He could handle men with guns and violent intentions. No, he was afraid of how quickly these three women had begun to fill the hollow spaces in his life, and how much it would hurt when they inevitably left. The wind picked up, carrying the scent of sage and the promise of change. Jake gripped the fence post and prepared himself for whatever was coming because something was definitely coming. He could feel it in his bones, see it in Margaret's watchful eyes, hear it in the spaces between their careful words.
3 days, she'd said. Jake had a feeling those would be the longest three days of his life. The moon hung fat and silver over the ranch. casting long shadows across the yard. Jake sat on the porch, whittling a piece of wood without really seeing it. The night sounds of the desert surrounded him, coyotes calling in the distance, the chirp of crickets, the rustle of small creatures in the brush.
From the barn came low voices, the sisters talking among themselves. He'd given them space after supper, sensing they needed time alone. But curiosity and concern drew him from the house. Not to eavesdrop exactly, but to keep watch. That's what he told himself as he settled onto an old crate near the barn door.
Far enough away to give them privacy, but close enough to hear if there was trouble. "Um, can't keep running forever," Rose was saying, her voice carrying clearly in the still night air. We're exhausted, Maggie. Katie can barely keep food down, and you haven't slept properly in weeks. And what would you have me do?
Margaret's voice was tight with frustration. Wait for him to find us. You know what he'll do? Maybe we should have stayed and fought from the beginning. This from Catherine, surprisingly.
"Maybe if we'd told someone. " "Told who? " Margaret's laugh was bitter. Sheriff Daniels. He's been in Morrison's pocket for years. Judge Carter, he owns him, too. Face it, Katie.
There was no one to tell. Morrison, Jake filed the name away. So, their pursuer had a name. At least that's not what I meant, Catherine said quietly. I meant maybe we should have told someone what really happened that night about mother.
The silence that followed was heavy with grief. Jake found himself holding his breath, the knife still in his hands. "Telling wouldn't bring her back," Margaret said finally. "And it would have gotten us killed alongside her. We should tell him," Rose said suddenly.
"Jake, he deserves to know what he's risking. " "No," Margaret's response was immediate. "The less he knows, the safer he is. " "You think Morrison cares about that? " Rose challenged. You think he'll just tip his hat and ride on when he finds out we've been here? You've seen what he does to anyone who helps us, which is why we leave tomorrow. You said 3 days.
I lied. Jake heard movement, footsteps pacing. I'm tired of running. Rose said, "I'm tired of looking over my shoulder, of jumping at every sound, and I'm tired of watching you carry this alone. "Maggie, I'm the eldest.
It's my responsibility. We're not children anymore. " Rose's voice rose, then dropped again. I can handle a gun as well as you. Better, maybe. And Katie's stronger than you think.