Return to Whittakerville by Shirley A. Roe 10
“Lover‟s spat,” she announced to no one in
particular. Anna calmly picked up the papers, Jeb‟s bowler
hat and followed him. Sympathetic, understanding nods
from the other passengers greeted her as she passed. Anna‟s
fine clothes and sophistication made her appear much older
than fifteen. She raised no suspicion.
Back in their sleeper, Jeb fumed. He paced back and
forth in the tiny space. She opened the door. Having grown
used to his temper in the short time they had been together,
she remained silent. He punched the bed hard with his fist;
his whole body shook. “I will never be anything more than
a crazy Indian. You can dress me up and call me by my
white man‟s name, but no one will ever respect me.” Anna
knew that Jeb had a very bad temper, she let him vent for a
few minutes. Slowly she moved toward him, she pulled
him into her arms and held him. At first his body was stiff,
but soon, uncharacteristically, he began to tremble. His
arms gripped her tightly; his body shook as he struggled to
regain control. They remained like that for several minutes.
“I want you to sit down and listen to me, Jeb.
Newspaper reporters love to use words that will tantalize
the reader. They often leave out details to make the story
more interesting and exciting. That said, I want to talk
about us. No, don‟t interrupt me.” She put her hand on his
shoulder to comfort him. It also quieted him, allowing her
to continue. “You are the son of a man that had a town
named after him, granted he was a bastard, but he was still
famous. I know you hate him and hold my family
responsible for your life of poverty and cruelty. But, my
family honestly did not know you existed.” He started to
interrupt her, “That is another story, Jeb. Now back to your
father and the town that is his namesake. We can use that to
our advantage. You and I are going to travel as man and
wife to Whittakerville, Wyoming; where you will claim the
money that represents your inheritance. Money has power.
Trust me, I have lived in the lap of luxury all of my life and
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13