“I’ve felt better,” he groused, “and that girl didn’t put enough sugar in the oatmeal.”
“I know that you know her name. You failed to mention she was the one brutalized by Wally Johnson and treated by Dr. Driscoll.”
“You didn’t ask.”
Laurel removed the tray from his lap and set it on the dresser. Despite his complaint, she noticed he’d eaten everything. She went back over to the bed and laid her palm against his forehead. He didn’t feel feverish. “Have you used the chamber pot?”
“The girl’s already emptied it.”
“Did you have trouble getting out of bed?”
“No. I’m limber as a ballerina. Did a coupla twirls while I was up.” At her look, he added, “What do you think? Yes, I had trouble. Took twenty minutes to take a piss.”
He was way past cranky. “I’ll bring you a jar to use in the bed.”
“The girl already offered. I told her hell no. I’m not an invalid.”
Laurel restrained herself from commenting on that. “I need to change your bandage.”
“That can wait.” He motioned toward the end of the bed. “Sit down so I don’t have to crane my neck. We gotta talk.”
She did as requested. “What’s on your mind?”
“You have to ask?”
He would become even more irascible if she pretended not to know what they needed to talk about, so she went straight to the point. “I don’t know how we’re going to manage things while you’re recovering. I haven’t figured it out yet.”
“You’re already toting more than your fair share, Laurel. Damn me for getting my fool self shot.”
“It wasn’t your fault, but what were you doing at Lefty’s?”
“Negotiating that new deal you proposed.”
“Did he go for it?”
“He listened, but we hadn’t shook on it before the deputies came busting in. One fired a pistol into the air. He got everybody’s attention, all right. Caused a stampede.”
“You could’ve been killed.”
“Well, I wasn’t. But it served as a reminder to me that you’re in constant danger.”
“So are you.”
“But I’ve been at it longer, and I’m old. If I got killed, some would say it was past time. But if something was to happen to you, I’d never forgive myself. This ain’t a lark, you know.”
“I do know that, or I wouldn’t have agreed to carry a pistol. I realize the dangers and accept them as part of the venture.”
“What about him?”
“Who?”
He lowered his chin and looked at her from beneath his bushy eyebrows.
She somehow kept herself from squirming. “If you’re referring to Mr. Hutton, nothing about him. He extended us a kindness. I think he would have done the same for anyone.”
“He didn’t, though, did he? There were others hurt. Several shot. I was the only one he slung over his shoulder and brought home. Why do you think he singled me out?”
“Well, not because he suspects something. To him you were just another customer having a drink in Lefty’s back room.”