But whatwasit?
Ruthann let air out through her teeth in frustration. He wouldn’t tell her. And while she respected that he wished to leave the past where it was, how could she be of any help if she didn’t know what had happened? Because clearly, it was something of terrible importance. Big enough to sit inside him and change his entire personality. Big enough for people like that man to use as a threat. Big enough for Sissy to throw at Ruthann.
Sissy . . . Ruthann stood and picked up the two plates filled with uneaten food. It was odd that she seemed to know about it too. Nate had brushed it off as a rumor, or overheard gossip, but what if it wasn’t?
Ruthann nearly dropped the plates as the realization came to her, so obvious she wondered why she hadn’t put it together before.
What if Sissy and the man who had chased Ruthann and Norah knew each other?
Chapter Twenty-two
THE CONVERSATION BETWEENNate and Ruthann had been strained in the two days since Nate had gone after the man who’d followed his wife and Norah. Nate wanted to pretend it hadn’t been, but it was impossible to ignore the resentful look he caught in her eye from time to time. She didn’t bring up his past again, and for that, at least, he was thankful. He could only hope she would forgive him and let it all go as more time passed.
Provided the man with the scar had disappeared for good.
They were spending a quiet evening, reading by lamplight, when a knock came from downstairs. Nate glanced at his pocket watch—the nice, new one Ruthann had given him for his birthday. It was after nine o’clock, far too late for visitors. Without a word, he picked up one of the lamps and headed downstairs, Ruthann following him.
Unlocking the door, he found Harry Caldwell, a gruff, older fellow who was one of Sheriff Young’s regular deputies.
Before Nate could greet him, Caldwell spoke. “There’s word of a gang of outlaws up north of town, supposedly lurking around. A few of them had a run-in with a lady out by the edge of town earlier. We’re rounding up some men to head on up there, see if we can find them. Can we count on you?” He paused, and as if he’d just remembered his manners, tugged on the brim of his hat and nodded at Ruthann. “Ma’am.”
“Good evening, Deputy,” Ruthann said.
And as Caldwell asked after Ruthann’s family, Nate’s mind lurched into motion. He should go. Heoughtto go, as a member of this community, as a man with a family and a business to protect. And he knew why Caldwell had come here. As a former soldier, Nate was the ideal choice.
Six years ago, he would have jumped at the prospect to help round up outlaws threatening Cañon City. In fact, just three days ago, he would have gladly assisted without a second thought. But now . . .
Could he do it? Or would he freeze as he’d done the other day?
Caldwell’s attention was back on him. He was a larger man, with a mustache and graying hair. In all his life, Deputy Caldwell would never understand why a younger man, a soldier, like Nate wouldn’t agree to accompany him.
He had no choice, not if he wanted to keep his dignity intact—not only with the town, but with himself. He wouldn’t let this town think he was a coward, not while he still held a breath in his body.
And so, against all of his better judgment, Nate nodded. “I’ll go.”
“Good. Meet us up by the livery in thirty minutes.” And with that, the deputy was on his way.
