Read Online Diamond Buckow by A. J. Arnold - Free Book Online Page A

as he said, “They call me Buck. Now you know my name, which is more than I know about you.”
    The big man took his time looking Buck over. “Take it you’re new to this part of Kansas?” he finally said.
    Not about to admit he came up the trail from Texas, Buck replied, “That’s right. But I’m honest, and I do know how to handle cattle. And I also need a job.”
    The rancher’s breakfast came. As he turned his attention toward his food, he merely breathed a weighty, “Hmm,” at Buck.
    Rebuffed, Buck glanced over at the silent Russ, who was just finishing the last of his coffee. Buck guessed as he counted out money for two meals that the rancher didn’t trust anybody. He reckoned he’d have to try and find some other source of information. He and his old saddlemate got up to leave.
    As Buck reached the door, the well-dressed man muttered, without looking up or turning his head, “My name’s Daniel Thompson. I own the Double P out west of here. If you still want to get to the Blough place, take the west trail to the second fork, then go south. If you leave right away, you ought to get there by midafternoon.”
    Buck’s angular face nearly split from the grin that knifed across it. “Thanks, Mr. Thompson. I really do appreciate it. Thanks very much.”
    This time the older man did look up, a strange smile of his own playing along his square features.
    â€œJust tell Old Man Blough that Wide Loop sent you.”
    â€œWide Loop?” Russ demanded, as soon as they were on the street and out of earshot.
    â€œWhy would a feller call himself by a handle like that?”
    â€œDon’t know,” Buck answered, shaking his head. “But I’m wondering what kind of range it is, where he’d come right out and tell that to a stranger.”
    He led his mount as they walked back down the street to get Russ’s cayuse from the corral. While he waited for the trail hand to snake out his horse and slap the hull on, Buck’s jaw dropped at the sight of Glenn Saltwell approaching him with deliberate steps.
    â€œâ€™Morning, kid,” he drawled, flashing that effortless trademark smile of his. “You still sore at me, or are you ready to talk business?”
    His body drawn taut immediately, Buck snapped, “I’m not looking for trouble, and I’m not willing to talk about anything with you.”
    As they stood glowering at each other, Russ walked up, leading his horse.
    â€œWell, howdy, Boss,” he greeted Glenn, sounding pleased. “Thought you’d be halfway back to Texas by now.”
    â€œNo, I’m still here. Had a change of plans, and I’m looking for some good riders who have nerve. You want to throw in with me?”
    He was speaking to Russ, but his hard, shrewd eyes were on Buck.
    The now-sober trail hand didn’t consider for even the space of a second before he said, “I’ll be glad to ride with you again. What’s chances for a good profit?”
    Buck’s glare pierced into Russ. “I thought you wanted to go straight.”
    The cowpoke looked at his boots, shamed and uncomfortable.
    â€œWell, hell, you know how it is,” he managed at last, with a feeble laugh. “I still need a stake, ’cause I lost the last one I had. But the next time it’ll be different.”
    Before Buck could make his hot retort, Saltwell cut in smoothly.
    â€œGood, Russ, I’ll be happy to have you.”
    He turned just as pleasantly to Buck. “You’re free to change your mind. If or when you do, I’ll be in and out of Dodge at least ’til spring.”
    Glenn Saltwell changed his weight from one foot to the other as an unyielding tone came into his voice.
    â€œOn the other hand, if you’re working for some rancher around here, you better just forget you ever knew me, or what my business is.”
    His meaning was unmistakable, and once again Buck