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Wade sighed heavily but continued. “Did you think your life was in danger?”
She recalled the death grip Chuck Rhodes had on her neck. Again she nodded.
“Can you indicate how?”
Her neck still felt sore and bruised. Dropping the blanket she lifted her chin to expose her neck. She heard Wade curse and get up abruptly. Prescott came over to get a look himself.
“Definitely evidence of finger marks. He must have had quite the grip.” Prescott looked into Anna’s eyes. “You’re lucky to be alive.”
She glanced over at Wade. His back was to them, but he stood very still. She knew he was seething with anger from the wild pulses beating in the back of his neck. Prescott got up and walked over to him.
“Why would he have done this?”
“Dammit, I should have gotten rid of him years before.” She heard Wade mutter.
“I thought the man harmless myself.”
Wade turned around. “Not a word of this to Kathleen. Let’s not spoil her visit.”
“Of course.” Prescott glanced back at Anna. “What about Peter?”
Both men looked at her before Wade replied, “He can stay in the cook’s room tonight.”
“And the constable?”
“What about him?” Wade snapped at his brother.
“I think we ought to let him know what happened tonight.”
“And give him another reason to hang the boy? He already believes he’s guilty for the incident in the village.”
“He believes the boy knows what happened in the village.” Prescott corrected his older brother.
Wade didn’t look convinced. “If anything, tonight will prove the boy capable of killing.”
The room went silent and Anna felt her heart grow cold. Wade was right. She was capable of taking someone’s life. Now, more than before, she felt responsible for whatever evil had transpired on the mountain.
“I still think we ought to let him know that Chuck Rhodes attempted to kill Peter. He’s got the evidence on his neck to prove it.”
Wade hesitated before speaking. “Let’s see what happens in the morning. See if Chuck Rhodes survives.”
Prescott nodded.
“And if he does,” Wade added. “I’ll kill him myself.”
He was not looking at Anna, but she felt the rage oozing from every pore in his body. She ought to have felt frightened, but instead felt less alone than she ever did.
Prescott looked over at Anna. “Come on Peter, you need to get cleaned up.”
She looked down and saw the blood still fresh on her hands and clothing. Nodding, she got to her feet and followed him out of the room. When she came abreast to Wade, she stopped and looked up at him. He in turn looked down at her and something crossed between them. Without ever having uttered a single word, she had gained this man’s trust and belief. She felt a flood of love and without thinking stepped up and wrapped her arms around him.
Chapter 11
Wade felt the boy’s arms come around him and sensed his pain and fear. The night held secrets only the boy and Chuck Rhodes knew the truth about. However, Wade was certain those secrets were having a painful consequence. He sighed deeply and allowed his arms to come around and hold the boy close in what he hoped was a comforting embrace.
In his arms the boy visibly relaxed and tightened his hold. A warmth stirred deep inside and Wade recognized for the first time that night, why his anger made such a swift and heated appearance. He had become fonder of the boy than he realized.
A tiny frown creased his forehead as he drew the boy’s arms away from his body. “Best get cleaned up.”
