Wanting to talk to Taylor again, I nonetheless decided we'd have a better chance to talk in private later. He had enough going on without worrying about yet another dead body I'd found on John's property.
I left the cells and moved through the crowded office, trailed by a deputy. Nell was at the doorway, waiting. Beside her was someone I didn't have any patience for at this moment.
"My uncle would be rolling over in his grave if he saw your husband stand in the way of justice," Philip proclaimed loudly enough for those nearest the office to hear. Grumbles of agreement went through the mob.
"Let him do his job, Philip," I replied.
"As the man most likely to be elected mayor at the polls next month, I will ensure he does," came the calm reply. "I will also ensure there's a full inquisition into your inheritance, cousin, as well as what was behind this sham of a marriage. You took advantage of a weak old man." He moved closer. "If I have to take my inheritance from you by force, I will."
I had never wanted to hit anyone the way I did him. Except maybe Carter. I was too angry to reply and simply strode away.
It wasn't until I reached the horses that I had a retort. Grumbling it under my breath, I mounted and waited for Nell.
She had the glassy-eyed look once more, and her memories were skipping.
"You okay, Nell?" I asked, concerned.
She blinked several times before her eyes found me. Her memories stabilized, revealing she was thinking about Josie and John once more. "Yes, Miss Josie. I am distressed is all."
"Let's go home. You can show me how to make you tea, and I'll take care of you for once." I had never thought the strong willed woman weak or frail, but she looked it.
Nell smiled and mounted her horse. "You always were good to me, Miss Josie. Your father must be missing you in heaven."
I said nothing, aware that, if anything, he had been reunited with the real Josie.
We returned to the house just as another storm breached the horizon. Any hope I had of it being simply a cloudy evening was dashed when I saw the servants bringing in the clothing and linens, rounding up the sheep and tarping down the wells.
Dismounting, I took care of my horse quickly while Nell brushed and fed hers. We met in the middle of the barn.
"I think I want to lie down for a bit," I said, itching for some me-time to text Carter. "Will you be okay, Nell?"