High Desert Haven (The Shepherd's Heart) by Bonner Lynnette

Author:Bonner, Lynnette [Bonner, Lynnette]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: historical romance, Inspirational Romance, Romance, Christian Fiction, western romance, christian romance, clean romance, Christian historical fiction
Published: 2012-06-14T21:00:00+00:00

Ron’s head was reeling as he headed out the door. Could he have misjudged the man so badly? He had liked Jason the moment he laid eyes on him. Had he really set that fire? On the other hand, William Harpster had always made the hair on the back of Ron’s neck stand up like a dog on alert, and Ron would be the first to admit that the man generally put him in a fighting mood. But would he stoop so low as to accuse someone of arson and murder without proof?

The memory of what Jason had said just after he came back with the Jeffries flashed through Ron’s mind. “Not only arson. Murder.” Jason’s face had been troubled. Had he meant to set the fire but not to kill the little girl?

Ron glanced at Jason again. The man seemed calm enough. Maybe too calm. He stood now with his thumbs casually hooked in his belt loops, waiting to see what the sheriff would have to say. Ron wondered what would be forthcoming.

Sheriff Dan Watts was an older man with a drooping walrus mustache that hung down on either side of his mouth below his chin. He had the habit of twisting the ends with his thumb and forefinger as he talked, and he was doing that even now.

The sheriff addressed Rolf and Brenda, “Sir, ma’am. I’m right sorry to hear ’bout yer place and yer girl.”

Rolf and Brenda nodded.

“Been out to yer place. Seems that there fire was set a-purpose. Know anyone who’d want to do y’all harm?”

Both shook their heads.

“Could smell kerosene distinct-like on a patch of snow just behind the cabin. None o’ yer kids would have been playing with the lamp, would they?”

Brenda looked at Rolf. Rolf looked at Bobby.

“I weren’t, Pa! I was readin’ to May, and she fell asleep. Then the back wall started on fire. I never touched the lamp.”

Rolf’s voice cracked. “When I found May she was...sleeping on the bed in the house. I can’t say for sure, but I think the lamp was still on the table where we kept it.”

Sheriff Watts gave his mustache several more twists. “Figured as much. Anybody recognize this?” He held aloft a button.

Ron watched Jason’s face but couldn’t tell what he was feeling when he spoke. “That looks like it came off my shirt. It’s in the bunkhouse. I’ll go get it.”

The sheriff watched him take several steps before he nodded at Ron to follow him and turned toward the Jeffries to ask some more questions.

Jason heard Ron enter the bunkhouse behind him, but he did not turn around. He was still holding the shirt he had changed out of that morning. Someone had splashed kerosene on it. He knew it hadn’t smelled like this when he rode in earlier.

“Ron, I’m in trouble, and I’m going to need your help.” He swiveled and fixed his gaze on the older man as he made the impulsive decision to trust him with his life.

Ron blinked and rested his hands on narrow hips.

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