The Fateful Heart

Evaline followed his lead, walking by his side this time. She felt a little safer to be side-by-side rather than behind.

She wouldn't lie about the story, but there were some things she didn't want to mention. Namely, her drawing his updated wanted posters and Reed making unwanted advances on her. She knew James would understand that she didn't want to draw him, but she still felt guilty. And, well... she didn't know how he would react to the whole thing with Reed. A mysterious stubborn part of her didn't really feel like sharing it, either. Maybe it was shame.

"Everything went great, at first," she began, trying to put together her scattered mind. "I went to the police station, did some sketches, and was paid eighty gold—which was a lot more than what you told me, by the way. I bought all the things we needed, plus a little extra, and somehow made some friends? But, yes, close call."

She was so focused on what not to say that she had completely missed bringing up Butch.

James looked out into the forest, keeping his eyes on their surroundings as he tried to piece together the little puzzle pieces Evaline provided. It sounded like she left a lot out.

"Where was Butch in all of that?"

Oh. Right.

"The sheriffs station," she murmured. "They both came in while I was sketching."

James looked over at her, noticing how she was giving small replies, devoid of detail.

Obviously, she made it back to him in one piece, but he hoped that nothing bad happened in the middle.

"They didn't bother you, did they?" he asked gently, with concern. "You're alright?"

"Well..." Evaline began, but then abandoned the thought.

"No. Butch didn't bother me," she said, eyes glued ahead. "I'm alright."

She wasn't saying something. He didn't know if she wanted to tell it, but the more she left out, the more concerned he got.

"And... Reed? You said the two of them came in?"

She sighed, trying to think of a truthful response that would answer his question in the best way possible.

"Right, yes. They both were there. Reed... asked me a lot of questions. But they both left the station eventually."

"You don't think they suspected you, or anything, do you? Did Reed leave you alone after that?" James asked.

"I don't know," she said quickly. "I don't know if they suspected me. I think so. Maybe. I don't know."

Okay. James would only ask one question at a time.

"Alright," he said slowly. "That's alright. We've made good distance, and we'll keep moving and keep up the pace."

He paused, before asking again.

"After Reed asked you a bunch of questions, back at the station. Did he leave you alone after that?"

Evaline was grateful that James seemed to sense her growing anxiety. His gentle voice was a reminder that they were safe.

She didn't really want to tell him, but she knew she had to. It didn't change her wanting to not tell him, though.

She took deep breath in before continuing.

"I left the station and went to buy the items we needed." She paused. "He walked up to me with a dog."

James tensed just a little at the mention of the dog. He had a feeling he knew where this was leading, but he didn't want to jump to conclusions just yet. He took in a quiet deep breath and nodded, reminding himself that Eve was here, with him, and unscathed.

"Did he say anything to you?" he asked.

"He... well..."

Evaline tried to think of a nicer way to put this.

"He asked me more questions. He was insistent."

James was nervous, and he wasn't even there. He couldn't imagine how Evaline had felt.

He could tell Evaline was still dancing around the truth.

"What did he ask about?" he asked softly.

"A few things," Evaline said, wondering if it was even possible to not tell him at this point, but she was holding off as long as she could. "If I was okay with dogs. Where I was going, I think... Among other things."