Page 67 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
Horse and rider continued down the street.
She remained frozen at the side of the road.
Those dark eyes?—
With a frantic cry, she lifted her skirts and rushed past the church, and without looking either way, she crossed the street and flung open the door to the sheriff’s office.
Jesse sat at his desk, looking through his mail. When he saw her expression, he bolted to his feet and came to her side.
“Emily, what’s wrong?”
“I saw—” She gulped. “I saw a man. I don’t know who he is but—” She wobbled her hand, indicating she didn’t know anything. “I have this awful feeling.”
“Describe him.”
“Dirty. Very dark eyes. A bold stare.” She shivered.
“His horse?”
“Black with a narrow white blaze.”
“Was he one of the stagecoach robbers?”
“I can’t say for certain, but there was something about those eyes.” She couldn’t stop shivering.
He drew her away from the windows and hugged her briefly, then pulled the hard-backed chair to her side. “Sit here. Stay away from the windows. Don’t open the door. I’m going to look around.”
He slapped on his hat and hurried out, pausing to lock the door behind him.
She rocked back and forth over her knees. Why was she so frightened by a stranger? She closed her eyes and let the sight of those bold, black eyes fill her thoughts.
Had she seen him before she lost consciousness at the stagecoach accident?
Or was it simply an overreaction to her strange situation? Not knowing when and of whom she should be afraid.
Jesse returned a short time later. “He must have left town right after you saw him. There is no sign of him in Bella Creek, and he didn’t stop at the store.” He pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her.
She welcomed the shelter of his arms, a place where she felt safe. And perhaps more. She felt valued.
“I’ll see you home.”
With no concern for who might see them and wonder at her behavior, she clung to his hand as they hurried home.
Gram took one look at her and exclaimed. “Are you ill?”
“She’s had a fright,” Jesse explained before he released her and stepped back to observe her. “Are you going to be okay if I leave?”
She sucked in air and straightened her shoulders. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. I overreacted again. It is becoming the theme of my life. I’m sorry.” She gave her bravest smile, hopingit would convince him she was over her silly behavior. “You go back to whatever you were doing. I’ll slip out and get Mikey in an hour.” How she managed to say those words without shivering she didn’t know.
“You stay here until I’m certain you’re safe. I’ll bring Mikey back with me.”
“That’s not necessary. I was frightened, but I’m over it now, and realize there was no cause for concern.”
He grew fierce. “Promise me you will stay here and let me get Mikey.”
They had a brief, silent argument. She felt the weight of his determination and hoped he felt her determination, as well. She’d spent too many days being afraid of going out and had grown to despise her weakness. She had no intention of becoming a prisoner.
“Emily, promise me. Your reaction was very real, and I can’t help thinking either he’s someone from your past that you have reason to fear or he’s one of the murdering robbers.”
