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“Crowley may be using another name,” the sheriff said when she finished. “But we can ask after him.”

“There’s more,” Eden said. “If the old road is his route to the crossing, tonight’s rain may be an advantage.”

Simon, who had come in behind Bass, moved to the window. “Tracks at the bank could wash away before morning.”

Marshal Davis exchanged a glance with Whit. “We should check the crossing and the road that leads to it.”

“Quietly,” Whit said. “We don’t know whether anybody will be there.”

Bass had already reached for his hat.

Eden remembered Jesse’s fear his brother would ride out in anger. “He asked me not to let his memories start a fight.”

Bass stopped.

“He asked you that?”

“He knows you want the men who hurt him. So do I.” Eden held his gaze. “I promised I’d be careful with what he told me.”

Emily, seated near the hearth, spoke before Bass could answer. “Then be careful, Bassett.”

He crossed to Emily. Their words were too quiet for Eden to hear, but he bent to kiss her forehead before joining Whit at the door.

The sheriff gave instructions to the men. Beau and Bass would accompany him toward the south draw; the marshal would take the old road with Weston. Simon would stay to help coordinate messages if either party returned by a different route. It was the first plan Eden had heard that did not sound like a threat shouted across a table.

The men gathered their hats, but Marmee stepped between Weston and the door.

“Not before we pray.”

Weston set his hat aside and reached for his wife’s hand. Bass returned to Emily, while Beau bowed his head beside them. Around the room, conversation ceased.

Eden thought of Jesse lying in the clinic, unable to ride alongside his brothers. She knew he’d be worrying about every one of them.

Marmee bowed her head.

“Heavenly Father, we ask You to watch over these men tonight. Give them wisdom to know when to act and when to wait. Keep their horses steady and their footing sure in this weather. Protect them from those who mean harm and bring them safely home to the people who love them.”

Her voice softened.

“And Lord, be with Jesse. Give him patience as he heals and peace while his brothers are away. Remind us we needn’t carry our fears alone. We place these men in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

“Amen,” the others answered.

Bass kissed Emily’s forehead once more. Then he joined Whit at the door.

By late afternoon, the rain had settled into a steady downpour. Outside, horses stamped beneath the trees as Whit and the others gathered their reins. The men rode toward the south crossing, disappearing beyond the Chapman yard.

Simon remained behind. He had agreed to take Eden back to town and carry any messages that needed to reach the clinic.

Marmee stood beside Eden at the window. “You’ll have a long ride back in this weather.”

“I know, but I promised Jesse I’d return.”

“Then someone will see you there safely.”

For a moment, no one moved.

Then Marmee went to the writing desk. “June, keep those notes together. If the sheriff finds Crowley, he’ll need to know who saw him and when.”