Tombstone Jack and the Redwing Saloon by Dan Winchester

Author:Dan Winchester
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: western
Publisher: Denton & White
Published: 2017-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

The actual hotel where Jack and Burt were staying wasn’t in the section known as the Barbary Coast. Instead, it sat a bit inland. The price was steep, but Jack didn’t want to lay his head down in the most dangerous part of town. His senses would be in constant heightened awareness. Far better to relax in comfort. Danger would still snap him awake.

The next morning, Jack and Burt left their rooms and went down for breakfast. As they walked toward the dining hall, a plain-looking woman in a long black dress entered the hotel and approached the desk. Another woman blocked the door to the dining hall as she argued with the wait staff.

“What kind of nonsense is this?” she demanded.

The waiter looked at Jack apologetically. “I’ll be right with you, sir,” he said.

Jack nodded and glanced over to the desk where the woman in black spoke to the clerk. Jack overheard part of her conversation.

“…Looking for my brother. He’s been missing for two weeks, and I was hoping maybe he stayed here.”

“What was his name?” the clerk asked.

“Russell Sands.”

“I’ll check our guest book.”

“Thank you. I’m just so worried. It’s not like him to just disappear like this.”

“I don’t see a Russell Sands in the log, Mrs. Parker.”

“Call me Martha,” she said.

“Doesn’t alter the facts, Mrs… Sorry. Martha.”

Jack’s attention went back to the arguing woman. She huffed and stormed away, knocking Burt aside as she went.

Jack looked back at Martha.

“Are you familiar with the saloons in town?” Martha asked the clerk. “I’m looking for a place called the Redwing.”

Jack started to turn toward her, but the waiter cleared his throat. “Sorry to keep you waiting, sir. Table for two?”

“My brother had a business offer from the owner,” Martha said.

“That’s right,” Burt said. “Jack?”

“Sorry,” Jack said. “I was distracted.” He looked back to see Martha thanking the clerk and turning to leave.

“You coming?” Burt asked.

Jack hesitated a moment, then turned to Burt. “Get us a table,” he said. “I’ll join you in a minute. I want to talk to that woman.”

Burt glanced at Martha. He shrugged, and tailed the waiter into the dining area.

Jack followed Martha toward the front door. “Excuse me, ma’am,” Jack said, taking off his hat.

Martha turned to face him. “Are you talking to me?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Jack said, holding his hat at his waist.

“I don’t know you.”

“I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” Jack said.

“Did you know my brother?”

Jack shook his head. “No, but I know the Redwing.”

“Can you give me directions?”

“No offense, ma’am, but it’s not the kind of place you should visit.”

“I have to find my brother.”

“Maybe I can help with that. Can I buy you breakfast? We can talk about it.”

She hesitated. “I don’t normally dine with strangers.”

“My name is Jack Coltrane.”

“Martha Parker.”

“My wife was named Martha,” Jack said.

“Was?”

Jack nodded.

“Then we can’t be strangers anymore.”

Jack led her into the dining area. They joined Burt at a table toward the back. Half the tables were occupied, while others needed to be cleared as dirty dishes sat atop them.

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