When Courtney looked back at Denton, he smiled at her with pride in his gaze. Once again, her heart skipped a beat. How could she not love this man? She only prayed that he felt the same way about her.
Another thing she quickly prayed for was that when the sheriff arrived, that Denton could convince him not to arrest her. Hopefully, they’d be able to tell the man of the law what they knew so that the right people were put in jail.
ELEVEN
DENTON’S SHOULDER WOULDache like the dickens, but he’d survive. It wasn’t the first time he’d been shot, and it wouldn’t be the last. However, what made this time so special was that he had someone to share it with. Courtney wouldn’t leave his side, even when the doctor removed the bullet, bandaged his arm, and they rode back to the hotel.
Never before had Denton been with someone who’d cared that much about him when he was shot. Then again, he was always shot on the job, and because of his profession, he didn’t know many people.
After the doctor left their hotel room, Courtney arranged for the hotel to bring them up some food. Now, she sat on the bed next to him, helping him eat. Every time he tried to lift his left arm, she’d playfully scold him and tell him to be still.
After he took a couple of bites from his stew and swallowed, he smiled. “You know, Courtney, I am right-handed. I can eat by myself.”
She cocked her head and gave him a teasing smile. “But you also lost a lot of blood, and Doctor Patrick did say to take things easy for the rest of the day.”
“Yes, he saidrest. He didn’t say,don’t move.”
She chuckled and scooped up another spoonful of stew. “Well, Mr. Reed, you’re going to have to allow me to help you.”
“Why?”
“Because I like it.” She slid the spoon inside his mouth.
It pleased him that she enjoyed taking care of him. He chewed the stew and swallowed. “I’m sure the sheriff will be here anytime now.”
She nodded. “There’s no use to try and hide. I’m sure Louise told him we’re together.”
“I had wished the doctor wouldn’t have taken us back here. I wanted to explain things to the sheriff.”
“I know, but I trust Mr. Tibbs and Mrs. Jackson will take care of things.”
“They will, but the case still hasn’t been solved.”
Courtney frowned. “What do you mean? Louise paid that man—”
“Yes, she had paid him to killme.”
