Hope's Angel: A Sweet Christmas Romance by Linda Broday

Author:Linda Broday [Broday, Linda & Broday, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Epitaph Press
Published: 2022-10-03T23:00:00+00:00

The town was abuzz with the latest astounding news that a mysterious person had repaired broken items and left food on the Thompsons’ porch during the night. Everyone wanted to talk about it and give their opinion of the benefactor. A few claimed it was the phantom. Kathleen just smiled and went on.

If they only knew it’d been Jericho Cane. That, however, wasn’t her secret to tell.

The day was half gone when Kathleen finished up at the hospital. Encouraged by Mr. Benevento’s leg and Mr. Tweedy’s chest injury, her step was light as she turned into Creighton’s General Store for some fresh milk and eggs.

Kathleen fingered a length of brushed wool. With Maggie in school, she needed more dresses than the two threadbare ones she had. But until the railroad paid Kathleen, she had little to live on. She sighed. It’d have to wait. Hopefully not too long though because Christmas was fast approaching.

With her mind on practical matters, she didn’t know anyone else had entered the store until Riggin Hawk’s rumbling voice fractured the quiet.

“Hello, Doc. Now, ain’t this a nice surprise. You just made my day a whole lot brighter.”

“Mr. Hawk.” She nodded politely and smiled. “’Tis glad I am that I could lighten something. Most people associate pain with my name.”

Riggin scratched his head. “That’s strange. I’d think they’d see you as God’s helping angel.”

Tom Creighton came from behind the counter. “You bring that order of milk for me, Riggin?”

“Sure as shootin’ did. Ever know me to miss a day?”

“There’s always a first time for everything.”

“I’ll lug the cans in from the wagon if you’ll give me a minute. You’re in an awful rush. Can’t a man have a word or two with a pretty lady first?”

Tom Creighton threw up his hands. “I got customers waiting on it. Dr. O’Shea here is one of them.”

“I’m in no hurry,” Kathleen quickly spoke up.

“Don’t know why Jericho Cane can’t handle his own affairs,” Tom grumbled. “He’s got Riggin here at his beck and call.”

Riggin’s chest swelled up and his face turned red. “You got a problem with how we do business? If so, I can take it five miles down the road to Mingus and sell it.”

“You’re forgetting Cane signed a contract with the railroad. Cain’t sell it anywhere but Genesis,” the man gloated.

“Well, he can darn sure pour it out.”

Kathleen watched the two men, wondering at the friction between them. Yet it seemed Jericho Cane angered everyone.

“Wish I didn’t have to have any dealings with Cane.” Creighton flung his arm. “The man’s not worth two cents. Frankly, I’m not sure he’s even alive. No one’s seen him since we heard he moved back. I’d bet my shirt that he’s the phantom. And probably knows a whole lot about the sickness sweeping our town, too, if the truth was known. It’s a sad day when I have to do business with the likes of a ghost.”

“Wait just a minute, you sawed off weasel.” Riggin doubled his fists, ready to hit the storekeeper.

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