LITMIR.BIZ

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to feed some of my family whose farm had been ravaged by grasshoppers.”

      The Jones brothers fell silent.

      Cole had just drifted off to sleep when the conveyance came to a halt in front of the hotel. A few minutes later he was escorted through the back entrance, up the stairs and was finally brought to a halt in front of a large door. When the door opened he found himself facing a petite beauty. Servants didn’t wear such expensive gowns. He suspected he was facing his soon-to-be employer.

      “Please come in, Mr. Wagner.” He stepped forward and she closed the door behind him, leaving the others to stand in the hallway. “I am Mrs. Bethany Alexander.”

      A slow grin spread across Cole’s lips. This situation had possibilities. Besides the lady’s pleasing physical qualities, he liked her apparent lack of fear at being alone with an outlaw. He snatched off his top hat, then sauntered farther into the room.

      A quick glance at the expensive surroundings told Cole a great deal about the lady he was going to be working for. She was wealthy and accustomed to the very best. The price he had planned to charge for his services escalated.

      Cole held up his manacled hands. “Do you plan to leave these on me?”

      “For now.”

      “I’m curious. Aren’t you worried that I might attack you?”

      “Why should I be? Decker and Wilber are on the other side of the door. Besides, we’re not alone.”

      Out of the corner of his eye Cole caught sight of a man sitting in a chair, partially hidden by the room’s shadows.

      “Please join us.”

      Cole followed her to the other side of the room.

      “You’ve already met the Jones brothers. This is Howard Bench. He will be second in command during our trip.”

      Howard stood and nodded.

      Cole figured him to be approximately ten years the woman’s senior. He had a touch of gray at his temples and his clothes were fashionable and expensive. But the gentleman wasn’t just a soft greenhorn. He had the look of a hunter in his eyes, a look Cole easily recognized. Cole knew immediately that Howard knew how to take care of himself and would probably be dangerous if crossed. Because he and the lady had different names, he wondered if they were lovers. “What trip are you talking about?”

      “We’ll discuss that in a moment.” Now that Beth had a good look at the man, she began to slowly shake her head from side to side. His beard, height and build were the only images that made him look even half dangerous. Undoubtedly his black eye and facial abrasions were due to tearing up the saloon she’d paid for.

      “You don’t look like an outlaw,” Beth commented, more to herself than to Cole. She shouldn’t have relied on Mr. Smyth’s opinion.

      “What is an outlaw supposed to look like?” Cole asked.

      “Well... I...I certainly wouldn’t expect one to be dressed in a plaid tweed suit and wear a top hat, even though the suit is quite worn and outdated.” Beth sat on a cushioned chair, leaving him standing. “Even your hair and beard are well trimmed,” she said with obvious disappointment.

      “I take it outlaws dress differently and do not trim their hair.”

      “They would hardly have time for such things when they’re constantly running from the law. I had also expected someone younger. How old are you, Mr. Wagner?”

      Where had the woman come up with these ridiculous ideas, Cole wondered. “Why do you ask?”

      “Beth, don’t you think you’re being rather hard on Mr. Wagner?” Howard asked. “Mr. Smyth told you that men do not dress as such in town.”

      “Had the deputy not said he was a bank robber, I would never have suspected him of a single wrongdoing.” She looked at his black eye. “Other than partaking in a brawl.” She shook her head again. “There is whiskey behind you on the end table, if you care to have a drink.”

      The invitation surprised Cole. Mrs. Alexander was a complexity. She did not strike him as a woman who offered whiskey in her parlor. Was she testing him? “Thank you, but I think not. This is Sunday and it’s against the Lord’s teaching.”

      From the looks on their faces, it was evident that the lady and gentleman were dumbfounded. Cole knew he’d made the wrong choice. He should have accepted the damn drink. He certainly could have used one.

      “That obviously wasn’t a hindrance last night. All outlaws drink whiskey, smoke, gamble, curse, practice debauchery and are quick draws. But maybe you weren’t a good outlaw. You don’t even wear a gun and holster. It’s no wonder you got caught!”

      “I had a gun. As luck would have it, the sheriff had walked into the bank right behind me,” he lied. “I didn’t have a chance.”

      Howard rubbed the back of his neck. “See, Beth? You’re being completely unreasonable.”

      Cole was somewhat pleased that her face softened a bit. He shifted to his other foot. “Do you mind if I sit?”

      “Yes, I do.”

      “Beth!” Howard protested.

      “He has been in jail, Howard. He’s probably covered with lice.”

      Cole rolled his eyes. Damn! If only he knew what this was all about and what was expected of him. All he knew was that he was to go to work for the lady as a guide, just as the deputy had told him. “Where did you learn all about outlaws, Mrs. Alexander?”

      “From dime westerns. That is the reason for this trip.”

      Cole had to turn away to keep from breaking out laughing. “Never have I met anyone quite like you, Mrs. Alexander,” he finally managed to say soberly.

      “Nor I you.”

      “Tell me. If all outlaws looked the same, don’t you think it would be easy for the law to spot them?”

      Howard chuckled. “Touché! I’ve tried telling her the same thing.”

      Beth knew they were right. She shouldn’t have let her disappointment at not finding what she had expected override common sense. And why should she continue to badger Cole Wagner? Hopefully he had the qualifications she needed. After all, he was the only man she had for the position as guide. He would have to do until she found someone better. She really didn’t need a desperado if he could show her what she needed to see.

      Howard walked over and poured himself a full glass of whiskey.

      So far, Cole had learned that Beth was not only the one who seemed to be calling all the shots, she was also quite blunt. He needed more information. “If it’s not too much trouble, ma’am, I’d like to know what you expect of me. Are you seeking revenge on someone, am I to kill a lover, or maybe you just fancy having a wanted man for yourself?”

      The whiskey spewed from Howard’s mouth as he broke out in a thunderous roar of laughter.

      “Your questions weren’t called for, Mr. Wagner,” Beth snapped.

      “Then why do you want an outlaw?”

      Beth marched to the door and opened it. “Decker, Wilber,” she beckoned.

      The men appeared immediately.

      “Take him to his room. I have already made arrangements for his clothes to be cleaned and for him to bathe. Later, Mr. Wagner, we will dine and discuss what I want of you.”

      “Because it seems to be so important to you, Mrs. Alexander, I am thirty-two,” Cole said just before walking out the door.

      As soon as the door had been closed behind the men, Bethany glared at Howard. He was using his handkerchief to wipe the front of his vest where he’d spewed whiskey. He was still chuckling. “Howard!”

      “Come,

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