On The Texas Border. Linda Warren

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ went back to rubbing his thumb over the can. He didn’t want to talk about Brewster or the past. It was over, but his dues would never be paid, not until…

      Mick caught that stubborn look and changed the subject. “I got two illegals over at my place. They’re scared but they need work.”

      “How old are they?”

      Mick sighed. “Why do you always have to ask that?”

      “Because I’m not working kids.”

      Mick chewed on the cigar. “They’re both sixteen.”

      “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?” Mick knew that sixteen was the youngest age that Jonas would allow.

      “I haven’t lied to you since you were eight years old. I told you the truth even when it hurt.”

      He had. Mick had always been straight with him, so there was no reason to doubt him. Jonas had a strict rule about children. He refused to work them. Brewster gave him enough leeway to enforce it.

      “Send them over,” he said. “I think there’s a couple of beds in a trailer. Make sure they’re aware of the rules—no liquor or drugs on the premises. As long as they behave, they’ll have a safe place to work. Tell them to ask for Juan and fill out papers, and they can start work tomorrow.”

      “Thanks, Jonas,” Mick said. “How about another Coke?”

      “Sure, why not.”

      On his way to the bar, Mick asked, “What’s Brewster got you in a snit about today?”

      “It’s not Brewster.”

      Mick set another can in front of him. “Then, it has to be a woman.”

      Jonas took a swallow. “Women, Mick? How in the hell do you figure them out?”

      “I don’t. I just enjoy them.”

      Jonas laughed. “That’s very good advice.”

      “Then, why the hell don’t you take it?”

      Jonas didn’t answer. Mick wouldn’t understand, anyway. Jonas tipped his head back and drank thirstily.

      Mick watched him for a moment. “Why don’t you get on your Harley and head for parts unknown. What the hell can Brewster do?”

      Jonas pushed hair away from his forehead. “In my dreams, Mick…only in my dreams.”

      Neither spoke for a moment, then Mick said, “Is this about the pretty Duncan woman who’s been hanging around the Brewster mansion? She’s a nice piece of—”

      Jonas stopped him. “Don’t talk trash.”

      “Then, it is about Abigail Duncan.”

      “Brewster’s using her, and I can’t figure out why.”

      “It’s not your business, is it?”

      Jonas gulped down more cola. “No, but…”

      “But what? You’re concerned for her?”

      “No, dammit. She needs to get her ass back to Dallas where she belongs.”

      Mick chuckled. “Or maybe she belongs in your bed.”

      Jonas’s eyes narrowed on Mick. “Is that all you ever think about?”

      Mick chuckled again. “It’s good business and it’s why you’re so wound up. You can’t get the Duncan woman out of your head.”

      Jonas twisted the can. “Your dime-store psychology stinks.”

      “But I’m right, ain’t I?” Mick said gleefully. “Take the woman to bed and get her out of your system. That will solve the problem, and you’ll definitely be in a better mood.”

      Jonas stood, laid some bills on the table, picked up his hat and walked out. Mick was wrong, he told himself. He didn’t want to take Abigail Duncan to bed.

      Liar! resounded a voice in his head. Okay, she was attractive with her blond hair, green eyes and knockout body, he admitted, but she was a career woman with a divorce behind her. He didn’t need someone like that. His life was messed up enough the way it was.

      On the way back to the office, Jonas decided Mick was out of his mind. He also decided he would stay out of Ms. Duncan’s life. He’d warned her. Now she could do whatever the hell she wanted.

      CHAPTER TWO

      THE RINGING OF THE TELEPHONE woke Abby at two in the morning. She groped for the receiver and brushed hair out of her eyes at the same time. “Hello,” she mumbled.

      “Ms. Abigail Duncan?”

      “Yes.”

      “This is Hope Medical Center. Mr. Simon Brewster has had a heart attack, and he’s asking for you.”

      Abby scooted into a sitting position. “Is he all right?”

      “He’s still alive, if that’s what you’re asking, and he wants to see you.”

      “Me? Why?”

      “I’ve just been instructed to call you.”

      “Oh.” Mr. Brewster wanted to see her. She wasn’t part of his family. Maybe it had something to do with the memoirs.

      “Ms. Duncan?”

      “Yes.”

      “Are you coming?”

      “I…uh…” She hesitated for a moment, then added, “I’ll be right there.”

      Abby hung up the phone wondering if she’d made the right decision. Her mother wouldn’t like this, but the man was probably dying. Abby had to see him. She dressed hurriedly in jeans and a knit top. Luckily the phone hadn’t woken Gail. Abby made her way out the back door and to her car. Within minutes she was parking in front of the small hospital.

      Mr. Brewster was in ICU, and Abby was shown into a waiting area. Three people were sitting in the small room. Abby recognized them immediately. They were Mr. Brewster’s so-called family. Edna Kline, tall and heavyset, was Mr. Brewster’s sister-in-law. His wife’s sister. She had been at Mr. Brewster’s house several times while Abby was working on the memoirs. Edna always had her son, Jules, in tow. In his fifties, Jules was short and thin, very unlike his mother. He didn’t seem to have a job. Abby knew that Mr. Brewster supported them.

      The other person was Darby, a cousin who turned up when he needed money. He was in his sixties and traveled a lot…mostly at Mr. Brewster’s expense.

      “What are you doing here?” Edna asked cattily, her ample bosom heaving as she got to her feet.

      “Mr. Brewster asked to see me,” Abby answered, feeling СКАЧАТЬ