Patty Wilkinson Writing, traveling, having fun and meeting up with friends old and new!

#49 The Quest

The Quest

By

Patty Wilkinson.

(A Sequel to #2 Springtime)

Chapter 1

Jess Harper stood on the porch staring morosely out on the freezing ice bound yard of the Sherman Ranch and Relay Station. His deep blue eyes narrowed as he gazed at the view before him and he ran a hand through his dark unruly hair before ramming on his hat and pulling it down firmly against the bitter wind.

‘If only the garl darn weather was better…and I could just convince Slim I need to get out of here for awhile,’ he thought…and then something jolted him from his reverie……

It was young Mike Williams, who had joined him, his ward and the child he loved dearly. But right then one Jess really didn’t want to chat with……or anyone else on the ranch. He just needed a break……needed to git out of there for some peace and quiet…yup he just wanted to be alone for awhile.

“Jess?” asked the child hesitantly….”You mad at me…. have I done somethin’?”

Jess turned immediately and reaching out squeezed the child’s shoulder affectionately.

“No Tiger you ain’t done anything it’s me. I’ve just gotten a bad case of ‘Big Open fever’ I guess.”

The child looked perplexed for a moment and then his young face cleared.

“Oh, I get it, you wanna take off into the big open… go on an adventure like Slim told me you used to do all the time when you first landed here…that right?” the child asked his little blond head on one side as he viewed his hero closely.

Jess sighed deeply, ”Sorta I guess…. just need me some space fer awhile, take off on a huntin’ trip or somethin’…heck I ain’t been off of the ranch in nigh on three weeks now.”

“Umm… I guess I know what you mean,” said the child seriously…”heck I’m even kinda missing school….well my friends anyway,” he said honestly.

Just then the front door banged open and Slim Sherman, Jess’s tall lanky partner in the ranch and relay stood on the porch behind them.

“So you two reckon the hens are going to feed themselves and the firewood will get chopped by just staring at the log pile?” he asked with a broad grin.

Jess just cussed under his breath and marched off towards the barn to start mucking out.

Slim’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, ”What’s wrong with Jess?” he asked looking down at the youngster.

“Says he’s gotten Big Open fever”, the child supplied succinctly before going off to feed the chickens, leaving Slim looking over at where his best buddy was fast disappearing into the barn.

“He has, has he?” he whispered, before pulling his jacket more tightly around him against the chilly morning and following his friend into the barn.

When he entered the dimly lit building he made out the figure of Jess at the far end, grooming Traveler, his beloved mount, and he wandered over and leaned on the stall watching him for a few minutes.

After awhile he said gently, “Are you OK pard?”

Jess, who had been studiously ignoring his friend turned, the light of battle in his deep blue eyes, feeling suddenly furious.

“No I ain’t,” he spat, ”I’m sick of bein’ stuck here doin’ nuthin’ but chores all the goddamn day…. think I’ll go plumb crazy iffen I don’t git out fer awhile Slim!”

“Hey take it easy…. It’s not that bad is it?”

Jess just shrugged, ”Feels like it.”

Then Slim grinned from ear to ear… “Oh I get it you’re missing Millie aren’t you?” he said referring to Jess’s beautiful long term girlfriend.

He ducked his head at that, ”Maybe…. some.”

“Well Jess you know as well as I do the Laramie road’s been impassable for weeks now, heck the Stage can’t even get through and I figure old Trav there wouldn’t thank you for taking him out there either.”

“Do ya think I don’t know that!” spat Jess angrily.

“OK… simmer down,” said Slim raising his hands in submission…. ”I want to see my Lily too, but I guess we’ll just have to be patient a mite longer…huh?” he finished placatingly.

Jess just hung his head and finally nodded, “Sure…sorry Slim,” he said with a slow smile…”guess I’m just feelin’ kinda edgy.”

Slim gave his buddy a light punch on the arm before marching off to get on with his own chores, but Jess just stood staring into space….

Gee he felt bad he thought, what had gotten into him, yellin’ at Slim that way and upsetting the boy and then shaking his head sadly he once more applied himself to the task in hand of grooming his faithful mount.

*******

It was just after noon and the men were walking across the yard about to wash up for dinner when they both heard a familiar sound, that of the Overland Stage making its way down the rise towards the yard.

“Well I’ll be…” muttered Jess his face a picture of delight as he recognised old Mose reining in the four in hand and coming to a shuddering standstill just feet from where the young cowboy stood.

The old timer grinned at the two cowboys before leaping nimbly down from the box and shaking them warmly by the hand.

“Gee I never thought I’d say it, but you sure are a sight fer sore eyes Mose,” Jess grinned.

“So the road’s OK now?” asked Slim looking equally pleased to greet their old friend.

“Sure is, thawing alright,” then casting his rheumy old eyes up to the grey clouds above,” reckon spring won’t be far along the way now boys.”

“Umm… I reckon Jess has already gotten a dose of spring fever,” laughed Slim.

Then as an aside whispered, ”He’s missing his girl something fierce.”

Mose gave him a grin at that, but said nothing.

As they were speaking the men had been making their way to the warm sanctuary of the ranch house and when they entered Mrs Daisy Cooper, their wonderful housekeeper and Ma to all at the ranch, came forwards bearing the coffee pot.

“Oh Mose how lovely to see you,” she said with her warm friendly smile, “it seems ages since we last cast eyes on a visitor of any sort come sit yourself down my dear and I’ll fetch some pie.”

Mose’s old face relaxed into a huge toothless grin, ”And I’m mighty glad to see you too Ma’am,” he said blushing a little, ”mighty pleased.”

The two cowboys exchanged a smile at this, knowing that Mose was more than a little sweet on their pretty, elderly housekeeper.

“So what’s the news from town then,” asked Slim, “it’s been so doggone long since we’ve been in I reckon folks will think we’ve taken Jess’s advice and upped sticks and moved down to Texas for the winter.”

“Well it’d be a dang sight warmer,” Jess muttered.

Mose grinned at that ,”These Texas boys can’t take it can they Slim?” he chuckled, before applying himself to the question in hand.

He tipped his hat back and looked thoughtful for a moment.

“Been a bit of a ghost town to be honest,” he said thoughtfully.

“Doc Sam and young Carrie have had to deal with the odd broken leg when one or two old ‘uns have slipped on the ice,” he said referring to their good friend Doc Samuel Baker and his pretty nurse and daughter Carrie.

“Ol’ Mort Corey’s had an easy enough time of it, what with the blizzards folks in town haven’t wanted to stir from their firesides and so there’s been precious little business fer the Sheriff. Save for the diehard few as enjoy propping up the bar of the Laramie Saloon, that is,” he said with another grin….”It would take more than a drop of snow to keep them at home…. worse luck, had old Benny in his jail for a few days drunk and disorderly as per usual,” he finished.

At the mention of the place where Jess’s Millie worked as a saloon girl, the cowboy’s face brightened considerably.

“So how’s Millie been doin’…. Have you seen her lately then Mose…… seein’ as you haven’t been drivin’ I figure you’re one of the ‘diehard’ lot proppin’ up the bar,” he chuckled.

“Cheeky young whippersnapper,” laughed Mose, then he sobered quickly as he realized what Jess had just said.

“Err…. nope, sorry son, ain’t clapped eyes on her fer awhile now.”

Jess’s head shot up and he stared hard at the old man…. “Huh…what do ya mean, why ain’t yer seen her?”

“Well, it’s like this Jess, her Ma’s been sick and barkeep Tom has let her go off to Cheyenne to care for her…for as long as it takes I guess, seein’ as how the saloon ain’t real busy just now.”

Jess turned pale, “Oh no…..it’s not what she had before is it?” he asked looking deeply troubled and casting Daisy an anxious look.

However Mose quickly set his mind at rest, ”Nope don’t you fret…just a nasty case of flu I believe, but young Millie’s stayingthere for a few more weeks running the Boarding House for her Ma, until she’s completely fit again.”

Jess sighed with relief remembering back to when Peggy Johnson had nearly died, before Jess gave her all his funds for a lifesaving operation. She had recovered well and now ran a high class Boarding House in Cheyenne and was occasionally visited by her daughter to help out during busy times.

Jess’s initial relief was then tinged with sadness, just when he thought he could ride into town and spend some time with his best girl his hopes were dashed and he suddenly felt totally bereft.

His silence and cast down eyes did not go unnoticed by Daisy and she reached over and squeezed his hand, “Maybe you could write dear, I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.”

He just nodded at that, ”I guess,” and then cast a glance over to where Slim was looking sympathetic…. Nope a letter really wouldn’t do it, Slim thought sorrowfully.

“Oh blow me down,” said Mose as he rose to go, “that reminds me, got a whole mess of mail fer you on the Stage. A mail order catalogue fer you Miss Daisy…some feed bills by the looks of ‘em fer you Slim,” he said with an apologetic smile….”an’ a letter from a lady for you Jess, I reckon…got a smell of perfume about it.”

He looked hopeful at that, “From Millie?”

“Nope, don’t think so…can’t make out the postmark…but it weren’t Cheyenne that’s for sure.”

Jess just sighed again and went off to change the team.

He had accepted the letter from Mose and put it in his back pocket to read later. But it wasn’t until he was sitting in front of the fire enjoying a rare glass of Red Eye before turning in that Slim reminded him about it.

He pulled the now somewhat crumpled envelope out of his pocket and gave it a deep sniff.

“Umm…Mose was right…from a lady that’s fer sure.”

“So which ….err…’lady‘ do you know that can write,” joked Slim, feeling he was quite amusing after the unaccustomed glass or two of whiskey.

Jess just threw him a black look, before opening the envelope and proceeded to read the contents…his expression slowly turning from mild interest to surprise and then deep concern.

Slim who had been sipping his drink and gazing into the fire slowly became aware of the change in his buddy and looking over said, ”Hey Jess… you OK pard?”

“Huh?”

“I said are you OK…. so who’s it from then?”

“Abby,” he said softly….. ”Abby Jackson, well Mason she is now…married Pete Mason…and he stared into the fire his mind spiraling back over the years… beautiful Abby, his first ‘love’……if that’s what you could call it he thought with a sigh…with him just ten years old and her a sophisticated fifteen year old.

Now that was a case of real Spring Fever he thought with irony as he remembered back to those hazy days on the Texas panhandle where they had grown up…. For the awakening of his first feelings for the opposite sex he had to choose Abby to fall in love with, when probably every red blooded male in the town was in love with her. And didn’t she know it. She was a tease of the worst possible kind. Leading a man on and then knocking him back…she had a kinda way of looking deep into your eyes, Jess remembered, like you were the only man alive….and then she’d be laughin’ at you and goin’ off with the next sucker.

Boy, did he suffer lovin’ Abby…..

“So wasn’t she the one you met up with a couple of years back…..about this time of the year too, early spring wasn’t it…..when we had all that trouble with that big cat taking our stock?” *See #2 Spring Fever

Jess nodded, ”Yup that’s her; I tangled with the big fellah iffen you remember? I killed him, but not before I’d been mauled some and it was Abby who found me… took me home with her and tended me…..”

“Yeah, I remember and you had kind of an interesting convalescence with her too if I remember rightly, what with her husband being away and all,” replied Slim grinning suggestively at his pard.

Jess looked down and flushed, “Yeah, you could say…..”

Then he remembered how they’d got close…way too close for a married lady, although Jess had done his upmost to resist her charms… But she had thrown herself at him, time after time.……. Just when it seemed that he might give in and succumb to her many charms, her husband had landed back at the isolated spread they owned. He’d laid into Jess something fierce when he caught the pair together at the isolated shack where she had been nursing him…..assuming the worst, although nothing had actually happened between the couple.

They’d fought it out until they were both completely spent and had agreed on a truce. It was then that Pete opened up to Jess…and he remembered his anguished words…”How many times did she offered herself to you Jess…two…three…..?”

Jess had just nodded, knowing that the time for lying and pretence was over, “About that yeah…”

Then he had gone on to explain how his wife was incapable of leaving other men alone……Almost like it was a sickness and that was why they lived up in the mountains away from temptation.

“I guess she just can’t help it Jess… and God help me I love her,” Pete had admitted and Jess at once felt sympathy for the big man. He’d ridden out that day…never to return…and he had heard nothing from Abby until the letter that he now held in his slightly shaking hands.

“So…..go on then Jess, are you going to tell me what all this is about?” asked Slim casting his friend an enquiring glance.

He sighed deeply before looking his buddy in the eyes, “She wants me to go visit her says she is in desperate need of help….”

“Well why can’t her husband help her out? Dang it Jess that’s one heck of a ride up to the mountains when she’s got a perfectly good man there to sort out her problems.”

“Only she ain’t….”

“Huh?”

“She says he’s gone.”

“Umm…so is she in the market for another husband then Jess…after all you two seemed to hit it off OK last time,” he said with a cheeky grin.

Jess’s head shot up and he looked shocked…”Hell no, least ways I don’t think so. She says she wants me to do something for her, while there’s still time…says it’s real urgent, hardly sounds like a proposal…an’ anyways I’m spoken for,” he said firmly.

“Umm… and I reckon it’s high time you made an honest woman of Miss Millie too…stop her hightailing it off to Cheyenne for months on end …and give us all a break from your fretting too…”

“Yeah, yeah… but one thing at a time pard…just let me sort this woman out first before I start on the next one.”

“So you’re going?”

“Figure I can’t say no…we go back a long way you know Slim…an’ if she’s in trouble…well….”

“But Jess you can’t go in this dang bitter cold weather… could be more snow before the spring you know, especially in the mountains.”

“She says she’s desperate Slim, I figure she can’t be hangin’ around waitin’ fer the sun to shine.”

“So what about the ranch work then?”

“Oh come on, we’re hardly busy, nuthin’ much to worry about until the calving starts and we need to take the rest up to the high pasture, but that won’t be for another month at least. Besides the way I’ve been lately I thought you’d be glad to git rid of me and have a break for a while.”

“Well…maybe you’ve got something there,” agreed Slim with a chuckle…”you’ve been real ornery…pig headed and just plain cantankerous….”

“Well thanks pard,” said Jess sarcastically.

“One thing I can’t fault you on though….“

“Really, so what’s that?”

“You sure are a loyal friend and I hope this Miss Abby appreciates you…..and something else….”

“What?”

“Watch your back Jess I figure no matter how ornery you get…well we’ll miss you pard.”

It was the following morning when they were all sitting around the breakfast table that the conversation about the proposed trip continued.

“I still don’t think you should be riding all that way in this cold weather…what will you do if we have more snow?”

“You’re wasting your time Daisy I had all this out with him last night… if Jess has made his mind up…well that’s it…” Slim said shaking his head.

“Well you’ve changed your tune,” said Jess looking surprised,” last night I was a crazy man with a death wish who hadn’t got as much sense as the cat.”

“Well… that’s sure true you wouldn’t catch old Jasper stepping out until the snow’s all melted,” piped up Mike.

