Chastity Read Online Free PDF Page A

right." Looking back at Chastity, her rescuer raised his hand to the brim of his hat. "I have to be leavin', but I admit to feelin' real sorry that we don't have the time to get better acquainted." He paused. ''What did you say your name was, ma'am?"
        "It's Chastity Law" Chastity hesitated, "My name's Chastity."
         "Chastity. That's a real fine name. I'd be honored if you'd call me Will."
        "Let's get goin', Will!"
        Ignoring his friend's impatience, he added, "It's been a pleasure, Chastity. I hope we meet again."
      Her response heartfelt, Chastity replied, "I'd be pleased if we did, too."
        Watching as the three men rode down the street, Chastity unconsciously sighed. So, she had met a Western gentleman at last.
        Still staring at their departing backs, Chastity could not hear Will Jefferson's companion snap, "What in hell was that all about?"
        Nor could she see Jefferson's appealing smile vanish as he responded, "Since when do I have to report to you?"
        "You're askin' for trouble messin' with one of them church types."
        "Think so?"
        "I'm sure of it."
        Jefferson's dark eyes narrowed. "She's a damned good-lookin' woman."
        "I told you"
        True viciousness abruptly surfacing, Jefferson snapped, "You don't tell me nothin'! You got that, Walker?"
         Silence.
        "I asked you a question!"
        "Yeah, I got it."
        "I don't hear you."
         "I said, I got it!"
        The three men disappeared from Chastity's view.
        The open range glowed a brilliant gold in the sunlight, stretching out unobstructed to the horizon in all directions. There was no shade.
        
      Reed's throat was parched. His mouth was dry.
        He heard it then, the familiar thunder of pounding hooves. He heard the sound of gunfire. He heard gunshots bark again and again, driving the stampeding herd into a panicked frenzy as it came suddenly into view.
        The herd was heading directly toward him! He knew what was coming next.
        Oh, God… there she was! She was riding alongside the frenzied animals, leaning hard over the saddle, trying to turn them. She looked up and he saw her face. It was tight with anger as she shouted to him. He spurred his horse into the chase, shouting to her to let the herd go, that she wouldn't be able to stop it.
        But she didn't hear him.
        The terror returned. It squeezed tight inside him, stealing his breath as he pressed his mount to a faster pace, struggling to reach her. He saw her horse stumble, and his heart lurched. He watched her jerk back on the reins, fighting to hold her powerful gelding upright. He saw her struggle valiantly as the animal wavered amidst the battering of the panicked beeves. He saw… he saw her go down!
        No!
        The panicked herd disappeared into the distance. The shooting ceased.
        Dismounting in the grainy mist, he dashed to her side. She lay motionless, her body broken and bloodied.
        A frantic plea resounded in his mind. Don't leave me, Jenny, please!
        "No, I won't leave you, Reed."
        Reed went stock still. The soft voice in his ear was new to the dream.
        "Lie back and rest, Reed." The voice had a familiar ring as it coaxed, "You're sick. Let Dr. Carr help you."
        He strained to open his eyes, but his lids were so heavy. In the slim slit of light finally entering between them he saw her.
        "That's right, rest. Your leg is infected. It won't heal if you don't."
        He didn't care about his leg. He wanted to touch her.
        "Reed, please…"
        He heard another voice. It was gruff. "Here, give him this medicine. He won't take it from me. It'll make him sleep."
        "Drink this, Reed."
        No, he didn't want to sleep. If he did, he'd lose her again.
        "Reed, please."
        He caught her hand. It was warm and alive. He held it