McCavett's Bride by Carol Finch

Author:Carol Finch
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi
Tags: Historical, Cowboy
ISBN: 9780373294527
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2007-05-31T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

J ack trotted downhill then leaned away from his horse to offer Pru a hand so she could crawl up behind him. “You okay?”

“No,” she muttered as Jack trotted off to retrieve her horse. “My life is hell and it’s spilling over into yours.”

“At least your grandmother isn’t here to harass you about it,” he reminded her.

“You’re right, things could be worse for me, but I hate that I’m the cause of your loss and extra expenses.”

Pru felt terrible. She was responsible for the broken lumber that would have to be replaced for the framework of Jack’s new barn.

Jack surveyed the extensive damage. “At least they didn’t torch my house.”

“I couldn’t live with myself if those spiteful marauders had done that, too.”

Jack set her to her feet. “Let’s grab some supplies and leave, in case we’re being watched.”

Pru glanced every which way, wondering if Dexter’s killer or a vengeful protester was waiting to strike. The uneasy thought prompted her to quicken her pace. She bumped into Jack who’d halted abruptly when he stepped inside the door. Pru peered around his shoulder and her temper exploded again.

A note had been propped up on the table. It said, Get rid of the imported troublemaking rabble-rouser or your house will be the next to fall.

“Son of a bitch,” Jack muttered as he snatched up the note. “Recognize the handwriting, Pru?”

“No, it doesn’t match the note slipped under my door, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“But that doesn’t mean your mysterious friend didn’t incite this attack or participate in it,” he reminded her.

Hurriedly they gathered makeshift sleeping pallets and food to tide Pru over. Despite the thought of facing Gram’s wrath, she seriously considered returning home, if only to take the pressure off Jack. He didn’t deserve this cruel retaliation. She’d wanted her freedom, despite the consequences, but not at Jack’s expense. Now she’d have to reimburse him for every scrap of lumber damaged in the attack.

Provided that she survived and was acquitted of the charges against her, she told herself glumly.

Jack ushered her across the main room. He halted by the door to stuff a spare pistol into the waistband of her breeches. “If we’re ambushed going out, drop and roll. Come up shooting while you scramble for cover.”

Pru swallowed hard, knowing this was the kind of deadly reception Jack had encountered in years past. No wonder he wanted to leave that dangerous life behind. This kind of excitement and adventure wasn’t exactly what she’d hoped for. Naturally, she’d wanted to pick and choose whichever exciting adventure that appealed to her.

This wasn’t it.

“Ready? I’ll go first, just in case…. Damn it, Pru!” he yelled when she bolted past him to draw whatever gunfire might be awaiting them.

Sure enough, shots rang out from the clump of cedar trees to the east. Pru did as instructed and managed to get off two wild shots while she rolled across the planked porch. She fired off two more shots while Jack bounded over to grab the horses’ reins.

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