Imposter Read Free Page A

her?”
    â€œI don’t want you messin’ with her, Val. I know you and her was close when you were kids, but that was a long time ago. So leave her alone.”
    â€œWell, Sheriff, just how in the hell do you think I’m going to mess with your sister if I’m locked up in your damn jail?”
    â€œYou been warned, Val. Just leave her alone.” Sheriff Davis wheeled about and stalked out of the cell block.
    â€œIdiot,” Frank muttered as he sat down on his bunk and resumed eating. “Whole damn town is loony as a tree full of monkeys.”
    Frank ate his fried chicken, potatoes, and bread and drank the single cup of coffee, then stretched out on the bunk. When he awakened, he could tell by the sun it was late afternoon. He longed for a cup of coffee. He called out for Sheriff Davis, but received no response.
    â€œHey, Val.” The voice came from outside the stone jail, drifting in through the single barred window.
    Frank stood up on the stool and looked out. A small boy was standing in the alley. “Miss Alberta said to tell you she’s takin’ care of your dog and that she’d be around about dark to bring you a tray of food.”
    â€œThank her for me, will you, boy? And ask her if she’ll bring me a pot of coffee.”
    â€œShore ’nuff, I will. See you, Val.”
    The boy started to leave, then stopped and looked up at Frank. “The men in the town are talkin’ ’bout hangin’ you, Val. Sheriff Davis is leavin’ tomorrow afternoon for a couple of days. I heard the men sayin’ that tomorrow night would be a real good time to come get you and string you up.”
    Frank had been expecting some talk along those lines. So the news came as no surprise. “Thanks for warning me, boy.”
    The boy disappeared.
    Frank sat back down on the bunk and rolled a cigarette. “Time to start making some plans,” Frank muttered. “Before time runs out.”

THREE
    â€œHello, my secret love,” Alberta whispered from outside Frank’s cell.
    Frank suppressed a shudder as he rose from the bunk.
    â€œI brought your evening meal,” she said. “Even though I’m not supposed to.”
    â€œThat’s, ah, very nice of you, Alberta.”
    â€œIt’s roast beef, with gravy and potatoes. I know you like that.”
    â€œYes, I sure do,” Frank said as she passed the tray to him. “Alberta, where is the sheriff? I need to speak to him.”
    â€œOh, he’s out of town for a few days. But Deputy Tucker is in charge. He’s sort of new at the job, but my brother has faith in his ability.”
    â€œThat’s, ah, nice, Alberta. I’m sure glad to hear that. Alberta, can we trust each other? Really, really trust each other?”
    â€œOf course we can,” she replied, smiling at him, adding, “darling.”
    Frank could feel his stomach churn at that, and he almost puked. He fought that back and said, “Alberta . . . ah, dear, I’ve got to get out of this jail.”
    â€œI know, darling. I’ll do anything I can to help.”
    â€œYou will?”
    â€œCertainly. Then we’ll be free, and together forever.”
    Frank thought about that for a few seconds as he stared at the woman. Just for a few seconds, the gallows seemed awfully appealing. “I need a pistol, darling. Preferably my pistol. I give you my word, I won’t hurt anyone.”
    â€œYou promise?”
    â€œCross my heart and hope to die.”
    â€œSpit in your hand to seal the pact.”
    Good God! Frank thought. Then he spat in his hand. “All right?”
    She pulled his Peacemaker out of the folds of her dress and smiled. “This pistol, Val?” she said impishly.
    â€œThat’s the one.” Frank took the .45 and checked the cylinder. Full up. “You get out of here, Alberta. I want you clear when I make my move.”
    â€œI brought your horses around a