Her Cold Revenge

Chapter 7

Grace stayed late in Tombstone, questioning everyone she could about the Guiltless Gang. They all claimed to have heard nothing, but she wondered if they were telling her the truth. The deputy was more than likely right — people did not like the idea of a girl trying to hunt down such a gang.

By the time she returned to Bisbee, only a few men sat slumped over their drinks, but she thought she may as well try asking around there as well.

"They're all full as a tick," the bartender said as he noticed her attempts. "Not worth questioning. Best to ask 'em earlier in the evening when they're just starting to get roostered up."

She tried a little longer, but the barman was right. She got no more information than she had in Tombstone. Dejected, she climbed the stairs to her room and, remembering the drunkard, wedged a chair under the doorknob after she locked the door.

Once again, nightmares about the burning cabin and of the gang's faces kept her tossing and turning all night.

When she went downstairs the next morning, the saloon was abuzz. As Grace passed one of the painted ladies, frowning curiously at the fuss, she asked what was going on.

"You didn't hear what happened to Caroline Abrams?"

Emily's mother? Normally Grace ignored gossip but this she had to hear. Her heart quickened as she asked. "What's happened?" She braced herself for the worst.

The woman lowered her voice. "A dapper gentleman came calling on her last night, pretending to be lost, but then he shoved his way into Caroline's cabin and tried to force himself on her."

"Is she all right?" Grace asked. "And what about Emily?"

"I think they're both all right. Must have been a lucky escape. Caroline sent word she wouldn't be in to work today, though. All I know is they call the man 'Black Coat' on account of his dapper clothes. Looks like a fine gentleman in his black frock coat and gray silk vest with some swirly design on it. Tries to romance the ladies first, then steals from them. Hilda says he done preyed on other widows out Tombstone's way."

"I'd better check on Caroline and Emily." Grace hurried outside, where she almost bumped into Deputy Clayton.

"Whoa there." Clayton grasped her arm to steady her. "Grace! Where are you rushing? Off to chase another outlaw?" He chuckled.

"Deputy, I'm glad you're here. Are you investigating this Black Coat attack? I hear he's been causing trouble 'round Tombstone too."

"Who? Oh, the man bothering the widows?" Deputy Clayton shook his head. "No, no. I'm here for the sheriff's help. My posse is all working the bank robbery in the next county. We're drafting sheriff's departments from around the area to help locate the perpetrators."

Grace looked at him, shocked. "But surely you have someone working the Black Coat case? He's attacking vulnerable women."

Clayton sighed apologetically. "I just don't have anyone available right now. The only men not on this bank case are the best bounty hunters in the state — the Watkins brothers."