The Frontier Overland Company by William W. Johnstone

Author:William W. Johnstone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pinnacle Books
Published: 2023-10-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 15

Butch Keeling’s endless snoring was not the only reason why Tucker Cobb could not sleep. The notion that his money was in Sheriff Brickell’s safe kept him awake.

Cobb looked up at the pattern of the cracks in the plaster ceiling and was reminded of a map of Texas he had seen. He remembered the quiet oath he had made to himself that he would never go on another cattle drive again. Not as a cook. Not as a cowpuncher. Not for any reason except, maybe, if the herd belonged to him. He had been taking orders from other men for most of his life. He hoped he could keep his vow now, but it was not looking promising.

Cobb had always hated being at the mercy of another man’s whims, especially when it came to money. Even if he got back every cent from Brickell, which he knew was unlikely, the damage to his reputation was done. He had wanted customers to know they could expect a clean, safe ride with the Frontier Overland Company, but their inaugural trip had proven to be a disaster. A jilted lover, horse thieves, and a band of bandits had ruined the stage line’s reputation. Now, a sheriff’s greed promised to derail his fledgling business for good.

Cobb had been so preoccupied by his troubles that he had not realized how quiet it had become in the room until Butch said, “Go to sleep, Cobb. It’s late and morning won’t come any later on account of your fretting.”

Cobb looked across the darkened room toward the sound of his partner’s voice. “A minute ago, you were sleeping enough for the both of us, and your snoring’s gotten worse. Sounded like you were clearing a whole forest.”

“That’s on account of it being a fitful sleep,” Butch said. “All of your worrying is enough to turn my dreams to nightmares. Swallow your pride and shut your eyes so I can have some peace. A bit of sleep wouldn’t hurt you any.”

Cobb sat up in his bed when he heard a loud crash through the floorboards. The McBrides and the Becquers were in rooms directly below them. “You hear that?”

“No,” Butch said. “I’m asleep.”

Cobb pulled the covers aside and slid his legs out over the edge of the bed. Each night, he laid out his pants and boots beside his bed so he could pull them on at a moment’s notice.

He strained his ears to listen but heard nothing but muted voices. “It sounded like wood splintering.”

“Mr. Becquer looked like he’d had one too many when we came back to the hotel. Maybe the old boy rolled out of bed or walked into a door in the dark. You’ll only embarrass him if you go check it out. Go to sleep.”

But Cobb knew he would not be able to sleep now that his interest had been piqued. He could always sense when something was amiss, as it certainly was now.

He looked across the room when he heard their doorknob begin to rattle.

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