Bound by Honor Read Online Free PDF Page A

fancy-looking cane. He was dressed like Eb, in casual clothes, khaki slacks and a bush jacket. He looked like something right out of Africa.
    â€œThis is Dallas Kirk,” Eb introduced him to Sally. “He was born in Texas. His real name is Jon, but we’ve always called him Dallas. This is Sally Johnson,” he told the blond man.
    Dallas nodded. “Nice to meet you,” he said formally.
    â€œYou know Jess,” Eb added.
    â€œYes. I…know her,” he said with the faintest emphasis in that lazy Western drawl, during which Jess’s face went from white to scarlet and she averted her eyes.
    â€œSurely you can get along for an hour,” Eb said impatiently. “I really can’t leave you here by yourself, Jess.”
    Dallas glared at her. “Mind telling me why?” he asked Eb. “She’s a better shot than I am.”
    Jessica stood rigidly by her chair. “He doesn’t know?” she asked Eb.
    Eb’s face was rigid. “He wouldn’t talk about you, and the subject didn’t come up until he was away on assignment. No. He doesn’t know.”
    â€œKnow what?” Dallas demanded.
    Jessica’s chin lifted. “I’m blind,” she said matter-of-factly, almost with satisfaction, as if she knew it would hurt him.
    The look on the newcomer’s face was a revelation. Sally only wished she knew of what. He shifted as if he’d sustained a physical blow. He walked slowly up to her and waved a hand in front of her face.
    â€œBlind!” he said huskily. “For how long?”
    â€œSix months,” she said, feeling for the arms of the chair. She sat back down a little clumsily. “I was in a wreck. An accident,” she added abruptly.
    â€œIt was no accident,” Eb countered coldly. “She was run off the road by two of Lopez’s men. They got away before the police came.”
    Sally gasped. This was a new explanation. She’d just heard about the wreck—not about the cause of it. Dallas’s hand on the cane went white from the pressure he was exerting on it. “What about Stevie?” he asked coldly. “Is he all right? Was he injured?”
    â€œHe wasn’t with me at the time. And he’s fine. Sally lives with us and helps take care of him,” Jess replied, her voice unusually tense. “We share the chores. She’s my niece,” she added abruptly, almost as if to warn him of something.
    Dallas looked preoccupied. But when Stevie came running back into the room, he turned abruptly and his eyes widened as he stared at the little boy.
    â€œI’m ready!” Stevie announced, holding out his arms to show the gray sweats he was wearing. His dark eyeswere shimmering with joy. “This is how they look on television when they practice. Is it okay?”
    â€œIt’s fine,” Eb replied with a smile.
    â€œWho’s he?” Stevie asked, big-eyed, as he looked at the blond man with the cane who was staring at him, as if mesmerized.
    â€œThat’s Dallas,” Eb said easily. “He works for me.”
    â€œHi,” Stevie said, naturally outgoing. He stared at the cane. “I guess you’re from Texas with a name like that, huh? I’m sorry about your leg, Mr. Dallas. Does it hurt much?”
    Dallas took a slow breath before he answered. “When it rains.”
    â€œMy mama’s hip hurts when it rains, too,” he said. “Are you coming with us to learn karate?”
    â€œHe’s already forgotten more than I know,” Eb said in a dry tone. “No, he’s going to take care of your mother while we’re gone.”
    â€œWhy?” Stevie asked, frowning.
    â€œBecause her hip hurts,” Sally lied through her teeth. “Ready to go?”
    â€œSure! Bye, Mom.” He ran to kiss her cheek and be hugged warmly. He moved back, smiling up at the blond man who hadn’t cracked a smile yet. “See