Read Online Spoiled Evelyn (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 4) by Carré White - Free Book Online Page A

a man following me. He’s been following me all morning. I hardly know what to do.”
    “Who is he?”
    “I can only assume someone Joseph or my father hired.”
    She eyed Mr. Brittle. “And this person is aware of our situation?”
    “Yes, I told him. Mrs. Hershey said I should hire someone to watch over me. I suppose he’ll do. He’s without employment at the moment. I’m saving him from drunkenness, apparently.” I teased Chuck on purpose, wondering if he would respond to the barb.
    Laugher resounded. “You needn’t bother on that score. I only drink when I’m bored. I have a feeling you’ll keep me plenty occupied.” He strolled to the window, moving the drapes aside. “Your shadow’s across the street now.”
    Alarmed, I joined him, noticing the stranger standing on the boardwalk. He spoke with another man. “Who’s with him?”
    “Looks like a sheriff’s deputy. I believe that’s Spencer Harding. Nice fella, but he’s a lousy card player.”
    “Why would he be speaking to a deputy?”
    “I’ll go down and loiter. I know Spencer rather well. I should find somethin’ out. Just sit tight, darlin’.” He strode from the room, the door closing behind him.
    “Why on earth did you tell him your secret?” Tory joined me at the window.
    “Because I’ve no choice. This person’s following me. I feel trouble coming. It’s not good, Tory. I think something is going to happen today.”
    “You should’ve married Percy. How was lunch?”
    “It was fine, except I worried the entire time about this stranger person.” I observed Chuck then, crossing the street in a leisurely fashion. “There’s Mr. Brittle.”
    “And about Mr. Brittle. Who is he? Why would you divulge secrets to him? What if he leads them straight to you?”
    “I’m sure whoever hired that man knows exactly where I am now.”
    Chuck had gone to the other side of the boardwalk, standing behind the men and appearing to idle like so many of the cowboys in town. We waited for nearly ten minutes, before the stranger left, heading away from the man he had been speaking to. Chuck then took that opportunity to speak with the Sheriff’s deputy.
    “Now we’ll find out what’s happening.” They weren’t in discussion long before Mr. Brittle turned towards the street, crossing before a wagon. He disappeared from view then, as he entered the hotel. “He’s coming back.”
    “Will he be in this room now or what will happen? If he’s watching over you, where will he stay?”
    “I don’t know, but I need protection.”
    “You should tell Percy. You should marry him.”
    “I can’t marry him.” A knock sounded on the door. “Oh! That’s him.” I hurried over, pulling at the knob. “What happened?”
    Mr. Brittle entered the room. “Well, that was interesting.” He glanced at me. “You, my dear, are apparently a fugitive from justice. You’re wanted by the law for embezzlement, extortion, and forgery.” He stood with his hands on his hips. “I’m impressed.”
    I gasped. “That’s not true! That’s an outright lie!”
    “They’re waiting until evening to apprehend you.”
    My mouth fell open. “You can’t be serious. This has to be some sort of error. I’ve never committed a crime in my life. Running away isn’t a crime.”
    “Well, it’s what they’re gonna get you for. I believe you, Evie, I do, but it makes little difference. I remember when Lola Kelly was with us. She married Jack, and her stepfather still came for her. He had the sheriff with him as well. They said the marriage wasn’t legal, because she had used a fake last name. The stepfather had guardianship over her, and the sheriff let him take her away.”
    My hand went to my mouth. “If that happens to me, my life’s over.”
    He smiled, which was exasperating. “How come? Is that fancy fiancé of yours that bad? Most women would give their eye teeth to be kept in a mansion with servants aplenty.”
    “I don’t want that!” I cried