Day 2 in Creekbend

Back at Brennigan's.

Brennigan came to the end of story, “So Father Michael took her in as a kid. He’s the only ‘family’ she has left in these parts.”

Cort nodded his head once and reached for his change pouch. He managed to scrape out some legal tender to cover the small breakfast. He frowned a bit as he looked over his remaining money.

"Runnin' a bit low?" Brennigan gave the pouch a glance as he spoke. Ned was putting it back into his pocket.

"Seems that way. Might be leavin' sooner than planned. Unless you know where I can make some quick coin?"

Brennigan wiped the bar off where Cort's meal had been. "Best bet is to head further north into town. More people up there than here at the southeast end, I thought I heard from one of my stable boys , Eddie, that he grocer was shorthanded. He might need somebody to do some stocking and unloading. His joints pain him too much for that work anymore."

Cort nodded, "Alright, I'll check it out. Need to stretch my legs anyhow. Later." Cort headed toward the doors.

Brennigan called out to Cort, "Keep wide of that Sheriff, boy."

--

Ned was seated alone at one of the window tables in restaurant across from the Crown Royale hotel. He was facing the street watching people go past for a good half hour. Ned was ready to order his 3rd beer, when Cort came walking up the sidewalk. He was looking for a few moments at the Royale's restaurant, but he didn't give any inclination he could make out Ned seated inside. The Reb's face turned back, watching the road ahead of him.
Ned got up, dropping some money on the table. Leaving his beer behind, Ned mumbled to himself, "Bout dang time, he got antsy."