Slocum 421 Page 14

“No. If you can do that, I’ll stay here till he gets someone to watch things.”

  “You have enough from me?” Slocum asked.

  “If I need more—”

  “I will be either here at the Montana Queen Hotel or with the large herd out east of here.”

  “Thank you.”

  * * *

  At the hotel, Slocum asked the desk clerk to wake him at six. A chair against the doorknob, he woke up when the clerk knocked. He called a thank-you. Dressed, he met Alexander in the café, and they ate a breakfast of eggs, ham, hash browns with biscuits and gravy, plus coffee.

  “They say someone shot at you last night?” Alexander asked.

  “Crazy deal. I was walking back to the hotel and a shot rang out. I dropped off to hide behind a horse trough, and the shooter sent two more at me. I never saw him or heard what he wanted. He shot out a large window in a store.”

  “Might be settling an old score?”

  “Have no idea.” Slocum shrugged his shoulder. It could have been mistaken identity—the shooter thinking he was someone else—but he believed it more likely that he knew the shooter or the shooter knew him. He would have to be more careful.

  At the livery, he got his horse and Alexander got his. Two men who worked for Alexander joined them—a tall man named Ulmer and another, older man called Olsen. They trotted out to where the men held the herd.

  Rufus made them fresh coffee. Slocum could tell that as he rode into camp Alexander was impressed by the cattle’s condition. After the coffee break he and his two men rode through the grazing herd looking to be sure there weren’t many questionable beeves blended in. Alexander rode back to the camp and dismounted.

  “They are great cattle. He hired the right man to drive them up here. We can weigh about six to seven hundred head a day and put them on some rangeland I own. That means driving in about that many to the scales each day. So in about three to four days they will all be weighed. I will settle with you the following day at the Silver National Bank. That’s going to be lots and lots of money.”

  “I know, and Wells Fargo can get it to Texas for my boss and put it in his San Antonio bank. I am not worrying about that. These boys have been gone from home almost two years, and they have earned their wages. They are some of the best men I have ever worked with. They have never complained since I joined them and took over for Jim Caltron.”

  Alexander shook his head. “That is amazing, but I say your boss, you, and these men have done a wonderful job. I did not believe these cattle could be in the shape they are. When those other cattle get here later, they won’t be in near the same shape as these are.”

  “Where do we deliver tomorrow?”

  “The scales are at the railroad depot. They have certified scales and are bonded.”

  “Good. We can find it. I’ll send my scout in to find it today and make the way.”

  “I know you can handle it.” Alexander shook his head. “If you ever need work, look me up.”

  “Thank you.”

  After Alexander and his men left, Slocum explained their needs to Dan, the two point men, and his scout, Jimmy Evans, so they could figure out the route. They would be delivering six hundred head in the morning.

  The men smiled and reassured Slocum that they’d find everything and do it right.

  He also wrote out a telegram to Caltron in Texas. He was about to sell his cattle for a large sum, and if all went well, in five days Slocum would send the money via Wells Fargo to Caltron’s bank in San Antonio. He turned to Rufus as Jimmy and the two point men rode off to set the route. The old man had reloaded and lit his pipe and was shaking out the match.

  “I figured we’d get up here and sell the cattle,” Rufus said. “It’s been a long time getting here, but Caltron culled all the bad apples out of this crew before we got to Colorado. He treated us all well. I sure hated him to have any trouble at home about his wife, but those may have been rumors. I am not that good with math. What will these group bring?”

  “Three hundred thousand dollars plus.”

  The older man had a belly laugh going. Caught coughing and choking next, he had to take the crooked stem pipe out of his mouth. Still laughing, he shook his head. “That much money he can buy a new one.”

  Slocum was laughing too. “Yes, he can.”

  “His plan worked, but he never could find anyone tough enough to run it until he found you.”

  Slocum looked around. “You know I’m going to pay you and Dan twelve hundred dollars each, which includes you and him taking the boys and Caltron’s wagon, mules, and horses home. I am setting aside that much for food too, and you can give Caltron back what you don’t use. The boys will get six hundred dollars each for their two years’ work and no deductions for any treats or advances he or I gave them.”

  “Sure fair enough. I guess most are going home with me.”

  “Two boys are all that are going to be looking around and not going back.”

  “They’ll have enough money to do what they want.”

  Slocum nodded.

  “Someone heard you were shot at last night. You know who did it?”

  “A damn poor shot, thank God.”

  “You get lots more funny now this job is close to over.”

  “I have no idea who wants me dead. Glad he didn’t get it done. What will you do back in Texas?”

  “That money will buy me a small place. I’ll have some relatives live on it, and when I get too old to do this kind work, I’ll have a shelter.”

  “Good idea.”

  “I’ve been planning on it that way.”

  Slocum looked off at the towering mountains and wondered where he’d spend his old age. No telling, but if he kept getting shot at, he might not have to worry about it. The shooter idea bothered him more than he wanted to let on. Knowing who he was up against was number one on his list.

