyoudon’tobeymeinthis,”hepromisedwithoutabitofsympathy.“Iwillbe obeyed,wife.”Johnconcentratedthenonspankingherthoroughly.Hewantedtogiveher enoughthatshewouldfeeltenderallthroughtheevening,buthedidn’twanthersosore shecouldn’tenjoyhermeal. “John,pleasestop!Iamsorry!”Susanpleadedwithhimashespankedherupper thighs.“Iwanttobeabletogetthroughdinnerwithoutdisgracingmyself!”Hedidnot stop,butthespankswerehighernow,rightonhersitspots,andtheyhurtandburned. “Owwww!Darling,pleasestop!I’msoembarrassednow!” “AreyougoingtoobeymeandkeepyournoseoutofthismesswithBarrett?”John asked. “Yes,John.Iwilltryveryhardtoobeyyou.”Shementallycrossedherfingers. “ThenI’llgiveyoutenmoretoreinforcethatpromise.And,Susie,ifyoubreakyour wordtome,youandIwillhaveameetingwithseveralswitches,andIwon’tbeonebit merciful.Doyouhearme?”heasked,drawlingoutthewords. “Yes,John.Ihearyou,andIamtrulysorry.Idon’tneedtenmore…”sheinsisted, butsheshouldhavekeptthelastcommenttoherself. “No,youneedtwenty-fivemore.”Hepromptlycorrectedher. Thelasttwenty-fivewereveryhard,andverydeliberate.Susancriedoutwitheach one,andshewasintearswhenthespankingfinallystopped.Shedoubtedshewouldbe abletositdownatthedinnertableandshefeltsorryforherself. “Youhaveanhourtopullyourselftogetheranddressfordinner,Susie,”Johnfinally toldher,afterrubbingherbackforseveralminuteswhileshecried. “Youwillhavetomakemyexcusestonight,John.ThereisnowayonearthIcansit atthetableandpretendIamfine!” “Youarepouting,Mrs.Jericho,”hesaidwithasmile.“Poutingwillonlyearnyou moreofthesame.” “Youareabeastattimes,JohnJericho!Onlyastupidmanwouldpunishhiswifeand thenexpecthertositatthetablewithhisMamaandmakepoliteconversationasif everythingwasfine!Iamnotgoingdowntodinner!Ican’tsitrightnow!”Shewasina temperanddidn’tcarewhoknewit. “SusanJericho!”Johnscolded.“Thatisjustaboutenoughsassoutofyouforone day!Doyouwantanotherhiding?”heasked. “Ididn’twantthefirstone!”Sheglaredathim.“I’mnotgoingdowntodinnerand make-believethateverythingisfinewhenitisn’t!I’mnotgoodatpretendingandtoobadif youdon’tlikeit!” Johngotupandstartedgoingthroughthedrawersofhischest,lookingforthe paddlethatoneofthehousegirlssurelyunpacked.Hefinallyfoundit,andwalkedoverto thebedandbroughtthepaddledownhardonSusan’supturnedhind.Sheletoutasqueal andtriedtorollovertoprotecthertenderbottom,butJohnwasreadyforthatandhe quicklypinnedhertothemattressandbroughtthepaddledownasecondtime.

“No,John!Noooo!”Susanprotested.Hedidnotstop.Hespankedherathird, fourth,andthenafifthtime.Thepainwasterrible!Thepaddleburnedlikenothingelse, andthestingwasnearlyunbearable…especiallyfollowingthespankinghe’dgivenher. “Pleasestop,John!Iapologize!”Shesobbedthewords,prayinghewouldlisten. “Areyougoingtogetreadyfordinnerandcomedowntothetableandbehave yourself?”heasked,hisvoicecoldandfullofdetermination. “Yes!”sheimmediatelyanswered.“Iwill,John!”sheadded,tomakesurehe understood. “Verywell.I’llgiveyouanotherfivetoremindyouIwillnotbecalledstupidbymy ownwife!” “Nooooo!Ididn’tmeanit,John!I’msosorry!Pleasedon’tspankmeanymore.It hurtstoomuch!Owwwwww!”shecriedoutasthepaddlecaughtherthigh.Shekickedher legsinanattempttoshakeoffthestingandkeephimfromstrikingheragain,butitwas pointless.Johngavetheothersideastingingcrack,andthenhersitspotswerepaddled, too.HefinishedwiththehardestswatofallandSusanwastednotimeingettingupoffthe bed.Shedidn’twanthimtospankheragain. Johncouldseehowupsetshewasandhepulledherclosetohughertightly.“It’s overnow,honey.Calmdown.Thiseveningwillbeenjoyableifyouputasmileonyour face.” “Idon’tknowhowIwillsitthroughdinner,John!”shetearfullyproclaimed.“Ihurt morethanyourealize!Thatpaddleisawful!” “Itisn’tmeanttobefun,”hesaidwithasmilehetriedtohidefromher.“Susie,I’m nottryingtomemeantoyou,”hewhispered,kissingthetopofherhead.“Iloveyouwith allmyheart,andI’mgoingtodoeverythingIcantokeepyousafe,evenifthatmeansIhave tospankyousoundlyfivetimesaday!” “John!”Shetippedherheadtolookupintohisdarkeyes.“Iloveyou,too,andthat ispreciselywhyIwanttohelpyou!Can’tyouseethat?”Shewasgoingtohelphimfight hisbattle,evenifitmeantanotherboutwiththatdamnedpaddleoraswitching!

