White Owl by Veronica Blake Read Free Book Online Page B

over the ridge just a few seconds sooner they would had seen her talking to the Ute warrior. A shudder shook through her body. This time she had been so lucky, but she could never let it happen again.
    “Get yourself home,” Paddy said in a softer tone. “Tate will go with you.”
    Rose tossed her head back up and without looking at her brother stated, “I don’t need him to take me back. I promise I will go straight home.”
    Paddy shook his head. “No, old man Raymond said he saw a Ute buck ridin’ down here by the creek earlier today.”
    “What?” Rose gasped. Paul Raymond was their nearest neighbor, and somehow he must have seen White Owl. “That is not . . . I haven’t seen anyone.” Rose heard the quivering in her voice as she lied once again to her father.
    “Thank the Lord for that. But,” Paddy shook his finger at his daughter again, adding, “next time you might not be so lucky.” He motioned with his hand in an impatient gesture. “Tate, get your sister home, now.”
    Rose saw her father’s hand move up to where his rifle was holstered on the side of his saddle. He unhooked the safety strap before pulling himself up into the saddle.
    “Where are you going?” Rose asked. She feared she might start crying once again.
    “I’m going after that Injun to make sure he never trespasses on my land again.”
    The stricken look on Rose’s face was lost to her father since he wasted no more time before kicking his horse in the sides and galloping off in a cloud of dust along the creek bed.
    It was apparent to Rose, however, that Tate had not missed her reaction. His narrowed blue gaze was leveled directly at her, and his expression was not the least bit friendly.
    “What are you up to, Rosaline?” he asked bluntly.
    Rose grabbed Molly’s reins, and then swung up onto her back. “I’m headed home. Are you coming?” She did not give him time to reply as she urged her horse forward.
    Unfortunately, Tate did not let it end there as he rode up next to her. “I know you. There is something goin’ on and you’d better be lettin’ me in on your secret or else—”
    “Or else what?” Rose halted Molly so that she could stare directly into her brother’s face. “You’ll tell on me?” Rose shook her head and gave Molly a gentle nudge to go again as she added. “You need to grow up, Tate. We’re supposed to be adults now.”
    “Well, you sure ain’t actin’ like an adult. How many times does Pa have to tell you not to ride out here alone?”
    It was hard to argue with her twin when he was right—this time. She sighed and nodded her head. “I know, Tater. Pa is just worried about me. But there’s nothing to worry about. The Utes are not violent Indians.”
    A snide chortle escaped from Tate. When they were younger he would laugh hysterically whenever she called him Tater.
    “Have you been hidin’ under a rock? Haven’t you heard what Pa has been telling us about the trouble at the White River Agency?”
    “As long as we don’t get involved in that situation, why would it have anything to do with us?” She glanced back over her shoulder, hoping that she could hide her fear. What would happen if herfather caught up to White Owl? “Do you think it is wise for Pa to be out there alone?”
    “You’re worried about Pa being out here alone, but you think it’s all right for you?” Tate shook his head in an aggravated gesture. “That Injun is the one who needs to be worried if Pa catches him on our land.”
    Rose could not catch her breath for a moment. Her father was a brave man, but she doubted that he would be any match for the powerful Ute warrior. She kicked Molly in the sides to urge her into a gallop. All she could pray for now was that White Owl was far enough away that her father could not catch up to him. Then she had to pray that she was strong enough to stay away from White Owl before she caused any more trouble for her and the rest of her family.
    Dinner was a quiet occasion