"Better, thanks." Not one to blush in front of men, I recalled his kindness last night with mixed feelings. Enemy or … what the hell was the alternative, if he was a time traveler lying to me about who he was?
The quiet between us was awkward. He cleared his throat finally.
"I'm, uh, headed into town."
"I'll be here," I murmured.
Without another word, he turned and left. I watched him. He had a perfect body down to the tight, round globes of his ass. At least I married a hottie. I almost laughed, baffled by the turn of events.
The phone vibrated beneath my hand, and I uncovered it.
"Long story. Will tell you about it sometime," I read the note from Carter aloud. "You have too many secrets, Carter." I hesitated then responded. Slight problem about Taylor. Think of us as being the only people left on a deserted island. We can't really escape each other. How dangerous is he?
My insides quaked at the thought of what Carter would say. His assessment of my situation made me wish I had never asked. His response was quick.
Very. As in, if Taylor didn't get rid of your predecessors, his people did. Watch yourself.
"Shit." I lowered the phone to my lap and sat thinking for a minute. Before John's death, I had been on my way to the savages who were going to start a war. But if Taylor was here to prevent me from stopping the war … "I'm so confused."
Taylor hadn't been the one to take out the girls, though. That much I knew. Intense and able to smell my lies a mile away, he nonetheless was earnest in believing he was supposed to help my predecessors and me, not hurt them. He had also called Carter a madman for implanting chips in my brain.
It made me think whatever was between him and Carter, it was personal.
My thoughts drifted to the well behind the barn.
He hadn't done it. The whispers last time had almost told me who did.
"Nell!" I called.
The servant was never far away. "Yes, Miss Josie?" Nell appeared wearing all black. My spirits dampened.
"I need some air."
"Of course. Your dress is ready. We will lay your father to rest this evening."
I sighed, depressed by the thought.
"Where would you like to go?" Nell asked as I brought in the black dress and corset.
"I feel like I need to be alone. I'm going to the barn."
Nell raised an eyebrow.
"The animals make me smile," I explained.
"Very well, Miss Josie." Nell's normal spark was gone.