A Promise of Thunder

“Perhaps I won’t farm the land. There are other possibilities, you know. Besides, I’m quite capable of surviving on my own.”
    “Very commendable, yes indeed, but not very practical. I predict that once you have time to consider the tremendous responsibility you’re assuming you’ll have second thoughts. If you do—”
    “I won’t.”
    “But if you do, I’d be more than happy to buy your land from you at a reasonable price. Just think, you can go back home with money in your pocket and find yourself a husband to support you.”
    “I appreciate your advice, Mr. Turner, but Oklahoma is my home now. Come what may, I’m here to stay.”
    “Who is that man talking to Mrs. Kennedy?” Grady asked Captain Stark when he noticed Storm wasn’t alone.
    “A speculator by the name of Nat Turner,” Stark said, glancing in Storm’s direction. “Don’t know much about him. He just arrived in town.”
    Grady didn’t like the way the man was cozying up to Storm. “If you’ll excuse me, Captain, I think I’ll see what he wants with Storm.”
    “Very well, Stryker. Just remember, stay out of trouble. In deference to your father, I’m going to ignore the rumors concerning your past. But at the first sign of trouble, I’ll be all over you like hot tar.”
    “I’ll remember that, Captain,” Grady said as he focused his attention back to Storm and the man with whom she was conversing.
    “Nevertheless, please don’t hesitate to call on me for anything—anything at all,” Grady heard the stranger say to Storm.
    “Is there a problem?” Grady asked, scowling at Turner in a manner that bespoke his displeasure.
    “I’m merely offering my services to Mrs. Kennedy,” Turner replied quickly.
    Turner thought the half-breed looked like the kind of man he usually avoided, a man with a hot temper who acted first and asked questions later. Turner’s philosophy in life was never to tangle personally with dangerous men. There were other, more subtle ways to gain the upper hand with men like that without exposing oneself to violence. He paid good money to avoid violence and keep his reputation unsullied.
    “Mrs. Kennedy doesn’t need your services, Turner.” For some reason Grady felt an instant dislike for Nat Turner.
    “I can speak for myself,” Storm said, her temper flaring. What made Grady Stryker think he was responsible for her? He had no business speaking in her behalf. As soon as they were alone she intended to give him a piece of her mind. “Thank you very much, Mr. Turner, for your kind offer, but I don’t anticipate any problems.”
    “Then I’ll be on my way,” Turner said, tipping his hat. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Kennedy.” He gave Grady a quick nod before continuing on his way.
    “Do you always speak to strangers?” Gradyasked with unreasonable anger. “Did your parents teach you nothing?”
    “How dare you suggest I’d invite a man’s attentions,” Storm bit out. “Mr. Turner noticed the confrontation between you and Fork and kindly offered assistance. I thought he was a real gentleman.”
    “Some men prefer widows for their obvious experience,” Grady said crudely, “while others prey on any comely woman too naive to see through them. You’re young, beautiful, and too damn desirable for your own good. You’d be wise to discourage men like Turner. You’re not adept enough to handle them.”
    Grady noted the surprised look on Storm’s face and was puzzled by it. Didn’t she know men would find her beautiful and desirable? Was she so naive that she had no earthly idea she was breathtakingly lovely, with an innate sensuousness that made men itch to possess her? Nothing about her was ordinary. From the top of her shining blonde head to the tip of her dainty feet she was sensual, provocative, and fascinating. Grady thought her lips the most tempting he had ever seen. Full and lush, they seemed made expressly for kissing.
    “I have no intention of listening to you or any other man, Mr. Stryker. I’ll do as I see fit.”
    The slightest of smiles curved Grady’s lips. “Seeing as how we’re neighbors, why don’t you call me Grady?”
    “Because I have no intention of becoming too friendly with you,” Storm said. Her scathingreply drew a chuckle from him. “Do you think I could forget so soon that you’re responsible for Buddy’s death?”
    Grady’s face darkened and he turned away. Storm had wanted to put him in his place and she felt a thrill of