after hours alice liddell carolyn faulkner
TRANSCRIPT
7/16/2019 After Hours Alice Liddell Carolyn Faulkner
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7/16/2019 After Hours Alice Liddell Carolyn Faulkner
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Bartering Innocence
By Dort Wesley
©2011 Blushing Books Publications and Dort Wesley
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Copyright © 2011 by Blushing Books® and Dort WesleyAll rights reserved. No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informationstorage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Published by Blushing Books®,a subsidiary of ABCD Graphics and Design
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The trademark Blushing Books® is registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office.
Wesley, Dort
Bartering InnocenceeBook ISBN: 978-1-60968-441-9
Cover Design: ABCD Graphics
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Blushing Publications thanks you whole-heartedly for your purchase with us!
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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 asadvocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.
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Chapter One
Johnwaswelcomedintothecampasusual,buthedidn’tletdownhisguardfor
onemoment.Aslongasthebravesrespectedhim,hewasonewhitemantheywelcomedasanequal.Severalyearsbefore,JohnhadrescuedtheChief’sonlyson,andsincethattime
hewanderedinandoutofthevillageashepleased.Johnwasheretotrade.Hewastiredofspendingthewinteralone,andhewanteda
warm,willingwomaninhisbed.Therewerealwayscaptivesfromothertribesforsale,
andforsomehidesandtobacco,hewouldhaveanicewarmbodytosharehisbedthroughthelonghardwinterahead.
Itwaseasytospotthecaptives.Leatherstripswereattachedtotheiranklesand
stakedtotheground,givingthemjustenoughleewaytoscrapethehidestobegintheprocessofturningthemintobuckskinsforclothing.Itwashardwork,aswasgrindingthe
cornintomeal.Johnobservedseveralwomenbenttotheirtasks,andwhileoneortwo
seemedcomelyenough,hewaslookingforawomanwithabitmorespirit.Allofasudden,heheardaspurtofangryvoices,andheturnedtoobservethe
commotionwithinterest.Tohiscompletesurprise,threeoftheIndianwomenwerecirclinganotherwoman,onewhohadflamingredhair!Theredheadwasholdingastickin
herhand,andeverytimeoneofthewomencametooclose,theredheadrappedhersmartly.Johngrinnedasheheardtheclamorgrowlouderandlouder,findingitamusing
thatthelittleredheadwaseffectivelykeepingthethreeotherwomenatbaywithoutdoing
anyrealharmtoheropponents.Johnglancedaroundandsawthattheredheadwasprovidingasourceof
amusementformostofthecamp,buthefearedthatamusementwouldsoonfadeandturn
intoindignationandanger,andonceafewothersdecidedtolendthethreeIndianwomen
ahand,theredheadwouldwishshe’dneverbeenborn.AllofasuddenhespottedHeWhoWearsRedrideintothecamp,andJohnabruptlyrealizedthethreeIndianwomenwerehiswives,andthattheredheadwasmorethanlikelyhiscaptive.HeWhoWearsRedwas
knownforhisquicktemper,andJohnquicklydecidedtostepintothefraytosavethelittle
redhead.Heencircledhertinywaistfrombehindwithhisleftarm,andwrestedthestick
fromherwithhisrighthand.Sheturnedintoaspittingwildcat,andstartedfightinghim
witheverythingshehad.“Settledown,woman.I’mtryingtosaveyourlife!”hegrowledintoherear,keepinghisvoicelittlemorethanawhisper.“Settledown!”hesaidabit
louder,butshecontinuedtokick,andJohnabruptlydecidedonacourseofactionthathehopedwouldsatisfytheIndians.Hedroppedtohisrightknee,andthenpinnedherface
downoverhisleftthigh.Hisrighthandfoundherwigglingbottomwithaloudcrackandtheredheadgaspedinoutrage.Thesecondsmackfueledhertemper,andthewordsspewingfromhermouthwouldhaveearnedhimasoapingathismother’shands!“Stop
withthatlanguage!”hescolded,butshemerelyfoundafewmorenamestocallhimashecontinuedtospankherroundedbackside.“I’lltossupthisragandbareyourhind,girl!”he
threatenedher,andsmiledinsatisfactionwhensheimmediatelystoppedcursing.
“Letmego!”shepleaded.“You’rehurtingme!”
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“Aspankin’issupposedtohurt!”hereplied.“Nowhushandtakeyourpunishment
likeagoodgirl.I’mnotstoppin’untilyoucalmyourself.”Hethoughtheheardherwhimper,andhedecidedthatwasthewholepoint.Hewantedhertocry.Hewantedher
toappearhumbledandcontritewhenhewasfinished.Hewasdoingherafavor.AsorebuttwasamildpricetopaycomparedtoanyofthepunishmentsHeWhoWearsRedorhis
wiveswouldadminister.Finally,thefightwentoutoftheyoungwoman,andshestartedsobbing,andcollapsedoverhisknee,nolongerprotesting.Hegaveheranotherdozenhardspanks,makingthemhardenoughtobeheardbythosewatchinginamusement.“You
doasItellyou,girl,”hewarnedharshly,thenheliftedheroffhiskneeandploppedher
downonthehardgroundonhersorebottom.Shegaspedinpainandtriedtogetup,andJohnshookhishead.“Youdon’tmakeiteasyonyourself,doyou?”Heflippedheroverhis
kneeagain,andthistimehetossedupthetatteredskirtofherdress.Shewaswearingdrawersthatusedtobewhite,andtheyweresothreadbarehecouldseeherreddenedskin
beneaththefabric.Hereachedforthewaistband,onlytohavehersuddenlystopfighting
him.“Please…!Pleasedon’tbaremeinfrontofthem!Please!!!I’llbegood!”she
franticallypromised.“Onechance,girl,andthat’sallI’llgiveyou.Startkicking,fighting,orcursing,andI’ll
bareyouandtakeasticktoyou.Understand?”Hepunctuatedhisquestionwithapainful
spank.“Ow!Yes,Iunderstand!”sheanswered.“I’llbegoodnow,Ipromise!”
“You’regoingtogetanotherfifty,andIwantyoutocounteachone,”hesaidfirmly.
“Ifyoumiscount,I’llstartover…”Hebroughthishanddownonherrightcheek,andshewhispered‘one’.“Iwanttohearyou,girl!We’llstartagain.”Shewascryinghardbythe
timehe’dgivenherthefirsttwenty,andbythirtyshewassobbingtoohardtobeunderstood.Hedecidedtohelpherout,andcountedwithher,givingherthelasttwentyon
hersitspots.Thistimewhenhesatherdown,shecriedout,butshestayedinplace.He
stood,handonhiships,andlookeddownather.Shewastheperfectpictureofawell-spankedfemale.
HeWhoWearsRedwalkedoverandaddressedhim.Johngrinned,andthen
answeredthemaninhisowntongue.Susanwasscared.She’dbeenscaredforthelastweek,eversincetheIndians
attackedtheirlittlewagontrain.Phillipwaskilled,sowasMaryElizabethandherhusband,andthethreemenwhoworkedforPhillip.Herbelongingsweretakenor
destroyed,andshehadnothingleftbutherverylife…!She’dbeenprodded,poked,
slapped,andtreatedlikethelowestslavebythethreewomenhercaptorgaveherto.Atleastshehadn’tbeenrapedbyhim,butshe’dseenhimlookingatherwhenthethree
womenwhosharedhisblanketswerebusyelsewhere.Itwasjustamatteroftimebefore
heforcedherdown,andSusanwasterrifiedthatoncehedidthatshewouldneverbethesame.Thethreewomenalreadyhatedher,andtheytookeverypossibleopportunityto
humiliateherandremindherthatshewastheirslave.Todayshe’ddecidednottotakeitanylonger.Whentheyoungestofthethreeyankedonherhair,she’dlosthertemper,
grabbedastickandwentafterher.Theyoungestwifehadsquealedinterror,andtheother
twowomencametoheraid,butSusanwasfedup,andshedecidedthatallthreeofthemweregoingtogetatasteofherstick.Theywouldeitherenduprespectingherandtreating
herbetter,ortheywouldkillher.Atthispoint,shedidn’treallycare.
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ShewatchedwarilyastheIndianwhocapturedhertalkedtothemanwho’d
spankedher.Shewasshockedwhenthemanspokeandshecouldunderstandhim.TheseIndianshatedwhites…butherehewas,walkingabouttheirencampmentasifhebelonged.
Shetriednottogetherhopesup,butmaybehewouldsaveher?Rescueher.Shewouldoffertopayhimtogetheroutofhere,butallofherworldlypossessionsweregone.The
moneythatPhilliphadwashiddeninthewagonthattheIndiansburned…Shehadabsolutelynothing.Notevenherprideanddignity.He’dspankedher…infrontoftheIndians!She’dcried,andbeggedhimtostop,andknewthatthethreewomenwouldmake
herlifealivinghellfromnowon.She’dratherdie…!
Johnkeptawatchfuleyeonthelittleredhead.Sheseemedlostinherownthoughts,andhecouldn’tblameher.HeWhoWearsRedadmittedthathe’dkilledherhusbandand
fiveotherpeoplebeforetakinghercaptive.Johnrealizedshewasprobablygrieving,butitreallydidn’tmatter.Shewasn’tavirgin,andshewouldkeephisbedwarm.Shehad
enoughspiritlefttomakeitinterestingtolivewithher.Hecouldprettymuchguarantee
thatshewouldgivehimanexcusetotakeheroverhiskneefairlyoften,andthatsuitedhimjustfine.Wasperfectinfact,andhewillinglypaidHeWhoWearsRedwhatheasked,after
abitofhaggling,ofcourse.Hedidn’twanttoappeartooeager,andHeWhoWearsRedwasanxioustohavepeacerestoredtohislodge.Johndidn’tenvythemanhavingthreewivestokeephappy.Finally,thebargainwasstruck,andheturnedtothefemaleandsaid,
“You’recomingwithme,girl.”Heheldouthishand,wonderingifshewouldtakeitwillingly,orifhe’dhavetodragheroutofthecampkickingandscreaming.Itdidn’tmatter
tohim.
Susanlookedathishand,thenputhersinhisandlethimpullhertoherfeet.Heledhertohishorseandmounted,andthenhepulledheruptositinfrontofhim.Shecriedout
whenherbottommadecontactwiththesaddle,andthenflashedhimadirtylookwhenhechuckled.
“Youhaveafinetemper,don’tyou,girl?”heteased,wavinggoodbyetotheIndians
watchingthemleave.“I’msore,”sheconfessed,hardlydaringtobelievehewasgettingheroutofhere,
andthatshewasrescued.
“Thenyou’dbestbewatchingthattemperofyours,andthatsassymouth,”hewarnedcordially.“I’llnotbesogentleifIhavetotakeyouovermykneeagainsoon.”She
shivered,andhewasn’tsureifitwashiswords,orthenipintheair.Hereachedbehindhim,anduntiedthebedrollhecarriedwhenherodeawayfromhiscabin.Hetookthe
blanketandwrappeditaroundherslendershoulders.“Here.Thatdressofyoursdoesn’t
lookverywarm.”“Thankyou.”Shepulledtheblanketaroundher,surprisedtorealizethatshefelt
safeforthefirsttimeinoveraweek.TheIndianstookhercoatandhatandscarffromher,
andshewaswearingheroldestdressandshoesthedayoftheattack;theydidn’tcareifshewascold…orhungry.Andnow,shewassaved,andwrappedinanice,warmblanket.For
thefirsttimeinaweek,Susanclosedhereyesandsleptsoundly.Johnfelttheredheadslumpandrealizedshe’dfallenasleep.Heeasedherback
againsthisbodytomakeiteasiertoholdherandkeepherfromfallingoffhishorse.He’d
alreadynoticedthatshewasmuchtoothinandhewasprettysuretheIndiansonlyfedherenoughtokeepheralive.Hewonderedifshewasgrievingforherhusband;somehowshe
seemedtoofullofspiritforthat.Ofcourse,shedidhaveredhair,andredheadswere
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famousforhavingatemper!Johnsmiledasherecalledhowshe’dfoughtHeWhoWears
Red’sthreewives,holdingthemoffwithastickandgivingthemtheworstendoftheconfrontation.Thegirlhadspirit,andheadmiredspiritinafemale.
********************WhenSusanfinallywokeupshewasstartledtofindherselflyinginbedwithaman
whosenameshedidn’tevenknow!Hehadhisarmwrappedaroundherandshewasn’tabouttotoleratethatkindoffamiliarity!Hewasn’therhusbandandhehadnorighttobeinbedwithher!Withoutgivingitanythoughtwhatsoever,shewiggledabituntilshecould
getsomeleverageagainstthewallofthecabinandshekickedwithallhermight,sending
themanflyingoutofbedtolandonhisbuttonthefloor.Shefeltasenseoftriumphathisgruntofpainandnoddedinsatisfactionassherecalledhowhehadspankedher!Itwas
onlyfairthathesuffered,too!But,herbravadofadedwhenhecameupoffthefloorwithanangryroar.
“Didyoukickmeoutofmyownbed,girl?”Johngrowled,andwhenhesawherturn
herchinupinagestureofpurestubbornness,hehadhisanswer.“Youlittlehellion,”hesaidinathreateningtoneofvoiceasheclimbedonthebedonhiskneesandgrabbedfor
her.Shebackedoutofreach,buthefollowed,andsnaggedherwristinhishandandpulledhertowardhim.
Susancriedoutinfearastheangrymanhauledheroverhisrightthighuntilher
headwasdanglingoffthebedwhiletherestofherwasonthefeathertickmattress.“Don’t!”shepleadedassheimmediatelyrealizedwhyshewasinthehumiliatingposition.
“Pleasedon’tspankmeagain!I’mstillsorefromthelasttime!”shebegged.
“Ifyoudidn’twantaspankingthenyoushouldn’thavekickedmeoutofbed,girl!”Johnsaidmatter-of-factly.“ThereisnowayI’mgoingtopermityoutobehavelikethatand
getawaywithit,andbestyoulearnitrightnow.”Shefelthimturnupherskirtthen,andtohercompletemortification,hetuggedon
herdrawersandthethreadbarefabricripped,exposinghertohisgaze.“No!!!!”Shetried
toraiseup,andwhenshecouldn’t,shelungedforwardandwouldhavecrackedherheadonthefloorifhisreflexesweren’tsoquick.Hecaughtherandpulledherbackandshe
criedoutinpainashishandfellonherverytenderbottom.“Owwwww!”shehowled.
“Don’tdothis!”“Youmightaswellsettledown,girl,becauseyouaregoingtogetyourhindseton
fireforthatbitofnastiness.Iwon’tbekickedoutofmyownbed.”“Youhadnorighttobeinbedwithme!”sheaccused.“Youhadyourarmaround
me!”
“Girl,IbarteredwithHeWhoWearsRedforyou.You’llbespendingalotoftimeinmybedwithme,”heannounced,continuingtospankherbottom,whichwasturninga
brightredafterjustafewswats.
“No!Iwon’tshareyourbed!Youdon’townme!”“Girl,Iownyouandyouain’tgoinganywhere.”
“Ouch!”Shetriedtotwistfree.“Stopthisatonce!Iwon’tbemanhandled!”shecriedout,hisattitudefuelinghertemper.“I’llleaveifIwish!”
“Noyouwon’t.”Hesmackedherbarebottomagainasshedrummedherfeetonthe
feathertick.“Youaregoingtosettledown,girl,andpronto,oryouwon’tsitforaweek,”hepredicted.Hegaveheranotherpowerfulspankandasked,“Areyoureadytosay‘sorry’
yet?”hedemanded.
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“Yes!”shesaidimmediately.Anythingtostopthepainfulpunishment.“I’msorry!
Pleasestopnow!”“Idon’tthinkyoumeantthat,girl,”Johnpromptlydecided.“I’mgoingtohavetosee
toityoumeanthewords.”“Noooooo!”shewailedashespankedevenharder,hishandlandingonhersitspots
andupperthighsandturningthemasredasherbottom.“Pleasestop!Please!I’msorry!”Shestartedcrying.
“Tenmore.Count,”heordered.
“Ican’t!”shesobbed.“Please,nomore.”
“Theydon’tcountuntilyoustart,”hewarned.“Damnyou!ONE.Ihateyou!TWOOOO!Ouch!Three…Stop,please!Fourrrrrrr!
Fiiive!OWWWWWWWW!Youneedtostop!Ican’tstandthis….Siiix.Please,please…Sevvven!Enough.OhGod,nomore….Eight…You’reworsethantheIndians!NINE!
Teeeen!”Susansobbedandwhenheliftedherontothebed,shecrawledintothecorner
andpulledthequiltoverherandgavehimherback.“Neverdothatagain,girl,orI’lltakemybeltoff.”Johnhatedhearinghercrylike
that,buthewasn’tabouttoapologize.Sheneededalesson,andhewasgoingtostartashemeanttogoon.Shewouldrespecthiminhisownhome,evenifhishomewasjustasimpleoneroomcabin.Itwaswherehelived,andhepaiddearlytogetheroutofthatIndian
campandintohisbedforthewinter.Sheshouldbegratefultohim;shewouldn’thavesurvivedthewinterwithHeWhoWearsRedandhisthreewives.Johnwaiteduntilshe
criedherselftosleep,andthenhepermittedhimselftorelaxandgobacktosleep.
********************Susanwokeagainandshestifledamoanasshetriedtomove.Shewasextremely
soreandputtinganyweightonherbottomwasimpossible.Themanwasstillsleeping,butthistimeshewasn’tgoingtokickhimoutofbed.No,shewasgoingtotryandriseandget
herselfoutofthecabinandfindsomeoneinthesettlementtohelpher.Shebackedtothe
bottomofthebed,andquietlyclimbedoverthefootboard.Onceshewasonherfeet,shefoundhershoesandthenheadedforthedoorofthecabin.Sheletherselfoutsideand
lookedaroundindismay.Thecabinwasinthemiddleofnowhere,andshehadnoideain
whichdirectionsheshouldgotofindhelp.“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”Johndemanded,standinginthedoorway.He
wokeuptheverysecondheheardthedoorofthecabinopenandclose.“Iwashopingwewereinatownorsettlementofsomesort.Iwanttogetaway
fromyou!”Hergreeneyesweresnappingwithtemper,anditwaseasytoseeshewas
angry.“YoumighthaverescuedmefromtheIndians,butIamafreewoman,andIrefusetostayherewithyouasyourbedwarmer!”Shesaidthelasttwowordswithasmuch
contemptaspossible.
“Girl,thereisnoreasonforyoutobesoriled.Ibarteredforyou;it’snotlikeyouain’tbeenmarried.Idon’tplantohurtyounone,justkeepwarmthroughthelongwinter
ahead.It’sdamncoldouthere,sogetyourfannyinsideandI’llshowyouwherethesuppliesaretofixussomebreakfast.”
“I’mnotyourslave,andIwon’tcookforyou!”Susanwashighlyinsulted.“Ididn’t
exchangeoneformofcaptivityforanother.Youareawhitemanandyoushouldknowbetter!”
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“IgrewupinGeorgia,”heinformedher.“Myfamilyownsaplantationthere.
Slaveryislegal…andwhetheryoulikeitornot,whenthoseIndianscapturedyou,theymadeyouaslave,andIbarteredforyou,andnowyoubelongtomeuntilIdecidetoletyou
go.IspenteverythingIhadonyou,girl,andIamnotspendingthewinteralone.Itgetslonelyuphere.NowcomeoninsidebeforeIhavetoheatyourbacksideagain.”Hesawher
eyeswideninfear,andshequicklyobeyedhim,althoughtearsofangerfilledthoseprettyeyes.
“Ihateyou!”shetoldhim,meaningeveryword.
“Youdon’tknowmewellenoughtohateme,”hecalmlyansweredandthenlooked
downather,“Whatisyourname,girl?”Whenshelookedathimdefiantly,herepeatedhimself,“Whatisyourname?”
“Mrs.PhillipJamison.”“Notanymore,accordingtoHeWhoWearsRed.Hemadeyouawidow…AndI
won’tcallyouMrs.Jamison.WhatisyourChristianname?”Sheglaredathim,andhe
shookhishead.“Youdotryaman’spatiencethisearlyinthedaybeforeI’veevenhadacupofcoffee.Tellme,didyourhusbandhavetotakeastraptoyoudailytokeepyouin
line?”“No!Phillipneverstruckme!”shedenied.“Well,thatcertainlyexplainswhyyoufeelsofreetoprovokeme,doesn’tit,girl?I’m
notabitlikeyourdeadhusband,”hetoldher,hiswordssoftascouldbe.“Ifyoudon’tgivemeyourname…now…I’mgoingtobendyouoverandsetyourhindonfiretostartthe
day.”Helookedather,hisdarkeyebrowarchingupwards.“Well?”
“Susan.MynameisSusan,”sheanswered.“MynameisJohnJericho,Susie,”henodded.“Now,let’sseeaboutsomebreakfast.
I’mhungry,andneitherofusateanythinglastnight.”Susanabruptlyrealizedshewasstarving.TheIndianshadn’tgivenhermuchinthe
wayoffood,andithadbeenagoodtwodayssinceshewasgivenanythingatall,exceptfor
thewatershemanagedtosneakwhenshewasn’tbeingwatched.ShepaidattentionwhenJohnshowedherwheretolocatefood,anditwasn’tlongbeforeshehadbaconoverthefire
inafryingpan.Cookingoverafireplacewasnothingnewtoher,andwithinashorttime,
theirfoodwasreadytoeat.JohndecidedtoletSusaneatinpeace,andhedidn’tmakehersitdowntodoso.He
knewshehadtobesorefromthespankingshe’dgivenher,andhewouldnormallyseetoitshesatdownandobservedthepropermannershe’dbeentaughtbyhisMother.Thisone
time,however,hewasgoingtolethertaketheedgeoffherhungerandenjoyherfirst
decentmealinoveraweek.Oncehefinished,shewasstilleatingandsavoringeverylastbite,andsippinghercoffeeslowlywithhereyesclosed.He’drunoutofcoffeethelast
winterhespentuphere,andheknewwhatitwasliketodowithoutthestrongbrew.It
pleasedhimtoseeherenjoyingthesimplepleasureandrelishingeverysecondoffillingherbelly.
Shefinallystoppedeatingandlookedathimsheepishly.Hesmiledandasked,“Haveyouhadenoughnow,Susie?Ifnot,feelfreetomakesomemore.”
“Thankyou,butIamfullnow,”shesaid,hercheeksturningpink.
“Noneedtobeembarrassed.I’msureHeWhoWearsRed’swivesmadesureyoudidn’tgetmuchtoeat,andIknowyoudidn’tgetanycoffeeintheircamp.”
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“No,theyonlygavemesomethingtoeattwice.”Hereyesfilledwithtearsatthe
memory.“Iwasstarved,slapped,pinched,worked,andlefttiedtoatreeoutsideatnighttofreeze.”
“Wasthattheworstofit?”heasked,lookingathermeaningfully.“Ifyou’reaskingifIwasabusedasawoman…No,Iwasn’t.Itwasonlyamatterof
timebeforeithappened,however.ThemanwhokilledPhillipandcapturedmewaskeptbusybyhiswives,orhewouldhaveforcedme,”sheadmitted.“Iwasterrified,”shewhispered.
“Hewon’tbotheryounow,Susie.”
“MynameisSusan!”shescolded.“IlikeSusie,”hestatedwithagrin.
“Well,Idonot!Iwanttogotoatownorsettlement,Mr.Jericho.IhavefamilyinOhiothatIcanaskforfinancialhelpsoIcangethome.”
“Susie,youarestayingrightherewithmethiswinter.Youmightaswellacceptthat
fact,oryouaregoingtospendalotoftimeovermykneegettingyourprettylittlebacksidereddened!”
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Chapter Two
“Iamnotyourslave,JohnJericho,anditdoesn’tmatterifyoubeatmedaily,Iamnot
stayingherewithyouforthewinter,noramIgoingtopermityouforceyourselfuponme!Haveyounomorals?”Susandemandedshrilly.“IinsistyoutakemetosomeplaceIcan
arrangetogobackhome.”“Didyoufeelhowcolditisoutthere,Susie?”Johnasked.“It’sgoingtosnowanyday
now,andwearetoofarawayfromasettlementforyoutogettherewithoutfreezingto
death.Youarestuckhereuntilspring.Youcanwashupthesedishes,andthenwe’llseeifwecan’tcomeupwithsomethingwarmerforyoutowearthanthatpoorexcusefora
dress.”
“Foryourinformation,thisistheoldestdressIowned!Therestwereeitherstolenorburnedwithourwagon,includingPhillip’ssavings!”Susanwasangryandmakingno
bonesaboutit.
“Ifyou’dbeenwearingsomethingnicetheywouldhavetakenitandleftyoucompletelynaked,”Johnstatedmatter-of-factly.
“Theydidtakemycoatandscarfandmyglovesandhat,”shebitterlyadmitted,stillveryupsetoverthecallouswayshewastreated.Ifshethoughtherlifemiserablelivingin
thecoveredwagon,shewastrulymiserable,andterrified,intheIndianencampment.“Iknowthelastweekhasn’tbeeneasyforyou,girl,butit’sovernowandtimetoget
alongwithyourlife.Grievingcan’tbringbackthedead,”hestatedwithcertainty,watching
hergreeneyestoseeifsheshowedanysignofgrievingforherhusband.“Iamwellawareofthat,Mr.Jericho,”shesaidinasharptoneofvoice.“Butifyou
thinkthatI’llshareabedwithyousinceIamawidow,youaresadlymistaken.Iwillnot,
andtheonlywayyoucanmakethathappenisifyouforceme!”Sheglaredathim,silently
daringhimtochallengeherdecision.“Thereismorethanonewaytohaveyouwillinginmybed,Susie.Icouldwithhold
food,orsityououtsideinthecold,orIcouldblisteryourhinduntilyoudecidethatsharing
mybedisthebestoptionyouhave.Youthinkaboutthatwhileyoudoupthesedishes.”He
wasbluffing,andfromthelookinhergreeneyes,Susieknewit.“No,Iwon’tstarveyouandIwon’tfreezeyou,Susie.Thereareother,moreenjoyableways,tohaveyouwarmingmy
bed.”Hercheeksturnedpinkwithembarrassment.“GetbusynowwhileIfindsomething
foryoutowear.”Susanwantedtopickupthecoffeepotandhurlitattheaggravatingman,but
commonsensetoldherhewouldjustturnheroverhiskneeagain,andshewasmuchtoosoreforthat.JohnJerichohadrescuedherfromtheIndians,andforthatreasonalone,she
shouldbethankful.Infact,theonlyreasonshewasupsetwiththemanwasbecausehethoughtheownedher,andthatpayingforhergavehimrightstoherbody.Itdidn’t.Still,evenwhenshekickedhimoutofbedthismorning,hehadn’treallyharmedher.Yes,hedid
spankher…soundly…butshedeservedaspanking,shewashonestwithherself.Phillipwouldhavegivenherhisfist.
JohnwaswellawareofeverymoveSusanmadeasshecleanedupaftertheir
breakfast.Shewasdeepinthoughtandhewonderedifshewasthinkingofrunningaway,orifherthoughtswereofherdeadhusbandandallshe’dlost.Shedidn’tseemtobe
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grieving,butheknewfromexperiencethatapersoncouldhidetheirdeepestfeelingsfrom
theworldiftheychoseto.Susiewasgoingtobearwatching,hedecided.Withhertempershewaswildlyunpredictable.Thefactthatsheexpectedhimtorapeheratanymoment
didnothingtolessenherfearofhim;sheprobablyfeltshe’dtradedoneenslavementforanother,andhedidn’twanthertofeelthatway.Still,hewasgoingtoconvincehershe
neededhiswarmthasmuchasheneededhers.Hecouldbepatientforacouplemoredayswhilehegavehersometimetogettoknowhimbetter.ThecommentSusiemadeabouthishavingnomoralshadprickedhisconscience.HissweetlittleMotherwouldbeappalledat
thewayhewasbehaving.
“Doyouknowhowtosew,Susie?”Johnaskedofher.“Yes,Ido,”sheadmitted,lookingattheclothheheldinhishands.Itcertainlywasn’t
thekindofdressfabricshewasusedto!“Iknowthisain’tpretty,butitisthebestIcando.Astinyasyouare,Ifigureyou
cangetaskirtandatopoutofit,andwecanuseaheavyblankettomakeyouacoatof
sortsforwhenyouneedtogooutside.”“Nothankyou,”shesaidprimly.
“No…?Whyno?”Hewasshockedatherrefusal.“Thisisn’tgoodenoughforyou,princess?”
“ThatlookslikewhattheIndianswore!I’mnotanIndian!”shesnapped.
“Yes,thisisbuckskin.It’swarm,Susie,andevenwithafire,thiscabingetsprettydarnchillyattimes.You’llfreezetodeathinthatragyou’rewearing.Youdon’thaveto
makeyourclothinginthesamestyleastheirs,”heinsisted.
“No.”Susandidn’twantanythingthatremindedherofthemosthorribleexperienceofhershelteredlife.
“Youarebeingfoolish,girl,”Johnstated.“Maybeso,butmymindismadeup.I’lljustwrapupinablanketifIgetcold,”she
decided.
“Youcan’tcookwithablanketdrapedaroundyouallthetime.You’llcatchitonfire.”
“WhosaidIamgoingtocook?”sheaskedtartly.
“Yourhusbandshouldhavetakenasticktoyourbacksideafewtimes,girl,”Johnannounced,andSusancouldseehewascontemplatingdoingjustthat.“Youmightaswell
learnrightnowthatIexpectyoutofixourmeals,Susie.Iwillprovidethefoodforyoutocookforus.I’llhelpyoukeepthisplacetidy,butthedishesareyourstodo.It’swoman’s
work.”
“Whodoesitwhenyouarealonehere?”sheputherhandsonherhipsanddemanded.
“Ido,ofcourse,butthatisdifferent.Nomanworthbeingcalledamandoesthe
cookingandwashingupafterwhenhehasawomantodoit.Didyourhusbandcook?”heaskedsuspiciously.
“No.”“Areyoualwayssotesty,Susie?”heasked,deliberatingonthebestwaytohandle
thecontraryfemale.
“No.Infact,Iwasconsideredmeekandmildandobedientinmyparents’home.”Shecouldseeinhisdarkeyesthathedidn’tbelieveher.“Ievenmarriedthemanmyfather
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pickedforme,andyoucanseehowwellthatturnedout,”shesaid,hergreeneyesfilling
withtears.“Didyoulovethemanatall?”Johnaskedcuriously.Hewantedtounderstandthe
prettyredhead.“No,Idespisedhim!”
Johnwasstartledbyhervehementreply.“Didhemistreatyou?”heasked.“Yes.Idonotwishtodiscussthedetails,Mr.Jericho!”Sheturnedupherchinina
stubbornmanner.“ThatlifeisnowoverandIwishtoreturntomyhome.”
“ComespringI’llseetoityougethome,Susie,”Johnpromised.“But,forthiswinter,
youbelongtome.”Themeaningbehindhiswordswasn’tlostonSusanandbeforeherealizedwhatshewasgoingtodoshegrabbedfortheknifeshe’dusedtosliceoffthebacon
earlierthatmorning.Sheglaredathimdefiantly,fullypreparedtofight.“Iwillnotbeyourslave,JohnJericho.I’llcutyouifyoutrytotakemebyforce!”she
promised,wavingtheknifearoundandobviouslytryingtofrightenhim.
“Susie,unlessyouwantanothersoundspanking,you’llputthatknifedownrightnow.Infact,I’veagoodmindtospankyoufortryingtothreatenme!”heannounced,
reconsideringhiswords.“Youaren’tgoingtospankmeagain,either!Noonehaseverdonethatbefore,and
youareabeastfortreatingmelikeachild!”Susanwasn’tpunishedasachild.Shedidas
shewastold,andshewasalwaysthe‘goodlittlegirl’,thechildwhoalwaysdidtherightthingandobeyed…evenwhenshedidn’twantto.“Iwanttogohomenow,Mr.Jericho!”
“Doyouwanttodie,Susie?”Johnaskedinalowvoice.
“No!”“Youwillifyoutrytoleaveforthesettlementnow.Itisgoingtosnow,andwhenit
does,wewillbetrapped.Youaren’tdressedtofacetheelements,girl.NowputthatknifedownorIamgoingtotakeitfromyouandblisteryougoodforputtingmetothetrouble.
Youdon’tevenknowhowtoholdaknife!”heaccused.
Susansawamusementinhiseyesanditmadeherveryangry.Withoutstoppingtothink,sheflewathim.Shewouldnotbehisslaveandshewouldnotsharehisbed!
Johnwasreadyfortheattack.Susan’sgreeneyesgavehimplentyofwarningthat
shewasgoingtobefoolishandattempttotakehimdown.Ittookhimmeresecondstodisarmher.Heputtheknifeonashelfwhereshecouldn’treachitandthenhepulledher
aroundtofacehim,hishandsonherupperarmsasifheintendedtoshakeher.Hedidgiveherasingleshake,butitwasn’tviolent.Hesawthefearinhereyesandsaidquietly,“Susie,
IhavetoldyouIwillnotrapeyou.Iintendtomakeyouwantmeandcometomewillingly.
Doyouhearmenow?”Susannodded.Sheheardhimbutshedidn’tbelievehimforevenonemoment!She
wouldnevergotohimwillingly.
Hegaveheranothergentleshakeandthenscolded,“Doyouhaveanyideahowfoolishitwasforyoutoturnaknifeonme,girl?YousawhoweasilyItookitfromyou.
WhatdoyouthinkwouldhappentoyouifyouwoundedmesoIcouldn’tprotectyoufromwhatisoutsidethatdoor?”hedemanded.“Youwouldfreezetodeath,girl,ifyoutriedto
leave.And,ifthatdidn’thappen,youmightbetakencaptivebytheIndiansagain.Oreven
worse,comeacrosssometrapperswhowouldtreatyouworsethantheIndiansdid.Doyouunderstandthis,Susan?”
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Shenoddedoncemore,notabouttoopenhermouthandangerhimfurther.His
handswerelargeandifhestartedbeatingher,shemightnotsurvive!“Sinceyouclaimtounderstand,thendoyouunderstandthatyou’veearnedyourself
agoodspanking?”heasked,determinedtobringhertohersenses.“Noooo!”Susanwailed.Shetwistedfreeofthegrasphehadonherarmsandmoved
totheothersideofthetable.“Yes,Iamafraidso.Whenyoubehavebadly,thenyouwillbepunished,andthis
wasseriousenoughtoearnyouaverysorehind.”Hewatchedhermovefartheraway,and
thensmiledashepulledoutachairandsatdown.“I’mnotgoingtochaseyouthistime,
Susie.Youaregoingtothinkabouttheconsequencesofpullingaknifeonamantwiceyoursize.Whenyouareready,youwillbringmethewoodenspoonandhandittomeandask
foryourspanking.ThenyouwillpullupyourskirtsandlieovermylapwhileIsetyoursweetbuttonfire.”
“Iwillnot!”Shequicklydecided.
“Yesyouwill.ThelongerIsitonthischairwaitingisthatmuchlongeryouaddtoyourspanking,andtheadditionalconsequencesyouhaveearnedwillalsobeprolonged.It
wouldbetoyouradvantage,Susie,toacceptthatyouaregoingtobespankedforyourfoolishness,andcometomeatonce.”
“No,Ican’t!”Sheknewherfacewasabrightburningred.
“Whynot?Areyoutellingmethatitisokayforyoutoputaknifeinme?”Hewasdeterminedthatshewasgoingtoadmitshe’dbehavedbadlyandearnedaspanking.“Was
Iharmingyou?”
“No,butyouwerethreateningme!”sheexclaimed.“Howisthat?”
“YoukeeptellingmeIhavenochoicebutstayherewithyou.”“Youdon’t,Susie.Thewinterweatherwillseetothat.Iamgivingyoushelter;is
thatareasontoattackme?”
“No,notwhenyouputitthatway,butyoukeepimplyingIwillshareyourbedandIwon’tdothat!”
“HaveIsaidthatIwillforceyou?”Thedarkeyeslookingatherwereshamingher;it
wasanewfeeling,andshedidn’tlikeitatall.“Well?”Heinsistedsheanswerhim.“No,yousaidyouwouldn’tuseforce,”sheadmittedthetruth,refusingtomeethis
gaze.“Thenwhydidyouturnaknifeagainstme,girl?”Whenshedidn’treply,hesaid,“It
wasbecauseofyourtemper,andIknowexactlyhowtodealwiththat.Fetchthewooden
spoonandcometome,Susie.We’llgetthisspankingoverwithandthenyou’llfaceanotherconsequence,onethatwon’tbeaspainfultoyourbottom,butwillmakeyousquirmnone-
the-less.”
“Ican’t!”shewhispered.“Youcan.Nowobeyoryou’llearnastrappingfordefianceaswell.”
“I’mtoosoreforanotherpunishment!”Shelookedathimpleadingly.“Thatistoobad,Susie.Youshouldhaveconsideredyourhindbeforeyouturned
thatknifeonme.Surelyyoudidn’tthinkIwouldpermityoutogetawaywiththat?”he
asked.“Ijustwantedyoutoleavemealone!”
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“Andyouaccomplishedwhat?Earningaspanking…?Seemstomethatyouneed
yourmannersmended,girl.ThisisthelastchanceI’mgoingtogiveyoutomakethisspankingeasieronyourself.Ifyoudon’tcomerightnow,I’llfetchastrapwhenweare
throughwiththis.”Hemeantit,sherealized.Hetrulyexpectedhertowalkovertohimandaccepta
spankingwiththewoodenspoonshewassupposedtobringtohim!Ifshedidn’tdoexactlywhathesaid,hewouldstrapher,too!Therewasnochoicebuttoobeyhim,evenifshedidn’twantto!Hewasstronger,andhe’dalreadyproventhattobetrue.Reluctantly,she
walkedovertothetableagainstthewallandpickedupawoodenspoon.Ithadalarge,
thickbowlononeend,andalonghandle.Therewasnochanceofitbreaking.Johnwatchedhermoveslowlyanddeliberatelyandhecouldseeshewasstruggling
withherselftoacceptaspanking.Hecouldn’timaginethisgirlbeingthe‘goodgirl’sheclaimedtobe.Itjustwasn’tpossible!Whenshewasinfrontofhimheheldouthishand,
butshequicklyhidthespoonbehindherback.Johnwantedtolaugh,butnothingonhis
facepermittedhishumortoshow.“Don’tuseaspoon,please!”shebegged.“YouhavenoideahowsoreIam!”
Hecontinuedtolookatherandheheldhisoutstretchedhandsteady.Whenheraisedonedarkeyebrow,Susanslappedthebowlofthespoononthepalmofhishandashardasshecould.Johnwassurprisedathowmuchithurt,buthedidn’tacknowledgethe
paininanyway.Hewasn’tabouttogivetheredheadthesatisfactionofknowingshe’dhurthim.Hepattedhisthighwithhislefthand.Susanstompedherfootinanger,butsheput
herselfacrosshislap.
“Youdidn’tpullupyourskirts,girl,”hesaid,remindingher.“Ican’tdothat!”shewhispered.“Pleasedon’tmakeme!”shebegged.“I’msorryI
threatenedyouwiththeknife,”sheconceded.Johnsmiledtohimself.“Doyouagreeyouearnedthisspanking,Susie?”heasked
consideringly.
Susanwantedtodenyit,ofcourse,butshecouldn’t.Shehad behavedbadly.“Yes,”shewhispered,andthenadded,“Pleasedon’tbeharshwithme.Iregretmybehavior.”
“Ibelieveyou,Susie,”hepattedherbottomgently,andshewinced.“Ihatetohave
topunishyouwhenyouaresosore,butifIletyougetawaywithpullingaknifeonme,Ihavenoideawhatyou’lltrynext.Iwill,however,pullupyourskirtssinceyouwereableto
admityouearnedaspanking.”Susanwantedthefloortoopenupandswallowherwhenheraisedherdressand
theoneremainingpetticoatsheowned.Hehadruinedherdrawersearlierwhenheripped
themfromherandshewascompletelybaretohisgaze.Truthfully,knowingthathecouldlookuponherwhenthecabinwasfulloflightwasembarrassingandshameful.Sheclosed
hereyes,tryingtopreventtearsfromescapingbutthefirstsplatofthewoodenspoonon
hersorebottomopenedhereyesinahurry!“Owwww!”shecriedoutinpain.“Oh,stop,please!ItOwwwwwwwwhurts!”sheproclaimed.
“Aspankingissupposedtohurt,”hetoldheroncemore,andcontinuedtoreddenherbacksidewithpurposeanddetermination.Hercriesofpainupsethim,andthe
spankinghegaveherwasmuchlessseverethanheplanned,buthecontinuedtoapplythe
spoontoherhind.“Areyougoingtothreatenmeagain,younglady?”heasked.“No!Iwon’t!”shepromised,andshetrulymeantthewords.“I’msosorry!”
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“Wearefarfromfinishedwiththis,”heannounced.“Whatyoudidwasserious,”he
punctuatedhiswordswithahardercrackofthespoononherroundedbottom.Sheyelpedandstartedcryingevenharderthanbefore.“Anothermanmighthavehurtyou,Susie.If
you’dpulledaknifeonHeWhoWearsRed,hewouldhavetorturedyoutodeath,probablywiththesameknifeyoutriedtouseonhim!”Hegaveherseveralmorehardspankswith
thespoon,andwatchedtheovalsturnadeepdarkredonherskin.“Itwasfoolish,Susie,”heinsisted.“Doyouhearme?”
“Yes!”shesobbed.“Please,nomore!I’llbegood,”shepromised.Anythingtostop
thetormentonherbottom!
“I’llstopaslongasyouagreetoaccepttherestofyourpunishment,”hestated,continuingtopepperherbottomwithhardcracksofthespoon.
“Iwill!”shescreamedfrantically.Johnstoppedthespankingandcalmlyliftedhertoherfeet.Shewasstillcrying,and
hecouldn’tblameherforthat.Itwaseasytoseethatthislastspankingwasgoingtoleave
somebruisesonherdelicateskin.Hestoodandturnedhertowardthetable.“Bendoverhere,Susan,andputyourlegsapart.YouwillstayinthispositionuntilIgiveyouleaveto
riseandloweryourskirts.Itisasmallpunishmenttoencourageobedienceoverdefiance.Thereistobenotalking,andyouwillkeepyourlegsspreadtheentiretimeanddonothingtopreventmefromlookingatyoursweettreasures.”Hepattedherverysorebottomand
said,“Doyouunderstandwhatyouaretodo,Susie?”Shenodded,mortifiedattheposition.Shewasshowinghimherprivatemostarea
asapunishment.Heknewitwouldshameher,anditdid.Ittookallofherwillpowerto
remainbentoverthetable.Ifheweretocomeupbehindherrightnowshewouldhavenowaytostophimfromtakingher!Shefeltamomentortwoofpanic,butforcedherselfto
staycalm.Whenhewasn’twatchingher,shewouldleave.Hehadnorighttoforcehertostayhereagainstherwill.
Susiecouldn’thelpsquirmingandJohnwonderedwhatshewasthinking.Heknew
whathewasthinking,andrealizedhe’dbeenmuchtoolongwithoutawoman’scompany.Ifhedidn’tendherpunishmentquickly,hewoulddosomethingthatwouldcompletely
woundandshamehisMotherifshelearnedofit.“Susie,youcangetupnowandgoabout
yourbusiness,”hesaidbriskly,avertinghiseyesfromhersweetbody.Susandidn’tneedtobetoldtwice.Shestoodanddroppedherskirts,andwentto
lookoutthewindow,tryingtocalmherselfandstopcrying.Hopefullyhewouldgooffsomewhere,orfallasleep…anythingtogiveherachancetoescape.Butthatwasn’ttobe.
