Return to the New Mexico Territory by Harvey Stanbrough

Author:Harvey Stanbrough
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: StoneThread Publishing
Published: 2021-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

In Logan Bluffs, a half-hour after Wilkins left, Messina asked his men a series of questions.

They answered well enough to convince him they’d heard his instructions and would abide by them.

Finally he said, “All right. Very good.” He paused. “Do not forget these things, my friends. They are important. They will ensure that our livelihood continues long into the future.” He hefted his glass. “To our future.”

They all nodded and repeated, “To our future.”

He set down his glass, then clapped his hands and grinned. “So why are you still here? Get back to your little kingdoms and do what you do.”

They all laughed. Each thanked him for his hospitality as they filed out of the house, bound for Kiker, Riley Springs and Portales.

When the last one had left, Carmen came into the room again. “It was a good meeting, Paco?”

He scowled at her. “You might have shown yourself more often to make them a little more happy they were here.”

“And how much of myself should I have shown them?”

He backhanded her and she fell to the floor, then leaned up on her left elbow, her right hand gently caressing her cheek, which was already beginning to turn purple. Her pain was reflected in her eyes, but behind it was the burning fire of rage.

As she opened her mouth, he stepped over her, one boot at either side of her waist. Still scowling, he pointed at her. “Do not tempt me, woman. Do not!”

He clenched a fist, then relaxed it and stepped back. “Remain where you are until I’ve gone.”

“Where are you going?”

As he turned away, he said, “That is no concern of yours. I have business to conduct.” He looked back and gestured around the room. “Have this mess cleaned up before I return.”

She only watched as he strode out through the door. Then she stood and started gathering glasses.

In the kitchen, she set the glasses on the counter and listened as Messina’s horse clopped past the front of the house.

The Ranger would come again someday. She was sure of it.

She picked up a glass and a rag, then stopped.

Messina’s business had to do with either someone in town, or it was with one of the men who had been here in the house. But he never did business with the people in town, especially early in the day. And his own men had just left. So probably he was going to find the man who had left earlier.

If so, he would be gone for at least an hour, and maybe longer.

She dropped the rag on the counter.

Yes, the Ranger would definitely return someday. But she could make sure of it.

She grabbed some food, then went to the bedroom to gather some things.

*

Outside, Messina looked to the left, down the hill. The last man to leave was just turning west onto the road.

Good. By the time he saddled his own horse, all of them would be out of town. The business he had to attend to now was none of their concern either.

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