Trailsman #360 : Texas Lead Slingers (9781101544860) by Jon Sharpe

have the grounds searched?”
    â€œHe didn’t think there was any need. He refused to believe me. He said that someone would need a ladder to get to my window and a ladder would leave marks and there weren’t any. He said I must have imagined it.”
    Fargo was inclined to agree with Garvin. “What did this man look like?”
    â€œAll I saw was his face and shoulders. He had dark hair and a funny little cap.”
    â€œCap?”
    â€œYes. You know, one of those small round caps like seamen wear. I forget what they call them.”
    Fargo was all interest. “What about the man himself?”
    Roselyn shrugged. “He had dark hair and dark eyes. Oh, and his teeth stuck out.”
    â€œBuckteeth?”
    â€œI think that’s what they call them, yes.”
    Fargo sat back and tried to make sense of it. The description fit Ranson. But why would Ranson stare in the girl’s window? Was he some sort of Peeping Tom? Some men got excited by that sort of thing.
    â€œDo you believe me or are you like Garvin?”
    â€œI believe you,” Fargo said.
    â€œYou do?” Roselyn clasped her hands and squealed in delight. “Thank you. Maybe you can help me convince Garvin.”
    â€œYou shouldn’t be out here,” Fargo said. “If that man is still around, it’s not safe.”
    â€œDo you think he wants to harm me?”
    â€œI have no idea what he’s up to,” Fargo admitted. “But it sounds like one of the men who is out to kill me.”
    â€œOh my,” Roselyn said.
    â€œThat’s putting it mildly.” Rising, Fargo held out his hand. “Let’s go. I’m taking you in. Then I’ll have a look around.”
    The first floor of the mansion was packed with people.
    The Deerforths loved to entertain, and when the legislature wasn’t in session, they held several social events each month.
    Fargo and Roselyn were starting up the stairs when someone called Roselyn’s name, and Ginny swept out of the parlor wearing a dress fit for a queen.
    â€œMy dear child, where have you been?” she said, embracing her daughter. “I’ve had Garvin looking all over for you.”
    â€œI went out for some air, Mother,” Roselyn said.
    Ginny held her at arm’s length. “You shouldn’t go traipsing off without telling me.”
    â€œI’m nearly grown,” Roselyn said. “Surely I can go for a walk whenever I want?”
    â€œOf course, child, of course.” Ginny kissed her on the cheek. “But it’s getting late and you should be in bed.”
    â€œThat’s where I’m heading.”
    Ginny straightened and put her hand on Fargo’s arm. “And you, my dear friend. You’ll join me in the parlor?”
    â€œIn a while maybe,” Fargo said.
    Ginny motioned at the talking, smiling people. “Marion lives for these affairs. He loves to socialize. Part of the reason he’s in politics, I suspect.” She turned. “Well, I suppose I better mingle. See you later.”
    Fargo led Roselyn upstairs. At the landing she stopped and frowned.
    â€œMother and Father might like these affairs but I don’t. All the noise and the liquor. I can do without that, thank you very much.”
    â€œI thought girls your age love parties.”
    â€œOne or two a year I wouldn’t have a problem with,” Roselyn said. “But thirty or more is a little much.” She held out her hand. “Thank you for believing me. Please let me know what you find.”
    Fargo promised he would. He went downstairs and along the hall to the kitchen. Helping himself to a lamp, he went out the back door and around until he was under the girl’s window. Sinking to one knee, he examined the grass. He noticed that in two spots the grass was flattened as if by a heavy weight. He could be wrong, but it looked to him as if a ladder had been put there. And whoever did it had