Free Lori Connelly by The Outlaw of Cedar Ridge

there.” Evie rolled out of bed. She took a few seconds to pat down her hair and smooth the apron down then crossed the room to open the door. “Please come in.”
    The lawman stepped inside. She closed the door, waved him toward a chair. “Have a seat. Would you like some coffee?”
    “No thank you,” expression serious, he took off his hat.
    “What brings you out Sheriff?”
    Her gaze swung to her husband. Evie was surprised to see that he sat on the edge of the bed, hunched, legs off the side, feet on the floor, the quilt preserving his modesty. “Did you come to talk to my husband about those men?”
    “What men?” Ben asked.
    “His memory returned?”
    She looked back at the sheriff, “No.”
    “What men?” He asked again, more insistently.
    “Then there’s nothing I can do.”
    “Evie,” Ben’s tone, loud, firm, commanded attention. She turned and faced him. “What men?”
    “The ones who attacked you. The ones who are getting off scot free.”
    “You mean you know who did this to me. Why didn’t you tell me?”
    “Well I’ve been a little bus-”
    “Folks I’m here on another matter, official business.” The Sheriff interrupted.
    Evie blew out a breath. “You mean, Mr. Sims.”
    “Yes ma’am. Sims claims he was threatened.”
    “He was,” Ben confirmed without hesitation then bluntly laid out what happened.
    The sheriff was quiet a moment. “Were you hurt Ma’am?”
    She shook her head. “Ben ran him off before he could do anything.”
    “I’ll speak to Mr. Sims at length when I return to town.”
    “Are you going to arrest my husband?”
    “No, this is a private dispute, his word against yours.”
    Ben scowled but to her surprise said nothing, restraint she’d never witnessed before in her husband. She used to joke he was only quiet asleep. In recent years, that was also true when he was hung over. Was he changing?
    “Mr. Sims also had me verify his claim to this homestead. He has the proper paperwork. It’s on file at the bank if you wish to see it yourself.”
    Evie went numb. She glanced at Ben. He shrugged. “That won’t be necessary.”
    “I’m here to serve notice that you need to vacate.”
    She didn’t bother to argue. “We’ll need a few days.”
    “He’s insistent on today and has already hired some muscle to ensure you’re gone. I plan to ride out with them and keep it peaceful but at best, you have a few hours.” The sheriff put his hat back on and quietly took his leave.
    In shock, arms wrapped around her waist, Evie closed her eyes and struggled not to cry.
    “It’ll be okay, darlin’. We’ll start fresh-”
    Evie held up a hand. “Don’t.”
    “I-”
    “No more empty promises,” Her tone hollow, she opened her eyes held his gaze a minute. “I need to start packing.”
    “Do we have a horse or wagon?”
    She sniffed, “Both. Sugar’s in the barn. Wagon’s behind it.”
    “So we need to harness up the horse and bring it around?”
    “Yes,” Her voice beyond tired, sounded defeated.
    “I’ll help.”
    She shrugged, too heartsick to protest and deep down, some part of her wanted him to suffer a little, for all the trouble he’d caused them. For leaving her when she needed him most. Without a word, she dug clothes out of the dresser for him and helped him put them on. Ben’s face was pale and covered with sweat by the time she fastened the last button on his blue and red checked flannel shirt. Once Evie finished tying his boots, she stood, handed him his hat then trudged outside.
    Ben reached the barn as she led the mare out. In silence, they hitched up Sugar and had her pull the wagon around to the front of the weathered building. It didn’t take long to gather up their tack, tools, the last bag of grain and half bale of hay. Three chickens remained. Since they still owed Dr. Black for treating Ben’s infection, she left them, hoping they’d be fair payment.
    Next Evie moved the wagon beside the cabin. Back inside their home, Ben