The Shopkeeper (9 page)

I considered pushing the matter but simply said, “Would you and your colleagues please follow me into my bank, where we can talk in private?”

Without waiting for a reply, I turned and propped open the door with my back. The captain beckoned his men and swung down from his horse. Each Pinkerton wore a dusty black suit over a once-white shirt now stained with sweat and trail dirt. Their vests provided their only individual touch: one gold, a couple gray, and the rest in a matching black with gold or pearl buttons.

As they dismounted, each man pulled a rifle from his saddle scabbard. The men looked serious, alert, and professional. Without being told, one of them leaned against the exterior wall of my bank and rested his rifle across his arm in an intimidating pose.

After the other five had squeezed by me, I closed the door and led them beyond the wooden barricade. I could hear Richard leap to his feet at the sound of six sets of boots and five pairs of spurs marching toward his sanctuary. We crowded in and remained standing, because my office had only three chairs. Richard looked confused and then relieved when he figured out why I had escorted these tough-looking men into a small space meant for private bank business.

“This is Richard, our local newspaperman. Richard, these gentlemen are Pinkertons.”

After handshakes all around, McAllen went right to business. “Tell me about the situation.”

After I explained my problem, the only part that seemed to give McAllen pause was Sprague’s name. He rubbed his chin and said, “Sprague’s a nasty character. Hard to defend against because he works from a distance. I presume we can’t keep you indoors.”

“These men may very well be on his contract list. I can’t dismiss the possibility. Besides, I understand he prefers the ambush. If we move with speed, he’ll never get set up ahead of us. Two of your men should be enough.”

“That’s my decision to make, not yours.”

“I hired you; I make the decisions.”

“Mr. Dancy, I don’t work that way. My job is to keep clients from making foolish mistakes. We know Sprague has you as a target. We don’t know about your friends. We’ll do things my way.” McAllen took an intimidating step toward me. “I refuse to break up my team.”

“Then please escort me to the telegraph office. I need to wire your head office.”

McAllen traded glances with his men, and then he turned a hard look on me. “I’m not comfortable with this. You need to follow my advice. This has escalated far beyond a simple bodyguard engagement.”

“I employed you for an open-ended contract … for the duration. I can end it only with a trip to Carson City.” I tried my own hard look. “You need to be flexible.”

“Foolish clients jeopardize my reputation.” He made a sideways motion with his head toward the door and said, “If you’ll excuse us a moment, I want to talk to my men.”

I let them file out, but just before McAllen stepped out, I touched his elbow. “A moment please … alone.”

He looked ready to ignore my request but then hesitated in the open doorway. I stepped closer and lowered my voice. “I know this is a difficult assignment; that’s why I hired the best. If you see this through, I’ll pay each of your men a bonus of one hundred dollars, and two hundred to you.”

“And if you’re killed?”

“No bonus.”

Without a further word, he left to join his men. When I turned around, Richard looked worried. “Steve, what will ya do if they quit?”

“I guess speed is important.” Richard sat back down. “Ya might have trouble convincing Bradshaw. Do ya intend to get a letter of introduction from Jeff?”

“It’s a two-story hotel, and I have the front room on the second floor. Staircase at the rear, with access to the back of the building.”

“I want one room on the first floor next to the staircase. Two or three rooms upstairs, with a private one for me, preferably next to yours. Can we board up the rear door?”

“Shouldn’t be a problem. I own half the hotel, and the other owner is out of town. One of the three rooms is next to mine, but the hotel is full. If you want a private room, three of your men will need to share.”

McAllen made a dismissive gesture. “They’re used to that, but I may have further requests after I see the building.”

“Fine, but I don’t want to miss this man. You and I had best get across the street.”

Without a further word, Captain McAllen turned and walked out of the bank. After he had given instructions to his men, he took me by the elbow and said, “Always walk on my left and stay close to me.”

With that, he snapped his fingers, and one of the men tossed him a rifle, which he caught effortlessly, checking the breech to make sure a round was chambered.

“Let’s go.”

Chapter 17

The relief I felt stepping inside Jeremiah’s store surprised me. Even with McAllen and another Pinkerton beside me, I felt my body relax as we moved to the safety of shelter. It occurred to me that my patina of bravery might be thinner than I was ready to admit.

At first glance, I did not see Jeff Sharp, because my attention centered on Jeremiah. He stood at the counter, helping a woman who looked worn out, even though she was probably only in her thirties. I was wondering how I could reestablish my friendship with my old whist partner when, to my surprise, Captain McAllen asked, “Are you here to talk to Jeff Sharp?”

