Page 5 of Scarlett

“Nice to see you John,” Emmett said following after his brother.

To the left of the lobby was the eating establishment. It was a good-sized room and always clean. There were a total of eight tables, each with four chairs.

Windows faced the street, which is where Elias headed.

“I’ll be right with you,” Sharon Ellis called out walking past the table they went to, carrying a pitcher and two glasses to where another couple sat.

The aroma of food was thick in the air making Emmett’s stomach growl in anticipation.

Elias sat across from him and looked out the window to where the horse was now drinking from the trough. “I think once the animal settles, he’ll be a good ranch horse.”

When the animal lifted its head and pawed at the ground, Emmett shook his head. “Somehow I doubt that horse will ever be tame. I do think he’ll be a good challenge for you.”

Finally Sharon Ellis approached and poured each a glass of water. “I’ve got pot roast and chicken stew. Which would you like?”

“Chicken and dumplings,” Elias said, obviously not hearing his favorite meal was not being offered that day.

The woman smiled down at him. “I’m sorry, I didn’t make that today.”

Elias visibly deflated. “I’ll take the stew then.”

The woman took pity. “I can whip up some dumplins to throw in, but they won’t be as tasty as the ones who cook in there for longer.

“That’s fine. I’ll take dumplins anyway you fix ‘em.” Elias straightened and beamed at the woman.

Just then, a man shuffled outside the window and Emmett sat up straighter following his progress. “I’ll be right back.” He looked at Mrs. Ellis. “I’ll take the roast please.”

He strode out of the eating area and advanced through the lobby intent on following the man who’d just been released from the jail. As soon as he walked outside, Sheriff Blake called out to him.

“He’s not going to the clinic. I told him to go home and see about his children since they’re alone. He’s going to the stables and then heading home.” The lawman caught up with Emmett as he continued walking. “He knows his wife isn’t recovered. Seems remorseful.”

“Cowards always are,” Emmett mumbled.

True to his word, the man headed toward the stables after looking over his shoulder and seeing they watched.

Emmett returned to the restaurant just as the meals were placed on the table. Unable to keep from it, he began to eat without speaking. The food was delicious. Even the knowledge of a wife beater being free didn’t deter him from enjoying the meal.

“Why are you considering not going through with getting married? Something happen?” Elias pressed the subject again.

“Nope, nothing. I’m glad to see you and Evan settled and happy. You came here because I wanted to get away. I’ve felt guilty about taking you both from the life we had. Now seeing how things turned out, I suppose I wouldn’t change anything.

“Hmm,” Elias replied his brows drawn together. “Nah, we gotta get you married.”

“Eat and be quiet.” Emmett shoved a piece of bread into his brother’s mouth.

After spendingthe rest of the day in the clinic, Emmett was finally able to go home. It was evening and the sun sat low on the horizon.

With a cup of coffee in hand, he sat before the fireplace and let out a long sigh. It was much too quiet and yet, solitude was good.

“I prefer it this way,” he said to the empty room.

The words sounded hollow.