Chapter 53

The gallows.

Where had they found the wood? Perhaps Reid had a special delivery brought in just for the occasion, or more likely, it was left over from previous construction. But the structure was complete, a noose dangling ominously from the highest beam. A noose already tied to be the size of her small head.

Her stomach rolled at the sight. Afraid of losing the meal she’d just consumed, Eliza stepped down, moved the cot to its normal location, and sat with her back against the wall, her eyes closed. She didn’t move from that position, or open her eyes, as the afternoon stretched on. She could feel the sun move across the sky, the hot light gliding over her legs and feet, until the first hint of a breeze brushed through her cell as twilight approached.

“Miss?”

Eliza opened her eyes, surprised to note that it was already dark. Paul stood in front of her cell with a lamp in one hand, another tray of food in the other. “Martha brought your supper, if you want.”