The Arizona Strip Gambler

De: L Brooksby

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

When the outskirts of Wolfhole came into sight, Laura pulled up. Boardwalks shimmered in the hot sun and dust-caked horses leaned against the hitchrail outside the saloon. The dry smell of dirt hung in the air, not noticeable to the townsfolk doing their errands. Laura was searching for one thing only. Ethan, you see those two men leaning against that first building? They're part of our night riders. Ethan reigned to a stop. He could smell trouble the way a coyote smelled blood, and this was definitely trouble. His glance roamed over the town. Looks like a couple more on down the block. If Grant rides in, he'll be cut down before he even reaches the Pig Sty. A glint of wrath on her face, Laura eased her horse forward. Keep your gun loose in the holster. They might go to shooting at us. I don't think so. Their orders are for bigger game. Wouldn't make sense to start anything till Grant shows his face. A pulse of excitement beat in his throat as the two slowly walked their horses through the gauntlet of visible night riders. Come hell or high water, he'd be in a gunfight before long. His trigger finger itched. They came to a halt in front of the Pig Sty. Well, Hannah, look who we got here. That handsome young brother of Grant's is strutting his stuff again. Peggy rose from the porch step where she'd been sitting, a big smile on her face. Morning, Ethan. I see you still got a whole skin. The two sisters had worried mightily over this, having heard nothing since Bullwhip left them in the early morning. Hannah asked flippantly, Why don't you climb down and make yourself useful? Nerves on edge, Laura broke in: Hannah, have you seen Grant? They're planning a special party for him and we came to warn him. Hannah let her eyes roam over the street. She began to edge toward the rear of the Pig Sty. You be careful if you go in the saloon, Ethan. Ethan jumped from the saddle, striding into the saloon. Laura caught up to him just inside the batwings. Both came to a stop. Her eyes flashing over the patrons inside, Laura saw two night riders standing against the wall on her left. Swinging her glance to the bar, she saw Francie behind it at one end, and the large frame of Hendricks leaning against the front of it at the other end. Continuing on, she focused on two more night riders leaning nonchalantly on the far wall. The rest of the people scattered throughout the room were not important to her and she scarcely noticed them, or how still they had become. She reached out and touched Ethan's arm. They got the place corralled and branded, Ethan. The faintest of smiles curling a corner of her mouth, Francie spoke casually, Hello, Laura. It's good to see you.