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

#86 The Secret in the Attic

The Secret in the Attic

By
Patty Wilkinson
(Some strong language, adult themes and violence)

Many thanks to Pam Knych Klawinski for use of her excellent screen cap!

Chapter 1

It was a week after New Year and Daisy had been asking for the Christmas tree decorations to be put away, back up in the attic, for several days.
Now it was a wet Sunday afternoon and Slim and Jess had run out of excuses.
“Come on Jess let’s get to it,” said Slim pushing his chair back from the table where a substantial Sunday Lunch had just been enjoyed.
Daisy hid a smile as she started to clear away the dishes. Her dear Mama had been right. The way to a man’s heart was through his stomach. Especially so with her three boys, as she thought of Jess Harper and Slim Sherman, partners in the Sherman Ranch and Relay Station and their young ward Mike Williams. Goodness she had become more than just a housekeeper to them she mused, but in so many ways she was a Ma really.
Jess confirmed that thought by grabbing her and placing a smacker of a kiss on the top of her head and saying, “Anything for you Daisy.”
“Um, well do try not to make too much mess dear,” Daisy replied, “it really is dusty up there.” Then she looked thoughtful, “I suppose it could do with a spring clean really.”
Jess backed off quickly a pained look crossing his handsome features, “Aw Daisy you don’t spring clean attics...that’s the whole dang point. They’re supposed to be dirty and untidy, just a place to store stuff ain’t they.”
“Well, you never know what you might find,” she said cheerfully. “There could be all sorts of hidden secrets up there.”

Then turning to Slim who had now returned from fetching the ladder said, “When was the last time you had a proper clear out up there dear?”
Slim looked thoughtful. “Well last time we had a root about was when we were looking for those old dueling pistols wasn’t it Jess? But other than that, I’ve just brought the Christmas things down every year and that’s all.”
“So, when did you last have a tidy up then pard?” Jess repeated grinning at his friend, knowing the answer already.
Slim rolled his eyes, “OK...so do you want to do it huh Jess?”
Jess backed off raising his hands in surrender.
Then Slim turned back to Daisy. “The last time I was up there tidying was after Pa died. Ma went a tad crazy and decided to clean the whole house from top to bottom. She sent me up there with stacks of stuff. Old letters, recipes, you name it. She said she’d sort it all out after the wake. But she never did,” he said with a fleeting look of sadness. “She passed over herself not too long after.”
“I know dear,” Daisy said suddenly feeling contrite and patting his arm. “I can see what a task it would be, maybe save it for another time.”
Jess and Slim exchanged a glance and Jess gasped and said ‘phew’ very softly.
However, Daisy heard, as usual, and beaming at him said, “Er, should you come across those old recipes while you’re up there boys I would be interested to take a look though.”
Slim grinned at her, “You got it Daisy.I think I know where to lay my hands on them.”
Then young Mike piped up, “And don’t forget to try and find that history book you promised me huh Slim, please.”
“Will do,” Slim called down as he ascended the ladder, followed by Jess, carrying the box of decorations ready to pass them up.
Once they were both in the attic Slim placed the box on a convenient shelf near the trap door. Then he reached down a lamp from a hook in the ceiling and lit it, illuminating the dark space within.
Jess looked around him, “Gee it’s bigger than I remembered...so what’s this book we’re lookin’ for?”
“Huh...oh there are two. Volume One and Volume Two, A Guide to European History, I think it’s called. It seems Mike’s starting to learn about it next term.”
“Is that about all those British Kings ruling the people?” Jess asked.
“Yup and all across Europe, France, Italy, Spain all had Royal Families ruling the masses, born to it.”
“Uh, it don’t seem right to me, some royal person havin’ the God given right to rule as they think fit...just because their Pa before them was a king. Folk that are gonna rule the people should be elected by lettin’ folk vote...I think anyways,” he added.
“Um, well that’s an interesting slant of the Divine Right to Rule debate,” Slim said dryly.
“Huh?”
“Never mind Jess, are you going to help me find these books or what?”
‘Volume One’ was finally unearthed at the far side of the attic space. Jess sat down on a dusty old chair, beneath the lamp and started flicking through it. Meanwhile Slim went to unearth the recipes for Daisy over on the other side, there being no sign of Volume Two anywhere.
After much digging about, that raised clouds of dust, he finally called out, “I’ve found ‘em Jess, some knitting patterns too. I think Daisy would like a look at those as well huh?”
Jess coughed and then sneezed loudly and said, “Aw Slim do you hafta make so much dang dust?”
Slim merely grinned over at him and then looked back down at the pile of old correspondence, feed bills and recipes before he gave a little cry of surprise.
“What’s up buddy, found a love letter from an old girlfriend?” Jess asked cheerfully, noting Slim was holding up a large cream colored envelope.
When he didn’t respond Jess put the history book aside and made his way over, hunkering down in the cramped space beside his friend.
“What’s up Slim?” he asked softly, noting the look of distress on the blond rancher’s face.
“It’s from Pa, addressed to me Jess and it’s not been opened.”
“Huh, well why not?”
Slim shrugged, “I suppose it just got caught up with all the other odds and ends when we were tidying the house before the funeral.”
“Well, are ya gonna open it?” Jess asked impatiently.
Slim turned the envelope over in his hands to reveal a legend on the back flap, open after my death and exchanged a quizzical look with Jess.
“Maybe it’s to do with his Will or something?” Jess speculated.
Slim took a deep breath and ripped the envelope open, to reveal a closely written letter and also a rather formal looking legal document.
“There ya go,” Jess said, “a new Will by the looks of things.”
Slim glanced at it, but said nothing and then he turned to the long letter.
Jess watched as Slim’ s face registered at first surprise, quickly followed by worry and then real distress.
He put out a hand and rested it gently on Slim’ s arm, “Hey pard what’s up?” he asked.
When Slim raised his gaze from the letter he looked totally devastated.
“I… I’ve got to go out,” he said, quickly pushing the documents back into the envelope and stuffing it into his vest pocket. Then he stood up and marched across the roof space and clambered down the ladder.
By the time Jess had collected his wits, not to mention the sheaf of recipes that Slim had found and the history book, Slim had left the house.
Daisy was standing staring out of the parlor window with an equally perplexed looking Mike when Jess joined them a few minutes later.
“Why whatever is the matter with Slim?” she asked. “He just flew through here like a hurricane, wouldn’t even speak to us, other than to say he’d urgent business in town.”
“I dunno,” said Jess thrusting the book and recipes into her hands, “but I sure aim to find out.”
He dashed across the yard and was just in time to intercept Slim leading Alamo out of the barn.
“Where in blue blazes are you goin’ in such a goddamn hurry?” Jess asked tersely.
“Town, I have to see Benson urgently,” Slim replied before mounting and urging Alamo off up the ridge at speed.
What the hell did old Hardrock want with the family solicitor Jess wondered and then called out, “It’s Sunday Slim. He won’t be in his office.”
But his pard had already disappeared from view.
He stood in the pouring rain gazing after his friend for a few minutes and then turned sadly back towards the welcome warmth of the ranch house.

Chapter 2
It was long past supper when Jess heard Alamo trotting back into the yard
Slim entered a little while later and Jess rose from his fireside rocker to greet him.
“Daisy’s gone to bed, but she left some supper in the oven,” he said turning to fetch it.
However Slim called him back, “I’m not hungry,” he said wearily as he slumped down in the other fireside chair.
Jess turned back and raised a questioning eyebrow, “You ain’t?”
Slim just shook his head.
“You might want to find the bottle of ‘medicinal whiskey’ Daisy keeps in the back of the cupboard in there though and a couple of glasses, we need to talk Jess.”
He returned with the bottle and two shot glasses and after pouring the strong drink passed one over to Slim before placing the bottle on the hearth. Then he sat back and sipped his drink, waiting for Slim to impart his news.
However, when a couple of minutes passed and he was still staring morosely into his drink Jess said, “What is it Slim? It can’t be that bad surely...this new Will?”
Slim stirred himself and looked over to his partner, “It’s bad alright,” he said, “about as bad as it can get, I reckon and nothing to do with a Will either.”
Jess’s patience was just about running out now and he said, “Goddamn it Slim you’re worryin ’ me now, just spit it out will ya?”
Slim finally seemed to come to his senses, “Of course, sorry Jess. You see it’s this way...apparently the business wasn’t doing too well before Pa passed on. Oh, I knew that alright, but not the extent of debt we were in. Then once he’d died well things seemed suddenly to look much brighter, financially that is. I figured he’d just found some extra funds from someplace.”
“Well, that was lucky, money out of thin air,” Jess said raising a quizzical eyebrow, “what’s to get so dang upset about?”
Slim shrugged. “I suppose I should have taken more of an interest in the finances. But I was grieving and also trying to run the business single handed. Andy was only a little kid, so I had my hands full. Ma dealt with all the books and finances. She said we’d inherited a tidy sum from when Pa’s brother died, just before Pa and I believed her.”
“But it wasn’t true?”
“Nope,” Slim said sighing deeply. “It was from a loan Jess, from a man called Walter Whitman. He was in the army with my Pa and they were good buddies. He lived just over the ridge on the Laramie road for many years and then he took his family to Omaha when he inherited his Pa’s business.”
“And the loan…did your Pa pay it back before this Walter Whitman left?”
Slim looked down and then over at his pard, “No Jess that’s the whole point, he never did. That’s what the letter is about. Pa wanted me to repay it, in installments...which I could just about have managed. It seems that Walt had given Pa ten years to pay it all back, which was doable. But if the money wasn’t repaid by then...well Walt would get the Ranch and Relay business lock stock and barrel.”
“What!” Jess cried, his head shooting up and eyes opening wide in shock, “Hell he can’t do that Slim!”
“Oh yes he can, it’s all written out here on this legal document signed by Pa. I got Benson to check it today and it’s completely air tight. If we don’t pay back the loan in full by the end of next month, we lose everything.”
Jess turned pale, “How much does he want?”
Slim mentioned an eye wateringly large amount.
“Jeez...do we have it?”
Slim shrugged, “Most of our capital is tied up in stock and the house and land...so no. We’ve got maybe half of that in the business account, but not all. I was going to see the bank for a loan tomorrow. It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul I know, but what can else can I do?”
“So, you’re gonna repay it?”
“Well of course what choice do I have?”
“Just ignore it. Hell, it was pure bad luck that we found that dang letter anyway. It could have sat up there moldering away for another ten years and we’d have been none the wiser. That old Walter Whitman could be dead by now anyways.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not true Jess. You see his solicitor, Mr Brown, contacted Benson just last week asking for an update on the situation. Mr Benson was surprised I hadn’t received the letter he wrote reminding me.”
Jess rolled his eyes, “That’ll be that old goat Mose he’s always mislaying our mail.”
“Well, we know about it now anyway so we have to do something.”
“I just can’t believe it,” Jess muttered. That letter’s been sitting up there for nearly ten years and we hafta find it right now, just when the time’s up...what are the odds of that happening eh? Talk about coincidence!”
Slim shrugged, “Life’s full of strange coincidences Jess, but at least we found it in time. Then he gave a thin smile, “Maybe Pa’s ghost led me to finding it,” and rolled his eyes.
Jess looked thoughtful, “Why did your Pa ask this guy and not the bank?”
“According to Pa’s letter it seems they’d already turned him down, said it wasn’t a viable business right then and Pa just didn’t have enough capital to improve it. So, then he asked Uncle Walt...”
“Uncle Walt?”
“Yup like I said he was a close friend of the family. In fact, Pa saved his life in the war and Walt said if there was ever anything he could do to help, my Pa just to ask.
“So, he dang well saddles him with a ten-year debt and the likelihood of him losing everything...with friends like that I reckon you don’t need enemies,” Jess spat angrily.
“Yes, well that was the thing with Walt.He was a driven business man and succeeded in all he did because he was so single minded. I suppose you could say business always came first and friendship second.”
Jess shook his head, “I still think we should just lay low and see if it passes over...he may have second thoughts when he finds out yer Pa’s dead. Why don’t you get Benson to write and tell him that huh?”
“I can’t do that Jess. Can’t you see this is just as much about Pa’s honor as anything else? I can’t have this slur of not repaying a loan tarnishing his memory.”
“Dammit Slim, don’t I get any say in this? After all I am a Partner in the business you know!”
“I’m sorry Jess but it seems that Partnership could be null and void if Walter takes over the business. Or you are just as liable for the debt as I am, if you choose not to dissolve the Partnership.”
“Split up the Partnership! Are you crazy, all my savings are invested in this place...and I dang well aim to fight for it even if you ain’t!” Jess exploded.
“And how do you propose to do that?” Slim asked wearily.
“Well go and see the guy of course and reason with him. Hell Slim, this is our home. Daisy and Mike’s too had you forgotten that? We owe it to them to fight don’t we...huh?”

