Christmas in Cowboy Country Read Online Free PDF

words?”
    A thickset man in a rumpled suit stood up and walked the few steps from the front row to Chuck to take the mike. He gave the audience a jowly grin and straightened his colorful tie. The rest of his attire was sober and dull, but it did kind of look like he’d slept in that suit.
    His short speech sounded rehearsed, but people listened attentively. Connally presented himself as the man to see about property problems, which he promised to resolve.
    â€œTo the best of my abilities and the fullest extent of my knowledge,” he added in a booming voice.
    Heads were turning, as if the homeowners and ranchers in attendance were asking each other who this guy was. Annie didn’t remember his name mentioned in the local newspaper. Then Connally answered the question that everyone seemed about to ask.
    â€œIf you’re wondering what makes me an expert, let me reassure you. I have over twenty years of experience with property issues and law. Chuck talked me into doing some consulting for you folks and the town council.”
    Shep turned and pointed to a council member on his right. “Joe Gitterson here can give you my bona fides. I understand he’s Chuck’s right hand.”
    Not a glowing recommendation. Tyrell Bennett turned around and frowned for Annie’s benefit. She didn’t know Gitterson or any of the other council members, but she had a feeling this wasn’t how the town was supposed to be run. She made a note. Who pays Connally? Follow the money.
    â€œJoe is actually the one who hired me just a month ago,” Connally added, talking faster. “Chuck doesn’t have that authority, if any of you were wondering about that.”
    Annie distinctly heard someone mutter, “Damn straight.” Not her father, though.
    â€œSo. Moving on. I just want you all to know that I got up here to Colorado as soon as I could.”
    There was a pause for dramatic effect. He could have been a carnival pitchman or a tinhorn politician, Annie thought.
    â€œAnd I’m ready to knuckle down and work.”
    Like this so-called consultant was doing the people of Velde a huge favor, she thought. And he hadn’t said where he was from.
    â€œIt’s clear that many of you have important questions,” Connally added, ignoring the raised hands. “These are complex issues. I may not have every answer right at my fingertips, but I’m sure as heck determined to help you all.”
    His attempt to be folksy fell flat with most.
    â€œWe’ll get this business straightened out,” he went on. “Maybe not tonight, but soon. You can count on me.”
    Annie listened to more reassurances that sounded like casual lies, even to her inexperienced ears. She glanced at Marshall. His jaw was set and there was a hard gleam in his eyes. She considered asking him for his opinion on exactly what was going on. But he was watching Connally intently.
    â€œHe sounds like a con man,” she whispered to Stone.
    He only shrugged. “Prove it. He can say what he likes. It’s a free country.”
    Stone’s indifference irked her, but she kept it to herself.
    â€œSay, it might be best if you all could write down your questions,” the consultant added. He took out a handkerchief and mopped his forehead. “Then I could address each case individually, maybe do some research ahead of time in the town records. With permission, of course. Just keep in mind that I’d be happy to speak privately with any of you, if that is your preference.”
    Another red flag, as far as Annie was concerned. She made another note. Private meaning no witnesses and no official record?
    She wasn’t the only one with suspicions. The low murmurs in the room were threaded with concern, even though she couldn’t make out every word. But a few homeowners seemed to be jotting down their thoughts. Connally glanced downward at the ones who were closest to him, smiling