Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 108382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 542(@200wpm)___ 434(@250wpm)___ 361(@300wpm)
"I didn't know you were a rancher."
"Not many people do. My skill with a gun enabled me to save the money to fulfill a long-time dream. My ranch has prospered and my guns are no longer necessary for my support."
"I'm impressed, Mr. Stewart, and I'd be happy to help you choose the best investments for return on your money."
Zac wanted to make certain he wasn't in for any surprises. "Before I make my decision, you are telling me everything? Prudence's reason for going west is to teach? There is no other reason?"
"What other possible reason could there be?"
Zac shrugged his broad shoulders. "She hasn't recently been jilted, has she?"
"No, no," James insisted. "Actually, I had been trying to convince her to marry Granger Madison. He had made his intentions clear to me. I thought the marriage a good idea, but —"
"Prudence thought differently?"
James shook his head. "She wasn't certain. She was giving the idea thought. I can imagine how upset Granger will be when he discovers this."
"He loves her?" Zac asked sternly.
James chose his words carefully. "He cares for her."
"You weren't forcing this marriage on her? Causing her to run away?"
"Heavens, no," James said, "quite the opposite. I told her that if she found someone she truly loved, I would give my approval with great pleasure. I want to see my daughter happy, Mr. Stewart. And Prudence would never be happy in a forced marriage."
Zac stood. "Very well, Mr. Winthrop, I accept your proposal."
James stood and hurried around his desk. He grabbed Zac's hand and shook it vigorously. "Thank you, Mr. Stewart."
"Zac," he corrected.
"Zac," James repeated with a smile. "And please, my friends call me James."
Zac nodded. "All right, James, now let's get down to business. Prudence has several hours start, but I assume her destination to be Philadelphia. There she should be able to get a train to several destinations. Have you any idea where she could be headed?"
"No, but we could question some of her friends. Perhaps she spoke to them about her intentions. But isn't it dangerous to wait too long to pursue her?"
"It's more dangerous for me to go off without some idea as to where she's headed. If I can determine that, I can probably have her returned within a few days."
"A few days, that's wonderful," James said, feeling more relieved with each word Zac spoke.
"Now let's see—"
The commotion from outside the study door interrupted Zac's words.
"I don't care who he's with, Mr. Winthrop will see me now!"
The door burst open and Granger Madison stormed into the room. "How witless could she be? Didn't you see this coming with all that talk of the West? Why didn't you do something? By God, when she's my wife, she’ll do exactly as I order."
"Calm down, Granger," James said firmly. "This isn't the time to lose one's control."
"Not lose my control?" he repeated indignantly.
"This will be a full-blown scandal by this evening. Everyone will be discussing her unladylike behavior. She must be found and returned immediately before this goes too far."
"And how far is that?" Zac asked in a threateningly dangerous tone.
Granger looked at Zac but addressed James Winthrop. “What is he doing here?"
"I've hired Mr. Stewart to find Prudence and bring her home safely."
"You what," Granger yelled. "Have you lost your mind? Sending a notorious gunslinger to return your daughter? What will people say?"
"Actually," James began, "I don't care what they say. My only concern at the moment is Prudence."
"What about her reputation? People will talk… and viciously."
"As I said, at the moment it doesn't concern me."
"Well, it concerns me. I will hire a private agency to find her and return her."
"That isn't necessary, Granger. Mr. Stewart has certain skills I feel would be more helpful in finding and returning Prudence."
"And I'd feel more comfortable knowing someone is watching him, since his skills extend to too many areas."
"Really, Granger, you are being rude even to suggest Mr. Stewart would take advantage of Prudence."
"Am I? Prudence is plain to look upon, but her wealth is another matter."
"Granger! That is enough," James ordered.
Zac wished he had his gun. He wanted nothing more than to shoot the lousy bastard. He remained silent, fearing what he would say if he spoke. He'd allow James Winthrop to handle Granger Madison for now. Anyway, he'd always found silence and a look to be more intimidating than words.
James could see that Granger had become uneasy with Zac's refusal to participate in a verbal altercation. He was glad Zac had a level head. It made him feel all the more comfortable with his decision.
"I still feel it is in mine and Prudence's best interest that I hire an investigator who will report directly to me."
James shook his head. "You do what you feel you must. But I warn you, Granger. If the man you hire interferes in any way with Mr. Stewart, you will never be welcome in this house again."