Read Five Points for Free Online Page B

asked, coming up on them. “Just thought I’d check on you boys, and I overheard you.”
    â€œI’m staying next door,” Clint said.
    â€œWell,” she said, “that’ll be pretty handy. I mean, we’ve got some good food here. Come on over when you get hungry.”
    â€œI will,” Clint promised.
    She smiled and hip-switched away again.

THIRTEEN
    Bethany and Ben entered their boardinghouse together. Neither of them lived with Fredericka Mandelbaum. She had put them both out before they were of age. They each had their own room in the boardinghouse, which was owned by a widow in her eighties.
    In the hall Bethany asked, “Ben, why do you put up with her?”
    â€œShe’s my ma, Bethany,” he said. “Yours, too.”
    â€œShe ain’t my ma,” Bethany said with feeling.
    Ben laughed.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?”
    â€œYou got your ain’t back.”
    â€œYou and me, Ben,” she said. “We’ve got to go out on our own.”
    â€œBethany—”
    â€œI’m goin’ in my room,” she said. “Let me know when you want to get something to eat.”
    â€œBethany—” Ben said again, but she went into her room and closed the door behind her.
    Clint walked down to the telegraph office with Byrnes, then told the captain he’d be okay on his own.
    â€œThat’s right,” Byrnes said. “You’ve been to New York a time or two, haven’t you?”
    â€œThat’s right,” Clint said. “I know my way around pretty well.”
    â€œWell, my office is on Mulberry Street,” Byrnes said. “You come and see me if you need anything. Meanwhile, I’ll be looking into those fences.”
    â€œThanks, Tom. I appreciate it. I’m sure Tal will, too.”
    â€œLet me know if you hear from him, will you?” Byrnes asked.
    â€œI’ll let you know.”
    Byrnes went off to do his job while Clint went into the telegraph office and sent a missive off to Bat Masterson in Denver.
    â€œWhere will you be, sir, for a reply?” the clerk asked.
    â€œI’m at the hotel down the street,” Clint said. “I’m sorry, I don’t know the name of it yet.”
    â€œThat’s the Belvedere,” the clerk said. “I’ll leave any reply at the desk. I know the clerks there.”
    â€œThanks.”
    Clint left the office and walked back to his hotel to get settled. Then he realized he hadn’t gotten the room key from Captain Byrnes’s driver. Well, maybe they’d left it at the front desk for him.
    As he was walking past the tavern, the door opened and Angie came running out. Her breasts were bobbing and Clint couldn’t take his eyes off them.
    â€œThe captain’s driver brought your key, Clint, but you were gone, so I kept it for you.”
    â€œThanks a lot, Angie.”
    She smiled at him, then reached between her breasts and came out with the key.
    â€œThought I’d keep it there for safekeeping.”
    She put it in his hand.
    â€œIt’s warm,” he said. “Real warm. Thanks again, Angie.”
    â€œYou come back real soon, Clint. I’ll make sure you get the best meal in the house.”
    â€œI’ll make a point of it, Angie.”
    He held the door for her, catching the fragrance of her again as she went inside.
    Clint introduced himself to the desk clerk and waved the key to show that he had it.
    â€œThe captain’s man put your bag in your room, mister, ” the clerk said. “My name’s Owen. If you need anything, you let me know.”
    â€œThanks. I will.”
    Clint went up to his room, which was on the second of three floors. When he entered, he found it small but neat and clean. His bag was on the bed. He decided to unpack it and make some use of the dresser drawers. Byrnes had been very right. Roper or Clint should have thought to do some investigating in Denver before