Shedidn’trealizehewasbehindheruntilshefelthishandsonhershoulderspullingher
aroundtofacehim.“Doyouneedtobeheldnow?”heaskedkindly.“No,”sheansweredandwhenshetriedtomoveawayhepermittedhertodoso.
“Thencomeandwe’llseeifwecanmakeyousomethingthatwillkeepyouwarmer
thanyouarenow.”Whenshewhirledtoglareathim,hehelduphishands.“Ididnotmeantoinsultyou,Susie.Iwasn’ttalkingaboutyourhind.Yourarmsarecool,andIdon’twant
youtofeelcoldthiswinter.Itisgoingtogetmuchcolderthanitisnow,andyou’lltakeillifwedon’tgetyououtofthisthindress.”
Susanforcedherselftoaccepthiswordsatfacevalue.Shedidn’tbelieveitwould
getcoldersoquickly.InOhioitwouldn’tsnowforatleastanothermonthattheearliest,andeventhenitwouldn’tamounttomuch.But,forwantofsomethingtooccupyher,she
lookedatthebuckskin.
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“Workingwiththisisabitdifferentthanwhatyou’reprobablyusedto,”Johntold
her,patientlyexplaininghowtheywouldcutthepiecesandsewthemtogetherafterpunchingholesinthepiecesandmakingtinystitches.Heshowedherallthetoolsthey
wouldneedanditwasn’tlongbeforehe’dcutoutaskirt.Theshirttogowiththeskirthefashionedafterhisown,onlymuchsmaller.
Susanwassurprisedathowsofttheleatherwas,andevenmoresurprisedthatamanwouldknowhowtosewsowell.Itlookeddifficulttoher,buthemadeitlookeasy.Shetooktheheavyblanketheofferedandfashionedaheavycloakthatwouldwraparound
her,andshecutoutabelttotiearoundthecloaktokeepitclosedagainstthecoldweather.
TheyworkedforafewhoursandJohnsaid,“Iamhungry,Susie.”Hewentandgatheredfoodandbroughtittoher.“Thisfornow,andthistomakeastewfortonight.”
Hewaspleasedwhensheputasidehersewingandwenttowork.Maybethespankingmademoreofanimpressionthanherealized.Hedidn’twanttohurther,just
enjoyhercompanyforthewinter.Wasthatsomuchtoask?
SusandecideditwasbesttoremaincompliantanddowhatJohnJerichoaskedofher,unlessitmeantsharinghisbed.Shewouldfighthimwitheverythingshehadifhe
evenattemptedtobedher.Hercompliancewouldcausehimtolowerhisguard,andshewouldmakegoodherescape.Ifonlyshehadsomeofthesleepingpowdershemadefromrootsandherbs;shewouldslipitintohisfoodanditwouldgiveherplentyoftimeto
escape.Herchancecamemuchsoonerthansheexpected.Johnwaskneelingbesideher,
gettingmorewoodforthefire.Susanpickedupaheavyloghe’dmovedbehindhimandhit
himovertheheadwithit.Johncrumpledinaheap,andshemadesurehewasfarenoughawayfromthefireplacethathewouldn’tgetburned.Shegrabbedtheblanketcoatoffthe
bedandleftthecabinandheadedforthesettlement.
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Chapter Three
JohnJerichofoughtthroughtheblacknessgrippinghim,onlytorealizehisheadwas
killinghim.Hethoughtitmightbeeasiertoletthedarknesstakehimoncemore,buthewasawarethathewascold,andifhegaveintosleephecouldverywellfreezetodeath.He
struggledtowakeup,andgroggilyputahandtothebackofhisheadandfeltahugelumptherethatwasresponsibleforhiscondition.Hecheckedhisfingers,andthereweretraces
ofblood.Heconcentratedonclearinghisheadenoughhecouldgettohiskneesandhe
finallyrealizedhewascoldbecausethefirewasnearlyout.Headdedmorekindlingandoncethefirewasburningagain,headdedsomeheavierlogsontop.
Susie!Wherethehellwasshe?Hadsomeonecomeupbehindhimandabductedher?
Hewasputtingmorewoodonthefire,andhehadnoideahowlongagothatwas.Someonehithimfrombehind.Hedidn’trecallfeelingcoldaironhisback,andhewouldhaveif
someonehadopenedthecabindoor.Damnit!Thegirldidit!Shewaiteduntilhisbackwas
turnedandshehithimwithsomethingheavyenoughtoknockhimoutcold!Johnwasangry…No,hewasbeyondangry!Hewasfurious!Howdareshedo
somethinglikethat?And,whereinhellwasshe? Helookedaroundthecabin,andimmediatelyrealizedshe’dtakentheheavyblankethe’dgivenhertomakeacoat.Thelittle
foolwastryingtogettoasettlement!Sheobviouslydidn’tbelieveadamnthinghewarnedherabout,andshewoulddieifhedidn’tgoafterher!
Johnmethodicallypreparedhimselftogooutinthefreezingcoldweather,andwhen
heopenedthecabindoor,hecursed.Itwassnowing,justashefeareditwould.Heturnedaroundandtookhissnowshoesoffthewall.Hewouldneedthemifshe’dgoneveryfar.
Andshehadatleastanhour’sheadstart.Withthesnow,anytracksshe’dmadewouldbe
covered.Commonsensetoldhimshewouldn’theadtowardtheIndianencampment;he
headedintheoppositedirection,hopingthelittleredheadhadn’tmetupwithdangerofanykind,human,animal,ornature.
********************
Susanwishedwithallherheartshe’dlistenedtoJohn.Shewascoldandmiserable
anditwassnowingjustashesaiditwould.Theheavycapeshe’dmadefromtheblanketwasgrowingwetandheavyandshewasshivering.Thesnowwaswhirlingsomuchshe
wasdisorientedanddidn’tknowwhereshewasgoing.Ifshedidn’tfindsheltersoonshe
wasgoingtodie.Itwasallherownfault,too,andmaybeshedeservedtodieafterhittingJohnovertheheadandleavinghimthere!Shebehavedbadly,andshehadbeenhateful
eversinceherfatherforcedhertomarryPhilip.JohnJerichodidn’thavetorescueherfromHeWhoWearsRed,buthedid,andhowdidshepayhimback?Ifshecouldhavea
secondchance,shewouldtellJohnshewassorryandpromisetobehavemuchbetterthanshehadtothispoint.
But,therewouldbenosecondchance.Evenifshehadn’tknockedJohn
unconscious,whichshehad,hewouldn’tbeinclinedtoriskhislifetocomeforher,sillygirlthatshewas.Especiallyaftershe’dgivenhimnothingbuttrouble!She’dearnedthe
spankingshegaveher,sowhydidshethinkshewassomuchwiserthanhimwhenitcame
totheweather?JustbecauseitwasearlyforsnowinOhiodidn’tmeanitwasearlyforsnowhere…andthiswasturningintoaveryheavysnow,completewithbonechilling
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wind.Shewassocoldandsotired.Sheneededtorest.Susantriedtoshakeoffthe
lethargicfeelingoverwhelmingher,butfinallygaveupandfoundaspotthatwassomewhatprotectedfromthewindandblowingsnowandsatdownforjustafew
momentstorest.********************
Forafirstsnow,thiswasahumdinger,Johnadmittedtohimself.He’dbeenwalkingforanhour,andthesnowwaspilingupfast.Ifhedidn’tfindSusansoon,shewouldn’tsurvive.Desperately,hepushedforward,hishopesoffindinghergrowingslimmerwith
eachpassingminute.Hethoughtthatperhapsshewouldturnbackoncethesnowstarted,
buthewouldhavemetherbynowifthatwasthecase.Hetookafewmorestepsandlookedtowardatreestandingbyitself.Hesawwhathethoughtwasarockunderneath,
andthoughtitodd.Agustofwindblewthroughatthatmoment,andhesawwhatappearedtobearedstrandofhair.Johnhurriedforwardandwasshockedtorealizehow
closehe’dcometopassingrightbySusiewithoutseeingher.Ifnotforherhair,hewould
have.“Susie!”Hegaveherafirmshake.“Wakeup.Youhavetomoveoryou’llfreezeto
death.”“I’mjustdreamingnow,”shesaid.“Youaren’tdreaming,Susie.Ihaveyounow.You’llbefineifyoulistentowhatI
say.”Hestoodheronherfeet.“Openyoureyes,girl!”Hegaveheranothershake.“I’mcold,John,”shewhispered.
“Iknow.Movingwillkeepyouwarmer.Let’sgo.Weneedtogetbacktothecabin.
It’snotfar,”helied.Susanfoundherselfmovingforward,butshewasconvincedshewasdreaming.She
tookafewsteps,andthensanktoherknees.“Iwanttosleepnow,”shesaid.“No!YougetupandwalkorIswearI’llheatyourhindagain,”hepromisedher,and
tohisshock,shegiggled.Hepulledheruponcemore,andswattedherinthegeneralarea
ofherbottom,positiveshecouldn’tfeelathingthroughherclothing.But,itseemedtoencouragehertomove.ShemadeitfartherthistimewithJohnpushingandencouraging
hertokeepputtingonefootinfrontoftheother.
ThesnowcontinuedtofallharderandJohnfinallystrappedonthesnowshoesandpickedupSusantocarryher.Hecouldmakefastertimecarryingherthanhecouldby
tryingtokeepheronherfeet.Thelastmiletothecabinwasthelongest,andJohnwastednotimegettingtheminside.Fortunatelytherewerestillembersinthefireplaceandhe
wasabletogetafirestartedwithinashorttime.HethenstrippedSusanofhersodden
clothingandshookhisheadatherfoolishness.Thefeistyredheadneededadamnedgoodspankingandshewasgoingtogetonetorememberoncehewassureshewouldsurvive
thisfoolishness.
Hetuckedherinthebed,andthenstrippeddowntotheskin,too.Foodcouldwaituntiltheybothwarmedupabit.Heusedhishandstorubhercoldskin,tryingtowarmher
body.Susanwokefromapleasantdream.Shewastuckedintobed,snuggledunderneath
warmblankets.Thecoldwasajustanunpleasantmemory,aswastrudgingthroughthe
snow.Shewassafenow.Suddenlyhereyesflewopenasrealityreturnedwithajolt.Shewasbackinthecabinandinbed,heldfirmlyinJohnJericho’sarms.Shewasalso
completelynudeaswasthemanbesideher.Shegaspedindismay!Howonearthhadthis
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happened!“Howcouldyoudothistome?”shedemanded,pullingawayfromhimand
wakinghimfromasoundsleep.Sheatleastexpectedtohavesomememoryof…that…!Tearsfilledhereyes.
“Girl,Ididn’tdoanythingtoyouexceptsaveyourlife!”Johngrowled,defendinghimself.HewasangrywithSusanandmadenoattempttohidehisfeelings.Hewatched
hergreeneyesfillwithtearsandtohissurpriseshenoddedbeforespeaking.“You’reright,John.YousavedmylifeandIoweyoumygratitude.Iwaswrongto
doubtyourwordabouttheweather.Iamsorryforstrikingyouandforrunningaway.In
yourplaceI’mnotsosureIwouldhavebotheredcomingaftermeandrescuingmea
secondtime.Icertainlyhaven’tdoneanythingtodeservesuchkindnessfromyou,butIamgrateful,andIpromisethatifyougivemeasecondchance,Iwon’tbesuchapain.Iam
trulysorry,”shesaidsosincerelythatheknewshemeanteveryheartfeltword.“Ialmostwalkedrightpastyou,Susie,”heconfessed,gentlypullingherbackunder
theblankets.“Ifthewindhadn’tblowntheblanketandyourhair,Iwouldn’thaveseenyou
underthattree.”“Godwaslookingoutforme,”sheadmitted,certainofthat.“Iaskedforhelp,even
thoughIknowIdidn’tdeserveit,”sheconfessed.“Iwon’tbethatstupidagain,”shepromised.
“Iamsureyouwon’t,”heagreed.
“Couldn’twejustpretendthatitdidn’thappen,John?”Shelookedathimhopefully.“Fortonight.”Hesurprisedherbyagreeing.“Youneedanotherkindofwarming
tonight,”hestatedandwhenhereyesflewopen,hechuckled.“Notthatkind,either,”he
grinned.“Youhadaclosecalltoday,girl.Iwantyoutomakesurethatyourtoesandfingersareokaybeforewedealwiththehidingyouhavingcoming…”Hegotoutofbedand
sawherfaceturnscarletassherealizedhewasn’twearingastitchofclothing.“Iwasjustgettingusbothwarm,Susie.WhenImakelovetoagirlIwantherawakeandwilling.”He
grabbedadrypairofunderwearfromatrunkandpulledthemonoverhislegsandthen
overhisarmsandshouldersbeforebuttoningthemupthefront.Drysockswerenext.“Susie,youactlikeyouain’teverseenamangetdressed.Howlongwereyoumarried?”
“Notlong,”sheadmitted,herfaceburning.
“Notevenlongenoughtoseehiminhislongjohns?”hequeried.Sheshookherheadbackandforthindenial.Hewasconfused.“Susie,Iknowyoudidn’tliketheman,butif
youwasmarried,hehadcertainrights.Hehadtogetoutofhisbritchessometime?”MaybethisPhilipwassomesortofPuritanwhomadesuretheroomwaspitchblackand
fumbledunderthesheets.Ifthatwasthecase,thenitwasnowonderthatSusiewas
fightinghimtoothandnailagainstsharinghisbed.“Philipdidn’ttouchmelikethat.”Susanwasashamedtoadmitthetruth.“Wewere
marriedforsixmonths,andallhedidwasbeatmewithhisfistsandtellmethatmybeauty
wasacurseandheneededtobeatthesinfulnessoutofmebeforewecouldprocreate.”“DidyougotoyourPaandtellhim?”Johnpausedintheactofbuttoninghisshirtto
ask.“No.HemarriedmeofftoPhilipandweleftrightaftertheceremony.Ididn’twant
tomarryPhilip,andIdidnotwanttoleaveOhio.Paneededmoney,andPhilippaidhimin
goldforme.”Shelookedaway.“Godforgiveme,butIamnotsorryPhilipisdead.”
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“NeitheramI,”Johnstated,angryatthewayshewastreatedbytheman…andby
herfather.“You’resafenow,Susie.Igiveyoumywordyou’llneverfeelmyfist;Ihavenopatienceforamanwhowoulddothattoawoman.”
Susanwassurprisedwhenhestretchedacrossthebedtokisshercheek.“Youaresafe,Susie,”herepeated.“IpromiseIwon’tmistreatyou,andthereisnoneedtoriskyour
lifetogetawayfromme.Doyouhearme,now?”heaskedinasofttoneofvoice.Shenodded,andthensmiled.Hewinkedatherandsaid,“StayunderthoseblanketsandI’llgetyousomeofthatstew.Itshouldberealtenderbynow.”
Hemovedacrossthecabintogetbowlsfromthecupboardwhilegoingovertheir
conversationinhismind.Thelastthinghewantedwasaninexperiencedvirgininhisbed,butnowthatheknewshewascompletelyinnocentitexplainedwhyshewassoskittish.
She’dcometoexpecttheworstfromthemanshewasmarriedto,andhertreatmentatHeWhoWearsRed’shanddidnothingtomakeherfeelsafe.Hewasgoingtohavetobegentle
withSusie,Johndecided,dishingupbowlsofstewforeachofthem.Itlookedandsmelled
good.Hewishedtheyhadsomebiscuits,butfornowthestewwouldfillthatcoldspotinsidethem.
“Youeateverybiteofthis,younglady,”hesaidfirmlyashehandedherthebowl.Shesmiledathimandnoddedinagreement.
“Iwill,John.Thankyousomuch.”Sheblewonabiteofmeatandthenputitinher
mouth.“Thisissogood,”shecommented.Shewasstillhungryfromwhenshewasheldcaptive;herribswereshowingwhen
heundressedher.“Thereisplentymorestewinthepot,Susie,”hetoldher,butwhenshe
finishedthebowl,shewassuddenlyverysleepy.“Beforeyougotosleep,Ineedtocheckyouover,Susie.Ineedtomakesureyou
didn’tfreezeyourtoesorfeetoryourhands.”Sheeyedhimwarily,butdidn’ttrytostophimfrompullinguptheblankettotouchherfeet.“Sofar,sogood,honey,”hesaidin
obviousreliefafterheexaminedherthoroughly.“I’llcheckyouinthemorning.Letmeget
yousomethingtosleepin,”heoffered,andsmiledtohimselfwhenhesawthereliefinherprettygreeneyes.Hefoundashirtthatwasnew,butshrunkthefirsttimehelaunderedit.
“Thisonedoesn’tfitme,Susie,soyoucankeepitforanightshirt,”heoffered,andthen
turnedhisbacktopermithertoputitonwithoutembarrassment.Susiebuttonedtheshirtandwasthankfulitcoveredheralmosttoherknees.
“Thankyou,John,”shewhispered.“Iappreciateallyou’vedoneforme.”Shewasfightingsleep,andheknewexactlyhowshefelt.
“Gotosleep,Susie.We’lldiscussthistomorrow.”Shewasasleepassoonasshe
closedhereyes,exhausted.Theywouldhaveaseriousdiscussioninthemorning,andonethatshewouldrecallifshewastemptedtotakeoffonherownagain.Johnhelpedhimself
toanotherbowlofthestewandoncehewaspositivethecabinwassecureforthenight,he
climbedintobedandsleptsoundly.SusanwokefirstandshewasrelievedtolearnthatJohnwasstillsleepingsoundly.
Sheneededsomeprivacy,andquicklytookcareofherneedsinthechamberpothekeptunderthebed.Shewasgladtolearnherclothingwasdryfromhanginginfrontofthefire
overnight,andshedressedquickly,puttingtheshirtbackonoverherworndress.Her
shoeswereruined,buttheywereallshehad,sosheforcedthemonherfeet,hopingtheywouldstretchasthedaywenton.Onceshewascomfortableshewentaboutstarting
breakfast.PerhapsifshefedJohnwellhewouldn’tbesohardonher.
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Sheknewhewouldspankherforbeingsofoolish,andshecertainlydeserveda
spanking,butherbottomwasstillsorefromtheothertimeshe’dpunishedher.Still,she’dgoneoutofherwaytoearnanotherlesson,andinhisplace,shewouldseeitdoneand
donewell.Howfoolishshewastothinkshecouldwalktoasettlementafterhesaiditwasn’tsafetotry.Sheshouldhavetrustedhimtoknowwhathewastalkingabout.He
didn’tseemthetypeofmantolie.ThesmellofcoffeewokeJohn.HesatupandcalmlydressedwhilehewatchedSusie
bustleaboutmakingtheirbreakfast.Shedidn’tseemanytheworsefornearlygetting
herselfkilledthedaybefore.“You’reupearly,Susie,”hecommentedashewalkedoverto
thetableandsatdown.“IwantedtoprovetoyouthatIcanbesomethingbesidestrouble,”shesaidasshe
lookedathim.“IamgratefultoyouforrescuingmefromtheIndians,andforcomingaftermeyesterday.IrealizedyesterdaythatIhavebeenbehavinglikeanotherperson
altogetherforthelastfewmonths,andIpromisedGodIwouldturnmyselfaroundifIwas
givenanotherchance.”Shesmiledshyly.“Ithoughtthatmakinganicebreakfastwouldbeagoodplacetostart.”Sheputaplateofbacon,biscuits,andgravyinfrontofhim,along
withacupofcoffee.“Now,thisisrealgood,Susie.”Johndidn’tbothertohidehispleasure.“Ilove
biscuits,andIneverlearnedtomakethemsotheywouldn’tbreakmyteethtoeatthem.
Theseareperfect.”“Mamataughtme,”sheofferedabitofpersonalinformationwithoutithavingtobe
draggedfromher.Shesatdowngingerlyonthehardsurfaceofthechair.Herbottomwas
stillverysore,andshedidn’trelishthefactthatitwouldsoonbeevensorer.Johnwasgoingtopunishheragain,andshehadnorighttoargueorprotest,eventhoughithurtlike
theverydeviltositdownalready.Sheearnedanotherspankingforbeingsoincrediblyfoolish,andJohnwasn’tamantoletsomethinglikethatpasswithoutseeingtoher.She
reallydidn’twantanothertanning,butshehatedfeelingguilty,too.
“Whyaren’tyoueating?”Johnaskedofher,givingherapuzzledlook.Susanraisedhergreeneyestohis.“IamdreadingthepunishmentIearned.”She
sawnoreasontolie.
“Youshoulddreadit,”heagreed.“Youwon’tsitafter,notforalongwhile,”hecalmlypromised.“Youalmostgotyourselfkilled,littlegirl.Howareyourtoesthis
morning?Didyoucheckthem?”“No,buttheonlypaininmyfeetarefromtheseshoes,”sheadmitted.“Thesnow
ruinedthem,”sheexplained.
“I’llmakeyousomemoccasins,”Johnstated.“Afterweeat,youtakeoffthoseshoesandletmelookatyourfeet.Ifyoufrozeatoe,we’llhavetocutitoffbeforeyoupoison
yourwholebody,”hestatedmatter-of-factly.
“Noooo!”Susanshookherheadindenial.“No!”shesaidoncemore,hervoicefirm.“Susie,Iwon’tletyoudieoverstubbornness.Andbesides,yourfeetlookedfinelast
night.Stopworryinguntilit’snecessary.”Hecalmlywentbacktoeatinghisbreakfast.Susantriedtotellherselfshewasallright,butshecouldn’teatanotherbiteuntilshe
knewforsure.MuchtoJohn’samusement,theprettyredheadtookoffherpinchingshoes
andpeeledherstockingsoffhershapelylegsandoffhersmallfeet.Shelookedatherfeetandathertoesanddecidedtheylookedfinetoher.“Myfeetarejustfine,John,”shetold
himinrelief.
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Hegotuptocheckforhimself,andfinallynoddedinagreement.“Looksliketheonly
harmisgoingtobetoyourprettyhind,Susie.”Hercheeksturnedabrightpink,andsheopenedhermouthtospeak,butquicklyclosedit,givingherselfamentalshake.Hesmiled
tohimself;littleMissSusieknewsheearnedagoodspanking,andsheneededittobeonetotakeawayherguilt.Hernextquestionprovedhimright.
“John,howisyourheadthismorning?”Susiehatedtobringupthefactsheinjuredhim,butshewasconcerned.
“Istillhaveabumpandasmallheadache,butI’vehadworse,”hequicklyadded
whenshelookedstricken.“Girl,howinblazesdidyoupickupthatchunkofwood?Itwas
heavy,andalmosttoobigforthefireplace.Itburnedalongwhileorthisplacewouldhavebeenicecoldwhenwegotbackyesterday.”
“I’mprettystrongforagirl.”Shepaused,andthenadded,“Myfatherexpectedmetoworkhardrightalongwithmybrotherswhenwewereclearinglandtoplant.Hedidn’t
carethatIwasafemale,untilhesawmeassomethinghecouldselloffforalargesumof
money.”“Andyouwanttogobackthere?”Johnaskedinsurprise.
“IwanttogohometoMama.NowthatIamwidowed,hecan’tsellmeagain,”sheowned.Shegottoherfeettoclearthetable.
“Susie,yousitdownonthatchairandatleastputonyourstockings.Thisflooris
toocoldtobewalkingaboutinyourbarefeet,”hescolded.“IhaveapairofheaviersocksyoucanwearuntilIgetyousomemoccasinsmade,”hesaidashesnappedhisfingers.A
fewsecondslaterhewasbackandhandedherthesocks.“Mysisterknittedthese,andthey
aretoosmallforme,”hesaidwithagrin.“Thankyou,John!”Susansaidgratefully,pullingthemonoverherstockings.“These
areverynice,andwarm,too!”Shesmiledassheheldoutherfeetandwiggledhertoes.“IamnotsurewhyyouarebeingsonicetomeafterthehorridwayI’vebehaved,John…?”
Herprettyeyesfilledwithtears.“DoyoubelievemewhenItellyouhowsorryIamfor
hittingyou…Andforriskingbothofourlivesyesterday?Iwouldhavediedifnotforyou.”“Ibelieveyou,Susie,”heassuredher.“You’restillgoingtogetyourhindsetonfire,
though.”
Susanfeltherselfblush,butshedidn’tlookaway.“Iknow,”shewhispered.“Whenyou’reallfinishedcleaningupinhere,youcometomeandaskforyour
spanking,younglady.”Susanacknowledgedthatsheheardhim,andthenwentaboutthebusinessof
cleaningupfromtheirmeal.Thereweren’tanyleftoverstoworryabout;Johnwasabig
eater,andshewouldneedtocookabitmoreatmealsthanshenormallywould.Ofcourse,shelikedtoeat,too,andhertummywasstillgettingusedtobeingfullagain.
Asshewashedthedishes,allSusancouldthinkofwasthefactshehadtogotoJohn
andaskhimtospankher!Itwouldbesodifficulttodo,butshewasgoingtohavetoacceptthatsmallpartofherpunishment.ShegaveherwordtoGodthatshewouldbeabetter
person,andHesentJohntosaveher.Whethershelikeditornot,shewasgoingtoswallowherprideandaskforherspanking,andthencooperateanddowhatJohnsaid,nomatter
howdifficult,orhowpainful.Withdetermination,shewashedanddriedthedishes,and
madeeverythingasneatasshecould.JohnwasawareofeverymoveSusanmadeasshewashedupthedishesandthe
heavyfryingpansheusedtocookthebaconandmadethegravy.Sheknewwhatshewas
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doing,anditdidn’ttakeherlongtomakethekitchenareaofthecabinasneatasapin.It
wasobviousshetookprideinhertask.Hewonderedifshewouldcometohim,orifhewasgoingtohavetogoandfetchhertohim.Shefinishedwashingoffthetableanddriedit,and
thenhungthedishclothandtowelonthenailsforthatpurpose.Hewatchedhersquareherslendershouldersandthenturntowalkinhisdirection.
“John,Iamfinishedwiththecleanup.”Shefelthiseyesonherashelookedupfromwherehewassittingonthesideofthebed,andshesawthepieceofleatherlyingbesidehimonthebed.Shefeltherstomachmusclesclenchinapprehension,butsheforced
herselftosaythewordssheneededtosay.“Willyouspankmenowfornearlygettingboth
ofuskilledyesterday?”
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Chapter Four
JohnJerichohadtogivethesassylittleredheadcredit.Shehadmoregumptionthan
alotofmenheknew.Itwasn’teasytoadmityoudidsomethingwrong,andhehadyettomeetafemalewhocouldlookhimintheeyeandaskforapunishment…untilSusie.Yep,
shehadalotofgumption,andsheprobablywouldn’thavesurvivedyesterdayifshehadn’tturnedandheadedbackwhenshedid.“Pullupyourskirts,Susie,andlet’sgetthis
spankingoverwith.I’lltellyourightupfrontthatyoujustcutbyhalfwhatIplannedto
giveyouforthewayyouwalkedoverhereonyourownandadmittedyouearnedapunishment.I’mrealproudofyouforbeingsobraveandstrong.Iknowthatwasn’teasy
todo.”
Susanknewhercheekshadtobeabrightpinksinceshecouldfeelthemburning,butshewasrelievedtoknowthatJohnwasn’tgoingtobesoharshwithher.Shedidn’t
strugglewhenhereachedforher,andshetriedtobebravewhenhestartedspankingwith
hishand.Shewasalreadysosorethateachspankreallyhurt,anditdidn’ttakeverymanyswatstobringtearstohereyes.ShewantedtobegJohntostopthepunishment,butshe
didn’tdare.Itwouldn’tbefairsinceshe’dclobberedhimandknockedhimunconscious,andriskedbothoftheirlives.Shewoulddoherbesttoendurethepunishmentwithout
complaint.Johnknewhewascausingherpain.Hecouldfeelherbody’sjerkyreactioneach
timehishandlandedaspankonhertenderbottom,butshewastryinghardtobebrave.
“Susie,it’sokayifyoucryout.Iknowithurts,”hesaid,lettingherknowheunderstood.“Idon’thaveanyrighttodothat,”shetearfullyconfessed.“Inearlycausedbothof
ustodie.”
“Youdidn’tdothatpartonpurpose.”Heofferedcomfortandsympathy.“You
ignoredmywarnings,true,butyoudidn’treallythinkitwouldstartsnowingbecausetheweatherisdifferentwhereyoucomefrom.I’veseenthatbefore.”
“Youhave?”Shewascuriousabouthispast,buthedidn’ttalkmuchabouthimself.
“Yes.IalmostlearneditthehardwaymyselfthefirstwinterIwashere.So,easeup
abitontheguilt.Youdidn’tpurposelytrytokilleitherofus.Youhitmeoverthehead,however.And,yousneakedoff.Thatisn’tsafe,Susie.Evenifithadn’tsnowed,youmight
nothavemadeittoasettlementinonepiece.Awomanoutherealoneisjustplainasking
fortrouble.Thatiswhatthisspankingisabout.Iwantyoutorememberthistanningsoyouwon’ttakearisklikethatagain.Imightnotbeluckyenoughtofindyouanothertime,”
hesaid,spankingherseveralmoretimesandleavingimprintsofhishandonherpaleskin.“Idon’twantanythingtohappentoyou,Susie!”
“Whydoyoucarewhathappenstome,John?Youdon’tevenknowme!”Hervoicewasfulloftearsandshetriedtolookoverhershouldertoseehisface.Shewassurprisedwhenhesatheruponhisrightthigh,eventhoughsheknewheprobablywasn’tfinished
withherpunishment.Hehadn’tevenpickeduptheleatherlyingbesidehimonthebed,andsheknewheintendedtostripeherbacksidewiththestrap.
“Iwon’tlietoyou,Susie.IsawyoufightingHeWhoWearsRed’sthreewivesandI
admiredyourspunk.Ialsoknewwhatwasgonnahappennext,andIwasraisedbyawomanwhotaughtmetorespectfemales,allfemales,nomatterthecoloroftheirskin.I
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didn’thavenochoicebutstepinandwarmyourhindbeforeHeWhoWearsReddecidedto
hurtyou.BuyingyouseemedtobetheonlythingIcoulddotosaveyouandwarmmybedthislongwinter.Ifiguredthatsinceyou’dbeenmarried,youwouldn’tobject.But,I
figuredwrong,andwhileIintendtochangeyourmind,Iain’tgonnaforceyou.”“Noneofthattellsmewhyyoucare,John,”shestatedbluntly,moreconfusedthan
ever.“Idon’thaveanyotheranswertogiveyou,honey.You’refullofspiritandsass,andI
happentolikethatinawoman.”Hegaveherasmile,andthenlookedatherwithregret.
“Now,we’vebarelystartedthisspankin’,soturnyourhinduphereandwe’llseeifwecan’t
giveyouagoodreasonnottotrysomethingsodarnsneakyagain.”“IpromiseIwon’t,”shesaidwithsincerity.“I’velearnedmylesson,John.”
“You’retellingmethatifIletyouoffwiththosefewlittlepatsonyourhindyou’llnottryclobberingmeovertheheadandtakingoffagain…?”heasked,surprisedather
capitulation.
“Igiveyoumysolemnword.”“Okay,Susie.I’mgoingtoletyouoffthisonetime,butI’mwarningyouhereand
now;yougopullin’anothertricklikethisone,andyou’llnotonlygetatanningyouwon’tlike,I’lladddoubleforthistime.Fairenough?”
“IfI’mstupidenoughtotakeofflikethatagain,John,thenIdeserveexactlythat.”
Sheshudderedattheverythought.“I’mnotthatfoolish,”shetoldhim,andthenadded,“I’mnotawomantogivemywordlightly.”
“Ibelieveyou,Susie.”Heshockedherbygivingherakissonthecheekandthenhe
stoodheronherfeet.“You’veearnedyourselfaboonthistime,littlegirl.Makeyourselfusefulnow,”hebossed,notatallcertainwhyhewasgoingsolightontheprettyredhead,
unlessitwasbecausehefeltsorryforherbecauseshewasalreadysoreascouldbeandwastryingtobebrave.Iflettingheroffeasyinsuredherwordshewouldn’ttrytoleave
again,thenhewouldgiveherachancetoproveherself.Hecouldalwayswearoutthe
leatheronheriftherewasanexttime,hedecided.Herbottomwasstingingbutitwasminorcomparedtothehidingsheexpectedto
receiveandSusanconsideredherselfverylucky.Shequicklydecidedshewouldstarttheir
noonmealtosimmering.IfshekeptJohnfedandhappyherlifewouldatleastbetolerableuntilitwaswarmenoughtomakeittothesettlement.Forthemoment,shewasgoingto
doasshepromisedandshewasgoingtomakesureshedidn’tgivehimanotherreasontopunishher.Herbottomwouldappreciatesometimetoheal.
JohnwatchedsurreptitiouslyasSusanmovedabout.Itwasobvioussheknewwhat
shewasdoinginthekitchenandhismouthwateredashecontemplatedallthemealsshewouldfixforthemtoshare.He’dplannedcarefullyforthewinter,andtheyhadenough
foodtocarrythemthrough.Hewouldalsodosomehuntingclosetothecabinandseeifhe
couldn’tgetthemsomefreshmeatonceinawhile.Theywouldbesnuginhiscabin,andhopefully,Susiewouldgetusedtohimanddecidealittlelovingwouldmakethenightsalot
warmer.********************
AfewdayslaterSusansatinfrontofthefire,slowlygoingcrazy.Johnwasout
huntingagain,andshehadnothingtodo.Backhomeshewouldhavehadherembroidery,butJohnassuredherhehadnothingofthatsortinthecabin.Thecabinitselfwassoclean
itwaspointlesstolookforabitofdust.She’dscouredeverythingthatshecouldscour,and
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everypot,skillet,utensil,anddishgleamed.Therewasnosewingtodo,andshehadto
admitthatJohnsewedbetterthanshedidwhenitcametousingthebuckskinclothhehadsavedinhistrunk.Susanalreadyhadtheirsupperoverthefire,makingapotofhamand
beans,butitwasentirelytoosoontomakecornbread.Sheliterallyhadnothingtodoandshewasborednearlytotears.
Susangotupandwalkedaroundtheroomagain,stoppingbeforetheoneboxontheshelfthatJohntoldherwasofflimits.Shehadn’tseenhimopenitsinceshearrivednearlyaweekago,butwhenshewascleaningandtidyingtheshelfthatrantheentirelengthof
thesouthwallofthecabinandwenttodustthesmall,ornatebox,hehadjumpedtohis
feet,tooktheboxfromherhands,andwarnedhersharplynottotouchitagain.Eversincethenshe’dbeencuriousastoitscontents.Withnothingelsetodo,theboxwasprovidinga
distractingtemptation,anditwasprovingmoreandmoredifficulttoresisttakingapeekinside.
Finally,Susancouldnolongerresist.Johnwouldneverknow,shereassuredherself,
andshecarefullyliftedtheboxtocarryitovertothebedwhereshecouldtakeapeekinside.Itwasextremelyheavy,tohersurprise,andwhensheopenedit,shewasabit
startledtofinditcontainedjewelry,combs,andonthebottomwasabook.Theideaofhavingsomethingtoreadwastooappealingtoresist,andSusancarefullyliftedthebookandeagerlyopenedittothefirstpage.Tohersurprise,shediscoveredthebookwasa
handwrittenjournal…thepropertyofoneCarolynSophieBarrettJericho.Susancouldnomoreputitdownthanshecouldstopherselffrombreathing.Hercuriositywasaroused
andshehadtoknowwhothiswomanwasandwhyJohnhadherjournal.WasCarolynhis
mother?Or,perhapshiswife…?SusanwassurprisedwhenshefeltastingofjealousyatthethoughtofanotherwomanhavingaclaimtoJohn,andshewasequallysurprisedto
realizeshehadthebeginningsoffeelingstowardtheman!ShecertainlyneverfelttheleastbitofanythingbutcontemptandangertowardPhillip,andthefeelingsJohnstirredwithin
herwerenewtoher.
Susanjumpedupfromthebedandwenttothedoor,openedit,andlookedoutsidetoseeifshesawanysignofJohn’sreturning.Shecertainlydidn’twanttobecaught
snooping;sheknewassureasshewasbreathingthathewouldspankherifhefoundher
goingthroughtheoneiteminthecabinhe’dforbiddenhertotouch.Whenshedidn’tseeJohnshehurriedbacktothebed,pickedupthediaryoncemoreandturnedthepageto
readthefirstentry. June21,1840
Thisismyfirstentryinmynewjournalasamarriedwoman!Yesterday,John
andIspokeourvows,andthedaywasbeautiful…Sowasourweddingnight!Johnwasso
patientwithme,evenwhenIcried…
Susanwasshocked! JohnJerichowasmarried! Shequicklyplacedthebookbackin
theboxandhadjustreturnedittotheshelfwhensheheardJohnoutsidethedoor,stompingthesnowoffhisbootsbeforeheentered.Hewascarryingtworabbitsand
smilingproudly.“Hereyougo,Susie.”Heploppedthecreaturesonthetable.“Ihunted;youcan
dressthemout.”
“Youcandoityourself,”sheinformedhim.Johnlookedather,hisdarkeyesnarrowing.“What’swrongwithyou?”he
demanded.
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“Nothing!”
Johntookhistimeremovinghiscoatandhatandhisbootsbeforeslippingintothepairofmoccasinsheworeinsidethecabin.“WhathappenedtosetoffyourtemperwhileI
wasgone,girl?”heasked,hiseyesstudyingherintently.“Nothing!”
“Well,ifnothinghappened,youcanjustgetyourfannyoverhereandtakecareoftheserabbits.”
“Youkilledthem,youcleanthem.”Shefoldedherarmsoverherchestandglaredat
himbelligerently.Howdarehebringherintothiscabinwhenhealreadyhadawife? Itwas
disgusting.“Susie,areyouneedingyourhindwarmedagain?”
“Iwouldn’ttryitifIwereyou!”Sheturnedupherchinandgavehimtoknowshewasnotonebithappy.
“Nowthatsoundsalittlelikeadare,”hedrawledslowly,approachingher.
Susanprudentlybackedoutofreach,butshebackedrightintothebed,andbeforeshecouldprotestshefoundherselflyingfacedownontopofthequiltandhishand
smackedagainstherbottom.“Damnyou,JohnJericho!Stopit!”sheyelledwhenhewhackedheragain.
“Idon’tknowwhatsparkedyourrottenmood,littlegirl,butIhavethecureforit,”
Johnannounced,spankingheragainandagain.Whenshecursedhimagain,henodded.“Iguessyoureallydoneedyourhindwarmed.”Hestartedtopushupthebuckskinskirthe
hadmadeforher,andthensuddenlyasked,“Itisn’tyourwomanlytimeisit,girl?”He
didn’twanttoembarrassherifshewaswearingprotectionforthat.AndLordyknowswomengotcantankerouswhentheywerehavingtodealwiththatpartoflife.
“Howdareyouaskmesomethingsopersonal,you…you…youman!”Shespatthewordathimlikeitwasanothercurse.
“Susie,youarereallyaskingforasorehind.”Heshoveduptheskirttobareherbutt
andthenhespankedherhard.“Idon’tknowwhathasyousomad,girl,butbestyougetoveritfast.”
“Youhavenorighttotellmewhattodo,damnyou!”
“ThehellIdon’t!”Heswattedheragainandyetagain,andshecriedouteachtime.Hegrowled,“Girl,IswearIdon’tknowwhat’sgottenintoyouwhileIwashunting,but
you’dbestgetoveritfast.”Hishandslappedherrumpafewmoretimesuntilherskinwasabrightpinkandheheardhersniffling.Hestoppedthenandpulledherskirtdownto
coverherbeforeheturnedheroverandleaneddownsothathisfacewasmereinchesfrom
hers.“Yougetyourfannyoverthereandcleanthoserabbits,MissSusie.Understandme?”Shegavehimasullenlook,butshenodded.Hesatupandreleasedherandwatchedheras
shecrossedthecabinandtookupasharpknife.Thelooksheleveledonhimwarnedhim
thatshe’dratherusetheknifeonhimthantherabbitsandhekeptaneyeonherwhilesheworked.
Susanworkedquicklyandplottedtheman’sdemisewhileshewasoccupied.ShewonderedifCarolynevenknewwhereherhusbandwas.Whatkindofmanwentoffand
lefthisfamilybehindwhilehedidexactlyashepleased?Thelongersheworked,the
angriershebecame.Sheputtherabbitsonaspitoverthefiretocook.Thehamandbeanswouldkeepuntiltomorrow,shedecided.Freshmeatwouldbeawelcomechange.
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Johntriedafewtimestomakeconversationwiththefeistyredhead,butsheignored
him,andevengavehimherback.Hismindwentbackoverthedayandhecouldn’tfigureoutonesinglethingthathe’ddonetoputherinsuchanevilmood.Heneverdid
understandhowawomancouldbefineoneminuteandcryinginthenext.Hedecidedtogiveheruntilaftertheyatetosettledownandifshewasn’tinabettermoodbythen,he
wasgoingtoknowthereasonwhy.Hewouldn’tputupwithsulkingandtemper.Susantriedashardasshecouldtoputasideheranimosity,butshekeptputting
herselfinCarolyn’splaceanditmadeherfurioustothinkthatshehadbeenstartingto
trustandevencareforJohnJerichowhenhewasallbuttryingtocheatonhispoorwife!
Well,shewasn’thavinganypartofthat!Nomatterwhat!Shewasinaregularsnit,andwhenshewasangry,Susantookitoutoneverythingaroundher.Sheslappedabowlon
thetable,andthenpickedupawoodenspoonandslappeditonthetablewhileshefetchedthecanisterthatheldflour,andplaceditonthetablewithabang.
John’spatiencewaswearingthinandhepromisedhimselfthatifSusieslammedone
morethinghewasgoingtomakeherregrethertemper.Itwasn’tfivesecondslaterthatshebangedthelidonthepotofbeansshehadsimmering.Itwasthefinalstraw.She
neededalessonandhewasjustthemanforthejob.SusangaspedwhenJohntookherbythearmandspunheraroundtofacehim.“Girl,
Iamfeduptoherewithyourtantrum.EitheryoutellmewhathasyouinsuchasnitorI’m
gonnaturnyourhindupandsetitonfire.”“Idon’toweyouanexplanation,JohnJericho!”Shelookedathiminpuredefiance,
refusingtotellhimonedamnthing.
“Okaythen.”Hepulledachairfromthetableandcarrieditintothemiddleoftheroom,whilehepulledheralongafterhim.Heputthechairdown,tookaseat,andthen
hauledastrugglingSusanoverhisknee.Inlesstimethanittooktoblink,he’dhoistedherskirtoutoftheway,andstartedspankingherbarebuttocks.Hewasirritatedandannoyed,
andheintendedtomakehisfeelingsknowninawaythatwouldgetthroughtoher.Hewas
awarethatSusanwasyellingathim,tellinghimtostop,butheignoredher.Itwastimeforhertolearnheonlyhadsomuchpatience.Hedidn’tmindspankinganaughtybottom
whenitneededspanking,andthiswasonetimehewasn’tgoingtostopuntilhewasdamn
goodandready.SusanfinallyrealizedthatallofherkickingandfightingandscreamingatJohnto
stopwasonlyfuelinghisdeterminationtoseeherwell-spanked.Shemadeherselfquitstruggling,andwhenshedidthatherangerdisappearedandshestartedcrying.Sheknew
inherheartthatshewascryingbecauseshewassodisappointed.Injustashortfewdays
shehadfalleninlovewithJohnJericho,andithurtdeeplytoknowthathewasmarriedtosomeoneelse.Heonlywantedhertosatisfyhismanlyurges.Thatwasall.
