The Fruitcake Challenge (Christmas Traditions Book 3) by Pagels Carrie Fancett

Author:Pagels, Carrie Fancett [Pagels, Carrie Fancett]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Hearts Overcoming Press
Published: 2014-09-09T04:00:00+00:00

Tom strode across the mucky yard in his heavy boots. In a box, tucked under his arm, were Arnold’s punishment tools, including what looked like a cat of nine tails. Men like Arnold should be locked up forever.

He was almost to the Christy’s cabin when Jo stepped in his path, her hair as fiery as her cheeks. “How could you?”

Tom pulled himself up to his full height. “He deserved it.”

“To be beaten up like that?”

Tom pulled the box from beneath his arm and displayed a vicious looking horsewhip. “What do you think about this being cracked on a student’s back?”

“He wouldn’t…” Her pretty lips quivered as frosty air blew in across nearby Lake Michigan.

Longing to pull her into his arms, instead, he removed his mackinaw jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Ox and Moose exited the office. “You got more of Arnault’s stuff there, Tom?”

“Sure do.”

“You’re violent, too.” Jo’s low petulant words pierced him. She crossed her arms over her chest, pulling his coat tightly around her.

One punch to the gut? She thought his hit equated with a man who beat children? She was one mixed up lady. What kind of mother would she be if she allowed her children to be mistreated by someone like Arnold?

“I beg to disagree, ma’am.”

Moose and Ox trudged toward them, both rubbing their fists. Ox had streaks of red on his knuckles. So did Moose. Apparently neither bothered to wash the so-called teacher’s blood from their hands.

Tom snorted in disgust, understanding what had happened. He turned to Jo. “Let me guess. Did Mr. Arnold arrive back here with a busted up face?”

Jo glanced between Tom and her brothers. “You should know he did, Mr. Jeffries.”

Ox gave a quick shake of his head and jerked his thumb toward Tom. “Nah, he didn’t see it.”

Moose placed himself between Jo and Tom and grabbed the box full of Arnold’s disgusting paraphernalia. “You have no idea what kinda man would take out his frustration on a child using this stuff, Sis.”

Ox smacked one fist into his palm. “He deserved what he got and if he had another face, I’d rearrange that one, too.”

Jo’s face went slack. She must have realized that her brothers had inflicted whatever damage Arnold sustained.

“We better wash up before dinner.” Moose examined his fists, spitting on one and rubbing it against his thigh.

“But who is going to teach those children now?” Jo stepped forward and stomped her foot. He couldn’t help smiling at the fact that she was wearing the boots he’d bought for her.

Although she didn’t apologize to him for thinking he’d done the damage to Arnold’s face, Jo was chewing her lower lip, which meant regrets might be forthcoming.

“Pa had a horrid time finding this supposed teacher.”

“She’s right.” Moose frowned. “Pa couldn’t get anybody but that bit of scum to come this far north.”

“I can keep tutoring them at night.” Tom had kept his agreement with the brothers, reading to the children every night and instructing those who struggled.

Jo rocked on the balls of her feet, her mouth fixed in a grim line of agitation.

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