“I don’t know, but we can’t discount that this attack wasn’t random,” Roswell replied. “Can you think of any reason as to why someone would want to abduct you?”
“Absolutely not!”
“I’m sorry, but I just had to ask,” he said.
Anette cocked her head. “How is your head?”
“It is of little consequence,” Roswell replied dismissively. He didn’t want to talk about the attack. That was his failure.
“We should send for a doctor to look at it.”
“I don’t need a doctor.”
“Why are you being so stubborn?” Anette asked. “You were hit hard over the head with a big rock.”
“I will be fine.”
“What if it needs stitches?”
“You do not need to fuss over me.”
Anette shook her head. “You are infuriating,” she said.
Roswell knew he was being difficult but he didn’t want Anette to worry about him. He was more concerned that Anette was protected and no harm would fall upon her ever again. He couldn’t have anything happen to her. He loved her too much.
The door of the coach opened and Octavia stepped inside. “Anette, are you all right?” she asked as she came to sit down next to her.
“I am,” Anette confirmed.
Caleb had followed Octavia into the coach and had closed the door behind him. As he situated himself by Roswell, he asked, “What happened? The footman only mentioned that someone tried to abduct Anette.”
“Someone tried, but I scared them off with my pistol,” Anette responded.
Caleb turned his attention towards Roswell. “Where were you when this happened?” His tone took on a hard edge.
Roswell went to answer but Anette spoke first. “Our attacker hit him over the head with a large rock.”
“You got hit?” Caleb asked.
“I did,” Roswell reluctantly admitted.
“How did you let that happen?” Caleb pressed.
“I was distracted.”
Caleb did not look pleased by his admission. “Distractions can get you killed.”
Octavia spoke up. “It was hardly Roswell’s fault that he was hit from behind,” she stated. Now his sister was attempting to defend his utter failure. Could this night get any worse?
With a bob of her head, Anette remarked, “That is precisely what I said.”
Caleb turned back to his sister. “Did you get a good look at the man?” he asked.
“Not really. His face was partially hidden by a cap that hung low over his face,” Anette replied. “He had a burly build, but he was not overly tall.”
“Should we send for the constable?” Octavia asked.
“It depends on why someone tried to abduct Anette,” Caleb replied.
