Forever by Your Side (Willamette Brides #3) - Tracie Peterson Page 0,54

you when I was fifteen, but that’s long gone. You were wise to refuse my nonsense, and for that I thank you, but that still isn’t why I’m here. You are failing these people by allowing Summers to do as he pleases.”

Clint looked past her to the window. “I’ve spoken to him about it and asked him to stop. I’ve spoken to my father and brother about it. There’s nothing else to be done.”

Connie fumed. “There has to be something. He and others like him come in and steal the people blind. They’re even raiding their burial places. They’re digging up bodies. Disturbing the dead so that they can take skulls and even full skeletons for museums. It’s positively scandalous, and even the soldiers are guilty of it.”

“Look, I told you that I’ve tried to deal with it. There’s nothing more to discuss on the matter. What I want to return to is us. You can’t just show up after all these years and not give me a chance. I know Tom fancies himself in love with you, but you clearly don’t love him.”

Connie was stunned by this comment. It wasn’t the first time someone had suggested that Tom cared for her, but for Clint to do it seemed completely out of line. “My relationship with Tom is none of your business. I care very deeply for Tom.”

“I just want a chance to woo you—to show you that the feelings you once had for me aren’t dead. They only need to be revived.”

She shook her head. “I’m not interested. I’m here to record Indian culture and tribal information. I’m also here to see that they’re treated right. You can’t let their graves be disturbed.”

“I can hardly set up guards night and day.”

“Why not?”

Clint seemed momentarily stunned by the question. “It’s the Indians’ responsibility. If they want guards at the cemetery, then they need to put them in place. It’s completely up to them.”

“And what is your responsibility, Clint? It seems to me that as an Indian agent, you have been tasked with watching over the tribes and ensuring their well-being. You’re the only one they have to fight for them.”

“I wouldn’t say that. You’re doing a good job of it yourself.” He crossed his arms. “Honestly, Connie, you can’t save the world. You can’t even save half of it.”

She frowned. “Maybe not, but I can fight for this little piece of it. I’m going to send a letter to my uncle Dean in Washington. Maybe he can get together with your father and brother and come to a different conclusion.”

She headed for the door, but before she could reach it, Clint had come around his desk and closed the distance between them.

“Leave my father and brother out of this,” he growled, taking hold of her.

Connie had never seen him look so angry. For a moment she felt afraid, but then she pushed her fear and Clint aside. “Stop trying to intimidate me.”

“I’m doing my job,” he continued, sounding less angry. “I’m doing the best I can with what the government gives and the laws allow. I don’t like a lot of it any better than you do, but some of the men responsible have powerful friends. Friends who would just as soon replace me and put one of their cronies in my place. You think it’s bad now? That would spell disaster for your friends.”

Connie considered his words for a moment. Maybe he was right. She knew how the various political groups scratched one another’s backs. It could prove disastrous if they replaced Clint with someone who truly didn’t care about the welfare of the Indians.

“I’m sorry, Clint. I just get angry when I think of soldiers digging up graves. It’s heartless and cruel.”

“I know, Connie.” He moved closer. “You need to understand that I’ve wrestled with this for a long time. It’s been going on for decades and probably will continue. I promise, however, that I will keep trying to find a way to put an end to it.”

She heard the sincerity in his voice. “Thank you, Clint. I appreciate your heart.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry if I offended you.”

“You didn’t. I’ve always appreciated your passion for righting wrongs.” He touched her cheek. “In fact, I greatly admire your passion.”

Connie backed away. “I’m sorry, Clint. I just don’t have those feelings for you anymore.”

She was already halfway out the door when he spoke.

“Tom’s a lucky man.”

She knew better than to respond. If she told him she wasn’t