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They’d love to come back to this area and work, but without the Double J, there’s no way for them to do that.”
    She realized he’d only mentioned Vince and Mac. “Only two of them walked down?”
    â€œYeah. They said their friend really tied one on last night and was in his hotel room recovering. To be honest, those two didn’t look particularly chipper, either. Judging from the bloodshot eyes and shakiness, they made the right decision to cancel their ride for today. I don’t have a cancellation policy, although I should, I guess. They didn’t have to pay me, but they did. They’re welcome back here, anytime.”
    â€œI’m glad they treated you right, Ed.” She wondered if she’d be lucky enough to have them all drink heavily again tonight. Then her worries would be over. They’d done it once, so why not repeat themselves? Both Clyde and Ike had been confident the cowboys would choose partying over riding out to capture a wild horse.
    She had her usual trickle of customers that morning, and most of them were curious about the unfamiliar trucks parked in front of the Bickford Hotel. Ike’s wife, Raina, came in around ten and reported that Ike was still dead to the world after staying up until three serving drinks.
    â€œIt was for a good cause,” Georgie said. “I’m sure you don’t like having him stay out that late, but because he kept the bar open, those cowboys didn’t feel like chasing after the Ghost this morning. I’m grateful. I’m hoping he’s willing to keep the bar open tonight, too.”
    â€œOh, I’m sure he is.” A slight woman with short brown hair, Raina was a piano teacher who had no pupils now that the population had taken a nosedive. “I saw the pile of tips he dumped on the dresser before he went to bed. All things considered, he’s happy to serve them for as long as they want.”
    â€œI’m glad they were appreciative.” Georgie had to admit that Vince and his friends had shown the proper consideration for the people who’d willingly provided them whatever they’d wanted. Now if they’d only extend that consideration to the herd of wild horses, she’d be thrilled.
    Anastasia, her jet-black hair pulled back into a no-nonsense ponytail, came in at noon and brought Georgie some lunch. Typical of her, she hadn’t heard anything about three cowboys coming to town and partying until the wee small hours in Sadie’s Saloon.
    After Georgie filled her in, she shrugged. “So?”
    â€œI wouldn’t care about it, either, except they’d planned to ride out today and rope the Ghost.”
    â€œOh!” Anastasia’s hazel eyes widened. “You didn’t say
that.
They can’t capture him. That’s just wrong.”
    â€œI know.” Georgie dug into the bowl of warm chili Anastasia had brought. “Thanks for this. It tastes great.”
    â€œAnd stupid.”
    â€œNo, it doesn’t taste stupid. You make wonderful chili.”
    Anastasia waved an impatient hand. “I meant capturing the Ghost is stupid. And mean. Where are these guys, anyway? I want to talk to them.”
    â€œProbably still sleeping it off. According to Ed at the stable, they walked down there before seven this morning to pay him and cancel the ride. He said they looked like death warmed over.”
    â€œServes them right. They’re not welcome here if all they can think to do is get drunk and chase after those horses.”
    â€œUnfortunately they are welcome here.” But Georgie’s heart warmed at her stepsister’s loyalty to the Ghost and his herd. “They’re bringing in money that everyone needs. Ed got paid, even though the horses didn’t go out, and Raina said Ike had an awesome night of tips. The hotel has three guests who’ll be spending more money before they leave town. We can’t afford to turn our nose