Free Stained Snow by Fallon Brown Page B

Maggie.”
    “Still, I should finish my chores.”
    “Right.”
    She turned away even though his dark eyes remained on her. She collected all the eggs in her basket and stepped outside again. Once more, she found herself looking west. Still no rider visible in the distance.
    Why did she torture herself like this? She turned toward the bunkhouse to deliver half of the eggs and stopped at the sight of Adam standing there. Again or still? It didn’t matter. His eyes darkened, like clouds preceding a summer storm, rolling in fast and heavy.
    She drew in a deep breath but kept walking. She didn’t know what his problem was, but it didn’t matter. She had things to do.
    He snagged her arm as she walked past him. “Maggie, you need to stop.”
    “Stop what?” She wouldn’t meet his eyes. “I’m only trying to finish my chores.”
    “You’re waiting for him.” He spit out the last word like a piece of rancid meat. “He’s not coming back.”
    Her face paled. She hadn’t thought she’d been so obvious. “What are you talking about?”
    “You know, but fine, go on. You’ll waste away to nothing before he rides back. He doesn’t love you, Maggie. That man loves no one but himself.”
    He muttered something else, but Maggie doubted she’d understand it even if the words had been clearer. It was in the language of his mother’s people. She turned away from him and walked up to the house. What had gotten in to him? Whatever it was, she wasn’t so sure she liked it.
    She wasn’t ready to give up hope Thomas would keep his promise. No matter what anyone else said.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 11
     
    Latham, Wyoming Territory
    November 2, 1887
     
    It took William nearly two days to reach Rawlins. He made it to South Pass, the easiest way through the Sweetwater Mountains without going all the way around to where the North Platte River cut through. Nobody had seen Thomas in a week.
    He went west from there, following the railroad tracks. Every town William stopped in, someone had seen Thomas. Some had good things to say about Thomas. Others stated he’d stolen something from them. Even a horse in one of the small towns along the way. The rest wouldn’t say a word to him.
    He’d been on the trail for nearly two weeks and had started to give up hope he’d ever find his brother. Every town William came to, there was less time between them.
    He pushed on.
    He rode into the town of Latham after passing through the mountains. It wasn’t a large town, but the railroad towns had plenty of saloons and houses of pleasure to cater to the rougher elements. William had never been much of a drinker, but the saloon was the best place to listen for news. He wasn’t sure how long he would be able to keep up the pretense of drinking while listening for information, so he hoped it wouldn’t take long.
    He stepped into the saloon and let his gaze scan the room before he headed over to the bar. In that quick glance, he had taken in who sat at each of the tables. William leaned against the bar and signaled the bartender.
    When the other man approached he ordered a beer and put his coins on the bar top. He turned to face the room while he waited for it. Looking out at the other patrons didn’t give him any more information. He didn’t know any of them. Didn’t know if any of them were friends with Thomas, or even friendly with him. He didn’t even know who would be the best to approach for information.
    The bartender slid the beer across the bar to him. William caught it but held a hand out to stop the bartender from leaving. “I’m looking for someone,” he said.
    “There’s lots of someones here. Why don’t you go pick one of them?”
    “Not one of them. I’m looking for someone particular.” William glanced behind him. If he wanted to learn anything, he would have to take a risk. He turned back to the bartender.
    “His name’s Thomas Jensen.”
    William knew in an instant the bartender wasn’t the only one