Collection 1989 - Long Ride Home (v5.0) Read Free Page B

that he had the money, then make contact somewhere away from his business office, which might be watched. He checked his guns and returned them, fully loaded, to their places and walked into the hallway, carrying the bag.
    A man in a brown suit sat at the end of the hall. He glanced up when the Kid stepped out, then, apparently unconcerned, went back to his paper and turned a page.
    The Cactus Kid walked briskly along the hall. Around the corner, he sprinted to the far end and ducked down the back stairs, taking the first flight in about three jumps. Walking the rest of the way more slowly, he stepped out of the back door when the janitor’s back was turned. Entering the back door of another building he walked on through to the street and boarded a horse car.
    A roughly dressed man loitered in front of the building where Macintosh had his office, and when the Kid got down from the car the fellow turned and started down the street, almost at a run. The Kid grinned and walked into the building and down the hall to the office door. MacIntosh’s name was on the door but he hesitated. If they were waiting for him elsewhere they might also have men planted here. Glancing around, he spotted a door marked
Private
. Taking a chance he opened it and stepped inside.
    A big-shouldered man with a shock of white hair and a white, carefully trimmed beard looked up. He was about to speak when the outer door opened and a girl stepped in. Her eyes went wide when she saw the Kid and she stepped back hastily.
    â€œLily,” he exclaimed, and started forward.
    Before he could get halfway across the room that door opened again and Banker Barber stepped in. His jaw was hard and his eyes cold. He held a gun in his hand. He motioned toward the carpetbag. “I’ll take that!” he said sharply. “Drop it on the floor and step back!”
    The Kid knew from his eyes that the Banker would shoot. He also guessed he was more anxious to get the money than revenge and would not shoot in this building unless necessary. The Kid dropped the bag reluctantly and moved back. The Banker took a quick step forward and grasped the handle. Backing away, he unsnapped the top and thrust his hand inside. Keeping his eyes on the two men he drew out a thick sheaf and glancing quickly, his eyes came up, hard with triumph. Dropping the packet back into the bag he snapped it shut.
    â€œThanks!” he said grimly. “It was worth the trouble!”
    â€œBe careful that Bull Run doesn’t take that away from you,” the Cactus Kid advised. “He has this place watched and he knew I came here.”
    â€œDon’t worry!” the Banker replied grimly. “He won’t get this! Nobody,” he added, “gets this but me.” He backed to the door and opened it. “I’d like to know who taught you to bottom deal. You’re good!” He stepped back through the door. “And don’t try to follow me or I’ll kill you.”
    He jerked the door shut. There was a thud, a grunt, and something heavy slid along the door. Then there were running footsteps. Outside in the street there was a shout, a shot, then more running feet.

----
    M ACINTOSH LEANED BACK in his chair. “Well,” he said testily, “I’m not taking the loss! The money was still in your possession! I’m sorry for Jim Wise, but he still owes me fifteen thousand dollars!”
    With a cheerful smile the Cactus Kid went to the door and pulled it open. The body of Banker Barber fell into the room. His skull was bloody from the blow that had felled him, but he was still alive.
    â€œDown in the street,” the Kid said, “somebody was just shot. I’m betting it was Starrett. And in a few minutes Bull Run Allen will be cussing a blue streak!”
    â€œHe got the money,” Macintosh said sourly, “so why should he cuss?”
    The Cactus Kid grinned broadly. From his inside coat pocket he drew an envelope and