“Never mind that wretched cat,” said Daisy with unusual asperity. “It’s Jess I’m worried about.”

“Yeah, yeah… but Daisy I can’t let down a friend now can I?”

She knew when she was beaten and just poured him another coffee and asked if he’d like some more bacon.

Chapter 2

Jess set off later that morning heading for the mountain range and what was to be a long, hard journey in the inclement weather.

But hell he was free…out in his beloved Big Open and with a justifiable excuse too. So he really didn’t mind a little discomfort and just revelled in the wide open vistas and the sense of being at one with the elements.

The thaw had begun in earnest now though and the going was very wet and slushy and after awhile Jess struck off the road to the west thinking that even with the danger of some deep drifts the going would be easier than the muddy deeply rutted road. Even so, he figured the journey would take him a lot longer than anticipated as he dared not risk Traveler hurting himself.

As he entered the Medicine Bow forest and the land started climbing up towards the mountain foothills the weather became much colder again, the laying snow still freezing hard and after a while he dismounted and led his mount up through the rugged terrain.

By late afternoon he decided to call it a day and after tending to his horse he lit a good fire, keeping a sharp look out for any predators after his nasty clash with the big cat on his last sojourn up that particular mountain.

After the trail grub he sat back with a final coffee, resting back using his saddle as a pillow and thought about his last meeting with Abby. How Pete, her husband, had really opened up to him after the fight and he’d immediately decided to ride out there and then. He had been feeling kinda sorry for the guy and pretty uncomfortable around Abby too. He flushed with guilt even now at the thought of what could have happened if Pete hadn’t ridden back home. But Jeez Abby had been so darned persuasive……...

Then as he rode out, with Abby and Pete standing on the porch to see him off, she had said…”if you’re ever in these parts again….”

And he had given her his cheeky wink, touched his hat and replied… “I’ll just keep on ridin’….”

He smiled to himself in the dark as he lay back and stretched out to sleep, ‘What in Hell are you doin’, going back there Harper?’ he whispered and finally fell asleep wondering what on earth was so important for her to send that urgent missive.

He awoke the following morning to the day from hell. The wind had gotten up again and the snow was falling once more, driving sharp little darts into his sleeping face. He woke immediately and after cussing lightly, rallied around throwing logs on the sulky fire and brewing a strong coffee before breaking camp and making his way off up the steep trail towards Abby and Pete Mason’s isolated shack.

It was getting on for noon when he finally arrived and even though he wore a rain slicker over his sheepskin jacket, he was still chilled to the marrow and his denims were sodden and sticking to his legs, making each step an effort as he had dismounted again once the trail got steeper and more difficult.

He recognised the gully where the big cat had jumped him and he’d, had his initial meeting with Abby and then just a half mile further on he saw the turning for the shack and finally arrived outside, feeling almost sick with cold as the vicious wind raged around him, whipping the still falling snow into his freezing face.

He tethered Traveler to the hitching rail and was just about to mount the porch and knock , when the door flew open and a grey haired woman of about fifty stood there dressed in a shabby man’s shirt, Stetson and long black skirt, a suspicious look in her eyes and a Winchester aimed at Jess’s belly.

He narrowed his deep blue eyes and stood stock still.

“What do ya want stranger?” she rasped.

“I don’t mean you no harm Ma’am,” he said, always being kind of wary around females toting rifles, “just visitin’ Miss Abby.”

“Miss Abby you say?”

“Yes ma’am… she wrote me said as how she needed to see me?”

She gave a slow smile, and lowered the rifle,”Are you Jess Harper then?”

“Yes Ma’am…so can I put up my horse up and come in I’m a mite cold an’ wet…had me a long ride yer know?”

She just nodded and gestured to the lean to stable Jess remembered from his last visit. After he had tended to all Travellers’ needs and he was satisfied the animal was rubbed down, fed and watered, then finally blanketed after he’d cooled down, he turned to the older woman.

She had been watching him silently all the while and he said….”Thanks, I guess the old boy will be OK now.”

She nodded appreciatively, ”I always likes a boy as looks after his horse,” she said approvingly and led the way back to the shack.

At the door she stopped,”I guess I’ll be running along home…. I’m Moll by the way…me and my old man live just over the ridge iffen you need anything.”

“You ain’t comin’ in?”

“No dear, I reckon you and Abby need to talk some. But I’ll be around tomorrow to……. help her as usual,” she said suddenly looking away and Jess picked up on something…. something kinda disturbing.

“Help her?”

She sighed…”I guess you’re going to find out as soon as you step inside…Abby, well she isn’t really herself right now.”

“Huh?”

“She’s sick boy…real sick and in need of a good friend……..and I just hope and pray that you’re that friend,” she said casting sad eyes on him….”because there isn’t much time left.”

Jess looked bewildered,”What do you mean?”

She sighed again,”Like I say you’ll see boy,” and she patted his arm gently before turning and shuffling off home through the increasing gloom of the afternoon.

Jess took a deep breath and pulled his hat down hard before tapping on the shack door and when he heard a weak call to come in, he entered, closing the door carefully behind him.

The first thing that hit him was the heat of the place in contrast to outside from a roaring fire in the grate……Then he made out the form of Abby, in the dimly lit room, propped up on a cot, pulled up close to the fire and he stopped in his tracks for a moment, totally shocked by the vision before him.

The Abby he remembered was a vibrant, gorgeous woman with a bubbling laugh and long blond tresses framing a stunningly beautiful face…every inch of her perfection.

Now her blond hair was dull and lifeless, hanging around her shoulders, the hourglass figure, emaciated and the lovely face, pinched and pale. She regarded him with her huge violet eyes, which still held the same old allure, but their expression was now almost challenging as she recognised the look of shock and pity.

He suddenly came to his senses and stepped forwards, fell to his knees beside the cot and took her hand.

“Abby?” he said softly…the sorrow in his deep voice now unmistakable.

She gave him her lazy smile, “So what kept ya Honey?” she asked in her Texan drawl.

He gave her a rueful smile before replying.

“Well I’ll tell you sweetheart. See we’ve had a kinda hard winter back home and the Stage only made it through a couple of days ago with yer letter. Then I couldn’t ride over much faster, the goin’ was real tough, couldn’t risk ol’ Trav breakin’ a leg, now could I?” he asked playfully trying to lighten the charged atmosphere.

“You’re here now anyway, that’s all that matters. When we didn’t hear, Moll said you wouldn’t come…. But I know you better than that,” she said with a weary smile.

“Sure…well we go way back don’t we and friends look out for each other,” he said squeezing her hand.

“I wouldn’t have blamed you…..after the last time we met up… I guess I put you in kinda a difficult situation. “

He looked down and blushed a little,”Well…...you know it takes two and I figure I’m no wet behind the ears kid… I wouldn’t have acted that way iffen I didn’t want to…. But sure I felt bad…real bad when Pete showed up…. I ain’t the sort to mess with married ladies…..but…“

“But in my case you made the exception,” she said her eyes now twinkling revealing a little of the old Abby.

He just nodded and their eyes locked in mutual affection for a moment.

“So what happened to Pete then did he up and leave you? Heck does he know you’re sick?“

She sighed and then cast him a deeply saddened look, “Nope he didn’t up and leave me Jess… he upped and died on me.”

“Died…. Jeez, Pete’s dead?”

“Last year had himself an argument with a grizzly and Pete came off worst,” she said with typical Abby detachment although Jess could see she was hurting real bad at the memory.

“I’m so sorry sweetheart.”

“I miss him something fierce, more than I thought I would…..but…” she shrugged, ”maybe it was for the best, I guess he wouldn’t have wanted to see me this way.”

He acknowledged that, ”So…. what’s wrong then, you don’t look too well.”

She gave him a weary smile at the understatement and then a little sigh, “It seems I’ve got some kind of blood sickness…..”

“But they can cure it …make you better?”

She just shook her head looking totally drained.

“You’ve seen a doc?”

“Sure I have honey, Moll and old Buck are real good neighbours, friends too…. they made sure I got to see a doc…and then sent the letter over to you when he said…..said it wasn’t any good. Jess……I won’t be getting better.”

He ducked his head trying to deal with this new piece of information…..beautiful, funny…yes wickedly naughty…. Abby was goin’ to die…..at hell……. at thirty three?

When he finally gathered himself and looked back up at her, he felt tears stinging the back of his eyes…”I’m so damn sorry,” he whispered.

They were silent for awhile and then she said, ”Hey honey, you’re shaking.”

“Got me a bit wet an’ cold out there today,” he said quietly.

“Well you git yerself off and git some dry clothes on,” she said at once the old bossy Abby coming to the surface for a brief moment.

“Go and use my room,” she said gesturing to a door behind him,” I sleep out by the fire so it’s all yours and then make us both a coffee with a drop of whiskey in it huh?”

He nodded, and left to do as he was bid, but when he returned ten minutes later she was asleep, so he just sat by the fire gazing into its depths and sipping a whiskey. His thoughts troubled and his heart aching.

She barely awoke for the rest of the day and refused any food saying she could no longer take it, but had a dose of laudanum and later a whiskey and coffee as a night cap.

“I’m sorry I’m not better company,” she said when he said he was turning in; feeling exhausted himself after the long cold ride.

“We’ll talk properly tomorrow I promise, I’ll explain everything.”

“Sure sweetheart, tomorrow, guess we’ll both be feelin’ better,” and he stooped down and kissed her tenderly on the forehead, before turning in.

The following morning when he awoke she did indeed seem more her old self and flirted with him a little as he ate his breakfast sitting on the old couch in front of the fire.

Moll had been in to tend to her at first light, while Jess was still asleep, and he noted her hair was carefully brushed and she looked much brighter.

After awhile he put his plate to one side and said gently, ”So are you gonna tell me what all this is about then Abby? Was it just that you wanted to see me… before” …and then he sighed deeply, ”While you still can that is?”

“Yes…..no, well yes I wanted to see you, but it’s more than that Jess I have to ask you a favour…..a real big favour, but it means everything to me.”

He noticed that she was becoming out of breath and she was flushed her eyes unnaturally bright.

He went over, sat on the edge of the cot and took her hand.

“Hey, take it easy sweetheart, you know I’ll do anything for you…anything at all…just take it real slow and tell me huh.”

She nodded and swallowed, ”This is so hard for me”…and she put her head in her hands for a moment and gave a little gasp, before obviously pulling herself together and continuing.

“You know my family had to leave the panhandle… because of what happened?”

He nodded knowing she was referring to the fact that she had been dating two young brothers at the same time.One was so bitter and upset by her betrayal, and that of his brother, that he had killed him. There had been an uproar in the town, Abby had been condemned as a Jezebel by many of the town worthies and shortly afterwards her parents moved with her to Denver Colorado, leaving Jess and many of the local young men heartbroken.

He nodded, “Yup, I remember…..”

“I guess I sort of learnt from that,” she said softly, ”and I was real well behaved for awhile,” glancing up at him, the hint of a twinkle in her eye and he saw the old Abby again for a fleeting moment and then she sobered.

“Then I met someone special…real special.”

“Go on….“

“He was a neighbour’ s son, Ben Rivers…the kindest sweetest man…..and it was love at first sight, for us both I guess,” she said casting him a look full of wonder.

“We were so…so happy; I figured I really didn’t deserve it after the way I’d been back in Texas…such a flirt…and a tease.”

He gave her his slow smile, but said nothing.

“Anyway we got close…real close, had an understanding to be Wed, until the war started and he went off to fight…..”

He just raised a questioning eyebrow and waited for her to continue.

“He’d been back on leave a few times and then it was nearly over…. The troops coming home in ones and twos…. Celebrations in the surrounding towns….and then one day we got word…… “

She turned stricken eyes on Jess… “He’d been killed Jess…..by a sniper, just days before the end”…..and her eyes filled with tears that spilled over and ran unheeded down her face.

“Jeez, I’m so sorry sweetheart,” he said softly, squeezing her hand, his face full of concern.

She took a deep breath and then went on…..

“It was round about then that I discovered I was pregnant,” she said very quietly.

Jess’s jaw dropped, “Pregnant,” he whispered….”I didn’t know you had a young ‘un?”

“I don’t…. not anymore. Ma and Pa refused to let me keep him,” she whispered, ”I was sent to a mother and baby home and he was adopted. They said it was for the best, how I’d never get married with another man’s child in tow…and said I was just a child myself….. but I wanted him Jess…so much,” she said turning her tear stained face towards him….” He was so beautiful, big blue, violet eyes like mine and soft blond curls……so very beautiful,” and she started crying in earnest. “I never forgave my folks for making me do that…and now they’re dead and gone…”

His heart went out to her and he took her in his arms, holding her until the bout of crying finally ceased.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered pulling out a lacy handkerchief and wiping her eyes.

“I didn’t ask you to come all this way just for me to embarrass you by crying all over you and soaking your shirt,” she said ruefully, glancing down to where his shirt was indeed stained with her tears.

“I ain’t embarrassed,” he said softly ,”just real sorry for you.”

She sighed, ”Anyway, the following year Pete rode in and asked Pa for my hand and I guess he was pretty glad to see the back of me… trouble I’d caused him and Ma. So we settled down together…except I never really could….. Not after baby Joe was taken from me…it seemed like there was always something missing in my life. Oh we tried for a baby… but it just never happened. That’s when I went back to being the way I was back on the panhandle, a no good cheap little whore,” she said bitterly.

“Hey, Abby don’t talk that way.”

“Why not it’s the truth, I led poor Pete a terrible dance taking all these lovers …and worse…..when he was banged up in jail for a couple of years I took off to town…made my living as a working girl.”

Jess looked shocked at that news.

“Oh yes Mister Harper I thought that would rock even your faith in me,” she said bitterly.

“I needed the money… and I needed the company and that’s all there is to it. You see that sweet young girl you so idolized as a boy was nothing more than a tramp all along Jess!”

“Abby, don’t …don’t do this to yourself. It’s all in the past and I figure you had your reasons, sounds to me you were hurtin’ real bad after you gave up the boy…maybe that’s why you did all those things?”

She bowed her head and then looked him in the eye, ”Maybe you’re right, I just don’t know anymore.”

Then she reached up and ran a finger down his cheek, ”You always were a sweet kind boy,” she whispered… “Do you remember when you used to bring me wild flowers in a coffee can…and I ignored you half the time. But I can see it now, you were way too good for me honey….”

“Like I said it was all a long time ago.”

She nodded, ”Yeah I guess it was at that,” and her eyes looked misty as she remembered those long gone days on the panhandle.

They were silent for awhile and then she pulled herself together again.

“I need you to help me Jess. I have some things for young Joe and I want you to take them to him and tell him…well tell him I’m real sorry I gave him up. I guess it was the best thing for him though. I know he got real good parents as could give him things I never could. But tell him…. tell him I never stopped lovin’ him …will you Jess…please just tell him that?”

He nodded and held her close, “Of course I will…. You know I will.”

She fell into an exhausted sleep shortly afterwards worn out by her outpouring of guilt and grief and so it wasn’t until much later that day that she finally continued with her tale.

