Griffin watched out of the corner of his eye as the cowboy offered George what appeared to be several dollars.
The guard took the money and gave the man a gap-toothed smile as he tucked the bills in his pocket. Happy to do what I can, sir. What can I do for you?
Im looking for a young fella by the name of Jasper Renn. Is he here?
Sam and Griff exchanged another look as George flipped through the sheaths of papers in front of him. After what seemed like an eternity, he lifted his head. Nothing. Nobody by the name Renn here.
Youre certain? Even though Griffin couldnt see the mans face, he knew he was frowning. I heard he was being transported to New York City from London.
George shrugged. He wasnt brought here.
Griffin swore under his breath. This is bloody marvelous, he muttered, turning so the man wouldnt hear.
You think maybe he changed his name? Sam whispered.
Griffin shook his head. Jasper Renns his real name. Thats the one the men who came after him usedthe name that was on the poster. Maybe it was an alias, but it was the name the men would have used to lock him up.
Then where the devil is he?
He raked a hand through his hair. I have no bloody idea. The cowboy was talking again, so Griffin turned his attention back to him and the helpful George.
A tanned, slightly callused hand thrust a card toward the guard. Names Whip Kirby. Im a marshal from San Francisco. His voice was strong, as though he wanted to be heard.
That was where Jasper was from. A marshal. So he was a lawman, then. Had he been sent to pick up Jasper and perhaps take him west? If so, where was Jasper?
Im not sure I can offer any further assistance, Marshal. Georges tone and expression were wary nowas though he thought Kirby might ask a favor.
Probably not, friend, the lawman drawled. But if Renn should happen to show up, perhaps youd be so kind as to send word to me at this address. He slid a card across the desk on top of more bills. Id be mightily obliged.
Georges eyes lit up at the prospect of perhaps relieving the marshal of yet more money. Ill keep an eye out for him, sir.
Kirby tipped his hat. Thank you. He turned to leave.
Say, George said, stopping him. Whats this Renn done, anyway?
The lawman paused. I want to talk to him about a murder that took place a couple years ago in San Francisco.
Sams elbow struck him hard in the ribs, and Griffin had to swallow his pain rather than voice it aloud. He shot his friend a dirty look, to which Sam managed to look passably apologetic.
Who was killed? George asked with obvious interest.
Businessman. Important fella with a family and friends who want his killer brought to justice. He rocked back on his heels. While were talking, I dont suppose youve heard of a fellow by the name of Reno Dalton?
George shook his head. Cant say that I have. He in cahoots with your guy?
George shook his head. Cant say that I have. He in cahoots with your guy?
Might be, the marshal replied with a slight smile. He tapped his finger against the card on the desk. You hear anything about either one of them, you let me know, wont you? One lawman to another?
George grinned. Sure thing, Marshal.
Kirby turned on his heel. What the still-smiling George couldnt see was that the tall mans smile vanished in a blink, replaced by an expression that Griffin could only describe as annoyed distaste.
He was much more effective with Georgie Porgie than you were, Sam commented when Kirby was well out of earshot. You should have offered the git money.
I might have, Griffin informed him with a scowl, if you hadnt slipped several notches down the evolutionary ladder with him. Thump your chest for me, and I could sell you to the zoo Ive heard theyre building in the Bronx.
Sam opened his mouth to respond, but Griffin didnt wait for his reply. He turned on his heel and strode toward the exit. Coming? he called over his shoulder.
Scowling, Sam followed after him.
Outside, the sun was warming the morning air. It was going to be a hot day. A metal horseframe oxidized but rust-freestood just past the steps near the sidewalk. It wasnt an expensive modelits gears and inner workings were partially exposedbut it was a remarkable likeness that the craftsman must have labored over.
Wonder if thats Kirbys? Sam asked, examining the metal beast with great interest. Did you notice if he wore spurs? I didnt see any.
Griffin shrugged. He didnt share his friends fascination with the American West. Sorry, I didnt look. He walked toward the hired steam carriage that waited for them just a few feet away.
Sam fell into step beside him. You still want to look for Jasper? Or are we going home?
We came here to find Jasper, and thats what I intend to do. Griffin stepped up into the carriage and instructed the driver to take them back to the hotel. The girls would no doubt want to hear what they had learned. Since weve had no luck finding him, and were not the only ones looking, I reckon we need to change tactics a bit.
What do you have in mind? his friend inquired, as the carriage jerked into motion, its engine filling the air with moist steam.
