Chapter1 by Ribbon of Rain Read Free Book Online

pay for killing her dog.   Inhaling deeply, she opened her eyes just as Willie slipped his jackknife into his pocket.   She lunged toward Red’s killer.   “You goddamn bastard.   You’re dead.”   She wanted her hands around his skinny neck.  
    Jude’s arms caught her around the waist.   She twisted, turned and thrashed, but couldn’t break free without hurting him.   For reasons she didn’t have time to analyze, she was reluctant to harm him.
    “Calm down, brat.”   Willie got out of the chair and scurried further down the table, his facial twitch becoming more pronounced.   He took both rifles with him.   “I didn’t kill your damn dog.   He’s sleeping.   I tranquilized him.”   His fingers caressed the gun he’d brought with him. “The mutt will be good as new in a couple of hours.   Jesus, Kat.   I thought maybe you’d calmed down by now, but you’re wild as ever.”
    Kat stopped struggling.   She had to regain her equilibrium.   Jude lowered her until her feet hit the floor, but kept an arm firm around her waist.   With his free hand he reached out and tucked some loose strands of hair behind her ear.   That small gesture helped dispel the chill running down her spine.  
    “Well, Kat.   Aren’t you going to introduce me to our guest?”   Her shoulders tensed at Jude’s jovial tone, as if Willie were a neighbor stopping by for a cup of coffee.   Lover-like she put her arm around Jude, her fingers searching for the gun that should have been in his shoulder holster.   She sighed in disappointment, remembering it was still in the cargo pocket of her fatigues.    
    Kat waved a hand in Willie’s direction.   “This is Willie Card, a friend of my father’s.”   Kat made the one-way introduction.   “He’s leaving.   Isn’t that right, Willie?”   Her question implied command.   “I’ll see you out,” she continued.   “I want to check on Red.”  
    She pulled away from Jude and walked toward the door, but again Jude grabbed her from behind, just as Willie stepped toward her.  
    “You ain’t going anywhere, missy,” Willie hissed.   “Always were too big for your britches.”   He picked up her rifle, using the barrel to indicate they move further into the room, away from the staircase.
    “What do you want, Willie?”   Kat demanded and felt Jude’s hand poking her.   She turned and flashed him one of her famous ferocious looks.   He pinched her midriff, leaned down and whispered.   “Play it smart, Kat.   Gain information.”   She took a deep breath, searching for strength to control her anger.   The difference between a soldier and a government agent.   One wanted information and one wanted action.   At least she wasn’t alone in this situation.   She squeezed Jude’s hand in gratitude.
    “Hey what’re you two whispering about?”   Willie asked, shifting his weight from foot to foot.   “Who are you anyway?”   He directed his agitated eyes at Jude.
    “A friend of Kat’s,” Jude replied leaning back against the stone wall of the mammoth fireplace.   Kat admired Jude’s nonchalant attitude.  
    “Just a friend?”   Willie asked snidely.
    Jude shrugged.
    “Maybe you are just friends.”   Willie’s thin lips spread into a cunning smile.   “No normal man would bed a wild half-breed like Kat.”
    Kat’s body stiffened.   Jude’s fingers rubbed her midriff where he’d pinched her.   His touch soothed the raw edge of her anger.  
    With a feigned sigh, Kat flung a question to Willie.   “I doubt you came traipsing all the way here only to insult me.   What do you want?”
    His eyes narrowed to slits reminding Kat of a snake.   She wouldn’t be surprised if his tongue started to flick in and out.   “You know damn well what I want.   I want what belongs to me.”
    Kat clasped Jude’s hand, needing his reassurance, knowing later she’d berate herself for needing anyone.   “Are you talking about my