Every Little Thing About You (Yellow Rose Trilogy 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

in his hand.
    He set it on the kitchen table, noticed Slater's slicked-back
    hair, and grinned.
    58
    "If I'd known you were looking for a bath, I'd have told
    you to use my tub."
    Slater shook his head. "The bathhouse was closed, and
    I couldn't find any privacy on the creek. I had to wait until
    after dark. That water is cold."
    "Come on through here," Griffin invited. He led the
    way to the living room where he'd been cleaning a gun.
    This room had gas lighting that cast a warm glow to every
    corner but didn't penetrate the dark curtains over the windows.
    The house had looked dark and deserted when
    Slater rode up. He had taken the liberty of stabling his
    horse in the back and letting himself in.
    "How far did you ride up the creek?"
    "About a mile. It's pretty country."
    "I think so. Did you get some supper?"
    "The hotel. I'm not crazy about lamb, but I've had
    worse. By the way, do you live alone? Should I be watching
    not to scare the life out of someone?"
    "No, I'm on my own. This was Duffy's mother's house.
    I moved over when she died."
    59
    "Duffy's not your father?"
    37
    38 lori wick
    "No. My father died when I was a kid. Mam married
    Duff about two years later."
    "And had Zach and Laura."
    "Yeah," Griffin smiled. There was little that got to his
    heart faster than his little brother and sister. He suddenly
    remembered Laura's question at the table and chuckled.
    Slater had thought of it too. "Unless I miss my guess,
    she's something of a character."
    "Laura? Yes. She makes me laugh every time I talk to
    her."
    "I thought your sister would choke."
    "Libby's like another mother to Laura but with very
    little discipline; Mam and Duffy see to that. It's the same
    with Zach."
    60
    "He seems like a bright young man."
    "He's better read thart some adults my age. He has a
    sensitive heart too."
    Slater wanted to ask if Griffin would marry and have
    his own brood, but he knew it wasn't his affair. The pretty
    blonde who had come into the jailhouse was clearly
    willing. Slater wondered if Shotgun's sheriff was holding
    back for some reason.
    "I was in bed late and up early," Griffin suddenly said,
    finishing his work and putting it aside. "I hope you won't
    mind if I turn in."
    "Not at all. I was hoping to turn in soon."
    The men said their goodnights, but Griffin ended up
    showing Slater to the most comfortable room. He told him
    to come downstairs if he needed anything and left him
    alone with the lantern. Slater climbed into bed, intent on
    reading the whole book of Nehemiah. But he only got
    halfway through. He was asleep just five seconds after
    turning down the lantern.
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    -
    Every
    Little Thing About You 39
    Pulling the belt on her dressing gown tightly around
    her, Liberty slipped out of the house on Monday morning
    and dashed across to Griffin's house. She had left her
    revolver in his kitchen--he had volunteered to clean it for
    heiv-but she didn't know if he'd gotten to it or not. She
    was headed to the office this morning and didn't want to
    forget.
    Liberty slipped in the back door and groped around
    until she had the lantern lit. Griffin was a fairly light
    sleeper, and Liberty hoped she could get out without disturbing
    him. She was still looking for the gun when she
    heard him at the door.
    "Sorry, Griff," Liberty spoke while facing the counter.
    "I just thought I'd better get my gun before I head downtown."
    "Why would you leave your gun here?" Slater asked
    before he thought.
    62
    Liberty had only just laid her hands on the weapon. She
    spun so fast that Slater blinked. The gun was up and aimed
    at his chest
    "When did you get out?"
    "Yesterday, right after lunch."
    "What are you doing here?" Her voice was deadly
    calm, the gun completely steady.
    "I just got up." Slater was a little sleepy but waking fast
    "Where's my brother?"
    "Probably asleep."
    "If you've hurt him--" Liberty began, but Slater cut her
    off, having just remembered the night before.
    "You'll what?" he asked mildly. "Shoot me with a