Whirlwind Groom Read Free

she left and started across the street for the Whirlwind Hotel. Another hotel, still under construction, stood at the other end of town, but Josie would’ve chosen the Whirlwind anyway because of its view of the jail.
    Halting for a passing wagon, she mentally calculated the money stashed in her hidden skirt pocket. Being as good a seamstress as her mother, Josie had taken on Virginia Webster’s customers after her mother’s death so she had money to pay for her stay at the hotel. But she didn’t know how long she might need to stay. She had to keep back a good part of her money for when she finished with McDougal and fled town.
    Sunlight glittered off the windows of the town’s businesses. Josie shaded her eyes as she continued across the street, angling away from the jail and toward the hotel three buildings away.
    How was she going to keep an eye on the outlaw now that she knew the sheriff was keeping an eye on her? Her spot in the alley had been perfect, but thanks to Holt, she couldn’t go back there.
    She had passed the telegraph and post office when an idea hit her. Stepping back a few feet into the street, she peered up at the hotel then shifted her gaze to the jail.
    Smiling, her heels clicking against the planked porch, Josie hurried into the hotel and approached the long waxed wood counter.
    Penn Wavers, the elderly clerk, slumped in a chair in the corner, snoring. Josie knew the gangly man was nearly deaf so she stomped on the floor, hoping the vibrations would wake him if her loud voice didn’t. “Mr. Wavers!”
    â€œHuh?” His head drooped and he bolted upright, his long white hair flying. He blinked a couple of times as he stepped to the counter. “Oh, hello, miss.”
    â€œIt looks like I’ll be staying longer than I planned. I wonder if I might get a different room? Maybe one on the west side and closer to the front of the hotel?”
    â€œIs there something wrong?” Age filmed his blue eyes, but they were kind. “If so, I’ll fix it.”
    â€œNo, sir. Nothing like that.” She smiled. “It’s just that I’m a dressmaker and since I have to sit for such long periods, I like to watch the sights. It relieves the tedium.”
    â€œI’ve been told it’s louder in those front rooms. Wouldn’t you rather have something else?”
    â€œI don’t mind the noise. I’m used to it, being from Galveston and all. I’m a little homesick.”
    â€œWell, miss, I don’t mind moving you, but those rooms cost a little extra.”
    â€œEven though they’re noisier?”
    â€œThey’re a mite bigger,” he explained apologetically.
    More money? She had brought a few pieces of sewing from Galveston to finish up for some of her mother’s regular customers, but she wouldn’t be paid until she delivered the items. What would she do after that? She stared out the window, finally registering that the curtain hanging there was faded and worn.
    â€œWhat would you think about making a bargain with me, Mr. Wavers?”
    â€œWhat kind of barn?”
    â€œNo, a bargain,” she said louder.
    â€œOh, a bargain.” He eyed her for a moment. “What did you have in mind?”
    â€œA west room closer to the front of the hotel in exchange for new curtains.”
    He glanced at the faded calico drooping limply at the two large front windows. “If I buy the fabric, would you be willing to make some new tablecloths for the dining hall, too?”
    That would be perfect! She pretended to consider.
    He leaned in. “You could trade that for room and meals, as well.”
    Her one meal here, cooked by Mrs. Wavers, had been delicious. “All right, you’ve got a deal.”
    They shook on it, both smiling.
    Mr. Wavers reached into a pigeonhole beneath the counter and handed her a key to her new room. “When can you start on those curtains?”
    â€œToday if you like.