'Axe we, or are we not, talking about von Heusen all the way around
here?'
'Of course!' Tess stated firmly.
'You mean to tell me,' Jamie said, striding toward Hank, 'that this yon
Heusen has already been here, telling you that the property is going to
go up for public auction in lieu of being granted to legitimate heirs?'
'Yep, something like that.'
'Just like a vulture,' Jon commented. 'Well, he'll be back,' Hank
promised.
'Soon enough.
You'll get to meet him.'
Dolly, still on the wagon, cleared her throat.
'Oh, Dolly!' Jamie exclaimed apologetically. He hurried around to help
her down. Dolly smiled and took Hank's hand firmly.
'I'm Dolly Simmons, Hank. Nice to make your acquaintance. And you, too,
young lady. Jane, isn't it?'
'Yes, ma'am.'
'A fine name, a fine name. And I'm mighty parched. Perhaps we could go
inside and have ourselves a sip of something.'
'Yes, let's!' Tess said.
She started for the house. Jon dismounted and looped his pinto's reins
around the hitching post in front of the house.
Tess was halfway up the stairs before she realized that Jamie hadn't
moved.
He was still standing with the roan's reins in his hands.
'Jamie, come in, please,' she said politely. A bit distantly
perhaps--they were still involved in their fierce, personal battle.
'We'll see to the wagon later. Hank and the boys will help.'
He shook his head, looking at Hank, not her.
'That the trail to follow into town?' he asked, pointing toward the
road.
'Yep, that's it.'
'Where's the action congregate around here?' Hank was smiling but
curious.
'Why, the Bennington saloon. The best card games in town go on there,
the best whiskey flows there, and the best girls' -- He paused, glancing
quickly toward the ladies.
'Well, Lieutenant, the best entertainment in town can be found there,
too.'
Jamie nodded. Smiling at Tess, he told her, 'I think that I'll take a
ride in.'
'Now?' she demanded. The best entertainment in town! Von Heusen was
expected at the house, and he was about to ride off to enjoy himself
with a dance-hall gift! 'No time like the present.'
'But von Heusen is going to come here!'
'I don't want to meet Mr. yon Heusen. Not just yet.' He swung up on his
horse and glanced at Jon. Tess tried hard to follow his gaze. Something
passed between them, like cons of words, and yet it all happened in a
few seconds.
