The one kid had gone off to care for the mules.
The other one stuck with the woman. It looked like they were arguing for a bit there.
Then he went off to help his brother, and she went into a tent and came back out with an armful of what looked like clothes, which she carried this way.
She was only a hundred feet below them, standing at the creek’s edge next to a clump of willows, and she was taking her shoes off.
“She’s gonna get nekkid,” Toby whispered excitedly.
Rafe started to rise. “Saves us the trouble.”
Toby grabbed his arm and hissed, “Sit back down, stupid. Don’t spoil the show.”
“I didn’t come here to watch, dummy. I came here to finish the other night’s business. I’m gonna have that woman. She’s even prettier than they said.”
“That’s why I want to see her.”
“From up here? You’re gonna have to use your imagination. I’m gonna go down there and do a lot more than see her. You come down, too, and I’ll let you have a turn when I’m done. Then we can head back to Georgia.”
“Let me go first.”
“No. It was my idea. Besides, you gotta stand watch. Those boys come a running, you gotta shoot them.”
“I don’t want to shoot no kids.”
“Well, put your gun on them, anyway. That’ll scare them into behaving. I doubt they’ll try anything anyway. They’re just kids is all. At least the one. And the other one ain’t much older. Besides, they’re busy with the mules.”
Toby grinned, his eyes gleaming. “All right. I’ll stay here and keep watch. But hurry up with her. I want my turn.”
Rafe nodded, getting to his feet again. As he started tiptoeing down the hillside, he couldn’t believe his luck.
Because that good-looking woman was shucking her dress right now.
In one minute, he’d have her on the ground.
This was his lucky day!
45
Conn dipped into a crowded saloon and hurried to the back of the room, where he bent his knees, lowering himself to normal height to disappear among the patrons should anyone come in looking for him.
Because that had been Mayfield back there.
He was sure of it.
And by the way the man whipped around, Conn suspected Mayfield had felt him staring in his direction.
Had the marshal seen him?
He hoped not.
That was the last thing he needed now.
Conn had slept for maybe an hour on the train. Then, reaching Leadville, he’d gone to a café and had a meal and beer, which made him sleepy.
Of course, there was no time to sleep. He had to find these men before they left Leadville. So he had paid and hit the streets, going saloon to saloon looking for Toole and his friends.
Some folks, especially the capable-looking ones, took notice of the shotgun slung over his shoulder, but most people weretoo busy pickling their brains to worry about yet another armed man.