Griffin leaned back against the seat and surveyed the bustling city before him. I think we need to look for this Reno Dalton fellow. I think hes connected to Jasper.
Dont you think Kirbys already looked for him?
Kirbys a lawman. Griffin ran a hand through his hair. I doubt hell have better luck than we will.
Hows that? You think a duke will have better luck?
No, but I think a chest-thumping lout will, Griffin informed him.
Sam grinnedand yet somehow managed to maintain a furrowed brow. Finally. A bit of fun.
Griffin sighed and shook his head. He had no doubt that he could blugg or bribe his way around Five Pointsthe logical place for anyone of a criminal ilk to hide. He needed information on Dalton and on Kirby. But more importantly, he needed to know whether or not the man he considered his friend was a cold-blooded killer.
Chapter 3
Jasper woke to the feel of tepid water hitting his face. At least he hoped it was water. He sniffed. Yep. Swearing, he wiped his face with the back of his hand as he sat up. He blinked furiously as the curtains were torn back to reveal the bright morning sun. He never thought hed miss overcast London, but Mei hadnt left his room until dawn, and judging from the angle at which the sun glared at him, it couldnt be much later than nine.
Dalton wants to see you, growled Little Hank. Get dressed.
Jasper squinted up at him, water dripping from his chin. Good morning to you too, sunshine.
The hulking brute sneered at him and stomped from the room. Jasper never thought hed miss Sam Morgan, either, but at least hed make a little conversation between grunts.
Sighing, he tossed back the blankets and crawled out of bed. There was a little water left in the pitcher on the nearby standHank hadnt dumped all of it on himso he poured it into the basin and washed up as best he could. Then he dressed in a fresh shirt and trousershe supposed he had Dalton to thank for thoseand pulled on his boots before leaving the room.
Hank was waiting for him in the corridor.
Walk, he commanded, pointing toward the staircase that led down to the foyer.
Jasper did. He didnt bother to ask what this was all about. He knew why he was there, just as he had known this day would come. He just hadnt thought it would arrive so dang soon.
Little Hank led him to the dining room where Dalton sat at a long, polished table, breakfasting on steak and eggs. The smell of it made Jaspers stomach growl. Were those ... flapjacks? And there were biscuits, toonot cookies, like the English used the word but proper soft, fluffy biscuitsjust begging to be smothered in butter.
Dalton glanced up at his arrival. Ah, Jasper. There you are. Come, eat.
At that moment, it wouldnt have mattered if Dalton held Jaspers own mother prisonerpride did not fill a belly. Dalton sat at the head of the table, so he took the chair at his right and began piling a plate full of hot, delicious-smelling food.
Did you sleep well? Dalton asked, not bothering to look at him as he sliced into his steak.
Jasper didnt pause as he slathered butter on a warm biscuit. All right.
Really? I thought you were up rather late.
Now he froze, slowly turning his head to meet the other mans gaze. Oh?
His former friend grinned. Jasper reckoned even Satan never looked so diabolical. Those bright, clear blue eyes of his were unsettling. Dont look so suspicious. I have no problem with you and Mei renewing your ... acquaintance, so long as I get whats mine.
No. He wouldnt have a problem at all. In fact, Jasper wouldnt be surprised if last night had happened exactly as Dalton hopedplanned, even. He had to know Mei would want to talk to Jasper, and that Jasper would do whatever Dalton demanded.
He noddedslowly. Youll get it. What choice did he have?
Excellent. I know I dont have to tell you what will happen if you cross me, but just in case the thought trickled through that block you like to call a brain, Meis not my only insurance. It would be a real sin if your brother Nate broke his pistol hand and had to leave the Regulators.
Jasper stilled. The biscuit tasted like dirt in his mouth, but he chewed and swallowed regardless. His oldest brother had a good career ahead of him in the law. The Regulators took their name from the Lincoln County War, which had happened years ago. The only thing they had in common with that band of deputized outlaws was their name. They were a posse that provided protectionthe lawful kindto towns and individuals who couldnt protect themselves. Nate had wanted to be one since he was ten years old.
Hed been stupid. Jasper knew that now. He thought taking the device and hiding it would protect himself, Mei and his family. What he was just realizing was that he had crossed the wrong man. And now the people he cared about were the ones at risk. One telegram from Dalton, and Nate could get ambushed. Or his younger brother, Adam, could have an accident. God only knew what might happen to his older sister, Ellen.
You can stand down, Dalton, he said quietly, reaching for his cup of coffee to wash down the biscuit stuck in his throat. I hear you.