Chapter 3
It was decided that they would head out for Omaha a few days later. Slim had secured a loan from the bank, but Jess was still hoping that the old man would have mellowed some and would rescind the debt.
“You don’t know him the way I do Jess.”
It was the night before they were due to head out and they were packing ready for an early start.
Jess shrugged and merely said, “I don’t see why we hafta go all dressed up like a city dudes. We ain’t going to a dang Sunday social for goodness sakes.”
“We need to make a good impression Jess. Look like good upright business men. Besides we’re going to the big city, you don’t want to look like some tenderfoot, do you?”
Jess just shrugged again, “I sure don’t wanna look like a city slicker or something that I ain’t either, like a business man.”
“Well, you run a business, don’t you?” Slim said impatiently. “Anyway, can I remind you it was your darned idea to go dashing off half way across Nebraska, not mine?”
“Come on Slim, we can’t just lay down and let the guy walk all over us. Besides if he’s this rich city dude you say he is, that loan will be just peanuts to him...he’ll probably just laugh it off.”
Slim just shook his head and bent to his task.
“I do feel kinda bad about lyin’ to Daisy though,” Jess added as he fastened his valise and set it by the door.
Slim sighed a worried frown creasing his handsome features. “Me too, but I reckon she’s had enough on her plate recently, what with you being so sick before Christmas. I didn’t want to worry her about anything else right now.” See #85 Finding Christmas.
“Do ya think she swallowed that story about us going to visit that old friend of your Pa? Or come to that the reason you gave for diving off to town to see your solicitor last Sunday?”
“Probably not Jess. Daisy’s smarter than that. But saying I had found an old letter from my Pa’s old army buddy and how I really wanted to see him again was all I could think of.”
“Uh, and sayin’ you went to see Benson because you suddenly remembered you hadn’t signed some legal papers? Come on even Mike gave you a funny look at that.”
“Well, you try thinking of something on the spur of the moment. But uh, there again I reckon you wouldn’t have too much of a problem. Lying comes easier to some than others,” he finished triumphantly.
Jess chuckled at that and swatted his buddy around the head before turning away to get washed and strip off for bed.
A little later Slim said softly, “Do you think she’ll be OK here all alone, I really don’t like leaving her in the winter.”
“Sure she will. Its real quiet on the ranch and the Jackson boys promised to come and stay over in the bunkhouse until we get back. They can tend the stock, change the stages and be company for Daisy and Mike too. She loves those boys and will spoil ‘em rotten...probably enjoy the break from us too,” he finished cheerfully.
“Sure,” Slim said more optimistically as he settled down to sleep. “Anyway, we’ll be back home in a couple of weeks,” and he closed his eyes and stretched out comfortably.
From the other bed Jess said laconically, “Sure, if God’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise.”
Slim’ s eyes snapped open again, his mind racing at all the problems they might encounter...while Jess fell into an instant sleep... soon snoring softly.

*******
The railroad coach was packed with noisy men drinking and gambling, a haze of blue cigarette smoke hanging in the air.
“I dunno why we didn’t book a dang sleeper,” Jess said scowling as a drunk in the seat across the aisle started singing.
“Shut the hell up!” Jess hollered in his face and the scruffy little man sank back in his seat, muttering an apology before falling asleep.
Slim sniggered and rolled his eyes, “Well that’s him sorted, what about the others?” he said tipping his Sunday best hat to the many unruly occupants of the carriage.
Jess merely scowled and looked out of the window as the encroaching gloom of night began to fall.
Once it became dark and a few dim lamps were lit, the atmosphere seemed to become more somnolent and in the subsequent peace they were able to chat quietly.
“So, tell me about this Uncle Walt then, what’s he like?” Jess asked.
Slim looked into the middle distance, as he recalled time spent with the guy. “He always showed me kindness when I was a young ‘un. But it was my Pa he spent time with, they’d go fishing sometimes...but mostly he spent his life working around the clock. He just loved his work, wheeling and dealing, bought produce and sold it at a profit. So even back then he was something of a mover and shaker within the town. But the sad thing was he didn’t have any time for his kids.”
Jess looked interested, “He’s got family?”
“Oh yes,” said Slim bitterly, “he’s got family alright a son and daughter.”
“You make that sound kinda like they maybe weren’t quite as er...kindly as their Pa?”
Slim shook his head, “You can say that again. Chad Whitman was a bad lot from being a little kid. See his Pa pretty much ignored him and his mother spoiled him so the kid grew up with no boundaries and no sense of worth either.”
Jess grinned over at him, “Heck Slim that sounds like the sorta thing Doc Sam would spout. I suppose yer gonna tell me he turned out to be a mass murderer, but the poor kid couldn’t help it because his Pa didn’t understand him.”
Slim gave a bark of laughter, “Nope I can’t say as I endorse some of Sam’s wilder ideas. But yup he’d have turned out better if his Pa had been a bit less interested in making a fortune and more in disciplining his boy. I’ve been thinking about it quite a bit since this thing blew up.”
“Huh, why Slim?”
He bowed his head for a moment before looking his friend in the eyes, “I guess we’ve got kind of an ongoing vendetta, if I’m honest...Maybe he’ll have forgotten about everything that happened back then. But I doubt it somehow.”
“Oh great,” Jess muttered, “So what did happen back then?”
“Chad is a couple of years older than me, a bully and coward,” Slim stated honestly. “Things all came to a head when he started bullying some of the girls in the school yard. I don’t mean just chasing them for a stolen kiss or pulling their pigtails, the kinda things young boys get up to. I mean really nasty Jess, slapping them and making them cry...telling lies about them...really hurtful ones saying that...well they’d done stuff with him when they really hadn’t.”
Jess frowned, “He sounds like a real charmer.”
“To make matters worse he got away with it because of who his Pa was...that is until...”
“Go on.”
“Until me and a few of the other boys took things into our own hands and told him straight, he’d better change his ways or we’d make him.”
Jess sat listening intently, “So did he?”
Slim shook his head, “Nope so we took it in turns to fight him. The third time he went home with a bloody nose his Pa came into school to complain.”
“Of course, the teacher tried to cover everything up...until we boys stood up in class and told Uncle Walt why we’d beat up on his son. Then some of the girls stood up and told him exactly what young Chad had said and done. Jeez, you could have heard a pin drop... Then Walt grabbed hold of his boy and dragged him out of his seat...made him apologize. Then he turned to us boys and thanked us for our honesty...and left with Chad...he never came back, his Pa got him a home tutor.”
“Well that sure sorted him good,” Jess said grinning.
But Slim shook his head. “Not really. He always thought he was a cut above us all. Then with a private tutor, he got even worse. When he grew up, he was a nightmare lording it over everyone...just riding on his Pa’s success.”
“And so, this is the guy we may have to do some business with?” Jess asked looking more than a little perturbed.
“Let’s hope not...I think he’s a partner in his Pa’s business, but it’ll be the old man who has the last word on decisions I imagine.”
“I sure hope so,” Jess said. “So, what about the sister then huh what was she like?”
Slim got a closed look on his face and looked out the window, even though the only view was that of his own reflection.
Jess raised an eyebrow, “That bad eh?”
“Lola had well... a ‘reputation.’”
“Um, so why are you saying that...uh the way Daisy and her cronies say it? Like when someone is a bad lot huh? What is it she says...um... no better than she should be...whatever that means?”
“Because maybe that’s exactly what she is Jess...was anyway...a bad lot.”
“Go on, this is turning’ kinda interesting,” Jess said with an evil grin, “so how old is this sister anyway?”
Slim narrowed his eyes thinking, “She was older than me by, a good ten or eleven years, so she’d be pushing forty by now.”
“Tell me about this ‘reputation,’ then Slim.”
He looked thoughtful for so long that Jess finally grew impatient and said, “Well out with it.”
“I’m trying to think what you’d call her in polite society, but I guess I can’t,” he said ruefully.
Jess shook his head, “OK so just give it me straight Hardrock, I can take it, I’m a big boy now you know,” he said chuckling.
He looked uncomfortable and then said, “Well she’s a strumpet I guess you’d say.”
“Huh?”
“Oh hang it all Jess you know what I mean, a vamp...a scarlet woman...”
“What a whore?” Jess asked looking startled.
“No, no nothing like that, she just liked men. I mean really liked...But no money passed between her and her conquests, of that I’m sure.”
“Conquests?” Jess said, “That’s a kinda strange word to use about a woman ain’t it?”
Slim shook his head, “That’s how she saw men as something she had to win or own...and then she cast them aside... once they’d... you know...”
Jess looked incredulous, “Well I’ve heard of men who are that way, but never a woman.” Then he peered over at his pard, “So how do you know so much about her and her ‘conquests’ then? Come on Slim please tell me you weren’t one of them?”
Slim flushed up looking deeply ashamed.
“It was just after the war. I’d come back home, but I was feeling kind of unsettled...the way we all were I guess?”
Jess just nodded knowing the truth of it.
“So, one night I was in the saloon and she sought me out. Well, one thing led to another and we booked into the Hotel...and the next time I saw her she was kissing one of my best friends.”
“So... what did you do?”
“Thanked my lucky stars,” Slim said chuckling. “Last I heard she’d been married and divorce three times. Heck Jess she’s trouble with a capital T.”
Jess just shook his head, “Why do I suddenly think this trip is gonna go horribly wrong?”

