The Forbidden Read Free Page A

riders. “I am. But I’m not looking for any trouble and I’m not looking for a job.”
    â€œThen what the hell are you doin’ here?” Eddie challenged.
    â€œMinding my own business, boy,” Frank replied. “Something that you obviously can’t or won’t do.”
    â€œI ain’t no boy!”
    â€œI’m going to finish my drink,” Frank said. “Leave me alone.”
    â€œI just might decide to finish you.” Eddie almost yelled the words.
    â€œYou’re a damn fool,” Frank told him. He looked at the older of the Snake riders. “You better put a leash on that pup.”
    â€œHe’s a man growed up,” Tom said. “He’s got a right to speak his mind.”
    Frank turned away and picked up his shot glass with-his left hand.
    â€œDon’t you turn your damn ass to me, Morgan!” Eddie shouted. “By God, I don’t take that from no man.”
    Frank ignored him.
    â€œDo you hear me, you old bastard?” Eddie yelled.
    â€œShut up, Eddie,” Tom said. “Morgan ain’t here to bother none of us.”
    â€œHe’s botherin’ me, by God!” Eddie said.
    â€œSettle down, boy,” Chubby cautioned him.
    â€œYou shut your mouth, fat man!” Eddie snapped at him. “This here is between me and Morgan. Ain’t none of your affair.”
    â€œThere is nothing at all between us, Eddie,” Frank said. “Have a drink on me and settle down.”
    â€œTo hell with you and your drink, old man! By God, I think you’re tryin’ to worm out of this. I think you’ve lost your damn guts.”
    â€œDon’t push it, Eddie,” Frank warned.
    â€œOr you’ll do what, Morgan?” Eddie challenged.
    â€œEddie,” Tom said. “Let’s get out of here. Drop this.”
    â€œYou may be the foreman on the job, Tom. But we ain’t on the job. This is my business. None of yours.”
    Tom held up a hand. “I’m out of this, Morgan.”
    â€œGood,” Frank replied.
    â€œBy God, I ain’t out of it,” Carl said, stepping forward. “I’m with you, Eddie.”
    The batwings pushed open and a man who looked to be in his late sixties or early seventies stepped in. There was a star on his chest and no gun on his hip.
    â€œWhat’s going on here?” the old marshal said.
    â€œNone of your damn business, old man,” Carl said. “Stay out of it.”
    â€œI’m the duly appointed law in this town, young man,” the marshal said. “This certainly is my business.”
    â€œCome on, Eddie,” the foreman urged him. “This is stupid. If Morgan don’t kill you, the colonel is sure to fire you over this.”
    â€œThis has-been ain’t gonna kill me, Tom. No way. I can shoot his eyes out anytime I take a notion to.”
    Frank sighed and put down his drink. He knew the time for talking was nearly over. He’d been through this too many times in the past. Eddie was not going to back down. Frank turned slowly to face Eddie and Carl.
    â€œNow just a minute here,” the marshal said.
    â€œStand clear, Marshal,” Frank told him.
    â€œMorgan?” the marshal said. “Frank Morgan?”
    â€œYeah, Marshal,” Chubby said. “That’s right.”
    â€œDear God in Heaven,” the marshal said, shaking his head. “Frank Morgan.”
    â€œHe ain’t jack-crap, Marshal,” Eddie said. “He’s an old used-up has-been. Nothin’ else. But you best stand clear. If Morgan manages to clear leather, ain’t no tellin’ where he’s liable to throw lead after I shoot him. He’ll be like a dog, bitin’ at himself when he’s dyin’.”
    Frank sized up the situation fast: figuring he’d better take Eddie out first, then Carl. Carl was getting edgy, maybe figuring he’d gotten himself into something he was now quickly