Chapter 3

It was late afternoon when she awoke and he made her comfortable on the pillows and fixed them both a coffee before she explained exactly what she needed him to do.

“If you go in my room and pull the bed back and lift the rug you’ll see a loose floorboard, lever it up and right down at the bottom is a cash box, can you fetch it honey?”

He was back with it in a few minutes and passed it over after brushing the dust off. She unlocked it with a small key she had on a chain around her neck.

“Why all the secrecy, with the key and hiding place an’ all?” he asked.

“It was for Pete, he knew nothing about Joe…. or this,” she said passing him over an envelope.

He opened it and looked in amazement as he counted several hundred dollars and gave a low whistle.

“Gee Abby where did yer get this …rob a bank?”

She looked down and then threw him one of her wicked looks,” Earned it in town…..guess I was kinda popular.”

He shook his head throwing her a knowing smile as he stuffed the dollar notes back into the envelope, “Yup…guess you were.”

Then he looked at the other contents of the box, over a dozen small envelopes all addressed to Joe.

“I wrote every year on his Birthday,” she whispered now looking tearful,” I couldn’t be with him, but I thought maybe one day I’d find a way to give them to him so he knew I really had been thinking of him. He was thirteen this year.”

He nodded, ”I guess he’ll cherish those.”

“You think so?”

“Yup, I reckon. Maybe not right now, but when he’s older and can see what you did was probably the best for him… If like you say his adoptive Ma and Pa are real good folk that is?”

“Oh yes they are. Look at the next stuff,” she said gesturing to the seemingly bottomless little box.

“I guess I recognise this. We got one for young Mike, adoption papers ain’t they?”

He looked them over and then smiled at her, “Say he did real well didn’t he? He’s got a Reverend and a school teacher for his adoptive parents.”

She nodded looking bleak…”Better than I could have given him anyways.”

His head shot up at that.

“Hell Abby I didn’t mean it that way…. I just meant, well iffen you had to give him up…… I figure you couldn’t have asked for more. Real well educated parents…he’s sure had his schoolin’ an’ spiritual needs met.”

After a moment she recovered, “Of course you’re right and I had a friend back in Boulder who knew them both and said they were the sweetest folk you could meet.”

Then Jess drew out the next item.

It was a birth certificate with the father being stated as Ben Rivers and the mother Abby Jackson.

Jess raised a quizzical eyebrow at that, “So what did Ben’s folks think about it all? Didn’t they have a say in what happened to their grandson?”

She just shook her head, ”Ma and Pa said as how nobody was to know… their boy had just died and they’d taken it real bad. Pa said they didn’t need any more sorrow in their lives and they weren’t to be told.”

“Sorrow,” echoed Jess, ”dontcha think it might have given them some comfort knowing something of their son lived on?”

She looked bewildered at that, “No…. no I didn’t…..”

“But his folks,” he tried again….”err…”

“Jacob and Martha, they were lovely people Jess. They idolized their boy, lived for him and when he died I think something in them died too.”

“All the more reason to tell them then wasn’t it?”

She was looking tearful again so he decided to leave the matter…”So what happened to them?”

She sighed, ”I believe they bought a spread just outside Cheyenne, after Ben died they just couldn’t stay there in the old place, I know that.”

“Umm… so the boy lives over in Boulder then, with this…err,” he picked up the adoption certificate again, ”Reverend and Mrs James, so he is the Minister there?”

She nodded, ”He’s a darned good Minister too according to my friend, very popular.”

“So how do ya think they’ll take to me seein’ the boy and sharing this stuff with him, the letters an’ all?”

“I….I don’t know Jess, OK I hope. I have to give them to him, maybe you could talk to them, let the boy have them when they think the time is right?” she asked looking tearful again.

“Sure, sweetheart, don’t you worry your head about it I’ll talk to ‘em and explain everything.”

She nodded her thanks.

“There’s one more thing…right at the bottom I want him to have, along with the money. Tell him I just saved it over the years and it’s for him…maybe pay college fees,” she said vaguely, ”and I know Ministers aren’t paid too well, it may help him.”

He nodded, ”I guess it will.”

Then he dug down to the bottom of the box and drew out a small velvet bag.

“Open it Jess.”

He did so to reveal a beautiful silver locket and on springing it open revealed two small likenesses. One of a young Abby and Jess sighed, remembering how breathtakingly lovely she was as a young woman.

Then he looked at the personable young man in an army uniform.

“Ben?”

She nodded, “Taken on his last leave…. I’d really like Joe to have that and maybe one day he’ll be able to forgive me for having to give him up,” and she began to cry softly.

He went and sat on the edge of the cot again and held her close.

“It’s OK Abby, I’ll explain it all to him…I’ll explain real good… I promise.”

Shortly afterwards Moll paid her usual evening visit, having attended to her neighbours needs early every morning and every evening since her illness had made her so helpless.

Jess made himself scarce so that Moll could wash and prepare Abby for bed. It was sometime later that the middle aged woman came and sought him out where he was grooming Traveler in the lean to stable.

She stood by the door and watched him for a moment before entering. He spun around, relaxing when he saw who it was, dropping his hand from where it had flown to his gun butt, although thankfully he had stopped before he had drawn.

However the gesture wasn’t lost on Moll and she cast him a wary look.

“Abby said you were an edgy one,” she said quietly…”told me about your past.”

He nodded and then said firmly, ”I ain’t a gunslinger no more, iffen that’s what’s worryin’ you Ma’am. You’re quite safe with me. But the life I’ve led…. well you git kinda edgy, like you say, when folk creep up that is.”

She gave him a genuinely warm smile at that.

“Well I guess we understand each other now young man and I promise not to creep up on you as long as you promise not to shoot me.”

Jess stared at her for a moment and then his face creased into a wide grin, “You’ve got a deal there Ma’am.”

Then he sobered, “So how’s Abby doin’ do you reckon? She’s been kinda tearful today and she point blank won’t eat nuthin’.”

Her face clouded, ”I don’t think she’s got long boy…and she can’t eat anymore that’s a fact…”

“Maybe we should call the doc in again,” he said looking deeply concerned, ”there must be somethin’…..” and he paused unable to go on.

She shook her head and patted his arm gently, ”I’m sorry boy….”

However that evening Abby seemed to rally and they had a pleasant time together reminiscing about their youth on the Texas panhandle. Then Jess entertained her with tales of life back on the ranch, so it was quite late when they finally decided to turn in.

He was just leaving, to sleep in the bedroom, after making sure the fire would last the night, when she called him back.

“Huh?” he asked turning at the door.

“Jess, will you… will you sleep in here tonight, on the couch? It’ll be warmer for you and I’m feeling kind of lonesome.”

He came back into the room and threw her his boyish grin, ”Well heck we can’t have that sweetheart, sure I’ll sleep in here,” and grabbing a blanket he stretched out on the couch.

“You OK there honey?” she asked.

She could just make out his smile in the light from the crackling fire,“Sure you know me, can sleep anywhere anyplace…anytime…least ways that’s what Slim says.”

She smiled back, ”You’re happy there aren’t you Jess, got a real good friend in Slim.”

“Umm…” he said sleepily, ”the best friend I ever had, he’s a great guy…although I’d never tell him,” he chuckled.

“Maybe you should,” she said thoughtfully….”sometimes you should tell folk stuff before…before it’s too late.”

He sighed deeply, ”Maybe you’re right,” he replied sadly.

“So….. Jess…. “

“Yeah what is it Abby?”

“I think you’re the sweetest kindest man I’ve ever met…and I’m sorry I wasn’t nicer to you …way back when we were kids…it was just the age difference you know?”

“Sure…..and thanks…. I understand … and you’re a real great girl too. I figure you were my first love…an’ that’s somethin’ real special,” he whispered.

She gave a little contented sigh and they were silent for awhile and Jess was just falling asleep when she spoke again, this time her voice full of emotion.

“Jess……?

“Um……?”

“You will tell him won’t you…..Joe…as to how I never stopped loving him?”

“Sure I will sweetheart…. I promise.”

She gave a soft sigh, “Thanks Jess….’night.”

“Night Abby……”

*******

The following morning, when Moll arrived to care for Abby she was surprised to see Jess sitting out on the bench on the porch in the early morning spring sunshine, smoking a cigarette.

She looked down at him with a quizzical expression, “I didn’t know you were a smoker.”

He took a deep drag and then exhaled, squinting up at her through the cloud of grey smoke.

“I ain’t…. gave up awhile back, this is one of ol’ Pete’s I found.”

Then she noticed the door was ajar….”Heck Jess boy, Abby will be in a draft,” and she made to go in … but Jess put out a hand and stopped her.

She looked down surprised and he removed his hand and then said gruffly, ”I guess it don’t matter no more.”

She just stared at him uncomprehendingly.

Then as he gazed up at her she saw the look of desolation in his deep blue eyes, “She’s gone,” he whispered.

After a moment she sank down onto the bench beside him and closing her eyes took a deep breath before finally turning to him.

“I’m so sorry…. but I guess it’s the best thing for her…she was never going to make it you know Jess.”

He looked down, ”Yeah… I know.”

She reached for his hand and squeezed it gently.

“She was right you are a good man. She told me yesterday that you were going to find young Joe for her. That’s a big ask…she must have meant a lot to you son…….”

“We were friends,” he said simply, ”and friends look out for each other, sure I’ll do what she wanted. I’ll leave as soon as she’s laid to rest,” and he stood up quickly making for the sanctuary of the lean to stable.

After awhile Moll got up stiffly and made her way sadly into the shack to perform her last act of kindness for her friend.

*******

He rode out at first light two days later, his heart aching but a look of resolve in his deep blue eyes. He was a man on a mission and nothing was gonna stop him carrying out Abby’s last wishes, but he wasn’t to know then how very tough that was going to be.

He decided to take the old Indian trail through the dense forestation and mountain ranges, down to Boulder, as not only was it a more direct way from Abby’s place, but also more agreeable.

If he had longed for peace and quiet and nothing surrounding him but the Big Open back at the ranch, well then his heart’s desire had been met and then some, but at what cost?

Although the breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife on the bright spring morning cheered him a little, he still mourned his dear friend deeply. He found himself reliving the last few days of her life over and over, wondering if there was anything at all he could have done to help her, but knew in his heart that was not the case, her time had come. As a wise old friend of his, an Arapahoe Chief had proclaimed on his death bed,” To all things there is a season, a time to be born and a time to die…‘tis simply my time my dear friend. Do not mourn me death is just as life, part of the circle.”

Well maybe that made sense with a man in his very old age… but Abby, who had been so young and vibrant, where was the sense in that he pondered.

It was early evening before he reined Traveler in and surveyed a magnificent lake before him, surrounded by pine and aspen and the ideal place to camp for the night.

He tended to his horse first and after a scratch meal sat watching the sun setting over the lake and sipping a glass or two of moonshine, drinking a silent toast to Abby. Not long afterwards he turned in quickly falling into a deep sleep after the broken nights he had suffered recently.

Later when he thought about it he tortured himself with questions. What if he’d chosen a different place to camp, what if he hadn’t had that second glass of moonshine, and why in Hell hadn’t he kept the saddlebags beside him? But the results were always the same he was darn well bushwhacked like a greenhorn and there wasn’t a thing he could do about it… for awhile at least.

It was dawn when he awoke to see a filthy looking man dressed in grubby trail gear going through his saddlebags where he had left them nearby where Traveler was ground hitched.

But before he could even go for his gun the big man had drawn and shot Jess through the thigh making him roll in agony, grabbing his leg and cussing loudly.

“You just keep real still Mister and don’t give me no trouble,” the intruder barked, striding forwards and taking Jess’s gun from its holster.

“What’s yer game,” asked Jess, ”I ain’t got nuthin’,” before he suddenly remembered the cash box containing the money, birth and adoption certificates and of course the locket with the photographs and most importantly the Birthday letters from Abby to her son.

Jess knew when he was in big trouble and right then he was in big trouble. He figured all he could do was try to bargain and appeal to the guy’s better nature…..but, unsurprisingly, it turned out that he didn’t have one, well not much of one anyways.

“Look OK, take the goddamn money,” he spat, “just leave the other stuff will yer?”

The tall man’s head shot up at that and he had the look of a crafty old fox about him…. “So this stuff’s real important to you is it stranger?”

Jess just nodded, “Yup, you could say so…an’ worth not a bent nickel to you…so just leave it huh?”

The older man hunkered down beside Jess, still holding his colt on him and throwing the now profusely bleeding wound a cursory glance.

“So how much is this other stuff worth to you then boy?”

“Huh?”

“How much would you pay to get this stuff back?”

“I ain’t carryin’ any money… just that cash box and it don’t belong to me.”

“But you could get cash?”

“I guess.”

“So cowboy how about we meet up in say … Boulder, I figure that’s the nearest big town with a bank… So we’ll meet there next Saturday……No law or the deals off and you don’t show, I get to keep the box…….You turn up…well then I guess you can have your papers and the pretty locket…deal?” he asked with a wide grin.

Every fibre of Jess’s being was against making a deal with this no hoper, but hell what could he do? Even as they were talking he could feel his life blood draining from the bullet wound to his leg, the man had his gun and the only hope he had of carrying out Abby’s last wish was to comply with this arrogant bastard.

“OK,” he growled, ”you gotta a deal.”

“Good,” the rough looking man nodded, ”see you in the Nugget Saloon … noon on Saturday with …let’s say $500 and we can do some business.”

Jess swallowed hard, in your dreams he thought.

“Sure…. but keep it safe yeah?”

“I’ll, guard it with my life cowboy. I’ve got me a lot riding on this here box of yours. Ask in town for Taggart …just Taggart…that’ll find me,“ he grinned before backing off and mounting his horse, his gun still trained on Jess, he moved swiftly off. Before turning and throwing Jess’s gun on the ground… ”I figure you need a sporting chance cowboy,” he said with another broad grin, before galloping off at speed.

Jess spent the next couple of minutes cussing long and loud before finally pulling himself together and investigating the wound to his thigh.

He took his hunting knife from his boot and quickly slashed the top of his denims open, as the fastest way of treating the gaping wound and removing his bandanna tied it around the leg, before gingerly dragging himself up to get some water and clean dressings.

It was a good hour later before the wound was cleaned and dressed to his satisfaction and he sat by his fire fuming at his careless manner that had lead him to this sorry mess. But hell, he’d been sorely tried, heart sick at his friend’s death and pretty much worn out too, after sitting up talking to her until late the last few nights.

He gazed down at his leg, which was hurting like the devil, but he was thankful that the bullet had gone straight through and so once the wound was thoroughly cleaned and bound and most importantly rested awhile, he should be able to start on his tracking of Taggart. He would be more than ready for him next time he swore…more than ready!

Then he dragged himself up and limping heavily went off to find where Taggart had chucked his gun.

The next few days were to be some of the hardest in Jess’s life to date.

Sure he’d suffered before, had gun wounds, been left stranded in all kinds of weather, beaten up and left for dead…but this time it was different.

