Northern Star by Jodi Thomas Read Free Book Online

Granddad’s place.”
    “I’m not even sure the old man is still alive. We haven’t heard from him except once.”
    Andrew tried to sound reassuring. “He’s still alive or we’d have heard. Dad used to say the old guy was meaner than a two-headed rattlesnake.” Andrew kissed her forehead. “You’ll handle him, little sister.”
    Before Perry could express any of her fears, Andrew was past her, moving toward Abram. The last band that tied her to Ravenwood was stretching and breaking as Andrew disappeared into the woods. She was alone.
    *   *   *
    Hunter seemed to be resting quietly, his shoulder expertly bandaged now. His blond hair shone in the morning sun. To Perry’s relief Captain Williams had disappeared. She hoped never to see him again. Just the memory of him hung like a bad odor in the air.
    She pushed her own problems aside and tried to help Abram give Hunter a shave. Clean-shaven, he looked younger. His fever was low and his color seemed a touch better. Having completed all her tasks, Perry slid into a corner of the wall and relaxed. Abram moved in a slow, easy pace around Hunter, favoring his left arm as he worked. Abram was injured, but he’d made light of her concern. He merely said he’d twisted the muscle when he fell from the balloon.
    Hunter’s low moan brought both Abram and Perry to his side. His right hand reached up to pull at the bandages around his shoulder, as though he wanted to pull away the pain. Perry grabbed at his waving arm with both hands to stop him. Abram spoke to his friend in a low, steady voice. “Ease up. Hunter, you’re all right. Just rest easy.”
    Hunter’s body relaxed. Slowly his eyes opened and focused on Abram. Hunter’s lips moved, trying to form words. A smile touched them and he whispered, “Abram, you’re alive.” Each word seemed an effort.
    “Why, sure, takes more than one little fall from the sky to kill me,” Abram said with a laugh. “You know, I figured you were a goner for sure. Didn’t anybody ever explain to you that you can’t catch a five-hundred-foot grounding wire with your shoulder?”
    Perry watched a mischievous sparkle in Hunter’s gray eyes. Slowly he whispered, “Well, once I let you out, someone had to stay with the balloon.” Both men laughed.
    Hunter shook his head. “That was one storm! I should have known better than to try to fly up into it. Of course, I don’t remember having much of a choice. Our beloved Captain Williams was making it pretty plain we would go up or be shot as deserters.”
    The disgust in Hunter’s voice as he brought up Captain Williams’s name was evident to Perry. Abram glanced her way, as though suddenly remembering her existence. He sobered and said, “Captain Kirkland, this boy saved your life. Near as I can tell, I think you owe him thanks.”
    Hunter looked at Perry. For an instant bewilderment clouded his face. Then he smiled warmly and glanced at his arm, which Perry was still holding. “Thanks, boy.” His voice was friendly and Perry found it thrilling.
    “I promise not to hurt myself. You can let go,” Hunter laughed.
    Self-consciously Perry released his arm and jumped back. She found it hard to think rationally with Hunter’seyes fascinating her so. They seemed to be drawing her like a magnet to him.
    “Don’t jump, boy, I’m in no condition to hurt you, and I’m not in the habit of hitting someone who saved my life.” Hunter studied her. “What’s your name?”
    She cleared her throat in panic. She had to control her voice enough to sound like a boy. “Perry,” she whispered.
    “Well, Perry,” he continued, “I appreciate what you’ve done, and I hope I can repay the favor someday.”
    She liked the way her name sounded in his Northern accent. His smile reflected a reckless side of him, yet his eyes told of a man who could be very caring. This man was dangerous when awake, perhaps more so than Captain Williams. For Hunter’s kindness could be disarming and as