Read Online Dreamwood by Heather Mackey - Free Book Online Page B

silent. Watchful.
    â€œIf something’s haunting the place it can be cleared away,” Lucy said, pitching her voice to the room. “Hasn’t anyone thought to try that?”
    An uncomfortable silence fell.
    â€œEveryone’s too afraid.” Angus planted a broad fist on the bar. “Why, this slip of a girl has more sense than you.”
    A few of the men hung their heads. Lucy loved to be held up as an example—it happened far too infrequently since she had left her home in Wickham. But she tried to keep her tone modest as she added, “You just need to take a scientific approach.”
    â€œExactly, exactly what I always say.” Angus turned to her. His eyes were the deep brown of expensive leather, and Lucy found herself nodding to his words. “Don’t fall prey to every spooky story you hear. Approach it rationally, with logic.”
    Lucy stood up taller. She’d hardly expected to agree so much with the head of Pentland Timber, but it was as if they were two minds with the same thought. Pete was looking at her with an awed expression.
    â€œA sarsaparilla for the young lady, Shatterhand,” Angus ordered. Then, catching sight of the openmouthed Pete, he frowned slightly. “Make that two.”
    He indicated two seats beside him where he wanted Lucy and Pete to sit. Obediently they climbed up on the stools.
    The sallow-faced man in the deerskin jacket had had enough. He slammed down his empty glass and stalked past them on his way out. “I respect what’s in that forest. You’d do well to do the same.” The doors banged closed behind him.
    Angus made a face of mock fear. “Oh no. Beware the curse. I’m terrified.”
    Lucy giggled. She glanced at Pete, who appeared shocked, as if Angus had just blasphemed. Then he gave a tentative laugh, looking like he expected any moment to be struck by lightning.
    â€œYou see what people are like here,” the timber baron said to her. His eyes, rich and sharp as coffee, gleamed under thunderous brows. “They don’t test things. They’re not open to new ideas. Your father thought something very valuable was hidden in that forest. I’ve been thinking of sending my own men to the Thumb to explore.”
    â€œDon’t do that, boss.” The Lupine man with the bear claw necklace spoke up. His companions looked away, seemingly annoyed he’d decided to break their silence. “You’ll make it worse.”
    â€œMake what worse? What do the Lupines know of this?” Angus demanded sharply. He turned on them. “Are you suggesting there
is
a connection between that place and Rust?”
    The Lupines were now muttering among themselves in their language.
    Lucy leaned forward even though she couldn’t understand what they were saying.
    â€œWe don’t know about Rust,” said the man with the bear claws. He gave an apologetic look to Lucy. “But the forest there . . . it’s not good. If that man went to the Thumb, he’s dead.”
    Lucy couldn’t breathe. This was her fear, coiling inside her like a snake, all along. Now it had struck and she felt the shock, just as if a real viper had bitten her.
    Dead.
    She turned to Pete, her eyes brimming. “He’s not,” she said. “He’s not!”
    Pete’s mouth twisted and for a moment he looked stunned. “Naw. Course he isn’t,” he managed at last. But he sounded uncertain and Lucy was not reassured.
    Angus was off his stool and standing. “Shame on you, scaring a lady like that,” he said, scolding the Lupine man.
    Now the air was tense. And Lucy waited to see what the Lupines would do. But they were silent, making no apology. The staring contest stretched on.
    Angus shook his head as if washing his hands of the lot of them. Then he turned and offered Lucy his hand. Oh, the power in his hand! She took it gratefully, feeling somehow unable to move on her