Read Signed and Sealed for Free Online Page A

head, and Martin sat to his left directly across from Will. It was a fairly long table, could probably seat at least ten. At the moment, Will wished there were ten. Sitting there with the two of them was certainly not going to give him a good appetite. Tension knotted in his stomach once again.

    “It’s just basic steak and potatoes,” Elijah commented. “I hope you’re not a vegetarian.” He smiled. He seemed so approachable and warm when he smiled. He’s keeping me prisoner here and threatening to take my home. All that’s left is to tie me to the railroad tracks, and yet I sit here admiring his smile. I must be deranged , Will chided himself.

    “I’m not a vegetarian,” he answered. “I would enjoy a cup of coffee, though,” he hinted in hopes that he might get one. He hadn’t had a cup since early morning and was desperately in need of one. He thought his present headache was due to the stress of the situation, but perhaps it was simply caffeine withdrawal.

    When the housekeeper entered with the first course, Elijah said, “Mrs. Coleman, would you please bring a carafe of coffee for our guest?” He then turned his attention to Will.

    “If you ever need or want anything, don’t hesitate to help yourself.” He reached over and took Will’s hand, holding it firmly in his. “We would like you to be as comfortable as possible.” Martin stopped with his fork midway between his plate and his mouth. Silently, he looked at Elijah and then at Will and then back to Elijah. He then broke into a huge smile.

    “Thank you, I will,” Will lied. No way would he be so presumptuous as to help himself to anything that belonged to Elijah Hunter, but this wasn’t the place to say that. Just say thank you and move on.

    The coffee was excellent and it did relieve his headache, which was good considering he had that “talk” with Elijah waiting for him after dinner. Will would try again to convince Eli to let him stay at the bed and breakfast. He had to know he didn’t have anything to do with Katrina’s scheme, but still he seemed to need to blame him. Five hundred thousand, that is a lot of money , he was thinking. There is no way Katrina will ever come up with that kind of money . Was Eli keeping him here just to prove a point? Prove that you don’t mess with the Hunters and then just walk away? What does he want from me? These thoughts chased each other across his mind as he studied his dinner plate. Suddenly, he realized that both men were staring at him and he looked up to meet their gaze.

    “I asked if this is your first visit to Montana?” Martin smiled as he repeated his question.

    “Yes,” he answered and was about to elaborate when Elijah interjected.

    “You’ll like Montana. The people who visit usually end up staying.” He gave Will a look that baffled him; it seemed almost inviting, or was he alluding to carrying out the forfeit of collateral that he mentioned earlier? He looked away, feeling oddly embarrassed, and the scarlet blush that overtook him was witnessed by all. Will fumbled for a response to defuse the moment and his discomfort.

    “I’m sure I will be going home. Montana is very nice, but I have a life in Michigan, and I need to get back to it.” He went back to cutting his steak and attempted to eat while avoiding all eye contact.

    “How long are you staying?” Martin asked. Will was thankful for the benign question.

    “From what I understand, I am required to remain here until the thirty-first, at which time Katrina is supposed to return.” He spoke clearly and formally.

    Martin shook his head. “I wouldn’t count on Katrina returning. I think she left you here without any thought of coming back.”

    Will took a long sip of his coffee, enjoying its relaxing aroma. “Whether she returns or not, I can’t stay any longer than the thirty-first,” Will clarified. “I have to get back to work.”

    “Katrina said that you work as a piano teacher,” Martin