Read Beside Still Waters for Free Online

hand.”
    “He’s a horse thief, too.” Eva’s voice was filled with anger. “I can testify to that.”
    “Your word against mine, little girl.”
    “Who do you think my brother, the sheriff, is going to believe?” Eva shot back.
    That silenced him.
    “And another thing,” Eva said, glaring. “Give me back my locket.”
    Jonesy turned to the thief. “Where is it?”
    “In his shirt pocket.”
    Jonesy reached inside the pocket and retrieved Eva’s prized possession.
    “It’s worthless junk anyway,” the man said, spitting on the ground.
    Eva gave a sniff. “Then you’re a stupid thief.”
    Jonesy smiled with satisfaction. Eva was one spunky girl. Once, he’d thought he preferred the kind of soft-spoken, demure woman depicted in his beloved poetry. But that was before he met Eva.
    The thought of this man threatening her sent anger shooting through him. He finished tying his hands, a little tighter than necessary, then gave him a shove toward the wagon. “We’ll get these two situated in a cell, where they belong. Then we can go after the other one. Unless I miss my guess, the one that got away will most likely lead us straight to the rest of the horse thieves.”
    “You don’t know what you’re talking about, mister,” the redheaded man said. “The rest of the gang’s long gone by now.”
    “Shut up, you idiot,” the apparent leader growled.
    “That’s real interesting information,” Nate said with a nod. “I’m sure the sheriff’s going to be grateful. He’s been trying to catch you rattlesnakes for some time.”

    Eva still trembled by the time her brother Billy, known as Sheriff Bill Riley to folks in the area, finished questioning her. Fortunately, he determined there was enough evidence to detain the two thieves until the circuit judge rode through.
    Her brother wrapped her in a strong hug, then held her out at arm’s length. “You sure you’re okay? Do you need to go talk to Gregory? He could pray with you.”
    “There’s no need to bother Greg. It’s all over now.” Eva smiled with great affection at her brother. “Besides, I have to pick up a bag of flour over at the general store. Ma’s making Pa a cake tomorrow. Be sure to come out for some.”
    A flush spread across her brother’s face. “You, uh, going to see Lily?” Though nearly ten years her senior, Billy had never made time to find a wife. Now he seemed enamored of Eva’s closest friend, Lily. The storekeeper’s pretty little daughter had been waiting so long for him to notice her that she’d almost despaired of finding a husband.
    “Yes. Do you have a message for her?”
    Jonesy chuckled.
    Billy frowned and cleared his throat. “No. Not at all. Why would I? She’s your friend, not mine.”
    “Fine,” Eva retorted. “But I wouldn’t wait around too much longer if I were you. She’s getting awfully tired of holding out for you.” Without giving him a chance to answer, Eva looked up at Jonesy. “You ready?”
    After a quick farewell to Billy, they stepped out onto the boardwalk. “I’ll drop you off at the general store,” Jonesy said, “then take Patches to the livery. Would you mind giving Lily my ma’s supply list? I could pick up the order when I come to get you, after I get Patches settled in and go see about a wagon wheel at the smithy.”
    Eva nodded. “I wouldn’t mind at all.”
    Jonesy stopped when they reached the wagon and placed a hand on her arm before she climbed in. “Are you sure you don’t want to go talk to the preacher?”
    “I’m sure. It’s just all so … overwhelming.” Unbidden tears filled her eyes. Traitorous tears.
    “Honey, come here.” Jonesy’s tender voice washed over her like a warm summer rain, and she willingly went into his arms, despite the curious onlookers. “I praise God that Nathan and I came along when we did.”
    He stroked her hair, and she was almost sure she felt him press a kiss to the top of her head. Eva snuggled into the embrace, her