June (10 page)

Two men slowly removed their hats and laid them over their hearts.

June's knees were knocking so hard that she thought the men would surely hear it. She silently thanked God for the power of song and her singing voice. Without this talent, she would surely be thrown over one of these bullies' shoulders and hauled off to who knew where. She shuddered, and sang louder.

She glanced at the men and finished with a rush.

She was running out of verses! Now what should she do?

She wavered at the sound of approaching hoofbeats, going limp with relief when she saw Parker Sentell gallop into camp, along with the giant she'd asked directions from earlier.

Parker shot her a look that told her he was angry with her, but even with his caustic glance, June was relieved to see him.

The men cleared a wide path for the big Pine Ridge foreman. June dropped weakly to the buggy seat. Her knees were so watery that she hoped he wouldn't ask her to get out of the buggy.

The man who had grabbed her hem grinned. "Howdy, Mr. Sentell."

Parker nodded to the camp foreman. "Herschal." His eyes scanned the group of rough men. "What's going on here?"

"Just singin', Mr. Sentell."

Parker gave him a dubious look. "Singing?"

Herschal hung his head. "Aw, me and the boys was jest havin' fun with the little lady. Don't mean no harm."

Parker glanced at June, then back to Herschal. "Then I suggest you apologize to the lady."

Herschal whipped off his hat, nervously twisting the dingy brim in his fingertips. "Sorry, missy."

"The lady's name is Miss Kallahan."

Herschal shot Parker a pained look, then tried again. "Sorry, Miss Kallahan. Didn't mean no harm."

Parker dismissed Herschal with a cold look and turned to June. She swallowed, feeling like a disobedient child caught in the act and about to be punished.

His eyes pinned her. "Shouldn't you be getting back?"

Afraid to further aggravate him, June nodded. Giving Herschal a withering glance, she turned the buggy and followed Parker and Simon out.

When they reached the arch, Parker motioned for her to follow him back to Pine Ridge. She caught her lower lip between her teeth and bit down, wondering about the wisdom of obeying. She would probably be well advised to keep going, but she couldn't. After all, he had rescued her from a frightening encounter.

During the brief ride back to Pine Ridge, she counted her blessings and thanked God for his protection-even if it had come in the form of Parker Sentell.

When Parker swung off the black stallion, he handed the reins to a shantyboy. Then he turned to his assistant. "Simon, please stay with our `guest' until I can figure out what to do."

Simon nodded. "Yes, sir."

Parker stalked into his office and went to his desk. Blast that Miss Kallahan! She was a burr in his side. Stubborn as all get-out. He had been right-she didn't give up easily.

He sighed. It wasn't that he really minded if she brought the loggers services-Lord knew, it might do the men good. He just couldn't stand the thought of connecting his men in any way with Isaac Inman's crusade. Now, if she would take a collection for the orphans, that would be a different story. But she was so set on carrying on Eli's dream, he was sure she would be just as blind to other needs as Isaac was.

He looked out the window at her. She sat quietly in the buggy, waiting for his decision. Why didn't she go back to Michigan, where she belonged? In spite of himself, he felt a sense of responsibility for her while she remained in Seattle. Out of loyalty to Eli, he couldn't let anything happen to her. And he had to admit that Eli probably would have been proud of her for what she wanted to do.

Expelling a heavy breath, he shoved his chair back from the desk and bellowed out the door. "Simon!"

"Yes, boss?"

"Get in here!"

"Yes, sir!" Simon left his post beside the buggy and strode to the office.

Parker stood at his desk. "What do you think of this cockamamy idea of hers?"

"You want my honest opinion?"

"I don't expect you to humor me."

"I think you're wrong ... about this Sunday service thing."

Parker nodded. "Go on."

"I think women and children, and some of the men as well, would appreciate a Sunday service. I know I would."

"Are you willing to accompany her to every service and see that she doesn't get into trouble?"

"Yes, sir, I'd be willing to do that."

Parker rubbed his chin, staring in June's direction. "I'd just as soon ship her home as deal with her."

"Yes, sir, but you can't."

Getting up from the desk, Parker moved to the window and stared out. Much as he hated to do it, he knew what he had to do. Finally he turned around to Simon. "Ask Miss Kallahan to step in here."

Simon appeared in the doorway, meeting June's apprehensive gaze. He grinned. "Boss wants to see you."

Gathering her skirts, she climbed down from the wagon, wondering if Parker intended to make a scene before he gave his permission to hold services. She hoped not. One embarrassment a day was quite enough.

Entering his office, she glanced around at the furnishings. Two battered desks, a stove with a large pipe extending through the ceiling, three wooden chairs, and a battered file cabinet. A big window faced east. "Sit down, Miss Kallahan."