“We will live,” Ballard replied. “What about the others?”
“All fine. It wasnae a fair fight really. Those oafs hadnae the wit to give us a real battle. None of them surrendered. Cyril offered them the chance, but ye were right. They chose to go down fighting rather than face a rope. We cannae find the woman. I suspect she ran off and will return when we are gone. Theodore, Cyril, and Lambert are burying the bodies.”
“So it is finally over,” Clover said, not sure she dared believe it.
“Aye.” Ballard caught sight of her wrists and cursed. “Those need to be seen to.”
“I think ye both need some doctoring,” said Shelton. “We will tend to that before we leave.” He glanced at the dog lying next to Ballard’s leg. “Do ye think he can climb down as weel as he climbed up?”
“I dinnae think so. Thomas hit him pretty hard. Can ye pick him up? He doesnae weigh much.”
It took a little coaxing, but the dog finally allowed Shelton to carry it down the ladder. Ballard was glad Shelton went down first for he was feeling weak and might need some help himself. He let Clover precede him, feeling her pain as she winced over her own bruises and badly chafed wrists. When it was his turn, he descended the steps slowly. At the bottom he swayed and took a moment to recover, waving away Shelton and Clover’s attempts to help him as they left the barn.
“I will be fine,” he said, and draped his arm around Clover’s shoulders.
“So you finally succeeded in a rescue,” teased Lambert as he stepped forward. “You do not look as if it was an easy one.”
“Nay, it wasnae. My side needs to be re-bandaged and Clover’s wrists need tending to.”
Cyril arrived and took over. In no time he had Ballard patched up again. It annoyed Ballard that Theodore was the one to see to Clover’s injuries. Shelton found some ale in the house. Although it was of a poor quality they all had a drink.
“I suppose this must all be reported to the authorities,” said Clover.
“Weel, aye, but ye need not worry that it will cause us any more trouble,” Ballard assured her.
“Five men are dead. Although they deserved it, it must raise some questions.”
“None we cannae answer. Fact is, we willnae have to answer any.” Ballard smiled at Cyril.
“You see, m’dear,” said Cyril, “the circuit judge gave me the power to act as magistrate. He will take my word for what happened without question or repercussions. It is over, Clover. You can put it all from your mind now.”
“That is a relief.” She smiled at Ballard. “Now perhaps we can begin to live a normal life.”
Ballard briefly returned her smile, then said, “I suppose we ought to put Thomas in the ground as weel.”
“He does not deserve a proper burial, but, yes, we will bury him.” Cyril looked at Theodore, Lambert, and Shelton. “I should not be too particular as we ought to be getting back.”
As soon as the men left to carry out the grisly chore of disposing of Thomas’s body, Cyril asked Clover, “Is there anyone back in Langleyville we should notify?”
“His wife, Sarah Marsten. I can give you her address.”
“Do you think she will cause any trouble?”
Clover considered for a moment before shaking her head. “No. I suspect she will relish her new role as wealthy widow to the fullest.”
“Good. That will ensure that we will hear no more of it.”
An hour later, they all mounted and set out for Cyril Potsdam’s home.
Molly, Jonathan, Agnes, and Colin all burst out of the house as they rode up. Clover found herself even more wearied by the constant rounds of questions and explanations. Finally Ballard politely ordered everyone to be quiet. He told them the whole story clearly and succinctly, then asked that they be taken home.
Clover found herself in the back of the wagon, securely wrapped in a blanket and Ballard’s arms. As the murmur of conversation drifted around her, she savored the feel of Ballard, warm and alive. Finally she was able to put the last of her fears to rest.
“Did he hurt ye, lass?” Ballard asked in a near whisper so that the others could not hear.
“Thomas did not have a chance to do all he threatened. He was still talking about it and trying to frighten me.”
“I am verra glad to hear it, lass,” he muttered, tightening his arms around her.
