The Reinvention Of Rudd Carter. A Western Action Adventure Novel Read Online Free
Author: R.L. Davis
herself with such an air that she seems unapproachable, at least to me,” Ben said with a chuckle.
At that moment the music began, something light and classical. Rudd returned his attention to the stage.
I’m not afraid to approach her. I can’t wait for the opportunity.
The waiter came to take the drink orders and leave the menus.
After Rudd’s hosts ordered whiskeys and water, they sat silently perusing their menus.
Ben glanced at Rudd. “You seem to be quite taken by our lovely violinist.” Showing a sly smile, he said, “I can’t say that I blame you. I’d be happy to introduce you to her later on in the evening.”
Rudd snapped his gaze away from the stage and turned toward Ben with a self-conscious laugh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was being so obvious. I thought I was hiding it pretty well. Please excuse me.”
Ben and the other two men laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Every man in the place is captivated by her. That’s why I hired this little orchestra. I felt she would be a terrific draw, and I was right. Business is up fifteen percent in only two weeks.”
“I’m going to take you up on the offer to meet her,” Rudd said, glancing back at the stage. “I’m also very interested in continuing the conversation we were having this afternoon.” Aware that he had the full attention of all three men, he continued. “I thought over the things we discussed, and you gentlemen definitely have sparked my interest.” He grinned. “What else are you offering besides an introduction to a beautiful woman?” Glancing from man to man, he said, “Although, an introduction to the violinist just might be enough to get me to sign on.”
They all laughed heartily for a few moments and then became silent in anticipation of what the coming conversation would bring.
“Rudd, here’s what we’re proposing,” Crawford started, leaning forward on his elbows. “On or about July twentieth of next year, we want you and your fifty best men to ambush a troop train carrying several hundred Federale soldiers to Mexicali, fifty miles out in the desert.”
“What do you mean by several hundred, Bill?” Rudd’s voice lifted. “Three, four, five hundred? I’d like to know just what several hundred is to you, because remember, I’m only going to have fifty men.”
“Well, probably more like five hundred,” Crawford answered defensively.
Rudd was silent for a moment and then looked around the table with a narrowed gaze. “You gentlemen do realize that’s a ratio of ten-to-one, right?”
“But don’t forget,” Ben said, leaning forward in his chair, “You will have fifty of the best equipped and experienced bloodthirsty killers in the world. We will provide any weapons and equipment you deem necessary to make this operation a success.”
Taking a moment to search each man’s face, he said, “If I give you a list of modern weapons that I think will make this plan work, it could get very expensive, gentlemen.”
“There is no limit to the military budget of this plan. If we get you what you need, can you make it work?” asked Crawford.
“If you get me what I need, you’ll have your desert revolt,” Rudd answered. “Whether it works or not is another story.”
“The whole idea,” Crawford continued, “is not to kill everyone. We want you to inflict enough casualties to make them turn tail, get back on their train, go home and report an overwhelming defeat to their superiors. Then our friends in the Mexican military can exaggerate and blow out of proportion all that happens that day, to the extent that everyone in Mexico will think a real revolution has taken place in Mexicali. The next day we will declare Baja Del Norte an independent state and introduce the new Presidente.” Glancing at Hoff, he said, “Don, please tell our new friend, Rudd, what we are offering him besides an introduction to a beautiful violinist.” The mention of the violinist again brought a laugh.
“For the
At that moment the music began, something light and classical. Rudd returned his attention to the stage.
I’m not afraid to approach her. I can’t wait for the opportunity.
The waiter came to take the drink orders and leave the menus.
After Rudd’s hosts ordered whiskeys and water, they sat silently perusing their menus.
Ben glanced at Rudd. “You seem to be quite taken by our lovely violinist.” Showing a sly smile, he said, “I can’t say that I blame you. I’d be happy to introduce you to her later on in the evening.”
Rudd snapped his gaze away from the stage and turned toward Ben with a self-conscious laugh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was being so obvious. I thought I was hiding it pretty well. Please excuse me.”
Ben and the other two men laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Every man in the place is captivated by her. That’s why I hired this little orchestra. I felt she would be a terrific draw, and I was right. Business is up fifteen percent in only two weeks.”
“I’m going to take you up on the offer to meet her,” Rudd said, glancing back at the stage. “I’m also very interested in continuing the conversation we were having this afternoon.” Aware that he had the full attention of all three men, he continued. “I thought over the things we discussed, and you gentlemen definitely have sparked my interest.” He grinned. “What else are you offering besides an introduction to a beautiful woman?” Glancing from man to man, he said, “Although, an introduction to the violinist just might be enough to get me to sign on.”
They all laughed heartily for a few moments and then became silent in anticipation of what the coming conversation would bring.
“Rudd, here’s what we’re proposing,” Crawford started, leaning forward on his elbows. “On or about July twentieth of next year, we want you and your fifty best men to ambush a troop train carrying several hundred Federale soldiers to Mexicali, fifty miles out in the desert.”
“What do you mean by several hundred, Bill?” Rudd’s voice lifted. “Three, four, five hundred? I’d like to know just what several hundred is to you, because remember, I’m only going to have fifty men.”
“Well, probably more like five hundred,” Crawford answered defensively.
Rudd was silent for a moment and then looked around the table with a narrowed gaze. “You gentlemen do realize that’s a ratio of ten-to-one, right?”
“But don’t forget,” Ben said, leaning forward in his chair, “You will have fifty of the best equipped and experienced bloodthirsty killers in the world. We will provide any weapons and equipment you deem necessary to make this operation a success.”
Taking a moment to search each man’s face, he said, “If I give you a list of modern weapons that I think will make this plan work, it could get very expensive, gentlemen.”
“There is no limit to the military budget of this plan. If we get you what you need, can you make it work?” asked Crawford.
“If you get me what I need, you’ll have your desert revolt,” Rudd answered. “Whether it works or not is another story.”
“The whole idea,” Crawford continued, “is not to kill everyone. We want you to inflict enough casualties to make them turn tail, get back on their train, go home and report an overwhelming defeat to their superiors. Then our friends in the Mexican military can exaggerate and blow out of proportion all that happens that day, to the extent that everyone in Mexico will think a real revolution has taken place in Mexicali. The next day we will declare Baja Del Norte an independent state and introduce the new Presidente.” Glancing at Hoff, he said, “Don, please tell our new friend, Rudd, what we are offering him besides an introduction to a beautiful violinist.” The mention of the violinist again brought a laugh.
“For the
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