Lori Connelly Read Online Free Page A

another rider interrupted the tense standoff. Evie flicked a glance in the direction of the noise. On a dappled grey horse, a lanky man, the tallest she’d ever seen, and wearing a battered black hat, was easy to identify even at a fair distance.
    “You asked the sheriff to ride out.”
    “I just want to keep things civil ma’am.”
    “By threatening me?”
    “I haven’t,” His words clipped, jaw tight, “Nor will I.”
    Evie wasn’t certain she believed him but with the lawman closing in fast, she made a gesture of good faith. She lowered her weapon, pointed the muzzle to the ground. They waited the few moments in awkward silence until Jim Green joined them.
    The sheriff positioned himself between Evie and the other mounted men. His fingers tugged the brim of his hat, “Mrs. Rolfe.”
    “Sheriff Green.”
    “Though it’s a fine day for a walk,” his voice studiously polite, “perhaps we should head back to your place. Mr. Talbert and your husband can then settle matters.”
    “I’m afraid that isn’t possible.”
    “Ma’am?”
    “Ben isn’t home. In fact I’m worried he-”
    “Where is he?” William Talbert demanded.
    “I don’t know. He-”
    “Do you know what that horse he sold me did?”
    “He threw your son,” Her face stiff and hot, Evie spoke in a soft tone. “I’m truly sorry. I-”
    “Your husband conned me.”
    “I-”
    “My son could’ve died.”
    “Again I’m so sorry but Ben-”
    “I’ve no tolerance for lies.”
    “Mr. Talbert I don’t li-”
    “Mrs. Rolfe-”
    “Kindly have the good manners to let me finish a sentence.”
    He jerked his hat off to hit it against his thigh, “Ma’am.”
    “Thank you,” Slow, even breaths eased agitation. “I don’t know where Ben is,” She held up her free hand when Mr. Talbert started to open his mouth and shook her head. “I don’t but with the sheriff as my witness I give you my word, if it’s possible, I’ll make things right.”
    “He should face me like a man,” the older man’s contempt a barb, she flinched.
    “I think you should accept the lady’s offer,” The sheriff’s calm voice of reason entered the exchange.
    Seconds passed then, “Fine.”
    “I need to speak to the sheriff first,” Without waiting for agreement, she looked up at the lawman and at last gave voice to her gut-wrenching fear. “Something happened to Ben. I … ”
    Her throat closed. Evie couldn’t continue. Her emotions reactive and raw, tears threatened. She bit down on her bottom lip, struggled to keep control. Sheriff Green dismounted, put a hand on her shoulder. She drew in a shaky breath.
    “Ben rode off and I …  ” Evie pulled away. “I …  ”
    “Easy ma’am, take your time.”
    “After a time I heard,” Evie paused, drew in a breath. “I thought I heard an argument out here. I came out and … ” She shook her head unable to continue, stepped back and gestured to what she’d found.
    His face a blank mask, Sheriff Green studied the scene for a moment. “You go on home now and I’ll take a look around.”
    “But I-”
    “Can you settle things peacefully with Mr. Talbert?”
    “Ah yes but-”
    “Trust me ma’am, I’m good at my job.” As he walked past Mr. Talbert to his horse, the sheriff addressed him. “Would you escort Mrs. Rolfe home?”
    “I will.”
    “I could use the help of your men.”
    Mr. Talbert frowned, his tone dry, “Of course.”
    Evie watched the three men fan out. She trusted Sheriff Green. He’d tried to work out a fair resolution when the Blakes claimed the wild horses Ben had caught and trained. It wasn’t his fault the judge, a relative of Daniel Blake’s wife, ruled against them.
    Her chest ached with intense pressure. Ben didn’t share her good opinion. He blamed everyone who worked with the law as much as the crooked justice for his loss. Time would tell if she’d done the right thing sending the sheriff after him.
    “Mrs. Rolfe?”
    Her eyes burned with unshed