Wyoming Wildfire (Harlequin Historical) by Lane Elizabeth

Author:Lane, Elizabeth [Lane, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises
Published: 2012-01-17T00:00:00+00:00

Biting back his emotions, Matt studied the man who might, or might not, be his half brother. Apart from a similarity in build, there was little resemblance between himself and Morgan Tolliver. Morgan’s coloring and his sharp aquiline features had likely come from his Shoshone mother. Looks alone would not tell Matt whether he and this man shared the same blood.

What puzzled Matt now was the way Morgan had singled him out and come straight toward him, as if he’d been waiting for the burial service to end. Clearly the man had something to discuss. But what?

So far, Morgan had made polite conversation, asking Matt where he’d come from and how he liked Wyoming. Matt responded with equal courtesy, waiting for Morgan to get to the heart of what he had to say.

“I understand young Frank Hammond was arrested for Allister’s murder,” Morgan said abruptly, and Matt felt his heart drop.

“That’s right,” he hedged. “Frank Hammond’s rifle was found near the body. The bullets in the gun matched the one that killed Allister.”

Morgan scowled. “I did business with Frank’s father for years. Tom Hammond was one of the most honest men I’ve ever known. You’ll never convince me his son’s a killer.”

“I agree with you there,” Matt replied cautiously. “The boy didn’t strike me as the sort who’d shoot a man in cold blood.”

“I was hoping you’d feel that way,” Morgan said. “I’ve offered to pay for Frank’s defense. Tomorrow I’ll be meeting with my lawyer in Sheridan. Before we talk to Frank, I’d like to hear your version of what happened.”

Matt had hoped to keep Frank’s death a secret until he heard from Sheriff Canton. But now, as he faced Morgan Tolliver, he knew the moment of truth had come. Whatever the consequences, he could not lie to this man.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news,” he said. “Frank died two days ago on his way to Sheridan. Walk with me down to the horses, and I’ll tell you what happened.”

Morgan listened in grim silence as the story unfolded. Matt forced himself to be brutally honest, sparing no details. “Frank’s death was my fault,” he said, knowing it was true. “It was my job to keep the situation under control and get him safely to the county jail. Things got out of hand, and I failed.”

Morgan’s cold black eyes held neither understanding nor forgiveness. “Then you should take it on yourself to clear the boy. The Hammonds were good people. I’d bet my life their son didn’t do this.”

“That’s what I’m trying to prove. That’s why I’m here now.”

Morgan glared at him. He was clearly a man who valued action above empty words, and words were all Matt had given him.

“What about Jessie? Where is she?”

Matt felt his heart clench at the mention of her name. “Missing. Her cabin is gone, burned. I’m hoping she did it herself to spite Virgil, and that she’s hiding in the mountains. Otherwise…” Matt could not even voice the other, darker possibility.

“Find her.” Morgan’s look would have withered stone.

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