Claim by Lisa T. Bergren

Claim by Lisa T. Bergren

Author:Lisa T. Bergren
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: (¯`'•.¸//(*_*)\\¸.•'´¯), General Fiction
ISBN: 9781434767066
Publisher: David C Cook
Published: 2009-12-31T13:00:00+00:00


CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Rinaldi’s head turned as if following Everett’s gaze on the hill. He rode up with two others right behind him. Sabine’s heart kicked up its pace. Nic stepped in front of her as Rinaldi’s horse pranced before him.

“Well, isn’t this cozy? The drifter and the schoolmarm, playing house.”

“What do you want?” Nic said.

Rinaldi dismounted and stood in front of him. He had a good six inches on Nic, but Nic did not step back, even as the man moved closer. Sabine slipped a hand around one of Nic’s arms, felt the power of it, and wondered if the confrontation would end in a brawl. It made her hands sweat, the thought of seeing Nic fighting. She never wanted to equate anything about her dead husband with this new man in her life.

Rinaldi pulled a piece of paper from an inside jacket pocket and slowly unfolded it. “I want you to sign this. Her too,” he said, letting his eyes linger on Sabine.

Nic shifted slightly to break off the man’s gaze. He took the papers, still staring impudently up at Rinaldi, and unfolded them slowly. His every action said, I will not be rushed or pressured by you. Sabine absorbed some of Nic’s strength in standing up to Rinaldi, who was frowning at Nic, ignoring her. Sabine hid a small smile.

Nic glanced over his shoulder at her and then turned to pass her the papers. Everett finally reached them, scrambling into their circle. “It’s a new offer,” Nic said in a monotone. “Seventy thousand for each of us. Half up front, half in a year. Points tied to earnings.”

Sabine took a step forward, so they stood shoulder to shoulder in front of Rinaldi. She shook her head and held out the sheets to him. “I told you in town. I don’t trust men who would burn a woman’s home down.” She glared up at him. “Especially when I was the woman in that burning cabin,” she said.

Rinaldi turned back to her. “It’s a good offer,” he said slowly. “More than fair. Take it.”

“And if we do not?” Nic asked.

“You don’t want to do that,” Rinaldi said, his eyes shifting slowly from the boy over to Nic and Sabine. “Not if you’re not ready for all-out war.” He backed up a step and lifted his hands. “Why not take it?”

Sabine let out a scoffing laugh. “Everyone in town knows how the men of the Dolly Mae robbed the original owner. Many promises were never fulfilled. It’s hardly a secret, Rinaldi.”

“I’m afraid I can’t let such idle gossip go unchallenged,” he said. “Not about my employers.” He nodded toward the papers, still in Sabine’s hand. “Sign them and be done with it.”

“You know that the sheriff is bringing his own investors up tomorrow, don’t you? That’s the reason for the pressure from you now.”

“Pressure?” Rinaldi said, one eyebrow lifting. “This is not pressure. This is more money than either of you have ever seen, or will ever see again. Take it, and we’ll all go to dinner tonight at Amy’s Restaurant in town to celebrate.



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