The Lawman's Betrayal Read Online Free PDF Page A

something…or someone. So I had a look around—found three men camped up on the ridge. When they saw me, they hightailed it out of there.”
    He nodded to the north, and she glanced in that direction. “I don’t see anyone.”
    “Well, take my word for it, they’re there.” He drank the last of his coffee and set the cup aside.
    “I believe you. I can’t think of any reason you’d lie about it, unless you’re trying to scare me.”
    “Just telling you the way it is.” He shrugged. “Seems like someone is very interested in you.”
    “In me? Whatever for?”
    “Maybe they think you know where the stolen money and stolen guns are.”
    “Like you do?”
    He shrugged in answer, a habit of his she was coming to know. She leaned her rifle against the tree, then sat on the log next to the fire. He handed her a cup of coffee. “But I don’t know anything.”
    “So you say.”
    “How dare you call me a liar.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “And I don’t know anything. If you don’t believe me, why are you still here?”
    “You still want me to leave?”
    Naomi hesitated. She didn’t want to appear too eager to answer, so she pretended to mull the question over. Finally, she shook her head. “No. I guess you can stay. At least for a while, until we reach Gila Bend.”
    “Well, you have to ask me to stay real nice like.”
    Naomi’s fingers tightened around the handle of the cup. While she wanted to throw the hot coffee at him, she merely smiled. “Will you please stay, Marshal Cooper?” she asked, her voice syrupy sweet.
    “Why, of course I will, Mrs. Brecker. After all, I am a lawman, and it’s my job to serve and protect.”
    “Yes, you are, but you’re enjoying this too much.” She stood and locked gazes with him. “You know, those men could be looking for you. I’m sure you’ve made a lot of enemies while you’ve been ‘serving and protecting’.”
    He chuckled. “I’m sure you’re right, but I never saw those men before.”
    “That doesn’t really mean anything. They could be hired guns.”
    “That’s true, but if they were after me, I think they would’ve taken a few shots at me. Nope, I think it’s pretty clear they’re after you. So I think we should eat a quick breakfast and hightail it out of here. What do you think, Mrs. Brecker?”
    “I agree. The sooner the better. I’ll fry some bacon.”
    “Good.” He stood and glanced up at the ridge. “While you do that, I’ll saddle your horse and fill the canteens.”
    Naomi retrieved cooking utensils and food from her supply bag. She knelt by the fire and set the frying pan over the hot coals. Soon, bacon crackled, sending a delicious aroma over the camp. She dared a glance at the marshal. He lifted the saddle easily and placed it on the horse’s back, the muscles in his arms and back rippling. She couldn’t tear her gaze from him. Awareness churned in her belly—and lower. Grease spattered on her wrist. She yanked her hand back. “Ouch.”
    “What’s the matter?” He dashed over to her.
    “It’s nothing. I just…the grease…it’s nothing really.” A flush rose from her neck, running across her face. She averted her eyes.
    He grabbed her hand. “Let me see.”
    His touch seemed to burn more than the grease. She jerked her hand away. “I said I’m all right.”
    He held his hands up, palms forward, in a gesture of surrender. “Sorry.” With an inscrutable expression on his face, he walked away.
    Guilt attacked her. “Marshal, wait!”
    He stopped and faced her, his expression inscrutable. She shot him an apologetic smile. “Listen, I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m not used to anyone…being concerned about me.”
    “That’s okay.”
    “Come and eat.”
    “All right.”
    He sat on the log by the fire, and she handed him a plate. “Sorry, it’s not very much, but it’s all we got.”
    “I’ll try to find us some fresh meat later.”
    “Good. That’d be nice. Thank you.” She sat