HCTB Chapter 16 Sunday

The trip to the old Bolt cabin with supplies went smoothly after Sunday services. Aaron spoke with Lottie and Reverend Adams about Missy. He wondered if she could have had anything to do with the shooting. They were unaware that she had left town with Burt.

"She seemed pretty shocked when she heard about it," The Reverend said "I can't picture a young woman like her hiding out and shooting someone," he added.

"She probably didn't do it, but she may know someone that did," Lottie said "Proving it is a totally different story."

"How was Josh when you found him last night?" Lottie asked Aaron.

"He wasn't conscious when I was there. Apparently he was able to get inside before Candy found him."

"He was lucky Candy came when she did," Reverend Adams said.

"I just hope Dr. Wright was able to remove the bullet," Lottie said.

The wagon pulled into the clearing near the cabin just as Candy stepped outside. She walked up and met the trio. "How's Joshua?" Lottie asked as Aaron helped her down.

"Dr. Wright was able to remove the bullet, but he's in and out of it." She said.

"Oh thank God," Lottie said as she gave Candy a hug.

Aaron and Reverend Adams were unloading supplies. Corky came out to help.

"Jason was watching Allyn as she checked on Joshua. "Am I going to make it doc?" Joshua asked, still groggy from the anesthesia.

"If you stay in bed, and do what you're brother tells you to do, I think you'll pull through," She smiled and glanced at Jason.

"I had to give you something for the pain, and it will make you groggy," she said.

Aaron, Lottie and the others came into the cabin carrying supplies. Lottie made a bee line to Joshua and sat down. "You had us scared to death young man," she said trying to keep her voice from shaking.

"Don't worry about me," he smiled a little.

"Well I have real good news Joshua," Lottie said. "Your names been cleared. Missy confessed to making up that whole story," she said.

He just closed his eyes and nodded. The slightest bit of relief flashed across his face.

"Lottie, did you say Missy confessed to making up the story?" Jason asked her.

Lottie looked down at Joshua who was barely awake, and still weak. She touched his cheek ever so slightly. "Yes Jason," she said before turning and standing up.

"What did she say?" Candy asked stepping towards Lottie.

"We have Molly and Christopher to thank," Lottie said as she replayed the entire story of how things unfolded.

"Oh Jason," Candy cried out in relief and turned to Josh, She knelt down. "Oh Joshua, It's going to be okay," she said, but he was quiet and unresponsive.

Allyn looked down at Joshua and felt his forehead, she turned and shoed everyone away. "Okay he needs his rest," she said.

"Is he okay?' Jason asked.

"He should be fine," she reassured him, "but he's still weak, and between the surgery and that hard hit on his head, he needs to keep quiet and let his body heal."

"Doctor Wright, may I?" Reverend Adams asked nodding towards Joshua.

Allyn nodded and stepped aside.

Reverend Adams knelt by Joshua's side and said a prayer.

The small group moved onto the porch to allow the reverend some time with Joshua although he was resting quietly.

"Jason, you do realize that Joshua can press charges against Missy for slander," Aaron said. "He has every right. I mean, look what her lies have caused," he said.

"He's right Jason," Corky agreed.

"Oh Aaron, now's not the time," Lottie said "We need to focus on Joshua right now."

"I'm just stating a fact, your brother could charge that girl with slander, slander that probably led directly to him being shot," Aaron pressed.

Jason held his hand up. "I think Lottie's right Aaron. We just need to focus on Joshua's recovery right now."

"Okay fine," Aaron said shaking his head. "But if it were me…"

Reverend Adams walked outside. "Jason, if there's anything we can do for you or Joshua, please just let us know. We'll be sure to keep your family in our prayers."

"Thank you Reverend." Jason said.

Allyn stepped outside. "I think he should recover, the important thing is rest and quiet," she said.

Aaron and Lottie went through the supplies they brought with them. They brought plenty of food supplies, along with some towels and a couple blankets.

"I really appreciate everything," Jason said "Be sure to send my thanks to Ben as well, and let him know I'll reimburse him for all this."

"Oh Jason, don't think anything of it. You just take care of that young man in there." Lottie said.

"Do you need a ride back Doctor Wright?" Aaron asked.

"No, I need to watch him and see that there aren't any complications. He's still weak," she said.

"You'll be coming back Tuesday?" she asked Candy.

"Yes, I'm sure." She said "Jeremy should be getting back and I know he'll want to see his brother."

"If I could get a ride home with you Tuesday then, Joshua should out of danger," she said.

Jason hugged Lottie and Candy goodbye.

Jason and Corky and Allyn watched the group leave.

They went inside and Jason began preparing some dinner.

"That's some great news," Corky said. "Joshua, being cleared from what Missy said."

Jason looked at Corky. "That's the best news Corky," he said "maybe now things will start getting back to normal."

"You know Jason…believe it or not, having the weight of that lifted from him can only help in his recovery," Allyn said. "Stress, sadness, depression, there are many factors that can contribute to a person's health. People don't realize that," Allyn said.