Morning for Dove by Martha Rogers

Author:Martha Rogers [Rogers, Martha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian fiction, Christian, Fiction, Romance, Young women, Ranch life, Love stories
ISBN: 9781599799841
Publisher: Charisma House
Published: 2010-05-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Luke searched the crowd for Mr. Morris and spotted him down near the jail. “Martin,” he called. Martin turned. “Dove’s father is headed for the sheriff’s office. We’re going there too.” Dove shot him a look of terrified relief, and he sent her what he hoped was one filled with reassurance.

On the boardwalk in front of the jail, loud voices sounded from inside. Luke recognized Mr. Morris’s and Chester Fowler’s. Luke edged up to the door and peeked into the office. Sam Morris, Hawk Morris, Jake Starnes, and Chester Fowler still argued about the farmers and fences.

The sheriff raised his hands. “Look, no crime has been committed here. All I hear is accusation and anger. I suggest everyone calm down and go get some ice cream. If you don’t like it, Chester, then go on home and let the others enjoy the day.” He pointed a finger at the man. “But I’m warning you. If you or your sons do anything to spoil this event or to hurt the farmers and their families, you will hear from me.”

Luke’s breath caught in his throat and he almost choked. That had already happened. Not to the farmers, but to Dove. He grabbed Martin’s arm. “You’re the one who was supposed to be with Dove. Go in there and tell him what Zeb did.”

Martin swallowed hard, twice, before he stepped through the door. Sarah and Luke followed him, and for once Sarah had nothing to say.

Martin’s voice cracked as he said, “Sheriff, I wish to report that Dove was attacked by one Zeb Fowler just a few minutes ago.”

Sam Morris reached out and gathered Dove to his chest. His face contorted with an anger that exploded in a torrent of words. “I warned you about hurting my children. First Eli, now Dove. I want your filthy hide in jail along with those no-good sons of yours.” He stopped for breath and turned to Martin. “Tell me exactly what happened.”

“The four of us had gone walking down toward the creek. Zeb Fowler jumped from a clump of bushes and grabbed Dove before we knew what was happening. Luke picked up a rock and hit him over the head. We left him down there.”

Hawk’s face turned thunderous, and he disappeared from the office.

Fowler raised his fist. “My boy didn’t do that, and even if he did, she’s just an Indian girl.”

At that Sam Morris released Dove and lunged for Fowler. He knocked him to the ground and hit him once on the jaw before Claymore grabbed his arm and, with Jake Starnes’s help, pulled him off Fowler.

“Let me at him. No man is going to talk about my daughter that way or think it’s OK for his son to lay his hands on her. I’ll kill him.”

Jake held his arm. “Sam, let the sheriff handle this. He’ll find Zeb and arrest him.”

“Then you’d better put this foul-mouthed man in jail so he can’t go warn his boy and help him escape.”

Claymore reached for a pair of handcuffs.

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