Mexican jails were not renowned for their comfort, Adam thought, trying
vainly to
find a position that eased his aching bones. The thin mattress
provided almost no relief at all. He looked around his cell and
grimaced in
distaste at the bleak surroundings, wondering where things had gone
so very
wrong…
His great adventure, leaving the Ponderosa and striking out afresh
had all
crumbled into dust. Adam could almost taste the bitter ashes of
defeat in
his dry mouth – or was that the after-effect of an evening’s
over-indulgence
in polque?
A wry smile twisted Adam’s mouth. No matter. Things could hardly
get any
worse, after all. All right, he was temporarily out of funds and
could not
secure his own release, but surely he could persuade the Mexican
authorities
to telegraph the Ponderosa? It had been a long time since he had
left the
ranch, but Adam knew his family would never let him down.
The sound of boot heels clicking impatiently across the stone floor
broke
Adam’s train of thought. A groan escaped from his tightly pursed
mouth.
Things had just got infinitely worse. Wearily, he raised his eyes
and
stared
dully into the face of his nemesis.
“It’s good to see you again, Adam!” Clay Stafford said jovially. He
swung
the key to the cell door back and forth in a tantalising fashion
and smiled
happily.
Claire