Read Online Shadow of Deceit (Shadow #2) by Barbara Goss - Free Book Online

clean-shaven man laughed, “C’mon, give the Killer a little something for having to wait so long to get the money.”
    “I told you,” Julia said, “that’s all the money I have.”
    “Maybe it ain’t money I want.” He looked her over from head to toe.  “Yer a mighty fine lookin’ woman.  Mayhap we can do some personal dealin.’” He winked.
    “Sorry, I’m betrothed.”  Julia turned and ran out of the saloon, jumped onto the horse and sped towards Victoria. 
    Several times as she galloped away she thought she heard another horse or horses behind her, so she nudged her horse faster.  It was a cloudy night and extremely dark.  Alone and shaking with trepidation, she galloped faster, although it was hard to see in the dark. She was sure someone followed her.
    She dug her heels into the horse, and flew at a pace she’d never ridden before.  She tried to swallow but the lump in her throat prevented it, and she heard the noise of fear in her ears due to the blood rushing through the small veins.  The wind whipped at her face and hair, she couldn’t see where she was going, and she hoped the horse knew its way.  Her heart beat faster than it ever had.
    She peered behind her but could see nothing in the dark.  What if she couldn’t outrun them? She knew she was far enough ahead of anyone who might be chasing her, because she couldn’t hear anything coming behind her.  This caused her to urge the horse even faster.
    She could not see the trail.  Her only hope was that the horse knew its way home.   She just held onto the reins.  The sensation of moving so fast and not be able to see a thing, was scary.  If a branch were sticking out, it would smack her in the face.  After thinking about that happening she ducked lower on the horse, which caused her to loosen her hold on the reins.  It mattered little to her that she didn’t hold the reins tightly, because her horse ran independently, anyway.
    Julia sensed by how long she’d ridden that she must be close to Victoria, when without any notice, her horse tripped over something, and she went flying through the air.
     

     
    Caleb received another letter from the mail order ad.  He threw it with the others.  He walked out to his crafting shop and began working on the table for Jonas and Ivy.  He’d just finished the final coat of shellac when he heard someone ride in.  He stuck his head out of the doorway and was shocked to see Violet.
    “Violet!” he called. 
    She was just sliding off her horse. 
    “Hi Caleb,” she replied.  She walked over to his crafting shop and peeked in.  “Is that the table for Ivy and Jonas?  It’s gorgeous.”
    “Do you think they’ll like it?”
    “I do.  I know just where they’ll place it, right in front of the sitting room window with a lamp or something on it,” she said.  “Is it still wet?  I’m moved to touch it.”
    “Don’t touch it, I just put on the final coat of shellac.”
    “And what’s this?” she asked pointing at the half-finished toy for Zoe.
    “It’s a toy for Zoe,”
    “I just love Zoe.  She calls me Auntie Vi.”
    Caleb couldn’t imagine why she was visiting.  She never had before.  His face must have shown his curiosity. 
    “I’m here for a reason, of course.  I want to help you go through those mail order letters.  I’ll help you judge the people,” she said.
    Caleb really didn’t want to even open the letters.  He’d had such a disappointment with Julia he was afraid to get involved with anyone.  But, she’d come out here all on her own just to help him, how could he refuse?
    “Let’s go,” he said, leading her to the house.  He introduced her to Elsie who was making lunch. 
    “Nice to meet you Violet, please stay for lunch.  I’ve made too much again.”
    “Thank you,” Violet said, “I’d love to.”
    “I can’t get used to cooking for one person.  I had 9 children,” she said.  “I’ll call you when it’s ready.”
    Caleb led