Pulling the knife away, she showed her cheek to Ben. "How's that?"
"Fine," Ben said, not looking up.
"You ain't looking," Cora said, poking him. "How many we got now?"
Ben sighed and looked at her bleeding cheek. "With the new one, we got twelve."
"Only twelve?" Cora said, shaking her head. "Seems like we've run twice that many spook jobs since we started this business." She clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's go settle up with the marshal."
Outside, the day was warm and bright. They pulled their hats low to ward off the glare from the snow and walked to the marshal's station in silence.
Ben paused outside the door. "I reckon I should check the times at the train station."
"Go on, then," Cora said, waving her hand. "I'll take care of our tab."
She pulled open the station door and stepped inside. Jack Evans sat behind the deputy's desk. "Howdy, Mrs Oglesby."
"Howdy, Jack."
"The marshal told me about last night," the deputy said. "That must have been quite a sight."
"Sure was ugly as hell," Cora said.
"But you killed it!" Jack said. "You shot it square in the head."
"Seemed like the best place to shoot it." Cora shifted her weight toward the marshal's office. "Is Duggan about?"
"Sure is," Jack said. He hollered for the marshal, who emerged a few moments later.
"Afternoon, marshal," Cora said, tipping her hat.
"Mrs Oglesby," Duggan replied.
"You got our money?"
Duggan nodded, motioning for her to follow him. Once inside his office, he closed the door and sat behind his desk. "Please, take a seat," he said.
Cora remained standing. "Ain't got time for chat, marshal. Our train pulls out soon, and I still got to swing by and see Boots."
"All right, then," Duggan said, his courtesy spent. He pulled open a drawer and produced a small wad of bills. "Five hundred dollars."
Cora picked up the money, surprised. "Mighty generous of you."
"After last night, I figured it was worth it," Duggan said. He pulled up his sleeve and showed her his forearm. Dark bruises in the shape of long fingers colored his fair skin. "That thing had me pinned and would have ate me if you hadn't drawn it off."
"Just doing my job, marshal."
Duggan nodded. "Maybe so, but I never forget a man who saves my life. Or a woman."
"Glad to be of service, then," Cora said, extending her hand. The marshal rose to his feet and shook it. "Maybe you'll repay the favor one day." She tipped her hat and let herself out of the office. As she passed Jack, she shot him a grin. "Good luck with that whore of yours, deputy."
Jack blushed, pulling his hat down over his face. She chuckled to herself as she stepped out into the street. Her boots had turned toward the Pioneer when Ben's voice stopped her.
"Ain't got time for that."
She turned toward him. "Train's about to leave?"
Ben nodded. Cora looked toward the saloon with a sigh. "They better have whiskey on board, then." She picked up the trunk. "Let's fetch the horses."
Fifteen minutes later, they stood on the station platform. Their horses were already dozing in a livestock car, none the worse for the previous night. Ben examined their tickets, then walked down the length of the train, looking for their car. When he found it, he waved her over. She hoisted the trunk with a grunt and started toward him.
"You! Cora Oglesby! Wait a moment!"
The voice came from behind her. Even before she turned around, she knew who was hollering for her.
"Well, if it ain't King George himself."
There stood James Townsend, looking winded in his tweed jacket and tie. After taking a few moments to catch his breath, he stood upright and adjusted his glasses. "Might I request a moment of your time?"
"We're a bit tight on time," Cora said. "Train's about to leave."
"Exactly the reason for my rush," James replied. "I have a business proposition for you."
"Is that right?" Cora set down the trunk so she could fold her arms. "Well, we just settled with the marshal, so I think we're set for awhile."
James mimicked her posture, his elbows resting on his belly. "Don't misunderstand me, Mrs Oglesby. Had I a choice in the matter, I would gladly let you board that train for parts unknown. I am, however, here at the behest of Lord Harcourt."
"Your boss, huh? What's he want with us?"
"Well," James said, lowering his voice, "I'm afraid there's been something of an incident inside Lord Harcourt's primary mining interest." He adjusted his glasses and peered at her.