Endless Mercy by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Love Stories;FIC042110;FIC042030;FIC027360
ISBN: 9781493430024
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2020-11-06T00:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

Buddy surveyed the crowd. The show had been going strong for weeks, and it was a huge success. Reynolds had been smart to bring him in. Not that Buddy wanted to admit that to the man.

“Mr. Merrick.”

Speak of the devil. Judas had come to stand next to him.

“What did I tell you? The people love it.”

“I assured you we could bring in the crowds, Reynolds. That’s what a good show does. And I’m an expert at putting such shows together.” He couldn’t let the man or his performers take all the credit.

“You did, indeed.” Judas turned a keen eye to him. “I’ve got a business proposition.”

“Oh?” Buddy pulled a cigar out of his pocket. This would be fun. Maybe get the man to squirm just a bit.

“I’m impressed at how much money can be made with this venture, so I’d like to buy you out and keep the show in Alaska. Over time, I could change things up and add other performers—and I’m sure your people are capable of doing other things as well?”

“Yes, of course. They are multitalented.” Not entirely true, but he wanted to see how high he could jack up the price. The longer he kept Judas talking, the more this could be to his advantage.

A plan formed. An ingenious one, if he did say so himself.

“Good. Well, I will make it worth your while.”

Judas was so confident that the deal was already done. Did anyone ever tell this man no?

Judas might be a shrewd businessman, but Buddy conned shrewd men all the time. “Well, I did hand-select this group. And then I trained them for several years to prepare for touring.”

“Of course. Name your price and we can negotiate.”

Buddy held up a hand. “Wait just a moment. I’m open to selling, but there’s something else I would require beyond just the purchase of my troupe.”

Reynolds quirked an eyebrow. “And what might that be?”

“Miss Madysen Powell.”

“Mr. Merrick—”

“Hear me out.” He held up both hands this time. “I will sell you my show for a discounted price if you can assure me that Madysen Powell will go back with me to the States. I’m certain that with her as the main star of my new show, I’ll be able to make a fortune.” He lowered his voice and leaned in. “I also think she’ll be a good diversion on long nights.”

Judas let out a long breath and squinted at him. “You do remember that the Powell women are all quite religious—otherwise I would have been seeking them for my own diversions.”

“That’s the deal. I’ll only sell my show to you if you can guarantee her as part of the payment.” He stuck a stogie between his lips.

Judas didn’t seem fazed by his request. “Have you considered proposing marriage to the girl? As I said, she is religious, and you’ve already been wooing her.”

“I’m not the marrying kind.” Buddy made a show of picking at a piece of lint on his lapel. “I’m the moneymaking kind, and that girl’s talent is going to make me a lot of money.

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