The night previous Driggs followed the freckle-faced William to the depot to make certain the note was delivered. He stood in the shadows across the way where he had a good view of William waiting on the platform. When the train arrived, at almost eight thirty on the minute, Driggs watched as the passengers disembarked. He waited for what seemed an eternity but no one stepped off the Pullman. Then, as if he were a ghost, Vandervoort stepped off the train and out through the thick steam where he was met by William. William did as he was instructed; he delivered the sealed envelope with the note to Vernon Vandervoort. Then William hurried off.
Driggs watched expectantly but Vandervoort just put the letter in his pocket. Driggs was not necessarily pleased he did that but knew Vandervoort would get to it soon enough. Driggs watched Vandervoort as he spoke to the porter who was collecting his luggage and as he waited, he retrieved the envelope from his pocket, opened it, and stared at it. After a moment Vandervoort looked about with a curious expression on his face, then he stared back at the note.
Driggs knew that it would be just a matter of time before he would be seeing Mr. Vandervoort up close and personal.
—
Now Driggs was content this beautiful afternoon reading the Appaloosa Star Statesman in the Boston House Saloon as he waited on the princess to come down for an early dinner. The feature article was about Thane Rutledge’s celebration that was taking place the following night at the Vandervoort Town Hall. The event promised all of Appaloosa an evening of excitement and festivities that included lively entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, champagne, dancing, and a speech from Vandervoort himself.
He was sitting in his favorite spot, next to the wall that separated the saloon from its gambling room. He was sipping fine whiskey, a new brand that Wallis had recommended. He was captivated by the lavish details of the party. He learned about the orchestra and the prominent speakers that would be in attendance including the guest of honor, Vandervoort himself. He was miffed to read about the ticket price for the event, more money than the average person of Appaloosa made in a day, but he knew better than most that that was the point of the event. Then, just to his right, he heard the saloon doors open.
“Hey, Wallis.”
“Hey, Book,” Wallis said.
“You seen Sheriff Chastain?”
“No, Book,” Wallis said. “Have not.”
Driggs did not turn immediately. He remained reading the article in the Statesman, then after a moment he turned the page and casually looked over to Wallis and Book. The first thing he noticed was the shiny deputy badge pinned on Book’s vest.
“Been looking all over for him,” Book said.
“Well, he’s not been in here.”
Book nodded and looked around the room. He made eye contact with Driggs. Driggs smiled and touched his brim. Book smiled, then looked back to Wallis.
“Well, if you do happen to see him, tell him Virgil has been trying to wire him.”
“You check with the Cherokee gal?” Wallis said with a chuckle.
“First place I looked,” Book said.
“He still seeing her?”
“Says he’s not,” Book said.
Wallis laughed.
“We believe that,” he said.
“Sure we do,” Book said.
Wallis and Book shared a laugh.
“If you happen to see him, tell him that we’re looking for him, will ya?”
“You bet,” Wallis said.
Driggs finished the last sip of his whiskey as Book walked out the door, then got up and walked to the bar.
“That was damn good,” Driggs said as he set his glass in front of Wallis. “Believe I’ll have another.”
“You got it,” Wallis said, then uncorked the bottle and poured.
Driggs laid his newspaper on the bar as he fished a few coins from his pocket and tossed them on the bar.
Wallis looked at the cover article.
“Big to-do tomorrow night?”
Driggs looked to the paper.
“You going?”
“Me?” Wallis said, scoffing. “Heck no. Too rich for my blood.”
“Kind of the point, isn’t it?”
“What’s that?”
“That’s the intention,” Driggs said. “Throwing a party like that separates the rich from the poor. Puts folks in their place.”
Driggs laughed and held up his hands.
“Hey, I don’t by any means mean a damn thing by that comment, not saying you, me, or any other swinging dick does or does not belong, but I’ve seen enough of that sort of do-gooder bullshit in my time.”
“You going?” Wallis said.
Driggs laughed.
“Why, of course.”