Page 18 of Brian and Cora
Once seated, Brian inhaled and exhaled a few slow breaths to calm his racing heart.
The sheriff glanced around the room. “This gang has killed.” She projected her voice. “They’ll be desperate now, and they will kill again.”
A woman sobbed.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elsie clutch Hank’s arm and slide her hand down to clasp his.
The sheriff paced back and forth in front of the pews, then stopped. “It’s possible some of the men who set out on this posse will not return.” She glanced around, making eye contact with many.
Brian followed her gaze, seeing the uneasy, frightened, determined, and angry expressions.
“What I’m about to say will sound heartless.” Sheriff Granger squared her shoulders and waited a beat. “Only those men whose families can spare them…in a financial way…will be allowed to come.” She didn’t stop for the intakes of breath but plowed on. “I’m not talking about the pain involved if you died. From the murder of my father, I know what such a loss is like. I wouldn’t want to wish that grief on any family. However, we must be realistic.”
I don’t have a family. Precisely three people who will care if I die.
Elsie let out a little sniff.
Glancing over, he saw tears shining in her big, brown eyes. Well, maybe seven people.
Resolve built. Am I willing to kill?
No. Not just any man. But these men, yes. Unequivocally. If not killed or captured, they will continue to rob and murder innocent people.
Dr. Angus Cameron rose. “I’m nae willing tae kill a man,” he said, his Scottish brogue thick. “But I am going along. I think ye’ll be in need of my services.”
Brian had no doubt of that fact.
Next to the doctor, Constance made a small sound of distress before pressing a handkerchief to her mouth. But she didn’t stop her fiancé from volunteering.
Dr. Angus sat and patted her knee.
Doc Rawlins from Morgan’s Crossing also volunteered.
Brian placed a hand over his gun for courage, feeling the stiff leather of the new holster. Was it only this morning I bought these…when chasing outlaws was only imaginary? He leaned closer to Hank. “I’m riding along,” he said in a low tone for his friend’s ears only.
Hank stiffened. “Then I’m going, too.”
“You can’t. You have…” Brian gestured toward Elsie.
“I’m going to protect Elsie and everyone else from those murdering thieves.”
Seeing the clench of Hank’s jaw and knowing he felt the same resolve, Brian forewent further argument. His friend was an easygoing man. But when he stood on a rock of righteous conviction, nothing budged him.
Hank jabbed a friendly elbow into Brian’s side. “’Sides, someone has to watch your back while you’re busy creating stories in your head.”
Feeling guilty about involving Hank, and yet also relieved to have his friend at his side in this dangerous adventure, Briannodded, sending up a prayer for their safety. If something happens to Hank, I’ll carry that remorse for the rest of my life.
He glanced over at Elsie to see tears trembling in her eyes.
She sniffed them back, obviously trying, but not quite succeeding, to look brave.
Hank raised their tightly clenched hands and pressed a kiss to the back of hers. He leaned down to say something into her ear.
Elsie nodded several times, before reluctantly releasing his hand. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispered.
What would that kind of support feel like?
No matter what, I’ll have to make sure to Hank comes home to her.
