Page 66 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Daxton glanced quickly over at Colton and their eyes met for a second. In that second, Daxton saw fear in Colton’s eyes for the first time since he’d known him. But he knew it wasn’t fear for himself, but fear for Josey.

They both ran quickly outside, and Harrison was squatting down on the ground, looking at something. When Daxton got closer, he could see that it was a set of small footprints.

“From what I can tell,” Harrison said, “she was running and she was headed this way.”

“How can you tell?” Daxton asked.

A crease formed between Harrison’s eyes. “The footprints are farther apart and not as indented as they would have been if she was walking. Also, the middle of the foot isn’t visible, just the toe and the heel, another indication of her running.”

“Are you sure they’re her footprints?” Colton asked, a crease forming between his eyes.

Harrison bit his lower lip and released it. “You said the children haven’t been home, right?”

Daxton sighed. “No, they’re with Mrs. Jenkins. I took them there myself last night.”

“That's what I thought.” Harrison stooped down, as if to get a closer look, and pointed at one of the tracks. “The footprints are shaped like a lady's shoe. The toe is more pointed and the heel square, smaller. Also, these tracks are reasonably fresh. Made within the last twenty-four hours.”

“Let’s go.” Daxton walked ahead, following the footprints, careful not to touch them.

“How did you learn all this?” Wyatt asked behind him.

“I spent some time with the Indians here,” Harrison replied.

“There were Indians here?” Wyatt asked.

“Yes, but they were made to relocate.” Harrison studied the ground, walking a bit ahead.

Daxton couldn’t imagine living in this beautiful country and then being forced to relocate. He was sure that some stayed behind but stayed out of sight from the white man. He wouldn’t be surprised if there was a settlement close by, too. But if there was, they stayed to themselves.

“Here!” Harrison announced. “See this cobweb? It was broken and is now half rebuilt. Someone came through here after dark.”

“It was probably her.” Daxton started to rush off, but Colton grabbed his arm.

“Harrison, do you think she was alone?” Colton asked.

Daxton’s heart skipped a beat, awaiting his answer.

Harrison nodded. “Yes, there’s only one set of footprints.”

They walked along, following the trail of footprints and broken grass into the woods. It was clear that Josey was trying to stay out of sight. Daxton was surprised that so much could be told from the land, if you were looking for it. Suddenly, the tracks stopped.

“Where did she go?” Daxton asked, looking around. He hadn’t realized it, but following her trail was almost as if she had been there with them... almost.

Harrison shook his head.

Daxton’s heart sank. “You don’t think she fell into the river, do you?” Whiskey River wound around before passing just behind his property.

“I’m not sure... oh god!” Harrison started hurrying away.

“What?” Daxton demanded, following beside him.

“Years ago, before I came, there was a mine close to here.”

“A mine?” Then Daxton remembered having heard about it. Mr. and Mrs. Carson had mentioned it a few times over the years, but it was so infrequent that he never paid it much mind. Also, Mrs. Jenkins had mentioned it a time or two.

Harrison nodded, hurrying ahead. “A coal mine. They closed it down when part of it collapsed.”

Daxton’s heart sank. “Where is it?”

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