Ignition: Day 12

 Word Count: 72,052

Summary of Events:

Keiller was able to convince the women of Rock Creek that Rebekka was not only not an actress, but that she couldn't be arrested for being one if she was thanks to the mayor's wife — despite her contempt for him — agreeing with him. Rebekka was surprised when Dr. Carrigan reported to her and his wife that the citizens were up in arms about a reported woman in the jail cells, with Dr. Carrigan fearing Keiller might get killed, something Rebekka had to admit she might appreciate, as it would likely cause the elimination of the charges against her and allow her to go home. Keiller was startled by the arrival of a mob with the frail mayor in tow, who wanted to search the office for a woman, but he let them look — as even though there had been a woman, there wasn't one presently — and was just as surprised as they were when they produced a picture of a dancing girl with an affectionate note to Cyril, which prompted them to depart, ostensibly to find Cyril, leaving Keiller and the mayor behind . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

“I didn’t think what they’d said about you was true,” Old Corny said. “This is more believable.”

“But still shocking,” Keiller said.

“Yes,” Old Corny agreed. “There was also his effort to take over as marshal while you were injured though. Speaking of which, how did you get injured?”

Keiller hesitated. Considering how he’d proven himself innocent by way of not telling the people Rebecca had been in his cells, and was now Dr. and Mrs. Carrigan’s houseguest, he couldn’t tell the truth.

“It was an accident,” Keiller replied. “It happened during the big storm.”

“That was a storm,” Old Corny said. “Lucky you weren’t killed.”

“Or injured worse than I was,” Keiller agreed.

“Well, I guess I should get home,” Old Corny said. “All this being up has made me tired.”

“What should we do with the photo though, Mayor?” Keiller asked.

Old Corny looked at it again. “Well, I guess you should keep it as evidence, as I’m sure there’s going to be an enquiry opened up now.”

Keiller nodded and took the photo. He slid the picture under some papers on his desk so Cyril wouldn’t find it and looked to Old Corny, who looked weary. He probably wouldn’t want to ride astride home, and there was no carriage in the stable — but Huntress did know how to pull one if needed.

A knock sounded on the door and Keiller looked up to see Dr. Carrigan, who looked a little surprised.

“Did you drive over Doctor?” Keiller asked.

“Yes, I did,” Dr. Carrigan replied. “Mrs. Sattin asked me to come because she was worried, and I think she had every right to be.”

“You’re a wonderful man Doctor,” Old Corny said. “I could sleep for a week with all the excitement of those people.”

Keiller and Dr. Carrigan helped Old Corny out to the waiting two-person trap, where he settled down comfortably.

“All’s well with you Marshal?” Dr. Carrigan asked.

“You had reason to be concerned?” Keiller asked.

“Considering the rumours, I thought you might get lynched,” Dr. Carrigan replied.

“Well, if Cyril would be more careful about where he puts gifts from special female friends he might be able to get me out of town,” Keiller replied. “But until then, my position is secure.”

“Oh,” Dr. Carrigan said, looking puzzled. “Well, I’m glad to hear that. But I should get him home. Good night Marshal.”

“Good night,” Keiller replied.

He waited until Dr. Carrigan had pulled away before returning inside the office and drawing out the picture again. V was somewhat pretty, and Keiller felt she showed quite clearly just what kind of woman Cyril liked. Even if he never met her, though, Keiller was grateful that V had been so thoughtful as to give Cyril something to remember her by, as it had certainly saved Keiller from what could well have been a nasty end. As for Cyril, it could well be the beginning of his end.