Widow Woman Read Online Free PDF Page A

of his walk. “As you said, it's one day."
    "Yeah. But so far it sure looks like a good day's work.” Shag stretched. “Think I'll turn in. I'll leave first light to check that north camp. I'll take a couple boys with me now that we've got ‘em. I thought Nick and Davis. Okay with you?"
    "Sure. Good night. Shag."
    "Night, Chell."
    Alone, she stared out the window.
    It's only been a day ... and all the days to follow.
    Shag might look forward to them; she didn't. Wondering if, when, what Nick Dusaq might say. Those questions had driven her to the corral this morning. She'd seen him tell Andresson something before the cowhand got up on that old reprobate Miner. And after Andresson handled the rough ride creditably, she'd heard his thanks.
    So, he'd helped out a greenhorn. That didn't make him any saint. And it sure didn't guarantee he wouldn't enjoy regaling the bunkhouse with how he'd had the owner of the Circle T gawking at him like a silly schoolgirl.
    Even with the good men they had now, it was hard to keep their respect for a woman owner. Nick Dusaq could make it impossible.
    That had fretted her all day. Even as she'd helped Henry set up a makeshift blacksmithing shed. Even as she organized a crew to get the wood Henry said he'd use for charcoal since they had no blacksmithing coal. Even as she showed Henry what needed mending. Even as she tended Warrior and the other horses in the barn. Even as she answered the questions and gave the orders that peppered her every day at the Circle T.
    Would Nick Dusaq say something, sometime, somewhere?
    She had to do something. And she had to do it now. Before any more days followed like this one.

Chapter Two
    "Mr. Dusaq."
    He took two more steps on his intended path before he stopped and turned to where she stood in the shadow by the corner of a shed. His face might not reveal much, but his movements right now said reluctant.
    That gave her courage.
    "I told you, call me Nick."
    She supposed she shouldn't rile him right this moment.
    "I'd like a word ... uh, Nick."
    "Ma'am.” He accepted with no eagerness.
    She looked around. No one else was in sight, but they'd be spotted by anyone coming out of the bunkhouse or Shag and Ruth's cabin. She didn't want any wonderings or questions over what she might have to discuss with this particular cowhand in private.
    "Let's go in the barn.” A moment ticked past before his hat dipped in acquiescence, then he tucked his hands in the front pockets of his pants and took a half step back for her to precede him. In every move, she sensed his reluctance.
    Sufficient moonlight leeched into the barn through the open door and the less than impenetrable walls and roof that she easily made her way to where Warrior stuck his head out of a stall. The stallion nosed at her, nodding his head several times, then stamped a hoof.
    "He's wanting to get out."
    Dusaq's voice sent a current of uneasiness through her, even though she'd been aware of him behind her. She just hadn't been aware he'd followed close enough that when he spoke, his breath stirred the tendrils worked loose of her braid, brushing them against her forehead with a tickling that made her shiver, though she wasn't the least cold.
    "He had a bad gash in his shoulder. I want to be sure it's full healed."
    "Looked healed to me."
    As if in agreement, the stallion nodded twice and pushed at her shoulder again. She smiled as she gave the insistent nose a good rub. He was a handsome dun with black tail, mane and stripe down his spine. He also was intelligent, durable and good-natured. His get had few blemishes and even fewer defects. If she had two more stallions like him, the Circle T would have the best cow horses in the area—no question.
    "When did you look at Warrior?"
    "Told you, when I rode in.” He reached a hand over her shoulder, and Warrior snuffled at it inquisitively.
    The reference to their interview this morning reminded her of what she'd brought him here to talk about. She stepped