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“Unload your belongings. We’ll pack what we can on the mules, then I’ll take you to town.” Robert had an air of authority and a tone that demanded instant obedience.
Sally hesitated. Already she regretted her hasty words. What had she been thinking, inviting him to travel with her?
He was the sort of man who would take control, and as Martha had said, he was probably an outlaw.
It was too late to take her words back. Still, she wasn’t going anywhere alone with him and Moss would return soon. But traveling with an outlaw wasn’t the only danger. He was disturbing to her in every way, and each time she saw him, the pull was stronger. Even now her heart was hammering foolishly.
“I’m waiting for Ozzie Moss.”
“Where is he?”
“He went ahead to scout. It’s his wagon and he’ll decide what to do. He always carries extra wagon wheels.”
He surveyed the landscape and shrugged, making her notice the way his muscles rippled beneath his shirt.
“Won’t be anything he can do. Wheels are useless. That axle is cracked.” Gray-blue eyes under his hat’s brim studied her face thoughtfully, gauging her reaction.
Oh, no. Moss will be upset over the loss of his wagon. It is his livelihood and he has a load to deliver. There’s no telling how he will react to the news.
“You’d best decide what to take before he returns. He won’t want to wait while you pick through your things.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Taking Carolyn by the hand, Sally led her to the back of the wagon. “Stay right here.”
Carolyn nodded, sat and watched Robert with wide eyes.
If only Moss would hurry back before I do something I might regret.
Her nerves were strung tighter than a fiddle’s bow. She’d do anything to keep her son safe, even if it meant traveling with a dangerous man. But now she’d be under his watchful eyes until they found her son. And it was a long way to Texas. The thought made her shiver in a combination of anticipation and dread. She couldn’t stand not knowing where he was on the trail, and she couldn’t stand being so near him.
Sally climbed into the wagon, feeling his gaze on her.
Rob watched her bend to climb into the wagon and fought the urge to follow her. Everything took on a clean brightness when she was around until he could almost forget what he’d come for.
He couldn’t help wondering what she’d do if he kissed her. The image of her bared skin when the sergeant had pushed her skirt up was burned into his mind—scorching him with desire.
Rob shook his head. He had to stay on track and not allow unwanted thoughts to distract him.
With the old man gone, this was the perfect opportunity to speak to her alone. As alone as a woman with a small child would ever be.
Knowing Luke had tricked her into a false marriage, he’d begun to feel sympathy for her. Sympathy he couldn’t afford. He still didn’t know if she was in cahoots with Luke and planning to meet him somewhere. But he needed to find out. And the best way to start was to tell her about her marriage. See what her reaction would be. And he needed to do it before the old man returned.
Sally rolled her quilts, which they would need as the weather turned colder, all the while listening to Carolyn’s voice singing outside the wagon. The sound reassured her.
Lifting the christening gown both of her children had worn, she held it to her breast and closed her eyes. There wasn’t room. Maybe some other mother would find a use for it.
“I’ll feed the mules before we leave.”
His voice behind her ear made her jump and her eyes flew open. He’d crept up on her and now her heart raced.
“Fine.” Her voice shook. He made her nervous and now he knew it. “Go ahead.”
He edged around in front of her until they were almost nose-to-nose. Though with his height she had to look up at him. They were so close she could see a faint scar on his forehead below a wave of hair and wrinkles in the corners of his eyes as they smiled down into hers with compassion.
Her breath caught in her throat.
“You can’t take everything.” His voice softened, like velvet. Soothing. Warm. “Only the essentials.”
Flushed, she held the christening gown away from her breast where his gaze had caressed her briefly. Briefly, but long enough to make a heat rise in her body.
“Yes, I know.”
She had to say something, anything to mask the way she longed for him to touch her breasts, even as his hand closed over her hand and the christening gown.
His touch was warm and firm, and it was as if every fiber in her body screamed out for him to stay here, touching her.
There was no sound other than the beating of her heart, as she watched his chest rise and fall, his muscles firm beneath his shirt.
Say something. Anything.
She forced her gaze away and slid her hand free, clearing her throat. “Do you think my things will still be here if we came back?”
“No.” He shook his head. “By the time you make it, this wagon will be picked clean, either by Indians, settlers or both. It’ll be nothing but a shell.”
