Free Showdown at Yellow Butte (1983) by Louis L'amour Page A

finally.
    "The fight," Kedrick replied carefully, "will raise a stink clear to Washington. Remember the Lincoln County War? We'll have us another general down here, and you know how much profit you'll make out of that place then!"
    Burwick nodded his huge head. "Sensible, that's sensible! Have to think our way around that. At least," he glared again at Keith and Gunter, "this man can bring in some sensible ideas and make a coherent report. You two could learn from him."
    He looked up at Kedrick. "Anything else?"
    "A couple of things. There's a mysterious rider out on those plains. Rides a mouse-colored horse, and he's got those folks more jittery than all your threats."
    "Hah?" Burwick was uninterested. He shuffled papers on his desk. "What's this I hear about you quittin'?"
    "I won't be a party to murder. These people aren't outlaws, but good, substantial folks. I'd say: buy them out or leave them alone."
    "You aren't running this fair!" Keith replied coldly. "We will decide what is to be done."
    "Nobody quits," Burwick said quietly, his eyes on Kedrick's, "unless I say so."
    Tom Kedrick smiled suddenly. "Then you'd better say so, because I've quit, as of now!"
    "Tom!" Gunter protested. "Let's talk this over."
    "What of the money you owe the firm?" Keith demanded, unpleasantly. "You can repay that, I suppose?"
    "There's no need."
    They all turned at the voice. Connie Duane stood in the door. "You have money of mine in this project. When Uncle John got it from me he told me it was a real-estate speculation. His other activities have been honest and practical, so I did not investigate. Now, I have. I shall withdraw my money, and you can pay me less the sum advanced to Captain Kedrick. He may repay me when circumstances permit it."
    All in the room were still. Gunter's face was pale, and Keith looked startled, then angry. He started to protest, but he was too slow. Burwick turned on Gunter. "You " he snorted angrily. "You told me that was your money. You fool! What do you mean, bringing a woman into a deal like this? Well, you brought her in. Now you manage her or I shall." "Nobody," Connie replied, "is managing me or my affairs from now on. I'll handle them myself!" She turned to Kedrick. "I'm glad, Captain, that you've made this decision. I am sure you'll not be sorry for it."
    Kedrick turned to follow her from the room, but Burwick's voice stopped him. "Captain!"
    He turned. Keith's eyes were ugly and Gunter's face was haunted by doubt and fear. "Captain Kedrick," Burwick said, "I believe we are all being too hasty. I like your caution in this matter. Your suggestion that cleaning out those people might make trouble and cause talk in Washington is probable. I had considered that, but not knowing Mc-Lennon, had considered the chance negligible.
    "Slagle," he added, 'I know. McLennon I do not know. Your suggestion eliminates a frontal attack. We must try some other means. Also," he added, "I believe that your presence has some claim on that of Miss Duane. Consequently, as we can brook no failure now, I have a proposition for you. How would you like to come into the firm? As a silent partner?"
    Keith's face flushed angrily, but Gunter looked up, his eyes suddenly hopeful. Burwick continued. "We could give you a fifteen per cent interest, which, believe me, will be adequate. I believe you could keep Miss Duane in line, and with you at the helm we might straighten this whole thing out without bloodshed."
    Kedrick hesitated. The money was a temptation, for he had no desire to be indebted to Connie, yet the money alone would mean nothing. It was that last phrase that gripped his attention and made him incautious. "Without bloodshed," he repeated. "On those terms, I accept. However, let's discuss this matter a bit further."
    Keith spun on his heel. "Burwick, this doesn't make sense! You know the only way we'll get those people off is by driving them off. We agreed on that before. Also this man is not reliable. I happen to know that