Page 110 of Texas Splendor
She shook her head vigorously. “We both know how easy that promise is to make and how hard to keep.”
“Ten years, twenty, twenty-five. It won’t matter, Loree. I’ll wait.”
He reached through the bars, drawing her as closely as he could with the damn iron separating them, wishing he had the power to hold back the dawn.
Dawn arrived, shafts of sunlight piercing the gloom of the jail. Austin had brought Loree a meal from the hotel and watched as she nibbled on the toast he’d coated with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. He’d poured so much sugar into her coffee that the bottom of the cup felt like the silt of a river when he’d tried to stir it.
Now they stood, toe to toe, fingers intertwined, words insignificant as they waited for Sheriff Larkin. The only thing Austin found to be grateful for was the fact that Leighton now had a town hall and her trial wouldn’t be held in the saloon.
“Aunt Loree?”
Austin jerked his head around at Rawley’s hesitant voice. He felt Loree’s fingers tighten around his, and he knew she wished the boy hadn’t seen her here. “Hey, Rawley, shouldn’t you be in school?” Austin asked kindly.
Rawley took a step toward him. “Ain’t no school today on account of the trial.”
Loree looked at him as though she wished she were anywhere but where she was.
“Aunt Loree, they’re saying you killed Boyd McQueen. Did you?”
“Rawley—” Austin began, but Loree pressed her finger to his lips.
She angled her head, tears glistening within the golden depths of her eyes. “Yes, Rawley, I did.”
He removed his dusty black Stetson as though he’d just walked into church. “Then I’m obliged to you.”
Loree jerked her baffled gaze to Austin, then looked back at Rawley. “Rawley, I’m not proud of what I did.”
“Didn’t figure you were. Once Mr. D told me that there’s a difference between being good and doing bad things. Sometimes, a person does something because he don’t have a choice. He might not like what he did … but it don’t make him bad. I reckon that’s the situation you’re in, and I’ve been there myself.” He settled his hat into place. “I aim to take good care of Two-bits for you till you get home so you don’t have to fret over that.”
“I appreciate it,” Loree said softly, giving him a warm smile.
He gave her a brusque nod before walking out.
She squeezed her eyes shut. “At least McQueen will never touch our son.”
Heavy footsteps echoed outside the hallway. Larkin strolled in, twirling the key ring around his finger. “Well, it’s time.”
Austin stepped aside and Larkin jammed the key into the lock. He grated and ground it until an audible click echoed between the cells. He swung the squeaking door open. “Step out.”
Loree walked hesitantly out of the cell. Austin drew her into his arms, ignoring the scowl Larkin threw his way.
“It’s gonna be all right, Sugar.”
She nodded against his chest.
“Remember that I’ll wait, no matter how long.”
She lifted her face away from him, tears brimming in her eye. “I wish you wouldn’t.”
He gave her a warm smile and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “You were right, Sugar. If you tell me what your wish is, it won’t come true.”
He heard the clanging of chains and looked over Loree’s shoulder to see Larkin unlocking the shackles.
“Jesus, Larkin, don’t put those on her.”
“I’ve got no choice. It’s the rule.”
“Whose goddamn rule?” Austin demanded. “She turned herself in, for Christ’s sake. Show her some respect for doing that.”
