A train whistle made her jump. Ella exhaled. She tossed the letter into a bag. Maybe there was nothing to worry about. After all, the remainder of the planned attacks had failed. From all appearances, Jacobson was working alone in Harmony Springs.
She guided the wagon around a large carriage sitting near the stables. The move took her close to the train station. The disembarking passengers reminded her of her first day in town, when she had no idea what she was doing. God had taken her fear and turned it to joy.
Breathing a prayer of thanks, Ella lifted the reins to urge her horse into a trot, then paused. A woman stepped off the train. Sunlight glinted on her red hair. She wore a tasteful blue hat that matched her dress—a traveling outfit Ella recognized.
Tori!
Ella squealed. She hopped down from the wagon and led Carter to a nearby hitching post. How delightful it would be to surprise her sister. Once the horse was secured, Ella turned to the train station.
As she passed the stables, she tripped. Someone grabbed her from behind, dragging her into the shadows. Her scream was silenced by a damp cloth clamped over her nose and mouth. Something sweet and pungent filled her senses. She struggled. The immovable person held firm.
Ella’s limbs grew heavy. Her eyes drooped. She fought for consciousness…and lost.
CHAPTER 24
Cody gave the new fence in his south pasture a firm shake. It didn’t budge. Satisfied, he plunked his hands on his hips and looked around. Cows munched on the growing grass, their happy moos interspersed with the bleats of calves. So far, fifty cows had given birth. While their numbers were still much lower than before the harsh winter, he thanked God for the growth in his herd.
His thoughts wandered to his wife. Heart warming instantly, he grinned. How had he been so blessed? A few short months ago, he’d been so sure his life would never be the same—and he was right…just not for the reasons he expected.
Hank laughed beside him. “You’ve got that dopey look on your face again, Boss.”
“That so?” Cody chuckled. “A common occurrence these days.”
“It’s good to see ya happy,” Eddie said from the other side of the fence. “You were too serious before.”
“Yeah,” Joey chimed in. “If that’s what family life does for a man, I should think about gettin’ a wife. You’re a changed man.”
Another chuckle shook him. “Glad you’ve noticed, boys.” He clapped Joey’s shoulder. “I highly recommend marriage, my friend.” Looking around at his fellow cowboys, he winked. “For all three of you, in fact.”
Hank held up his hands. “Oh, no. Ain’t no woman gonna tie me up. I like the freedom of bein’ by myself.”
“Ya might change your mind someday,” Eddie said. “If the right woman comes along.”
“Nah. I’m good.”
The cowpokes continued their good-natured teasing. Cody turned back to the fence with a smile.
A gunshot reverberated in the air. Cody’s body tensed. All humor fled. His gaze shot in the direction of the house. Moments later, another gunshot sounded.
Ella!
“Hank, take charge!” Cody jumped onto his horse. He galloped off, urging Preston ever faster.
The ride to the house felt like ages. When he finally reached the front yard, Cody was out of breath. He swung down. Strong relief coursed through him when he saw Ella on the porch, rifle still in her hands. He ran to her, taking the steps two at a time. “Darlin’, what’s the…”
He halted dead in his tracks. The woman on the porch wasn’t Ella. She looked like his wife, but there were distinct differences. Instead of a beautiful green, this woman had deep brown eyes. Her brows knit in a frown, the V reaching deeper than Ella’s ever did.
The stranger pointed the rifle at him. “You’d better be my sister’s husband.”
“Tori?” Cody blinked. “What’re you doing here?” He looked over her shoulder. “Where’s Ella?”
She lowered the weapon and swallowed hard. “I don’t know. Miss Hattie told me about the two-shot signal. I have a bad feeling something happened to Ella.”
Hattie bustled onto the porch. Her face tightened. “There you are, young man. Ella went to town this morning. She should have been back two hours ago. I’m doin’ all I can to keep the kids from worryin’, but Isaiah is right scared. It’s rubbin’ off on the other two.”
A horse whinnied. Preston returned the greeting. Cody looked over his shoulder. Travis raced toward them, a cloud of dust kicking up behind him. He jumped from his horse before the stallion stopped moving. “Cody! You need to come with me. We found…” He stopped, mouth gaping. “Tori?”
With a little cry, the newcomer threw herself into his arms. “Travis! You’re here. Thank God.”
