The Charlotte Series: Book 3: The Pretender's Gold

SECTION XV-Kingsdown -36

Chapter 36

Mick and Rock rode steady and reached the Mesilla Valley as the sun was beginning to set. When they topped the ridge with the settlements spread out in the valley below Mick stopped to admire the view. His stomach growled loudly. He shrugged when Rock looked over.

"We'll grab dinner at the cafe and then find a room for the night. The bank will be closed anyway."

"Maybe I'll find myself a willing woman to warm my bed tonight." Mick added with a smile he started down the hill. "But first we need to get a few things settled, Rock."

"Yeah boss?"

"From now on I am the Honorable A. L. Stevens. You may call me Mr. Stevens. And don't speak unless you are spoken to when I am in company."

"Sure thing bo—Mr. Stevens. We playing this like you're some fancy investor again?"

"No. I am a widower."

"Yes, Mr. Stevens."

"Very good." Mick praised. "That's the perfect tone for a servant."

"What's the gold*?"

"The gold," the accent was back, "is the ranch. If I have to, I will marry to get it."

"You're not really getting hitched?" Rock's eyebrows shot up in disbelief.

"No Rock. I'm not getting hitched. However, the Honorable A.L. Stevens might."

"Yes Mr. Stevens."

"Good Man." Mick smiled. "After we get us some supper, I'm going to get a drink. Find us a room at the Amador and don't wait up for me. I'll visit the bank in the morning."

---

"How did it go, Boss?" Rock asked as Mick stepped off the boardwalk onto the street and untied the reins.

"It didn't. The ranch isn't for sale and the banker seems to believe the son is still alive somewhere. He also believes the daughter is still in England. But if my memory serves, I think a visit to the post office might be helpful."

"You gonna mail a letter boss?"

"I'm gonna find me a wife, Rock."

"Like one of them mail order brides?"

"Something like that." Mick chuckled as he mounted and turned toward the post office.

It seemed like ages ago when he first came upon his idea for the bride schemes. For ten years at least, he wrote to mail order brides luring the lonely and desperate, the woman no one would miss. If she happened to have a little money, so much the better. He met her when she arrived and put her up in one of Flynn's "Inns".

Playing the adoring groom, he enjoyed their amorous kisses. Once in a while a bride anticipated her wedding night. In all cases, he left them without their purse and collected a commission from Flynn on his way out. Flynn got fresh blood for his brothels and Mickey picked up a little green. It was a good arrangement until that bitch Emmaline and her friends escaped.

Mickey promised Flynn three young virgins in exchange for his freedom from the port authorities. When the bitches escaped, Flynn sent his best enforcer to collect his pound of flesh from Mickey. Unfortunately for the enforcer, he wasn't expecting Rock. Mickey fled with nothing but the clothes on his back. He picked pockets and ran penny-ante schemes as he went.

Mickey sighed. Not this time though. THIS TIME. Mickey smiled as he dismounted and stepped onto the boardwalk. THIS TIME the gold would leave him set for life. He'd never have to run another con again. He'd be living easy, like he did with Abilene, but he wouldn't have to fuck an old woman for the purse. A forced a broad smile as he opened the door.