She shivered and watched the sun slowly make its way beneath the horizon. “Do you have any idea how many times I’ve wanted to leave Kahlerville? But I’m so sick of running that it doesn’t matter anymore.”
“If Ben is on our side, we’re a step ahead of Jenkins and able to move ahead on your case.”
“So now Sheriff Kahler is going to protect an outlaw from an outlaw? And make her look lily white in the process?” Had Morgan been drinking?
“Trust me, I believe in your innocence, and I think he will too.”
Casey didn’t have any more appetite for supper than she’d had for breakfast. More than once over the last few weeks, she’d called herself stupid. Now the word rang in her ear. Bonnie and Jocelyn did their best to keep the talk light, but heaviness clouded them all.
“That’s it.” Ben pushed back his plate. “I can’t eat another bite. Can’t think of a better way to end a meal of fried chicken and potatoes than peach cobbler and cream. In fact, I could use a walk.” He smiled at Bonnie. “If you don’t mind, I need to talk to your friend.”
Bonnie paled. “Of course, Ben.”
Casey patted her hand and rose from the table. She caught Ben’s scrutiny, but then again, she’d felt it all evening. Without a glance at the rest of the family, she made her way to the door. This was between her and Ben.
With the sounds of night and the rapid beating of her heart, Casey breathed a quick prayer. “When did you figure it all out?”
“Yesterday. I’d suspected it for a long time, but I couldn’t imagine Morgan with—”
“Jenkins’s woman?”
“Uh, yes.”
“Are you arresting me?”
“No. Morgan told me a strange tale today. I want to see if your story matches his.”
“And if it does?”
“Then I promise to help him clear your name and protect you from those who want you dead.”
She heard the respect in Ben’s deep voice. “I know this has to be hard. Morgan’s your friend, and I see how you care for Bonnie.”
“I’d do anything for this family but sacrifice my principles.”
“I understand, and I respect that.”
“You’re a strange woman, Casey O’Hare.”
“I’ve been called a lot worse.”
He laughed. “Morgan is like a brother to me, and he loves you very much.”
“And I love him, but I want you to know this—I’m more concerned about risking the lives of the dear people of Kahlerville—the reverend and Sarah, all of them—than I am about saving my neck. Today I realized without a doubt that God brought me here to this place to settle up with the law. I can’t run anymore.”
“I have all night to listen. It wouldn’t be the first time I rode back to town in the dark.”
“Do you need an armed escort?”
Ben laughed, and that eased the tension between them for her to start at the beginning, when she and Tim had left their drunken pa and eventually fell into company with Jenkins and his gang . . .
“I know my story doesn’t fit with the newspapers or wanted posters, but it’s the truth.”
He shook his head and stared up at a full moon. “What I find rather odd is that Morgan’s story matches yours exactly.”
Her pulse quickened. “Then you believe me?”
“Guess I do. I’ll keep what I know to myself and give Morgan a hand in clearing your name. But if Jenkins rides anywhere near my town, I’m calling for help. The good people of Kahlerville will not be put in the middle of this.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”
*****
After Ben left, Morgan spent another sleepless night. Living at the cabin was like living inside a nightmare. Morgan thought he could conquer his fears, but they were winning. Thankfully, Grant had made it a habit to stop by each morning.
“Move into the bunkhouse until Casey leaves,” Grant said at the cabin door. He touched the worn curtains over the kitchen window—the ones Kathleen had made. “Staying here is crazy.”
“Maybe I’ll take a room at the boardinghouse. I’m reopening the law office. Haven’t told Casey yet, but, little brother, you don’t need me here.”
“An extra hand is always good, but you do what you feel is right.” He drew out a long breath. “If Pa hadn’t built this place, I’d help you set it on fire.”
“I’ve thought about it, but destroying a sound cabin won’t change the past.” Morgan stepped out into the morning air, a little cooler than the torrid days of summer. “I thought