Read Online Blood on the Verde River by Dusty Richards - Free Book Online Page A

folded his arms over his chest. “My name is Byrnes.” He turned to the woman at the door. “Ma’am, you are excused.”
    She frowned, but finally closed the door.
    Chet went on talking to the man. “I want to know what you did with Bonnie Allen.”
    â€œWho’s she?”
    Chet stared hard at the man. “Have you ever had a cactus needle shoved under your fingernail?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œI’m ready to do that to you to help your memory.” Chet held his hard stare.
    Looking very uncomfortable, Whittle searched their faces. “I don’t know—”
    Weary of his stalling, Chet grabbed his hand and forced it open. “See that center nail. I am going jab a thick cactus needle under it if you don’t tell me all about Bonnie Allen.”
    Whittle’s face turned white. “I—I don’t know. I swear I don’t know where she is now.”
    He didn’t say he didn’t know where she went or with whom. “You listening to me?” Chet demanded. “You told her you had a get rich deal for her and coaxed her away.”
    Whittle swallowed hard and nodded. “Some of Ramaras’s men took her that night. I swear I don’t know where she is now.”
    â€œHe’s the one who lives in Sonora?”
    Whittle nodded.
    Chet grew anxious standing on the porch making too loud talk. They’d soon have an open forum. Several housewives were out gossiping at a distance about what was going on.
    â€œLet’s go in the backyard. We’re drawing a crowd here.” No need getting any more attention.
    JD and Jesus herded Whittle around behind the house where a board fence shielded them from prying eyes. Chet strode forcefully behind them.
    â€œMay I sit down?” Whittle asked, looking around.
    Chet nodded. “Yes, on the steps.” He stood in front of Whittle. “I want you to send Ramaras a message to come up here and meet you.”
    Whittle looked aghast. “Why he would kill me if it was a trap.”
    â€œI didn’t get you in this mess. How will you send it?”
    Whittle put his index finger on his lip. “By a boy, I guess.”
    â€œListen, you contacted him before. You better do it right or I’ll do you in.”
    Whittle said, “I understand. He contacted me and said he needed a certain kind of female for a certain man. Bonnie Allen fit that. This man is not mistreating her. She’s living in a palace.”
    â€œNo, she’s being held against her will.” Thank God, she might still be alive.
    â€œWho has her?” JD demanded.
    â€œOh, I can’t say.”
    â€œBy God, if you don’t tell us, I may put that damn cactus needle in your eye,” JD said. “I’m out of patience right now.”
    â€œHis name is—Manuel Baca.”
    Chet looked at Jesus. “Is he real?”
    â€œBaca is a powerful man and owns much land. He has a grande hacienda in Sonora.”
    â€œThat sounds great. How much money did they pay you for her?”
    Whittle shrugged.
    Chet nudged his leg with his boot toe. “Answer me.”
    â€œFive hundred dollars.” Whittle sat with his face in his hands.
    â€œDon’t act like it bothered you to sell her. You’re a damn slaver like the rest. You’re a scummy, sorry sumbitch. Guilty of the worst crime I can think of—selling a human being. I’m about ready to hang you. You get word to Ramaras to come in here and meet you now.”
    â€œWhat if he won’t come?”
    â€œI may hang you. JD is going to be your houseguest and stay here. You try to escape him, warn someone, or run off, and you’ll be dead. Do you understand?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œLet’s go. Leave word for me at the O.K. Corral, JD.”
    JD nodded, not happy about the situation, but he understood they were moving on the possible recovery of the girl.
    That fact made Chet a little happier about the