Hannibal Rising by Jon Sharpe Read Free Book Online Page A

me.”
    “Let it pass.”
    “Like hell.” Tom glowered over her shoulder at Fargo. “Mark my words, plainsman. You have made a mortal enemy this day.” Whirling, he stormed toward the house. Two servants scurried out of his path but one wasn’t fast enough and was shoved aside. Another moment, and Tom slammed the front door behind him.
    “That was unfortunate,” Samantha said.
    “Forget about him,” Fargo said. “I’m not waiting another minute for you to tell me why you’ve sent for me.”
    “Certainly.” Samantha smiled. “I want you to be my partner in a hunt unlike any other. There’s just one catch.” Her smile faded. “I can’t guarantee we’ll live through it.”

6
    The twenty riders wound along a pockmarked trail that was taking them steadily deeper into the lush green forest. High above, the morning sun blazed bright. Around them, songbirds warbled and squirrels scampered.
    It was as perfect as a day could be, but Skye Fargo didn’t let it lull him into letting his guard down. Not when there had been two attempts on his life.
    A monarch butterfly flitted past. Fargo watched it, envying it its freedom. Arching his back, he stretched and breathed deep of the rich wood scent. He wished he was back in the Rocky Mountains.
    Hooves thudded, and Charles Clyborn came up next to him. “Good morning. We hadn’t had a chance to talk yet and I thought this an excellent opportunity.” As usual, Charles was immaculately dressed, this time in a riding outfit that was the pinnacle of fashion.
    “Did you, now?”
    “I’m sorry. Am I bothering you? I only wanted to make your acquaintance.” Charles smiled. “Frankly, I’m surprised you’re still here. I understand my sister explained everything.”
    “She’s paying me a thousand dollars a day.”
    “Ah. To you I suppose that’s a lot of money. Even so,”—and Charles’s smile became a frown—“do you have any idea what you have let yourself in for?”
    “A hunt, she called it.”
    “She told you all the rest? How this was our father’s bizarre idea? How he refused to leave each of us an inheritance, as any reasonable person would have done? No, that wasn’t good enough for him. Or I should say it wasn’t vicious enough. So he concocted this ridiculous contest where we must pit ourselves against each another.”
    “It’s mighty unusual,” Fargo conceded. Which was putting it mildly. According to the will, only one of Clyborn’s children could inherit his enormous wealth and vast holdings. It would all go to whoever won a special hunt. “How far is it to this hunting lodge of yours?”
    “As the crow flies, the lodge is about twelve miles from the mansion. Since we left at seven we should be there by noon at the very latest.” Charles sniffed. “I have only ever been there a few times. I am not the hunter Roland is. With him it’s a passion. I’ve never liked the sight of blood or seeing animals suffer.”
    “They don’t if you drop them with one shot.”
    “You sound like Roland. Me, I would much rather enjoy the comforts of my club. A fine dinner with friends, a friendly game of cards or perhaps chess, a glass or three of vintage port, and intelligent conversation.” Charles gazed about with distaste. “The wilds are not to my liking. The sun burns my skin and the plants makes me itch and don’t get me started on the mosquitoes and other bugs.”
    “You’re a city boy at heart.”
    “I freely admit it, yes. My life would be complete if Father had left me a paltry million or two. I could spend the rest of my days doing what I love best. But he hated me as much as he hated the rest and he refused my request.” Charles glanced back. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, I shouldn’t leave my partner alone too long. He hates the wilds as much as I do.” Reining around, Charles rode back down the line.
    As Fargo understood the rules, each of them was allowed to have one person help them in the hunt. Samantha had sent for him.