Claire Whitcomb Western Collection by DV Berkom

Author:DV Berkom [Berkom, D.V.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Duct Tape Press

Chapter 14

Doc assured Claire that Isabella would be in good hands with Luke, especially with so much champagne left, so after she had a word with them, Doc took her to the gunsmith on Fourth Street.

He showed Claire’s invention to the proprietor, George Spangenberg, who told them to give him a few days and he’d see what he could do.

As they started for the hotel, Claire patted his arm. “Thank you, Doc, for not shooting down my idea, so to speak.”

Doc smiled at her play on words. “It was my pleasure, Miss Claire. I may make use of your invention myself—not that I’m partial to rifles, mind you. My preference is a pistol. But I’m not against an idea that could help in a fight.”

“Earlier, you mentioned a practice shoot. Would you be interested in doing that now? I’m not sure whether I’ll have much time in the future, depending on Isabella’s requirements, and I would hate to miss the opportunity.”

“Why, I’d be honored, Miss Claire. I’ll need to go back to my room to retrieve my weapon of choice. It’s over on Fremont Street. Would you care to accompany me?”

“Of course.”

They stopped outside of the same boarding house where Claire had met Mollie Fly earlier that morning. Claire walked inside and had a seat in the parlor while Doc went to his room. Mollie brought her a glass of water while she waited.

“Have you known Doc long?” she asked.

“I met him today, as a matter of fact. Why?”

Mollie shrugged. “He’s got—an unsavory reputation. I’m not sure you want to be associated with a man of his caliber.”

Claire smiled. “He’s been nothing but a gentleman.” She was going to add that she didn’t care much about her reputation but decided against it.

Mollie patted Claire’s knee. “Well, dear, you be careful. He tends to be quite volatile when he drinks.” She leaned closer and whispered, “He likes to shoot things.”

“I will. Thank you, Mollie.”

Doc reappeared, a leather satchel in hand. “Mollie. What atrocious untruths are you telling my new friend?” Smiling, he turned to Claire. “Don’t believe a word she says, Claire. She makes a mean strawberry crumble, but she’s a sharp tongue.”

Mollie waved him away. “Oh, stop it. You behave, Mr. Holliday. Claire isn’t the type of woman you’re accustomed to keeping company with,” she added with a reproving look.

Doc smiled at Claire with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Oh, don’t I know it, Miss Mollie. Don’t I know it.”

They rented a buggy from the livery and rode north of town to set up targets at varying distances. Self-conscious at first, after a few practice shots Claire relaxed into the friendly competition. She held her own, although Doc was much faster on the draw. He hit every target, while she made nine out of ten.

“What would you do if someone had a hold of another person you didn’t want to shoot and was threatening their life?” The memory of not being able to get a clear shot of the gunman who held Ian haunted her.

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