Two days later Mark, Luke, and Micah were waiting for the stagecoach, the boy so excited he didn't notice the worried looks his father and the marshal were exchanging. "Pa, do you think the stagecoach is on time?"
"There's no way to tell, son, but I'm sure we would have heard if anything was holding it up." Luke pushed his hat back. "You haven't heard anything, have you, Micah?"
"No, I haven't." The marshal scanned the street. "I wish I knew where Jennings was. I haven't seen him since he left my office."
"He's over at Millie's store," said Mark helpfully. "He said he was looking for something for Miss Bertie. I guess he's not mad at her after all."
Micah blew out his breath. "I guess not. Maybe I'll just mosey on over there and tell him...something."
"You want me to come?" asked Luke.
"No, you stay here and see that Miss Bertie gets off the stage and safely to the hotel." Micah strolled away, his easy walk belying the concern he felt as he walked into the store.
Jennings was leaning on the counter, smiling widely at Millie. "Are you telling me that you don't have the latest fashion in bonnets? Why, I was just thinking how stylish Miss Bertie would look in a new bonnet."
Millie's eyes ranged nervously over the shelves. "We're not exactly the center of the fashion world here, Mr Jennings." She caught sight of Micah. "Oh, marshal, look who it is! Mr Jennings is back in North Fork."
"I've seen him," said Micah disgustedly. "He's a free man, Millie. Nothing to worry about." He took Jennings by the arm. "Why don't we take a walk over to the saloon? I'll buy you a drink."
"Do we have time?" Jennings looked down at his arm and Micah released it. "I want my face to be the first thing Miss Bertie sees when she gets off the stage."
The marshal scowled. "I can't stop you from being where she can see you but if you touch one hair on her head…"
"Why, marshal, what do you take me for?" Jennings looked hurt. "I wouldn't hurt that dear sweet little old bounty hunter for anything in the world."
Mark ran in. "The stage is here!"
"Maybe we can have that drink later." Jennings smoothed down his shirt and adjusted his hat. "I have a stage to meet."
Micah followed the man out the door, his hand on his gun as Jennings positioned himself in the street as the stage rolled in. Mark was right on Micah's heels and Luke pushed his son behind him, his rifle half up and pointing in Jennings direction. The stage stopped and Jennings hurried forward to open the door. "Miss Bertie!"
Miss Bertie almost jumped into his arms. "Mr Jennings! You made it!"
"Yes, indeed, ma'am." Jennings gestured at Luke and Micah. "And look who else is here!"
"Why, Mr McCain! Marshal Torrance! How nice of you to meet me!" Miss Bertie peered around. "But where's Mark?"
The boy peered around his father. "Right here, Miss Bertie."
She hurried over to hug him. "It's so good to see you! Do you still have that book of wanted posters?"
Jennings took a piece of luggage from the stagecoach driver. "Is this everything, Miss Bertie?"
"Yes, dear."
Luke and Micah were completely befuddled but the marshal finally got enough breath to snap, "I want a full explanation this minute!"
