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Zac walked away, shaking his head. He didn't understand why he felt as if his troubles were just beginning.
Preacher Jacob watched Prudence and the man disappear into the hotel. "Our sister Prudence walks the evil path once again."
Ellie watched her husband's eyes as they remained transfixed on the hotel.
"In her lust for the flesh, she has lied and used a man of the cloth to help her sin. She didn't come to Alexandria to meet her sister. She came to meet a man. The very man she has probably fornicated with time and again."
Ellie stayed silent as her husband's eyes grew wide and bright with a desire for revenge.
"We must save her tarnished soul. It isn't too late. She must be made to walk the path of the Lord, as must the man with whom she has chosen to sin."
Ellie nodded and followed her husband as he walked with quick strides back to the wagon.
"We will gather the soldiers of the Lord to do his work. By evening, these sinners will sin no more. They will be one with the Lord. Come, Ellie, we must hurry. There is much to do."
Prudence relaxed in the chair, grateful for its comfort after days of riding the wagon seat. Her body was worn but her spirit was high. She found she enjoyed the unpredictable. She didn't miss the mundane routine of Boston. Here she experienced the excitement of life. Of course, she hadn't counted on Zac Stewart's presence. She stole a glance to where he stood. Tall and commanding in his stance, he inspired respect and awe in other men. And the women . . . they couldn't take their eyes off him. Some tried to be casual, stealing a glance here and there, while the more outrageous ones openly smiled and flirted with him.
Prudence had to admit he was a fine specimen of a man. Handsome and determined to see his job done, if one could ignore his gunslinger past, he appeared prime husband material.
She didn't often give flight to her imagination, always thinking of the practical. But for a moment, she pictured him following her west because he loved her and feared for her safe return. The ridiculous thought snapped her back to her senses.
"Don't be a fool, Prudence," she scolded in a whisper as she stole one more peek at Zac.
His eyes caught hers and he smiled that utterly charming, beguiling smile. Her heart thumped wildly and then he winked at her, causing the thumping to cease entirely and her breath to catch.
She turned her head quickly away. "Devil," she mumbled. "He's an absolute devil of a man."
A shadow fell over her and she jumped, startled by its nearness.
Zac stood over her. "Ready?"
She nodded and he took her arm to help her stand.
"You need some rest," he said. "It takes time to get accustomed to the West."
“I’m doing fine," she defended.
"I didn't say you weren't. Actually I'm a bit surprised at how well you've held up out here."
Prudence smiled. "Disappointed I didn't crumble?"
He laughed. "Actually, I am. It would have made my job much easier."
"You're right," she said, adding a nod of delight. "It would have."
They walked to the door a bit more relaxed in their newly found camaraderie.
"Well, at least we agree on one thing," Zac said, reaching for the handle.
"A pleasant change," Prudence agreed, certain it wouldn't last long.
"Damn!" Zac said beneath his breath, but loud enough for Prudence to hear as they walked out of the hotel.
"Mr. Stewart, I warned you . . ." Her words died on her lips.
Zac gently nudged Prudence behind him as they both stared down the barrels of over a dozen rifles pointed directly at them.
"Preacher Jacob," Prudence whispered, spying the man in the lead.
"The preacher you hooked a ride with?" Zac questioned in a whisper.
Preacher Jacob's booming voice allowed for no response. "Sister Prudence, I have come to save you from your sinning ways and free your soul."
"Damn," Zac repeated.
The dozen men stood silent around the preacher, each holding steady his rifle. The grave looks on their faces warned Zac of the seriousness of the situation.
"My son, you have committed a sin against the Lord," Preacher Jacob announced. "You must repent and do the honorable thing."
Zac didn't want to think about what this crazy man was about to suggest. He also doubted Prudence had any understanding of what she had gotten them into.
"You have fornicated with this woman without the benefit of marriage."
Prudence turned bright red, and the volume from the crowd that had begun gathering grew with his announcement.
"You must save her soul and yours," the preacher continued, growing louder in tone upon hearing the murmur of approving voices. "You must join her in the holiness of marriage before this day ends, or forever be condemned to the torments of hell."
