Chapter 170

Once Nicholas had slammed the front door, her mother moved back to where she'd been sitting earlier. "Don't mind him, honey. Jealousy will make a person say some awful things. He'll regret that later."

It took Hope a few more moments to regain her composure. "But he's right, isn't he, Mr. Canton? They very well might try to string Judah up."

Mr. Canton scratched his balding head. "The sheriff's been waitin' on Judge Donald Peppers to arrive from out on the circuit before he does anything, but I have it on good authority that Roan's already said if the judge don't see fit to go to trial, Roan might accidentally leave a few doors unlocked."

Hope's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She knew the townsfolk weren't fond of Judah, but the fact that they might actually try to lynch him for hurting her was absolutely unthinkable.