Lacy's Legacy by Elaine Manders

Author:Elaine Manders
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2019-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Ethan rode in to a quiet town the next evening. As he neared the saloon, the tinny tones of a piano floated through the heavy air. A number of horses lined the hitching post to the saloon, affirming business was brisk. Good. He could blend into the crowd.

He strode through the batwing doors with fully loaded pistols hanging from both hips, praying he’d not have to use them.

Even before he had a chance to survey the place, a heavily painted woman approached him. “Hello, sugar, how would you like to buy me a drink.” She rubbed her bare arm against his. “I get excited after a couple of drinks.”

“No. thank you, ma’am, I’m fresh out of drink money tonight.” Nothing would get rid of a loose woman faster than being broke.

She slid a hand along his cheek. “Well, you remember Candy next time you get paid.”

Spying Quint at the end of the bar, he hoped there wouldn’t be a next time.

His friend gave no sign of recognizing him as he slid into place and ordered a beer. It was for show since he’d never developed a taste for the brew, but it was more tolerable than the gut-rot whiskey the bar served. “Getting crowded up here. You want to join me at the back table?” His voice held the nonchalant tone of a stranger.

Quint glanced around the bar before nodding.

They found an empty table surrounded by poker players too intent on their games to eavesdrop. “Did you get the job?”

“No problem with that. I’m still feeling my way around, but I get a sense, except for Dye’s inner circle, he doesn’t have the loyalty of his men, maybe not because they wouldn’t be on his side, they just don’t know what’s going on. And don’t really care.”

Ethan swirled the brown liquid around his glass. That was interesting. Before you went against an enemy you had to know how strong that enemy was. He hoped the cowboys hired by Dye’s father hadn’t transferred their loyalty to the son. “On the other hand, everyone on the town council is in Dye’s pocket, including the sheriff.”

“Even there, most of them are scared rather than loyal. There’s a difference.”

Yes, Ethan well knew that. After you found out which side people were on, you had to know who would turn tail and run, and who would stand and fight. “At the moment, I’m not prepared to trust any of the townspeople.”

Quint nodded. “Dye’s gunning for you, but he’s not the brains of his outfit. Steel is.”

“The gunslinger?”

“Yeah, he calls the shots. Dye pumps himself up, but he doesn’t make a move without Steel’s advice.”

“Why is Dye gunning for me?”

“You shot his bodyguard in the hand. They’ll have to draw blood for that. As soon as I hear what they intend to do, I’ll meet you at that big aspen behind Mrs. Avant’s house, about five in the morning.”

That was the place they’d met yesterday morning. “I’ll check each morning.” He took a draught of the beer and grimaced.

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