“Mrs. Hammel has a flesh wound.” Addie’s expression hardened until her face was all sharp lines and dark shadows. “The wounds to their hearts are far more serious.”
Understanding what she meant, he nodded but could offer nothing in the way of encouragement. “Being here with you and the Stones will help those wounds.” Like Gib had helped Nash heal inside.
Addie crossed her arms, a signal of dismissal,. if he needed further evidence she wasn’t happy to see him. “Is there something more?” Her question shot out like a bullet.
“Maybe I’ll come back later.”
“I could relay any message you have.”
Would giving her the news make her see things from his side? “That man was hung last night.” He began to tip his head toward the barn, then stopped. No need for her to think she should look. It was a grisly sight.
She closed the door behind her and faced him. “Justice was served.” Cold, hard words. Condemnation.
“Shouldn’t a man be allowed to speak in his defense?” That man was guilty, but he meant something more. “A man shouldn’t be judged for something he didn’t do.” Would she see that he pled his own case?
She rubbed her lips together as if considering his words, then pursed those lips. “Who speaks on behalf of the innocent? Like that woman and child. Who defends them?”
“Even hanging can’t undo what’s done.”
“There is no justice for them.” Again, a tip of her head toward the door to indicate who she referred to.
“There are victims on both sides of the story.” If he hoped she’d understand he meant himself and offer?—
“Nash, my name is Addison Lanier.”
“Lanier?” Why did that name seem familiar in a way that sent tension up and down his spine?
“That’s right. Your father killed my parents.”
Seventeen
Addie’s limbs were heavy. Her breathing was almost nonexistent.
Yes. She was Addison Lanier. Daughter of the couple who’d died at the hand of Morton Sturm. Shivers raced through her limbs and pooled in her chest so every breath jittered in and out.
Nash lifted a hand as if to reach for her. He seemed to think better of it and pressed his palm to his chest. His mouth opened and closed with an audible click. His Adam’s apple bobbed.
The moment hung between them full of shocked silence.
Nash spoke first. “Addie, I…” He drew in a noisy breath. “I can’t believe it.” His hand moved back and forth over his chest. “I’m so sorry. You were only a child.”
She nodded. “Eleven.”
“I’m sorry.” He squared his shoulders. “But you realize that wasn’t me. I wasn’t there. And I have chosen a different path for my life.”
His waiting crowded her thoughts. Pressed at her pain. Throbbed in the pit of her stomach.
Not a word came.
His shoulders rose and fell. “I thought we had some sweet regard for each other.” A waiting pause before he hurried on. “I know I’ve grown fond of you. I thought…I wondered…”
The sharpness of her pain emerged in words. “What your father did is unforgivable.”
“I agree. But I’m not my father. Addie—” He reached toward her.
She backed against the door.
He lowered his hand.
