Man on a Mission by Carla Cassidy Read Free Book Online Page B

and realized he’d been talking far too much.
    As they approached the ranch, Mark drew into himself, his thoughts turning to Marietta and what information she might have had that had gotten her killed. Something was amiss at the Delaney Dude Ranch, but Mark had yet to discover exactly what it was. Every day that passed without answers only managed to feed his frustration.
    The investigation into Marietta’s death and Mark’s injuries had been desultory at best by Sheriff Broder, who’d decided it was a crime of jealous rage perpetrated by a ranch hand who had subsequently disappeared.
    Mark hadn’t told the sheriff what Marietta had shared with him. Her warning that it was possible the sheriff might be involved kept him mute where the specifics were concerned.
    In two weeks the ranch would be jumping with guests, making his search for Marietta’s killer more complicated. And still he had nothing to go on concerning what activity Marietta had been talking about. He was beginning to wonder if his act was all for nothing.
    â€œSo, Mark, what are we going to do when we get back to the ranch?” Brian’s voice broke through Mark’s thoughts, and again Mark felt the boy’s hunger. “Maybe you could teach me to lasso?”
    â€œCan’t,” Mark replied. “I have stuff to do this afternoon. You’re on your own for the rest of the day.”
    He tried not to allow the boy’s disappointment to touch him. He had his own problems to deal with. He absolutely, positively refused to get caught up in April and Brian Cartwright.
    â€œBrian, you can’t be bothering Mark all the time,”April told her son gently. “I’m sure he has more important things to do than teach you to throw a rope.”
    â€œMaybe tomorrow,” Mark said, hating the fact that despite his intentions, something in the boy’s eyes got to him.
    â€œGreat,” Brian agreed eagerly.
    When they arrived at the cottage, April opened the trunk and handed Mark his packages. “Thanks, Mark, for the town tour and all your help.”
    He nodded and pulled the hat from his bag. “Brian.” He tossed the boy the black hat.
    Brian caught it with both hands, his eyes widening as he realized what he held. “Wow!” he exclaimed. “A hat just like yours.” In three long strides, he reached Mark and wrapped his arms awkwardly around Mark’s waist.
    â€œThanks, Mark.” Brian stepped away from him, his cheeks pinkened as if his display of affection had embarrassed him.
    Mark turned to walk away, trying to ignore the sun-burst of warmth in the pit of his stomach.
    â€œMark.”
    He paused and turned back to April. “Yeah?”
    â€œThank you.” He was rewarded by a smile from her that warmed him down to his toes and twisted something deep in his gut.
    He suddenly realized he had to be careful. For some reason this woman and her son had the potential of touching him where he’d sworn he would never be touched again.

Chapter 4
    A s April made her way from her cottage to the main house for her noon appointment with Matthew Delaney, her heart still retained the warmth evoked by Mark’s generosity.
    It had been a very long time since any man had shown April any act of kindness or benevolence. Mark’s gift of the hat to Brian, his gift of easy smiles and camaraderie to April, made her almost believe there were good men out there.
    She’d almost forgotten that there were men who could be trusted, men who would never dream of taking advantage of a woman, men who didn’t know how to be dishonest or deceitful.
    She thought of the red-haired woman they’d met in town. Molly something. She was extremely pretty but had a predatory hardness in her eyes when she’d gazed at Mark. The woman had implied a relationship with him, but had mentioned trouble.
    What trouble? Perhaps she’d been talking about the death of Adam