Read Online Defiant by Patricia; Potter - Free Book Online Page A

around them before taking the halter off.
    She knew she couldn’t get the saddle off, not with the horse lying on it, but she could retrieve one of the saddlebags. Using the knife she brought with her, she cut the leather strap between the bags, taking the one not hidden by the horse’s body. She then eyed the dead animal one more time for anything that looked Indian. That seemed to be Wade Foster’s greatest concern. The saddle blanket looked well worn and ordinary. The saddle and stirrups were the same. Satisfied that none of the items could be linked with Utes, she mounted her horse. She hoped the cold rain would wash the smell of death from her.
    She wondered whether it would ever wash off her patient, or even whether he wanted it to.
    She looked down at the halter. Why did Wade Foster care so much that Indians not be blamed for his actions? Comanches had taken her sister, massacred her best friend and family. The Utes here in Colorado had been accused of similar atrocities, including the setting of numerous forest fires to kill settlers. Feelings against Indians ran as high here as they did in Texas.
    What connection did Wade Foster have with Indians?
    Chivita. Was it a Mexican name? It couldn’t be Indian. She’d heard of white men who took up with Indian women, but she’d never met one. And he’d said his son’s name was Drew.
    Mysteries. So many mysteries surrounded him.
    Jeff poured a bowl of soup and buttered a piece of bread, then carefully placed both on a tray, along with a glass of milk and a spoon.
    He went to the bedroom door, knocked lightly so as not to wake the stranger if he was asleep. There was a grunt in response.
    Jeff opened the door cautiously. He had seen little of the stranger in the past few days, and he couldn’t quite forget the sheriff’s words, despite his brave words to his mother.
    The stranger was lying on the bed, wearing a pair of trousers. His face was rough with bristle and he looked tired. But he seemed to relax as Jeff entered.
    â€œI’ve brought you something to eat,” Jeff said hesitantly. “Ma’s gone out to see about your things.” He paused. “You’re wearing Pa’s trousers.”
    The stranger’s eyes flickered slightly. He tried to smile, but he wasn’t very successful. Jeff set the tray down on the table next to the bed. “It’s real good, Mr. Foster,” he said with no little pride. “My ma was the best cook in Texas. She used to cook for the whole Ranger company down there.”
    Wincing, the stranger struggled to pull himself up and lean against the pillow. His eyes never left Jeff, and Jeff felt a little disconcerted. They seemed to be searching for something, and Jeff didn’t know what.
    Jeff picked up the bowl and spoon and sat on the side of the bed. “Can I help you, Mr. Foster? I know that arm must hurt a whole lot.”
    A hardness suddenly gleamed in the man’s eyes, but then it was gone. His chest rose with a small sigh. “I would be grateful, boy,” he said. “If I tried, I might just ruin these fine trousers of your pa’s.”
    But despite the soft words, Jeff saw the fingers of the stranger’s good hand ball up in a tight fist. Jeff understood. He was a man too, and men didn’t like needing help. He sure didn’t, when he’d been sick last year.
    So he didn’t say anything, just spooned some broth and carried it steadily to the man’s mouth. They finished the broth in silence and then the man closed his eyes. Jeff started to go, then hesitated. “There’s some milk and more bread too, when you want.”
    The stranger opened his eyes. “Tell me about your pa,” he said unexpectedly.
    Jeff began to fidget. There was nothing he liked better than to talk about his pa, but his mother had warned him not to wear out the stranger. Jake had moved over to the bed, and put his head on it, obviously waiting