JohnfinallyrealizedthatSusiewascryingasifherheartwasbreaking.Hestopped
spankingher,wonderingwhyhefeltsoguiltyforgivingherthepunishmentshe’dbeenaskingforeversincehereturnedfromhunting.Heonceagainpulledherskirtdownto
coverherflamingredbacksideandthenhelpedherup.Thistimeshedidn’tfighthimwhenheofferedcomfortandcameintohisembracewillingly,cryingagainsthisshirt.“Honey,
what’swrong?”heaskedonceagain.
“Idon’tknowverymuchaboutyou,”sheexplained.“Thatiswhatthisisallabout?”hequestioned,humorinhiswords.“Susie,that’sno
reasontogetmad.Justwhatdoyouwanttoknow?”
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“Yousaidyourfamilyownedaplantation,butifthatistrue,whyareyououtherein
themiddleofnowhere?”Hergreeneyeswerefulloftearswhenshelookedathim.“It’salongstory,Susie,”headmitted.“Ihadtogetaway,andIendeduphere.”
“Thatdidn’tsoundlikealongstorytome.”Shesmiledathimthroughhertears.“It’shardtotalkabout,”headmitted.“MaybeaftersupperI’lltrytofindthewords.”
Whenshenoddedanddidn’tnagathim,heasked,“Doyoufeelbetternow,honey?”Whenhesawaflashofindignationinhereyes,hegrinnedandadded,“Otherthanyourhind,thatis…?”
SusanfounditdifficulttostayangrywithJohnwhenhegrinnedlikeamischievous
littleboy.Shenodded,andthensaid,“I’msorryIbehavedlikethat.”“It’sdonenow,”hesaidforgivingly.“Howsoonwillthatrabbitbedone?Thesmell
ofitroastingismakingmehungryasabear!”“You’llhavetobepatientawhilelonger,”shetoldhimaftercheckingthemeat.“I
wantthistobecookedjustright.”
Hemadeafacethatshefoundfunny,buthebusiedhimselfwithsomethingelsewhileshemadesomefriedpotatoestogowiththerabbit.Shealsohadbiscuits,andJohn
hadtoforcehimselftokeepbusywithhisprojectratherthanheadforthetableandsittherewaitingwithhistonguehangingout.Susiewasagreatcookandheappreciatedthat.Shefinallycalledhim,andheimmediatelyputdowntheknifeheusedforcarvingand
headedforthetable.“Thislookswonderful,Susie,”hecomplimentedher.“I’mhungry,too,”sheadmitted.“Itisnicetocookforsomeonewhoappreciates
goodfood.”
“Yourhusbanddidn’tlikeyourcooking?”hequestioned,clearlyshockedbyherwords.
“HeconsideredmewastefulwhenIaddedanoniontopotatoes.Iwassupposedtousethemsparingly,aswellasmeat.HefeltIspenttoomuchtimeworryingoverfood
whenIshouldbeonmykneespraying.”
“Hewasn’trightinhishead,Susie.Thereisnothingwrongwithyourcooking.Doyoubelieveme?”
“Yes,Ido.”ShesmiledatJohn.“IcookthewayMamataughtmetocook.Myfather
neverscoldedherformakingtoomuchfood.Heatehisfillandwentbacktowork.Iftherewasareasontocriticize,hewouldhavedoneso.Philipbelievedthatfastingandgoing
hungrywasproofofhisloveforGod.Hetriedtoforcehisviewsonme,butIamafraidIliketoeattoomuchtosharehisbeliefs.”Shesmiled,butJohnfrowned.
“YouwerethinasasaplingbeforeyouweretakenbyHeWhoWearsRed,weren’t
you,honey?”heaskedsharply,barelycontaininghisangeratherabusivehusband.“I’veeatenmoresinceI’vebeenherethanIdidinthethirtydaysbefore,”she
confessed.“Iwillnevertakefoodforgrantedagain.”
“Damnit,Susie.Thatjustisn’tright.IswearifyourhusbandwasaliveI’dkillhimforyou.Hesoundslikeonemeanbastard.”
“Hewasmean,”sheconceded,andthenshestartledJohnbystating,“HetriedtokillmewhenhesawtheIndiansweregoingtowinthebattle.HeWhoWearsRedsavedmy
life.”
“Iamgladofthat,honey.”Johnreachedacrossthetableandtookherhandinhis.“IampositivePhilipthoughthewassavingyoufromshameanddegradation,butI’mgladhe
didn’tsucceed.”
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“SoamI,”shetoldJohn.Sharingthatmomentseemedtofreeherfromthechilling
horrorshefeltwhenPhilipturnedhisgunonher,hiseyesseeminglyfullofhatred.Shestillfeltthathesimplydidn’twanthertoliveifhewasgoingtodie.
Theyfinishedtheirmeal,andactuallyatetoomuchbecauseitwassodelicious.Susandidn’treallyfeellikedoingthedishes,butshegottoherfeetandfilledthedishpan
withwatershe’dputoverthefiretoheatwhiletheywereeating.ShewasshockedwhenJohnpickedupthedishtowelanddriedthedishesforher.Shegavehimagratefulsmileandwhentheyfinished,hesaidsoftly,“Comeandsitdown,Susie,andI’llansweryour
question.”
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Chapter Five
Susangingerlytookaseatintherockingchairshepreferred,mindfulofhersore
bottom,andJohnsatintheotherone.Itwaslargerthantheonesheconsideredhers,andshewaitedonhimtospeak.Hewasquietforsolongshethoughthe’dchangedhismind
aboutansweringherquestionofhowhecametobesofarfromhomeinsteadoflivingonhisfamily’splantation.Whenhespoke,shecouldtellhewasrelivinghispast.
“Ihadeverythingayoungmaninthesouthcouldexpecttohave.Agoodfamily,
lovingparentsandbrothersandsisters.Wewerewealthyandlifewasperfect.Myolderbrotherandsisterwerealreadymarried,andthereweregrandchildrenformyparentsto
spoil.OnedaymysisterAnnabroughthomeafriendfromschoolbythenameofCarolyn,
andItookonelookatherandwasinlove.Icourtedherandwonfavorwithherparents,andmadehermybride.Carolynwasveryspoiledandexpectedthingstogoherwayallthe
time.Shealsoflirtedoutrageouslywithanymanwhocaughtherfancy.MyMamadidn’t
approveandmadeherfeelingsknown,andCarolyndecidedweneededtobuildourownhome.Ifinallygavein,justtokeeppeaceinthefamily,butthehousedidn’tsuitCarolyn.
Shewantedittobeasgrandasmyparents’home.WequarreledandIlefttokeepfromwringingherneckbecauseIwassoangry.WhileIwasatmyfolks,seekingtheiradviceon
thebestwaytohandleCarolyn’schildishbehavior,someonerapedandkilledCarolyn.Iwasaccusedofmurderingher,andherfathertriedtohavemehanged.Myfatherand
brothersbarelygotthereintimetosavemyass.Iwentfrombeingarespectedmemberof
thecommunitytobeingasocialoutcast.ItwasslowlykillingmyMama,soIleftandendedupouthere.AsfarasIknow,Carolyn’smurdererhasneverbeencaught.”
“Iknowyouwouldn’tdosomethinglikethat,”Susansaidsoftly.
“Thankyou,Susie.No,Iwouldn’tdosomethinglikethat.Iwouldn’tkillawoman
overfoolishness,whichisallCarolyn’sbehaviorwas.Ididloveher,oratleastIthoughtIdid.It’sbeenseveralyearsnowandI’vegrownupsome,too.IstillsufferalotofguiltthatIwasn’ttheretoprotectherwhensheneededmemost.”
“Itwasherchoicetoseparateherselffromyourfamily.”
“Ishouldn’thavepermittedit.IshouldhavecutaswitchandstripedhersixwaystoSunday,”Johnstatedwithconviction.
“John,youhavetostopblamingyourself.Thepeoplewhoknowyouarepositiveof
yourinnocence,I’msure.Ithinkyouneedtogobackhomeandseethem.PerhapsCarolyn’smurdererhasbeencaught…?”
“Ishouldhavegoneafterhimmyself,”hewhispered.Susandidn’tknowwhattosay,andJohnseemedmorethanreadytochangethe
subject.“Thatiswhatbroughtmeouthere,Susie.Mystoryisnomorespecialthananyothermanwhoistrappingforaliving.It’sasolitarylife,butagoodoneforthemostpart.
TheychattedabitlongerandthenJohnannounceditwastimetoturnin.Susan
wasn’tsleepy,butsinceshehadnothingtodo,shedidn’targue.Itstillfeltstrangetoshareabedwiththeman,buthedidn’ttrytoforcehimselfonher.Atleastherquestions,or
mostofthem,wereansweredaboutCarolyn.Hewasawidower,andnotcheatingonhis
wife.Susanfeltmuchbetteraboutthat,butshecouldn’thelpbutwonderaboutCarolyn,andhowtheydiffered.Thefirstchanceshegot,shewasgoingtoreadCarolyn’sjournal
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andlearnwhatshecouldabouther‘rival’.AlthoughCarolynwasnolongerliving,her
memoryheldconsiderableswayoverJohn’sfeelings.SusanneededtoknowwhatJohnpreferredinawoman.Howelsewasshegoingtomakehimfallinlovewithher?
Thefoolgirlwasuptosomethingagain,andJohnknewitassurelyasheknewhisnamewasJohnJericho.Shewastooeagertoseehimgohuntingtoday.Johnslowlyputon
histrappingsandleftthecabin,promisinghewouldreturninabit.Whenshetoldhimtotakehistime,henodded,everyinstincthepossessedtellinghimshewasplanningtorunawayagain.Thistimehewasgoingtocatchher,andhewasgoingtosethersweetbutton
fire.Hestompedaway,untilhewassurehewasoutofsightandthenhewaited.
********************SusanpeekedoutsidetomakesurethatJohnwastrulygone,andnotturningaround
becauseheforgotsomething,andwhenshedidn’tspothim,shehurriedtotakedownthejournalandread.
June28,1840,
IcannotbelievethatJohn’sMamascoldedmeinfrontoftheentirefamilythis
morning.Iwasonlymakingourguestswelcomelastnight,andIhadnoideaitwas
consideredimpropertohavesomanydancepartners.Iwasmerelybeinggracious,butJohnsidedwithhisMama,andoncewewerealonehesaidhewouldspankmeifithappenedagain!IremindedhimthatIamnotachild,andhetoldmetostopbehavingasthoughIwere!Iwas
insulted,ofcourse.IslappedJohn’sface,andthenhedidthemostheinousthing…Hepulled
metoourbedandhepushedupmyskirtsandspankedmybarebottomwithhishand.Icried
andcriedandbeggedhispardon,andheheldmeandsaidhewassorry,too.
July4,1840 ThecelebrationtodaywasexcitingandIwashavingawonderfultime,until
John’sMamagrabbedmebythearmandtoldmetostopmakingaspectacleofmyself.IwenttoJohnandaskedhimtodealwithhisMama,buthetookhersideandscoldedmeonceagain.
HeevendaredtosendmetoourroomandtoldmeIcouldgostraighttobedsinceIdidn’t
knowhowtobehaveasamarriedwoman.Irefused,andtheverysecondIstarteddancingwithPhillipCrabtree,Johncameoverandtossedmeoverhisshoulderandcarriedmefrom
theballroom,andhespankedmeandputmetobed.IammiserableandwishI’dnever
married.
July5,1840
Johnapologizedforbeingsuchabeast.HealsopromisedtotalktohisMama
andorderhertotreatmemuchbetter.Iwantanewhouse,andfeltitwastimetoinsistJohn
considerit.Hesaidthereisnothingwrongwiththishouse.Iwillhavemywayeventually!
Why,Carolynwasnothingbutaspoiledbrat!Susanrealized.Therewasnomentionoflovinghernewhusband!Everythingwasaboutherandwhatshewanted.PoorJohn!
He’dmarriedachild,notawoman!
July15,1840 Finally,JohnrealizedthathisMamaandIarenotgoingtogetalong.His
Fatherhasgivenusatractoflandonwhichtobuildourhome!IwantittobebiggerthanhisMama’shome,butJohnsayswedonotneedsuchalargehomesinceitwillbethetwoofus.I
willhavemyway.”
July30,1840 IamsoangrywithJohn!Hetookmetoseeourhome,anditisnotnearlylarge
enough.Herefusestomakeitanylarger,andItoldhimIwillnotlivethere.Heseemsto
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thinkIshouldbegratefultoliveinahousethatishardlyasbigasaslavecabin.Iwon’thave
it!Hehasgivenmeuntiltomorrowtoseethingsdifferently…orelse.IoverheardhisMamatellinghimtocutapeachtreeswitchandwearmeout!IthinkFatherJerichoshouldwear
herout!
August7,1840
IdonotwishtoleavethebighouseforoursmallhousebutJohnhastoldmeIwillbegoingevenifhehastocarryme.ItoldhimthatIshallgohometoDaddyandMama,andhesaidIamfreetoleaveanytimeIwish.Heissomean.Itrulyhatehimwhenhelistens
tohisMamainsteadofme.
August20,1840
Wearemovedintoournewhome.Itisnice,eventhoughitissmall.AtleastI
shallnothavetoendureJohn’sMamaandherbossinessanylonger…andIwillbefreetohave
visitors.IhaveaskedDaddytosendReisaandOlivertocareforthehouseandgrounds.Iwill
notuseJohn’sslaves.TheyareuppityandonlyanswertoJohn’sMama,andIdonotwantto
bespiedon.ItwassimplyawfultohaveJohn’sentirehouseholdappraisedofeachargument
JohnandIhad.Nowthatwearelivingapartfromthatterriblewoman,Ishallbemistressof
myownhomeandthingswillbeasIwantthem. August30,1840 Johnisangryandstompedaway.HedoesnotlikethefactthatIhavefriends
whostopby,andhewasfuriouswhenheoverheardmetellingRichardPauleyofmyplansto
expandourhouseandmakeithuge.ForthefirsttimeIreallythoughthemightactuallycut
andpeelaswitchandstripeme.Thespankingshe’sgivenmeareterribleenough,andIdo
notwishaseriouspunishment.IalsohaveanotherproblemwithAbelMcCory.Hetriedtomakemekisshimyesterday,andIfearhewillcomebackwhileJohnisawayandforcehis
attentionsonme.HeisstillupsetImarriedJohninsteadofhim.Idon’tloveAble;notthewayIloveJohn.Ihearhimnow,sowillcloseandtrytomakeamendswithmyhusband.Iamtired
ofallthesillyfussingwedo.
ThatwasthelastentryandSusanfeltfrustrated.ShewonderedifJohnhadreadtheentries,andifthemannamedAbelMcCoryhadbeenquestioned.Justthenthecabindoor
openedandshewascaughtred-handedwithCarolyn’sdiaryinherhandsandtheopenbox
lyingbesideheronthebed.JohnsuddenlyrealizedwhySusanhadbeensoeagertogetridofhim.Shewas
snoopingthroughCarolyn’spersonalitems.Hewaslivid.“John,Iknowyou’reangry,andyouhaveeveryrighttobe,”shesaid,hercheeksa
guiltyred,“butIhavetoaskyouthis…Haveyoureadthisjournal?”
“No,”hethrewthewordather,hisvoiceharshanddamning,“Andyoushouldn’thave,either!Iwantyourbacksidebarerightnow,andIwantyoubentoverthetable.
You’regoingtogetatanningyouwillneverforget.”
Susan’shandswereshakingandsheknewshedidn’thaveaprayerofescapingaspankingthistime.ShedidsomethingshamefulandJohnhadeveryrighttotakeherto
task.Sheputthejournalonthebedandthenwalkedovertothetable.Whenshewasthereshepulledupherskirttorevealherbarebottom,andthenshelayoverthetable,
givingJohnatarget.Asangryashewas,thespankingwasgoingtohurtlikecrazy.
Johnremovedhisgloves,hat,coat,andbootsandhewentrightovertowhereSusanwaswaitingandhegaveherbarehindahardspank.“Iamdisappointedinyou,young
lady.”Hespankedheroncemore,andthenwalkedovertothecupboardandtookouta
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woodenspoon.“I’msurethiswillmakeanimpression,”hestated,andthenstarted
spankingherwiththebowlofthewoodenspoon,causinghertocryoutinpain.Whenshesaidshewassorry,heignoredherandkeptrightonspanking,leavingovalsofthespoonon
herthighs,sitspots,andcheeks.“Oh,John,pleasestop!Please!Iknowitwaswrong,butIwassobored…and
curious!I’msorry!”“Thatisnotagoodexcuseforsnoopingwhenyouwerewarnedoff,”Johnscolded,
andspankedhersitspotsagain.
“Owwwww!Owwwwww!Pleasestop,John!Icouldn’thelpit.Itwasjusttoo
tempting,andIwantedtoknowaboutCarolyn!”sheconfessed.Johngaveherafewmorehardlickswiththewoodenspoon,andshestartedcryinginearnest.“I’msorry!I’msorry!”
shesobbed.“Please,stop!”shebegged.“WhyareyousocuriousaboutCarolyn?Itoldyouallabouther,”Johnpointedout,
provinghe’dbeenlisteningtoherafterall.
“Idon’thaveagoodexcuse,John.Iwasboredwithnothingtodo,andIwascurious.WhenIsawthejournal,Ithoughtitmightbeabooktoread,butitwasn’t.AndthenI
wantedtoknowmoreaboutCarolyn.”“Why?”“Because.”Herfaceturnedred.
“Thatisthekindofanswerthatwillgetyourhindturnedevenredder,”heannounced,spankingherreddenedbacksideagainandagain.
“BecauseIwantedtoknowwhatshewaslikecomparedtome.”Herfacewashot
andhadtobeasscarletasherbehind.Itwashumiliating.“Whatfor,Susie?”Johncouldn’tfigureherout,butherecalledhermoodoftheday
before.“Didyougosnoopingyesterday,too?”Susanwashonesttoafault.“Yes,”sheadmitted.
“Andfindingthatdiarysparkedyourtemper…?”
“Yes.”Therewasnodenyingthetruth.“Nowthisisgettin’realinterestin’,”Johnsaid.“Wereyoumadbecauseyoudidn’t
getachancetoreadthewholethingyesterday,orwastheresomeotherreason?”
“Ithoughtyouleftyourwifebehindandwereplanningtojustusemeassomeoneconvenient.Iwouldn’tcheatwithanotherwoman’shusband!”shestatedclearly.
“Iwouldnevercheatonmywife!”Hewasobviouslyoffended,andthehardhandthatlandedonherstingingbacksidegaveprooftothefact.“I’venevermetanyonewho
neededaspankingmorethanyou!”hescolded,spankingheragainandagainwhileshe
howledinpain.“IthinkCarolynwasawful!”Susanunwiselydeclared.
“Youhadnorighttoreadherprivatethoughtsjusttocriticizeher,”Johnsaidangrily
andhestartedspankinginearnest.“Shewasaspoiledbrat!”Susaninsisted,andthencriedwhenhespankedeven
harder.“Okay,Ishouldn’thavelookedatherjournal!I’msosorry!Pleasestop,John!”Tohersurprise,hedidstop,andthenhepulledhertoherfeet.
“Youneverdosomethinglikethatagain,younglady.Hearme?”
“IknowwhokilledCarolyn.”“What?”Hiseyesblinkedinsurprise.ItwasthelastthinghewasexpectingSusan
tosay.
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“IknowwhokilledCarolyn.HisnameisAbleMcCory;hetriedtoforcehimselfon
heradayortwobeforeshewasmurdered,andshefearedhewouldtrythatagain.Shewroteaboutitinthelastentryshemade.”
“Putthejournalaway,Susan,”Johnorderedsharply.Susandidn’targue.Shecarefullydroppedherskirtandwalkedacrosstheroom.
Sheclosedthediaryandcarefullyplaceditbackintheboxandputtheboxbackontheshelf.Thenshestoodtherewithherheaddown.She’ddonesomethingbadandshefeltguilty.“Areyoustillterriblyangrywithme,John?”
“IthinkIhavearighttobe,don’tyou?”
Shenodded,stillunabletolookathim.“I’msorryIupsetyou.”“Istilldon’tunderstandwhyyou’resodarncuriousaboutCarolyn…?”Helookedat
her,butshestillhadherheadbowedinshame,andshewasstillcrying.“There’snoneedtokeepcrying,Susie.What’sdoneisdone;I’llgetovermymad.”Shenodded,butcouldn’t
seemtomovefromthatspot.“Damnit,Susie!You’reremindingmeofapuppywhogota
swatfromanewspaperanddoesn’tknowwhy.Talktome,”heorderedsharply.Sheshookherhead‘no’.Shewasmortifiedbyherbehaviorandbyheradmissions
tohim.Andshewonderedifhewasreallysodensehedidn’tunderstandwhyshe’dreadthejournal.Johnsuddenlytookherbythearmandmarchedherovertoherrockingchairandplunkedherdownontheseat.“Youcanjustsitrighthere,Miss,untilyoustopsulking
anddecidetotalktome.”“Ithurtstoomuchtositrightnow!”Susantriedtorisefromthechair,butJohn
merelysatherbackdownwithathump.“Owwwwww!”shecomplained.
“Sit.Don’tmove.IwantyoutocomeupwithsomethingIcanunderstand.”Hefeltlikeanasswhenshestartedcryingagain,butheignoredherandpickedup
hiscarvingandwenttoworkonceagain.Women!Theydroveamancrazy! Hestilldidn’tunderstandwhySusiefeltsheneededtoreadCarolyn’sjournalwhenhe’dneveroncebeen
temptedtoreadherprivatewords.AndthenSusiedaredtocallCarolynan‘awful,spoiled
brat’,whichwasprobablytrue…butwhydidSusiecare?Ofcourse,he’dsaidsomerottenthingsaboutherdeadhusband,buttheguywasalouse.HemistreatedSusie,andwasn’t
smartenoughtorealizethetreasurehehad.MaybeSusiefeltthesamewayabout
Carolyn…?Hegaveheranothertenminutes,andthensaid,“Areyoureadytotalktomenow,Susie?”
“Yes,ifyouletmegetupfirst.”Hergreeneyestoldhimhowmuchpainshewasin.“I’mhurtingsomethingawful,John.”
“Youearnedthattanning,”heannounced.
“Iknow,”shewhispered.“Please,mayIgetupnow?”sheaskedhopefully.“Yes.”Shewastednotimeinjumpingtoherfeetandthenherhandswentbackto
herbottomandrubbedgingerly.
“Areyousupposedtobedoingthat?”Johnaskedinexasperation.“Probablynot…?”sheguessed,buthenoticedshedidn’tstop.“Ican’thelpmyself,
John.Youwereangryandyouletmeknowit!I’mstingingstill!”“Iwarnedyoutostayoutofthatbox,didn’tI?”
“Yes,youdid.Ishouldhaverespectedyourwishes,butIwassimplytooboredfor
somethingtodo…andIallowedmycuriositytogetthebestofme.I’msorry,”sheapologized,andthewordsweresincere.“Ican’tundoit,however,andIwon’tsayI’msorry
forthinkingCarolynwasaspoiledchild!Shetreatedyouawful,John!Whiningand
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complainingallthetime…Flirtingwithmen,andplottingtoupsetyourMama.Sheshould
havebeenspankedlikethisafewtimes!”Susiesaidthewordswithfeelingassherubbedhersmartingrearagain.
“SheplottedagainstmyMother?”Johnwasstartled.“Shelovedtoupsether,andtheonlyreasonshewantedahomeofherownwas
becauseshecouldn’ttelltheservantswhattodo.TheywereallloyaltoyourMama!”“ThatsoundslikeCarolyn.Shewastooyoungtogetmarried,”hestated.“Iknew
thatwhenImarriedher.Ishouldhavegivenherafewmoreyearstogrowup,butshe
wantedoutfromherfather’srulesandIknewshe’dfindsomeoneelseifIdidn’toffer.I
wassurethatmarriagewouldmakehergrowupfaster,settleherdown,andIthoughtthatIwasmatureenoughforbothofus.IshouldhavecutaswitchanduseditthefirsttimeI
caughtherflirtingonthedancefloor.”“I’msorryshetreatedyouthewayshedid,John.Youareagoodmanandyou
deservedmuchbetter.”
“You’rejealousofCarolyn!”HeblurtedthediscoverywithoutpausingtothinkaboutitfirstandhadthesatisfactionofwatchingSusan’sfaceturnanembarrassedred.“That’sit,
isn’tit?Youreadthejournalbecauseyouarejealous!”Hechuckled.“Don’tyoudaremakefunofmyfeelings!”Susanangrilystompedherfootonthe
floor.“Imeanit,JohnJericho!I’llstopcookingforyouifyoudon’tstoplaughingthis
instant!”“Jealous…!Ineverwouldhavethoughtit!”Hewasfoolishenoughtokeeprighton
teasing,andlearneditwasamistakewhenSusanpickedupthewoodenspoonfromthe
tablewherehe’dleftitlyingandcameafterhim.“Ow!”heyelledwhenshesmackedhimhardonhisshoulder.“Susie,youputthat
down!”Sheignoredhim,andcontinuedtododgehiseffortstotakethewoodenspoonfromherhands.Shedancedoutofreach,andcameuponhisbackside,andlandedanother
smackonhisbutt,andthenlaughedinsatisfactionwhenheholleredagain.“Girl,ifyou
don’tstopthisI’mgoingtospankyourhindagain!”Sheignoredhimoncemore,andhefinallyletoutabellowandtackledher,takingherdownonthebedandcoveringherwith
hisbody.
Susanfinallyrealizedthatwhackinghimwiththeheavyspoonwasn’tthesmartestthingsheeverdid.Helookedpositivelyfuriousandwithoutpausingtogivethematterany
thoughtatall,shethrewthespoonacrossthecabin,outofreach.Toherabsoluteshock,John’sbodystartedshakingontopofhersandittookheramomenttorealizethathewas
laughing!“Ohyou!”Shetriedtopushhimoffofher,buthewassimplytooheavy.Her
eyesmethis,andthenhewasloweringhismouthtohersandkissingher!Thekisswassoftandgentleandpersuasive,andSusanfoundherselfenjoyingthesimplepleasure.He
kissedherafewmoretimes,andshecouldn’tdenyherresponse.
Johnwasamazedatthetendernesshefeltfortheredhead.TherehadbeenotherwomensinceCarolyn’sdeath,butnotoneofthemaffectedhimthewaySusandid.He
foundhimselfeagertopleaseher,andcherishher…Feelingshethoughtlongdead.PartofhimwasalreadyinlovewithSusieandheknewthatoncehemadeherhis,hewouldnever
wanttolethergo.Shefeltperfectunderhim,andgonewasthefearheexpectedtoseein
herprettygreeneyeswhenhegottooclosetoher.SusanknewtheexactmomentthatJohn’sgoodhumorturnedtopassion.Hiskisses
deepened,andhishandslidunderthetunictopsheworeandsoughtoutherbreast.She
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heardamoanofpleasureandwassurprisedtorealizeitwascomingfromwithinher!John
wasshowingherthattheintimacysharedbetweentwoadultscouldbepleasurableforthemboth,andshedidn’twanthimtostoptouchingher.Shekissedhimback,hertongue
duelingwithhisastheytastedeachother.“Areyousurethisiswhatyouwant,Susie?”Johnaskedofher.“Iwon’thaveyou
sayingIforcedyou…?”“I’msure,John,”Susanwhispered.“I’mverysure.”And,sherealizedwithcertainty,
shewassure.Sureofherfeelingsandsureoftheman.Sheneededtobeheldandloved,
andshewassureitwouldbespecialbetweenthem,evenifshewascompletely
inexperienced.“You’lltellmewhattodo?”sheasked.“Justbeyourself,honey.”Hebusilyuntiedthelacesholdinghertoptogether,and
thenhepulleditoverherheadsohiseyescouldfeastonherbreasts.“IfeellikeI’vebeenwaitingforyoualongtime,Susie,”hewhispered,andthengavehimselfovertomakingthe
momentspecialforbothofthem.
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Chapter Six
Susancouldn’tbelieveshewasactuallypermittingJohntotouchhersointimately,
andthatshefeltnoshameandnorevulsion.GivingherselftoJohnfeltright.Shelovedhim,andshefeltsafewithhim.ShehadneverwantedPhilipinthisway,anditwouldhave
sickenedherifhe’dtouchedhersointimately,eventhoughshe’dknownthemanforsometimeandwasmarriedtohim.ButshewantedJohn.Whenheremovedtherestofher
clothingshedidn’ttrytohideherselffromhisgaze.Whatshesawinhisdarkeyes
reassuredherthatshewasdesirable,andmaybeevenpretty.Hedidn’tseeherasaneviltemptress,butasalovelywoman.Hewasn’tashamedofhisbody’sreactiontoher,andshe
feltcompletelysafe.
Johncouldn’twaittogetridofhisclothing,andhequicklyremovedeverythingtostandinfrontofhercompletelynude.Susie’seyeswidenedasshesawhowlargehewas.
“You’rebig!”shewhispered.
Johnchuckled.“Bigenough,Iguess.”Hereyeswerefulloftrepidation.“Don’tworry,Susie.Iamgoingtogorealslowanddothisright.Iwillbegentle.”
Hedidn’tgiveherachancetoreply.Hetookonerosetippednippleintohismouthandteasedherwithhistongue.“Oh,John.Ididn’tknowthiscouldfeelgood!”she
admitted,hervoicefullofawe.“Itwillfeelevenbetter,honey,”hepromised,remindinghimselfthatheneededto
goslowly.InspiteofthefactthatSusiewasmarried,shewasstillaninnocent,andshe
deservedgentlenessandhisconsiderationasheclaimedher.Susan’slowerbellyachedandshefeltwetbetweenherlegs.Shedidn’tknowifthat
wasnormal,butsinceJohnseemeddelightedwithherresponse,shesimplyenjoyedthe
sensationshewasresponsibleforcreating.Hishandsweresogentleandshewasabitin
aweofthat.Howhecouldspanksohardoneminute,andthentouchhersocarefullyinthenext…itwasamazing!
Johntookherhandandguidedittohispulsingmanhood.“Iknowyouareshy,
Susie,butIwantyoutofeelhowmuchIwanttomakelovetoyou.Whenyoustrokeme,it
givesmethesamekindofpleasureyouarefeelingwhenItouchyouhere.”Hestrokedherlittlebudandshemoanedwithlongingformore.
“Iwanttopleaseyou,too,John,”shewhispered.“Willyoutellmewhattodo?”
“Youaredoingjustfinerightnow,”hereassuredher.Hefinallyhadtostillherhand.“I’llshoottoosoon,honey,ifyoukeepthatup,”hewhispered,smiling.“Iwanttomakethis
lastalongtime.”Susanwasunpreparedfortherenewedassaultonhersensesashecaressedherand
madeherwrithewithanaching,burningneed.Shewasbegginghimtogivehermore,andwhenhefinallymovedbetweenherlegstoclaimher,hetoldherthattherewouldbeabitofpainthefirsttime,butneveragain.Susanwasbeyondcaringaboutthat.Sheneeded
Johnandsheeagerlyacceptedhimasheslowlyenteredher.Therewasalotofstretching,andthenthepromisedpain,whichbroughttearstohereyes,butJohnstoppedmovingand
gaveherbodytimetoaccepthim.Hekissedawayhertears,anditdidn’ttakelongforhim
toreignitethefiresofpassionwithinher.
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Johnfounditeasytobecarefulofthepreciouswoman.Hisfeelingsforherwere
growingdeepereveryday,andhefounditremarkablethatshewaswillinglygivingherselftohimwithsuchabandon.Hewantedtoprotecther,andgivinghertimetoadjusttohim
wouldonlymakethefinaloutcomeoftheirlovemakingthatmuchbetter.Hesmiledtohimselfwhenhefeltherstartmovingabitbeneathhim,andhemovedslowly.“Isthisall
right,honey?Idon’twanttohurtyou.”“Itfeelsfinenow,John,”sheanswered,returninghiskisseswithherown.Shetried
tomatchhismovementsandwassurprisedwhenthetensionbuiltasbefore…onlythis
timeitexplodedallaroundherandshecriedoutinpleasureandsurpriseattheintensityof
herfeelings.Johnsaidhernameashefoundhisownreleasewithinher,andwhenherolledoffofher,hepulledhercloseandsimplyheldher.Susanwascontentandhappy.
Therewasnoshame,andnotears.Theexperiencewastrulybeautiful!“Howareyoufeeling,Susie?Doyouhurt?”Johnwasconcerned.
“Ifeellikeabeautifulwomanforthefirsttimeinmylife,”shereplied,andthenshyly
added,“Itmightbewrongformetosaythis,butIamsogladthatPhilipdidn’ttouchme.Youmademyfirsttimespecial,anditwouldhavebeenterrifyingwithPhilip.Thankyou
forbeingsopatientwithme,John,andforgivingmetimetoacceptmyfeelingsforyou.”“Youwereworthwaitingfor,honey,”hetoldher,andthenleaneddowntokissher
neckinasignofaffection.“Letmegetsomewatertobatheyou,”hesaidashereluctantly
movedawayfromher.Hetookthewaterpitcherfromthestand,andfilleditwithhotwaterfromthepotoverthefirethattheykeptwarmallthetime.Headdedsomecool
watertoo,andthenputthewaterinthebasin.Hefoundaclothforbathing,andwetit.
“Letmehelpyou,Susie,”heoffered,gentlypullingherlegsapart.Hedidn’twanthertobefrightenedbythebloodstainingherlegsandthequiltontopofthebed.“Thisisperfectly
normal,”heexplainedinacalmtoneofvoice.“Whatisnormal?”sheasked,thoroughlyembarrassedhewasbathinghermost
privatearea.Shesawthebloodandwasimmediatelyshamed.“Ohno!”Howawfultostart
hertimewhiletheyweremakinglove!“It’snotwhatyouthink,honey,”Johnexplained.“Thefirsttimeawomanlieswitha
man,sheloseshermaidenhead,andthereisblood.Itonlyprovesthatyouwereinnocent,
anditisnothingtobeashamedof.”Hecleansedherandthensaid,“You’dbestputyourclothesonnow,Susie.Idon’t
wantyoutotakeachill,andit’stoosoontojoinagain.Youmightbeabitsoreadayortwo,untilyourbodyheals.Itwon’teverhurtlikethatagain,Ipromise.”
“Itwasn’tsobadthistime,”shewhispered.“Iknowyouweretryingtobegentle
withme.”“Iwas,”headmittedwithasmile.Sheblanchedwhenshesawthebloodonthe
quilt.
“Ohno!I’llhavetowashthisrightaway,John,oritwillberuined!”Susanwasembarrassed,butshewenttoworkonthequilt,andbythetimeshehungittodry,there
wasnotraceofbloodanywhere.Hopefully,itwoulddryquicklysotheycouldputitbackontheirbedthatnight.
Susanwasembarrassedanddidn’tknowwhattodowithherself.Shedecidedto
peelsomepotatoesandputtheminabowlandwenttositinherrockingchair,completelyforgettingthatsittingdownwaspainful.“Owwww!”Shejumpedrightupandglaredatthe
manresponsibleforherpredicament.“Darnyou,John!Ican’tsitdownagain!”
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“Iguessyoushouldn’thavebeensnoopingthroughthingsyouweretoldtoletbe,”
heremindedher.“WhatareyougoingtodoaboutAbelMcCory?”sheaskedcuriously.
“I’mnotsure,Susie,andIreallydon’twanttotalkaboutit.”Hecouldseehe’dmanagedtohurtherfeelings.“Honey,Ineedtodosomeseriousthinkingonthis.Please
don’taskmeanymorequestionsrightnow.It’snothingtodowithyou;it’smyproblem.”Susannodded,andcarriedherbowlofpotatoestothetableandstoodtheretopeel
them.Johntookuphiscarvingonceagain,andremainedsilentandmoodywhileshefixed
theireveningmeal.Afterwards,hegentlycarriedherofftobedandkissedher
passionately.********************
Thedayspassed,andtherewereevenmoresnowstormstokeeptheminsidethecabin.Theyhadplentytoeat,enoughwoodtokeepwarm,andwatertodrink.Theyalso
spentagooddealoftimemakingloveandtalkingofmanythings.
Theirupbringingwasvastlydifferent,andJohnfeltthatSusiehadbeenmistreatedformostofherlife.HerMotherlovedher,withoutadoubt,butherfathertreatedbothof
themcruelly.Worstofall,hesoldSusantoherdeadhusbandinspiteofthefactSusanpleadedwithhimnottomarryherofftoamanshedidnotlikeandwhowasplanningtotakeherfarawayfromherMotherandeverythingfamiliar.Herwishesdidnotmatterone
littlebittothecruelman,justthemoneyhewouldgetforsellinghisprettydaughter.HerMotherpleadedwithhim,too,andhetookastraptohertostophercomplaining,andSusie
wasalsopunishedwhenshetriedtohideandavoidherwedding.
SusanfeltthatJohnwasluckytoberaisedinafamilythattrulylovedeachother,andsheencouragedhimtogohomeonceitwasspring.Shehopedhewouldtakeherwith
him,buthehadn’tmentionedwantingapermanentrelationshipwithher.“Itlookslikewearefinallygettingabreakintheweather,Susie,andI’mgoingtogo
hunting.Wecouldusesomefreshmeat,”Johndeclaredasheputonwarmerclothing.“Do
youthinkyou’llbeallrightherealoneforawhile?”heaskedwithateasingwink.“Ofcourse!”sheanswered.
“Notgoingtogetintoanymischief?”hewantedtoknow.“Ihaven’tspankedyour
hindinthreeweeksnow!”“Andyouaren’tgoingtospankmeagain!”sheretorted.
“Wanttobet?”heaskedwithagrin.“Infact,I’mgoingtospankyoutonight,justforthefunofit.”
“What!?Why?”Susanputherhandsonherhipstoglareathim.“Ihaven’tdone
anythingwrong!”“Yesyouhave,honey.And,I’lltendtothematterlater.Inthemeantime,you’dbest
thinkofawayortwotosoothemytemper.”
“Whattemper?”Shestompedherfoot.Johnchuckled,strappedonhissnowshoes,pickeduphisgun,andthenleaneddown
tokissher.“You’dbestbehave,Susie.Yoursweetlittlehindisinenoughtrouble!”hewhispered,winked,andthenleft.
Susanshutthedoorbehindhimandthenstompedherfootoncemore.“Ihaven’t
doneanythingwrong!Andyouarenotgoingtospankmeagain,JohnJericho!”
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SusanmanagedtokeepbusywhileJohnwasouthunting,butallshecouldthink
aboutwasthepromisedspanking,andmuchtoherdisbelief,shefeltthesamesortofneedinherprivatepartsthatshefeltwheneverJohnkissedherandtouchedher.Whatwas
wrongwithher?Howcouldthethoughtofaspankingfillherwithexcitement?Spankingshurt,anditshouldbethelastthingshewanted!
Johnwasn’tgonelong,andhishuntingtripwassuccessful.Theyhadawonderfulmealofvenisonsteaks,andtherewasenoughmeatlefttofixforthenextfewdays,butSusanfeltJohn’sdarkeyesonherasshemovedaboutthecabinandsheknewthathewas
stillplanningtospankher!Hesaidnothingaboutthepromisedspanking,butshewas
positivehehadn’tforgotten.JohnwatchedinamusementasSusierushedaroundthecabin,tryingtostaybusy.
Eventhroughhershirthecouldseehernippleswerehard,andheknewshewasthinkingofthespankinghepromisedbeforehewenthunting.Itwastime.“Areyoureadytobare
yourhindforme,Susie?”heaskedfromwherehesatontheirbed.
Shewhirledaround,hercheeksaprettypink.“Ihaven’tdoneanythingtoearnapunishment!”shedeclared.
“HaveIsaidanythingaboutpunishingyou?”“Yousaidyouweregoingtospankme!”sheaccused.“Iamgoingtospankyou.Comehere,”hepattedhisthigh.
“No!”shegasped.“Comehere,honey.”
HisvoicewassoftandpersuasiveandSusanfoundherselfunabletoresist.She
reluctantlywalkedtohim,hereyeswideandfullofuncertainty.“Goodgirl,Susie,”Johnsmiledreassuringly.“Nowpullupyourskirtandletmesee
thatprettyhindofyours.I’msureitneedsathoroughspanking.”Susiecouldn’tfindthewordstodenyhim.Sheslowlypulledupherskirtsanddidn’t
strugglewhenhegentlyeasedherdownoverhisleftthighandthebed,hishandfinding
herveryvulnerablebottomandpattinghercheekswithafamiliaritythatmadeherblush.Hewasn’tbeingabitroughwithherandshetrulydidn’tknowwhattothink.
“Yes,yourprettybacksideneedssomecolor,Susie,”Johnsaidsolemnly,butthe
spankinghestartedgivingherwasn’ttheleastbitpainful.Hewouldgiveherseveralswats,andthencaresshercheeks,effectivelyrubbingawayanystinghecreated.“Nowwhatdid
youdotoearnthisspanking,younglady?”hequestioned.“Nothing!”shegasped,andthensquealedwhenhespankedabitharder.
“Nowthatisn’ttrue,MissSusie,”hecontradictedher.
“WhatdidIdo,John?”sheasked,confused.“Youhaven’tgivenmeareasontoswatyourprettybackside,Susie,andIliketopay
attentiontothispartofyou!”hedeclared,givingheranotherspankthatbroughtforth
anothersqueal.Hechuckled,andthenrubbedawaythesting.Susanwasverymuchawareofthefirebuildingwithinher,andwhenhishands
movedlowertocaressherthighs,shewassoonmoaning,andpartingherlegsabitsohecouldstrokeherinnerthighsaswell.“John,Ididn’tknowitwaspossibletoenjoya
spanking!”shegaspedafteranotherwell-aimedspanktoherbackside.
“So,youareenjoyingthis?”heteased,hisfingereasilyslippinginsideherwarmandwetsex.
“Yes,verymuch!”
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“ThenI’llhavetospankyoujustabitharderandlonger,”hepromised,suiting
actionstowords.JohnwascarefultowatchSusanforsignsofdistress,butitwasobviousshewasenjoyingthesexyspanking,andeventhoughherbottomwassoonstinging,she
offerednocomplaintwhenheundressedherselfandhim,andthenenteredherwillingbody.Heheldherafterwardsandsaid,“Youaresuchanaughtylittlelady,Susie,andI’mso
glad.Iloveawomanwithspirit.”Susannoticedhestilldidn’toffertomarryher,andshewenttosleepfeelingabit
sad.Theystillhadseveralmonthsbeforeitwouldbesafetomakethetriptothe
settlement,andhopefullyJohnwoulddeclarehimselfbythen.
********************JohnleftSusiesnuginthecabinandwenthuntingonceagain.Itwasgoodforthem
tohavesometimeapartonceinawhile,andJohnneededsometimetothink.HewasstillhavingtroublebelievingthatAbelMcCorywasresponsibleforCarolyn’sdeath.Abelwas
hisbestfriendallthroughtheirschoolyears,andhestoodashisbestmanwhenhemarried
Carolyn.SurelyCarolynmisunderstood…?ButthenJohnwouldrecallthatAbelwasoneofthefirsttopointafingeratJohnandaccusehimofbeingfuriouswithCarolynand
threateningher.HerousedCarolyn’sfathertoafrenzysothatthemanwouldn’tlistentoathingJohntriedtotellhim.JohnhadwonderedforthelastfewyearswhatmadeAbelturnonhim,andnowheknew.Comespring,Johnwasgoingtogohomeandclearhisname.He
owedittohisfamily…andtoCarolyn…tofindthetruth.HealsoowedittoSusie,andtotheirfuturetogether.Thelovehefeltforthefeisty
redheadwasmuchdifferentthanwhathefeltforCarolyn,andheknewhisMamawould
loveherasmuchashedid.Whenspringarrived,hewasgoingtotakehisnewbridehomewithhim.
