The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [111]
“Tell you what,” Parker said. “I have a few connections in Austin. I’ll contact the law school on your behalf and see what I can find out about entrance requirements. It’ll be a couple of years before Denver has a law school.”
“I’d appreciate it. Not sure how I’d repay you.”
“I may need a good lawyer one day. Sure would like to use one who’s in the family.”
Life was going to work out … Dreams had a way of making a man wear a smile. The fight to find the lawbreakers in the community hadn’t ended, but the road at the end sure had a sweeter look. At least Simon was in jail, which meant Ember was safe.
Bert walked through what was left of the garden, searching for a single tomato or cucumber. Most everything had withered or gone to seed, except for the root vegetables. With winter knocking at their door, she was glad to have been able to help Leah with all the vegetables. When the snow piled high, the canned and dried vegetables would taste fine.
Next spring, the process would start all over again. By then, she and John might have their own home. He longed to study law, and she longed to be right there beside him, even if it meant leaving Rocky Falls. She fancied a job for herself to help with expenses. This could be an opportunity to show him how much she loved him and wanted him to succeed. And she’d add more arithmetic and history to her reading and writing skills. John deserved a wife who would do him proud when they were with educated people. The thought both thrilled and startled her. A new life … God was indeed good.
A raven flew overhead, and she lifted her gaze. The bird’s croak and caw didn’t have the pretty song of other birds, but she enjoyed the response of another raven hidden from view. Gideon used to say a raven could laugh, but she’d always thought their calls were harsh.
“Well, if it isn’t my little sister.”
Bert froze. Clint. She whirled around. “Why are you here?”
“That’s a fine welcome.”
“You’re not welcome.” She planted her hands on her hips, not even recognizing her own response to a man who could lay his fists into her as harsh as Simon.
“Doesn’t matter. I’m here, and you’re going with me.”
“No. I’m not.” Her heart hammered into her chest until it hurt.
Clint sneered. “You’ve gotten brave since you ran off. I’ll have to take care of that.”
She recognized the same bullying traits as Simon. “Do what you want, but I’m not going anywhere with you.”
Clint’s hard glint reminded her of the many times he’d stood by when Simon beat her and turned his head when other vile things were happening. He nodded toward the house. “You know, John Timmons has a fine looking ma. And all four of his brothers look like hard working boys. Would be a shame if anything happened to them.”
A rock slide of fear crashed around her. “Leave them out of this. I’d think you’d be glad I’m gone.”
“You’re too valuable to let you run off.”
God, help me. “For what? You’ve stolen cattle and horses, and murder is pinned on all of you. I’d think you’d be long gone before the law catches up.”
“Not yet. Got to make sure Simon is let go. And that means one more job before we leave.”
“What kind of a job?”
“Clearin’ out the 5T of its cattle and horses.”
Losing all John and his family had worked for would destroy all of them. “Can’t you just take what you already have and move on?”
Clint sneered. His greasy hair hung to his shoulders, and he stank of the weeks without bathing. “What’s it gonna be, little sister? Leave with me now, or do I start target practice on your fancy friends?”
Do I pretend to cooperate?
“I need an answer!”
“I’ll go.” She’d find a way to escape and get word to John. God would help her fix this, make it right for John and his family. “What will you have me do?”
“You’ll see. Lester and I found out you told the law about Simon. Gotta pay for betraying the family. It’s your fault this ranch will have nothing but empty pastures.”
How did they get the information about Simon so quickly? Someone in the area must be supplying them with it.
Bert refused to be defeated. Her brothers would