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“Sorry to burst your bubble, but your plan’s been blown because I am alive and breathing, and as long as that’s the case, you will never rest securely in Devil’s Creek.”

Caroline’s mouth twitched with an amused smile. “I’d say I can fix the alive and breathing part, but it won’t be necessary. Neither will Devil’s Creek, as long as you don’t interfere. I’ll be out of here and headed to Tucson or Phoenix as soon as I can.”

“Then what?” Sadie asked. “You don’t know nothing about living out here.”

“I do, actually. I studied long and hard before the trip.”

“That so? You planning to make your hair purple again?”

“I can live without it. Hair is easy enough to change in other ways. Besides, it’s a minor inconvenience when all I have to do once in the big city is introduce a few “new” inventions every once in a while, and I’ll be the richest and possibly the most famous woman in history.”

Sadie snorted. “Well, I’m not cooperating. I’ll tell everyone and I’ll prove it if I have to. I can lead everyone back to that time machine of yours. But I won’t if you come willingly.”

Caroline stood, smoothing wrinkles from her skirts and staring at Sadie.

“You are a stubborn woman, aren’t you? I admire that.” She strode forward and reached up to brush a stray curl from Sadie’s forehead, making her wince in response. “We don’t need to fight, two strong women like us. We can come to an agreement that’s mutually beneficial. I’ll bring you along as my assistant. You can share in some of the wealth and fame. You’ll never need for anything or have to answer to any man again. Certainly, that appeals more than a tryst with a man who never had any intention of staying in 1888.”

That stung. Wally never made it a secret that he had to go when all this was over. He was honest with her, which was more than she’d been with him at first. Sadie hoped the magnetic need they shared would keep him here, but she couldn’t count on it.

But helping someone who nearly killed Wally and everyone on board that time machine? Not a chance. Sadie didn’t need fame or fortune, just her ranch and her son’s health.

She opened her mouth to tell the bitch off when an idea came to her and she changed her mind.

“I’ll make you a deal. You help me sneak on board that thing again so I can travel to the future. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”

Caroline tilted her head, contemplating the offer, or so she hoped. Sadie kept her fingers crossed behind her back.

“I thought you could sneak on yourself just fine?”

“Bluster to look good in an argument. I did it once, but Wally found me and escorted me out. No way I’m getting back inside with them on high alert, thanks to you.”

“Deal.” Caroline stuck out a hand, and Sadie contemplated it for only a moment before shaking on it.

The two women made their way back to the dining room where Amos sat, a napkin tucked in his collar like he’d never left to haul Wally off to jail. Wally’s seat remained empty while everyone’s eyes rested on the two of them.

“Dessert?” Harriet offered.

“Thank you kindly,” Sadie said, taking her seat.

Caroline sat as well and smiled.

“Well?” Harriet stammered.

Sadie tucked into her bowl of gelatin and let Caroline answer.

“Sadie and I understand each other,” she said. “It’s difficult, of course, when you have feelings for someone to be deceived by them in such a manner. But she’s a smart lady, and she sees reason now.”

“Wish you’d been around to talk some reason into Sadie sooner,” Amos grumbled.

Gritting her teeth, Sadie glared back at him with a mind to shove the bowl in his face.

“Why don’t you and I go for a walk together in the morning?” Caroline asked in her sweet as sugar voice. “So we can get to know each other better.”

Sadie preferred her ‘cut the crap’ attitude but smiled back. “Sure. Meet me at the ranch. You know how to get there. And honestly, y’all, I’m really tired. I need to get back to Teddy, so if you don’t mind…”

Amos stopped her with a vice grip on her arm as she stood. “You wouldn’t happen to be headed back over by the jail now would you, Sadie?”

“No. Like I said, my son needs me. I’ve been gone far longer than I like. You can keep that liar in the cell for all I care.”

Amos narrowed his eyes and did not let go.

“How about we go together then?” Caroline offered, and they both looked toward her.

“You shouldn’t be riding out here alone at night, Miss Caroline,” Amos said. “I’d be worried about you getting back to town.”

“I have room at the ranch if you’d like to stay over,” Sadie said over him. For her plan to work, they needed the time together before Wally could intervene. He was safest locked up at the moment, as uncomfortable as it probably was.

“It’s settled then.” Caroline stood and reached for Sadie’s hand, causing Amos to finally release his hold. “Thank you all for your hospitality. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.”

Don’t bet on it, Sadie thought, even while she nodded in agreement.