Saturday Snippet: At Your Service, Ma'am

 The following snippet was taken from 

Abilene Gamble

Gamble on Judgment series, Book 1

by Zina Abbott

  

          Stella judged him to be in his late twenties, several years older than she. He was the right age to have fought in the war. So many men who lived through that experience returned home missing limbs or bearing some form of disfigurement. What was his story? It didn’t look like he had been shot in the face. Unless he was left-handed, his injuries could not have been caused by his musket exploding due to a bad charge.

          No matter. A deputy marshal referred him to her. Surely, considering his position, Mr. Thompson would not direct her to this man unless he was reputable. She blinked and gave a slight jerk of her head once she realized Mr. Thompson was making introductions.

          “I apologize. It has been a long journey.” Stop stammering. Stella quickly pressed her eyes shut before popping them open once more and clearing her throat. “Would you please repeat your name?”

          “Harold Bradford, Esquire, at your service, ma’am.” The man offered a wide smile. Then he quickly grew serious and stiffened his posture. His voice remained pleasant, even though his face resumed its former stoic expression. “Most people know me as Harry. If you should have occasion to inquire after me, you are better off asking for Harry Bradford.”

          Stella had not missed the way his cheek contorted into an unnatural shape when he smiled. The injury along his jawline must have gouged deep enough to have injured a facial muscle that affected his cheek. Such a shame. Although her cheek had bled profusely, after Dr. Weatherby stitched her together again, he assured her she suffered no major muscle damage. Only the small section of scar next to her eye gave her trouble, at times.

          Internally, Stella fought against the discomfort of being around people who stood close and stared intently. She continued to suffer when placed in such situations even though she knew she should be used to it. She wanted to turn away from this man. However, because of his scars, she forced her eyes to stay focused on his face while she reached within the very depths of her being for the strength to endure his scrutiny.

Abilene Gamble is now available for sale or at no additional cost with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. It is also available as a paperback.

It is part of my own series, Gamble on Judgment.

To find the book description and purchase link, 

 please CLICK HERE.

 

 

 

 Book 2 in the Gamble on Judgment series, Indianapolis Justice is on pre-order. To find the book description and pre-order link, please CLICK HERE. 

 

 

 

 

The box set, Hannah's Lieutenant, is now available in ebook and in print. To find the book description and link, please CLICK HERE.

 

 

 

Nissa is currently on sale for 99c as part of a multi-book special, 

Romance in March

You may find the link to Nissa and other books by CLICKING HERE.

 

Historical Fiction New Releases March 2022

Includes my ABILENE GAMBLE and INDIANAPOLIS JUSTICE

Please CLICK HERE

Historical Romance Pre-orders and New Releases includes my ABILENE GAMBLE and INDIANAPOLIS JUSTICE, but also information about other new historical romances. Please CLICK HERE.

Squeaky Clean February/March Romance Releases includes my ABILENE GAMBLE and INDIANAPOLIS JUSTICE, also romances in several genres. Please CLICK HERE.