She swallowed. She’d suspected as much. Moss had never let their wagon train stop by broken-down wagons for fear they carried illnesses or had been set upon by Indians. The most he’d do was call out for survivors before hurrying on past. He claimed “broke down wagons are bad luck”. She could only imagine what he’d think seeing his own wagon “broke-down”.
“Sally, now that we’re alone...” he tipped her chin up to look at him again, “...I have something to tell you.”
Alone. We are alone.
She forgot to breathe.
A part of her wanted to scream and run. A part of her wanted him to kiss her. Wanted to feel that warm hand holding her chin on other parts of her body.
His eyes turned a darker shade and he bent, brushing her lips gently as her eyes closed.
Less than a kiss but more. Oh so much more.
He straightened, looking down at her with longing and regret in his eyes as a warmth curled in her belly and her breath came back to her.
It was wrong, oh so wrong. But it felt so right.
“I can’t do this. Luke did me wrong but that doesn’t make me any less a married woman.”
Inhaling sharply, he spoke in a rush. “Sally, listen to me. I need to tell you something before your friend returns.”
His gaze searched hers, delving into her deepest places, and he tipped his head to the side as if to gauge her reaction. She caught her breath, suddenly reading him in a way she’d never thought possible.
Whatever he had to say, he wasn’t happy to share it.
“Luke Wheeler isn’t your husband.”
She gave him a sad smile, humoring him. “Then who is he?”
That question had plagued her for years. Luke never talked about his past. He said his life began when he met her, and at first she’d found that charming. But now she knew it to be a lie given to evade the subject.
Robert gave her a frustrated frown. “He is Luke Wheeler, but your marriage isn’t legal.”
What does he mean my marriage isn’t legal?
“I don’t understand.”
He took a deep breath before he spoke. “Luke hired a friend of his to pretend to be a circuit preacher. And he’s done this with two other women.”
“No,” Sally gasped. “That can’t be true.”
A hint of pity crept into his eyes. “I wouldn’t lie to you. But if you doubt my word, just ask the other two women he tricked. One has a thirteen-year-old son and the other has a baby on the way.”
She stared at him in shock.
Luke was a known liar. But this...she’d never expected something like this. Beneath her shock one thought ran through her mind.
There’d been signs she hadn’t paid attention to.
Things he’d said came back to her. Private things. The times he’d called out another woman’s name in his sleep. The morning when she’d asked who Rose was and his anger turned on her. She glanced down at the white scar, a reminder of that time, which stretched across her wrist. He’d made sure she knew never to ask him about Rose again.
“Rose,” she murmured with a frown.
“She was his first so-called wife. She’s an actress who dances at the Red Slipper Saloon in New Mexico. They have a son, Hank.”
“Hank,” she repeated after him in a dead tone.
She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. Her marriage to Luke was a lie. Luke had lied to her from the moment he met her. How foolish she’d been to marry him.
And the last thing he’d said to her before he left was “get in here and lift your skirt”. She wasn’t his wife, yet he’d claimed a husband’s rights as his last words to her.
Sally closed her eyes.
She felt as used as an old rag and as worn out.
Luke had a lot to answer for when she caught up with him.
The liar.
Her eyes flew open.
And Robert Truman was no better.
Her eyes narrowed as she glared at him. “And you figured since I wasn’t an honest woman you could just up and kiss me any time you felt like it. Since I wasn’t married after all.”
He frowned and his gaze flickered away and back again. “I just thought you should know.”
The rifle was in his hand before she could think to react.
“I’ll just pack the ammunition and this rifle. Leave you some time alone.” He turned and leapt down from the wagon.
Her jaw dropped and she stared out the wagon at his back as he walked over to the mules.
“Well, I’ll have you know I’m not that kind of woman!” she yelled at him as he walked away.
He didn’t slow or turn to look back at her.
Men. Kissing and grabbing and whatnot whenever they felt like it. Like a woman didn’t have any feelings. Taking without ever asking.
She wished he’d come back and go through it all again so she could slap him. If only she were faster thinking of these things before instead of after the fact.
Sally sat on a flour barrel and took a deep breath to calm herself. While she’d been reacting to Robert’s kiss and his closeness in the confines of the wagon, he’d been checking out the contents. Everything the outlaw did had a purpose.
He was no different than Luke, doing whatever it took to get what he wanted.
She’d be wise to remember that.
