“No time to waste then,” Ian nodded and dug his heels into his horse's flank.
Thomas galloped along behind him, letting Ian take the lead while still being close enough to take action should the cowboy change his mind and try to run.
As he rode towards Rosaline he pictured her face in his mind. “Hold on, my love, I’m coming,” he whispered.
***
Thomas and Ian pulled into the yard a few hours later. The ride had been long and hard, and the horses were tired and needed a good rest. He would need to change horses before riding into town. One day away from Rosaline had been more than enough. He needed to see her again, even if it was just for an hour or so before he came back home.
Arthur was waiting for them by the back door with Robbie in his arms, a mixture of relief and concern was etched into his face.
Thomas dismounted and approached first as Ian hung back, unsure of the reception he would receive.
“Ian’s going to help us,” Thomas said as he reached his father and leant down to kiss his son on the head. “If you could take him inside and offer him something to eat,” he said and raised a brow.
Arthur looked relieved and nodded in understanding.
“I’m going to ride back into town. I want to discuss things with Ezrah as soon as possible,” he leant in closer and whispered. “I don’t think he’s going to run at this point, but I’ll ask the boys to keep an eye on him when I go to the stables. I need to change horses.”
Ian came up behind them and nodded a greeting to Arthur.
“Good to see you, Ian,” Arthur said honestly.
Ian let out a noticeable breath of relief.
Thomas placed a hand on his shoulder before passing him on his way to the stables. “You’re doing the right thing.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Thomas strode across the street after leaving his horse at the stable across from the saloon. Pride swelled in his chest when he didn’t feel the slightest pull to go inside. He smiled to himself despite the current circumstances.Thank you, Lord, for bringing her to me.Rosaline was the answer to a prayer he hadn’t even prayed. That in itself was an overwhelming kind of love that restored his faith.
He frowned as he neared the house and noticed that the front door was slightly ajar. It wasn’t usual for any of the doors in the street to be standing open. The people in town respected each other's privacy. He picked up the pace as the feeling of unrest grew in his chest.
“Hello,” he knocked on the door and waited a minute or two.
The house was eerily silent.
He pushed open the door and stepped into the empty hallway. Rounding the corner that lead into the adjacent room, he stopped to check after stepping on something soft.
The coat rack was laying on the floor with the hats and coats strewn about. It looked as if someone had had a scuffle. Stepping over the coats he made his way to the door that lead to the sitting room.
The door stuck as Thomas attempted to push it open. Something seemed to be jamming it from the other side. He tried a few times to push it open before placing his shoulder against the wood and shoving.
The door groaned as whatever was on the other side shifted, making way for the door to swing open.
Thomas stepped into the room and held his breath.
Ezrah Gideon was sprawled on the floor with a trickle of blood running from his forehead.
“Ezrah!” Thomas yelled and leapt to the man’s side, hunkering down he gently shook the limp body. “Ezrah, Ezrah,” he repeated. “Can you hear me?”
There was no response.
He reached over and placed two fingers in Ezrah’s neck. He let out the breath he’d been holding in his chest, there was definitely a pulse. Thomas examined the gash that ran the length of Ezrah's forehead. It seemed like a shallow wound.
He froze as he heard a muffled sound coming from behind him. With the shock of seeing Ezrah on the floor, he’d completely forgotten to check his surroundings. Thomas slowly turned his head to look behind him while reaching for the gun that was still holstered on the sheriff’s hip.
“Oh no!” Thomas exclaimed as he caught sight of Buena tied up in the armchair. Her arms and legs were bound to the chair and her mouth was gagged. Her eyes were panicked and frantically pleading.
