“Would you be willing to let me turn myself in, in the morning? I’d like the chance to get my affairs in order.”
Will watched the shadows cross the marshal’s face. To let a man accused of bank robbery walk when the safest bet was to take him in was unheard of. But the marshal believed in his innocence. Plus, the first time Will had faced accusations, he’d turned himself in. At the time, he’d stupidly believed that he’d be released after he explained things. That hadn’t happened. He’d only obtained his release after they’d determined they didn’t have enough evidence to hold him. His possession of the gun changed things.
“I’ll give you the gun,” Will said slowly. “If I don’t show up tomorrow morning, my face will be on every wanted poster either side of the Divide.”
The marshal held out his hand. “You’re a good man, Will Lawson. I’ll do what I can to put in a good word for you.”
Will shook the other man’s hand, then pulled out his gun, holding it out so the marshal could take it. “Take good care of this, will you? If I come through this, I’d like to have it back as a reminder of my father.”
“He was a good man, too. Raised you right. Shame about what happened to him.”
The marshal’s words gave Will hope he hadn’t dared hope before. Since his father’s death, not one person had expressed kindness toward the situation. Perhaps others felt the same way but were too afraid, given the high sentiment running against him.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Now I’m going to turn my back, real slow, so’s I can examine the progression of the fire. When I turn around, I’ll expect you to be on your way. I’ve got some deputies due soon, and if they spot you, I’m going to have to bring you in. Understand what I’m saying?”
Will would be leaving the place a wanted man. With just enough time to say his goodbyes before he’d be put in jail to await a trial.
“Thank you.”
The marshal didn’t say anything but turned around very slowly. Jasper grabbed Will’s arm, helping him up.
“Let’s get out of here.”
The men ran, sometimes with Jasper dragging Will’s fatigued body down the street. Fortunately, they weren’t far from the Jackson mansion. Rather than going in through the front, Jasper took him around back through the servants’ entrance.
The entire place was lit up, and Will wondered if coming here was a mistake. It was likely the first place anyone would look. But he didn’t protest as Jasper guided him through the house and into a quiet room.
“You’ll be safe here,” Jasper said, pointing to a bed before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
Will couldn’t help but collapse onto the bed. Yes, he was safe. For now. But in the morning, he’d be on his way to jail and an uncertain future.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Rustling noises around Mary made her wake with a start. She looked around the elegantly appointed sitting room and realized she’d fallen asleep on the couch. Daylight streaked the room, and she saw that the tea tray had been taken away. Emma Jane and Frank had disappeared.
How had she fallen asleep at a time like this?
Mary rose and exited the room, looking for signs of life. The maid who’d attended them last night stepped into the hallway.
“You’re awake,” she said, smiling. “Mr. Jasper would like you to join him in his sitting room. Follow me.”
Mary looked around for signs of life. The entire house remained still. Quiet. Like a tomb. “What about Will? Is he here? Is he all right?”
The maid looked startled. “I can’t say, miss. Mr. Jasper returned alone last night.”
Alone. Tension knotted Mary’s stomach. He wouldn’t have left Will behind. Not unless—
No. She wouldn’t countenance such a thing. Will had to be all right, he just had to be. Now that Mary had finally realized she couldn’t continue punishing herself by denying her own happiness, she had to let Will know her true feelings. She had to tell him that she’d intentionally pushed him away and refused his kindness because she feared falling in love with him.
Of course it was too late to worry about such fears. She’d already fallen in love. And hard. What she’d had with Ben was a girlish infatuation. Now that she knew real love and the sacrifice of an honorable man, she couldn’t settle for anyone less than Will Lawson.
The doctor exited a room, closing the door behind him. Mary stopped. “How is my sister?”
“Sleeping.” He smiled at her gently. “She’ll be fine. I gave her something to help her sleep, to allow her body to heal. You’ve all been through quite the ordeal. I hope you’ll heed my words and get some rest.”
“Of course.”
Mary continued following the maid down the hall, grateful that her sister was going to be fine but even more eager to hear Jasper’s news. Surely Will was all right.
The maid opened a door at the end of the hall. “In here, miss.”
“Thank you.” Mary smiled at the girl, who’d probably had a rough time with all the excitement. “What is your name?”
“Alice, miss.” The maid curtsied and started to turn away, but Mary stopped her.
“Thank you, Alice. Your help has been much appreciated.”
The maid colored slightly before bobbing another curtsy and walking away. Mary entered the room.
Jasper lay on a sofa, clad in pajamas and a dressing gown. He smiled as she approached. “I apologize for my improper appearance, but mother insists I be treated like an invalid. I’m perfectly fine, I can assure you.”
“Were you badly injured?”
“Nothing a few days’ rest won’t cure.” The impish Jasper grin filled his face, only now it held an air of maturity Mary hadn’t seen in him before.
Their experience had changed him. Changed them all. Which was why talking to Will was imperative.
“Where is Will?”
The grin slipped from Jasper’s face. “He’s safe. For now.”
Jasper gestured to a nearby chair. “Please, sit. I can’t think with you
