Light of my Life

Six

After witnessing Amelia's breakdown yesterday, Duke knew for certain that there was no possible way she could have kidnapped a child or murdered a person in cold blood. However, he still needed an explanation as to why the mayor's daughter was kidnapped... and why Mr. Stone was killed.

As much as Duke wanted to question Amelia, he must give her more time to calm down from the shock she received from seeing her brother who she'd thought was dead. Duke would feel like such a heel if he would bombard her with questions now.

They'd been traveling for a few hours already, and it was hard to stay awake, especially after not getting any sleep last night. It wasn't the first time Duke had stayed away for three days straight, and it definitely wouldn't be the last. Yet, he'd never had to comfort a woman and actually feel her pain as she sobbed in his arms before. That took a lot out of him. It surprised him that Amelia hadn't fallen asleep yet. Gracie was in the back of the wagon sleeping, but Amelia sat on the driver's seat with Theo. They talked in their sign language, which made Duke want to learn it. He was sure the two were talking about Bobby.

Bobby uncorked the lid on the canteen and took a long swallow. He pushed the hair out of his eyes again and continued walking between Duke and the wagon. Amelia didn't talk much with her brother, but Duke figured that would soon change. She just had to soften her heart once again. Women like Amelia always forgave quickly.

"I know you."

Bobby's voice startled Duke and he glanced down at the man who now walked closer to his horse. Duke tightened his hand around his revolver. The rifles were on the wagon with Amelia.

"You know me?" Duke asked.

"Yes. I've seen you around and I know what you do."

Sucking in a quick breath and he glanced toward the front of the wagon. Thankfully, Bobby's voice was too quiet for those on the wagon to hear. Duke met Bobby's gaze again. "What is it that you think I do?"

"You're a bounty hunter."

Duke swore under his breath, but he pierced the other man with a hard stare. "Then I suggest that you keep your hands clean until we reach Spruce Hill where I can turn you over to the sheriff."

"But you're not after me."

Duke wanted to slap the cocky expression off the man's face. "Why do you think that?"

"Because you let Mellie untie me."

"It doesn't matter. I'm still watching you closely."

Chuckling, Bobby pushed his fingers through his dark brown hair. "So, if you're not after me, that means you're either after Uncle Theo or... my sister."

Duke gritted his teeth, trying to grasp at words to say that would make Bobby think differently. The man was too smart for his own britches. "You think you know what I'm doing here?" He shook his head. "Don't think about it too hard. I'd hate for you to get a headache."

Bobby moved in front of the horse, stopping the animal. The man glared at Duke. "I can guarantee that my sister has never – or will never do – anything wrong in her life. She's not a dangerous person. So, if you're after her, then I'm going to stop you. She is innocent."

Duke gripped the horse's reins and gritted his teeth. Sadly enough, he agreed with Bobby. There was no way Amelia had done what she was accused of doing. "I'm glad you're finally acting like a big brother, but you don't need to worry about Amelia."

"And what about Theo?" Bobby arched an eyebrow. "That man couldn't hurt a mosquito. He's been beaten and tormented most of his adult life. He cares for those victims like the children who grew up in the orphanage. In fact, Uncle Theo was one who helped most of us escape."

Sighing heavily, Duke removed his hat and scratched his head. "I have many questions to ask you, your sister, and Theo, but not here. We need to get you into town where there are shelter and food. I'm sure there will be a snowstorm coming soon, and we don't want to be out here in the elements when that happens."

"I agree, but I first want you to tell me why you're here." Bobby tightened his fingers around the horse's reins.

Duke cleared his throat. "Let's just say that your sister is being accused of something she didn't do, and I'm here to find out why and put a stop to it. I don't want to see Amelia hurt."

"Good. I'm glad we agree." Bobby gave him a snarky grin. "And if you don't want to see her hurt, then I suggest you stop getting close to her. She doesn't know what you are or what you really want, and you'll only break her heart. I'm sorry, but as her big brother, I won't tolerate such behavior."

Duke's chest tightened. "Is that a threat?"

"It's just a warning. But you're smart, so I know you'll make sure she doesn't fall in love with you, because, after all, your job is more important than settling down with a widowed woman and her child."

Irritation arose inside of Duke, making him want to punch the man in the face. But what really bothered him was knowing that Bobby's assumption was correct. Duke loved his job and he didn't want to settle down, which meant he would eventually break her heart if he let things continue between them as they were doing. He could not have her falling in love with him.