Liberty Belle by Patricia Pacjac Carroll Read Free Book Online

handful of cards pointed to the scoundrel. “It’s not polite to call a man of my profession a cheat. Go home. I don’t want this to end ugly.”
    The rascal stumbled to his feet, pulled out a gun, and backed into Libby’s horse. He grabbed the bridle, ducked under Star’s neck, and fired a shot.
    The gambler dived behind a wagon.
    Libby, already reeling from the stink of alcohol on the vagrant, could only watch in shock, her ears ringing from the gunfire.
    The dirty varmint scowled at her and again took aim at the gambler, but before he could shoot, Flora swung her oversized reticule and hit the man on the side of the head. He dropped to the ground as if he’d turned into a sack of grain.
    After gulping in a few well-needed breaths, Libby turned to see the gambler walking toward her. His shirt had ruffles, his vest dark blue, and a red tie made him appear rather striking, but it was the black gun in his hand that held her attention.
    “Thank you, ladies. Seems I am in your debt. I’ll get the sheriff to escort that mangy coyote to jail, although he won’t be causing you any more trouble right now. You carrying bricks in that bag, little lady?”
    Libby kneed Star to move between the gambler and Flora. “We’ll be going.”
    He took hold of her reins and stared at her. “If I can assist you in any way, please let me know. Harley Mason at your service.” He tipped his hat and gave her a slick smile.
    She stared into cold, calculating eyes. A shiver crawled down her spine and set off an involuntary shudder.
    Libby yanked the reins from his hand and turned toward Flora.  “Let’s be on our way.”
    She kicked Star and left the gambler. A safe distance away, Libby stopped Flora. “What do you have in your bag?”
    “A pistol. I couldn’t shoot the drunkard, but I knew I could put a dent in that horrid little man. Years ago, Papa took me aside and told me that since I wasn’t getting a husband, I needed to get a gun.” She giggled. “First time I ever used it. I gave that ruffian a headache, didn’t I?”
    Still shaking, Libby managed a laugh. “I am definitely glad you’re with me. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
    Flora pursed her lips. “Oh my. You would do fine. You’re a brave woman and gave me the courage to leave. I’m the one who needs you.”
    Tears welled in Libby’s eyes. A brave woman. How she needed those words. The doubts, driven by fear only moments before, dissipated like mist before the sun. With God’s help and Flora, she’d go on. She had to.
    On the next street over, she found the “Step Right Inn”. Her muscles relaxed. Soon she would be sitting in a chair and not moving. She loved riding, but all night was a bit much. Flora lagged a few feet behind.
    Libby turned. “I’ll see to the horses. You go on into the hotel and secure a room for us. I’ll only be a moment.”
    Flora nodded, slipped off her horse, and limped toward the door.
    Libby had to admit that her aunt had done well. She’d not complained once. With a pat to Star’s neck, she took Buttercup’s reins and rode across the street to the livery, paid the man a night for Star and two weeks for Buttercup with instructions to notify her father. He should be able to send someone to get the little mare by that time. She considered sending a telegram to her parents, but Libby surely didn’t want to give Mother a chance to find her before the stage left. She’d wire them from Auraria.
    At the hotel, she spotted Flora sitting on one of the red velvet couches. The woman appeared to be asleep, but when Libby walked up to her, Flora held up a key.
    With a weary smile, her aunt stood. “Oh my. What Providence. We got the last room. There’s a wagon train in town. The innkeeper said the hotel diner serves tasty meals, and he’d arrange to have a bath readied for us in our room. A little extra, but I know my muscles will thank me in the morning.”
    “I’m sure mine will be thankful, too. Let’s