Sally hurried to bundle her personal belongings before Moss returned. She left her nightgowns. As long as Rob was going with them, she’d sleep in her clothing. She’d keep him at a distance and be sure he didn’t touch her again.
Moss galloped up, holding his rifle. “Sally, you an’ Carolyn all right?”
Sally peered out from the back of the wagon, then climbed down and went over to stand by Carolyn. “Yes, we’re fine.” She gestured at Robert. “He stopped to help.”
Moss glared as he got down off his mule, still pointing his rifle at Robert. “That right?”
Sally fingered her brooch nervously.
“Yes, that’s right.” Robert tipped his hat. “Robert Truman, but you can call me Rob.”
Rob. It sounded like the name for an outlaw. Like a name one of Luke’s friends would have. Luke, who’d robbed her of her child. Luke, who’d tricked her and lied to her from the beginning. She wouldn’t have trouble calling him Rob, but it didn’t mean she was going to be so friendly as to trust him.
She would not make the mistake again of letting her feelings trick her into loving a worthless no-’count man.
“Ozzie Moss,” the old muleskinner ground out.
“We’ve been waiting for you to return,” Rob said. “Your axle’s broke.”
“Let me jes’ have a look-see.” Moss scooted under the wagon, still holding the rifle. His voice roared underneath. “Dagnabbit! Axle’s split to pieces.”
He scooted out and walked around to the front of the wagon. As soon as he saw the rock, he lifted his hat off his head and threw it to the ground.
“Tarnation, Sally, what did ye do to my wagon? How the blazes could ye not see that big rock?” His face grew redder, and a vein pulsed in the side of his face as stepped toward her.
Sally flinched and stepped back. “I’m sorry. I, I wasn’t watching. I only wanted to help.”
“It’s broke now, an’ sorry ain’t gonna fix it.” He picked up his hat and banged it roughly against his leg. “‘Let me drive the wagon,’ she says.” He scowled. “‘We’re leavin’ in the mornin’,’ she says.” He shook his head and waved his hat at her. His finger stabbed in the air with each word. “Ye. Ain’t. Trail boss, Missy. An’ don’t. Be thinkin’. Ye are.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he held one finger in the air to show he wasn’t done.
“This is what comes of rushin’ off. From now on ye do as I say. Or get yerself to Texas.”
Hesitating she asked, “What do we do now?”
He squinted at her. “What do ye think? We pack them mules down heavy. Ye’ll be lucky to ride one.”
Sally forced back tears. She wouldn’t let the men see her cry. Every day since Mrs. Harper had given birth, one thing after another had gone wrong. She couldn’t take one more bad thing happening. Most of the time she could lay the cause of all her troubles at the foot of one man. But this time it was all her fault. If only she’d been more careful.
“That’s not the only trouble. I saw an Indian a few miles back,” Rob said. “He may be trailing you.”
“That so?” Moss glared at him. “Mebbe he ain’t the only one trailin’ us.”
“I was heading in the same direction and saw you needed help.” He glanced over at Sally. “Then Sally asked me to travel with you.”
“That so?” Moss turned to her with a frown. “Now why would ye go an’ do that?”
“He said he was traveling the same way.” She shrugged then threw his words at him. “You always said there was strength in numbers.”
Moss had to agree to let Rob travel with them. At least then she’d know he wouldn’t reach Luke first. But she couldn’t explain her reasons to Moss.
He scowled at her. “Hurry up an’ get yer things.”
Sally climbed into the wagon, collected another bundle then climbed out.
“Got to get my load on these here mules.” Moss shook his head. “I cain’t spare but one fer ridin’. I’ll take Carolyn.”
“Sally can ride with me,” Rob said.
No. She couldn’t. She glanced at Moss for his reaction. She couldn’t tell him Rob was looking for Luke. Not with Rob’s eyes boring into her, daring her. Testing to see what she’d do. Who knew how Moss would react?
“I can’t ride with you.”
Moss spat. “Yer the one invited him, ye ride with him.”
He was still angry with her and there was nothing she could say to get back in his good graces right now. “Fine.” But it wasn’t fine. “I’ll get my things.”
Amusement hovered in Rob’s eyes, along with something unreadable. “Hurry up, Sally.”
She climbed back into the wagon then emerged with pots, pans and her three-legged skillet. She walked to Rob’s horse.
