A Wanted Man Read Online Free Page B

admitted.
    And there was the warming of his expression again, like the barest flicker of sunlight through a cloud-clotted sky. It could be dangerously addictive, she thought, prying that hint of warmth out of him.
    The preacher lifted his head an inch. “Didn’t I tell you not to move?” The man put his hand on the would-be robber’s head and shoved. The preacher’s forehead hit the floor with a solid thunk . “While she might wing me, too, I really don’t think she’s going to miss you completely from there, do you? At least, I wouldn’t want to bet my neck on it.”
    He looped his captive’s hands behind his back, twisting and tying his wrists together with her scarf with such proficiency Laura could only assume he’d tied up a few men in his time.
    “Thanks,” he said, and climbed to his feet. “I’m sure we all appreciate the sacrifice.”
    Events moved swiftly after that. Someone proffered a handful of the golden cords that held back the heavy swoops of draperies—so they hadn’t needed her scarf after all, she thought with a twinge of disappointment—and her mysterious hero had the bandit trussed like a chicken in an instant. He didn’t glance her way again, just strode down the aisle as if he owned the place until he stood over the still-unconscious thief that Mr. Hoxie guarded. Laura followed. No, not followed , she amended; she returned to her place. That he’d gone there first was merely a coincidence. Laura Hamilton did not follow men around, no matter how interesting they were.
    “Nice job,” he said, tossing Hoxie a coil of cording.
    “Thank you.” Hoxie tied up his prisoner, yanking his arms around so hard that Laura winced before she remembered the man deserved it.
    “There’re bound to be more of them in the other cars.”
    Hoxie stood up, more than a head shorter than the mysterious dark man. “Up front, too,” he agreed. “Probably came on horseback.” He inclined his head at the prone bandit. “He said so. From the sound of the shots outside, I figure he told the truth about that at least.”
    The man nodded once, unsurprised. Or completely unconcerned. Laura, on the other hand, was getting extremely concerned, if this was heading where she suspected it might.
    “Are you with me?” he asked.
    Hoxie popped his knuckles and grinned. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
    “Oh, no you don’t.” Mrs. Bossidy inserted herself between the men, her skirts frothing into the aisle, and rounded on Mr. Hoxie. “You’re not leaving her here alone.”
    “Alone? There’re all kinds of people here.”
    “Two of whom fully intended to rob or shoot us or Lord only knows what else only moments ago.”
    “They’re not going to be causing any more trouble,” Hoxie said in the wheedling, petulant tones of a boy on the verge of having his fun spoiled. “And Hiram’s here.”
    “He’s unconscious!”
    “Oh, not for long.” Hopefully, he poked Hiram with his toe, drawing no response. “Probably not for long,” he amended.
    Apparently unwilling to wait any longer, the stranger spun for the door. Laura blocked his way.
    “Excuse me,” he said.
    He intended to go charging recklessly into trouble. Alone. “Mr. Hoxie, go with him.” Laura had no way to stop the stranger, but she could at least ensure he was not completely without help.
    “Hoxie, stay right where you are.” When Mrs. Bossidy issued orders like that, Laura had always obeyed without question. Gainsaying her felt as odd as it did necessary.
    “Mr. Hoxie, which one of us is more likely to go to my father to get you fired?”
    “Bossidy,” he answered promptly.
    “All right,” Laura admitted. “But if she does so, I’ll go to him and get you rehired. If I’m the one to ask, however, she can’t veto me.”
    “Miss, there’s no time for this. Please step aside.”
    Laura faced her stranger squarely. “Can you use him? No pride, no heroics. Tell me the truth.”
    “Yes.”
    “Then go,” she said, and stepped aside.