Crow Bait

Thirty-five

As promised Lancaster stopped in at the sheriff’s office before leaving Henderson.

“Did you get what you wanted?” Carver asked.

“I’ve got a line on two of the men I’m tracking,” Lancaster said.

“Well, congratulations, then,” the lawman said. “I guess you’re on your way, then.”

“That’s right.”

“I’ll walk out with you.”

Out front the lawman saw Crow Bait tied off and was taken aback. “That’s your horse?”

“That’s right.”

“Couldn’t get somethin’ better?”

“This horse carried me out of the desert, saved my life,” Lancaster said. “I owe it to him to ride him for as long as I can.”

“Don’t seem it would be that long, from the look of ’im.”

“He’s better than he looks, believe me,” Lancaster said, hoisting himself into the saddle. “Thanks for your help, Sheriff.”

The sheriff knew he hadn’t done anything, but he said, “Any time.”

Lancaster knew he’d never be in Henderson again, so he just waved and turned Crow Bait east.

Next stop was Peach Springs, Arizona.

As Lancaster rode out of town, the sheriff went back into his office, took the cell key from the peg on the wall, and entered the cell block.

“He’s gone,” he said, while fitting the key into the lock.

In the cell Kent stood up impatiently.

“Come on out,” Carver said.

Kent followed the lawman out of the cell block to his desk. There Carver returned Kent’s hat and gun belt.

“You better warn Beck that Lancaster’s comin’,” Carver said.

Strapping the gun on, Kent said, “Don’t worry, Gerry’ll take care of ’im. I remember him now. Lancaster was a drunk for years. He’s lost it.”

“He took care of you and your partner,” Carver said. “You’re lucky you’re not dead.”

“Oh yeah? Well, next time’s gonna be different,” Kent said. “I’m gonna make him pay for killin’ Tyler.”

“Yeah, you do that,” Carver said, sitting down.

“You don’t think I can?”

“I’m just sorry I won’t be there to see you try,” Carver said.

“You got a big mouth, fat man.”

“And you’re about to talk yourself right back into a cell,” Carver said. “Look, I’m done with Beck and I’m done with you and your kind. Now get out of my office and get out of my town.”

Kent stood in front of the sheriff with his muscles bunched, his jaw twitching.

“Go ahead and try it,” Carver said. “I didn’t get to be this age by backin’ down from the likes of you.”

Kent stared at Carver with undisguised rage, but eventually his muscles relaxed and he backed down. “You’re lucky I want Lancaster first.”

Carver looked down at his desk and said, “I can’t even hear you anymore, Kent. You’re a memory to me. A bad memory.”