Free Silverton: Claims On The Heart by Karen Cogan Page B

reference.
    Martin’s expression was pinched as if Collin had said something offensive.
    The tension between them vibrated, crouching between the two men, an evil that sought to devour whoever was weaker. They needed to put away their resentment towards each other.
    Martin fingered his glass. “I don’t think the upstanding citizens have ever had anything to fear. It’s the rabble who carouse in the alleys who get themselves killed.”
    “With no help from the upstanding citizens, of course.” Collin spat the words as though they were poison.
    “I don’t know why you’re arguing, but I’ve had enough,” Kathleen said. “You can either come on a tour of the house with me, or you can both leave. You were so busy helping with the furniture, Collin, that I don’t think you had a chance to appreciate your work.”
    Both men became quiet. They helped her carry the glasses into the kitchen where they began the tour. They got back to the parlor just as Papa arrived home for lunch.
    “I brought some bread and cheese since I knew you wouldn’t have time to cook,” he told Kathleen. Taking in the two men, he said, “I didn’t realize we’d have company.”
    “I’m not staying,” Collin said. “I have afternoon chores to do.”
    Martin took his bowler off of the hat rack beside the door. “I have to be going, too. I have to check on my mill.”
    They each lingered a moment.
    I’ll see you tomorrow,” Collin finally said to Kathleen. “Looks like the weather will be perfect for a picnic.”
    Was he deliberately antagonizing Martin? Why couldn’t he simply have gone away without mentioning their plans?
    Both men walked out to the street and headed towards town.
    Kathleen shut the door and sighed heavily.
    Her father stood there regarding her with a frown. “I don’t know why you let that McAllister hang around. Are you trying to make Martin jealous? I don’t think it’s a very charitable thing to do if you are. He’s already made it plain that he likes you.”
    “I’m not trying to make anyone jealous. I didn’t plan on having them here together. Martin showed up uninvited.”
    Papa set their lunch on the dining table. “I’m sure he came by to see if he could help.”
    “Collin had already volunteered to help. Martin just made it awkward.”
    “I just hope you don’t regret the way you’re behaving some day. You could wind up with either a solid business man or some romantic gad-about who never settles down. You worry me, Kathleen.”
    She patted her father’s hand. “Don’t worry about me. When I fall in love it will be with someone who is as responsible as you’ve always been.” She hoped she was telling the truth, because Collin McAllister had already captured a small part of her heart.
     
    
     
    Outside, Martin paused to face Collin as they walked. “You’re a fool, McAllister. You’re reaching for something you’ll never get. Kathleen may toy with you, but you’ll lose in the end.”
    Collin fixed Martin with a narrowed gaze. “Isn’t that for Kathleen to decide? Or do you intend to send more of your henchmen to scare me away?”
    Martin glared, his expression filled with contempt. “If you were smart there’d be no need to warn you. You’d keep to your place in the mine with the other rats.”
    Collin balled his fists. He longed to challenge Martin here in the daylight without his hired hooligans. Collin’s stocky build and muscles were strengthened by hard work, and his fists trained by hired masters, so he had no doubt about being the victor. Yet, he didn’t dare give way to his urge. They were too close to Kathleen’s house. If Martin twisted the story, Collin knew he could easily get the blame.
    She might change her mind about the picnic. And even the satisfaction of thrashing Martin wouldn’t make up for the disappointment. He clenched his jaw and strode away.
    Martin called after him. “You keep away from her, you hear? You’ll be sorry if you