Page 21 of The Heart’s Charge

Wallace, to his credit, didn’t immediately pester him for details. “Do we need to bring in Matt and Preach?”

Jonah shook his head. “Not yet. I ain’t even sure we have a real case. There’s some question about the reliability of the witness.”

“But you think it’s worth digging into?”

“Yep.”

Wallace nodded acceptance, confirming that Jonah’s opinion was reason enough on its own. No justifications required.

Jonah sat a shade taller in the saddle. He never took trust and respect for granted. Captain Hanger and the rest of the Horsemen had never been stingy with extending those commodities to him, but a lifetime of dealing with others who viewed his opinions as inferior simply because his skin color differed from theirs made him appreciate the gift each time it was given.

“Any pay?” Wallace asked.

Jonah grinned. “Nope.”

“Guess we better not break the bank on accommodations, then.” Mark winked at him as they reined in at the livery on King Street.

A young boy ran out to meet them. “Can I help you, sirs?”

The redheaded kid’s trousers exposed an inch of ankle, his shirt was missing a button, and he kept jerking his head to keep his overlong, curly hair out of his face, but he wore a friendly, welcoming grin. ’Course, the grin seemed more for the horses than for either him or Wallace. The kid barely looked at them before lowering his gaze to Augustus and Cooper. Jonah couldn’t blame him. They were fine horses.

He and Wallace dismounted and led their mounts to the stable door. “We need to board them for the next couple of nights. Feed, water, and a nickel for you per animal if you give them a thorough brushing.”

The kid bounced in his shoes. “Yes, sir!”

Jonah pulled two nickels from his vest pocket and flipped them to the boy, who snatched them out of the air with the skill of a circus juggler.

“I’ll take real good care of ’em.” He stuffed the coins into his trouser pocket, then reached for the reins of both mounts. “We don’t get too many horses from outside Kingsland. Most folks ride the train in. Usually I’m rentin’ horses out, not takin’ ’em in. Especially not ones as nice as these.”

Augustus snuffed at the boy’s hair, earning a laugh from the kid.

Jonah collected his saddlebags and rifle from his gear, then patted the gelding on the rump to signal him to follow the stable boy. Wallace did the same, except he patted his gray’s neck and whispered something in the animal’s ear before stepping aside.

“His name’s Cooper,” Wallace said as he moved away from his horse. “And he likes his belly rubbed once the saddle comes off.”

The boy nodded. “I’ll rub him good.”

Wallace held his hand out to the boy. “Name’s Mark Wallace.” He tipped his head Jonah’s way. “That there’s Jonah Brooks.”

The boy shifted both sets of reins to his left hand, wiped his right on his trousers, then fit his palm to Mark’s. “Name’s Edgar, but you can call me Wart.”

“Nice to meet you, Wart.” Somehow, Mark managed to pronounce the name as if it were a royal title and not an unsightly skin growth. But then, he’d always had a knack for makin’ folks feel special.

Instead of extending his hand, Jonah opted for a silent nod and a tip of his hat. He didn’t want to put the kid in an awkward spot.

“Will you be working here in the morning?” Wallace asked as he released the kid’s hand.

“Yes, sir. Mr. Donaldson lets me sleep in the loft.”

Mark swung his saddlebags over his shoulder. “Great. If you have our horses saddled and ready by seven, there’ll be another pair of nickels in it for you.”

Wart straightened his thin shoulders. “They’ll be ready.”

“Thanks.”

Wallace paid the boarding fee, then turned to leave. Jonah started to follow but caught sight of another kid hiding behind the livery wall. Wart made a shooing motion with his hand, and the second kid’s face disappeared. Wart glanced over his shoulder, probably checking to see if either of his customers had noticed. Jonah kept his face blank and continued his departure.

“If you need a place to stay for the night,” Wart blurted, his voice shakier than it had been a moment ago, “the saloon might have rooms. People been talkin’ ’bout how the railroad’s gonna build a big hotel here one o’ these days, but they ain’t done it yet.”