Wystan Read Online Free PDF Page A

was done.
    â€œGet rid of them. First thing in the morning.” Wystan pushed his hands through his hair. “This has gone far enough.”
    â€œWhat was it?” Eban asked.
    Wystan cut his eyes to Rhia and shook his head. Just what they needed—to talk business in front of a stranger. “The real question is, how did she get past you?”
    Eban’s jaw tightened. “An oversight. It won’t happen again.”
    â€œDamn right it won’t. What if someone somewhere missed her and came looking?”
    She stood a little straighter. “No one would. Besides Sylvie and Beryl. We’re alone.”
    â€œRhia.” Eban gave a minute shake of his head. A warning, but it wouldn’t do any good, mad as Wystan was.
    He turned to her. “Were you even thinking? How old is your sister? Who’s going to look out for her if a—if you get killed?”
    She drew back, inching closer to Eban. “I didn’t know going to the outhouse was cause for a disaster. It’s”—she looked embarrassed—“natural. When you have to visit the facilities, you go.”
    â€œNot in Berner!”
    He glowered at Eban. “This is what I warned you about. She thinks she can stroll around like it’s any town, doing whatever she pleases.”
    â€œLeave him out of this. Maybe you can explain why Berner is so dangerous. What kinds of ruffians ”—she looked pointedly at Eban—“are out there, and why, Sheriff, aren’t you doing something about it?”
    All of a sudden, she had a backbone. He didn’t like being challenged. Particularly by a human woman. “That is none of your concern.”
    He didn’t need a reminder from her that every day the boundaries of Berner stretched a little thinner, that the threat grew stronger.
    â€œAre you the reason the town is empty? No one could stand your tyrannical rules, or understands why you let innocent citizens get eaten by things you won’t name?” Tight curls framed her face. Hazel eyes blazed with disdain. Rhia Duke, the formidable schoolteacher, stood in front of him as if he was a naughty student.
    â€œRhia, I think you should go check on your sister.” Eban’s voice wasn’t loud and did nothing to make either of them back down.
    â€œNo, let her have her say.”
    â€œWys—”
    â€œHe’s right. I’m not done. I want some answers.” Rhia pushed her hair behind her ears. “I’m not leaving until I understand what’s going on here.”
    â€œEban, leave.” Wystan cracked his knuckles and fought a grin when Rhia’s eyes widened.
    His brother stepped forward. “I really don’t think this is appropriate. We’re civilized people, not savages in the wilderness.”
    Wystan smirked. “Are we?”
    Rhia took a deep breath, puffing out her chest. “Now, Eban, I think the sheriff and I got off on the wrong foot. If I apologize for my appalling behavior earlier today, I’m sure we can clear up this matter.”
    Rhia’s smile looked forced, her tone patronizing. Wystan wondered if women who wanted to be teachers went to a special school that taught ways to put students in their proper place. But he wasn’t a child and hadn’t been for a long time. No pint-sized schoolmarm was going to get the best of him. He tapped his foot.
    â€œI’m waiting.”
    â€œSheriff Heckmaster, I would like to extend my sincerest regrets that I invaded your charming town, ruined your afternoon with my unreasonable request about a position in the nonexistent school, and troubled your brother with my friend’s illness. If you would graciously overlook my shortcomings, perhaps we can settle our differences and resolve our conflict.” She batted her eyelashes and smiled as she closed the speech. “Is there any sort of apology you’d like to give me, Sheriff?”
    â€œHell no!” He should