Why Not (A Valentine Matchmaker novella) by Debra E. Marvin

Author:Debra E. Marvin [Marvin, Debra E.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Forget Me Not Romances
Published: 2016-11-14T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Level—a tool for determining and adjusting an even plane

Amber slipped past Stone while he held the mercantile’s door open for her, and the awareness of his gaze on her sent her insides into a tizzy. “Mrs. Bunch? You around?”

But it was Dutch who appeared from behind the stockroom’s curtained door. “She went out right after I got back from seeing you. What d’ya need?”

“We’ve brought the rest of the picnic food.”

“I’ll see they get it.”

She placed the basket on the counter. “And I’d like to settle my bill.”

Dutch lacked his usual energy and appeared old and tired today. “I think you’re good for it.”

“What happened out there?” Stone asked, more serious than she’d ever seen him.

“I’m not the one to ask.”

Stone glanced her way before addressing Dutch. “Are you sure no one was hurt?”

He shrugged.

Stone persevered. “What’s going on?”

She kept quiet, appreciating how direct he could be.

Dutch glanced between the two of them. She suspected he’d say more if she wasn’t around. “I’ll wait outside.”

Stone joined her shortly thereafter. “It will be fine, Miss Wynott.”

“Are we back to that now?” she asked, searching his face.

He grinned like they shared a secret. “In public.”

Perhaps they did. “Very well. I enjoyed the afternoon, Mr. Morrison, but I should get back to the hotel and send a wire off to Uncle William before he hears of the fire.” She looked around. “It wasn’t an accident, was it?”

“Not with that kind of explosion. But it could have been worse. A fire at night would destroy half of the village.”

She stepped off the boardwalk, following him. “I never thought about the lack of water.”

“It comes in by train every day to supplement what’s stored in tanks. A fellow named Mr. Rowe has a well, and barters for its use. Water’s more precious than copper.” The drive took all of two minutes. “Now you know what kind of people live here. They aren’t about to give up and hand over their land claims to the government.”

“Did Dutch tell you anything useful?”

“Just that Barley and Mrs. Bunch were out when it happened.”

She stared at him. “You don’t think they’re involved, do you?”

“Honestly? I don’t know.”

Her stomach tightened into a knot, and yet she hated to see their afternoon end. “Are you returning to Hermit’s Rest tonight?”

“No.” Stone pivoted suddenly and grasped her upper arm. “In fact, I won’t be able to meet you for dinner. But I want you to promise me you’ll stay in the hotel.”

What wasn’t he telling her? “I’m sure I can take care of myself.”

The set of his mouth said he wanted to argue. He didn’t. “It doesn’t stop me from being concerned.”

“What were you going to tell me? Before the explosion?”

He shook his head. “I’m not sure,” he answered, his voice, and yes his eyes held such sincerity. “There are things I need to figure out.” He took her hand. “Promise me you’ll be careful, Amber.”

“Stop. You’re making me worry. I don’t want to worry. I should go with you.”

“No. I’ll be on horseback and I may not be back until after dark.

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