Page 35 of Discovered Magic
Wilder looked at Castor. “Are you thinking what I am?”
“Those far-off places could be future events?”
“Maybe she’s trying to reconnect in some small way.” Yes, he was grasping at any bit of hope available, but he couldn’t bear the thought of her mind being destroyed from either her trip through the portal or the following injuries.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Thorne. We need to find her first. After, we can assess the damage and make a game plan.”
“What is game… plan?” Stands-in-Shadow asked curiously.
“It is a strategy worked out by sports teams, politicians, and business people,” Castor supplied helpfully. When the Guide remained curious, he elaborated. “In the future, teams of men or women, sometimes both, are built to display athleticism or skills. They compete against each other for money, awards, and such.”
“This is an interesting concept. The Diné also display skills in these sports teams, but not for money.”
“Many people play for fun, like I imagine the Diné do,” Wilder said. “But I’m sure teammates come up with a plan to beat the other players, right?” He waited for the guy’s nod before adding, “Hence, game plan.”
“I like this game plan.”
“It’s always wise to have one,” Castor agreed.
“We will make one for you.”
They shared a grin.
Night had fallen by the time they arrived in Perdition Ridge. Lights poured from windows above closed shops, illuminating the way to The Broken Halo Saloon. On the far side of the bar sat The Velvet Ember, with two men lounging against the wall outside, shotgun barrels resting over their shoulders and holsters with very real revolvers on their hips.
The scene was from every Western movie or show Wilder had watched. The small boy inside him was thrilled, but the adult, who understood the lethal consequences related to this century, wasn’t so happy. In fact, he was downright uneasy.
“This way,” Shadow, as he suggested they call him, gestured to an alley behind the mercantile. “Bartholomew Mercer lives above the store. Most call him Bart. He will be sitting for his meal.”
So saying, he pulled a cord, then stood back to wait.
“What is that?” Wilder asked.
“Bell pull. The rope runs to a bell inside an upstairs apartment,” Castor said as if he’d witnessed it a thousand times.
At the top of the stairs, a door opened, backlighting a heavyset man. “If it ain’t about trade, it’ll wait ’til daylight. It’s suppertime, and a man should be allowed to eat in peace.”
“We’re sorry to disturb, but my friend and I are looking to be outfitted with clothing, horses, and pistols. It can’t wait until morning, Mr. Mercer,” Castor replied.
“I ain’t a horse trader. You’ll go to the stables for livestock,” Bart barked. He softened to add, “But I’ve got tack if ya need it.”
He shifted, displaying the girth of a man who ate well off his steady profits rather than manual labor. Though not necessarily built for fighting, his barrel chest and thick arms indicated he’d lifted a heavy crate or two in his day.
“Understood. Are you willing to open your store tonight, friend, or should I offer my gold to one of the drifters loitering about the saloon? They might look more favorably upon selling goods after hours.”
Bart sighed, knowing when he was beaten.
Wilder was awed by Castor’s ability to blend seamlessly into the current timeline. Perhaps his confidence came with his Traveler abilities, but his boldness could only benefit them in a town like this.
“I’ll be down as soon as I get my keys. Best have that gold ready. I ain’t in the mood for games.”
“It’s a straightforward transaction, nothing more.”
“All right, then.”
Wilder wasn’t surprised by the offer of gold. They’d both conjured the mineral and stored it on various parts of their bodies to account for payment should they need it. What he didn’t know was the going rate in this century. He just hoped to hell they weren’t about to get swindled.
As if reading his mind, Castor turned to Stands-in-Shadow. “Are you able to tell me if he’s fair in his dealings? I wouldn’t care to be taken advantage of. And should you require it, there’s payment for your services.”
