Whatever was in the drink, it felt like liquid fire going down. It traveled down his throat until it hit his stomach and settled there heavily. Despite the pain, he managed to keep a straight face.
“I’ve had martinis with more kick,” he said, forcing a smile.
Anabelle watched him for a little more before shrugging. “I still think you won’t make it around here, but a deal’s a deal. What do you want to know?”
“I’m looking to make some money while I’m here. Anyone I need to know.”
“First things first. The major of this town is Vivian. Not much happens around here without her knowing about it. She’s also very understanding of people like us if you get me. Of course, there’s the pain in the ass sheriff and her deputy. Texas Stanton is the sheriff. The luckiest weasel in the west. She’s a goodie two shoes, so don’t expect to look the other way. Then there’s April. Not much to say about her. She’s just as much a stick in the mud as the sheriff. She mostly stays in the office and does the paperwork. Now onto the main players here.”
“There’s Georgia. She used to be the deputy ‘'til Texas caught her taking bribes. Not much of a brain with that one, but she’s tough and got a mean streak ever since. Roxxie Roo’s probably the most successful bandit. She’s spent the least time in cuffs and probably got the best of the sheriff more than anyone. And Last but not least is Smiling Jacks. She runs the biggest cattle ranch for miles, and she’s not too picky where she rounds ‘em up. That’s not everyone in this town, but they’re the biggest names.”
Ronnie tipped his hat. “Thanks for the information. I think I have enough to start a business venture. ‘Till next time.”
“Good luck. You’ll definitely need it.”
The raccoon turned and left the bar, immediately leaning over and nearly lost his lunch. The drink was really wrecking having on his innards. Anabella smiled. “Yup. He’s a dead man walking.”
Ronnie had rented out a small room in the local hotel. He was sitting at a small table with several bundles of paper spread out before him. It had taken him a few days of gathering information and planning, but he had narrowed down a handful of targets that could be very lucrative if he played his cards right.
He had discovered that the sheriff was entrusted with a master key that opened any door and the town, including the bank vault. Annabelle made it sound like this Texas barely holding her head above water. It shouldn’t be very difficult to get in her good graces, snag the key, and make off with as much as he could carry. This plan seemed like it would be the most profitable, but he did have a few others. Now he just had to choose which plan to follow.
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