Sacred Ground by Rita Karnopp Read Free Book Online Page B

it," she interrupted.
    "I heard Brett was seen fighting with Gordon at the J-Bar T the day they figured he died. It had something to do with him and Lorraine Turner."
    "What about Gordon and Lorraine ? You must have heard more than that," she prompted, shakily pouring a scoop of grounds into the filter.
    "Nope. That's all I heard. You think old Gordon and Lorraine had a thing going on?"
    Willow jerked, dropping the scoop. She tightened her fist, turned, and punched Wyatt in the eye with every ounce left in her. He teetered backward and dropped to the floor. She'd never hit anyone before, but it felt damn good to put Wyatt in his place.
    "God damn, Willow , that hurt," he shouted, getting to his feet. "Like it rough, do you?" He took a step toward her.
    She stepped back. "Don't, Wyatt. You asked for it. Leave well enough alone."
    "I also heard Gordon liked roughing you up,” he sneered. “Also heard him say you liked it."
    "I didn't like it, no woman does. A man hides behind comments like that because he isn't man enough to admit he has to beat a woman to feel big and powerful.” She opened a drawer and grabbed a knife. “Leave now, Wyatt. I don't want any trouble with you."
    "Whoa there, girl. We're friends, remember? I was just teasing you." He rubbed his swelling eye. "Put the knife down, and I'll leave without a word."
    He took another threatening step closer.
    She gripped the weapon tighter. Never again would she let a man put another bruise on her body. If he came at her, she'd use the knife. "Leave, and I'll put the knife away. Stay and you'll have to take your chances."
    "What if I apologize? It was a nasty comment, your Gordon being dead and all. Friends?" he asked, extending his palm.
    Willow clenched the knife. "Leave, Wyatt. I'm not ready to forget just yet."
    "Damn, you sure can get all riled up. When you're over your pout, stop over at my place. Now, don't get all tense. I have some proof concerning Gordon's death that'll shock you. Don't say anything just yet, especially to your friendly neighbor, Brett Turner."
    "Why didn't you bring it here and show me?" Doubting he had proof, she smelled a trap. If she willingly went to his house, it couldn't be called rape. Going to his house would be considered her consent.
    "I have proof, but I'm not about ta go running around with it. Besides, it could be misconstrued, and I ain’t about to get myself in a fix over Gordon's death."
    She wondered what he meant, but didn't want him staying to explain. She wanted him out of her house, now. "Let me think about it. I'll call if I decide to see your proof. But get one thing straight, if I do come, I'm not coming alone."
    "We'll see."
    Willow loosened her grip on the knife, wondering how things had gotten so out of hand. If she didn't get better control of her feelings and temper, it might get her and Lance in some serious trouble.
    "Bye, Wyatt," she stated between clenched teeth.
    "One tough Indian broad, ain't you?" He chuckled as he walked out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
    His car tires threw rocks as he spun a Brody in the graveled drive. She breathed a sigh of relief, even though she still held the knife.
     
    * * *
     
    Brett backed up his old pickup, stopping just short of the basement window. He connected the water tubing to the large tank he'd attached to the truck bed years ago. Hauling drinking and cooking water had been demanding enough, even with the large cistern, but since the well had been destroyed, he had to haul bathing water too. It wasn't hard, just tiring and time consuming.
    He wondered why anyone would want to make things tough on him. It was no secret his father wasn't well liked, but the pranks and destruction continued after his death. There had to be a reason. He'd suspected Gordon for so long, but it didn't stop after his death, either. Had he stumbled on the truth? And had that gotten him killed?
    The thought startled Brett. That had never occurred to him before. If that were