TO CATCH A WOLF By Susan Krinard

“She isn’t hurt.”

“Was she terribly afraid of you?”

He wanted to laugh. “She accepted it quite… well.”

“Then she didn’t think she was going mad? She won’t tell anyone?”

“I doubt it.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Something else is wrong, then. Is she angry at us? Will she withdraw her support?”

“She said she wouldn’t.”

“Did you quarrel?”

“Strangers seldom quarrel.”

“Especially when one stranger has saved the other’s life, and reveals his deepest secret.”

He avoided her too-knowing gaze. “See for yourself. You can show her to Harry and take her back to her carriage.”

“That is all?”

“What more do you want, Firefly? Her pledge of undying devotion?”

“Has it gone so far already, Morgan?”

“The lady is waiting.”

“But not forever. Don’t make that mistake, my friend.”

He growled at her and bolted. Her low, taunting chuckle chased him halfway across the lot.

Chapter 8

Athena Munroe was very quiet when Caitlin went to fetch her. She smiled at Caitlin graciously enough, but it was the sort of automatic smile that meant her mind was elsewhere.

Caitlin knew the name of that “elsewhere.” Something was definitely going on between Morgan and Athena, only Morgan would probably rather die than admit it. Caitlin had a good idea that she wouldn’t be any more successful prying information out of Athena.

Yet Athena had seen what Morgan truly was. He said she accepted it, but no one used to her sort of life would be so calm when all her illusions of reality were turned upside down. Townies often accused troupers of double-dealing, but the townies were just as good at playing false. Maybe better.

A very delicate situation, indeed. But Caitlin had never been the least bit delicate.

“I’m sorry for what happened in the ring,” she said cautiously. “Pennyfarthing has never done anything like that before. If I’d a notion he would bolt, I wouldn’t have used him today.”

Athena blinked and looked at Caitlin as if recognizing her for the first time. “Please do not give it another thought, Miss Hughes. I believe that Pennyfarthing was more frightened than I was. As you can see, I am quite well.”

Are you, then? “I am glad. Do you like horses, Miss Munroe?”

Athena’s smile wavered ever so slightly. “Yes.”

That simple answer said so much more than a speech. What must it be like, to be able to ride and run and walk and then have all that taken away from you?

“Then we’re still to give the performance for the children,” Caitlin said.

“I am sure that such an incident won’t be repeated.”

“I’ll make certain it does not.” Caitlin moved behind Athena’s chair. “You’ll want to go home, Miss Munroe, after all the excitement. Harry is that upset over what happened. He wants to apologize personally, if you’ll see him.”

“Of course. I—” She stopped, and Caitlin could feel the storm gathering. “May I ask a frank question, Miss Hughes?” Athena did not turn her head, but her shoulders were as tense as Regina’s high wire. “Have you always known what he is?”

No need to ask who “he” was… and no point in pretending not to understand. “Since he first came to us.”

“Then he will always have a place with you here.”

Now that was an interesting remark. “If he wants it. We take care of our own.” She crouched eye to eye with Athena. “What you saw today—not many townies would accept it as well as you have.”

“Townies. Is that what you call us?”

“Troupers have learned not to trust too easily.”

“Morgan warned me not to trust. I could not live that way, never trusting anyone.”

“Here, we trust each other. And now we must trust you. For Morgan’s sake.”

“You are very fond of him, Miss Hughes.”

“He is like a brother to me. A difficult brother.”

“A difficult man.”

“But he is a man, Miss Munroe.”

Athena looked away. “You need have no fear. I will not reveal his secret.”

On impulse, Caitlin touched her hand. The kid-gloved fingers were rigid with unexpressed agitation. “You are a very brave lady,” she said

“For a towny, Miss Hughes?”

“You’d better call me Caitlin from now on. In a way, you are part of our family now.”

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