Rainy Day Dreams: 2 by Virginia Smith, Lori Copeland Page B

gaze connecting with as many as possible. Jason’s opinion of the man’s leadership rose another few notches. That the men looked up to him was obvious in the attention they afforded him.
    “We can’t ignore this latest episode. We need to take steps to protect our families, our town.”
    A snort of disgust sounded from someone, and several men left the group to return to their plates. The one wearing suspenders folded his arms across his chest with a jerk and fixed a glare on David.
    “Of all the people in this town who’d give in to panic-stricken ravings, I never thought you’d be one, Denny. Why, you were friends with the Duwamish before anyone else.”
    His tone fairly dripped scorn, so much that Jason had a hard time keeping his tongue silent. If that attitude were directed toward him, he would be hard-pressed to hold his temper. But he was new here, and his job at the mill would be to lead these men regardless of their opinions or attitudes. To start out by entering into a local conflict would be inviting trouble.
    “I still am,” David answered in a level tone. “But I’ve told you before about Chief Seattle’s last words to me before he moved his tribe. Northern tribes like the Nisqually and Klickitats are angry at the loss of their lands. He told me point-blank that war is coming.”
    The facts couldn’t be stated more clearly, as far as Jason was concerned. Several heads nodded, and Noah’s wasn’t the only face that grew solemn with the pronouncement. Unbelievably, others still scoffed openly.
    Captain Baker set his coffee down on a nearby table, folded his arms across his chest, and rocked on his boot heels, his upper lipcurled. “They’ve received payment for their lands. The treaty at the Tulalip agency—”
    Noah rounded on him, emotion giving his voice volume. “You mean the one where the Indians were given torn blankets, mouth harps, and a couple of barrels of blackstrap molasses?” He scowled. “Oh, that was fair trade for tribal lands that they’d lived and hunted on for centuries.”
    The captain’s eyes narrowed. “Why, Mr. Hughes, I had no idea you leaned toward the Indian cause.”
    Noah drew himself up, eyes blazing. “I lean toward any cause that is righteous, and disdain unfair treatment of any man, white or red.”
    In other circumstances, Jason would have applauded. Here was a man who could command his respect.
    David laid a restraining hand on Noah’s arm. “Gentlemen, let’s keep our heads about us, shall we? The question of the fairness of the treaty is not our purpose this evening. We’re faced with far more pressing concerns.” His gaze became solemn. “Like keeping our women and children safe in the event of an attack on Seattle.”
    A frigid chill settled over the captain’s smile. “Well, then, I’ll leave you to discuss the matter.” He crossed to the pegs on the wall to retrieve his coat. Digging in the pocket of his trousers, he extracted a few coins and tossed them on the table next to his abandoned mug. “Mrs. Hughes, thank you for a delicious meal, as always.”
    Across the room, Evie still stood beside Kathryn’s chair. She nodded an acknowledgment, her expression gracious but strained. Kathryn’s eyes had widened to the size of saucers, and her face was a pasty white, whether due to her fainting spell or the conversation, Jason didn’t know. When the captain left the room, a good third of the men followed, leaving their meals half-eaten.
    When they had gone, David heaved a pent-up breath. His chest deflated and he rubbed a hand across his eyes. “That didn’t go well, did it?”
    The man who had arrived with him agreed with a nod. “Could have been better.”
    “Oh, I don’t know.” Noah swept the room with an openhanded gesture. “At least now we know who’s in agreement with us.” His gaze fell on Jason. “Sorry you had to witness a conflict on your first night in our fair city. And I haven’t even introduced you. Jason Gates, meet