********************SusandidasshealwaysdidwhenJohnwasaway,andmadesuretheirhomewasas
cleanasshecouldmakeit.Shealsoputsomethingontocook,justincasehishunting
wasn’tsuccessful.Johntaughtherhowtoworkwiththesoftleather,andshewasworkingonanotherskirtandtopforherself.Atleastitgavehersomethingtodo.Shewasbusy
sewingwhensheheardJohnoutside.Shesmiled,happyhewashome.Agreetingwason
herlipswhenthecabindooropened,butitquicklydiedwhenthreemenshedidn’tknowcameinsideasiftheyownedtheplace.
“Whathavewehere?”Oneofthemenlookedathercuriously.“You’rerightpretty,honey.”
Susandidn’tliketheirlooks.“Whatdoyouwant?”shedemanded.
“It’sfixingtostormagain,andwewantedshelter,andsomethinghotinourbelly,”athirdmanansweredpolitely.“Youtwoboysstopstaringatthelady.Can’tyouseeyou’re
scaringher?”
“There’snothingtobescaredof;we’reharmless,”thefirstmanliedwithasmile.“Ifyouareharmless,thenyouwillleaveatonce!”
“Nocalltoberude,littlelady.We’rehungry,andinthesepartsit’sthecustomtofeedfolkswhentheydropby,”theoldermaninformedher.
“Lookslikestewinthepot,Smith.”
“Itisn’tdoneyet,”Susantoldhim.“Wecanwait,”themancalledSmithanswered.“Mightwesitdown,ma’am?”
Susannodded.Therewerethreeofthem,andshecouldn’tdoanythingelse.
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Oncetheyweresettled,Smithasked,“WhereisJericho?”
“Hunting,”shetoldthetruth.Lyingwouldn’thelphersituation.“Notmucharoundtheseparts,butJerichoisaluckysortandifthereisgame,he’ll
findit.”Themanactuallysmiled.“Noneedtobescaredofus,littlelady.Iknowwelookscruffy,butwewon’thurtyounone.”
ThecabindooropenedthenandJohncameinside.Hisdarkeyeswenttohersandwhenhesawshewasfine,herelaxedabit.“Sawwehadvisitors,Smith.It’sbeenawhile.”Heofferedtheoldermanhishand.
“Wescaredyourlady,Jericho.Weweren’texpectingbuttofindanemptycabinto
getwarmin.”Johnwalkedovertowhereshesatonthebed,andputhisarmaroundher.“Thisis
mywife,Susie.”“Well,congratulationsareinorder!”Smithsaidwithahugegrin.“Ididn’tseeno
ringonherfinger…?”
“Haven’tbeentobuyoneyet,”Johnrepliedquietly.“Iwanthertohaveanewone.”“That’srealsmart.”Thefirstmanwasstillgivingherthathungrylookshehated.
“Don’tbelievewe’vemet…I’mJohnJericho.”“WilliamCoffield,andthishereisDruryHolmes.WemetupwithSmithacouple
monthsagoanddecidedtowintertogether.”
Johnnodded.Hedidn’tlikethelooksofthetwo,butitwasSmith’sbusinesswhohewinteredwith.
“Didn’thaveanyluckhunting?”theonecalledHolmesaskedcuriously.
“Nope,nottoday.Susie,honey,doyouneedmetobringupsomethingelsetogowiththestewyouhaveon?Thesemenwillneedagoodmealtotravelon.”
“Icanmakesomethingfaster,John.Thestewwillbealongtimeyet,”shestated.“Thatwouldberealsweetofyou,honey,”Johnnoddedagreeably.“Wouldyouput
onsomecoffee,too?”heaskedpolitely.
“Ofcourse.”Susanwasn’tcomfortablewiththestrangersinthehouse.Theireyesseemedtofollowherwherevershewent,anditmadeherfeelclumsy.Shehurriedasmuch
aspossibletofeedthem,andwasrelievedwhenSmithtoldtheothertwoitwastimeto
moveon.Theygrumbled,andthemannamedWilliamCoffieldcomplainedandsaidhewas
lookingforwardtospendingthenightinsteadoftrekkinganothereighthourstowheretheywerewintering.Theothermanlaughedandsaid,“Youwouldn’twantcompanyeither
ifyouhadapurtyyoungwifetocuddle.”
Smithfrownedandtoldthemtogetamoveon.HeturnedandspokequietlytoJohn.“Jericho,don’ttrustthemtwo.Theyknowyouhaveawomanherenow,andIain’tsosureI
cankeeponeorbothofthemfromtryingtotakeherfromyou.”
“Thanksforthewarning,Smith.”Johnshookhishandagain,andwatchedthethreemenuntiltheywereoutofsight.Hebarredthedoorwhenhecameinside,andthenlooked
atSusanandscolded,“Whydidyouopenthedoortothosethree,younglady?”“Ididn’t!”shequicklydenied.“Theybargedrightoninsidewithoutknocking!Iwas
sogladyoucamehomewhenyoudid.Ididn’tknowhowtogetridofthem.Smithkept
tellingmeIwassafeandtheywouldn’thurtme,andIknowhemeantit,butIsawthewaythoseothertwomenwerelookingatme!”
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“Susan,youneedtokeepthisdoorbarredwhenIamnothere,”Johnsaidsternly.
“DoIneedtogiveyouasoundspankingtoimpressthisuponyou?”“Noooo!”sheanswered,strickenthatheseemedangrywithher.“John,Ididn’tdo
anythingwrong!Iwassittingheresewingwhentheysimplybargedin!”“Itthedoorwasbarred,theycouldn’thavedoneso.”Hetookherbytheshoulders
andgaveheralittleshake.“IwillstrapyouifIevercomebackhereandfindthisdoorunlockedagain.Doyouhearme?”
“Youarebeingmeantome,JohnJericho,andIwon’ttolerateit!Ididnothing
wrong,andyouareactinglikeIsetouttoenticethosementocomehere!Ididn’t!They
aretheonesyoushouldbemadat!Theyaretheoneswhodeserveahidingforwalkinginsidewithoutknockingfirst!”
“Areyoufinishedyellingatme,Susie?”Johnaskedquietly.“Idon’tknow.Areyoudonescoldingme?”shedemanded,turningupherchinand
daringhimtosayanotherword.”
“Yes,I’mdonescolding.Ithinkyouneedareminder,”heannouncedandbeforesherealizedwhathewasabout,Johngrabbedherandbracedhisfootuponachairand
droppedheroverhisbentkneeandstartedspankingoverherskirt.WhenSusieholleredbloodymurder,hetossedupherskirtsandspankedherbarehind.“WhenIaskyouifyouunderstand,littlegirl,Idon’texpectyoutostartscoldingme.Isthatunderstood?”
“Ohhhhh!Youarebeingsounfair!”“Iamtryingtoprotectyou,Susie.Ican’tdothatifyoudon’tpayattentiontowhatI
tellyoutodo!Whenyouarereadytopromisemeyou’llkeepthedoorbarredwhenIam
away,thenI’llstopspankingyou.Inthemeantime,I’mgoingtoseetoityouregretbeingsodarnsassy!”
“Iamnotgoingtogiveintoyou,JohnJericho!”sheunwiselypromised,andhespankedevenharder,aimingforhertendersitspots.“Owwwww!Youaresuchanass!”
Hespankedevenharderyet.
“Don’tyouunderstand,youlittlefool!Idon’twantyoutosufferthewayCarolyndid!Shewasbatteredandbruised,andnowomanshouldeversufferthatway.Youlisten
tome,Susie.Iloveyou,anddamnit,ifIhavetospankyoualldaylong,you’regoinglisten
tomeandstaysafe!”
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Chapter Seven
“Yousurehaveafunnywayofshowingsomeoneyoulovethem!”Susanretortedas
Johncontinuedtospankherupturnedbarebackside,butinsideshewasrejoicingthatJohn finally admittedhelovedher!“Stopnow,please!”
“Ihaven’theardapromisefromyouyet,littlegirl,”Johnsaid,emphasizinghiswordswithmorehardspankstoherburninghind.Hecouldseethatherskinwasadeep,dark
red,butthiswasonebattleofwillsheintendedtowin.Hersafetywastooimportantto
himtoriskthechanceofherdefiance.“Okay,youwin!”Shefinallygaveover.“IpromiseIwillkeepthedoorbarredwhen
youareaway.”Susanexpectedhimtostopthepainfulchastisement,buthedidn’t.“John,I
promised!YousaidyouwouldstopwhenIpromised!”ThespanksreallyhurtnowandSusanwastrulydesperate!“Please,John!Iamsorry!”
“Yoursassynatureandstubbornnesshasmadethisreminderquitepainful,hasn’tit,
Susie?”hedemanded,makingsurehersitspotswereaflamefromhishardhand.“Pleasestop!Iwillbereasonablenow,”shecapitulated.Herlegswerekicking
furiouslyandtearswerestreamingdownhercheeks.Shetrulyregrettedbehavinglikesuchastubbornfoolandrefusingtogivehimherpromisewhenheaskedforit.Susan
knewshewouldn’tsitwithoutfeelingthisspankingforatleastafewdays!“I’msorry,John!Pleaseforgivemenow!”shebegged.
“Andforwhatelsedoyouneedtoapologize?”Johndemanded.Hewasn’tgoingto
makethesamemistakeswithSusiethathemadewithhisCarolyn.Heincreasedthestingonhercheeksandthenmovedlowertoherupperthighs.Ifeveraladyneededafirmhand,
itwasSusie.Shewasspiritedandfeisty,andhewouldhaveheroverhiskneequiteoftenin
theyearsaheadhesurmised.“Well,littlegirl?”
“Idon’tknow!”shetearfullyadmitted.“Oh,please,John!Icannottakeanymoreofthis.IamsorryforeverythingIhavesaidordonesinceIwasborn!”shesaidindesperation,andtohersurpriseJohngaveheronefinalwhackandputheronherfeet,
chuckling.
“Iwouldsaythatcoversabroadrangeofmisdeeds,Susie.”Heopenedhisarmstooffercomfortandsheimmediatelysteppedintohisembrace,needinghiscomfort,andhis
love.
“Whatdidyouwantmetosay?”sheasked,snifflingandswipingathereyeswiththebacksofherhands.
“YouwerescoldingmewhenallIwasdoingwastryingtokeepyousafe,honey.Asimple,‘Yes,John,Iwillkeepthedoorbarredwhenyouareaway,’wouldhaveprevented
thisspanking.Yoursassymouthearnedyouasorehind.”“Didyoureallymeanwhatyousaid?”sheasked,lookingupathim,hopeinher
prettyeyes.
“IalwaysmeanwhatIsay.Youleavethedoorunbarred,Susie,andseeifIdon’ttakeastraptoyourhind!”
“Oh,don’tbesilly,John!”Shestompedherfootforemphasis.“Yousaidyoulove
me…”sheshylyremindedhim.
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John’sdarkeyeswereintentashelookedather.“Idoloveyou,Susie,butsurely
youalreadyknewthat?”“Ihopedyoudid,butitisnicetohearthewords,”sheadmitted.
“Amanmightliketohearthewords,too,nowandthen.”John’sgazewasonherandhewaitedforheranswer.
“Iwouldn’thavesharedyourbedifIdidn’tloveyou,John.”Whysheshouldbesoembarrassedwasamysterytoher,butshewas.“Idoloveyou,”shesaidsoftly.
“Iintendtoputmyringonyourfinger,Susie.IconsideredgivingyouCarolyn’sring,
butdecidedyoushouldhaveyourownring.Iwanttotakeyouhomeasmywifeand
presentyoutomyfamily.Willyoumarrymeandcomewithme,Susie?”heaskedformally.“Yes,John.Iwillbeyourwife.”Shewassmilingandhereyeswereswimmingwith
tearsofhappiness.“Youarealreadymywife,mywoman,inthewaythatmattersmost.Sayingthe
wordsinfrontofapreacherwon’tmakeusanymoremarriedthanwealreadyare,”John
saidwithconvictionasheleaneddowntokisshertenderly.“Pleasekeepthatdoorbarred,honey.Smithdon’ttrustCoffieldorHolmes,”headded.“ItwillgivemepeaceofmindifI
knowyouwillobeyme.”“Iwillobeyyou,John,”shesaidwithalovingsmile.“Idon’ttrustthemeither,”she
added,shuddering.“Theyscaredme.”
“Comehere,honey,”hewhisperedandpulledherclosertoholdhersnuginhisarms.“I’llkeepyousafe,Susie.Ipromise.”Shesurrenderedtohim,offeringhimherlove.
Whileherbacksidewasburningandstinging,shegaveherselfcompletely,secureinthe
knowledgethatJohntrulylovedher…justasshelovedhim.Shedidn’tthinkshewouldeverfindhappinessonceherfathersettledonPhiliptobeherhusband,butnowPhilipwas
dead…andshewasmarriedtoamansheloved.Lifewasgood,andbestofall,shewaswithamanwhotreatedherwell…evenifhedidspankherentirelytoomuch!
JohndideverythinginhispowertomakeSusanfeellovedandcherishedthenext
coupleofweeks.Hemadelovetoheralloverthecabin,makinguseofthetable,insistingshewashisdessert,andtastingheruntilsheexplodedwithpassion.Shefeltlikeawicked
womanforenjoyingtheact,butwhenJohninsistedondessertthenexttime,shesatonthe
tableandleanedback,pullingupherskirtandopeningherlegstoofferhimwhathecraved.Hepleasuredheroncemorewithhistongueandlips,andwhenherspasmsof
pleasurewereover,hegaveherafewsecondstorest,andthenhedeclaredhewantedasecondhelping.Susanscreamedthesecondtimeshefoundherrelease,andthethirdtime
soexhaustedherthatJohnputherdownforanap.Heawakenedherlaterbystrokingher
gently,andthenheclaimedhisreward,ridingheruntiltheybothexplodedwithjoyandpassion.Susanfeltlovedandcherished.
WhensheshylyaskedJohnifshecouldpleasurehiminthesamewayhedidher,he
toldher‘yes’,butalsotoldhershedidn’thavetodoanythingshedidn’twanttodo.Susan’sinexperiencenearlydrovehimwild,butJohnlovedeverysinglesecond,andoncehewas
sated,hegaveherpleasurejustasintense.Theonlyincidentthatmarredtheiridyllicdaysofmakinglovewheneverand
wherevertheypleasedwasthetimethatJohnheardSusanswear.Hecouldn’tbelieve
she’dsaidthatparticularword.“Susie,youarealady,andladiesdonotusethatkindoflanguage!”
“Oh,pooh,John!Ihurtmyfinger!”
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“Andyouusedadisgustingword.Youneverhearmetalklikethat!”Hewasmore
thanalittlebitshocked.“Ioughttosoapyourmouth!”ItwaspreciselythewayhisMamadealtwithbadlanguage.Heandhissiblingsquicklylearnednottousecertainwords
unlesstheywantedagoodsoaping.Whenhewasalmostfullygrown,hethoughthewasoldenoughtousetheword‘damn’inherpresence.Hewasshamedtorealizethathis
Mamadidn’tconsiderhimtheadultheproclaimedhimselftobe,andshemarchedhiminsidewithherfingersgraspinghisearandmadehimcutoffasliverofsoapandsuckonituntilitdissolved.Hedidnotswearinfrontofherafterthat.
“I’mnotperfect!”shesnapped.“AndI’llswearifIwantto!”sheadded,clearlyina
testyframeofmind.“Youcanjuststoppretendingyou’veneverheardthewordbefore!”Herfathersworealot.Andwhensheinjuredherself,thoseweretheterriblewordsthat
slippedoutofhermouth!Johnwasn’tabouttoputupwithhersass!Hetookherbytheelbowandmarched
hertothewashstand,tookouthisknife,andcutoffasliverofsoap.
“No,John!”Susanbackedaway.“Iwon’tletyoudothattome!”“Yougetyourhindoverhere,Susie.Youearnedatasteofsoap,andyou’llgetit.I
won’thavemywifecussinglikeafieldhand!”Shebackedevenfartherawayfromhim.“Youcancomehereandgetthisoverwithrightnowandsaveyourselfaspankin’,‘causeifIhavetofetchyou,you’regoingtogetyourhindturnedred.”
Susanshookherhead‘no’.“Iamsorryforusingthatword,andIwon’tdoitagain,”shesaid.“Pleasedon’tpunishmethistime.Icannotabidethetasteofsoap,”shetoldhim,
hereyespleadingwithhimtobeforgiving.
“Icannotabideladieswhoswear.Lastchance,littlegirl.Ifyoucomenow,thesoapingwillbetheendofit.IfIcomeafteryou,you’llsoapwithoutrinsingforalongtime,
andI’llwearoutmyhandonyourprettybutt.”SusanknewJohnmeantwhathesaid,buttherewasnowayshecouldbringherself
tomeeklywalktohimandacceptthesliverofsoaphewantedtoplaceinhermouth.Itwas
simplytoohumiliatingandtoodisgustingtoaccept.“Please,John…I’lltakeaspankingifyouwishtopunishme,butdon’tusethesoap!Ireallycan’tdothat!”sheinsisted.
Johnwasdonetalking.Hereachedherinthreelongstrides,grabbedherwristand
thendraggedherbacktothewashstand.“Openyourmouth,”hefirmlyordered.Sheshookherheadno.Johnpinchedhernose,cuttingoffherairuntilshewasforcedtoopen
hermouthtobreathe.Heputthesliverofsoaponhertongue,andthenheldhermouthclosedwithonehandontopofherheadandtheotherunderherchin.
Susanstompedherfeetandhereyesfilledwithtears!Thesoaptastedhorribleand
shewantedtogag.ShetriedtotwistfreeoftheholdJohnhadonher,buthewasdeterminedshenotspitoutthesoapuntilhewassatisfiedshe’dhadthefullbenefitofthe
punishment.Susanknewshewouldneverswearagainifthiswastheconsequence!Itwas
awful!Trulyawful!!ShetriedtotellJohnwithhereyesthatshewassorry,butheignoredherpleading.Thesoapslowlydissolved,fillinghermouthwithbubblesandshethought
shewasgoingtoretch.JohnsawSusan’sprettyfaceturnpaleandhereyeswidenwiththeknowledgeshe
wasgoingtobesick.Hereleasedheratonceandgrabbedthebasin.Shespitoutthesoap
immediately,andgrabbedthecupofwaterhefetchedforherandrinsed.Nothinghelpedridherofthetaste,however.“I’msorry,John!Pleasedon’teverdothattomeagain!”She
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wasintears,andJohnfeltsorryforher.Hedidn’tspankherrightthen,butgaveher
stomachtimetosettle.
Itwasn’tuntilafterlunchthatshedecidedtothrowanothertantrum,losinghertemperovernothingatall!ThattimeJohntookheroverhiskneeandsetherbottomon
firewhileshekickedandthrewaroyalfit.Whenhestopped,shethrewawetdishragathimandtoldhimhecoulddothedishesbecauseshedidn’tfeelwell.Hewatchedindisbeliefasshecrawledintobed.Whenshewokelater,hercheekswerescarletasshecut
upheroldraggeddressinto‘grannyrags’.Susanwasembarrassedascouldbe,butonce
shetookcareofherneeds,shecametohimandapologizedforbeingsuchawitch,andexplainedhertemperwasimpossibletolivewithrightbeforehermonthlytime.John
smiledatherandtoldherheknewhowtodealwiththattemperofhers,andthenhehuggedherandtoldhershewasthesweetestwomanonearth.
Johnstayedclosetothecabinduringthefourweeksfollowingtheunexpectedvisit
fromthethreetrappersbecausehedidn’ttrustHolmesandCoffieldnottoreturnwiththeideaoftakingSusiewiththem!Whenamonthpassedandtheydidn’treturn,Johnfeltit
wassafetorelaxhisguardsomewhatandgohunting;theyneededsomefreshmeat.HeinformedSusieofhisplansandshenoddedinunderstanding.Theyreallydidneedthemeat,andshewouldbefine.Shewasoftheopinionthattheyhadoverreactedtotheir
visitors.“Youmakesuretobarthisdoor,Susie,anddon’tletanyoneinside,”hebossedina
sterntoneofvoice.
Shelearnedherlessonaboutbeingsassyandstubborn,andshequicklypromisedtodoasshewastold.Susandidn’twantanyonetoeverwalkinonherthewaythosethree
mendidthelasttimeJohnwasaway.ItwasfrighteningandonparwiththetimethewagontrainwasattackedbyHeWhoWearsRedandtheotherIndians.
Susanbusiedherselfaroundthecabin,makingsureitwasspotless,andsheusedthe
timetowashafewitemsofclothingandhangthemtodry.Shejumpedwhensomeonetriedtoopenthedoor.ItwastoosoonforJohntobeback!
“MissSusan!”avoicecalledthroughthedoor.“Youneedtocomequick!Wefound
yourmanandhe’shurtrealbadandcallingforyou!”Susandidn’tstoptothink.SherushedtothedoortofindCoffieldandHolmes
standingthere.“WhereisJohn?”shedemanded.“Aboutthreemilesfromhere.Smithisstayingwithhim,”Coffieldsaid.“Hurryup
andgetyourcoaton.Heain’tgotmuchtimeleft.”
Susanrantodoasshewastold,herheartbeatinginfearandtearsfillinghereyes.HowwouldshelivewithoutJohninherlife?Hewaseverythingtoher.“Let’shurry!”she
toldthemenandsetoutinthedirectionshesawJohngowhenheleft.Themeneasilykept
upwithher.Susan’smindwasracing.WhatcouldhavehappenedtoJohn?Howcould
somethinghappentohimandhernotfeelitinherheart?ShefollowedinCoffield’sfootsteps,andHolmesfollowedbehindher.Themenwerehurrying,andtheywalkedand
walkedwhilesheprayedthatJohnwouldbeallright.MaybeSmithwouldbeabletodo
somethingtohelpJohn?Afterwalkingforwelloveranhour,SusansuddenlyrealizedthattheyshouldhavereachedJohnbynow.“IthoughtyousaidthatJohnwasonlythreemiles
fromthecabin?”sheasked.
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“It’sjustabitfurther,”Coffieldsaid.“Keepup.”
Susanabruptlyrealizedthatthetwomenhadtrickedher!Shestoppedinhertracksandsaid,“Takemehomerightnow!”
“Youarecomingwithus,girlie,”Holmessaidwithaleeringgrin.“Wegotallsortsofplansforyou.”
“No!Johnismyhusband,andIwanttogohomenow!”“Heain’tnobody’shusbandnomore.Iseentothat,”Coffieldsaidwithalaugh.“I
putabulletthroughhim.So,lady,youbelongtousnow,andweaimtogetourmoney’s
worth.Nowunlessyouwanttostartpayinguphereandnow,you’llmoveyourfannyand
keepup.Ifyoustartslowingusdown,we’llbareyououthereandhaveusasampleonthewaytoourplace.”
“WhereisJohn?”Susanwasfrantic.“Heneedshelp!”“Hedon’tneednothin’,”Holmesspit.“He’sanuppitybastardwholooksdownon
folkslikemeandCoffield.Hegothis,andnowwe’llgetours.”
“Iwon’tletyoutouchme!”“Sureyouwill,girlie.You’llbebeggingforitrealsoon.”Themanlaughedandthen
shovedher.“Moveyourtail.”Susanhadnochoice.Ifshetriedtofightthetwoofthemouthere,shewouldlose.
Shehadnoweaponofanykind,andevenifshedidescapethemouthere,shewouldfreeze
todeathbeforeshecouldreachthecabin…andifJohnwashurt—sherefusedtobelievehewasdead—shewouldn’tknowwheretobeginlookingforhim!Susantriedtogatherher
witsabouther.Sheneededtorescueherself.CoffieldandHolmeswouldhavenoqualms
aboutusingher.“WhereisSmith?”shewantedtoknow.“Wetookcareofhim,sodon’tthinkhe’sgonnastickupforyou,girlie.It’sjustyou
andthetwoofus,andwe’regoingtohaveussomepartytonight.”HegrinnedinanticipationandSusanshuddered.Shewasfrightened;evenmorefrightenedthanshewas
intheIndianencampment.
********************Johnfelthewasbeingfollowed,andhetriedtodecidewhoitwas.TheIndianshad
treatedhimwellsincehesavedtheChief’ssonfromdrowningwhenhegothisfootcaught
insomevinesunderwater.Johndidwhathewoulddoforanychildindistress,andwentunderwaterandfreedhisfoot.Theboyrantotellhisfatherwhathappened,andlaterthat
day,JohnwassurroundedbyIndianBraves.Hewasinvitedtotheircampforafeast,andalwayswelcomedasanhonoredfriend.Johndidnothingtoabusetheirtrust,buthewas
wellawarethatnotallofthebravessharedtheirchief’spointofviewabouthim,andJohn
wasalwaysonhisguard…justincase.“Jericho.”Heheardavoicecallweakly.“Overhere.Can’ttakeanotherstep.”
JohnhurriedtofindSmithproppedagainstatree.“Yourwomanisintrouble.I
triedtostopCoffield;didn’tknowthatHolmeswashidingtogetmefromtheback.Theyspottedyouthismorning,knewshewasalone.Youhurrynow,andkillthebastardsfor
me.”Themanclosedhiseyesanddied,havingsaidwhatheforcedhimselftostayalivelongenoughtosay.
Johnhurriedtowardthecabin,prayingthatlittleSusieobeyedhim.Ifsheleftthe
doorsandwindowsbarred,thetwomenwouldn’tbeabletogetinside.Shewasprobablyterrified,though,andJohndidn’tlikethatonelittlebit.Heshouldhavelistenedtohis
instinctsanddealtwiththetwomensooner,beforethishadachancetohappen.
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HismindtookhimbackintimeandtotheafternoonhefoundCarolyn’sbody.He
couldn’tgothroughthatagain,notnow,andespeciallynotafterfindingSusan.Helovedherwitheverythinghehadandlifewouldn’tbeworthlivingwithouthertobrightenhis
daysandsoothehisnights.Hefinallywascloseenoughtoseethecabin.Therewasnosmokecomingfromthe
chimney,andthedoorwaswideopen.CoffieldandHolmeshadSusan.********************
Susanwasexhaustedfromtryingtokeepupwiththemen.Herfeetwerecold,and
shewashavingahardtimebreathing.They’dwalkedforhoursandshewasreadytodrop.
“You’dbetterkeepmoving,girl,”Coffieldturnedandraisedhishandtoslapher,buttheslapneverhappened.Themanfelldeadfromanarrowinhisback.
“Indians!”Holmesscreamed,andheturnedtorun.Twobravesgrabbedhim,andanotherusedaknifetoendhislife.
Susancouldn’tbelieveit.HeWhoWearsRedlookeddownatherfromwherehesat
onhishorse,andbeforeshecouldsay,“Notyouagain!”hegrabbedher.Susanstruggledandtriedtogetfree,butthemanmerelygruntedandputherfacedownacrosshismount
infrontofhim.Whenshestillcontinuedtofightandstruggle,heslappedherbottom…hard.Sherefusedtocry.
********************
Johnfoundthetrailandfolloweditasquicklyashecould,butitwasobviousthetwomenhadseveralhours’headstart.HeprayedthathewouldgettoSusanbeforethey
harmedher,andheprayedthatiftheydidtouchhershewouldn’tputupafightandget
badlyhurt.KnowingSusan’stemper,however,heknewshewouldtrytostopthemfromusingher.Heprayedandhurriedevenfaster.
********************Eventually,HeWhoWearsRedpickedherupandpermittedhertositinfrontof
him.Hesaidsomethingtoher,butSusandidn’tunderstand.Helaughed,butdidn’tspeak
again.SusanwasworriedsickaboutJohn…butsheknewbetterthantrytoescape.TheIndianwouldfindher,andthenhewouldmakeherregretbeingborn.Thethoughtof
returningtohiscamp…andtohiswives…madeherill.LifewithoutJohnheldnointerest
forheratall.Susanwantedtodie,andperhapstheeasiestwaywastomakeHeWhoWearsRedAngryenoughtoendherlifehereandnow!
Susanconsideredthepossiblesolutionstoherproblem,andwasabouttomakeagrabforhisknifewhensheheardhernamebeingcalled!Shelistenedagain,andthen
yelled,“John! JOHN !”
Hesuddenlyappearedbeforeher,andtohersurprise,HeWhoWearsRedhelpedherdowntothecrowdandpermittedhertoruntoJohn.“Ithoughtyouweredead!”she
sobbedthewords,throwingherselfathimandwrappingherarmstightlyaroundhisneck
asheliftedherfromtheground.“OhGod,Ithoughtyouweredead!”“Areyouallright,Susie?Didthosebastardshurtyou?”heasked,holdingher
shakingbodyascloseaspossible.“I’mfine.Theysaidtheykilledyou!”
“TheykilledSmith,buthelivedlongenoughtotellmewhattheywereupto.Icame
assoonasIcould,”hewhispered,stillfeelingguiltyforleavingheralone.“HeWhoWearsRedsavedme,”Susanannounced.TheIndianwasactuallysmiling!
WhenJohnputherdowntowalkovertospeaktotheman,Susanrefusedtoreleasehim
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andwalkedwithhim.Thetwomentalkedforseveralminutes,andthenclaspedeach
other’sarmsinfriendship.JohnwasgrinningasheledherawayfromthemenandSusanasked,“Whatissoamusing,JohnJericho?”
“HeWhoWearsRedgaveyoubacktomebecausehesaidhishomeisamuchhappierplacewiththetroublemakergone!”Whenshegaspedinoutrage,Johnchuckled.
Butthenheturnedserious.“HeWhoWearsRedsaidthatthetwomenwerebad.Theyabusedayounggirlfromanotherbandwholivesnorthofhere;herbrotherisvisiting,andrecognizedthemwhentheyspottedthemwithyou.HeWhoWearsRedwassureIdidn’t
sellyoutothem,sotheyfollowed.”
“Ishouldhavesaid‘thankyou’tohim,”shesaidremorsefully.“Youshouldhavekeptthatdoorbarred,younglady,”John’sfearsuddenlyturnedto
whitehotangerandrage.“WhenIgetyoubacktothecabin,Iamgoingtowearoutthatleatherstraponyourhind.YouwillnotsitdownforamonthofSundaysbythetimeI
finish.WhenIgiveyouanorderIexpecttobeobeyed!Howdareyoudefyme,littlegirl?”
“Ididn’t!”sheinsisted.“Thenhowdidtheygetinsidetotakeyou?”hedemanded.
“Theytrickedme,John!Pleasedon’tyellatme.Ifeelfoolishenough!”Sheneededsympathyrightnow,notanger.
“Youarestillgoingtogetagoodlicking,Susie.WhenItellyounottodosomething,
youare,byGod,notgoingtodoit,unlessyoudon’twanttositdownforweeksafter!”
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Chapter Eight
Susancouldn’tbelievethatJohnwassoangrywithherandthreateningtopunish
her!She’ddonenothingwrong,andshe’dbeenfrightenedjustasmuchashewas!Thewalkbacktotheircabintooklesstimethanshethoughtitwould,butthecabinwas
freezingcold.Johngaveheradarklookasheshutthedoorandbarredit,andthenhesetaboutbuildingafire.Hequicklyhadonegoingandwithoutevensparingaglanceforthe
redhead,hewalkedtohischestandtookouttheleatherstraphekeptthere.Hedidn’t
bothertellinghertocometohim.Hecrossedtheroom,tookherarm,andpulledherovertothebed.Itwastoocoldtotakeoffhercoat,andSusanhopedthatitwouldprotecther
fromwhathehadplanned.John,however,hadotherideas.Hejerkedherdownoverhis
leftthighandthebedandstartedtoshoveupherskirtandhercoattobareher!“No!”shecriedout.“It’stoocoldinhereandIamalreadyfreezing!”
“Youwon’tbecoldmuchlonger,”hesaidwithagrowl,bringinghishanddownon
herflesh,whichwasindeedcold!Shescreamedinpainandhehadnodoubtthefactshewassocoldwasmakinghishandhurtevenworsethannormal.Itwouldmakethelesson
oneshewouldrecallfortherestofherlife!HespankedagainandagainandSusiepleadedwithhimtostop.“I’llstopwhenI’mdamnsureyouwon’tbeabletositdownforatleasta
month!”“Noooo!Theytrickedme,John!Thisisn’tfair!”Shebeggedhimtolistentoher,but
hewastooangrywithher.“Youaregoingtohateyourselfforthis!”shepromised.
“Youdisobeyedme,woman!Doyouknowhowluckyyouarethatthosetwodidn’twanttofreezetheirprivatesinthecold?”Hepickeduptheleatherstrap,anduseditto
leaveastingingredweltacrossbothcheeks.
“Theysaidyouwerehurtandcallingforme!”Shetriedtoexplain,butthestrapkept
falling,andsoonshewassobbingtoohardtoformacoherentthought.Johndidn’tstopthrashingheruntilherskinwasweltedandbruisedandswollen.It
wasaharshpunishment,butwell-deserved.Hepushedheroveronthebedandthensaid,
“You’reluckythatallyougotoutofthisepisodetodaywasasorehind,Susie!Youpull
yourselftogetherandfixussomethinghottoeat.”Susanwassosorethateventhesimplestmovementhurt.Herbottomandupper
thighswereflamingandburningsomuchshecouldn’ttoleratethesoftskirtagainstthem.
But,shegottoherfeetandremovedhercoatsoshecouldmoveaboutthecabin.Shecouldn’tstopcryingassheputonapotofcoffee,butJohncallouslyignoredher.Hewas
workingononeofhiscarvingsandhadhisbacktoher.Susanknewhewasstillangry.Itwasallshecoulddotoconcentrateonthesimpletask.Shedecidedtomakea
simplehashandwhenthefoodwasfinallyreadyshetoldhimtocomeandeat.Johngottohisfeetandcrossedthecabin.Hesawtherewasonlyoneplacesetat
thetable.“Youaregoingtositdownandeatsomething,Susan.”Hisdarkeyestoldherhe
wasstillangryandwouldn’thesitatetopunishheragainifshedaredtoarguewithhim.“I’mtooilltoeat,”sheexplained.“Ineedtoliedown.”
Helookedathercloselyandthengotupfromthetabletocometoherandplacehis
handonherforehead.Shewasburningup!“Whydidn’tyoutellme,Susie?”heasked.“Let’sgetyouinbed.”
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Theangrymanofbeforewasreplacedbythemanshe’dcometolove.Hecarried
hertotheirbed,undressedher,andcoveredherwiththeshirtofhissheusedasanightdress.Johnpulleddownthequiltandblanketsandgentlyputheronthesoft
mattress.HefeltawfulwhenSusancriedoutinpainandquicklyflippedoveronhertummy;hershirttailrodeupwhenshedidthatandhesawhowsoreandangryherhind
was.Shewascoveredwithpainfulweltsandherbottomwasswollenandbruised!Hewantedtokickhimselfforbeingsoharshwithher.He’dprayedtoGodaskingHimtokeepSusiesafe,andthenhegaveheralickingthathewouldn’tgivehisworstenemy!Whatthe
hellwaswrongwithhim!!!“I’msosorry,honey,”hewhispered.
Susandidn’tanswer.Herthroatwassorenow,andshejustwantedtosleep!ShewasawarethatJohnforcedhertoswallowsomethingthattastedbitter,andsheknewhe
placedcoolclothsonherforehead.Healsomadehercrywhenheputsomesortofsalveonhersorebackside.Therewasasoftheatthatseemedtomakethepainlessnoticeable,and
shefellasleep.
Whenshewokeup,shespottedJohnsittinginarockingchairhe’dpulledbesidethebed.Hewassoundasleepandshewonderedwhyhewasn’tinbedwithher.Shetriedto
situpandwasshockedtolearnthatshewasn’tinanypainfromthespankinghegaveherearlier.Shewasalsoextremelythirstyandsheneededtorelieveherbladder.Sheusedthechamberpot,tryingnottowakeJohn.Herlegsweresowobblyandshefeltweak.Still,she
neededadrinkofwater,andshewalkedonthecoldfloortogetadipperofcoolwaterfromthebucket.Ittastedgood.
“Susie,whatareyoudoingoutofbed?”Johnleapttohisfeetandrushedtoherside.
“Youneedtobeinbed,honey,”hesaidgentlyashecarriedherbacktobed.“I’mfine,John.I’mhungry,too!Isthereanyhashleft?”sheasked.
Helookedatherandtearswelledinhisdarkeyesashelookedather.“Youmadethathashfourdaysago,sweetheart.You’vebeenveryill;IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou,”
hewhispered.
“Fourdaysago!”Shewasshocked.“Areyouserious,John?Ifeelfine!”“Youranafeverandyouweredelirious.Ipackedyouinsnowseveraltimestobring
downyourtemperature,andfinally,yourfeverbrokelastnight,andyoufellintoanormal
sleep.Youneedtorestnow,”heinsisted.“I’mfine,John.Icancookussomethingtoeat.”
“You,littlelady,aregoingtoobeymeandstayinbedandletmetakecareofyou!”Heleaneddownandkissedhertenderly.“Youscaredme,Susie.Reallyscaredme.Ilove
you,”hewhispered,kissedheragain,andthensaidfirmly,“StayrighthereandI’llfixyou
somethingtoeat.”Susanwantedtogetup,butshedecidedtohumorJohn.Thestrappingshe’d
receivedwasstillfreshinhermind,althoughithappenedfourdaysago!Itwashardto
believethatshe’dbeensoill,butJohnlookedhaggardenoughforthattobetrue.Herlegswereweak,too,andshewassimplystarving.ItmadehersmiletowatchJohnmoveabout.
Heknewhowtocook,eventhoughhe’dtoldhermanytimesthathisskillswerelimited.Hefinallybroughtheraplate,andSusanwaspleasedtofindthateverythingtasted
good.Sheenjoyedeverylastbite,andwassuddenlyverytired.“Yourestnow,honey,”he
insisted,andshemeeklyclosedhereyesandslept.ThistimewhenSusanwokeitwastofindJohninbedwithher,andhewassleeping
soundlyandsnoring.Shegotupandwenttositinherrockingchairinfrontofthefire.
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Hermindwentbacktotheeventsthatwerestill‘recent’inhermemory,andtearscameto
hereyes.She’dbeensoafraidthatJohnwashurtandshewouldn’tgettohimintime…onlytohavethatterriblemantellherhe’dkilledJohnwhensherealizedshe’dactedfoolishlyfor
believinghim.Shehadn’twantedtoliveifJohnwasdead,andsheknewshe’dratherdiethatpermiteitherofthemtotouchher!Susanstillcouldn’tbelievethatHeWhoWearsRed
savedheroncemore,buthedid,andhebroughthertoJohn,whowasaliveandwell.Andshecouldn’tbelievethatJohnwhippedherwiththeleatherstrap,buttherewasstillafainttendernessthattoldherhedid.Itreallyhurt,too.Shedidn’tbelieveshedeservedthe
punishment,butthen,she’dbeensofoolishandgullible.Shewasremindedofthetimeone
ofheryoungerbrotherssneakedawaytogo‘swimming’withhisoldersiblingswhenhedidn’tknowhowtoswimyet.Mamachasedafterhim,fearinghewoulddrown,and
prayinghewouldbesafeuntilshearrived.Joeywasalreadyinthewater,andherMamascreamedtogetTimothy’sattention.Timpulledhisyoungerbrotherfromthewater,and
oncetheyweresurehewasgoingtobeallright,Mamasethislittlebottomonfirewitha
stickshepickedupofftheground.ItwasahardspankingbecauseallofMama’sfearturnedtoanger.ThatiswhathappenedwithJohn.Hespankedhersohardbecausehewas
terrifiedforher,andwhenshewassafelybackinhisarms,hisfearturnedintorighteousanger.Thestrappingwasterrible,butitonlymeanthelovedher.Ifshehadtobeill,shepickedagoodtimetodoit!Shemissedallofthe‘sitting’shewouldhavehadtodoona
verysorebehind!Shesmiledtoherself,andthenjumpedwhensherealizedthatJohnwasstandinginfrontofher.
“Whatareyoudoing,sittinghereandsmiling?”heasked,smilingdownather.
“Iwasgettingridoftheghosts,”shetoldhim.“Iknowthateverythingthathappenedwasseveraldaysagotoyou,butformeitwaslikethismorning.Ineededto
thinkitthrough,”sheexplained.“Ifeelsolucky,John.Theytoldmeyouweredead.”“Isthatwhyyouopenedthedoor?”Heneededthetruth.
“No…TheysaidyouwereinjuredandthatSmithwaswithyou,andyouwereasking
forme.Iwassoscared,andIgotmycoatandwenttobewithyou.Ittookmeoveranhourtorealizewe’dgonetoofar…andthatiswhentheysaidthey’dshotyoudead,andSmith,
too.Iwantedtodie.ThenHeWhoWearsRedcame,andhismenkilledthem.Ithoughthe
wastakingmebacktohiswivesagain,andIwasaboutreadytoprovokehimintokillingme,”sheconfessed.“ThankGodyoucalledformewhenyoudid!Ididn’twanttolive
withoutyou.”“AndthenIbroughtyoubackhereandthrashedyou…andyousosick!Iwantyou
toknowthatI’veneverfeltsolowinmylife,Susie.Ibegyourforgivenessforstrappingyou
likethat.Itwaswrong.”“Thereisnothingtoforgive,John.YoudidthatbecauseyoulovemeasmuchasI
loveyou.Allyourworryandfearturnedintoanger,andIgotaspanking.I’mfine,although
IhavetoadmitI’mgladIdidn’thavetositthelastfewdays!”Shegavehimasmileandthengiggledathisexpression.
“Iputsomethingonyourhindafewtimesoryouwouldn’tbesittingsoeasyrightnow,”heconfessed.
“Thankyou,John,”shesaidsoftly.
“Yourskiniscold,”hesaid,touchingherleg.“Comebacktobedandgetwarm.”“CouldIjustwrapupinsomethingandsithere,John?Please?Iwanttoenjoybeing
alive.”
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Hecouldn’tdenyher.Hegottheblanketfromthebed,andstoodheruptowrapher
init,andthenhegotapairofsockstoputonherbarefeet.“Don’tyoueverscaremelikethisagain,Susie,”helookedupfromhiskneelingpositiontosay.Hehadtearsinhiseyes,
andthenherestedhisheadonherlap.Susieranherhandthroughhishair,andhewasatpeace,andvery,verythankful.
Thenextweeksseemedtopassslowly,butneitherofthemminded.Theyhadplentytoeat,andtheonlyvisitorstheyhadwereIndianswhomeantthemnoharm.Johnalwaysgavethemsomething,whetheritwascoffeeorsugar,orflour,anditmadethe
Indianssmileathisgenerosity.Susanwasunderstandablynervous,butshetrustedJohnto
protectherandkeephersafe.And,whenhewentouthunting,shekeptthedoortothecabinbarred.Shedidn’twantanotherlessonwiththatstrap.
OnedayitfeltwarmerandSusancouldn’tstayinsidethecabin.Shewassoexcited,andsheaskedJohnwhentheycouldleaveforthesettlement.Hepatientlytriedtoexplain
thatwinterwasn’tdonewiththemyet.Hepredictedtheywouldhaveatleastoneortwo
moregoodsnowstorms,andremindedhertheydidn’twanttobecaughtoutsideifthathappened.
Susanstompedherfootandsaidshedidn’tbelievehim,butherefusedtopackupandleave.Shecontinuedtofuss,tellinghimhewasjustputtingoffleaving.Johnfinallyhadenough.
“Susie,I’veheardenoughcomplainingnow.Settledown.I’velivedupherelongenoughtoknowwhattoexpect.Wearenotleavinghereforafewmoreweeksyet.One
morewordisgoingtoearnyouaspanking.”
