A Dark Dawn in Texas by Richard Smith

Author:Richard Smith [Smith, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Paul Peters was disappointed and dissatisfied with the outcome of the meeting, but was convinced that – despite his outward confidence – Mayor Trimble had something to hide.

He decided that he would also tackle Luke Granger, and made his way to the marshal’s office. He found the deputy alone, sitting at the marshal’s desk cleaning a Colt revolver, which Peters immediately recognized.

‘That’s mine. Why have you got it, Granger?’

The deputy looked up with a guilty expression, but his voice remained calm. ‘Is it, now? You sure of that?’

‘Yes, I’m sure. Why have you got it? Where did you get it?’

Granger hesitated, but only for a few seconds. ‘Found it in the dust near the print shop, but I guess the marshal might let you have it back if you can prove it’s yours. Bit careless of you to have dropped it, wasn’t it?’

‘Didn’t drop it. It was taken from me – but you know something about that, don’t you, Granger?’

As he spoke Marshal Rowland entered. ‘I heard that and I think it’s perhaps about time we let you into a couple of secrets. Tell him what you’ve been up to, Luke.’

Granger looked surprised. ‘You sure, Mike? Why should we trust him? This is all complicated enough already, isn’t it?’

The marshal perched on the side of the desk. ‘Listen, Peters. The reason Luke has got your gun is that he took it from you when you got your beating. Didn’t want you grabbing it and hurting someone.’

‘Hurting someone?’ blurted Peters. ‘It was me that got hurt, and I know you were involved, Granger. William Shackleton has already admitted it was the two of you. Do you deny it?’

The deputy marshal looked to his boss, seeking approval. When he got a nod of acquiescence, he continued. ‘No, I don’t deny it. It’s true that I was involved, but you’re lucky I was. Shackleton was all for taking one of his blacksmith hammers and caving your head in.’

‘So I’m supposed to be grateful, am I, that the two of you left me half dead!’

Mike Rowland took over the narrative. ‘Better half dead than ready for the undertaker. Mayor Trimble wasn’t fussy how far it went. Just said he wanted you to be taught a lesson.’

Paul Peters was baffled – and angry. ‘So you knew that they were being paid to do it? And you, the marshal, let it happen. What kind of lawman are you? Are you being paid by Trimble, too?’

‘Hold on, there, Peters, until you know the full story,’ replied the marshal.

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