Read Online Slocum 420 by Jake Logan - Free Book Online Page A

After wiping the foam from his mouth with the back of his hand, he said, “Then perhaps what I mean is there’s something I might be able to do for you.”
    â€œYou’ve done more than enough. Now, if you’ll excuse me . . .”
    Slocum took hold of her arm in a grip that was firm without being forceful and just enough to keep her from getting too far away. When he pulled her closer, she didn’t do a thing to stop him.
    â€œI have a job to do,” she said. But even as she protested, her eyes betrayed a glint of excitement and her lips remained slightly parted as if she was thinking about something she wanted to taste.
    â€œIf your job is to convince new customers to visit your faro table,” Slocum said, “then you’re doing it real well.”
    She smiled and shifted on her feet. When Slocum released her arm, she stayed put and said, “Thank you.”
    â€œWhat I meant in regards to your business at the Tall Pine,” he said in a voice that wouldn’t carry any farther than the two sets of ears it was meant for, “is that you were there because Lester convinced you he was John Slocum. There was no way for you to know he was lying, and even if you did know, you’re a grown woman who can do what she pleases with whomever she pleases.”
    â€œYou’re right about that,” she said while holding her head high.
    â€œIt just seems to me that you got the short end of the stick.” With a grin, Slocum added, “Of course, you would know that better than me. I never got a look at Lester’s stick.”
    Eliza flinched as if Slocum had kicked a hole in the bar. Even after looking around to ensure nobody in the vicinity was offended by his comment, she still acted as if they were both on display. “That is a very crude thing to say.”
    â€œIt is? Well, then I should try to come up with new words to use for what I want to say next.” After taking a moment to make a show of mulling something over, he said, “I think I should be given the opportunity to repair any damage done to my good name.”
    â€œI believe you did that when you thrashed Lester Quint.”
    â€œI don’t care about him. I want to make certain you have the right face in mind when you think of the name ‘John Slocum.’”
    â€œDon’t worry about that,” she told him. “I’ve got the right face in mind as of right now. I should get back to my table before I get in trouble.”
    He nodded and raised his mug. “Thanks again for the beer.”
    â€œAnytime.”
    Slocum let her get a few steps away from the bar before he said, “I’d like to see you again.”
    Pointing to the faro tables, she said, “You know where to find me.”
    Eliza turned her back to him and crossed the room to her table. Although some of her regular customers took notice of her return, they weren’t the first to meet her there.
    â€œWho’s that?” Mary asked as she hurried over.
    â€œThat,” Eliza said, “is the real John Slocum. I wish you would have been able to spot him before.”
    â€œI told you what I heard about him came from a friend of mine over at the Axe Handle. I’d never laid eyes on the man.” Mary looked over her shoulder toward the bar and then quickly turned back again. “But he’s sure laying eyes on you.”
    â€œIs he still looking at me?”
    â€œIf he was staring any harder, he’d burn holes through your dress. Then again, seeing as how you cut loose before, you might enjoy that sort of thing.”
    Eliza swatted Mary’s shoulder and said, “That’s enough of that talk! You cut loose all the time and it never turns into such a production.”
    â€œI’ve never had a night with a man that wound up with another man dragging him out by the scruff of his neck and whipping him like a dog.”
    â€œThat’s not exactly how it