  Maybe the town law had found out something—but he doubted it. He nodded when Rufus offered him more coffee.

  Pete rode in and left his horse at the rope hitch line.

  “We heard you sold the steers.”

  “We shook hands. Delivery starts in the morning. It will take a few days to weigh them all. But inside of a week Rufus will be trailing you all south for Texas.”

  “Boy, I ever get back to Texas, I’ll never leave again.”

  “You aren’t far from starting back.”

  “They say someone shot at you?”

  “I guess everyone’s heard it now. I don’t know who it was, but thank God he missed.”

  “He messes with you, he may get messed with by all of us.”

  Slocum held up his hand. “I don’t want anyone hurt.”

  “We can handle ourselves, boss man.”

  “Thanks. But don’t get too involved. I’ll be on my guard.”

  “We’re going to back you. I mean it.”

  “Maybe we can all get out of here in a few days and nothing will come of it. Thanks, Pete.”

  When Pete left, Rufus spoke softly behind him. “That shooting at you pissed all the crew off. I mean they heard about it and they were mad as hell.”

  “I appreciate them, but it no doubt is my problem.”

  “They ain’t going to let anything happen to you, trust me.”

  Slocum decided to go back into town. He was not looking for any trouble, but a night or two in a real bed, maybe some cards and the lady he owed for her introduction to Alexander all were on his mind. And maybe the shooter might show up.

  “Tell Jim Evans and Dan to pick a crew, and them plus the point riders take the first six hundred head into town and to the scales if I am not back in the morning.”

  Rufus saluted him. “Can do, sir.”

  Slocum rose to go back to town. He was surprised that he never met the boys who were after him on the road. His horse
in the stables, he went and found supper in a café. The food was rich beef stew and sourdough biscuits with homemade butter and chokecherry jam. He tipped the waitress, paid the bill, and went across the street to the saloon. He had noted that the store window behind him was boarded up, no doubt waiting for replacement glass.

  Alexander wasn’t there at the card table, and the hostess Slocum had met was not in sight. He spoke to another woman working the floor.

  “There was a lady here last night with light brown hair that did me a favor?”

  “They ever find who shot at you?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  “You must mean Audrey. I think she is occupied right now. But I will get her word that you wish to speak to her.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  “Does she know your name?” she asked.

  “The drover named Clark.”

  “I will do that, Mr. Clark. Can I do anything else for you?”

  “No, I’ll play cards here for a while.”

  “Fine. Good to meet you, Mr. Clark. My name is Belle if you need me.”

  “Well, the cattle salesman is here,” one of the players said teasingly.

  “When does the sale start?” another asked.

  Slocum nodded. “We start in the morning.” He took a seat and put some money on the table. His hat set back, he settled in the chair facing the front door and waited for the dealer to deal the next hand.

  “They find the guy shot at you?”

  Slocum shook his head.

  “Strange deal, you get here and some one shoots at you.”

  Slocum agreed and the conversation died out.

  He won and lost some small pots. Keeping about even, he continued to play and drew a better hand. Three queens, and he tried for four, drawing two cards. It gave him a pair of fives and a full house that should win. He stayed with the betting and in the end won a nice pot.

  Audrey came by and quietly spoke to him. He excused himself and stepped back to talk to her. His voice low, he said, “I owe you for last night. I sold the herd I drove up here to Mr. Alexander this morning.”

  “Oh, you did well.”

  “I have fifty dollars for you for putting me in touch with him.”

  “Can we celebrate later?”

  “Sure.”

  “I will be here when you finish, if that is all right?”

  “Fine. I’ll play a few more hands.”

  “I have a fine room upstairs to use.”

  “I appreciate your offer.”

  “No problem.” She smiled mischievously, and he kissed her cheek.

  “You in this hand, Lucky?” a player asked.

  “You bet.”

  “Then ante up five dollars so we can start.”

  Settled in the chair, he tossed in his ante and settled down.

  “You want a drink?” Audrey whispered.

  He shook his head. In case the shooter came back, he would need all his senses about him to defend himself. “Thanks.”

  The hostess setup in this place impressed him. Not many saloons or whorehouses had this hostess system. None of the women that worked the floor here were dumb or crazy-acting. They were polite, intelligent, and not brassy, and he wondered if he’d stepped into a new world in Montana.

  Cards came and went. About ten, he excused himself and took Audrey’s arm when she came by. They ascended the carpeted stairs and soon were in a room with red velvet drapes and low lights. Once they were behind the shut door, he kissed her on the mouth and she filled his arms.

  “Tell me the going price.”

  “Oh, we get a hundred dollars for full evening.”

  “I can afford that.”

  “I should have told you that before we came up here.”

  “No, I knew the service was high-priced. I just appreciated you introducing me to Alexander.”

  “He sent me a thank-you note and money too. So two people are happy.”

  “He frequent you or your others?”

