Leaving Bisbee by Mack Ireland

Chris entered the hotel dining room and the Sheriff was the first person he saw. He walked to the table his friend had by the window and sat down. The Sheriff was late having breakfast and had not yet ordered.

Chris, wincing inwardly at the thought of food ordered food because he didn't want to present himself as a complete drunk.

"You never told me what brought you to Bisbee."

"Well, you know why, but there is something eating at me about this town. It's like something I know but have forgotten. Something that I own and can't remember where I put it."

The Sheriff leaned forward in his seat, "What if I were to tell you what it is? What if it ain't pretty?"

Chris frowned at his new friend and said, "You know I would appreciate any information."

The Sheriff's eyes bored into his, "Hank Connelly stopped in my office today. He is on his way to Eagle Bend, he heard his daughter and Grandson were killed in a fire."

Chris jumped to his feet. His grief stricken mind had completely blocked Hank Connelly. There were a million reason why he didn't care to see Hank, but the fire wasn't one of them. Hank had never crossed his mind from the time he'd heard of Sarah's death until this minute.

Chris quickly drank a cup of coffee. "How long ago did he leave? Can I catch up with him?"

"Chris, he's got three maybe four hours on you. Besides I told him you were here and he didn't want to see you."

Chris slid back down into his chair. He asked for more coffee. "Well that's the way it's always been. I guess that's the way it will always be."

"Are you going to try to catch him?"

"No,"the younger man replied. "I'm going to Four Corners."

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