Her Bodyguard by E.E. Burke

Author:E.E. Burke
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780989819220
Publisher: E.E. Burke

CHAPTER 14

Buck peered past the edge of the buggy’s roof into a pearl gray sky. A flock of black-winged birds shifted into the shape of an arrowhead. Geese. They were leaving their winter homes, headed north with the warmer weather. Even the bird-brained knew when get out of town.

He shook the reins and the white-stocking bay picked up the pace. He was running out of time. Unfortunately, he was also running out of ideas.

Amy sat next to him with her gloved hands tucked primly in her lap. The light blue dress she wore, with its lace trim and puffy sleeves, fit her to perfection, even if it did seem a tad fancy for a visit to a mine and a flour mill.

He eyed the pert little bonnet secured with a bow tied at a jaunty angle. Maybe she was taking his advice on how to use her advantage to the fullest. One look and any man would grant her three wishes, unless he was the one trying to hurt her.

Buck shifted his gaze to budding trees and swept the wooded areas along each side of the road. Things had been quiet since that day her attacker had struck. Too quiet. He might’ve scared the bastard into hiding. He could hope so, but he wasn’t risking Amy’s life by counting on it.

“A group of newspaper editors from across the state are coming in to meet with the railroad commission next week,” she started.

Now she had his full attention, even if it had little to do with what she’d said. “And you plan to go?”

“Yes, it’s an excellent opportunity for me to lay the groundwork for a town hall meeting with the settlers.”

She hadn’t just taken his suggestion. She’d improved upon it.

“A town hall meeting, that’s good. And I like your idea about getting publicity in advance. Makes it look like the railroad is reaching out. That’ll hogtie your detractors. They’ll look bad if they call it off.”

Her lips curved in a pleased smile.

Pride swelled his chest. She was one sharp gal, his Amy.

Hold on, Bucko. She isn’t your Amy.

This confounded ruse had messed up his thinking. He wasn’t her lover or even her friend. He was her bodyguard—and a man who’d deceived her.

He gritted his teeth as his conscience writhed.

“There hasn’t been an attempt on my life lately.” Her voice turned uncharacteristically soft. She was leading up to something. A request or…

“What are you saying?”

“It’s possible you scared away that man when you chased him.” She stared out at the budding trees and wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Fletcher thinks I should let you go.”

Of all the self-serving...

Buck’s anger flared like a match set to kindling. He stomped it out. It wouldn’t do to rail about the bastard. That would only make Amy more defensive. He’d appeal to her common sense, a quality old Fletch seemed to be missing.

“I wouldn’t bet your life on that assumption. Whoever’s after you might be waiting for you to let down your guard before he strikes again.

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