It's more fragile than she lets on. What about your heart? Jake asked quietly. Margaret's smile was sad. My heart's too full of responsibility to have room for much else.
Keep them safe. Jake, that's all I need. I'll keep all of you safe, he promised. You can't promise that. Watch me.
The next morning brought a different sort of tension. Rose hummed while cooking breakfast. Shooting Jake glances that made his collar feel too tight. Catherine noticed. Of course, little escaped those watchful eyes, and her knowing smile made Jake fumble his coffee cup.
Only Margaret seemed unchanged, focused on cleaning weapons and watching the horizon. They worked on strengthening the barn's defenses, and Jake found himself partnered with Rose. Their hands brushed, reaching for tools, shoulders touched as they worked side by side. The awareness between them was like electricity, making every casual contact significant. "You're not paying attention," Rose murmured as Jake hammered his thumb instead of the nail for the third time.
"Whose fault is that? " he growled, sucking his injured thumb. Her laugh was low and delighted. Mine, I hope. Catherine appeared in the barn doorway. Riders coming from town.
Looks like They assembled quickly, but this time Jake recognized the lead rider, Doc Harmon from Milfield, accompanied by what looked like half the town council. Jake Sullivan, Doc Harmon called out, staying well back from the fence. Mind if we approach? got something needs discussing. Jake lowered his rifle but kept it ready. Come ahead slowly.
The delegation dismounted at the gate. Besides Doc Harmon, Jake recognized Stan Meyer who ran the general store. And surprisingly, Judge Watson, one of the few officials in the territory Morrison didn't own. We heard about the trouble out here, Doc Harmon said without preamble. Dead men scattered around your property.
Bullet holes everywhere. Care to explain? Men came onto my land uninvited, Jake said evenly. They got what trespassers get. These men worked for Harrison Morrison, Judge Watson said, his keen eyes taking in the three women standing behind Jake.
And I'm guessing these ladies are why these ladies are under my protection, Jake said firmly. So it's true, then Stan Meyer said. They're the ones Morrison's been hunting. the ones who supposedly killed a man and stole from him. Only thing they're guilty of is defending themselves. Jake said Morrison killed their mother, tried to force himself on them.
They ran. That's the truth of it. Judge Watson leaned forward. You willing to swear to that in court? I didn't see it happen, but yes, I believe them.
I saw it, Catherine said suddenly, stepping forward. Her voice was steady, though her hands trembled. I saw Harrison Morrison beat our mother to death when she refused his advances. I saw him turn to us with her blood on his hands. We ran because we knew no one would believe us over him.