The Fortune Read Online Free PDF

what I tell you, got it?” John’s good mood had been soured by the appearance of Tom.  
    As he wound his way around the wagons, he greeted each family by name. Experience taught him people would remember him if he put their name to memory. Tom didn’t do much but stare and nod when someone said howdy to him.  
    When John stopped to help put the yoke on oxen, Tom watched with wide eyes. The boy really did have a lot to learn. John made sure the younger man could see what he was doing, hopefully learning and not just getting a free show.
    There was a lost dog, a child who scraped her knee, a fire someone had forgotten to extinguish, another six pairs of oxen that required John’s assistance and an old woman who refused to leave. John knew as well as she did that she would never survive the journey. He couldn’t blame her for not wanting to start her death march, but he owed it to her family to try to mend the spat.
    He squatted down next to her rickety chair, tipping his hat back so she could see his face. Her poke bonnet was paper thin, the yellow material faded with age. Her wrinkly gaze was steady and set in stone.
    “I ain’t changing my mind. No matter they sent a pretty man to convince me.” She folded her arms. “I want to go back to Pennsylvania.”
    John had never been called pretty, but if that would work, then he was prepared to use his manly wiles. “Ma’am, my name’s John Malloy and I’m responsible for helping folks along the trail. We can’t be on our way unless you’re safe inside your family’s wagon. I would be remiss in my duties if we left you here alone.” He smiled, noting the twitch in her lips when he did. “I’d be happy to help you in and out of the wagon every day if you need me to. I’m sure Mr. Avery would approve.”
    She snorted. “I ain’t been flirted with in fifty years, John Malloy.”  
    “I’m trying to make sure you’re safe, ma’am.” He held out his hand, palm up. “Will you let me?”
    “My name’s Enid and if you tote me in and out of that wagon every day, it might be worth it to die in the middle of nowhere.” She smiled, her wrinkles transforming the dour expression into an amused one. Her hand rested in his, frail and shaking like a trapped bird. She was frightened.
    “You aren’t going to die, Miss Enid. Now let’s get you settled.” John took both of her hands and helped her to her feet. “Now do you need me to carry you or do you reckon you’ll walk hanging onto my arm?”
    She hooted. “Well if’n I have the choice, I prefer to be carried.”  
    John scooped up the tiny old woman with as much gentleness as he could. Enid weighed less than the sack of flour he’d loaded into the last wagon, delicate and nothing but skin and bones. She had life in her, though, as she hooted again and planted a kiss on his cheek.
    “Are you married, John? ’Cause I’m single.” She cackled at her own humor and a few folks behind him joined in.
    Her son-in-law, a harried-looking farmer with a flushed face hoisted her chair in the spot he’d cleared in the wagon. Enid would ride in style.
    “No, ma’am. This job keeps me right busy.” John placed her in the chair and she grabbed his hand before he could move away.
    “Life ain’t never too busy for love, John Malloy.” Her blue eyes shone with wisdom and a touch of sadness. “When you find her, whoever she is, grab on and don’t let go. Life doesn’t give you second chances.”
    John heard the ancient pain in her voice and understood Enid had let someone slip through her fingers once. She was trying to warn him, but her words fell on deaf ears. John had a goal, and nothing and no one was going to deter him from reaching it.
    “Thank you for the advice.” He squeezed her hand and stepped back. “I’ll be back to help you down when we stop.”
    “I’ll be waiting.” Her expression was a warning that she wasn’t about to let her advice be ignored. John would have to hear it at least four