Angel and the Texan From County Cork (The Brides of Texas Code Series Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

deed to your land?”
    “I don't know, but there are no papers here that I’m aware of. Will may have them in a box at the bank.”
    “I guess we'll find out when we get to town.”
    “You're taking me with you?”
    “Yes, we need to stop by the marshal's office so ye can give him all the information ye have about Will's death. We'll also have to alert the authorities about our marriage. I'm anticipating the need for a lawyer before the bank will make any changes.
    “Also," he said, making sure he had her attention. “I haven't buried anyone since I lived in California a few years ago but I believe Texas laws are different. The doctor will probably have to verify the cause of death.”
    He followed her line of sight as she glanced out the window.
    “Poor Will. After that, we’ll be able to bury him?”
    “Yes. Just as soon as the law says we can.”
    “Good.” Changing the subject, she asked, “Can we get some supplies while we're there?”
    “Yes, whatever ye need.” He stood and started to prepare the fireplace for their absence. “As soon as ye're ready, we better get a move on. It's going to be a long day.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER FIVE
     
    Jamey sat beside Angel in front of the marshal's desk as the lawman filled out the report for Will's death.
    Marshal Jase Handley was an imposing man. An inch or two above six feet, he had an air of authority that commanded respect with a dose of fear. “So you say Will showed back up at the house?”
    “Yes,” Angel answered. “I found him between the barn and the house. He'd been shot.”
    “You didn't see anyone else? Where was his horse?”
    “No one, and Bull was nowhere in sight.”
    The marshal finished writing and then stroked his handlebar mustache in thought. “That's surprising,” he said. “Even if they were separated, his horse should've made his way back to the barn.”
    “I thought that odd, myself.” Jamey leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. “A horse knows where he belongs.”
    “Is there anything else you can think of, Mrs. Rivers?”
    “I-I'm not—” Angel covered her face with her hands.
    Jamey spoke up when he realized their situation was overwhelming her.
    “Mrs. Rivers and I were married yesterday.”
    “That so?” He jotted something in the margin. “Anything else, Mrs. O'Donnell?”
    “Yes, Marshal.” She glanced over as if seeking Jamey’s permission. He nodded his head in agreement for her to tell the marshal of the suspicions they’d discussed on their ride into town. “I believe Will was murdered and I'd like you to investigate.”
    “What you’ve already told me sounds suspicious enough for me to do some digging around, even if it wasn't required by law. I don't think Will would shoot himself.” He leaned back in his chair, its front legs off the floor, leveled his gaze on Jamey and, with the calm of an experienced investigator, he asked, “Mind tellin' me why the rushed nuptials?”
    Jamey recognized the technique. He'd seen his brother-in-law, Ian, a lawyer and former Texas Ranger, use it many times when dealing with problems on their cattle drives. He hesitated sharing more until he knew who he could trust, until he knew who might or might not be in Cleve Moran's pocket.
    “That’s between my wife and me. We have an agreement.”
    “Now, you see, that just makes me more than a little suspicious. I don't know you, Mr. O'Donnell.” The legs of his chair bumped the floor as he righted it to its original position. “Will Rivers was a good friend of mine and, up here in this neck of the woods, we look out for our own.”
    “It doesn't seem so in this case.”
    “Care to explain that remark?”
    Jamey took the letter from Will out of his pocket and handed it to the marshal. “I received this about a month ago. When I got here day before yesterday, he was dead.”
    The marshal read the letter and then folded and returned it.