“Well, dig in.” Tyler grinned at her, enjoying the way she studied his black-and-blue face. “I have a feeling you’re going to fit right in with us. You might as well have a meal and start the introductions on a high note. That’s when we’re at our chattiest.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She said the words but appeared leery. Still, she was game to give it a try. “Can somebody pass the coffee?”
16
Sixteen
Even though she initially thought it would be an uncomfortable situation, Hannah found that having two new faces to focus on was a great way to free her mind. She was keyed up, waiting for another attack, which meant her mind was always firing and taking little downtime. She was a firm believer that she got her best ideas when passively figuring things out, so that’s what she hoped would happen today.
“It’s pretty easy, and you guys are experts anyway,” Hannah offered as she showed off the various coolers beneath the bar. “We keep the imports on this side and the domestics on this side. Behind the saloon, there’s a locked storage building. Between rushes, we restock the coolers and whatever liquor we might need. It’s important that you lock the storage building after each trip. It’s a liability issue.”
“I bet the insurance on this place must be massive,” Ray noted. “I can’t imagine having to foot that bill.”
Hannah shrugged. “It is what it is. The payments are part of the profit plan so I honestly don’t think much about it.”
“But ... what about the guy who died out here the other day?” Nikki asked. She had a rag in her hand and was already wiping down the hand-carved counter. She was the industrious sort, didn’t like sitting around doing nothing when she could be bettering her environment. Hannah liked that about her.
“What about him?” Hannah asked, confused.
“Won’t you be on the hook for a payout to his family? I mean, I’m not an expert, but that seems like standard operating procedure to me.”
“Well, it’s a little convoluted,” Hannah hedged. She didn’t begrudge the young woman her curiosity, but she was genuinely uncomfortable talking about the situation. “The death is ... a little weird.”
“How so?” Ray was busy taking in the bar situation, acclimating himself to the location of the gins, vodkas, whiskeys, and rums. “I should think that would be pretty straightforward. My understanding is that some guy went nuts, stole one of your performer’s guns, and shot another guy. Am I missing something?” His eyes were lit with interest when they locked with Hannah’s more somber gaze.
“Well, it’s more difficult than that.” Hannah hesitated and then barreled forward. “I probably shouldn’t tell you this but, since you’re going to be working here, I figure you have a right to know. The thing is, the coroner couldn’t find a bullet in the body.”
Ray’s eyebrows hiked. “Doesn’t that just mean there’s a bullet buried in the ground somewhere?”
“They’ve looked. Everywhere. Plus ... there was no bullet path inside the body. It’s all very weird and nobody knows how to explain it.”
“But ... you’re saying that you’re likely not on the hook for the death because they can’t prove how he died,” Ray pressed.
Hannah found his intensity a little off-putting but managed to keep her smile in place. “It’s a difficult situation. We’re still trying to figure it out. I don’t know what to tell you. Honestly, I’m in the dark.”
“Hey, it’s good for you, right?” Nikki’s smile was wide. “That’s the most important thing.”
Hannah held out her hands and shrugged. “I think the most important thing is that two men are dead. I can’t see much past that.”
“Well, right. Still, you won’t lose your property. That has to make you happy.”
“I’ll be happier when I know exactly what’s going on.” Hannah’s smile was tight. “Come on, though. You guys wanted a tour of the town. Now is as good of a time as any to give it to you.”
Ray nodded perfunctorily. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
COOPER WALKED THE TOWN UNTIL JACOB finally stirred, appearing at the bottom of the steps that led to the second floor of the brothel. The FBI agent looked freshly showered but hardly bright-eyed. In fact, if Cooper had to guess, the agent would’ve been happier sleeping the morning away rather than doing his job.
“Good morning,” Jacob called out when he found Cooper watching him.
“Good morning.” Cooper tilted his head in greeting, although he felt mildly embarrassed at being caught staring at the federal law enforcement authority. “I was starting to wonder if you were still here.”
“I’m still here.” Jacob winked at him. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
“I’m not disappointed,” Cooper reassured him quickly. “In fact, I’m happy you’re here. This situation is ... uncomfortable ... for everyone concerned. We need whatever help we can get.”
“Well, then this works out well for everybody.” Jacob dragged a hand through his damp hair and glanced around. “Things are quiet. Is anybody up here besides you and Hannah?”
“Tyler is over in the paddock with the animals. Boone is running around somewhere, although he mentioned having to check on a few things in town, so it’s likely he might’ve left ... although he’ll come back eventually. Hannah is training two new bartenders and you might see them walking through town. She plans on giving them a tour.” He hesitated before continuing. “Jackie and Danielle are taking advantage of the lull in the schedule and reorganizing the seamstress shop. It’s something they’ve been talking about for months and they finally have the chance.”
“I see.” Jacob’s expression was hard to read but, for some reason, Cooper got the feeling that he wasn’t happy with the news. “I guess I thought it would just be a few of you ... like last night.”
“Hannah and Tyler are the only ones who live up here full time,” Cooper explained.
“Yes, but you were up here last night,
