for the killings. It neither cited a reason for the crime nor explained why the paper accused the gang. The article merely reported the outlaws were far from their usual route.
Casey felt Sarah’s gaze piercing through her. “Shawne, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Casey promptly folded the paper. Dear God, can’t Jenkins leave good people alone?
“Are you ill?”
Whatever happened to the days when she disguised her feelings? Casey laid aside the newspaper and smoothed the quilts around the woman’s thin shoulders. “You worry too much about other people and not enough about yourself.” She kissed Sarah’s wrinkled forehead. “I’m perfectly fine, except I think you should rest a little. I won’t leave the room. I promise. Later I’ll read the rest of the paper.”
“You don’t lie well, dear. It doesn’t become you.”
Casey felt her insides churn. “I read something about a father and son murdered for no apparent reason. The thought of innocent people killed disturbs me. That’s all.”
Sarah lifted herself slightly from the pillow, her gray-white hair properly pinned except for a few stray tendrils. “Does anyone know who did it?”
“The paper says an outlaw gang.” Her heart hammered against her chest.
“Which one?”
Casey hesitated. “Davis Jenkins and his bunch.”
“The Rangers will be on it, I’m sure. Even though their work has diminished for the last few years.”
Casey took a deep breath. Dread needled at her. “I hope so. This country needs to be tamed. Lawless men shouldn’t be allowed to take over.”
Sarah studied her. “Shawne, let’s talk about you.”
The silence proved deafening.
“Why me?”
“Because I want to tell you what I see and what I feel.”
Casey felt her head throb, and drops of perspiration gathered around her temples. “Are you sure this is necessary when you should rest?”
“This is a perfect time. My dear child, you can run from the past, but until you reckon with it, yesterday will haunt you.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t intend to pry or make things painful for you, but I’m your friend. I think you need to talk about this with an old lady who loves you very much.” Sarah reached to take Casey’s hand. “God does put special people in our lives—to be our friends, to help do His work. You have been such a comfort to me. Let me repay you by helping with whatever troubles you.”
“I’m the one who’s blessed.” Casey couldn’t lie to Sarah, not the woman who lived as a beacon of patience and courage.
“I’ve often seen a strange look in your eyes. It tells me you’re afraid. Shawne, my feelings are rarely wrong. Who or what are you afraid of?”
Casey pulled away from Sarah’s scrutiny. The truth longed to be set free. “You’re right. I’m afraid.”
“Would you share with me your heavy load?”
“Isn’t God supposed to carry all our burdens?”
“Yes.” Sarah smiled. “But we have to allow Him to work through other people, too.”
Hopelessness swelled inside her, and she fought the tears threatening to flood her eyes. “I’m so ashamed of my life.” She hesitated to gain control. “I despise it, and I couldn’t bear to see the hurt in your eyes if you knew the truth.”
“You’ve read the Scriptures.” Sarah smiled so sweetly, as though the angels in heaven painted her face with love. “The truth is what sets us free, and neither God’s love nor mine comes with any conditions.”
Casey eased her hand from Sarah’s and rose to face the window. “I don’t know where to begin.” The morning sun had climbed nearly to the rooftop, and in its place spread a sky so blue . . . perfect . . . innocent. She took a deep breath. “The outlaw gang in the paper, Davis Jenkins and Tim O’Hare, do you know much about them?”
“Only what I’ve read about in the newspapers. I guess I know as much as the next person.”
A plea for help sped silently to the One who could provide the courage she needed. “Well, they’re looking for me. At least they used to be. I’m Tim O’Hare’s sister, Casey.”
When she heard no response from Sarah, Casey continued. And in the peaceful stillness of the room, surrounded by green plants and purple violets, the story unfolded.
“. . . After the problem in Deer Creek, I took off again and ended up here in Kahlerville. Again, I have lied to protect myself. I feel dirty and ashamed. Sarah, I realize my sins are worse than others, and the more I deceive people, the more I hate myself.” She rubbed her arms as though she could eliminate the