Connie Mason [The Outlaws 03] Sam (epub)

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.The Outlaws: Samby Connie MasonCopyright 2011 by Connie MasonSmashwords EditionChapter 1Denison, Texas 1868He opened his eyes, one at a time, slowly, carefully.His head pounded and his mouth tasted like the inside of an outhouse.Sam Gentry knew without a doubt he had the granddaddy of all hangovers.Even more disheartening was the fact that he was in jail and had no idea how he got here.Had the posse caught up with him? Had the sheriff of Denison, Texas seen his picture on that blasted wanted poster that proclaimed to all the world that the Gentry brothers were outlaws? The last thing he remembered was sitting down at the poker table in a saloon whose name he couldn't remember and betting the last of his money on a winning hand.The pot had been substantial and he'd bought a round of drinks for everyone at the table.He searched his memory for more information and came up blank.He choked out a groan.What in the hell had happened?"You finally woke up.I was beginning to worry."The gruff voice sent pain shooting through Sam's head.He turned slowly.His bleary eyes focused with some difficulty on a man who looked vaguely familiar.He was sitting on the floor, his back braced against the wall.He was older than Sam by many years.His faded red hair was streaked with gray and his leathery complexion had the look of a man who'd spent his life outdoors."Do I know you?" Sam didn't recognize his own voice, which came out raspy and grating.The man chuckled."You sure as hell ought to.I'm Rusty Ramsey from the B&G Ranch.How much do you remember about last night?""Damn little.""You're one helluva fighter, Sam.""You know my name?""You mentioned it last night.In Texas nobody asks for last names.It ain't healthy, if you know what I mean."Sam knew exactly what he meant."You won a heap of money at the poker table last night and bought everyone a round of drinks.I reckon you decided you needed a few more cause you sure hung on a good one.""I remember that much.But that doesn't explain why I feel like I've been run over by a hay wagon.Why did you say I was a good fighter?""The fight's the reason we're both cooling our heels in jail.I reckon Sheriff Hale will show up soon to turn us loose."Sam sat up slowly, very slowly."Tell me about the fight, Rusty.I can't believe I'd do anything that would land me in jail.I've been trying to stay out of jail since I left Dodge a few weeks ago.""So you're from up Kansas way," Rusty said."Thought I recognized that Kansas twang.I take it you don't recall the boys from the Taylor spread picking a fight with me."Sam shook his head and was immediately sorry."They were goading me about their boss's upcoming marriage to the owner of the B&G.Said I was too old to continue on as foreman, that I'd be out of a job after Taylor Cramer took over.I took exception to being called old." He wiggled his jaw back and forth."I reckon it was foolish of me to take on two men younger than myself by several years, but they made me mad.I didn't ask for your help and you didn't ask if I wanted it, but I sure as hell appreciated it when you threw yourself into the fight.""No wonder I feel like I've been battered.I can usually hold my own in a fight, but I'm not usually drunk when I'm doing it.Did we win?"Rusty grinned."We weren't losing.The sheriff broke it up before anyone was seriously hurt.""Are the Cramer hands in jail?""No.Sheriff Hale learned that I started the fight and let the Cramer hands go.Don't worry, we'll be out of here soon.I need to get back to the ranch.The boss lady depends on me."Sam gave a shudder of relief.He was to be set free, so obviously the sheriff hadn't seen the wanted poster."A woman owns the B&G?""Yep.Her uncle up and died a couple of months ago and left it to her.A pity, too.She wasn't born to ranching and don't know beans about it.But I gotta hand it to her.She's learning fast and she ain't afeared of hard work."The sound of squeaking door hinges sent renewed pain shooting behind Sam's eyes.He blinked, and the tall, solid form of the sheriff came into focus."You boys ready to leave?"Rusty dragged himself to his feet."I reckon we are, sheriff."The sheriff fit the key in the lock and swung open the door."You're both free to go.You know better than to pick a fight, Rusty.And you, young fella," he said, fixing Sam with a stern look, "you're a stranger in town, aren't you?" Sam nodded."If you plan on sticking around, you should know I don't condone fighting in public places.Denison is a peaceful town and I aim to keep it that way.""Sam won't give you any more trouble, sheriff," Rusty promised.Sam rose unsteadily, anxious to leave the jail.He followed Rusty out the door, squinting into the brilliant daylight."You look awful," Rusty said."You don't look so good yourself."What are you gonna do? You got business in town or something?"Sam rubbed the dark stubble growing on his chin."I'm just riding through."Rusty slapped him on the back."I like you, son.If you're looking for work, I can offer you a job on the B&G.We can use another hand or two.""What about your boss? Won't she have something to say about it?""She leaves the hiring and firing to me.She's got enough to do taking care of her son.Cute little tyke named Andy."Sam seriously considered taking Rusty up on his offer.He'd always preferred ranching to farming, and a ranch sounded like a good place to lay low for awhile.And he doubted those wanted posters he so feared had reached this far south yet.Denison was a small town, he felt reasonably safe here."Maybe I'll take you up on that offer, Rusty.I need a job and a place to light for awhile.At least until your boss marries that Cramer fellow and we're booted out [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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