Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page A

individual in the past decade. At least not in a few days’ time.
    “I’m sorry for your loss,” he added softly. He knew something about loss, and whatever pain she felt, he wished he could ease it for her.
    “Thank you.” She seemed ready to say more, but Bandit hopped up from where he’d been lying in the shade and went to stand beside his mistress, hackles raised. Julia looked toward the barnyard as two men rode into view. She drew a deep breath before saying, “It’s okay, Bandit. It’s just Charlie.” Then she walked out to meet them in the barnyard.
    Hugh stayed where he was, half-hidden by a sheet on the line.
    “Afternoon, Julia,” one of the men said.
    “Charlie. What brings you to Sage-hen?”
    “We came by to tell you I lost a couple of cows to a wolf attack earlier in the week. Thought you should know so you can be on the lookout.”
    “Thanks. I appreciate it.”
    “I’ve got some of my men out hunting for the wolf now.”
    “Just one?”
    “That’s what the tracks suggest.” The man named Charlie motioned with his head toward Bandit. “You might want to make sure that dog of yours stays close to home. He’s too old to outrun a wolf.”
    “Bandit doesn’t ever get too far from me. We take care of each other.”
    Charlie leaned a forearm on the saddle horn. “Wish you’d sell me this place, Julia. Then you wouldn’t have to depend on a dog to take care of you.”
    Hugh saw Julia’s back stiffen and wondered what expression she wore.
    “I appreciate your concern.” Her tone said otherwise.
    “You shouldn’t be on this place alone.”
    There was a lengthy pause before she answered, “I’m not alone.” She glanced over her shoulder toward Hugh. “I’ve hired a man to help around the place.”
    Something in her eyes — hard to say what exactly — caused Hugh to step out from behind the sheet. After a moment, she faced Charlie again, and Hugh turned his gaze in the same direction.
    He knew the look of a dangerous man when he saw one … and he saw one now.
    For years, Julia had tried not to dislike Charlie Prescott. After all, the only thing she truly had against her brother-in-law was his blood relationship to Angus.
    Yes, Charlie had hired on the men who used to work for her husband. But how could she object when she hadn’t had the moneyto keep them working for her? She should be glad that they’d found employment without having to look far and wide. She was glad for them.
    Yes, it irritated her that Charlie persisted in trying to buy Sage-hen from her. She wished he would accept her decision to stay and work the ranch herself. But that was no reason to dislike him either.
    No, Charlie had not wronged her. Not really. His biggest flaw was that he looked and sounded too much like Angus Grace. At least that’s what she told herself as she glanced at him and tried to subdue a tiny shiver that moved up her spine.
    “Who is he?” Charlie asked.
    “His name is Brennan. Hugh Brennan.”
    “He’s not from around here.”
    “No, he isn’t.”
    “I don’t like it, Julia.”
    I don’t care what you like .
    “How long’s he been working for you?”
    “Not long.” Not that it’s any of your business .
    Charlie shook his head. “Angus always said you were a hard one to keep in line.”
    It was as if she could feel the back of a hand connect with her jaw. Although she knew no one had touched her, she felt herself fly backward and slam against a wall. Fear and pain exploded inside of her. So real. So familiar. She wanted to run and hide. She wanted to curl into a ball and pray for protection. But somehow she did neither. She stood her ground and met Charlie’s too-much-like-Angus’s blue eyes with what she hoped was a confident expression.
    “Did he?” She shrugged. “I didn’t know that.” The latter was a falsehood. Angus had said it to her face more than once.
    Charlie straightened in the saddle. “Well, keep an eye out for that wolf. Don’t want you losing any