Magnificent Passage Read Online Free PDF Page B

could drag her here. You’ve read the papers. You know a little about what you’re dealing with. When Julia wants something, she’ll do anything in her power to get it.
    â€œI’ve asked your help because there is no one else I can trust. She may be hot-headed, but she is still my daughter. We haven’t been close since her mother died, but she’s my responsibility, and it’s high time I did something about it. I’ll pay you six months’ wages to bring her home.”
    Hawk raised a brow at the sum. At most, it would take two months to complete the job—half a year’s pay for a couple months’ work wasn’t bad. Along with the savings he already had, it would be more than enough to make the final payment on the ranch he was buying near Placerville. He’d be able to close the sale earlier than anticipated. The sooner he made the final payment, the sooner he’d be able to take possession of the property. He could hardly wait.
    He glanced to his partner. James nodded his agreement.
    â€œWell, Governor, looks like you win.” Hawk sank slowly back into his chair, glad for the money, but unhappy about the nature of the assignment. The last thing he wanted was to drag an unwilling woman halfway across the country—especially a spoiled one like Julia Ashton. He’d already formed a dislike for the girl, just from the stories he’d heard.
    â€œThere’s only one more thing I ask,” the governor added. He scratched at his graying temple. “Your solemn word, as gentlemen and as my friends, that you will not”—he searched for the right words—“take . . . liberties with my daughter. I know how enticing she can be, but I want your word you will not in any way . . . ”

    Hawk looked the governor squarely in the eye. “You have my word.”
    â€œAnd mine, sir,” James added.
    â€œIt’s settled, then.” The governor looked relieved. “Here is a daguerreotype of my daughter. It’s a little old, but I prefer it to the engravings in the papers. My secretary, Isaac, will give you the rest of the information you’ll need before you leave.
    â€œThis must be kept strictly confidential. Julia’s reputation would be sullied worse than it is already if it were discovered she traveled here without a female chaperone. But, against my wishes, she left Mrs. Riden back in Boston. Besides, you’ll need all your wits about you just to get her here. She’ll try to make your life miserable on that trip. Don’t be afraid to use whatever force you need, within reason, to keep her in line. Now, get a good night’s sleep, and I wish you a safe and successful journey.”
    The governor shook hands with the two men. “Good luck, gentlemen. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting at the Capitol.” With his shoulders a little straighter than when he arrived, he departed.
    A servant brought the two men a whiskey and Isaac brought the needed information. Hawk drained his glass in one quick motion. James followed suit, and they left the study.
    They crossed the formal entry and the wide front porch, and walked into the bright sunlight. Great expanses of manicured lawn surrounded the mansion and red, pink, and yellow roses flowered beside the house. The two men headed up the curving carriageway to where their horses were tied.

    â€œWell, Hawk, what do you think we’ve let ourselves in for?” James asked.
    â€œGod only knows. Guess we’ll find out in Fort Laramie—if she’s still there.”

CHAPTER THREE
    AUGUST 12, 1868
FORT LARAMIE, DAKOTA TERRITORIES
    Â 
    J ulia folded another blouse and laid it atop the other articles in the trunk. She and Mandy were trying to select only the items Julia would need for her elopement—to Julia, “necessity” meant at least one steamer trunk.
    â€œJason’s so nervous he can hardly eat,” Julia said.