Read Online Sweetwater (Birdsong Series) by Alice Addy - Free Book Online Page A

clothing was
still there. He sighed with relief. At the very least, she had not planned to
stay away for any length of time. But where did she go?
    Running down the stairs, he got the attention of the three
women, conferring behind the front desk. They all looked up with inquisitive
faces.
    “Emmie’s gone,” he announced. “She didn’t sleep here, last
night. Where would she have gone and why would she leave without telling
anyone?” Panic was starting to set in. The longer she was away, the greater
her chance of coming to some physical harm. “I’ve got to find her.”
    Dora, always the voice of reason, spoke firmly. “Blake.
Sit down!” She pointed to the settee. She could be quite stern, when needed,
and now was one of those times when it was required. “You’ll sit there ‘til
you calm down, ya’ hear? You’re not goin’ to find her, runnin’ off half-cocked
like that. I’ll ask Whiskey to nose around town. Somebody’s bound to have
seen her. Everyone knows her on sight. She can’t hide for long. I think she
probably just wanted to think about things. A woman has to do that, from time
to time. You need to see if you can find those two varmints from the Dollar.
Ask them what they’re doin’ in town and when they plan to leave. Don’t mention
Emily! No need to give them an advantage. She might not want them to know it
was her, they saw.” With her arms folded across her chest, she tapped her foot
silently, on the soft rug. “Doc, you better now?”
    He nodded. “You’re right, Dora. I’d be much obliged if you
could get Whiskey going. I’m really frightened for her.” His eyes were red
and she noticed his strong hands were trembling.
    Dora walked over and put her big arms around his shoulders,
burying his head in her ample bosom. “You’re a good boy, Doc. Everything will
work out,” she said, patting him on the back.
    Blake gasped for air, as the kind woman released her hold on
him. “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.”
    He got to his feet and smiled reassuringly. “I’m all right
now. I’ll find those two miserable cowards and make them pay for upsetting
Emmie. Then I’ll bring her home.” He left, leaving the doors wide open.
    Dora had no doubt he’d do just as he’d sworn to do. The
resolute look in his eyes said everything. It would be foolhardy to get in his
way. “Go get her, Doc,” she whispered.
    * * *
    The sun was high in the sky when Emily finally opened her
eyes. She stretched her arms high above her head and wriggled down into the
soft, warm covers. It was pure heaven, lying there, looking up at the beamed
ceiling above the big brass bed, upon which she had slept the night away.
Shafts of warm, golden sunshine streamed in through the floor to ceiling window
and darted through the charming room, lighting every corner. Tiny dust motes
danced in the soft breeze.
    Everywhere she looked, she discovered a treasure so unique,
and of obvious importance to the owners of this cottage. Items appeared to be
handcrafted with love and much expertise. The sheets were well made and
embroidered with monograms and flowers—masculine in design, with just a
touch of feminine whimsy for softness. Romance was all about her. It was a
cottage filled with the memories of a great love. If only the house could speak , she mused.
    Stretching, once again, Emily sat up and slowly threw off
the coverlet. She decided to spend the day dusting. She’d dust and polish
every surface in her cottage. It would soon shine with the love she had for
it. Emily decided that she would stay here, on her farm, until the sheriff
came to arrest her. She would not willingly leave of her own accord. Her eyes
darted to the corner of the room, just beside the door. Whiskey’s loaded
shotgun rested securely against the wall. It gave her confidence, knowing she
would not be totally defenseless if someone should come around . . . if he should come around.
    Dressed only in her nightgown, Emily walked to the