Djara: Book One by Kat Evans

Author:Kat Evans [Evans, Kat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-11-23T07:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

The bullet hit the ground inches from the toe of Djara’s cowboy boot. She leaped back inside the bathhouse and slammed the front door.

The owner of the bathhouse came rushing down the hall toward her. “Was that gunfire?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Is there another showdown today?”

As Djara peeked through the front window beside the door, she said, “No, there’s a gunman on the roof across the street.” That was twice in one day that she’d been shot at, and she was starting to get annoyed. Although she couldn’t see the shooter clearly, she could make out the barrel of his rifle and the brim of his hat.

“Who’s he shootin’ at?”

“Me, apparently.” Djara turned away from the window. “You got a back exit, mister?”

“Down the hall.” He pointed.

A wide eyed young man in his late teens entered the main bathroom, pulling his suspenders into place. Djara’s eyes swept over him from head to toe, taking his measure. “Hey, kid. Wanna earn some extra money?”

“Yes, sir--” He paled. “I mean ma’am.”

She reached into her pocket and then tossed a coin to him. “Here’s a nickel. Do you know where Grady’s Saloon is?”

“I know exactly where it is. I-I’ve never been in there before though,” he stammered with a bright flush.

“Well then, today’s your lucky day. I need you to ride over there. The woman who runs it is named Eden McAllister. Ask for her. Tell her to hitch her wagon and bring it to the bathhouse along with a large coat and hat. Tell her Djara sent you.” To make sure he actually made good on his end of the bargain and didn’t run off with her money, she thickened the pot. “Ride back with her, and I’ll give you another nickel soon as you get here.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

It took a solid hour for the kid to return. “Here’s the coat and hat.” He rushed the items to her.

“Appreciate it, kid.” As promised, Djara tossed him another coin. She slipped the large coat over her duster and asked, “Did you see anyone hanging around behind back when you pulled up?”

“No, ma’am. Not that I noticed.”

She removed her hat and shoved it beneath her coat, cradling it under her arm. She plopped the other hat on her head. “Got a pistol on you?” she asked the kid.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Is it loaded?”

His eyes cast downward. “No, ma’am.”

Djara hefted the saddlebag over her shoulder, reached inside, and then tossed him a small sack with enough bullets for him to shoot his way out of a twenty gun Mexican standoff. “Cover me.”

“You got it.” He looked at the sack in awe. “Do I get to keep these?”

“Yep. Don’t waste them on target practice. One day the thing that will save your life may be an unwasted bullet.”

“I’ll remember that.” He grinned. “Thanks, lady.”

Djara strode to the back exit and cracked the door. Eden sat at the wagon seat with the reins in hand, but didn’t see anyone else. That likely meant the man on the roof was working alone. She pulled her hat low and headed for the wagon.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.