Chapter Fifteen

Susanhadaterribletimesittingthroughdinner,anditdidnotmakeherfeelany bettertoknowthathermother-in-lawandhersister-in-lawwerealsosquirmingontheir seatsandtryingtopretendthateverythingwas‘fine’,too.SusanreallylikedJohn’sfamily, anditwasobviousthathisparentsandsiblingswereallhappytohavehimhome,safeand sound.Theyletherknowinnouncertaintermsthattheyheldherresponsibleforthis miraculousfeat,andshewasmadetofeellikevisitingroyalty.Sheansweredlotsof questions,butwhenitcametocertainmatterssheleftittoJohntohandle,andhedid,quite discreetly.Hewasn’tabouttolethisMamaknowhepurchasedherfromHeWhoWears Red.Whenaskedaboutherfamily,SusanspokekindlyofherMother,butsaidverylittle aboutherFather.SomethinginJohn’sexpressionwarnedtheothersnottopry,andthey didn’t. Afterdinner,themenexcusedthemselves,andoncethewomenwereintheparlor, Clarasaidwithgreatfeeling,“Iamsogladthatmealisover!” “Why,Mama?”Clara’seldestdaughter,Kathleen,askedwithapuzzledfrown. “Oh,Kathy,it’sasobviousascanbethatMamaandAnnaandSusiearenotsitting wellatthemoment,”David’swife,Abigail,stated.“Whatsortofmischiefdidy’allgetinto?” sheaskedwithagrin. “Itwasallmyfault,”Annaadmitted.“Mama,IamsosorryIgotyouintotrouble,too. PapawassoupsetwithmeandIfearhetookitoutonyou!” “Ididsomethingheforbademetodo,Anna,anditwasnotyourfault,”Clara insisted.“IthinkweshouldallleavetheclearingofJohn’snametothemen.” “IthinkthatitwasagoodideatogoandseeMr.Barrett,”Susancommented.“We wouldhavepulleditoff,too,ifnotforthatdrunkenfoolMcCory!” “IwouldlovetohelpclearJohn,”Kathysaidearnestly. “AndifRichardcatchesyou,sisterdear,youwon’tbeabletositeither,”Annatold herwithanimpatientfrown. “Besides,whatwouldyoudo?”Abigailwantedtoknow. Thereshouldbesomethingwecoulddo!”Kathyscrunchedherfacetothinkwhat thatmightbe. “Wecouldletyourfatherandbrother’shandleitliketheysaid,”Clarasaidabit firmly,butthespankingshe’dreceivedonlyashorttimeagowasstillstingingandshehad noplanstoearnanotheranytimesoon.RoberthadtakentheswitchesfromJohnandthen usedoneonherafterhespankedherbarebottomwithhishand!Shewasweltedfromthe topofhercheeksdowntoherankles,andtheweltsburnedanditchedandshewanted nothingmorethantocallanendtotheeveningandseektheprivacyofherbedroomsoshe couldremoveherclothing. “IfeelterribleyouthatyousufferedfortryingtotalkJohnoutofpunishingme, MamaJericho,”Susanapologized,hercheeksredwithembarrassment. “Johnwaswrong,andevenmystubbornhusbandknewit.IhopeJohnwasn’ttoo harshwithyou…?”sheasked,sensingtheredheadwasinjustasmuchpainasshewas. “I’mafraidImademattersworsebysassinghim,”Susanstatedtruthfully.“Iseemto knowexactlytherightthingstosaytorilehim.”

“Iunderstandwhatyoume “Iunderstandwhatyoumean,Susie.Da an,Susie.Davidcanbe vidcanbeveryfirma veryfirmattimes,”Abiga ttimes,”Abigail il confessed.“IthinkAnna confessed.“IthinkAnnaistheonlyone istheonlyoneofuspermitte ofuspermittedtodoasshe dtodoasshepleasesall pleasesallthetime!” thetime!” shestatedwithagrinand shestatedwithagrinandawink. awink. “Nowwhatwouldgiveyoulad “Nowwhatwouldgiveyouladiesthatide iesthatidea?”ade a?”adeepvoicefullof epvoicefullofhumorasked humoraskedfrom from thedoorway. “Andrew!You’reback “Andrew!You’reback!”Annaq !”Annaquicklyranin uicklyranintohisopenar tohisopenarms.“Iamsogla ms.“Iamsogladyouare dyouare home!” “Andwhatmannerofmi “Andwhatmannerofmischiefhaveyou schiefhaveyoubeenupto,y beenupto,younglady,that ounglady,thathasallyou hasallyou ladiestalkingabouthusban ladiestalkingabouthusbandlydiscipline dlydiscipline?”hewan ?”hewantedtoknow. tedtoknow. “Wecandiscussallofthatlate “Wecandiscussallofthatlater,”shewhispe r,”shewhispered,blushing. red,blushing. “Isee.”Hislaughingeyes “Isee.”Hislaughingeyesturnedseriou turnedserious.