Peril by Ponytail (A Bad Hair Day Mystery) by Nancy J. Cohen Read Free Book Online Page B

to work. Marla hoped they spoke English as she and Dalton approached one fellow applying a coat of paint to window trim. She sidestepped past a ladder on the walkway and tools on the ground.
    “Where can we find Raymond Campbell?” Dalton asked, hooking a thumb into his belt. He wore a navy sport shirt tucked into jeans and ankle-high boots.
    The guy muttered something in Spanish and then wagged his finger toward a two-story stone structure. A sign hanging over its entrance delineated it the Silver Bar Saloon. They headed in through a set of beautiful glass-paneled doors.
    Raymond stood inside, conferring with a worker wearing a cowboy hat and a frown. Their relative’s eyes brightened upon spying them.
    “What a surprise! You guys, come and meet Alberto Gomez. He’s my foreman. Al, this is my nephew, Dalton, and his wife, Marla.”
    They shook hands, the foreman bobbing his head and giving them a broad smile.
    “Nice to meet you,” he said in accented English.
    “Look at this place. Isn’t it magnificent?” Raymond swept his hand in a broad gesture.
    Marla did a full turn and took in the gleaming wood bar, the huge mirrors, and the decorative hanging lamps. Painted portraits adorned the walls.
    “It’s lovely,” she said. “You’ve done a great job.”
    “The copper mine was discovered in 1889. Back in its heyday, the town held one hundred and eight registered saloons. Many of them were lost to fires. This one is my showpiece because the original bar still stands. She’s a beauty, isn’t she? Once our renovations are finished, I’ll lease these buildings. We’ll have shops and restaurants, maybe a museum or two.”
    “Too bad there isn’t a historical society to support your efforts.”
    Raymond raked his fingers through his short, white hair. “Garrett tried to raise interest, but people cited their economic problems as a deterrent, plus their lack of time to volunteer. They didn’t have the foresight to see what a boon this attraction will be to the local economy. Meanwhile, we’re providing jobs and paying taxes. Once we bring in merchants, the revenue will increase. Folks at Rustler Ridge are too narrow-minded to see beyond their noses.”
    “It’s a shame they’re not more encouraging. They should realize that when the attraction opens and tourists arrive, it’ll bring more people into town.”
    “They’re looking out for their own self-interest. They should have been more like Garrett. He was proud of the region’s history and recognized the value of these old buildings.”
    Marla shifted feet. Too bad the restored saloon didn’t have any tables and chairs. “What happened to shut things down? Did the copper mine run out of ore?”
    “Nope, copper prices dropped. It wasn’t profitable anymore, so the owners closed the operation. There wasn’t any point to the miners and their families sticking around. Come on, I’ll show you more. I’m glad you decided to visit.” He turned to Alberto, who’d stood by looking politely interested. “Go ahead and order those awnings. I don’t care what they cost. The originals are too decrepit. And don’t worry, I’m sure news of Eduardo will surface eventually.”
    “Is he the man who went missing?” Dalton said after the foreman left.
    “Yep. I think he walked off the job, but his friends insist he saw a ghost and followed it up the hill. This is a ghost town, after all. It comes with its own share of stories, and most of these guys believe them.”
    “I can understand why.” Marla glanced around, soaking in the atmosphere. Dust clogged her nostrils, sensitive from the dry air. “Any ghosts associated with this saloon?”
    “Supposedly, three spirits haunt this establishment. We’ve had reports of a guy in a cowboy hat spotted by the restrooms. And a woman in a white dress with long hair appears in photos but not in person. Rumor has it they’re guarding a stash of cash that they hid in the basement after a robbery. I’ve searched