Quicksilver Passion (150 page)

Dead? What the hell—?”

The cold up here in the hills has preserved the body. Looks like he’s got marks on his throat.” Doc took a deep breath.
I’d say he’s been garroted.”

Dead? I can’t believe it. Who would hurt a harmless old man?” Cherokee’s rugged face was a mask of grief.

I don’t know. Maybe we’d better get up to the cabin and see about Bill.”

Cherokee remounted.
Who would do something like this? Doc, describe the man who was in town looking around.”

As they rode up to the cabin, Doc described the big, bearded man.
Maybe it’s just a coincidence, Cherokee, maybe it happened after he came and left.”

Maybe. I hope Bill’s all right.”

Doc didn’t say anything. The cabin looked deserted, no smoke drifting from the chimney and the door stood open. He dismounted cautiously and went around back. The little burro appeared to be out of hay and water.

Doc?” Cherokee yelled behind him,
Doc?”

Get down, Cherokee,” Doc sighed and pulled at his mustache.
I’m afraid of what we’re gonna find inside.”

It was worse than he’d expected, old bloodstains everywhere. Evidently, old Bill had put up quite a fight before he died. The scent of death hung over the place even though the November air was cold.

Cherokee stumbled through the door. The smell told him what his eyes saw only dimly.
By damn! Not Bill, too!’