Susanpressedherlipstightlytogether,andwhileshedidfixtheirsupper,shemadeitveryclearshewasnotinthemoodtomakelovethatnight.Johnshookhishead.Aslong
asshewasbeingquietonthesubjectofleaving,hecouldlastanightwithoutsnuggling.However,thenextdaywasevenwarmerthanthedaybeforeandSusanflashedhim
adirtylookandsaid,“Wecouldhavebeentothesettlementbytonightifwe’dleftwhenI
wantedto!”“Susan,ittakesseveraldaystogettothesettlementfromhere.And,theweather
canchangeinaheartbeat.Ihopeyoudon’tplantospendtodayfussingatmeaboutthis,
becauseitisniceenoughtocutafewswitchesandstripeyourhindgood.”“Ihavearighttomysay!”sheindignantlyinformedhim,hertemperflaring.
“YoualsohavearighttokeepquietonceI’veexplainedwhyyoursaywon’twork.I’mnotabouttotakeyouonthetrailuntilIknowwehaveachanceofmakingittothe
settlementwithoutanotherblizzardcatchingusoutintheopen.”
Shemutteredunderherbreathandhewassureheheardhercallinghimnames.Hepointedatherandsaid,“Enough,Susie.Iwon’tgiveyouanotherwarningtoday.”
Susanthoughthewasbeingridiculous,butshekeptheropinionstoherself.Abit
laterJohnannouncedthathewantedtogohunting,andhetoldhertostayinsideandbarthedoor.“But,itisniceoutside!Idon’twanttobecoopedupinsidewhileyouareoutside
enjoyingtheday!Itisn’tfair,John!”“Susan,Ithinkyouneedadamnedgoodspanking,”hestated,andeventhoughshe
triedtoeludehim,hemanagedtocatchher,tossheroverhisshoulderandcarryherinside.
Hepulledoutoneofthechairstothetable,tookaseat,flippedheroverhislap,tossedupherskirts,andthenstartedspankingherbaredbottom.“Iamnotsurewhyyouareacting
sosassy,butIguessIhaven’tdonethisforagoodwhileandyouareoverdueasorehind.”
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“Youjuststoprightnow,JohnJericho!Youwouldn’twanttostayinsideeither!”she
yelledathim.Hishandwashardandeachspankwasstinginglikecrazy.“Itisn’tsafeforyoutobeoutsidewhenIamnothere.Now,areyougoingtobarthis
door,ordoIneedtospanklongerandharder?”“I’lldoit,butIwon’tlikeit!”sheanswered.
Johngaveheronemoreresoundingwhackonhertenderbacksideandthenputheronherfeet.Hepickeduphisgunandmadesurehehadeverythingelseheneeded.HeturnedtokissSusan,buthereyeswereflashinginanger.“Youmindme,Susie,”hewarned
andthenwaitedoutsidethedooruntilsheshutitandputtheheavybarinplace.
SusandecidedthiswasjustaboutthemeanestthingJohnhadeverdonetoher…Confiningherinsidethecabinwhenitwassoniceandwarmoutside.Shedidn’twanttobe
coopedupwithinthesamefourwallswhenitwaswarmandsunnyandeverythingsmelledsofreshandnew.Shedidn’twanttoclean,andshedidn’twanttocook,either.Shewanted
tobeoutsideandgoforanicewalk.ThemoreSusanstompedaroundthecabin,the
angriershegot.Finally,sheworkedupagoodmadanddecidedthatshewasn’tachildtobeorderedinside.Shewouldn’tgofar,butshewasgoingtohaveherwalk,andshewould
returnbeforeJohngotback…andhewouldneverknowaboutherlittleexcursion.Susancarefullybankedthefiresoitwouldn’tgoout,andatthelastminutedecided
topickupanextraknifeofJohn’sforprotection.Sheunbarredthedoor,openedit,and
steppedoutintothesunshine…andfreedom!Susanclosedthedoorandtookoffatabriskpace.ShehadatleastanhourtoenjoyherselfbeforeJohnwouldreturn,andsheintended
tomakethemostofthathour.Johnwouldneverknow,andwhathedidn’tknowwouldn’t
hurtherstillsmartingbottom!********************
Johnwasn’tgonelongbeforehestartedfeelingguiltyoverthethingsthatSusiesaidtohim.Hewouldn’tlikeitifhehadtostaycoopedupinsidethecabinonsuchaniceday,
either.Itwasn’tfairtoexpecthertostayinsidewhenshesimplywantedtobeoutsidethe
sameashim.Hedecidedtogobackandgether.Shecouldcomewithhimandhewouldseeifshecouldkeepquietwhilehefoundthemsomefreshmeatfortheirsupper.
Johnreachedthecabin,andknockedonthedoor.“It’sme,Susie.Unbarthedoor
andcomeonoutside.It’stoodarnnicetobeinsideonadaylikethis,”hesaidwithasmile.Whentherewasnoexcitedsqueal,andthedoordidn’topen,heknockedagain,abitlouder.
Surelyshewasn’tsleeping?Whentherewasstillnoanswer,hetriedthelatch,andthedooropenedonanemptycabin!
Johncalledandcalled,buttherewasnoanswer.John’sheartfilledwithfearashe
lookedaroundthecabinforanysignofastruggle.Therewasn’tany,andthefirewasbanked.SurelySusiewouldn’tdefyhimandgooutsidebyherselfwhenhewasn’thereto
protectherincaseoftrouble…?Hethoughtaboutitandnoddedslowly.Yes,thefeisty
redheadwoulddojustthat.Shecouldbeascontraryascontrarycouldbe,andshedidn’texpecthimtocomebackandfindhergone.HedecidedtoseeifhecouldfindMissSusie,
andthenshewasgoingtocutafewswitchesandpeelthemandhewasgoingtostripeherhindallthewayhome.
********************
Susiewashavingawonderfultime.Itwassimplybeautifuloutside,butwhenthesunwentbehindthecloudstherewasstilladefinitenipintheair.Shewalkedforquitea
distance,andthenreluctantlydecidedsheneededtogetbacktothecabin.Sheheaded
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backwhenshethoughtshespottedsomeoneonthetrailaheadofher.Shewassostartled
sheturnedtotryandhideandherfootcaughtinavineandshefell.Herankletwistedandshecriedoutinpainasshefell.Sheheardsomeonecrashingthroughthebrushtogetto
herandshedrewtheknifeindesperation,wishingwithallhermightshe’dstayedinthecabinasshewastoldtodo.
“Areyouhurt,Susie?”Johnasked,kneelingbesideherandtakinginherpaleexpression,andtheknifeshewasclutchingasalifeline.
“Itwistedmyankle,John,”shewhispered,feelingveryfoolish.“Ispottedmovement,
andwastryingtohurryandhide…”Johnhadherbootandhersockoff,andheranklewas
veryswollen.Atleasthedidn’tseeanybrokenbones.“IwasgoingtohaveyoucutseveralswitchesandIwasgoingtostripeyouevery
stepofthewayhome,butIguessyouwon’tgetyourtanninguntilIgetyoubacktothecabin.Youcertainlycan’twalkonthisankle.”
“I’msorry,John.Ijusthadtobeoutside.Ishouldhaveobeyedyou,”shetearfully
admitted.Hepickedherupinhisstrongarmsandheadedforthecabin.“Yes,Susie,you
shouldhaveobeyedme.Nowyou’veearnedyourselfagoodspankingandwiththisankle,you’llbesittingonyoursorehind.”
“Couldn’tyoupleaseforgivemejustthisonetime?”shebeggedofhim.“Iwon’tdo
thisagain,”shepromised.“Yousaythateverytimeyougetintotrouble,Susie,”heanswered,carryingheras
thoughsheweighednothingatall.“Especiallywhenyouknowyou’regoingtogetyour
hindspanked.”“I’minpain,John,”sheturnedhertear-filledeyesupathim.
“I’msureyouare,”heagreed.He’dtwistedhisankleatimeortwo,too.Itwaspainful,butitdidn’tmeanhewouldletherpullastuntlikethisandescapethesorehind
she’dearned.Susieneededtoknowtherewerelimits,andthathecouldbetrustedto
enforcethelimits.Sheneededafirmhand,andhewasjustthemantosupplythatfirmhandwhereitwoulddothemostgood.
“Howdidyoufindmesoquickly?”sheaskedcuriously.
“Icamebacktoinviteyoualong.Seemsyoudecidedyoucouldsneakoutandbebacklongbeforeyouexpectedme,right?”
“Yes.”Susandidn’tbothertolietohim.Healreadyknewthetruthofthematterandtherewasnopointinlying.“IfIhadachancetodoitallover,Iwouldn’tsneakoff,”she
said.“Doyoubelieveme?”
“Yes.Butthatdoesn’tmeanyouaren’tgoingtogetagoodspankingfordoingittoday.”
Susanrestedherheadagainsthischestashecarriedherallthewaybacktothe
cabin.Oncetheyarrived,hesatherinherrockingchairwhilehefetchedicecoldwaterfromthestream.Hesoakedatowelinthecoldwater,andthenputitaroundherankleto
takedowntheswelling.“Oh,thatistoocold!”SusantriedtoremovethetowelbutJohnreacheddownand
grabbedherhand.
“Youleavethatbe.Youneedtodealwiththeswelling.”Hewaitedonhertherestoftheday,whilemakingsureshestayedseated.Herankle
stoppedthrobbingsomewhatwhentheswellingreceded,andbythetimetheyfinished
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supper,shedidn’tnoticeitatallunlessshetriedtoputweightonit.Johnpatientlycleaned
uptheirdishesandthenhelookedatSusanandsaid,“Timeforyourspanking,younglady.”
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Chapter Nine
“But,John,Idon’twantaspanking!”ThelookinSusan’sgreeneyeswaspleading.“I
knowthatwhatIdidwasverystupidandfoolish,andIendeduppunishingmyselfbyhurtingmyankle!”Shehopedherwordsweremakinghimthink,andpossiblyfeelabit
sorryforher.“Twistingyouranklewasanaccident,notapunishment.”Johnshookhisheadat
herattemptstogetoutofadeservedspanking.
“Youdon’tunderstand,”sheinsistedasheeasilypickedherupfromherrockingchairandcarriedherovertothebed.“IfeltsobadfordisobeyingyouthatIdidn’tenjoy
mywalknearlyasmuchasIshouldhave.Iwasfrightened,”sheadmitted,chewingonher
lowerlipashelookeddownather.“Then,whenIcaughtaglimpseofyou,itmademerememberthoseothertwomenwhotriedtotakemeaway…Iwasreallyscared,John.I’ve
learnedmylesson,andIwon’tdothatagain.”
“Thatisgoodtoknow.Butyouarestillgoingtopayupforthistime,”hesaidsoftly,andthenadded,“Youaregoingtopullupyourskirtandlierighthereonthebed,andyou
aren’tgoingtowigglearoundorkickyourfeet.”Hegrabbedapillowandgentlyliftedherfootandplacedthepillowunderneathtocushionherankle.“Now,pullupyourskirt,Susie,
andshowmethatyouarewillingtomakeamends.Youscaredme,too,youknow.”“Ididn’tmeanto!”shetoldhim.“Ididn’tknowyouwouldcomebacksosoon.”
“Itwasn’tfairtoleaveyoucoopedupinsidethecabin,butitwaswrongforyouto
disobeyanddefyme.Thatiswhyyouaregettingaspanking,girl.NowpullupthatskirtsoIcansetyourprettyhindonfire.”
“But,John,Iwillhavetositallthetimeforadayortwo!”sheremindedhim.“You
havenoideahowmuchaspankinghurtstositon!”
“YesIdo,andIalsoknowitwillmakeyouthinkthenexttimeyou’retemptedtoriskyourlife.Iwasluckytofindyou,Susie.Andyouwereluckyitwasmewhofoundyouandnotsomeoneelse.IsawacoupleofHeWhoWearsRed’sgroupouthunting.Doyoureally
wanttoendupbackthere?”heasked,wantinghertothink.
“No!”shedenied,feelingevenmorefoolish.“I’msorryIletmytempergetthebestofme,John.”HereyeswerebrimmingwithtearsnowandshefinallyacceptedthatJohn
wastrulygoingtospankher.Itwasherownfault,too.She’dactedlikeachildhavinga
tantrum.Therewasreallynoexcuseforthewayshe’dbehaved.Johnwasrightaboutitnotbeingsafeforhertobealoneoutsidethecabin.“I’msorry!”shesaidagain,lookingup
athim,needinghimtobelieveher.Johnnodded.“Icanseeyoumeanthat,honey.Let’sgetthisspankingdone.”
Hisbrowneyeswerefullofpurposeanddetermination,andtherewasnothingelsetodobutcarefullypullupherskirt,andtakecarethatshedidn’tputanyweightonherinjuredankleasshepushedherselfupenoughtopulltheskirtuphigh.Hedidnotkeepher
waitingforthefirstspank.ItlandedjustassoonasshewassettledandinplaceandSusancouldn’tstopherselffromcryingout.Shewaspositiveshehadaredhandprintonherright
cheek,andthenJohngaveheramatchingoneonherleftcheek.Twicemorehishandfell
andherupperthighsfeltbranded!ThenJohngavehersitspotsthesamefierytreatment.Eachhandprintburnedandflamed!
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“Areyoubeginningtoregretyourbehavior,MissSusan?”Johnasked,hisvoicesoft,
yetfirmandunyielding.“Yes,Ido,John!IamverysorryandIpromiseIwillneverdothisagain.”Shemeant
thewords.“Good,”hereplied.“Wearegettingsomewhere.Stayrightwhereyouare,no
wiggling,andletthosespanksburn.Iamsteppingoutsidetocutacoupleofswitches,”heannounced.“BythetimeIfinishstripingyourhind,youwillwishyouhadobeyedme.”
“Ialreadydo!”shecriedout,butJohnmerelyopenedthecabindoorandstepped
outside.Susanwantedtorun,butwithherinjuredankletherewasnowayshewouldget
twostepsoutsidethedoorbeforeJohnwouldhaveher.Herbacksidewasalreadystingingunbearably,andthesamespotsthatwereonfirewerestartingtoitch.Shesowantedto
reachbackandrub,butJohnhadwarnedheragainstthatfromtheveryfirsttimehespankedher.Hewouldjustrepeatthespanksandthenswitchher!Aswitch!Ithadbeen
yearssinceshewasswitched,andeventhenherMamadidn’tbareher!Itwasthecalvesof
herlegsthatsufferedtheindignity,andallbecauseshesneakedofftoeatberriesinsteadofdoingthechoresshewastoldtodo.Mamaswitchedherbacktothehouse,andherFather
bentheroverandstrappedherhard.Shehadtoworkoutinthehotsunfortherestoftheday,andwhennoon-timecame,hemakeherworkstraightthroughandshewasn’tpermittedtostopandeatwiththefamily.Hedidletherhavesupper,butthensenther
straightuptotheloftandherpalletonthefloor.Susannevershirkedherdutiesagain.Butthiswasdifferent.Shekeptthecabinascleanasshepossiblycould,andshe
workedhard,too.Thisswitchingwasfordisobedienceanddefiance,andforriskingher
safety.ThatwaswhyJohnwasgoingtoputredweltsalloverherbackside.Sherememberedhowtheswitchmadehercalvesburnanditchlikeathousandbeestings,and
shecriedatthethoughtoffeelingthatsamesensationalloverherbottom!ShewouldalmostratherJohnusetheleatherstrapthanaswitch!
Alltoosoonhecamebackinside,closingandbarringthedoorbehindhim.“Whyam
Igoingtoswitchyou,Susan?”heaskedofher,andSusanwantedtoturnoveronherbacktohidehervulnerability!
“IamsorryIdisobeyedyou,John.Iknownowhowfoolishitwas.Pleasedon’t
switchme…Yourhandishardenough,andIalreadyregretmybehavior.Ican’tstandswitches,”sheadded,hopingtodissuadehim.
“Youaren’tsupposedtoenjoythis,honey,”Johnsaidsoftly,andthenheflickedtheswitchacrossthehandprintsonhercheeks,leavingaredlinethatpuffedup.
“Owwww!”Susancriedoutasthelineoffirespreadacrossherbottom.“Don’t!”she
pleadedasthesecondstripefellrightbelowthefirst.“Owwwwwww!”Itwasevenworsethansherememberedfromherchildhood!“Stop,please!”shebegged.Hedidn’t,andSusan
couldonlyliethereandcryasJohnstripedherbottomcheeksandherupperthighs.He
evenlandedafewacrossthecalvesofherlegs,andthenhestartedonhersitspots.Susanscreamed.Onthattender-mostarea,theswitchwasevenmorepainful.
“Iwantthistobealessonthatyouremember,Susie.Ican’tprotectyouifyoudon’tobeyme.Punishingyoulikethisgivesmenopleasure,andyoucanprayIneverfindit
necessarytodothisagainforthesamething.Iwillwearoutthreeswitchesonyourhindif
youareeverthisfoolishagain.”Withthosewords,hegavehertenmorestripes,allinthesamespot,thecreasebetweenherbottomcheeksandherthighs.Sittingwasgoingtobeas
painfulashecouldmakeitwithoutresortingtocruelty.“DoIhaveyourfullattentionnow,
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Susie?DoyourealizehowmuchIloveyouandvalueyou?DoyouunderstandnowthatI
willpunishyouseverelyeverytimeyouputyourlifeatrisk?”“Yes!”Shewassobbingsohardshecouldbarelyspeak,butsheknewshehadto
assurehimshe’dlearnedherlesson.“I’msorry!”“Yes,Iknowyouare,honey.”Hesatbesideherandpattedherbackcomfortingly.“I
knowyourhindfeelslikeaswarmofbeeshadatyou,butitisnothingcomparedtowhatyouwouldhavesufferedatanother’shands,sweetgirl.It’stooearlyforbed,sopulldownyourskirtandI’llcarryyoubacktoyourrockingchair.”
“Idon’twanttositdownrightnow!”shedeclared,hertemperassertingitself.
“Yesyoudo.Lyingherelikethismakesmethinkyouwantmorespanking,”hesaid,givingherupturnedbottomaheartysmack.Shecriedoutinpain.
“Don’tdothat!”sheyelled.“Justleavemealone!”“Iguesswearen’tdonehereifyouhavethatmuchattitudeleft,”Johncommented.
Heusedhisrighthandtospankheragain,whilehislefthandheldherinplace.Shewas
tryinghardtotwistaway,butJohnwasn’tabouttoletherdothat.“Sassinessafterapunishmentisn’tagoodidea,Susan.Itjustearnsyouanevensorerhind.”Hisfatherswore
itworkedwondersonanattitude,andJohndecidedtogiveSusanareasontomendhermanners.Hedidn’tspareherbottom,herthighs,orhersitspot.Finally,thefeistyredheadstoppedstrugglingandacceptedthespanking.“Areyoureadytodoasyouaretold
withoutabunchofsass,Susie?”heaskedinasoothingtoneofvoice.“Yes,”shewhisperedtearfully.
“ThenI’llhelpyouup,”hesaidandhehelpedhertoherknees.Tohissurprise,she
immediatelyputherarmsaroundhiswaistandrestedherheadonhismidsectionandcried.Hegentlypriedherarmsawayandthensatdownandpulledherovertositonhis
lapsohecouldoffercomfort.“It’sallovernow,honey,andyouwon’tdothatagain,willyou?”Hiswordsweresoftandgentle.
Susanneededtobeheld;sheneededhiscomfort.Shehatedswitches,andthislatest
encounteronlyreinforcedthathatred.Onceshefinallystoppedcryingshesaid,“Pleasedon’teverdothatagain,John!Itrulycannotbearaswitch.Iwouldratheryouuseda
leatherstrapthanaswitch.Ithurtsmeinside.”
“Whyisthat?”Hewantedtounderstand.“It’stoomuchlikeawhip,”sheconfessed.“ItmakesmefeellikeIamsomeanimaltobewhippedintosubmission.Itmakesmeangry
ontheinside,evenifIdodeserveapunishment.Iambeggingyounottodothatagain…”ShewastremblingandJohnrealizedshewasserious.“Allright,honey.Nomore
switches.Idon’teverwantyoutofeellessthanyouare.”
“Thankyou,”shesnuggledcloser.“Pleasejustholdme,John.I’mstillshakinginside.”
Johnheldhertightly.Heregrettedusingtheswitchnow.“Ifelttheleatherstrap
wastooharsh,”heexplained.“Yourhandhurtsenough,John,”shesaidsoearnestlythathehadtosmile.“Idon’t
imagineyouhaveanyideaofhowstrongyouare!Thatfirsttimeyouspankedme,intheIndiancamp,itwastheworstspankingofmylifetothatpoint.”
“IneededtospankyouhardsothatHeWhoWearsRedwouldn’ttortureyou.He
hadtosaveface,andyou,amereslave,attackedhisthreewives!”“Theydeservedit,”shehuffed.
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“Iknow,honey.Ithoughtyouverybrave,strong,courageous,andIspankedyouto
protectyou…Then,sillystubbornfemalethatyouare,youhadtojumprightupafterItoldyoutosit.Youearnedthatsecondspanking.”
“Itwashumiliating,”sheconfessed.“Youdidn’tgivemeachoice,honey.Ihadtomakeyoubehaveorloserespectin
frontoftheIndians.But,ifyou’dsattheremeekascouldbe,IdoubtthatHeWhoWearsRedwouldhavesoldyouforapriceIcouldpay.”Herubbedherback.“Imightenjoygivingyourhindaplayfulswat,orasexyspankin’,butIdon’tenjoymakingyoucryoutinpain,
Susie.I’lladmitthatIhaveaweaknessforfeistywomen…andIenjoyalittlebitoftaming,
butitpainsmetohavetopunishyouseverely,andyou’vecertainlyearnedafewofthoseintheshorttimewe’vebeentogether.Doyouthinkyoucouldstoppushingmenow,oramI
goingtohavetokeepsettingyourhindonfiretomakeyoumind?”“It’smyprideandmytemper,John.I’vealwayshadtroublecontrollingthem,butI
canpromiseyouIwon’tdisobeyyouaboutwanderingoffaloneagain.”
“Yousaidthatwhenyouhitmeovertheheadandranoff,”heremindedher.“Thatwasdifferent!Iwasescapingthen,runningaway,andIhadnointentionof
comingback.ThistimeIwasmerelygoingforalittlewalkandthencomingrightbackhere.Iwasn’trunningoff!”sheclarified.
“Notgoingtodothatagain,areyou,honey?”heaskedmatter-of-factly.
“No…Itwasprettyfoolish,”shewhisperedagainsthisshirt.“Itwasthat,andnowyouwillsitonyourhindandthinkabouthowluckyweboth
arerightthismoment.Wearetogether;youaresafeandIwasabletobringyouonhome.
Itcouldhavebeenmuchdifferent,honey,andIdamnwelldon’twanttoloseyounowthatI’vefoundyou.”
Susandidn’thavetimetosayanythingbeforehestoodandpickedherup.Shewincedwhenhesatherinherrockingchair.Shehadnodesiretositdown.Itfelt
miserable.“Thisisterrible,John!Please,mayIgotobedearly?”
“No.Sittingispartofyourpunishment,younglady.Youquietnowandthinkonwhyyouneedthislesson.”
Johnwentbacktohiscarving,andpretendedhedidn’tnoticewhenshetriedto
squirmwithoutbeingseen.Sittingwasnotgoingtofeelgoodforacoupleofdays,atleast.Shewouldn’tbeleavingthecabinwithouthimagain,andhewassureofthat.
Susanwasmiserable.Sittingonaspankingwasbadenough,buttheswitchingwastentimesworse!Theitchwasnearlyunbearableandshesimplycouldn’tsitstill.Shewas
inpain,andwithherankle,shecouldn’tgetup.ShewantedtobegJohntopermithertogo
tobed,buthewasdeterminedshelearnalesson.Susanfeltthelessonwaswell-learnedbynowandwasquicklyturningintoover-kill.Shewasreadytoscreaminfrustrationwhen
Johnasked,“Areyoureadytogotobed,younglady?”
“Yes.”Shejumpeduptostandononefoot.Johnturnedandraisedoneeyebrow.“DidItellyouyoucouldgetup?”heasked.
“No,butJohn,youaskedifIwasready,andIam.Icannotbeartosithereanotherminute!”
“Susie,whenyouaregivenapunishment,youneedtoacceptit.Youarguedwithme
fromtheget-go,andafteryoubeggedmenottoswitchyouagain,andthenyoudidn’twanttosit.Youargueeverything.Youdidn’tsitthereandthinkaboutwhyyouwerebeing
punished.Yousatthereandsquirmedconstantly,andthenyoucouldn’tevenwaituntilI
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toldyouyoucouldgetup.Youjumpedup,andthat,MissSusiewasamistake.Iwasgoing
toletyougoandliedown,butIthinkyouneedtositbackdownandsitstillandacceptyourpunishment.Notalking,nosquirming,andnogettingupuntilItellyouthatyoucan.”
“Please,no…!”shegasped.“John,Iamintoomuchpaintositdownagainrightnow.Iwanttogotobed…!Please?”
“Doyouwantanotherspankingbeforeyousit,Susan?”heasked,hisdarkeyeswarningherhewasserious.
“No!”Shewaspoutingnow,andgivinghimreproachfullooks.Hehardenedhimself
toit.
“Sitdownnow.”Thewordsweresaidsoftly,butSusanrealizedhewasextremelyserious.Ifshe
didn’tsithewouldspankheronceagainandthenshewouldsitonanevensorerbottom.Shegingerlyeasedherselfdownonherchair,tryinghardnottocry.
“YourtimestartsovereachtimeIhearyousnifflingorcrying,orseeyousquirming.
Youaregoingtoacceptthispunishment,Susan.”Hewentbacktohiscarving,buthishearingwastunedtolisteningforanysignthatshewasn’tobeyinghimasshewasgoingto
do,evenifshehadtositthereallnight.IfSusanthoughtshewasmiserablebefore,shewasexcruciatinglymiserablenow.
Shewantedtocry,butshecouldn’t…!Shewantedtomovetoeasethediscomfortofsitting,
butshecouldn’t!Johnwasinsistingsheacceptherpunishmentwithoutargument.Hewantedhertolearntocontrolherself.Shedidherbest,butwastrulyattheendofher
endurancewhenJohnroseandwalkedovertolookather.
“Thatwasmuchbetter,”hestated.Hetoldhershecouldstandup,andthenhecarriedherovertothebed.“Getyourselfsettledforthenight,Susie.Ifthatankleisn’talot
betterbymorning,youwillbedoingalotofsitting.”Susanpromptlydecidedheranklewasgoingtobefullyrecoveredbymorning.She
gotreadyforbedandwasdeterminedthatshewasgoingtogiveJohnherbackforthe
night,butwhenhejoinedherinbed,histouchwasgentleandhesoothedherswitchedbackside,rubbinggentlytoeasesomeofthestingandtherelentlessitching.Shewasstill
goingtobesorethenextmorning,butatleasthewasgivinghersomereliefnow…andthen
pleasure.Shefellasleepinhisarms,completelyoverhersulk.Whentheywoke,Susanfoundheranklewasstillabittender,butshecouldstand
andwalk,andshewasgrateful.Shemighthavetositsome,butshewouldfindwaystokeepsittingtoaminimum.
“Comehere,Susie,”Johnsaidasheopenedthedoortolookoutside.Hewaiteduntil
shewasbesidehim,andthenhepulledthedooropensoshecouldsee,too.Susanwasshockedtolookoutsideandseeallthesnowonthegroundandthatit
wasstillcomingdown!IfsheandJohnhadleftwhenshewantedto,thentheywouldhave
beencaughtoutintheopen,withnoshelter.Shewaswrong,andhewasright!Susanwassuddenlyashamedofherselfforgivinghimsuchadifficulttimethelastcoupleofdays.Her
greeneyesfilledwithtearsassheturnedtolookathim.“I’msosorryIwassodifficult,John.”
“Noneedtosay‘sorry’,honey.IjustwantedyoutoseesoyouwouldknowthatI
wasn’tbeingastubbornjackass.I’manxioustogohome,too.Iwantyoutomeetmyfamily,andhavethemmeetyou.It’llbeanotherthreeorfourweeksbeforewecanriskthe
tripdownthemountain.Doyoutrustmenow?”hewantedtoknow.
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“Yes,Ido.Iwon’tcomplain,”shepromised,standingontiptoetokisshim.
“NowthisisthesweetSusieIlovesomuch,”hesaidwithagentle,teasingsmile.********************
“Nooneisgoingtothinkbadlyofyou,honey,”Johninsistedthreeweekslaterwhentheywerespendingtheirlastnightinthesmallcabin.“We’llseethepreacherorthejustice
ofthepeacewhenwegettothesettlementandmakeuslegal.Godalreadyknowsweloveeachotherbutwe’llsaythewordsinfrontofwitnessesandmakeitreal.Folksaren’tgoingtohateyourclothes,either.There’llbeothersdressedthewayyouare,butwecanseeif
wecanfindyousomeclothestotravelhomein.Thereisnoneedtofret.”
“Womencanbecruel,John.IffolksknowIwaswiththeIndiansthey’llassumetheworst.”
“Iwon’tletanyonemakefunofyou,Susie.Nowyouneedtogetsomesleep;wehaveseveraldaysofwalkingaheadofus,andyou’regoingtobewornoutifyoudon’trest
now.”
Susiesnuggledcloserandwhispered,“Iamgoingtomissthiscabin,John.”“SoamI,honey.Butithasserveditspurpose,andit’stimetogohomenow…for
bothofus.Iamanxioustointroduceyoutomyfamily,andforyoutomeetthem.IjustknowthatMamaisgoingtoloveyou.”
“Ican’twaittoseemyMama,too.IwanthertoseehowhappyIamnow.”
“IamlookingforwardtomeetingyourMamaandyourfamily,honey.”Hewasgoingtoknockherfatheronhisassfortreatinghersoshabbilyandsellinghertoanabusive
bastardlikePhillipJamison.
Theyfinallywenttosleep,aftertheymadeloveagain.Theygotupearly,hadagoodhotbreakfast,andmadesuretheyhadeverythingtheywouldneedforthelongwalktothe
closestsettlement.Susandidn’tknowwhattothinkwhenJohntooktheboxfromtheshelfthatcontainedCarolyn’sjournalandjewelry,buthemerelylookedatherandsmiled.The
journalwillhelpmeprovewhokilledCaro.Ineedtoputhertorest,Susie.I’llgivetherest
ofherthingseithertoherMotherorgivethemaway.Iwanttogiveyouprettythingsthatareboughtjustforyou.”Hecrossedthecabinandkissedher.“DoyouhaveeverythingI
toldyoutopack?”
“Yes,John.Butwhatabouteverythingelse?”sheasked.“Someoneelsewillcomealongandmakeuseoftheplaceandconsiderthemselves
lucky.Wewon’tbecomingbackhere,sweetheart.”Susanwavedasilentgoodbyetoherhomeofthelastfewmonths.Shewouldmiss
it,andtheclosenessshefeltherewithJohn,butashesaidthenightbefore,itwastimefor
thembothtogohome.Thefartherawayfromthecabintheywalked,themorefrightenedshefelt.Shehadn’tbeenaroundotherpeopleinalongtime,andshewasn’tsurehowshe
shouldact.Whatifthesettlementwasthesameonethewagontraintraveledthrougha
fewdaysbeforeHeWhoWearsRedattackedthem?Wouldpeoplethinklessofherforbeingtakencaptive?SurelytheywouldknowthatshehadbeenlivingwithJohnJerichoas
hiswomanforthelastfewmonths…Shewasn’tusedtobeingtreatedkindlybytownfolks,butshedidn’twanttobescorned,either.
“Whatareyoulookingsoworriedabout,younglady?”JohnaskedwhenSusiehadn’t
saidonesinglewordinwellovertwohours.“I’mafraidthatpeoplearegoingtoridiculeme,”shewhispered.
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“Iftheydo,thenI’llridiculethemrightback,”hepromised.“Nowstoppoutingand
justenjoythescenery.Thisistooprettyadaytospenditfretting.And,I’mgonnahavetostopandcutaswitchifyoudon’tstopit.”Theshockedlookonherfacewaseverythinghe
couldhavehopedfor.Hestartedlaughing,andthenpretendedhewasmortallywoundedwhenshesockedhimonthearm.
“Thatissomean,JohnJericho!”shescolded.Johnsuddenlyhushedher,andthensaidquietly.“Iwantyoutohidebehindthose
bushesandnotmakeonesound,girl.”
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Chapter Ten
SusanhadnoideawhyJohnwantedhertohidebehindthebusheshepointedat,but
shequicklydidasshewastold.SherealizedthatJohnknewwhatwasbestwhenitcametotheirsafetyandsurvivalinthiswildland.AshorttimelatertwomencameuponJohnand
slappedhisbackheartily,abittooheartilyinSusan’sopinion.“Jericho,it’sbeenawhile,”amanwithscragglyredhairexclaimed.
“Ithas,Amos,”Johnrepliedcordially,butSusanwasn’tfooled.Itwasobvioustoher
thatJohndidn’tcarefortheman.“Youheadedin?”Amosasked,hiseyesnarrowingspeculatively.
“Iam,”Johnsaid,nodding.
“MeandThumperarelookin’ferfriendsofourn;maybeyouseen‘em…BillCoffieldandDruryHolmes…”
“Can’tsayIhave,”Johnliedcoolly.
“Theywastomeetupwithusafewdaysagoandweain’tseennosignof‘em.TheywerewinteringwithSmith.Youknowhim?”
“Sure,everyoneknowsSmith,”Johnstated.“Hisplaceisupnearyours,right?”
“Aways,”Johnanswered.“Youain’tarealfriendlysort,”Amosdeclared.
“Idon’tlikeyourkind,Amos.Alwayslookingforaneasybuck.Iguessit’sluckyfor
meI’mnothaulinganyfurstotrade.”“Now,thatain’takindthingtosay,Jericho.”Amospretendedtobewounded.
SusanwishedwithallherheartthatJohnwouldshutupandtheothertwomen
wouldbeontheirway.Shewassuddenlystartledwhenshewasgrabbedfrombehind.She
letoutayelp,butalargebeefyhandwasslappedoverhermouthasthemanstartedtopullheraway.SusanknewshehadtomakeJohnawareofwhatwashappening.Shethrewherselfbackwardsinsteadofresistingandwhenthemanstartedtolosehisbalanceshe
kickedhimashardaspossibleandbithishandviciously.Hebellowedinrageanddropped
Susanonthehardground.Shedidn’twaitforhimtocomeatheragain,butjumpedtoherfeetandrantoward
John.Hewasbusywiththeothertwo--allthreewereholdingwickedknivesintheirhands-
-andSusan’stemperflaredtoanunholylight.ShegrabbedalargestickfromthegroundandhittheredheadedAmosashardasshecouldoverthehead.Heslumpedtotheground
andJohnquicklydispatchedThumperwithhisknife.BeforeshehadtimetowarnJohnaboutthethirdman,hecameoutfrombehindthe
bushesandSusangaspedatthesizeofhim.Hewastrulyagiant!“John!”Shepointed.Johnwhirled,hisknifestillinhishand,buthequicklyputhishanddownwhenhe
sawtheotherman.“Thaddeus!”hegreetedhimwarmly.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Shehurtme,John,”Thaddeussaid,holdinguphishand.“Shebitme.Iwastryingtogetherawayfromthetrouble.”
“Hegrabbedme,John!”Susanwasstillbrandishinghersticklikeaweapon.
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“Susie,thisismyfriend,Thaddeus.We’veknowneachothereversinceIcameout
here.Hewastryingtokeepyousafe,nothurtyou.”HisdarkeyeswerefullofmeaningandSusanquicklyrealizedthathewantedhertoapologize.
“Thaddeus,thisismywife,Susie.Shethoughtyouwerewiththem.She’snevermetyoubefore,”heexplainedcarefully,andThaddeusfinallynoddedinunderstandingand
smiled.“Youhaveawifenow,John.”“Yes.She’sfeistyascanbe,too,”Johnsaidwithagrin.
SusanfinallyrealizedthatThaddeuswaslikeGlenParkerbackhome.Big,harmless,
andmorelikeachildthananadultalthoughhewasfullgrown.Sheputasmileonherfaceandsteppedforward.“I’msorryIbityourhand,Thaddeus.Ithoughtyouwerewiththose
twoandIwasafraid.MayIseeifyouneedabandage?”sheasked.Thaddeuslookedatherandthennodded.“Ithurts.”Heheldouthisbigpawand
Susanwasgentleassheexaminedtheteethmarks.
Shewetaragandwasheditwithsoapandwater,andthensheaskedJohnforthetinofsalvetheycarried.Hegotitoutofhispack,andwatchedwithprideandamusementas
SusiemadeaproductionofdoctoringThaddeus’hand.Onceshewasdone,shelookedupatthebigmanandsaid,“Thatshouldmakeitfeelbetterrealsoon,Thaddeus.I’msorryIbityou.”
“Youwerescared.Iunderstandnow.John,let’sgo.Theyarebadmen,lookingforotherbadmen.Iheardthemtalking.”
“Youcomingtothesettlement?”Johnasked,andwhenThaddeusnodded,hesaid,
“We’llenjoyyourcompany.”“Iknow.”Thaddeusnodded,andthenlumberedoff,hisstridelongeventhoughhis
stepswereslow.JohnkneltbesidetheredheadedAmos,whowascompletelystill.“Thesetwowon’t
becomingafterus.”
“Ikilledhim?”Susanaskedinhorror.“Hehithisheadonarockwhenhefell,”Johntoldher.“And,evenifyoudid,itwould
havebeeninself-defense.”Hegottohisfeetandtookherinhisarms.“Iadmireyour
spirit,girl.Thanksforwadingin,butIamgoingtosetyoursweethindonfirethefirstchanceIgetforriskingyourlifetohelpme!”
“Thatisn’tfair,John!”sheexclaimed.“Nope,butIhavemymanlypridetothinkof,andnomanwantsalittlebittygirl
savinghisbutt,”hegrinned,andthenkissedher.
“John,kissingSusiecanwaituntildark!”Thaddeuscalledimpatiently,andwhentheyreachedhissidehesaidfirmly,“Nospanking,John.Susiewashelping.”
“Thankyou,Thaddeus.”
“Nomorefighting,Susie.You’retoolittle.”Johnsnickered,andthentookherhandandsaid,“Iloveyou,Susie.”
TheywalkedagooddistanceandwhenThaddeusstartedsinging,hisvoicebroughttearstoSusan’seyes.Hesangbeautifully.And,sinceJohndidn’thushhim,Susanknewhe
felttheyweresafe.Theymadecampbeforedark,andJohnquicklyfoundthreerabbitsto
putoverthefirethatThaddeuswaspainstakinglybuilding.Susanputcoffeeontobrew,andhelpedJohndressouttherabbitsandputthemonthespittheyimprovised.Thaddeus
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watchedherworkandwhenshecaughthiseyeandsmiled,hesaid,“Johnisluckytohavea
prettywife.Youworkhard.MyMahatedtoworkandmyPabeatherwithastick.”“Thatsoundsawful!”Susangasped.
“Mawaslazy.Itriedtohelpherout,butPasaidcookingwasawoman’sduty.Masaidshe’drathergohunting.Shedidn’twanttobeawoman.”
“Iknewanotherladywhofeltthatway,”Susansaidasshenodded.“ShelivesinOhio,andwhenherfatherdied,shetookoverhisfarmandrefusedtohireamantoworktheland.Mostpeoplejustletherbe,andshesworeshewouldnevermarry,andasfarasI
knowsheneverhas.”
“Madidn’twanttobemarried.Sheisdeadnow.SoisPa.I’mallalone,butIhavefriends,”heexplained.“Iknowwhatisrightandwhatiswrong,andIwon’thurtnobody
unlesstheytrytohurtmeormyfriends.”“IwishI’dknownthatbeforeyoutriedtohelpme,”Susansaid,feelingterriblefor
bitingandkickingthesensitiveman.
“Johndidn’ttellyouaboutmefirst;Iknowthatnow.I’mnotmadatyou,andIhopeyouain’tmadatme,neither?”hewantedtoknow.
“No,ofcourseI’mnotmadatyou,Thaddeus!Ithinkyouwereverysweettowanttoprotectme.Isn’tthatright,John?”Sheturnedtohimtoaskforsomesupport.
“Susieisn’tmadatyou,Thaddeus.Ifshewas,youwouldknowit,believeme.She
getsallsassyandshestompsaround,givesyoumeanlooks,andsheslamspotsandpans.ThenIhavetospankher,”Johnsaidwithateasinggrinandawinkattheotherman.
Thaddeussnickeredandthenhesaid,“Susieislittle,John.”
“Yes,sheis,butshemakesupforthatwithherbigtemper.”Susanhadenoughofhisteasingandsmackedhisarm.“Youbehave,JohnJericho!”
“Yes,ma’am,”hesaidmeekly,buthissparklingeyestoldanotherstoryaltogether.Theyenjoyedtheirroastedrabbit,andafterthecleanupwasfinished,Johnsaid,“It’s
timetoturnin,Susie.We’llneedtosleepnowandgetupbeforedawntoeat.Iwantto
makegoodtimetomorrow.Thisweatherwillholdforjustsolongbeforewegetrain.”Susandidn’targue,andsoonallthreeofthemweresleepingpeacefully.Morning
came,andafterbreakfast,theywalkedalldaylong,stoppinglongenoughtoeatsome
biscuitsandjerkyaroundnoon.Theyspentanothernightcampingout,andwalkedagainthenextday.Susanfeltlikeabigfoolthethirdnighttheymadecamp.Sheknewnowthat
sheneverwouldhavefoundthesettlementbyherself,anditmadeherattemptatrunningawayseemevenmorefoolish.
Johnknewsomethingwaswrong,buteachtimeheaskedSusanaboutit,shemerely
shookherheadandrefusedtotalktohim.Johnpermittedittogoonuntilafterthey’deaten,andthenhesaidafewquietwordstoThaddeusbeforetakingSusan’sarmand
marchingherawayfromthecampforsomeprivacy.
“Whatareyoudoing,John?I’mtiredandIwanttogotosleep.”“Notuntilyoutellmewhyyouarebroodingandinamood,girl,”hesaidfirmly.
“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit,”shestubbornlyrefused.“Wronganswer,”hesaid,pullingherovertoatreestump.Hesatdownandthen
pulledherdownoverhislapandgaveherbottomaresoundingwhack.“Youaren’tgetting
upuntilyoutellmewhathasyousoupset.”Hespankedhertwicemore,positiveshecouldn’tfeelonedarnthingwithallthepaddingcoveringher.“Talktome,Susie.”
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“No!”sherefused.“Iwon’tbebullied,JohnJericho.Ihavearighttomyprivate
thoughts.”“Notwhentheymakeyouallmoodyandgrumpy.”Hetosseduphercoatandher
skirtsandspankedbareskin.Susanyelpedandthenstartedkickingherfeet.“Youletmego,damnyou!”
“Swearingnow,littlegirl?”Johnaskedindisapproval.“Icanalwayscutoffasliverofsoap.”
“No!Neveragain!”Shewouldhavestompedherfootforemphasisifshecould
have.Instead,shecriedoutinpainasJohnspankedheragain,hard!
“I’mwaitingforanswers,Susan,”heremindedherashekeptrightonspanking.Susanwasgoingtobesoreifshedidn’tdumpherprideandtellthetruth.Hemadesure
hersitspotswerereceivingtheirfairshareofthespankingandhefinallyheardSusiesniffling.Soonhewouldhavehisanswers,butinthemeantimehesethercutelittlehind
onfire.Hehateddefianceandtherewouldbenoroomforthatkindofdisrespectful
behaviorintheirmarriage.“Pleasestop,John!”Susanfinallybegged.Herbottomwashurtingunbearablyand
shedidn’tthinkshecouldtakeanymorespanking.“Please!”“I’llstopwhenyoutellmewhathasyouupset,notbefore.”Hepunctuatedhis
wordswithtwomoreheartyspankstoherbottomcheeks.