This time he had a deadline to meet and everything riding on it. His last promise to Abby…and his quest for young Joe were all dependent on him finding Taggart and the cash box. There was a certain amount of payback involved too… Jess never one to appreciate being wrong footed.

He forced himself to rest the following day, knowing that there was no way he would be able to sit a horse with the deep wound to his leg. But when the second day dawned and he felt little better he knew he would have to throw common sense to the winds and just ‘git on with it’.As he had been so often heard to say at the ranch, when Slim was begging him to take things easy, but Jess knew better.

Anyways he figured he didn’t have much choice this time. By his reckoning he had just three days left to make the long journey to Boulder and it would have been difficult in normal health… but now?All Jess could do was give it his best shot and that’s exactly what he did.

The first day he made good time covering the miles and although exhausted and feeling sick and ill by the end of the day he was also triumphant as to the mileage he had managed to cover.

Day two was worse… much worse. It dawned to grey skies and once Jess was up and ready to go the heavens opened and he was practically soaked before he could even locate his rain slicker and he spent a cold uncomfortable day in the saddle.

By day three he was pretty much ready to give up.

It was only the vision of Abby’s pinched, pale little face pleading with him to find her son that pushed him on.

Those huge violet eyes that could still make his heart miss a beat, begging him to help her.

Then her telling him how much she appreciated all he was offering to do, that kept him on track…

“The kindest sweetest man I have ever met”…...

He couldn’t let her down, he just couldn’t…or the boy either…no matter what the cost…..

He had to carry on he told himself as he dragged himself painfully back up into the saddle.

It was late afternoon by the time he finally hit town. He was feeling in a real bad way, but the Harper spirit wasn’t about to give in anytime soon.

He slid down from the saddle and tethered Traveler outside the Nugget. Pulling his hat down firmly, his eyes narrowed and dangerous; he pushed his way in through the batwing doors.

He stood surveying the motley group of early evening drinkers.

After a moment he advanced into the smoky, ill lit bar and barked, “Taggart you in here?”

At his less than friendly persona most of the barflies stood back, revealing Taggart still leaning on the bar, a whiskey in his hand and Jess’s cash box in front of him.

The big man turned with an evil grin, ”So you made it Harper…. a little late, but no matter, you got the money then?”

Jess came a little closer so that about twelve feet divided them and stood his legs apart and his hands down by his sides… the gunfighter stance quickly emptying the area around the bar.

The only sound to be heard that of chairs scraping on the floor as men took cover, to view the events from a less exposed vantage point.

“Nope I ain’t got the goddamn money and if you think I’m gonna pay you for my own property then you’re plumb crazy,” Jess spat angrily.

“What are you playin’ at Harper we had a deal,” shouted the big man turning to face Jess now and looking equally furious.

“I don’t cut deals with lowlife bushwhacking’ thieves,” Jess declared. ”Now give me my property back and I’ll try and forget I owe you a bullet in the leg.”

Taggart threw the still blood stained leg of Jess’s denims a contemptuous glance before pulling himself up to his full height and facing his adversary.

“You want it come and get it then cowboy.“

Jess stood stock still waiting for the big man to draw and a minute later he did so, but his hand was only halfway down towards his gun butt, before Jess had drawn in a split second and had his colt trained on Taggart’ s head.

“OK, now slide the box down,” he drawled, gesturing with his head for the big man to push it down the bar to him.

“And when you’ve done that take your iron out real slow and throw it down,” barked an authoritarian voice from just behind Jess and spinning around he saw an elderly Sheriff waving a shot gun in Taggart’ s direction.

“Then both you gentlemen can come over to the office and do some explaining,” he said dryly.

Sheriff Tyson was an elderly, but tough man who liked to keep a nice tidy town and not send too much business to the local undertaker…least ways the kind of business that wasn’t from natural causes anyway.

The moment the dark haired young cowboy, with the pronounced limp and murderous look in his deep blue eyes entered his office he sensed trouble.

The Sheriff quickly threw Taggart into the nearest cell and then turned his attention back to Jess.

“So you want to tell me about this boy, see iffen I can help you?”

“Well sure hope so Sheriff. You see I met up with Taggart down the trail away … left me a little keep sake,” he said gesturing to his still blood stained denims.

“Hell, so he did,” said the Sheriff looking sympathetic.

“See thing is Sheriff…err?”

“Tyson”

“Yeah, see thing is Sheriff Tyson, he took some stuff of mine and was of the opinion as to how I was gonna pay him $500 for its return.”

“He took it from you, you say, this cash box?”

Jess threw him a rueful look.

“Yup caught me napping I guess, bushwhacked me, said I could reclaim the stuff in the Nugget today. The thing is Sheriff, I intended to take him up on his offer, but no way was I thinkin’ on payin’ him…“

The old Sheriff’s face split into a wide grin at that, ”Well I can’t say as how I blame you for that son.”

Then he turned a quizzical glance on the young man, ”You know the face is familiar, what’s your name boy?”

“Harper Sheriff…Jess Harper”

“That wouldn’t be the same Jess Harper as rides posse for ol’ Mort Corey, over Laramie way? Was responsible for bringing in the Jepson Gang over this way a couple of years back?”

Jess just nodded.

“I thought I recognised you,” said the old man beaming now, ”remembered the face and the lightening draw too…. never forget a man that can draw that way, not too many of them about.”

“Yeah, well I guess it comes out real fast when it has to,” Jess agreed, but taking no pride in the matter just stating a fact.

The Sheriff shook his head in wonder, “You dang well haven’t slowed down over the years that’s for sure.”

Jess was getting a mite bored with the conversation now and gesturing over to the cells said, ”So what are you gonna do with him then Sheriff?”

“Oh don’t you worry about that boy, see you’ve done me a real good turn. Taggart there is out on parole. Now with your statement on the robbery and wounding….well that should see him a nice long stretch and out of my hair,” he said with a satisfied smile.

Once Jess had checked the contents of the box were intact and the statement signed he got up to leave and staggered a little, gasping in pain, grabbing onto the Sheriff’s desk for support.

“Are you OK son?”

Jess just nodded although he felt sick to his stomach and light headed, ”I’ll live,” he said gruffly.

“Look it isn’t any of my business, but if I were you I’d be looking in on old Doc Finny, just across the street,” said the Sheriff kindly.

For once Jess could see the sense of the suggestion.

“Yer know I think I will, thanks Sheriff.”

“So you’ll be in town a few days then?” asked the older man conversationally.

“Umm…I guess so, got me some business with Reverend James, figure it’s kinda late to go callin’ tonight, so I’ll attend Service tomorrow, catch him then.”

The Sheriff’s face clouded, “You haven’t heard then?”

Jess peered across uncomprehendingly, “Heard what Sheriff, I’ve been away for nigh on the last two weeks, ain’t seen no news papers.”

“Well I’m sorry to tell you son, but Reverend and Mrs James are both dead, killed in a tragic accident a week since.”

Jess just stared blankly trying to assimilate this new piece of information.

“Dead,” he whispered “dead, hell they can’t be…..”

Then his head shot up, “The boy Sheriff… young Joe… he’s OK ain’t he?” he cried desperately, his eyes wide with fear.

The Sheriff shook his head, thinking hard,”I think he was OK… yup sure of it…… the kid was taken to the Children’s home over in Cheyenne.”

“Cheyenne?”

“Yup, their Minister was sick and so our Reverend James was covering for him, took the whole family. Then there was this tremendous lightning storm, spooked the horses and the buckboard overturned, killing the Minister and his wife… but the boy was thrown clear…. “

“Thank God,” Jess whispered.

“A lovely looking boy, with that white blond hair and blue… no more violet eyes……real unusual. Well-mannered and polite too… guess that’s real unusual for the kids around here,” he finished with a weak smile.

“Why has he been taken to that godforsaken place?” asked Jess angrily, ”Couldn’t one of his friend’s parents take him in?”

The Sheriff shook his head sadly, “I guess they would have done if they could, he’s a real popular boy, but the fact is folks around here haven’t got two nickels to rub together Jess. You know the way the ranchers suffered after last year’s drought, they just can’t afford to feed their own kin half the time never mind taking on another mouth to feed.”

Jess knew the truth of it…”Sure I know,” he muttered.

“So what’s so bad about the Children’s home then?“

“How long have you got?” asked Jess looking pained. ”Trust me that place is pure evil and that goes for the smarmy Superintendent Horace Bell and the woman that runs the place ol’ Ma Bevan…..”

The Sheriff shook his head sadly, “Out of my jurisdiction I’m sorry son. So what’s your interest in the boy, family friend are you?”

“Kinda,” he sighed deeply…..”I was a friend of his Ma. His birth Ma that is, Abby Jackson…. She died a few days ago,” he said bleakly, swallowing hard and looking down.

“Well, I’m sorry about that son, real sorry.”

“Yup…. well I promised her I’d get these things to him,” he said gesturing to the box. ”Letters, a likeness of his Ma and Pa and some money to set him up… pay fer his schoolin’ and such …” he finished sadly.

“Well that’s right neighbourly of you Jess and you be sure to send my best to the boy…. Gee I’d have taken him in myself iffen I was a mite younger,” he said with a tired smile.

“Thanks Sheriff, for everything,” he said shaking the Sheriff’s hand warmly.

Jess made his way painfully over to Doc Finny’s office and that was where he was to stay for the next couple of days.

On the morning of the third day he insisted on discharging himself.

“Well…. be it on your own head young man…. I really can’t see what is so urgent that you are happy to put your health at risk….but if you insist.”

“Heck Doc, I ain’t happy about it but I don’t have no choice. I need to go see young Joe James over at the Cheyenne Home, try and help him some……..spring him maybe,” he said with an ironic smile.

“I see your dilemma young man,” the doc said his attitude softening slightly.

“I have heard some bad tales of that place, but that Superintendent Bell is very smart and always seems to have an answer for everything whenever he’s challenged.”

“Umm… well he better be treatin’ young Joe well or he’ll be gettin’ the kinda ‘challenge’, he won’t have an answer to,” Jess said flexing his fist angrily.

The doctor merely grinned at that but forbade to answer not wishing to appear unprofessional.

“So just rest the limb as often as you can and get my colleague Doctor Baker to check it when you get home to Laramie,” he said before finally bidding the young cowboy farewell.

Chapter 4

Jess rode into the yard of the tall ugly brick building that was the Cheyenne Orphanage at noon a few days later, having had to take the journey slowly as he was still recovering from the nasty infection in his leg.

He hitched Traveler to a handy post and glanced up at the dark ominous looking building and then turned his gaze to the muddy yard where a few dispirited looking chickens pecked at what meagre spoils they could find.

“Well I hope you feed the kids better than those sorry critters,” he muttered to himself as he strode across the yard and hammered on the heavy grey door.

After what seemed like ages it was eventually hauled open by a simple looking girl of about seventeen wearing an old sack tied about her waist. It was liberally splattered with what looked like vomit, but on closer inspection seemed to be soup and various other pieces of rank food.

“Yeah?” she asked looking vacantly at Jess.

“I want to see the Superintendent, Mister Bell please Miss,” he said politely, tipping his hat to her.

“Ain’t here,” she muttered and began to close the door.

Jess sighed deeply and placing a boot neatly in the way said more firmly, ”I’ve come a real long way and I aim to see whoever is running this… place, you understand?”

Just then someone called from within, ”Whoever it is just get rid of them you stupid girl and get back to the kitchen.”

Jess took advantage of the fact that the girl glanced towards the disembodied voice behind her, and he slipped into the hallway closing the door quietly.

“Go on then,” he said gesturing to an open door where a stove could be seen with various pots and pans bubbling away, ”git to it.”

The girl threw him a startled look before dashing away leaving Jess to look about him.

Several doors led off the vast hallway and after a moment he noticed one was slightly ajar and wandering over peeked inside.

The room contained a long heavy table around which sat roughly a dozen children ranging in age from about three to fourteen, all of them looking balefully down at plates containing some kind of grey mush, that looked like something the cat had brought up Jess thought.

The next thing he noted was that they all looked filthy dirty, with grubby hands and faces and their clothes virtually rags, soiled and torn. He felt his heart begin to beat faster and his stomach churn, what in hell was this place….?

Then he was suddenly aware that all the children were sitting in totally unnatural silence and all that could be heard were the pitiful cries of a young baby coming from somewhere upstairs.

That was the last straw and he was just about at the jumping off place now. Throwing the door open wide he marched in to confront old Ma Bevan who was seated at the head of the table.

There was nothing in front of her except a thick brutal looking cane, her fingers drumming idly on the table close to it, as though just waiting for one of the children to step out of line so that she could put it to good use.

However at the sudden intrusion her head shot up, “Why Mister Harper,” she said pinning a false smile on her face, “to what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”

Jess ignored her and reaching out pushed at the nearest bowl roughly,”I see you’re still serving the same pig swill.”

“Porridge is a perfectly healthy diet I think you will find Mister Harper,” she said primly, “little stomachs shouldn’t be overloaded at midday.”

“Not much chance of that,” Jess muttered looking at the meagre helpings.

She ignored his comments and said, ”So what can I do for you?” the smile getting rather strained.

Jess just looked around the sea of small faces now turned hopefully upon him, enjoying this unusual spectacle immensely.

“Ain’t you ever heard of soap and water,” he spat turning back to the fat middle aged woman. “These kids are filthy…an’ why are they wearin’ rags? I know for a fact that Miss Daisy Cooper and the Laramie Women’s sewin’ group send clothes over regular.”

“Oh yes, of course,” she replied throwing Jess what she imagined was a winsome smile, “So very kind and we keep them for best don’t we children?”

The children jumped at that and turned puzzled eyes on their Matron.

“Don’t we children?” she said more loudly, fingering the cane.

“Yes Mrs Bevan, Ma’am,” came the singsong reply, obviously having been well rehearsed and no doubt beaten into them Jess thought resentfully.

Since he entered the room he had been scanning the children’s faces looking for Joe, but there were only a couple of boys around his age and neither seemed to fit the description the Sheriff over in Boulder had given him.

“Can we talk Ma’am?” he asked gruffly.

“Why we are aren’t we Mister Harper?” she replied throwing him an arch look.

“Outside, in your office,” he said leaning forwards and taking her arm so that she had little choice.

She hauled her bulk up from the chair, “Well really, I don’t know why we need to …..“

“Believe me we need to,” he said icily.

“Silence children and stay seated until I return,” and with one last glance at the cane, followed by a steely scan of the room she followed Jess out.

“So why do we have to go to my office?” she complained again.

“Because I just might have to use language that ain’t suitable for little ears,” he said pleasantly, his expression anything but pleasant.

Once they were settled Jess got straight to the point.

“I’m here to see Joe James, the adopted son of the late Reverend and Mrs James.”

Her florid face flushed up even more, ”Well I’m sorry Mister Harper, but the boy isn’t here…. not with us any longer.”