McAllen lowered the rifle and held it by the stock, close to his thigh. “Both.” When he walked directly over to Sharp, I guessed that McAllen’s friends did not describe him as a talkative sort.

“Afternoon, Jeff.”

Sharp looked up from the papers in which he had been absorbed and immediately smiled. “Joseph.” Sharp plopped the document on the next chair and stood to shake hands. “I’m glad to see you pulled this duty.” Turning to me, he added, “You’re in good hands.”

Before thinking, I blurted, “If you knew Captain McAllen, why didn’t you suggest him when you recommended Pinkertons?”

“I didn’t want ya to wait if he was otherwise employed.” Sharp picked up his papers and motioned for us to take a seat. “But providence is on your side. You got the best.”

I sat, a little irritated, because I made it a practice to always hire the best, which is difficult enough without friends withholding information. I gave Jeff a discourteous look and then asked, “Have you heard about Bolton?”

“I’ve made his acquaintance. Most hired killers have a short career. Sprague has been at his profession for as long as I can remember.”

Sharp ignored the name. “Why don’t ya try for a warrant against Washburn? Accomplice to murder. McAllen an’ his men can help arrest him.”

“With what evidence?”

Sharp traded glances with each of us. “All right, but travelin’ to Carson City is dangerous, even with McAllen’s crew to watch over ya.” Sharp folded his hands and leaned forward until they rested on his knees. “To get to Washburn, we need to capture Sprague alive an’ make him talk.”

“You really believe he’d testify against a client?” I asked.

I let Sharp think that one through. Finally, he said, “Bradshaw would be a good choice, but I don’t think he’ll run. He prefers to buy politicians.”

The conversation had come around to where I wanted it faster than I expected. “That’s why I want you to come with us. You know Bradshaw; I don’t. You might convince him.”

Instead of an argument, Sharp simply said, “When do ya leave?”

I thought about that. I had wanted to leave immediately, but we wouldn’t make much progress before dark. “First light. Captain McAllen’s team needs a night’s rest.”

“I don’t think movin’ out into the open is such a good idea, but ya can’t sit here an’ wait to get shot from a hundred yards away.” Sharp picked up his papers and waved them at me. “You’re in luck. I need to see my lawyer, an’ he’s in Carson City.” Sharp stood. “Pick me up at my place. I need to pack some gear, an’ I’m along the way. I’ll have breakfast ready for ya.”

“No. Like help with the ranch hands or financial matters.” The exchange embarrassed me. “I
am
a banker,” I added and immediately regretted the weak excuse.

Sharp grinned at my discomfort. “Sure ya don’t want us to ride an extra eight hours just so ya can tip your hat to the pretty lady?”

With a no nonsense tone, McAllen said, “We ride straight to Carson City.”

I looked down on the captain, who had remained seated. “Captain McAllen, as long as you are in my employ, you’ll ride in the direction I pull my reins. This entire trip got started on the news that Bolton was murdered. I want to know exactly what happened.”

“Steve’s right. At least about that,” Sharp said. “We need facts before we blow smoke in Carson City. It’s not that far outta the way, and if Sprague was involved, he’ll not be hangin’ around the ranch.”

Sharp started to leave, but McAllen stood and put his hand on Sharp’s arm to stall his exit. “Mr. Dancy wants only one of my men to join us.”

Sharp looked surprised. “How many did you bring?”

“Six, including myself.”

“I want Captain McAllen’s men to protect Richard and the others,” I said. “It’s a gamble, but I don’t think Sprague will know we left until it’s too late to follow.”

“I see your point.” Sharp folded his papers and stuck them in his pocket. “Steve, I admire your loyalty, but Washburn won’t bother your friends. There’s already been too much killing to explain away. My advice is to leave just two Pinkertons. Two more should come with us to ride ahead and check out the terrain.” Sharp gave me an intense stare. “If Sprague has another target, it’s you.”

I glanced over at Jeremiah, who was studiously ignoring us. “Two men to protect three seems foolish.”

“Doc and Jeremiah are safe. If Washburn wants to quiet anything, it’ll be the newspaper.”

That made sense, and a couple of trail-savvy Pinkertons could scout ahead of us for places where Sprague might set up an ambush. “All right.” I turned to McAllen. “Is that acceptable to you?”

“Barely, but don’t tell me my business again, or you’ll see my backside as I ride away.” He looked me up and down. “Right now, I want you to come over to the hotel and exchange clothes with one of my men.”

“You want to disguise me as a Pinkerton? One of your men would do that?”