Read Online Deep Harbor by Lisa T. Bergren - Free Book Online Page B

“One other thing. Find out what you can about Tora’s child. The one she gave up before arriving here.”
    Joseph grimaced. “I will do my best, sir. I’m afraid I failed you in not ascertaining the child’s mere existence before. Makes it hard for a man to promise he can find the child.”
    Trent nodded sadly. “Do what you can. And send me weekly updates, will you?”
    “Certainly. Good day, Mr. Storm.”
    “Godspeed.” Trent turned toward the window as Joseph exited, thankful for the detective’s discretion. Not once did he question going,nor why Trent wished to know of the woman he had left behind. No trace of emotion was visible on his face. Perhaps that was why he was so good at what he did. He was able to blend in, fade out, and no one ever knew he was there.
    He was the antithesis of Tora Anders.

    Tora walked through the newly constructed walls of her soon-to-be roadhouse, savoring the smell of fresh-hewn wood and sawdust. It was a glorious August day in Spokane, Washington Territory, and her new hotel was coming along famously. Another month and she would be ready to receive her first customers. Getting to this place had taken some doing, but it was all working out just fine. She smiled as she envisioned writing out a check to Trent Storm, reimbursing him for the “loans” she had taken from Storm Enterprises. She had worried that he might cut her off someday and had been wise to “prepare.”
    “Tora! Tora Anders!” a man called. The voice was familiar, but Tora could not place it. Frowning, she walked down the steps to what would eventually be the main lobby, when Andrew Aston caught up with her.
    “Why, Andrew! What are you doing here?” she asked in wonder, going to him for a quick kiss. Her gladness was fleeting, however, as he turned to allow her lips to touch his cheek, but nothing else. “What? What is it?”
    “I have some urgent business to discuss with you, Tora,” he said, his face remaining hard. Dark shadows hinted that he probably hadn’t slept in days.
    “Certainly,” she replied, dread edging her voice. “This way. There is a bench in the back where we might find a bit of privacy.” She led the way through the carpenters, ignoring the fact that all workers had stopped to listen in. She took a deep breath, trying to slow her heart to its normal pace, unwilling to panic until she found out what Andrew had to say.
    As they sat down, Andrew pulled off his bowler hat, dusty from the road. He twisted it, round and round, in his hands. “I have some bad news, Tora.”
    “Oh?”
    “I need to call in your loan. Board of directors is demanding it.”
    “What? On what basis?”
    “On the basis that it appears you have used funds taken from Storm Enterprises without permission.” He whistled and cocked his head a bit, then glanced at Tora in wonder. “Trent Storm is involved in too many businesses in Montana and elsewhere to not have very long fingers. It’s been made clear that you’re no longer in his employ. You haven’t been since June.” His eyes narrowed as he stared at her.
    Tora shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. “I told you we had had a parting of ways. I don’t see what import that has. This is my new building, made primarily with the loan I took out with your institution. As long as I make my payments, what do you care how I obtain the funds?”
    “If only it were so simple.” Andrew rose and paced. “They know, Tora.”
    “Know what?”
    “You’ve used Storm’s name for more credit here. You told people it was for the Storm Roadhouse, when it was in your name, not his. That’s how you’ve obtained the money you’ve needed for rock, lumber, nails, and labor. Our money went solely toward the real estate.”
    “I don’t know where you’ve gotten your information, Andrew. But have you looked at my location? Just a block from the railroad station, closer than Trent’s! I’ll beat him here! I’ll own this town!”
    “Is that what this is all