Night Hawk by Beverly Jenkins

Author:Beverly Jenkins [Jenkins, Beverly]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, General
ISBN: 9780062031242
Google: cLvkBm9OtOsC
Amazon: 006203264X
Publisher: Avon
Published: 2011-10-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Dusk had fallen when the conductor entered the car to announce that the train would be making a stop to take on fuel and water. They’d be able to get off and stretch their legs, if they had a mind to, and take advantage of the food stands manned by some of the local families waiting beside the tracks.

After his departure, the train slowed and Ian saw Maggie rise to her feet and look his way. He set down his book and threaded his way through the small throng of people moving to the exit.

“Do you want to get something to eat?” he asked.

“I’d love to. Is it okay if Justin joins us?”

Ian eyed the doctor. Of course he wanted to deny the request, but he also wanted to keep her happy. “Sure.”

The three of them stepped down onto the tracks and followed the others over to the food stands. There were offerings of everything from paper bags holding roast chicken and vegetables to sandwiches and slices of pie. Maggie settled on some sliced beef between large wedges of bread and a piece of apple pie.

Justin dug into his suit coat. “I’d be honored if you’d let me pay for that.”

But Ian had already handed the coins to the woman behind the stand.

Justin’s face registered his annoyance but he didn’t argue. Instead he asked Maggie, “Do you want to sit in the grass or go back inside and eat?”

“Let’s sit out here until the train’s ready to leave. The evening air is nice.”

Most of the other passengers had chosen to sit in the grass as well.

“How about here?” Maggie asked. They were close enough to keep the train in view but far enough away to have a bit of privacy. However, before she could sit, Justin removed his coat and laid it on the ground.

“A gentleman never lets a lady dirty her clothes in the grass.”

Maggie thought the gesture unnecessary seeing as how she was wearing trousers but she appreciated his chivalry. She glanced at the marshal, but his face was as emotionless as always, so she sat. “Thank you, Mr. Taylor.”

“You’re welcome, but please, call me, Justin.”

He took up a seat at a respectful distance.

Maggie looked up at the marshal, who was still standing. “Are you going to join us, Marshal, or just stand there and loom?”

She thought a smile crossed his lips as he sat.

They ate in silence until Justin asked, “How long have you been a marshal, sir?”

“A few years.”

“Must be exciting.”

“It has its moments.”

“Who’s the most interesting character you ever encountered?”

“You’re sitting next to her.”

Justin choked on the water he’d taken from his canteen.

Maggie shot Bigelow a look that was part disbelief and part amusement. He held her eyes for a moment and went back to his sandwich.

Justin was still looking bemused, so Maggie said reassuringly, “I’m sure the marshal is just pulling your leg.”

“No, I’m not.”

She shot him another look. She could see Justin eyeing them both before he asked, “Does being a marshal

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