Patsy’s voice sounded from behind. “I’ll go tell Eric and Naomi. They might need help bringing the children here.”
"Good.” Jericho nodded. "Best head out now.”
When the two had bundled up and slipped out the door, Jericho turned back to Sampson. “Any idea how much blasting powder?"
"At least twenty crates.”
Gil let out a low whistle. “That’d blow a decent sized hole in this mountain.”
A heavy quiet settled, broken when Jonah spoke. “A couple of us should go see where they are. It makes sense that the snow blocked the trail for a wagon, but they might be moving it a different way now.”
“We might be able to disable the powder too,” Sampson added. He had to be part of that scouting group, but he had a feeling they’d try to keep him here. Easing the idea into the conversation might help.
“Yes,wemight.” Jericho gave him a pointed look, heading off what he must’ve guessed Sampson was getting at. “But you’ll be staying right here where you can heal.”
Not a chance. He had to go. This was his problem to fix. Not even Jericho with all his eldest-brother-in-charge glares could stop him.
He tightened his grip on Grace's hand and met Jericho's gaze squarely. "I'm the only one who knows where their camp is. My memories of the place could be crucial. And I know how Jedidiah works. You need me out there."
Jericho's jaw tightened. "You're in no condition to be traipsing through the mountains, little brother. You can barely ride, much less fight, if it comes to that."
"I don't have to fight. I just have to show you where to go." He held his brother's gaze, willing him to understand. "This is my responsibility. I'm the one who brought this danger to our family."
Jericho stared at him for a long moment, conflict warring in his eyes. Then he lifted his gaze to something—or someone—behind Sampson. Maybe Dinah.
At last, he released a heavy breath, and frustration narrowed his gaze. "Fine. But Dinah will tell you what you can and can’t do on the ride, and you’ll follow her orders to the smallest bandage.”
Sampson might have chuckled if it didn’t hurt so much. Even when he was giving in, Jericho just couldn’t let go of control. Dinah had a good head on her shoulders. She would be smart about what she required. “Yes, sir.”
A snort sounded from one of his brothers.
A glimmer of humor flashed in Jericho’s gaze, but then fled as he turned to Jonah and Gil, probably trying to decide who else should go.
Gil spoke in a firm voice. “I’ll stay at the ranch and keep watch.”
“I guess I’ll ride along with you.” Jonah slid a half grin toward Sampson. “In case you need an extra hand to get him back in one piece.”
Sampson let one side of his mouth tip up. His brothers could tease him all they wanted. This was his fight, and he wouldn’t be found missing when the time came to step up.
“All right then.” Jericho’s commanding voice took charge once more. “We’ll get our gear and saddle the horses. Sampson, stay here where it’s warm until we come for you.”
As his brothers headed out to prepare, the group around him slipped away. Only Grace stayed with him, settled in the chair next to him, her hand in his.
There was so much he needed to say. To explain why he had to go. Did she even know about the mine?
He dared a look at her. Those dark blue eyes were clouded with worry. And maybe uncertainty.
He cleared his throat. “I, um, don’t know if I’ve told you that we have a mine on our property. A sapphire mine. That’s what your father’s coming after. For McPharland. They came and stole a wagon full of sapphires a few months ago, and now they’re coming back for more.”
Confusion clouded her gaze, but slowly gave way to shock as her eyes widened. “He stole from you?”
He nodded, but that too-familiar pang twisted in his belly. He shifted his focus forward. “A year’s worth of work. But it was my fault. I’m the one who trusted the wrong men. I practically led them here.” He took in a breath to steady himself. “That’s why I have to go, to fix this.”
“Sampson.” That single word sounded half-reproving, half-anxious.
What was she worried about exactly? For him? Or for her father’s safety?
Or maybe she feared that if something happened to Sampson, she and Ruby would be turned out with nothing to live on. No way for a fresh start.
