High Country Horror Read Online Free PDF Page A

misdeed had been committed.” Helsa’s features clouded. “And then he disappeared, too.”
    Fargo’s interest was growing.
    “His horse was found about a mile from Haven with blood on the saddle. But there was no sign of James. Since then three other girls have vanished, which proves he was right about a sinister purpose.”
    “You stay to honor his memory?”
    Helsa smiled. “Something like that, yes. And because I truly do love it here.”
    “Do you have any notions on who killed him?”
    Sadness wiped her smile away. “I wish I did. I wish I knew so the marshal could arrest whoever it is and put them on trial and they could be hung by the neck until they are dead.” Helsa’s frown deepened. “Everyone in Haven is on tenterhooks. We would all of us like to get to the bottom of the mystery and find the person responsible.”
    “Not everyone,” Fargo said.
    “Excuse me?”
    “Whoever is taking the women doesn’t want to be found.”
    Helsa moved to the hall. “Look at me, talking my head off when it’s so late and you probably want to turn in.”
    “How many folks live here?”
    “In the town itself or all together? Counting the farmers and ranchers and their families, I believe the total is one hundred and twelve but I could be mistaken. The assessor would know. Why?”
    Fargo did the numbers in his head. She had said there were about three men for every woman. “That makes about seventy to eighty of them men?”
    “Over eighty, I believe. So yes, the marshal has a lot of suspects, if that is what you’re getting at.” Helsa sadly sighed. “It’s so frustrating. Two families have left because of the disappearances. Now with Myrtle gone and her dog killed, it wouldn’t surprise me if more go.”
    “Aren’t you worried it could happen to you?”
    Helsa shook her head. “No. None of the women taken were married. As a widow, I should imagine I’m safe. Whoever is to blame hankers after young unwed girls.”
    “Or he likes green pastures,” Fargo said.
    “In what way?”
    “Girls are more likely to be virgins.”
    “What a sick thing to say,” Helsa said.
    “For some men that’s important. Me, I like females with experience.” Fargo stared at her bosom.
    “Show more respect, if you don’t mind. I’m beginning to have second thoughts about letting you stay.”
    Fargo went over to her. He didn’t touch her; he stood so close that he could feel the warmth of her body through the robe and she could feel the warmth of his. “I have plenty of respect. As you said, it’s not easy being a woman alone. But a woman alone has the same needs as a woman who isn’t. All I’m doing is letting you know I’m interested.”
    “Well,” Helsa said, and blushed. “You come right out with it, don’t you? What makes you think I would care?”
    Fargo looked at a spot on her robe below the belt.
    “I should slap you.”
    “You won’t.”
    Helsa started down the hall, saying over her shoulder, “There will be no more talk about that, not while you’re under my roof. I’m glad I only have to put you up for one night.”
    Fargo liked how her backside swayed as she walked. “I just might stay longer,” he said to himself, and grinned.

4
    At quarter past eight Marshal Marion Tibbit came up the street, yawning and scratching himself. His clothes looked as if he had slept in them. His hat was pushed back on his head and he squinted in the glare of the morning sun. A rolled-up newspaper was under one arm. He came under the overhang and groped in his pocket. Producing a key, he inserted it into the lock and was about to turn the latch when he glanced over and gave a start. “Mr. Fargo! My word. I didn’t see you leaning there.”
    Fargo straightened and came out of the shadows. “You said something about wanting my help. And we have things to talk about.”
    “If you mean the lynching, I consider the matter closed. You may press charges if you so wish but no jury will convict those men, not given