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But John recognized him. He’d been in the posse that had captured him. After Slade was convicted, one of his partners had finally ratted him out. It wasn’t that surprising. With a reward like that, and Slade asleep and out of the way, Jackson had enough chances to double-cross him. And damned if he hadn’t been able to sell his partner down the river.

“I see,” John said slowly. “Who did you say it was that’s looking to collect?”

“A fella by the name of Kent.” Jackson sat near John at his table. “Can you think of anyone I could give him to?”

“Not off hand,” John said. “Did anyone threaten to turn you in once Slade was in prison?”

“No,” Jackson said. “Not that I know of.”

“Did he tell you where he got the twenty thousand dollars to buy the cattle?”

“No. And I didn’t ask him. It ain’t like I didn’t have my own ideas about how he got there.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean there’s a good number of folks hereabouts who are unhappy with the way Sheryl and her father ran this town before he leapt out that window. And I’m sure, once they heard about Slade in prison and that reward, he admitted to a good number of folks he had a hand in it.”

“That’d be easy enough to check.”

Jackson gave him a curt nod. “That’s what I’ve been thinking, too.”

“I see,” John said slowly. “And the way you figure it, every time a new window’s been broken, the same hand builds it.”

“Yes.” Jackson finished his beer and called for a refill. “I’ll drink to that.”

“I’ll drink to that,” John said.

“John?”

He looked up to see Wilma standing there. It was the first time he’d seen her in more than a year, but that time hadn’t been pleasant. He stood and held out his hand. “Oh, Wilma. I didn’t see you come in.”

“I just walked in.” She stared down at Jackson. “You’re Jackson, aren’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am, Mr. Jackson.”

“Wilma,” John said, “may I introduce Jackson Banks, the new rancher in town. Jackson, this is Wilma Schumann.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Banks.”

“Likewise, ma’am, I’m sure.”

“Wilma owns the Silver Rose,” John said.

“Nice place,” Jackson said. “Good whiskey.”

“Oh, and it’ll get better when Bill comes in to help out.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

“So how’s the cattle business going?” Wilma asked.

“Just fine.” Jackson chuckled. “And just as soon as I learn to handle those cattle, it’ll go a lot more smoothly.”

“I can tell you’re still adjusting.”

“Adjusting? I’m still getting up in the middle of the night to stand in the front of the herd and keep the stupid beasts from bolting.”

“You’re a strange man, aren’t you, Jackson?”

“How do you mean?”

“Well, you’re not the most trusting man, but you’re friendly. I would have thought you’d have taken that big reward for him and just disappeared. Now you’re acting friendly with him and making yourself useful, for a man that doesn’t trust anybody.”

“I want to see justice done.”

“No, you simply want to feel you’re helping. Never mind that it takes away something that might have been yours in a few years, or maybe even immediately. You’re more concerned with being right than with being rich.”

“I’ve got to be rich for Sheryl. You know that. She might not want to be rich. She’s got her own pride, and I don’t want to see her living on the streets. That’s why I’m taking this job from Jansen. I was involved in splitting open the town in the first place. By getting my comeuppance for his, he’s not likely to want to get back at me.”

“Is that what you’re doing?”

“What do you mean?”

Wilma gave up on the bantering. “What do you mean by saying you were involved in splitting open town?”

“Slade and Jackson had a duel to the death at the edge of town. My brother and I were hired to help Jackson.”

“And that didn’t register any suspicion in you?”

“Why?”

“Well, you were willing to just fire into a crowd of people that had gathered. You just shot everyone in the front of the crowd, and while you won’t admit it you didn’t know whether or not they were a part of the feud. You killed a man that I specifically requested for you to leave alive.”

“Three men,” Jackson said.

“What?”

“I killed three men that day. Two men in the crowd and one who drew on me. That’s why I wasn’t supposed to kill Jackson.”

John turned an ashen look on him.

“I don’t understand,” Wilma said. “What does that mean?”

“I don’t think you do,” Jackson said, getting up. “Look, Mr. Schumann’s just had some bad luck this week. I think I’m going to go.”

“Jackson, wait,” John said. “I think we need to talk about this.”

“Talk to Wilma about it,” Jackson said. “She seems to know what’s going on.”

Wilma went over and took her husband’s hand. “Jackson’s been job hunting,” Wilma said. “I told him about you last night. We were wondering if he could work for you for a little while and prove himself.”

“You were looking for work here?” Lewis asked.

“Yes, sir,” Jackson said.

“So he came here because he was looking for work.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And yet, he immediately gets all jealous of people that he finds attractive. I’ve got to wonder what the man’s motives are.”

“It’s his love story,” Wilma said. “He loves Sheryl.”

“And if he’s not working for you, how’s he going to find her?”

“They’re still married, I believe,” John said.

“Oh, we’re playing with fire,” Wilma said.

“It hurts, Wilma.”

“I know, John, but it’s a feeling that won’t last forever.” She turned to Jackson. “Slade’s phone is still in my back office. You can wait there if you want.”