August 1874Western TexasHot as Hell

Jimmy Felder's got to die.

Ain't that Orlena's got anything in particular against her brother: she just knows that, if she can't provide his location by the time the Needless Man is back from running horses up to New Mexico Territory, she's as good as dead, herself. Seducing the handsome sheriff might help keep her alive-and give her a chance to celebrate the freedom provided by a sudden, violent change in her circumstances-but he won't be much good if he can't keep his hands off his own supply of psychedelic scorpions...and when he starts missing time and dreaming of bright lights in the woods, it looks more and more like it's every man and woman for themself.

Yes, indeed. Sandspur, Texas is more dangerous and insane all the time: but nothing is as dangerous or insane as the Needless Man. Certainly not so far as Orlena's concerned.

No sane man is willing to kill over a gold tooth.