“Ican’ttalkwhenyouarespankingme!Owwwwwww!Itsimplyhurtstoomuch!Owwwwww!AndIcan’tthink!Owwwwww!Pleasestop,John!Ouch!Pleeeassse!”she
beggedofhim.Hedidn’tstop.Hecontinuedtospankherasifshehadn’tsaidonedamned
word!“Please,John!I’mbeggingyoutostop!”
“I’llstopwhenyoutalktome.”Hewasbeingfirm.“Ican’t!”shesobbed.Hewasbeingmean,andshesimplycouldn’ttellhimwhenhe
wasspankingher.
Somethinginhertoneofvoicegotthroughtohim.Hegentlysatherupandsaid,“Okay,sugar,youtalktomenow,andnomorestalling.”
“Ifeelfoolish,John.IkeeprememberinghowIsetoffalonetogotothesettlement…
Iwouldhavediedifyouhadn’tcomeafterme.Iwouldn’thaveknownhowtogetthereeveniftheweatherwasniceandmildlikenow.Ifeelsostupid…”shewhispered.“Idon’t
knowwhyIdidn’tbelieveyou.”“Becausewewerestrangersthen,andyou’dbeenthroughmonthsofhell.Your
fatherbetrayedyouandsoldyoutoasick,viciousman.ThenHeWhoWearsRedgaveyou
overtohiswives,andtheymistreatedyou.IspankedyoubeforeIevenknewyournameoryouknewmine.Youwereafraidandyouwantedtobesafesobadlyyoutookarisk.You
werealsosoundlyspankedasIrecall.”Hewaitedamomentandthenasked,“Isanother
spankingnecessarytoeaseyouofthisguiltyouarefeeling?”Susanlookedathiminshock.“Youwouldn’t!”shegasped.
“Ifyoucontinuewiththismoodybehavior,feelingsorryforyourself,Iwillmakeitapointtosetyourhindonfire,”hepromised.
“Ican’thelphowIfeel!”shesnappedathim,whichshediscoveredwasnotthething
todo!
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“SeemsIwasright,”Johnsaidcalmlyandbeforethefeistyredheadcouldgarnerhis
intentions,heflippedheroverhiskneeforasecondspanking.Hetossedupherskirtsfirstandeasilyheldherinplaceashespankedandscolded.
Susancouldn’tfreeherselfnomatterhowhardshetried.Johnspankedheralreadysoreandtenderbottomandhescoldedher,too.Hiswordsstungasmuchasthesharp
slapshelandedalloverherbottomandhersitspots.Itwasagoodthingtheywouldbewalkingalldaytomorrowbecauseshewouldn’tbeabletositatall,atleastnotwithoutagooddealofpain.Thespankingseemedtogoonandonandon,butfinallyJohnaskedif
shewasoverherguiltandSusanwashappytosayshewas.
Johnsatheruponcemoreandthensimplyheldherandpermittedhertocry.Hereassuredherthatshewasfinenowandkepttellingherhelovedher.Hewasn’tabit
surprisedwhenshefellasleepinhisarms.Shewasexhaustedattryingtokeepupwiththepaceheseteachday.Hecarriedherbacktotheircampandputhertobed,thankfulthat
Thaddeuswassleeping.
ThenextmorningSusanwasextremelysore…andeverytimeshetriedtositdownshewasremindedofthefactthatshehadbeensoundlyspanked.Hergreeneyesglittered
withtemperasshelookedatJohnbuthesimplywaggedafingeratherandshedecidedagainstmakingascene.Shepackeduptheutensilsshe’dusedthatmorning,andtheymovedoutonceagain.Thedaywasdifferentfromthepastfewdaysinthattheymetother
peopleonthetrail.Someofthemwereaswaryoftheirpartyastheywereofthem!Susanmetonewomanwhoseemedterrifiedandherhusbandannouncedtheywereplanningto
settlefiftymilesfurtherwest.JohnspentseveralminuteswarningabouttheIndiansbut
themanwasadamant.Hewastakinghiswifealong,andhewouldkillanyonewhocamelookin’fortrouble.Susanfeltsorryforthewoman.Shewouldn’tsurvivelongoutthere.
Johndecidedtheyshouldmakecamponemorenightbeforeheadingintothesettlement.Hepreferredtogoinwhenitwasdaylight.Susanwasanxioustoheadfor
home,butsheknewitwaspointlesstoargue.Ifshehadlearnedonethinginhermonths
withJohn,itwasthatheknewwhathewastalkingaboutmostofthetime.Johnalsodecideditwasimportanttokeepwatchoverthecamp.Itwasnosecretthatsomemen
madetheirlivingstealingoffofothers.
Fortunately,thenightpassedwithoutincidentandaftereatingbreakfast,theyheadedforthesettlementandSusanwassuddenlyfrightened.Johnscoldedherandtold
hertostophavingsuchfancifulthoughts.Afewpeoplegreetedthem,lookingheroveroutofpurecuriosityandtryingtofigurehowshecametobewithJohn,buthegavethemno
explanations.HeledherintoastoreandtoSusan’spleasureheboughtherabrandnew
ringaftermakingsureitwouldfitherandthatshelikedit.Heaskedwheretheycouldfindaministerorajusticeofthepeace,andtheshopkeepergavethemtheinformation.John
askedThaddeusifhewantedtobehiswitness,andthebigmangavehimahugesmileand
agreed.Theyfoundthejusticeofthepeaceandthemanwasonlytoowillingtoperformalegalandbindingceremonyforthem.OnceshewaslegallyJohn’swife,Susanwaselatedto
thepointofbeinggiddy.Johngrabbedherandspunheraroundandthengaveherasmackingkiss,muchtoThaddeus’amusement.AsecondtriptothestoreandSusanhad
clothestotravelhomein,andsodidJohn.Hearrangedforpassageonasteamboatthree
daysfromnowtotakethemtoSt.Louisandfromtheretheywouldtakeatraineastward.Susanhatedthedelay;nowthatshewasonherwayhome,shewasanxioustoget
there,butJohnfoundthemaroomtostayinandshehadtoadmititwasnicetosleepina
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bedagain.Thebustleofthesettlementwasniceafterlivingsolonginthewilderness,but
JohnnoticedthatSusanwasveryshyaroundstrangers…especiallyaroundotherwomen.ShewasalsoshockedwhenJohnhandedhersomemoneyandtoldheritwashersto
dowithasshewanted.“Ican’tdothat,John!I’veneverhadmoneybefore!”Itwashisturntobeshocked.“Thenhowdidyoubuypersonalitems?”
“Ididn’t.IfIwantedsomethingIwouldaskMamaandshewouldtellmyFather.Ifhethoughtitnecessary,itwouldbeaddedtothelisthetooktothestore.Mamadidn’thavemoney,either.Myfatherwouldtakeheralongwithhimtoshopattimes,ifyardgoods
wereneeded,butshedidnotdarespendonepennymorethanhepermitted.Philipwasas
badasmyfather.”“Iamnoteitherofthosemen,andyoumayspendwhateveryouwish.I’lltellyouif
youstartoverspending,andifitcontinues,I’lltakefirmermeasures.SomehowIdon’tseethatbecomingaproblem,”hesmiledather.“Seriously,honey,itwon’thurtforyoutohave
somemoneyofyourown.Ifyouwantahairribbon,buyit.Ifyouseeanythingyouwant,
youarefreetopurchaseit.Thisisyourmoneytodowithasyoulike.”“ButhowwillIknowifIhavespenttoomuchofthis?”shequestionednervously.“I
don’twantusstrandedsomewherebecauseIhavespentmoneyfoolishly.”Susanlookedatherhusbandandhecouldseesheneededanswers.
“Susie,donotrepeatthis,butwedon’tneedtoworryaboutrunningoutofmoney.I
haveplenty.”“Youdo?”Shewasclearlyshockedagainandhedidn’tknowwhethertochuckleor
shakeher!
“Ido.Nowwillyoupleasestopworrying?Ididn’tgiveyouenoughmoneytogetintotroublewith.Itisfunmoney.And,ifIcould,IwouldwhipyourfatherandPhilipboth
forbeingsocruelandstingywithyou.Youdeserveprettythings,andonceIgetyouhome,Iamgoingtospoilyoushamelessly.”
Susansmiledandthenaskedhesitantly,“Willyoucomeshoppingwithme,John?I
dohaveafewthingsIwouldliketobuy.”“Good!Sure,I’llcomeandcarrythepackagesforyou,”heagreed.Severalminutes
laterhewastemptedtoturnheroverhiskneeandspankhersoundly.Everycentshe
spentwastobuysomethingniceforherMama,hersisters,andherbrothers.Shegotnothingforherself….butyet,sheboughtherrottenfathersometobacco.Susanwas
smilinginpleasure,andhedidn’thavethehearttoscold.“Whataboutyourself,Mrs.Jericho?Surelysomethinginthisstorecatchesyoureye?
“Isawonething,”sheadmittedshyly,andthenadded,“Idon’thaveenoughmoney
lefttobuyit,though.”“Whatisit?”Johnasked,lookingaroundforthemysteriousitem.Hefollowedhis
wife’sgazeandsawthemusicboxshewaslookingatsowistfully.
“No,John,itistooexpensive,anditwillgivememorepleasuretogivegiftsthantobuysomethingsofrivolousformyself.”
“Isthisit?”heaskedashewalkedovertopickuptheprettyboxandopenit.Heknewbyherexpressionthathewasright.
“Isn’titsimplybeautiful?”Susanwhisperedindelightedawe.
Itwasn’tnearlyasprettyassomeoftheoneshismothercollectedovertheyears,butSusanloveditandthatwasallthatmattered.Afewminuteslaterhe’dpaidfor
everythingshe’dpickedout,despiteherprotests.Whenshetriedtogivehimbackthe
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moneyhegaveher,herefusedtotakeit.
“Youkeepthat,honey.Itisyours.”
Susanthankedhim,andthenshethankedhimagain,andthatnightwhentheywenttobed,shetoldhimthatnoonehadevergivenhersuchaprettygift.Shemadelovetohim
withallherheart.Finallythedaycamewhentheysaidgood-byetoThaddeusandboardedthe
steamboat.Theircabinwasverytiny,butbothSusieandJohnlovedbeingonthewater
anddidn’tspendmuchtimecoopedupinthecabin.St.LouiswasjustasSusie
remembered.Toomanypeople,allrushingaround.Johnwasabletosecureticketseastforthenextday,andhespentevenmoremoneybuyingSusanmoreappropriateclothing.
SusanworriedthatJohnwasspendingtoomuchonher,butshelovedhernewdressesandpetticoats,shoes,hats,andherunderthings.Healsoboughthersomeperfume
andsomejewelry.Susanfelteveryinchafinelady;sheactuallyhadatrunknow,andshe
noticedthatJohnhadacoupleofnewsuits.Helookedlikeagentlemannowthathe’dshavedoffhisbeardandhadhishaircut.
WhentheyreachedOhio,Johnfoundthemaroomtorentwhiletheyvisitedwithherfamily,andoncethey’drestedupfromthetripandhadagoodnight’ssleep,Johnrentedahorseandbuggyandtheyheadedoutoftowntodrivethedistancetoherparents’farm.He
sawsomefolksstareatSusaninshockandsurpriseandonewomanevendaredtoswishherskirtsastheydroveby.Susieignoredherandseemedtowither.
“What’swrong,honey?”heasked.
“Womencanbeviciouswhentheydon’tunderstand,John.I’veneverdoneanythingtothem,butmyfatherforbadeusfrommakingfriendsintown.Itmadethewomenangry
andtheythinkwearesnobbish.”“Well,youcancertainlysmilenow,honey,andholdyourheadup.You’vedone
nothingwrong,andyourfatherhasnorighttotellyouwhattodonow.”
“You’reright,John,butIfeelasthoughIshouldwarnyouthatheisn’tgoingtobehappytoseeme.”
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Chapter Eleven
ItmadeJohnangrytoseehisprettylittlewifewithdrawintoherselfatthevery
prospectofvisitingherfather.“Honey,yourfatherhasnosayoveryounow.Ifheisangrythatwearemarried,thenthatishisproblem,notours.Iwon’tpermithimtotouchyouor
harmyouinanyway.Now,youholdyourheadupandputaprettysmileonyourface.Youhaven’tdoneonethingwrongandIrefusetoallowyoutobehaveasifyouhave.”
“Youjustdon’tknowhim,John,”shewhispered.“Noonedarestospeakuptohim.”
“Hewilltreatmywifewithrespect,”Johninsisted,andleanedovertokisshercheek.“Now,areyougoingtostopfretting,ordoIneedtostopthisbuggyandturnyourhindup
foragoodsmacking?”
“Youwouldn’t?”shegasped,lookingathimindisbelief.“Thereareallsortsofpeoplearoundhere,John!Iwouldbemortifiedifyoudidthat!”
Johndidn’tsmilealthoughhewantedto.AtleastSusie’sprettygreeneyeswere
snappingathimnowandshehadsomecolortohercheeks.Shewasbeautifulandhewouldbedamnedifhewouldlethernastyfathertreatherasifshewassomeobjectathis
disposal.Hereallywantedtopunchthemanforsellinghispreciousdaughtertoaravinglunatic.But,forhiswife’ssake,hewouldrestrainhimself…aslongasthebastarddidn’t
insulthisdaughternow.Susancouldn’thelpbutbenervous.JohnwasnothinglikeherfatherorPhilipand
shejustknewherparentwouldbelividthatshemarriedwithoutconsultinghimfirst,
nevermindthatshedidn’thavetheopportunity.ShegrewevenmoretenseastheyapproachedthefarmalthoughshedidherbesttohidethefactfromJohn.Shewouldn’tput
itpasthimtodojustashethreatenedandturnheroverhisknee!Thatwouldbeso
humiliatingitwasunimaginable.“Turnintothisnextlane,John,”shespokesoftly,buther
heartwaspoundinghardwithinherchest.Howcouldthingspossiblylookthesamewhenshefeltsocompletelydifferentfromthegirlwholefthere?
“Itwillbeallright,Susie.”Johnleanedovertokisshercheek.Hedroveuptothe
houseandwasn’tsurprisedwhenawomancameoutside,wipingherhandsonherapron.
Itwasobviousfromthewayshelookedoutacrossafieldthatsheexpectedherhusbandtocomeanysecondtodealwiththeirvisitors.Whenshedidn’tseehim,sheputasmileon
herfaceanddeterminedtobepleasant.JohnknewtheexactmomentsherecognizedSusie.
Hergreeneyesopenedwideandshesquealedindelight!“Susan!Oh,babygirl,isitreallyyou?”
“Mama!”Susansaidhappily,jumpingdownfromthebuggybeforeJohncouldwalkaroundtohelpher.“I’vemissedyousomuch,Mama!”shesaidasshehuggedhermother
tightly.“Letmelookatyou,daughter,”MaryAlicesaidwithalaugh,holdingSusanatarms’
lengthtostudyherfeaturesintently.“Youlookhappy!”
“Iamhappy,Mama.ThisisJohnJericho,myhusband.John,thisismyMama,MaryAliceHowell.”
“Husband?”MaryAlicelookedatherdaughterinconfusion.
“It’salongstory,Mama,butPhilipJamisonisdead,andhewasnevermyhusband,onlyinname.JohnisthemanIlovewithallmyheart.”
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MaryAlicerecoveredquicklyandheldoutherhand.“Itisnicetomeetyou,John.
Pleasecomeinside.I’llputonsometea,andIjustbakedcookies.”“Thankyou,ma’am.Itisapleasuretomeetyou,too.Susiehastoldmemany
wonderfulstoriesaboutyou.”“Well,thatiscertainlynicetohear,”MaryAliceanswered,apleasedsmileonher
face.Theywereinsidejustafewminuteswhenthescreendoorslammed.Johnsawthe
smilesonhiswife’sandmother-in-law’sfacesfadeaway.Heavystepsprecededastony-
facedmanasheenteredthekitchen.Hegavehiswifeadisapprovinglookbeforeturning
toseewhohadinterruptedtheirdaybydaringtoshowupathisdoorstep.HefrownedwhenheseteyesonSusan.“Whatareyoudoinghere,daughter?Whoisthisman,and
whereisyourhusband?”“Susanismywife,sir.MynameisJohnJericho,”Johnintroducedhimselfashegotto
hisfeetandheldouthishand.TheoldermanglaredathimandignoredJohn’s
outstretchedhand.“Susan,whenIspeaktoyouIexpectananswer!”hespokesharply.
“Father,thisismyhusband.Themanyoupickedisdead;theIndianskilledhim.”“Youexpectmetobelievethat?Andyoulived?”“IwastakencaptiveandJohnrescuedme,”Susanrepliedinaneventoneofvoice.
“Youcouldn’twaittorunofffromyourhusband,couldyou?”themanaskedaccusingly.
“Susiedidnothingofthesort,Mr.Howell.HeWhoWearsRedkilledPhilipbeforehe
couldmurderSusie.Iboughtherfromhim,andwefellinloveandarenowmarried.HeproducedtheirweddingcertificateandBernardHowellreadoverthedocument.
“Howdareyoumarrywithoutmypermission,girl?Youshouldhavecomehererightaway.”
“How,Father?”Susan’stemperfinallyasserteditself.“AllofPhilip’smoneyburned
inthewagon.Ihadtheclothesonmybackandnothingmore.And,IdonotneedyourpermissiontomarrywhomeverIwant.Iwasawidow,althoughitwasinnameonly.Your
preciousPhilipJamisonwastotallyinsane.HebeatmeandstarvedmeandtheIndians
treatedmebetterthanhedid.”“Youdon’tknowwhatyouaresaying,daughter!”Bernardlookedatherinshock.
“Ihopethemoneyyougotformewasworthit,”shetearfullyproclaimed.Thescreendoorbangedagainandtwolittleboysracedinside.“Norunninginthe
house,”MaryAlicescoldedbeforetheygotintotroublewiththeirstrictfather.
“Weseenthebuggy!”JoeygiggledandthenranandhuggedSusan.JohnsmiledasshegiggledandlaughedasshehuggedhimJoeythenherotherlittlebrother,Charlie.
“Didyoubringusapresent?”JoeydemandedandbeforeBernardcouldexplodeshe
nodded.“OfcourseIdid.Ibroughtapresentforeveryone,”Susansaidproudly.“Mama,
whereiseveryoneelse?”“Tim,Mike,andTommyareinthefieldshoeing,andNellieispickingberries.We’ll
havetofixaspecialsuppertonight!”shesaidwithasmile.“Howlongwillyoubestaying,
Susan?”sheaskedhopefully.“ThatisuptoJohn,”Susanreplied.“Hehasn’tseenhisfamilyinseveralyearsandI
amsuretheyhavemissedhim.”
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“Wecanstayforafewdays,ma’am,”JohnansweredthequestioninglookMaryAlice
leveledonhim.“Wetookaroomintown,however,sothereisnoneedtoworryaboutputtingusuporhavingusunderfootallthetime.”
“Iwon’thavefolkssayingIcan’tkeepmyownfamilyundermyroof.Youcancelthatroomandbringyourstuffhere.”
“Andwherewillwesleep,Father?”Susanaskedquietly.“Wewillstayintownasmyhusbandwishes.”
“You’vegrownasharptongue,daughter,”Bernardcomplained.
“Ihadtoinordertosurvive,Father.Iwon’tbebulliedorpushedaroundanymore,”
Susantoldhim.Hegaveherahardlook.“Shecanstayforsupper,wife,butifshecan’tspendthe
nighthere,thenshecanbeonherway.”“Mr.Howell!”MaryAliceexclaimed,hergreeneyesfillingwithtears.“Susanjust
arrived!Iwanthertostay!”
“Youhavenosayinthematter,woman.Gettowork.I’mexpectingahotmealfordinner.”
WhenSusanwouldhavesaidsomethingmore,Johnstoppedherwithabarelyperceptibleshakeofhishead.Shedidn’twanttoobey,butsensedherhusbandwasright.OnceBernardleftthehouse,sheborrowedanapronfromherMamaandofferedtohelp.
WhenlittleNelliecameinsideJohntoldhisexcitedwifethathewasgoingforabitofawalk.Susandidn’tstoptoconsiderthemeaningbehindhiswordssinceshewastoobusy
exclaimingoverhowmuchNelliehadgrowninthepastyear.
********************“Whatdoyouwant?”BernardsnarledasJohnapproached.“Icantellyounowthat
girlain’tgettin’nokindofdowryfromme.”“Iwouldn’ttakemoneyfromyouifyouofferedit.”
“Thenwhatdoyouwant?Igotworktodo.”
“IwanttoknowwhyyousoldyourowndaughtertoamanlikeJamison?”Johndemandedangrily.
“Hewasagood,steadyman,andthatfoolgirlneededanoldermantotameher.”
“Tameher?Isthatwhatyoucallstarvingherandbeatinghernightlysoshewouldn’ttempthim?Didyouknowthatmantoldhershewasn’tfittohavehischildren
untilhebeatthesinfulnessoutofher?ShewasskinandboneswhentheIndianskilledJamison,Howell.Yousentheroffwithanabusivesonofabitchwhomistreatedher
constantly.Anddon’tbothertellingmeyoudidn’tknowwhathewaslike.Ifthetwoofyou
weregoodfriendsyoucouldn’thelpbutknowhowhetreatedwomen.”“Susanhasawildstreak.”
“Shedoesnot.Sheisabeautiful,spiritedwoman.She’sstrong,capable,andwhenI
methershewasfightingoffthreeotherwomenwithastickandwinningthebattle.Shehascourageandstrength,andthisisforher.”Johntookaswingandknockedtheolder
manonhisbutt.“Iexpectyoutotreathercivillywhilewearehere,andifIsomuchaseverhearyou’veabusedSusie’sMamaorhersister,Iwillcomehereanddoforyou.”John
pickeduphishat,putitonhishead,andthenwalkedawaywhilethemantriedtostench
theflowofbloodfromhisbrokennose.
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WhenSusangotalookatherfatherwhentheycameinsideforthenoonmealshe
shotJohnalook,buthesmiledatherinnocently,andpraisedMaryAlice’sbiscuits.“IknownowwhereSusielearnedtomakesuchgoodbiscuits,ma’am.”
ThemealwaspleasantandifSusanwassurprised,shedidn’tleton.Shewashavingtoomuchfunlearningwhatherbrothersandsisterhadbeenuptowhileshewasaway,
andshewaspleasedtolearnthatTimothywasplanningtobemarriedinafewmonths.Ofcoursethemealwasovermuchtoosoon,andBernardsaidtheyallneededtogetbacktowork.“Wecansitdownaftersupperandtalk,”headdedgruffly,andthenpretendedhe
didn’tseetheshockedlookhiswifebestoweduponhim.
Thatevening,aftersupper,whentheyallgatheredintheparlor,Susanpassedouthergifts.Hersisterandbrotherswereallpleased,andherMama’shappysmilewas
everythingSusancouldwishfor.Shehandedherfatherhispresentlast,andheactuallywassurprised.Heunwrappedhistobaccoandthankedher.“Thisisrealniceofyou,
daughter.Thankyou,”hesaid,andthenadded,“Youshouldn’tbespendingyourhusband’s
moneyongiftsforme,though.”“Susanspenthermoney,anditgavemepleasuretowatchherenjoyingherself,”
Johnsaidwithasmile.Therestoftheweeklongvisitwentwell.JohnknewthatSusanhatedtoleave,but
hepromisedhertheycouldcomeandvisitagainandshenoddedinpleasure.Itwasn’t
untiltheywereboardedonatrainheadingsouththatshelookedathimandsaid,“WhenIleftwithPhilipoverayearagohepromisedIwouldneverseemyfamilyagain.Hewas
wrong,andIamsogratefultoyouformakinghimwrong,John.Thankyou.Thistime
MamawassmilingandnotcryingwhenIleft.Shelovesyouandthinksyouarewonderful.”“Ithinksheisaspecialwoman,Susie.”
“Shetoldmethatyoupromisedwewouldcomeifsheeverneededus.Ican’ttellyouhowmuchIloveyouforthat,JohnJericho.IonlyhopeImakeasgoodanimpression
onyourMamaasyoudidonmine.”
“MyMamaisgoingtoloveyou,too,honey.Ipromise.”Travelingprovedtobeabitofaproblem;acoupleofdaysintotheirtripSusanwas
morethanalittleupsetwithonemotherwholethertwosmallboysrunaboutthe
passengercarirritatingeveryone.And,thereweretwomenwhoweretryingtopickafightwithanotherman,simplybecausehewasshortandbaldandclutchinghisvaliselikeitwas
alifeline.Susanwasgettingtiredoflisteningtotheirbelittlingcomments,andshewasreadytospankthetwolittleboysherselfandthensitthemdownanddarethemtomove.
Atonepoint,afterthetwochildrengrabbedanolderlady’syarntouseasaball,Susan
startedtogetupfromherseat,butJohntookherarmandreseatedher,shakinghishead‘no’.“Letthemotherhandlethesituation,”hewarnedsoftly,forherearsalone.Susangave
himanannoyedlook,butshedidn’ttrytogetupagain.
JohnsuspectedthatSusiemightbeinthat‘beforehermonthly’periodoftimethatmadeherseemlikeanotherpersonaltogether,buthewasn’tgoingtopermithertostart
troublejustbecauseshefeltmean.“I’mthinkingweshouldstopforacoupleofnightsandsleepinarealbed,Mrs.Jericho.Howdoyoufeelaboutthat?”Thelookshegavehimwas
fulloffire.Hefrownedandthensaid,“Ofcourse,wecouldtakeabreaksoIcancutafew
switchesandwearthemoutonyourhind.”“Ifyouwanttospanksomeonesomuch,thenwhydon’tyoustartwiththosetwo
littlebratsoverthere,orbetteryet,switchtheirmotherforlettingthemannoyeveryone
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elseonthistrain…andifthatdoesn’tsatisfyyou,whydon’tyouwhipthosetwoforacting
evenworsethanthosechildren!”Susandidn’tcarewhoheardher,andnearlyeveryoneinthepassengercarwassurprisedbyheroutspokenness.Susandidn’tmindthecurious
looksshewasreceiving;someexpresseddisapproval,ofcourse,althoughafewpeopleweremurmuringinagreementwithher.
Themotheroftherambunctioustwolittleboysgaveheradisapprovinglookandgatheredherboyscloseandtoldthemto‘sitdownsothemeanladydidn’thurtthem.’TheolderofthetwokidsstuckhistongueoutatSusanandshestartedtogetupagain,butJohn
satherdownhardontheseat.“Yousithereandbequiet,Mrs.Jericho.”
However,itwasthetwomenontheothersideofthecoachwhowerelookingfortroubleandnowtheyhadanewtarget.Johnpretendednottohearacoupleoftheir
remarks,butwhenthecommentsgrewpersonalinnature,hegottohisfeetandwenttowherethetwowereseated.“Mywifeistiredofyourconstantpickingonthisother
gentleman,andI’lladmit,you’regettingonmynerves,too.Maybesheisasharp-tongued
littlewitch,butsheismy sharp-tonguedlittlewitch,andIwon’thearanotherwordfromthetwoofyouabouther.”
OneofthemenhootedandmadefunofJohn’ssuit.“Doyouthinkyoucanstopus,dude?”
“IfIhaveto,”Johnsaidquietly,andSusanimmediatelyknewthatthetwohadno
ideawhat,orratherwho,theywerefacing.”ShegotupandunsteadilymadeherwaytostandatJohn’sback.
“Pleaseletitgo,John.Theydon’thaveacluethatthey’repickingonthewrong
man.”“Sitdownnow,Susan,orIswearIwillmakesittingadistantmemoryatthesoonest
possiblemoment.”“Youarespoilingforafightasmuchasthesetwoidiots,butthethingis, youknow
better!”
“Goingtohidebehindyourlittlewoman’sskirts,sissyman?”oneofthemendaredtotauntandinthenextsecondhewasmoaninginpainfromthehardkickSusandealthis
knee!
“Susan,thisismyfight,andyouwillnotmixin!”Johnsaid,hisvoicealowgrowl.“Iamserious,John!Youcan’tkillthesetwomenbecausethey’retoostupidtoshut
up.Thisisn’tlikethosetwomenwhoaccostedusonthetrail.”“Youmixedinthen,too,andIforgottowhipyourhindforit.”
“Nonsense,Thaddeuswouldn’thaveletyou!”shedaredtocomment.“Heisa
gentleman!”“Thaddeushasn’tspentasmuchtimewithyouasIhave,”Johnretorted,andthen,to
hershockanddismay,hetookherarmandmarchedheracrosstheaisleandafewseats
forwardandsatherdownwithaplop.“Youmoveoneinchfromthisspot,Mrs.Jericho,andI’lltanyourighthereinthiscarinfrontofanyonewhowantstowatch!Hearme?”he
demanded,histempermakinghiswordsmoreofathreatthanapromise.HesawSusie’sprettycheekscolorabrightredbuthergreeneyeswereflashinginanger.“Answerme!”
“I’msuremyfatherheardyouallthewaybackhome!”Shedaredtosasshim.
“Mindme…orelse!”hetackedonominouslyandthenturnedhisattentiontotheothertwomen.“Now,arethetwoofyougoingtositdownandkeepyourcommentsto
yourselfordoIneedtotossbothofyouoffthetrain?”
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Susanwouldhavelaughedatthemen’sconfusedexpressionshadshenotbeenso
angrywithJohn.Itwasasclearascouldbethattheywerebeginningtohavesecondthoughtsabouttakingontheangryman.Still,theyweremenandfullofpride;backing
downnowwouldmakethemlookweakandmakethemalaughingstockinfrontoftheotherpassengers.Theylookedateachother,andthenmadethemistakeoftakingonJohn
Jericho.Susaninstantlygottoherfeet,grabbingtheparasolthatJohninsistedshebuy.It
honestlydidn’tlooklikeJohnneededanyhelp,butshedidn’twanttobeleftoutofthefray.
Sheswungthesillyumbrellaandmissedhertarget,cloutingJohninstead.Heletflywith
hisfist,andoneofthemenwentdownhard,asdidthesecondman.ThenheturnedonSusan,whowasstaringathiminhorror.“Don’tyouevenconsiderdoingwhatyouare
thinking,JohnJericho!”Shedroppedtheparasolandbackedupafewsteps,buttherewasonlysofarshecouldgo.
Johnbackedheragainstthesideofthetraincarandthenhegrabbedherwristand
pulledheragainsthim,hisdarkeyesneverleavingherbalefulexpressionforonesecond.Hesatdownonthebenchandwithinseconds,hehauledherfacedownoverhislap.
“Didn’tItellyounottomovewhenIsatyoudown?”heasked,histonefullofhusbandlyoutrage.“Didn’tItellyounottomeddleinmyfight?”Heraisedhishandandspankedhersoundly,positiveSusancouldn’tfeelathingthroughherskirts.
“Iwillneverforgiveyouforthis,JohnJericho!”Susanrailedathim,kickingherfeetandtryingtoescapetheholdhehadonher.
“Rightnow,Mrs.Jericho,Idonotgiveadamn!”Johncontinuedtospankher,putting
somerealeffortbehindtheswats.Susanwasmortified!Thespankswerepainful,andshewasafraidthatshewas
goingtocry!“Pleasestop,John!”shefinallybeggedhim.“Iamhumiliatedenoughforoneday!”
Somethinginhertonegavehimtoknowthatshewasonthevergeofcrying,andhe
gaveheronelasthardspankforemphasis,andthenrightedherandsatheronthebenchdirectlyacrossfromhim.“Youwillsitrightthere,younglady,andyouwillnotmoveso
muchasamuscleuntilIgiveyoupermissiontodoso.Atthenextstop,wewillbestaying
overafewdays,andIassureyouthatlittlespankingisonlyalittlesampleoftheoneyouaregoingtogettonight.”
Ifpossible,Susan’sfaceturnedanevenbrightershadeofred.Shecouldn’trememberthelasttimeshewassoutterlyhumiliatedandashamed.ThehandprintsJohn
leftonherbottomwerestingingbadlyandithurttositstill.Shewantedtostandup,but
whenshesquirmedeventheslightestbit,hisdarkeyebrowshotupandsilentlywarnedhershewasabouttorepeatthehorribleexperienceofbeingspankedinfrontofother
people!Tearsofshamefilledhereyesandeachtimeshetriedtoblinkthemaway,more
cametoreplacethem.Theolder,baldingmanmovedhisseattoonedirectlybehindtheirs,hisinstincts
tellinghimthathewouldonceagainbeaprimetargetwhenthetwobeatenmenregainedconsciousnessandwerelookingtomakethemselvesfeelwholeagain.Thewomanwiththe
twochildren,urgedthemtotakeanap,andtheelderlywomanwiththeknittinggaveSusan
asympatheticsmile.Susanwonderedhowlongitwouldtaketoreachthenexttown.Herbottomwas
burning,andsittingstillwasmakingithurtworsewitheverypassingsecond.Johnwas
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lookingoutthewindow,andshecouldn’ttellifhewasstillangryornot,andshecouldn’t
helpbutwonderhowonearthshewouldhandleanotherspankingwhenherbottomwasalreadysosore.SurelyJohnwasn’tseriousaboutpunishingherfurther?Shecouldn’thelp
butwonderwhyhewassoangrywithher.Shecouldn’tjustsitthereanddonothingwhentheoddsweretwotoone.Ofcourse,shewasresponsibleforstartingthewholeandentire
mess.Sheshouldhavekepthermouthquiet.Thecrampsinherlowerabdomenwereasignalofwhatwastocome,andshewasfilledwithsadness.She’dsohopedshewascarryingJohn’sbaby,butbythisevening,shewouldhavehermonthlyflowonceagain.At
leastitexplainedwhyshewassotouchyandirritable.
“John,”shewhispered.Whenhisdarkeyesturnedtoher,shesaid,“Iamsorry.”Tohersurprise,hisgazesoftened,andhereachedoutandpulledherovertosit
besidehim.“Trytosleep,Susie.Wewon’treachourstopforatleastanothertwohours.”Susanrestedherheadagainsthim,feelingsafeasheputhisarmaroundhertohold
herclose.Shefellasleepanditwasn’tuntilthetrainsloweddowninpreparationtostop
thatshewoke.“Areweclosetothestation?”sheaskedofJohn,anxioustogetoffthetrainandstretchherlegs.
“Won’tbelongnow,”heanswered.Sheglancedaroundandthewomanwiththetwochildrenwastalkingtothemina
lowvoice.Theoldermanwiththesatchelwasstillrightbehindthem,anxioustoleavethe
train.ThetwomenJohnbestedweregivingSusanevillooks,buttheydidn’tbotherhernearlyasmuchasJohn’snextcomment.
“Wearegoingtotakeabreakforadayortwo,Susan,andseeifwecan’timprove
yourmood.Perhapstravelingonanextremelysorehindwillhelpyoutomendyourmanners.”
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Chapter Twelve
Truetohisword,JohnandSusanleftthetrainatthenextstop.Susanwouldhave
relishedadayortwotorecoverfromthearduoustrip,butshewasn’tlookingforwardtostoppingnow,notafterJohnpromisedtopunishher.Herbacksidewasalreadysorefrom
thehardspankingheadministeredonthetrain!Heheldherarmtightlyasheescortedherinsidethestationtomakearrangementstomoveontwodaysfromnow.Theagentdidn’t
askanyquestions,andSusanassumedthatpeopledidthisallthetime.Itwasboringto
rideforhoursonendwithnothingmuchtodo.Johnfinishedwiththeclerkandthenpickeduptheirvalisesandsaid,“Stayright
besideme,Susan.Thosetwomenyouhadsuchfunangeringdecidedtogetoffthetrain,
too.Idonotwantyouleavingmysideforaslongaswearehere.Doyouhearme?”“Yes,John,”sheanswered,notabouttomakehimanyangrierthanhealreadywas.
Shewalkedalongsidehimuntiltheycametoahotel.Johntookcareofregisteringthem
andwasgivenakeytotheirroom.Heaskedaboutbathsandwastoldthatatubandwaterwouldbebroughttotheirroomshortly.
Johnledthewayuptotheirroomandthennoddedinsatisfactionwhenhenoteditwascleanandneat.Thebasicswereallthereanditwouldbeagoodplacetostayfora
coupleofdays.WhenheputSusiebackonthetrainthen,shewouldhaveaniceremindertositonfortherestofthejourneytoGeorgia.Hewasn’tgoingtopermithertorantand
ravetooraboutotherpeople.Shewasalady,asweetlady,andshewasgoingtoactlike
one.Shewasalsoactingnervousandskittish,heobserved.She’dremovedherhatand
placeditonthebureau,andshewasstandinginfrontofthewindow,lookingout.Susie
knewshewasinforacoupleofgoodspankings,andhedidn’tintendtoletheroff,either.
Sometimeswaitingforatanningwasworsethangettingitoverwith,andhewasn’tgoingtoturnheroverhiskneeuntiltheyhadbathsandsupperanditwastimetogotobed.Thatwouldgivehissassywifeafewhourstodreadwhatwastocome.
TheknockonthedoorstartledSusan,butJohnansweredrightaway,openingthe
doorwidetoadmitseveralyoungboyscarryingatubandbucketsofhotwater.Theyputthetubbehindthescreenandbythetimetheyfinisheddumpingbucketsofsteaminghot
waterintothetub,itwasfull.“Yougofirst,Susie,”Johnordered.“Justremember,Iwould
likeahotbath,too.”“Youaremorethanwelcometogofirst,John.Infact,IinsistuponitsinceIintendto
dawdleforatleastanhouroruntilthewatergrowscold!”“Stillfeelingsassy,huh?”heanswered,removinghisboots.“Fine,Iwillgofirst.”He
droppedhisbootsonthefloor,andthentookherarmandmarchedheracrosstheroomtoacorner.“Youcanjuststandrighthereinthecornerandthinkaboutthespankingyouaregoingtogettonightandwhetherornotyouwanttokeepsassingme,littlegirl!”Heended
hiswordswithaslaptoherbehind,andthenhurriedtostripoutofhisclothingandsinkintothehotwater.
Susanwasfuriousatbeingplacedinthecornerlikeanaughtylittlegirl!Shewaited
untilsheheardhimsplashingaroundinthewater,andthenshegrabbedherhandbagandhatandlefttheroom,closingthedoorasquietlyaspossible.
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Johnheardthedoorshutwithasoftclickandcalledout,“Susie?Areyoustillinthat
corner?”Noanswer.“SusanJericho,you’dbestanswermerightnow…”Noanswer.“Damnitalltohellandback.Sheisthemostcontrary,stubborn,feistylittlebratIhave
evermetinmywholeandentirelife!”Johnjumpedoutofthetubandtoweledoffquicklybeforegettingdressedandrushingoutthedoortofindher.
********************SusanwasangrywithJohn.Sheknewshewasprickly;theslightcrampingwarned
herofwhatwasahead,butJohndidn’tneedtobesodarnmeantoher.Admittedly,she
shouldhavekepthermouthshutonthetrain,butthoselittleboysandthosetwomenwere
makingthetripunnecessarilyunbearable.Someonehadtospeakup,andshewastheonewhodid.
Shespottedastorethatlookedinterestingandwentinsidejustintimetowitnessayoungboygrabaknifefromacaseonthecounterandrunoff.Beforeshecouldsay
anythingatallamaninanapronstartedyellingatamanstandingbythecounter.“See
here,you!Iwon’tberobbed.Youeitherpaymeforthatknifeyouwaslookingatorgiveitback!”
“Ididn’ttakeyourknife,shopkeeper!”themansaid,andSusancringedassherecognizedthevoicefromthetrain.Shewassurehisfriendhadtobecloseby,andsureenough,hecamefrombehindadisplayandsaid,“Gregdidn’ttakeyourknife;hewas
lookingatthesebootsIheldup.”“I’mgoingtogettheSheriff.Youareeitherpayingmeorgoingtojail!”Thestore
ownerwaslivid.
“Itellyou,Ididn’ttakethatknife,mister!”themaninsisted,gettingmad.“Idon’tbelieveyou!”
“Sir,”Susanspokeup,eventhoughshedidn’twantto.“Thatmandidn’ttaketheknife.Isawwhodid.Itwasayoungboyaboutthistall,”sheheldherhandevenwithher
eyes,“andhehadredhairandfrecklesalloverhisface.Hewalkedinaheadofme,grabbed
theknifeandran.”“RudyPhares!”theshopkeepermutteredangrily.“Sir,Iapologizeforaccusingyou,”
headded,hisfacered.“Thatboyisaproblem!”HelookedatSusanandsaid,“Thankyou
forspeakingup,ma’am.Ialmostmadeaterriblemistake.”“Sothisiswhereyouranoffto,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidfromdirectlybehindher.
“Idecidedtodosomeshoppingwhileyouwereenjoyingyourbath,”sheliedsweetly.
“Yourwifesawsomeonestealingfromme,andI’mgoingtogettheSheriffsoshecan
tellhim.Willyouwaithere?Iwon’tbebutaminute.”ThelittlemanhurriedaroundthecounterandtookofffortheSheriff’soffice.
“Areyousureyouwanttodothis,wife?”Johnaskedmeaningfully.Hewasfurious
thatshewouldlietogetamanintotroublejustbecauseshedidn’tlikehim!“Itain’tlikeyou’rethinkin’,”thewronglyaccusedmanspokeup.“Thatshopkeeper
thoughtItooktheknife,butIdidn’t.Yourladysawwhodidandclearedme.”“Idon’tlie,JohnJericho!”Susanpertlyinformedhim.
“Susie,youarejustdiggingyourselfindeepereverytimeyouopenyourmouth,and
youjustliedtomewhenyousaidyoudecidedtodosomeshoppingwhileIwastakingabath,”headded.
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“No,Ididdecidetodothat,”shelookedhimintheeye.“WhyelsewouldIhave
comeinhere?”“TorunawaybeforeIcouldpaddleyourbarehind,”hepromptlyanswered,and
thenhadthesatisfactionofwatchinghercheeksturnred.“Youareabeastattimes!”shewhispered,mortified.
“Justaniratehusbandwhohashadenoughofyoursassywaysfortoday.YouwilltelltheSheriffwhatheneedstoknow,andthenwearegoingbacktoourroom.Anyshoppingyouhavecanwaituntiltomorrow.Isthatunderstood,”hespokefirmly.
Susannodded,nottrustingherselftospeak.
Theshopkeepercamebackandsmiledwhenhesawher.“TheSheriffisrightbehindme,”hesaid,andwithinaminutethemanjoinedthem,andSusanansweredhis
questionstruthfully.Thetwomenstatedthattheydidn’tseetheboy,andtheonewhowasalmostaccusedofthecrimethankedSusanforbeinghonest,andfornotholdingagrudge.
“Idoubtitwouldn’thavecometomuchifwedidn’tfindtheknifeonyou.”The
Sheriffofferedreassurance.“IliketomakesureIhavetherightpersonbeforeImakeanarrest.Sam,”heturnedtothestoreownertoask,“IknowthatRudyisaproblem,butyou
knowwhatit’slikelivingouttherewiththatjerkstepfatherofhis.IfIgettheknifebackandtakeastripofftheboy’shide,willyouletitgoatthat?Ihavehopesofturningthatboyaroundwithsomefirmguidance.”
“IfIgettheknifeback,Iwon’tpresscharges,”Samanswered.“Ifhewantstheknife,I’lllethimworkforit,ifhegoestoschoolandworkshereafterwardsandonSaturdaysto
payforit.”
“That’sdecentofyou,Sam.”TheSheriffnodded.“I’llseetoitRudyacceptstheoffer.”Heleftjustasquicklyashearrived.
“Andwearegoingbacktothehotel,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidfirmly,takingherarmtoleadheroutofthestore.
