Read Winds of Change for Free Online Page A

Roscoe?”
    “Possibly, but it’s improbable. Roscoe hasn’t been seen since shortly after you left. And while I don’t claim to know him too well, he doesn’t strike me as a murderer.” Leroy tapped on his desk. “Besides, there’s no reason to suspect anyone murdered Burl. The man was a drunk and good-for-nothing. It seems his body plumb gave up on him.”
    Patrick drummed his fingers on the wooden armrest, contemplating. There must be a reason Roscoe impersonated a judge, but the only reason Patrick could call to mind was to settle a gambling debt—a likely story since the men were known for financial recklessness. Unfortunately, it still didn’t answer any questions about Burl’s visit, and it seemed the reason went with him to his grave.
    Too bad the weather turned for the worst and he didn’t have time to investigate further. He rose from the chair and took a step forward, reaching into his pocket. “How much did Burl still owe you?”
    “Just a night’s stay. Only my best customers I know and trust are allowed to settle their debt at the end of their stay. Everyone else pays upfront every night.”
    “Take this.” Patrick handed over a dollar to cover the cost.
    “I’m not taking your money.” Leroy pushed the money away as he stood then moved to the front of his desk.
    “I didn’t care for the man, but he’s Candace’s father. Married to her or not, she’s my responsibility now, which means his debt became my obligation.”
    Leaning against the desk, Leroy crossed his arms and looked Patrick square in the eyes. “I always knew you had an honest heart hiding in you, but Burl’s debt isn’t yours to settle. You want to fulfill your obligations? Go make that marriage to Candace good and legal.”
    Patrick’s mouth curled into a half smile, and he laughed. “Says the man who runs a brothel with his sister behind the guise of a hotel and doesn’t believe in marriage?”
    Sadness briefly flickered in Leroy’s eyes. “I don’t believe in it for me. Edna and I treat the girls well. They can leave at any time, but here, they’re safe and have shelter and plenty of food.”
    Behind the older man’s tough exterior, he was a good man with misguided intentions, but Patrick didn’t comment on that, choosing instead to bid farewell. “If I’m to make it back to Weatherton tonight, I best get going.”
    “You’re welcome back anytime, but I have the feeling I won’t see much of you around these parts anymore.” A wink Patrick’s way gave Leroy’s eyes a mischievous sparkle.
    Patrick returned the smile. “Have a good Thanksgiving.”
    “Don’t forget Burl’s things. Candace might want them.”
    That’s right—his main purpose for coming to the hotel other than garnering information.
    Leroy pulled a box from a bookcase and gave it to him. “There wasn’t much, but this is what was left in his room. I tossed out the only other pair of clothes he had because they weren’t worth wrestling a pig in.”
    Taking the box, Patrick couldn’t help but feel a ping of pity for Burl. What a sad state of affairs when a man’s life was surmised by a small box of belonging with no one caring and was buried out yonder with no one to grieve his death. “I’ll make sure Candace gets it.”
    “Take good care of her. I only met the girl a few times, but she deserves a better life than what she’s been given.” Leroy slapped his arm. “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”
    Once outside, Patrick grimaced—the snowstorm had progressed rapidly. He’d lived in Wyoming his entire life and should have known better. The weather here was harsh, unpredictable in its force. The wise thing to do would have been to head home at the first hint of snow.
    “You’re not going anywhere tonight.” Waving his hand toward the accumulating mess, Leroy looked down the street. “You can’t even see across the road to the mercantile.”
    “I told Candace I’d be back for Thanksgiving.”
    “Don’t be foolish, boy.