Free Love's Story by Kristin; Dianne; Billerbeck Christner Page B

Thatcher Talbot cast her a look of censure. The only establishments on this street were a men’s haberdashery, a saloon, and a blacksmith shop.
    Meredith saw the irony. “Excuse me, Mr. Talbot.” She released herself from his grip. “I was just out for some exercise. I’d never been this way before, and…”
    â€œIt might not be the best proximity for a lady. The main streets would be safer.”
    â€œYes. I’ll remember that.” Her eyes darted to his companion.
    â€œMay I introduce you?”
    Meredith gave the brim of her hat a push so she could better see the stranger’s face.
    â€œMr. William Boon of Chicago, may I present Miss Meredith S. Mears.” Meredith felt the heat rise to her cheeks as Talbot overplayed her middle initial. “William is an old friend of mine, and Miss Mears is a reporter from New York City.”
    Meredith detected a glint of humor in William Boon’s eyes and had the distinct impression they were making sport of her. Nevertheless, she couldn’t miss this opportunity to snoop.
    â€œAre you travelling on business, then?”
    â€œNo ma’am. It’s personal.”
    Mr. Boon had a fair rectangular face, covered with freckles, and Meredith wondered what a few hours in the California sun would do to it.
    â€œI’m surprised you could get the day off at the camp, Mr. Talbot.”
    â€œIt wasn’t that hard. I just don’t get paid.”
    â€œWhich reminds me, I should get back to my work.”
    â€œHave a nice walk, Miss Mears.”
    â€œA pleasure meeting you.”
    â€œGentlemen.”
    Meredith’s feet could not get her away fast enough.
Of all the embarrassing things! What could that impossible man be up to? Was his city friend an accomplice?

    Once Meredith was out of sight, the two men chuckled. “You were right about her,” William said. “She was following you.”
    â€œNosy little thing, always probing.” Thatcher tried to put her out of his mind. “Let’s go have that breakfast.”
    Inside the café, the men ordered and received their meals. They fell into a comfortable conversation, and William caught Thatcher up on the news from the East.
    â€œAfter Colleen left, I moped around for several months. One day it hit me. I want her back, and I’m willing to fight for her. I was a lousy husband, but I’ll change if I can get her back.”
    Thatcher sympathized with his longtime friend whose wife had left him. When Thatcher had left Chicago, both he and his friend’s lives had been amuck.
    â€œI hope you can find her and forgive her.”
    â€œI’ve already forgiven her. Here…” William reached into his vest pocket and withdrew a small photograph of his wife. “I’d like you to have this. Perhaps it will help to locate her. Ask around whenever you get the chance. And here,” he said as he pulled out another small slip of paper. “This is my lawyer’s address. You can reach me through him.”
    Thatcher took the photograph and slip of paper. “She’s always been very beautiful.”
    â€œI wish I’d realized what I had before I ruined things between us.”
    â€œI’ll keep you in my prayers. You’ll find her.”
    William pushed back his empty plate. “What about you? How long are you going to keep running?”
    â€œUntil I can get the courage to go back and face Father.”
    â€œHe’ll probably never change his business manners without your influence. He’s only gotten worse with you gone.”
    â€œI just can’t handle his unethical, greedy, vindictive…” Thatcher’s voice trailed off into silence.
    â€œHe has one weakness in that mean façade.”
    â€œIt’s not a façade.”
    â€œHe loves you. He’s falling apart without you. He rationalizes all his actions. He’s meaner than ever since you’ve left, but