The Rancher Takes a Cook Read Free Page B

entrance of the tent. “Won’t you please be
seated?”
    Anna sat and, after inhaling a deep breath,
began her tale. She spoke through the lump in her throat as she
recounted the story of the three soldiers who had harassed them on
the street then told of the same soldiers who had sought out Edward
to taunt and beat him. “Even after he lay unconscious on the
ground, they continued to kick and abuse him. Not stopping until
the livery owner accosted them with a pitchfork.” Anna’s voice
pleaded as she finished the tale.
    The Major’s face looked suddenly worn, his
eyes tired and sad. “I am so sorry, Miss Stewart, for the
ill-treatment you and your brother have experienced at the hands of
my men. It is not our intent to be cruel to the people of Seguin
but to help restore peace and a sense of unity. It saddens me to
say, though, that some of my soldiers still bear a grudge for those
who fought against them during the War. I will make every effort to
squelch such vile behavior and punish the offenders. I do
appreciate you bringing it to my attention.”
    Anna’s shoulders relaxed as relief washed
over her. Her mission had been accomplished and this man would help
to make things better for them. With a grateful smile she said, “I
thank you, Major Barnes, for hearing me out and for your attention
to this matter.”
    Rising, Anna turned to leave the tent but
stopped as the Major called to her. “Please, Miss Stewart, won’t
you stay until the rain stops? If you’ll wait, I will have one of
my men escort you home.”
    Now that her errand was complete, Anna had a
strong desire to get away from this place and back home where the
people were familiar. Not to mention a craving for dry clothing.
With as charming a smile as she could muster, she said, “No,
indeed, Major. My home is not far from here and a little more rain
won’t hurt me. Thank you again for your help, and I’ll bid you both
good day.”
    With that, she plunged through the tent flap
and out into the weather. The rain fell in sheets now, and a bolt
of lightning flashed in the distance, followed by a clap of
thunder. Gritting her teeth, Anna charged ahead, trying to avoid
the streams of water flowing across the muddy street. She kept her
head bent low so the rain didn’t fall in her eyes.
    Suddenly, something struck her waist and the
air whooshed out her lungs. Strong arms closed around her, dragging
her, and then the daylight disappeared. Darkness smothered like a
blinding smoke. Choking.

CHAPTER FOUR
    Anna screamed and a hand clamped over her
mouth. Grimy skin reeked like a horse’s hoof, churning her stomach.
She flexed her jaw but couldn’t get her teeth around the rough
flesh that pressed over her face.
    “Shut up and quit yer fighting,” a voice
hissed in her ear. The warm breath on her neck made Anna’s skin
crawl. She stomped with all her might, and satisfaction rushed in
when her boot landed squarely on his foot. The man muttered a few
expletives that burned Anna’s ears.
    “Quit, you Jezebel,” he growled. “If you
know what’s good for ya, you’ll keep your nose in your own business
and quit talkin’ to the Major. You tell that brother of yours to
shut up, too, or I’ll have my men do more than just toss him
around.” The man let out a sinister laugh that spread goose bumps
over Anna’s arms. His voice sounded familiar—probably the Colonel
who had looked at her so lustfully on the street. She had to get
away from this thug and his dark tent.
    Lord, please help! Anna’s mind
screamed. A verse flickered through her mind. Fear not, for I am
with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen
thee, yea, I will help thee. I will uphold thee with the right hand
of My righteousness. Anna’s chest loosened, and peace washed
through her.
    The man shuffled deeper into the tent and
pulled her with him. “Now listen here, missy,” the voice rasped.
“I’m going to take my hand off your mouth for just a minute,