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I looked up at him, scowling. “Okay. What grand idea do you have?”
“A showdown duel.”
We all stared at him.
“You aren’t really a cowboy,” I said. “This isn’t…”
“It’s nicknamed the Wild West Galaxy for a reason, sugar. If I can corner him and publicly challenge him to a duel, then he will have to face me. And I can use that as leverage to make him talk.”
“But don’t people die from that?” Toras asked.
“They can. But it’s the only way. Even the authorities won’t interrupt a duel. And whoever wins the duel walks free.”
“That’s a very strange way of doing things,” Toras said.
Raider nodded. “It is, but it’s the only way it can be done. Otherwise, I don’t stand a chance of clearing my name. A duel and a confession.”
“You’re not doing that,” I said staunchly.
We glowered at each other. He was crazy if he thought I was going to let him risk his life.
“We would be there to protect Mari too,” Zin said. “We could throw a show, lure him out. You could use that to challenge him to a duel. And as long as we can get a confession from him, then the authorities can step in. Everyone would be safe.”
“Absolutely not,” I hissed. “This isn’t earth’s medieval times. You can’t solve this with something as absurd as a duel.”
“Sugar, I know you don’t want me to get hurt. But it’s the only way.”
“Then I’ll lure him out.”
“No. I don’t want you in harm’s way,” he growled.
I shook my head. “And I don’t want you to duel. But I don’t think he’d just meet you if he knew the risk. If you challenge him publicly, he has to accept?”
“Yes.”
“Then we’ll throw a burlesque show. Madam Moonie can invite him. Everyone will want to see me and if I’m okay. We’ll use that as leverage to lure him to the saloon. Then, we can corner him and make him confess. No need for a duel.”
I could feel his anger and frustration. “Sugar, you’re as stubborn as they come, but I am telling you I am going to duel him. Just because we get a public confession from him doesn’t mean anything will change. They’ve been trying to find me for days now. Exhausted resources. Someone will have to pay for that.”
I couldn’t stand the thought of him getting hurt.
“I don’t like this plan one bit,” Raider grumbled. “I won’t put you in danger.”
“And I won’t put you in danger,” I snapped.
“Okay, okay,” Stella said. “We might need a time out.”
“We’ll give you two some time to sort this out,” Madam said. “We can reconvene later. The two of you need to decide what we can do and we will be here to support. I think that luring him out and a duel is probably what has to happen. This galaxy is called the Wild West for a reason, Mari. Also, I had the captain turn on the sound proof shields for your room. You’re welcome.”
CHAPTER16
Leather and Lace
Raider
I managed to get Mari to eat before we departed the table. She was cranky and stubborn and clearly unhappy that I just wanted to keep her safe.
I didn't like this plan. I didn't like it one bit. Mari was going to be at the center of it, and in danger. I followed her down the hall back to her bedroom, shaking my head. We slipped inside her room, and I locked the door behind us crossing my arms.
