Chapter 70

Eliza noticed that the town was like a different place, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on why or how as they walked down Main Street. The gallows had already been torn down, the lumber nowhere in sight. The street was clear of bodies, and the evidence of death. A few men milled around, but they either ignored them or politely tipped their hats. There were no sneers, no knowing glances. Eliza thought even the air tasted fresher.

When they reached the mayor’s house, Eliza was surprised to see Paul sitting on the steps, casually sipping from a cup of coffee, his arm in a homemade sling. He lifted his mug, smiling as they approached.

“I’d hoped to see you before you left.”

“We came to see how Elsie escaped,” Eliza explained.

“Oh. That.” Paul stood, nodding toward the side of the house. “I’ll show you.”