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from his hip pocket and grabbing a pencil from behind his ear at the same time. “Wait!”
    Josiah picked up his pace, nearly breaking into a run. So far, he had been able to avoid meeting with the reporter face-to-face. But unless he could come up with a grand escape plan, it looked like his luck was about to run out.
    Maybe , he thought, it’s time to face this nasty little man and make this all go away .
    Josiah planted his feet and spun around, coming to a sudden stop. “What?”
    The look on the reporter’s face was one of surprise, almost shock. He almost couldn’t stop in time, almost ran straight into Josiah.
    â€œI have a few questions for you,” Hoagland said, taking the cigar out of his mouth, trying to catch his breath.
    The man smelled of smoke and liquor, like he’d spent the better part of the day in the saloon across from the capitol building, which was probably the case.
    â€œI’ve already answered all of the questions I’m going to, now why don’t you leave me alone?”
    Hoagland chuckled. “You’re the big story, Ranger Wolfe. Until the next big story comes along, you might as well take some satisfaction from being the object of everybody’s attention, if not their affection.”
    â€œI don’t like that idea much,” Josiah said, looking beyond the reporter as a crowd grew, coming into the building from outside.
    Josiah felt a nervous twitch ride up his spine, and he regretted not carrying his gun.
    A quick glance over his shoulder told him that the way out of the back of the building was still clear.
    â€œDoesn’t matter much what you want at this point, Wolfe. The people want their story, and they’re making darn sure everyone on Congress Avenue hears those demands. This isn’t going away anytime soon. You should have thought about that when you killed Captain Feders.”
    Josiah felt his anger rising. Hoagland was trying to provoke him. “I’m not answering your questions, sir.”
    â€œI won’t give up.”
    â€œI’ll tell you what, Hoagland. Let’s wait and see what comes about after the meetings today, then you come to my house, and I’ll sit down and talk with you. How’s that?”
    â€œAn exclusive?”
    â€œCall it what you want, but if I don’t get out of here soon, you’ll have your next big story. I’ll be torn limb from limb.”
    â€œThat sure would sell some newspapers, now, wouldn’t it?”
    The chants were growing louder, the crowd closer. Josiah could smell the anger in the air. It was like kerosene, ready to explode at any moment.
    â€œMurderer! Killer!” was being repeated over and over again.
    â€œI need to get out of here,” Josiah said.
    â€œI can have your word that you’ll talk to me?”
    Josiah nodded yes. “My word is all I have left.”
    â€œAll right, then,” Hoagland said. “I’d run if I were you.”

CHAPTER 5

    A shiny black coach sat waiting outside the back door of the capitol building. The polish gleamed in the midday sun, making it look like the fancy rig was downright glowing. Two horses, both solid black and impeccably cared for, stood in wait, while the driver, dressed professionally in black, too, began swinging his arms wildly upon seeing Josiah exit the Old Stone Capitol in haste.
    â€œCome, Señor Wolfe, in here. Hurry, you have very little time. It is safe, I promise you.”
    Josiah recognized the driver immediately. It was Pedro, the manservant and general overseer of the Fikes estate.
    The door to the coach popped open, but the window panels were pulled closed, so it was impossible to tell who was inside.
    The last thing Josiah wanted to do was jump into the fire from the frying pan, boarding the coach that looked more suited for a funeral parade than an escape and coming face-to-face with the Widow Fikes. He’d had enough grilling for one day, and if