uncertainly around the lawyer to see if her father or Harding accompanied him, but there was no one else on the porch.
"I realize, and I apologize, but this is important. I tried to speak with your father first, only... He and his friends are a trifle under the influence. Mr. Monteigne has just been placed under arrest, and I understand there will soon be a warrant for you. We've got to get you out of here before that can happen."
Shocked, Evie swung the door open and gestured for Hale to enter. He shook his head and remained where he was. "There isn't time. I've got my carriage out back. I'll take you out to the Harding ranch where you'll be safe until I can straighten this out. Does the name Dorset mean anything to you?"
Evie shook her head in puzzlement. The name rang a bell—Dorset! The man who had stolen Tyler's plantation. The man who had tried to cheat at cards. Her eyes widened. "That's ridiculous. The man's little better than a cheat and a thief. I can't believe he came all the way out here to make such false accusations."
"Well, he has, and it will take some time to disprove them. Unless you wish to suffer the unpleasantness of sitting behind bars while I straighten this out, you'd best come with me." Hale held out his hand.
Evie refused it. "I can't. Manuel and Jose are missing. I can't go anywhere until I know where they are. Daniel's out looking for them now. I'm certain they will be back shortly." She felt Carmen coming up silently behind her. This was a terrible way to bring up children. They should be protected from these kind of sordid goings on.
"I'm certain matters will be in good hands with their sister and your brother in charge. Go pack a few things in a bag. There isn't any time to spare." Hale finally entered the house, his nervous energy adding to the urgency of the situation.
Evie wanted to resist, but Carmen had already gone for a valise, and Mr. Hale looked as if he were ready to suffer apoplexy. She would almost rather go to jail than accompany him, but she supposed it would be much more pleasant to hide at the Hardings' ranch. She would be of more use to Tyler if she were free and could come to his defense.
"Is Mr. Harding going with us? He left with my father. I really need to see them before I run off like this."
"Miss Howell, there is no time to wait. Carmen will tell them where you've gone when they come back. If you'll just hurry, I can explain everything."
Howell. He called her Howell. She caught his eye, and the knowledge was there. He knew, and he was going to tell her everything. Excitement rippled through Evie's veins. No more charades. No more pretending she was what she wasn't. He was going to explain about her mother and the trust and then she would have the funds to help Tyler fight Dorset and to give the children a good home, and everything would be all right again. It would be almost like having Nanny with her again.
Giving Hale a quick look, Evie hurried to the bedroom to gather a change of clothing and her nightgown.
She was back in minutes, wrapping a mantle around her shoulders and adjusting her hat. "Are you certain the Hardings won't mind? They're friends of the sheriff. Won't they object to hiding a fugitive?"
"They're family, Miss Howell. The Hardings stick by family. Now lets hurry."
"Daniel still isn't back. I'm afraid something has happened to the boys. Let us take a quick look first. I can't leave without telling them why." Evie hurried toward the door.
Hale grabbed the valise that Carmen was carrying and hurried after her. He caught Evie's arm as she started down the alley toward town. "You can't go that way, Miss Howell. Someone will see you."
"Well, they'll have to see me. I need to see Daniel." She kept going despite Hale's hampering grip. Spying a movement in the shadows, she shook off his hand and almost ran down the alley.
"Daniel!" She knew his movements anywhere. The shadow stepped forward, and she could see the jerk of his crutch.
"Evie, what's going on? I just saw the sheriff with Tyler. Is something wrong?" Daniel gave Hale a quick look, but his attention was focused on Evie.
"Dorset is in town. He's swearing out warrants for Tyler's arrest and mine. Mr.