Page 33 of A Bride for Brodie

She jumped up, pitcher in hand, and stood still against the wall that would be behind the door.

Joey opened the door and entered, carrying a tray.

She smashed the pitcher against his head.

He dropped the tray and fell to the floor.

Lottie stepped over him and ran for the door at the end of the hall that led to the outer stairs. She snatched the door open, lifted her skirts high, and dashed down the steps.

She’d hoped Bluebell would be there, but she wasn’t, so she sprinted for the front of the building.

Several saddled horses were tied to the hitching rails.

She picked one that looked well cared for and untied it from the rail mounting up just as Joey ran around the corner of the saloon with blood on the side of his face and forehead.

Lottie kicked the stolen horse into a gallop. She passed the buildings quickly until the town fell away from her sight.

Then she heard hooves pounding the road behind her and looked over her shoulder.

Joey was on his horse, bareback and gaining.

He must have made a bargain with the devil for that horse to catch me.

Joey rode up next to her until he could grab her reins. Then he slowed and turned them around until they were headed back to town.

“I’m not letting you out of my sight again. If you escape, it’s my life on the line.”

“He wouldn’t kill you. Would he?”

“He’s killed for less. Now let’s go.” He started them back at a walk, holding tight to her reins.

Lottie swallowed hard. Jake Flannery didn’t seem so benign any more. What might he do to Brodie in order to punish Ross?

* * *

A knock soundedon the front door.

Gwen answered it.

A large, tall man, nearly as big as her husband, stood on the other side.

“Mrs. Campbell. I’m here representing Jake Flannery. Please give this to your brother-in-law, Brodie.” He handed her an envelope and tipped his hat before turning and leaving.

Gwen wanted to open the envelope, but didn’t. She’d wait until Brodie and Lottie returned from their new home. She grinned, figuring they were taking advantage of the privacy.

* * *

He smiledas he thought of Lottie and the lilac water he’d give her at bedtime tonight. Hopefully, she would forgive him. Brodie worked for another three or four hours before quitting and heading home.

He washed up on the porch and entered the kitchen.

All of his family was there. They stopped talking when he came in. They looked behind him.

“Where is Lottie?” asked Fiona.

“She’s here. She came back hours ago, saying she had to prepare dinner.”

“She was supposed to.” Fiona glanced around the room. “But she never showed up after you and she left to visit your house.”