Dreams of Gold Read Free

slumped in his chair and ran a hand over his face. He deserved that comment. He was pushing her too hard. This wasn’t the first time he’d stepped all over someone’s sentiments, digging for the truth that would bring a criminal to justice. Sometimes he wondered if he’d forgotten all the manners of his ma’s upbringing.
    “Blue bandana handkerchiefs covered their faces from just below their eyes down.” Her lips pressed tight before she continued. “Their hats were pulled low. I can verify each man had guns, and at one instance or other, the vile things were pointed directly at our chests.”
    The flat tone of her voice heaped on the guilt. “I apologize, ma’am, for sounding callous. In frightening circumstances, witnesses often pick one particular thing to concentrate on. Something that distracts them from what is really happening. That one clue often leads to an arrest.”
    “I see.” She relaxed her posture. “Well, I can tell you the guns looked huge. I had no doubt they would use them if we stood in their way.”
    “Okay.” Hands braced on the table, he readied to leave. His thoughts raced ahead to how much daylight remained, and to what he might find on the road south of town. A final thought surfaced. “Did they say anything to the man they removed from the stage?”
    Fingertips rubbing at her temple, she spoke, her voice husky with fatigue. “They knew him by name. I thought that was strange.”
    Might be the clue he needed. His heartbeat quickened, and he stilled. “How so?”
    “This was a robbery, so obviously they took all the valuables in sight.” Her brow wrinkled as she relayed her thought. “If they used his name, shouldn’t they be worried that he’ll identify them later?”
    How to answer that question? She did seem calmer than when they’d first sat. Without knowing what type of life she’d led, he hesitated to speak frankly and send her into a swoon like her traveling companion. “Robbing the passengers may not have been the main motive. I’ll know more when I talk with the driver.”
    The mug landed on the table with a thud. “I know when I’m being robbed. They took billfolds, watches, and jewels.” Her eyes rounded. “My money! How will I pay for my lodgings or food?” Head bent low, she covered her face again. “I have stolen this tea and have no resources with which to make restitution.”
    Her obvious distress tightened his chest, and he gently touched her arm. Miss Morrissey was so slight, his grip could have encircled her forearm.
    The muscles in her arm stiffened at the contact, but she kept her face hidden.
    Hand still in place, he fought to ignore the heat radiating from where their bodies touched. He refused to let the most intriguing female he’d met in years distract him from his duty. Especially if she was just traveling through. “Don’t worry, Miss Morrissey. Arrangements will be made. First, I’d feel a whole lot better if the doctor looked you over. You still appear shaky.” He glanced out the front window, hoping to spot a townswoman to sit with her, but the crowd had dissipated. “By now, Doc has taken Pete and Miss Fairchild back to his office. I’ll escort you there.”
    Quinn stood and laid several coins on the table. He waited for Ciara to stand, and then he moved ahead of her to hold open the door. Once outside on the sidewalk, he grasped her elbow and guided her to the left. She stumbled on the first step, and he shifted his hold, an arm circling her waist.
    “I am not normally in need of such rigorous support, sir.” Her voice softened. “My…my legs seem uncommon...” As her words slurred, her steps faltered, and she swayed hard against his side. Her head dropped against his chest.
    For a moment, he wished for different circumstances that would bring them into such an intimate position. His side warmed where her curves pressed against him.
    Stick to the business at hand, Riley! When he bent to scoop her into his arms, he inhaled