Free A Good Man for Katie by Marie Patrick Page B

he’s no good. He’s a gunfighter, for crying out loud.”
    Kathryne studied Emeline’s expression and realized the words coming from her mouth didn’t match the look in her eyes—as if the woman she’d known all her life knew more than she told. “What? I’m just—”
    “I know what you’re doing and I know what you’re thinking.” She sighed and threw her hands up in the air. “You’re hopeless, Kate. An attractive man and you forget everything. Just remember, my reputation is—”
    “Ladies, I could use a little help.” Chase interrupted the heated words and part of the trunk came into view through the opening in the ceiling.
    Both Kathryne and Emeline caught the end of the trunk as Chase lowered it from the attic. They brought it all the way to floor and pushed it out of the way against the wall.
    “Thank you so much for your time and your help, Mr. Hunter.” Her voice rather stiff and formal, Emeline waited for Chase to jump to the floor, but barely. “I think we can handle anything else that needs to be done.”
    Chase stiffened, the smile on his lips disappeared. His gray eyes glittered dangerously as he gave a mock salute, brushed past them and strode out the door without a word.
    “Emy!” Kathryne exclaimed. “That wasn’t—”
    “It’s for your own good, Kate. You’ll thank me later.”
    Emeline pinned her with blue eyes that glittered just as dangerously as Chase’s had.
    A lump rose to Kathryne’s throat. “You’ve changed since you moved away from Washington, Emy.” She hitched up her skirts and ran outside, prepared to apologize to him for Emeline’s uncharacteristic malice, but too late. Only Walter remained in the yard, his small hand raised in farewell.

Chapter Six
    Dear Mother and Father.
    The salutation, the only words written on the paper in front of her, remained as far as she’d gotten after attempting to write the letter several times. There were so many things to tell them and yet, Kathryne couldn’t make the words flow.
    She knew she owed it to her parents to let them know her plans had changed and why she’d chosen a new life in Crystal Springs rather than Sacramento. Her mother would understand. Her father would not.
    As the sun’s rays flowed through the window and warmed her, she glanced at the clock and realized there was still another hour before school started for the day. She dipped her pen into the inkwell, took a deep breath, and tried once more.
    By now you must realize , she wrote and let the air escape her lungs in a long sigh. She crossed out the words and started again. Please don’t be angry with me.
    “This isn’t the way to tell them, Kate,” she murmured aloud. “Be strong. Be decisive. Be brave, for heaven’s sake. What’s the worst that could happen?”
    But she knew what could happen. General Galen O’Rourke could send the U.S. Cavalry after her. Worse, he could embark on the long trip across country and bring her home himself. Kathryne shuddered at the possibility.
    She looked out the bay window above her desk, and gazed at the little town she’d begun to call home. In the short time she’d been here, she’d met almost every one and, for the most part, liked them immensely.
    She rose from the desk and wandered to the kitchen, her mind full of jumbled words she needed to put into order.
    She unwrapped the paper from a long loaf of bread she’d bought yesterday from Stagmaier’s Bakery and sliced off the heel. The crisp, flaky crust and soft, white center made her mouth water. She smeared butter on it, poured herself a cup of coffee, added some canned milk and sugar then wandered back into the parlor.
    She made herself comfortable at the desk, and studied the children beginning to gather in the small yard beside the school. She loved teaching, loved these children. From the youngest, Walter, to the oldest, Joe Rawlins, each and every one of them were precious in her eyes and hungry for knowledge. A smile crossed her lips as she