Page 79 of Montana Lawman Rescuer
She knew he meant responsible for so many things, not just the ruined shirtwaist. “I’ll feel better once you find them, as well, and until you do, I will be cautious. But I won’t be a prisoner. Now, to the reason I came. Any messages that I’d be interested in?”
He went to the desk, sat on the corner, and picked up two letters. “Neither of these is from Alliance. Sorry.”
She plunked down onto the chair in front of the desk, but before she could voice her frustration and disappointment, the sound of pounding horses’ hooves drew them both to their feet.
The horses thundered up to the office. “Sheriff. Sheriff.”
“Stay here and stay out of sight,” Jesse ordered as he bolted for the door and opened it. “What’s wrong?”
“They need you at Wolf Hollow. Three ruffians robbed the store. They shot and killed the storekeeper, then shot their way out of town.”
Emily’s heart dropped to her heels. Her eyes felt too wide as she stared at Jesse.
“Give me a few minutes.” He closed the door, caught her hand, and drew her to the back of the office.
“Is it them?” she whispered.
“I don’t know and won’t until I ask a few questions. But I have to go. I’ll let George know at the store and leave Clarence in charge, but please promise me you won’t go out in public.”
She shivered. “I will be very careful.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
“I know you want me to barricade myself in the house.”
“You’re not going to do that, are you?” His voice deepened with resignation.
“At the moment, I’m strongly considering it, but no, I’m not going to be locked up in the house.” She pressed her fingers to his lips as he started to protest. “You are in more danger going after them than I am staying here.”
He caught her hand and squeezed it. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.” He drew her close and kissed her so briefly that she didn’t have time to think or respond. It was his job to care what happened to her. But, she smiled at the notion that it wasn’t his job to kiss her.
“Mikey and I will go home and let you do your job.”
“I’ll see you home.”
“There are two men out there waiting for you. I’ll be fine.” She took Mikey’s hand and opened the door. Talking about being safe was easy, but her neck tensed, and she gave her surroundings hard study before she left the shadow of the office and stepped into the sunlit street.
She glanced over her shoulder. Jesse stood in the open door.
“I’ll watch you until you’re out of sight. I’ll ride by the house on my way out of town.”
She gave a little wave and hurried homeward.
Please, God, let him find those men and bring him back safely.
Two days later,Jesse had not returned, and she repeated her prayer over and over. Her nerves twitched with every sound outside the house. She rushed often to the window, hoping to see Jesse and praying she wouldn’t see a man with dark, staring eyes.
She picked up the shirtwaist that she seemed unable to finish but pricked her finger with the needle and set the work aside in disgust.
“I’m going for a walk.”
“But Jesse said?—”
“He said to be careful, and I will, but I haven’t been out of the house in two days, and I need to. I think Mikey needs to get out more, too.” He’d been confined to the backyard because of her limited movements, though he seemed happy enough. “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”
“Please do so. If something happens to you, I will have to answer to Jesse.”
Emily chuckled at Gram’s sorrowful tone, then took Mikey’s hand as they left the house. She sucked in a deep breath. The air was heavy with heat from the summer sun, but it felt good to be outside and able to stretch her legs. Not that she would do anything foolish. She made her way to the town center. She’d stay within eyesight of those instructed to watch her, and she waved at Clarence at the sheriff’s office.
