and stomped toward them. “I’ve seen what the likes of her can do.”
“I will defend her, and you’d better listen to what I have to say! You’re a fool, Morgan. You haven’t the sense of a mule.”
“Don’t quarrel,” Casey said. “Morgan, give us a chance to tell you what happened.”
“Shawne, get back to the house.” Morgan’s stone like glare told fathoms. “I’ve got to talk to my brother.”
“You’re making a terrible mistake.” She stepped between him and Grant.
“Let me be the judge of that,” Morgan said.
She shook with the fury rising in her blood. Turning, she offered the revolver to Grant again, but he shook his head. “I don’t want it.”
“I don’t, either.” She handed the gun to Morgan and stared into his rigid face. “You always believe the worst about me. Always.”
“Go on back,” Grant said. “This is between him and me. Morgan’s going to listen to me whether he likes it or not.”
She shook her head.
“Go, please. You gave me something today to hold on to. Let me do this in return.”
She swallowed a lump in her throat and climbed onto her stallion. Morgan’s words had slashed her heart for the last time. Why, Lord? Are You punishing me for the past? Stinging tears blinded her. She must leave the ranch. Look for a new home, if such a place existed. She’d have to abandon Kahlerville, and this time ride to where no one would ever find her.
Behind her raged the sounds of arguing brothers. She imagined Grant pushing his brother into a fight, and Morgan growing angrier with every word. Their voices roared above the peaceful late afternoon, and she prayed the two didn’t resort to fists. She couldn’t stop them. Neither did she want to hear their heated quarreling. Morgan believed outlaw blood flowed through her veins, and the proof shouted from the gun he’d seen her offer Grant. One more time, he’d succeeded in reaching his own conclusions.
Nearing the house, she saw Jocelyn and Bonnie watching her ride their way. How much should she say? Let Morgan tell them the truth.
“I’ve got to pack.” She swung from the saddle with no thought to her dress and climbed the porch steps. I’m no lady. Never have been. Her eyes burned, and she refused to look their way. She despised this horrible display of emotion.
“Why are you so upset?” Jocelyn followed her into the kitchen. “Can we talk first? I’m sure there must be a misunderstanding.”
Casey shook her head in an attempt to walk past them as though nothing of importance had occurred. “Was it Morgan or Grant?” Bonnie said.
She paused to answer. “Neither. It’s me. I need to stay at the boardinghouse.”
“But we want you here.” Concern resounded in Jocelyn’s tone.
“I can’t. I don’t mean to be rude or unappreciative of your hospitality, but this is how it must be.”
“Won’t you tell us what brought this on?” Jocelyn said.
“Morgan’s fine.” Please leave me alone, so I can do what I have to do. “He and Grant should be along shortly.” She started up the stairs, then whirled back around. “Jocelyn, they aren’t fine. Maybe you should see if you can stop them from fighting.”
“I was afraid they’d fight over you,” Bonnie said. “Stupid men.”
“It’s not what you think. I only wish it was.” Casey climbed the stairs to her bedroom and hoped the two women didn’t follow. She’d wept more for Morgan Andrews than he deserved. All of his promises, his words of following God and of loving her, were lies. She hated him, and she hated herself for falling in love with him.
With a choked sob, she pulled her clothes from the small chest and stacked them on the bed. Never would a man hurt her like this again. She’d said it before, but this time she meant it.
Once she finished with her packing, a knock at the door interrupted her dilemma over how to get back to town. “Please, I’d like to be alone.” Casey snatched up a handkerchief and blew her nose.
“It’s Grant. May I come in?”
“I’d rather you didn’t.” She wiped the wetness from her cheeks. “I’m not good company. Would you mind taking me back to town?”
“Sure. Can we talk first? I won’t stay long.”
She didn’t want to be inconsiderate of him. After all, he’d done nothing but stand up for her. She tucked her undergarments beneath a dress. “Come in, then.”
The younger man walked in with Morgan behind him. “You didn’t say he’d be