Outside his saloon, Rodriguez scanned the street. Was the law after him? He didn’t see anyone.
Perhaps for once, Duvall followed his orders and killed Masters along with Angela. He smirked at the idiocy, because he’d miss her, but not enough to hand over the Lucky Chance. She did well to show him the correspondence from her brother. At first, it was innocent tidbits about the railroad, but Marcus trusted her, and it wasn’t long before he provided major details. The railroad would expand to Farlow. Her trip to Austin confirmed he’d head the endeavor. It was valuable information, and Victor understood landowners would gain the most rewards. Soon, he’d have what he wanted.
He dismounted and flung the worn saddlebags over his shoulder. The money …show more content…
Then he grabbed a rifle and shells from the gun case and slung the saddlebags over his shoulder.
His spurs jingled as he hustled down the stairs. A couple of cowboys tilted their heads to him, but that was the extent of their interest.
Before pushing through the split doors, he hesitated, letting his eyes flit from storefront to storefront. The sides of his lips pulled up and he hastened to his horse, securing the rifle and saddlebags.
He settled into the saddle. A breeze blew thick dust upward, mixing with dark, blue gray clouds. While the whirl passed, he pressed his arm over his eyes. When he lowered it, Duvall’s horse faced him at the end of the street. A chill coursed through his veins. The smile fell. His left hand gripped the reins, while the other drew his revolver.
#
Jake rounded the corner by the General Store and squinted against the dust. He looked toward the Wild Stallion Saloon and his hand tightened on the reins. His legs rubbed against the sides of his horse. Red broke into trot. Fear clawed at Jake’s mind, not of Rodriguez, but of never seeing Kat again.
He pointed his …show more content…
He swallowed hard. “I’m leavin’ when we get back. If you ever need—if I can ever help, you’ll find me in Austin.”
Kat hugged him tight and released him, crossing her arms. “I want you to find a nice lady and settle down.” She forced a smile.
“Yeah.” He smiled as if he meant it.
A horse galloped in their direction. The animal was still moving when Jake’s feet touched the grass.
Levi balled his fists and leaned from side to side. “Jake, I know this looks bad, but we’re just trying to find the damn snake.”
Jake gave him a brief once-over. “I believe you,” he said, lowering a right punch into Levi’s jaw. Levi’s knees buckled and he tipped to his side.
“Stop this at once.” Kat shook her head at Jake and knelt next to Levi, patting his hand.
Levi moaned, struggled to his feet, and rubbed his jaw. “Dammit, Jake, why’d you hit me? I just told Kat I’m pullin’ out.”
Jake threw her a questioning glance.
She tensed and her breath caught. “It’s true.”
He stared at Levi and grunted. “Never kiss another man’s wife, least of all mine. I wouldn’t suggest coming this way again. I’d hate to have to shoot you.”
Mounting up, Levi grinned. “I take it that blood on your shirt is someone