The world slammed to a halt. It took a concerted effort to find her voice. “Gone. Where?”
Lee took pity on his brother. “To take back the wagon and horses and—” He swallowed loudly. “He was getting supplies and going to the cabin.”
“He ordered us to hang around until Al—” Cal cast a glance at Eddie, then shrugged.
The blood drained from Dianne’s face, leaving her skin taut. “He left?” Not a goodbye or anything.
She clenched her teeth. She had no one to blame but herself.No doubt he felt responsible for Eddie’s accident, and she’d heaped accusations on his head.
“I’m going after him.” She studied Eddie. Was it wise to take him on a trip after his fall?
He crossed his arms as if knowing what she was about to say. “I’s going too.”
She didn’t have time to argue. Besides, who could she leave him with? “I’ll need the wagon and a driver.”
The cowboys eyed the food. Of course, they were hungry. “Go ahead and eat while I get ready.” She hustled upstairs to brush her hair, unhook a bonnet from near the door, and retrieve her drawstring bag containing the few coins she had.
Eddie and the cowboys were scraping their plates when she rejoined them.
Cal pushed away from the table. “I’ll hitch the horses to the wagon.”
While he did that, she cleaned the kitchen and chose a light coat for Eddie and a shawl for herself. No telling when they’d be back.
The wagon rattled up to the door, and she hurried out. Lee assisted her to the seat beside Cal.
“Ma’am, I’ll stay here and watch the place.” Lee lingered at the side of the wagon. “I hope things work out.”
She didn’t reply as Cal flicked the reins. Then they were on their way with her leaning forward as if to make the journey go faster.
Cal chuckled. “We’ll get there in time.”
“How can you be sure? What if he’s already left town?”
His lazy shrug might’ve hinted he didn’t care until he added, “We’ll follow him.”
Thus reassured, she relaxed and turned to check on Eddie. He sat with his back to the side of the wagon, a carved animal in each hand. His coloring was good, and the cut wasn’t bleeding. She chose to believe that meant he was fine. Or at least well enough to be dragged around the countryside.
Words and excuses bubbled up inside her, begging for release. “I blamed Jace for Eddie’s accident. Made him believe it was his fault.”
“Um.” Cal was listening even if he didn’t have anything to say, but then what was there to say?
“It was entirely unfounded. And almost cruel. I know how much guilt he carries over Chet’s death.”
“Guilt? Because he wasn’t here?”
“No. Guilt because he blames himself for the fire.” Should she be sharing these details with Cal? Chances were Jace wouldn’t like them spread around.
“He thinks he’s responsible?”
Shifting so she looked directly at the man, she met his dark gaze, read his confusion. “He told me what happened.”
“What did he say?”
She repeated the story Jace had told her.
Cal normally had a face that revealed little, but surprise widened his eyes when she finished. “Thatis what he thinks happened?” He shook his head. “Not at all.”
If that wasn’t?—
