Page 49 of The Formation of Us

Duke couldn’t be that literal. Could he? “It means he was trying to teach you a lesson and make you understand that what you did was wrong. Just like sneaking into a circus without paying.” She squeezed his shoulder. “I know why you did those things, Adam, but it’s wrong.”

“I know. And I’m sorry about taking the brush because I like Mrs. Brown.”

“From what I hear, she likes you too.”

“I paid off my bill yesterday, but she wants me to work after school a couple of days a week.”

He said it like it was unimportant, but Faith could hear the pride in his voice. “I’m not surprised, Adam. You’re a strong, smart boy who deserves a job where you can earn a little money for yourself.”

Hope filled his eyes. “You mean I can work there?”

“I think I can spare you two days a week.”

A crooked grin broke across his face. “Really?”

Duke had stopped just ahead to wait for them. She gave him a smile, but lingered with Adam. She needed his help at the greenhouse, but she knew he needed the job at the store. “Yes, you can work the store—and I’m very proud of you,” she said, then basked in his quick hug.

That’s when Faith saw Judge Stone in the crowd. Her blood ran cold. “Adam, get Cora,” she said.

“What?” He pulled away, confused.

She couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. “Go, Adam.” The white-bearded, husky judge was heading right for them.

Instead of running, Adam gave Duke a frantic wave. Duke swept Cora into his arms and rushed to Faith’s side. He passed Cora to Adam, then gripped Faith’s arm. “What’s wrong?”

Judge Stone was thirty feet away, threading his way through the crowd, and she couldn’t move, not even to draw a breath.

Duke gave her a gentle shake. “Are you all right?”

She sucked in a breath and began breathing so quickly it made her lightheaded. He guided her to a bench where she collapsed in a trembling, gasping, terrified mess.

“Sheriff Grayson!” the judge called jovially, his voice as smooth as molasses. “Good to see you out and about.” The white-haired man thrust his hand toward Duke.

It wasn’t Stone! Merciful God, it wasn’t him. It wasn’t the corrupt judge with the grating voice that haunted her nightmares. This man was a friend of Duke’s.

Faith sagged against the back of the bench. How could she have been so careless? She’d nearly given herself away!

The man arched a white eyebrow. “Should I find a doctor?”

She waved off his offer with shaky fingers. “I just . . . I had a spasm in my back.” She gave the man a tremulous smile. “I’ll be fine in a minute.”

But she knew she would never be fine as long as she was looking over her shoulder for Judge Stone. It horrified her that she’d been unable to act, that she’d been too frightened to grab Adam and Cora and run. If it had been Stone, she would be in his clutches by now.

Duke introduced her to Judge Barker, who resembled Stone in size and coloring, but in no other way. Judge Barker was a kind gentleman with compassionate eyes and warmth in his voice. He invited Duke and Faith to his upcoming lawn party, then stepped aside with Duke to speak quietly for a few minutes.

Duke returned to her side alone. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

She clasped his strong hand, immensely grateful to have him with her. She may have been frozen with fear, but Duke would have protected her and the children.

“Should I take you home?” he asked.

She shook her head. She couldn’t spoil the day for Adam and Cora, “Let’s go watch the show.”

Her legs quaked as they crossed the fairground and found a seat in the stands. Adam and Cora were quickly captivated by the tumblers and jugglers. The equestrian act followed, with trick riders who rode standing on their horses’ backs.

“Evelyn and Rebecca can do that,” Duke said to Adam and Cora. “I’ll take you by sometime to watch them ride.”

“Can I ride a pony too?” Cora asked.