Grace had other ideas. Daniel had just returned from the bathhouse,
where he'd washed and changed into clean clothes, and was standing on
the veranda talking to Dr. Lawrence when Grace came down the stairs.
Dressed in a pale pink skirt and matching blouse, she carried her white
gloves and hat in her hands, and went directly to the manager's desk to
inform him that she was leaving. Sloan trailed behind her, carrying
her valise.
Daniel didn't like the crowd in the lobby. Folks were checking out of
the hotel, and it was chaotic. He quickly went to Grace's side and
ordered her back upstairs.
'You can rest until this afternoon when the coach arrives.'
'I don't wish to rest any longer. I feel fine, ' she insisted. 'Have
you changed your mind about taking me to Texas? ' 'No.'
'I didn't think so, but I was compelled to ask. We need to talk,
Daniel.'
'Upstairs.
' 'No, not upstairs. Now, right this minute, then I expect you'll take
me off to jail.'
'I'm taking you to Texas, ' he whispered as he half dragged her into a
corner.
'Sheriff Sloan just told me they're holding a man in Blackwater and
they think he's one of the gang. Is that true? ' 'Yes.'
'Then why didn't you tell me? ' she demanded. 'I never would have .
. . ' 'You never would have what? ' 'I lied to you, ' she cried out.
'I'm not your witness. I only said that I was to protect Rebecca and
Jessica.
It was wrong and I'm sorry. Please don't be angry with me. Will I
have to stay in jail long? ' 'You aren't going to jail, ' he
muttered.
'But I lied to an officer of the law.'
'The three of you have done nothing but lie, ' he said. 'I honestly
don't know who to believe.'
'I'm telling you the truth now. I wasn't there.'