“This is a horse not a pack mule.”
“But...”
“You can’t take everything.”
“Bring the skillet an’ leave the rest,” Moss said.
Once the mules were packed, and Sally had handed Carolyn up to Moss, Rob held out his hand for her.
She stood eying it and wished for the first time in years that she lived in circumstances that allowed her to wear gloves. For his touch sent tingles all through her body.
“We ain’t got all day,” Moss said.
Rob raised an eyebrow as he waited for her to put her hand in his.
The moment they touched, the warmth of his hand sent tingles up her arm and she gave a small gasp.
But his hand clasped hers and he hauled her up onto the horse before she could even think of what her reaction to him meant. Suddenly she was seated behind him, forced to hold onto his waist, which tightened under her fingers as she felt his ridged muscles beneath her fingertips.
Every sense in her body came alive. She felt the warmth of his body and inhaled his musky scent, closing her eyes against the sight of his muscular shoulders, willing her thoughts under control.
“Ready?”
His voice sent alarm racing through her senses as the sensations intensified.
No. Not ready.
But her body said otherwise.
“Move out.” Moss’s voice forced her to focus on the trail.
“We’re right behind you.”
Moss muttered, “Wants to hep. Humph. Everywhere I go with the gal another feller comes along to hep. First the sergeant, now this un.”
His mutterings could be amusing, but not this time.
Rob could sense Sally’s fear, though she attempted to hide it. The thought bothered him. He was unaccustomed to women being afraid of him. Holding the tiny christening gown in the wagon, she’d seemed vulnerable. He’d felt a moment of pity as he’d caught a glimpse into her heart. Then he’d been unable to keep from kissing her.
Though he’d stopped himself before it went far, he could still taste her on his lips, soft and sweet.
One taste will never be enough.
He gritted his teeth.
Now if that wasn’t the stupidest damn thing he’d ever done.
He’d felt like the worst sort of brute when he’d seen the pain in her eyes at hearing of the other women and the way Luke had tricked them.
Then to top it all off, he’d gone and kissed her.
He was a damn fool. She had every right to be angry with him for losing control and kissing her like that.
Even if it had been worth every second.
As she’d turned her anger on him, it had occurred to him that she might emerge with the end of a gun pointed right at him if he weren’t careful. He hadn’t entirely trusted her earlier invitation to join them. So he’d made sure the rifles were well away from her and packed on the mules.
Tempting as she is, I won’t kiss her again.
Though he’d just made the situation more difficult, he’d ride it out as far as it took him.
Up until now, all had gone well. He’d try to set Sally at ease, though that could prove difficult. She wasn’t the only one having trouble. The minute her hands touched his waist he’d reacted with a tightening of muscle, and the way her breasts brushed against his back before she leaned away from him was hard to ignore.
It will be best if the little girl rides with me next time. Being so close to Sally is a frustration I don’t need.
Luke watched Moss deal with the little girl. The old man would soon need a break from the child’s incessant chatter.
He’d meant to ingratiate himself with Moss and the old man accepted him, which meant Sally hadn’t told the old muleskinner that he was looking for Luke. But why not?
Is she still in love with Luke even though she’s learned they aren’t married?
She seemed wholesome and a good mother and she was responsive to him.
She flares hotter than a blacksmith’s fire at my touch.
If she weren’t Luke’s woman, they’d get this physical reaction to each other out of the way with a quick tumble. But that wasn’t going to happen. She’d made it clear she wasn’t that kind of woman.
Once they made camp, Sally prepared stew and cornbread.
“I can’t recall when I’ve had such a good meal,” Rob said with a smile. “That’s the best supper I’ve had in a long time.”
“Thank you.” Sally blushed and ladled out another helping.
She watched the men enjoying their meal. Luke had never commented on her cooking other than to complain. Yet it must not be as bad as he’d made it out to be. Moss and Rob had both eagerly asked for seconds.
Perhaps Luke had been wrong about a lot of things.
She’d caught him in lie after lie. Why would this be any different? Everything Luke had ever said or done was a lie.
Rob was obviously trying his best to put her at ease, acting the gentleman. But that didn’t mean she could let down her guard. If she did, he might kiss her again.
Though she wanted him to treat her with respect, and she knew it was wrong, deep down she wanted him to kiss her again.
