Free Born of Treasure (Treasure Chronicles Book 2) by Jordan Elizabeth Page A

Clark. Do not let Clark near him until I return with news. J.
    The “J” would have to stand for Jeremiah, the son who had gone traveling with the family friend. Captain Greenwood stuffed the paper into his pocket. What could Jeremiah have discovered about Clark’s past? The family seemed oblivious—Clark must not have told them.
    “What is this?” Georgette fled from the parlor, one hand to her mouth. “Blooming gears. What happened?”
    “This slave accosted me.” Captain Greenwood wrinkled his nose. “Control your slaves, madam. If the government learns you’ve been too lenient, you will lose your permit to own them and they will be placed in hard labor where they belong.”
    He stormed toward the kitchen for a glass of bourbon, leaving her to fawn over the pathetic Bromi.Those slaves would never tell on the captain—the pathetic beasts were too afraid to have that gumption.
    Fools, all of them. He couldn’t wait until Clark Treasure returned home to the trap.



lark leaned against the side of the steamcoach interior and stretched one leg across the cushion. Amethyst settled into his lap, her head tucked between his shoulder and neck. Sleep breaths emerged from her mouth, her chest rising in rhythm.
    He rubbed her back as he watched the countryside pass by outside the window in the door. That tree with the hole in the center where a raccoon lived… that maple with the birdhouse Georgette had designed and Jeremiah had constructed… the strawberry patch in which Georgette said they had picking parties every year… it all felt familiar. Clark touched his lips to the top of Amethyst’s head. Not since his childhood in Tangled Wire had he felt as though he belonged somewhere.
    He and Amethyst might have been traveling, and he might have his father’s house in Hedlund City, but he recognized these sights. He didn’t have to feel as though he were being driven away, never to come back. The Treasures had welcomed him, offered him a place in their home.
    He belonged at their ranch more than he’d ever done in Tangled Wire. They gave him chores, the ranch hands respected him—they never spoke to him in a condescending way, as he’d been spoken to when he’d worked odd jobs around the state. Back in Tangled Wire, he’d known he only had a home because his mother worked. If she couldn’t attract customers, or the saloon closed, they’d have to go elsewhere.
    Amethyst lolled her head against him and he tightened his arm around her to keep her from slipping to the floor. They would have to find an appropriate time to tell her family the truth: the serum, the ability to communicate with ghosts, helping his father find the inventions.
    The marriage.
    He kissed her head again. He hadn’t meant to lie to them. If Eric hadn’t shown up, Clark would still think as they did.
    The Treasure steamcoach pulled into the circle around the house. He shook her shoulder. “Sweetheart, we’re here.”
    “You feel so good,” she mumbled.
    He chuckled. “I’m glad I make a good pillow.” He pushed her upright and straightened her jacket. She kissed his lips fast before opening the door and jumping out, her bustle bouncing.
    “I’m
home
.” She stretched her arms. “Who missed me the most?”
    Georgette rose from her perch on the porch. “Welcome back.”
    “Where is everyone?” Amethyst pressed her hands to her hips.
    “We’re preparing for the Hedlund Day celebration.” Georgette sashayed down the steps. “I trust you had a nice journey.”
    Something in her stiffness didn’t ring true. Something irritated her. Clark hopped down behind Amethyst.
    “I thought you were a proper young lady,” he joked. “You’re supposed to be helped out of your coach.”
    Georgette pursed her lips. She should’ve laughed. Amethyst swatted his arm.
    “Clark told me about Hedlund Day,” she said. “You’ve never invited me before.”
    “You wouldn’t have come.” Georgette glanced toward the barn. “I suppose we can