Hearst swayed, his cracked lips twisting into a bitter smile of surrender. Violet was ready to take her hand away when Hearst reached up and shook it. “I see you again, Miss Donovan, and I shoot you on sight.”
“That goes double. Let’s not let it come to that.” Violet stood and turned now to Deputy Marsh. “Fred, go home. Stay there. Keep an eye on Mama and Charlie for me, and for God’s sake don’t let ‘em know about this.”
Deputy Marsh wiped his bloody, snotty nose with his coat sleeve, his eyes puffy and red. “How can I look ‘em in the eye—?”
“Don’t,” said Violet. “Don’t say nothin’ if you can’t. But visit if you can. Make sure Mama’s eatin’ right, make sure Charlie’s well cared for.” There was a telling pause between them, after which Deputy Marsh pushed himself to his feet. There were
