Faster Than the Rest by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
Published: 2013-08-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Sam opened the door and motioned for Victoria to enter first. She started to follow his lead but stopped abruptly when she saw who was standing by the desk.

“Here to gloat, Marshal?” Victoria said with as much pride as she could muster while glaring into stone cold eyes.

Jamie winced at her words, but said nothing, just continued to help Ned outside to his wagon. At least Nell said nothing about Victoria. Her focus was on her still somewhat inebriated husband.

By the time he returned, Sam had secured Victoria in the farthest cell from the front. At least she’d have some privacy. Most of the cells had bars on three sides, which prevented prisoners from concealing items. This one was at the far end, with bars only in the front and a solid wall between it and the adjoining cell. The other cells were sparse, but this one had a small desk and chair as well as the standard cot. There were no drawers to stash her belongings, but at least she had a bag to hold her clothing, books, pen, and paper. There was an outhouse behind the jail that she could use, and fresh water was provided three times a day.

Jamie walked to the back and took in the cell. His gut clenched. Is this what he wanted? Did he still believe she deserved to be punished for the pain she’d caused him all those years ago? She looked so small standing alone, looking up at the only window, which was too high to see anything but the clear blue sky outside.

She must have sensed his presence. She turned and stared directly at him. “Deputy Browning?”

“What can I do for you, Mrs. Wicklin?”

“Is the marshal required to be here?” To her own surprise, Victoria’s voice was steady and strong.

“No, Mrs. Wicklin, he’s not required to be here. If the marshal’s presence upsets you, I’ll have him leave.”

“He doesn’t upset me, deputy. His presence is insignificant, really. But I’d prefer to be left alone.” She turned her back on Jamie and pretended to assess her new living quarters. She didn’t know how long she could keep her composure with Jamie watching her. It was hard being arrested for something she hadn’t done, but so much harder to know the man she loved believed her to be guilty.

Jamie didn’t budge. He just stood there, staring at her back, his gut twisting and his emotions in disarray. The truth slammed into him. He still loved her. Had always loved her. “I know you won’t believe me, Torie, but I’m sorry. Sorry it came to this. More than anything, I regret that you think I want you here, in jail. That’s not what I want. Not even close.” He stopped, not wanting to say too much. “Don’t blame Sam. He had no choice.”

She said nothing. Just stood with her back to him and stared at a blank wall.

He finally realized she had no intention of answering or absolving him of guilt. He walked back to the desk.

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