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I dashed down the street and was just about to head into the store when I spotted Ruby West walking along the planked street walkway. Best of all, she was alone. I figured this might be the one opportunity to speak with her privately.
Jaunting fast, I caught up with her just before she headed into the doctor’s office on the corner.
“Ruby, wait!” I called, waving.
She halted and grimaced as I jogged up to her. “Hello. Miss McEwan, isn’t it?”
“Callista, please,” I offered once again. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
Ruby frowned. “Why in heavens would you want to?”
“To say hello. To be friendly. Do I need a reason?”
“Thank you, but I need to see Dr. O’Brian before he leaves for the night. Good day, Miss McEwan,” she said, looking to rush past me.
“Ruby, a moment, please,” I asked, touching her arm. “I have some news from your sister, Dove-caller.”
That halted her.
I checked around. No watching sheriff, but he seemed to have the canny knack of showing up when least expected.
“Is there somewhere we can talk in private?” I asked.
Ruby considered, then gestured for me to follow her around the corner of the empty livery.
“I spoke with your sister regarding your condition,” I began quietly. Her green eyes widened. “No! She was actually very concerned about you. She had Black Crow talk to the elder council, and they’re open to having you return to the village.”
She shook her head. “No, I can’t do that.”
I also noted her palm pressing against her lower belly, a motion I’ve seen many expectant mothers make. She hadn’t caved to Wilkens pressure to abort the child then. That was some relief.
“Your condition doesn’t matter,” I said. “Dove-caller said she and Black Crow would take you in.”
“That’s not—”
“Yes, I know,” I said, holding up my hand to interrupt her. “Black Crow spoke with the council on that other matter, too. They agreed that your late husband was abusive and that you shouldn’t be shunned because of defending yourself. You may have to do some sort of official penance, but Dove-caller said it wasn’t much. Just a token ritual to be forgiven.”
“No, Miss McEwan,” she said sharply. “You’re not listening. I don’t want to go back to the Snoqualmie people. Ever.”
“If it’s a matter of Sheriff Wilkens—”
“I love Ray,” she cut in. “And he’s going to marry me when my contract with the saloon is over in January.”
“He said this?” I questioned, frowning.
“Yes.”
“And you believe him?” I questioned again.
Because the man’s promises were as questionable as his black character, in my opinion.
“Of course, I do,” she said. “So everything will be fine. I just have to wait a few months.”
“But if you go back to live with your sister now—”
“Thank you for your concern, Miss McEwan, but you don’t understand anything about me,” Ruby said. “Now please, go back to your own proper life and leave me to mine. Good day.”
She stalked quickly away, leaving me gaping after her behind the building. I was about to run after her, then stopped myself. The woman had made her choice, and that was that. I could only hope now that she and her child, wouldn’t live to regret it.
