Audrey and the Maverick by Elaine Levine

Author:Elaine Levine [Levine, Elaine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: General, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Historical, Western, Ranchers
ISBN: 9781420105520
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corporation
Published: 2010-02-02T02:26:44+00:00

Chapter 22

Julian left Audrey’s cabin and went straight to the bunkhouse. It wasn’t late; light still shone in the windows of the long, low structure. Some of the boys were sitting around a table, playing cards. Others lay in their bunks in the double rows of beds. At the far end where Franklin had his own room, Julian could see him working at his desk.

Hadley was one of the boys playing cards. They were surprised to see him. A few put their cards down and stood up, seeing the look in his eyes.

“Hadley Baker, get your things, collect your pay, and get the hell off my ranch.”

Hadley came to his feet, warily eyeing Julian. The boy wore no gun belt, but Julian wouldn’t be surprised if he had a knife somewhere. The boys around the table looked confused.

“If that’s what you want, Mr. McCaid. I’ll go. Doesn’t seem like the wisest choice. There’s trouble brewing in town, and it’s headed this way.”

“You’re right about that. And I need men I can trust when it gets here.”

Franklin came forward, frowning. “Boss—what’s going on?”

Julian never took his eyes from Hadley. “Hadley’s leaving. Why don’t you tell the boys why, Hadley?”

“I don’t know why, Mr. McCaid,” he answered evenly. Julian knew the others were surprised, especially given how often Julian deferred to Audrey’s wishes when it came to maintaining Hadley’s employment. The men who had remained seated now stood and quietly moved away so that they weren’t standing between McCaid and Hadley.

“What went on between you and Audrey during your walk tonight?”

“That’s a private matter. It’s no concern of yours.”

“It became my concern when you hit her. She’s under my employ and my protection. You crossed the line, boy. You’re done. Get the hell out of here. Franklin, get his pay.” Julian turned to leave, regretting the matter was settled so peaceably. He wanted to make Hadley hurt. He wanted to tear the pretty bastard limb from limb and—

A faint sound, a hiss of movement, was all the warning he had as Hadley came at his back. Instinctively, Julian crouched and pivoted to face his attacker. Sure enough, he’d drawn a knife. Julian, the bigger of the two, grabbed Hadley’s wrist to keep the knife away and pounded his other fist into Hadley’s stomach. The boy doubled over, and Julian’s next punch laid him out on his belly on the floor, coughing and spitting blood. Something small and white hit the plank floor.

“You broke my tooth!” He sat back on his haunches and held a hand over his mouth as blood and spittle drained down his chin. “You broke my goddamned tooth!”

“That was for Audrey.” Julian glared down at him. “Maybe you’ll think twice before laying a hand on another woman. Get him outta here, Franklin.”

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