The Reinvention Of Rudd Carter. A Western Action Adventure Novel Read Online Free Page A

one-day battle in the desert, we will pay you one hundred thousand American dollars,” said Hoff. “Deposited in the bank of your choice, thirty days before the battle.”
    Sitting for a moment in silence, Rudd said, “You will pay me one hundred thousand dollars to contract a military force of fifty men to ambush a train carrying five hundred Mexican soldiers fifty miles east of Mexicali out in the middle of the desert?” Slowly his mouth broke into a grin. “I have no counter. I accept, on the condition that you will take care of all operational expenses including weapons, ammunition, billeting, food, and women. That includes twenty-five dollars a day, per man, starting ninety days before the battle.”
    Ben took a large drag on his cigar and exhaled. “Of course, but we’ll have to agree on how many women for how many men and for how long a time,” he said, repressing a laugh. “We want them to have enough strength to fight our battle for us. Heh-heh,” he cackled. “I’m sure everything can be worked out so that we can have both a successful operation and happy soldiers. Heh-heh.” Looking around the table, he said, “Now, I think we should order dinner and enjoy the rest of the evening—and that includes the music, don’t you think, Rudd?”
    They chuckled again, and when the drinks arrived, Crawford tapped a spoon on his glass and announced, “Gentlemen, I would like to propose a code name for our plan: Operation Desert Revolt. All agreed, say ‘aye’.”
    The four men said “aye” simultaneously, and Crawford declared, “Operation Desert Revolt, it is then. Shall we toast to it?”
    They raised their glasses to cement their agreement. For the next hour, the men ate, drank, and exchanged light conversation until the orchestra took an intermission. Ben reached over and tapped Rudd on the elbow. “I think this is what you’ve been waiting for.”
    Rudd looked up and saw the violinist standing in front of him. She looked even lovelier up close.
    “Good evening, gentlemen. I see that we have an out-of-town guest with us tonight.” Turning to Rudd, she smiled politely. “I came over to welcome you to the Viennese Dining Room.”
    Her warm, friendly voice and gleaming eyes won him over instantly.
    There was an awkward moment while the four men unabashedly stared at her. Then they jumped to their feet, three of them in obvious envy of Rudd.
    “I’m delighted to introduce you,” Ben said. “Miss Kathryn Farrar, Mr. Rudd Carter, who is visiting us from the San Francisco area.”
    Clasping her hand, Rudd felt thrilled by her touch. He held on longer than was necessary and looked deeply into her eyes.
    “Rudd, I hope you enjoy your stay with us at El Coyote,” Kathryn said, as she gently pulled her hand from his.
    “I’m sure I will, Kathryn,” he answered.
    Ben smiled. “Kathryn, the orchestra sounds wonderful tonight. Is there anything I can get for you before you start your next set?”
    “Everything is fine,” she said, glancing at Rudd. “Everything is just fine, thank you.” Speaking to Rudd, she said, “I hope we’ll be seeing more of you during your stay.”
    “You can count on it, Kathryn.”
    She smiled politely, excused herself, and started for the stage.
    The men stood and stared in awe of her swaying hips as she walked away. Ben shook his head. “Well, gentlemen, after that, I think it’s safe to say that the business discussion is concluded for the evening. Len will be around in the morning to inform you as to the time and place of our next meeting. So far, I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve made. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    The four men shook hands, walked into the cantina together and then separated. Rudd looked back through the doorway toward the stage and decided to go back in, listen to the music, and ponder what he was about to get himself into.

Chapter Three
    Sunday, August 6
    Early the next morning, a sharp rap on the door accompanied by a voice,