“Captain Jones, could I speak to you for a moment, please?”

  The captain looked at her for a couple of seconds before nodding. He gestured for her to sit down at his fire.

  Eva took a seat, trying to calm the butterflies in her stomach.

  “It’s about Mr. Long. I wanted to tell you David Clarke didn't shoot him.”

  “Do you know that for a fact, Miss Thompson?”

  Eva wanted to lie but something in the older man's eyes stopped her. She met his gaze. “No, sir. I mean I didn't see the shooting but I know David Clarke and he wouldn't do something like this. He couldn't.”

  “Is this your heart speaking, Miss Thompson?”

  Eva knew her face was scarlet but still she held his gaze. “Yes, sir but also my head. I have known David Clarke since I was five years old and I have never seen him cruel to another living thing be it person or animal.”

  Captain Jones sat looking into the fire for a while. Just as the silence became unbearable, he spoke.

  “I believe you, Miss Thompson. I haven't known Clarke for very long but in that time, I have never seen him display any cruelty to anyone, man or beast. You can tell a lot about a man by the way they treat their animals.”

  “So you will allow him stay with the wagon train?”

  “Yes, miss. I will.”

  On impulse, Eva moved forward but caught herself just in time. “Thank you, Captain Jones.”

  “Miss Thompson, your pa know how you feel about Clarke?” Captain Jones looked her in the eye. “I'm not being nosy but your answer could affect my wagon train. I got the impression your pa was hopeful for a match with another man.”

  “My pa has his own views, Captain Jones. Goodnight.” Eva turned to walk away before she embarrassed herself any further. Captain Jones had been very pleasant but people expected girls to obey their fathers. As she walked away, she thought she heard him mutter something that sounded like “Funny how parents can be so blinkered.” But when she turned back to look at him, he was once more staring back into the depths of the fire.

  As soon as she was far enough away, she picked up her skirts and made her way to the Long wagon hoping to find David getting a couple of snacks for his guard duty. He was there but so were the Long girls.

  “Eva, you saved me a trip. Could you return these dishes to your ma, please? She was very kind to cook us another meal.”

  “Yes, Mrs. Long. She asked me to check if you needed anything else.” The small lie tripped off her tongue. She saw David's eyes widen.

  “No, she has done plenty. It’s about time I got back to looking after my own family. It’s what my husband would expect of me.”

  Eva didn’t answer, what could she say? Instead, she motioned to David she needed to speak to him.

  “I spoke to Captain Jones.”

  “Eva Thompson. What did you do that for? You have no right getting into my business.”

  “Our business, David Clarke, and don’t you forget it.”

  David still looked angry.

  “He said he believes you are innocent and would expect you to stay with the wagon,” Eva summarized.

  “He did?” David’s puzzlement made Eva wish she could hug him.

  “Not everyone judges you by your pa. Captain Jones only knows you and he likes what he sees. Please tell me you won't run.”

  “I could never leave you, Eva.” He pulled her toward him while stepping into the middle of two of the circled wagons. It offered them some protection. Nobody was likely to see them unless they walked straight past.

  He held her close before kissing her gently at first but she let the kiss develop. She wanted him to know she loved him and would never leave him. His kisses left her breathless. Reluctantly, she broke apart from him, both their breathing labored.

  “David, I love you. You are never to leave me. Promise.”

  “I promise, Eva.”

  Chapter 41

  The tense atmosphere in the caravan train made everyone nervous. Milly had tried reassuring Eva people didn’t believe David had killed Mr. Long. Captain Jones’ word was law and he believed David was innocent. A couple of days after the shooting, Captain Jones went scouting ahead. Pa and a group of the men went hunting leaving a skeleton crew of men guarding the wagons. These men included Harold and his friends.

  Eva looked up from her laundry. It was impossible to get the clothes clean without decent soap and hot water. All she was doing was wetting them. It would be easier to wear them into the river and take a swim. Given the hot weather, it would be more comfortable, too, but she didn’t think her ma would agree with her way of doing laundry. Her sister wasn’t having much fun either. Becky was trying to get as much water out of the washed clothes as possible so they would dry quicker. If they weren’t dry by the time they pulled out, they would have to wear them wet. There was nothing worse than trying to pull on wet undergarments.

  “What’s going on over there?” Becky pointed.

  Eva followed her finger to spot Harold marching toward David. He tapped him on the shoulder and then punched him in the face as David turned around. David wobbled but didn’t fall over.

  Eva clasped her hand over her mouth. If David retaliated, he could really hurt Harold being so much bigger than him. Harold deserved it but if David really hurt him, he could get in trouble.

  Becky grabbed her arm, dragging her closer to the fight.

  “Clarke shot Bart Long. I saw him.”

  Eva stared in horror at Harold but he wasn’t looking at her. His attention was focused on David.

  The mutterings of the crowd gathered around grew louder. Becky held Eva's arm tighter. “That can't be true? Can it?”

  “Of course it’s not true. David wouldn’t do something like that. He couldn’t hurt another person let alone someone who had been so kind to him.” Eva's anger made her tone sharper but for once Becky didn't retaliate.