Chapter 4
They finally arrived in the city late one cold wet evening and made their way from the rail head to a down at heel hotel nearby. They were offered a small room up at the top of several flights of steep stairs, but at least it was cheap so Slim said.
On entering their room Jess threw his hat down on the nightstand and collapsed on one of the beds.
Slim gave him an irritable glance, “Jess boots!” he growled.
Jess looked down at his boots and the rather grubby, dusty, eiderdown and said, “Don’t worry I can clean the dust off ‘em in the morning.”
Slim chuckled at that and rolled his eyes, “Come on it’s not that bad and hopefully we’ll get our business done in a couple of days and be on our way home.”
Then he peered down at his pard again and noting his travel soiled clothes said, “I sure hope you packed a clean shirt Jess.”
He sighed and said irritably, “Who do you dang well think you are Slim my ma?”
“Well did ya?”
“Yes, I packed a clean shirt. Now can I get some shut eye before we have to meet your dang Uncle Walt, not to mention his bully of a son and crazy daughter?”

*******
The following day they dressed in their best clothes. Sparkling white shirts, smart string ties, dark pants and frock coats all set of with their Sunday best boots and Stetsons.
“Well at least we look the part,” Slim said, later that afternoon, as they stood outside a formidable looking mansion set back from the main thoroughfare of the city.
Jess looked about him at the imposing Sheriff’s office opposite flanked by a smart coffee shop. There were many large stores selling a variety of goods not seen back in Laramie. The sidewalk was all hustle and bustle along the busy street, everyone seeming to be in a hurry and all finely dressed as Slim noted, with satisfaction.
Finally, the bell they’d rung and heard echoing loudly within, was answered by a smartly dressed man servant.
“Yes sir?” the tall greying man asked giving Slim and then Jess a somewhat condescending glance.
“We’re here to see Mr Whitman senior, we have an appointment,” Slim said. “He suggested early afternoon was the best time for him, so here we are,” he added.
“I’m sorry sir, Mr Whitman is indisposed at the moment,” and he made to close the door, but Jess was too quick for him.
A well-placed boot made sure the door remained open and Jess leaned in and giving the man his best Harper glare said, “My friend said we had an appointment with Mr Whitman and we aim to keep it. Now you just run along and tell him we’re here huh?”
The man looked flustered and started stuttering, until moments later a tubby little man pushed him aside and glowering at Slim said, “Oh it’s you Sherman, I suppose you’d better come in.”
The manservant was dismissed and Slim and Jess followed Chad Whitman, Walt’s son, into a large impressive drawing room at the front of the house.
It was furnished with the finest rugs and leather arm chairs; golden drapes adorned the floor to ceiling windows and the walls were covered in several impressive portraits and landscapes. The room reeked of opulence and money.
“Sit,” Chad ordered rather than suggested, almost as though addressing a dog Jess thought fleetingly. Slim took a chair by the large brick fireplace, whilst Jess remained standing.
Chad threw him an irritable glance but then took a seat himself, opposite Slim, and said, “I got your wire and I assume you’ve come to pay your debts?”
“Uh, yes,” Slim said cautiously, “but I’d rather discuss this with your Pa, after all the deal was made with him.”
“No need,” Chad said brushing the comment aside without pause for thought, “my father is unwell and I am responsible for all aspects of the business now.”
Slim’ s heart sank, so much for goodwill and the possibility of the debt being rescinded he thought.
“Now just a minute here,” Jess said angrily, “Slim’ s right the deal was made with your Pa the least you can do is discuss it with him. Or tell him we’re here... he may want to see Slim.”
Chad threw Jess a withering look and then turned back to Slim and said haughtily, “Who is this person?”
That was it for Jess and he strode across so that he was glaring down at the diminutive figure and said, “Harper’s the name Jess Harper and I own half the Sherman spread. So, I figure I’ve as much right as Slim has to get a straight answer out of you.”
Chad flinched slightly and shrank back in his chair as far away as he could from Jess and muttered quickly, “Indeed but uh none the less my father is not available at present so...”
Then turning back to Slim said, “I have drawn out an agreement and if you er, gentlemen,” he said casting Jess a baleful glance, “would be kind enough to sign and pay up I think we can draw proceedings to a close without having to bother the old man.”
Slim took the offered document and scanned it briefly before cussing softly and scowling back across at Chad, “You’re joking this is way above the figure agreed, we can’t possibly afford this!”
“I think you’ll find it all legal and binding. I have had the best solicitor in the city working on it. He added the interest onto the loan and that amount is due in full by the end of the month...Or of course we can make a decision now. If you really can’t afford it then I will take possession of the Ranch and Relay. You will have to vacate the premises by the end of the month,” he finished triumphantly.
Jess had relieved Slim of the document and had been reading it. Now in one swift movement he grasped Chad by the lapels of his jacket and hauled him out of his seat, his face inches from Chads.
“Why you scheming son of a bitch,” he yelled furiously, “you planned this all along didn’t ya!”
Chad cried out in alarm, “Please you’re hurting!”
That’s when they heard the sound of someone banging a stick loudly on the floor followed by a weak voice calling out, “What the hell’s going on in there Chadwick...is that you squawking?”
“Yes Pa,” he replied shakily.
“What’s going on?” he repeated.
“Nothing Pa, just a little banter,” Chad called still squirming in Jess’s vice like grip.
“Has young Matty arrived yet? Come in here boy where I can see you,” he added irritably.
Jess let go his grip and Chad fell to the floor. But he scrabbled up and made his way to a door to an adjoining room, brushing himself down and indicating they should follow him.
“Looks like he was expectin’ ya after all...Matty,” Jess said grinning at Slim as they followed Chad out.
Slim stood on the threshold and looked in consternation at Walter Whitman. He was a mere shadow of his former self and it took Slim a few moments to recognize his Pa’s old friend.
The room was just as ornate as the one they had just left and was obviously usually used as a dining room. However now a large imposing bed stood dead centre and lying in it and propped up on pillows was the pale sickly figure of Walt Whitman.
Slim took a deep breath and coming forward pinned a welcoming smile on his face and said, “Uncle Walt good to see you again.”
“Why Matty my boy, the pleasure is all mine,” Walt said raising a weak hand and shaking Slim’ s before turning to Jess.
“And you must be Mister Harper...Jess is it? Welcome young man...any friend of young Matty is a friend of mine.”
“Pleased to meet you sir,” Jess said shaking the offered hand and wondering what a nice old guy like this was doing with a son like Chad.
Then the old man spied the legal document still in Jess’s hand.
“Uh what do you have there, Jess?” he asked raising a questioning eyebrow.
Before he could open his mouth to reply Chad leapt forwards and made a grab for it, “Nothing of importance Pa...”
However, Jess was too fast for him and whisked the papers away from Chad, before passing them to his father.
“It’s the details of the loan repayment,” he said, “according to your son that is Mr Whitman.”
Walt took his spectacles from the bedside table and read the document through twice before staring blankly at Jess and then Slim.
“I’ve never seen this before in my life and I certainly don’t agree to it,” he said briskly.
Then he turned furious eyes on his son, “Chadwick, what the hell is the meaning of this?”
“You said I was to take on more responsibility,” he replied sulkily.
“Garldarn it, you knew damn well what I intended to do about this situation and yet you deliberately countermanded my orders!” he roared.
“Please Pa calm down you’re not supposed to get upset,” Chad muttered looking the epitome of a naughty child.
“Oh get out of my sight,” he said bitterly, “and ask Moreton to come in.”
Once his son had left Walt gestured to a pair of armchairs, “Do sit please gentlemen and accept my heartfelt apologies. The boy is a scoundrel. His way of getting back at you for that awful business at the Laramie school no doubt Matty...he always did have a nasty streak, and a long memory.”
Slim gave a sigh of relief, “It’s of no consequence now anyway Uncle Walt. So, do I take it the original agreement is still in place?” and he named the sum.
“Oh, good gracious me, no boy,” Walt said heartily.
“No?” asked Jess looking perplexed and throwing Slim an anguished glance. Surely the old guy wasn’t gonna hold out for even more money?
“No indeed,” Walt agreed and tearing the legal papers in two said, “I don’t want a brass nickel of your money my dear boy, consider the loan a gift.”
Before they could react, the door swung open and the manservant stood there.
“Ah, Moreton there you are, I have a little job for you.”
Then turning to Slim said, “Where are you two staying Matty?”
Slim looked puzzled and said, “The Station Hotel.”
Walt shuddered and said quietly, “Ghastly place.”
Then turning back to Moreton said, “Go over to the Station and collect Mr Sherman and Mr Harper’s luggage will you Moreton and bring it back here pronto, they will be my guests for a few days.”
Moreton threw Jess a look that would curdle milk, but merely said lugubriously, “As you wish sir,” and retired from the room.
When he’d left Walt grinned at Slim and Jess, “He’s an awful snob, but does the job. Now then boys I want to hear all about Laramie,” he said settling down to a good chinwag.
Slim and Jess thanked Walt sincerely for his benevolence and understanding re the loan. Then Walt and Slim relaxed into reminiscing about the old days in Laramie and the time flew by.
It was an hour or so later when there was a knock at the door and a trim, young lady wearing a nurse’s uniform entered. She had auburn hair pinned up under a nurse’s cap, set at a jaunty angle, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief.
“Time for your nap Mr Whitman,” she said as she moved over to the bed, encompassing Jess and Slim in her friendly smile.
“Ah come here my dear,” Walt said reaching out a hand which she came and grasped warmly.
“I’d like you to meet some good friends of mine, this is Jess Harper and Matty...uh I mean Slim Sherman,” he said rolling his eyes. “I’m sorry Slim, forgive an old man, I can only think of you as young Matty...Mathew after your dear Pa wasn’t it?”
Slim nodded, “Yes sir, but the nickname Slim has pretty much stuck with me now,” and he smiled at the young nurse.
“Ah of course I’ll try to remember,” Walt said, “and this is my lovely nurse Bella, Bella James, she bosses me around something terrible, but she means well,” he said beaming up at her.
“Pleased to meet you Miss James,” Slim said grinning across at her.
Jess came forwards and gave her his best lady killer smile, “Me too ma’am, a pleasure,” he said looking into her twinkling eyes, and thinking she looked like she’d be great company.
“Call me Bella please gentlemen,” she said smiling warmly again.
“I suppose I’d better do as she says,” Walt said trying to hide a yawn. “You boys go and make yourselves comfortable...my home is your home as they say in Europe,” he said with a smile. “I think Enid, the maid, will be serving tea and cakes shortly. A habit my dear wife Victoria introduced over here. If you recall Slim, she was from England. She enriched our lives so much from the habit of tea drinking and English cooking to all sorts of culture, the arts particularly...bless her,” he added sadly.

