Free The Shopkeeper by James D. Best Page B

pairs of spurs marching toward his sanctuary. We crowded in and remained standing, because my office had only three chairs. Richard looked confused and then relieved when he figured out why I had escorted these tough-looking men into a small space meant for private bank business.

    “This is Richard, our local newspaperman. Richard, these gentlemen are Pinkertons.”

    After handshakes all around, McAllen went right to business. “Tell me about the situation.”

    After I explained my problem, the only part that seemed to give McAllen pause was Sprague’s name. He rubbed his chin and said, “Sprague’s a nasty character. Hard to defend against because he works from a distance. I presume we can’t keep you indoors.”

    “No. In fact, I may want two of you to accompany me to Carson City.”

    “I recommend against traveling.”

    “I have business in Carson City, business crucial to bringing this troublesome state of affairs to an end.”

    “In that case, all of us will accompany you.”

    “No, Sprague’s here … or coming here. I want four of you to stay and protect my friends.”

    “Why would he bother your friends? The man works strictly to his contract.”

    “These men may very well be on his contract list. I can’t dismiss the possibility. Besides, I understand he prefers the ambush. If we move with speed, he’ll never get set up ahead of us. Two of your men should be enough.”

    “That’s my decision to make, not yours.”

    “I hired you; I make the decisions.”

    “Mr. Dancy, I don’t work that way. My job is to keep clients from making foolish mistakes. We know Sprague has you as a target. We don’t know about your friends. We’ll do things my way.” McAllen took an intimidating step toward me. “I refuse to break up my team.”

    “Then please escort me to the telegraph office. I need to wire your head office.”

    McAllen traded glances with his men, and then he turned a hard look on me. “I’m not comfortable with this. You need to follow my advice. This has escalated far beyond a simple bodyguard engagement.”

    “I employed you for an open-ended contract … for the duration. I can end it only with a trip to Carson City.” I tried my own hard look. “You need to be flexible.”

    “Foolish clients jeopardize my reputation.” He made a sideways motion with his head toward the door and said, “If you’ll excuse us a moment, I want to talk to my men.”

    I let them file out, but just before McAllen stepped out, I touched his elbow. “A moment please … alone.”

    He looked ready to ignore my request but then hesitated in the open doorway. I stepped closer and lowered my voice. “I know this is a difficult assignment; that’s why I hired the best. If you see this through, I’ll pay each of your men a bonus of one hundred dollars, and two hundred to you.”

    “And if you’re killed?”

    “No bonus.”

    Without a further word, he left to join his men. When I turned around, Richard looked worried. “Steve, what will ya do if they quit?”

    “Raise the bonus.”

    He shook his head. “Then why didn’t ya offer more right from the start?”

    I thought about that a moment and said, “Habit, I guess.”

    “Ya need new habits.” After I laughed at his quip, he added, “When do ya plan on leaving for Carson City?”

    “Today.”

    “I guess speed is important.” Richard sat back down. “Ya might have trouble convincing Bradshaw. Do ya intend to get a letter of introduction from Jeff?”

    “I have something better in mind.”

    Just then, Captain McAllen returned alone. “Will you put the bonus in writing?”

    “Of course.”

    “Then you have your team of Pinkertons.”

    “Excellent. Would you accompany me over to the general store? I need to talk to someone, and you should hear our conversation.”

    “First, can we get my men situated in a hotel? We rode hard.”

    “The man I need to see may leave, but I have three rooms ready for you at the