“I don’t have to explain anything.” Theresa tilted her chin defiantly.
“You are if you want me to help you.”
“Who said that I did? And why would you want to help me, anyway?”
He gestured toward the piece of paper she still clutched in her hand. “That receipt proves I’m on your side. I think the folks in this town deserve better than to be buffaloed by Elam and his men. And I’m mighty curious to know why you think something’s going to happen to wipe out the whole town.”
Theresa regarded him stubbornly for a moment longer before she sighed. “Not the people. Just the buildings. Everyone’s going to have to pack up and move.” She motioned for The Kid and Arturo to follow her. “Come around back. I’ll tell you about it. For some reason … I think you’re telling the truth when you say you want to help.”
The three of them sat down at a picnic table under a shade tree in the backyard. Theresa tucked the receipt into a skirt pocket and went on. “My late husband worked for the railroad for a number of years before we moved here to Powder-horn.
