Plain Trouble Read Online Free PDF Page B

of more then watched while the rancher returned the pot to the stove.  
    “So either I’ve got a criminal for a neighbor or a criminal for an employee?”  
    Joe rose and carried his cup to sit it in the sink. “Or neither.”  
    The older man’s expression was unreadable as he seemed to be considering both options. Finally he straightened and stepped away from the stove. “All right, Ranger. How can I help you?”
    “I’m already staying with Mrs. Klein, so I’ll know if Tommy comes around.” He paused to think a moment. “But I’ll need access to your place, sir. If I’m going to keep an eye on Schmidt, it can’t appear as though that’s what I’m doing.”
    “Understood, but then you’re always welcome here, son.” ”
    “Much obliged, sir.” A thought occurred. “And there’s one more thing. Your daughter knows about Pale Indian.”
    He gave Joe a sideways look. “Oh? How do you know that?”
    Joe elected to continue his questions rather than answer his host’s. “Does Bess sell eggs in town? Maybe to the sheriff? She mentioned she did.”
    “She does. That’s how she came to be walking back alone.” He shook his head. “Actually she generally takes the buggy, but she left here in a huff this morning. Guess I should’ve known she’d not take kindly to me dividing my time betwixt her and, well, I just should’ve talked to her first then maybe she wouldn’t have left like she did.”  
    He must have realized he was rambling, for he smiled. “Guess it’s too late for the short answer, but that would be yes, Sheriff Bauer’s usually the second stop on her morning route. I believe the Emporium’s first. Or maybe the mercantile. I rarely go with her, so forgive an old man for not remembering. But that don’t explain why you believe my daughter knows something about this man you’re hunting.”
    “Because she asked me if I was here to catch Pale Indian. Actually she said Pink Indian, but I think it’s safe to assume she was referring to the man we’ve been discussing.”
    “I see. Well, she does tend to chat with the sheriff’s housekeeper. Lord knows that woman can do some talking. The housekeeper, I mean. My Bess, she’s mostly close-mouthed. Except when she’s riled.”
    Joe chuckled.
    “I can tell you’ve seen it, then.”
    “I have,” he said. “So what you’re saying is that it would be reasonable to assume she likely overheard something about Pale Indian while delivering eggs to the sheriff’s office.”  
    “Sure would.”
    He chose his words carefully. “You understand I will have to be certain of that before I can completely clear her.”
    “Clear her?” Gray brows rose. “Of what?”
    Joe gave his father’s old friend an even stare. “Until I told you about him, had you heard of Pale Indian?” When Alpheus shook his head, Joe continued. “Seems like the only folks who have besides the lawmen who want to catch him are his victims and his friends.” Another pause. “I’d like to be sure she’s neither of those.”
    “As would I, young man, but before we go any further, there’s something else you need to know. I’ve got a connection to the Klein family that ought to be out in the open if I’m going to be involved in catching Tommy or setting him free.”
    “All right,” Joe said, already guessing what that connection might be.
    “That Ida Klein, she’s quite a woman, and, her husband was a good man, rest his soul. And, well…” Alpheus cleared his throat and looked away. “I believe the Lord’s trying to put us together, Ida and me, though I’m just as certain Bess isn’t so keen on it.”
    Not a complete surprise as his host had mentioned Alpheus Jones more than once during their brief time together. Joe settled on a nod as the appropriate response.
    Alpheus’s attention returned to Joe. “She’s never said it, but I wonder if being the last Jones girl still under my roof hasn’t caused her some measure of discontent.”
    “Could