Wildfire Creek by Shirleen Davies Read Free Book Online Page B

attention. “Did she say anything else?”
    “Not a word. I have to tell you, something set her off. None of us had ever seen her so angry.” Bull wiped a sleeve across his brow. “Up to you, but it may be wise to give her a few days to calm down.”
    “Thanks. I appreciate the warning.” Luke had no idea what would set Ginny off to the point she would approach Bull. She might be stubborn, but it was rare when she let her good nature and sense of humor be dampened by anger. He’d have to speak with her sometime—it might as well be tomorrow.

    “Anything else?” Silas Jenks asked as they loaded the last of the wood Luke needed. They’d brought two wagons, both filled to the point that nothing else would fit.
    “No, that’s it. What do I owe you?”
    Silas did some quick calculations and named a figure, watching as Luke pulled out the money and handed it to him.
    “Pleasure doing business with you, Luke.”
    They shook hands before he climbed onto the wagon, waiting for Hank to get settled in the second wagon, then decided he’d make a slight change in plans. He jumped down and walked toward Hank.
    “I need to talk with someone before heading back. Why don’t you go on? I’ll catch up when I’m finished.”
    Luke shoved his hands in his pockets, not looking forward to the conversation with Ginny, even though he had no idea what bothered her. He figured she’d be working at the boardinghouse at this hour, either cleaning rooms or helping Suzanne prepare dinner. From what he knew, she worked every day for Suzanne and took Sundays off at the Rose, but only because Amos closed the saloon on the Sabbath.
    He walked the short distance across the main road to the boardinghouse entrance and pushed open the door, noting Gabe at one of the tables.
    “Morning, Gabe. Have you seen Ginny?” He glanced around once more, not seeing either her or Suzanne.
    “I believe she’s in the kitchen.” Gabe nodded toward the back as Suzanne approached with a pot of coffee and an extra cup. She set it down in front of Luke and filled it, then topped off Gabe’s.
    “Good morning, Luke. Did you come into town to see Ginny?” Suzanne asked.
    Irritation bubbled inside him. “Why would you ask?”
    Suzanne chuckled. “Might be because she’s been fuming for a few days. Appears something you did set her off. I’ll let her know you’re here, but you’d better be prepared.”
    Luke watched her retreat, wishing he had an idea of what he could’ve done.
    “Doesn’t sound good.” Gabe sipped his coffee as Suzanne disappeared into the kitchen.
    Luke shook his head and picked up his own cup, bringing it to his lips as the kitchen door flew open. Ginny headed straight for him, not glancing at the one other couple in the restaurant.
    “We need to talk.” She glared at Luke, not acknowledging Gabe. She nodded toward the back and began to walk away.
    “Guess I’d better go,” Luke said to Gabe before setting his cup down and following Ginny.
    She walked through the kitchen and toward the back where she and Mary lived, then stopped in the small space near the stairs.
    “Where’s Mary?”
    “I let her go to school today.” She hadn’t turned to face him.
    “Do you want to tell me what’s got you so upset?” Luke asked, touching her shoulder, applying enough pressure so she’d look at him. He didn’t like the fiery look in her eyes as she locked her gaze on his.
    “Did you tell Doc Worthington you’d take care of Mary’s medical bill?” She almost spit the words out.
    “I—”
    “And did you pay Amos for the days I took off?”
    “I—”
    “Don’t deny it, Luke. I’m certain you did.”
    “Look, Ginny, I—”
    “How could you do it? I’m not your responsibility and neither is Mary. She’s mine.”
    This time Luke stayed quiet, deciding it would be best to let her get it all out before he tried to explain. He set his feet shoulder width apart and crossed his arms, looking down at her with narrowed eyes,