Leadville by Best James D

Author:Best, James D. [Best, James D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Queenbeach
Published: 2009-03-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

The three of us entered the Carbonate dining room about an hour before the appointed time. McAllen wanted to arrive ahead of the dinner crowd so we’d have a broad choice of tables. Only two tables were occupied, and those were filled by elderly couples.

The captain scanned the room. “Nobody looks suspicious.”

“We do,” I offered.

McAllen threw me a nasty look. “Then take care of it, Steve,” he said with an irritated tone that I had come to expect. “Tip the staff generously and tell ’em to leave us alone unless we call ’em over.”

I approached the dining room steward and, with a folded banknote in my palm, shook his hand. When I withdrew my hand, the banknote no longer belonged to me.

“Good evening. My name is Mr. Dancy, and I’m a business associate of that gentleman over there.” I pointed to Captain McAllen.

He nodded slightly.

“We need two tables for the night: one for my associate to discreetly discuss a business arrangement, and another for myself and another associate. We’ll pick our own tables. Please ask your staff not to disturb us unless we call them over.” Still no reaction from the steward, so I added, “Have I made myself clear?”

“Not quite clear enough,” he said as his eyes flitted down to his closed fist.

I shook his hand again, and another banknote passed between us. “I’m sure we’re clear now,” I said firmly.

“Enjoy the evening,” he responded.

After I returned from my errand, McAllen said, “You two take the table to the left of the door. If anyone comes in, their back will be to you. I’ll sit at that table in the rear corner.” Before leaving us, he added, “Drink beer or wine. And not much of that. I want you to keep a sharp eye out.”

I restrained a yes, sir.

After Sharp and I took a seat at our designated table, I called a waiter over and ordered an expensive French Bordeaux. McAllen told us not to drink a lot, so we might as well drink well. After the waiter uncorked the bottle and I tested it, I looked over to see McAllen scowling a warning at me.

As the waiter poured, Sharp said, “Captain ain’t too happy about ya disobeyin’ his orders.”

“We’ll only be disobeying if we order a second bottle.” I hooked a thumb at the dining room steward. “Besides, that steward’s happy, and one happy man per room is plenty.”

After testing the Bordeaux for himself, Sharp smiled appreciatively. “Good choice, Steve.” After another taste, he added, “Yep … a mighty fine sippin’ wine.”

“We have an hour before Grant arrives,” I said. “Maybe we should order oysters to wile away the time. I heard they transport them here live.”

“You’re paying, of course.”

Damn it, I was too slow. “Of course.”

“Then let’s make the captain nervous by enjoyin’ ourselves.”

I started to wave the waiter over, when I heard, “Mr. Steve Dancy, I suggest that you take every opportunity to enjoy yourself while you can.”

The woman’s voice came from over my shoulder. Out of the corner of my eye, I had seen a rotund woman get up from one of the two occupied tables.

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