Chapter 5
They were sitting next door in the smart drawing room; the maid having withdrawn after pouring their tea from a silver teapot.
Jess peered into the murky depths of his tea cup and sighed, “Jeez Slim do folk really drink this for pleasure?”
“Come on Jess it’s not that bad, if you tried it with some cream and sugar it would taste better you know.”
“It’d take more than that,” Jess said in disgust before putting his cup down. “What’s wrong with a decent cup of coffee anyways...huh?”
“It was just Ma Whitman’s way. It’s tradition, morning coffee and afternoon tea, that’s the way they do it back in the old country.”
“Well, this is a tradition that should have dang well stayed there,” Jess muttered as he launched into his second slice of rich Madeira cake.
“I believe it is Walt’s way of keeping her memory alive,” Slim said quietly, “she was a lovely lady.”
“So how come she got that lowlife for a son and according to you a, uh...scarlet woman for a daughter huh?”
“Shh,” Slim whispered glancing over to the now closed adjoining door where Walt was resting, “not so loud Jess. It’s like I told you, she used to spoil them. When she was home that is. She traveled a lot on business with her husband so the kids where left to their own devices when they were older.”
Jess merely rolled his eyes.
“Anyway, I imagine Lola will have changed by now. Goodness she’s a mature woman I expect she’s settled down, maybe even got a family.”
Jess gave a sigh of relief, “So she doesn’t live here with her Pa then?”
Slim shrugged, “I shouldn’t think so, not if she’s married...I did hear tell years back that she’d finally married for a third time...so I guess she’s got the hang of it by now,” he finished with a cheeky grin.
Jess just shook his head, “Jeez once would be enough wouldn’t it pard,” he said looking uneasy at the thought.
“Yup enough to ask of any man,” Slim agreed.
Jess was just thinking of wandering off to the kitchen to find the maid, Enid, and ask her the whereabouts of a coffee pot when they heard the front door slam.
“That’ll be Moreton with our luggage,” Jess said with a smirk, “and I hope the sucker packed my dirty socks.”
Slim chuckled, “He probably couldn’t find ‘em if you chucked them under the bed like you usually do.”
Before Jess could deny it, the door flew open and a woman stood stock still on the threshold looking like she couldn’t decide whether to enter or back out again.
She had a stunning hourglass figure that was squeezed into a scarlet dress that left nothing to the imagination. The low neckline was showing an immodest amount of flesh and a slash up the side revealed a glimpse of thigh. Her improbably dark hair was piled up on top of her head in a fancy style and her neck and wrists were adorned with rather vulgar looking large diamonds. Her face, now registering a rather belated welcome, was marred by thick makeup, aging her to beyond her forty years.
Yup Jess thought to himself as he viewed her with undisguised astonishment; she sure lived up to Slim ’s description of a scarlet woman, if this was indeed the daughter.
However, he pulled himself together quickly and forcing a smile said, “Good afternoon Ma’am.”
Then he glanced over to his pard and saw a similar look of rather dazed shock in his eyes.
Jeez, she’d always been a tad over the top, but now she looked like the epitome of a wanton woman, Slim decided. Then the thought crossed his mind that she’d been out all night and was just returning home after some clandestine liaison and the evening gown and jewellery suddenly made sense.
She had obviously decided to stay and welcome the guests and she sashayed over to Slim and said, “I seem to recall Chad saying we were expecting visitors...Uh...It’s the Sherman boy isn’t it? No don’t tell me.” She looked to the ceiling for inspiration, “Uh...Slim she said snapping her fingers... I do believe we have met before, haven’t we? You must have been one of Chad’s little friends?”
Slim looked well like he might expire from humiliation. But then gathering his wits said firmly, “Yes we’ve certainly met Lola... after the war?”
She gave him a hard look and turned away to give Jess the full benefit of her most engaging smile and said, “Now then we haven’t met I’m sure because I would definitely remember you sweet man...so...are you married?”
Jess nearly choked on his piece of cake and whilst he was coughing and being slapped on the back by Slim there was a gentle tap on the door. Moments later it opened to reveal Moreton standing there holding Slim and Jess’s somewhat battered valises.
“Excuse me madam,” he intoned, “but where would you like me to deposit the gentlemen’ s er...luggage,” he finished as he gave the cases a disparaging glance.
“Oh, you’re staying here,” she trilled clasping her hands together, “how divine.”
Then she headed off towards the manservant, “I’ll come with you Moreton and select suitable accommodation for our guests.”
At the door she turned and gave them a little girl wave, “See you at supper boys,” she said with a wicked wink before hurrying off after Moreton.
“Jeez,” Jess gasped sinking back into his seat as she made her exit. He undid his smart string tie and loosened his collar before saying, “What the hell was that?”
“That,” said Slim with an evil grin, “was Lola.”
“Kinda shy ain’t she,” Jess said shaking his head, “I reckon she could be quite a party girl if she could just relax and lighten up some huh.”
Slim gave a bark of laughter, “She sure is something isn’t she.”
“Oh, she’s something alright,” Jess agreed, but by the dour look on his face that something was not to his liking one little bit.
Then he turned back to his buddy, “Well you sure made a lasting impression after spending the night with her, didn’t you?” he said with a wicked smile.
Slim just looked amused and said, “Well a lot of waters gone under the bridge since then Jess.”
“I’ll say,” Jess replied rolling his eyes at his pard. “Damn it anyone that asks if yer married before you’ve even been introduced is a tad desperate dontcha think?”
Slim nodded, “I guess third time wasn’t lucky for her after all...”
*******
Supper was laid on a large table in a room just off the entrance hall. It was clearly usually used as a library and the walls were lined with floor to ceiling bookcases. A cheerful fire blazed in the grate and the aroma of rich beef stew hung in the air.
The nurse, Bella, now attired in a flattering pale blue evening gown had accompanied Walt to the table. She sat to his left carefully watching his every move and ready to suggest a return to his bed should he look to be getting over tired.
For once he had got his own way and was enjoying sitting at his table again, a rare treat since his heart attack.
“Look my dear,” he had said an hour earlier, “I know you mean well, really I do. But we both know I am on borrowed time, so you wouldn’t deny me a meal with my family and an old friend, would you? After all who knows how many more, I may be able to enjoy?”
So, Bella had agreed on the strict understanding that he remain for the meal only and went straight to bed afterwards and before that, if he should experience any pain or discomfort.
“You’re a good girl.” he had said patting her hand, “and Bella I meant what I said the other day you know... I really want you to remain in post after I go, for six months at least or until you find a new position. I’ve told Moreton and Enid the same thing. I have left funds to ensure that. It is in my Will too, so that idiot son of mine...or poor Lola, come to that, cannot change it.”
Bella opened her mouth to object...but he cut her off.
“Please my dear you’d be doing me a favor and I want someone I can trust to look out for Lola, I really fear she is heading for another of her uh...breakdowns,” he said looking pensive.
“It’s alright,” Bella said at once, “don’t you go worrying. I’ll stay as long as I can I promise. Now what shall you wear for this dinner party, hmm?”
*******
Now Walt sat flanked by Bella on one side and Jess on the other and he looked delighted at heading the dinner table once more.
Slim had made an effort to draw Lola out in the conversation, but she only had eyes for Jess and just gazed at him as he chatted easily with Bella and their host.
Slim and Jess had been amazed when Lola sat down at the table wearing a demure, dark colored evening gown, her make up toned down to a minimum and her voice soft and gentle.
“Who the heck’s that and what have they done with Lola?” Jess whispered to his partner, but Slim merely grinned and raised an eyebrow.
The conversation had turned to life at the Sherman spread and at the mention of a housekeeper and young ward, Lola had once again inquired about their marital status, albeit this time much more subtly.
“So, I imagine with all that hard work on the ranch you have little time for girls?” she asked raising a curious eyebrow...
“Oh, we have plenty of time for girls,” Jess said enthusiastically.
“Yes,” Slim agreed, “we’re seeing a couple of girls...”
“Well not just seeing,” Jess said, “more stepping out...regular like...”
“Oh yes,” Slim agreed taking Jess’s theme and running with it, “In fact we’re pretty much spoken for I guess you could say...huh Jess?”
“Oh yeah, everything but the banns read and the Church booked,” Jess agreed grinning at his pard.
Lola said softly, “Well I always believe if the Church isn’t booked, then it’s not really serious,” and then she gave a girly giggle, before changing the subject.
It was later that night that the alarm bells started ringing as far as Jess was concerned.
Once her Pa had finally agreed to an early night and had been escorted out by his nurse...a complete personality change came over Lola. During the meal she had been softly spoken and the personification of the perfect lady. However, Jess had noted that she was imbibing two glasses of wine to one of everyone else and had subtly ordered Moreton to bring another bottle.
Now he figured she must be pretty much ready for her bed herself...but no, it seemed like the night was just starting for her. She had removed the colorful silk wrap, draped around her shoulders, to reveal the true cut of the dress that she was wearing. Although it was in a sedately dark material, it was cut to a deep v at the front exposing a goodly amount of white flesh. Then a quick visit to ‘freshen up’ and she returned with the thick makeup and over powering perfume that she had worn earlier.
Chad was obviously still sulking and had contributed nothing but non-committal grunts throughout the meal and had left soon after.
Slim and Jess had exchanged a glance when he left, very much wanting to follow suit, but had deemed it rude to leave Lola sitting up alone.
However, as her conversation became more and more risqué and embarrassing Jess for one had really had enough.
It was when she started getting stuck into her Pa’s whiskey that both men decided to make a quick exit.
Jess finally managed to get a word in edgeways and said, “If you’ll excuse us Ma’am, Slim and me will be turnin ’ in now. We’re kinda used to beddin’ down early for an early start, ya know?”
She gave a little disappointed pout and then said, “Oh well, sweet dreams boys...see you...uh later,” she added with a secret little smile in Jess’s direction.
“’Night Ma’am, see you bright and early,” Jess said firmly before giving Slim a gentle kick on the leg to get him up and moving.
Once they were upstairs and out of earshot, Slim shook his head, “Jeez she’s even worse than I remember. How’d she drink that much and still stay standing?”
“Practice,” Jess said with a wry smile, “lots and lots of practice.”
They had stopped by the room that had been designated his by Moreton and now he looked at it more carefully. Each room was color themed and his was The Blue Room, according to the legend on the door and right beside it was ‘The Pink Room.’ Another of Walt’s late wife’s strange ways he imagined.
“Well, no prizes for guessing who sleeps there,” Slim said with an evil grin.
“So, where’s your room?” Jess asked looking troubled.
“Way down the corridor,” Slim said with a satisfied smile, “The Dove Grey Room.”
“Aw Slim,” Jess said looking even more worried, “for once in my life I’m kinda sorry we ain’t sharin’. Doggone it you drive me crazy with yer snorin ’ and constant washin’ and tidyin’ up...but Jeez... I sure wish we were sharin’ tonight, safety in numbers an’ all that,” he added with the ghost of a smile.
Slim chuckled and slapped his pard on the back, “Well if I were you Jess, I’d lock the door....and maybe put a chair against it to be sure...heck your honour’ s at stake here buddy,” he said hiding a grin.
“Ha, this ain’t funny Slim, the woman’s dang well crazy.”
“Ha-ha, crazy for you that is,” Slim said now laughing openly, “good luck pard... I think you might need it!”
“Well thanks,” Jess said glowering before entering his room. As soon as he realized there was no key in the door, he carried over the bedside chair and stuck it up under the door handle, “Dang woman,” he muttered as he started stripping off for bed.
It was only an hour or so later when he was awoken from a deep slumber by someone rattling the door handle. He sat up in bed and by the dim moonlight filtering through the partially open drapes he could see the handle turning. Then when the door wouldn’t open, he heard Lola cuss and then call out in a stage whisper, “Jess...Jess are you awake?”
“No,” he replied softly to himself, before turning over and going back to sleep.
At breakfast the following morning Slim and Jess dined in peace as Chad sat there munching away, reading a newspaper and ignoring them. Of Lola there was no sign.
The thin, nervous looking maid, Enid, served them silently, never looking them in the eye and bowing diffidently every time either of them spoke to her.
Slim had wished her a good morning.
Then when she placed Jess’s bacon and eggs before him, he gave her his best smile and said, “Gee Ma’am, this looks real good. Did you cook it huh?”
Enid blushed with pleasure and said indeed she had and was even moved to look him in the eyes and return his smile.
“It’s Maisie, the kitchen maid’s day off,” she supplied quietly.
“Well thank you,” Jess said, “I appreciate it.”
“That will be all Enid,” Chad said irritably, glancing up from his newspaper.
Enid scuttled away at once looking mighty anxious.
“You really shouldn’t encourage the servants Harper,” he said moodily, “gives them ideas.”
Jess looked up angrily, “Well so what sorta ideas would those be then? That they’re actually human too...an’ can appreciate a bit of common courtesy...huh?”
Chad flushed an angry red, “I couldn’t expect a county hick like you to understand the servant and master relationship,” he said scornfully. “I don’t suppose many folks in Laramie have paid staff what with it being a down and out kind of place full of drunks and hayseeds.”
That really infuriated Slim, “Seems like you’ve forgotten where you started from huh Chad? I seem to recall you were born there!”
At that Chad folded his paper and standing up ignored the comment.
“I have work to go to, if you haven’t,” he said pompously before marching out.
Jess said something very rude and physically impossible as an aside to Slim, who nearly choked on his bacon as Chad waltzed off.
He hadn’t heard the comment, but was pretty sure it wasn’t along the lines of good morning have a great day.
Just a few minutes after he left, they heard the front door bang again and Jess braced himself for round two.
However, when the door opened moments later it admitted Lola...looking pretty much as she had done on their first encounter. She was again wearing the scarlet dress, her makeup, not only garishly applied but also beginning to smear, making her eyes look like those of a weary panda.
She rolled in rather unsteadily and rang the bell on the wall before taking a seat opposite Jess.
He exchanged a wary glance with Slim before saying, “Morning Ma’am....good night?”
“Yes, thank you,” she replied huffily. “It didn’t look like I was going to find any fun here so I took myself off to town.”
When Jess merely nodded and once more applied himself to his breakfast she added bitterly, “So are you a very heavy sleeper Jess?”
He couldn’t believe his ears, was she really going to embarrass herself by admitting to having tried to get into his room?
He just raised an eyebrow and agreed that he was.
“I thought that must be it,” she said now all smiles again. “I tried to rouse you last night, but you must have been fast asleep. There was uh... a huge spider in my room and I thought you might get rid of it.”
“Really?” Jess asked deadpan.
Before she could reply Moreton responded to the bell and with a subtle cough said, “You called Madam?”
“Oh yes, my usual breakfast please Moreton,” she said quietly.
Moments later he returned with a black coffee, which by the strong aroma wafting across the table, Jess figured was laced with a good splash or two of brandy.
*******
As promised Walt’s solicitor called later in the morning and as instructed, he left to prepare a legal document releasing Slim from the original debt.
“I know it all seems a bit long winded,” Walt said as he lay in bed and chatted with Slim and Jess later that afternoon. “But I think it’s important that it is all made legal and secure.” Then sadly, “I’m afraid I can’t trust that son of mine...he’d think nothing of ignoring my wishes after my death if we just had a verbal agreement. This way it will be completely water tight. I have also made some adjustments to my will,” he added with a secretive smile, but said no more on the matter.
“Well thank you,” Slim said sincerely, “we appreciate it...and I hope it will be a long time yet before you leave us,” he added at mention of the Will, throwing the elderly man a compassionate look.
Walt sighed and then said quietly, “I’m sorry to say I’m already on borrowed time Slim, each day is a bonus... my heart you know. It could simply give out at any time.”
“Gee I’m sorry to hear that,” Slim said, Jess nodding in agreement.
“Oh, don’t be, I’ve had a good life and I think maybe I’m ready to go,” he said reflectively.
Then pulling himself together, “But not yet a while...so do either of you young men play poker huh?”

