Chapter 60

“You stay in here, and don’t make a sound.”

Elsie narrowed her eyes, shooting daggers at her. The door slammed downstairs, and they both heard the unmistakable sounds of Reid marching into the front hallway. Elsie immediately began making sounds, shouting as much as she could around her gag.

“Shut up,” Eliza hissed, hitting her across the mouth. “Don’t make a sound, or you’ll be shot. Do you understand?”

Elsie nodded, her eyes swimming with tears.

“Elsie! Dear! Where are you? We’ve got a big day today, you know.”

Eliza smiled. “Don’t make a sound,” she warned, shutting the door behind her. She took a deep breath, turned the lock, and faced the stairs.

“Elsie? Is there a problem?” His voice came from the kitchen now.

She hurried down the stairs, her feet light, like she had wings on her boots. Reid was standing near the fire, inspecting the stew bubbling over the hot coals. Raising her gun and smiling, she greeted him, “Good morning, Mayor Reid.”