Free Rue Allyn by One Night's Desire Page A

you show the Marshal your lack of skill with a gun, you will go and get this proof,” directed the chief.
    “I do not keep these things here, but at a secret place in the mountains.”
    He smiled. “You have trusted us all, so we know this place. Tell the marshal how many days distant is this place.”
    “Five in good weather, a full cycle of the moon or more when snows are deep.”
    The chief conferred with the other two elders and the medicine man then looked at Ev. “You and your friend will wait here for Dabai’Waipi to bring back this proof she speaks of so all can see and judge its truth. Then you will leave her in peace.”
    Obviously this group of Shoshone held Wildcat in high regard, if they trusted her promise to return. Ev had no such faith.
    “One of us must go with her.”
    Again the chief spoke quietly with the other elders and the medicine man. “Your lack of trust is unworthy of a man sworn to justice.”
    Ev kept his face impassive, but inside he cringed. A small part of him, the part that had always resisted his father’s hellfire and brimstone sermons, agreed with the chief. But the larger part knew that justice was based neither on trust nor blind accusations of guilt. He believed strongly in the system that allowed both accuser and accused to present their cases in court for impartial minds to decide who was right or wrong. His job was to make certain that those who sought to escape justice faced their accusers in court. To do that, he could not let the Wildcat out of his sight.
    “Whether I trust her or not is not the issue. I’m willing to allow her to get these items she claims can prove her innocence. However, no matter how convincing the proof, my duty is to escort her back to Laramie for trial, and I will perform that duty.”
    The gathering erupted in a hail of angry protests and shouts for Ev’s death.
    The medicine man stood, raising his arms for silence. When the crowd quieted, he turned to Ev. “Why will you not go from here in peace when Dabai’Waipi has proven she did not murder or steal?”
    “Even if her proof is strong, others who do not know she is innocent will come. They may not be willing to believe or even see her proof. If she is innocent, the Wildcat must get her proof and return with me to Laramie where her evidence — and innocence, if proven — can be recorded so that news of this can be given to anyone who might search for her as I have.”
    Again the chiefs and the medicine man conferred. “Very well. You will go with Dabai’Waipi to get the proof. We will keep this man as hostage to your promise not to harm Dabai’Waipi.” He pointed at Boyd. “With or without you, Marshal, Dabai’Waipi must return or the hostage will die. If others look for her, you must keep her safe.”
    Ev glanced at Boyd. The younger man had gone pale but returned a steady gaze. He gave a nod that he understood and was willing to accept the risks. Ev pressed his lips together. He didn’t like the set up, but one look at the gathered Shoshone told him he had little choice.
    “Spirit Talker I do not need or want this man with me,” protested Wildcat. “I am your friend, but I am not Shoshone and must decide for myself what is best for me, especially where my life is concerned.”
    Her flushed expression was a clear mix of anger and worry. Ev admired the restraint in her voice, but he would lay odds that she didn’t dare spend weeks on the trail alone with him. What did she know about him after all?
    Breaking into Ev’s thoughts, Spirit Talker responded to Wildcat. “You have helped us in the past, Dabai’Waipi. Do this thing now to help us again. The Marshal is right. I have had visions of others who will come in search of you and will not respect us or our ways.”
    “I have seen the truth of your wisdom and will be guided by it.” Kiera replied with respect. Then she turned a glare on Ev. “But I don’t have to like it.”
    “Go now, prepare for the journey and rest,”