“Better tell him to be careful,” Hank laughed as he rose to his feet. “I have a feeling she’s not bluffing. I think there’s a hellion inside that sweet little package. Come on, let’s go see what the town troublemaker is up to.”
Callie Mae met them at the door.
“We’re closed,” she snapped, holding it open just enough for them to talk and eyeing both men warily.
“This isn’t a social call, and we don’t want a drink,” Morgan said, planting his hands on his hips. “Just open the damn door; we want to talk to you.”
“Now, Morgan, let me handle this,” Hank said, removing his hat. “Miss Walker, I’d like to speak with you for a few moments if I may.”
“Regarding what?”
“As you know, the town has certain ordinances, and I want to be sure you’re aware of the rules before things get out of hand around here.”
“I’m well aware of the town’s ordinances,” Callie Mae said sweetly. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to do,” she continued as she began to close the door.”
“Now see here, Callie Mae…”
“Morgan, I told you to let me handle this. Miss Walker, I just need a few moments of your time to make sure you truly understand…”
“Oh, I understand all right. Tell me, Marshal Riley, are you going around to all the businesses in town, or is it only certain establishments you’re concerned about? I must say I’m flattered that The Duchess is drawing so much attention when we’ve barely opened.”
“Well now, there’s more than one kind of attention, Miss Walker, and it seems to me that the hornets’ nest you’ve stirred up is far from flattering,” Hank said, beginning to lose his patience. “It’s my duty to see that everyone is held to the same standard of proper behavior. Now, I’d like to discuss a few things, and we can do it in private or right here in full view of anyone who cares to listen.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t care to listen to what I consider to be harassment,” Callie Mae drawled. “Good day, gentlemen.”
Morgan took one look at Hank’s tightlipped expression and came to a decision. He was done pussyfooting around. Before she could get the door closed he was through it, smoothly bending to toss her over his shoulder. Striding to the bar, he swatted her bottom and plopped her down none too gently.
“Close the door, Hank,” Morgan growled, keeping Callie Mae firmly in place with a hand on each hip as she attempted to jump down. “You’re gonna sit right there until we’re done talking and that’s the end of it,” Morgan informed her with narrowed eyes. “I’ve about had enough of your nonsense.”
“Marshal Riley, did you see that? This man just assaulted my person and I want him arrested,” Callie Mae yelled at Hank’s back as he turned to lock the door.
“I imagine you do,” Hank sighed, shaking his head. “I don’t hold with manhandling the weaker sex, but in some cases, you ladies don’t leave us much choice. Now Morgan here doesn’t seem to have the same high standards,” he continued, not bothering to hide his grin. “I have quite a bit of paperwork back in my office, so if you’ll excuse me, seeing’s how you don’t want to talk, I’ll get back to it and leave you in Morgan’s capable hands.”
Callie Mae watched the marshal settle his hat back on his head. She felt the strength of Morgan’s hands, saw the fire in his eyes, and had a feeling he was ready to pick up where he’d left off Sunday night. While she was no longer sore, she had no desire to repeat such a humiliating and painful experience.
“Wait,” she called, reaching her hand toward the marshal. “Please, Hank, I’m sorry. If you have something to say, I’m ready to listen,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Well now, Miss Walker, I’m right gratified to hear that,” Hank replied, turning back to her and removing his hat once again. “Morgan, how about you lift the little lady down and we make ourselves a bit more comfortable?” he suggested.
“You’d better behave,” Morgan whispered in Callie Mae’s ear as he plucked her from the bar and gently set her on her feet.
Callie Mae twisted out of his hands with a glare and walked away. Pulling out a chair, she sat down and folded her hands demurely on top of the table. “What was it you wanted to talk about, Marshal Riley?”
“I understand you’ve brought some young ladies in from St. Louis.”
“Why, yes, I have. I wasn’t aware of any town ordinances against it,” Callie Mae said sweetly as the knuckles on her hands turned white. “Perhaps you’d care to enlighten me on why this concerns you or anyone else in town,” she continued, shooting Morgan a glare.
“I’m not concerned you’ve brought four young women to town, but I am concerned for them. I understand that these girls are only eighteen years old and fresh out of an orphanage in St. Louis.”
“Yes, that’s correct, although it escapes me how this could be any cause for alarm. All my girls are respectable young ladies and I’m sure they have no intention of causing problems.”
“I’m sure they don’t, but as a peace officer, I can tell you that better than ninety percent of problems are caused by people who had no intentions of doing just that. If I may, I’d like to meet these young ladies and have a little chat with them.”
“I’m sorry, Marshal, all of my girls are indisposed at the moment. I’m afraid if you want to ogle them, I mean talk to them, you’ll have to come back during regular business hours.”
“See here, Miss Walker, I’m in no mood to listen to that kind of talk,” Hank said, finally beginning to get angry. “It’s my job to ensure that all the citizens of this town stay safe, and I want to know just how you intend to see to that. In my mind, a bunch of liquored up drovers are not fit company for young ladies, and frankly you must have been plum out of your mind to bring them here. I’m sure they have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into, and I want some reassurance you have a plan for their safety. And it better be a reasonable plan and not some cockamamie, ridiculous notion of doing it yourself.”
Morgan could’ve sworn he heard several gasps coming from the upper level as Hank was laying down the law to Callie Mae. He was pretty sure the girls were all available, but he kept quiet, waiting to hear Callie Mae’s reply.
