Eva appeared to be a soft Southern lady but in reality that Southern lady had survived a war where all sorts of rabble had come across her path. She stood, taking her cup to the sink.<br/><br/>"I will dress and accompany you." she said. "My husband will find your information if it is available."<br/><br/>"You better hope to God that he finds what I want to know." Decker said, standing, knocking his chair to the floor.<br/><br/>She swirled out of the room without waiting for permission. Tossing on her day dress over her night rail, Eva gathered her hair into a quick bun, jamming two long bone pins through the mass. Jeb's words about a woman's duty and honor rang in her head. She understood what he meant and she hoped that wouldn't be necessary. Watching Maddie grow up was important to her. Taking a deep shaky breath, Eva went to join the men at the front door. Philip had selected a mare from the barn and saddled her.<br/><br/>Eva shook her head but made no comment on the man's saddle. She gathered her skirts and swung into the saddle, crooking her far leg around the saddle horn, in a makeshift side seat.<br/><br/>"You will follow right behind me," Decker snarled. "If you lag behind or try to ride away, you will be tied and ride behind me."<br/><br/>Eva nodded.She wasn't stupid or a great risk taker.<br/><br/>~~~~~~~~<br/>Jeb put his shoulder to the door and broke the simple latch. Luckily, the noise wasn't too great. He ran into the kitchen where a chair lay on the floor and dirty dishes were in the sink.<br/><br/>"Eva!" he called,looking briskly in the rooms. "Eva!" he strode to the open front door and stared in despair at the cloud of dust in the distance.  He went to his office to find his Navy Colts. He hesitated as he strapped on the gun belt. A paper was centered in the middle of his desk. A Bowie knife was stabbed through the center.<br/><br/>"Bring me word on that old coot or say a permanent good bye to  your wife." the message commanded.