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A Shadow of Bitterness

by Julie A. Alspaugh

99 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #03-1253; ISBN 1-4120-0885-9; US$14.00, C$16.28, EUR11.28, £8.00

Just orphaned by a tragic fire, Titus and Ruth and must move to live with their uncle who they learn is hiding a terrible accident.

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about the book      about the author      sample excerpts      catalogue info

About the Book After their father and brother were killed in a fire that almost claimed their lives, Titus and Ruth were forced to move out west to live with their uncle. When they arrived they discovered that their uncle was hiding a terrible accident that claimed the lives of their mother, aunt, and her unborn child.

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About the Author Julie Alspaugh is a recent homeschool graduate. Her love for Christ, children and books has influenced her to write compelling and creative stories. She lives with her parents and siblings in the State of Florida where she spends her spare time writing, drawing and working with children.

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Sample Excerpts

Prologue

The fire truck rattled to a stop outside the flaming house, and all five of the city's firemen jumped out.

"Get back!" They yelled to the neighbors who stood dangerously close.

As the buckets were passed and poured onto the blaze, the flames died, only to flare up when left alone.

"Jacob!" a neighbor screamed, as the flames spread rapidly through the house. A firefighter ran to her.

"Is someone in that house?"

"Yes, they're all in there!" She sobbed uncontrollably.

"Chief, there are people in the house!" he yelled across the yard.

"How many?"the chief called back, glancing at the flaming house.

The firefighter turned back to the lady who was now crying hysterically.

"How many?" He asked again when she didn't answer.

"Jacob and the children."

"Ma'am we need to know a number, and we need it fast."

"Four."

"Chief there's one man, three kids," he shouted.

"Great! And the house is almost gone. Adam! Caleb! Get in there, and get them out. They're probably trapped in one of the back bedrooms."

Without a moment of hesitation the men ran for the house.

"They're going to die!" the woman screamed.

"They're only fourteen. Don't let them die!"

"We'll do everything we can to help them," the fire chief assured her.

______________

"They were all in the same room," Adam said quietly.

"Triplets, two boys, a girl, and their father," Caleb added.

The chief's brow creased as he asked, "What condition are they in?"

"The girl's leg was badly burned, one of the boys was . . ." Adam paused. "He was dead before we got him out of the room."

"The father and the other boy?"

"The father died last night. There was nothing they could do for him. However, the boy had only minor burns." Adam stopped and looked away.

It was always hard to lose fire victims, especially when they might have been saved. "How are they doing?"

"Good. The boy is going to be fine; the worst he will have is a few scars. They think the girl's leg will heal enough so that she will only have a slight limp."

________Chapter 1_________

One Year Later . . .

Amos leaned against the hitching rail in front of the stage coach station. He looked at the sun; the coach was late again.

"John!" Amos yelled. "I'm not seeing any coach."

"Mr. Conchino, it will arrive any minute."

"Calm down," John answered. He glanced down the road and hoped he was right.

They stood in silence, watching the road. Finally, Amos removed his hat and wiped the sweat off his forehead.

"Your coach has never been on time yet," he said with a sneer.

"Just be patient. Andrew always arrives sooner or later."

Amos stretched his six-foot frame, then walked to the center of the road and looked out over the barren land in the direction the coach would arrive.

The small town of Shilo was located in a dry desert-like area that stretched out endlessly to the south and west. Dry brown mountains loomed up on the north and east, framing the dusty plane. Amos idly kicked a tumbleweed as he sauntered back to the makeshift platform.

"Who ya waiting for anyhow?" asked John.

"My wimp brother's brats,"Amos snorted.

"He went and died and left them to me."

"How sad."

Amos snorted again. "I just hope they ain't got any handicaps. Can't use crippled kids."

"Why would they?" John asked.

"They were in a fire; Jacob and one of the kids died. At least there's only two left."

John jumped up in anger. "Let me tell you something Mr. Conchino. If you ever tell them that, I will personally flatten your nose!"

"What?" Amos laughed mockingly. "You wouldn't  nd if they come to me for help . . ."

"Why would they come to you?"

"Just keep in mind that I'll be watching you. If you mistreat them, the other ranchers 'round here won't hesitate to help string you up the nearest tree."

Amos glared at John. "Okay, I heard you. Now you hear me, if I see even a hair of yours on my place, I'll . . ."

Just then the coach rattled into view. John ran forward, glad to be freed from the impending fray.

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Titus looked out the coach window.

"We're here," he announced dully.

"Really? Oh, what's it like?" Ruth asked in anticipation.

"Just another dust-covered town,"Titus sighed, leaning back against the seat.

"Titus, please tell me," Ruth begged as she stroked T.Z, her lab retriever, who was lying on the seat beside her.

"Oh, okay, uh . . . there is a general store, doesn't look like much. A jail, a saloon, and a few other buildings without names. Over all, it's a pretty tumbled-down town. We're slowing down, so that must be the station up ahead." Titus stopped talking when the coach pulled to a stop.

"Do you see him?" Ruth asked curiously.

"I think so."

"Does he look like papa?"

"Not really." Titus started gathering their things.

"Does he look nice?"

Titus glanced out the window again.

"Uh . . . no."

"Oh." Ruth thought for a minute. Then what does he look like?"

"He's about six feet tall, stubby beard, grumpy face, old dusty clothes. He came in an old wagon pulled by two horses."

"Well, I hope he's nicer than he looks."

"I don't think so." Titus turned to face her, "Ruth maybe we shouldn't tell him about your eyes."

"No, if he looks mean let's not, at least not yet."

"Okay, I'll help you until we know if it's okay to tell him. Maybe he's not really that mean."

"Y'all getting out today?" John asked as he opened the coach door.

"Yes, Sir." Titus stepped out first.

Amos' eyes scanned Titus' lanky six-foot two frame. The boy looked amazingly like his father.

Titus helped Ruth out. Amos noticed he seemed to be whispering in her ear. She moved with confidence, but her slight limp didn*t escape Amos' shrewd eye. He groaned inwardly. But the dog was the last straw.

"What's that mutt doing here?" Amos yelled.

"He . . . he's mine," Ruth said quietly.

Her eyes made him stop. Both of the children had brown eyes, but hers were different. There was something odd about them, yet he couldn't figure out what.

Although Ruth sensed him staring, she didn't look away.

John, Andrew, and Titus quickly unloaded the coach. As they worked, John noticed Titus' eyes never left Ruth and Amos. When they had finished, Titus handed Ruth her bonnet, breaking the spell.

Amos grunted, and turned away puzzled.

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Catalogue Information

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