He strode into the office and was surprised to see that none of the deputies was there. It was quite unusual because at least one of them would be sleeping, drinking, or just lazing about.
Adam’s footsteps grounded to a halt when he heard voices in the sheriff’s office.
“If we can get it done, then we’ll be made for life.”
Adam recognized the voice of the banker, Gabe Winters. What was he doing in the sheriff’s office and what was he talking about?
“I can’t tell you how happy that will make me,” the sheriff replied.
Adam could hear the smile in the man’s voice as he drew closer. He plastered himself against the wall near the door.
The banker carried on, “I got a message from the development company yesterday. Finally, I’ve gotten their attention after writing to them several times. They intend to turn the whole of Ruby Rock into a paradise.
“If the deal pulls through, Ruby Rock will be known as a place for only the wealthy. All these no-good coffee boilers would be sent away. You and I will get the best of it if you keep to your end of the bargain.”
The sheriff was about to answer when someone came into the office.
“Marshal? What are you doing?”
Adam’s face contorted in a scowl when one of the deputies came into the office. Adam turned to look at him with angry eyes.
Darn!
Now both the sheriff and the banker knew he was out there and wouldn’t continue with their enlightening conversation.
As he didn’t have a choice in the matter anymore and it would be cowardly of him without seeing both men, he strode into the office.
Joe Tate glared at him with angry eyes while the banker looked at him warily.
Adam’s gaze shifted from the sheriff to the man he hadn’t seen in years. The years had been kind to Gabe Winters, probably because of his wealth.
Gabe was about six-feet tall with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Streaks of grey lined the roots of his hair. His angular face tightened when as he and Adam continued to stare at each other.
As was customary of him, Gabe was garbed in a black suit with a white shirt and black shiny shoes. He looked every inch the businessman he was.
“Marshal,” the sheriff finally said in what sounded like a snort.
Not one to back down even in the face of danger, Adam said, “What were you discussing before I came in?”
Rising to his feet, the sheriff said, “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
Gabe also rose, slowly.
Placing his hands akimbo, Adam retorted, “It’s my business when it has something to do with Ruby Rock.”
The sheriff eyed him with mockery. “Since you already heard the conversation, why then are you still asking?”
Sick and tired of the sheriff’s condescending attitude, Adam dropped his hands and strode forward until he was eye to eye with the sheriff.
“I know something is going on in Ruby Rock, something dirty that you’re involved in. Let me tell you right now that I intend to find out what it is and having everyone who is involved arrested and sent to jail.”
Joe Tate shocked him by throwing back his head and allowing laughter to flow from his throat.
“You really are something, Marshal.” The sheriff wiped tears from his eyes. “You have no idea that the whole town is making fun of you. The marshal who thinks he’s so special, he has come to save us all.”
Adam wanted nothing more than to punch the older man. However, he controlled himself.
Adam replied in between clenched teeth. “Do not say I didn’t warn you, Sheriff.”
