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“Miss Whitcomb,” Bass said. “Emily’s in the kitchen. She wondered whether you’d join her for supper.”

“It’s barely afternoon.”

“She plans ahead when she’s worried.”

Eden marked her page with a scrap of paper. “I’d welcome some company.”

Jesse almost asked her to stay. Instead, he said, “Don’t let Rose feed you anything she’s called medicinal.”

“Noted.” She laid the book on the table. “I’ll be back.”

He waited until her footsteps faded.

“What happened?”

Bass pulled the chair closer. “Crowley talked.”

“About Rusk?”

“Enough to worry Whit. Says Rusk left before dawn. The marshal doesn’t believe it.”

“Neither do I.”

“Crowley also said Rusk means to put one last offer before me. If I refuse, there’ll be trouble somewhere in town.”

Jesse pushed his elbow against the mattress. “What sort of trouble?”

“He claims he doesn’t know.”

“And you believe that?”

“Of course not.” Bass set his hat on his knee. “Whit has men watching the crossings and the road behind the church. He’s warned the businesses. No one’s walking home alone tonight.”

Jesse settled back, though every part of him wanted to be out there with them. “And the ranch?”

“Weston’s helping keep watch. No one moves anything through the south pasture without someone knowing.”

“Don’t meet Rusk alone. Not even if he offers you a bargain.”

“I won’t.”

“Bass.”

His brother met his gaze. “I’m listening.”

“Crowley said something before you took him. Rusk’s looking for people we care about.”

Bass’s hand tightened on the brim of his hat. “I know.”

“Emily—”

“Is with Carolina and Eden. I know that too.”

Jesse exhaled. Bass was frightened. He’d been frightened since the night they brought Jesse home senseless, and Jesse knew what happened when his brother tried to put fear to work.

“Don’t do anything foolish on my account,” Jesse said.

Bass’s mouth twitched. “You ask a good deal of a Pickett.”