Twin Guns by Wick Evans

Author:Wick Evans
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: western
Publisher: Arcadia House
Published: 1960-01-21T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

Sheriff Lon Peters was an early riser. Some said it was because he had to get out of his house, away from his wife's constant scolding. Those who really knew were aware that her scolding meant nothing, that it was only a cover for the deep affection she felt for her salty spouse… an affection he returned with interest. Like his wife, he was ashamed to show it. The only evidence of his devotion was his constant reference to "the old lady" or "that woman."

He rode in to Wagon the next morning while Kirby and Jen were having breakfast, before Josh had given the bunkhouse crew their orders for the day.

"Mornin', folks." He sighed as he pushed open the kitchen door without the formality of knocking first. "Reckon I will have a cup of coffee, now that you've asked me." He watched while Maria filled his cup and placed cream and sugar within his reach. "If my old lady could make coffee like Maria's, I'd marry her. Think she uses what's left in the pot for furniture polish."

Jen, who knew Lon's wife was famous for her cooking, laughed. "I'm going to tell her you said that the very next time I see her," she told him. "She'll be glad to know what you think of her cooking."

"Me and my big mouth." He sighed. "Well, my term of office will be up soon. Guess no one will miss me much if I ride on out of the state. There sure won't be any place for me in town if the old woman hears I said that."

Kirby joined in their laughter, but his eyes were troubled. "Is this an official visit, Lon?"

The sheriff let out a gusty breath. "Yes and no, boy. I stopped by to tell you that I don't look for no trouble about those two hombres got shot up last night. They was known gunmen, and I never did cotton to the idea of hired killers struttin' around the streets of my town. There'll have to be an inquest, but I know Doc Williams will agree they got what was comin' to 'em, seein' as how I was a witness to the shootin'." His face broke into one of his rare smiles. "I wouldn't have missed seein' Joe use that pool cue for a new double eagle. But maybe you'd better be in town this afternoon about two o'clock, just for the record. I ought to be back by then."

"You riding somewhere, Lon? It's a long time until two o'clock."

Lon let out his familiar sigh. "Thought maybe I'd pay a little visit to Dawes' spread. Been curious about that layout for a long time. 'Course I would have another cup of Maria's coffee before I go… was I pressed."

Maria filled all their cups, and the conversation became general until the sheriff ambled out to his horse, the heavy Colt slapping his bony thigh. Kirby's eyes were troubled.

Jen asked a question: "Was there more shooting last night?" Maria stopped work clearing away the table and waited for the answer.

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