Who was Robert Truman? Where did he come from, and what did he want? He watched her behind smiling eyes.
She felt shaky all over, but she hid her fear, not wanting either of the men to notice.
She wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize Moss taking her to Texas. More than likely Moss already regretted he’d ever agreed to do it.
“Best cook less.” Moss frowned. “Cain’t carry as much, nor go as far without restocking them vittles now that I ain’t got my wagon.”
“Sure, Moss, I’ll be real careful.”
Surely he wouldn’t stay angry forever. How long would it be until he got over the loss of his wagon? She hoped soon because she needed to tell him about Rob. And she couldn’t when he bristled and moved off every time she tried to speak to him. But then Rob hadn’t left them alone, either.
Moss watched Rob scrape the bottom of his bowl with his spoon and scowled. “Funny how you jus’ happened to be in the area when my wagon broke.”
Rob shrugged. “I was headed this way.”
“Where are ye headed?”
“South.”
“How far?”
“Texas. Thought I’d hire on at one of the ranches.”
“Ain’t the time of year for hirin’.”
Rob shrugged again. “Maybe not.”
Sally listened as she fixed a bedroll near the fire for Carolyn. Rob hadn’t told Moss he was looking for Luke and he probably wouldn’t. Good.
“Move her back. Them sparks’ll catch her blanket afire,” Moss growled.
Her palm covered the brooch at her neck. “I didn’t think of that.”
She’d best quit worrying about what Rob wanted or what he’d do and pay attention to what she was doing. But it was hard when his eyes followed her every move. When she was aware of his presence every minute.
Rob pondered as he chewed on a piece of dry grass, watching Sally. What secrets was she hiding?
She hadn’t told Moss that he was looking for Luke. Foolish woman. How did she know she wasn’t putting her life and her daughter’s life in danger? She was obviously afraid. But she hid her fear well enough. Though the old man was suspicious, he had no idea what was going on or he’d have reacted differently.
“I’ll sit up an’ tend the fire tonight,” Moss said.
“I can take a turn,” Rob said.
Moss narrowed his eyes. “You insinuatin’ I ain’t able?”
“No. Only offering to help.”
“I got more hep than I need.” Moss eyed Sally. “What I ain’t got is a wagon. I ain’t sleepy nohow.”
“Suit yourself.” Rob raised his hat brim an inch.
Sally and Carolyn settled in under their covers and Sally began to tell a fairy tale. Moss sat by the fire shaking his head and muttering under his breath.
Rob moved his bedroll to the other side of the fire, to ease Sally’s mind. He laid back and nudged his hat down over his eyes.
Might as well sleep. Let the old man wear himself out since he wants to sit up all night brooding.
He closed his eyes and pictured Sally and Carolyn seated together at supper. They’d made quite a picture with the glow of the fire against their red-gold hair and those blue eyes. The little girl was pretty, like her mother. She didn’t look a bit like Luke. Carolyn would be a beauty one day. He wondered if that was how Sally had looked as a child.
Sally’s voice carried over to him. “Go to sleep, sweetheart, and I’ll tell you one more story.”
Rob listened to her soft voice telling a tall Texas tale. Lord, that woman could spin a tale. And her voice soothed like music. He thought of her soft lips and forced the thought away.
It can never be. She is only a way for me to find Luke. I will not lose my heart again to a woman.
When Rob woke, the fire had worn down. A cold wind blew across the land and a light snow had begun to fall.
Moss slept, his head nodding.
Soft flakes drifted down, covering Sally’s eyelashes. She breathed through parted lips that called to him, and it was all he could do to keep from covering her mouth with his. Needing a distraction, he rose to build up the fire again.
Sally dreamed Rob was kissing her. The long, lingering kiss made her feel sleepy and languid. Heated her skin to a rosy flush. So languid she moved to his rhythm as his lips moved from her lips down to her breasts and belly.
She licked her lips and sighed.
She wanted to stay and sleep under the falling snow as he kissed her farther down and down. His tongue touched her most sensitive spot where she was warm and ready. He licked her again and again until she moaned her release.
She reached out to touch him.
But something was wrong. She felt the sudden cold against her heated body. And she shouldn’t be kissing Robert Truman. Shouldn’t be letting him kiss her there or anywhere.
