Grizz had just left the table. We had been kept supplied with wild game, but he knew that he needed to hunt further away from Durango. The deer and elk would soon vanish from the area and that would surely force the wolves to attack cows, horses, and if hungry enough, people. The winter hadn’t been real hard yet, but that could change. Also, they may find hunting here much easier.
“Want me to go with you?” asked Molly holding up the telegram.
“Sure, ifn you want to. Trip’s all paid for along with the hotel in Denver,” I replied after taking a sip.
The Secret Service wanted me to follow the first load of gold and silver out of Silverton to the mint in Denver. Just to see if I saw any irregularities or downright thievery. The bullion would have to be transferred three times: here in Durango, Santa Fe, and Fort Lyons. I really didn’t know how much ore there would be as there was not much work during the winter months.
“It shouldn’t be real busy here,” I remarked. “The miners will be headin’ back to the mountains and lookin’ for jobs with the larger companies. Marta and Ahihu should be able to take care of things.”
Molly was sitting there, letting her coffee get cold; there was a frown beginning to form on her face. Turning she looked at me and said, “Did you really tell Lucas he couldn’t work here anymore?”
Where did that come from? “Reckon I did. He was refusin’ to go to school.”
“But Miles, Lucas doesn’t work for you. He works for the M&M Diner; that’s me, and Marta.”
I sort of ducked my head and picked up my cup. After finishing what coffee was left in the cup I remarked, “Worked, didn’t it? He’s been in school and also able to work here and up with the horses. I even told him I’d give him fifty cents more a month if he would exercise Two-Bits. ‘Fraid of him with Star and Hawk yet.”
“Yuck!” she exclaimed as she tasted her coffee. “Cold! Let me go throw it out.”
She got up and went to the kitchen where she tossed the cold coffee out in the alley. I surely hate to see good coffee thrown out, but about the only thing worse than cold coffee is no coffee. She was on her way back to the table and as she approached I pushed myself out of the chair and reached for the pot on top of the stove. It was still about half full. Turning back I saw entering the diner one of my most unfavorite people, Marshal Billy Denton.
I sat Molly’s cup down and poured myself a cup as Denton approached our table. Just as he reached it I turned my back on him to put the pot back on the stove. Nothing intentional, or maybe subconsciously it was.
Sitting down, I asked, “What can I do for you Billy?”
“I’m here on official capacity; direct from the City Council,” he stated matter of factly.
“How’s the arm, Billy?” asked Molly with genuine concern.
“Doin’ right well. Thank you for askin’ Mrs. Forrest.”
“Now,” he said looking at me. “You have to move the smokehouse you keep out back beyond the city limits!”
I sort of laughed, well, at least smiled when I replied. “Don’t look at me. That smokehouse belongs to the M&M Diner. You need to talk to the owner,” and I pointed at Molly.
He turned and started to talk, but Molly beat him to it. “Sit down Billy. Miles, get him a cup of coffee.”
Billy took a seat, and much to my consternation I got up to get him a cup of coffee. After pouring it I made sure I set it down without spilling any of it. I said I don’t like to waste coffee.
“Do yuh happen to have any sugar or honey?” he asked looking at me.
“Miles, be a dear and see if there’s any honey left in the kitchen. It’s on the shelf to the right of the stove.”
I started to open my mouth and say something, but I got that look, so I moved on out to the kitchen trying to make my grumbling not heard. I found the honey and returned.
As I set it down in from of Denton, he had a questioning look on his face. “I’ll need a spoon.”
Molly just looked at me, and nodded her head. I got the message and walked on back to the kitchen. Marta was over to the side, giggling. I glared at her and she fled to the backdoor where the giggle turned into laughter.
“Before I sit, is there anything else I can get either of you?”
Billy shook his head, and Molly said, “No, thank you, Miles.”
He poured the honey in his cup. “Why in the world did he need a spoon?” I thought to myself and I soon found out as he began to stir clanking the spoon against the ceramic mug.
“Mrs. Forrest, there is a new city ordinance that states there can be no smokehouses within the city limits. I’m sorry, you’ll have to move yours.”
“And just where is this here city limits?” I blurted.
“Uh, ah, ah, I really don’t know,” he said.
“Billy, when must it be moved? And I really need to know where it can be located,” she said much sweeter than me.
He began to stutter again, “Well, ah don’t know when it needs to be moved.”
“Could you be a dear, Billy, and find out those two things for me?” now the sweetness was getting just too icky for me.
“Sure will, Mrs. Forrest. Thanks for the coffee,” he said, then walked out without another word to me.
“See Miles, you don’t have to be so impetuous…”