The fear that flashed in Montgomery's eyes gave Wyatt grim satisfaction. The man was a bully, and like most bullies, he crumbled when faced with someone who wouldn't back down. Lillian returned with strips of cloth, her expression resolute as she handed them to Wyatt. "Emma is inside sleeping," she reported. "I've packed our things.
We can leave as soon as you're ready." Wyatt nodded quickly, bandaging Montgomery's shoulder and hand, not gently, but effectively enough to stop the bleeding. "Can you ride?" he asked. Lillian. "Yes," she replied without hesitation. I'll take Emma with me.
The journey to Clearwater took most of the day with Montgomery mounted on his own horse, his hands tied to the saddle horn much as Billy's had been. Wyatt rode behind him, revolver ready, while Lillian followed with Emma secured in the sling across her chest. Sheriff Davis was waiting for them at the edge of town, alerted by the rider Henderson had sent ahead. Got your message? The grizzled lawman said, eyeing Montgomery with professional assessment.
This the fella causing trouble. Charles Montgomery from Philadelphia. Wyatt confirmed. Kidnapped and beat one of the rocking age hands, then threatened my wife and child at gunpoint. Lies.
Montgomery spat. This man stole my wife and daughter. I was merely reclaiming what's legally mine. Sheriff Davis raised an eyebrow. That true, madam?
He asked Lillian directly. Lillian straightened in her saddle, meeting the sheriff's gaze steadily. I left Charles because he was violent and abusive. I feared for my life and my daughter's safety. Wyatt Harmon saved us when we were stranded on the prairie and later became my husband in a legal ceremony performed by Reverend Thomas in this very town.
The sheriff nodded slowly. Reverend Thomas mentioned something about that when your man's message came through. Said it was all properly done. Witnesses and documentation. He turned back to Montgomery.
Seems to me the lady has made her choice, and it's a legal one by territorial law. This is absurd. Montgomery struggled against his bonds. "I demand you arrest this man for shooting me and release my wife into my custody immediately." "Ain't going to happen," Sheriff Davis replied calmly. "What is going to happen is you're spending the night in my jail while I sort this out.