She woke and sat up, her heart pounding, one arm outside the blanket touching her hip now, the other hand cupping her sated mound. Her gaze fled immediately to Rob, to find him watching her as he bent over the fire, paused between cooking bacon in the skillet; his mouth open and a mesmerized look in his eyes.
It mattered not that Moss and Carolyn were there, still sleeping. It was as if there was no one left in the world but Rob and her, and the pull toward him was like nothing she’d ever known.
His eyes swept over her approvingly, increasing the languor in her body, warming her. His eyes told her he’d seen her touching herself and knew of the dream she’d had. He wanted her. He crouched by the fire, like a big cat ready to pounce.
Embarrassed, she pulled her blankets up to her chin, for all the good it did to calm her overly responsive body.
Lord help me. All he has to do is look at me to put me in a state. Had he seen her reach for him as she dreamed? What motions had she made in her sleep?
The scent of her arousal hovered on her fingers. She’d been touching herself. Heat filled her cheeks at the certainty.
He watched her, sharing her secret, his eyes warm with a desire that made her nipples tighten.
He knows.
He gave her a conspiratorial wink before moving toward Moss. “Time the old man was up.”
She suddenly felt foolish clutching the blanket. His teasing wink came as a surprise and made her feel like a silly young girl. Which she wasn’t. She was a grown woman with a grown woman’s needs and desires.
Desires I’ve been fully aware of ever since I met him.
He’d been nothing but a gentleman since she’d told him she wasn’t that kind of woman.
Yet she’d slept only a few feet away from him, dreaming of his touch, his kisses. Traveling together was a bad idea, with her desire raging so far out of control, but it was too late to tell Moss about Rob now. He’d be angry and he’d never take her to Texas.
Rob stood over Moss, looking down at the snoring man. “Maybe next time, the old man will listen to me and let me spell him. He looks worn out.”
Next time. He meant to travel with them the whole way to Texas because she’d invited him. She’d dug her own hole and there was no getting out.
Sally turned away from his gaze and went to wake Carolyn. Her daughter’s cheeks glowed rosy red against the light snow and all thoughts of Rob fled. Was she ill?
No. She can’t get sick. Not here. Not now.
“Wake up, sunshine.”
Carolyn blinked and mumbled, “Mama, are we home?”
Sally touched Carolyn’s cheeks. They felt as if she had a little stove inside. “No, baby, but we’ll stop in the nearest town.”
Rob shook Moss’s shoulder. “Wake up. Carolyn is sick.”
Moss woke fast. “We’d best get her to a doctor.”
Rob held out a cup to Moss. “Coffee?”
“Since ye got it made. But we’d best git movin’.”
“We’ll travel better with full stomachs and I’ve already cooked breakfast.”
Moss’s belly rumbled. “Make it fast.”
They ate bacon wrapped around biscuits, but Carolyn refused to eat or drink. Sally tore strips of cloth from an old dress. If only she’d been able to buy Carolyn shoes. Her feet felt icy through her stockings.
Sally wound the cloth around Carolyn’s feet, held them in her hands and rubbed hard. Her daughter looked like a painted doll in her yellow dress and bright red cheeks. She needed to see a doctor. Sally could hear a rattling in her chest when she breathed. What if she had pneumonia?
Moss moved them out and Carolyn rode with him again after he wrapped her in the smelly horse blanket Sally had objected to earlier. Now she was glad to have the warm woolen blanket.
As they rode south, heavy snowflakes fell. It snowed all afternoon. They rode in silence, urging the mules and horse on. Occasionally Carolyn gave a sharp cough, worrying Sally.
What if the sickness was in her lungs?
Carolyn slept and Sally listened for a rattle in her breath. Her thoughts whirled as wind whipped across the ground in fierce gusts, drowning out other sounds. The sky darkened.
Would they find a doctor in the next town? If only they could they reach one in time. She couldn’t bear the thought of losing her little girl.
Then she thought of Matthew. If he got sick, Luke wouldn’t know how to care for him. Luke wouldn’t care. He’d leave him in the closest town. He had no patience with illness.
Her anger toward Luke deepened. Here she was in the middle of nowhere with a sick child. All because of Luke. If she lost her baby girl she’d never forgive him.
Carolyn coughed again, the sound a bark. Worry wound its way through Sally’s mind. She tried not to think of all the terrible things that could happen, to focus on her daughter.
They had to find a doctor for Carolyn.
They had to hurry.