The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [51]
Bert didn’t know how to feel about Leon’s death. Although he’d tried to hang her, she didn’t want him dead. And she was relieved he’d stolen the cattle and not Simon and her brothers. “Did they find the cattle?”
“No, but a couple of the men are looking for them. He most likely wasn’t working alone.”
Bert refused to dwell on the missing cattle. The livestock would be found and returned … soon. Her thoughts focused on John and how badly he might be wounded. Had anyone ridden to tell Leah? She remembered the distraught look on Leah’s face when John rode off with Marshal Culpepper and then with her this morning. And the tears. The poor woman would be devastated.
I’d kill anyone who tried to hurt one of my sons.
“If he was hurt real bad, I would have been told.” Bess puffed at their fast pace. She pointed farther down the street. “The doc’s house is on the edge of town.”
They couldn’t get there fast enough to suit Bert, and she wanted to run. Goodness, she’d had enough practice with that. God, if You’re really there, make sure John’s all right. Strange. She had no idea if anyone heard. Maybe some of Bess’s talk had rubbed off.
CHAPTER 22
John hated the fuss being made over him. He’d been hurt worse wrestling with his brothers. But there he was with Doc Slader, and his left arm stinging worse than the time he broke it crossing the St. Vrain on slippery rocks. Evan could have bandaged him up just fine — just like he did for hurt animals on the ranch. “Aren’t you done?”
Doc chuckled. “I don’t want any infection setting in. Modern medicine says wounds must be cleaned. Unless you want to risk losing your arm.”
“Very funny.”
“You sure are in a good mood.”
John closed his eyes. “A man’s dead, and I’m not going to be much use to Bob or my brothers for a while.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d swear I was talking to Parker.”
John felt a smile tug at his lips. “Thanks. Those are hard boots to fill.”
Doc wiped his hands on a blood-stained towel. “You’re doing a fine job for this town. Always have. I think you were born all grown up.”
He’d heard that before. Mama had always said his middle name was “responsibility.” Actually his middle name was Parker.
A knock on the door seized John’s attention. Must be Bob since he said he’d be right back.
“Come in,” Doc said.
The door opened and Bert, pale and trembling, walked in with Widow Bess right behind her. John wanted to see the young woman … and he didn’t. She looked upset. Was it because Leon was dead? Or because he’d been hurt? “Evenin'.”
Bert wrung her hands. “Are … are you going to be all right?”
He forced another smile through the pain in his upper arm. “Sure. Isn’t much at all. A scratch. But Bob insisted I see the doc.”
She took a step closer. “Did anyone ride out to tell Miss Leah and your brothers?”
“No need. This is nothing. Really.” Why didn’t Bess say something? He nodded at the older woman. “I appreciate your keeping Bert busy and giving her a place to stay.”
“You already told me those same words once today. Ah, Ember’s a hard worker. I can use her help for as long as she needs food and a bed.”
John realized Bert could return to the ranch. But he wasn’t sure how he felt about the constant friction between him and Evan with her there. Grimacing, he chose to consider it all later when he was able to think straight.
“When do you think you’ll be able to ride home?” Bert said.
“As soon as Doc’s done.”
“I’ll hog-tie you to the bed if I have to.” Doc’s tone left no room for argument. “You’re bone tired, and there’s nothing going on that can’t be taken care of in the morning.”
“Yes sir.” John felt like one of Doc’s nine boys. He swung a look at Bert. Oh, he could get lost in those eyes. “Looks like I don’t have much choice but to wait until morning to ride home.”
“Supper and breakfast are on me,” Bess said. “Whew, John. You gave us a scare.”
“Gave myself one too.” He tried to sit up. When the agony in his arm forced him back down, he mentally conceded to Doc’s request. “Thought I was on the road to meet my Maker.”
“I thought