“DoInee s.“DoIneedtospeakto dtospeaktoyourfathera yourfatherabout bout yourbehavior,ordoyouinte yourbehavior,ordoyouintendtospeak ndtospeaktomeopenly tomeopenlyandhonestly andhonestlyrightnow?” rightnow?” “Youhavejustarrivedhome “Youhavejustarrivedhome!”Anna !”Annasaidwitha saidwithapout.“Canthis pout.“Canthisnotwaituntil notwaituntil tomorrow?” “No.Thebesttimeforsuchma “No.Thebesttimeforsuchmattersisimmed ttersisimmediate.Youha iate.Youhaveexactlyone veexactlyoneminuteto minuteto tellmeallofit,Anna,orI tellmeallofit,Anna,orIwillspeakwi willspeakwithyourfather.” thyourfather.” “Verywell.Iencouraged “Verywell.IencouragedSusietogoand SusietogoandspeaktoM speaktoMr.Barrett.N r.Barrett.NeitherJohnnor eitherJohnnor Papaapproved,and Papaapproved,andIhavealre Ihavealreadybeen adybeenpunishedtwi punishedtwiceforthesame ceforthesamething,whichis thing,whichis unfair!”sheaddedpetulantly. “John?YourbrotherJohnhasre “John?YourbrotherJohnhasreturnedhome? turnedhome?”Andrew ”Andrewasked,tryin asked,tryingtomakesen gtomakesense se oftheconversation. “Yes,Andrew,Johnishome,a “Yes,Andrew,Johnishome,andhebrought ndhebroughthislovelywife hislovelywife,Susan,withhim,” ,Susan,withhim,”Clara Clara saidwithasmile.“We saidwithasmile.“Weallwanttoclea allwanttoclearJohn’sname, rJohn’sname,andthegir andthegirlsthoughtitwouldhe lsthoughtitwouldhelp lp mattersiftheyshowedMr.B mattersiftheyshowedMr.BarrettCarolyn arrettCarolyn’sjournal.She ’sjournal.Shedivulgedhe divulgedherkiller’sna rkiller’sname.Itwas me.Itwas AbelMcCory.” “AbelMcCory!”Andrew “AbelMcCory!”Andrewwasshockeda wasshockedatthenews.“ tthenews.“Areyousure Areyousure,MamaJericho? ,MamaJericho?”he ”he askedindisbelief. “Verysure.” “Andyoudecidedtota “AndyoudecidedtotakeJohn’swife keJohn’swifetoseethatcra toseethatcrazyoldman? zyoldman?Areyouout Areyououtofyour ofyour mind,Anna?Youhave mind,Anna?Youhavebeentoldre beentoldrepeatedlyto peatedlytostayclearofh stayclearofhim,andthem im,andthemomentIam omentIam gone,youthinkyoucandosome gone,youthinkyoucandosomethingofthissortw thingofthissortwithoutconsequence ithoutconsequence?” ?” “Now,Andrew,dear,An “Now,Andrew,dear,Annahasbee nahasbeenpunished.” npunished.”Claratried Claratriedherbestto herbesttotemperhis temperhis angerwithheryoungestchild. “Notbyme,andIguaran “Notbyme,andIguaranteeyouwillr teeyouwillregretthisfoolishne egretthisfoolishness,younglady. ss,younglady.Goon Goon upstairstoourroom.Iwillspea upstairstoourroom.Iwillspeaktoyourfather ktoyourfatherandbea andbealongshortly.Youk longshortly.Youknowfullwell nowfullwell whatIexpect,andIsugge whatIexpect,andIsuggestyoudonotdi styoudonotdisappointme.” sappointme.” “No,Andrew!”Annawailedingenuinedistress.“Youarejustbeingmeanright now!” “MeanwouldbeifIdecidetobareyouhereintheparlorandtakecareofthe matter.”Hewatchedher matter.”Hewatchedhereyesopen eyesopenwideinshock. wideinshock.“Nowdoas “Nowdoasyouweretold, youweretold,wife.”Ann wife.”Anna a ranfromtheroomcrying,and ranfromtheroomcrying,andAndrew Andrewrealizedth realizedthatalloftheothe atalloftheotherfemalesin rfemalesintheroom theroom werefuriouswithhim.Hedi werefuriouswithhim.Hedidnotbothert dnotbothertryingtoexpla ryingtoexplainwhatmarr inwhatmarriagetoAnna iagetoAnnawaslike, waslike, orthatheneededtobe orthatheneededtobefirmwithher firmwithhernowbecause nowbecauseshe’dbeen she’dbeenindulgedtoo indulgedtoomuchasachild muchasachild. . “Ladies.”Henodded “Ladies.”Henoddedattheman atthemandsoughtouttheme dsoughtoutthemen,whowouldhop n,whowouldhopefullyundersta efullyunderstandhis ndhis position.

