Hannibal Rising by Jon Sharpe Read Free Book Online

bastard.’ Father insulted him mercilessly, and always went on about what he saw as Tom’s many flaws. I tell you, it got so bad, many was the time I cringed inside at how terribly Father was treating him.”
    “How did your brother take it?”
    “You saw him. He hates Father for the abuse he suffered and he hates us for not defending him.”
    “What about Charles and Emmett?”
    “Charles avoided Father as much as possible. He spends most of his time at the men’s club in town. He hardly ever associates with women. As for Emmett, he’s young yet, like Charlotte, and just as innocent.”
    “That leaves you.”
    “I’m the oldest. I have a sense of responsibility. I’ve always felt I needed to look after them and protect them. I admit I didn’t do enough to help Tom but there wasn’t much I could do given how much Father hated him. I devoted myself to running the household and spent all my nights alone in my room.”
    Fargo had one last question. “Why have you told me all this?”
    Samantha smoothed her dress, which clung enticingly to her thighs. “I want you to fully understand what you are getting yourself into. I want you prepared for what is to come. Which brings us to why I sent for you.”
    At last, Fargo thought.
    Just then an older male servant entered and bowed. “Begging your pardon, ma’am, but I thought you should know.”
    “What is it, Jarvis? I’d rather not be disturbed right now.”
    “It’s this gentleman’s horse.” Jarvis nodded at Fargo.
    “What about it?”
    “I was outside when he told everyone not to touch it.”
    “And?” Samantha said impatiently.
    “Your brother, Tom, saw it out front and is having it taken to the stable even as I speak.”
    Fargo was off the divan in long strides. Samantha called for him to wait but he shouldered past Jarvis and hurried down the hall to the front door. Throwing it open, he stepped outside. At the bottom of the steps stood Tom Clyborn, watching a servant lead the Ovaro off by the reins.
    Fargo went down the steps three at a bound. His jingling spurs alerted Tom who turned just as he reached him. Without saying a word, without any warning whatsoever, Fargo hit him flush on the jaw.
    Down Tom went. More stunned than hurt, he rubbed his chin and looked up in anger. “What the hell?”
    “Don’t ever touch a man’s horse without his say-so.” Fargo strode past him and bellowed at the servant, “Hold it right there.”
    The servant stopped and looked back.
    “Let go of him.”
    The servant quickly did and retreated. “I was only doing what I was told, mister.”
    “That’s the only reason I don’t bust your skull.” Fargo snatched the reins. West of the Mississippi, taking a man’s horse for any reason was a hanging offense. “Tell the rest that no one goes near my horse but me. Savvy?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Then make yourself scarce.” Fargo slid the Henry into the saddle scabbard and patted the stallion’s neck. “If I am touchy about anything, I am touchy about you.”
    “How dare you?” Tom Clyborn was livid with wrath. His hands were clenched so tight his knuckles were white. “No one strikes me with impunity. Do you hear me? No one.”
    “I made it plain my horse wasn’t to be moved.”
    “This is our estate. We say what will and won’t be done. If I want to put your damn animal in the stable, I by God will!”
    Fargo placed his hand on his Colt. “Care to bet?”
    “You’re threatening me? On my own land? In front of the servants?” Tom shook with fury. “You miserable lout. You’ve just made the worst mistake of your life.”
    “I’ve tangled with Apaches and Comanches,” Fargo said.
    “What do a bunch of stinking red savages have to do with this?”
    “Compared to them, as threats go, you’re downright puny.”
    Tom’s face twitched and he raised his fist but a jasmine-wreathed vision slipped between them and placed a hand on his chest.
    “That will be enough,” Samantha said.
    “He struck