Hidden in a Whisper by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page B

her desk.
    â€œGentlemen,” she said, finally glancing up to where they had risen to their feet. “Shall we continue?”
    Jeffery nodded and closed the lobby door, while Braeden took his seat. He looked at her as though he wished he could say something.
    Rachel thought it might be her imagination, but she would have sworn his expression was almost apologetic. The look softened her resolve.
    â€œI’m sorry, Mr. O’Donnell,” she began, deciding that directing her apology to Jeffery would be easier than dealing with Braeden. “Your actions took me by surprise. I realize that’s no excuse, however—” “Rachel,” Jeffery said rather sternly, “would you please explain what’s going on here? Apparently you both know each other well enough to share a feeling of animosity, and I would very much like to know what it’s all about. Mr. Parker refuses to speak on the matter, suggesting that I consult you.”
    Rachel bowed her head. “It isn’t important, Jeffery. I assure you it won’t affect the affairs of Casa Grande. It simply startled me.” She looked back up, giving Jeffery a pleading glance. At least she hoped her expression appeared pleading, for she sincerely wanted him to drop this subject.
    To her absolute horror, Braeden seemed to take up a protective response. “Miss Taylor was once a dear friend. We were unable to keep up correspondence with one another and had no idea where the other had taken themselves off to. I do apologize for my part in this.”
    Jeffery studied them both for a moment, as if trying to decide whether to pursue the matter or leave it be. He ran a hand back through his brown hair, pursed his lips together for a moment, then nodded. “Very well.” He took his seat and waited for a moment before continuing. “Since you two know each other, I suppose we can do away with the formalities of detailed introductions. Mr. Parker came to us highly recommended by another railroad company in Chicago, and with his accounting background, I believe he will be the perfect man to run the hotel portion of this resort.”
    Rachel nodded, forcing herself to listen and say nothing. She felt almost sick to her stomach and wondered if she’d end up making a scene before it was all said and done. She glanced quickly at the door to her living quarters, grateful that she’d remembered to close it this morning before heading out to oversee the dining room progress.
    â€œCasa Grande, as you know, is only one of two resorts of this type. The other, located near Las Vegas, has been hindered by many problems, including the fact that the place has burned down twice. Some folks believe it to be cursed, but of course we don’t hold with that theory. Financially speaking, we believe it to be simply based on logical conclusions. Namely, there is very little to entice a person to stay more than one night in Las Vegas, unless they are there to take advantage of the curative waters and hospital facilities available. So while the place does quite well for itself at times, we hoped for better.
    â€œCasa Grande, however, is positioned closer to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Also, the scenery is more enchanting with the mountains in the background, and our own hot springs and baths offer the same advantage and curative features.”
    â€œI understand that nearly every type of diversion is offered here for the entertainment of our guests,” Braeden interjected.
    Rachel heard the rich timbre of his voice and immediately felt light-headed. This is ridiculous , she told herself. I’m not a schoolgirl, all swooney and silly . But it did little good to argue with her heart.
    â€œCasa Grande will offer it all. Later, during our tour of the grounds, you will see for yourself,” Jeffery replied. “But for now, let me tell you some of what you can expect. We have a theatre room with seating for two hundred. This will be