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“They might come after the papers,” Eden said. “Or they might hope we rush to protect them and leave somewhere else unguarded.”

A scrape sounded from the sickroom. Jesse was shifting against the pillows.

“Bass,” he called.

Bass went to the doorway. “I’m listening.”

“Don’t sell a single inch. Don’t give them the chance to pick which door’s open.”

“We won’t.”

“Send someone to the ranch. Check on Aunt Cleo. Quietly.”

Bass nodded to Whit. “I’ll put Beau and Walter on it.”

“Tell Marmee,” Jesse added.

Simon gave a short, rueful laugh. “She’ll take offense if we don’t.”

“Then let her help.”

Eden heard the affection beneath Jesse’s impatience. These people were frightened, but none of them was helpless. Not even the man who could barely lift himself against the pillows.

Whit folded the map. “I can put watchers on the old road and at the crossing before sunrise. Bass, you stay out of sight. I’ll send word to Marshal Davis and have Crowley questioned about the bell.”

“And the records?” Eden asked.

“Simon and I will see what Marmee has that might identify Pike or Rusk. We’ll move anything important tonight. No public gathering.”

Bass studied the threat. “What about nine o’clock?”

No one answered at once.

From the other room Jesse said, “Ring it.”

Whit looked toward him.

“One ring,” Jesse continued. “Let them think we’re willing to talk. Then see who comes looking for a deed.”

Whit considered. “That may work, provided no one goes near the church without my say-so. I want the bell rope handled by one of my men, and I want a clear view of the approaches.”

Bass’s jaw tightened. “You’re asking me to pretend I’d bargain with people who hurt my brother.”

“I’m asking you to let the law catch them,” Whit said.

Emily laid a hand on Bass’s sleeve. After a long moment, he nodded.

They worked through the arrangements without calling the entire town into the clinic. Simon marked the places on the map. Whit assigned his deputies. Beau would check the ranch and return before dark. Whit would warn Marmee discreetly, and the women would remain together in safe houses until the men knew where Rusk intended to strike.

Eden watched Whit fold the threatening letter into his notebook. “I’ll need that back eventually,” she said.

“It’s evidence.”

“I know, but it concerns Josiah.”

“I’ll have a copy made,” he promised.

After he and Simon left, Bass lingered at Jesse’s door.