Page 147 of In These Hills

Dodge made a move toward him, and Sheriff Rigby’s hand went to the gun at his waist.

“Gentlemen, please . . .” Miss Mary stepped between them. “Let’s everyone take a deep breath. Sheriff Rigby—Virgil. Have you considered that this Clay Darden character could just be spinning a tale to cover his own hide? After all, like you said, his father is the mayor of Atlanta, and this young Darden knows that if his heinous actions came to light, he’d face swift justice. Not to mention the shame it would bring to his family. You have to see that.”

“Heinous still needs to be proven—Mary. But yes, I do see that. Just as I see that this young woman has been deceiving you from the very start. Here in your own home. Telling you she was married and running from a husband who’d beaten her. Am I right on that count?”

Seeing the struggle in Miss Mary’s hard stare, with a look, Josephine encouraged her to answer. At the same time, Dodge looked back, and only then did Josephine see the small bottle in his hand. She wished the laudanum were already in her.

“While it’s true, Sheriff,” Miss Mary began slowly, “that she wasn’t fully forthcoming about her situation at first, I think—”

“Here’s how it is,” Sheriff Rigby cut in, his voice rising. “Miss Dunham is wanted in Georgia for attempted murder, so I’m taking her back to Atlanta to stand trial. I made a promise to the citizens of Lynchburg to uphold the law, and—”

“Uphold the law?” Dodge gave a brittle laugh. “You’re doing this for the reward money, aren’t you, Rigby.”

“That’s Sheriff Rigby, and I don’t know what you’re talking about, Coburn.”

But the telling look the deputy slid the sheriff confirmed it. The anger in Dodge’s expression told her he’d seen it too, and she felt the remaining strength drain from her body.

“Sheriff Rigby, a question or two, if I may.” Mr. Daniel’s voice held surprising control. “Have you actually laid eyes on that warrant? And don’t you need it before hauling this young woman back to Atlanta? Word is, this Clay Darden fellow was severely burned. How can you even trust the claims of a man whose mind is surely so addled by pain?”

“Well, Uncle Jack . . . Fact is, I don’t have the warrant in hand. And I haven’t seen it yet either. But ever since I met this woman, my gut’s told me she’s lying about something. But what’s convinced me even more that my gut is right—” A slow smile curved his mouth. “Is that not a one of you has challenged me on calling her Miss Dunham.” His stare moved to Josephine. “Not even you, ma’am.”

Jarred by his admission—and her own lack of awareness—Josephine felt her last thread of hope snap clean in two.

“So while I may not have that warrant in hand, under the authority of law, I do have the right, Miss Dunham, to take you into custody and hold you for up to seventy-two hours, time to get confirmation of that warrant. Which I’m betting I’ll get from Atlanta in record time.”

“Excuse me, for interrupting—”

All eyes turned to see Doc Wyatt standing in the doorway. How long he’d been there, Josephine couldn’t tell. But the way his gaze moved around the room before quickly settling on her, told her long enough.

“I’m here to see my patient. She needs medical attention, and I need to do a thorough examination. Also, I should tell you . . . Clay Darden just died.”

Josephine’s eyes fluttered closed, relief and dread welling up inside her.

“Well, seems that arrest warrant just got a little weightier.” Sheriff Rigby gestured. “Doc, you got ten minutes.”

“Sheriff, I have whatever time I need to tend my patient. You and your deputy—and your promise to uphold the law—can just wait outside until I’m finished.”

Begrudgingly, Sheriff Rigby and his deputy left the room, and Calla closed the door firmly behind them.

Dodge knelt by the bed. “Josephine, I will not let him take you back there to stand trial. I’ll—”

“Dodge . . .” Doc Wyatt laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Let me see to her first. You and Mr. Daniel need to step outside as well.”

A short while later, Doc Wyatt straightened.

Calla helped situate her nightgown while Miss Mary pulled up the covers.

“Your lower lumbar is already showing signs of contusion, Miss Dunham. Deep bruising,” he added quickly. “Same for your arms. Thankfully, I detect no damage to your kidneys or spine. Which, frankly, surprises me, considering how quickly the bruises are turning. You’ll be very sore for a few days. Standing or sitting for long hours will be painful for the next week or so. But you’re young and strong, and should make a full recovery.” He paused. “And I am thankful to God that the injury I suspected earlier did not occur.”

Tears rose to her eyes, and she nodded. “Thank you, doctor.”

Surprisingly, emotion rose in his eyes as well. “This world is not a just place,” he said softly. “And though I did everything within my power to save that man’s life just now, I will admit, if only in this room, I am grateful my efforts failed.”

“Amen,” Miss Mary whispered behind him.

“Now with your permission,” he continued. “I will share your condition with Dodge and Uncle Jack, then will do my best to impress upon the sheriff that gentleness be mandated.”

Once he left the room, Josephine managed to sit up with help, the laudanum already taking effect. The poultice he’d applied to her palm before bandaging it was working to ease the fiery pain.