Caleb did not answer.
Josie looked at him, suddenly afraid that the confrontation might turn violent. He seemed to sense her fear and lowered his voice.
“I won't open the door unless I have to.”
She nodded, grateful that he had not turned the situation into a contest of pride.
Outside, the second man spoke again. “Silas, the weather's getting worse. We should go back to town.”
Rourke muttered something unintelligible.
Then he called through the door one last time.
“This isn't finished, Josephine.”
Josie felt her old fear rise, but it no longer filled the whole room.
“Yes,” she said. “It is finished for me.”
The footsteps retreated across the porch.
Caleb waited until the sounds had faded, then moved to the window and peered through the narrow gap in the shutter. Two dark figures were climbing onto their horses. One of them turned toward the cabin, but neither approached again.
The horses disappeared into the white curtain of snow.
Only then did Caleb lower the rifle.
Josie stood motionless, her hands clenched in the fur around her shoulders. Her body seemed unable to understand that the danger had moved away. She felt as though she had run for miles, though she had barely crossed the room.
Caleb set the rifle down and turned toward her.
“Are you all right?”
She opened her mouth, but no words came.
He did not approach.
After a moment, she whispered, “I don't know.”
“That's all right.”
Her eyes filled. “I was so afraid.”
“I know.”
“I thought he would make me go back.”
“He won't take you from here tonight.”
“But he said it wasn't finished.”
“He can say whatever he likes. That doesn't mean he gets to decide what happens to you.”
Josie looked at the door. “What if he comes back with more men?”
“Then we'll involve the sheriff. We won't handle it alone.”
“What if the sheriff believes him?”
“Then we'll find someone who will hear your account. The minister, the town clerk, anyone who can help establish the facts.”
She swallowed. “And if none of them believe me?”
Caleb's expression grew serious. “Then we'll keep looking for someone who will.”
The certainty in his voice made her want to cry again.
She stepped toward him, then stopped, uncertain whether the movement was welcome. Caleb noticed and remained still.
“May I?” she asked.
He understood the question without requiring her to finish it.
“Yes.”