The Temptress Read Online Free PDF Page A

forest, no doubt Lanier’s men will be waiting for us with rifles, or maybe cannons, anything to prevent that story from going to press.”
    She gave him a weak smile. “Yes, I guess so.” Her face changed. “But they are things I had to do. I had to give Mr. Lanier a chance to flee and I have to give this story to the press. Don’t you understand?”
    Tynan stood. “I understand that a man has to do what he must, but you, Miss Mathison, need help and I’m not in a position to give it. Prescott’s in charge of this expedition. I’m just the guide. I follow orders and that’s all. Thank you for the fish, ma’am, and now I need to go scout the trail ahead.” He turned back.
    â€œAnd I wouldn’t consider going alone if I were you,” he said as he picked up a piece of wood and tossed it to the right of her head onto what looked to be solid ground. The log fell through vines and hit the ground a full second later. He didn’t have to say another word. One could leave the trail and walk into deep holes that were concealed by a tangle of greenery.
    With that, he left Chris alone.
    She stood there for a moment cursing all men everywhere. “Women must do what they must, also, Mr. Tynan,” she said to no one and set about gathering wood for the fire.
    Chris stayed in the camp, talked to Asher when he returned, and didn’t mention Hugh Lanier again. When Tynan returned, she glanced at him, but he didn’t look at her. Chris kept her head turned toward Asher, pretending to find every word he said fascinating. But in truth, she was planning how she’d escape these two men. John Anderson’s newspaper office was on the edge of the rain forest, not four miles from where they’d entered the forest last night. If she could get a horse, ride like blazes down the trail, then into town, she could be there and back by sundown. If luck were with her, she could be back before she was missed.
    She stood. “I think I’ll take a walk,” she said to Asher.
    â€œI’ll go with you.”
    â€œNo thank you,” she said, giving him her prettiest smile. “I have things I have to do.” She widened her eyes. “Female things.” The mysteries of womanhood always stopped men like Asher Prescott.
    â€œOf course,” he said politely.
    She walked away from him, past Tynan, then hid in the undergrowth until both men had left camp. Nobody ever slapped a saddle on a horse faster than she did. The poor animal pranced around, lifting its legs. “Be a good boy now,” she coaxed. “We’re going to have a good run.”
    â€œAnd where would that be, Miss Mathison?”
    Chris whirled on her heel to face Tynan, her jaw set. “I’m going to take my story to John Anderson and if you plan to stop me you’ll have to tie me here—and you’ll have to watch me night and day. You’ll have to give up sleep and—”
    â€œI understand,” he said and Chris saw amusement in his eyes. “How far away is this Anderson?”
    Chris held her breath. “With hard riding, I can be back by sundown.”
    â€œAnd what did you plan to do about Lanier’s men? What if they’re waiting on the edge of the forest?”
    â€œRun just as fast as I can and pray I don’t get shot.”
    He stood there looking at her for a while, then withdrew his gun from its holster, making sure it was loaded. “Maybe I can help some. Which way is this town?”
    Chris mounted her horse. “Southeast from the edge of the forest. John’s office is the third building on the right.”
    Tynan saddled his horse. “As soon as we drop it off, Lanier pulls a gun and takes it. You got more paper? Why don’t you drop a package off at the freight line—if there is one—then stop and say hello to Mrs. Anderson?”
    â€œWhy…yes, that might work,” she said, looking at him