Read Online Dorothy Garlock by A Place Called Rainwater - Free Book Online Page A

me stumbling around. Thad must have been reading my mind. He suggested carrying me out there.” Justine watched the doorway expectantly, awaiting his return.
    “You should have said something. Radna and I would have figured a way to get you out there.”
    “I know you would have, dear, but as long as we have a big, strong man willing to help us, we should take advantage of it.”
    Thad returned and, without a word, scooped her up in his arms, carried her down the hallway and through the lobby to the porch. He placed her gently in the chair, moved the small footstool close and placed her feet on it.
    “How's that? ”He sat back on his heels and smiled at her.
    “Thank you, Thad. It's grand to be out here.” There was a trace of tears in Justine's eyes. “So many memories.” She shook her head.
    “I was here the day the ice truck hit Ralph. I knew before I reached him that… he was gone and my life would never be the same. I miss him still.
    “It seems only yesterday that I was sitting in this very same spot in this very same chair when the first gusher came in. Oh, my. It was a sight. People ran out in the street to see what at first looked like a big smoke cloud. Then the cars began to go by as everyone who could get a ride wanted to go out to the well.”
    “I've seen a couple of gushers. They're able to cap most of the wells that come in before they blow.” Thad had settled down on the floor of the porch and Jill sat on the bench beside her aunt's chair.
    “Almost overnight, Rainwater woke from being a sleepy little prairie town to what it is now: cars and trucks coming and going at all hours of the day and night, people on the streets, the hotel full most of the time. Ralph would have loved every minute of it.”
    Thad got to his feet. “I'd better go put the motor back on the washing machine before the boss lady fires me. When you want to go in, send someone for me.”
    “Thanks again, Thad.”
    Just for an instant Thad enclosed Justine's delicate fingers in his. “The pleasure is mine. It isn't often that I get to carry a pretty lady.” When he passed Jill on the way to the door, he winked.
    Jill rolled her eyes.
Charmer, flatterer, conniver!
    “I think he likes you, ”Justine said after Thad cleared the doorway.
    “Bull-foot. I'm Joe's sister. He liked Joe's dog, too.”
    “It could be more than that. A man doesn't tease a girl and give her the looks he gives you unless he's interested in her.”
    “Oh, he's interested, all right. He told Joe he'd look after me, and he'll do it if it kills him. He and Joe are as thick as eight in a bed. Joe would do the same for Thad's sister.”
    Justine smiled. “You don't know much about men, honey.” Her smile faded. “Why didn't you tell me that Hunter Westfall came calling last night and that you walked off with him? ”
    “I didn't think it that important. Who told you? ”
    “Not much goes on around here I don't know about. This place talks to me.” She took several quick breaths before she continued. “We had a honeymooning couple above me last night, or else a man up there was determined to get his money's worth out of the woman he bought. The bedsprings squeaked off and on all night.”
    “Aunt Justine. How you talk! ”
    “You're blushing, honey. I was shocked, too, when we first came here. You'll learn that a lot of shocking things go on behind closed doors in hotel rooms. Radna can tell you that. There's not much she hasn't seen.”
    Jill saw the smile leave her aunt's face as she watched a man come up the walk. He bounded up the steps to the hotel porch. Jill recognized him as the man who had argued with Mr. Westfall at the merchants 'meeting, the one with the birthmark on his face.
    “Afternoon, Justine.”
    Justine grunted a reply.
    “It's good to see that you're well enough to sit on the porch. Introduce me to the pretty lady.”
    “Jill's busy. I don't want you bothering her.”
    Lloyd smiled and extended his hand. “Hello, Miss