Second Harvest

"Buddy Dinkins took the money?"

"Not all of it, but they think I have it. I found the money in the desert after a robbery shootout between some of the Dixon gang and Federal Marshals. I gave ninety-seven thousand dollars to Buddy to return to the bank, but Buddy decided to keep some. The Dixon group thinks we stole it and now they're after us."

"How much is missing?"

"He spent thirty-four thousand dollars. He even purchased the Cready farm with some of the money, a stupid horseless carriage, and some clothes. He won't say where he spent all the money so I'll let the Dixon gang beat it out of him."

"Roy, you can't do that. Tell Buddy to give the money back."

"Sara, it isn't that easy. Buddy spent the money and we can't get it back. Besides, the Dixon gang stole the money in the first place. They killed a bunch of people in their robbery and the money doesn't belong to them."

"Roy, what does this have to do with us?"

"Everything. They're going to start killing more people until they get their money. I had Grover lock Buddy in the bank safe and put all the bank money in another secure place. I then told everyone to go home and wait."

"You locked up the sheriff!"

"Sara, he's a criminal and not the sheriff anymore."

Sara pointed at the crate. "Roy Folsom, you better not be thinking what I think you're thinking."

"You'll be safe with the McAllister family because I'm going to end their killing spree right now."

"And what am I supposed to do? What happens if Dixon gang kills you?"

Roy reached around Sara's waist and pulled her in close. Roy passionately kissed Sara. "Then pray to your God for my protection and pray I don't get killed."

Roy leaped into the buckboard and snapped the reins rolling toward the blacksmith shop. He looked over his shoulder and yelled. "I love you Sara Johansson and I'm going to marry you!"

Sara stood speechless with a grimace and worried look. Maura waddled up and put her arm around Sara's shoulders.

"Is everything alright Sara?"

The frightfully blank expression Sara gave Maura, spoke volumes.

"No, it is not. Tell your husband we need to have a prayer vigil this very instant."