EDGE: Savage Dawn (Edge series Book 26) by George G. Gilman

Author:George G. Gilman [Gilman, George G.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi
Tags: General Fiction
Publisher: Lobo Publications
Published: 2014-02-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

EDGE did not drink any more and allowed himself just one cigarette as he told those in the cantina about his unexpected meeting with Ortiz Gonzalez. He spoke in an unemotional tone using clipped sentences. Again in full control of his feelings behind the mask of impassiveness that was his face. As if the razor attack on Al Gibbon had expunged every evil effect of the torture and humiliation.

The fat man did not return from the latrine. Those who did hear of the bandit leader’s threat listened without any attempt at interruption. And the words of the half-breed expanded the anger and fear and disgust which had been present since the retching bounty-hunter left'.

‘Did Gonzalez say when tomorrow he will come, señor,’ Alfaro demanded. He was angry, Romero and Riaz were nervous.

‘No, major. But he’s got better than thirty men. With horses, I guess. A group that large can be seen a long way off.’

‘Comandante,’ Cirilo Banales called anxiously as Alfaro did a smart about face and started for the doorway. ‘The cabildo may assume you will not release the woman?’

‘What would that gain the Government of Mexico?’ the major snapped without halting.

Riaz scuttled ahead and Jesus Vega had to move hurriedly out of the way as the batswings were pushed wide to allow exit to the two officers and non-com.

‘We must have a meeting, Señorita,’ the stoop shouldered mayor of San Parral urged.

‘To what end, señor?’ Isabella asked with a sigh. ‘Control of this situation is not in our hands.’

Banales stared in horror at the expression of defeat carved on her features. ‘But the people must be told of this threat to their lives.’

‘That needs but one voice to do.’ A tired smile now, which stayed only a moment. ‘And you can shout very loud when one of the children steals fruit from your display.’

Her attitude further drained the mayor’s confidence. But then he drew up his shoulders and strode purposefully out of the cantina.

The pale-faced Burton called for another round of drinks. Melendez seemed glad to have something to do. Cirilo Banales began to prove that he was a good choice to broadcast the bad news. Standing under the live oak at the centre of the plaza, he retold the threats of Ortiz Gonzalez. Resignation and fear clamped silence over the crowd,

‘You’ve given up?’ Edge asked the woman.

‘I am a peasant,’ she replied. ‘Like the people on the square. We raise food from the soil and we work at our places of business. We know nothing of fighting bandits. And we have not the weapons to fight with. That is why the Government sent the Federales—to protect us.’

She finished on a harsh note of bitterness. And turned her head to direct some of it towards the four bounty-hunters across the cantina.

Hawkins, Burton and Tyree tried to outstare her with belligerence in their eyes. Parker was uncomfortable in the face of her contempt. He stood up and leaned his back against the plank bar top.

‘The people at Moreno

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