Chapter 95

As my eyesight cleared, I saw Matthew peering at me through the bars. From the glow in his dark eyes, he would have killed the sergeant if he could have reached him. I tried to smile and let him know I was all right…an uncertain conclusion at best.

I turned my head and watched the burly man study my identification papers. He wadded them up as if to discard them but apparently changed his mind. He left the guardhouse, taking the documents and his two companions with him.

The pain in my gut eased as I surveyed my surroundings. Four cells opened to the front room where a sentry could keep an eye on the occupants. No one else seemed to be locked up besides Matthew and me. He remained pressed against the bars closest to me, but I didn’t dare go to him. We’d reveal ourselves for sure. Then they likely wouldn’t need a trial to hang us both.

“Are you all right?” Matthew’s voice cracked.

“Be all right. I’ll have a bruise. That’s all.”

“I’ll kill that bigoted son of a bitch!”