Reclaimed Love: Banished Saga, Book Two Read Online Free PDF Page A

work for those who want it. But I bet there’s more to your story than you’re lettin’ on. Bet you got in a bar brawl and are in trouble with the law.”
    “That might be someone else’s tale, but not mine.”
    “Don’t tell me you’re one of those temperance folks? I can’t be working with one of them.”
    “No, sir, I like a pint after a hard day’s work.”
    “Hmm … well that’s good. That’s proper.”
    “Sir, about this work—”
    “You need to be a carpenter. If you want the higher paying work, you should be able to do the finish work. I already have a few who are quite skilled in that but wouldn’t mind a few more to help complete the project on time. Harmless, Hapless Harvey has left us for a spell after breakin’ his hand.” He paused, shaking his head. “Stupid idiot. Getting in a bar brawl about politics. If you’re going to fight, might as well fight over something worthwhile, like a woman.”
    Gabriel nodded. “I am a cabinetmaker. I can do whatever finish work you need.”
    “La-di-da, a cabinetmaker,” he said with a long, high-pitched whistle. “And can you prove this claim?”
    “My work will prove what I say.”
    “My name’s Jeffers. Just Jeffers, no mister . I come from the South, so some think I’m a bit dim ’cause I talk slow, and I like my bourbon and beer. I wouldn’t make that mistake if I was you.”
    “Of course not, sir.”
    “Never thought I’d hire a Yank from Boston, but I guess that sort of thing don’t matter so much here in Butte,” Jeffers said with a long intense glance. “I’ll show you ’round.”
    They approached a small group of men who were reviewing plans.
    “Morgan, Niall and Larry, this is Gabriel. He’ll be working with you.” Jeffers glared at all three before he spun on his heel and moved to another area.
    “I’m Larry,” one of the men said, his russet-colored hair and brown eyes inquisitive as he studied the newcomer.
    A man with a commanding presence and dull blond hair turned toward Gabriel. His faded light-blue work shirt strained at the shoulders, emphasizing their breadth and strength. “How’d you talk him into giving you a job? He’s miserly as hell and would rather work us to death than hire anyone new.”
    “I’m not sure. I just asked for a job.”
    “How do we know he’ll be able to do the work? Just shows up with no proof he can actually do anything. We can survive until Harvey comes back,” hissed the third man with raven-black hair and green cat-colored eyes. He was nearly as tall as Gabriel although lankier. He prowled around Gabriel as though examining him for any defect.
    “Niall, we should at least give him a chance,” Larry said.
    “Where are you from?” Niall demanded. He stood in front of Gabriel, almost eye to eye.
    “Boston.”
    “Boston! Listen to the likes of that, lads. We have a rarefied one from Boston,” Larry said trying to mimic what he imagined to be a Bostonian accent.
    Gabriel smiled as he murmured to Larry, “Too many R s,” before he turned away from Niall and included Morgan in the conversation. “Listen, I don’t want any trouble. I’d just like some work. And I am skilled. I think I will be an asset to this project.”
    “You are a true cabinetmaker?” Larry asked. At Gabriel’s nod, he asked, “Why work here with us? Why not on your own?”
    “I was told there was a lot of work to be done, and I didn’t want to have to search for work or clients over the winter,” Gabriel said, answering part of the question.
    “Smart man,” Morgan said with a small smile and a nod to Niall. “My friends call me Mete-It-Out Morgan.”
    “Why the nicknames?” Gabriel asked.
    “Everyone has a nickname of sorts here. You’ll have one after a while,” Larry said. “Even if you don’t earn it.”
    “Don’t believe him,” Niall said. “He’s earned his ten times over. He’s Loose-Lipped Larry,” he said in a lilting Irish accent with a tap on his nose. He reached out