Free Killing Halfbreed by Zack Mason Page A

decision to hang Miller in Talbot's place. The whole event had left a bad taste in Andrews’ mouth, one that just wouldn't seem to go away.  Talbot's reappearance could only make things worse and complicate an already very sticky situation.  No, this was not good at all.  He would have very much preferred to have never seen that man again.
    Regardless, Talbot was here now, and a good business man always knows how to deal with a situation when it arises, not bury his head in the sand.
    "Mr. Talbot!  It is indeed a surprise to see you back in town, I must say, but what can I do for you?"
    He'd stood and extended his hand to Jake in welcome.  Talbot had a cool manner about him that left no doubt as to his confidence in his own abilities.  If they had met as adversaries on the street in a physical duel, Carlton would have been terrified, but here they met on his turf , in his business, which was an environment where he felt supremely confident.  In business, all were adversaries.
    Jake sat down warily and studied the banker.  "Most people in this town hate me, Andrews.  I take it you feel the same?"
    "In fact, I do not. Tom Logan was an acquaintance of mine, and while I felt a slight camaraderie with him, I do not expend my resources on ventures of a personal nature which do not pertain to business.  While his passing was unfortunate, as long as his ranch continues in operation, the bank is happy.  Neither his death, nor your incarceration were of great import in the scheme of things."
    "That's cold."
    "That, coming from the man who killed him, is ironic," He replied dryly.  Carlton had lied about his friendship with Tom.  They'd actually been good friends, and he'd greatly mourned his friend's death.  Nothing would have pleased him more than to have hung Talbot and been done with it, but the situation hadn't allowed it.
    He couldn't afford to let people see him as a friend or a man of emotion regardless of who they were, or before you knew it they would be knocking down the door, begging for mercy on their mortgages and such.  No, he had to maintain an image of cool impartiality.  Showing concern or emotion could only lead your adversaries to your weakness.
    "Well, what can I help you with, Mr. Talbot?  I take it you’re here on business."
    "You're on the town council aren't you?"
    "Yes."
    "I was hoping you could fill me in as to what happened that day they let me go and hung that other man in my place.  I don't even know who he was, much less why they hung him and let me go."
    Carlton shook his head sympathetically.
    "Talbot, I'm sorry, but I just don't feel at liberty to discuss that with you.  If one of the other members of the council chooses to, that's their business.  For me, that case is closed, and reopening it can only cause further pain.  Again, I apologize for not being able to assuage your fears, but it is a very personal matter for that young man."
    "It’s a very personal matter for me!"
    "May be, but that does not change my position.  Was there anything else I can help you with?"
    I couldn't believe the callousness of the man.  I sighed, resigning myself to the idea I wouldn’t be getting any information from him.  He obviously wasn't going to budge.  I’d have to find somebody else.
    "Yes, I wanted to ask you what, if anything, you might know about my brother's ranch, his disappearance, or the cattle rustling that's going on?"
    The banker smiled noncommittally, "I'm sorry, I know there's been rustling going on at all three of the ranches..."
    "Four."
    "Excuse me?"
    "There was rustling going on at all four of the ranches, my brother's too."
    "Well, as I was saying, I know there's been rustling occurring, but I have no idea as to who's behind it.  The word around town says your brother was the one perpetrating it, but I don't like to judge based on rumors, you know.  In my business, I learned a long time ago to deal only with facts.  I must tell you though, the facts of the situation