Dedrick's mouth curled into a nasty smile that showed his teeth. “Indeed. I do believe we will be successful Elroy. I admit that I had my doubts about whether or not you would be able to pull this off. But I've planned this out carefully, and I believe I have made the right decision in asking for your help.”
“Of course, I would expect nothing less from you, Diedrick,” He paused and leant forward again, clasping his hands once more. “Tell me, Diedrick, what is so special about this woman that she has you high-tailing across the country to fetch her back? I heard tell of her beauty, but is that the real reason? And why do you think that I would be of use in your plan?”
“She's a good business investment.” Diedrick looked at his partner and smirked. “Don't be coy Higgs, you and I both know that you could talk a Vicar into believing he was the worst sinner alive.”
A dark sneer fell over the man's face, the corners of his mouth fell into a nasty sneer. “I see,” he hissed, his voice losing all the warmth that it had held just moments before.
Chapter Nineteen
Arthur Stratton brought the horses to a halt in front of the mercantile store and carefully lowered himself off the buckboard seat.
“Afternoon Arthur,” Sheriff Gideon greeted cheerfully as he strode across the road with a tall bespectacled man at his side. "Just the man I was looking for. I have someone here you should meet.”
The man was dressed in a scarlet waistcoat and ironed grey pants. His black shoes were shiny despite the dust being kicked up by walking on the dirt road.
“I may have found a solution to your problems,” Ezrah beamed as they came to a stop in front of Arthur next to the buckboard.
Arthur hesitantly shook the man's hand.
“How do you do sir? My name is Elroy Higgs.” His eyes were warm and friendly.
Arthur liked the cut of his jib, yet there was something about him that made him slightly uneasy. “Arthur Stratton,” he cautiously greeted the newcomer.
“Elroy is looking to expand his horse breeding endeavors and is looking for someone down this way to help him get started. He was looking to make some connections in town and bumped into me,” Ezrah said enthusiastically. “How do you like that for a coincidence?” His voice boomed. “I've got some business to see to, I'll leave you to it then.” He strode away.
Elroy Higgs smiled. “The sheriff got a bit ahead of me there. I was hoping we could talk, possibly have a drink and discuss business? I hear that you own a ranch in these parts?”
Arthur hesitated. “You hear correctly.” He couldn't shake the feeling that something was slightly off about the man's behavior. His inner voice was telling him to use caution, but then again they were in such a financial pickle, this may just be the answer he'd been praying for. “I suppose I could spare the time.”
“Wonderful!” The man beamed and gestured for Arthur to take the lead.
They walked side by side down the street as the man asked trivial questions about the town and all the businesses. He paused as they reached the doors of the Three-Guns Saloon and gestured once again for Arthur to go on ahead through the doors.
He liked Elroy Higgs's politeness and respect.
Arthur nodded uncomfortably to a barmaid as he pulled out a chair and sat. Even in his younger days, he had never been much of a drinker. The saloon was not a place that made him feel at home. He wondered what solace his son could ever have found in a cold place such as this. He silently thanked God that Thomas no longer frequented this place. All thanks to Rosaline, he thought, before the man interrupted his thoughts.
“Can I interest you in a drink?” he asked.
“I don't drink, thank you,” Arthur answered politely.
“Very well,” Elroy waved the barmaid away. “As the sheriff mentioned before, I'm looking to expand my business in these parts. I have a profitable horse breeding business and I'm looking for a partner that can handle the breeding and selling. There will of course be a sizeable share in the profits.”
Arthur nervously shifted in his chair as men began to pour into the saloon. It was close to five and all the farmhands were just coming from their day's work, chattering away as they joked and shoved one another. “I must be honest with you, Mr. Higgs.”
“Please, call me Elroy,” he smiled.
“Very well. I must tell you, Elroy, our family has fallen on hard times. I don't think we would be able to afford to take on an expansion of this nature and size.”
Elroy quickly waved off the notion. “Forgive me for not saying so before Arthur.” He stopped and asked politely. “If you don't mind me calling you Arthur?”
“Not at all,” Arthur conceded.
“This venture will of course include a startup sum of money to cover any running costs to get the business off the ground.”
Arthur ran his stroked his grey beard as he considered for a moment. “I'm afraid that I can't accept your generous offer Mr. Higg...” He stopped to correct himself. “Elroy. My family has accumulated a considerable amount of debt. I wouldn't be able to accept your offer in good faith, knowing that I could sink your new business venture. I must therefore decline and bid you good luck with your business.” He stood to leave as Elroy gripped his arm.
“Wait!” Elroy said a little too quickly and made Arthur frown. He removed his hand and straightened his waistcoat. “I mean to say, please sit down. I am a man of great wealth Arthur. I don't say this to be boastful,” he smiled reassuringly. “We can talk this through, after all. Is God not the God who always makes a way where there seems to be no way?”
