Tucker nodded. “The sheriff has everyone on alert and increased the night patrols.”
“Well, we sure appreciate what you’re doing.” She wanted to say more, but the words lodged in her throat. With a nervous smile, she turned and walked inside.
Tucker watched Rose disappear into the orphanage, his heart swelling. He’d been sweet on her for a while but hadn’t worked up the courage to say anything.
With a sigh, he turned and headed for the wagon. Before climbing onto the bench, he paused, looking back at the home sheltering over a dozen young souls. If the Crow were on the warpath, those kids would be sitting ducks.
Tucker debated whether he should ride out and scout around or go directly to Sheriff Evans. His gut told him they needed to shore up defenses before the Crow could strike again.
He settled onto the wagon bench, slapped the reins, and turned toward town. Sheriff Evans would know what to do.
As he made his way along the muddy road, Tucker hoped the sheriff had a plan, including the orphanage. There were few other people Tucker wanted to protect more than Rose and those defenseless children.
By the time he returned the wagon to Noah’s livery, Tucker’s jaw was set. Striding to the jail, he stepped inside. Gabe looked up from his desk, setting down his coffee cup.
“Afternoon, Tucker. Back from the orphanage?”
Tucker nodded, unsure of how to broach the sensitive subject. “Yes, sir.”
“Kind of you to help out. Did you see any sign of the raiders?”
“Nothing. Doesn’t mean they weren’t out there, watching.” Tucker sucked in a breath. “While I was there, I got to thinking. With the Crow attacking the Pelletier ranch and the wagon train, those children could be in danger. I know it’s remote. They seem to be going after places where they’d find a large store of foodstuffs.”
Gabe’s face darkened. “I’ve been pondering the same thing. We need to tighten security out there, maybe get some men stationed out there. The problem is, there aren’t many men to spare.”
Tucker sighed with relief. “What do you want me to do?”
Before Gabe could respond, Bernie Griggs rushed inside, waving a telegram in the air. He sucked in a lungful of air, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
“Got an important message for you, Sheriff.” He handed it to Gabe, who read it, then handed the telegram to Tucker.
Reading it, he nodded. “Sterling says the raiding party is hitting ranches northeast of Big Pine.” Tucker looked at Gabe. “That’s over a hundred miles from here. This means they’re moving away from us. We might not need any men at the orphanage.”
“Do you want to send a reply to Sheriff Sterling?” Bernie asked Gabe.
Gabe thought for a moment. “Not right now. Thanks, Bernie.”
“Sure thing, Sheriff.”
Watching him go, he looked up at Tucker. “For now, we’re going to see if they’re spotted around here. It may be they’ve given up on Splendor and will continue moving northeast.”
“Maybe.” But Tucker wasn’t so sure. “Do you mind if I ride to the orphanage every day to make sure the children and women are all right?”
“I think it’s a good idea. Stagger the times to go and take Jonas with you.”
“All right.”
“The Crow attack on the wagon train has a lot of people spooked.”
Tucker gave a slow nod. “Everyone’s ready for Christmas. It’s hard to get into the spirit when you’re worried about possible danger.”
“The people of Splendor are resilient. They’re going to move forward regardless of the threat of more raids.” Gabe stood, walking around his desk to look out the front window. “I do believe this is going to end up being our best Christmas yet.”
Chapter Eleven
Spencer sat in an armchair in the Pelletiers’ living room, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, while Dorinda occupied the settee across from him. As the two drank coffee, they enjoyed the fire burning in the fireplace several feet away.
She’d brought Joel out to spend time with his uncle and the other children on the ranch. Rachel had left mid-morning to meet a friend for lunch, giving Dorinda and Spencer time to talk.
