Page 54 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
“That’s not good.”
“I’ll find them eventually, or they’ll do something foolish and get caught.”
“Is there any evidence they might be the same three who robbed the stage?”
He didn’t immediately answer, fearing the truth would upset her. She had more than enough to deal with without worrying about the thieves.
She tipped her head back to see him better. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Her gaze demanded honesty. She deserved it. He told her about the oddly shaped horseshoe he’d seen at the stagecoach. “I saw it at the supply wagon, too.”
She stared at his shirtfront. “If they know I’m alive...” A shudder snaked through her. “They won’t know that I can’t identify them.”
“You were face down. I doubt they would know you if you stood ten feet away and stared directly at them.”
“You can’t be sure.” Her eyes held his, demanding nothing but honesty.
“I can’t be completely sure, no. But you’re safe in town. They’d be crazy to do anything with any number of people ready to protect you.” He wanted her to believe it and feel safe. He wished he could believe it, too.
“Who would?”
“Besides me?” He tried to sound strong, but his lungs would barely work at the knowledge she might be in danger. “I spoke to George at the store, Hugh and Annie, Doc, and everyone along Mineral Avenue and Silver Street.” That took care of the major streets. “I also spoke to a dozen or more people along the side streets.” He would stay at her side all day, every day, but it would be better if he apprehended the men responsible for her fear.
She shivered as if a cold wind had blasted down the alley and glanced around nervously. “I’d feel better if we went back to the house.”
“It’s time for supper. But I don’t want to see you living in fear.” He said it for her sake because he had half a notion to lock her inside until all of this was over.
They returned to the house and a hot meal.
After supper was done and the kitchen cleaned, Mikey brought some children’s books Gram had found. He handed them to Gram, wanting her to read to him.
She sat on the couch and pulled Mikey to her side. Smiling, she looked at Jesse. “Why don’t you two run along while Mikey and I entertain each other?”
He hadn’t told Gram of his fears, but he would when Mikey wasn’t around to hear. Assuring himself there was no danger for Emily outside, he guided her toward the door, ignoring her reluctance.
“Let’s go visit Sadie and Logan.” This was one time he was particularly glad to have one of the Marshall brothers living in town, though as soon as the house on the ranch was completed, they would be out there. He strapped on his gun belt as they left the house.
She waited until they were outside to voice her objection. “What if those men see me?”
“First of all, they aren’t likely to show their faces around here after having committed a crime. Secondly, I’m ready for them.”
“Three against one. I don’t like those odds.”
He went on as if she hadn’t spoken. “Most importantly, it’s doctor’s orders.”
“How’s that?”
“He said to relax and have fun. Hence the visit to Sadie and Logan’s.”
She gave a prolonged sigh.
He chuckled. “You’ll thank me later.”
That brought a grin to her face. “We’ll see about that.”
They crossed several streets. Children laughed and chased each other up and down the dusty lanes. Somewhere, a piano was being played. A young couple walked by hand in hand.
Jesse smiled at Emily. “It’s an evening to enjoy.”
