I killed him. Hurry, Donald." Growling low in his throat like a
cornered animal, Donald rushed into the hallway. His eyes darted from
side to side to make sure no one else was coming down the aisle. "If
he isn't dead, he will be, " Donald muttered. "Stop crying and get
dressed. We have to get off the train."
"Yes, yes, " she whimpered before turning to do as he ordered.
Donald quickly dragged the unconscious lawman to the door connecting
the cars, leaving a smeared trail of blood in his wake. The train was
slowing to take the curved trestle above a yawning black lake when
Donald opened the door. He could see a small town looming up in the
distance on the other side of the lake. He bent down, half lifted
Cooper, grunting from his weight, and then shoved and kicked him out.
He stood there watching as the train clattered on around the bend,
smiling when the marshal hit the water.
No one had seen him. He was sure of it, and he doubted that anyone had
heard the gunshots either, for the sound the train made as it thundered
along the tracks muffled any other noises.
Once again he had gotten away with murder. Excitement surged through
his blood, and he began to pant with euphoria. He thought he saw a
movement out of the corner of his eye, but he couldn't be certain. He
turned away as a precaution so that his face wouldn't be seen, and then
took his time strolling back to Rebecca's compartment. The carpet had
already absorbed the blood, and it looked as though the stains had been
there for some time. No one would know how fresh they were unless he
got down on his knees and felt the wetness.
Donald remembered to bolt the door this time. Rebecca hadn't gotten
dressed yet. Her clothes were laid out on the bench, and she was
frantically shoving her torn garments into her valise. He grabbed hold
of her from behind, slammed her up against the wall, and violently took
her.
No one heard her screams.
_arting wasn't sweet sorrow, it was agony. Jessica looked as though
her heart were being torn apart when she said goodbye to Caleb. She
didn't shed a single tear, however, and neither did her son. Her
departure didn't faze him, for he'd taken quite a liking to Josey and
Tom Norton.
He squirmed in Jessica's arms when she kissed him good-bye, couldn't be
bothered with waving farewell, and didn't give his mama a backward
glance when she walked out the doorway. He was busy wreaking havoc in
Josey's kitchen.
Jessica surprised Cole. He knew she wouldn't make a scene in front of
the baby, but he expected her to cry and carry on as soon as they were
outside. He even had an "it's for the best" lecture all ready. But
Jessie didn't carry on. She remained solemn, but dry-eyed, throughout
the journey.
She deserved a reward for holding up so well. They'd pressed hard all
day, only stopping twice to rest their horses for a short spell, and by
sunset, she was clearly physically and emotionally spent.
At dusk, he stopped his horse alongside hers and silently berated