Page 27 of Scarlett

“What happened?” Her large eyes scanned his torso. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I was treating a bullet wound...” His words were interrupted by a guttural cry from inside the clinic.

At once without speaking, Scarlett stormed past them and through the door. Unsure what would happen, Emmett exchanged looks with the sheriff. “The last thing I need is a swooning woman in there.”

Blake shrugged. “You may be surprised. Women are pretty sturdy when it comes to blood and such.”

His wife was too polished for the scene she’d confront in the clinic, so he went to go inside, only to stop at the front door.

On the floor next to the bed, the dead man’s brother had collapsed and Scarlett was beside him, her arms around him while holding his head against her shoulder. The man wept against her, seeming to calm at her caring touch.

“It’s going to be all right,” Scarlett whispered into his ear. “He’s not hurting anymore and I have faith you’ll see him again.”

Gladys wiped tears from her face while pulling a sheet over the dead man’s body.

The man finally pulled away from Scarlett and she pushed his hair away from his face. He was young, Emmett guessed no more than eighteen years of age.

“Thank you Miss.” The young man’s face reddened. “Sorry for this.” He motioned to Scarlett dress. It was smeared with a mixture of dirt, blood and tears.

Scarlett met the young man’s gaze with a soft smile. “Would you help me up?”

Not only did Scarlett show compassion, but also a way for the young man to not feel totally embarrassed. Emmett could not stop watching as the now composed young man helped her to stand and she thanked him.

Something akin to jealousy stirred in Emmett and he pushed it away. There was no need for such feelings at a time like this. Yes, Scarlett never was demonstrative toward him, but Emmett himself had set the boundaries, so it was ridiculous to feel anything when she did so to others, especially given the situation.

“What’s your name young man?” Blake took over.

“Josiah Carter,” the young man answered looking toward the now covered body. “That is my brother John.”

“What happened?”

Josiah accepted a cup of coffee and sat in a chair Gladys lead him to. It was then Emmett noticed the young man had a bruised jaw and dark purpling around his neck.

“My brother and I have been camping over by the river. We’d been there for a few days, just come up from Tennessee.” Josiah drank from the cup seeming to need to wet his throat. “John had gone to check a trap when two men came up and told me we were trespassing.”

Blake exchanged looks with Emmett, both knew whose property it was and if it was the family they suspected, they were hateful people.

“When I told them I’d leave as soon as my brother returned, they dismounted and began throwing our things into the fire. I tried to stop them. We fought.”

“And that’s when your brother returned?” Blake interjected.

Josiah nodded. “Yes sir. He rushed them and had one down when the other one shot him.” He swallowed. “John wouldn’t go down and they kept shooting...”

Emmett noted Scarlett remained in the room, tears falling down her face. He went to her. “You should go home.”

“What’s going to happen now?” Josiah looked to Blake. “I mean to go after them. I’m telling you now. They killed my brother.”

“Let’s settle down first. You can’t go after them, they will most likely be waiting for you and kill you too.” Blake took a breath. “If you were on their property and your brother attacked them, there’s not much can be done. I will go out and speak to them, but I’m not sure...”

Josiah jumped to his feet. “They killed my brother. They’re murderers and you mean to tell me you won’t do nothing about it?” The young man’s face contorted with anger. “They killed John.”

It was then Gladys neared, but did not touch Josiah. “Let Dr. Jones examine you. The sheriff will see about taking care of your brother. First thing you need to think about is getting cleaned up and seeing about your brother being taken care of properly. What comes next will take care of itself.”

Surprisingly, the young man calmed down and nodded. “Yes ma’am,” he replied softly.

Emmett turned to Scarlett. “Go home, you need to get cleaned up as well. Your dress may be ruined.” He took her by the elbow and walked with her to the back door so she could go to their house. “You shouldn’t have come here.”

Wide eyes met his. Her lips parted as if she meant to say something. Instead she swallowed visibly, obviously hurt by his words. “I won’t do so again.” She straightened and snatched her elbow from his grasp.