Jenny's Revenge (A Steve Dancy Tale Book 5) by James D. Best

Author:James D. Best [Best, James D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Queen Beach
Published: 2015-04-13T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

I had talked with my mother and Virginia for nearly an hour before Congressman Morris strolled in our direction looking every bit the peacock, begging for attention. When he spotted the three of us on the hotel porch, his features softened, and then turned joyful. In an agile move for someone his age, he bounded up the porch steps and lifted his niece out of her rocker to give her a long hug. I was impressed. His first unguarded moment showed genuine emotion. He unquestionably adored Virginia.

He held her out at arm’s length and looked her up and down. “My goodness, you are a sight for sore eyes. I’ve missed you, Ginger.”

“Thank you, Uncle Billy. I’ve missed you more than you can imagine.”

“Oh, dear, we mustn’t use that term in public.” He winked. “At least not vociferously.”

Despite his words, he looked enormously pleased that she had used a nickname reserved for her. Virginia didn’t like being called by a nickname, but she had told me Ginger had been her uncle’s term of endearment for her since she had resided in a bassinet. He was still a pompous, power-seeker, but at least he had one soft spot. Hell, it was the same one I had, so he couldn’t be all bad.

After the emotion of the greeting diminished, I suggested we move indoors out of public view. Morris heartily agreed. The small stand-up bar wouldn’t do, so I tipped the porter to use a room restricted to private supper parties. The porter immediately sent in the barman to take our drink order.

“Your arrival has caused quite a stir,” I said. “It’s unusual to have someone of your stature visit Carson City.”

“Son, I’ve been buttered up by the best, so you can leave it be. I’m just a lowly congressman … and by the way, if memory serves, President Grant toured Virginia and Carson City not long ago.”

“He did,” I answered, “but Grant’s retired. You, on the other hand, chair the most important committee in Congress. This is a political town, and politicians can spot a titan from a dozen paces.”

“A titan?” he laughed, and then laughed some more. “Never been called that before. Son, when you’re done here, you might find work in the great District of Columbia.”

“If I may, sir, are you no longer peeved at me?”

“No … yes, a bit. The governor vouched for you, so I guess this incident … did it happen here?”

“In the dining room,” I answered.

“After a few drinks, I may impose on you to describe the incident in minute detail. I’ve eaten tense meals with disreputable men, but none erupted into gunfire.” He made a show of looking around. “So, this is the Wild West. Looks fairly tame so far.”

“Tame?” my mother said. “Ruffians everywhere.” She glanced down at my Colt. “Guns, knives, fisticuffs. Hard men, like that awful Mr. McAllen. I know he saved your life son, but you won’t need someone like him when you return to New York.”

“Or Philadelphia,” Morris added.

“We

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