The Cattle Drive [The Armstrong Brothers of Cedar Creek] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free PDF Page A

reinstate the driver’s license of Rachael Marie Mason, effective immediately.”
    As those words were said, Chris felt Rachael’s body go lifeless. Those words stopped Chris in his tracks. He turned and tipped his hat to the judge, “Thanks, Judge.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Standing quietly in the corner of the courtroom, Michael watched her. There was something about this woman that nagged at him, something that gripped him hard, demanding that he protect her. He watched as she stood ram-rod straight, no unnecessary movements, as if she was waiting to unleash her rage. He knew it was coming, anyone could see that, but it was not just her anger that caught him. Though she looked ready for battle, her body language suggested she looked defeated. Her shoulders slumped, even though she held her head high.
    Michael continued to listen and watch as the courtroom laughed as Rachael began to shout profanities at the sheriff and judge. But it was when the sheriff placed his hands upon her that Michael’s body went on alert. A strong sense of ownership grasped him hard, as if his body was trying to him something. Michael stepped forward, almost to protect the woman, when the sheriff threw her tiny body over his shoulder like a rag doll, not caring if he hurt her or not. Michael was stunned when he actually heard himself snarl.
    Taking a deep breath, Michael tried desperately to control his new emotions, fading once again into the background. Never in his life had he seen such a display. It was all quite comical. But something in the way she looked and spoke made him think otherwise. What was it that she feared? Why did she fight so hard to stop this proceeding? And why in the hell did he react so protectively?
    Making his way out with the rest of the crowd, he listened to the women talking.
    “It’s about time the judge did the right thing.”
    “I don’t know about that, Clara. That woman is still hell-bent.”
    “I know, but who could blame her? After losing her family like that, I probably would have tried to kill myself, too. It was an awful accident.”
    “Well, she has it back now. Think she’ll try again?”
    “Don’t know? Kenny told me she was getting better. Hell, it’s been two years already.”
    “Time doesn’t heal everything, Clara.”
    “Got that right.” The two women continued to talk as they left the courtroom.
     
    * * * *
     
    Walking over to his truck, he heard her yelling at the sheriff. She was hitting him and cursing him to the devil.
    Man, did she have a temper on her.
    Leaning against his truck, he watched. For just a little bitty thing, she was ferocious. He had to give it to the sheriff. He just stood there. Not once did he get angry. He thought for sure when she hauled off and slapped him across the face, the sheriff would have arrested her, but he didn’t. The sheriff just stood there like a statue, expressionless. She said one last thing to him before turning and walking off in the opposite direction. The sheriff walked around his squad car and got in.
    Oh, Michael knew he had his work cut out for him now. How in the hell was he ever going to get this wild woman to trust him? How could he help someone who doesn’t want any help? Well, he knew he better come up with something because she may not know it now, but soon she was going to need all the help she could get.

Chapter 3
     
    It was early morning when Michael headed out to start putting up the fence around the property. He had been in Cedar Creek for almost a month now, and besides the little disturbance from Rachael when they all moved in, all was extremely quiet. Henry was enrolled in high school, quickly making friends, and eager to find a summer job. So far, there were no signs of trouble, but everything was too quiet. It was just a matter of time.
    As Michael made his way out to the north perimeter, he watched the sun begin to rise. Slowing the truck to a stop, he got out to watch the sunrise. Standing there looking at the