Loving the Lawman (Roses of Ridgeway) by Alexander Kianna

Author:Alexander, Kianna [Alexander, Kianna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-03-10T17:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

Sitting in the parlor of the apartment, Valerie held Adam close to her heart. Mercifully, he'd fallen asleep, and that had given her respite from all the questions he'd been peppering her with about his Aunt Janice. She had no idea what to say to the child, but did her best to keep him calm and comfortable.

Across from her, Prudence was standing near the front window, looking down on Founder's Avenue. The drawn, tired expression on Prudence's face belied the long day she'd spent worrying about Janice's whereabouts.

Valerie released a pent up sigh as she cradled Adam's head to her chest. She was just as worried as they were about Janice, who was a good friend and a venerable educator for the children of Ridgeway. She hoped with everything in her that they would locate Janice, and bring her home safe.

Prudence spoke, breaking the heavy silence. "Noah's riding up the road, at top speed. Something's going on."

Valerie wanted to jump up, and join her at the window to see what was happening out there. Not wanting to wake Adam, she whispered, "Come and put him in my bed, then we'll go down there."

Prudence came over, and scooped the child into her arms. Once they'd tucked him into Valerie's bed, and let Bernard and Doris know they were leaving, they both dashed down the back steps and through the gate.

By then, Noah was hitching his stallion to the post outside the sheriff's office. Valerie rushed to his side, with Prudence on her heels. Curious citizens were milling about on the walk, and all eyes were on Noah.

Noah's angry expression gave her pause. His face was as red as a strawberry, and his mouth twisted into a scowl. She knew whatever news he was about to deliver would not be good.

Clearing his throat, he addressed the crowd of onlookers. "We've found Miss Smart."

Behind her, she heard Prudence let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was quiet, as if hesitating to say more.

Then he continued. "She's alive, but in dire need of medical attention."

"What happened to her?" The question came from Prissy, who stood on the plank walk in front of the library.

He took a deep breath. "I'm afraid she's been... assaulted and left for dead."

A collective gasp rose from the townsfolk assembled along the street. Valerie could hear some of the women weeping, and she had to cover her mouth with her hand to contain her own sob. Thinking of the horror Janice must have experienced put a pain in her chest and sent a chill down her back.

"Our own schoolteacher? Defiled by some cretin?" The angry words were shouted by Rod Emerson, the town carpenter, who held his fist in the air. "I've got a wife, a daughter, and a granddaughter, and I won't stand for it!"

As shouts of agreement rang out around her, Valerie couldn't help but wonder where all the commotion would lead. She hoped everything could be settled in a civil manner, but deep inside, she harbored her own anger at the situation.

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