He had a quick sense of humor, but a serious turn of mind. He was the only potential employee who was married, but his wife was willing for him to tak...e on a guard job, so Josh hired him to be a gold-coach guard.The last man to show up was Edgar Bartholomew, who came riding up in a cloud of dust. He had stopped to help a stranger change a broken wagon wheel, so he was a couple of minutes late. Ed was of average size and average looks, certainly not somebody you'd pick out in a crowd. But he had. Rick raised an eyebrow, Georgia’s eyes were wide. “You two are related?” she asked in surprise. “Twins, actually,” I replied, not thinking. “I’m sorry, David,” said Kerry apologetically, “I would have asked but I really only thought about this on the way here. I just think there are so many avenues we could explore.” She sounded excited. “Well, I suppose…” I said in some thought. Rick’s face formed a broad smile. “I’m sure we could come to an arrangement,” he said as he stood behind. Leaving a species to amuse itself to death is a different thing altogether though.”I must have looked thoroughly confused. I certainly felt it.“Never mind,” she said. “There’ll be plenty of time to explain my theories later. Follow me.”I looked around the room. In one corner was a man shuddering as, I assumed, he came inside his suit. Part of me thought it looked a bit pathetic, but another part of me wanted what he was having – to see what he was seeing and to feel what he was feeling. I. Why in the ugly name of all mighty Hell wasn't there one single solitary thing he could do?He stepped naked out into the bright noonday sun and walked over to his wife. He threw his arms around her and kissed her on the back of the neck. "You are the best God dam' thing that I ever had happen to me in this life. Well," he amended, "You and Little Ida Mae. I'm just so sorry that I'm lettin' you down so bad. Some how, some way I'll find something that will get us out of this sorry mess."Ida stood.
Read More