Emmy's Equal by Marcia Gruver

Author:Marcia Gruver [Gruver, Marcia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction/Romance Western
ISBN: 9781607420927
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2008-12-31T20:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Magda’s fingers picked at the edge of her hem. The unease in her stomach grew as the sun settled lower in the sky, and no amount of chatter from Bertha could quench it. The open road to Eagle Pass seemed treacherous compared to the secluded Indian trail, and Magda felt vulnerable and exposed to danger.

As night approached, John peered into every shadowy clump of bushes and jumped to attention at the slightest rustle or snap. So far, instead of skulking bandits lying in wait, every sound had proved to be the harmless stirring of animals on the prowl.

John’s unease grew contagious. Poor frazzled Willem whipped around to look each time John did, his bulging eyes darting from his friend to the trail. Bertha abandoned her folded blanket and slipped to the edge of her seat, her eyes watchful, and the muscles in Magda’s tensed legs began to tremble from the strain. The relaxed fellowship they’d shared around the table the night before and again at breakfast had dimmed to a pleasant memory.

Bertha seemed to read her mind as usual. “John, your friends sure were nice folks. They took us in and treated us like family.” She paused. “Better than that, more like kings and queens, just like you said.”

John answered without taking his attention from the road. “You’ll find most folks in this region just as hospitable. They’re a kindhearted, generous people.” He smiled over his shoulder. “It’s one of the reasons I rooted my family here.”

Bertha’s brows gathered like storm clouds. “Then why are you as jumpy as a cat?”

“Good question, Bertha. There are many fine citizens in Eagle Pass. Unfortunately, opportunists and thieves roam the streets as well. Saloons and gambling halls make life hard. Decent folks are fighting back and have recently cleaned up a lot of the garbage, but they have a ways to go before I’ll breathe easy within ten miles of the place.” He chuckled. “And we’re considerably closer than that right now. Those lights you see up ahead mark the outskirts of town.”

Magda moaned. “Bad element or not, that’s blessed good news. Right now I’d welcome the sight of a gambling hall if it offered an empty bed.”

John shot her a sympathetic glance. “An empty bed may be farther away than you think, Magda. We’re not there yet, and we still have to find suitable lodging.”

“That part will be easy,” Bertha chimed in, reaching to pat her bag under the seat. “We’ll stay at the best hotel money can buy.”

“That’s exactly what we won’t do,” John said. “Flaunting your wealth in Eagle Pass would be an act of suicide.” He shook his head. “No, we’ll book a room in the cleanest low-cost establishment we can find.” He pointed at her. “You need to keep that satchel close to your body with the latch shut.”

Magda took Bertha’s chin and pulled her face around. “The same goes for your mouth.”

Bertha slapped away her hand. “There’s no call to take that tone.”

“This is serious, Bertha. Your foolishness could get us killed in our sleep.

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