I hurried back to the diner where I saw Merker, sitting at the same table, drinking coffee. Going to his table I notified him, “Merker, you’re under arrest.”
He slowly placed the cup back on the table. “Oh, come now Forrest, not again. You have no charges.”
“Douster, the man in the other cell, said he recognized you,” I informed him.
His eyes widened for a few seconds, then smiled and calmly said, “That’s entirely impossible. The only time I was at the jail was when I followed you.” He picked up his cup and slowly sipped at it.
“Forrest, I’ve had the opportunity to chat with your charming wife. With all your duties I imagine that she is left alone quite often.”
I grabbed him by the collar and was ready to smite him when Covney came through the door and hollered, “Miles!” He walked over to my usual table and motioned for me. I shoved Merker, and he straightened his jacket and went back for his coffee.
Molly was already at the table, pouring coffee for Gilford and myself. Then she grabbed another cup and poured one for herself and sat down.
“Miles, not now. We don’t have enough to hold him unless Douster talks. If you arrest him, he’ll be out tomorrow. If you assault him, then you’ll be in there with Douster,” he sipped at his coffee after thanking Molly. “I know it’s hard, but have patience. This will play out.”
I put my hand on Molly’s arm. “What did he say to you?” I asked.
“Nothing really. He simply said, ‘good morning,’ and that I looked bright and cheery for one who has to work tables for a living,” she disclosed softly.
“No threats?” inquired Gilford.
“No, except that furtive smile that can be interpreted in many ways.”
Gilford looked at me. “He’s trying to get your goat.”
“He’s doin’ a good job. I remember his bluster and arrogance when I met him in Denver along with that other fellow, Myers,” I uttered.
We had been sitting for around twenty minutes, drinking coffee and eating pie that Marta had brought to us when Merker finished his meal. I watched him put money on the table and instead of walking toward the door he came to our table.
“I just wanted to give my best and said to the lovely Mrs. Forrest, have a good day,” he paused looking at me then back to her. “Until we meet again.”
He turned his back and started to walk off. I was ready to lunge from the table to grab him when Molly grasp hold of my arm. “No, Miles,” she scolded.
Merker turned and smirked.
“Simmer down,” she said, stood and went to the stove to get the coffeepot.
“I’m waiting a telegram from Denver. I’m hoping that Mrs. Denton has confessed and opened up the whole plot,” swore Covney.
“Douster,” I blurted, pushing back my chair and standing up. “We need to get Douster to talk. If he says that he saw Merker hang Curt, then we’ve can arrest him.”
Covney and I started for the jail. I saw Merker coming out of the tobacco shop when there was a tremendous explosion. It was at the jail and where we were standing two blocks away we could feel the concussion of the blast.
“Charlie!” I yelled.