Read Online Texas Tornado by Jon Sharpe - Free Book Online Page A

all.”
    â€œI can go?”
    â€œThe marshal has informed me that you agreed to testify in exchange for immunity from prosecution. So yes, you’re free to depart.”
    Jugs gave Fargo a look that said she was sorry more eloquently than if she’d said it out loud. With a swish of her dress, she whisked out of there.
    â€œAs the defendant just heard,” Stoddard said, “his lie has been exposed.”
    â€œIt’s her word against mine,” Fargo said.
    â€œThis court prefers to believe her.”
    â€œI’m shocked.”
    Stoddard picked up the gavel. “Have you anything more to say before sentence is pronounced?”
    Fargo sat up. “That’s it?”
    â€œWe believe in a speedy trial.”
    â€œI don’t get to take the stand? Or call witnesses of my own?”
    â€œWhat good would that do? We’ve heard the prostitute and we have Marshal Mako’s written testimony. That’s all this court requires.”
    â€œYou mealymouthed sack of shit.”
    Horatio Stoddard became the same color as a beet. With a sharp gesture, he growled, “I’ve listened to enough. Marshal, gag the prisoner.”
    â€œBefore you do,” Fargo quickly said, “you’d better decide what to do about the army.”
    Mako paused in the act of taking a crumpled handkerchief from a vest pocket, while Stoddard scrunched his face in confusion.
    â€œThe what?”
    â€œThe army,” Fargo repeated.
    â€œWhat can they possibly have to do with this?”
    Fargo touched his cuffed hands to his chest. “In case no one told you, I scout for a living.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo I’m due at Fort Bowie by the end of the month.”
    â€œSo?”
    â€œSo they knew I was coming this way. When I don’t show up”—Fargo shrugged—“could be they’ll send someone to look for me.”
    It was called grasping at a straw. He waited to see what effect his bald-faced lie would have.

10
    Horatio Stoddard straightened and sat back. His eyebrows tried to meet over his nose. “You expect the court to believe that?”
    Fargo shrugged and said as casually as he could, “If you can’t tell what I do for a living, you’re dumber than a stump.”
    Marshal Mako cleared his throat. “He did say he was a scout when we first met.”
    â€œHe sure looks like one,” Deputy Gergan threw in.
    â€œDaniel Boones,” Deputy Clyde added. “Why can’t they wear clothes like everybody else?”
    Stoddard drummed his fingers and crooked one at the marshal. “A word, if you please. Approach the bench.”
    Fargo tried to hear what they said, but they whispered. Stoddard appeared agitated. When Marshal Mako came back he didn’t look happy.
    â€œThere will be a delay in sentencing,” Stoddard announced, “while this issue of the army is resolved. The defendant will be held in jail until such time as the court deems otherwise.”
    â€œOn your feet,” Mako said to Fargo. “Boys, cover him.”
    Fargo was elated. He’d bought some time. But how much? As they marched him from the municipal building, he asked, “What did he mean by resolved?”
    â€œThe mayor knows a few people in high places,” Marshal Mako said. “He’s going to check on your story. He’s writing a letter to a colonel he knows. We should hear back in a couple of weeks, maybe a little longer.”
    â€œIn the meantime I rot behind bars?”
    â€œI’ll find ways to keep you busy,” Mako said.
    Fargo spotted Jugs. She was across the street, staring sadly. He smiled to show there were no hard feelings, but he couldn’t tell if she noticed.
    â€œJust so you know,” Marshal Mako said. “If it turns out you’re lying, it’ll add another six months to your sentence.”
    â€œIs that all?”
    The lawman looked at him. “I’ve worn a tin