Chapter Seventeen
SHERIFF JAMES WRIGHTwas a congenial fellow, and one that Levi was more than happy to have him on his side.
“I’ll gather two or three more men, and we’ll ride out there with you tonight,” Wright said. “Best to get this done as soon as possible.”
Levi wasn’t about to argue that point. “I appreciate this.”
“Of course. All right to meet at your place?”
Levi agreed, then they settled on a time and shook hands.
Finally, he thought as he rode through town. He was ready to wrap up this business with Prather. The man was far too close to Levi’s family for Levi to sleep well at night anymore.
Then he could concentrate on winning back Rebecca’s trust—and figuring what was next. Being a Marshal was his entire life.No, he thought as he raised a hand to wave at Thomas Drexel, the proprietor of the general store. Being a Marshalhad beenhis entire life. But now there was more than that. He had a family, and a farm he wanted to keep running in honor of Edward. It made no sense at all, the way his life had shifted, not when he’d dedicated it to being on the move as he tracked down murderers and robbers of the worst kind.
He let out a breath through his teeth as the town disappeared behind him. He could think more about that once Prather was back in prison where he belonged. Right now, he needed to keep his focus on that and that alone.
For the rest of the ride back, Levi ran various scenarios through his head. Once he’d landed on a plan that felt the least dangerous, he thought through every possible aspect that could go wrong. He couldn’t fool himself—the entire endeavor was fraught with danger. But it had to be done.
It was late in the afternoon when Levi approached the house. The horse stepped gingerly across the railroad tracks, and the western sun created long shadows.
As he rode up to the house, Sarah stood with her hands on her hips, surveying her siblings with her nose in the air.
“Isaidthat you were the baby, Emmy. That means you can’t pretend to cook. Roger! Stop playing with that stick. You’re supposed to be the grandfather! Grandfathers aredignified.”
Levi grinned as he watched their antics. These little ones had brought life into his house. He’d had no idea what he’d been missing before they arrived.
“Levi!” Johnnie shouted. He ran toward Levi, ignoring Sarah’s frustrated shout.
Levi caught Johnnie in his arms and swung him around. The little boy shrieked with glee.
“Is your mother inside?” he asked as he set Johnnie back on his feet.
“No,” Gwynnie said from the stump where she sat. “She went down to the springhouse.” She furrowed her brow. “It’s been a long time.”
“A long time?” Levi repeated. The hair on the back of his neck rose.It’s nothing, he thought. He was only on edge because of what he knew was going to happen tonight.
Gwynnie stood and brushed her hands down the front of her skirt. “Maybe about an hour?”
It didn’t take nearly that long to walk down to the creek and back. Levi squinted in that direction, but there was no sign of Rebecca at all. His heart lurched, even though he repeated tohimself that it was fine, that she was only lingering to enjoy some time alone.
But still . . .
“Gwynnie, why don’t you take the others inside? Just until your mother is back.”
Gwynnie gave him a curious look. Levi didn’t want to frighten her, but he needed her to do as he asked. “Did you complete your schoolwork yet today?”
“No.” She glanced sheepishly at the ground. “We’ll go work on that.”
“Good.” He waited until she’d ushered the others inside, and then caught her before she followed them. “I’m riding down to the creek to see if your mama needs any help. Can you lock the door until we’re back?”
She nodded and began to close the door, but Levi held it open a moment longer. “If we aren’t back before dark, can you make a cold supper for the others?”
