Free 11th Hour Rose by Melissa Lynne Blue Page A

She remained absolutely still at Davy’s side, fingers curling into his arm. Had she seen the gleam in Brady’s eyes as well?
    “Davy, do you need a hand?”
    David slid a quick glance to the right. His younger brothers Craig and Jacob stood side by side, creating an intimidating wall.
    Brady’s eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists at his side. “You Rebs are all crazy. Ask a girl to dance and the whole Confederate Army rises up.”
    “Now see here, Brady!” Davy relinquished his hold on Lilly, striding forward with his brothers, fist balled and half-cocked. “You can either—”
    “Stop!” Lilly rushed between the men, arms held out, cheeks stained with embarrassment. The music whined to a halt and everyone in the crowded pavilion stared at the unfolding scene. “Stop this right now.” She backed away a few steps before whirling and marching off the dance floor. “Go back to dancing,” she called to the crowd. “There is nothing to see here.”
    Brady moved as though to follow her, but David stepped swiftly into his path, gaze narrow and unwavering. “Stay away from her,” Davy warned.
    Brady scowled, wrenching a mutinous glare from Davy to Craig and Jacob before he finally turned and stalked away.
    A low buzz hummed through the crowd. David ignored the attention, striding off the dance floor in the general direction Lilly had vacated. His brothers followed closely as a fiddle once more began to hum the waltz.
    “Sweet on the sheriff’s daughter,” Jacob quipped, clapping him on the shoulder. “What does old George have to say about that?”
    “Nothing.” Davy shrugged off Jacob’s hand. “There is nothing for the sheriff to comment on.”
    Jacob and Craig exchanged a disbelieving glance before roaring simultaneously with laughter. “Your near fisticuffs a moment ago would speak to the contrary.”
    “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Davy grumbled, tilting his hat further down his forehead.”
    “Oh, I think I do,” Craig replied jovially. “Truly though I am glad to see you taking an interest in the fairer sex.”
    “About damn time,” Jacob interjected, grinning from ear to ear.
    Davy ground his teeth, resisting the urge to slam a fist into his youngest brother’s mouth. “It’s really not what you think. And even if it was it doesn’t matter.”
    “Oh?”
    “My transfer request within the Marshal’s office has been approved. I’m going west.”
    Craig and Jacob fell instantly silent, all good humor draining from their faces.
    “With the railroad going through there is an increased need for Indian agents.” Davy shrugged, unsure what else to say. “It’s no different than when I went off to West Point , we all knew I’d be stationed away from home.”
    “I suppose.” Jacob sighed heavily, raking a hand through his blond hair. “That seems like a long time ago…” His voice trailed off. He lifted his gaze to Davy. “Pa isn’t going to like this.”
    Davy shrugged. “He doesn’t like anything that doesn’t involve us falling into his line.”
    “This is what you want?” Craig asked quietly. Only a year apart in age, Davy and Craig had always been close.
    “It is.”
    Craig nodded curtly though he did not look pleased. “Then I wish you luck. When do you leave?”
    “I’m not certain. Probably in a few weeks.” Davy would like to get the mess with the murders solved before taking up his new post.
    “Well, I know exactly when I’m leaving and where I’m going,” Jacob said, his tone considerably more upbeat and a mischievous twinkle lighting his eye. “There is a card game at Schooners and a redhead just waiting for me.”
    “Jesus,” Craig muttered. “You still haven’t paid me back for the last time you played cards.”
    “Which is why I need to play tonight. Recoup my losses.” Jacob glanced up to David. “Care to join me, Davy?”
    “I’d rather pluck off my own fingernails than piss my money away on cards. If you want my