Read Online Dreams of Gold by Linda Carroll-Bradd - Free Book Online Page A

coach.” She lifted her chin and met his glare, unwilling to give into the worsening headache. The pain encircled her head and pinched, like a hat several sizes too small. “I believe she comes from a farm in Ohio, and therefore she might have noticed an important detail about the saddles and horses.” Irritation heated her blood, and Ciara purposefully quieted her voice. “Yet, you did not interview her.”
    “No, I didn’t.” He ran a hand through his hair and stared out the window. “But then she didn’t make inquiries about a man who has done these townsfolk a good deal of harm. I guarantee now that their backs are up again over the mining company, the people of Bull City won’t let the issue fade away. Especially if you stay in town.”
    Again, the stubborn man returned to that point. She sagged against the back of the chair and raised a hand to her aching temple. “I have told you several times, I will remain until my business is completed.”
    He settled himself against the desk again and looked at her, one eyebrow raised.
    “I mean until I meet Mr. Mulcahy.” She winced at how her words gave away too much information.
    “Meet him?” His eyes narrowed. “You haven’t met Mr. Mulcahy, but he’s your father?”
    “Until I meet with Mr. Mulcahy. That is what I meant to say the first time.” She stiffened her back and scooted to the front of the chair. “Your veiled accusations are insulting.”
    “They’re nothing compared to what you’d be hearing if the townspeople weren’t abiding by my instructions.”
    “What instructions?”
    “To direct anything or anybody related to the Prosperity Mine or its representatives to my attention.”
    Ah, so that was why the shopkeepers wouldn’t talk. She stood and placed the paper on top of his desk. “If I am to change the townspeople’s opinions of me, I guess I have work to do. I assure you, Sheriff Riley, I have no connection to the Prosperity Mining Company. I have done nothing wrong except believe that you had the information I seek.” She squared her shoulders and stared hard, hoping to impress upon him the serious nature of her next statement. “And I will remain in Bull City until I decide my business here is concluded. Good day, sir.”
    Once out of the sheriff’s office, Ciara’s only thought was to get back to her room before this blinding headache caused her to faint. She snapped open her parasol and walked with rapid steps, wincing with each jarring move, but needing distance from his insinuations, and more importantly, from the man.
    As she walked, she nodded to all she encountered. Most turned away their gazes at the last moment to avoid a verbal greeting. At the boarding house, she moved through the parlor and dining rooms, heading straight for the kitchen.
    Belle and her young helper, Mary, stood at the table, cleaning and chopping vegetables for supper.
    Ciara cleared her throat. “Excuse me, Mrs. Renato. May I get water for tea?” The pain in her head threatened to make her cry out, and she bit her lip. She rested a hand on the counter, coaching her legs to hold her upright.
    The plump woman glanced up and brushed away a graying wisp from her damp forehead. “I don’t serve between meals.”
    If only this intense headache were due to the elevation as the sheriff suggested. The thought of that arrogant man put strength back into Ciara’s limbs. “I understand. I wish to brew an infusion for my headache. If you point out the pan and teapot, I will do it myself.”
    Belle squinted in her direction, and then hastened forward. “Mary, grab the china teapot from the parlor and bring it here. Miss Morrissey, you look like you need to sit.” She grabbed a wooden stool and set it close by.
    Ciara sank with a sigh. “Thank you. My body is not adjusting well to this climate.”
    “You’re not fit to climb the stairs.” Belle rested a hand on Ciara’s shoulder. “Where are your herbs? Mary can fetch them from your room.”
    “The