Read Online To Know Her by Name by Lori Wick - Free Book Online Page A

MCKAY HARRINGTON
STOP WAS HEADED INTO HILLS STOP TROUBLE
HAS BEEN REPORTED STOP ANY INFORMATION
YOU CAN SUPPLY CONCERNING THIS
MATTER WOULD BE APPRECIATED STOP
CARLYLE CRAWFORD, DENVER, COLO.
    â€œDid I tell you about Carlyle?” McKay asked.
    â€œI think so. You work for him.”
    â€œYes. One of the men who lives and prospects up here sent word for me. I was hoping to be on my feet by now, but Callie tells me I lost a lot of blood.”
    â€œCallie?”
    â€œYou must call her Pup.”
    Both men turned to look at the woman who was working just five yards away, but she never looked up or even appeared to be aware of them.
    Travis looked back at McKay. “Do you want me to try to help you ride out of here?”
    Regret passed over McKay’s face. “I would love to get back to town, but I know I’d never make it. A few more days and I’ll try it on my own, but not today.”
    â€œIn that case, what message do you want sent to Carlyle Crawford?”
    â€œTell him I’m all right and will send word as soon as I’m back in Boulder.”
    â€œAll right,” Travis agreed, but then looked concerned. “Can you tell me what happened up here?”
    McKay nodded and briefly filled him in. He ended by saying, “I woke up in the bedroom right there,” McKay pointed to the door. “And until last week I wasn’t really aware of anything.”
    â€œThis happened on what day?”
    â€œThe Tuesday after I met you.”
    Travis nodded again. “I’ve brought some extra supplies if you can use them. Is there anything else you need?”
    â€œJust your prayers,” McKay said softly. “I’ve never been so weak before, and it’s hard to be patient.”
    â€œI think I understand. Listen, if you need to see me when you get back to Boulder, don’t hesitate to stop in.”
    â€œI’m not sure I’ll have time, but I won’t forget your offer,” McKay assured him.
    â€œI’m going to head out and hopefully get home tonight,” Travis went on. “I’ll go for my horse and the supplies, but I’ll come back in and say goodbye.”
    Travis slipped out then, returning with several food items and some wrapped bandages that he laid on the table. He then spoke to his hostess. “I’ll just leave these with you, Pup.”
    â€œAll right,” she agreed. “Thank you.”
    â€œIs there anything else you need right now?” He was still talking to Pup.
    â€œI’m in good shape for a few weeks. Thank you.”
    â€œMy pleasure.”
    Travis turned to the injured man, and McKay put out his hand. They shook and Travis said goodbye. He would have said the same to Pup, but she stopped him.
    â€œDo you know the circle pines, Travis?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œIf it were me, and I didn’t hit the pines by dark, I’d stay on the mountain tonight.”
    â€œThanks, Pup. I’ll remember that.”
    â€œDid your wife have her baby?” she asked unexpectedly.
    â€œNot yet. Another two months or so. She’s the reason I want to get back.”
    â€œI can understand that,” Pup told him and watched as he looked at her. She saw the pity in his eyes but was used to either that or scorn from the people in Boulder. At least with Travis she knew he meant well. A moment later he said his final goodbyes to Pup and McKay and took his leave.
    Pup, who had gone on with her work, had nothing to say when he left; McKay was quiet as well. He never dreamed that Carlyle would contact Buchanan, but right now he was very thankful for both men.

8
    McKay made himself get up every morning and dress as best he could in the clean clothing Pup always had ready for him. He had yet to make it past the front porch, but he could feel the progress, the slow healing of his body. It had nearly killed him not to return to Boulder with Travis, but he’d been honest when he said he