CHAPTER

25

MORNING was just breaking when David walked into the house. Sixbury was sitting in front of the fire. She didn’t turn when he came in. He took off his gloves and went to the hearth, warmed himself. They didn’t look at each other.

“I put her in my bed,” said Sixbury.

David started for the dining room. “Want a drink?”

“No.”

He went in to the liquor cabinet, and poured himself a shot of bourbon. His hands were shaking. He went back to the fire and sat on the floor. “So, what did Quinn say?”

“Quinn didn’t say anything. Howard told me to call the doctor.”

“Yeah?”

“Doc Hessemen just left.”

“What’d he say?”

“He said we have to wait and see.”

David sipped his whiskey.

“Her body will heal.”

He leaned forward and blew at one side of the fire. “It’s damn cold out there.”

“Doc was pretty shaken.”

“Snow’s stopped.”

“Did you catch who did this?”

“No, Sixbury. We found her in an old cabin on Gerlach’s ranch.” He grabbed the poker and stabbed at the fire. “No sign of anyone around.”

“Quinn and Howard didn’t hang around for any time. They just dropped her off and left.”

“We had a long ride. Hraboy, Joshua Lowe, and I searched around a bit.”

“No, they didn’t say anything.”

“How are you holding up?”

She said nothing.

David knocked back the rest of his drink. “Well, I guess I ought to get some sleep.” He stood up and looked at Sixbury for the first time since coming in. Her face was drawn, but her eyes were clear, alert. He went to step past her, but she reached up and took his wrist.

“David.”

“Ma’am?”

“Thank you.”

He put his hand on her shoulder. “Yes, ma’am.”

He went to his room and fell across the bed. He went to sleep still dressed.