High Lonesome Read Online Free Page B

guest was feeling and what she was thinking, all alone in an unfamiliar place, not knowing what was going to happen to her and dependant on total strangers to protect and take care of her.
    He took a step out the door and stopped. She was humming. It was barely audible, but as he listened, he could make out a familiar tune. The lyrical sound lilted under the bathroom door. He closed his eyes and allowed the music to transport him back to a time when his heart was full and the future was bright. It had been so long since he’d heard such a sweet sound.
    Frozen, he listened and recalled the past. Maggie always hummed when she mucked the stalls or cleaned the house. She hummed her favorite country songs. Later, those country tunes were replaced by lullabies.
    Scott let the peaceful feeling wash over him. When the humming abruptly stopped, he opened his eyes, spun on his heel, and took the stairs down two at a time, hoping she hadn’t sensed him eavesdropping. Cruising into his office, he flipped open his cell phone and punched in Buddy’s number.
     
     

 
     
    Chapter Two
     
    She ran the warm, soapy washcloth across her aching body. Squeezing the rag over each shoulder, she watched the lather slither down her arms. Staring at the discolored bruise glaring at her from the inside of her arm, she recoiled after touching it. When she laid her head on the back of the tub, the questions swam around in her mind.
    What happened to me? Why can’t I remember who I am, or where I’m from? How did I get hurt? Was it an accident, or did someone do this to me on purpose? Why wasn’t I carrying any ID? Is anyone looking for me?
    Her body relaxed after a while, and the image of the rancher’s face floated in front of her. Amnesia couldn’t erase the intuition she sensed about him. Even though she’d been dazed and in a weakened state, she’d seen the kindness in his blue eyes and felt it in his touch. Although there was much for her to be concerned about, she knew she’d be safe in his home under his care and protection. Knowing nothing about Scott Landry, it was impossible not to feel he was a man of integrity and trustworthiness. After all, he’d exhibited those qualities within the first ten minutes of their meeting.
    The water sloshed as she leaned back and dunked her head into it. It felt wonderful to lather her long hair with the fruit-scented shampoo. She scrubbed her scalp until it tingled, rinsed her hair, then pulled the plug and watched the water swirl down the drain as she stepped out onto the bath rug.
    The aspirin had taken effect and her head had stopped throbbing. She reached for the fluffy white towels the Mexican lady had hung on the rack. After wrapping her head in one towel and drying off with the other, she was starting to feel human again.
    There was a rap on the door and Carmen’s pleasant voice called out to her. “Ma’am, I’ve brought some fresh clothes for you. I’ll leave them on the bed.”
    “Thank you.” She peeked out from behind the bathroom door.
    “Do you feel better?” Carmen asked, as she spread an outfit out on the bed.
    “Yes. Like a brand new person.”
    The two women looked at each other and then broke out laughing.
    “I see you didn’t lose your sense of humor along with your memory,” the cook chuckled. She shuffled to the door with one hand on her hip. “I hope those things fit. Take your time dressing and come downstairs when you feel up to it.”
    “You’ve been so kind, missus...”
    “I’m not a missus. I was once, but it didn’t work out. Just call me Carmen.”
    She smiled. “Okay. Carmen, it is. Thank you for the loan of the clothes. I’ll be down soon.”
    She held the pair of jeans and top against her body. They looked about the right size. When she slipped them on, she was delighted at the perfect fit. She buckled the leather belt and slipped on the socks and canvas tennis shoes before drying her hair. Finding no rubber bands in the bathroom, or anything