Forsaken Canyon. Margaret Daley

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СКАЧАТЬ you’re worried about him, too?”

      “Yes, and he won’t let me help. He’s turned away from the Lord.”

      “It’s sad how some people feel they have to wade through their problems by themselves. No one has to do that.” She remembered in the parking lot, before he’d driven away, the glimpse of hurt in his dark eyes that she instinctively knew he would deny.

      “The Lord is always there for a person if he or she will only turn to Him.”

      “True, and something I’m glad I’ve done.” Kit checked her watch. “I have a class in an hour and still have to look over my notes.” Rising, she gathered up the books before her.

      Zach came to his feet. “What are you going to do now about going to the canyon?”

      “Find another guide. Because after looking over a map of the area, I know I can’t do it alone. You wouldn’t happen to know anyone else who could do the job?”

      “Not like Hawke. Sorry.”

      “I’ll find someone. I’m not going to let this stop me.”

      “I didn’t think it would, but be careful. That’s rough, isolated country.”

      “First your cousin warns me and now you. It’s just another canyon, not some evil place.”

      “I agree places aren’t evil, but people are. Be careful who you tell you’re looking for the Lost City of Gold. With Hawke you can be up front, but with others you shouldn’t.”

      Kit chuckled. “Zach Collier, I appreciate your concern, but I’ve been on my own now for a while. I know how to take care of myself.” She’d had to learn how to do that because there was no way she would ever become involved with another man. After Gregory’s murder, she’d decided she would have to be satisfied with being single. That was when she had come to the conclusion her career would be her life.

      He raised his hands, palms out. “My wife would be furious if I didn’t warn you.”

      “Tell Maggie hi for me, and let her know I’ll call her soon. See you.” She carried the stack of books to the counter.

      “Kit, did you find everything you were looking for today?” Samuel White, the research librarian who was always such a big help to her, pushed the books to the side.

      “Yes and no. There’s a part missing, but I haven’t figured out what yet. Just as soon as I do, I’ll have you do a search for me in the network. I know we don’t have it here.”

      “Just let me know, and I’ll find what you need.”

      “Thanks.”

      Another quick glance at her watch told her she would be late if she didn’t hurry. However, outside she couldn’t resist pausing for a few seconds and scanning the campus. A beautiful day. The bright sunlight lifted her spirits after the conversation with Zach, as though the Lord had orchestrated it just for her.

      Multicolored flowers bloomed in the gardens that greeted the students as they entered the library. Tall maple trees lined the long walk that led to its main entrance, offering a person a cool reprieve from the heat. She wished she had time to enjoy the perfect spring day, but she quickly headed toward the history building, not far from the library.

      Zach hadn’t given her much hope of convincing Hawke to be her guide, so she was left with only one option: to find another one. After class she had some thinking and planning to do.

      When she arrived at her office, she found Dr. Wes Stanford waiting by her door. “Good morning.”

      He smiled, his white teeth standing out against his tanned face. “I saw you from my window coming into the building. I thought this would be a good time for me to get that article you wanted me to read.”

      “Let me find it.” She unlocked her door and entered. “I brought it from home a few days ago after we talked about it.” She rummaged through the piles on her desk and discovered the copy at the bottom of one of them.

      “I’m always amazed at your resources.” Wes took it from her outstretched hand.

      Shrugging, she stepped back to allow more space between them. “I love researching and collect everything I can get my hands on that has to do with history, especially early-American history, before we were a country.”

      “I’d like to take you to lunch as a way of thanking you for all your help. How about after your ten-o’clock class today?”

      “You don’t have to do that, Wes. I’m glad to help you any way I can.” She leaned back against her desk, aware of her notes that she wanted to read over sitting behind her just waiting for her. But Wes was a friend and the newest history professor on staff. “After all, I’ve got a vested interest in your career since I was your graduate advisor. It’s good to see how well you’re doing.”

      “After that, I think I should scratch lunch plans and take you to dinner instead.” Wes moved closer.

      Sweat glazed her forehead and upper lip. He’d invaded her personal space, although there was at least a foot between them. But with the desk behind her, she had little room to maneuver away. She offered him a trembling smile. “I wish I could, but I’m swamped right now. Maybe another time.”

      “Sure.” He backed up, his grin wavering for a few seconds before he reinforced it.

      Kit inhaled a deep breath and relaxed her grip on the edge of her desk. When he left, she slipped into the chair nearby, her legs weak. Why hadn’t she seen his interest before? Maybe she was jumping to the wrong conclusion, and it was only appreciation for what she’d helped him with during the three years of their close association, first as a graduate student and now as a professor.

      She liked Wes; she saw the same appreciation for history as she had, but that was all she would ever feel toward any man—friendship. Discovering Gregory’s betrayal on top of dealing with his murder had nearly sent her over the edge. The Lord and her friends had managed to hold her together, but she didn’t want to go through that kind of loss ever again.

      She caught sight of her notes on her desk and stood. She still needed to reread them before her class. Afterward, she would tackle the problem of finding a guide.

      

      A bright shaft of light slanted across Hawke’s desk at the police station. He finished the report and slapped the folder closed. Time to go home. He needed to check and see if his new ranch hand was working out. Anna was right, not that he would ever tell her. He should pay more attention to the family ranch and make sure his mother wasn’t burdened with too much work.

      He started to rise from his chair, but the phone ringing stopped him in midaction. He sank back down and snatched up the receiver. “Lonechief.”

      “Hawke—”

      He instantly recognized Zach’s voice and sat up straight, remembering whom his cousin had sent to him only a couple of days ago.

      “Maggie and I want you to come to dinner at our house before the dedication of the Collier/Somers Wing of the museum.”

      “I СКАЧАТЬ