Jess’s head shot up and his eyes widened in shock, “What do ya mean he ain’t here anymore…where in Hell is he?”

“Gone… left…..taken off,” she uttered sharply, ”I really couldn’t say, the child was very difficult. He kept whining on that he wanted to attend his parents funeral and then when we wouldn’t let him… he kept going on and on as to how he wanted to visit the grave and I …

“What!” exploded Jess…“You didn’t let the kid attend his parent’s funeral?”

“Adopted parents, hardly the same thing and anyway it isn’t good for young minds to be exposed to all that…sort of thing.”

“So what sort of thing would that be then Ma’am?” asked Jess sarcastically. “Like saying goodbye, offerin’ up prayers, bein’ with folk that knew him and could have given him some kinda comfort? Bein’ in a Church again, Hell his Pa was a Minister and you didn’t let the boy go an’ pay his last respects what kind of people are you!“

“Look I’ve explained, I really didn’t have the staff to accompany the child and he was so impatient that he just lit out to go by himself.”

“You let him go by himself!Hell the kids only just turned 13 and you let him go off alone, it’s over 10 miles to town and the burial ground…..surely one of the older kids could have taken him or even that girl in the kitchen….”

“I didn’t say I let him Mister Harper I said he went.”

“When…..how long ago, this morning?”

“No…….a couple of days ago.”

“What… well what have you dang well done to find him?”

“Nothing, I told you I’m short staffed. Mister Bell is away on business and I only have that simple girl in the kitchen to help out.”

“Dang it surely you could have sent a message to town the Stage goes past your gate!”

Just then there was a tap at the door and the kitchen girl entered bearing a tray with a large plate groaning with food, beef steak, taters and gravy, all washed down with a pint glass of strong ale.

“Now if you will excuse me, I need to take my lunch……“

Jess just stared down a look of incredulity on his face as he compared this feast with the scraps the children had been given, and for once words failed him.

He stood up, ”OK I’m goin’ but this ain’t the last of this Mrs Bevan, if anything has happened to that boy….. “

“He just upped and ran away I can’t help that!”

“Sure you can its yer duty ain’t it…what yer paid for, to keep these young ‘uns safe and well cared for? Well I figure you ain’t doin’ either,” he said as he marched out of the room.

He was all set to leave when he again heard that terrible haunting cry coming from above, a child in great distress. Without pausing he ran up the stairs following the dreadful sound.

At the top, a door stood open and he ran in, past a line of neatly made beds and hurried to the end where a small baby lay in a crib, her cries sounding more and more distressed the closer he got.

He reached the crib and stood looking down at a tiny, filthy, red faced infant, the stench of urine coming from the bed almost enough to make him heave.

Steeling himself he picked up the child who looked up into his face and gave a final shuddering sob, now completely spent.

He looked down at the filthy, stinking cot, where the baby had been left to lie in her own mess, for what looked like days and he felt a wave of nausea threaten to overwhelm him. How could anyone do this to an innocent little baby?

Then he heard a sound behind him and Mrs Bevan and the kitchen girl were standing there looking terrified as they saw the raw pain and fury in his eyes.

“How could you?” he whispered, “Goddamn you…how could you do this?”

Then behind them he saw one of the older girls……maybe thirteen or fourteen.

“I’m sorry Mister,” she whispered, ”I tried to help her…..”

“It’s OK honey,” he said softly, “here, take her down stairs and clean her up some will you?“

She nodded and flinching slightly at the bitter look Mrs Bevan threw her she took the child from Jess’s arms and ran from the room with her.

Jess took out his timepiece and reckoned there should be a Stage due past shortly. Not even daring to look at Ma Bevan lest his temper made him do something he might live to regret, he left the room and marched outside. He strode down the drive to the horse trough, where he knew Mose usually stopped to give the horses a welcome break, and stood waiting impatiently.

When the Stage hauled to, a little while later Mose was astonished to see Jess leaning against the gate waiting for him.

“Heck boy what are you doin’ in these parts I thought you were off up the mountain visitin’ that saucy friend of yours …err… Miss Abby? So what brings you here? Thinkin’ of adopting another one are you?”

“Nope nuthin’ like that Mose… but I really need yer help?”

“Sure boy, you know you only need ask.”

“Thanks, well can you tell Sheriff Masters as how I need him out here pronto? And Mose I need some of the Women’s Group too…. iffen Millie’s Ma is better maybe she’d come out….or one or two of her friends?”

“Sure boy I’ll tell ‘em… so more problems up at the Orphanage huh? I thought you and Slim sorted that Horace Bell out once before, over all that business with Miss Daisy’s niece’s baby?” (See Baby Trouble!)

“Seems not well enough…..thanks Mose.”

Jess stayed at the Home until the following morning when suddenly the place was overrun with some of the good folk from Cheyenne including Mrs Peggy Johnson, Millie’s Mother.

When she was handed down from a buckboard by Jess she gave a little cry of delight.

“Why Jess dear it’s so good to see you, it seems so long…..”

“Yeah, must be last Thanksgiving,” he agreed with a smile….”so are you all well again?”

“Yes my dear fit as a flea and here with some of my Women’s Group, Martha, Jenny and Mary all here to help.”

Jess explained what the problem was and the women were completely incensed with the situation. In fact could barely restrain themselves from attacking Ma Bevan as she boarded the buckboard on her journey back to town.

Sheriff Doug Masters was an old and trusted friend of Jess’s, going way back to their roles in the Confederacy in the civil war. He wasted no time in arriving at Jess’s behest and had taken one look at the situation and agreed to register charges against Mrs Bevan and Mister Bell at once.

“In the meantime if Mrs Johnson and her friends are willing to care for the children I’ll put steps into place to find good, trustworthy guardians for the Orphanage and I figure I know just the right couple,” he promised.

Jess was relieved, but still sorely troubled regarding young Joe and when the Sheriff confessed he hadn’t had any sighting of the boy, Jess was even more distraught.

Doug Masters knew of the relationship between Abby and Jess and realized how important the mission was to him.

“Look I’ve got to deal with Ma Bevan right now. But come into town as soon as you like and we’ll get some posters out and do a good check of all the likely places, don’t fret buddy, we’ll find him if he’s there.”

Jess looked over at the handsome dark haired Sheriff and felt a warm glow of gratitude.

“Thanks Doug I appreciate that, seems like I’ve been on this dang quest forever. I just need to find the boy and carry out Abby’s last wishes, make sure he’s got someplace safe to stay too,” he said peering up at the imposing edifice of the orphanage from their vantage point in the yard.

“Yeah, well as I say, what with your statement and one or two of the older kids, plus what I’ve seen today I figure we’ve got us enough evidence to have Bevan and Bell dismissed. Also charged with child cruelty…and I’ll make dang sure their replacements toe the line and treat these kids the way they deserve,” he finished bitterly.

Jess rode out shortly afterwards and made straight for the Cheyenne graveyard, just outside town.

He dismounted and hitching Traveler to the lychgate made his way into the sacred grounds.

It didn’t take him long to spy the newly dug grave and he wandered over. Removing his hat knelt by the graveside, his head dipped in silent prayer for a few minutes.

He surveyed the raw earth covering the last resting places of Reverend and Mrs James and saw a dash of colour, then looking more closely saw a small nosegay of early spring wild flowers. He was just rising to leave when something else caught his attention, attached to the flowers was a scrap of paper blowing in the bitter wind gusting through the graveyard.

Jess turned the collar of his jacket up before reaching across the grave and picking up the flowers and that’s when he saw it…….

Scrawled in bright crayon on the paper were the words,’ R.I.P Ma and Pa……‘

“He’s been here…. thank God,” he sighed; the relief almost making him feel dizzy. The boy had been there…..but where was he now?

Jess stood surveying the bleak cold spot. The walled graveyard was set on a small hill with nothing surrounding it but open plains, with views to the distant mountains. No caves, or brushwood, no place where a youngster could find a safe resting place, or build a camp, and his heart plummeted as he sadly returned to his horse and made for town, just a brief ride away.

He booked into Ma Johnson’s Boarding House which was being run by her sister-in-law. She had moved up from Texas to help Peggy out after her recent illness and she made Jess very welcome knowing him well through previous visits.

“So does Millie know her favourite aunt’s in town?” he asked playfully.

“She sure does Honey, in fact you’ve only missed her by a whisker she took the Stage back to Laramie just a couple of days ago.”

Jess felt his heart stand still, Hell iffen he’d been missing her before when they were all snowed in back at the ranch, well that was nothing to how he was feeling right then. So near…and yet so far…God he wanted her something fierce.

“You’re face…… oh Jess dear I am sorry. I can tell you’re upset, but you’ll be home shortly won’t you… maybe visit her on your way back to the ranch?”

“Yes Ma’am, just as soon as my business is settled here.”

“Umm…. Mose told us about the terrible things that you uncovered at the orphanage and so of course dear Peggy offered to help at once. And I’m so sorry that young Joe is missing,” she said added sorrowfully.

He just shook his head sadly, ”I sure don’t blame him runnin’ off, how could they treat those poor kids that way?”

Chapter 5

Once he was settled into the Boarding House, he left for the saloon, figuring that early evening usually found the Sheriff in there, having a quick drink at the end of a long day and he wasn’t disappointed.

The middle aged Sheriff beamed at Jess as he joined him at the bar and he called for another couple of beers.

“So have you found out anything?” Doug asked.

“Yeah, he’s visited the grave at least, left some flowers, still quite fresh too.”

“Well I guess that’s something, don’t fret buddy we’ll scour the town at first light. He doesn’t have a horse and someone would have picked up a kid afoot out on the road alone. So I figure he’s found someplace in town to lie low, guess he thinks ol’ Ma Bevan will be searching for him.”

Jess just gave a derogatory grunt at that notion, “Fat chance,” he muttered, and tipped back his beer, before calling for another round.

Much later it was two quite merry friends who eventually made their unsteady way home down Main Street. The Sheriff, having decided to bunk down in an empty cell, rather than face the wrath of a wife awoken from her beauty sleep in the middle of the night.

“I’ll just tell her I’ve been working a night shift helping out that Jess Harper,” he said grinning at his buddy.

“Hell, don’t tell her that Doug. I’m still in bad with your Jenny after our last night on the town…when you told her we were riding posse, she didn’t believe you then and I doubt she will now.”

“Uh… you may have a point there Jess. I figure I’ll sleep on it….and maybe leave your name out of things. She seems to think you’re a bad inflo… influ…influence,” he finally managed with a hiccup.

Jess slapped him on the back, “Night Doug, sleep well,” and he wandered off to the guesthouse, where Annie Johnson had prudently provided him with a pass key, knowing Jess’s nocturnal habits of old.

He slept deeply and awoke at first light with a raging thirst and thick head. Staggering from bed he poured a glass of cold water from the pitcher on the nightstand and stood looking pensively out of the window at the deserted early morning street as he drank it.

The night before he had been wracking his brains as to where a youngster alone in a strange town would bunk down?

He had already checked the stable hay loft and all the usual places the night before and now as he stood, shivering slightly in the early morning chill a thought suddenly struck him.

Of course garl darn it, where would a Minister’s son go for sanctuary……but the local church.

Jess knew the place was not in current use as Reverend Peters was still in his sickbed, but he also knew that the church was never locked up, allowing for folks to enter for private prayer.

He dressed quickly and made his way silently down the stairs and out of the guesthouse and turning left made his way swiftly down the street to the large church set on the edge of town.

It was still real early with few folk about, the sun just rising, but doing little to warm Jess’s back as he strode purposefully along.

He paused outside the stately building for a moment praying fervently that his hunch was correct before swinging the heavy door open.

The building was huge and quite old, having been one of the first structures to be built when the town was established. Now Jess stood staring down the long aisle towards the Altar. Early morning sunlight was streaming in through the east window, casting long sunbeams across the otherwise dimly lit space.

It was bitterly cold and held that deep, almost resonating, silence so often associated with places of worship.

He stood stock still breathing in the cold air and absorbing the feeling of peace, seemingly emanating from the hallowed walls, as he looked around him.

Then his eyes finally rested on something. A figure was curled up on the front pew, partially covered with an old blanket. Then a moment later a thatch of white blond hair was illuminated by a shaft of sunlight, shining in through the stained glass window.

Jess sucked in a deep breath and then silently made his way down the aisle, until he was able to stare down at the diminutive sleeping figure, the gentle sweep of long lashes casting a shadow on the deathly pale young countenance.

For one heart stopping moment Jess thought the child was dead……. Then he moved a little, almost as though he were aware of the cowboy’s scrutiny. His lashes flickered and his eyes opened wide as he stared up at Jess with Abby’s beautiful violet eyes.

After a second he sat up, quickly pulling the threadbare blanket more closely around him.

“Don’t be mad at me Mister,” he whispered,”I didn’t mean any harm sleeping in here, really I didn’t.”

Jess suddenly realized that the look of fear on his face, when he fleetingly thought the boy was dead, must have been misread as anger.

He quickly hunkered down by the child, ”Heck I ain’t mad at you Joe, just worried about you ‘tis all.”

The child looked puzzled, ”You know my name?”

“Sure I do an’ I’ve been looking for you boy, been real worried too.”

“You’re not from that Home are you?” the youngster gasped suddenly looking suspicious and shrinking back away from Jess.

“Jeez no… I sure ain’t,” he said grinning down at the youngster.

“Look I’m a real good friend of the Sheriff and right about now he’ll be putting the coffee on. So how about you an’ me mosey on down to his office and he’ll be able to vouch for me, say as to how you’re safe with me… is that OK?”

The youngster paused for a minute looking into the deep blue, sincere eyes and had a gut feeling that he would indeed be safe with this kind dark haired cowboy.

“Yeah… I guess so, and I figure a cup of coffee would be real welcome sir…. it gets kind of chilly in here at night.”

Jess beamed down at the boy and ruffled his hair, ”That’s more like it, an’ you can call me Jess, Jess Harper’s the name.”

“Hello, Jess,” the youngster said looking serious and offering a small hand, ”and you can call me Joey… Joey James.”

Jess took the firm little hand and shook it warmly, “Well good ta know you Joey,” and the two made their way down the aisle and off to Sheriff Master’s office.

When they arrived in the office Jess wasn’t surprised to see Doug sitting at his desk and sipping a coffee like his life depended on it, looking pale and bleary eyed. However he soon perked up when he saw the diminutive figure of young Joe James enter the office alongside his buddy.

“Mornin’ Jess, so I see you found our runaway then?” he asked giving the youngster a friendly wink.

“Sure did,” Jess drawled, ”and he’s mighty chilly, you got some of that coffee you could spare us?”

“Help yourself, so how are you feeling today then Jess?”

“OK I guess,” Jess said pouring out two cups of coffee and adding a generous amount of cream and sugar to young Joe’s.

“Well there isn’t any justice,” said Doug groaning, “there’s you looking fit as a butcher’s dog and me with the daddy of all hang overs and a vexed wife to deal with when I get home later too.”