OnceAndrewlefttheroom,S OnceAndrewlefttheroom,Susangottoherf usangottoherfeet.“Plea eet.“Pleaseexcuseme. seexcuseme.I’mnotfeelin I’mnotfeeling g well.” “Oh,Susie,I’msosorryyourfirstd “Oh,Susie,I’msosorryyourfirstdaywithushere aywithushereissodrama issodramatic.Wetrulya tic.Wetrulyaren’t ren’t giventohysterics!”Claraa giventohysterics!”Claraapologized. pologized. “Iunderstand,andyouh “Iunderstand,andyouhavebeen avebeenmostgraciousand mostgraciousandwelcomedme welcomedmewithopena withopenarms. rms. I’minatemperrightnow I’minatemperrightnowandit’sbe andit’sbestifIretire stifIretire.”Susanleft .”Susanlefttheroomand theroomandranuptheste ranupthesteps ps toherroomlongenoughtoarmhe toherroomlongenoughtoarmherselfwithak rselfwithaknifeofJohn’s,a nifeofJohn’s,andthenshe ndthensheranrightdo ranrightdown wn thehallwaytoAnna’sroom.“ thehallwaytoAnna’sroom.“Comeon,Ann Comeon,Anna.Weare a.Wearegettingyououtof gettingyououtofhere.Iknow here.Iknowjust just theplacewecanspendthenightandgivethosehotheadedmenwearemarriedtotimeto cooldown.” “Ican’tride!”Anna “Ican’tride!”Annaconfessed,swip confessed,swipingathere ingathereyeswiththeb yeswiththebacksofherha acksofherhands. nds. “NeithercanI.Comeon; “NeithercanI.Comeon;wehaven’t wehaven’tamomenttolose amomenttolose.Iam .Iamnot goingtoletAndrew goingtoletAndrew punishyouagain!” Thewomenwentoutadoor Thewomenwentoutadoorattheend attheendofthehallway ofthehallwaythatledtoa thatledtoaveranda,a veranda,andthen ndthen wentdownthestepsand wentdownthestepsandhurriedoff,un hurriedoff,unawarethat awarethattheywereb theywerebeingwatched eingwatched.. ******************** “HaveyouladiesseenA “HaveyouladiesseenAnna?”An nna?”Andrewasked drewasked,notbothering ,notbotheringtomaskhisoutra tomaskhisoutragethat gethat Annawasnotintheirbe Annawasnotintheirbedroomwhere droomwhereshewassuppose shewassupposedtobe.It dtobe.Itwasbaden wasbadenoughthathis oughthathis father-in-lawclaimedshe father-in-lawclaimedshe’dbeenp ’dbeenpunishedenou unishedenough,butherbrothe gh,butherbrotherJohnwasshocke rJohnwasshockedto dto learnhisfatherhadad learnhisfatherhadaddedtoAnn dedtoAnna’sdiscomforta a’sdiscomfortafterhe’dgi fterhe’dgivenherasw venheraswiftandsure iftandsure punishment.Bothmenmad punishment.Bothmenmadeitcleartha eitclearthathewasnotto thewasnottopunishhiswife punishhiswife,andAnd ,andAndrewonly rewonly promisedthathewouldjudg promisedthathewouldjudgeforhimselfi eforhimselfifshewaspuni fshewaspunishedenough,a shedenough,andthenhe ndthenhewould would onlygiveheradayortwobeforehereheatedherhind.Nowshehadaddeddisobedience anddisrespecttohergrow anddisrespecttohergrowinglistofmisde inglistofmisdeeds. eds. “Sheisupstairs,Andrew.” “Sheisupstairs,Andrew.”Claralooked Claralookedathiminsurp athiminsurprise.“May rise.“Maybesheistalk besheistalkingto ingto Susie?Shewentuprighta Susie?ShewentuprightafterAnna fterAnnadid.Ithink did.Ithinkshewasupset shewasupsetwithallthefuss withallthefusstoday.” today.” “I’llcheck,Andrew,”Johnoffe “I’llcheck,Andrew,”Johnoffered.Hewe red.Hewentupstairsa ntupstairsandlearned ndlearnedthathishunchw thathishunchwas as correct.Susiewasn’tintheirroom! “Noluck?”Andrewaske “Noluck?”Andrewasked,waitingin d,waitinginthehallway. thehallway. “No.Itwouldseemtheyhav “No.Itwouldseemtheyhavegivenusthe egivenusthesliponceag sliponceagaintoday.” aintoday.”Johnwascoldly Johnwascoldly furious.Didn’tthatfeistylittle furious.Didn’tthatfeistylittleredhead redheadrealizetha realizethatshesimplycould tshesimplycouldn’twander n’twanderoffwhile offwhile AbelMcCorywasstillfree? AbelMcCorywasstillfree?“Wehave “Wehavetofindthem,a tofindthem,andfast.I’ll ndfast.I’llorganizea organizeasearchofthe searchofthe house.Youstartonthisfloor,and house.Youstartonthisfloor,andI’llgettheothe I’llgettheotherstohelpus.” rstohelpus.” Anhourlaterthetwofemale Anhourlaterthetwofemaleswerestillmissi swerestillmissingandev ngandevenRobertw enRobertwasfrightened asfrightenedfor for theirsafety.“Whereone theirsafety.