Wild Thunder Read Free

look at the Potawatomis Indian village not far from her brother’s ranch. In fact, their land adjoined Chuck’s. It was hard to tell where their land stopped and Chuck’s started. Only a small portion of his ranch, used for pasturing cows, was bordered with a fence.
    Thus far, Hannah had not come face-to-face with any Potawatomis people. The thought intrigued her, especially since they were her neighbors.
    â€œYou go on, now, Hannah, and take your morning ride,” Chuck said as they entered the parlor.
    â€œIf I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to get rid of me,” Hannah joked back.
    â€œNever,” Chuck said, stopping to turn to her. He searched with his hand until he found her face. He ran his fingers over her features. “Sweet Hannah. You don’t know how good it is to have you here. Please forgive me if I get grouchy sometimes. I’m finding it damn hard to adjust to my affliction. Please always remember, though, that having you here helps lighten the burden.”
    â€œI hope so,” she murmured. “I only wish to do what is best for you.”
    Her gaze moved over him. He was a tall, handsome man. Although he could buy any expensive suit he wished, he usually wore fringed buckskins. He had told her that he wore the buckskins because they were more comfortable. She knew that the true reason was because they were easier to get into, with no buttons to maneuver into buttonholes.
    His collar-length hair was the same color as hers, as golden as Kansas wheat. And his eyes, although having failed him, were still a sparkling green.
    He was very muscular, even though he was no longer able to get out and do much physical labor. But she had seen him exercise, knowing himself the importance of keeping his muscles alive and active.
    â€œI’ll let you know when I need your help,” Chuck said, settling down in a chair before a slow-burning fire in the massive stone fireplace. “Now, you’d best get on your way before the heat of the day makes it too uncomfortable for you to ride. These cooler mornings, when even a fire feels good to my bones, are the best time for riding. Remember that you aren’t here to be my maid. I have enough help to care for the house and to see to the cooking.”
    â€œYes, and most seem dependable,” Hannah said, thinking that there was one man who seemed less than trustworthy.
    Tiny Sharp, her brother’s foreman.
    There was something about the man that bothered Hannah. It wasn’t altogether the way he looked at her. It was not a look of a man who was interested in a woman, and she understood. With her tall height and lankiness, she saw herself less than desirable for any man.
    No, it was something else. He was shifty-eyed. He seemed to always be looking at her with a silent loathing!
    She gazed around at the luxurious room. This alone could place envy in the heart of any man. Perhaps the foreman resented her brother for being this rich. Perhaps he resented her for being there, to see after her brother’s interests.
    Expensive, gilt-edged paintings hung from the walls. The furniture was plush and comfortable, the coverings made of rich maroon velvet, matching the drapes at the two windows that were made of the same fabric.
    Crystal vases caught the glitter of the rays of the morning sunshine pouring through the windows, taking on the look of sparkling diamonds. A grandfather clock made of beautiful mahogany ticked away against one wall. A foot-pedal organ sat against the wall opposite it.
    â€œGo on, Hannah,” Chuck said, nodding toward her. “I’m going to rest, then play the organ for a while.”
    â€œI won’t be gone—” she began, then stopped when the sound of someone arriving on a horse drew her attention to the window.
    â€œSee who that is, sis,” Chuck said, stiffening. “Tiny shouldn’t be back yet. He and some of the cowhands were supposed to be out