Read Online Johnny Winchester: River Hunter by Elizabeth Carr - Free Book Online

before?” she asked, feigning
surprise, his steely-blue eyes and dimples making her heart beat faster.
    “No, actually.  My comfort food of choice is a
single malt whiskey.”
    The smile broadened, he wanted nothing other than to put
his arm around her, pull her close, and promise her that everything would be
all right.  But he resisted the temptation; she would soon be in the care
of relatives and he’d be back with his crew, hunting for the red-tailed, orange
sturgeon, and then for the next fish, and the next.  The feelings stirring
in his chest were fleeting and he had his life to get back to.
    Suzi sat quietly, lost in her own thoughts. 
Regardless of why, this man had a genuine desire to help, he had taken good
care of her and, she had no doubt, he would continue to do so until he got her
safely home.  If only he would hold her, let her lay her head on his
shoulder, and tell her everything would be all right.  But his life was
fishing and hers was family and independence.  Her feelings were
temporary, situational, and it was doubtful that he was having any of the same
thoughts.
    So they sat, silently, only mere inches separating them
physically, their own life decisions keeping them worlds apart
emotionally.  Finally, reluctantly, Suzi admitted to herself that her
pacing had indeed tired her and, standing, she told Johnny she’d best get back
to bed.  Pillows were fluffed and placed just right, covers were pulled up
to her chin, and, fighting the urge to lay next to her, to hold her, comfort
her, and protect her from her thoughts, Johnny crawled into his own bed.

The Interview
    Johnny was awake with the sun, which was usual for
him.  He showered, shaved, dressed, made a cup of coffee, putting four
little cups of creamer in it, and checked his email.  For once, there
weren’t many messages.  He was sitting at the desk, so when he was
finished with the email, he swiveled the chair towards the center of the room,
sipping his coffee, watching Suzi peacefully sleep.  It was good to see
her injured body relaxed and her mind at ease.
    He had to wonder just who this woman really was. 
Surviving a plane crash, despite injuries and flaring chronic pain, she had
managed to hike to the river and along its bank, seeking help.  Managed to
survive a very cold night and then keep following the bank until she could go
no further.  Since they had found her, she had patiently borne all the
pain: being carried through the river, the slow traipse up the ridge, the night
at the camp, the helicopter ride, the pushing and poking of doctors and nurses
at the hospital.  Treating everyone with kindness, she had been careful to
show her appreciation, verbally expressing her sincere thanks for anything they
had done.  Still, she had been assertive.  She had asked the nurse
for something to relieve the pain and she’d been very firm, though not really angry,
with the med tech who had extended her left arm to draw blood without
consulting her medical record.  Withdrawing her arm, squeezing her eyes
through the pain, she then gave the tech a small lecture about being more
careful, and asked for another tech.  She also had no problem asking him
for anything she needed.
    When they arrived at the hotel, the staff all knew her,
by name, and, concerned and attentive, scrambled to get her anything she
needed.  And the protective son.  Johnny understood his own natural
instinct to protect his Mum, but it would not occur to him to actually threaten
someone.  And then there was this duality within her that was the most
difficult to understand.  Kind, assertive, and clearly able to take care
of herself, she still projected a subtle vulnerability, and she accepted help
whenever it was given.  He’d seen her at her worst and she had been
resigned and uncomplaining, both independent and appreciative, both strong and
fragile.  She was also awake, looking at him, and he realized he was staring
at her.
    “Tea?” he asked, rising,