Read Online Lilac Temptress by Elizabeth Davis - Free Book Online

the
direction of the brothel.
    “ Ready to ride out, Drake?”
Girard called, mounting his horse.
    “ I’m not leaving,” Drake
whispered, almost inaudibly.
    “ Pardon me? I don’t think
I’m hearing you correctly,” Girard challenged, raising his left
brow.
    “ I said I’m not leaving.”
Drake did not like having to repeat himself. He knew damn well that
Girard had heard him the first time.
    “ Comrades, we’ve got to
make good use of morning hours,” one of the men called
out.
    Girard glanced from the men to Drake.
“Drake, I’m tired—worn out. We’ve been on the road for too long
now, and I’m ready to return home. So, do me a favor. Get on that
miserable beast, and let’s get moving!”
    “ Girard, I understand how
you feel, but I’m not going to let this opportunity slip away just
because we’re both homesick. Go without me. I’m staying for a
while,” Drake said, determined. “I know I can convince William
Hunter. He hasn’t even seen the offer—when you get to New Iberia,
see that the buyers are ready for this place.”
    Girard grunted, “Morgan won’t be
dissatisfied. We have the deeds of the property needed from two
other towns that he asked us to secure. Jadesville is the least of
importance. We’ve done what we can. Besides, our families are
expecting us back home,” Girard complained, twisting his face into
a scowl. “Let me help you recall what William Hunter said last
night. People around here don’t want their way of life being
disturbed by a railroad,” Girard continued to argue.
    “ I’m sure he is one of few
in this town who has problems with the railroad,” Drake countered.
“Listen to me for a minute. William Hunter won’t have a choice, but
to sell eventually. This is a very lucrative deal. If we negotiate
this sell, think of how the railroad will affect the quality of
life in this region. It will help many.”
    Drake saw the agitation in
Girard’s face. “I agree with you that the dispute of the land will
eventually drive him out. But tradesmen need this line, now ,” Drake voiced
emphatically.
    Girard knew that his argument was a
lost cause when pitted against Drake’s humanitarian principles.
Defeated, he decided to try a new angle. “You run a risk staying
here any longer. Traveling is unsafe. We need to leave this town
now. Is this transaction really worth it? I’ve been asking myself
this question since leaving Opelousas.”
    Drake and Girard heard the travelers
calling again. “Come on, fellows. We best leave now if we’re going
to reach New Iberia before dark.”
    “ Just do this for me, I beg
you,” Drake pleaded.
    Drake wasn’t the type to give up a
challenge, and he knew that Girard didn’t actually expect any less
from him.
    Girard, recognizing the futility of
trying to change his friend’s mind, finally conceded. “You are
incorrigible. I don’t know what the hell you think you are doing by
staying here, but I’ll get word to you before the week is out. Get
some sleep would you?”
    “ Much appreciated, friend.”
Drake grinned.
    Girard frowned, barely waving a so
long as he mounted his horse, and road off with the other
men.
    Even though Drake was fatigued from
his restless night, sleep would have to wait. He had too much to do
before the day was over.
    First he reserved his room at Casa
Bayou Inn for another week. After drinking too much black coffee,
and eating the bread and ham Girard had prepared for him, he asked
the desk clerk where he could find a map of Jadesville in order to
scout the town, then headed out.
    He walked a mile or so up the dirt
road. A few people passed him by, greeting him, while others simply
walked onward without taking notice. Finally, he reached a small
shabby wooden building with a sign that read, “The River Market” at
the entrance.
    The store was a mix of survival gear.
Hunting rifles hung against one wall, while canned and dried foods,
and animal feed were stacked against another. Drake