Page 60 of Heart of Mystic Valley
“I was part of it. Not any longer. I’ll tell you, then you help me get work around here, and drop any charges against me.”
“I’ll have to talk to the president of the bank and to Miss Goodell,” Brodie said.
Rounder thought for moment, then nodded.
“So, where are they?” Cody asked.
“They’re at a hotel in Bozeman. The plan is to board a train tomorrow to Seattle.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Joshua and Faith emerged from the sheriff’s office after learning what Rounder had confessed. Both were relieved Brodie had learned the location of the outlaw gang and would be sending a telegram to Sheriff Foster in Bozeman.
“You did the right thing, dropping the charges against him,” Joshua said as they walked along the boardwalk.
“The information about the bank robbers was more important than a broken teapot.” She chuckled. “It’ll be interesting to see who Brodie finds to hire Rounder.”
Joshua nodded, his brow furrowed. “Seems Cody met his share of odd characters while gone from the ranch,” he mused. “Makes me want to hear more of his stories. He’s a different man now than he was before leaving the ranch.”
“People change, Joshua. Grief can do that to a person.”
“I know.” He sighed. “I sure do miss the old Cody.”
“Give him time. He hasn’t been back very long.”
A clatter of hooves drew their attention as Annalee Beckett came riding up, her light brown hair windswept from the ride. She dismounted with practiced ease, tying her horse to the hitching post.
“Do you know what happened? Is Cody all right?”
Joshua exchanged a quick glance with Faith before responding. “Rounder told Cody and Brodie where the bankrobbers are hanging out in Bozeman. He’s going to contact Sheriff Foster.”
Annalee looked over her should at the jail. “That’s good news. Is Brodie still in the office?”
“He is,” Joshua said, recognizing the look of longing on his sister’s face. “Why don’t you stop in to let him know you’re in town?”
She shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to bother him.”
“I doubt you could ever bother him,” Faith said, empathy in her voice. She looked at Joshua. “It’s time I returned to the newspaper office.”
“I’ll walk with you,” Joshua said. “Are you heading back to the ranch, Annie?”
“Knowing Cody is all right, there’s no reason to stay in town.”
Faith rested a hand on Annalee’s arm, lowering her voice. “You need to tell him how you feel.”
“Who?”
“Who, indeed. Brodie, of course.”
Annalee pursed her lips, taking one more glance toward the jail. “I can’t.”
Returning to her horse, she mounted up. “I’ll see you at the ranch, Joshua.”
“Be careful, Annie. Lots of strange things have been going on around here,” he said.
She flashed him a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry about me, big brother. I can handle myself.” With that, she spurred her horse and galloped off toward Wild Spirit Ranch.
Joshua watched her go, a mix of pride and worry churning in his gut. He felt Faith’s hand on his arm, a comforting presence.
