Ransacker by Emmy Laybourne

Author:Emmy Laybourne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

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HE TOOK HER arm as they walked down the board walkway that fronted the shops. She was quiet and clearly troubled. James had a feeling if he could just keep her walking, she’d come out with the truth.

He feared she was going to tell him she was breaking it off with him. What would that mean for his job? Peavy might send him back to Chicago if he was no longer Sissel’s beau. He’d do it just for spite.

Mr. Campbell came out of the boardinghouse as they passed and nearly crashed into Sissel.

“Pardon me, Miss Hemstad,” said Mr. Campbell. He snatched his hat off. “Good day! Good day!”

“Good day,” James said.

“Have you heard the news? McKray struck gold!”

“What?” Sissel said. “Where?”

“He won’t say! He’s got five mines, you know, scattered in the hills. It’s anyone’s guess.”

“A large strike?” James asked.

“Trowley saw it. He said there’s rocks shot through with ore. And one nugget big as a plum!”

James kept his eyes on Sissel. Fireworks of emotion were cast across her face. He read hope, relief, anxiety, then hope, again. Dear God, she did fancy McKray over him! How was it possible?

Sissel stepped out into the street, heading for the hotel, having forgotten him entirely.

“May I visit you later?” James said.

Sissel stopped and seemed to remember her manners. She turned to face him.

“Campbell has brought in his root beer,” James rushed on. “It’s very good. I’d love to bring you a bottle. Perhaps we could go for a walk?”

“I’m not sure,” Sissel said. “I may go visit Alice. Or go painting with my brother.”

“Of course,” he said. “I understand.”

Sissel bid him a polite farewell before she turned and pushed open the door to the hotel.

James stood helplessly. Her limp, he noticed, was much less noticeable. She was changing, right before his eyes.

He kicked at a small rock and cussed under his breath. He needed some new tactics if he was going to remain her beau, and keep his job.

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