Not only was Rosemary beside him every single moment, but she chattered on incessantly. Asking one question after another. Reciting facts she’d obviously memorized out of some book about fossilized bones.
It didn’t help that every time he chanced a glance at Anna, she had that frustratedVin her brow. She had her own tagalong, too. Albert. Wherever she went, he went. Whatever she drew, he drew.
And watching every moment of it was Mr. Oswald Oppenheim.
The one good thing that had come of their visit was thefact that he had signed the contracts. But now he seemed determined to get at least his son’s name on the dig papers. Wasn’t it enough that the Oppenheim name would be on the exhibit in the museum?
Rosemary seemed determined to annoy him. The woman would not leave him alone. After Anna shared about their little get-together the other day, he was more than a little concerned. But if he was downright rude to the daughter of the investor, that could spell disaster of another sort for the Lakemans.
To make matters worse, Walker had come to see Anna twice during the day since Joshua returned. Had the man come to see her while he was gone?
The thought wasn’t a pleasant one.
But it wasn’t like he could tell the man what to do. They were on his property after all.
If he spoke with Anna about it at lunch, would she get upset with him?
Probably.
Rosemary was droning on about something she’d read. But he hadn’t been listening for a while now.
He glanced up to see Walker headed toward them.
Great. The man was coming to see Anna.
Again.
Well, this time, he’d be in the middle of it. It was a good time for a break anyway. He slid down to the ground. “Excuse me, Miss Oppenheim.”
He strode toward the canopy where Anna was working, only to hear footsteps behind him. Rosemary was following. Of course she was.
He went straight for the water and then grabbed a sandwich. He reached Anna before Walker did. “How are things going today, boss?” He winked at her.
She blew some hair off her forehead and grimaced.
“That good, huh?” he whispered.
“It looks like you’re having a lovely time.” The words were sharp.
“Anna?” Walker had reached them.
She turned and looked at the other man. “Julian, how can I help you?”
The big man crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ve been speaking with my lawyer.”
Uh-oh. Julian Walker resembled his father with the fierce look on his face.
“Gracious. Have I done something wrong?” She stepped toward him. “I’m so sorry, Julian.”
“No,” he ground out. And sent a sideways glance to the Oppenheims. “But I don’t appreciate these other folks. They are not allowed on my property.”
Mr. Oppenheim was quick to jump into the fray. “I beg your pardon, young man. It’smymoney that’s financing this project.”
“I don’t care about your money.” Walker spat. “It’s my land. And my contract is with Miss Lakeman. Not you. Now kindly get off my property before I send for the sheriff.”
“Do you have any idea who you’re speaking to?” The older man’s chest puffed out again.
“Sir. I’m sorry to interrupt.” Joshua couldn’t pass up this chance to get rid of the thorn in his side. Even if he was taking up sides with Walker. “But I don’t think you realize whoyouare speaking to. This man happens to own the largest and most prosperous ranch in all of Wyoming Territory. I would respect his wishes.”
