Ben moistened his lips. “Looks that way. And Tim’s not riding with him to protect you.”
“He has his own priorities. My guess is he saw Jenkins passing up too many chances to bring in money. Where did your friend get his information?”
“A fella who used to ride with the Daltons.” He glanced about the parlor. “When’s Morgan going to have your case ready?”
“We’re meeting on Friday morning to go over it all.”
“I’m afraid we’re running out of time.”
She nodded. “Does your lawman friend suspect I’m in these parts?”
“He thinks you might be in Galveston. I haven’t told Morgan.”
“I will.” She swallowed hard.
“I’m wondering if you need to hide out until all of this is over.”
“And desert Sarah? She hasn’t long for this world, and I can’t leave her.”
“Even if it costs you your life?”
Casey forced a smile. “I’d rather go to my grave knowing I did something decent than run again.”
“There’s something I want to say. Now is as good a time as any.” His black mustache lifted in a half smile. “When you came down front that Sunday in church, I thought it strange a woman nursing the preacher’s wife was not saved. Then when I figured out who you were and heard your story, I realized you had left that part of your life behind. Folks who know you respect you. And I’m one of them. I intend to write a letter testifying on your behalf for Morgan.” He shrugged. “It might make a difference.”
Casey felt a surge of emotion. She blinked several times. “Thank you, Ben. I’m sure it will make a difference. Right now I’m trying to convince Morgan to let me share what I know with the federal marshals.”
“Every outlaw in the country will be after you then.”
She shook her head. “Only one.”
Chapter 25
The Friday morning Casey was to meet with Morgan to review his findings for her state pardon brought all of her misgivings to the surface. Sarah had spent a miserable night with severe vomiting. The poor woman had withered away to nearly nothing, and the constant sickness didn’t help the deterioration.
Both Casey and the reverend were exhausted. Sarah’s bed had to be stripped each time until there were no clean bed coverings left. Before sunrise, Casey managed to hang the wash out to dry. She already dreaded the morning with Morgan, certain his position as a reputable attorney was about to be challenged by his taking on an outlaw. She needed a little rest to perk up her spirits. Before returning to her own room, she checked on Sarah and found her crying. Wet vomit coated her hair and body. Casey put aside her own needs and bathed her dear friend. She brewed a cup of ginger tea to stop the retching, but the woman couldn’t drink it. Finally she slept.
Much later, Casey entered her own room only to discover Morgan’s arrival stood just moments away. She heard the door open downstairs and listened to the reverend greet him. Her entire body felt as though someone had given her a beating. The reverend needed his breakfast. She smelled of vomit, and her Bible hadn’t been opened. After peeling off her dress, she washed up and hurriedly dressed, then pinned up her hair. All the while, she stole glances at the clock racing ahead.
Emerging from her room shortly after nine, she cringed at the late hour. Morgan will be furious with me. She shuddered at the memory of his cold, hard stare. He’s gone to so much trouble for me, and I can’t even be on time.
“Good morning,” Morgan said as she hastened down the steps. “Whoa, girl.” He frowned.
“I’m so sorry.” Her heart pounded. “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting.”
He held up a cup of coffee that had been made hours before. “My concern is you. Slow down. The reverend and I have been talking and drinking coffee.”
“Reverend, you haven’t eaten breakfast.” She brushed past the two men to the kitchen. If Morgan was drinking the reverend’s coffee, he’d have a surly disposition for sure.
“I’m fixin’ it now. Have the biscuits all ready to set in the oven. You’re the one who needs something to eat. I just told Morgan how you were up all night with Sarah.”
“We both were.”
“Maybe so, but I don’t have an appointment with the best lawyer in town. Why don’t you sit down for a little while, drink some coffee, and at least eat a biscuit and apple butter?”