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

“I knew something was going on with him but tried not to pry. A man's got a right to his privacy.”
    “True.” Jamey stood. “Does that thought extend to me as well?”
    “I'd say so until I find out different. You understand I'll be doing some checking on you?”
    “I wouldn't think much of ye if ye didn't.” Jamey rested his hand beneath Angel's elbow when she joined him. “We'll be talking to ye, Marshal.”
    “Yep. As soon as Doc gets into town from his rounds, we'll head out to your place so he can make his official report.”
    Jamey felt the marshal's eyes on them as they crossed the street for the bank. He'd gotten a good first impression about Jase Handley. His instincts told him the man truly cared about his friends and the law, and his instincts were rarely that far off.
    Just like his feelings about Cleve Moran. The scoundrel needed watching. Jamey didn't trust that one as far as he could throw him.
     
    * * *
     
    The banker they needed to talk to had gone home for lunch and wouldn't be in for an hour. So when Jamey had suggested they go on over to the General Store, Angel had jumped at the chance to take in the colorful sights. She hadn't been here in a long time to shop and the thought of being able to purchase anything at all made her giddy. She'd placed several items in the basket she carried and was eyeing a particular bolt of fabric when Mr. Krutchmeyer, the owner, came up beside her.
    “I'm sorry Mrs. Rivers, but I can't sell to you today.”
    “But I—”
    “No, not today or any other day until you pay your outstanding balance.” His glance darted to his wife who stood behind the cash register.
    Two women an aisle over whipped around and Angel thought she might incinerate on the spot, such was the heat from her embarrassment. One of the women was Mr. Krutchmeyer's spinster sister-in-law and the other a railroad official's wife, very prominent in town circles with a tongue that could shred a leather barber's strap.
    Jamey stood at the back counter chatting up Mrs. Krutchmeyer. He was supposed to be opening an account, but the way she blushed and tittered at their conversation told Angel he was easily charming the skin off the woman who had the personality of a disgruntled rattlesnake.
    “I told your husband his last trip in, Mrs. Rivers,” the store keeper continued. “There's no more credit.”
    “I'm sorry, I didn't know we owed you money. As soon as I can, I'll settle the accounts.” She noticed again his glance toward his wife as he took the basket from her. The woman crossed her arms beneath her small bosoms and pursed her lips like she'd eaten a persimmon.
    Angel hadn't come into the store often while married to Will. Not that he'd meant to be mean or controlling, but he knew Mrs. Krutchmeyer disliked her for marrying Will instead of him tying the knot with her spinster sister. Also, he'd said they didn't have much money and he didn't want her to feel bad because she couldn't buy any of the items or other fancy geegaws displayed in the windows or on the shelves. Someday, he’d promised, he'd get her lots of pretty things.
    Now she understood his real reason for keeping her away from town and this knowledge raised the question of what else he'd kept from her. What other things had he been covering up? She supposed he'd been too embarrassed to tell her, but she'd been stupid and naïve not to ask questions. Her heart raced at what awaited them at the bank.
    When Mr. Krutchmeyer turned back to her, his eyes were kind and apologetic. Too little, too late, Angel thought, as she turned and walked toward the door.
    “Angel, wait.”
    She stopped, frozen to the floor, unsure if she'd be able to face those who were waiting to ridicule her.
    Jamey walked up behind her, bracketing her upper arms with his hands. “Now, where'd ye be goin', Colleen? Ye've not yet finished yer shoppin’.”
    Quietly, close to a whisper, she told him, “Will has a large debt, and I can't shop here until his