He had one leg bent with his booted foot flat against the wall of the building. He tipped his hat to her.
He’d been waiting. What if he follows us or worse, since he’s faster on a horse, what if he ambushes us?
“Edward, I think we better go see Quinn now.”
He looked over toward the saloon. “My thoughts exactly.” He drove the wagon down the street and back around until he was into the vacant lot between the church and the mercantile. The church and the mercantile used it for parking.
The sheriff’s office was on the corner of the street across from the mercantile.
Edward jumped down from the wagon and went around and helped Adele out. They walked to the sheriff’s office and jail. When Adele stepped into the office, the first thing that hit her was the smell of hot coffee. The room was warm, almost too warm for her in her sheepskin coat. Next to the door was a large coat rack holding a Stetson and heavy canvas coat.
The man sitting behind the desk jumped up. He was clean shaven and tall with dark hair and warm golden eyes. He was very handsome. Quinn Cassidy also had a jagged scar on his left jawbone which did nothing to detract from his dark good looks. Sarah Cassidy was a very lucky woman.
Adele looked up at Edward and thought she was an even luckier woman if he’d ever forgive her for her lie.
Quinn came around the desk. “Adele. Edward. What can I do for you?”
Edward walked forward with his arm outstretched.
They shook hands.
“Richard Cavanaugh accosted us in the mercantile. He’s grown a full beard and is wearing regular clothes. He doesn’t look anything like he did when he shot Adele. You know he’s not staying in the boardinghouse. Maybe he’s in one of the rooms Lewis has above the bar in the saloon.”
“I checked with Lewis. He hasn’t rented any of the rooms to anyone. He might have found an abandoned cabin or homestead to stay in, but I haven't found that yet either. Seems very brazen for him to accost you after shooting Adele.”
“I agree,” said Edward.
“I warn you now he’s very rich,” said Adele. “He may try to bribe you into looking the other way.”
Quinn chuckled. “It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve arrested someone for trying to bribe me.”
“I will kill him if I cross him again. I’m taking no chances.” Edward slammed his fist against the wall. “I will protect my family.”
The sheriff’s mouth flattened into a straight line. “Understood. I hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“I hope it doesn’t either, but if I catch him on my land again, anywhere near Adele or Lissa, I won’t hesitate.”
Quinn nodded. “You do what you have to do and so will I.”
“Thank you, my friend.” Edward held out his hand.”
Sheriff Cassidy clasped his hand and shook it. “Anytime. It’s what I do and I must admit, I’ve been getting rather bored.”
Edward laughed. “I bet you are. We haven’t had any fugitives loose in a long time.”
“No we haven't. Don’t you become the first. If anything happens, you come to me straightaway.”
“If I can, I will.”
Adele dipped her chin. “Thank you and tell Sarah and the kids hello for us.”
“Will do.”
As Edward closed the door behind them and they began to return to the wagon, Adele looked down by the bathhouse and was relieved Richard wasn’t there. Perhaps he got cold and decided to hold up somewhere…probably the saloon.
She turned to Edward. “Maybe he left town.”
Edward looked down at her one eyebrow raised. “Do you believe that?”
Adele sighed. “No, I don’t. He’s just biding his time waiting until we get complacent again.”
“I know but we won’t get complacent. We will remain vigilant until he leaves town.”
“Do you really think he’ll leave?”
He didn’t answer.
CHAPTER 9
Adele had missed her menses. Counting the weeks on her fingers, she realized she had missed two cycles. She placed her hand on her stomach and smiled. She was expecting and couldn’t wait to tell Edward. But if I wait until Christmas Eve that would be a nice Christmas present. And since Thanksgiving is in two days, I have a long time to decide how to tell him.
She stopped thinking about her surprise for Edward and concentrated on the pies she needed to make. The breakfast dishes were done and Adele needed to start making pies for the celebration. Maybe now was a good time for me to let Lissa help again. She always helps with the