Wild Cards and Iron Horses by Sheryl Nantus

Author:Sheryl Nantus [Nantus, Sheryl]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Tags: SteamPunk, Contemporary, General, Romance, Fantasy, Western, Fiction
ISBN: 9781609281519
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Published: 2010-08-10T13:06:18+00:00

The Teahouse consisted of a covered porch, the thick glass panes an unusual sight due to their high cost. Jon paused for a minute, seeing the thick yellow residue on the once-pristine windows. This was no simple building modified from the usual wooden structure. This was a two-story original design that would have cost a pretty penny to build, never mind maintain in this harsh environment.

“They were clean once.” Sam walked past him and pulled the door open. “She invested her entire life savings into this building and this business, just after the war ended. Rumor has it that she bet a lot on the North to win, at the right time to get excellent odds.”

Jon smiled. “I like her already.”

The covered porch held four tables, each set up for what Jon presumed was High Tea, or whatever bastardized version the colonists kept recreating in an attempt to woo travelers. None of the tables were occupied. A large air scrubber, hidden under a lovely lace tablecloth, coughed at the intrusion and began to work furiously.

A woman walked out from the house’s interior. “Samantha!” She stood a good six feet tall, with long dark red hair in a loose braid that threatened to sweep the wooden floor behind her. Her dress was plain but still colorful, bright blue flowers dotting the thin fabric.

“Annette.” Sam embraced her. “I’m sorry, it’s been so busy at work and with Father…”

“Bah!” Annette stepped back. “Don’t apologize for family.” She scanned Jon from top to bottom, her scrutinizing gaze sending an uneasy shiver through his stomach. For a second he thought about turning and leaving Sam there, the sudden fear reminding him of the ornery drill sergeant leading the artillery at the last battle.

“This is Jon Handleston.” Sam put her hand on his arm, breaking the spell. “He is one of our customers, a very good one. I’ve got a few minutes free, so I thought I’d treat him to one of your fine teas.”

The inspection ended. “Oh, certainly. Please, have a seat and I’ll be out in a minute with some refreshments and your drinks.” She walked back into the house.

“Don’t mind her. She’s always looking out for me.” Sam led him to the far table, with a view out onto the street. Jon instinctively took the chair with his back to the house, allowing himself an unobstructed panorama of the foot traffic.

“Looking out for you obviously means having the temper of a crazed grizzly bear protecting her young,” Jon replied.

Sam looked back towards the door and then at Jon. “Yes, yes it does. So.” She settled into the white rattan chair, glancing out the stained windows as she spoke. “What’s going on?”

Jon frowned. “What?”

“I’ve never seen Mr. Standish jump that high and that fast for anyone, including Mayor Tenk.

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