Читать книгу The Doctor's Newfound Family - Valerie Hansen - Страница 8

“A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

—Psalms 34:19

San Francisco, 1856

Chilling, midnight fog from the bay swirled around the two men standing together in the narrow alley bordering Meigg’s wharf. The taller one was clad in the tailored suit, coat and top hat typical of a wealthy merchant or banker while the other, shivering and nervously rubbing his own arms, wore the canvas pants, homespun shirt and cap of a dock worker.

The man in the tall beaver hat scratched a lucifer and lit his cigar with it, then slowly blew out a stream of smoke that was quickly lost in the mist. When he finally spoke, his tone was smooth and assured. “You understand what has to be done?”

“Yes, sir, Mr….”

“Shut up. No names. And if anyone asks, you and I have never met. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.” The workman chafed his calloused hands together to warm them. “When do you want me to do it?”

“In a few more days. I’ll get word to you when my plans are firm. Spend your evenings right here in old Abe Warner’s so you’re ready and waiting when the time comes. Just see that you stay sober enough to hit what you’re aiming at. There’ll be no further payment if you miss him and shoot me instead.”

“I won’t miss, mister. I know when to keep away from John Barleycorn.”

“Glad to hear it.”

“How will I know for sure which fella to shoot? I mean, won’t he be dressed just like you?”

“Probably. I’ll lure him down here to meet with me after dark, then light my cigar the way I did tonight. When I step back out of the way, kill him.”

“How’ll I see so’s I don’t make a mistake? What if there’s more fog, like now? The new gaslights ain’t workin’ hardly anywhere in the city.”

The elegant gentleman laughed quietly, menacingly. “I know that, you cretin. Who do you think arranged for the Board of Supervisors to stop paying those exorbitant gas bills? I want it dark, especially around here.”

“You’ve got this all figured out, haven’t you?”

“Yes. As long as you do as you’ve been told, all my troubles will soon be over.”