TY GRUNTED AS HE HEFTED himself from the chair and limped toward the bed. I’d give my eye teeth for a cup of coffee right now. So much so, he considered the advisability of trying to make it down the stairs without falling, but finally admitted it was foolish to try alone.

“Mind if I come in?”

His gaze jerked to the man in the doorway, annoyed to realize he hadn’t heard him approach.

The stranger didn’t wait for Ty to answer before he walked in. “Heard about what happened.”

About six-feet tall, he wore a dark suit and tie and while something about him rang familiar, he couldn’t exactly place him. Instinct, however, had Ty on full alert. Whoever this man was, he didn’t like him.

“Glad to see you are up and about.”

The concern voiced didn’t match the hooded expression on his face and the hair on the back of Ty’s neck bristled. Evil eyes. “Thanks.”

The man tapped the bowler hat he held lightly against his thigh. “You don’t remember me.” A tight smile accompanied the succinct statement. “I’m Hank Walker.”

Ty’s memory returned in fits and starts, usually in fragments and out of the blue. Like now. “The attorney.” And an asshole.

A worried shadow crossed Walker’s face. “I heard you couldn’t remember anything.”

“What do you want, Walker?”

Recovering, the man smirked. “Word around town is you got shot and nearly died.”

“As you can see, I’m still here.”

His uninvited guest looked around the room, eyes coming to rest on Emma’s chemise which topped a pile of clothing on the back of a chair.

The way Walker eyed her undergarment pissed him off but there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it. Not now, anyway. “What the hell do you want?” He didn’t bother to disguise his displeasure as he repeated his question.

“Emma seems to think I had something to do with your accident.”

“Did you?”

His jaw clenched and released. “I had nothing to do with what happened to you.”

Ty raised one brow but didn’t reply.

“She spouted off to the sheriff. He questioned me.”

When Ty remained silent, Walker slapped his hat against his leg with a little more force. “I didn’t appreciate being questioned. Bad for my business.”

“She must have had a good reason.” Where the hell is my gun?

Walker straightened, superior smile in place. “She got mad because I wouldn’t marry her.” He positioned the hat on his head. “Women do the craziest things when they’re pissed.”

It took all Ty’s control not to reveal the depth of his rage as he envisioned planting his fist in the middle of his obnoxious face. Several times. “You and I both know that’s a lie.”

“Are you sure?”

His smirk was more than Ty could handle. His voice cool and controlled, he eyed the attorney. “Remember today, Walker. Remember it when I am come after you.”

“Señor Ty – ” Lupe stopped in the doorway and glared at the attorney. “What are you doing in here?”

“I was just leaving.” He glanced at Ty as he stopped and ran a finger over the edge of the chemise. “She’s lovely in this.” He tapped the brim of his hat. “I look forward to our next meeting.” He nodded to Lupe and sauntered down the stairs whistling softly.

Ty maintained a death grip on the mattress, anger causing his head to pound. Bastard touched her gown.

Lupe carefully set the tray on the foot of the bed. “Señor Ty? Are you all right?”

It took two deep breaths before he spoke with any measure of control. “Did she want to marry him?” He ground out the words through clenched teeth.

“No!” Lupe shook her head. “She does not even like him. I think she fears him, but do not know why.”

He nodded toward the garment Walker defiled with his touch. “Burn that. Now.”

“Si, Señor.” She grabbed up the gown and turned back to him. “There is more soup and some coffee.”

Ty concentrated on control. The hammering in his head matched the rapid thump of his heart, memories flashing in and out, as nausea returned with a vengeance. He clamped his jaw tight, breathing slowly through his nose, trying to ward off disaster.

“Señor Ty?”

Lupe’s concerned question helped him focus and tamp down the queasiness. “I’m fine. Headache’s back.”

“Maybe the coffee and soup will help.”

He doubted he could keep anything down at the moment, but didn’t say so. “Yeah, maybe. I’ll wait a bit to be sure. I need to lie down.”

“I understand.” She picked up the tray and sat it on a nearby stool, then moved to help him.

“I can do it, thank you.”

She stepped back and waited until he appeared settled. “She loves you, Señor Ty,” she declared, then turned and left the room.