“Umm, you’re right, it sure is a cruel old world,” Jess agreed with a smirk, and then cast a glance over to Joe who was quietly sipping his coffee and looking small and forlorn.

“So Sheriff this here is Joe and I need yer to tell the boy as how I’ll be lookin’ out for him until we get that sorry excuse for an orphanage sorted out, tell him I’ll keep him safe yeah?”

“Why sure,” and the Sheriff hauled himself up out of his chair with an effort. He made his way over to where the lad was perched on a stool by the stove as Jess had suggested he stay there until he was thawed out some.

“Pleased to meet you boy,” said Doug offering a hand, “and I’m real sorry for all your troubles.”

“Thank you sir,” said the child politely shaking the Sheriff’s hand.

“So seeing as how you don’t have any kin I think you’ll be just fine with Jess here for the immediate future until we can get you somewhere to stay. I figure Jess is the best person to look after you right now, seeing as how he was a good friend of your Ma…. your birth Ma that is,” he finished looking slightly embarrassed…. “You do know about all that boy? The fact that you were adopted and everything?”

The child nodded, ”Sure I do Sheriff, Ma and Pa told me all about this real beautiful lady ,Miss Abby, who was my first Ma and how she had me before she could marry my Pa.”

“He was a soldier you know,” he said animatedly, turning to Jess, his eyes glowing with pride, ”real brave and handsome he was,” and then more soberly, ”He was killed in the war…else he’d have married my Ma and they’d have kept me, that’s what my Pa said anyways.”

Jess nodded and wandering over patted the boy on the shoulder kindly.

“Your Pa was right they would have been married and loved you something fierce, I know that for a fact.”

“You do?” the boy asked his head shooting up to look at this kind stranger.

“Sure I do,” Jess said softly, ”because I was with your Ma just a few days ago. Just before she died boy, she said to tell you, even though she had to give you up, she never stopped lovin’ you…never. She asked me to tell you that particular….. “

The child looked up in wonder and then the full force of what Jess had just said hit home….”Dead you say……. she’s dead?“

Jess just nodded mutely, cursing himself for being so insensitive in breaking the news so badly. Then after a moment, said”I’m sorry Joey, I was real fond of yer Ma, she was a good friend and I’m just so sorry…..”

At that the youngster was unable to control his feelings and falling into Jess’s comforting arms cried wretchedly as the young cowboy just held him close waiting for the emotional storm to pass.

After a few minutes he finally pulled himself together and drawing away from Jess’s embrace wiped his eyes on his sleeve and sniffing whispered, ”I’m sorry……. you must think I’m a real baby.”

Jess just shook his head, ”Nah,” he said softly, ”that’s the last thing I think and there ain’t nuthin’ wrong with bein’ upset when you lose someone. I guess I shed a tear myself after your Ma passed over, iffen I’m honest.”

“You did?” asked the youngster looking up into the deep blue eyes.

Jess just nodded, ”Havin’ feelings don’t make you any less a man son, ain’t nuthin’ to be ashamed of……don’ t you forget that huh?“

Then he turned to Doug Masters, “I figure I’ll take the boy over to the guesthouse, Ma Johnson’s sister-in-law Annie, will look out for him and I reckon he could do with feeding up some,” he said throwing the child and encouraging smile.

Once he was fed and cleaned up some, Jess figured he needed to share Abby’s letters and the other contents of the cash box with the child, knowing there would never be a right time. Maybe he would even get some comfort from reading his dead Ma’s letters, knowing that he had never been far from her thoughts.

He took Joey up to Millie’s room, which he had been moved to as the Boarding House was now full, and noted that Annie Johnson had kindly put a cot in there for the youngster to bed down on as well.

“Will you be OK on that?” asked Jess gesturing to the low bed.

The youngster nodded, ”Sure, beats that cold old church,” he said with a grin.

Millie’s room was large and at the back of the house and as well as her bed and dressing table, there was an old couch, now pulled up in front of a crackling fire.

The boy looked around him appreciatively, ”It’s real nice in here,” he said, “So who’s Millie?”

Jess looked around him as well, at her fripperies dotted about the place and a pretty dress lying across the screen in the corner. The whole room filled with the light scent she used and his heart ached for her, but then he pulled himself together and answered the child.

“The owner’s daughter……and my girl too, but she don’t live here she just uses this place when she’s stayin’ with her Ma…..she’s back in Laramie right now,“ he finished regretfully.

The child seemed to pick up on this, “So you live in Laramie too?”

“Yup, I’m a partner in a ranch and relay.”

The child absorbed this snippet of information and then sank down on the couch with a sigh.

“Guess you’ll be going home soon then, to your girlfriend and work and everything?”

Jess saw the look of misery in the boy’s eyes and then cast the youngster a sympathetic look.

“Heck no, I told the Sheriff I was gonna look out for you until we can get some decent folk up at the orphanage and I meant it….” then, quietly to himself, ”unless…….”

“Unless what Jess?” asked the youngster brightening.

“Err… nothing son, just an idea I’ve got. I’ll tell you when I’ve thought it through……… in the meantime I’ve got somethin’ to show you,“ and he fetched the cash-box.

“Your Ma saved up over the years and this is for you. I figure she thought you could use it iffen you wanted to go to college when you’re older…. or the like,” he said passing over the envelope containing the wad of notes.

“Gee,” whispered the child, looking on more money than he’d seen in his short life.

“And no squanderin’ it all on candy and comics,” he said grinning at the boy.

“Oh no sir I wouldn’t do that,” he replied seriously.

“Hey champ I was only kiddin’ yer,“ Jess smiled giving the boy a gentle punch to the arm.

The child brightened at that, aware he was having his leg pulled and then looked questioningly at the cash-box on the couch between them.

Next Jess pulled out the locket and snapped it open passing it over so that Joey could have the first glimpse of his real Ma and Pa.

He just sat there for several minutes before raising his eyes to Jess…..seemly speechless.

Then after a moment his eyes brimmed with tears again.

“Pa was right… my birth Pa was real handsome and Ma very beautiful,” he finally managed……“tell me about them Jess… please tell me all about them…..”

“Well I’m afraid I never met your Pa Joey, but sure I can tell you about yer Ma…”

The two sat on for over an hour, Joey sometimes crying and other times laughing delightedly as Jess described the young girl he had fallen in love with at just ten years of age. Then, he gave an edited version of her life, skating over some of the less than perfect times but by no means painting the picture of an angel, just the bubbly, kind, larger than life personality that had been Abby.

Finally he passed the letters over for the child to read in privacy whilst he went out for an hour or so.

“Remember,” he said as he paused by the door before leaving,” your Ma told me I was to be real sure and tell you that she never stopped lovin’ you and thought about you every day of her life and those letters prove it I guess.”

“Thanks for telling me Jess…..and for everything,” the child said and getting up he ran over and gave his new friend an impulsive hug….

“I really appreciate all you’ve done to help me.”

Jess felt moved by this unexpected display of affection, poor little tyke he thought, and ruffled the boy’s hair.

“Yer welcome,” he said softly, “now wash up and then bed down, it’s getting’ kinda late. You can read the letters in bed and I’ll be back in an hour or so….OK?”

The youngster nodded and went off obediently to do as he was bid.

Chapter 6

Jess wandered down the street and seeing the lamp still lit in Doug’s office he opened the door popping his head around, “Safe to come in?”

“Huh…well why wouldn’t it be?”

“Thought Jenny might be here gunning for me,” he chuckled as he came in making for the coffee pot.

Doug grinned, ”Nope my dear wife has no idea of what transpired between me and those ol’ jugs of beer last night, or the part you played in things, I just said I was working real hard and she was sweet as a nut.”

Jess shook his head, “Get away with murder you do buddy.”

“So got the youngster sorted out then?”

“Yeah…. he’s a great kid you know Doug and real brave too, considerin’ all he’s been through.”

“Umm, he sure has had to deal with a lot, poor little beggar. So what are you going to do with him Jess… got room for one more at your place?”

Jess’s expressive eyebrows shot up at that.

“Now hang on here Doug I said he was a great kid, not that I was gonna take him home with me. Hell me an’ Slim have gotten our work cut out with young Mike without addin’ to the brood.”

“Well of course if you and Miss Millie got hitched…well…ready-made family there for you Jess.”

“Doug will you git out of here,” Jess laughed, playfully clipping his buddy around the head.

They settled down around Doug’s desk sipping their coffee.

“So what are you going to do with him, send him back to the Home? I could have the new staff in by next week, lovely young couple, should give those kids the care they deserve.”

“Gee that was quick work.”

“Umm, well they’ve been keen to take over for awhile, moved here from back East where they did similar work, but with old Bell and Ma Bevan ruling the roost we couldn’t offer them the post.”

“And now?“

“Now Ma Bevan is facing a jail sentence for child cruelty and Bell seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. I figure he’s got wind of what’s happened and he’s taken off rather than face charges himself.”

“So where is the old battle axe?” asked Jess casting a glance towards the cells.

“Huh… Oh, the council met up and decided I should let her out on bail until the trial. She’s staying at the Mayor’s sister-in-law’s house, should be safe enough there.”

“Umm… well you just keep her out of my way, after what she did to that baby……” and he sighed expressively, shaking his head sadly.

Doug nodded looking down, “Nasty business,” he agreed.

Then after awhile, ”So young Joey, you got any ideas as to where he could be placed if not the orphanage?”

“Yeah, I have actually, thought I might try and trace his grandparents.”

“Well that’s kind of a long shot isn’t it Jess?”

“I dunno, seems they’re from around these parts according to Abby. They moved here shortly after their son copped it in the war…. Joey’s Pa that is, name of Ben Rivers.”

“Umm….. Rivers… Rivers, heck you don’t mean Jacob and Martha do you?”

“Err… yeah I think that’s what Abby said, so you know them? “

“No…well not really nobody does around here, they keep themselves pretty much to themselves. They shop in town once a month and that’s it. He doesn’t drink in the saloon and she never goes to the women’s clubs or church even. Met ‘em once or twice, nice enough folk, but don’t take too well to strangers Jess. You’ll hardly get a warm welcome at the Rivers’ place.

“Yeah well I ain’t lookin’ for a popularity vote, but I figure they’ll hear me out once they know why I’m callin’.”

“So tell me why haven’t they come forward to take the boy in before this? Surely they could have taken him on when he was born, they would have been young enough, still only early fifties now.”

“Because they didn’t know of his existence Doug, that’s why…still don’t.”

Doug’s jaw dropped at that… “The hell they don’t?”

“And… I guess it’s up to me to tell ‘em,” Jess concluded looking less than happy at the prospect.

“Well good luck buddy ‘because you’re sure gonna need it,” the Sheriff replied succinctly.

*******

Jess left for the Rivers spread after breakfast the next day.

“Got me some business to attend to,” he had told Joey, “you make yourself useful around here boy iffen Mrs Johnson needs some help with the chores huh?”

“Sure I will Jess,” the child said happily, just glad to be in a warm friendly environment again after his traumatic time in the orphanage.

Jess rode out of town heading east, following the instructions given him by Doug to the isolated ranch.

On arrival he opened the yard gate and was heading towards the main house, leading Traveler when a shot stopped him in his tracks, the bullet whistling past his left ear.

Jess instinctively dived and drew his gun, but didn’t return the fire when a grey haired bearded man strode forwards, his rifle aimed at Jess’s head…..

”We don’t take kindly to strangers Mister, get back up on your horse and ride out.”

“Now hang on a doggone minute here!”

“No more to be said Mister are you deaf?”

“No more to be said?” muttered Jess staggering up and brushing himself down with his hat before turning angry blue eyes on the older man.

“Look my name’s Jess Harper and I’m here to discuss some business with you Mister Rivers, now will you put that gun away you’re makin’ me kinda nervous. “

“Well that’s what I aim to do boy…. I don’t know you and I haven’t got any business to discuss with you, so hightail it off my land before I part your hair with this,” he said raising the rifle again.

Jess stood his ground, ”Well I’ve sure got business to discuss with you…regarding your grandson.”

Rivers lowered his rifle, looking bewildered, ”What the hell are you on about? I haven’t got a grandson, my only boy is dead…..been dead since the dang war,” he said bitterly.

Jess took advantage of the lowered rifle and advanced, ”I’m telling you, your Ben fathered a boy with Abby Jackson, now do you wanna hear about him or not?”

Just then a refined looking woman with grey hair up in a sophisticated style and wearing a fashionable deep blue dress pushed past her husband and stood staring at Jess.

”Yes I do young man,” she said firmly, ”please come in and take no notice of my Jacob, he means no harm.”

Jess moved warily forwards.

“Well I sure wouldn’t like to see him iffen he did Ma’am,” he said with a grim smile, touching his hat to Ma Rivers.

They entered a large comfortable room with a fire crackling in the grate and a huge leather couch and matching chairs pulled up before the stone fireplace.

“Please Mister Harper sit and tell me what this is all about?” said the elegant lady.

Jess’s gaze flickered to where Mister Rivers had joined them but he now cast Jess a rueful look.

“Sorry about that son, as I say we don’t set a lot of store by strangers…have our reasons,” he finished gruffly.

Jess just nodded and then turned his attention back to Ma Rivers.

“See it’s this way Ma’am, I’m an old friend of Abby Jackson… well Mason as she was….”

“Yes I heard our boy’s intended took off with another man a year or so after Ben was killed…. can’t blame her for that… you can’t grieve for a lifetime……although some do,” she said flicking a baleful glance towards her husband, who was now busying himself throwing another log on the fire.

“Took it really badly my Jacob,” she whispered to Jess confidentially. “Me too I guess…. but life goes on and I sometimes feel we would be better off mixing again, but Jacob just can’t.You see just meeting a nice young man like you reminds him of our Ben and he just can’t bear it…..that’s why the shotgun……. why we are so isolated.”

“What are you whispering about over there woman?” asked Jacob tersely.

Then turning to Jess, ”Come along then boy speak up what are all these lies about some grandson?”

“No lies Mister Rivers,” said Jess and pulling the birth certificate from his vest pocket passed it across.

The older man’s expression changed from anger to disbelieve and then deep shock as he passed it over to his wife.

He sat down quickly on an armchair and looked over to where Jess and Martha were seated on the couch.

“So it’s true,” he whispered.

Martha Rivers stared at the certificate too her expression guarded as though she could not let herself believe what she considered to be wonderful news.

“Why…?” she cried after a moment.

“Why didn’t Ben tell us…..we could have helped look after the child…. poor dear Abby must have had to bear this alone without Ben to support her?”

“He didn’t know,” said Jess, ”Abby found out just before he was due home. When he… well when he didn’t make it back she decided not to tell anyone…that is her folks decided on that, made her give the child up for adoption too.”

“Oh my,” whispered Martha, “the poor, poor girl.”

Jess nodded, ”It nearly broke her heart I guess, but her folks insisted and she wasn’t much more than a kid herself, guess she didn’t have any choice.”

“So the boy was adopted you say?” asked Jacob.

“Yup,” and Jess passed over the adoption certificate which Jacob read carefully.

