Chapter 10

After the other guard came back with word that the boss wanted to see Jim, Tyler left the agent in the hands of the other guard. The guard tied a blindfold over Jim's eyes before leading him down the twisting corridor. Jim tried to memorize the turns but by the time they reached their destination he was so dizzy he couldn't remember any of them. His guard had also spun him around a couple of times.

The guard removed the blindfold. Jim blinked several times trying to adjust his eyes to the new light. He was amazed at the furnishings and the elegance of the room. Definitely not what one would expect to find in a canyon's tunnels. A large beautifully made rug lay stretched out on the floor, covering nearly the whole room. In the center of the room was a heavy-looking wooden desk. Behind the desk there was a very elegant cushioned chair; in front of it, were two more chairs, less extravagant-looking than the one behind the desk. Scattered along the walls and in the corners were priceless works of art and sculptures that Jim was sure Artie would have recognized right off.

"What a delight to finally meet you, Mr. West."

Jim's eyes came to rest on a tall, lean man standing in the doorway of another entrance to the room. "I see my reputation seems to have preceded me. Excuse my ignorance, but who are you?"

The tall man walked over, swinging his swagger cane, to the desk and sat down in the plush chair behind it. "Sit down, Mr. West," he motioned to another chair.

The guard behind Jim nudged his back with the muzzle of his .45. The tall man waved his hand dismissively. "We'll have none of that, Meyers. Mr. West is a guest and should be treated as such. You may be excused, Meyers."

"But, boss-"

"I'll have no insolence, Meyers. You're excused."

Meyers glanced reluctantly at Jim and then his boss. He put his gun away and left the room.

"Good help is hard to find, they say." Jim sat down in the chair.

The man nodded. "It is indeed."

"I'm not usually one to beat around the bush, so I'll ask you: where are the people you kidnapped?"

The tall man chuckled. "I should say you aren't, Mr. West. As for the people who are-eh, in my custody, shall we say, their well-being depends on you doing what I ask." He folded his arms across his chest and raised an eyebrow in question.

"Oh? And what exactly is it that I have to do?"

"Mr. West…I want Texas."

*W*W*W*

"Mushy, look out!" Artemus yelled a warning.

Mushy looked up and pulled his horse's reins sharply to the left, nearly colliding with Artie's mount. The horses squealed and the dust began to settle.

"Mushy, son, I know you're excited to be a temporary recruit but maybe it'd be best if you put the badge back in your pocket, huh?"

"Oh sure, Mr. Gordon." Mushy stuffed the badge he'd been staring at back into his pocket.

"That would've been a mighty long fall there. You know what they say, 'keep your hands on the reins and your eyes on the trail.' Oh, and no drinking while riding."

"Is that what they say?"

Artie didn't answer but instead put a finger to his lips and pointed. Mushy's eyes followed to where Artie was pointing. Down below them in the canyon, there was a lone figure walking away from one of the caves and heading to a horse that was tied nearby the cave entrance.

"Who do you reckon that is?" Mushy whispered.

Artie shook his head and continued watching. They watched until the figure had mounted up and was riding down the canyon toward the only exit and entrance.

"Come on, let's follow and see who it is," Artie told Mushy. They turned their horses around and cantered them to where the other rider was going.

*W*W*W*

"You want the state of Texas." It was more a statement than a question. Looks like we've got another Loveless on our hands, Jim thought dryly.

The man nodded. "Yes. And the reason why I had that lawyer fellow kidnapped is because I knew the Government would send their best men to handle the case. I happen to know that you were both free at the time." Jim wondered how he could know such a thing. They had only just finished a case when Col. Richmond had sent them on this mission. "I want you to tell your friend, Mr. Gordon, to make the necessary arrangements. Meanwhile you will also be staying here as my guest." Then his almost black eyes turned cold and harsh. "If the government refuses to comply to my request, they will lose two valuable agents…and the entire Texas populace."

He's mad! Jim had to bite his tongue to keep the phrase from rolling off his tongue. He didn't want to anger this man. He needed to bide his time until the right moment.

The man took Jim's silence as incredulousness. "Oh believe me, Mr. West, I can do it. And I will do it, if I don't get what I want." He paused for effect. "Think about it." Then he rose from his seat. "Meyers!" The guard came inside and stood, awaiting further orders. "Take Mr. West back to his cell." - he turned back to Jim again - "You have until tonight to decide if you will give Mr. Gordon my instructions."

After leaving the man with the high demand, the guard called Meyers shoved Jim roughly into the dark cell and turned the lock. He sneered at Jim. "Guess your pard ain't comin' to bust you out, huh, West? I heard you two was always pretty close." With that he left Jim alone. He took the lantern with him leaving Jim's cell and the tunnel outside in darkness.

*W*W*W*

"Oh please, Mr. Gordon! Can I say it, huh?" Mushy pleaded with Artie.

"Oh, alright!" Artie whispered back. He sure had to credit Mushy for being enthusiastic.

Pretty soon they heard the sound of approaching hoof beats. Artie and Mushy quickly blocked the trail, their guns already drawn.

"Halt in the name of U. S. government!" Mushy shouted.