Clint returned to Ben Canby’s place, walked Eclipse into the barn, where he found the groom, Frank Dunlap.
“I’ll take him, Mr. Adams.”
“How’s Whirlwind?”
“I’m getting him ready to travel to the track,” Frank said.
“What about Alicia?”
“Ain’t seen her for a while.”
“Okay,” Clint said, handing Eclipse’s reins to Frank. “Thanks.”
He walked to the house, found Canby sitting in the living room, going over some papers. He looked up when Clint entered, removed the wire-framed glasses he was wearing. Clint could smell supper cooking.
“What’s going on?” Canby asked.
Clint sat down in a chair and described his day to his friend.
“You’re takin’ it on yourself to stop this robbery?” Canby said. “Why not call in federal help?”
“It would take them too long to get here,” Clint said.
“So you’re gonna use six Cherokee Indians to prevent a robbery?”
“I’m going to try.”
“What about me?”
“What about you?”
“Should I take Whirlwind to the race?”
“The race is going to happen,” Clint said. “If you want to win it, I suggest you be there.”
“Well, okay, then,” Canby said.
“Supper’s ready!” Elena called to them from the dining room.
“Let’s eat,” Canby said, “and then I can check on Whirlwind.”
“Frank said he’s getting him ready to travel,” Clint said as they walked to the table.
“Is he? Then he’s more sure than I am that we’re gonna run.”
Elena brought a platter of steaks out and said, “Everybody’s more sure about it than you are,” then went back to the kitchen.
“Quiet, woman!” Canby called as she went back to the kitchen.
Her laughter came back to them from behind the closed door.
* * *
After supper they both went out to the barn to watch Frank with Whirlwind.
“Where’s Alicia?” Clint asked.
“Haven’t seen her.”
“Is she gone?”
“I don’t think so. She still lives here, as far as I know.”
Frank inspected the three-year-old’s legs.
“What about Fontaine?” Canby asked. “Where do you think he is?”
“I’ve decided he’s gone into hiding.”
“From you?”
“I suppose.”
“Until after the job?”
“Probably,” Clint said. “Or until Blacker can kill me.”
“You think he’s gonna try before tomorrow?” Canby said.
“Before the race,” Clint said.
“And who’s gonna watch your back?”
“John Sun Horse.”
“Sun Horse? Can you trust him?”
“I have to,” Clint said. “I mean, I’d prefer somebody I know better, but from what I’ve seen, he’s competent.”
“Listen,” Canby said, “I can use a gun. How about if I—”
“You’ve got a job, Ben,” Clint said. “Get this horse to the starting line. Leave the rest to me, okay?”
“Are you gonna have time to make a bet?”
Clint slapped his friend on the back and said, “I’ll make time.”
* * *
Outside, as darkness fell, Blacker moved through it. He found a place to hide. From there he could see both the house and the barn. He knew Clint and Canby were inside the barn. All he needed was one clean shot at Adams to get him out of the way. He took his gun out, checked his loads, and then holstered it again.
He was ready.
All he needed now was for the Gunsmith to come out of the barn.