Page 36 of The Gift of Patience
“As you will, sir,” Armstrong replied stoically.
Ashley accepted his hat and was about to follow the others to the stables when he caught a flash of pink out of the corner of his eye. All of his senses warned him to keep going and not turn, but he looked anyway. Patience was standing there, looking like a vision from heaven in a frothy concoction that accentuated her fine figure.
Their eyes met, and disappointment was written all over her face, but she held her tongue for once. He inclined his head and left, trying to catch up to the others.
Why was he feeling guilty for leaving her behind? This was his duty and he would fulfil his other obligation as well.
As they walked, an idea occurred to him. “Do you think perhaps he is related to the other gang members?”
“Devil? I suppose anything as possible,” Fielding answered.
“It would explain some of his reluctance.”
“Somehow, I have a hunch.”
“Worth a try, I suppose.”
They entered the stables and found Baines still with Devil.
He narrowed his gaze when he saw Ashley dressed in his uniform.
Ashley ignored the obvious disdain and sauntered over to him and sat on the arm of the chair he occupied, however unwillingly.
“Now is your time to shine,” he told Devil with a mischievous grin.
Devil snorted.
“I just want to make clear that any mischief will affect your gang.”
Devil’s jaw clenched.
“The young one is pretty green.”
“Leave him out of it,” Devil growled.
Ashley’s eyes met Baines’ over Devil’s head.
“As long as you cooperate, we won’t touch a hair on his head. He is too young for a beard. What’s he to you? Your son? Your nephew? No matter.” Ashley waved his hand in the air and then uncrossed his legs and stood. “As long as we understand each other. Let’s make this quick. I have a dinner to attend.”
They led Devil with a gun pointed to his back down to the clearing.
Renforth and Fielding climbed different trees to try to get a good view, though it was in the dark with only a gibbous moon.
“There are two pistols pointed at you as there will be on your gang. Yes, indeed, they are being followed.”
“Five till eight. Best be getting into place,” Renforth ordered.
Baines unbound Devil’s hands long enough for him to climb into the tree then he tied a rope around his ankle, linking them together.
“One minute,” Renforth called.
Ashley lit the lantern and handed it up, then cocked his pistol and pointed it just to remind Devil of his task.
“Now.”
Devil took the lantern and slid back the shield, lifted it, then shut it again and lowered it.
Fielding was watching across the river, but Ashley kept his eyes on Devil.
