Sourdough Creek by Caroline Fyffe

looked away. “I think my father may die.”
    “Where is Jonathan now?”
    “He’s trying to round up some men. Unfortunately, there aren’t many in this little town. Well, not many who are able bodied and know how to shoot well. Until the day that atrocious man killed the sheriff, this was a peaceful place. So much has changed so quickly.”
    Sam’s gaze sought Cassie’s as she held Josephine’s hand. It spoke volumes, and she shuddered inwardly. He squeezed her shoulder in passing as he went into the other room, followed by Miss Hershey. Cassie glanced in as Sam looked the doctor over.
    “He’s not good, not good at all,” Miss Hershey choked back. She pulled the sheet up closer to his chin and tucked it around him gently. “I don’t think he’ll make it more than a few more hours.”
    The gray-haired man was deathly white. His face, heavy with wrinkles, was so still Cassie thought he looked dead now. On the bedside table were his glasses, lying on a book.
    This must be Annabelle’s room because it was decorated in greens and pinks, with a big stuffed teddy bear sitting close to the bed in a whitewashed rocking chair. Several pretty dresses hung in a small closet and an array of perfume and toiletries mingled on a highboy.
    So much had changed so quickly with her, also. She’d been so relieved when she’d heard Sam’s voice calling in the darkness of the night. She’d just expected things to be different here…Josephine was supposed to be safe, with a doctor. Recovering.

 
     
    Chapter Eighteen
     
     
    T here was a knock on the door. “Open up. It’s Jonathan,” a deep voice called through the weathered wooden panels.
    Annabelle dashed past Cassie and unlocked the door. A tall young man slipped inside the room, closing the door behind him. The doctor’s daughter fell into his embrace. His hands pulled her closer, unmindful of their visitors.
    “How’s he doing?” he asked softly, his gaze finding Cassie as he spoke.
    “I fear the worst. How could anyone treat an old man so? I don’t understand.”
    The newcomer set Miss Hershey aside gently. “I can only tell you that they’re more animal than human. Not the kind of men you’re used to.”
    Sam stepped forward. “What have you found out?”
    “There’s going to be a town meeting over in the saloon in a few minutes. Most of the men who live in the township will be there.”
    “Across the street?”
    Jonathan nodded, his eyes troubled.
    Sam turned to Cassie. “Get your gun out and make sure it’s loaded. I’m going to go to the meeting to find out what this is all about. If you need anything at all just call out. I’ll hear you.”
     
    She went over to her saddlebags lying in the corner and took the pistol out, checking the chamber. Placing a box of extra cartridges on a ledge by the woodstove, she held the heavy gun, her eyes resting on Josephine. “I can take care of things here.”
    As the men turned to leave, Jonathan set Annabelle away. “Everything is going to be okay. You just stay put and keep this door locked.” He nodded toward Cassie, whom he’d not yet been introduced to. “This boy looks plenty capable. He’ll keep a close watch out for trouble.”
    Sam chuckled, then cleared his throat. “Ah, this boy’s really a girl. Josephine’s sister I was telling you about. Cassie Angel, that’s Jonathan Pearson and Miss Annabelle Hershey. ”
    Cassie tried to smile. She should feel pleased that her getup had worked so well, even if she did feel shabby next to Annabelle. “Sam, be careful.” She set her gun on the side table next to Josephine. He was so much older and experienced compared to the man named Jonathan. Even though she’d known Sam only a short time, she was confident he was as skilled with his gun. He could take care of himself, and them also, if need be.
    The soft lamplight must be playing tricks with her vision. Sam’s expression was different from anything she’d seen before. There was something soft