Read Online Doubting Thomas (Tarnished Saints Series) by Elizabeth Rose - Free Book Online Page B

Thomas’s only true friends. When everyone else gave him the cold shoulder when his wife was found murdered, Gus never once even insinuated that he thought Thomas might have done it.
    Thomas threw his bag into the truck and stopped Gus just as he was reaching for the convertible door to take a look inside.
    “We’ve really got to get going,” he said, directing the man toward the pickup. When Gus made his way to the driver’s door, Thomas opened it and slid onto the seat instead. “I’ll drive or I’ll end up missing the show and my sale as well.”
    Gus grumbled and spit in the dirt, then sauntered over to the passenger side of the truck.
    “Dan,” Thomas said out the open window. “Bring the pickup to Brighton tomorrow afternoon and give me a ride back. If for some reason I don’t sell the car, I’ll let you know. Gus’ll bring me home along with it.”
    “Sure, Pa.”
    “Now there’s no need for that. I ken give ya a ride either way,” objected Gus sliding into the truck.
    “No need, Gus. Dan’s always looking for a reason to drive the truck.”
    He could have Gus bring him back, but he’d waste half a day in the process. He knew he’d never get home without Gus wanting to stop several places, especially in the local tavern for a beer. Thomas didn’t have time to waste, nor did he want to go anywhere near a tavern with the way he’d been feeling lately. Much too dangerous.
    Thomas roared the engine and was looking into the side mirror, backing up, when he saw Angeline coming up the road. He slammed on the brakes, causing the chains to rattle from the back. Gus lurched in the process.
    “I think I’d better drive,” stated Gus.
    Thomas didn’t have time for this. He jammed the truck into park and hopped out, storming down the road to meet her. Zeke walked at Angeline’s side, one black and white kitten in each hand. Angeline held a spotted one against her chest.
    “What the hell do you want?” he asked, hurrying over to her.
    “Mr. Taylor, how nice to see you again,” she said, running her hand over the head of the kitten.
    “Wish I could say the same, Ms. DeMitri. I thought I told you to stay off my land.”
    “I was coming over to apologize for my actions yesterday. I thought maybe we could start over and get to know each other.”
    “I have no desire to do that, nor do I have time for these silly games.”
    The kitten’s claws raked against her tank top and she jolted in surprise.
    “Oh, it hasn’t been declawed.” The nails stuck to her top as she tried to remove the animal. Thomas reached out and grabbed the kitten in one hand, carefully pulling its claws off her shirt with the other. In the process, his arm brushed across her breast, and he felt a stirring deep within him.
    “Zeke, take these kittens back to the barn where they belong.”
    “Sorry, Pa. She seemed like a nice lady and she said she was coming to visit, so I let her hold a kitten.”
    “Well, she’s not,” he spat, watching her eyes open wide at his statement.
    “How dare you accuse me of not being nice when you don’t even know me,” she retorted.
    “I meant you are not staying,” he tried to explain. “And don’t talk to me about accusations.” He motioned with his head to Josh who was standing by the car. Her eyes followed and she crossed her arms in front of her, her mouth turning down into a slight frown.
    “I didn’t accuse your son of doing anything he didn’t really do.”
    “I don’t have time for this,” he told her. “Not get off my land before I throw you off.”
    She stood there for a moment, and Thomas thought she was going to give him trouble. But then she nodded slowly. “All right, I’ll leave if that’s what you really want.”
    “It is.” He didn’t have time to wait for her to go. He was late, and if he didn’t leave now, he’d blow the whole deal. He hurried back to the truck and ripped open the door.
    “Daniel, see that she’s out of here in five minutes. And if