Sundown Read Online Free PDF Page A

explained to us that it was wise for us to abstain from having any more children.  Your momma knew the risk.  Afraid of the consequences, I pushed her away.  One night we got into a heated fight about our intimacy, and we ll your Momma convinced me everything would be all right.  I should not have listened to her.  Nine months later, she died right alongside the baby.  I have carried that burden for nearly fifteen years.  Every morning when I wake, the pain is still fresh in my mind.  So much so I could not abide to look at you because, you r eminded me of her.  W hat I did , it was selfish of me, but grief does strange things to a man.  I was a coward, Bella.”
    “I don’t think you’re a coward.”  Arabella murmured.  “Look at you now.  You’re the Sheriff of Sundown for Pete’s sake.”
    “I’m the sheriff all r ight.”  Wyeth nodded.  “One who’s figured the only way to fight his internal guilt was to prove himself a man by putting his life on the line.”
    “I’d rather you not.”
    “Somebody’s got to watch over this town.”  Wyeth chuckled with a confidant nod.  “I’d just as soon let that be me.”
    Arabella rolled her eyes.  Turning the corner of her cheek, she tried not to laugh.
    “Glad you’re here, Bella.”  Wyeth murmured.  He placed his hand over her hand and patted gently.
    “So am I, Poppa.”
     
    The incessant ticking of a mant le clock reminded Arabella another minute passed.  Two weeks seemed like a lifetime.
    Now, the past few minutes seemed like an eternity.
    “How many were there?” 
    Jack Rafferty. 
    Ara bella tilted her chin, eyeing the Pinkerton agent warily.  She did not like the man.  Nor did she care for those penetrating black-Irish eyes.  Like a hawk, he stared at her with an intense scrutiny.  Dropping his chin, he released a labored breath, and asked once again.
    “How many were there?”
    “Three, maybe … four.”
    “Which one took you hostage?”
    Arabella examined the various sketches placed before her.  Each sketch looked like the next.  Each face covered with the same bandanna, she found it hard to tell one man from the next.  Exasperated, she exhaled impatiently. 
    “For God’s sake, but the man blindfolded me.”  She leaned back, fidgeting restlessly in her seat.  “How would I know?”
    “Did you get a name?’
    “Hoss.”
    “Any other names?”
    “Not that I recall.”
    “Miss Gentry.”  Jack drew in his breath, practicing meticulous persistence.  “You were alone with the man for nearly a full day.  Please tell me this isn’t all the information you can spare?”
    “Mr. Rafferty.”  Arabella emulated the man’s impatience.  “I’m sorry if I seem lacking as a credible witness, but I must insist you stop this badgering, and at once!”
    “He’s quite the gentleman, isn’t he?”
    Arabella felt her pulse rise and her throat constrict.  Taken by surprise, she gaped at the agent dumbfounded.  Narrowing her gaze, she sent him a baleful glare.
    “No?”  He continued facetiously, giving her a cat-traps-mouse grin.  “Then it would seem our wayward Lothario has spared you his southern charm.”
    “I hardly find this amusing.” 
    “Oh?  Well then, I must apologize for my forthright nature, but if you’ll allow me to expound a bit further on the suspect.” 
    “Go on then, if you must.”  She crossed her arms and released a taxing sigh. 
    “Long before the war Lukas Shelton was the eldest son of a cotton fortune, very well-known for his scholarly intellect and dashing good looks.  Despite his genteel background and Thespian notoriety, he entertained one superfluous flaw.  Jack paused, eyeing her with a waning smile.  “Quite gifted with a silver-tongue, Luke Shelton had a penchant for seducing young women.”  
    “E nough.” 
    Arabella jerked her head around at the sound of her father’s voice.  Wyeth stood in the jailhouse entry, resting his shoulder against the