A Most Peculiar Circumstance Read Online Free PDF Page B

town?”
    “You work for the government?” Sheriff Dawson asked, ignoring Theodore’s question.
    Two could play that game. “Who are the men at the farmhouse?”
    Sheriff Dawson narrowed his eyes. “You tell me about the government and I’ll tell you about the men.”
    “I work for the government.”
    “And?”
    “That’s all you need to know,” Theodore said. “And maybe the fact that if you don’t cooperate, I won’t leave your town as soon as I get the ladies released. I can assure you, that won’t be something you’ll enjoy.”
    More sweat popped out on the sheriff’s forehead. “The only names I have for those men are Carl and Wallie. They moved here a few months ago, and I don’t know much more about them.”
    “What about the prostitution ring?”
    “I’m not at liberty to discuss that.”
    Every muscle in Theodore’s body tensed. “Why not?”
    “It’s somewhat of an internal affair.”
    Understanding was immediate, as was trepidation. Theodore pushed out of his chair, snatched up the pistol Sheriff Dawson had laid on the desk, and directed it toward the sheriff. “I’m going to need the keys to the cell.”
    “Have you lost your mind?”
    “Not at all. If I understand you correctly, you suspect someone on your staff of participating in whatever shady business is going on in your town, and that someone could even now be prowling the halls of this building. You’ve left the ladies at that man’s mercy.”
    Sheriff Dawson eyed him for a second, brushed away the river of sweat that was now covering his face, and got to his feet, hurrying over to a peg on the wall where he grabbed a ring of keys. He gestured to the door.
    “You first,” Theodore said as he casually pointed to the door with the pistol.
    “There’s no need for that,” Sheriff Dawson muttered as he strode out of the room, Theodore dodging his steps.
    Theodore tightened his grip on the pistol. “Oh, I’m afraid there’s every need.”
    He followed the sheriff down the hallway, but then brushed past the man and broke into a run when he suddenly hearda high-pitched squeal. He took the steps two at a time, but skidded to a stop at the unusual sight that met his eyes.
    Miss James was pressed against the bars, holding hands with one of the deputies and giggling as if she were in the midst of a party.
    Perhaps Miss Beckett had been right and he should not have woken the lady.
    “Step away from the cell,” he ordered, drawing the deputy’s attention as he directed his pistol at the man.
    “Mr. Wilder,” Arabella exclaimed as she pressed her face against the bars and stared at him with wide eyes. “Whatever in the world are you doing?”
    “Getting you released,” he said before he returned his attention to the deputy, who still retained possession of Miss James’s hand.
    “I would have thought your diplomatic skills would have allowed you to secure our release without actually shooting our way out of jail.”
    Annoyance snaked through him. “I’m not busting you out of jail. I’m simply trying to get this deputy to release Miss James’s hand.”
    “Oh, well, that’s somewhat disappointing.”
    He felt his jaw clench. “Did you want me to shoot someone?”
    “While that idea is vastly appealing, I suppose we should do this the normal way and just pay bail.” Arabella bent over, fiddled with the hem of her skirt, and then straightened, thrusting what looked to be slimy bills in his direction. “This should cover it.”
    He edged forward and took the bills. “Do you always carry money in that unusual place?”
    “I must admit that I do. I also must admit that I’m a bit bewildered as to why I wasn’t given an opportunity to pay bail before this.” Arabella sent a glare to the sheriff, who’d come to stand beside him. “You have been quite negligent inyour treatment of me, Sheriff, and . . .” Her voice trailed off as she frowned and shifted her attention back to Theodore. “May I suggest you lower