Desolation Creek by William W. Johnstone

Author:William W. Johnstone
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pinnacle Books
Published: 2023-02-16T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

“I heard something you might find interesting.”

Sally was talking quietly from the side of her mouth as she and Smoke walked to the hotel.

Smoke kept his eyes peeled for Hicks or any of his cronies. Thankfully, they reached the hotel without incident and quickly ducked inside. They were on the second floor when Sally finally elaborated.

“I overheard Taggart and McFadden talking,” she said. “They’re worried the town is going to rebel. Evidently, that newspaperman is really stirring things up.”

“Did they say when?” Smoke asked.

They stopped in front of Sally’s door. She opened it and Smoke looked inside, making sure no one was waiting for her. It was clear.

“As far as I could tell, they don’t know, but they think soon. They were talking about sending you, Hicks, and the others out to make a show of force. They want folks afraid. Smoke, I’m afraid something terrible is about to happen.”

Even as low as she was keeping her voice, Smoke could hear the worry that infused her words.

“I know,” he said. “Me too.”

“When are you going to . . .”

Smoke looked up and down the hallway in both directions and then whispered, “Tomorrow at the latest. I need to meet with Audie and Nighthawk. I’ll be doing that later today.”

He wanted to kiss her, but knew it wasn’t wise. Their conversation could have been innocent, but a kiss definitely wouldn’t be. While Smoke didn’t see anyone lurking about, it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility that they were being watched right now. McFadden was a paranoid man who retained power by controlling every element of his environment that he could. He could have any number of people working for him, doing his bidding.

“Good night, Mr. West,” Sally said with a sly half smile.

“Good night,” he said, tipping his hat.

It took every ounce of strength he had to turn around and leave her in that room, but he did so, knowing she would be relatively safe stashed away there in the hotel. He was pondering if hardened outlaws who work for low-down, dirty skunks would tip their hats to a lady when he heard heavy footsteps coming up the stairs.

He moved quickly to the other side of the hall and poised his hand over his gun. A moment later, he saw a long shadow cast on the floor at the top of the stairs just before the large frame of Taggart climbed into view. It took Taggart a moment to realize he was being watched.

“Easy there, West. I’m just coming to let you know the boss wants to see you.”

Smoke stood. “Nothing personal. After that little scrape with Hicks—”

“I understand,” Taggart said, a wry grin parting his lips. “You ain’t dumb, that’s for sure. I suspect Hicks is so spittin’ mad at you that he would ambush you, if it wouldn’t get him in trouble with Mr. McFadden.”

“You’re probably right.”

“He might do it, at that,” Taggart continued. “But not tonight. Mr. McFadden needs every man he can get.”

“Thought I had the night off.

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