“Whereonearthwouldthe arthwouldtheygo?Think ygo?Think,son.Youknowy ,son.YouknowyourSusiebette ourSusiebetterthan rthan wedo.” “Shehasatempertomatch “Shehasatempertomatchherhairan herhairandsheisafi dsheisafighter.Shekille ghter.Shekilledamanto damantosavemy savemy life,”hestunnedhisfamily life,”hestunnedhisfamilybyannouncin byannouncing.“Shewould g.“Shewoulddareanythi dareanything,andshe ng,andshedoesn’thave doesn’thave enoughcommonsensetobeafr enoughcommonsensetobeafraidofthings aidofthingsmostnormalpeop mostnormalpeoplewouldfea lewouldfear.IfAbel r.IfAbel McCorycomesather,she’llfight McCorycomesather,she’llfighthimwithevery himwitheverythingshehas,a thingshehas,andshewon’t ndshewon’tfightfair.”H fightfair.”He e thensaidquietly,“She’ssos thensaidquietly,“She’ssosmallandIca mallandIcan’tbearthe n’tbearthethoughtofherb thoughtofherbeinghurtbe einghurtbecauseof causeof me.” “We’llfindthem,John.”And “We’llfindthem,John.”Andrewputaha rewputahandonhisbr ndonhisbrother-in-law’ other-in-law’sshoulder.He sshoulder.He wouldtearanyoneapar wouldtearanyoneapartwhotouchedhis twhotouchedhisAnna. Anna. ********************

“Youareeithervery,verybraveoryouareinsane.Ihaven’tdecidedwhich,”Anna saidinquietadmiration saidinquietadmirationasshelooked asshelookedatSusan,whow atSusan,whowascalmlyuncove ascalmlyuncoveringachair. ringachair.“No “No onehasbeeninsidethi onehasbeeninsidethishousesinceCa shousesinceCarolynwasmurde rolynwasmurdered.Johnis red.Johnisgoingtohave goingtohaveafit!” afit!” “Hewon’tthinktolookforushe “Hewon’tthinktolookforushere,”Susansai re,”Susansaidwithmorecon dwithmoreconfidencetha fidencethanshefelt. nshefelt. “I’mhopingthatbymorning “I’mhopingthatbymorningourhusbandsa ourhusbandsaresorelieve resorelievedtoseeust dtoseeusthattheywillbe hattheywillbe reasonable.” “Thisplaceisspooky.Carolyn “Thisplaceisspooky.Carolynspentasma spentasmallfortuneonfurn llfortuneonfurnishings,andsh ishings,andsheand eand Johnfoughtlikemadallthetim Johnfoughtlikemadallthetime.Carolynwa e.Carolynwantedthispla ntedthisplacetobegra cetobegrand!”She nd!”Sheputherhand putherhand overhermouth.“I’msosorry,Susi overhermouth.“I’msosorry,Susie.Ishouldn’tk e.Ishouldn’tkeeptalkin eeptalkingaboutCarolyn. gaboutCarolyn.Johnbelongs Johnbelongs toyounow.” Susanshrugged.“Iwasmarr Susanshrugged.“Iwasmarriedbefore, iedbefore,too.Myhusband too.Myhusbandwaskilled waskilledbyIndians. byIndians. Thosepeoplearepartof Thosepeoplearepartofourpasts,and ourpasts,andsometimesthey sometimestheycomeup.Ia comeup.Ialreadyknow lreadyknowabout about Carolynfromherjournal.Ia Carolynfromherjournal.Ialsoknowthatshe lsoknowthatshewasn’tread wasn’treadyfortheresp yfortheresponsibilitiesof onsibilitiesof marriage,andJohndidn marriage,andJohndidn’tknowhowtoh ’tknowhowtohandleher.” andleher.” “HewascrueltoCarolyn,and “HewascrueltoCarolyn,andshewastoogood shewastoogoodforhim!”a forhim!”avoicecamef voicecamefrombehind rombehind themandSusanwasstunne themandSusanwasstunnedtoseeAbe dtoseeAbelMcCorystand lMcCorystandingthere,a ingthere,aguninhishan guninhishand.“She d.“She lovedme.” “Shehatedyouandfea “Shehatedyouandfearedyou,”Susan redyou,”Susanannounced,st announced,standingupfo andingupforherhusband rherhusband.. “No!Shebelongedtome “No!Shebelongedtome!”hescream !”hescreamedather. edather.“JohnJerichoalwa “JohnJerichoalwaysgotwhathe ysgotwhathe wanted,evenwhenCarolynloved ME !IwantedCarolyntocome !IwantedCarolyntocomeawaywith awaywithme,butshe me,butshe saidshewasmarried,a saidshewasmarried,andcouldn’tlea ndcouldn’tleaveJohn.Iga veJohn.Igavehereve vehereverychance.I rychance.Ishowedherhow showedherhow gooditcouldbebetweenu gooditcouldbebetweenus,butallshedi s,butallshedidwascryan dwascryandcryand dcryandbegmetolea begmetoleavebefore vebeforeher her preciousJohncamehomeand preciousJohncamehomeandlearnedof learnedofher‘shame! her‘shame!’Ilovedh ’Ilovedher,andshe er,andshesaidI’dsha saidI’dshamed med her!Ihitherforthat.A her!Ihitherforthat.Andshewouldn ndshewouldn’tstopcrying.I ’tstopcrying.Ihitherand hitherandhither,and hither,andthenshewa thenshewas s  Allhisfault! Hedeservedtohang lifeless.ItwasallJohn’sfault! Allhisfault!  Hedeservedtohangforwhathed forwhathedidtoher!” idtoher!” Abeldeclared,raging. Abeldeclared,raging.