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Bass looked down at the paper again.

“Authorities in Hillsboro report a renewed inquiry into Josiah Whitcomb’s injury following a recent witness statement. Details pending.”

A sharp, shallow inhale hissed between Jesse’s teeth. “Josiah?”

“It’s Eden’s brother.”

“I know whose brother he is.” He held out his left hand for the telegram. Bass gave it to him, and Jesse smoothed the paper against his knee.

The words stood out in black ink. An inquiry. A witness. Nothing that proved an attack, or even connected Crowley or Pike to Josiah, but someone in Missouri had reason to ask questions again.

“Does Eden know?”

“No. Whit wanted us to have it before anyone spoke of it.”

“Then we’ll tell her privately.”

Bass nodded. “I can ask Emily—”

“I’ll tell her.”

His brother studied him. “It’s hard news, Jess.”

“She’s been the one telling me hard news since she came.” Jesse held out the paper. “I’ll ask whether she wants to hear it from me. Then I’ll tell her what we know. No more.”

Bass took the telegram back. “All right.”

“Nobody goes calling her brother’s accident a crime before the lawmen find proof.”

“Agreed.”

Bass went to find Whit. Jesse remained awake, staring at the doorway. He had once thought he could keep Eden here by offering her a marriage that served only his needs. Now all he could offer was the truth, and the freedom to decide what she did with it.

He hoped that would be enough.

A few minutes later Eden returned, pausing when she saw his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“There’s word from Missouri.”

She went still. “My family?”

“About Josiah. Would you rather have Emily with you when you hear it?”

She considered, then shook her head. “Tell me.”

He waited until she sat beside the bed then placed his hand over hers.

“Whit received a telegram. Crowley and Pike have been seen east of Grand Platte. Pike was asking questions about the Pickett land, and Missouri lawmen wanted to question him about other trouble there.”

Eden removed her hand and folded them tightly in her lap. “And Josiah?”

“The marshal in Hillsboro is asking questions about his accident. Someone gave a new statement, but we don’t know what it says.”

She drew a breath, slow and uneven.

“The man who came to Papa’s office,” she said. “I wrote to ask about him.”