Read Online Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo - Free Book Online Page A

you’re willing to marry him.” His eyes swept the length of her and then returned to meet her gaze. “You know very little about him. Just enough to become his wife but not enough to say for certain that he got that watch from his dead mama. Am I right?”
    â€œPlease understand you’ve said nothing to change my mind about my…that is, about Mr. Tucker. However, you are correct in your assertion that because it was a gift, I have no bill or receipt for the watch. And until its true owner can be determined, I would like you to remove it from my wrist and place it in the sheriff’s custody.”
    He certainly hadn’t expected that. This much she could tell from the way he covered what had to be surprise with a nod. “At least you’ve been honest about one thing.” He made quick work of releasing the clasp on the watch to slide it off her wrist. “I’ll be sure and note that in the report.” After dropping it into his pocket, he swiveled to face her. “Now there’s just one more thing you and I have to decide.”
    She tamped down on the urge to respond with sarcasm. Instead, she opted for charm school manners, the better to sooth the irritated beast. At least that was her hope.
    â€œAnd what might that be, Mr. McMinn?”
    â€œWill you help me catch this criminal, or should I deliver you over to the Eureka Springs sheriff and continue my investigation unassisted? I should warn you that I will be successful in either case.”
    â€œSuccessful in catching him or successful in finding him guilty?” Again she offered a demure look. “For the two are not mutually exclusive. And for the record, though you’ve convinced me of your identity as a Pinkerton agent, you have not yet convinced me of my fiancé’s identity as a criminal. Are we quite clear on this?”
    â€œFair enough, Miss Brimm. How about this? You point me in Tucker’s direction, and I’ll see that he gets a fair trial.”
    â€œAnd if I choose not to? Just so I know the full array of options available.”
    â€œIf you choose not to, I’ll turn you over to the sheriff and bring Tucker in without you.”
    â€œNot much of a choice, I suppose.” She gave the matter a moment’s thought. “All right, Mr. McMinn. But understand I will only help you find Mr. Tucker because I believe his innocence will be easily proven.” She ignored his expression of disagreement to gesture toward her reticule. “Might I post this letter before we return to the hotel?”
    Mr. McMinn pulled his watch from his pocket to consult the time. “I don’t suppose it will hurt to let you do that.”
    â€œThank you.” She lifted her hands. “Now, about these handcuffs?”
    He shook his head. “They’re staying right where I put them. I won’t have you running off before I’m ready to turn you loose.”
    â€œDon’t you think people will wonder why I am riding around with a stranger wearing these?” She tried not to smile at the man’s obvious irritation. “I would think a man who is conducting an investigation might not want to attract too much attention. Of course,” she added sweetly, “I’m just a novice, so perhaps I’m wrong…”
    â€œAll right,” he said sharply. “No need for sarcasm. I see your point.” He paused only a moment before shedding his suit jacket and draping it across her lap. “There,” he said with a grin. “All fixed. Just be careful not to make any sudden moves. You never know what I have in my pockets.”
    Thinking of the odd spectacles and the things she had noticed last night, she had to wonder.
    Still, her reputation would remain safely guarded and her letter would be posted. As he set the buggy in motion again, Flora resigned herself to a partial victory.
    As they neared the bustling downtown area of Eureka Springs, she