Total pages in book: 179
Estimated words: 165476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 827(@200wpm)___ 662(@250wpm)___ 552(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 165476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 827(@200wpm)___ 662(@250wpm)___ 552(@300wpm)
“And what if the train driver doesn’t see the damage in time? What if he can’t stop on time? What if the train falls with all the passengers on board? This is Tom’s idea, isn’t it?” Ned’s agitation grew by the second, but he didn’t trust Cole with the dynamite so he followed his lead onto the bridge that looked so frail it might as well have been made of matchsticks. A gust of wind assaulted him from the side, stealing his beloved hat and whistling a mean chuckle as it threw it down the ravine. “Goddamn it! That was my pa’s!”
For once, Cole seemed genuinely sorry. “Don’t worry, we’ll get down there and look for it. Maybe the water won’t carry it away,” he said but continued along the bridge after tying his hat to his head with the bandana—something Ned should have done.
“Cole, I’m serious. People on the train could die. Robbing is one thing, killing innocent folk for no reason, another!” Ned made himself focus on Cole rather than on the possibility of falling and hurried after him so his voice didn’t get lost in the wind, but his guts turned into a pit of snakes that gnawed at him every time he looked into the hollow space below. But no matter how carefully he tried to balance, he sensed the cold breath of death on his nape.
“They’ll be fine. We’ll have a man wave a flag to alert them, just in case. Cole spun around, and his mouth stretched into a wicked smile as he took in Ned’s slouching form. The sun shone from behind him, transforming Cole into a mischievous creature meant to wreak havoc in people’s lives. “Are you scared of heights, Neddie?”
Yes. Yes he fuckin’ was.
“That’s not the point! There must be a better way to do this.” One that would give him enough time to alert the Pinkertons. They’d warned him in no uncertain terms that if a civilian or lawman were killed as a result of his actions, he could not count on their protection. And even if Ned’s participation in this stunt never came to light, how could he live with himself if the train fell into the gorge, and everyone on board died?
He stilled when wood creaked under his feet, again reminding him they were standing on a flimsy man-made construction. No matter how glorious and innovative, this bridge was nothing if nature chose to attack it, and the wind, while not the most ferocious he’d encountered, had enough power to knock a man off the viaduct. His breath trembled when he looked at the river flowing calmly below, and while its waters could save him, he sure as hell did not want to test its depth.
“It’s Tom’s plan. We all agreed to it,” Cole called out and, against all reason, continued walking away from Ned… while looking at him.
Ned’s heart made a somersault, and he sped up despite better judgement and trembling legs. If Cole misstepped once, he’d tumble off the bridge, leaving behind only the fleeting scent of his existence. “Pay attention to where you walkin’ for God’s sake! And put away the dynamite. Let’s talk about it!”
“What is there to talk about? You’ve been with us two weeks, and if you want to stay, you need to do what you’re told until you prove yourself,” Cole said, continuing his leisurely walk toward the other side of the bridge. The structure seemed longer the closer they got to the middle, stretching endlessly over the gorge. Ned’s guts twisted in terror when cold air blasted his side and pushed him to the edge of the tracks, but Cole remained unbothered by the sharp gusts, even though he had to shift his weight in order to remain steady on his feet.
“Just stay put for one damn second!” Ned cried as he caught up and grabbed the front of Cole’s vest, unable to stand the tension anymore. At his wits’ end, he’d either act or get to his hands and knees to crawl back to the safety of the cliff.
Cole’s gaze dropped to the hand twisting in his clothes, but he didn’t try to push Ned away and stopped above the deep fall beneath their feet. White teeth glinted in the sunlight as he grinned, watching Ned with just one eye to protect the other from the intrusive sun. “Why? You worried about me?”
“Of course I am! You can’t walk around here like you’re an acrobat on the tightrope.” Ned’s breath hitched, cheeks flushed, and he plucked the bag of dynamite from where it hung off Cole’s shoulder. “Gimme that!”
Dark eyes flashed in warning, and Cole grabbed the sack, yanking it his way so hard the fabric slipped out of Ned’s fingers, falling into Cole’s arms. But the force behind the tug sent Cole farther back, and when the heels of his boots slid off the iron track, the anger twisting his handsome features morphed into fear.