Page 65 of Teton Sunrise

“I came up on that little cabin in the woods by the lake, and saw you in the distance. I couldn’t believe my eyes at first, and I wanted to make sure it was really you before I made my presence known.”

“I have so much to tell you, Henry. So much has happened, but I want to hear all about you first.” She smiled brightly, and squeezed her brother’s arm.

Henry studied her in silence. He pulled his hand from her grip, and turned away from her. In the back of Evelyn’s mind, something about his behavior nagged at her. He didn’t seem to be happy at all to see her.

“We can talk back at the cabin, Henry,” she said, and stepped around him. “We can catch up on everything there. Alex will be so happy to see you.”

Henry glared at her. “Alex?” The name slipped coldly from his mouth.

“We were both wrong about him,” Evelyn said hastily, and reached for Henry’s arm. “He didn’t kill our parents, Henry. I’m convinced of it. I think Charlie lied to you that day. I think he’s the one who murdered them.”

Henry’s eyes widened, the shock and surprise at what she’d said written clearly in his eyes. He removed his hat and ran his hand through his hair.

“I see you’re still starry-eyed for Alex,” he said slowly. “How did he manage to convince you of his innocence?”

Evelyn averted her eyes momentarily. She stared down at her feet, then squared her shoulders and raised her chin. Henry should be glad his longtime friend was innocent of any crimes.

“Alex and I are married, Henry.” She studied his face for a reaction.

Henry grabbed her arm. “You what?” he sputtered. “How can that be possible? Here, in this awful wilderness?” He swept his arm toward the mountains.

“He saved my life,” Evelyn said, taken aback. “He’s a good man.”

“You can’t be serious, Evie? Have you lost all of your Christian values? A heathen marriage isn’t a marriage. Besides, he’s a ruthless killer. The Indians told me he is known as Shadow Walker, a man who kills without mercy. One of these days he’ll kill you, too.”

Evelyn stared wide-eyed at her brother. The man before her was not the man she had known all her life. A stranger stood before her now. What had happened to Henry to make him so cold?

“I would be dead if not for the man who protected me from those thugs you hired. The ones who tried to kill you. If not for Laurent –”

“Laurent Berard?” Henry’s head snapped up, and a murderous gleam sparked in his eyes.

Evelyn took an involuntary step back. She stumbled on a loose rock, and nearly lost her footing. Her hand shot out, and Henry grabbed for it, pulling her roughly toward him.

Evelyn stared into her brother’s cold eyes. “Yes, he’s become a good friend. He kept me safe from men like Oliver Sabin, and brought me to Alex. He’s not one of those criminals. In fact, he’s been trying to uncover who they work for.”

Henry’s eyes narrowed. “Is that right?” he mumbled. His eyes darted around the hillside before his gaze settled on her again. His grip on her arm tightened, and his jaw tensed.

“Evie, you’re coming back with me. I’m getting you out of this wilderness. You’re going back to St. Charles, and you will marry Charlie like we planned.”

Evelyn yanked her arm from his grip. She shook her head vigorously. “I’m not going back, Henry. I’m married to Alex. My life is here now. If you would only hear me out, then—”

In an unexpected move, Henry forcefully grabbed her upper arms and shook her. The gleam and hate in his eyes sent a jolt of dread down her spine.

“You’ll come with me willingly, Evie, and marry Charlie, or I will hand you over to Oliver Sabin.”

Evelyn’s jaw dropped, and she couldn’t suppress a gasp. “He’s the man who tried to kill you,” she sputtered.

Henry laughed coldly. “By the time he’s through with you, not even your precious Alex will want you.”

Evelyn’s mind raced. Comprehension and words failed her. Why would Henry offer her up to a killer? Why was he so unwilling to listen to her. She struggled against her brother’s tight grip. Fear flooded her. Fear of her own brother. Her eyes darted to where her rifle lay on the ground a few feet away.

“Let go of me, Henry. I don’t know what’s come over you, but you can’t make me do something against my will.”

Henry released one of her arms, only to strike her forcefully across the face. Her head snapped to the side, and she gasped for air. Blackness swirled before her eyes, and she blinked to try and clear her head. Her knees buckled, and she struggled to remain standing. Henry yanked at her arm.

---