  “Of course he didn't hurt anyone. He will be proven innocent. Don't worry, Eva, nobody is going to believe Harold.”

  But even as Becky said those words, a crowd was gathering threatening to hang David as soon as they found a big enough tree. Eva wished Captain Jones was here but he had gone scouting up ahead. She needed someone fair and impartial.

  “Becky, find your pa. Tell him to come back to the wagon quickly.”

  “Yes, Ma,” Becky gave Eva's hand a squeeze before she went looking for their father.

  “Eva, I know you are hurting on David's behalf but you need to stay out of this. It's men's business. They don't like when us women interfere.”

  “But, Ma…”

  “For once in your life, girl, stop asking questions and do as you are told.” Ma's reprimand was followed by a quick hug. “I know you are suffering but you have to do what's best for David. Now go sit in the wagon with Stephen and Johanna. Teach Stephen his spelling. I don't want him witnessing this mob mentality.”

  “What are you going to do, Ma?”

  “I am going to get Mrs. Long.”

  “Let me do that, please? You stay with David just in case... What if they decide to...” Eva couldn't bring herself to put David's death into words.

  “Find Mrs. Long, hurry back and then go sit in the wagon. I don’t think your presence will diffuse the situation.”

  “Thanks, Ma.” Eva hitched up her skirts and walked quickly in the direction of the wagons. She hated dragging Mrs. Long into a discussion about who killed her husband, but David needed all the help he could get.

  By the time she returned with Mrs. Long, the mood of the crowd was even angrier than before. Her ma gave her a pointed look so she headed for their wagon, but as soon as her ma turned her back, she hid behind the nearest shelter. She had to see what was happening. Becky had returned with their pa. Her sister spotted Eva and moved toward her carefully not attracting the attention of their parents.

  “What did Pa say? Does he believe Harold or David?”

  “I don’t know, Sis, I'm sorry. He wouldn’t comment until he heard the evidence.”

  “Harold's lies you mean,” Eva spat, fisting her hands. The temptation to wrap them around Harold’s scrawny neck was too strong.

  The girls watched as their father listened to both Harold and David. He then spent a while discussing things with some of other older men from the caravan.

  “We have decided to wait until Captain Jones comes back. Until that time, Clarke will be kept tied up.”

  The crowd murmured. Some of the men were angry. Bart Long had been a popular man. As far as they were concerned, a murder had been committed, and a witness had identified the murderer. Therefore, all that was needed was justice. Thankfully, a few other people thought David deserved a proper trial and so should be brought to the nearest town. Captain Jones would have the deciding verdict.

  Eva watched as David walked toward the wagon where he was to be held prisoner. His shoulders slumped and the look in his eyes showed he had lost faith. She longed to run to him and reassure him everything would be fine. But how could it be? Captain Jones was a fair man but he had said from the start he would act in the wider interest of the wagon train. The mood among the travelers was restless—some were very angry, others were caught up in the excitement of something different happening in their mundane boring lives.

  She paced back and forth unable to eat. She had to do something. But what?

  “Eva, you are going to make yourself ill. Sit down and eat.”

  “I can’t, Becky. I have to do something.”

  “Why don’t you go see Harold?”

  “To slap him?” Eva snapped.

  “Well, that's what I would do if I were in your shoes but you are more sensible than that. You know he cares about you. Use that to your advantage.”

  Eva stared at her sister trying to work out exactly what she was saying.

  “Come on, Sis, you can't be that naive. You have something Harold wants. You should be able to make him see sense.”

  “You mean marry him?” Eva almost choked on the words as her stomach roiled in protest.

  “Well...not necessarily.”

  Eva stopped pacing back and forth to stare at her sister, her words registering but her brain refused to believe what Becky was suggesting.

  “Rebecca Thompson. I couldn't.”

  “I thought David meant the world to you.”

  “He does but...”

  Becky gave her a look but didn't reply. She returned to where her parents were sitting leaving Eva standing alone. Could she do what Becky was suggesting? If David found out, he wouldn’t want her. But if the situation was reversed and she was in trouble, David would do anything to rescue her.

  Chapter 42

  David sat in the wagon, he couldn’t do much else, as his legs were bound so tightly. His jaw was throbbing from the punch he’d got. He wished he had a chance to hit Harold back. At least then the other man would be in physical pain. He had gone over and over what Harold could hope to gain by accusing him of murder. Well, apart from his death, how would he benefit from that.

  Eva. This had to have something to do with her.

  He swore under his breath as he tried but failed to get out of the wagon. He had to find Eva, to warn her Harold was up to something. She may have already guessed but he doubted it. She was so kind. She genuinely believed everyone would see the good in people if they spent time with them. Look how much she believe her pa would come around to the idea of them getting married. David knew he would have to be the last man standing before Mr. Thompson would agree to let his precious daughter marry a Clarke.

  He heard someone whisper his name. His first thought was Eva but he dismissed it. The voice was that of a child.

  “David, can you hear me? I brought you some biscuits. Ma made them. She thought you would be hungry.”

  Tears filled David’s eyes. Julia and her ma should hate him the most but they obviously didn’t believe Harold. He had never experienced that type of loyalty from anyone before. Well, apart from Eva but that was different. She loved him.

