Dead End: Hannigan, #3

By C.A.Dayhoff

While trying to Settle down Hannigan hears of his brothers crimes and Hannigan has to find him before the bounty hunters do.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DewPoint
• Release date: Dec 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516331819

C.A.Dayhoff

Born in Texas, raised in Idaho  Grew-up riding, hunting, fishing, camping, panned for gold and roamed Idaho's wilderness looking for adventures..

Book preview

Chapter One Just A Drink

JUST A DRINK…

Dropping from his saddle, a cloud of dust rose as Billy's boots hit the dirt.

His mouth felt like sandpaper, nothing a cold drink won't fix, he thought.

He was a tall man like his brother Bishop, dark and handsome, but Billy didn't have the trail dust that his brother had, He was quiet and a thinker.

Thinking is what got him into this mess, well and a pretty face he thought

He had ridden hard just to get here, taking every back trail he could find, watching his back for a posse. Or some other followers with bad intentions.

Only couple more days of riding and he could set things right.

He missed Sara, and the beautiful round valley where the cattle ranch lay.

Just thinking of getting back to it all and Sara so they could get married.

Tired, hungry and thirsty but most of all he was free, Billy smiled, soon he'll be back to his love.

Over the top of his saddle he Looked around for any danger or signs someone had recognized him.

Doesn’t even look like this hole in the wall even has a Sheriff he thought,

Finally, he could relax, nothing was out of place, just a few hours rest and he would be back.

Shifting his gaze, he grinned at the sight of the saloon as he listened to the music and sounds of voices drifting out.

He knew Sara wouldn't like him having a drink, she knew how he can get, from the drink.

Shoving the memory from his head, he told himself. Only one drink, food, bath and sleep.

He needed to get back on the trail by sunrise if he wanted to get back to Moab by Monday.

Looking around again he was satisfied nothing was out of place.

Nope this was just a normal town in the middle of nowhere. He just needed to rest his horse and get a good night sleep after so many days on the trail, eating beans and smelling his own filth.

How ironic he thought, standing in front of the Four Corners Saloon in Dead End, Nevada. Depending how which exit he took out of town is what state he would be in... Dead End yea right he laughed to himself.

Billy Slapped the dust off his hat as he wrapped the reins from his horse to the hitching post.

Turning to his horse he whispered in his ear, Well old boy you carried me through again patting the horse's neck, music and laughter were still filtering out of the Saloon."

Just one drink and I'll take you to the stable he whispered to the horse.

Hey mister Looking back Billy saw a kid of 10-12 years of age. Mister for two bits I'll take him to the stable and rub him down.

Sure kid and you'll take off with him, never to be seen again.

No Sir, just trying to make some money for my maw, Noticing the kid had a black eye, Billy asked

Kid what happened to your face?

Nothing

Well you better get the Doc to take a look at that nothing

Hearing the music and laughter coming from the Saloon again, Billy wiped his brow with his sleeve, his thirst just took a hike up about two notches.

OK kid you've got yourself a deal but once you are done come over to the Saloon and I'll give you another two bits if you feed him some oats too

Thanks, Mister

It's Billy Hannigan

I'm Tom Shoemaker

Well, OK Tom let's shake on it

Billy shook the kids hand

Tom you better get that eye looked at

I will Mister

Who hit you Tom?

Nobody

Handing Tom the reins of his horse, he carefully lifted his saddle bags off his horse.

Well Tom when you come for the two bits I want an answer on who hit you

Tom looked like a scared rabbit getting ready to bolt.

Yes Sir he finally said while he held made a choking sound.

You ok?

Yes Sir

Okay take care of