Chapter 6
They played a few hands of poker and then Bella came in and said her patient should rest.
When the men got up to leave Walt called them back and said, “This young lady,” glancing at Bella, “had forbidden me from socializing this evening, so I’ll say good night...but old Brown, my solicitor, will be around early with the documents to sign.”
Slim nodded, “Thank you Uncle Walt, you’ve no idea what this means to us...”
“Oh, I think I do Slim. You’ve worked hard, the pair of you,” he said turning to acknowledge Jess. “You’ve really made a go of the place by all accounts. No, that debt was your fathers not yours my boy and I am happy to be able to help you out some. Even when things are on the up, there’s never any spare cash in ranching, I know that. It’s been a real pleasure,” he added, looking emotional and shaking them both warmly by the hand before they left the room.
Once outside Jess said softly, “Is he OK, he seems...I dunno kinda troubled?”
Slim shrugged, “I figure it takes a man that way when he knows he doesn’t have long... stands to reason.”
“Yup, I guess so,” Jess agreed.
Without her father’s sobering presence at the supper table Lola arrived wearing an even more outrageous dress than her red number. It was a dark green lacy gown that clung to her every curve and seemed like a second skin. Her hair was once again piled up in a fancy style and her eyes looked huge with all the layers of thick dark make-up.
Jess, who preferred his woman more as nature intended, thought she looked terrible, but sensibly kept his thoughts to himself.
However, as the meal progressed and she got more and more inebriated, his patience grew thin and he had trouble keeping quiet.
It was when she started some silly banter about mice playing when the cat was away that he saw red.
Slim had been talking about a dance he and Jess were attending, with their girls, on their return home, in a bid to stop Lola making even more a fool of herself.
She had been drinking glass after glass of red wine, eating practically nothing and spending all her time by making eyes at Jess and uttering the odd suggestive remark. Along with trying to persuade him to take her out on the town later...all of which Jess had studiously ignored or sidestepped.
Now she turned to Slim and said sarcastically, “I really don’t know why you two won’t relax and have some fun...after all while the cat’s away the mice will play. I’m sure uh...what’s her name ...oh yes Lily will be having a whale of a time.”
Then turning to Jess said, “Why your Millie is probably in the arms of some handsome bronc buster as we speak with not a thought in her head about you Jess dear. And here is little old me ready and waiting for a good time!”
Slim darted a quick glance in Jess’s direction and sucked in a breath waiting for the explosion.
He saw Jess’s hand clench and a muscle in his cheek flicked and he finally raised his head from his plate and looked into Lola’s challenging eyes.
That was enough... no words were really needed.
She opened her mouth to apologize ...but too late.
“Goddamn it woman ...don’t you dare talk about stuff you know nuthin’ of,” he said his voice low but full of icy contempt.
She looked like she would apologize, but then she tossed back another glass of wine and said scornfully, “Oh for goodness sake...it was just a bit of fun...a joke, that’s all.”
“I can’t see anyone laughing,” Chad said from his end of the table, his face suddenly alight with anger. “For goodness sake sis just get off to bed, you’re embarrassing me and yourself...”
Lola turned pale and then stood up unsteadily...before she launched into a vitriolic hail of abuse aimed at her brother...then turning to include Jess and Slim yelled, “I hate you... I hate you all,” and she fled from the room.
There was a heavy silence after the door slammed.
Chad rose from his seat, “I apologize,” he said stiffly. “I bid you goodnight gentleman,” and he followed his sister out.
Slim and Jess exchanged a weary look.
“Well, that was interesting,” Slim said sarcastically, “I wonder what she’s going to do next?”
Jess shook his head, “I dunno and I reckon I don’t wanna be around to find out. So how about that fun, relaxing night out on the town then huh Slim?”
Slim grinned, “I sure don’t intend to stay in with her in that state either...come on buddy, let’s go explore the city,” he replied cheerfully.
*******
When they returned around about midnight, they were surprised to see all the house lights blazing and the doctor’s buggy parked outside.
The front door was ajar, so exchanging a puzzled look they made their way inside.
They stood in the hallway wondering what was up, when a rather harassed looking Moreton emerged from the sitting room and said, “I have bad news I’m sorry to report... the master passed away about an hour ago.”
Jess and Slim exchanged a shocked glance, before Slim said sincerely, “I’m so very sorry.” Then raising an eyebrow, “Mister Chad... Miss Lola?”
“The young master is in the sitting room sir and the doctor is with Miss Lola. He was going to sedate her...she has taken the news badly. Uh...I’m sure master Chad would be glad of your company,” he added.
When they entered the room, they were surprised to see Chad busily working away at his desk, a glass of brandy at his elbow.
He visibly jumped when they entered and then closed the account book he was working on and turned to face them.
“You’ve heard the news I take it?” he asked.
Slim nodded, “I’m really sorry Chad, my condolences...from us both,” he added turning to where Jess nodded.
“No need,” Chad said, “the old man had a good long run... It was his time to go,” he added nonchalantly.
“Good to see you’ve taken it so well,” Jess said sarcastically.
Jeez, he and Slim seemed more upset about Walt’s demise than his arrogant son.
Chad merely looked indifferent, “I’m just being truthful. Pa and I weren’t close.” Then he stood up from the desk and looking Slim and Jess up and down said, “Excuse me gentlemen I have a busy day tomorrow,” and with that he left without a backwards glance.
Jess shrugged and looked at his pard once the door had closed behind Chad, “Cold fish ain’t he.”
Slim gave a little shudder. “Know what Jess... I reckon we’ll move out tomorrow, I really don’t want to be under the same roof as that guy a moment longer.”
Jess nodded, “I agree and with any luck we can get that document signed and be on our way as soon as the funeral’s over in a few days huh?”
Slim nodded, “Come on let’s turn in, like the man says a busy day tomorrow, Mr Brown is due first thing.”
As they neared Jess’s room, the door of the Pink Room opened and the young doctor and nurse Bella came out, quietly closing the door behind them.
“Ah, Jess, Slim, there you are,” said a very subdued Bella, “you have heard the news?”
Slim nodded, “Yes and we’re so very sorry.”
“Me too,” she whispered,” he was a lovely man. I just went to check on him before turning in and he had gone... it was very peaceful, he died in his sleep.”
“That’s good,” Jess said softly.
Then Bella pulled herself together, “I don’t think you have met my fiancé, Doctor Jon Rawlings.”
“This is Slim Sherman and Jess Harper, the old friends I told you about visiting Walter,” she added turning to the doctor.
“Pleased to meet you,” the handsome young medic said shaking their hands.
“How is she?” Jess asked tipping his head towards Lola’s room.
Jon exchanged an anxious look with Bella before replying.
“Uh, I can’t discuss a patient obviously, but in this case, I think you should be aware that Miss Lola is uh, very highly strung and I’m sorry to say has a history of mental breakdown. So, you just need to be uh...aware of that. She is currently sleeping and I’ll call back in the morning to check on her.”
“OK,” said Jess nervously, “she’s definitely asleep right?”
“Oh yes,” the doctor said with an understanding look, you’ll hear no more from her tonight.”

