Page 26 (1/2)

She was stunning But then he re naked, as well

So about now

"I was just about to go in and work on the skull," she told him "Are you sure you want et her a coffin and bury her I think she’d like your artistry--for you to rebuild the lifelike appearance of her face, that is She was reputed to be a little vain, you know"

Henri Coque walked up to the wonderfully I ad nonactors But the lynching went off perfectly And have you seen all the vendors? They’re set up behind the saloon and Desert Diamonds We have more vendors this year than ever before, and hat they pay for their licenses, the toill be flourishing!"

"Congratulations, Henri"

"Would you get into your Trey Hardy apparel, Sloan? Next year, we should reenact his shooting," Henri said excitedly "We’ve never done that, you know, because we can’t fit spectators into the jail But where there’s a will, there’s a way! I’ll work on it Coet your costume"

Sloan started to excuse hi to have a picture taken with her beneath the theater sign Jane seemed puzzled at first and then realized that her costume made her a tourist attraction She smiled and posed with the child

He went in with Henri androom, where he could procure a plumed cavalry hat and Civil War butternut-trirow out," Henri told hie of Trey Hardy"

"I think your chances of the ghost cutting his hair are better than your chances of otten--it’s hot as hell out here"

Henri shrugged and they returned to the street

Jane had becoroup of Boy Scouts

He was surprised when Henri, still standing near hi around today, Sloan I like Chet, he’s a solid deputy But he’s still a kid What with the stuff going on, I’lad you’re here"

"We’re fine whether I’m here or not, Henri County sent over some men They’re all in uniform, as you can see them in the crowd Their presence will let any would-be rabblerousers know that we’re watching"

"Yeah, but I’ain "Hey, the shoot-out is co up next!"

Sloan studied the activity in the street People were pouring in and out of Desert Diamonds, the saloon, the stables--and even the spa He saw Heidi bringing out a tour group of ten; the stables charged a hefty sun in front that they’d sold out for the day

Everything was going well

Jane was now posing in front of the theater sign with Alice, Valerie, Cy and Brian He sht of hiet the chicks, you know?" he’d told Sloan once He see his ar the love" in return

As he watched, his cell phone rang He reached into his pocket for it

It was Johnny Bearclaw

"Sloan," Johnny told hi There’s movement in the mine shaft"

"I’m on et the horses ready"

He hung up quickly and went over to interrupt the "Kodak moment"

"Jane, can I see you, please?"

"Sheriff!" Cy protested "We’ve becoent Everett She can work toent Everett away," Sloan assured Cy, although he didn’t understand why Cy was so worried Brian ht be popular, but Cy did all right for himself He was tall, blond and built He had plenty of charm, too--and he knew it

"Good!" Valerie said happily "I’un around! Especially since we’re einto costu late!" Brian rinned as if they were conspirators "I think Jennie’s been getting it on lately She crawled up to her rooetting it on?" Valerie asked "Seriously? With who, that was cruel!" Alice told her

"Not cruel, just"

"Truthful?" Brian suggested