Rocky Mountain Dreams & Family on the Range by Danica Favorite (summer beach reads txt) 📕

chin. “Truth is, she’s a hard one to pin down, but I can usually see when someone is up to no good. She’s about spent all her no-goodness, I think.”

“I’m not sure whether you just complimented her or if that was an insult.”

“Call it the truth.” He winked at her, then his face went stiff. His eyes narrowed. “Don’t move,” he said softly.

“What?” She turned to look where his gaze had fastened, but he was already shifting, putting his body between hers and whatever he saw. She swallowed. Holding still this way made her more aware of the rapid pump of her pulse and the dryness of her mouth.

“There’s a hotel at the next corner. Small but nice. You mind staying there?” He swung her a quick glance, questioning.

“No, no, that’s fine.” She swallowed hard. “Is everything okay?”

He hesitated.

Suddenly the need to know overwhelmed her. The need for him to share with her more than the curious oddities or the amazing inventions he’d seen on his travels. She wanted to share in his struggles and perhaps even his adventures. An unfamiliar prickle crawled across her skin.

“Please tell me,” she said quietly.

He looked around and then bent his head forward, blocking her view of everything but him. “The man behind me sought me out to parlay information right before I was shot. I believe he followed me onto this streetcar, or maybe it’s just chance, but I’ve got to talk to him.”

“But first you need to see me settled?”

“Yes.” His eyes searched hers.

“That’s not necessary. I can do it myself.”

He was already shaking his head. “No. Not in this city, not at night.”

The streetcar shuddered to another stop.

“Really, I’ll be fine. Surely a reputable hotel like you’ve suggested will be a safe place.”

“Maybe so, but it’s a risk I’m not willing to take.”

And there it was again, that urge to wrap herself in his arms and to never let go. The feeling struck her with such force that she couldn’t speak, could only lose herself in the intensity of the moment.

Movement grabbed her attention. Bowler Hat disappeared out the door. She pointed.

Lou blinked, spun around. He grabbed her wrist. “Will you come with me? It’s dark, dangerous... I’ll try to keep you safe, but you’ll need to trust me.”

Indecision rooted her feet and each second passed in agonizing slowness. The engine’s gears ground, propelling her into action.

She moved forward. Slipped her hand into his and let him lead her into the night, after the mysterious man.

Chapter Twenty-One

Their breathing melded with the sounds of evening as they dropped from the streetcar to the cobbled road. Lou’s hand tightened around Mary’s smaller one. He couldn’t believe she’d come with him, that he was actually going to bring her with while he interrogated this guy.

Her hand was warm in his as they stepped near a brick building. The light was waning, turning into a smoky dusk. He searched for the bowler hat. People still lingered outside, some going to work, others leaving after a hard day.

Businesses lined this street. Women clicked down the sidewalk in heels. Men in suits and eyeglasses who’d stayed longer than expected locked their offices for the night. Still no hat. The man reached medium height. He’d blend in well.

Lou groaned. Mary’s fingers flexed in his.

“He went that way,” she whispered. Her chin nudged to the right.

He followed the direction of her gaze and spotted a dark alley ahead, hidden between two narrow buildings. He strode forward, releasing her hand. When they reached the crevice, he turned to her.

“Stay here.”

“I should go with you.” Her eyes shone black in the encroaching night.

“Nothing can happen to you.” That knowledge resounded through him. No matter what, she had to stay safe. “You can keep an eye out. Stay here, in the shadows.” He moved her inside the alley, up against the wall. “No one will see you, but you’ll see them.”

Gut tight, he left her there, clutching her dress and looking nervous. It couldn’t be helped, though. The man waiting at the end of the alley had something to impart. He wouldn’t have followed Lou otherwise.

He edged against the wall, reaching for his revolver. Nothing stirred in the alley. The light from the street only reached so far. A dank, putrid smell pervaded his senses. He blocked it, focusing on the barely discernible shadow at the end of the alley.

Flattening his back, he peeked at Mary. He could barely see her. That was good. He whipped his gaze the other way.

“You wanted to talk,” he asked, keeping his voice low, letting the natural echoes carry his words to the other party.

A clatter punctuated the stillness. Then rustling. Finally, Lou’s eyes adjusted and he could see the outline of a hat as the man moved near. He adjusted his gun, keeping it low at his hip and aimed lower. His trigger finger flexed against the revolver’s hilt.

“Took you long enough.” The Irish lilt in Bowler Hat’s words confirmed Lou’s thoughts on his identity. The guy sidled up, hands in the air. “I’m not armed, so you can lower your weapon. I just need to talk.”

Lou kept his revolver aimed. “Come closer.”

“I’m coming, mister.” Scuffling ensued, and then the man stood opposite him. The odor of fish guts clung to him. Dusk had settled long ago, marking the way for darkness to creep in. Lou wanted to see his face, but the crescent moon left a lot to be desired for light.

“That your woman over there?” the man asked.

“Who wants to know?” Lou countered.

“No sirree, I’m not stupid enough to give my name. I just wanted to pass on some information and I’ve heard you’re to be trusted. You don’t take bribes.”

“Go on.” Things were getting interesting, and not in a good way.

“There’s been talk about shady characters in the bureau. It’s been a few weeks, but I didn’t have anyone else to give my information to.”

“Why me? Besides all your jabber and flattery, you’ve got no need to pass this on.” Besides,