Under a Turquoise Sky Read Online Free PDF

it was clear to him that she was the more popular of the three girls. Most of the men watched their progress, and the other two women frowned after them.
    â€œIt seems as if the other two girls don’t like you,” Clint said as they sat down, he with his back to the wall.
    â€œThey had the place all to themselves before I got here,” she said. “Also, they’re a little older and more experienced than I am.”
    â€œAnd that makes them less desirable, or more?” he asked.
    â€œI guess that depends on who you ask,” she said. “Some of the old-timers here have favorites. On the other hand, when the miners come to town they really don’t care who they poke it in as long as they get to poke it.”
    â€œSeems to me you’d be a little more choosy, though.”
    â€œOh, I am,” she said. “That’s why I’m sitting here with you. And that’s also why I’ve decided that, when we finish our drinks, we should go back to your room and get acquainted there.”
    â€œWell,” he said, “I really don’t see why we even have to wait until we finish our drinks.”

EIGHT
    Clint and Shannon were walking through the lobby on the way to the stairs when George Markstein came walking down.
    â€œMr. Adams,” he said. “What a coincidence running into you. Young lady.” He bowed slightly, and wasn’t wearing a hat because of the bandage on his head.
    â€œMr. Markstein—”
    â€œGeorge, please,” Markstein said.
    â€œHi, George,” the redhead said. “I’m Shannon.”
    â€œI’m pleased to meet you, Shannon.”
    â€œShouldn’t you be in bed, George?” Clint asked.
    â€œThat’s what the doctor said,” Markstein replied, “but I feel like a walk.”
    â€œYou’re not going to find anyplace to eat this late, if that’s what you’re looking for.”
    â€œNot at all,” Markstein said. “The doctor was kind enough to arrange to have some food brought in for me.”
    â€œI see. Then why would you be going out this late?” Clint asked the man curiously.
    â€œI’m feeling cooped up in my room,” Markstein said, “even though the hotel was kind enough to move me to room five.”
    â€œThe bigger room? The one you got hurt over?”
    â€œThat’s the one. Look, I’m just going out for some air,” Markstein said. “Don’t forget we have an appointment for supper tomorrow night.”
    â€œI haven’t forgotten,” Clint said, “but I don’t think it’s wise for you to go out on the street at this hour.”
    â€œNonsense,” Markstein said. “What could befall me just going out for a walk?”
    â€œHoney,” Shannon said, “you ever been in a mining town before?”
    â€œNo, I have not.”
    â€œThat’s obvious,” she said, “or you wouldn’t ask such a question. There’s people on these streets who would kill you for your shoes.”
    â€œThat’s ridiculous—”
    â€œYou almost got killed over a room this afternoon,” Clint reminded him.
    Markstein looked frustrated.
    â€œI just want to get some air, and perhaps smoke a cigar. Couldn’t I just go out front safely?”
    Clint looked at Shannon, who smiled.
    â€œGo ahead,” she said. “Give me your key and I’ll wait in your room for you.”
    Clint handed his key over.
    â€œYou enjoy your cigar, George,” she said to Markstein, touching his arm before she went up the stairs.
    â€œWhat a delightful young woman,” the easterner said. “Does this mean you’ll be coming outside with me?”
    â€œJust out front,” Clint said. “A deep breath, a cigar, and then back to your room.”
    â€œExcellent!”
    The two men walked outside and stopped on the boardwalk just in front of the hotel. Clint looked left and right, and