Chapter 7
The following morning at breakfast Chad sat reading his paper as usual and no one would have thought he had just lost his Pa Jess mused. He glanced over with disgust at the stocky man stuffing his face with eggs, deeply absorbed in the day’s news.
By contrast Slim looked bleary eyed after a poor night’s sleep and he figured he looked little better, both of them shocked and saddened by the old man’s passing.
They were just finishing the meal, served by a red eyed Enid, when there was a tap at the door.
Moreton showed Mr Brown in and said, “Your solicitor is here sir.”
“Ah Brown there you are,” said Chad pompously, “shall we go somewhere more comfortable,” and he marched off towards the sitting room, leaving the others to follow.
Mr Brown raised an aggrieved eyebrow at being treated in such a cavalier manner. He’d always been Mr Brown to Chad’s father and treated with the upmost respect...However, business was business and exchanging a polite ‘good morning’ with Slim and Jess, the three men made their way across the hallway.
Once they were all comfortable in the sitting room Mr Brown said, “I would like to offer my sincere condolences Mr Whitman. I was so sorry to hear of your dear father’s passing. It seems somehow crass to be discussing business so soon after the event; however, it was your father’s wish, that should the inevitable occur, that this business should be concluded immediately.”
“Yes, yes man,” Chad said irritably, “just get on with it will you?”
Cedric Brown was a mild-mannered man, but even he found it hard not to say something cutting to this unfeeling upstart, but he remained ever the professional. So, gritting his teeth he opened his briefcase and removed the document overturning the loan made to one Mathew Sherman.
“So, Mr Whitman if you would just care to sign this document on behalf of your late father, I’ll be on my way.”
Chad just stared at him, making no effort to take the offered document and then said coldly, “No.”
“No?” asked the puzzled solicitor, “but it is your father’s express wish that this matter should be resolved at our earliest convenience.”
“Poppy cock,” said Chad with gusto.
Then getting up he wandered over to his desk and retrieved his original document from its hiding place in the account book.
“This is the document we will be using,” he said triumphantly passing the papers to Mr Brown.
The solicitor studied them for a moment and then said, “But this is outrageous, and goes completely against your father’s express wishes!”
“Well too bad,” Chad sneered, “because he isn’t here to complain is he!”
There was a shocked silence for a full minute as they reeled at this latest sacrilege.
Then Jess erupted in fury.
He sprang out of his seat and grabbing Chad by his jacket he hauled him up and hurled him against the wall, rattling his teeth and eliciting a terrified whimper. Then he shook him violently, “Show some dang respect you lily livered little bastard,” he yelled angrily. “Now you damn well sign those papers or so help me I’ll knock ya into next week!”
“Oh dear...oh dearie me,” Mr Brown bleated and looked to Slim for help...
Reluctantly Slim got up and went and pulled Jess off, “Easy pard,” he said softly. “I figure we can sort this out without flattening the guy.”
“Oh, you do, do ya?” Jess asked belligerently.
“Gentlemen, gentlemen please cried Mr Brown, “uh feelings seem to be running high. I suggest we adjourn and meet again later in the week? Maybe you and Mr Harper would care to accompany me across the road for a coffee and give us all time to calm down,” he suggested hopefully turning to Slim.
“Calm down...calm down!” Jess spat, “Are you mad?”
“Jess, please you’re not helping any,” Slim said pushing him firmly back down in his chair.
Chad brushed down his jacket and adjusted his tie before returning to his chair...making sure there was a large coffee table between himself and Jess, all the time eyeing him warily.
Then he looked across to his solicitor, “You can calm down as much as you wish Mr Brown. But the fact remains that I intend to get the loan paid in full, with the accrued interest by the end of the month. Or I will send some men to take possession of the Sherman Ranch and evict anyone living there.”
“Now just a minute,” Mr Brown replied his seemingly endless patience now in short supply. “I must remind you that this document you have, er fashioned is not legal until it has been properly checked by a qualified solicitor and deemed to be lawful. Plus, there is the matter of the estate. Your father’s Will has not yet been read, so we are in a stage of abeyance.”
“Huh,” Jess asked looking puzzled.
“Suspension, we cannot proceed until the Will is read and we are sure who is in overall control of the business.”
“Well, you were happy enough for me to sign Father’s document,” Chad said angrily.
“Because that document had been legally drawn up by myself to your father’s specifications and agreed. This,” he said tapping Chads notes and throwing them a despairing glance, “will need to be completely re written and agreed and then put into place once we are sure you are in total control of the business matters. Should your sister be included as a co-owner then she too will have to agree. If no agreement can be reached, then she will have the casting vote being the eldest.”
When Chad started protesting Brown snapped shut his document case and made for the door, “That is the position. I will be in touch Mr Whitman, good day!”
Then turning to Jess and Slim said, “Shall we go gentlemen?”
Jess gave Chad a final glare and then accompanied the others out and across the street to the café opposite.
Once they were all settled Brown said sincerely, “Look gentlemen I am completely on your side and I will stall for as long as I can. However, I feel you should consult your own solicitor too. Put him in the picture as to what has been occurring. In the meantime, I will check on his Will and arrange for a reading. I have a feeling he has made contingency plans, for just such an occasion as this so don’t be too downhearted. But Mr Harper I must insist that you don’t try and intimidate Mr Whitman again, he has some dubious friends and things could be uh...made rather unpleasant for you.”
Jess looked down and said nothing, but Slim knew dang well it would take a lot more than a few ‘dubious friends’ to make Jess behave.
“In the meantime, I suggest you both remain at the Whitman house...I know it’s what dear Walter would have wished. But more importantly...well I imagine you have heard the phrase, keep your friends close...but your enemies closer? Good advice gentlemen when you’re dealing with a slippery character like Chad Whitman. And before you say that’s not very professional of me, I agree...but in my defense I shall be resigning from Mr Whitman’s employ just as soon as this matter is settled.”
Jess grinned at him and said, “Well I don’t blame ya one little bit buddy!”
Mr Brown returned the grin...a sudden feeling of relief flooding through his veins. It would be good not to have to see that little creep Chad Whitman anymore; or his poor sad sister he reflected.
As suggested Slim wired Benson with an update on proceedings and a request for advice. Then the two men spent the rest of the day out and about, neither of them relishing the company of Chad Whitman or his sister right then.
However as supper time came around they knew they should return to the house, if for no other reason than to keep an eye on Chad at Mr Brown’s suggestion.
As they entered the house neither of them noticed a down at heel elderly man sitting in the window of the coffee shop opposite, peering intently at the comings and goings at the Whitman residence.
Lola was particularly subdued at supper, but seemed to have forgotten her rant of the previous evening when she had declared she hated all three men.
She was red eyed and as usual drank heavily, but at least kept her own council and Jess was spared the embarrassing flirting of former meals.
She seemed to want to talk about her brother’s insistence on the loan repayment and constantly goaded him about it.
“It’s none of your goddamn business sis,” Chad spat angrily. “Father left the running of the business in my hands so just butt out!”
She peered into her wine glass an inscrutable look in her eyes before flicking a glance at Jess and then back at her brother.
“You don’t know that for sure,” she said quietly, “not until the Will has been read.”
“Oh, and you do I suppose?” he replied sarcastically.
“Maybe,” she said, a devious look on her face, “for all you know I may have already seen the Will.”
He threw her a furious look before shrugging and saying he was off out on business and not to wait up.
“Oh, that sort of business,” she said, a sly look in her eyes, “Well you just be careful little brother, you don’t want to catch anything do you?”
Chad flushed an angry red, “Don’t talk about things you don’t understand,” he yelled furiously.
“Oh, I understand alright,” she said savagely, “I understand that you’re off to that whorehouse...again spending time with that Lindy.”
Chad looked the picture of mortification, “Well at least she isn’t a lush like you,” was his parting shot as he marched from the room.
Jess flicked a wary glance at Lola and thought he’d never seen such a murderous look in a woman’s eyes before.
“Uh, me and Slim are going out too,” he said quickly, “we’ve uh, got some business to attend to.”
“Oh really, you too,” she said sarcastically.
“Yes really,” Slim said reasonably, “We’re waiting on a wire from Mr Benson our solicitor, “he added. “We thought we’d just go down and check the office and see if there is a reply yet.”
She nodded, but as the men rose to leave, she called Jess back.
“Can I have a word...in private?” she asked.
Slim and Jess exchanged a guarded look, but she added quickly, “It’s about this loan business...I think I can help you.”
Jess nodded, “OK, I’ll catch up with ya Slim.”
Once he’d left the room Lola stood up and wove her way to the fireplace and stood with her back to it surveying Jess.
“Come over here,” she said seductively.
Jess sighed but did as she asked, “Well?” he asked irritably, “What’s all this about?”
