Storm Summit by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Avalanche Ranch Press LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Beth walked along the boardwalk, passing one shop after another. Most were closed this early in the morning, a good time for her to study the town without anyone bothering her—without Chan questioning her actions.

Splendor was bigger than she’d imagined, yet smaller than Big Pine. Betts, the owner of McCall’s restaurant, told her at breakfast the town had tripled in size over the last two years. The Devil Dancer mine accounted for much of the growth, enticing travelers to stay, opening shops and restaurants or buying land to raise cattle.

Betts had been friendly and talkative, answering questions before Beth could ask them. The Pelletiers were the biggest landowners, running cattle and breeding horses. Suzanne and Nick Barnett, along with Gabe and Lena Evans, owned several successful businesses, which surprised her. She wondered about a sheriff having the money to build a fancy hotel and restaurant. It was easier for her to understand him having enough to partner in the Dixie and Wild Rose saloons.

Beth had learned to look for inconsistencies, question whatever didn’t make sense. The scope of Gabe Evans’s properties didn’t add up. A sheriff’s salary didn’t support such lavish investments. So where did his money come from? Was it possible Chan’s brother had gotten involved in illegal activities such as counterfeiting? They were questions she needed to have answered.

Taking a seat on a bench across the street from the jail, Beth was surprised when someone joined her. An older man in a rumpled suit, bow tie, and black derby hat, hands clasped in his lap, sat a foot away.

“I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Enoch Weaver.”

A slight smile curved her lips. “Elizabeth Cartman. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Cartman. Are you new to Splendor?”

“I arrived yesterday from Big Pine with Marshal Evans.”

“Chan. An excellent lawman and good person. You were fortunate to have him ride with you.”

“Yes, I was,” she whispered.

“Good morning.” Both turned their attention to Chan, who stood a couple feet away. “I’ve been looking for you, Enoch.”

“Seems you’ve found me, Marshal. What can I do for you?”

“Do you have time to join Gabe and me at the jail?”

“I’ve nowhere to go, so yes.” Standing, Enoch tipped his derby hat at Beth. “It was nice to meet you, Miss Cartman.”

She stood, glaring at Chan. “Does this have anything to do with the reason I came to Splendor? If so, I’m going with you.”

Blowing out a sigh, he nodded. “Fine. It’ll give you a chance to meet Gabe’s deputies.” He’d hoped to get through this meeting before locating Beth and starting their interviews.

And learn more about the sheriff. “Thank you.”

Walking across the street, Chan shoved the door open, motioning them inside. Gabe, Beau, Cash, Hex, Zeke, and Caleb were already inside. Making introductions, he indicated for Beth to sit down.

“What about Mack and Dutch?” Chan asked.

“They should be here soon.” Gabe turned his attention to Beth. “Good morning, Agent Cartman.”

“Sheriff.”

“I see you’ve met Enoch.”

Her features softened when she looked at the older man.

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