Quicksilver Passion (207 page)

Jake laughed.
Brett was a little loco, I knew it all along, when he was set on getting you, even though the law wasn’t looking for you no more.”

She stared at him in surprise.

You didn’t know?” he asked.
Al wrote to the Chicago law and confessed.” He looked at her a long moment. ”What about the gold in the safe at the Palace?”

Silver laughed.
The joke’s on you. Everything at the Palace was destroyed in the fire. There’s nothing left for anyone.

Jake brought his arm back.
Then all I get out of this deal is you, missy, plus the purdee pleasure of killing the ‘breed here and then helpin’ the colonel kill the Cheyenne.”

She and Cherokee exchanged looks. Cherokee was obviously hurt—blood from the whip cut dripped across his rugged face, his right arm hung as if useless. She could only hope Waanibe had turned and ridden away. If so, at least the child would be safe. Surely this madman wouldn’t harm his own child.

Jake,” she said,
let him go. I’ll leave with you.”

You’ll do that anyways, gal.” He gestured.
Now you come over here by me so’s I won’t scar you up with this whip any more than you already are.”

No!” She clung to Cherokee as he tried to push her away.

Dallinger, let her go.” And to her, Cherokee said,
Don’t be a fool, Silver. He’s giving you a chance to live—take it!”

She shuddered all over.
I’d rather die than let him touch me!”