West

John was a smart man. "What if he doesn't agree?"

"The wealthiest man this side of the River is leaving him everything by way of my daughter. Who would not agree?" John asked with a smile. "It's a favor to a dying man."

"He seems really difficult. Maybe he'll still refuse," I pressed. "I don't want him to break your heart, Father." And I don't fully trust him.

"I will write him a letter beseeching him to humor a dying old man and his addled daughter."

My mouth dropped open then snapped shut. He loved me and had just called my crazy in the same breath. He was far too kind and weak for me to chastise the way Nell did me. Thank god this wasn't my time, that I was just a visitor. "Very well, Father," I murmured. "I can take the letter to him and … beseech him as well." Or shred it.

"Very good. Fetch me my quill and paper."

Spotting them on a small desk against one wall, I obeyed and brought them back to the bed on a tray.

"Go, daughter. This requires some time."

I left him alone and returned to my room.

I paced for close to an hour, drank tea, ate more treats brought by Nell, took a bath … anything to help me figure out my next step. Carter responded to my text around midmorning, and I tugged the phone free.

You should see empathic memories for everyone. If the chip is malfunctioning, there should be other signs. How often is it skipping? Any more nosebleeds or headaches?

I sent a response and tugged on my boots. Nell waited for me outside my room, armed with a letter and my cloak.

"I'll take that," I said and snatched the note intended for Taylor.

"No, you will not." Nell grabbed it back and placed it into an inner pocket of her cloak.

I grumbled under my breath and eyed the hiding place. I had until we reached town to figure out how to grab it and rip it to pieces. Not in a talking mood, we rode to town in silence beneath grey skies left over from the storm the night before.

"We need to pick up a package," Nell said as she pulled the carriage in front of the mercantile store.

"I can deliver the letter to the sheriff," I offered.

"That letter went to town two hours ago, Miss Josie."

"What?" I stared at her. "What's in your pocket?"

"A letter to your father's attorney instructing him to add the sheriff to his will." Nell was frowning as she climbed out of the wagon.