Deadwood Bound - Chapter 8

Deadwood Duology

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December 10, 1899

Deadwood wasn't as rowdy as I had imagined. I guess the taming of the wild west had reached these parts after all, but obviously stopped at the doorstep of whomever had taken Hester. And so my first order of business was to find the location of my adversary.

Didn't take long, as an old lady sweeping the porch of her storefront was more than happy to engage in some mid-morning chit-chat.

“Al? You must be talkin’ ‘bout Swearengen over at the Gem. But if I were you, wouldn't waste my time. Last thing on that man's mind is books. Don't even think the bible could do a lick of good for that scoundrel.”

“The Gem? Where would that be?”

“Couple blocks up yonder. But I'm tellin’ ya. Might as well be tryin’ da sell a plow to a bartender.”

“Alright, then. Any men of stature you would recommend? Say a gentleman who might find value in the written word?”

“ That'd probably be Mr. Adams.”

“And where can I find him?”

“Walk on down yonder to Sherman street and take a right. Can't miss it. Biggest house in town.”

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The old lady was right. It was the biggest house I'd ever seen. And the fanciest.

I set my wagon down and went for the one book I had hidden in a secret compartment amongst the others, the literary treasure also concealed in its own pouch.

I took my most valuable possession and walked up to the Adams house, a distinguished gentleman sitting on the porch smoking a pipe while looking at me through intrigued eyes.

“Mr Adams?”