what the preacher said.” Thankfully, the words came out steady, as if that was the only thing on his mind. He headed to the sickroom. Glanced toward the bedroom where the children slept.
“They went to bed easily enough, did they?” He needed someone to assure him the children were all right.
“Sleeping like babies,” Miss Morton said. “Listen. You can hear their breathing.”
The room grew quiet as they all strained to hear the sound. It was the sweetest sound he’d heard in a long time. And he said so, earning him a warning look from Miss Morton.
“What? You don’t agree?”
“Of course I do, but they are my children.”
“Doesn’t mean others can’t enjoy their innocence.” He didn’t wait for her response but went to check on the preacher.
The man stirred at the sound of Ryder’s entrance. “I’m thirsty.”
Ryder put his hand behind the preacher’s head to assist him and held the glass of water to his mouth.
The preacher drank greedily, which Ryder knew was a good sign. “Are you hungry?”
“No. My stomach rolls when I lift my head.”
“The doc said you should stay flat until the dizziness passes.”
“It sounds like a good idea to me.” The preacher pressed a hand to his head. “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a headache, thank the good Lord.”
“You rest. I’ll be nearby if you need anything.” Ryder couldn’t remain sitting at the bedside until he’d checked the doors and windows.
The two ladies sat at the table though he knew they must be tired. Their day had started very early.
“You might as well go to bed. I’ll be on watch.”
Miss Morton’s head came up. “How will you stay awake? You didn’t get to bed last night.”
“I’m a light sleeper.” Something he’d honed to a keen edge when threats followed Cody’s arrest. Threats, rocks thrown at the house, people calling them horrible names… He’d learned to sleep with one eye open and a good-sized club within reach. Something he’d never had to use, but he wasn’t about to take a chance that some of those threats didn’t become action.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Miss Morton protested. “Not when I don’t know if we’re safe. Or where the danger lies.” She carefully avoided looking at him, which made her meaning clear.
She didn’t trust him. Not that he could criticize her for being cautious. Until they captured those men, it was a good time to be wary of everyone.
“Suit yourself. I’ll stay with the preacher.” He returned to the bedroom and positioned the chair so he could lean back and closed his eyes.
The ladies murmured together. Feet trod across the floor. A door squeaked. Had they both gone to bed, or was stubborn Miss Morton keeping her post at the table?
Ryder jerked awake and slowly lowered all four legs of his chair to the floor, careful not to make a sound. Something had awakened him, and he strained to identify every sound. A floorboard squeaked. Pale light seeped past the curtains. One of the occupants of the house was stirring. Soon everyone would be up. He rose and stretched.
The preacher opened his eyes and watched Ryder. “Do I know you?”
Ryder pulled the chair around to sit facing the man. He gave his name. “I own the shop next door.”
“The harness and saddlery shop?”
“That’s right.”
The preacher looked around the room. “Where am I? What day is it?”
“Tuesday, and you are in the café and bakery.”
The preacher started to sit up. “I need to get about my business.”
Ryder reached out to restrain him. “You need to rest.”
The preacher waved him away and dropped his feet to the floor. “Where’s my clothes?”
To Ryder’s surprise, he seemed fairly steady. “The ladies washed them.”
“Could you get them for me?”
Ryder hesitated to leave the man. “I don’t know if they’re up yet. It’s early.” He hoped that was enough for Ezra to give up the idea of getting dressed.
Ezra rubbed his eyes. “I’m dizzy.”
“Best you lie down again.” Ezra made no protest as Ryder eased him back to the pillows. “Do you feel like eating?”
“Tea would be nice. And maybe a biscuit.”
Ryder left the room. Both ladies were busy preparing food. More than enough for those in the house. “Do you think it’s wise to open the café today?”
Miss Morton answered for them both. “We discussed it and decided we would keep the door locked but open up to local people. After all, some might not have any other arrangements for their meal.”
Ryder didn’t even bother to voice a protest as he knew the decision had