A Love to Cherish Read Online Free PDF Page B

today.”
    “You haven’t answered my question, Belle. Don’tyou think I should know the reason Tommy needs protection?”
    Belle came out of the chair, her expression guarded. “Soon, but not now. I don’t know yet if I can trust you. Just keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. If you notice anything suspicious report it to me immediately. If anyone tries to hurt Tommy, you’re to protect him.”
    “What about you? Don’t you need protection?”
    “I can take care of myself. Surely you’ve noticed I’m crippled. Men are put off by women with deformities.”
    Casey gave a bark of laughter. “Says who? What about Dinks? Your deformity didn’t seem to bother him.”
    She flushed. “He was drunk. You have your orders, Mr. Walker.”
    “Casey.”
    “Whatever. Just do the job you’re being paid to do and keep your curiosity under control. If I think you need to know anything more, I’ll tell you.”
    Casey gave her a crooked grin that deepened the dimple in his cheek and nearly made Belle forget her name. “Sure, boss, whatever you say. I’ll see you later.” He doffed his hat and headed for the door that led into the restaurant. Suddenly he stopped and swung around to face her, “Oh, by the way, what makes you think you don’t need protection at night? Do you depend on your gentlemen callers to provide protection?”
    Damn, Casey knew that remark was uncalled for, but somehow it had slipped out before he could call it back.
    “Callers?” Belle asked.
    “Forget I said that. I’m not being paid to dig into your personal life.”
    Hidden fires within her dark eyes flared dangerously. “I’m glad you remembered. I have no idea what you’re talking about and I don’t think I want to know. But if you have any doubts about taking this job, it’s best you leave now.”
    Casey studied Belle’s features, favorably impressed with her determination, her beauty, her protectiveness toward her son. Funny, he hardly noticed her limp now. Nor was he bothered by the fact that she had been a whore at one time. There were too many fascinating facets to Belle Parker to dwell upon something that had no bearing on her appearance or what she was now. She seemed to have accepted her disability with good humor, and he’d soon learn if she still practiced her trade.
    Casey had nothing against a reformed whore, but he knew the courts of law would back McAllister in his bid for his grandson. Possession was nine-tenths of the law, and once McAllister got his hands on the boy no court in the land would give him back to a whore, reformed or not. As he left Belle’s rooms, he had the unaccountable urge to run away from this case and everything it represented. He had the distinct feeling that his life would never be the same again as a result of his encounter with Belle Parker McAllister.
    Belle watched Casey leave, admiring his broad shoulders and the way his trousers hugged his lean hips. Casey Walker was the first man since Tom’s death she had looked at with anything but mild distaste. Tom’s death had devastated her. He had been husband, lover, protector, and Tommy’s father. Guilt had been her constant companion since theday she received notice of Tom’s drowning. If he hadn’t insisted on marrying her, there would have been no need for him to take a job that placed him in danger. He’d still be the apple of his father’s eye, and he wouldn’t have had to expose himself to life-threatening situations. It was her fault Tom was dead. McAllister had every right to accuse her of being the cause of his son’s death.
    Supper was well in progress when Casey walked into the diner and took an empty seat next to a group of miners. The menu posted on the door boasted of beef stew, dumplings, buttered peas, and apple pie. Casey’s mouth watered just thinking about it. When Dolores set a heaping plate of savory meat and vegetables before him, he dug in with gusto. He had to hand it to Belle, she was a damn good cook. He