Longarm and "Kid" Bodie (9781101622001) by Tabor Evans

questions, and I have a few of my own, which have to do with the shooting we were involved in downtown.”
    â€œI see.”
    Ida did not see, but Longarm knew she was trying to be understanding. “Mrs. Clark, I’ll take good care of your grandson. If he wants to come back here to see you again, I’ll make sure that he can.”
    â€œVery well,” Ida told him. “The moment I looked into his eyes I knew that he belonged with family. If his mother is finally willing to take care of Bodie, I’m grateful. But I’m also very doubtful that is going to happen.”
    â€œAnd why do you say that?”
    â€œA leopard never changes its spots, or a tiger its stripes. Ruby was always a disappointment, and I’ll not allow myself to be disappointed by her ever again, so make sure that you do not leave Bodie in the hands of someone who will not remain steadfast and responsible.”
    â€œI understand, Mrs. Clark, and I share your concern,” Longarm told the woman. “Believe me, I’ll not leave the boy with his mother unless I’m absolutely certain it is in his best interest.”
    â€œThank you,” Ida said. “Thank you for that and for bringing him to our home, even if it is only for this one night.”
    â€œIs the dog all right staying with Bodie in his room?”
    â€œOh yes, but I would rather he had brought a smaller animal. A rabbit or a pet mouse or something of that sort. Or a bird, perhaps.”
    â€œYes,” Longarm said, “that would have been easier. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to be leaving.”
    â€œYou’re not staying for supper?”
    â€œI have things to do in preparation for our trip tomorrow,” Longarm told her.
    â€œI understand.”
    â€œI’ll be by to pick up Bodie about eight o’clock tomorrow morning.”
    â€œI’ll give him enough money to purchase a round-trip ticket.”
    â€œDo that,” Longarm said on his way out the door.
    That night Longarm slept again with Gloria, and they shared a more relaxed and entertaining session of lovemaking. In the morning, Longarm kissed her good-bye and promised he’d return as soon as possible.
    â€œJust be careful,” she told him. “And I’ll be waiting.”
    * * * 
    Longarm then walked over to Center Street, collected Bodie and his big dog, and together they headed for the train station.
    â€œI suppose you’re curious about riding a train,” Longarm said.
    â€œSure am.”
    â€œYou’ll like it,” Longarm promised. “We’ll buy you a ticket and settle in right away. This Denver Pacific train will take us up to Cheyenne, and then we’ll catch the Union Pacific, which will take us all the way to Reno.”
    â€œHow long will it take?”
    â€œA little less than three days.”
    â€œThen a half day up to Virginia City.”
    â€œThat’s about right,” Longarm told the boy as they went into the station to buy Bodie a ticket.
    â€œUh-oh,” Longarm said. “I think we’ve got trouble.”
    Longarm saw the pair of Sheriff Miller’s deputies straighten up and step forward, faces grim.
    â€œWhat are you going to do?” Bodie asked.
    â€œI’m going to ask these men to pretend that they didn’t see us.”
    â€œAnd if they won’t do that?”
    â€œI’m not sure,” Longarm admitted. “I don’t want to have to fight ’em.”
    â€œI’ll help you,” Bodie said. “I’m not afraid and I ain’t goin’ to let ’em arrest me and Homer.”
    â€œLet me see if they’re going to be reasonable about this,” Longarm told the boy.
    Both of Sheriff Miller’s deputies were big, strong young men, and Longarm knew they were going to insist on taking Bodie to jail.
    â€œMarshal,” the largest of the pair said, “we’re going to take this boy into