“Yeah.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“I’m afraid it’s salt.”
“Is that bad?”
“It depends. That’s why I need to bring Hank over, before daylight disappears.”
She nodded, her hands resting against his chest. “Go. I’ll keep your supper warm.”
He enveloped her in a brief embrace, then headed back to the barn to saddle the horse and galloped to Hank’s. Minutes later, they were back at the house. Hank surveyed the ground. He scratched his head, hat held loosely in hand. “It looks like salt, Boss. But how’d it get there? Your wife wouldn’t add any to the water can, would she?”
“No. Besides, the amount of salt needed for it to look like this is huge. It would take several bags’ worth.” Did the mercantile even sell that much?
Hank squinted. “Look.” He pointed to several spots. “Boot prints. I’m guessing they ain’t yours.”
“Nope.” Cody squatted beside the nearest one. “Whoever did this is big.” He stood, then pulled off his boot and set it next to the print. “He’s got a couple inches on me.”
“And you’re one of the tallest men in Harmony Springs.”
Cody pushed his foot back into the boot. “That might make it easier to find him.”
“Want me to get the sheriff?” Hank held up a hand before Cody could open his mouth. “And before ya protest, I was plannin’ on going to town anyway to sup at the café.”
“Then I’d appreciate that. Thanks, Hank.”
Plopping his hat on his head, the foreman gave it a tip. “I’ll get there lickety-split.”
Cody headed into the house.
Ella met him at the door. “Is it salt?”
“Looks like it. Hank’s off to get Travis.”
His wife looked out the door. “It’ll be nearly dark before he gets here.”
“We’ll light some lanterns. He’ll probably come back in the morning if he needs to see things in the daytime.”
Ella slipped her hand into his and pulled him toward the kitchen. “Come, eat. You should relax a bit while you can.”
“Thanks, darlin’.” He inhaled deeply, the savory scent lingering in the air. “Smells great.”
Jonah came running into the kitchen. “Papa!” He grabbed Cody’s leg, a toothy smile spread wide over his little face.
“Hey, buddy.” Cody lifted the child into his arms. “Did you have a good day?”
“Uh-huh.” Jonah looked at the plate Ella pulled from the oven. “I want ’tatoes.”
Ella put the plate on the table. Grabbing a pitcher, she poured a cup of water and set it in front of Cody. She smiled at their son. “More potatoes?”
“Pwease!”
“He can share some of mine.” Cody sat with Jonah on his lap. As he ate, he alternated taking a bite of potatoes, then offering the next to the boy. Ella joined them with a cup of tea. She got up periodically to check on Isaiah and Addie in the parlor. Cody had almost finished his meal when Jonah wiggled off his lap and headed for his siblings.
Ella watched him go, a thoughtful look on her face. “Those children share a special bond.”
“They always have. Isaiah and Jonah were happy, playful boys before their parents died. Jake said they were inseparable. Both withdrew after the accident.” He reached out, claiming Ella’s hand. “You coming into our lives changed that.”
