Lucas held Mark until well after the boy's tears were spent. The pair walked back to town to retrieve their horses, Lucas picking his son up and setting him on Razor before mounting up behind him. As the rancher had anticipated, Mark fell asleep part of the way home, resting against his father's strong frame.

When they returned to the ranch, Lucas gently carried his son inside and tucked him in before taking care of the horses. He finally made his way back to the front room, taking a seat in his leather chair as he reached for his Bible.

"Why does it always have to be you?!"

Lucas could still hear the pain in his son's voice. There were many times he had struggled with the same question. Many times he had wondered if his decision to take a stand was the right choice he wanted it to be. His heart ached at the thought of the tears his boy had cried that night; the hours Mark had spent waiting, wondering.

Letting out a heavy sigh, the rancher opened his Bible, his eyes falling on Psalm 82.

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? …Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.

Seeing a note in his grandfather's handwriting, Lucas turned back to the third chapter of the book.

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. …But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.

The rancher took in a deep breath as he closed his eyes, giving a prayer of thanks for the protection granted that evening. He then looked to the bedroom door, giving thanks once more for the son he had brought home.

Mark woke with a start, confused by his surroundings. He sat up and looked around before hurrying towards the bedroom door, relieved to see his pa at the stove.

"Breakfast is almost ready," he called without turning around. "Put on a clean shirt and then come set a couple of plates out."

Mark followed the instruction and was soon sitting down to eat. He listed as his pa laid out their list of chores for the day, a sick feeling settling in his stomach as Lucas began listing a number of stops in town.

"…By the time we're done, it'll be close enough to supper time that I reckon we could get something at the hotel." Lucas had expected his son to smile at the prospect, but the boy continued to look down at his plate. "…Mark?"

"…Pa… do… do we have to go into town today?"

As Mark asked the question, Lucas could see how hard his son was fighting to push back tears. For a moment his brow furrowed, only for his expression to soften as he began to understand the boy's struggle.

"Bennet's in jail, Son. Nothing's going to happen."

"I… I know, but…"

"…But what?"

Mark slowly looked up at Lucas, fear of rejection in his eyes. "…Can't we just do chores here today? Miss Hattie's next shipment doesn't come in until Monday, anyway."

As Lucas studied his son, he realized just how much Mark was needing time away from town, away from folks pestering them with questions about Bennet. How much his boy was needing time with his pa, alone.

"…I reckon we can make it through today and tomorrow. …Tell you what; why don't we work around the yard this morning, then check the herd on our way up to River's Canyon and camp up there tonight?"

Mark's entire posture relaxed as his eyes filled with relief and excitement. "Really?"

"As long as you don't complain when it comes time to do the dishes," Lucas teased.

"I won't!"

Mark was quick to tend to his chores that morning before he began packing the horses. He was just coming out of the house again when he saw Micah riding up, his heart sinking at the sight.

"…Marshal?"

"Howdy, Mark. Your pa around?"

"…He's in the barn. Something the matter?"

Before Micah could answer, Lucas came out from the barn and greeted the marshal.

"Hello, Micah. What brings you out this way?"

"Had some information I thought you might be interested in about Bennet and Walker."

"Oh?" The rancher stepped onto the porch, placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder.

"Turns out your feeling about Greg was right. He and Walker were printing counterfeit money in the back of the print shop. George found them loading a wagon that night and while Walker was trying to convince Greg they had no choice but to kill him, Walker's partner decided to step in."

"Partner? What partner?"

"Turns out Amos Lloyd does exist. That man Mark ran into behind the saloon was working with Walker."

Lucas looked down at his son with a disapproving frown. "Just what were you doing behind the saloon?"

"…I didn't want to come home with Mr. Hamilton," he quietly answered. "…I'm sorry, Pa, but I was worried and I… I did go with him later, it's just that his horse spooked and he got hurt."

Lucas nodded, accepting the apology and moving on. "What will happen to them now?"

"Walker and Bennet are pleading guilty. As of now we'll still need to hold a trial for Lloyd, but I think once we get a formal list of charges written up and he realizes that Walker will testify against him, he'll probably give in to whatever the judge recommends."

"Good."

"You two headed to town? I'll ride in with you."

"Thanks, but Mark and I are going up to River's Canyon. Will you let Hattie know that I won't be in for my order until Monday?"

"Sure thing. Oh, and next time you do go into town, Judge Hanavan was saying he wanted to talk to you."

"What about?"

"Seems there's a seat on the town council that needs to be filled."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"I think you know, Lucas-boy. Mark, you make sure your pa goes in to see the judge."

"I will."

"You two have a good time!"

Lucas waved as the marshal rode away, then looked back down at Mark. "The back of the saloon is no place for you to be, you hear me?"

"Yes sir."

With an arm still around his son, the rancher stepped down from the porch. "Horses ready?"

The boy nodded, lifting up a can of fruit. "This was the last thing."

"Let's get going then."

Mark hurried to BlueBoy and placed the can in his saddlebag before pulling himself into the saddle. He turned to Lucas, briefly hesitating before calling for his attention.

"…Pa?"

The rancher looked over his shoulder and waited for Mark to go on.

"…Thanks."

A smile crossed Lucas's face as he turned Razor around. "Lead the way, Partner."