Good time to take those up. Gathering the parcels, Yates headed upstairs, suddenly aware of a nervousness he hadn't felt in years. He knocked gently on the guest room door. "Come in," called a soft voice. Bethany was indeed sitting up, propped against pillows, her honeyccoled hair neatly braided over one shoulder.
Though still pale, she looked remarkably better than she had the previous day. "Mr. King Cade. She greeted him with a small smile. Martha says I have you to thank for my rescue. Anyone would have done the same, he replied, suddenly feeling awkward as he stood holding the packages.
I brought you some things from town clothes and such. I wasn't sure what you might need. Surprise and gratitude flickered across her face. That's incredibly kind of you. It's nothing, he said, setting the packages on the foot of the bed.
I also spoke with Sheriff Taylor. The Witfields are safe. They are recovering at the doctor's house in town. Oh, thank goodness. Relief brightened her features.
They were so kind to me on the journey. I was worried when we got separated after. She trailed off, her expression darkening at the memory. The sheriff thinks it was the Decker gang. Yates told her, taking a seat in the chair beside the bed.
They've been causing trouble throughout the territory. Bethany nodded slowly. There were five of them. They stopped the stage with a fallen tree across the road when Mister Jensen the driver resisted. They shot him.
Her voice caught. It happened so fast. You don't need to talk about it if it's too difficult. Yates said gently. No, it's all right.
They took everything of value, money, jewelry, even Mr. Jensen's boots. Then they took the horses and left us there. Her hands twisted in the bed sheet. Mr. Whitfield was injured in the attack and Mrs. Whitfield refused to leave him. I offered to try to reach the next station and bring help.
I thought it was closer. That was brave, Yates commented, impressed by her courage. She gave a small self-deprecating laugh. Or foolish. I've never been in this part of the country before.
I underestimated the distance and the heat. The cavalry found the Whitfields yesterday. They're going to be fine. He hesitated. The sheriff mentioned you were traveling to California.
To meet your fiance. A shadow passed over her face. That was the plan, she said softly. Something in her tone made Yates curious, but he didn't press. Instead, he asked, "Is there anyone we should send word to?