“Now,thetwoof “Now,thetwoofyouwillpay. youwillpay.Everyonewill Everyonewillthinkhekille thinkhekilledthetwo dthetwo ofyou,andthistimehewillhang!” “IamnotCarolyn,andyou “IamnotCarolyn,andyouwon’tfindit won’tfinditsoeasywithme soeasywithme,”Susandecla ,”Susandeclaredwithhe redwithher r usualspirit.“IsurvivedIn usualspirit.“IsurvivedIndians,and dians,andIwillsurvive Iwillsurviveyou,too!” you,too!” “You’lldoexactlywhatIsay,b “You’lldoexactlywhatIsay,bitch,orI’llshootJohn’s itch,orI’llshootJohn’sbabysistera babysisterandmake ndmakesureshe sureshe diesrealslow.”Theman diesrealslow.”Theman’seyeswere ’seyeswerefullofragea fullofrageandinthatm ndinthatmomentSusanre omentSusanrealizedhe alizedhe meantexactlywhathesaid meantexactlywhathesaid.Shesudde .Shesuddenlyprayed nlyprayedthatJohnwouldcom thatJohnwouldcomelookingforhe elookingforherone rone moretime!!! ******************** “Iheardyouwereback “Iheardyouwerebackagain,JohnJer again,JohnJericho,andwith icho,andwithanewwife anewwife.Doessheknow .Doessheknowyou you areakiller?”Abrah areakiller?”AbrahamBarrett amBarrettpointedalon pointedalongfingerat gfingerattheyoungman. theyoungman.Hewasinh Hewasinhisbuggy isbuggy andreturningfromanothe andreturningfromanotherlatenightv rlatenightvisittotheplace isittotheplacewherehisb wherehisbelovedwife elovedwifeand and daughterwereburied. daughterwereburied.Hecouldnotslee Hecouldnotsleepwithoutthisnig pwithoutthisnightlyritual.The htlyritual.Thelastpersonhe lastpersonhe expectedtoencounterwa expectedtoencounterwasJohnJerichoan sJohnJerichoandhisfather. dhisfather.Theywere Theywereonhisland,too! onhisland,too! “IdidnotkillCarolyn,Mr. “IdidnotkillCarolyn,Mr.Barrett.Iha Barrett.Ihaveproofthat veproofthatAbelMcCoryr AbelMcCoryrapedand apedand murderedher.” “Proof?”themandeman “Proof?”themandemanded,stunned ded,stunnedbythenew bythenews.“Whatproof? s.“Whatproof?” ” “Carolyn’sjournal,”Johnsaid “Carolyn’sjournal,”Johnsaidimpatiently. impatiently. “Iwanttoseeit.” “Ofcourse,justassoonasIfind “Ofcourse,justassoonasIfindSusie.Shean Susie.SheandAnnaa dAnnaareoutherea reoutherealone,andA lone,andAbel bel willhurtthemifhegetsacha willhurtthemifhegetsachance.Weare nce.Weareallsearchin allsearching.Theyleftthe g.Theyleftthehouseatlea houseatleastanhour stanhour

agoonfoot.Idon’tknowwheretostartlooking,andIthoughtshemayhavecometoshow youCarolyn’sjournal...?”Heintentlywatchedtheman’sfaceandsawnosignthathe’dseen SusanorAnna. “YouarepositivethatMcCoryistheonewhomurderedmyCarolyn?”the embitteredmanaskedagain. “Yes,sir.” “Bringthejournaltomeinthemorning,”heordered,andthenturnedhismountand headedtowardhishome,anewhatredburningwithinhim.Coulditbepossiblethatall theseyearshe’dblamedthewrongman?Howmanytimeshadhesharedfoodathistable withAbelMcCory,andtheyoungmanberatingJohnJerichoandtellinghimhowunhappy hisCarolynwaswithherhusband?Abrahamwantedandneededtoseethejournaland witnessforhimselfhisdaughter’slastwords.Heturnedhisbuggyaroundandwenttofind answers. ******************** “I’mgoingtohaveyou,bitch!”AbelMcCorydeclared.“Takeoffyourclothes!”he screamedatSusan.Tohisshock,shelaughedathim.“Thisisnotfunny!” “Youarepathetic,”Susantoldhim.“IfyouthinkIamgoingtoundress,youcanthink again!” “I’llshootAnna!”hethreatened,wavingthepistol. “So?Ijustmethertoday.Shealreadyearnedmeapunishment;doyouhonestly thinkIcarewhathappenstoher?”Susanlaughedagain.“And,Iwouldlovetoseeyou explainthistotheauthorities.EveryoneknowsthatJohnwouldhavenoreasontoharm hisbabysister.” “They’llthinkshewastryingtohelpyouescapethemanabusingyou!” “Herownbrother?You’llneedtodobetterthanthat,Abel.Noonewillbelieveyou. Besides,John’sparentshaveCarolyn’sjournal.Theyknowallaboutyou,andhowyoukept tryingtoforceyourattentionsonCarolyn.Theyknowshefearedyou,andfearedthatJohn wouldkillyouifshecomplainedtohimandaskedhisprotection.Theyknowthatyou threatenedtotellJohnthatyouandCarolynwerehavinganaffair…evenwhenshetoldyou shewantednothingtodowithyou.Nooneisgoingtobelieveyou.Nooneatall!Youwill hang.”Susanknewsheneededtokeeptalking.Sheneededtogetcloseenoughtograbfor thegunoruseherknife.SheprayedonceagainthatJohnwouldfindthem. “Thereisnojournal!”Abeldenied,shakingthegun.