Free Cera's Place by Elizabeth McKenna Page B

He’s got demons inside and they’re tearing him apart.”
    “He told you that?” She didn’t bother to hide her disbelief.
    “Aw, honey, he didn’t have to. He wears that soldier’s coat but insists he ain’t a soldier no more. He spent the last four years looking for Sadie hoping to put an end to his war and now he doesn’t know what to do with himself.”
    “You figured out all this?”
    “All you have to do is look into those sad eyes and you’ll see it for yourself. And you know what else you’d see? Someone who’s head over heels crazy about you.”
    “I don’t know. In my experience, men aren’t worth the complications they bring.” Cera hung her head as she absently picked at a loose thread on her skirt. “Besides, I haven’t been what you’d call encouraging toward him. Chances are he’s left town already.”
    “I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but my money’s on him sticking around.” Ginger palmed a coin from her pocket. “Want to place a wager?”
    Cera snickered. “Gambling’s for suckers.”
    The kitchen door opened and Isaac stuck his head out, surveying the situation. With a pleased nod, he came out with Sonya and Mary Beth. “So, did you tell Ginger your plan?”
    She made a sour face at him. “There’s nothing wrong with my plan.”
    “Except it will get us all killed,” he stated matter-of-factly.
    “I got an idea, Miss Cera.”
    Startled, Cera glanced around to see who spoke. “How long you been there, Johnny?”
    “Not long, ma’am.” He ducked his head sheepishly, as everyone turned to look at him.
    She shifted in her chair. “Well, um. I see…” Her mind raced through her conversation with Ginger, hoping nothing had been too personal. “You sweeping my floor today or bothering folks on the street?”
    “Last night, Miss Ginger told me to come on by. Said you had work for me.”
    Ginger leaned over and whispered in her ear, “He was looking scrawnier than usual.”
    Cera nodded. “Make sure you see Li in the kitchen when you’re done with the cleaning. Get yourself some stew.”
    “But don’t cha want to hear my idea?” Johnny jumped up from his chair. Pointing to his chest with his thumb, he proclaimed, “I can follow Mr. Biggs.”
    Isaac shook his head. “No, Johnny, we appreciate the offer, but this man is dangerous. We’d never forgive ourselves if he hurt you.”
    “But grownups don’t never see kids.” Johnny flashed them a knowing smile. “Y’all didn’t see me till I said somethin’.”
    Cera’s lips pursed as she thought about the idea. “It could work.”
    “Are you crazy?” Isaac exploded. “He’s just a youngster. You are not going to risk that child.”
    “That child has more common sense than most of the men who pass through this saloon,” she shot back. “He’s survived this long on the streets by himself. I’m sure he can stay out of harm’s way and lend us a hand at the same time.” With hands on her hips, she waited for Isaac to give in.
    “Fine, maybe the child can help,” Isaac conceded, “but that doesn’t solve the problem of what we do once we know when Biggs is going to take his next girl. He has too many friends in high places. The police won’t get involved without indisputable proof.”
    “Then we will give them proof.” Cera got up and walked toward the kitchen. As far as she was concerned, it was settled. Isaac swore under his breath and followed her, badgering her with “what ifs” and repeating the obvious flaws in the plan.
    *****
    Mary Beth wagged a finger at Ginger. “You know whose help we need, don’t you?”
    “Oh, no.” Ginger shook her head, whipping her red curls from side to side. “She’ll never agree to that. Not more than five minutes ago, she told me men were worthless. I damn the day that good for nothing Conrad walked into this saloon and ruined her life. But you’re right. We sure could use Jake’s gun.”
    “Maybe you should talk to him,” Mary Beth