“Ma’am,thankyou.Afterthetroublewegaveyouonthetrain,itwasrealdecentof
youtospeakupforme.Makesmeashamedofearlier.”“Iwastestyonthetrain,andIsaidthingsIshouldn’thave,”Susanacknowledged
withasmallsmile.“Iwouldneverletsomeonebeaccusedofsomethingtheydidn’tdo,”
sheaddedwithameaningfullookforherhusband,whohadthegracetoflush.“Let’sgo,John.Mybathisprobablycoldbynow,”sheconceded,disappointed.
“I’llhavemorehotwaterdelivered,honey,”Johnpromisedashewalkedheroutofthestoreandbacktothehotel.“Youweresupposedtokeepyournoseinthecorner,and
youwillhaveanotheropportunitytostandthereandthink,”hewarnedher.
“StandinginthecornerisforchildrenanditmakesmefeelstupidandIwon’tdoit,”sheargued.
“Yesyouwill,”hesaidcalmly.Hestoppedbythedeskandaskedfortwomore
bucketsofhotwatertobesentupstairs.Hefiguredthatwouldbeenoughtoheatthewaterenoughforhertoenjoyherbath.Oncetheywereintheirroomhetoldhertocheckthe
bathwaterandshewaspleaseditwasstillwarm…notashotasshewouldlikeit,butitwasn’tcold,either.“Getin,andwhentheybringthewater,Iwilladditmyself.”Whenshe
openedhermouthtoprotest,hesaid,“Susan,Ishouldwarnyouthatmypatienceis
strainedrightnow.IamtryingtobecourteousandpermityouabathandsomesupperbeforeItanyourhindandputyoutobed,butonemorewordfromyouthatisn’tsweetand
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nice,oristheslightestbitsassyorargumentative,andIamgoingtobareyouandspank
yourightnow.Isthatclear?”Susan’seyeswidened,butshenodded,andthenhurriedtodoashesaid.He
couldn’tverywellspankherifshewassittinginatubfullofwater.Aquickcheckshowedherthatshestilldidn’thavehertime,andshewasrelieved.Shedidn’twantanother
spankingwhenherbottomwasstillsotender.Theknockonthedoorarrivedjustasshesatdowninthewater.SheheardJohntelltheyoungboystowaitinthehallway,andheroundedthescreenandwarmedthewater.Susanthankedhimandheardhimthankthe
boys.Heaskedthemtocomebackinanhourtoemptythetubandtakeitfromtheroom,
andtheypromisedtheywould.JohntookaprettynightdressfromSusan’svaliseandcarrieditaroundthescreen.
“Thisisallyouwillneedtonight,Susie.”“Ican’tdodowntothediningroominmynightclothes!”Shewasobviously
shocked.
“Iamgoingtoordersomethingforusandhaveitsentup.Yourmoodisinneedofmending,wife,andIamnotgoingtopermityoutorileanyoneelsetodayortomorrow.”
“Iwon’t!”shesaidautomatically.“John,it’sthattimeagain!”shewhispered,hercheeksscarlet.“IamsorryI’mactinglikesuchawitch.I’llbefineinadayortwo,”sheadded.
“Youcan’tactlikethiseverymonth,wife.Iwon’thaveit,andifyoudo,thenyou’llknowexactlywhattoexpect,”hepromised.“FinishupsoIcangodownandorderour
supper.I’mhungry.”
Susanpurposelydawdled.ShewasfuriouswithJohnandshemadenoattempttohideit,mutteringunderherbreathandcallinghimvilenames.Shedriedherhairwitha
toweluntilitwasalmostdryandthensheslippedonhergownjustastherewasaknockatthedoor.She’dforgottenthatJohnaskedtohavethetubemptiedandremoved.Hegave
herablankettoputaroundhershouldersandthenhadhersitacrosstheroominachair
whileheallowedtheyoungboysintheroom.Itdidn’ttakethemlongtofinishtheirtaskwhileshecombedthetanglesoutofherwethair.
“KeepthisdoorlockeduntilIreturn,Susan,”Johnorderedsternly.
“Youareridiculous,John!Wearen’tinthewildernessanymore.”“Youreallydon’twanttositdownatalltomorrow,doyou?”
Susangotupandlockedthedoor,butcouldn’tresistcallingout,“Ijustmightnotunlockitwhenyoucomeback!”
“Youjusttrythat,littlegirl,andseewhathappens,”Johnreplied,hisowntemper
flaringatherwords.Thelittlebratwaspushinghimforallshewasworth.Andheknewjustthecure.
BythetimeJohnreturned,Susanhadhadenoughtimetoregretherthreatnotto
unlockthedoorforhim.Hereyeswerewetwithtearsandhebarelyputdownthetraybeforeshewashugginghim.“Iamsoawfulattimes.Iwasafraidyou’ddecideI’mnot
worthyourtroubleandjustleavemehere!”“Iwouldn’tdothat,Susie,”hecomfortedher.“Iwillspankthedaylightsoutofyou
inabit,butIwon’tleaveyou.Youaremywife,nowandalways,”hesaidmeaningfullyand
thenhekissedher.“Nowsitdownhereandeatwhileyoucanstillsit.”
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Susandidn’tfussathim.Thesmellofthefoodmadeherrealizehowhungryshe
was.SheandJohnenjoyedthesimplefareandoncetheywerefinishedheleveledhisdarkeyesonherandshecouldn’thelpsquirming.
“Nowthen,Mrs.Jericho,wehaveadamngoodspankingtotakecareof.YouaregoingtogoandstandinthatsamecorneryouweresupposedtostandinwhileIwastaking
mybath.IexpectyoutopullthatgownuptoyourwaistandbareyourfannyandkeepyournoseinthecorneruntilItellyouotherwise.Iwilltakethekeywithmeandlockthedoor.Ifyoumoveoneinch,you’llearnyourselfamuchlongerandharderspanking.Mind
menow,Susie.Yourhindisalreadyinmoretroublethanyourealize.”
Susanwasembarrassedashestoodtherewatchingtomakesuresheobeyedhim.Shehatedstandinginthecorner!Itmadeherfeelfoolish.But,shewalkedtothecorneras
shewastold,andwhenhesaidhernameinwarning,shepulleduphergown.Itwasterribletostandtheresoexposed,butJohnhadarighttobevexedwithher,shereminded
herself.
Atleasthewasn’tbehindherstaringather,shecomfortedherselfassheheardthedooropenandshut,andthenthekeyturninginthelock.Shefeltlikedroppinghergown
andsittingonthebeduntilhereturned,butknowingJohnasshedid,hewouldsomehowknowifshedisobeyedhim.Shestoodthere,feelingembarrassed,andwaitedforwhatseemedlikeanhourforJohntoreturn!Whenshedeterminedthatsomethinghadtobe
wrong,shewasreadytogetdressedandgoandsearchforhimwhensheheardthekeyinthelock!“Wherehaveyoubeen?”sheaskedsharply.“Iwasreadytocomeandlookfor
you!”
“Thatwouldhavebeenahugemistake,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnreplied.“Iwasfindingjusttherightpaddleforyourhind,andIwouldhavetesteditonyourightthenandthere.”
Susanwhirledtofacehim,andhereyeswentwidewhenshesawthethinpaddleinhishand.Itevenhadahandleonit,andhe’dcarrieditthroughthehotelanduphereto
theirroom!Anyonewhosawhimknewhewasplanningtopunishheranditinfuriatedthe
redhead.“Howcouldyouembarrassmelikethis,JohnJericho?”shedemanded,lettinggoofhergownandputtingherhandsonherhipstoglareathim.
“Anddoyouthinkyourbehaviortodayhasbeenanylessembarrassingforme?”he
askedquietly.“IhavetoldyouIamsorry;you’rejustbeingmeantome,John!”sheaccused.
“No,honey.Iammakingdarnsureyougetthelessonyouhavecomingtonight,andifIdon’tseeanimprovementbeforetomorrowI’mgoingtowalkyououtoftownandcuta
fewswitchesandstripeyousixwaystoSunday.”Hesatonthebedandsaid,“Youcan
comehere,Susie,andwe’llgetthislessonstarted.”“No!”Shegavehimherbackasshestompedtothewindowtostareoutside.“I’m
goingbackhome,John.Iwon’tbemarriedtoamanwhothinksmesoawfulhehasto
spankmeallthetime!”“Nowtheregoesyoursassymouthagain,Susie.”Johnsighed,andthenhewasoff
thebedanddraggingherovertothebed,wherehesatdownagain.Susanstruggled,butitdidn’tdoonelittlebitofgood.Johnhadheroverhisleft
thighandthebedinnotimeatall.Hepinnedthecalvesofherlegswithhisrightleg,
shoveduphergownandthenwrappedhisleftarmaroundherslenderwaistashestartedspankingherbottom.
“Owww!John,stop!Someonewillhearyou!”
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“Idon’tmuchcareaboutthat,Susan.Nomanworthhissaltwouldbeupsetoverme
givingyouarichlydeservedspanking.”Hesmackedherroundedcheeksuntiltheywerecoveredwithstinginghandprints,andthenhespankedlowerandmadesurehersitspots
werered,too.“Stop,John!Ithurts!”shepleadedwithhim.
“I’vebarelystarted,honey.”Hecontinuedtospankherupperthighsandwhentheymatchedhercheeksandsitspots,hestartedalloveragain.“Youneedtolearntocontrolthattemperofyours,Mrs.Jericho.”
“Iwill!”shepromised.Anythingtostopthepunishment.Sheknewthatiftherewas
anyoneinthenextroom,oracrossthehall,theycouldhearwhatwashappening,andthatwasmortifying!“Please,John,nomore!Iwillbegoodnow!”
“Susan,I’mnotstoppinguntilyourhindissosoreyouwon’tsitforalongtimewithoutrememberingthistanning.Youpickedafightwiththosetwomenonthetrain,and
thenyoumixedinmyfightafterItoldyounotto!Thisisfornotobeyingme.”Hespanked
evenharderandshecriedout.“No!Please,no!”Susanwasdesperatetostopthespanking.Shedidn’twantto
screamandcarryon!Itwouldbetoohumiliatingtoeverleavethisroomifhecontinued!“John,Iamsorry!Ibegyou,stop!”
“Yoursassymouthhasputyouinthisposition,Susan.Youneedtostopmaking
excusesforyourselfeverymonth.I’msureitisn’tfuntosufferthroughthat,butIdon’tseeotherwomenmakingabigdealoutofitandlosingtheirtemperoverlittlestufflike
childrenbeingchildren!”hescolded.
“I’msorry!”shecried.“Notassorryasyouaregoingtobe,”hepromised,pickingupthepaddlehe’d
boughtfromthestorekeepernamedSam.Itwasthinandwouldstinglikefire,butSamassuredhimitwouldn’tleaveseriousbruises.JohnwantedtogiveSusiealesson,not
injureher.
Susangaspedinshockasthepaddlecrackedacrossherrightcheekleavingafieryimprint.“Owwwwww!”Thepaddlelandedagainonthesamespotandshetriedeven
hardertojerkfree.“Noooooo!John,noooooo!Itburnstoomuch!”shedesperately
pleadedwithhim.Itdidn’twork.Hegaveheranotherhardswatonthesameexactspot,andthenswitchedtoherleftcheekandgaveherthreemore.Herupperthighswerenext,
andthenhersitspots.Shewassobbingandlyinglimplyoverhisthighandthebed.“This,littlewife,isforleavingthisroomwhileIwastakingmybath.Youwere
supposedtobestandinginthecorner,notsneakingoutoftheroomafteryouweretoldnot
toleavemyside.”HespankedherevenharderwiththepaddleandSusanwaspositiveshedidn’thaveonelittlebitofskinleftonherbacksidebythetimehefinallystopped.
Johnputthepaddleasideandthenherestedhishandonherhind.Itwashotand
throbbingandlookedswollentohim.Hehatedcausingherpain,buthislittlewifeneededtolearnhehadlimitstohispatience.Johnshudderedtothinkwhatthosetwomenwould
havedonetoherifthey’dcaughtheroutalonesomewhere.Susanwastoofeistyforwordsattimes.“Areyougoingtomindmenow,Susie?”heaskedgently.
Shemutteredsomethingandhechosetobelieveitwasaffirmative.Hesimply
couldn’tinflictanymorepainonherrightnow.Hehelpedherupandthenturneddownthebedandhelpedherlieonhertummybeforecoveringherandleaningdowntokissher
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cheek.“Yougotosleepnow,anddon’tletmecatchyourubbingyourcutelittlehind.You
hadthatspankingcoming,Mrs.Jericho,andyou’llwearituntilitgoesawayonitsown.”Susanhurttoomuchtomove.Thatwoodenpaddleleftanunbelievablefireandshe
doubtedshewouldbeabletositforaweek!Shecriedherselftosleep,onlytowakeextremelyearlythenextmorning.Shehadtorelieveherbladderandgotuptotendtothe
matter.Usingthechamberpotwaspainful,andshewasn’tsurprisedtorealizeherflowstartedduringthenight.Shetookwhatsheneededfromhervalise,cryingoncemoreassherealizedshedefinitelywasn’tcarryingJohn’schild.Itwassuchadisappointment,even
thoughJohnkepttellingherthathewantedtohavehertohimselfforawhile.Hesaidit
wasn’tunusualforacoupletobemarriedforseveralyearsbeforemakingababy,butSusanfeltlikeafailure.ShereturnedtobedonlytohaveJohnpullhercloseandtellher
thathelovedher.Inthatwayhehad,healreadyknewwhyshewassoupset,andhewaslettingherknowthatshewascherishedandloved.Shewenttosleepagain,safeinhis
arms,andprayingthathewouldforgetallaboutspankingheragainashepromisedhe
would!
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Chapter Thirteen
Susanwasn’tveryhappywhenJohninsistedsheaccompanyhimtobreakfast.She
triedtotellhimshedidn’tfeelwell,buthesawthroughthatexcuseandtoldherthatsittingonaspankedhindwasapartofthepunishment.Susanknewhercheekswereredasshe
enteredthediningroomonhisarm.Shewaspositivethateveryonehadheardherspankingandwouldmakefunofher.
Johnseatedheratatableandsmiledwhenapretty,youngwaitressbroughtthem
coffeerightaway.Hegavehertheirorderandthenhelookedathissquirmingwife.“Sitstill,Susie.”
“Ican’t,John!YouhavenoideahowsoreIam,”shewhisperedsosoftlyhehadto
straintohearher.“Areyouregrettingthewayyoubehavedyesterday?”heaskedquietly.
“Yes!Iregretteditevenbeforeyou…youknow…!”Shelookedaroundtoseeif
anyonewaspayingthemanyattention.“You’llregretitevenmorebeforethisdayisoverwhenIbareyouagain,”hestated,
hisdarkeyestellingherhewasperfectlyserious.“TheonlythingremainingtobedecidedisifItakeyououtoftowntocutswitchesorifthatpaddleisgoingtogetusedagain.The
wayyoubehavetodaywilldeterminethatdecision.”“John,youcan’t!”Herfacewasscarlet.“I…can’t !”Hergreeneyesbeggedfor
understanding.
“I’mnotgoingtoletthatbeafactor,Susan.Nowenjoyyourcoffee,andsitstill.Iexpectobediencetoday.”
Susanmadeherselfsitstill.Shewouldsimplydieifhebaredherforaspanking
today!Eventhethoughtofitmadehercringe.DidnothingbotherorshameJohn? Susan
askedherself.Johnwasabitstartledtoseehereyesfillwithtearsandhewonderedifperhapshe
shouldn’thavementionedspankinghersosoonintotheday.HeknewthatSusanwas
extremelymodest,evenaroundhim,butshe’dgonetoofaryesterday,andsheneededa
veryfirmlesson.Evenifthatlessonoffendedhermodesty,hedecided.Still,shewouldn’tevenlookathim,andhesawherdabathereyeswithherhandkerchief.Hefeltbadfor
upsettingher…andshehadn’teventakenasipofhercoffee.
Whentheirfoodwasbrought,Susantookonelookatitandknewshewasgoingtobeill.Shejumpedupandranfromtherestaurant,tryingtomaketheirroombeforeshe
humiliatedherselfevenfurther.Johnaskedthewaitresstoputtheirmealsonatrayandsaidheneededtocheckon
hiswife.“Mightshebeinthefamilyway,sir?Lotsofwomencan’tstandeggsthen…”shesaidsomatter-of-factlythatheknewshewasn’ttryingtoberudeorvulgar,buthelpful.
“No,she’sjustfeelingpoorlythismorning,”hereplied.
“I’llsendthisonuptoyourroom;yougoandseetoyourMissus,”thegirlbossed.Johnnoddedandbythetimehereachedtheirroom,Susanwaspasttheworstofit.
Hegothersomewatertorinsehermouth.
“Herenow,youwillbeallright,Susie.”Hepulledherintohisarmsandheldherclose.“I’msorryIupsetyou,honey.”
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“John,IpromiseIwillbehave.Pleasedon’t…Notnow!Icouldn’thandleitifyou
baredmeforanotherspanking.I’mreallysore,andIreallydon’tfeelgoodthismorning.”“Iwon’tbareyou,honey.I’msorryIevensuggestedit,”heapologized.“I’msorryI
upsetyousomuch.”Therewasaknockonthedoor.“That’sourbreakfast.Doyouthinkyoucaneat
now?”heasked,fearingthatbringingthefoodintheroommightmakehersickagain.“I’mbetternow,”shetriedtosmile.“I’msorryIembarrassedyouagain.”“Youcouldn’thelpthat,honey.Itwasmostlymyownfault,anyway,”heconsoled
herasheopenedthedoortoadmitoneoftheyoungboyswhobroughtupthewaterthe
eveningbefore.Oncehewastippedandleft,Johnshutandlockedthedoor,andthenhecrossedtheroomtoholdheragain.“Iamsorry,honey.Ishouldhaveknownthat
threateningtobareyouagainwouldoffendyourmodesty.”“I’mtrulysosorerightnowthatIcouldn’thandleanotherspankingsosoon.I
promiseIwillbegoodnow,”shesaidsosincerelythatheleaneddownandkissedher.
“Iknowyouwill,Susie.”Hetookthepillowsfromthebedandputthemononeofthechairsandthensaid,“Trytositandeatsomething.I’msureyouwillfeelbetterthen.”
“Ijustwantsomecoffeeandsometoast,John.Youcaneatmyfood.”Hedidn’targuewithher.Heknewthatshedidn’teatmuchbreakfastduringher
monthlytime.Aftersheatesometoastanddrankafewsipsofcoffee,shelookedathim
andsaid,“Ireallyfeelrotten,John.WouldyoumindifIgobacktobed?ThatistheonlythingthathelpswhenIfeelsomiserable.”
Johnhelpedherremoveherclothingandgetintohernightdressagain,andtrueto
form,Susiewenttosleep.Hefinishedeating,andthentookthetraybacktothekitchen.He’dmadesurethedoortotheirroomwaslocked,anddecidedhewoulddoalittle
shoppingforhiswife.Hetrulydidplanonspoilingherandafterthespankinghegaveheryesterday,sheneededabitofreassurancethathewasn’tjustabitbullywhodidn’tmind
embarrassingher.
WhenSusanwokeupsunlightwasstreaminginthewindowandJohnwassittinginachairreading.“Heythere,”shesaid,smilingathim.“Whatareyoureading?”
“AcollectionofshortstoriesbyEdgarAllenPoe.Themanhasanimagination,”he
saidwithachuckle.“I’vemissedreading,”headmitted,andthenlookedatherspeculatively.“Youlooklikeyouarefeelingmuchbetter…?”
“Iam.Mybellyisn’tcrampingnowandmyheadacheisgone.Ifeelnormalagain,”shestated,andthengotoutofbedtowalkovertowherehewasseated.“John,Iamsorry
forthewayIacted.Iknowthisishardtounderstand,butitisalmostlikeIamanother
personfortwoorthreedaysbeforesanityreturns.Idon’tmeantobeevil.”“DoesthatmeanIcanexpecttospankyouonceamonthfortherestofourlives?”he
teased.
“Probably,butyouneedn’tbesofirmtomakeyourpoint,”shesaidruefully.“I’mnotgoingtosittoowellforawhile.Thatpaddleisnasty,John.”
“Thenitisakeeper,”hesaidwithateasinggrin,andproducedthepresentheboughtforher.Helovedwatchinghersmileindelight,andwhensheputherarmsaround
himandkissedhimlovingly,heknewhewasaluckyman.Hewouldkeepthatpaddle
handy,however.Truetohisword,theyspentthedayandnightintown,andleftthefollowing
morning.Beforetheylefttheroomtowalktothetrainstation,JohninstructedSusanto
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pullupherskirtsandbendoverandputherhandsontheseatofachair.Shelookedatthe
paddleinhishandandthedeterminedexpressioninhisdarkeyesanddecidedthatcooperatingwasinherbestinterests.Johnwasn’tharsh,butthetenstingingswatsonher
stilltenderbottomremindedherthatshewastobehaveherself,andtoldherwhattoexpectifshedidn’t.Susandidn’tfindsittingonthehardbenchseatonthetrainvery
comfortable,butJohnletitbeknownhewasn’tgoingtotolerateanymoretantrumsfromher,andtherewastobenocomplaining.Susantookhiswarningtoheartanddidherbesttobehave.Thelastthingshewantedwasforhimtodecidetheyneededanotherstopover
ontheirtripsouth.
********************ThetrainmadeastopinCuriosityFalls,GeorgiaandJohnandSusandisembarked,
havingarrivedattheirdestination.Susanknewthatherhusbandwastenseandunsureofthewelcomehewouldreceive.IthadbeenoverfiveyearssinceCarolynwasrapedand
murdered,andmanypeoplewereconvincedhe’dkilledher.Susanknewdifferently;John
mightspankawoman,buthewasn’tthetypeofmanwhowouldcommitmurder.Sheslippedherarmthroughhisandsmiledupathim.“Everythingisgoingtobealright,John.
Ibelieveinyou.”Johnnodded,andthensaid,“Thanks,honey.Iknowyoudo,andIappreciateitmore
thanyou’lleverknow.Justtrytoholdontoyourtemperifanyonestartssayingbadthings;
itwon’thelp.I’mgoingtorentabuggytotakeusouttoWhisperingOaks.Iwouldleaveyouheresoyoudidn’thavetowalktothelivery,butIhonestlydon’twantustobe
separated.Idon’tknowwhatCarolyn’sfatherwoulddotoyouinretaliation…”Hisvoice
trailedoff,andSusancouldseehewastrulyworried.“Idon’tmindthewalktothelivery.I’vewalkedatrailwithyou,remember?”she
askedwithasmalllaugh.Hechuckledatthememoryandsaid,“Yes,Iremember.You’reonefeistyredhead
whenthechipsaredown.Comeon,Mrs.Jericho.Let’sgetthatbuggyandheadforhome.”
Thereweresomestaresastheywalkedthedistancetothelivery,butnoonewasopenlyhostile.Johnrentedthebuggyfromamanhe’dnevermetandpromiseditwouldbe
returnedthenextday.ThemanwaspaidupfrontandwhenJohnsaidtheyweregoingto
WhisperingOakshewastold,“Mr.Jerichowillseetothereturn.I’mnotworried.”Johnjustnodded,puttheirvalisesintheback,andthenliftedhiswifetositheron
theseat.Heknewshewasstillabittenderfromthatpaddlinghegaveherafewdaysago,butshesatstillanddidn’tcomplain.Hewasproudofher.
Onceontheirway,Johntoldherabouttheareaandpointedoutdifferent
plantationsontheway.TheypassedoneownedbyCarolyn’sfather,andJohnwastednotimegettingthroughthatareatothemuchsaferlandsbeyond.Susanwasabitshockedto
seealltheslavesoutworkinginthehotsun,butitwasacommonsight.Afterafewhours
theyfinallyreachedWhisperingOaksPlantation.Oneelderlymanwasworkingclosetotheroadandlookedupastheydrovepast.“MisterJohn!Welcomehome!”heexclaimedwitha
happysmile.“Hello,Moses,”Johnsaidwithagrin.“Howareyou?”
“Iberightasrain,”Mosesanswered,andthenadded,“YourMamaisgonnadance
whensheseesyou,MisterJohn.”“IamgoingtodancewhenIseeher,too,”Johnagreed,andthensaid,“Thisismy
wife,Susie,Moses.”
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“Welcomehome,MissusSusie.”Mosessmiled.
“Thankyou,Moses.”Shesmiledrightbackathim.Johnknewthatwordofhisnewwifewouldpassamongtheslavesnow,andhewas
relievedthatshewasgracious.Hefiguredshewouldbe,butsomepeopletreatedslavesasiftheyweren’thumanbeingswithfeelings.Susanwasn’tlikethat.Hedroveforquitea
whilelonger,pointingoutdifferentplacesontheplantationandwavingateveryonewhorecognizedhim.
Susan’sfirstviewofthelargehousecausedhertogaspinwonder,andthenin
dismay.ShelookedatJohnandsaid,“Youmustberich!”
“Iam,”heagreed.“John,thisistoomuch.Iwon’tknowhowtoactinsidethathouse.It’sforfancy
peoplenotlikeme!YourfamilyisgoingtoknowI’mnotusedtolivinglikethis!”“Theylivedinacabinwhentheyfirstsettledhere,Susie.Andyouaremywife…I
knowyou,andyouwillfitinnicely.Myfamilyain’tsnobs.”Hesetthehorsestoabrisk
pace.Whentheycametoastopinfrontofthelargehome,JohnjumpeddownandwaitedforSusantostandupsohecouldhelpherdown,butshecontinuedtositthereandstareat
thehouseintrepidationanddismay.Johnshookhisheadandreachedforher,liftingherinhisarmsandcarryingherupthefrontstepsandinsidethelargehouse.
“John!John,isthatreallyyou?”awomancriedoutfromthetopofthesteps,and
thenshecamerunningasfastasshepossiblycould,avisioninherbeautifuldressofroyalblue.Shethrewherselfintohisarmsandlaughedandcried.“MamaandPapaaregoingto
besohappytoseeyou!”shedeclared,hugginghimastightlyaspossible.
“Aren’tyoumarriedoffyet,Anna?”Johnaskedteasingly,holdingheratarms’lengthsohecouldlookather.
“Iammarried,youhorridbeast.AndrewisoutoftownonbusinessandinsistedIstayherewithMamaandPapawhileheisgone.Andwhoisthis?”shedemanded,her
browneyesfullofcuriosityasshelookedSusanoverheadtotoe.
“This,nosygirl,ismybeautifulwife,Susan.Susie,thisismybabysister,Anna.ShehasgrownupwhileI’vebeenaway.”
“Hello,Anna.I’veheardsomanywonderfulthingsaboutyoufromJohn.It’sniceto
meetyouatlast.”“Youareasurprise,butagoodsurprise.”Annanoddedthoughtfully.“Isuspectyou
convincedhimtocomehome…?”sheasked.“IthinkitistimeforJohntoclearhisname.”Susansawnoreasontoavoidthe
subjectofCarolyn.
“Iagree,andMamaisgoingtoLOVEyou!”Annaexclaimed.Sheturnedandthenranbackupthestepscallingoutloudly,“Mama!Mama!Mama!Comequickly!Youneedtosee
whoishere!”
“Sheisjustlikeyoudescribedher,John,andIloveheralready,”Susansaidwithabigsmile.
Theyheardadooropenupstairs,andawoman’svoicescolded,“Mygoodness,child!Whatisallthefussabout?”
“Come,Mama.You’llsee!”Annagrabbedhermother’shandanddraggedheralong.
“There,see!”ShepointedatJohnandlaughedhappily.“See,Mama!”“Oh,John!You’realive!Iknewitinmyheart,butit’sbeensoverylong!”Clara
Jerichoburstintotearsandcamerunningdownthestaircasetoholdhimclose.“Howdare
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youstayawaysolong,youngman?!I’veagoodmindtocutaswitchandwearyououtfor
scaringmeso!”shescolded.“I’msorry,Mama,”Johnsaidcontritely,hugginghertightly.
“He’smarried,Mama!”Annawhisperedloudly.“What?”ShelookedatSusansuspiciously.“You’remarriedagain,John?”
“Yes,ma’am.Mama,thisisSusan.Susie,thisismyMama.”“I’veheardnothingbutwonderfulthingsaboutyou,ma’am,”Susansaid.“Yourson
isafineman,andIlovehimwithallmyheart.”
“Ibelieveyoudo,dear.”Clarafinallynoddedinacceptance.
“ShewantsJohntoclearhisname,”AnnatoldherMother.“Hewouldneverdosomethinglikethat,”Susandeclared.
“Susie,we’veonlybeenhomeforfiveminutes;canwewaituntiltomorrowtoclearmyname?”Johnaskedteasingly.
“Ifyouinsist,”sheanswered,andthenwarned,“I’mnotgoingtoletthismatterrest,
JohnJericho.”“Honey,IhopeyourealizethatI’mnotgoingtoallowyoutomeddleinthis?”
“Meddle?IamyourwifeandyoucanbetIamgoingtomeddle!Iwanttopointatthemanwhodidthisandshamehimintoadmittingit…especiallytoCarolyn’sfather!”
“Susan,IswearI’mgoingtocutaswitchifyoudon’tsettledownrightnow!”he
sputteredasadoorslammedtowardtherearofthehouse.“Clara!Clara!OneofthefieldhandssaidhesawMasterJohnhome!Well,I’llbe!
It’strue!Welcomehome,son!”
“Fatheritisgoodtoseeyou.”Johnsteppedforwardtogreethisparent.“Youlookwell,John.”RobertJericholookedintohisson’sdarkeyes.“Whoisthis
prettylady?”hewantedtoknow.“Thisismywife,Susan.Susie,myfather,RobertJericho.”
“Yourwife?”Robertseemedsurprised.“Welcome,Susie.We’rehappytohaveyou
aspartofthefamily.Clara,haveyousentwordtothefamilyyet?Everyonewillwanttojoinusfordinnertonight.”
“Wejustarrived,sir.Mamahasn’thadtimetodomorethancatchherbreath.While
Iwouldliketoseeeveryone,itmightbebesttogiveSusiesometimetogetsettledinfirst.”“Thatisjustplainsilly,John,”Susancontradictedhim.“Youhandledmyfamilyin
onesittingandIcandothesamewithyours.Besides,weneedtodealwith…”“We’llleavethattalkforlater,Mrs.Jericho,”hewarnedsharply.
“Isee.”
“No,youdonotsee,butyouwillifyoudon’tletmehandlethisinmyownway,honey,”hewarnedher.
“John,youareabigbully!”Annaspokeup.“MamaandIwouldlovetohearwhat
Johndoesn’twantustoknow,Susan.We’llshowyouupstairstoyourroomandhaveanicelongchat.”
“Anna,don’tyoubestartin’somethin’,”Robertwarned.“Oh,Papa,youknowverywellthatwearegoingtotalk.Youmenallthinkyouneed
toprotectusfromeverylittlething,anditdoesn’tdoabitofgood.Comeon,Susan.I’llfill
youinoneverythingJohndoesn’twantyoutoknowabouthim.”Susangiggled,andthenfollowedhersister-in-lawupthewindingstaircase.
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Claralaughedatherson’sdisgruntledexpressionandthenhurriedafterthetwo
youngerwomen.ShehadafeelingshewouldlearnmorefromSusanthanfromJohn.Oncethefemaleswereontheirway,Robertsaid,“Comeintomystudyandhavea
drink,son.IhavetoadmitI’mcuriousaboutwhatyourwifewantsustodealwith.DoesithavetodowithCarolyn’sdeath?”
“Yes,sir.IknowwhokilledCarolyn.Thetruthhasbeeninherjournalalltheseyears.SusiesnoopedandreaditandCarolynnamedthemanresponsible.”
“Someoneweknow?”Robertasked.
“AbelMcCory,”Johnanswered.
“Awww,surelynot!Why,he’sbeenyourfriendforyears!Heasksaboutyoueverytimeweseehim!”
“He’salsotheonewhotriedtogetCarolyn’sfathertohangme,”Johnstated.Therewererunningstepsoutsidethedoorandthenitwasthrownopen.“Robert,I
knowwhokilledCarolyn!ItwasAbelMcCory.IsawCarolyn’sjournal!”Clarasaidina
rush.“Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthis?”“IknowwhatIamgoingtodo.Excuseme,Father.Thereisadomesticmatterthan
requiresmyattention.”“Don’tyoudarethreatenthatdearchild,JohnJericho!”Clarasteppedinfrontofher
son.“Why,sheisaperfectangel!”
“Thatangeldoesn’tknowthemeaningoftheword‘obey’.”“Nonsense!Sheonlywantstoclearyourname.”
“Whoisonthosehorses?”Johnasked,hiskeenhearingpickingupthesoundhis
parentsweresousedtohearingthattheydidn’thearathing.Hehurriedtothewindowtolookoutandthensworeunderhisbreath.“Father,youdidn’tspankAnnanearlyenough
whenshewasachild,andIfullyintendtorectifythematterwhenIcatchuptothosetwowitlessfemales!”Hewasoutoftheroomonadeadrunandheadingforthestablesinthe
nextsecond.
********************“SowhatarewegoingtosaywhenwetalktoMr.Barrett?”Annaaskedhersister-in-
law.
“I’mgoingtotellhimthetruth,ofcourse.Surelyhewillwanttoknowwhomurderedhisdaughter.Howmuchfartherisittohisplace?I’mnotusedtoriding!”
“Wehaveawaystogo,Susan,andIamnotsosurebutthatweshouldn’tturnaroundandheadback.Mr.Barrettmightnotbeinclinedtogiveyouachancetoexplain.
HetookCarolyn’sdeathveryhard.”
“I’msurehedid.Hespoiledheroutrageouslyandgaveherherwayineverything.IsimplyrefusetopermithimtothinkthatJohndidsuchahorrendousthingtoCarolyn.She
certainlydidn’tdeservewhathappened,butthetruthofthematteristhatitishisownfault
morethanJohn’s.”“YousoundjustlikeMama!”Annamarveled.“Okay,we’llgoandvisit,butdon’tbe
surprisedifhescreamsatustoleave.Hedoesn’tlikebeingaroundanyonecloselyconnectedtotheJerichofamily.”
“Thenmaybeyoushouldjustshowmeasfarasthehouseandletmegoonalone.
Hewon’tknowwhoIamuntilI’veshownhimthediary.”“Thatsoundsreasonable,”Annaallowed,andwasnearlyunseatedwhentworiders
appearedonthepathbeforethem.
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“Nowwhereareyoutwoprettygirlsheadedallaloneonsuchaprettyday?”
“It’snoneofyourbusiness,”Susanansweredfirmly.“Pleaseletuspass!”“Ithinkthatwouldbeacrime,don’tyou,Abel?”
“Abel?AbelMcCory?”Susanaskedsharply.“Yes,atyourservice.DoIknowyou,Miss?”Hewasobviouslydrunkandhisspeech
wasslurred.“No,we’venevermet,”Susantoldhim.“Weneedtobeonourway.”“What’syourhurry?Wejustwantsomecompany.”
“Yes,Iknowallabouthowyouliketoforceyourcompanyonwomen,”Susansaid
caustically.“YouwillrotinhellforwhatyoudidtoCarolyn,”Annaadded.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Abelsuddenlylookedawholelotlessdrunkthanhedidafewminutesagain.
“You’llfindoutsoonenough,”Susananswered.
“I’llfindoutnow!”HemovedquicklytograbherbutSusanwasready.Shebroughttheridingcropshecarrieddownonhishand,andbeforehecouldreachoutagainshegave
himashove,knockinghimtotheground.Theothermanwaslaughinguproariously,enjoyingMcCory’spredicament.
AbelgotupfromthegroundandlungedforSusanonlytoconnectwithasolidfistas
Johnputhimselfandhismountbetweenhiswifeandtheenragedman.“You!”Abelspattheword.
“WearegoingtoprovethatyourapedandmurderedJohn’sfirstwife,”Annasaid
angrily.“AndIamgoingtotestifythatyouaccostedushere.”“Iknowyounow,John’slittlesister,”Abelsaid,andthenlookedatSusanand
immediatelyputtwoandtwotogether.“Well,John,youhaveanotherprettywife.Wonderwhatfolkswillsaywhenyoukillthisone?”
“Youwon’tfindmeashelplessasCarolynwas,yousonofabitch!”
“OldmanBarrettwillbehappytohearyou’reback,John,oldboy.”“He’llbeevenhappiertoknowwhoreallykilledhisdaughter,”Johnstatedcoldly.
“Stayawayfrommywifeandsisterifyouwanttolivetoseetrial.”
“Webothknowwhoisgoingtohang,anditwon’tbeme.”“TheonlyreasonI’mnotdealingwithyoumyselfisbecauseIwanttoclearmyname
andIcan’tdothatwithyoudead.”Johntookhiswife’sandsister’sreinsandstartedleadingthemhome.
“Iwantmyreins,John!”Annafumed.
“You’rethisclosetoaspanking,littlesister.”Hegaveherahardlook.“Whatonearthfor,John?Wejustwentforalittlerideandthosetwoaccostedus!”
Annafibbed.
“Isthatthetruth,Susie?Didthetwoofyougoforaride,orwereyouplanningtoseeMr.Barrett?”
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Chapter Fourteen
Susanlookedatherhusband.Hisdarkeyeswerewarningherthatlyingwouldonly
landherinmoretrouble.Sheraisedherchinandsaidquietly,“YouknowverywellthatweweregoingtospeaktoMr.Barrett,John.Iampositivethathewillwanttoknowthetruth
aboutwhokilledCarolyn.”“Susie,didn’tItellyoutokeepyourprettynoseoutofthisaffair,andleaveittome
tohandleinthebestwaypossible?”Hisvoicewasquietbutonlyafoolwouldthinkhe
wasn’tupsetwithher.“Idonotwantyouinvolved.Mr.Barrettmighthurtyoubeforehecalmsdownenoughtohearwhatisbeingsaid.”
“Hedoesn’tknowme,John.Ithinkitissafestformetoapproachhim.”Susan
continued,inspiteoftheforebodinglookonJohn’sface.“Ithinkthatmywifeandsisterbothneedagoodspanking,”heannounced.
“Youwouldn’tdaredosomethingsodespicable,JohnJericho!”Annadeclared.
“Littlesister,youjustaskSusieifIwoulddare,andthenyoudoyourbesttokeepfromprovokingme,orelseI’llstopthesehorsesandcutaswitchhereandnow.”
Annalookedathernewsister-in-law,andSusansilentlywarnedhertoshutup!AnnaabruptlyputherselfinSusan’splaceandrealizedthatherownhusbandwouldscold
herforbeingsoimpetuous.“John,itwasmyideatogoandseeMr.Barrett.Susanthoughtitbesttowait.”Shefibbedagain,willingtotakeascoldratherthanseeSusieintrouble
withherbrother.
“Isthatso,Anna?”Johnaskedquietly,tooquietlyinSusan’sopinion,butbeforeshecouldwarnAnna,John’sarmsnakedaroundherwaistandheliftedherfromhersaddle
andtossedherface-downacrosshisownsaddleinfrontofhim.Hesnatchedtheriding
whipfromSusan’shandandbroughtitdownacrosshissister’sbottomwithevery
intentionofmakingsureshefelttheblow.“No,John!”Susanprotestedhisactions,butJohndidnotpayheranyattention.He
wasdeterminedtoseehissisterpunished!
Annaletoutascreamofmingledpainandrage,butJohnignoredherdirethreats
andgaveherasoundthrashing.“Doyouhonestlythinkyoucanbatyoureyesatmeandconvincemeyouaretellingthetruth,littlesister?”heasked.“Ourparentshavespoiled
you,andIamnotatallconvincedyouareoldenoughtobemarried.YouknowthatBarrett
isnotrational,andthefactyouagreedtotakeSusietoseethemanshowsalackofcommonsense.”
“I’msorry,John!”shesaid,burstingintotearsofcontrition.“Iwanttoseeyournamecleared,too!”
Hecouldhearthesincerityinhervoice.“Iunderstandthat,Anna.And,Iloveyouforfeelingthatway,butthereissuchathingaspatience,andthatiswhatIaminsistingonnow.Doyouunderstand?”heaskedmeaningfully,givingherupturnedbottomonemore
painfulstrokeofthesmallridingwhip.“Owwwww!Yes,John!Idounderstand!Pleasestop!Andrewwillbedispleased!”
“Displeasedwithmeforgivingyouaspankingyouearned?Ordispleasedthatyou
earnedaspankinginthefirstplace?”heasked,tryinghardnottosmile.
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“Both,”shetoldtheabsolutetruth.Andrewbelievedinspanking,too,andifhe
learnedthatJohnpunishedher,hewouldtakeheroverhiskneeagain!“Pleasestop!Iamsorryandhavelearnedmylesson.”
Johngaveheronemoresmack,butwithhishandthistime,andthencarefullyplunkedheronhersaddle.“Donotlietomeagain,littlesister.Itistheonething
guaranteedtosetoffmytemperandearnyouasorehind.”“IjustwantedtoprotectSusan,”sheexplained.“Ididn’tthinkyouwouldactually
punishme!”Shewaspoutingnow.
“Nowyouknowbetter,andSusanalreadyknowsthatsheisintrouble,”headded,
givinghissilentwifealookthatspokevolumes,andSusanfeltcrushed.Sheknewthatlook.Itmeanthewasgoingtospankher!
“Sheonlywantstoclearyourname,John!Thatisnotacrime.SusanlovesyouandthatismorethanyoucouldsayforCarolyn!”Annaaccused.“Ithinkitmeanofyoutobeso
unappreciativeandrigid!”
“Doyouwantanotherspanking,Anna?”Johnasked,lookingathisfeistylittlesister.Sheglaredathim,butfinallyshookherheadno.“Notanotherwordthen.”
Therestoftheridehomewascompletedinsilence.JohnsentthetwooftheminsideandtoldSusantogoupstairstotheirroom.Susanknewthatheintendedtopunishher.Shewashumiliatedandembarrassedthathewoulddothatandleteveryoneinthe
householdknowwhatheintended,butshequicklyranupthesteps.Ifshedidn’tobeyhim,hewouldspankherwherehefoundher.Johnwastotallypredictablewhenitcametothat.
AnnafoundherparentsinherFather’sstudy.“Mama,youmustspeaktoJohn!Heis
inaterriblemood.Healreadythrashedmeandheorderedhisownwifeupstairsasifsheisanaughtychild!”shedramaticallydeclared.
“What?”Clarajumpedtoherfeet.“Johnbeatyou?”“Witharidingwhip!”Annanoddedtearfully,reachingbacktorubhersmarting
bottom.“Hurry,Mama!SusanonlywantstohelpJohn,andheisbeingdreadfullymeanto
her!”“Clara,youstayrighthere,”Robertfirmlyordered.
“But,Robert…!”Claraturnedtofacehim,stompingherslipperedfoot.“Didn’tyou
hearourdaughter?”“Idid,andIalsoknowthatJohnwilldowhathethinksbestinhismarriage.Wewill
mindourownbusiness.”“Ican’tdothat!”sheargued.
“Yesyoucanoryoumayverywellfindthatyouaren’ttoooldforagoodspanking!”
“Robert!”Clarawasscandalized.Annawasstandingrightthere,listeningtoeveryword!
“Clara,shouldn’tyoubeoverseein’dinner?”Whenhiswifereachedthedoorway,
clearlyfuriouswithhim,headded,“Anddon’tbethinkin’tosneakupthebackstairs,either,wife.”Shestiffenedandthenhurriedfromtheroom.“Andyou,younglady,canjust
comerightoverhere,”hesaid,beckoningathisdaughter.“IshouldhelpMama,”Annaprotested.
“Nonsense,Anna.Iwanttoknowwhatyoutwogirlswereupto.”
