The Heart's Pursuit Read Online Free PDF Page B

six months ago. He lived in Missouri before he came to Colorado.”
    “Then I guess I’ll start my search in Central City for his friend.” He folded the paper in half, then again. “You said this was your only photograph of Mr. Cassidy. It’s not very good.”
    “I know. Bob didn’t like to have his picture taken.” The color in her cheeks deepened. “We were supposed to have one taken on our wedding day. Together.”
    He caught the glitter of tears in her eyes before she looked away, and he felt an unexpected wish to comfort her. But in the next instant she lifted her chin, holding herself erect, her stance proud and determined.
    Whatever else Cassidy is, he’s an idiot for leaving her. The thought was even more unexpected—not to mention unwelcome—than the wish to comfort her.
    Jared cleared his throat as he shoved the paper and photograph into the pocket of his shirt. “I’d best get those supplies loaded on my packhorse. I’d like to make Central City by tomorrow night.”
    “Please wait a moment. My father wants to speak with you.”
    “Fair enough.”
        
    Half an hour later, Silver stood at the window in the front of the store, watching Jared Newman ride down Main Street astride his black-and-white pinto. Following behind was a sorrel packhorse, laden with supplies.
    Please, God. Let him find Bob before it’s too late.
    She turned around. Hazel Rathdrum and her sister, Celeste, were still in the store, only now they were at thecounter, paying Silver’s stepmother for their purchases. They were talking, but their voices were too low for Silver to make out what was said. From the pained expression on her stepmother’s face, she suspected it was about her. How could they not talk about her? Being jilted in such a public fashion wasn’t something that happened every day in their small town. Being jilted by a suspected thief was an even worse offense. And now she’d hired a bounty hunter. Scandalous! This could keep them talking for weeks.
    Silver straightened her shoulders. What did she care what those two busybodies said? At least Bob had abandoned her before the wedding. It would have been a far worse fate to be married to a thief and a liar. Her family should thank God for saving her from that end.
    Holding her head high, she walked down the aisle and stepped behind the counter, stopping beside her stepmother.
    Hazel looked at her with concerned eyes. “How are you, Miss Matlock?”
    “I’m well, thank you, Miss Rathdrum.”
    “How was your visit with your dear stepsister?” Celeste chimed in.
    “We had a lovely visit. I adore my nephews.”
    Hazel leaned forward, as if about to share an intimate secret. “Was that him? Was that the man you hired to find Mr. Cassidy?”
    Silver felt her stepmother stiffen.
    Celeste said, “Wherever did you find a bounty hunter?”
    Her stepmother whispered an apology and retreated through the doorway to the back room before Silver could answer the question.
    Hazel glanced at her sister. “There was something rather frightening about him, don’t you think?” Her gaze returned to Silver. “Gracious. I don’t know where you get the courage to do some of the things you do. Going to Denver without a chaperone. Hiring a gunfighter.”
    “Mr. Newman isn’t a gunfighter. He tracks down people who are running from the law. The sheriff himself recommended him to me.” She forced a smile. “Is there anything else I can help you with, Miss Rathdrum? I wouldn’t want to keep you if you’ve finished with your shopping.” Her invitation for the pair of young women to leave was as obvious as she could make it without actually saying the words.
    Hazel understood. “Come along, Celeste.” With a huff, she turned and hooked arms with her sister. Then the two of them left the store.
    Good riddance.
    Silver never had liked those two. The Rathdrum sisters were mean-spirited. Much like scavengers in the animal kingdom, they liked to attack the weakest, the