'They wouldn't have left him unless they thought they'd killed him.'
'Yes, that's what I think.'
'Sheriff Norton told me how MacFarland and his wife were killed. A
knife was used on both of them. He thinks they murdered his wife to
send folks a message. He says you're going to have a hell of a time
getting anyone to admit he saw anything. Word travels fast in the
territory.'
'Did Norton happen to tell you anything about his background? ' 'No,
he didn't.
Why do you ask? ' 'Just curious. Have you ever heard of a gunslinger
named the Laredo Kid? ' 'Sure, ' Cole answered. 'He was a legend when
I was growing up. Every one knew what a daredevil he was . . . crazy,
but fast with a gun. Real fast. He's probably dead by now. Did
Norton kill him? ' Ryan smiled. 'The Laredo Kid isn't dead. Fact is,
he became a sheriff.'
'Norton is . . . ? ' Cole was incredulous.
'I swear it's true.'
'He should have been killed years ago. There's always someone faster
with a gun waiting to prove himself. He's lucky he's still alive.'
'I agree, especially with that wife of his cooking for him. Did she
make you eat her fried chicken? It damn near killed me.' Cole burst
out laughing. He was surprised how good it felt.
The tension in his gut eased up a little. 'She tried, ' he admitted.
'But I didn't touch it.' Ryan also relaxed, until he looked at the
bloodstained floors again. It was a sobering sight.
'You've had time to look around. Tell me what you think happened. '
The laughter was gone from Cole's eyes when he answered.
'I'll tell you what I know didn't happen. None of them fought. There
aren't any signs of a struggle. Hell, they were as meek as sheep.
There are guns in all three cash drawers behind the windows, ' he said
with a tilt of his head toward the tellers' stations. 'They're loaded,
but they haven't been touched. Now, you tell me something, Ryan. Why
did you come after me? There are better men out there to wear this
badge.'
'I wanted you.'
