Big Jim 6 by Marshall Grover

Author:Marshall Grover
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: revenge, new mexico, winchester rifle, colt 45, piccadilly publishing, cowboys and outlaws, wild west ebook, marshall grover, big jim rand, benito espina
Publisher: Piccadilly Publishing

Chapter Seven

The Challenge

During Carrick’s bitter harangue, the sardonic Sam Williams wisely refrained from comment. He sat by the parlor window, gnawing on an unlit cigar and listening intently. Jenner, wide-eyed and slack-jawed, recoiled from Carrick’s cold fury.

“You’re like a powder-keg with a short fuse,” Carrick grimly pointed out, “or a maverick with Texas fever—wandering among healthy cattle—contaminating them! When I invited you to throw in with us, I made one provision, didn’t I? Remember that one question I asked you? I asked if you were on the run, and you lied to me, damn you!” His vicious back-hander caused Jenner to spin off-balance and flop across a chair. “You told me you were clean skinned!”

“I didn’t know ...!” began Jenner.

“Didn’t know you’d killed an army officer?” jeered Carrick. “What’s the matter, Jenner? You have a short memory, can’t recall back-shooting a certain Lieutenant Rand—in a town called San Marco? You damn-blasted fool!”

“I swear I thought they’d given up on me!” panted Jenner.

“There’s a lot you don’t know,” breathed Carrick. ‘The local law gave up. So did the Pinkertons and, after a preliminary search, the army had to abandon the case. But you reckoned without the lieutenant’s brother!”

“I didn’t even know Rand had a brother!” protested Jenifer. “Rand was just a smart-aleck soldier in a poker game.”

“And you had to lose your temper and shoot him—from behind,” scowled Carrick.

“This brother—who is he?” demanded Jenner, as he lurched to his feet.

“He used to be a sergeant in the same outfit,” muttered Carrick. “His name is Jim Rand. He’s big—and probably a smart hombre.”

“Well, damnitall,” fretted Jenner, “if he’s in Tascosa …”

“Exactly.” Carrick nodded slowly. “He’s too close for comfort and, when he catches up with you, it better not be on my range. I’m playing for high stakes, Jenner, and I can’t afford to get involved in your troubles.” He jerked a thumb. “You’ve been paid a share of our last haul. That’s all. Now you go. You saddle your own horse, pack your gear and vamoose. I want you off my land within thirty minutes. Is that clear?”

The murderer of Lieutenant Christopher Rand was in no position to argue. In haste, he quit the room. Carrick, still grim-faced, helped himself to a stiff shot of whisky, and Williams finally got around to commenting.

“That could’ve been awkward, Mace. Ver-ee awkward.”

“Worse than awkward,” growled Carrick. “For a long time, I’ve concentrated on establishing friendly relations with the local law. Jenner could’ve wrecked all my plans. One of Walt’s deputies might’ve turned leery, if he learned I was employing a wanted killer.”

“Lucky it was Emhart you took to town,” opined Williams, “and not Burch—I mean Jenner.”

“That lying son of a ...” began Carrick.

“About this Rand hombre,” interrupted Williams. “He’s dangerous, Mace. Specially if he’s travelin’ with young McNear.”

“No.” Carrick shook his head emphatically. “I honestly don’t believe we have anything to fear from Rand. He’s in cahoots with McNear, sure, but his big ambition is to find and punish Jenner. He’s a man-hunter, and man-hunters never stay long in any one place.

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