Free Slocum 394 : Slocum and the Fool's Errand (9781101545980) by Jake Logan Page B

shot my horse, too.”
    The sound of approaching horses came from two directions as both groups of riders converged on the stable. Oscar ran back and forth between the back door and a window that looked out to where hay bales were stacked. “Will you two just get the hell away from here!”
    â€œThat money’s all I’ve got!” Jack said. “I sold my house back in Arizona.”
    â€œYou’re so full of shit,” Slocum growled. “Those men are chasing after you.”
    â€œI see them!” Oscar squealed.
    â€œWhat difference does it make where they came from or who the hell they are?” Jack asked. “They’re firing at us here and now!”
    â€œThe difference is between me getting mixed up with them or letting you fellows work things out amongst yourselves.”
    â€œThe other ones are circling around,” Oscar said. “Clear off my property! All of you!”
    Outside, the hooves came to a rest and one man spoke up. “Send the little pecker with the seven fingers outside or we’re burning that whole place down.”
    That one nearly caused Oscar to soil himself.
    â€œWe came for Jack Halsey!” the man outside said. “Send him out or we’ll drag him out.”
    Jack climbed into his saddle and reached across his belly to draw his pistol. “Looks like we found our horse killers. We can still draw them away, but you gotta agree to help me find them wolves once we put these assholes to rest.”
    Farther down the street, people shouted and a woman screamed. One familiar voice rose above the rest when it shouted, “You men clear out of here or we’ll open fire.”
    â€œGod damn it,” Slocum snarled. “That’s Stan. Where’s the sheriff?”
    â€œI don’t know,” Oscar told him. “Why don’t you leave my property and find out?”
    Slocum pulled himself onto his horse and flicked the reins. He hadn’t been in Rocas Rojas for long, but he did know that the would-be deputies were more apt to get themselves shot than hit anything in front of them. Beyond that, the commotion outside told him that locals were gathering to get a look at what was happening near the stable. That meant they were in the line of fire. “Why are they after you, Jack?”
    â€œThey knew about the money I was carrying as well as some other valuables. Like I said before, I sold my house and I’m carrying everything that’s worth a dime. They were closing in on me before and were chased away by them wolves. They probably figured I was dead, came back to rummage through my saddlebags, and then followed us back here.”
    â€œYou’re still full of shit!” Slocum growled. “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”
    â€œBecause I thought you wouldn’t want any part of helping me. If you keep the job I offered, I’ll double your fee.”
    â€œWe ain’t even discussed a real fee, but when we do, it’ll be a big one.”
    â€œAgreed!”
    â€œFine,” Slocum said. “We’ll lead them to those trees just south of town. You know the ones I mean?”
    Jack nodded. “I think so.”
    â€œThey’re just past the town limits. When you see them, charge straight down the path. Just keep going and don’t follow me. Shoot as many of them as you can.”
    â€œI may not be much use with a gun in my left hand.”
    â€œJust keep shooting,” Slocum said. “Leave the rest to me.”
    They exploded from the stable amid a chorus of hollers and thundering hooves. Slocum and Jack had their pistols ready, but refrained from firing just yet. The intention was to make noise, not waste valuable ammunition. The first group of riders who’d split off were approaching the stable from the left and immediately charged after them. Slocum could hear a rifle shot along with Oscar’s voice as more hooves rumbled through the stable