Waiting at the Bridge

Newbury lifted his mug halfway to his mouth, then lowered it. "Do you think you can distract him long enough to..." his voice trailed off; he couldn't finish that thought. It was easier to think it than it was to say it.

"Deal with him," Newbury finished lamely.

She took a deep breath. "I think so. He's not likely to leave without what he came for, not willingly. Can you deal with him before he deals with me?"

"Yes." It was probably the only question he could answer with complete certainty. Even if the sergeant got the better of him, Newbury was determined to make a roaring good fight of it.

"Well if you were to ask someone to help us, who would you pick? Who can you trust?" She looked at him warily. "I don't like the idea of just the two of us against him."

Who indeed.

"One of the Palmers," he replied after a pause. "If we asked 'em right."

The gleam returned to her eye. "What about both of them?"

"Or both," he amended. "Two extra sets of hands can't hurt."

"Ask the one who's not married first. Is that Jed? The married one might be a little more... hesitant, but then his brother can persuade him for us, if he's already on our side."

OOC - I can't remember which one is married. o.o

IC -

"Aye. I'll have a word with both of 'em. Dunno why either one wouldn't be on our side though."

Jenny had a sudden doubt. "Will they be suspicious about me being involved? I mean, will they assume it's because of Maggie?"

Newbury started to shake his head, stopped to think about it, then finished the interrupted motion. "Not if I explain that we need somebody to draw him out. I'll have already asked you and you agreed."

She smiled a little then, looking relieved and almost relaxed. Movement at the bridge caught her attention then. "I think we really are moving, finally. Will you go back to the surgeon? I'll probably have to walk now. But I've had a good rest," she added hastily, not wanting to seem like she was complaining. "You should take it easy as long as you can."

"Probably. One more day of bouncin' around in that wagon." Newbury grinned. He wouldn't stay long in the wagon before getting out to walk. "I'll do my best to enjoy the break, naturally."

"Naturally." She grinned and swallowed the last of her tea. "Thanks for the breakfast. It's been... a pleasure talking business with you."

Newbury lifted his mug in salute. "Likewise. See you later. Whenever this mad lot get tired from marchin'."

"Till tonight then," she answered, smiling as she departed.