Free Rue Allyn by One Night's Desire

large lodge. Ev and Boyd were forced to go where the Shoshone led them.
    Muh’Weda took them to a small lodge where he removed the manacles and turned them over to the care of four younger men. The men didn’t talk, merely grunting when two girls brought washing water. Ev and Boyd finished just about the time Muh’Weda returned.
    “We will hold council.”
    The four young braves fell in on either side. Clearly, Ev thought, he and Boyd weren’t to be trusted, so why remove the chains. Muh’Weda turned, leading the way through the camp to the largest lodge.
    At the council, Ev and Boyd were seated at the front of the circle beside Muh’Weda. Across the space, Wildcat sat with a group of women and right beside the three elders who had met the party when they first rode in to camp. Ev studied her. He had to admire the confidence carried in her straight back and square gaze. Was that stare bravado or real confidence? Once again the thought occurred that she didn’t fit his idea of a murdering thief.
    A ceremonial pipe was lit and, starting with the chief, passed around the circle. When the pipe completed the circle and was carefully put away, the medicine man stood. From the few Shoshone words Ev knew, he thought the man called for a blessing on the proceedings and for all present to act with the wisdom of the wolf.
    Next the older chief spoke. “Marshal Evrett Quinn. I have heard that you are a man of justice. Why did you treat Dabai’Waipi — Sun Woman — who is like our daughter so cruelly? Why did you put chains on her and threaten to shoot her? These actions do not seem those of a just man.”
    Everyone stared at Ev, but that wouldn’t stop him from telling the truth. “The woman you call Dabai’Waipi is wanted for murder and horse-stealing. Both are hanging offenses, so she is known to be a dangerous person. I threatened to shoot her to keep her from shooting my friend.” He pointed to Boyd. “I put chains on her to keep her from escaping.”
    Murmurs in the Shoshone tongue circled the room.
    The chief signaled for quiet. “Did you see Dabai’Waipi kill anyone? Did you see her steal horses?”
    Ev shook his head. “No, I did not personally see these things, but I have spoken with those who did see.”
    “And you believe these accusers?”
    “I have no reason not to believe them.”
    “Hmph. Did you ask Dabai’Waipi if she had done these things?”
    “No. The witnesses’ stories are enough. The Wildcat would only lie to save her skin.”
    “If the accusers spoke falsely, truth would look like a lie. You judge too hastily, Marshal.”
    Ev was appalled. When he became a Marshal, he believed he’d left behind the kind of quick, vengeful judgments that his preacher father believed in.
    “Dabai’Waipi, have you finally learned how to hit a thing when you aim at it?” The chief fired the question at Kiera.
    She doesn’t know how to shoot what she aims at?
The thought amazed Ev so much, he blurted, “I don’t believe it.”
    The chief spared him a glance with a raised brow. “Dabai’Waipi’s lack of skill with a gun is well known to us. She could not possibly have killed a man farther than three strides away. She will prove it to you when this council is done.”
    Disbelief and anger stampeded over surprise. She’d held him at gunpoint, and he’d been as safe as if he’d stood beside her. Heck, he’d been safer.
    “Dabai’Waipi, can you offer any other proof of your innocence?”
    “I have proof that the horses Muh’Weda and I took belong to the Shoshone not to Simon Van Demer.”
    “That’s not possible,” objected Boyd. “Big Si’s brand is on every one of those ponies.”
    “If Dabai’Waipi gives proof, will you believe her and leave her alone?” The Chief ignored Boyd and addressed Ev.
    “My belief depends on the proof that is offered.”
    “What proof do you offer?”
    “I have photographs of the horses as yearlings before they were stolen from the Shoshone.”
    “After