Mutatis Mutandis

by Donald J. Bingle

About the Author: Donald J. Bingle is the author of six books and more than fifty shorter works in the thriller, horror, science fiction, mystery, fantasy, steampunk, romance, comedy, and memoir genres. His stories have appeared in themed anthologies by DAW, tie-in anthologies for Dragonlance and Transformers, small press anthologies, and a variety of magazines. His works include: The Love-Haight Case Files (with Jean Rabe) and Frame Shop. More about his writing can be found at www.donaldjbingle.com.

Excerpt

A rasping cough racked the room as the old miner pointed toward the corner, his sore-ridden hand trembling with sickness and rage. “Git me the map, woman,” he choked out between spasms. “Time’s short, too short not to be doin’ what needs doin’ b’fore I pass on.”

The boarding house’s landlady, Mrs. Garroway, ignored him and instead wrung out a wet cloth and pressed it to the old man’s forehead. She stroked his head, balding with patches of hair and weeping sores.

Exeter Devonfield watched the scene unfold through a partially open door as he waited to meet with his uncle, the crotchety prospector in the bed. The unlikeable geezer had struck it rich, at least according to Mother. She had received a letter from Uncle Tremont, indicating he was dying and imploring her to visit. Mother was too frail to travel, but Exeter wasn’t about to let a rich uncle die alone. He’d immediately left his Philadelphia law practice in the hands of his partners and set off for Colorado.

“Now, now, Tre. Settle yer self down or you’ll have a conniption,” fussed Mrs. Garroway as she bustled her way over to the portmanteau sitting in the corner. “Your nephew’s barely arrived. I’m sure he wants to inquire as to your well-being and pass along news of your sister before you pass along your inheritance to his care. He seems a right proper gentleman.” She ferreted through the leather case, finally plucking out a folded, yellowed piece of parchment.

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