Colorado Heart (9781101612026) Read Online Free Page A

lot,” Jake said. “How about we both go to town and we’ll see what the sheriff has to say about this.”
    â€œWhat?” she spouted. “Like I said, I’m not going anywhere with you.”
    â€œSuits me,” Jake said. “If this donkey is indeed yours then you can pick her up tomorrow at the livery. If she’s not . . .”
    â€œOh she’s mine,” she said. “And maybe I’ll have a word with the sheriff about how you wound up with her.”
    â€œFine,” Jake said. “You can both find me at the Heaven’s Gate.” As he didn’t trust her with the rifle, he kept his eyes on her as he spoke to his ranch hand. “Randy, you can give this fine lady back her horse now.”
    The tiny woman gave an exasperated sigh and clicked her teeth together. The appaloosa responded by shaking his head. Randy let go of the reins and the little horse trotted over to her owner. “Stand back,” she said.
    â€œGladly.” Jake raised his arms wide. She guided the appaloosa to a rock buried in the snow and used it to gracefully swing into her saddle. “Believe me, I plan on staying as far away from you as possible,” Jake added.
    She slammed the rifle into her scabbard. Without a backward glance she took off up the trail to Sam Parker’s spread.
    â€œWell now, don’t that beat all,” Randy said as they watched her ride away.
    Jake let out a heavy sigh before he slammed his hat onto his head and mounted Skip. “Boys, I am in desperate need of a drink.”

TWO
    â€œA ll I know is the man who bought Libby was Mexican,” Jim Martin, who owned the livery, said. “He didn’t say where he was from or where he was going. He just came into the stable around the first of December and asked if I knew of anyone who had a donkey for sale. I showed him Libby and he offered me two dollars for her. It sounded like a deal to me so I took it.”
    â€œHas anyone said anything about someone moving into the Parker place?” Jake asked. “Because that’s where she was headed last we saw of her. If it’s family, it seems like I should have heard from them since I sent out the letter.”
    Cade Gentry, the sheriff, and Ward Phillips, owner of the Heaven’s Gate Saloon where the men were happily enjoying a drink, both shook their heads.
    â€œI sure would have loved to have seen her put you in the snow,” Ward said with a laugh as he poured the four men another round of shots.
    â€œIt was a pretty slick move,” Jake admitted. “Whoever she is, if she’s not careful she’s going to try that on the wrong person and wind up dead.”
    â€œI reckon I should ride out to the Parker spread tomorrow and see what’s going on,” Cade said.
    â€œWho knows,” Jake said. “Maybe she’ll show up tomorrow to claim the donkey.”
    â€œAnd swear out a complaint against you?” Cade asked.
    â€œShe’s welcome to try,” Jake said.
    â€œHow long ago was it you sent that letter?” Jim asked.
    â€œAlmost two years,” Jake said. “You think if he had any family they would have shown up a long time ago.” He looked at the swallow left in his glass. “And you’d think I’d know since I have the key to the house.” He drained his glass. “They must be squatters as well as thieves.”
    â€œWe’ll figure it out tomorrow,” Cade said. “You’re welcome to come along if you want.” He tossed back his shot. “Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I’ve got a wife to get home to.”
    â€œYeah, I’d better go too, before Gretchen sends out a search party,” Jim said, and he followed Cade out the door.
    â€œSo she was a looker?” Ward asked when the door was shut firmly behind the two men.
    â€œYes, she was pretty,” Jake admitted. “Even though she looked liked she got