“Shutup,NOW !”Hepointedthe gunather.“YouhadnobusinessbringingJohnJerichobackhere.Iwasfinallygetting somerespect.IamtheonethatMamaswanttheirdaughterstomarry!Me,notJohn Jericho!” “Ipityanygirlfoolishenoughtobealonewithyouforevenfiveminutes!”Anna declaredwithspirit.“Youwouldrapethem,too,youbastard!” HerwordsangeredthemanandhesteppedtowardAnna,raisingtheguntouseasa weapontostrikeher.Susanflewathiminthenextinstant,herweightknockinghimtothe groundsincehewasn’texpectinghertoattackhim.Susandroppedherknifewhenhe shovedheraway,andthensheshudderedwhenheraisedhisgunandpointeditather, murderinhiseyes.Theshotrangout,butinsteadofthepainsheexpectedtofeel,Abel McCory’sbodyfellacrossher.Hewasdead. Susanwasrelievedwhenthebodywasunceremoniouslyliftedoffofher,andshe jumpedtoherfeet,fullypreparedtothrowherselfintoherhusband’sarms,buttoher

amazementitwasnotherhusbandstandingthere!AnnaputherarmaroundSusan’s shouldersprotectively,andshesaidinatremblingvoice,“Mr.Barrett!Whatareyoudoing here?” “Killingthemanwhotorturedandmurderedmychild,”hesaid,andthenwept. Susansteppedforward,offeringcomfort.Apartofherwonderedifherownfatherwould weepifsomethinghappenedtoher,andsheknewinherheartthatheprobablywouldn’t careatall. “I’msosorryaboutyourCarolyn,Mr.Barrett.Shedidnotdeservewhathappened toher,”shesaidinagentletoneofvoice. “Andyourhusbanddidnotdeservemyangerandrage,younglady,”hesaidwith dignity,pullinghimselftogetherandaskingkindly,“Areeitherofyouhurtinanyway?” BothAnnaandSusanreassuredhimthattheywerefine.Henodded,andthensaid, “Letmetakeyouladieshome.Yourhusbandsareworriedaboutyou.”WhenSusanlooked towardAbelMcCory’sbody,hesaidcoldly,“Wewillletthelawdealwiththatkiller’s remains.”Heputhisarmsaroundbothofthemandledthemoutsidetowherehelefthis buggy,andcarefullyassistedthemupontheseat.SusanandAnnalookedateachother, butmadethemselvessitontheseatofthebuggyandnotcomplain.Theelderlymansaved theirlives,andtheywereverygrateful. Thedrivetothemainhousedidnottakemorethanafewminutesatmost.Clara greetedthembothwithhugsandscolds,andshedidherbesttomakeAbrahamBarrett welcomeinherparlor.Whenheaskedtoreadthediary,Susanrantogetitforhim.He readthelastfewpages,shakinghisheadsadly. Themenallreturnedwithinthehour,andSusanknewthatshewasinserious troublethemomentshesawthefuryinJohn’sdarkeyes.Still,heremainedcalmandheard outAbrahamasheexplainedwhathappenedfromhispointofview.He’dbeenonhisway totheJerichohometoasktoseethediarywhenhespottedAbelMcCorysneakingupon thehousewherehisdaughterlivedwithJohn,andhedecidedtofollow.He’dheardenough toknowwhathappenedtoCarolyn,andhisaimwastruewhenheshotthemantokeep himfromharmingSusanandAnna. “Thankyou,Abraham.”Robert’sfacewaspale.“Itdidnotoccurtoanyofusthatthe girlswouldgotheretohide.” “IthinkIwillnowbeabletoletmydaughterrestinpeace,”themananswered, gettingtohisfeet.“IamtrulysorryforblamingyouforCarolyn’sdeath,John.” “Abelistheonewhopointedafingeratme,anditwasnosecretthatCarolynandI wereatoddsmostofthetime.Ihavenohardfeelings,sir.” OnceMr.Barrettwasgone,Johntookhiswife’sarmandsaid,“Pleaseexcuseus. SusanandIneedtohaveaseriousdiscussion.” “But,John,dear,Susiehasbeenthroughenoughforonenight!”Clararemonstrated withhim. “Shehasputallofusthroughhell,andI’mnotabouttolethergetawaywiththat. MissSusiehasaproblemwithrunningoffwhenitsuitsher,andIwarnedherthelasttime whatshecouldexpectifshediditagain!Goodnight,all.” Susandidn’targuewithherhusband,andshedidn’tresistbeingpulledalonglikean errantchild.Annaandherhusbandwererightbehindthemonthestaircase,andAnnawas crying,whileAndrewwasscolding.Susanstopped,andturned,“Andrew,itwasn’tAnna’s ideatoleave.Itwasmine,andIconvincedhertocomewithmesoIcouldprotectherfrom