“Reverend James…… heck not the Reverend that had that terrible accident a little while back on the Cheyenne Road?”

“You remember Martha,” he continued, “we read about it in the paper…. The buggy tipped and the Minister and his wife were killed outright…..But the boy was fine. I remember you saying thank God the child is alive and well…..and that is our grandson you’re telling us Mister Harper?”

Jess nodded, ”Yes that was Joey, he was in the orphanage, but there were a few problems and I have custardy of the boy at the moment.”

“So where do you fit into all this then Mister Harper?” asked Jacob looking puzzled.

“Well you see sir, like I said, Abby was a very old friend and when she was sick she asked me to visit, bring some stuff over for the boy, money, some letters and a locket with her likeness…. and that of Ben. She wanted me to explain to the boy as to how she always loved him and give him the things.”

“Well that’s really kind of you my dear,” said Martha warming to this handsome polite young man.

“Yeah, well like I say we go back a long way and that’s what friends do ain’t it Ma’am.”

She nodded, ”Poor Abby I’m sorry she’s been sick, but do you think she might have the boy back now? After all her parents are long dead and she is the boy’s mother…. Maybe she would come and visit with him?” she suggested her old face lighting up with pleasure at the thought.

Jess just stared at her in dismay for a moment before pulling himself together.

“I’m sorry Ma’am, I guess I didn’t make myself clear…see Abby wasn’t just sick…..she was dying. That’s why she needed to get the items to the boy along with her message to him…I guess it was her last wish,” he finished softly.

It took time for the full implications of this to sink in as Ma Rivers came to terms with this sad news and then looking up at Jess in alarm said, ”But what of the child… who will care for dear Joey, Mister Harper?“

Jess sighed before replying and fixing them with his troubled eyes.

“He’s a sweet kid, brave, honest and real polite a credit to his family. Well that was what my business with you was,” he said turning to include Jacob in his serious blue gaze, ”I was wonderin’ iffen you could find it in your hearts to take the boy in… he ain’t got nobody else.”

Jacob looked shocked, ”I don’t know as how… I mean we’re no spring chickens and…. well….I don’t know,” he finished lamely.

“Yes! Yes…..oh yes, of course we will!” cried Martha, completely ignoring her husband’s hesitant mutterings.

Jess looked from one to the other and saw pure delight on Martha’s face and something akin to bewilderment on Jacob’s and taking pity on the older man made a suggestion.

“How’s about I bring him over for a visit? I’ll say as how I may be doing a spot of business with you and then you can all look each other over see if it would work huh?“

“Yes, thank you Jess, a visit…. that might be for the best,” said Jacob gratefully.

Then more thoughtfully”You know I thought I recognised that name …. now I think about it. So if you’re the same Jess Harper who has a reputation for being the best doggone horse breaker in Wyoming I reckon we may really be able to do some business,” and the two men beamed at each other.

“Oh Jacob really, a wonderful new grandson to meet and all you can think of is business… typical,” she tutted.

“Now I wonder Mister Harper do you think Joey likes apple pie?”

“Yet to meet a boy who don’t Ma’am,” he replied cheerfully.

*******

Jess set off back for town having agreed he would bring the boy over the following day to meet a couple of his ‘friends’.

“Mind if I shoot a couple of rabbits on your land for our supper? See Ma Johnson won’t ever let me pay my way, so guess, I need to help her out somehow,” he said throwing Mister Rivers a rueful smile.

“I figure you’d better call me Jacob, seeing as how you were a good friend of little Abby, and sure son help yourself,” he said, now with a friendly smile as he waved Jess off in complete contrast to his earlier behaviour.

Martha Rivers looked on happily. It was indeed a tremendous day and one she would never forget. The real possibility of all the joys of bringing up a young ‘un again and now the slow reappearance of her beloved Jacob, returning from his long journey through the wilderness of grief. Sure it was early days but she believed that the presence of this youngster would be like balm to the soul of her dear husband, she truly did.

Yes this could well be a turning point for then both she decided as she made her way back to the welcome warmth of the ranch house fireside.

Jacob cast a weather eye up to the thick grey clouds blowing in from the mountains and shivered a little, “I reckon the snow hasn’t done with us yet my dear,” he announced as he followed his wife indoors.

Jess had only been riding for about ten minutes when two things happened.

He saw a rabbit sitting quietly and just begging to be shot for Annie Johnson’s pot, he thought grinning to himself, and a young cougar wandering along a rocky outcrop just above Jess paused in his tracks looking down at man and horse with fear in his bright yellow eyes.

Unaware of the presence of the cat, which was practically still a cub, Jess aimed his rifle whilst still in the saddle hitting the rabbit easily and that’s when disaster struck.

The cub was spooked by the shot and leapt down from the rock and high tailed it off down the track. However that in turn spooked Traveler who uncharacteristically reared with a cry of terror as he saw the cat and caught its scent.

Then Jess, who still had both hands on his rifle, was thrown back off his rearing mount and was flung forcefully against the rocky outcrop, where he slithered to the ground and lay deathly still.

Traveler snorted and tossed his head but didn’t bolt and after awhile he calmed down and started cropping at the sparse grazing nearby.

After an hour or so Traveler became curious as to why his beloved master had decided to take a nap at this time of day and why there wasn’t a camp fire or nosebag in sight. He mooched over and leaning down nudged Jess hard with his head to no avail. Then he blew through his nostrils into Jess’s pale unconscious face and after getting no response he tried to delicately extract a sugar lump from his master’s shirt pocket, his teeth carefully nibbling at the shirt. On being unsuccessful finally settled down patiently to wait for Jess to wake up and remount.

*******

Back at the guesthouse young Joey had spent the day helping Ma Johnson with the bed making and serving lunch, making himself indispensable. After the lunchtime dishes had been washed and dried Annie Johnson turned and beamed at the boy and reaching into her apron pocket took out a handful of loose change.

“Here you are son, go down to the store and treat yourself to some candy and a comic, you deserve it.”

The youngster’s eyes opened wide in surprise, ”Are you sure Ma’am?” he asked viewing the unexpected reward with pleasure.

She nodded and smiling down at the boy ruffled his hair, ”Make sure you wrap up warm Joe, it’s mighty chilly out today.”

“Yes Ma’am I will,” and he tore off.

He was just leaving the mercantile with his booty when a huge shadow fell across him as a bulky woman blocked his way.

“Excuse me Ma’am,” he said politely sidestepping so that the woman could pass, but she just stood her ground staring down at the boy.

After a moment Joey turned puzzled eyes up to the woman and his heart missed a beat as he recognised the big ugly face of Ma Bevan looking down at him, her eyes cold and hard.

“So it’s the little runaway,” she growled.

“I’m sorry,” the boy whispered, ”it was just that I had to pay my respects to my folks Misses Bevan, I just had too,” he said his eyes pleading with her to understand.

“Tosh,” she spat, ”you’ve brought a lot of trouble to my door young man and once I’m back at the orphanage you’ll pay for it, believe me!”

The boy’s jaw dropped in shock.

“Oh so you thought you’d get away with it did you?” she said a malicious gleam in her eye.

“Jess… Mister Harper that is, told me there were some new folk taking over,” he whispered.

“Oh Harper,” she said with derision, “you can’t trust anything that gunslinger says.”

“Well I do. He’s been a real good friend to me,“ declared Joe stoutly forgetting his fear in his need to defend his new buddy.

“Umm… well if he’s such a good friend where is he now?” asked Bevan.

Then without waiting for an answer, ”Well I’ll tell you, he’s vamoosed back home to Laramie, heard him telling the Sheriff, said as how you’d be parcelled off back to the orphanage shortly and he’d more important business to attend to…..”

“No,” cried the child almost in tears now, ”Jess wouldn’t do that he wouldn’t just leave me… not without explaining and saying goodbye anyhow.”

The old woman shook her head, ”You just don’t get it do you child, you’re a no account orphan now and nobody cares about you, least of all that no hoper Harper.”

At that the boy could bear it no longer and ran off down the street in tears.

When he arrived back at the guesthouse Ma Johnson was relaxing in the old rocker in the kitchen and she heard the boy come in and tear up the stairs to Millie’s room. She smiled to herself thinking he wanted to enjoy his candy and comic in peace and after awhile she put her head back and nodded off.

It was almost dark when Joe shook her gently awake and they started preparing supper for the guests.

After awhile she picked up on the fact that the child seemed withdrawn and upset about something.

“Are you alright sunshine?” she asked with a concerned glance.

“Yeah, I guess…. but shouldn’t Jess be home by now?” he asked, again peering out of the window at the deserted cold street.

“Oh, I imagine he’ll be here for his supper,”she said sagely, “Jess is far too fond of my cooking to miss a meal,” she said cheerfully and the two went back to their preparations in the kitchen.

It was much later after the meal had been eaten and the dishes washed that Joe turned troubled eyes to the landlady once more….

“You said he’d be home by now,” he said tearfully.

Annie sat down in the rocker and gestured for the child to take the other chair by the fire.

“What’s all this about dear?” she asked kindly, ”Jess will be home, he’s probably off having a drink or two with Sheriff Masters, they’re real old friends you know, doubtless got a lot of catching up to do.”

“Really?” asked the youngster a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“I’m sure of it, now you’re looking tired young man, off to bed and when you wake up Jess will be asleep in the room with you, you’ll see.”

The youngster rose beginning to feel better already.

At the door she called him back, ”Joey you have a lie in tomorrow, you’ve worked really hard today and you need a rest you’re looking a mite peaky. I’ll call you and Jess down after the guests have gone and we’ll have a nice cosy breakfast together OK?”

“OK Ma’am and thanks,” the child said grinning and hurried off to bed, the prospect of finishing his comic putting a spring in his step.

Chapter 7

The following morning Joey awoke at first light, to find Millie’s bed, where Jess had been sleeping, empty and obviously not slept in and he made a swift decision.

It was several hours later when Annie Johnson finally made her way up the stairs to Millie’s room.

She had been calling up that breakfast was ready fruitlessly for several minutes and now she knocked loudly on the door.

“Are you two boys still abed?” she called cheerfully.

“Shame on you it’s gone ten of the clock. Your coffee’s cooling Jess,” she added as a good incentive, knowing that the young cowboy would be ready for it after a night on the town with the Sheriff.

When there was still no reply she tapped again and then gingerly opened the door a few inches and peered inside, before throwing it wide open and entering when she saw it was completely empty.

The first thing she noticed was that Jess’s bed hadn’t been slept in and the second that the small valise that had contained young Joey’s meagre possessions, including the cashbox containing the money and his mother’s letters, was missing.

She walked over to the nightstand and that was when she saw the note addressed to herself in Joey’s childish hand.

Ripping it open she quickly read the contents, turning pale, her old eyes misting with unshed tears, before she pocketed the note and ran downstairs to find her coat.

Annie burst into Sheriff Master’s office a few minutes later and seeing the Sheriff sitting at his desk sipping a coffee she looked around for Jess.

Then she advanced on the tall good looking man.

“Why good morning Miss Johnson, so what can I do for you this fine day?” he asked casting a jaundiced eye to where gentle snowflakes had begun to drift down.

Ignoring his flippancy Annie got right to the point.

“So where is Jess, I suppose you two young devils tied one on last night!So is he sleeping it off in the back cell then?” she asked tersely.

Doug picked up on the unusual asperity.

“Something wrong Ma’am?“

“Yes very wrong now if you’ll just raise Jess for me?“

“Can’t Ma’am, he isn’t here, last I saw of him was yesterday morning when he rode out to visit the Rivers, to tell them about the young ‘un.”

“Oh no,” she whispered and then turned worried eyes on the Sheriff, ”Well that’s two of them missing then,” and she passed over Joey’s note.

The Sheriff read it through a couple of times.

“This doesn’t make any sense Miss Johnson, he say’s here that if Mrs Bevan is going to run the orphanage then he can’t stay and he’s going to follow Jess home to Laramie. ‘He’s the only friend I have left and he knew my Ma so I just know he’ll look out for me, find another orphanage near Laramie maybe? ‘ “The Sheriff quoted….”where in tarnation has he got that crazy idea…about Ma Bevan that is?”

Then after a moment he called his deputy out from the back.

“Say Bob, didn’t you mention as to how you’d seen that Bevan woman talking to young Joe James outside the mercantile yesterday?”

“Sure boss, the kid ran off looking kinda upset, so I read her the riot act and said as how she was to stay at the Mayor’s sister’s place and not go out again, unless she wanted a nice cosy cell…..”

“Yeah and if she breaks her bail conditions again that’s exactly where she’ll end up, well done, thanks Bob.”

“Well there’s your answer Ma’am looks like Ma Bevan’ s been filling the kids head full of lies. It was doubtless her as said that Jess had headed home, figuring to cause us all more distress iffen young Joe left to follow him.”

“Well she was right about that,” replied Annie anxiously.

“Look I think we should go check out the Stage line office and iffen he’s caught the early Stage out I’ll wire Mort Corey at the other end. Ask him to pick the kid up in Laramie and hold onto him until we can figure out what’s happened to Jess.”

As the guesthouse clients were enjoying their breakfast earlier that morning young Joey had packed his bags and high tailed it down the street and into the Stage office.

“Laramie you say son,” said old Bert on the desk, “got the money have you?”

Joe produced some notes and passed them over.

“Umm… you seem a mite young to be travelling alone boy?“

“Oh no sir, I’m with Jess Harper, he’s just at the guesthouse settling up, he’ll be here in a minute,” said Joe crossing his fingers behind his back and praying for forgiveness, never having told a lie before.

“Ok boy, that’s fine,” said the clerk, knowing that Jess was entitled to free Stage travel and so not expecting to see him.

Then as the Stage came in he had another piece of luck. Old Mose who would have recognised him was taking a day off and it was Charlie driving the four in hand.

He threw the boy’s case up on the top and then turned away to enjoy a smoke while the passengers climbed aboard. Then when he finally looked back ready to close the door and saw the boy sitting beside an older lady he assumed was his Ma and slammed the door, climbed up to the box and took off at speed down Main Street.

So later that morning when the Sheriff asked him, old Bert was able to confirm that the boy had travelled, allegedly with Jess Harper.

The Sheriff and Annie left the office feeling puzzled.

“I’m sure Jess wasn’t with him, his saddle bags are still at the guesthouse and I’ve even washed some of his clothes and they’re still drying.”

“I figure he’s maybe still over at the Rivers place,” said Doug thoughtfully, ”I’ll ride over just as soon as I’ve alerted Mort,” and the two went their separate ways, the Sheriff promising to call by, once he had some news.

*******

Meanwhile back on the Rivers’ spread Jess had lain in the bitter cold all night long with Traveler standing vigil over him. Then the following morning the dainty snowflakes started drifting down, gradually covering his motionless form.

