Free Sharon Poppen by Hannah Page B

pleasures while these two are buzzard food.”
    “Shame,” agreed the sheriff.
    Liam turned to Hannah. “Benny say anything before his hanging?” With his back to Hank, Liam mouthed, “no.”
    “Ah, no he didn’t.”
    “Usually the way. Sentence and hanging happen fast.”
    Hank and Charlie came to their feet.
    Hannah nodded. “That’s what happened. Benny tried to talk, but the rope cut his throat when the trap door dropped. Blood everywhere, his dying took some time.”
    Hank gripped the cell bars.
    Charlie followed suit and asked, “Will I git hung? ‘Twas Hank done fired the shot.”
    “Shut up,” snarled Hank.
    The sheriff made an offer. “Maybe neither of you’ll hang, if you tell us about this Drake feller.”
    “Neither of us?” asked Hank.
    “I’ll put in a good word for you with the judge.”
    Hannah came forward. “Where are the other three?”
    “Only two left.” Charlie called over.
    “Two?”
    “Drake done killed the kid.”
    “Drake killed one of his own?”
    “The kid got goofy after we done...” Hank glanced at Hannah.
    “Go on,” she begged.
    “Well, the kid kept looking over his shoulder, talking about a ghost following us. One night we was all sittin’ ‘round the fire and the kid began to rant, started cryin’. Drake grumbled, ‘You’re gettin’ on my nerves,’ and then pumped several shots into him.”
    “Tell ‘em what them crazy bastards did next,” Charlie prompted.
    “Ma’am, it’s ugly.”
    “Go on,” Hannah demanded.
    Hank shrugged. “They cut the kid up, boiled his bones and even ate some of his flesh.”
    The jail became deadly silent at this unexpected revelation. Hannah turned away and covered her mouth. Her breakfast churned and threatened to reappear. She took some deep breaths and swallowed several times to calm her stomach. She realized she was not alone in her revulsion, when she glanced over at Liam and the sheriff. Both were a little green around the edges. The thought of eating human flesh continued to disgust her, so she was glad to hear Hank clear his throat and go on with his confession.
    “Soon’s we could, Benny, Charlie and I talked Drake into separating for awhile. We done lots of stuff, even murder, but what Drake and his brother Johnny did to that kid was bad. Only reason we’s here is Drake held all the money we got doing ... well he said he’d give us our share here in San Antonio. Said maybe we’d find some targets here, and then head south to Mexico. Now, can ya keep us from hangin’?”
    “When is Drake due to arrive?” Hannah asked.
    “Anytime now.” Charlie said. “Him and Johnny said we’d meet ‘round first of the month at the Gold Mine Saloon.”
    Liam took Hannah’s arm. “Thanks, Sheriff, we’ll be leaving now.”
    “Good luck.” He followed the couple out of the cell area.
     
    *****
    The door to their hotel room hadn’t quite closed, when Hannah began. “What are we doing here? We’ve got to get to that saloon.”
    “Hannah, think. If they’re here, they know about Hank and Charlie and probably high-tailed it. If they haven’t got here yet, we have time to watch, to plan.”
    Hannah fidgeted and then agreed. “You’re right.”
    Liam smiled. “Good. Now –
    “But,” Hannah interrupted. “We do it my way.”
    Liam sighed at the determination in her eyes and acquiesced. “And your way is?”
    “I need a satin dress and some fancy slippers.”
     
    Chapter 15
    The Gambler and his Lady
    Liam leaned against their hotel room door and tugged at the sleeves of the uncomfortable black suit he was wearing. “Hannah, I’m not sure about this.”
    Hannah looked into the small mirror above the dresser and made some final touches to her hair and make-up. Her cheeks reddened when she noticed how the late afternoon sun accented the suggestive look to the pink, satin dress now hugging her body. She was nervous and unsure of her plan, but decided it would do no good to let Liam in on her worry and