Light of my Life

Seventeen

SEVENTEEN

Amelia tugged on Prudence's sleeve, motioning toward the sheriff. "Pru, you can do this, and you have the law to back you up."

Her sister's big hazel eyes stared back at her. "What if they don't believe me?"

"Then Duke will help us. You must have faith that goodness will prevail this time. The mayor is evil. We cannot let him win."

Prudence's chest rose and fell quickly and she released her breath out of her mouth. After a few moments, she straightened her shoulders and nodded. "I'll confront the mayor, but while I'm doing that, please let the sheriff know what's about to happen."

"I promise." Amelia squeezed her sister's hand for support before taking both Gracie and Georgia's hands and leading them past the mayor – who glanced their way – and to the sheriff's table. "Pardon my intrusion," she said softly, "but I'm going to need your help."

The two men of the law quickly stood and nodded. The deputy motioned to the empty chairs. "Would you like to sit?"

"Thank you." Amelia smiled even though her heart was racing with worry. She prayed she was correct about the mayor getting his comeuppance. That man was nearly as evil as the Stones. "My name is Amelia Florence, and this is Gracie and Georgia." She said the other girl's name quieter.

When they were all seated, she leaned toward the sheriff. "If you will, I need you to listen to that table right there." She said softly, pointing to Duke's table. "Duke Logan is a bounty hunter, and the other man is Mayor Tidwell."

"All right." The sheriff nodded. "What am I listening for?"

"Here in a moment, you're going to hear about some illegal actions and the person responsible needs to be brought to justice."

The sheriff and Deputy Spencer exchanged curious gazes before peering toward the table. She held the two little girls close to her as she silently prayed that everything would work out the way it was supposed to... and without anyone getting injured.

* * * *

Duke's heart hammered faster as he watched Amelia's unsure walk toward his table. His hands became clammy, and moisture gathered on the back of his neck. He had no clue what was happening, but he was prepared for anything with his pistol in his holster and a knife in his boot. Whatever Amelia told the two men at her table made them alert, too.

He cleared his voice and looked at the mayor who was taking another drink from his flask. "As I was saying, I think you should find someone else to search for your daughter because I have come up empty-handed."

Mayor Tidwell glared at him. "If we find the nanny, we'll find my daughter."

Prudence stopped at Duke's table, standing closer to him but facing the mayor. "The nanny is right here."

Duke hitched a breath as shock filled him. The mayor gasped and jumped out of his chair, tipping it over. The intoxicated man swayed but kept his stance as his gaze ran over Amelia's sister.

"I cannot believe it... it's you!" he slurred and blinked as if trying to focus on her.

"Yes. I am the one who was your nanny. My real name is Prudence. I was using my sister's name because I thought she was dead."

Slowly, the mayor's face turned red. His hands snapped toward her as he grasped her hands tightly. "You stole my money! I want it back."

Immediately, the sheriff and deputy rose to their feet as their hands hovered over their holsters. The few people in the restaurant scrambled out of their chairs, rushing out the door. Amelia held the two girls. Duke suspected the one with frightened eyes was Georgia.