I glanced around the room and just as I suspected, every eye in the place was on me. I slowly reached over and took the bag of money from Wallace’s hand. His wicked grin transformed into an evil smile.

“Thank you,” I eventually said. “Now if you don’t mind, I’ll be on my way.”

I took a step away and was immediately stopped by Wallace. He glared at me for a moment. “Oh no, good sir,” he said quietly. “I couldn’t let you ride out in this heat. Please stay a while, and then you can leave in the early morning while it’s more comfortable to travel.”

“I don’t want to be a burden on anyone,” I said as I took another step.

“Nonsense,” Wallace responded. “You saved my life, as well as that poor excuse for a sheriff. At least stay for the night and have a warm meal one me.”

I knew Wallace was up to something, but what? I finally nodded. “All right,” I told him. “I’ll take you up on your offer.”

“Good… Good… I already took the liberty in booking you a room.” Wallace said with a rather straight face. “I got you the room on the very top floor so you won’t be disturbed while you sleep.”

I knew I would be involved in a lot of things that night, and I was fairly certain sleep was not one of them.

To be Continued…