Brazen Read Online Free PDF Page A

his lack of progress in the case. "I'll let you know if I learn
anything new or hear anything around town."
    "I'd appreciate it."
    "And you let me know if you come up with anything
that will help me make an arrest."
    "I will."
    Michael turned and walked out of the office. His mood was solemn as he made his way to the stable to meet
Nick.

    There was a youth harnessing a horse out in front of the
stable when Nick walked up, and he assumed the boy
worked there.
    "Boy," Nick called out. "Could you tell me who I need
to speak to, to rent a buckboard?"
    Nick was puzzled when the youth ignored his request.
He walked up to him to get his attention.
    "Excuse me. I was told I could-" Nick stopped in midsentence as the "boy" turned to face him and he realized
his mistake. "You're a..."
    "What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a girl wearing pants before?" Casey asked, grinning as she took off
her hat, freeing the tumble of dark curls she'd stuffed up
under it while she worked.
    "Actually, no, I haven't," Nick answered, returning her
smile. He realized she was quite an attractive female with
her dark hair and flashing green eyes. True, her state of
dress shirt, pants and boots shocked him for
a moment, but he already was coming to appreciate the
style as he let his gaze sweep over her.
    "Well, come to think of it, I've never seen a man wearing a suit quite like yours before, either, so I guess we're
even." She eyed him up and down just as openly as he'd
observed her and had to admit he was handsome in a
slick sort of way.
    Nick's smile broadened at her quick wit. He liked her
immediately. If all the girls in Hard Luck were like this one, he knew he was in for some interesting times. "I like
the way you're dressed, and I'm sorry I mistook you for a
boy. I do apologize."

    "It's not the first time it's happened to me, and I appreciate your apology. My name's Casey Turner, by the way."
    "And I'm Nick Paden."
    "You're obviously real new in town."
    "Yes, I just arrived on the stage. That's why I came here
to the stable. I need to rent a buckboard."
    "I can't help you with that. You need to talk to Fitz."
Casey directed. "He's the owner. You'll find him inside."
    "Thanks." He started on.
    "Any time. And Paden---"
    Nick turned and met her gaze.
    "Welcome to Hard Luck," Casey said as she put her hat
back on and climbed up into the buckboard. She took
up the reins and drove off, giving him a nod and a smile
as she went.
    Nick watched Casey go, impressed by the expert way
she handled the team of horses. He smiled to himself. He
had known coming to Texas would be an adventure, and
it had started already.
    Nick made up his mind to ask Michael how many females in Hard Luck wore pants. This custom was certainly
a far cry from what he was used to at home, and he
thought he might just come to like it.
    He went to seek out Fitz in the stable.
    Casey drove to Lawson's General Store and tied up out
front. She went inside to pick up the supplies she needed and was delighted to find her best friend, Anne, working
behind the counter.

    "I was hoping I'd get to see you today," Casey told her.
    Anne's father, Gus Lawson, owned the store, and she
often helped out there, as did her mother.
    "I'm glad to see you, too," Anne said, coming out from
behind the counter to give her a hug. "I've missed you."
    "I've missed you, too."
    "What have you been doing?"
    "Working. There isn't much time for anything else these
days."
    "Is it true the talk we heard of the sheriff questioning
your pa about the Donovan shooting?"
    "Yes," Casey answered, her eyes flashing with anger at
the memory of the lawman's unfounded accusation. "He
came right out and asked Pa where he'd been at the time
of the shooting. It's a good thing Pa was working with the
hands that day or there's no telling what might have happened."
    "Yes, it is," Anne agreed. "Did he come to town with
you?"
    "No, I came in by myself to pick up supplies. I had to
stop at the