“I really have seen the Will,” she started. “I wasn’t lying. It was on Pa’s bedside table a while back; he was sleeping so I took a look...and it is as I suggested. The business is to be run jointly...with me as the eldest having a casting vote should there be any difference of opinion. So, you see Jess dear, I am in a position to help you...one signature from me and you’re off the hook, the loan agreement void.”
Jess frowned, “So what’s in it fer you...because seein’ as how you hate my guts, I doubt you’ll be doing me a good turn for nothing?”
“Hate you?” she asked looking surprised. “Oh no dear man, I was just a tad upset the other night I don’t hate you...on the contrary” she said moving in on him and placing a hand on his chest as she looked deeply into his eyes.
He stepped back and frowned, “Well, what’s the catch then?” he asked again.
“Oh nothing, just that you...well pay me some attention. I’d like you to escort me around town. So, my girlfriends will see us together. They’ll all be madly jealous of such a young...virile...suitor,” she added again looking up into his eyes. “Just dinner and a little dancing, that’s not too much to ask is it?” she wheedled.
Jess was torn...the thought of having to spend any time alone with the difficult, hell, dang scary woman was the very last thing he wanted to do. But what if they could find no other solution? He’d have to do it for the sake of the ranch. The thought of Chad sending his heavies to evict Daisy and Mike making his blood run cold.
He swallowed hard, “OK,” he said quietly.
That was when she reached up and running her hands through his hair pulled him down to her and kissed him passionately.
Jess pushed her firmly away, his eyes now angry, “What do ya think yer doin’?” he spat.
“Oh, didn’t I say...the evening won’t stop at the bedroom door Jess. I’ll expect you to stay the night of course...that’s the deal.”
He took another step back and stared at her in horror, “What? Let me get this straight...you’re payin’ me to sleep with ya?”
“Well, I wouldn’t put it quite so bluntly but I guess so, yes. I let you off the money for the loan in return for your uh...services,” she slurred, her eyes widening in mock innocence, “I’m sure it would be worth it... every penny...”
“No,” he whispered.
“What?”
“Goddamn it I said, no!” he yelled.
Her face took on a bitter look.
“You won’t do it? Who the hell do you think you are?” she shrieked. “Just a no account gunslinger. Oh yes, I’ve had you checked out...so what makes you think you’re so high and mighty. You won’t prostitute yourself huh cowboy...too damn perfect are you, huh?”
“Compared with you I figure I am yeah,” he said before turning on his heel and walking out on her.
“You’ll regret this!” she screamed after him...but the only reply was the front door slamming.
Slim was waiting for him outside and neither man noticed the seedy looking individual in the café window opposite quickly fold his newspaper and follow them...albeit at a discreet distance.
“Hey slow down,” Slim said as Jess stormed off. Hell, it was usually Jess trying to keep up with him and his long legs. But right now, he was practically running in his haste to put some distance between himself and the Whitman residence.
“So, are you going to tell me what happened?” Slim asked once they were seated in a quiet saloon, down a side street a couple of blocks away.
Most of the saloons were full of working girls plying for drinks, noisy with honky tonk pianos. However, this place was full of men just wanting a quiet drink or hand of cards. They were sitting at a table towards the back of the room and Jess had drunk his second whiskey before he described exactly what had occurred between him and Lola.
Slim made a huge effort to keep his face straight, “I guess she had you down as some sort of gigolo Jess,” he finally managed.
“This ain’t no laughing matter,” Jess said bitterly, “I ain’t bein’ used that way Slim...damn it she’s practically old enough to be my Ma....well my big sister anyways,” he amended.
Slim sobered, “You’ve got to feel kind of sorry for her...stooping to that level don’t you huh?”
Jess shrugged, “I suppose so. Anyway, what are we gonna do huh Slim?”
“Just hope and pray Benson comes up with something,” Slim said, “and maybe get a little drunk?”
Jess rolled his eyes, but lifted his glass again, “I’ll drink to that,” he said with a mischievous grin.
As it happened, they were still reasonably sober when they decided to make their way back to the Whitman house. As Jess said, his heart just weren’t in it and so after another drink and card game they left for the short walk back.
They were just about to pass the alley beside the saloon when they were nearly bowled over by a young boy looking terrified.
“Help please they’ve got my sister,” he cried, throwing Jess and Slim a piteous look.
Then they heard a young girl screaming, “No... Let me go!”
Without a second’s hesitation both men tore down the pitch-black alleyway...
Moments later they went flying headlong as they fell over a trip wire that had been secured across the narrow alleyway.
Before they had a chance to recover, they were accosted by a gang of at least nine or ten burly men. Several grabbed hold of Slim who struggled to free himself from their vice like grip, whilst Jess hurled punches at the others. However, he was severely outnumbered and before long he was floored, the men kicking and spitting on him. Then once he was out cold one of them brought his heavy boot down hard on Jess right hand...and then again.
“Alright that’ll do,” yelled the ring leader,” Whitman said just put the bastard out of action not kill him.”
“What about the other one?” a disembodied voice called.
“Just boot him in the guts...come on that’ll do men,” and moments later they disappeared...and nothing could be heard save for Slim retching in agony.
After a while he managed to get up and stagger over to where Jess was still out for the count. But it was another good ten minutes before he came around and Slim was able to help him to his feet and they supported each other back to the house.
Moreton answered their ring at the door and stood gaping in shock until Slim snapped him out of it by brusquely asking for help in carrying his pard up to his room.
“I’ll fetch Bella,” Moreton said, once Jess had collapsed on the bed.
Slim pulled off Jess’s boots and then turned his attention to his gloves, but when he removed the right one Jess came to and yelled out in pain.
The hand was mangled beyond belief, covered in blood and already swollen to almost twice its normal size.
Bella cast her nurses’ eye over the injury some minutes later and looked anxious.
“He needs a doctor, at once,” she said quietly.
Jess who had his eyes closed and was grimacing in pain snapped them open, “No,” he said quickly, “we can’t afford a doc, tell her Slim.”
“It’s alright,” she said quickly, “I’ll ask Jon, he won’t charge you anything,” and she was gone before they could reply.
Once she had left, Slim said, “It’s no-good Jess, you have to see someone, the darned thing could be broken.”
Jess sighed, “Are you OK?”
Slim nodded, “They kicked me in the belly, winded me some, but I’ll live... but you...Jeez you’re a mess pard.”
Jon proved to be an extremely through and efficient young doctor. He examined all Jess’s injuries including the terribly swollen hand, dressed the many wounds and gave advice. Then he turned and examined Slim too, treating his severely bruised stomach.
Once he had finished with Slim, he turned back to where Jess was reclining on the bed looking pale and tense, his arm in a sling.
“Well, most of the injuries are pretty superficial, cuts and bruises as sustained in the unwarranted attack. But that hand injury is really nasty Jess. It’s too soon to say exactly what the damage is. The cold compresses that Bella has applied will help some with the swelling. I think it could well be broken and there could be some serious tendon or nerve damage too. Once the swelling has gone down, I’ll be able to tell more.”
Jess turned even paler at that news.
“I suggest you visit my office tomorrow and if it is indeed broken, I’ll splint it. Then you must see your doctor when you get back to Laramie. I can tell you it will be a long slow road to recovery. Up to maybe six weeks before you will know if there is permanent damage.”
Jess just swallowed hard and said nothing, but he looked pretty bleak so Slim thought.
“Try and get a good night’s sleep.”
Then turning to Slim said, “I suggest you have a word with our Sheriff in the morning his office is just across the street.”
Jess and Slim thanked him profusely for all he’d done, but he just smiled when Slim offered to pay.
“I know Walter thought a lot of you two gentlemen, and he’d want you to be well cared for. So, let’s just say this is for his memory huh.”
Once he’d been shown out accompanied by Bella, Slim said, “What a nice guy.”
Jess agreed, “Kinda fanciful iffen he really thinks the Sheriff will do anything though,” he said ruefully, “It could have been anyone that jumped us.”
“Well, I don’t know Jess he should look into it, after all it was a brutal attack and besides...”
Jess peered up at his pard, “Besides what?”
Slim looked suddenly cagey, “Oh nothing.”
“Come on Slim, you know something ...you know who did it dontcha.”
Slim sighed and said quietly, “Well I know who instigated it.”
“Go on,” Jess said quietly, his expression grim.
“Look Jess I don’t want you kicking off...we’ll let the law deal with it huh?”
“Who was it?” Jess said deadpan, his eyes never leaving Slim’ s.
Slim sighed again, “I heard one of them mention Whitman...it was Chad paid them to beat us up Jess.”
“The Hell he did!” Jess cussed sitting up and swinging his legs off the bed.
“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?” Slim said barring his way.
“What do you think, I’m gonna confront the son of a bitch of course.”
Slim was surprised at how easy it was to push his pard back on the bed, as though he had no strength left.
“No,” he said firmly, “and anyway he’s not here he’s off romancing that Lindy...remember?”
Jess sank back on the pillows.
“And Lola,” he asked, “is she out? Because you can bet yer bottom dollar, she was involved in settin ’ this up too.”
“She’s out as well, Bella told me. She left not long after us all dressed up to the nines...so I doubt she’ll be back before breakfast either. So, you get some shut-eye huh... we’ll talk again in the morning.”

