A/N Apologies for this short chapter. The next will be posted soon. Thank you

Link was sitting at a table with Myrna and Arthur when Harlan came downstairs with Dawn.

"Well somebody looks refreshed." Link teased.

"Yeah, feelin' better. Thanks."

It was smirks all around and a blushing Dawn scurried to the kitchen.

"Surprised to see you sitting here, Arthur. No business to manage?"

"We're discussing business, Harlan," Arthur said a bit stuffily.

He pulled out a chair and sat, looking at the group. "What? What are we discussing?"

"Two things. Arthur has suddenly become an entrepreneur and is making us a business proposition and second, I got another wire from you know who after I sent him the results of the Captain's visit."

Harlan figured number two could wait if Link had put it in that order and he faced Arthur.

"So, a business proposition. Let's hear it."

In his most serious voice, Arthur began relating the latest facts from his head office in Sacramento. River Flats had been designated a regular stop for the Central Pacific Railway, which meant the ranchers had regular access for cattle shipments and with Federal Land Grants opening up there would be more people arriving in their town.

"They want to upgrade the hotel." He said proudly.

Harlan looked at the others. "So what is this business deal you have?"

Myrna patted Arthur's hand and took over. "He wants to make the two girls full time at better pay and train them too. Arthur won't deny his surprise at how much better the place looks now without offering them anything but he's a gentleman - aren't you, Arthur?"

"That's swell but I still don't−"

"He also wants to invest in a new restaurant in the hotel. One that Dawn and the other two girls would operate as a separate business."

"Have you spoken to any of them, Arthur?"

"Not yet-" he saw Harlan slump and his eyes roll. "But if you would help in that part . . . you know- talking to them?"

"It's a very good deal, Harlan and with our contribution it could be quite profitable." Link nodded.

"Our contribution!"

"That's the proposition. Myrna, me and you back the project as equal partners. Arthur takes a cut for the hotel and we split the rest - after expenses of course."

"How much of a contribution?"

Arthur raised his hand as if in class. "I'm suggesting five hundred dollars each and that will redo the dining room, provide an inventory, pay the three women and leave plenty for emergency or even expansion."

"Five hundred! That's almost a year's wages!"

"Tubbs recovered a little more than that from Gerrard and his men so we split it with him we're down to three hundred or so. He has to pay the undertaker and since we did all the work he's willing to do that out of his share."

Harlan frowned and looked at Myrna. "You got five hundred you can put in?"

"Indeed I have, Harlan." Her smile made his face grow hot. "I'd be more interested in hearing how the girls react."

"They don't know?"

"Not until we're all in agreement. Even then it might be a tough sell although I'm inclined to doubt it."

"You said two things." He looked at Link.

"I did. Sacramento . . . but we need to talk about that privately." He shrugged an apology to Myrna and Arthur.

"Well, I guess everyone is waitin' for me." Harlan focused on the table and water marks from the beer glasses. "Okay, I'm in."

Raised glasses and smiles all around.

******

"He thinks I'm dead." Harlan sighted through the clean barrel of his pistol.

"Yep, but I didn't say that. I just said you got shot during the fight."

"Okay so now he wants you in Sacramento, why?"

"My guess, either to thank or shoot me."

"What are you gonna do?"

"Well I've hinted that I would like to come but would rather not go to the city. I gave him a lot of fluff about being recognized by possible friends of Garrard or his men and it would hamper my use in the future."

"He bought that!"

"Yep."

"Okay, so you know that means he wants to shoot you not thank you."

"Yep."

"So where you meeting?"

"Where it all started. That cabin in the woods."