Free Flora's Wish by Kathleen Y'Barbo Page A

around to alleviate a cramp jabbing at her shoulder and fixed her eyes on the canopy of bright green leaves overhead. Lord, You are in control, not this overbearing fool. While I know I’m supposed to love all Your children, I just cannot imagine You meant him too.
    â€œWhat are you doing?”
    â€œI’m praying.”
    He flicked the reins and the horse picked up its pace. “While you’re at it, say a prayer for me.”
    â€œDon’t worry. I’ve already mentioned you.” Flora slid him a look. “Twice.”
    â€œI see.” He nodded toward the road. “We’re almost back to the hotel. I’m going to strike a deal with you. I’ll take off those handcuffs if you’ll promise not to run.”
    â€œBrimms do not run,” she said as the wheels bounced over another rut and she braced herself against the seat. “Except for office.”
    â€œRight.” He pulled back on the reins until the buggy came to a stop. Slowly he swiveled to look down at her. “And Pinkertons don’t run either. They shoot.”
    â€œThen neither of us has anything to worry about, do we? Now get these handcuffs off.” At his cross expression, she said, “Please?”
    He hauled her up onto the seat as if she weighed nothing and waited while she settled into place. When she held her hands out in his direction, he drew the key from his pocket. “Hold still now,” he said as he grasped her wrists.
    Flora did, but the horse did not as a hawk swooped nearby and caused the mare to jolt. The lawman fumbled with the key and then lost it on the floor. Retrieving the key while holding tightly to the reins took some time, but Mr. McMinn finally emerged victorious. This time, he quickly stabbed the key into place and released the lock on the cuff encircling her right hand.
    As the cold metal fell away, Flora flexed her wrist and offered up the other. “What?” she asked when he shook his head.
    â€œNo, I think I’ll wait on removing that one,” he said as he dropped the key into his vest pocket.
    â€œWait?” She shook her arm and felt the cuff’s weight against her skin. The other half of the contraption dangled free, its cold metal sliding against her palm until she grasped it with her fingers. “Stop joking and remove this at once. I’ve done what you asked.”
    â€œNo, not completely.” He settled back in his seat and set the horse in motion again. “I’ll remove the other handcuff when you hold up your end of the bargain. Until I get Tucker, you get to wear the cuff.”
    â€œOf all the nerve! I am completely trustworthy, and I resent the fact that you assume otherwise.”
    â€œTrustworthy?” His irritating chuckle made her want to pinch him. “If you recall, Miss Brimm, I first made your acquaintance behind a collection of potted plants. I was there on official business, but you? I believe we can agree you were not looking for a chessboard.” He held up his hand to prevent a response. “Then there was our little stroll on the fourth-floor ledge. And I can’t say as I would call a woman who waltzes across the dance floor and into an elevator with a stranger—”
    â€œI did not dance with you into the elevator, sir,” she said, her patience nearly at its end.
    â€œFair enough. But I have the key to those cuffs, and you’re the one who still needs to finish your part in this investigation. Find Tucker and I’ll take off the other one.”
    Apparently this was Mr. McMinn’s final word on the subject, for he turned his attention to the road ahead and did not spare Flora another glance. A few minutes later, the carriage rolled up the final hill, and the cedars and pines parted to allow the Crescent Hotel to come into view.
    Flora pulled her sleeve down over the cuff on her wrist and then reached for her reticule. The drawstring bag, if situated just right, would