“Might be,” Willis said.
“Anybody say anything to the sheriff?” I said.
“He’s a day’s ride from here,” Willis said.
“So?”
“Something might happen to you or your place, by the time the sheriff got to sending a deputy down.”
“So, how come you’re telling us,” I said.
“Figured it might be a job opening for you boys,” Willis said.
“Keepin’ the peace in the Boston House?” I said.
“I tole Mr. Speck I’d speak to you, first time you come in,” Willis said.
“Should we talk to Mr. Speck,” I said.
“I can arrange it,” Willis said.
I looked at Virgil. He nodded slowly. I nodded with him.
“Why don’t you,” Virgil said to Willis.
4
LAMAR SPECK was a little skinny guy with a big Adam’s apple and a prominent nose. He dressed like a dandy. Black coat with velvet lapels, a red-and-gold vest, striped trousers. He sat at a big rolltop desk in the back office of the saloon, and swiveled around in his chair and stood when Willis showed us in.
“Mr. Cole,” he said. “Mr. Hitch. A pleasure.”
We agreed that it was a pleasure.
“I understand that you gentlemen are looking for work,” Speck said.
“Might be,” Virgil said.
“Sit,” Speck said. “Please.”
We sat. McDonough was looking at Virgil as he talked. Everybody always talked to Virgil.
“I have of course heard of you gentlemen, especially, Mr. Cole. And of course I know you used to be the lawmen in town.”
“We were,” Virgil said.
“And I know that most of our citizens respect you both,” Speck said.
“They surely do,” Virgil said.
He didn’t show it. But I knew Virgil was getting restless. It drove him crazy when people rambled on, except when it was him.
“So, I thought to myself, Lamar, here’s a chance to get some first-rate help. If you boys will agree, I’ll hire you, and if there’s trouble, you’ll take care of it.”