“I think of you altogether too often. I can’t help myself.”
She cradled the pillow to her as she gazed at him. “Maybe I shouldn’t be but I’m glad.”
She laid the pillow on the bed. “I’ve grown to depend on you being here. You’re considerate and kind and I appreciate those qualities.” There was more she wanted to say but couldn’t. Whirling away, she picked up a quilt and he helped her spread it on the bed.
He ducked his head and walked to the washstand. He opened the top drawer and used his revolver’s tip to move things. “I wasn’t either of those when I started my trip. I was selfish and cold-hearted. I’ll explain to you when we have more time.”
Davie came in. “Mama, I buried the snake’s head. Moose is going to show me how to make a snakeskin band for my hat.”
Moose called, “You fellas comin’? Sheriff is ready to leave.”
Charlotte ran toward the kitchen. “I’d better send you some food. If there’s no time for sandwiches, at least I can send bread and cheese and apples.”
Sheriff Haney stood slapping his hat against his leg. “That’d be nice, Mrs. Dunn, but only if you make it fast. We have to get where we’re going by dusk.”
She hurried, slicing cheese and thick slices of bread and wrapping them in a cup towel. She stuffed that over several apples in one of the cloth sacks she’d sewn for the purpose.
After handing it to Bret, she looked into his blue eyes. “You’ll be careful.”
“We will.” He held her fingers overlong as he took the parcel of food. “Davie, I know I can count on you to take care of everyone here. We have no idea how long this will take.”
“Yes, sir, I’ll take good care of them, I promise.” He stood erect and puffed out his chest.
Bret met Charlotte’s gaze. “Try not to worry.”
Charlotte and her children waited on the porch while the men rode away.
“Bring the dogs inside, Davie.” She looked at the pallet where her boys had slept last night and there had been a large rattlesnake this afternoon.
What a fiendish thing to do to anyone, but especially to children. It was a wonder the dogs hadn’t ferreted out the snake. If they hadn’t been so upset at being trapped inside while intruders were making mischief, they might have been victims.
Looking at the fireplace, she noticed the rifle wasn’t setting on its holder just right. She reached for it to straighten it but some second sense urged her to check it. Deciding this was as good a time as any to clean it she took it down and went to the kitchen table.
On closer examination, she discovered the screw holding the lever was missing.
Jimmy looked on while she worked on cleaning and oiling the rifle. “What would have happened if you’d shot the rifle?”
“I don’t believe I could have fired because the lever would have fallen off in my hand. Which is what someone wanted.”
Davie peered over her shoulder. “Mama, I know you said to pray for our enemies but I hate these people! They killed Papa and are trying to kill us.”
She turned and put her arms around her oldest son. “Oh Davie, I’m sorry it’s too late to help your father but I know he’d want us to stand fast. We’re going to win this battle now that Bret has helped us. The ranch is safe and the men are going after the cattle. The sheriff plans to make arrests.”
“I still can’t help hating them, Mama. I just can’t.”
Her heart broke for his pain. No child should have to go through all that these children suffered. “Will you try for my sake?” She was a hypocrite because she hated the criminals, too.
Davie wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “I’ll try. I know how hard you’re working for us.”
“Thank you, Davie. I’m proud of you. I’m proud of all three of you.”
Susie leaned against Charlotte’s arm. “What can we do, Mama? I want to help.”
“Remain alert. Right now, look on the floor by the fireplace for the screw while I clean the barrel. We need a dark screw about this long.”
She held her index finger and her thumb to indicate the length. “Maybe whoever did this threw the screw on the floor or on the hearth. I hope so because I don’t think we have this size or kind of screw in the tool box. Be careful where you step.”
The children examined the area.
Susie asked, “What if there’s another snake waiting?”
“There isn’t, dear. The men checked thoroughly.” Charlotte was furious because her daughter had to be worry about threats in her home.
Jimmy crossed his arms and stomped a foot. “Aw, I don’t see anything like a screw.”
Susie glared at him. “Keep looking. Mama needs us to find it so quit complaining and keep busy searching.”
Davie bent down near the front window. “I found a screw way over here. I’ll bet it’s the one you need.” He rushed toward her.
She accepted the prize he offered. “That’s the one.”
Relief swept through her. Now they wouldn’t have to wait until they could see the gunsmith in town. She didn’t want to be without the rifle. Soon she had the lever repaired.
Either the intruders counted on her using a malfunctioning rifle on the snake or planned to come back tonight. If so, she’d be ready for the polecats.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlotte wouldn’t let the children go to bed or play on the floor until she had rechecked each piece of furniture, under the furniture, and every corner. Every place Bret, Moose, the sheriff, and the deputy had checked was re-examined to be certain there were no more snakes or other traps waiting to strike during the