“WeweregoingtoseeMr.BarrettandtellhimwhomurderedCarolyn.”Annaknewherparentwellenoughtoknowthathewasseriousandwantedanswers.Shewonderedif
hewouldhavewordswithJohnfordaringtostrikeherperson!
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“What?Youagreedtothis,Anna?YouknowthatoldmanBarrettiscrazy.You’ve
beentoldoverandovernottogoanywhereneartheman!Itdoesn’tshockmeatallthatJohnturnedyouoverhisknee!I’veagoodmindtodoitmyself!”hethreatened.
“Papa!Don’tbesilly!Iammarriednow!”Surelyhewouldn’tdoanysuchthing!“I’mstillyourfather,younglady,andIamnotatallpleasedrightnow!Justbecause
you’remarrieddoesnotmeanthatyoucandisobeymeatwill.GoingtoBarrett’shousewasveryfoolish.”
“Wedidn’tgetthatfar,thankstoAbelMcCory!HewasdrunkandaccostedSusan
andme.Shestruckhimwithherridingwhip.Hewasgoingtohither,butJohnstopped
him.Abelmadeallsortsofthreats,too.HejustthesameastoldJohnhewasgoingtorapeandkillSusanandblamehimforit!Rightnowheisprobablystirringupallourfriendsand
neighbors.Johnshouldhaveshothim!”shedeclared.“Johnwantstoseehimtriedforrapeandmurder,Anna.”Hefrownedandadded,
“YouhadnobusinesstakingSusantoBarrett’splace,daughter.”
“Idisagree,Papa!SusanwantstoseeJohn’snamecleared,andshewantstohelpwiththat,whichshehaseveryrighttodosincesheishiswife.”
“Therearesomethingsbestlefttomen,Anna,andifAndrewwerehere,hewouldtakeyouoverhiskneeandremindyouofthat.”
“Oh,youmenareallalike!”Annascolded.“IfnoneofyouwillprotectSusan,thenI
willdosomyself!”shedeclared.Robertwasoutofhischairandgrabbedherbeforeshereachedthedoorway.“Ido
believeJohnwasrightearlierwhenhesaidIdidnotspankyounearlyenoughwhenyou
weregrowingup;anerrorIintendtorectifyrightnow!”“No,Papa!”Annatuggedonherarm,butherfatherhadafirmgripandshewas
unabletokeephimfrompullingherovertohisdesk.Hepushedherdownoverthepolishedsurfacewithinstructionsto‘stayput.’Unlikeherbrother,RobertJerichohadno
qualmsabouttossingupherridingskirtandthepetticoatsbeneathtorevealherruffled
drawers.“No,youcan’tdothis,Papa!JohnalreadythrashedmewitharidingwhipIloanedSusan!”
“Idoubtyoufeltathingthroughalltheseskirts,”Robertstatedwithoutsympathy
andbroughthishanddownonherroundedbottom.Susantriedtojumpup,butRobertpushedherbackdownandkepthislefthandonherbacktokeepherrighttherewhilehe
continuedtospankher.“JustbecauseyouaremarrieddoesnotmeanIwillturnablindeyetooutrightdisobedience,andyouknowdamnedwellyoudisobeyedme,younglady.”
Robertcontinuedtospankhiserrantdaughteruntilshewasintears.Hescoldedheruntil
shewasbegginghimtostopandtellinghimshewassorry.“Barrettiscrazyenoughtotakeitinhisheadtomakeherpayforsomethingshehad
nopartof.HowwouldyoufeelrightnowifsomethinghadhappenedtoSusie?”Robert
demanded,notpermittingAnna’stearstodissuadehimfromwhatheconsideredhisdutyasherfather.
“Awful!I’msosorry,Papa!Pleaseforgiveme!”Annawasgenuinelydistressed,andshewasinpain.HerPapawaswrongwhenhesaidshedidn’tfeelthatspankingJohngave
her.Shewasalreadyhurtingbeforehedecidedtospankher!“Please,Papa,stop!I’ve
learnedmylesson.OwwwwwwIthurtstoomuch!”shepleadedwithhimtostop.Robertgaveheranotherdozenhardspanksandthenasked,“Whatdoyouthink
Andrewisgoingtosayaboutallofthisdaughter?”HeknewforafactthatAndrewturned
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Annaoverhiskneewhenhefelttheneedtodoso,andthatwasonereasonAnnachosehim
overtheotherboyswhocourtedher.Shewantedandneededastrongman,notonewhowouldcontinuallytrytopleaseherwithoutregardtohertantrumsanddemands.
“Oh,Papa,pleasedon’ttellhim!”shecriedoutindismay.“Ihavenointentionoftellinghim,”Robertsaidquietly.“Youwilldothatyourself.”
Hegaveheronefinalhardspankandthenpulledhertoherfeettostandinfrontofhim.“Yougotoyourroom,younglady,andstaythereuntilitistimefordinner.Iwillexpectyoudownstairswithasmileonyourface,andnopouting.Isthatunderstood,Anna?”
“Yes,Papa!”sheanswered,andthenturnedandranforherroom,cryingasshe
hurriedthroughthehouse.Robertdecidedheshouldgoandcheckonhiswifenext.Hequicklylearnedshewas
notinthekitchenoverseeinganything,andoneofthegirlstoldhimMissusClarawentupstairs.Robertfelthistemperflareashestartedupthesteps.Ifhislittlewifewasnear
JohnandSusie’sroom,hewasgoingtomakesureshewasn’tabletositdownforaweek!
Heheardvoicesinthehallwayandwasn’tonebitshockedtoseeClarastandinginfrontofthedoortoJohn’sroom,herhandsonherhips,lecturinghimasonlyamothercould.
“SusandidnotrealizethatBarrettcouldhurther,JohnJericho!Iwillnotpermityoutopunishher!”
“Susandisobeyedme,Mama,andIwon’ttoleratethat.”ItwasthenthatRobert
noticedtheswitchesinhisson’shand.“Youarebeingtooharsh,John.”
“Iwon’tmakethesamemistakeswithSusiethatImadewithCarolyn.”
“Carolynwasaspoiledlittlewitch;Susanisalovelyyounglady,andyouarewronginthisinstance,”Clarainsisted.
“Mama,pleasemove.IampleasedthatyoufeelprotectiveofSusie,butsheknewfullwellwhatshewasdoingtoday,andifIhadn’tcomealongwhenIdid,AbelMcCory
wouldhavehurther.Sheearnedapunishment.”
“Butnotaswitching!”Clarastompedherfootonthefloorandrefusedtobudge.Robertmadehispresenceknown.“Clara,Iwarnedyounottointerfere,didInot?”
“Robert,Johnismakingaterriblemistake!”
“Youbestworryaboutthemistakeyoujustmade,wife.Gotoourroomnow.Iwillbealongshortlytoremindyouthatawifeisexpectedtoobeyherhusband.”
“Robert!”Clarawasscandalized.“Notinfrontofthechildren!”shewhispered.“OurchildrenareadultsandyouareinterferinginJohn’smarriage,wife,afteryou
werewarnednottodoso,andIbelieveItoldyouwhattoexpectifyoudisobeyedme…
Correct?”heaskedwithdignity.Clara’seyesfilledwithguilt.“Youmayapologizetoyourson,Mrs.Jericho,andtakeyourselftoourbedchamberimmediately.Thismatterwillbe
dealtwithprivatelyaslongasyoushowmetherespecttowhichIamentitledthisvery
minute.”ClaraclosedhereyesforafewsecondsandthenapologizedtoJohn.“Iamsorryfor
interfering,John,butIdofeelyouarebeingharshandbegyoutoreconsider.”Afterthat,shehurrieddownthedoortothebedroomshesharedwithherhusbandandquietlyshut
thedoorafterher.
Johnsteppedforward,preparedtoenterhisroomanddealwithSusanwhenhisFatherreachedoutandtooktheswitchesfromhishand.Johnraisedaneyebrowand
lookedintoRobert’ssolemneyes.“Sir?”
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“WhileIdonotcondoneyourMama’sinterference,sheisright.Thesearemuchtoo
harshforthissituation,John.Yourhandwillmakeenoughofanimpression.Susiemeanswell,andshedoesnotknowBarrettlikewedo,likeyoursisterdoes.AndAnnahasbeen
dealtwithfirmly,butIonlyusedmyhand.Susiedoesn’tdeserveaswitchthistime,John.”Hewalkedawaycarryingtheswitchesinhishand.
JohnenteredthebedroomandsawSusiesittingonthebed,lookingforlorn.“WhyonearthwouldyoudosomethingsofoolishasgotoseeBarrett,honey?”heaskedquietly,sittingdownbesideherandtakingherhandinhis.
“Igotcaughtupintheexcitement,”sheconfessed,hereyesfillingwithtearsshe
refusedtoshed.“YourMamaandyoursisterarejustsonice,andthey’vesufferedsomuch.Iwantedtoenditrightaway,”shetoldhim.“Annaisgoingtohatemenow!Ican’tbelieve
youwhippedher!”Hereyeswerefullofaccusation,andshewasmorerelievedthanshedaredtoletonthathehadn’tcarriedthewhipupheretouseonher.
“Idoubtshefeltathingthroughallthoselayersshehadpaddingherbackside,”John
scoffed.“Shewascrying,John.”
“Becauseshewasangrywithme,”heshrugged.“Ishouldn’thavespankedher,however,andIwillneedtoapologize.Inmymindsheisstillthatlittlegirloffiveyearsagoinsteadofagrownwomanwithahusband.Itwasn’tmyplacetowarmherhind.”
“No,itwasn’t,”Susanagreed.“Butyourhindisallmine,”hetoldher.“DoyouhaveanyideahowfrightenedIwas
whenIsawyougirlswithAbelMcCory?”
“He’sevil,John.I’mafraidofhim,”sheadmitted.“But,youhavetorealizethatneitherAnnanorIexpectedtomeethimontheroadtoseeMr.Barrett.Thatwaspurelya
chancemeeting,andIwassorelievedwhenyoucamealong.”Hereyeswereshiningathimnow.“Thankyou.”
“Iwon’teverletanyonehurtyou,honey,”hetoldher,leaningdowntotenderlykiss
hersweetlips.“But,Iwon’tpermityoutorecklesslyputyourselfindanger,either.Itoldyoutokeepyourprettylittlenoseoutofthisbusinessandletmetakecareofit,didn’tI?”
heasked.
“Yes,youdid.ButIwanttohelp,John.”“Whichissweetofyou,buttoodangerous.Youdisobeyedme,wife,andyouknow
whathappenstolittlegirlswhodisobey,don’tyou?”Shewasafraidshedid.Susanlookedathimhelplessly.“Weareinyourparents’
home,John.Iwillbemortifiedandhumiliatedifyoupunishmehere!”
“Thatistoobad,honey.AnnaiswearingasorehindrightnowthankstoFather,andMamaisgettingalessonrightnow,too.Spankingshappeninthishouseandinthisfamily.
Now,ifyoustandupandpullupyourskirtsandloweryourdrawersandlieoverthebed,I
willonlyusemyhandthistime.IfIhavetowrestlewithyou,I’lltakeoutthepaddleandmakesurethatsittingisverypainfulforafewdays.”Hegaveheramomenttoconsiderher
options,andthenheasked,“Well?Easyorhard,Susie?”“Easy,”shewhispered,hercheeksabrightredwithembarrassment.Sheslowly
stoodupandgatheredherskirts.Itwasdifficulttountietheribbononherdrawerswhile
holdingupherothergarments,butshesomehowmanaged,andthensheputherselfwhereJohnwantedher.Hewastednotimeingettingdowntobusiness,either,andthefirstspank
landedimmediatelyonherleftcheek.“Owww!”sheexclaimed,startled.
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“YouneedtolearnrightnowthatAnnaisamischiefmaker,”Johnstated,spanking
herrightcheek.“Youarenottopermithertotalkyouintothingsyouknowwillearnyouaspanking.”Hespankedagainandwasn’tabitsurprisedtoseearedhandprintappearon
herdelicateskin.“Ifthereisanexttime,Iwillusethepaddleorcutaswitch!”“Ihateswitches!”shecriedout.“Youpromisedyouwouldn’tuseoneagain!”she
remindedhim.“Iwillifyoudon’tobeymeinthis,”hepromisedwithoutabitofsympathy.“Iwillbe
obeyed,wife.”Johnconcentratedthenonspankingherthoroughly.Hewantedtogiveher
enoughthatshewouldfeeltenderallthroughtheevening,buthedidn’twanthersosore
shecouldn’tenjoyhermeal.“John,pleasestop!Iamsorry!”Susanpleadedwithhimashespankedherupper
thighs.“Iwanttobeabletogetthroughdinnerwithoutdisgracingmyself!”Hedidnotstop,butthespankswerehighernow,rightonhersitspots,andtheyhurtandburned.
“Owwww!Darling,pleasestop!I’msoembarrassednow!”
“AreyougoingtoobeymeandkeepyournoseoutofthismesswithBarrett?”Johnasked.
“Yes,John.Iwilltryveryhardtoobeyyou.”Shementallycrossedherfingers.“ThenI’llgiveyoutenmoretoreinforcethatpromise.And,Susie,ifyoubreakyour
wordtome,youandIwillhaveameetingwithseveralswitches,andIwon’tbeonebit
merciful.Doyouhearme?”heasked,drawlingoutthewords.“Yes,John.Ihearyou,andIamtrulysorry.Idon’tneedtenmore…”sheinsisted,
butsheshouldhavekeptthelastcommenttoherself.
“No,youneedtwenty-fivemore.”Hepromptlycorrectedher.Thelasttwenty-fivewereveryhard,andverydeliberate.Susancriedoutwitheach
one,andshewasintearswhenthespankingfinallystopped.Shedoubtedshewouldbeabletositdownatthedinnertableandshefeltsorryforherself.
“Youhaveanhourtopullyourselftogetheranddressfordinner,Susie,”Johnfinally
toldher,afterrubbingherbackforseveralminuteswhileshecried.“Youwillhavetomakemyexcusestonight,John.ThereisnowayonearthIcansit
atthetableandpretendIamfine!”
“Youarepouting,Mrs.Jericho,”hesaidwithasmile.“Poutingwillonlyearnyoumoreofthesame.”
“Youareabeastattimes,JohnJericho!OnlyastupidmanwouldpunishhiswifeandthenexpecthertositatthetablewithhisMamaandmakepoliteconversationasif
everythingwasfine!Iamnotgoingdowntodinner!Ican’tsitrightnow!”Shewasina
temperanddidn’tcarewhoknewit.“SusanJericho!”Johnscolded.“Thatisjustaboutenoughsassoutofyouforone
day!Doyouwantanotherhiding?”heasked.
“Ididn’twantthefirstone!”Sheglaredathim.“I’mnotgoingdowntodinnerandmake-believethateverythingisfinewhenitisn’t!I’mnotgoodatpretendingandtoobadif
youdon’tlikeit!”Johngotupandstartedgoingthroughthedrawersofhischest,lookingforthe
paddlethatoneofthehousegirlssurelyunpacked.Hefinallyfoundit,andwalkedoverto
thebedandbroughtthepaddledownhardonSusan’supturnedhind.Sheletoutasquealandtriedtorollovertoprotecthertenderbottom,butJohnwasreadyforthatandhe
quicklypinnedhertothemattressandbroughtthepaddledownasecondtime.
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“No,John!Noooo!”Susanprotested.Hedidnotstop.Hespankedherathird,
fourth,andthenafifthtime.Thepainwasterrible!Thepaddleburnedlikenothingelse,andthestingwasnearlyunbearable…especiallyfollowingthespankinghe’dgivenher.
“Pleasestop,John!Iapologize!”Shesobbedthewords,prayinghewouldlisten.“Areyougoingtogetreadyfordinnerandcomedowntothetableandbehave
yourself?”heasked,hisvoicecoldandfullofdetermination.“Yes!”sheimmediatelyanswered.“Iwill,John!”sheadded,tomakesurehe
understood.
“Verywell.I’llgiveyouanotherfivetoremindyouIwillnotbecalledstupidbymy
ownwife!”“Nooooo!Ididn’tmeanit,John!I’msosorry!Pleasedon’tspankmeanymore.It
hurtstoomuch!Owwwwww!”shecriedoutasthepaddlecaughtherthigh.Shekickedherlegsinanattempttoshakeoffthestingandkeephimfromstrikingheragain,butitwas
pointless.Johngavetheothersideastingingcrack,andthenhersitspotswerepaddled,
too.HefinishedwiththehardestswatofallandSusanwastednotimeingettingupoffthebed.Shedidn’twanthimtospankheragain.
Johncouldseehowupsetshewasandhepulledherclosetohughertightly.“It’sovernow,honey.Calmdown.Thiseveningwillbeenjoyableifyouputasmileonyourface.”
“Idon’tknowhowIwillsitthroughdinner,John!”shetearfullyproclaimed.“Ihurtmorethanyourealize!Thatpaddleisawful!”
“Itisn’tmeanttobefun,”hesaidwithasmilehetriedtohidefromher.“Susie,I’m
nottryingtomemeantoyou,”hewhispered,kissingthetopofherhead.“Iloveyouwithallmyheart,andI’mgoingtodoeverythingIcantokeepyousafe,evenifthatmeansIhave
tospankyousoundlyfivetimesaday!”“John!”Shetippedherheadtolookupintohisdarkeyes.“Iloveyou,too,andthat
ispreciselywhyIwanttohelpyou!Can’tyouseethat?”Shewasgoingtohelphimfight
hisbattle,evenifitmeantanotherboutwiththatdamnedpaddleoraswitching!
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Chapter Fifteen
Susanhadaterribletimesittingthroughdinner,anditdidnotmakeherfeelany
bettertoknowthathermother-in-lawandhersister-in-lawwerealsosquirmingontheirseatsandtryingtopretendthateverythingwas‘fine’,too.SusanreallylikedJohn’sfamily,
anditwasobviousthathisparentsandsiblingswereallhappytohavehimhome,safeandsound.Theyletherknowinnouncertaintermsthattheyheldherresponsibleforthis
miraculousfeat,andshewasmadetofeellikevisitingroyalty.Sheansweredlotsof
questions,butwhenitcametocertainmatterssheleftittoJohntohandle,andhedid,quitediscreetly.Hewasn’tabouttolethisMamaknowhepurchasedherfromHeWhoWears
Red.Whenaskedaboutherfamily,SusanspokekindlyofherMother,butsaidverylittle
aboutherFather.SomethinginJohn’sexpressionwarnedtheothersnottopry,andtheydidn’t.
Afterdinner,themenexcusedthemselves,andoncethewomenwereintheparlor,
Clarasaidwithgreatfeeling,“Iamsogladthatmealisover!”“Why,Mama?”Clara’seldestdaughter,Kathleen,askedwithapuzzledfrown.
“Oh,Kathy,it’sasobviousascanbethatMamaandAnnaandSusiearenotsittingwellatthemoment,”David’swife,Abigail,stated.“Whatsortofmischiefdidy’allgetinto?”
sheaskedwithagrin.“Itwasallmyfault,”Annaadmitted.“Mama,IamsosorryIgotyouintotrouble,too.
PapawassoupsetwithmeandIfearhetookitoutonyou!”
“Ididsomethingheforbademetodo,Anna,anditwasnotyourfault,”Clarainsisted.“IthinkweshouldallleavetheclearingofJohn’snametothemen.”
“IthinkthatitwasagoodideatogoandseeMr.Barrett,”Susancommented.“We
wouldhavepulleditoff,too,ifnotforthatdrunkenfoolMcCory!”
“IwouldlovetohelpclearJohn,”Kathysaidearnestly.“AndifRichardcatchesyou,sisterdear,youwon’tbeabletositeither,”Annatold
herwithanimpatientfrown.
“Besides,whatwouldyoudo?”Abigailwantedtoknow.
Thereshouldbesomethingwecoulddo!”Kathyscrunchedherfacetothinkwhatthatmightbe.
“Wecouldletyourfatherandbrother’shandleitliketheysaid,”Clarasaidabit
firmly,butthespankingshe’dreceivedonlyashorttimeagowasstillstingingandshehadnoplanstoearnanotheranytimesoon.RoberthadtakentheswitchesfromJohnandthen
usedoneonherafterhespankedherbarebottomwithhishand!Shewasweltedfromthetopofhercheeksdowntoherankles,andtheweltsburnedanditchedandshewanted
nothingmorethantocallanendtotheeveningandseektheprivacyofherbedroomsoshecouldremoveherclothing.
“IfeelterribleyouthatyousufferedfortryingtotalkJohnoutofpunishingme,
MamaJericho,”Susanapologized,hercheeksredwithembarrassment.“Johnwaswrong,andevenmystubbornhusbandknewit.IhopeJohnwasn’ttoo
harshwithyou…?”sheasked,sensingtheredheadwasinjustasmuchpainasshewas.
“I’mafraidImademattersworsebysassinghim,”Susanstatedtruthfully.“Iseemtoknowexactlytherightthingstosaytorilehim.”
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“Iunderstandwhatyoumean,Susie.Davidcanbeveryfirmattimes,”Abigail
confessed.“IthinkAnnaistheonlyoneofuspermittedtodoasshepleasesallthetime!”shestatedwithagrinandawink.
“Nowwhatwouldgiveyouladiesthatidea?”adeepvoicefullofhumoraskedfromthedoorway.
“Andrew!You’reback!”Annaquicklyranintohisopenarms.“Iamsogladyouarehome!”
“Andwhatmannerofmischiefhaveyoubeenupto,younglady,thathasallyou
ladiestalkingabouthusbandlydiscipline?”hewantedtoknow.
“Wecandiscussallofthatlater,”shewhispered,blushing.“Isee.”Hislaughingeyesturnedserious.“DoIneedtospeaktoyourfatherabout
yourbehavior,ordoyouintendtospeaktomeopenlyandhonestlyrightnow?”“Youhavejustarrivedhome!”Annasaidwithapout.“Canthisnotwaituntil
tomorrow?”
“No.Thebesttimeforsuchmattersisimmediate.Youhaveexactlyoneminutetotellmeallofit,Anna,orIwillspeakwithyourfather.”
“Verywell.IencouragedSusietogoandspeaktoMr.Barrett.NeitherJohnnorPapaapproved,andIhavealreadybeenpunishedtwiceforthesamething,whichisunfair!”sheaddedpetulantly.
“John?YourbrotherJohnhasreturnedhome?”Andrewasked,tryingtomakesenseoftheconversation.
“Yes,Andrew,Johnishome,andhebroughthislovelywife,Susan,withhim,”Clara
saidwithasmile.“WeallwanttoclearJohn’sname,andthegirlsthoughtitwouldhelpmattersiftheyshowedMr.BarrettCarolyn’sjournal.Shedivulgedherkiller’sname.Itwas
AbelMcCory.”“AbelMcCory!”Andrewwasshockedatthenews.“Areyousure,MamaJericho?”he
askedindisbelief.
“Verysure.”“AndyoudecidedtotakeJohn’swifetoseethatcrazyoldman?Areyououtofyour
mind,Anna?Youhavebeentoldrepeatedlytostayclearofhim,andthemomentIam
gone,youthinkyoucandosomethingofthissortwithoutconsequence?”“Now,Andrew,dear,Annahasbeenpunished.”Claratriedherbesttotemperhis
angerwithheryoungestchild.“Notbyme,andIguaranteeyouwillregretthisfoolishness,younglady.Goon
upstairstoourroom.Iwillspeaktoyourfatherandbealongshortly.Youknowfullwell
whatIexpect,andIsuggestyoudonotdisappointme.”“No,Andrew!”Annawailedingenuinedistress.“Youarejustbeingmeanright
now!”
“MeanwouldbeifIdecidetobareyouhereintheparlorandtakecareofthematter.”Hewatchedhereyesopenwideinshock.“Nowdoasyouweretold,wife.”Anna
ranfromtheroomcrying,andAndrewrealizedthatalloftheotherfemalesintheroomwerefuriouswithhim.HedidnotbothertryingtoexplainwhatmarriagetoAnnawaslike,
orthatheneededtobefirmwithhernowbecauseshe’dbeenindulgedtoomuchasachild.
“Ladies.”Henoddedatthemandsoughtoutthemen,whowouldhopefullyunderstandhisposition.
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OnceAndrewlefttheroom,Susangottoherfeet.“Pleaseexcuseme.I’mnotfeeling
well.”“Oh,Susie,I’msosorryyourfirstdaywithushereissodramatic.Wetrulyaren’t
giventohysterics!”Claraapologized.“Iunderstand,andyouhavebeenmostgraciousandwelcomedmewithopenarms.
I’minatemperrightnowandit’sbestifIretire.”SusanlefttheroomandranupthestepstoherroomlongenoughtoarmherselfwithaknifeofJohn’s,andthensheranrightdownthehallwaytoAnna’sroom.“Comeon,Anna.Wearegettingyououtofhere.Iknowjust
theplacewecanspendthenightandgivethosehotheadedmenwearemarriedtotimeto
cooldown.”“Ican’tride!”Annaconfessed,swipingathereyeswiththebacksofherhands.
“NeithercanI.Comeon;wehaven’tamomenttolose.Iamnot goingtoletAndrewpunishyouagain!”
Thewomenwentoutadoorattheendofthehallwaythatledtoaveranda,andthen
wentdownthestepsandhurriedoff,unawarethattheywerebeingwatched.********************
“HaveyouladiesseenAnna?”Andrewasked,notbotheringtomaskhisoutragethatAnnawasnotintheirbedroomwhereshewassupposedtobe.Itwasbadenoughthathisfather-in-lawclaimedshe’dbeenpunishedenough,butherbrotherJohnwasshockedto
learnhisfatherhadaddedtoAnna’sdiscomfortafterhe’dgivenheraswiftandsurepunishment.Bothmenmadeitclearthathewasnottopunishhiswife,andAndrewonly
promisedthathewouldjudgeforhimselfifshewaspunishedenough,andthenhewould
onlygiveheradayortwobeforehereheatedherhind.Nowshehadaddeddisobedienceanddisrespecttohergrowinglistofmisdeeds.
“Sheisupstairs,Andrew.”Claralookedathiminsurprise.“MaybesheistalkingtoSusie?ShewentuprightafterAnnadid.Ithinkshewasupsetwithallthefusstoday.”
“I’llcheck,Andrew,”Johnoffered.Hewentupstairsandlearnedthathishunchwas
correct.Susiewasn’tintheirroom!“Noluck?”Andrewasked,waitinginthehallway.
“No.Itwouldseemtheyhavegivenusthesliponceagaintoday.”Johnwascoldly
furious.Didn’tthatfeistylittleredheadrealizethatshesimplycouldn’twanderoffwhileAbelMcCorywasstillfree?“Wehavetofindthem,andfast.I’llorganizeasearchofthe
house.Youstartonthisfloor,andI’llgettheotherstohelpus.”AnhourlaterthetwofemaleswerestillmissingandevenRobertwasfrightenedfor
theirsafety.“Whereonearthwouldtheygo?Think,son.YouknowyourSusiebetterthan
wedo.”“Shehasatempertomatchherhairandsheisafighter.Shekilledamantosavemy
life,”hestunnedhisfamilybyannouncing.“Shewoulddareanything,andshedoesn’thave
enoughcommonsensetobeafraidofthingsmostnormalpeoplewouldfear.IfAbelMcCorycomesather,she’llfighthimwitheverythingshehas,andshewon’tfightfair.”He
thensaidquietly,“She’ssosmallandIcan’tbearthethoughtofherbeinghurtbecauseofme.”
“We’llfindthem,John.”Andrewputahandonhisbrother-in-law’sshoulder.He
wouldtearanyoneapartwhotouchedhisAnna.********************
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“Youareeithervery,verybraveoryouareinsane.Ihaven’tdecidedwhich,”Anna
saidinquietadmirationasshelookedatSusan,whowascalmlyuncoveringachair.“NoonehasbeeninsidethishousesinceCarolynwasmurdered.Johnisgoingtohaveafit!”
“Hewon’tthinktolookforushere,”Susansaidwithmoreconfidencethanshefelt.“I’mhopingthatbymorningourhusbandsaresorelievedtoseeusthattheywillbe
reasonable.”“Thisplaceisspooky.Carolynspentasmallfortuneonfurnishings,andsheand
Johnfoughtlikemadallthetime.Carolynwantedthisplacetobegrand!”Sheputherhand
overhermouth.“I’msosorry,Susie.Ishouldn’tkeeptalkingaboutCarolyn.Johnbelongs
toyounow.”Susanshrugged.“Iwasmarriedbefore,too.MyhusbandwaskilledbyIndians.
Thosepeoplearepartofourpasts,andsometimestheycomeup.IalreadyknowaboutCarolynfromherjournal.Ialsoknowthatshewasn’treadyfortheresponsibilitiesof
marriage,andJohndidn’tknowhowtohandleher.”
“HewascrueltoCarolyn,andshewastoogoodforhim!”avoicecamefrombehindthemandSusanwasstunnedtoseeAbelMcCorystandingthere,aguninhishand.“She
lovedme.”“Shehatedyouandfearedyou,”Susanannounced,standingupforherhusband.“No!Shebelongedtome!”hescreamedather.“JohnJerichoalwaysgotwhathe
wanted,evenwhenCarolynlovedME !IwantedCarolyntocomeawaywithme,butshesaidshewasmarried,andcouldn’tleaveJohn.Igavehereverychance.Ishowedherhow
gooditcouldbebetweenus,butallshedidwascryandcryandbegmetoleavebeforeher
preciousJohncamehomeandlearnedofher‘shame!’Ilovedher,andshesaidI’dshamedher!Ihitherforthat.Andshewouldn’tstopcrying.Ihitherandhither,andthenshewas
lifeless.ItwasallJohn’sfault! Allhisfault! Hedeservedtohangforwhathedidtoher!”Abeldeclared,raging.“Now,thetwoofyouwillpay.Everyonewillthinkhekilledthetwo
ofyou,andthistimehewillhang!”
“IamnotCarolyn,andyouwon’tfinditsoeasywithme,”Susandeclaredwithherusualspirit.“IsurvivedIndians,andIwillsurviveyou,too!”
“You’lldoexactlywhatIsay,bitch,orI’llshootJohn’sbabysisterandmakesureshe
diesrealslow.”Theman’seyeswerefullofrageandinthatmomentSusanrealizedhemeantexactlywhathesaid.ShesuddenlyprayedthatJohnwouldcomelookingforherone
moretime!!!********************
“Iheardyouwerebackagain,JohnJericho,andwithanewwife.Doessheknowyou
areakiller?”AbrahamBarrettpointedalongfingerattheyoungman.Hewasinhisbuggyandreturningfromanotherlatenightvisittotheplacewherehisbelovedwifeand
daughterwereburied.Hecouldnotsleepwithoutthisnightlyritual.Thelastpersonhe
expectedtoencounterwasJohnJerichoandhisfather.Theywereonhisland,too!“IdidnotkillCarolyn,Mr.Barrett.IhaveproofthatAbelMcCoryrapedand
murderedher.”“Proof?”themandemanded,stunnedbythenews.“Whatproof?”
“Carolyn’sjournal,”Johnsaidimpatiently.
“Iwanttoseeit.”“Ofcourse,justassoonasIfindSusie.SheandAnnaareoutherealone,andAbel
willhurtthemifhegetsachance.Weareallsearching.Theyleftthehouseatleastanhour
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agoonfoot.Idon’tknowwheretostartlooking,andIthoughtshemayhavecometoshow
youCarolyn’sjournal...?”Heintentlywatchedtheman’sfaceandsawnosignthathe’dseenSusanorAnna.
“YouarepositivethatMcCoryistheonewhomurderedmyCarolyn?”theembitteredmanaskedagain.
“Yes,sir.”“Bringthejournaltomeinthemorning,”heordered,andthenturnedhismountand
headedtowardhishome,anewhatredburningwithinhim.Coulditbepossiblethatall
theseyearshe’dblamedthewrongman?Howmanytimeshadhesharedfoodathistable
withAbelMcCory,andtheyoungmanberatingJohnJerichoandtellinghimhowunhappyhisCarolynwaswithherhusband?Abrahamwantedandneededtoseethejournaland
witnessforhimselfhisdaughter’slastwords.Heturnedhisbuggyaroundandwenttofindanswers.
********************
“I’mgoingtohaveyou,bitch!”AbelMcCorydeclared.“Takeoffyourclothes!”hescreamedatSusan.Tohisshock,shelaughedathim.“Thisisnotfunny!”
“Youarepathetic,”Susantoldhim.“IfyouthinkIamgoingtoundress,youcanthinkagain!”
“I’llshootAnna!”hethreatened,wavingthepistol.
“So?Ijustmethertoday.Shealreadyearnedmeapunishment;doyouhonestlythinkIcarewhathappenstoher?”Susanlaughedagain.“And,Iwouldlovetoseeyou
explainthistotheauthorities.EveryoneknowsthatJohnwouldhavenoreasontoharm
hisbabysister.”“They’llthinkshewastryingtohelpyouescapethemanabusingyou!”
“Herownbrother?You’llneedtodobetterthanthat,Abel.Noonewillbelieveyou.Besides,John’sparentshaveCarolyn’sjournal.Theyknowallaboutyou,andhowyoukept
tryingtoforceyourattentionsonCarolyn.Theyknowshefearedyou,andfearedthatJohn
wouldkillyouifshecomplainedtohimandaskedhisprotection.TheyknowthatyouthreatenedtotellJohnthatyouandCarolynwerehavinganaffair…evenwhenshetoldyou
shewantednothingtodowithyou.Nooneisgoingtobelieveyou.Nooneatall!Youwill
hang.”Susanknewsheneededtokeeptalking.Sheneededtogetcloseenoughtograbforthegunoruseherknife.SheprayedonceagainthatJohnwouldfindthem.
“Thereisnojournal!”Abeldenied,shakingthegun.“Shutup,NOW !”Hepointedthegunather.“YouhadnobusinessbringingJohnJerichobackhere.Iwasfinallygetting
somerespect.IamtheonethatMamaswanttheirdaughterstomarry!Me,notJohn
Jericho!”“Ipityanygirlfoolishenoughtobealonewithyouforevenfiveminutes!”Anna
declaredwithspirit.“Youwouldrapethem,too,youbastard!”
HerwordsangeredthemanandhesteppedtowardAnna,raisingtheguntouseasaweapontostrikeher.Susanflewathiminthenextinstant,herweightknockinghimtothe
groundsincehewasn’texpectinghertoattackhim.Susandroppedherknifewhenheshovedheraway,andthensheshudderedwhenheraisedhisgunandpointeditather,
murderinhiseyes.Theshotrangout,butinsteadofthepainsheexpectedtofeel,Abel
McCory’sbodyfellacrossher.Hewasdead.Susanwasrelievedwhenthebodywasunceremoniouslyliftedoffofher,andshe
jumpedtoherfeet,fullypreparedtothrowherselfintoherhusband’sarms,buttoher
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amazementitwasnotherhusbandstandingthere!AnnaputherarmaroundSusan’s
shouldersprotectively,andshesaidinatremblingvoice,“Mr.Barrett!Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“Killingthemanwhotorturedandmurderedmychild,”hesaid,andthenwept.Susansteppedforward,offeringcomfort.Apartofherwonderedifherownfatherwould
weepifsomethinghappenedtoher,andsheknewinherheartthatheprobablywouldn’tcareatall.
“I’msosorryaboutyourCarolyn,Mr.Barrett.Shedidnotdeservewhathappened
toher,”shesaidinagentletoneofvoice.
“Andyourhusbanddidnotdeservemyangerandrage,younglady,”hesaidwithdignity,pullinghimselftogetherandaskingkindly,“Areeitherofyouhurtinanyway?”
BothAnnaandSusanreassuredhimthattheywerefine.Henodded,andthensaid,“Letmetakeyouladieshome.Yourhusbandsareworriedaboutyou.”WhenSusanlooked
towardAbelMcCory’sbody,hesaidcoldly,“Wewillletthelawdealwiththatkiller’s
remains.”Heputhisarmsaroundbothofthemandledthemoutsidetowherehelefthisbuggy,andcarefullyassistedthemupontheseat.SusanandAnnalookedateachother,
butmadethemselvessitontheseatofthebuggyandnotcomplain.Theelderlymansavedtheirlives,andtheywereverygrateful.
Thedrivetothemainhousedidnottakemorethanafewminutesatmost.Clara
greetedthembothwithhugsandscolds,andshedidherbesttomakeAbrahamBarrettwelcomeinherparlor.Whenheaskedtoreadthediary,Susanrantogetitforhim.He
readthelastfewpages,shakinghisheadsadly.
Themenallreturnedwithinthehour,andSusanknewthatshewasinserioustroublethemomentshesawthefuryinJohn’sdarkeyes.Still,heremainedcalmandheard
outAbrahamasheexplainedwhathappenedfromhispointofview.He’dbeenonhiswaytotheJerichohometoasktoseethediarywhenhespottedAbelMcCorysneakingupon
thehousewherehisdaughterlivedwithJohn,andhedecidedtofollow.He’dheardenough
toknowwhathappenedtoCarolyn,andhisaimwastruewhenheshotthemantokeephimfromharmingSusanandAnna.
“Thankyou,Abraham.”Robert’sfacewaspale.“Itdidnotoccurtoanyofusthatthe
girlswouldgotheretohide.”“IthinkIwillnowbeabletoletmydaughterrestinpeace,”themananswered,
gettingtohisfeet.“IamtrulysorryforblamingyouforCarolyn’sdeath,John.”“Abelistheonewhopointedafingeratme,anditwasnosecretthatCarolynandI
wereatoddsmostofthetime.Ihavenohardfeelings,sir.”
OnceMr.Barrettwasgone,Johntookhiswife’sarmandsaid,“Pleaseexcuseus.SusanandIneedtohaveaseriousdiscussion.”
“But,John,dear,Susiehasbeenthroughenoughforonenight!”Clararemonstrated
withhim.“Shehasputallofusthroughhell,andI’mnotabouttolethergetawaywiththat.
MissSusiehasaproblemwithrunningoffwhenitsuitsher,andIwarnedherthelasttimewhatshecouldexpectifshediditagain!Goodnight,all.”
Susandidn’targuewithherhusband,andshedidn’tresistbeingpulledalonglikean
errantchild.Annaandherhusbandwererightbehindthemonthestaircase,andAnnawascrying,whileAndrewwasscolding.Susanstopped,andturned,“Andrew,itwasn’tAnna’s
ideatoleave.Itwasmine,andIconvincedhertocomewithmesoIcouldprotectherfrom
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you.Shereallyistoosoreforanotherpunishment,andyoudidn’tknowthat.Johnspanked
herwithmyridingwhip!”sheinformedhim.“IwasinformedofthatbyJohn,Susan,”Andrewsaidwithasmile.“Annashould
havetrustedme,andshedidn’t,andshewasnearlykilledbecauseshedidn’t.Iwon’tletthatpassanymorethanJohnisgoingtopermityoutobehaveasyoudid.”
“Annadeservedagoodhidingjustasmuchasyoudo,Susie.”Johnsweptheroffherfeetandcarriedhertherestofthewaytotheirbedroom.Hekickedthedoorshutwithhisfoot,andthenmarchedovertothebed,tookaseatandthenflippedheroverhiskneeand
startedspanking.Evenoverherclothing,ithurt,butJohnflippedupherskirtsandjerked
downherdrawers,baringher.Thespankingcontinuedinspiteofallherprotestsandpleasformercy.Hersorebottomwassoonascaldingredandburninglikeblazes.
JohnputSusanonherfeet.“Takeoffyourclothing,Susan.Youcanputonyournightdressandreadyyourselfforbed.AfterIamdonepaddlingyou,youwillwanttostay
rightwhereyouareuntilmorning.And,unlessIseeachangeinyourattitude,Iwillwarm
yourhindagaininthemorning.”Susanwashorrifiedattheveryideaofanotherpaddlinginthemorning.Shedidas
shewastoldandreadiedherselfforbed.John’spatiencewasgrowingthinbythetimeshereturnedtohisside.“Whyareyoubeingpaddled?”heaskedofher.
“BecauseIinterferedinAnna’smarriageandhidherfromAndrew…andyoudidn’t
knowwhereIwas,andyouwereworriedsickthatAbelMcCorywouldsomehowgethishandsonusandhurtus,whichdidhappen.Iamsorry,darling.Truly.Ididn’tthink
beyondkeepingAnnasafefromAndrew.Shewasinseriouspainalready,andIfelt
responsibleforher.”“Didn’tyoutrustmetotellAndrewthatI’dpunishedher?”heasked.
“Itwasn’tthat…Itwasthatherefusedtolistenwhenshetriedtotellhim.Ifelthewasover-reacting.Justlikeyouarenow,”shebravelyadded.“John,IamsosorenowthatI
don’tthinkIcanbearanotherspanking.Please,IamsosorryIputAnnaandmyselfin
danger.”“Youarealwayssorryafterthefact,Susan.Youneedtolearntothinkthings
throughbeforeyoudothingstogetyourselfinoveryourhead.Iamnotgoingtoenjoy
inflictingpainonyouwhenyouarealreadysosore,butitisnecessary.Iwantyoutothinkthenexttimeyouaretemptedtobehavefoolishly.”Hepulledheroverhisknee,raisedher
nightdress,andthenpaddledherasifitwastheonlymeansofsavingherlife.Susanwashystericalbythetenthcrackofthewoodonherbaredbottom,buthegaveheranotherten.
Bythenshewaslyinglimpoverhislap,tooexhaustedtofightanymore.“Doyou
understandthatIwillneverevertoleratethissortoffoolishnessfromyou?”Susancouldn’tspeak,butshetriedtonod.Johngaveheronemorehardcrack,and
thenhestoodup,makingsureshedidn’tfalltothefloor.Heturneddownthebed,andthen
helpedherliedownonherstomach.Shewasshakingandstillcryingsohardthatitnearlybrokehisheart.
Hehurriedlystrippeddown,andturnedoffthelightbeforecrawlinginbedandpullingherclosetoofferforgivenessandcomfort.Sheslowlyrelaxedandfinallyfellasleep.
Susiewhimperedoffandonthroughoutthenight,butJohnwastheretotellherthathe
lovedher.
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WhenSusanwoke,shewasawareofJohn’sarmswrappedaroundher,stillholding
her,makingherfeelsafe.Herbottomwasgoingtobeverysoreforafewdays,butitwasasmallpricetopayforhavinghisgoodnamecleared.
“Youareawakeearly,Mrs.Jericho,”Johnsaidwithasmileforhiswife.“Areyoufeelingbetternow?”hewantedtoknow,hisdarkeyesfullofconcern.
“I’msore,butitisasmallpricetopaytoknowthatyournameiscleared,”sheannounced.“Pleasedon’tmisunderstand,darling.IknowIwasinthewronglastnight,andIwillapologizetoallofyourfamilyforscaringthem,butIamdefinitelyhappytoknowthat
Mr.Barrettbelievesinyourinnocence.Aspankingisasmallpricetopayforthat.”
“Comingfromanotherwomanthatlittlecommentwouldsoundlikesass,”Johnsaidemotionally.“Comingfromyou,mylittleinnocentwife,itsoundslikethesweetestthing
anyonehaseversaidtomeinmyentirelifetime.Iloveyou,Mrs.Jericho,anditwasaluckydayIrodeintoHeWhoWearsRed’scampandbarteredforyou.”Hekissedherthen,and
wasdelightedwhenSusankissedhimbackwithpassionandlonging.“Areyoutoosore,
honey?”heasked,hishandslidingdownoverherbottommeaningfully.“Iwantyousomuchrightnow,John,thatIdon’tcarehowsoremyhindis,”shesaid
withoutshame,andthepleasurehegavehermadeupforthediscomfortshefeltonherbackside.“Asheheldherafterwards,Susansmiledasecretsmile,positiveinherheartthatshewasnowcarryinghisson.
TheEnd.
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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 asadvocating any non-consensual spanking activity or the spanking of minors.
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