you.Shereallyistoosoreforanotherpunishment,andyoudidn’tknowthat.Johnspanked herwithmyridingwhip!”sheinformedhim. “IwasinformedofthatbyJohn,Susan,”Andrewsaidwithasmile.“Annashould havetrustedme,andshedidn’t,andshewasnearlykilledbecauseshedidn’t.Iwon’tlet thatpassanymorethanJohnisgoingtopermityoutobehaveasyoudid.” “Annadeservedagoodhidingjustasmuchasyoudo,Susie.”Johnsweptheroffher feetandcarriedhertherestofthewaytotheirbedroom.Hekickedthedoorshutwithhis foot,andthenmarchedovertothebed,tookaseatandthenflippedheroverhiskneeand startedspanking.Evenoverherclothing,ithurt,butJohnflippedupherskirtsandjerked downherdrawers,baringher.Thespankingcontinuedinspiteofallherprotestsand pleasformercy.Hersorebottomwassoonascaldingredandburninglikeblazes. JohnputSusanonherfeet.“Takeoffyourclothing,Susan.Youcanputonyour nightdressandreadyyourselfforbed.AfterIamdonepaddlingyou,youwillwanttostay rightwhereyouareuntilmorning.And,unlessIseeachangeinyourattitude,Iwillwarm yourhindagaininthemorning.” Susanwashorrifiedattheveryideaofanotherpaddlinginthemorning.Shedidas shewastoldandreadiedherselfforbed.John’spatiencewasgrowingthinbythetimeshe returnedtohisside.“Whyareyoubeingpaddled?”heaskedofher. “BecauseIinterferedinAnna’smarriageandhidherfromAndrew…andyoudidn’t knowwhereIwas,andyouwereworriedsickthatAbelMcCorywouldsomehowgethis handsonusandhurtus,whichdidhappen.Iamsorry,darling.Truly.Ididn’tthink beyondkeepingAnnasafefromAndrew.Shewasinseriouspainalready,andIfelt responsibleforher.” “Didn’tyoutrustmetotellAndrewthatI’dpunishedher?”heasked. “Itwasn’tthat…Itwasthatherefusedtolistenwhenshetriedtotellhim.Ifelthe wasover-reacting.Justlikeyouarenow,”shebravelyadded.“John,IamsosorenowthatI don’tthinkIcanbearanotherspanking.Please,IamsosorryIputAnnaandmyselfin danger.” “Youarealwayssorryafterthefact,Susan.Youneedtolearntothinkthings throughbeforeyoudothingstogetyourselfinoveryourhead.Iamnotgoingtoenjoy inflictingpainonyouwhenyouarealreadysosore,butitisnecessary.Iwantyoutothink thenexttimeyouaretemptedtobehavefoolishly.”Hepulledheroverhisknee,raisedher nightdress,andthenpaddledherasifitwastheonlymeansofsavingherlife.Susanwas hystericalbythetenthcrackofthewoodonherbaredbottom,buthegaveheranotherten. Bythenshewaslyinglimpoverhislap,tooexhaustedtofightanymore.“Doyou understandthatIwillneverevertoleratethissortoffoolishnessfromyou?” Susancouldn’tspeak,butshetriedtonod.Johngaveheronemorehardcrack,and thenhestoodup,makingsureshedidn’tfalltothefloor.Heturneddownthebed,andthen helpedherliedownonherstomach.Shewasshakingandstillcryingsohardthatitnearly brokehisheart. Hehurriedlystrippeddown,andturnedoffthelightbeforecrawlinginbedand pullingherclosetoofferforgivenessandcomfort.Sheslowlyrelaxedandfinallyfellasleep. Susiewhimperedoffandonthroughoutthenight,butJohnwastheretotellherthathe lovedher.

WhenSusanwoke,shewasawareofJohn’sarmswrappedaroundher,stillholding her,makingherfeelsafe.Herbottomwasgoingtobeverysoreforafewdays,butitwasa smallpricetopayforhavinghisgoodnamecleared. “Youareawakeearly,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidwithasmileforhiswife.“Areyou feelingbetternow?”hewantedtoknow,hisdarkeyesfullofconcern. “I’msore,butitisasmallpricetopaytoknowthatyournameiscleared,”she announced.“Pleasedon’tmisunderstand,darling.IknowIwasinthewronglastnight,and Iwillapologizetoallofyourfamilyforscaringthem,butIamdefinitelyhappytoknowthat Mr.Barrettbelievesinyourinnocence.Aspankingisasmallpricetopayforthat.” “Comingfromanotherwomanthatlittlecommentwouldsoundlikesass,”Johnsaid emotionally.“Comingfromyou,mylittleinnocentwife,itsoundslikethesweetestthing anyonehaseversaidtomeinmyentirelifetime.Iloveyou,Mrs.Jericho,anditwasalucky dayIrodeintoHeWhoWearsRed’scampandbarteredforyou.”Hekissedherthen,and wasdelightedwhenSusankissedhimbackwithpassionandlonging.“Areyoutoosore, honey?”heasked,hishandslidingdownoverherbottommeaningfully. “Iwantyousomuchrightnow,John,thatIdon’tcarehowsoremyhindis,”shesaid withoutshame,andthepleasurehegavehermadeupforthediscomfortshefeltonher backside.“Asheheldherafterwards,Susansmiledasecretsmile,positiveinherheartthat shewasnowcarryinghisson. TheEnd.

Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us! There are plenty more stories such as the one you’ve purchased from Blushing Books! Visit our  online store to view our mighty selection! http://www.blushingbooks.com This book is intended for adults only. Spanking and other sexual activities represented in this  book are fantasies only, intended for adults. Nothing in this book should be interpreted as advocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.