  “No. He must have a fine wife. He has never been upstairs.”

  “I don’t have a wife, fine or otherwise.”

  “Are you going to unhook my dress?”

  “Certainly.”

  “Do you always drive cattle to markets?”

  “When I can get the work.”

  His unhooking released the silky gown and exposed her pear-shaped breasts. She stepped out of the dress and went to hang it up on a hanger in the closet.

  “How did you get here?” he asked.

  “My husband was killed in a mine accident. I faced a rather poor life as a widow. It was not an easy choice, but I was promised good pay and protection from anyone who might be a threat to me. This is not a slave situation, nor is anyone punished for refusing a customer. I would not be here otherwise.”

  “Would you leave if someone gave you a legitimate door to escape?” He was holding her loose in his arms.

  “I would be very cautious until I knew it was real.”

  He shook his head and kissed her softly. “I have no passageway from here to offer, but I am pleased to get to share you tonight. I only was curious.”

  “You have a story too. You are educated and are out of place as a drover.”

  He nodded and pressed her body to him. “But I am one, and do it as seriously as you do your job.”

  She nodded, and they were soon lost in their quest for a sexual union on top of the bed. Her subtle body, smooth skin, and willingness all swept him away.

  14

  Before dawn, he ate breakfast in the nearby café and then checked his horse out of the livery. He was on the road as daylight crept over the horizon of mountains. When he reached the herd area, he could hear the cattle protesting as they were gathered for the first drive. Things were going well; his scout and Dan were in charge, and the bell steer was out in front waiting with patience to lead the others to the scales. Several cowboys were holding the rest of the herd back so they didn’t try to go with the ones they’d cut out to be weighed.

  Slocum sat his horse and watched the operation go forward smoothly. Then he rode on to the chuckwagon and dismounted to speak to Rufus.

  “They have it in hand,” he said to his cook.

  “Good boys.” He relit his pipe. “Yesterday they got a lead on the shooter.”

  “Oh?” Slocum nested the cup of coffee in his hand.

  “They think his name is Sears. That ring a bell?”

  “I had some problems with him in Nebraska. He up here?”

  “Pete and Benny are looking for him around town right now.”

  “Should I go back and help them?”

  Rufus shook his head. “The boys say they can handle him. He won’t shoot at you again.”

  “I told them—”

  “These boys are damn grateful for you getting them up here and selling the cattle. They made up their minds to handle this at the first word of that attack.”

  “I don’t want—”

  “Just leave it to them. Cattle are going to the pens.”

  “I . . . Oh, okay. And yes, the cattle operation looks good. Thanks.”

  Three hours later, when he rode into town, they were weighing five head of cattle at a time. Things were going smoothly. He and Alexander meet in the office and discussed the operation.

  “You have some great men,” Alexander said.

  “Good hands.”

  “What will you do after the sale is completed?”

  “Oh, I guess wander back south.”

  “Texas?”

  “I have no big place to land.”

  “I could offer you a job as a buyer.”

  Slocum looked out the dirty window as another five steers were driven by going to the pasture. “Thanks, but it will be fall soon and I aim to g
et somewhere warmer.”

  “You ever need work, I can find you a job.”

  “I appreciate that.”

  “No problem. You realize the next major herd won’t be here until fall?”

  “I considered it.”

  “What about the man owns these ones?”

  “I knew him only a few days. Nice guy, with problems at home I guess.”

  “You heard from him?”

  “I will today. I sent him the sale information by telegram yesterday.”

  Alexander nodded. He and Alexander shook hands, and Slocum excused himself. He saw Pete and another cowboy ride by. He wondered if they’d found Sears. He’d know before the day was over what had happened.

  The cattle all penned and being weighed by a certified agent of the railroad, Slocum went and caught one of the men and told him of his plan to round up the rest of men to go eat lunch before they rode back to camp.

  Then he went to the telegraph office on the other end of the depot.

  “Any message for Clark?”

  “Yes, we have one, sir.”

  Dear Clark

  You are super. I never expected that much per pound but I can, like every one, use the money. I agree on the payment to you and the men. Tell them I have work in Texas. I will watch for your telegram when you settle.

  God bless you.

  Jim Caltron

  Slocum nodded and thanked the man in the visor.

  Outside he gathered his horse, and the crew all went to their mounts. On their way to lunch, Pete turned to Slocum and nodded. “That back-shooter won’t bother anyone again.”

  “Thanks.” He didn’t know or care about the how or the when. The matter was settled.

  They had a nice lunch in the main café and rode back together, the boys acting like schoolboys let out for vacation.

  “We’re three days from settling. It will be fun,” he said to Dan.

  “Rufus said you weren’t going back with us?”

  “I have some things to do.”

  “I figured we’d have a big party going home.”

  “No reason not to.”

  “Jim was good, Boss, but you—well we really enjoyed your job of heading us up here.”

  “It went well.”

  “Rufus said you took good care of us too.”