Dream's End Read Online Free PDF

car as it took the bumps almost imperceptibly. She felt good as she looked out at the green young cotton and peanuts scattered over miles and miles of flat land spreading out into the horizon. She loved this land, from its cities to its bastions of history. It was in her blood like a silver thread.
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    It was almost dark when Jim took her back to his ranch, the Rolling B, and ushered her into the sprawling one story frame house. His thirteen-year-old son, Jeff, was sitting at the kitchen table with Jim’s sister, Maude, who doubled as housekeeper and looked as if she could outdo any two men with her big frame and piercing dark eyes.
    â€œAbout time you got back, we’ve been waiting supper,” Maude told Jim with a sly wink at Eleanor. “Sit down, both of you, and we’ll dig in.”
    Jim sat down grimly and picked up his napkin. He said grace with a strange curtness and started to fill his plate withmashed potatoes, steak, green beans, tomato slices and fresh corn.
    â€œLast time I saw him look like that,” Maude observed, “Ned King had outbid him for a black stallion he had his heart set on.”
    â€œIt’s my fault,” Eleanor explained. “I had an awful fight with Curry and he rescued me.”
    â€œAbout time.” Maude grinned. “I’m proud of you.”
    Eleanor blinked at her. “Why?” she asked bluntly.
    â€œYou’ve been letting that man walk all over you ever since I first met you. It’s time he found another carpet. That Amanda person ought to do nicely,” she added tartly.
    â€œYou had a fight with Curry?” Jeff asked excitedly, and Eleanor noted with a smile that he had his father’s dark eyes and prominent nose.
    â€œI did,” Eleanor admitted.
    The boy’s eyes widened. “Did you paste him one?”
    â€œJeff!” Maude scolded.
    â€œWell, I just wanted to know, I never saw anybody hit Curry who didn’t end up with his nose rearranged.” Jeff laughed.
    â€œBoys!” Maude burst out. She paused, peered curiously at Eleanor, and leaned forward. “ Did you hit him?”
    â€œNo, but I tried to,” Eleanor admitted with a tiny grin.
    â€œI wanted to hang one on him, myself,” Jim broke in, as he swallowed down a gulp of his iced tea. “Damned, hard-headed bull! He ordered me off the place and threatened to shoot me if I ever set foot on it again.”
    Maude’s eyes popped. “Curry Matherson said that? The man’s sick! I’ve never known him to threaten anyone!”
    â€œOh, we’ve had our rivalries,” Jim admitted, “but it was always friendly until now. You know, I think he’s jealous of me taking Eleanor out. He acts like she’s his personal property.”
    Eleanor blushed furiously. “He justhates not getting his own way,” she protested.
    â€œYou didn’t see the way he was looking at you when you got into my car,” Jim countered. “I did. I know that look in a man’s eyes, and I don’t like it in Curry’s. He’s too damned underhanded when he wants something, and right now, he’s got his mind set on keeping you. God only knows what he might do….”
    â€œI can take care of myself,” Eleanor returned.
    â€œLike Bambi,” Jim growled, and his big, dark eyes narrowed as they looked into hers. “Curry’s dangerous.”
    â€œI promise you he won’t poison me,” she said with a half smile.
    â€œPoison is the least of my worries. Norie, we’re friends, aren’t we? Then from one friend to another, get out while you can. Let me go get your bags….”
    â€œJim,” she said, stopping him midsentence. “You’re my friend, and I appreciate your concern. But I promised towork out a two week notice, and I’m going to do it if it kills me. I’m not afraid of Curry.”
    â€œI’m afraid for you,” he persisted.