  “Thank you, Julia. Could you do something else for me, please?”

  “Yes, David.”

  “Can you tell Miss Thompson, Eva, I want to see her?”

  “I will if my ma lets me. She said I have to tell her everything I hear.”

  David knew Mrs. Long was trying to protect her daughter but did that mean she didn’t trust him? But she wouldn’t send him something to eat if she thought he had killed her husband.

  “Go on back to your ma, Julia. Thanks for the biscuits.”

  “David, I know you never did anything to my pa. I still love you. You saved my life.”

  David couldn’t reply. She had gone by the time he recovered his voice.

  Eva got David's message some time later. She walked quickly toward the wagon where he was being held hoping she wouldn’t be intercepted. But she was and by the last person she wanted to see.

  “Going somewhere, Miss Thompson?” Harold's face was twisted into a sneer

  “Yes, please step out of my way.” Eva hid her fears as best she could.

  “Now that isn't too friendly, is it?”

  Eva gagged at the whiff of his breath. “You've been drinking.”

  “So what if I have? You should have a drop it might loosen you up a bit. Although from what I hear, you have no issues lifting your skirts for someone else.”

  The ring of the slap was loud. Eva's hand stung. She turned on her heel intent on walking away, but Harold grabbed her, pulling her behind a wagon out of view.

  “You will get away with that one but never raise your hand to me again. You hear?”

  Eva stood as straight as she could. Determined to prove he wasn’t scaring her, despite the fact her legs were shaking so much, it was a wonder her knees didn’t start knocking.

  “Take your hands off me you unruly...”

  “Now I don’t think you want to take that tone with me either. Not when I have your lover locked up.” Harold’s eyes glittered dangerously.

  “He's not my lover.”

  “No, but you want him to be, don’t you? That isn’t going to happen, though, because you are going to marry me.”

  “I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth.” Eva knew it was stupid to rile him, but she couldn’t stop herself.

  “No? I think you will.”

  The knowing look in his eyes sent a chill down her back.

  “Why do you want me? You could have one of many willing women. There are plenty of girls who want to be Mrs. Harold Chapman.”

  His chest puffed out at her words but the ugly look in his eyes remained.

  “Yes, but I want you. I always get what I want.”

  Eva tried to edge away from him, hoping to attract the attention of someone.

  He grabbed her hair pulling her closer to him. She yelped in pain but he cut off the sound by stealing a kiss.

  “That's just a taste of what's ahead of us. You will go back to your pa and tell him you want to get married as soon as Captain Jones comes back.”

  “He isn’t going to let me get married that fast.”

  “I think he will if you tell him you have anticipated your wedding vows.” He pulled her closer again. “Perhaps that isn’t a bad idea.”

  “No, please?” Eva begged. “He won’t agree if you do anything to hurt me.”

  Harold released her reluctantly.

  “Find a way to persuade him, Eva. Your lover's life depends on it.”

  “Are you saying if I agree to marry you, David will go free?”

  Harold laughed making the most evil sound Eva had ever heard.

  “When we are married, I will tell everyone it was an accident. Clarke will be spared but I doubt he will thank you. He will see you every day but won't be able to put a hand on you. That pleasure, my dear Eva, will belong to your husband. Me.”

  Eva moved her head quickly so his lips collided with her cheek.

  “You're evil,” She spat.

  “Maybe, but you're stuck with me.” He pulled her closer as he took another swig from his bottle. The smell made her stomach roil again.

  “Do we have an understanding?”

  Eva hesitated. Could she tell her pa the truth?

  “Before you think of telling anyone what happened here tonight, I should say I have two men keeping a very close eye on your sisters. We wouldn't want anything nasty to happen.”

  Eva couldn’t believe this was Harold. How could someone she had dismissed as being a nasty child turn into someone so horrendous? She knew she was beaten.

  “How do I know you will keep your promise?”

  “You will just have to trust me.”

  She glared at him but it was the truth. There really wasn’t any other option. Not if she wanted to save David.

  Chapter 43

  David waited but Eva didn’t come. Did she believe him guilty too? She couldn’t. She knew him. But then why hadn’t she come to see him? He tried to release the ropes binding his legs but all it did was chaff his skin. If only he had a knife. He kept twisting this way and that but it only resulted in deeper wounds. He sat back trying to think of a way out of his situation. Somebody had to have seen what happened to Bart Long. Most of the men had been out hunting but the women or children might have seen something. Sometime later he heard a rustling sound. A hand, a female one, had cut a small hole in the canvas.

  “Eva?” He whispered.

  “It’s Becky. Be quiet. We have to move quickly.” She climbed into the wagon. He closed his eyes as he realized she had tucked her skirts right up.

  He held up his legs while she cut through the ropes. She then released his hands. They hurt like anything as the blood rushed back into his extremities.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “No need to sound so grateful,” Becky replied pouting. “I have to get you out of here. We need to ride for Captain Jones. I have hidden two horses on the other side of the stream. Now I just got to distract the man outside. Meanwhile, you make a run for it. If I can I will catch up. But don’t wait for me. Get Captain Jones or some soldiers preferably both.”

 

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