Longarm and the Yuma Prison by Tabor Evans Page B

really tell me that he shot those two men in the Yuma saloon in self-defense?”
    â€œI can tell you that without a trace of doubt, Mr. Vail. My father was set up. I’m sure that the men who tried to cheat him didn’t know who he was or what he was capable of doing with his gun. Most likely, they were just running their usual crooked poker game. But when they died, the marshal in Yuma saw his chance and I suspect that the judge there is part of this entire scheme to put my father into a prison where he will be murdered sooner or later. After my father is dead, the path will be cleared to sending thugs out to our mining claim so they can take it over.”
    Billy turned to Longarm. “It sounds like a hornet’s nest of trouble to me. Are you willing to go to Yuma and try to set things right even if Tom Ray is guilty as charged?”
    â€œI am,” Longarm replied.
    â€œIn that case, I’ll authorize your vacation time. I do know a captain stationed at Fort Yuma and although he won’t be able to help you in a civilian dispute, he might know of someone who can. His name is Captain Maxwell Rodgers and I haven’t heard from him in five or six years so it is very possible he has been reassigned or he might have retired just to get out of that awful desert country.”
    â€œIf I need his advice, I’ll visit the fort and see if he’s still there,” Longarm said, knowing that involving anyone in the army would probably cause him more trouble than it would be worth.
    â€œJust as a resort. And if he is still at the fort, give him and his wife my regards.”
    â€œHow did you know him?” Longarm asked.
    â€œWe were childhood friends and he wanted to be a soldier from a young age . . . though I doubt he wanted to be stationed in a place like Yuma.”
    â€œIt isn’t all bad,” Jessica said defensively. “Our winters are wonderful and it is fun to fish and swim in the Colorado River.”
    â€œI’m sure,” Billy Vail said without enthusiasm as he rose back to his feet and extended his hand. “Best of luck to you both! And Custis, you will keep me informed of any . . . troubles and reflect well on your office.”
    â€œAs always, sir.”
    Billy rolled his eyes and went back to his papers.
    â€œHe seemed very nice,” Jessica said as they were getting ready to leave the Federal Building. “And it’s clear that he holds you in the highest regard.”
    â€œAnd that he also held your father in the highest regard,” Longarm reminded the young woman. “That’s the primary reason why he is allowing me to go with you.”
    â€œWell,” Jessica said, “no matter what the reason, I’m very grateful.”
    â€œAnd I expect you will show me how grateful you are when we get back to my place.”
    She laughed. “Are you . . . you leveraging your help to get sexual favors, Custis?”
    â€œI’m going to leverage something all right,” he told her with a chuckle, “and I’m sure you know what!”
    They both laughed then as they walked arm in arm down Colfax Avenue toward Longarm’s living quarters knowing they had a long and enjoyable weekend ahead of them before they boarded a train bound for hell.

Chapter 10
    Ten days later, Longarm and Jessica climbed off the Southern Pacific Railroad in Yuma, tired, hot, and somewhat out of sorts. On their way across southern Arizona, the conductor had been more than happy to give them a little local history concerning the riverfront town. Located at the junction of the Gila and Colorado rivers, Yuma had at first become an important crossing on the road from Sonora to California, and the Spanish had established an early mission on the California side of the river. But only a few years later, the local Indians had massacred everyone, and it wasn’t until the California Gold Rush that the United States Army