Once outside, he raced toward the newspaper. Every minute he’d spent away from Tariana seemed like forever. She would imagine all sorts of things, and he feared for the tender heart he’d vowed to protect the night before.
When he barged inside, Miss Freedman was standing over Tariana, giving instruction. The newswoman turned to look at Jamie. “May I help you?” Miss Freedman asked.
“I was wondering if I could speak with Miss Gracin?”
“I’m afraid my young protégé has been inspired and is experimenting with an article for the paper.”
“What time are you done, Tariana? I’ll walk you home.”
Without a glance his way, she answered. “I know my way home, Mr. Sackerton. You needn’t bother.” Tariana continued to write feverishly on the paper in front of her.
Miss Freedman shrugged her shoulders and pointed to the door. “Thank you for dropping by, sir. You will probably want to be the first to read this strong, opinionated piece of news coming out later this week.”
Jamie fumed all afternoon. He’d wanted to take Tariana to lunch, to show her how much he cared, but all he’d gotten was trouble. He did feel sorry for Angelica, not understanding her way of life and the men who controlled it, but that was it. He hoped never to cross paths with her again.
Later in the day, he noticed the sheriff escort the troublemaker to the depot and put him on a southbound train. Guess his lawyer was faster than expected, or the man had given up on his quest. The whistle blew as the train pulled out, and Jamie felt relieved that Angelica was safe, and the scoundrel was headed back to his own kind.
Jamie worked on the top deck of The Misty Marion the rest of the afternoon. Re-creating that large piece of iron had been the best part of his day so far.
Just before quitting time, the blasted woman showed up on the dock. She stood patiently, waiting for him to start down the plankway.
Jamie groaned, weary of this cat and mouse chase.
Once clear of the vessel, she rushed over and threw herself into his arms. Tears erupted with the force of a waterfall. For lack of knowing what to do, he held her while his peers looked on, giving him the nod. They all wanted her – why hadn’t they made a move? He could care less.
He took out his hankie and passed it to her. “Dry up the tears, Miss Scinch and please go find comfort in someone else’s arms.”
“Oh, Jamie – you’re angry with me.” She pouted. “You asked me to make your girl jealous. I figured you owed me a payback.”
Jamie sighed. “I suppose I did. Now, we’re even. Have a good day.” He turned to leave, and she pulled him back.
“Things have changed drastically, Jamie. I need to get married, and you are the only one I trust in this town.”
“I am not marrying you, but I could find many prospects for you to interview that would like nothing better.”
“But we have history,” she argued.
He frowned. “A short history. I have been sworn to another, and will not trade love for a marriage of convenience.”
Angelica scowled. “You’re still chasing the preacher’s daughter? Talk is she’s locked herself in the newspaper office, and she won’t see you.”
The grapevine was in full-swing that day. He saw Petrie headed their way and beckoned him over. When he arrived, he took off his hat and bowed ever so slightly toward Angelica.
Jamie liked that the bloke had manners, at least. “Petrie, so glad you happened by,” he said. “I was telling Miss Scinch here, that your family owns a grand spread outside of town, and with her being from Texas, you both have cattle in common.”
“You know I hate the beasts, Jamie,” Petrie said. “That’s why I’m toiling on the ship.”
Jamie winked. “But it is a good place to start a conversation with the lady. See how she feels about the critters. She’s had a rough day. Perhaps dinner?” His gaze covered them both as he passed Angelica’s arm off to the surprised young man. “I must be off. You two have a wonderful evening.”
He tipped his hat to Angelica and fled, never once looking back.
The door to the newspaper was locked, but Jamie could see the women moving around inside. He knocked, and when it was ignored, he pounded. “You’re behaving like a child, Tariana,” he yelled. “If things are to go well between us, we’ll need face-to-face honesty, not sulking in the corner like a coward.”
He watched as Tariana stormed toward the door. Her eyes seemed to bulge and shoot sparks his way like an uncontrollable fire. She slid the bolt, flung the door open, and slapped his face – in one swift movement. “Go home, Jamie Sackerton,” she said, “and we’ll pretend yesterday never happened. I will pray to God that we can return to the comfort of our former days.” She started to close the door, but he stuck his foot in the gap. “Go home, Jamie!” she repeated.
“I won’t leave until you listen to reason.”
From inside, Miss Freedman interrupted. “Miss Gracin? This is a place of business, and I will not allow such behavior here. Your day is finished. You may go home now. I suggest you settle this argument before you return tomorrow.” She passed Tariana her parasol and bag, and opened the door wide for her to leave.
As soon as they had cleared the building, Tariana turned on Jamie. “Now, look what you’ve done. You’ve compromised my position in the workplace. I would never do that to you.” Her pace quickened, and she flipped open the sunshade, nearly poking him
