Chapter Twenty-Five
"A lie gets halfway around the world
before the truth has a chance to get its pants on."
~Winston Churchill
Later that evening, Jack was back at the saloon, having a cup of coffee as he stood at the bar. He'd been watching Allen very closely all evening. Allen appeared to be a quite capable barkeeper as he poured and delivered glasses of whiskey to the thirsty miners. He, also, appeared to be a good waiter, taking orders and delivering the saloon's signature chili and cornbread to hungry customers. All in all, he seemed to be a good employee. Yet, Jack still had a gut feeling that all was not as it seemed where Allen was concerned.
When Allen returned to the bar, Jack attempted to engage him in conversation. "You're doing a good job helping out Mr. Trevoy. Where'd you learn your barkeeping skills?" he asked.
Allen looked up at Jack for a moment, then returned to lining up some glasses on a tray. "My uncle's place," he mumbled.
Jack nodded, realizing that is what Allen had told Trevoy. "Where was that?" Jack inquired.
"Ontario," Allen answered.
Jack noted the rather vague answer but didn't ask for clarification. Instead, he queried, "Well, how'd you get all the way out here?"
Allen scowled, clearly not enjoying this exchange with Jack. "My uncle promised me a job."
"Where?" Jack asked, noting that Allen would not make eye contact with him.
Allen dried a glass before answering, "Vancouver."
Jack nodded and considered his next question. "Well, how long were you on the road to get here? It's a long trip here from Ontario."
Allen shrugged and answered, "I don't know... maybe a little over a week."
"Make any stops along the way? Any big towns? "Jack asked.
Allen shook his head. "Nope."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "Not even, say, Regina?" Jack studied Allen and noted his eyes widened when Jack mentioned Regina. However, Allen continued working, pouring whiskey into the glasses. He didn't answer the question. "Ever been there?" Jack prompted.
Allen shook his head strongly. "Never," he said forcefully.
"Hey!" a miner at one of the tables called, getting both Jack's and Allen's attention. "Where are those drinks?"
"Coming right up!" Allen told him as he picked up the tray of glasses and headed toward the table to deliver them.
Jack watched Allen as he man certainly was not all he seemed to be. And Jack was convinced that he was lying, especially about never having been in Regina. Jack suspected Allen was very well acquainted with Regina.