Five Points by J. R. Roberts Page B

drinking so far today.”
    â€œYou were saying something about Denver?”
    â€œA woman was killed and her house was cleaned out,” Clint said. “I believe the goods are on their way here.”
    â€œTo Ma, to be fenced?”
    â€œThat’s what I think.”
    â€œWhy does this put Bethany in trouble? She wouldn’t kill anybody.”
    â€œWhat about Ben?”
    â€œThat boy? I’ll tell you the truth, Bethany has the nerve to kill if she had to, but not that boy. He just doesn’t have it in him.”
    â€œI don’t think either one of them did it. I think it was a man named Willie O’Donnell.”
    â€œWell, that makes more sense,” Appo said. “Willie’s a born killer. He likes it.”
    â€œBethany came to me and told me Ben didn’t do it, but she wouldn’t tell me who did. But she’s got to tell somebody.”
    â€œMe?”
    â€œYou’re her mentor, right?”
    â€œDoesn’t mean she’d put her head on the chopping block,” Appo said. “If she told anyone, Ma would have Willie kill her.”
    â€œReally?”
    â€œMa Mandelbaum doesn’t have it in her to love anybody but one person.”
    â€œWho’s that? Willie O’Donnell?”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œHerself, then?”
    â€œWrong again. It’s Ben.”
    â€œBen? But she treats him—”
    â€œLike dirt, I know,” Appo said. “She’s trying to toughen him up.”
    â€œAnd what about Bethany?”
    â€œThe truth?”
    â€œI’d appreciate it.”
    â€œShe’s jealous of Bethany.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause she’s smart,” Appo said, “and because she doesn’t need her.”
    The waiter returned with steaming plates of steak, potatoes, and other vegetables. Both men leaned back so he could put them down.
    â€œShe needs help, Mr. Appo,” Clint said, “and I’m willing to help her.”
    â€œWhat does she have to do?”
    â€œTell you or me who killed the woman in Denver,” Clint said. “I’ll make sure he can’t hurt her.”
    â€œAnd what about Ma?”
    â€œIf Willie goes away for killing Mrs. Wellington, I bet he’ll take Ma with him.”
    â€œHe just might,” Appo said. “So you want me to get her to talk?”
    â€œI want you to give her somebody to talk to. A friendly ear, some friendly advice, whatever it takes.”
    Appo picked up his knife and fork, used the knife to point to Clint’s plate.
    â€œWhy don’t we eat our lunch,” he said, “and while we’re doing that I’ll think over your proposition.”
    Clint picked up his own utensils and looked down at his plate.
    â€œThat’s a proposition I can agree to right now,” he said.

THIRTY-TWO
    The meal was the best Clint had had in a while. The waiter brought a second pot of coffee.
    â€œDessert?” Appo asked.
    â€œYou usually have dessert after lunch?”
    â€œLunch, supper, there’s always room for dessert,” the pickpocket said.
    â€œNot for me,” Clint said. “Thanks.”
    â€œOkay, Lee, not today,” Appo said.
    â€œYes, sir.”
    As the waiter walked away, Clint said, “So what do you say, George? You want to help save your girl’s life?”
    â€œYou think it’ll come to that?” Appo asked.
    â€œDo you think she’ll try to leave Ma eventually?” Clint asked.
    â€œI’ve thought so for a long time,” Appo said. “The only thing holding her back is Ben.”
    â€œWhat if she tried to take Ben with her?”
    â€œMa would kill ’er.”
    â€œAnd if she gave Willie up?” Clint asked.
    â€œMa would kill ’er.”
    â€œAnd if she tried to leave Ma on her own, even without Ben?”
    â€œOkay, I get you,” Appo said. “No matter which way she goes, she’s going to end up