Silver City Vendetta by Terrell Bowers

Author:Terrell Bowers [Bowers, Terrell]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2016-10-28T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Rand had donned a clean shirt and trousers, then cleaned his best jacket, nearly ready to head for the dance, when Scotty came knocking on his door.

'Hey there, Rand!' he said excitedly. 'I only have a minute, but I thought I'd better talk to someone.'

'What is it?'

'I'm waiting for a telegraph message,' he explained. 'It's important and worth five dollars to me.' Rand stood and looked at him expectantly. 'Anyway,' Scotty finally continued, 'I seen a harnessed team of horses go by not two minutes ago -- with no wagon!'

'What?'

'Looked like the matched pair of draft horses Ivan uses when he is out making deliveries. After what happened to Matt, and Billy's team coming in without him, I thought someone ought to know about it. I ran over and checked at the Denton freight office, but everyone has gone home for the day.'

'The boys will be at the dance,' Rand surmised.

'Sheriff Brady, his wife and Deputy Degrange are likely there too.'

'I'll get my horse and have a look. Do you know where Ivan was delivering to?'

'It's Saturday, so his usual trip is north along the Narrow Fork trail. He goes to the Mennonite valley and delivers to the bunch of farmers who live there each week.'

'I know the road. I'll ride up that way and see if I can find him. Once your message arrives, you might mention about the team to one of the Denton boys, and tell them I've gone looking for Ivan.'

'Why don't you just tell the sheriff? It's only five minutes to his house.'

'If something has happened, I might be able to get the leverage to get Sam Denton to sit down with me. The whole family sees me as their enemy.'

'OK, Rand. You be careful.'

Minutes later, Rand was on his horse and riding out of town. It didn't look like he would get to dance with Tracy after all, but he might get lucky and find Ivan. If he could get Ivan on his side, along with Matt and Billy, Sam would have to talk to him. Something told him Sam was the key to his investigation. Two murders, now these attacks on his wagon. Whether he knew it or not, Sam had to be involved.

***

Tracy felt awkward being with a strange man. Plus, she experienced an odd sense of betrayal at allowing him to accompany her to a social function. However, Deputy Degrange was a pleasant sort of fellow with a ready smile and an easy manner. He flattered her constantly and was an adequate dancer. Even so, she was not comfortable about the way he clung to her side every minute. She kept watch for Rand, but he didn't put in an appearance. She remained with Degrange until they called for a mixer and she ended up with another dance partner. It turned out to be Barry Kingston!

'It's been a long time, Tracy. Small as the town is, you've been able to avoid me.' He displayed an insolent sneer. 'Would that be because you're fawning over that fellow from NERO?'

'What are you talking about?' she asked.

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