The Rightful Heir Read Online Free Page A

he’d hauled away from the scene minutes earlier declared his innocence from behind the bars.
    â€œHush up!” the sheriff warned the alleged criminal in the cell. He put the man’s gun in the top drawer of his desk, locked it, dropped that key into the pocket of his leather vest and patted it. “You’ve caused enough trouble here today. Sit down and be quiet.”
    Jared watched the man who had appeared guilty after his attempt to leave the scene. What had really happened in the saloon? “Sheriff, the fellow with the bullet in his leg says he shot himself.”
    The prisoner rattled the door of the cell. “I told you I didn’t shoot him!”
    Sheriff Collins pinned the man with a stare. “I won’t tell you again to be quiet.” He asked Jared, “How did he say it happened?”
    â€œSaid his gun had a hair trigger and went off when he reached to pull the pot he’d won from the middle of the table. His only complaint is not knowing where his money went.”
    The sheriff looked from Jared to the occupant of the cell. “How much money you got on you?”
    â€œWhat?” The man was outraged. “First I’m a gunman, now I’m a thief?”
    Jared studied the man. He didn’t yet know what to think about the events of the last hour. “Why did you run?”
    The man almost snorted at him. “Ever been in a saloon when gunfire erupts? Everybody runs.”
    The sheriff pulled his lips in under the heavy mustache he wore and leaned his head to one side before shaking it. “No. Everybody doesn’t.”
    Jared noticed the clothes the man wore. He looked familiar. “Who are you?”
    â€œI’ll ask the questions, Mr. Ivy.” The sheriff didn’t seem pleased to have someone horn in on his territory, but Jared’s innate curiosity had his mind full of questions.
    The prisoner pointed through the bars at Jared. “He just told you that man shot himself. You got no reason to hold me here.”
    â€œI’ll be the one decidin’ if there’s a reason to hold you.” The sheriff leaned against the side of his desk and folded his arms across his chest. “I’d like to know the same thing Mr. Ivy is asking. Who are you?”
    â€œName’s Elmer Finch. I’m a newsagent on the train.”
    â€œThat’s where I saw you.” Jared knew he’d seen that face recently.
    â€œWell, I’ll just go around to the depot and speak to the station master then.” The sheriff straightened and headed for the door.
    Elmer Finch spoke up. “The station master probably won’t know me. Today is my first day with the line. You’ll have to speak to someone on the train. I’d appreciate it if you’re quick about it. The train had a long stop so some repairs could be made. I’ve only got a half hour before I’m supposed to be back on the job.”
    Sheriff Collins banged the door behind him as he left.
    Jared walked to the cell. “What were you doing in the saloon?”
    Mr. Finch didn’t meet his eye. A sure sign to Jared that he wasn’t being honest. “I was having supper.”
    â€œHmm...” It wouldn’t be productive to question someone who was lying. He decided to follow the sheriff and see what they could learn at the depot.
    â€œYou can mutter all you want. I’m telling you the truth.” Elmer Finch’s words rang out behind him as Jared closed the door to the sheriff’s office.
    Something wasn’t right and Jared was determined to find out what it was.
    After a trip to the depot and the doctor’s office, Jared headed back to the paper. It might be his first day in town, but he was already stirring with anticipation about putting his first story in the paper. He opened the door and stopped short as a young man hung a copy of the paper to dry. Mary Lou loaded the next sheet of paper for printing. Several copies