Slocum and the Warm Reception Read Online Free PDF Page B

all the cussing and yelling, they were asking for her, too. It was the law’s duty to run them out of town no matter what they went on about, but they wanted to see her on account of her setting up a few of their friends to take a fall for something or other. Also said she stole a bundle of money from them.”
    â€œShe didn’t strike me as the rich sort,” Slocum said.
    â€œNot now, but she had enough to feed herself and buy a little house when she first arrived. She only started doing odd work here and there over the last few months after falling out of favor with some charitable sorts who took her under their wing after all them rough types came storming in looking to harm her.”
    â€œSo she fell out of favor with them, huh?”
    â€œSure enough.”
    â€œWhy?”
    Patrick shrugged and leaned back as the man behind the counter approached with the pitcher of water and two cups. “Can’t say for certain,” the deputy replied. “I just know that, proof or not, there seems to be something to what I’ve been telling you other than just rumor.”
    After the man behind the counter went away to cut into the pie that was kept beneath an overturned pot on a table in one corner, Slocum poured himself some water and downed the entire cup in one gulp. The water was soaked into his body quicker than a drip disappeared from the surface of a frying pan. He poured himself another cup and allowed everything he’d heard to soak in along with the water. “I don’t even know her name,” he mused.
    â€œYou don’t need to know much else than what I told you. I already repeated myself more than I like, so I ain’t about to say anything else on the matter.”
    â€œFair enough, I suppose. Think you can answer one question for me, though?”
    â€œDepends on the question.”
    â€œIf you have such strong suspicions about that woman, why did you bring me directly to that stable to put my horse up?”
    Patrick hung his head as if he’d been expecting that question all this time and had just started to think he might not hear it. After a sigh, he told him, “Last time I checked, she was working at the stable just across the street from the sheriff’s office. I arranged for her to work there so the sheriff and I could keep watch over her.”
    â€œI didn’t see a stable near the sheriff’s office.”
    â€œThat’s on account of me taking you in the other direction as quick as I could.”
    â€œThanks for the warning, Pat. I’ll keep it in mind. Since I don’t intend on staying around town for long, I think I’ll be just fine.”
    â€œYou mentioned a day or two?”
    â€œHow about I leave tomorrow? Would that suit you?”
    â€œI didn’t mean to run you off,” Patrick said. “Just givin’ some friendly advice.”
    â€œI’ve got some business to take care of and I’d like to finish it quick.”
    â€œBusiness about them claims?” the man behind the counter asked as he shuffled forward with a hearty portion of peach pie on a chipped plate.
    â€œYou know someone who might be able to help in that regard?” Slocum asked.
    â€œReid Flanders is the man to talk to if you want to look up the legal right to a claim or buy one outright. He brokers sales for patches of land as well, since there ain’t much mining going on in these parts. Not since the silver and copper was cleaned out a few years back.”
    â€œSounds like just the man I need to speak to.”
    â€œHis office is on the corner of Laramie and First. Head out of here and turn right. Can’t miss it.”
    â€œMuch obliged.”
    â€œDon’t make any appointments yet, though,” Patrick advised. “You got one with Sheriff Marshal if you forgot.”
    â€œI didn’t forget, but it can wait.”
    Patrick’s brow furrowed as he asked, “Wait for