As the light came and the wind got up Traveler shivered and tossed his mane, he was cold, tired and hungry, but mostly thirsty and it was that basic urge for food and water which led him back down the trail towards the Rivers’ place where he could faintly smell both and had a vague memory of being watered there from a trough in the yard. He clattered into the yard just as Jacob came out to do the morning chores, after breakfast and on seeing the perky Bay he called out to his wife through the still open door.

Martha joined him and looked in surprise as the horse made his way to the trough and started drinking thirstily.

“But isn’t that young Jess Harper’s mount,” she asked as she walked over and caressed the horses arched neck, “why he’s thirsty and hungry too I imagine, how can that be Jacob , surely a horseman like Jess wouldn’t leave his horse to roam this way?”

“No my dear from what I know of Jess Harper that’s the very last thing he would do. I’ll feed the old fellah and then follow the tracks back down the trail, I’ve a feeling maybe Jess is in trouble, I’ll saddle up Rosie and ride out directly.”

Jacob was just about able to retrace Traveler’s tracks through the ever thickening snow, riding his old grey mare. After travelling for fifteen minutes or so he could finally make out a dark shape in the snow before him and hurrying over saw it was the partially covered body of Jess, the back of his jacket and hat still protruding from the drifting snow.

The older man cussed softly, before brushing the snow away and turning Jess’s inert body over and gasping at the deathly pale face.

“Come on boy, wake up,” he cried patting his face, shaking him and then putting a hand inside his jacket to feel for a heartbeat.

After several anxious minutes he finally felt a weak pulse and he continued calling out and rubbing his chest and arms to try and warm him up, until Jess’s eyes finally flickered and he gave a low groan.

“Come on Jess boy, wake up son, you’re getting kinda cold laying around in the snow this way,” he said trying to coax Jess into some activity.

Jacob might have had a good thirty odd years on Jess, but he was still fit and very strong and he eventually managed to manhandle the only partially conscious cowboy up onto old Rosie’s saddle. Then bore him home where Martha made him comfortable on the couch before a roaring fire.

On his arrival Jacob had stripped him of his sodden clothes and replaced them with clean underwear, but not before Martha had noticed the still angry wound to his leg, the bandage now soiled with fresh blood where the old wound had burst open after his heavy fall.

“Poor boy,” she whispered, ”I noticed he had a slight limp when he visited us and thought it was maybe an old war wound, but no this is recent……A gunshot wound Jacob and a very painful one by the looks of it, he has had a recent infection too….. I must fetch my bandages.”

Jacob smiled across at her, ”Once a nurse always a nurse eh my dear.”

“Nurse and a qualified teacher, but what good does it do me stuck out here in the middle of nowhere,” she said tersely, suddenly feeling the strain of the last few hours.

Then she sighed,” I’m sorry Jake; I’m just worried about the boy and on tenterhooks waiting to see young Joey… I guess I’m just not myself.”

Jacob looked down at Jess’s still unconscious form, “I understand my dear, but Jess…..he will be OK won’t he Martha?”

“I hope so, but what with this nasty leg wound and the blow to his head… not to mention being in the cold all night, well I can’t see him bouncing back any time soon dear…now the bandages, could you fetch them for me please?”

However Martha was not conversant with the Harper spirit and it was only an hour or so later when the blue eyes flickered open and after cussing softly he tried to sit up and demanded to know the where abouts of his beloved horse.

“It’s OK son,” said Jacob quickly, ”been fed and watered, rubbed down and now he’s blanketed and snug in our barn so don’t you go fretting huh?”

Jess sank back on his pillows, “Thanks,” he said weakly. ”I’m sorry about this, my horse was spooked by a big cat I guess I fell kinda badly.”

“What about that nasty bullet wound Jess?” asked Martha.

“You’ve seen that?” he asked suddenly looking wary.

“It’s alright dear I am a qualified nurse and it was bleeding I had to re dress it.”

“Thanks,” he whispered, ”I appreciate it Ma’am.”

“So you’ve been in a gun fight then?” asked Jacob, wondering if the rumours of Jess’s gunslinger past were indeed true.

Jess nodded, “Kinda, I got bushwhacked on my way over to Boulder to try and locate Joe. Some hombre caught me napping and stole Abby’s box with all Joey’s money and his Ma’s letters and such,” he finished, looking exhausted.

“It’s alright Jess, you should rest now dear,” Martha said gently.

He just nodded and a moment later his head fell back and he was sleeping deeply.

“Do you hear that,” said Jacob soberly, “he got all shot up trying to help our grandson, we owe this boy so much Martha, so darned much…..”

When Jess awoke noontide sun was shining in through the ranch window and the snow was melting fast.

He shifted and tried to sit up stifling a groan, the pain in his head severe and Martha was beside him in a second.

“Is it your head dear?” she asked kindly.

Something in her attitude reminded him so much of Daisy he felt a wave of homesickness. Heck how long had it been since he’d clapped eyes on his surrogate family….four, no nearly five weeks, he really hadn’t meant to be away this long. Slim would be getting hot under the collar and Daisy and Mike doubtless worrying too. His single mindedness in his quest to find Joe and carry out Abby’s last wishes had made him thoughtless and he squirmed inwardly at the thought of the anxiety and distress he had caused those he loved.

“Jess?”

“Huh?”

“Is your head hurting dear, I have some pain medicine.”

“No…err, I’m fine Ma’am and iffen you could fetch my clothes I figure I should be on my way.”

“But you probably have mild concussion, not to mention a badly injured leg, I really don’t think you should consider riding out my dear boy. “

“Well, that’s as maybe Mrs. Rivers, but that’s just what I aim to do, now…. can you fetch my gear….please,” he finished sucking in a breath as he sat up and the pain kicked in again.

It was then that the front door burst open admitting Jacob, followed by Sheriff Doug Masters.

He touched his hat to Martha and then turned his attention to Jess.

“So this is where you’re holed up you old son of a gun. I’ve got folks back in Cheyenne as are all fretting about you.”

Jess just nodded, and then regretted it.

“Yup, I was just sayin’ to Mrs. Rivers here as how I needed to get back, is the boy OK?”

“Umm… well that’s partly why I’m here, other than to fetch you back. It seems young Joe has gone missing.”

“Huh?”

“Took himself off on the Stage to Laramie,” and Doug went on to explain the circumstances.

“Are you sure Mort will pick him up?” asked Jess looking worried.

“Absolutely, got a wire back just before I left, he’s gonna get Doc Baker and Carrie to put the boy up and then find a temporary guardian to travel back on the Stage with him in a day or two.”

“You keep that Bevan woman outer my way,” Jess muttered bitterly, ”or so help me I won’t be responsible Doug.”

“That poor little boy,” whispered Martha looking close to tears, ”he will be alright Sheriff?“

“Sure he will Ma’am, why the doc and young Carrie will spoil him something rotten won’t they Jess?”

“Gee yeah, couldn’t be in better hands Ma’am,” he agreed.

Shortly afterwards Jess and Doug left for town.

“There really isn’t any point in arguing with him,” Doug told Martha when she protested yet again that he was too unwell to travel.

“See once ol’ Jess makes his mind up about something, well like I say there just ain’t any profit in talking to him, ‘cause I can guarantee you’ll run out of steam before he does Ma’am,” Doug said playfully.

However if Jess thought he’d escaped being ‘fussed and fretted over’, as he called it, he hadn’t bargained on the fact that not only was Annie waiting at home to spoil him, but also Millie’s Ma, Peggy was back from her stint at helping out at the orphanage.

She took one look at his pale face and the way he limped into the kitchen of the guesthouse and chivvied him off to bed, where he remained for the following two days. With not only Ma Johnson fussin’ and frettin’ but Annie too and by the end of the third day he thought he was going crazy, as he told his good buddy Doug when he called round for a visit.

“Doug, you’ve gotta spring me,” he said turning serious blue eyes on his friend, ”hell I thought Daisy was clucky, but she sure ain’t as bad as these two.”

“Well I’ll tell you Jess I figure you’ll be real happy stayin’ here come supper time today, just you see.”

“I will?“

“Sure you just meet the noon Stage with me,” he said tapping his nose, before leaving with a knowing smile.

Doug had been doing a bit of fussin’ himself and had arranged a particularly nice surprise for his friend regarding Joey’s travelling companion, but that was to remain a secret, for now.

Jess was outside the office way before the Stage was due, waiting for Doug, intrigued as to why he should be so happy to be staying around for a while longer.

Sure he was looking forward to seeing the youngster that he had become fond of in the short time he had made his acquaintance. He also wanted to see the boy safely settled with his grandparents, but other than that, well he sure as hell didn’t want to linger in Cheyenne.

Heck if he was honest he regretted his wanderlust feelings of early spring, when he couldn’t wait to get off the ranch…. Now it seemed way too long since he had seen those he loved and cared about most and all he could think of was getting home again ,seeing his friends and his beloved Millie.

Even the thought of driving the stock back up to the high grazing and all the hard work of calving ahead of him was not daunting, gee he just wanted to be home again.

Then suddenly his reverie was disturbed by the sound of the Stage making its way down Main Street and a moment later Doug’s grinning face was beside him as he dashed out of his office just in time to join his buddy as the Stage arrived.

Mose brought the coach to a juddering standstill and then a moment later Jess pulled the door open and Joey practically fell into his arms.

“Gee Jess I’m real pleased to see you! I’m so sorry I ran away,” the youngster uttered, his words falling over themselves in his haste to apologise.

Jess smiled down at him, ”That’s OK Joey, and I figure I really don’t blame you heading off that way… but trust me, I guess things are gonna get better soon. See I’ve got you some real kind folk to meet later today and they may be able to take you in, offer you a good home.“

The child looked thrilled at that and then half turned to the only other passenger who had just alighted.

“Isn’t that great Miss Millie, Jess says he may have found me a home!”

Jess’s head shot up and his deep blue eyes gazed into Millie’s beautiful brown ones.

“It sure is,” she, murmured, ”and then maybe we’ll be able to remind Jess where his home is too!”

“Millie?” he whispered.

He stared at her speechless for a moment and then his lips where claiming hers and nothing……. no nothing mattered for a good few minutes, before he finally pulled himself together and gently released her from his warm embrace.

Realizing that everyone was grinning in the direction of the young couple, he cast a suddenly shy glance around him and said, ”Let’s get back to the guesthouse then Joe, git a wiggle on….. Millie’s Ma’s gotten dinner ready and we really don’t wanna be late!”

Then clasping Millie’s hand, like he would never let go, he followed the boy down the street, before turning back and casting a quick wink in Doug’s direction.

“See ya later buddy…..and thanks ……fer everything….”

Epilogue

It was a month later to the day when Mose hustled the Stage team into the yard and brought them to a standstill sweating and heads shaking as Jess ran out of the house.

“Well howdy Jess boy,” he called with his toothless grin, ”still here then…. Not taken off on another crazy mission?”

Jess rolled his eyes, ”No I ain’t, and will yer quit askin’ me that every dang day Mose! Heck anyone would think I was always takin’ off someplace.”

“Yeah and when he does go off, he’s got a habit of forgetting where his home is too,” said Slim coming up behind him and winking up at Mose.

“Well that ain’t true,” said an indignant Jess turning hurt eyes on his pard, “It was just that I had to find the kid, you know that Slim…. and why,” he finished softly.

Slim took pity on his buddy then and squeezed his shoulder affectionately, “Sure I do Jess and so does old Mose here, he just likes baiting you, ‘tis all.“

“Umm…. and I fall for it every doggone time,” said Jess shaking his head sadly, but throwing the old timer a rueful grin.

“Git outer here Mose,” he laughed before turning his attention to changing the team.

Mose jumped down from the box and made a great fuss of patting all his pockets before finally pulling a battered looking envelope out of his vest pocket and holding it proudly aloft.

“I suppose you won’t want this letter from Cheyenne then?” he asked with a wicked gleam in his eye.

Jess reached over and plucked the missive from the old man’s grasp before studying it carefully.

“How in Hell do you manage to git the mail in this state?” he asked. ”I guess we ain’t ever received a letter from you that didn’t look like the dang dog had been chewing it!”

“Oh well, if you don’t want it?” asked Mose making to grab it back.

“Now I didn’t say that,” replied Jess before stowing it safely in his back pocket and continuing to deal with the horses as Mose and Slim went inside to investigate the coffee and pie situation.

It was later that night when they were preparing for bed that Jess remembered the letter and pulling it out of his pocket threw it on the nightstand to read once he was in bed.

Slim looked across from where he was already stretched out on his own bed.

“You’re right,” he agreed, ”every darned letter or parcel we get from Mose looks like they’ve been stomped on…..hell he’s supposed to work for the Great Central Overland Mail company , you’d think he’d have some idea of how to deliver the stuff in one piece!”

Jess grinned and sprawled down on his bed, his pale blue shirt open and his hair damp from his ablutions, his bedtime preparations now halted in favour of opening the letter.

Slim studied the lean handsome face of his pard, trying to see if the news was good or bad and eventually, it relaxed into a happy grin.

“Hey it’s from Ma Rivers, sayin’ as how young Joey has settled in real well. Says it’s given her a new lease of life, she drives him into school and has been asked to take on the job of infant teacher there and she’s just lovin’ it,” he said his blue eyes twinkling with delight.

“Says as how young Joe is a real good student and popular with the other kids too, happy as a clam.”

Slim nodded, “What else?”

“Pa Rivers has accepted the boy real well, seems he takes him fishin’ and is trainin’ him up in ranching, just like he did with Ben and the boy’s taken to it like a duck to water.”

Enclosed was a letter from Joey himself. Sincerely thanking Jess for all he had done to help him and then politely asking after his health. However the rest of the letter was aimed at Millie, hoping she was well and wondering when she would be visiting her Ma over in Cheyenne again, before thanking Jess again and a final PS to be sure to give Miss Millie his love.

Jess grinned across at his pard, ”Heck iffen I didn’t know better I’d think young Joey had a massive crush on my Millie.”

Slim looked amazed, ”You’d think he had?” he asked. “Why hell Jess it’s obvious the kid’s crazy about her.”

“Nah… .he’s just a young ‘un,” said Jess grinning over, ”likes her like a big sister I guess.”

“Well that didn’t stop you having a massive crush on Abby when you were…. what Jess…. ten, didn’t think of her as a big sister, you thought it was love didn’t you?” he asked with a wicked grin.

“Hell, I did didn’t I?” he replied suddenly looking shocked to the core and re reading the letter.

“Better get that ring on her finger pard…. another few years or so and I reckon you’ll have some serious competition with young Joe there. A smart, popular, handsome young man…. yup I reckon Millie could do a lot worse.”

Jess chuckled and stripped off for bed, but once he was stretched out and preparing for sleep, his eyes held a thoughtful look…. Yeah, maybe he should have a serious talk with Millie…..just maybe it was time they settled down he thought sleepily.

The thoughtful look hadn’t been lost on Slim and he smiled to himself. Yup it was sure gonna take something to get ol’ Jess moving he thought and maybe…. just maybe Daisy would get her heart’s desire and be able to start planning a wedding and on that happy thought he fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

The End

Thank you for reading!