Patrick's Charm (The Bride Train, #2) by E.E. Burke Read Free Book Online

arrived in town yesterday. He’s contesting your ownership and wants me to assign him rights.”
    Patrick examined the signatures. He wouldn’t know his friend’s mark, having never seen it. There were two names, two McGills, on the claim. Worry churned in his stomach. He pushed the paper back to Hardt. “Well, there’s a simple solution. Just ask Gilly. He’ll tell you he sold me the soddy and intended that to include the land.”
    “Mr. McGill died several months ago and left everything to his brother, who says he knew nothing about the deal.”
    Patrick had to pound something, so he pounded his fist on the bar. “Then he’s a liar!”
    Hardt didn’t bat an eye. “He’s presented a valid claim that predates the one you filed.”
    Furious, Patrick paced. He favored his aching leg, the pain worsening as his anger escalated. He couldn’t lose this place, not now, and not to a cheat. “Gilly’s an honest man. He would’ve given his brother half the proceeds he made on the sale. You ought to realize this. You picked up on a cheater’s lie before with Jarvis, and you did the right thing when he tried to cheat Val. Do the right thing now. Assign the land to me, instead of letting that lying whelp steal it.”
    The stone-faced agent seemed to consider his plea, if silence was any indication. “I’m not unsympathetic, but McGill has a valid claim...and he’s a married man. You aren’t. Railroad directives require me to assign claims first to married men.”
    The muscles in Patrick’s back clenched. He halted, unable to walk without excruciating pain. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. Not when it seemed his life had finally taken a turn for the better. He’d put everything he owned into this business. Coming out here to pursue what he’d been sure was a better life had cost him dearly. He refused to give up without a fight.
    Only, this fight would end up in court in an expensive battle. Judges always sided with rich men and the railroads. Again, Luck had played a cruel trick on him.
    “If you were to marry Miss LaBelle, it would be easier for me to make an argument that you should retain rights to the land, based on your previous agreement and your improvements. Think about it.” Hardt touched his hat brim. “I’ll leave you to your preparations. Good day.”
    Think about it.
    The agent had offered a solution, and oh, how simple and convenient he made it sound.
    Patrick closed his eyes and took deep breaths, trying to relax.
    He could keep his saloon if he married Charm.
    God, he was tempted.
    What rot had crawled into his brain? She had her pick from more than a hundred men, most of them healthier, but she hadn’t come in here looking for a marriage proposal. If she wanted to be wed, she wouldn’t be asking for a job. He’d have no luck on that account.
    Pain stabbed his hip and lower back as the abused muscles twisted into knots. He gasped and shifted his stance. That only worsened the spasms. His legs trembled. In  minute, he’d be on his knees. Bracing his hands on the bar, he used the strength in his arms to support his weight. Now wasn’t the time for his body to give out. Not when he had a fight to wage against those who would try to take everything away from him.
    ***
    “M r. O’Shea!” Charm rushed to her new employer’s side. She’d seen the frowning railroad agent exit the saloon and to avoid having to deal with him, she hid behind the side of the building until he crossed the street. When she’d reached the open door, Mr. O’Shea had been hunched over, gasping, clinging to the bar for support.
    She wrapped her arms around him, praying she could hold him up long enough to assist him to a chair. “What’s wrong? Did Mr. Hardt attack you?”
    He gave a harsh laugh, neither confirmation nor denial. The muscles in his abdomen tensed as he released another labored breath. Hanging his head, he stared downward, seeming to put all his energy into concentrating. If he fell, he’d take