“Do you have news?”
“Well Doc just said he believes the fever broke.”
She sagged back against the chair. “Thank God.”
“I came out to speak to Ben. Clearly he’s in no condition for that now but … ”
An uneasy feeling knotted her stomach. “What’s wrong?”
“Perhaps we should talk privately?”
“All right.” Evie glanced over at the man who sat next to the bed and looked almost as tired as she felt. “I need to step outside with the sheriff for a moment.”
Dr. Black acknowledged her words with a nod. She stood and led the sheriff outside. Her gaze swept the area as she emerged from the cabin. She took a deep breath, enjoying the fresh air.
Sheriff Green moved in front of her. “Ma’am you’re aware your husband has … irritated folks?”
Evie could barely contain an unladylike snort. She arched an eyebrow and answered in a tone as dry as late fall leaves. “Yes.”
“In the time you’ve lived here he’s made questionable deals, caused trouble in town drinking and brawling, there’s more than one accusation of cheating and he’s suspected of-”
“Your point?” Her voice lowered to just above a whisper. That his words were true made them no less difficult to hear. “Are you trying to say Ben deserved what happened?”
“No ma’am, but I’m warning you some might see it that way.”
“Who? The person or people who hurt him? Do you know who did it?”
“The men Talbert fired were overheard celebrating that your husband was hurt. They also had his horse.”
“So you arrested them?”
“I did when they started a fight and tore up the saloon. But those are the only charges I’m holding them on.”
Evie shook her head, confused. “Not for attacking Ben?”
“I’ve no proof of that.”
“But you just said-”
“It’s not a crime to be happy that a man got beat up.”
“But…” With a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach, she tried again to protest. “ They-”
“All swear they had nothing to do with it.”
“They had his horse.” She enunciated each word with force.
“They claim they found it wondering loose, knew the mare belonged to you and were going to return it.”
Heat burned across her cheeks. “So you’ll do nothing.”
“Not much I can do ma’am. I rode out here hoping Ben could tell me something, some detail that might help but-”
“Dr. Black told you Ben might not remember.” Her hands twisted together. A band tightened around her chest.
“I hope for your sake he does.”
Wearing a calm mask, she met his gaze. “Why?”
“I can’t hold those boys long and I’ve heard ugly rumors.”
She stiffened. “Rumors?”
“Those boys are locals. They all grew up here.”
“And we’ve only been a here a few years.”
The sheriff nodded. “Word about the Talbert boy has gotten around. There’s not a whole lot of sympathy for your husband’s injuries. In fact there’s some anger directed at him still.”
“I see.” Her stomach rolled.
“Ma’am I’ll do my best but I’m only one man.” His serious tone and the concern in his gaze, slammed his message home. The neighbors likely wouldn’t help if someone decided to hurt Ben again and the sheriff couldn’t protect him.
“I understand.” Her hands clasped tight together. “Anything else? I should get back to my husband.”
Sheriff Green studied her for a tense moment. “I brought your horse back. She’s in the barn.”
“Thank you.”
“I checked the saddlebags. They were empty. Did Ben have anything of value?”
“Not that I’m aware of.”
“Has he brought home any extra money?”
“What are you really asking?”
“It’s important I have the facts ma’am. Did he have any –?”
“No. There’s no money here. You’re welcome to look if my word isn’t good enough.”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Dr. Black strolled from the cabin. “I need to get going.”
“Of course.” Evie managed a stiff smile. “Thank you.”
Without waiting to see either man off, she stepped into the open doorway. Evie paused there. Her fingers gripped the wood frame hard. The sound of hooves and wheels faded as she stood, staring at Ben who slept yet again. Her head bowed. Worn out, she felt alone, abandoned.
A surge of fury suddenly crashed over logic. Her chin lifted and she glared at her husband. Evie stomped across the room, snatched up a pot, set it down hard on the table. A quick glance showed Ben undisturbed.
I’m tired of understanding.
Lips tight, Evie shook her head. Being patient. She put chicken broth and dried vegetables in the pot then hung it over the fire on a hook Ben had fashioned. Feeling alone in the same room. Her actions jerky, she pulled a small crock off a shelf then opened the towel wrapped around the half loaf of cornbread.
Her hands shook as she cut off a couple of slices then smeared butter over them. Movements slowed. Tears fell.
Evie looked over at Ben. Hair fell untidy across his forehead, his face a patchwork of charcoal smudges, a few more colorful bruises and pallid skin. I almost lost you.
Drained she made no effort to wipe her cheeks. Slowly she moved her chair back next to the bed. She grabbed her snack, poured a mug of coffee and sat down. Without enthusiasm, she washed her food down with bitter liquid. When she finished, Evie reached out and touched his chest.
Her fingers lingered, moving in a soft caress. A dark brown mat of hair spread out over his upper body until it disappeared beneath his bound ribs. Evie laid her palm flat on his lower belly a moment then pulled back. Sadness whispered. She’d all but forgotten how it felt to touch him. She stared at the dregs of her coffee, and rocked herself for comfort.
