Jake Read Online Free PDF Page A

couldn’t insist that he didn’t come with her. He might decide something was wrong. All she could hope for was that Billy was still passed out.
    She didn’t want anyone else to witness her humiliation at the end of Billy’s fists. He wasn’t always that way, just when he wanted more gold or a drink. He wasn’t willing to work, but he was more than happy to take his frustrations out on her. But rarely did he hit her in the face. He didn’t want to raise suspicions in camp, though no one there would have cared. She’d seen more than one whore sporting a black eye or broken nose.
    When they got back to the camp, Billy was gone. Thank you, God .
    “Guess he must have slipped by after all,” she said hoping she didn’t sound as relieved as she felt.
    “He could just be out relieving himself. I can wait a while if you like.”
    “Not necessary.”
    “I don’t mind,” he insisted.
    Anger colored her words. “Look Jake, you don’t need to stay. Thank you for supper and walking me back here but you need to leave. Now. I can handle Billy on my own.”
    “Who you talkin’ to, girl?” said a scratchy voice from behind the tents.
    Becky let out a sigh and rolled her eyes, praying for patience.
    “It’s nothing,” she called to him. “Would you please leave now?” she whispered urgently to Jake.
    Too late. Billy came arount the corner of the tent adjusting his britches as he walked.
    “It’s not nothin’, girl. We got company. Build up that fire and get me that bottle you keep hidden from me.”
    Sighing again she said, “Billy, this here is Jake Anderson. He and his brothers bought the Discovery #9.”
    Billy cackled, wiped his hand on the front of his shirt and held that same hand out to Jake.
    Jake didn’t blink but took the proffered hand and shook it. She knew they were sizing each other up because the shake lasted overly long. When they finally released each other they both nodded like some agreement had been reached.
    “Well, now, Jake, what brings you to our camp so late? Couldn’t be my little girl here could it?” asked Billy.
    Becky could almost see the dollar signs in his eyes as he took in Jake’s good wool pants and clean shirt with suspenders. She had to admit he looked good. The sleeves on his shirt were rolled up and the muscle in his arms flexed attractively as he moved his hands into and out of a fist. He was doing his best to give Billy a chance.
    She looked at Billy and said, “I don’t keep bottles around any more. You don’t need my help gettin’ drunk”
    He backhanded her. “Don’t you give me any sass, girl. You think just ’cause that rich lady taught you to talk all fancy that you’re better than me. Well, I’m still your Da.”
    Jake moved so fast she would have missed it if she blinked. He had Billy by the shirt front and lifted him off the ground. “You don’t want to ever touch her like that again.”
    “I’ll touch her anyway I like. She’s my daughter and this ain’t none of your business. You can’t stop me,” croaked Billy, both hands on Jake’s arm trying to break free. “Now let me down.”
    “I was hoping you’d say something like that,” said Jake as his left fist connected with Billy’s jaw.
    Billy flew out of Jakes hand, knocked over a camp stool and landed on his back on the ground next to the campfire.
    “If you’re smart, you won’t get back up, you sorry sack of shit.” Jake stepped toward him.
    “No! Jake, please. I’m all right,” implored Becky, hoping she could salvage the situation. If she couldn’t she was in for the beating of a lifetime when Jake left and if Jake found out…she didn’t want to think about it. Billy would kill him as soon as look at him and he’d do it sneaky like. Maybe a knife in the back. Billy had no honor.
    Jake stopped and looked over at her. “If you’re sure?”
    She nodded. “I am.”
    He stepped over to her. “You let me know if he treats you like that again. I’ll take care of