Bad News
The next day the boys had gotten up early ate breakfast and started to unload fresh cut wooden logs from the buckboard onto the log pile up against the house.
"I wonder why all of a sudden Amelia is having nightmares about her attack. I know it took some time for her to heal but I thought she had fully recovered by now" said Joe concerned.
"Maybe she hasn't fully recovered and has been dealing with it all this time" suggested Adam. Hoss thinks about it for a minute considering both of his brothers' points.
"Well let's see for the past few years she hasn't spoken about it or has had any nightmares of it. She hasn't had any nightmares until last night" said Hoss. Adam looks at his brother "What are you getting at?" asked Adam.
"Maybe her having nightmares has to do with how strangely she acted yesterday" replied Hoss.
Adam and Joe exchange glances. "That could be it" said Adam impressed.
"I don't think it's that simple" said Joe. "What do you think little brother?" asked Hoss interested.
"I don't know maybe it is I'm just worry. She hasn't acted this since that night. I'm afraid that she's reliving her attack and the days after it. You remember how she acted after it happen" said Joe. "How she was afraid and had nightmares".
"Whether it has to do with her behavior or about reliving the attack something is peculiar is bothering our younger sister" said Adam.
"Maybe we should keep an eye on her that way we'll get some idea what's bothering her" suggested Joe.
The three brothers nod their heads in agreement.
After unloading the logs the boys and Ben rode into town and up to the sheriff's office.
Roy was pouring himself a cup of coffee when the Cartwright's walk in.
"Ben just the man I wanted to see" said Roy in a cheerful tone. "Oh and why is that Roy?" asked Ben curiously.
"I thought I should tell you this before it gets around town. I think it would be better for Amelia if you told her" said Roy.
"Tell her what? What is this about?" asked Ben concern when Roy mention his daughter. "I'm sorry I have to tell ya'll this but John Carter has been released from prison as of yesterday" said Roy.
The boys exchange glances in disbelief while Ben looked at Roy with rage in his eyes.
"WHAT! That killer is free after murdering three girls and taking advantage of my daughter is FREE! How is that possible?" yelled Ben.
"He got out on good behavior" explained Roy. "Good behavior! That animal doesn't know the meaning of the word" yelled Ben.
"Ben I understand that you are livid so am I but losing your temper isn't gonna do anything" reasoned Roy.
"Do you know if he came back to Virginia City?" asked Adam trying to control his temper same as his brothers.
"I'm not sure but I'll look around and see if anyone has seen him. I can't imagine why he would come back here again" said Roy.
"Let us know if you find something out" said Ben calming down. "I sure will Ben I hope Amelia takes it well" said Roy hopingly. "Don't count on it" said Hoss.
The Cartwright's walk out the door and the boys start to wonder in Amelia's behavior and her attacker being released are connected.