Free Abby's Last Stand by Michelle Marquis Page A

I might add.
    Second, if I can't find work sewing, I'm sure I can find other employment. I'm willing to do anything except sell myself, so you needn't worry about me, madam."
    The teacher stared down at her bag. "Nobody there's gonna need your damn fool sewing."
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    Abby's Last Stand
    by Michelle Marquis
    "And just what makes you such an expert on it?"
    The teacher shrugged. "Folks know about that place. Most folks, that is, 'cept for you. You don't seem to have the good sense God gave a mule. You mark my words, Foster's Gulch ain't no place for a young woman alone. You'll find that out soon enough. And if you have any sense at all, you'll borrow the money lickety-split to get the hell out of there. That place is nothing but a haven for devils and thieves."
    "I'll keep your advice in mind," Abby said. She hoped the edge to her voice would tell anyone else wanting to offer unsolicited advice to save it. She wasn't a child; she knew what she was doing.
    The coach suddenly came to an abrupt stop. Abby could see a few weathered buildings surrounding them. The door opened, and the coachman was there holding her two carpet bags.
    "End of the line for you, miss. This here's Foster's Gulch."
    Abby climbed over the other passengers and got out.
    They'd dropped her off in the middle of the road in what could only be the center of town. From what she could see, it didn't look like much. A creeping dread filled her with panic. What if that crazy old maid was right? What if I've made a terrible mistake coming here? But the moment those doubts filled her she quickly chased them away. She had to make this work.
    She had to finish her business; her sister was counting on her.
    Abby reached down and picked up her bags. Then she headed to the largest building in the middle of this sorry little 9

    Abby's Last Stand
    by Michelle Marquis
    town. The huge sign above read "Saloon." She summoned up her courage and pushed through the swinging doors.

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    Abby's Last Stand
    by Michelle Marquis

Chapter Two
    The saloon was noisy, dusty, and hot. Abby pushed through the swinging doors carrying her two heavy bags. All eyes were immediately on her. The looks were curious, probing, and some downright scary. She avoided eye contact with anyone and quickly made her way over to the far end of the bar. There she squeezed into a corner and climbed up on the barstool. The barkeep came over and stared at her. He was a big man with small, mean eyes, a shaved head, and a thick, gray mustache.
    "What's your poison?" he asked.
    Abby glanced around nervously. "Ah . . . I was wondering if I could just have a glass of water."
    "Water?"
    "If you have it."
    "You say you wanted water ?"
    "Yes, you heard me right."
    "Water ain't free here, miss. We charge fifty cents per glass."
    A few nasty chuckles came from the men sitting nearby.
    Abby didn't want any trouble. The barkeep was obviously cheating her, but she was so thirsty. She dug through to the bottom of her bag and felt around for two coins. Someone walked up, his boots thumping and spurs jingling with every footfall. The boots belonged to the roughest-looking man Abby had ever seen. He seemed to her to be a giant with a face so hard and cruel it chilled her blood just to look at it.
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    Abby's Last Stand
    by Michelle Marquis
    Her dry mouth went instantly drier. Across the man's hips was a holster for two pistols and lots of bullets. He was dressed all in dark brown and black, right down to his boots.
    He definitely fit the stereotype of a gunfighter.
    He placed two shiny silver coins on the bar. "Her drink's on me."
    Abby was grateful for his kindness but worried over what it might cost. The barkeep took the two coins and placed a glass of water in front of her. The glass was a little dusty, and there were a few specks floating in the water, but Abby was so thirsty she reached for it anyway.
    The gunfighter grabbed the glass first. He picked it up and slowly poured the