Chapter 8
Slim bumped into Jess early the following morning emerging from his room.
“Hey pard what are you doing up and about so early, I thought the doc said you were to rest today and just get up to visit his office huh?”
“Aw come on Slim, it’s my dang hand that’s beat up,” he said gently patting his arm resting in the sling, “there ain’t nothin’ wrong with my stomach and I’m ready for breakfast.”
“I might have known it.” said Slim rolling his eyes.
“Anyways, I heard the front door go not long ago,” he added as they descended the staircase. “I reckon Chad’s back and I aim to have it out with him about last night.”
As they were about to enter the breakfast room, they heard the sound of raised voices.
“I think you may have to wait in line,” Slim said with a grim smile as they heard Lola laying into her brother.
The brother and sister looked up as Slim and Jess entered and Lola immediately flushed up, looking down, unable to look Jess in the eye.
“Oh, come on sister dear,” Chad said sarcastically, “don’t be bashful, why not share your news with Harper and Sherman here. Tell them all about how you think you can usurp me in the business?” He shook his head in disbelief casting her a weary look. “My God you couldn’t hold down any darned job the way you drink yourself into oblivion on a daily basis, never mind one as important as mine,” he added pompously.
“That’s rich coming from you,” she retaliated spitefully. “You’re hardly sober yourself this morning, are you? Coming straight from that little whore’s bed too no doubt! Hardly the professional business man you profess to be,” she sneered.
Jess glanced across at Chad and he certainly looked pretty much the worse for wear. He was sitting with his elbows on the table, his eyes bloodshot and the hand raising his coffee cup decidedly shaky.
Then he turned to glance at Lola. She was wearing the same glad rags as when they first met. The scarlet dress looking tawdry and her makeup again smudged and unbecoming. She was wearing silver high heeled slippers and carrying a matching silver bag and looked pretty much like she was ready to hit her brother around the head with it so Jess thought with a wry grin.
However, Chad’s next comment wiped the smile off his face...
“So, you really think Pa gave you the casting vote on business matters do you?” Chad asked sarcastically.
“I don’t think it, I know it,” she spat. “I’ve seen the Will and I have the casting vote on everything...including the little matter of their debt,” she added triumphantly glancing over at Slim and Jess.
Chad turned to them bleary eyed and looked at them properly for the first time and registered their battered faces and Jess’s arm in a sling.
“Oh dear,” he said mockingly, “it looks like you’ve been in the wars Harper. Get yourself into a spot of bother last night, did you?” he asked, his semi-drunken state making him incautious.
Jess lurched forwards and would have made a good job of flooring Chad with his left fist if Slim hadn’t quickly moved in to stop him.
“Take it easy Jess,” he said grabbing him by his good arm and pulling him back, “we decided the law could deal with this remember?”
“Goddamn it, the bastard knows dang well what happened last night,” Jess stormed, “I could swing for the mealy-mouthed little toad!”
Just at that point the door swung open and Moreton stood there, “Is everything alright sir?” he intoned looking across at Chad.
Chad looked over to where Slim was still restraining Jess and figured he was safe enough.
“Just dandy thank you Moreton,” he replied before dismissing him.
“Never mind about what happened to them,” Lola said impatiently once the manservant had withdrawn, “I intend to use my casting vote in the business. Like it or not.”
She too was far from sober after a night out on the town and was itching for a fight, enjoying the fact that she could get one over on her much-despised brother for once. She was also still smarting from Jess’s behavior of the night before...turning her down in that harsh unfeeling manner. But she would give him once last chance she decided.
Chad turned back to her and said, “We’ll see about that, I’ll get Brown to check it out.”
“No need,” she said quickly, “I have the power to rescind the loan for these two. I’ve already checked myself.”
“So, will you?” Chad asked grudgingly...oblivious to the fact that Slim and Jess were standing there waiting to hear their fate.
“Well, that depends,” she said casting Jess a smouldering glance.
This wasn’t lost on Chad and his brows knitted for a moment and then his face cleared and the frown was replaced by a broad grin.
“Oh no, don’t tell me ...you’ll let them off the payment if Harper here... uh... does what my dear? Escorts you around town so you can show off in front of your boring friends? Or do you want more huh?”
At that Lola flushed up looking acutely embarrassed.
“Shut up Chadwick,” she shouted glaring at him.
But her brother ignored her.
“Oh no, that would be way too lady like for you though wouldn’t it huh? Of course, you’d want more than the odd evening of dinner and dancing.”
“I’m warning you,” she screamed furiously, “shut up!”
Chad merely snorted in derision, looking pretty much like a cat toying with a mouse.
“You’ve been after Harper from the moment you cast eyes on him haven’t you...so what’s the deal huh?”
Then he turned to Jess.
“What’s your price huh Harper? You’ll sleep with her and she forgets about the loan? Is that it huh?”
“Shut up!” Lola shrieked again.
“You really are a little slut, aren’t you?” Chad said shaking his head.
Then he threw his head back and started laughing.
“Shut up! Shut up! She cried frantically.
Jess hadn’t been around the odd angry women in his time without learning when to shut the hell up. He turned to Chad and opened his mouth to suggest he do just that.
But before he could get the words out there was a loud blast of a gunshot.
Chad stopped laughing abruptly...his eyes open wide in shocked surprise and then he slumped forwards across the breakfast table.
Slim and Jess turned as one to see Lola standing there, the diamond clad derringer she had taken from her bag still smoking in her hand.
There was a moment’s horrified silence before she screamed and then pointing the gun at Jess, she looked like she would shoot again...but then changed her mind and thrust it into his good hand.
Then she yelled loudly, “You’ve killed him, you’ve killed my brother!”
She tore across the room to the door that was already standing ajar and as she threw it open a stunned looking Moreton and Enid stood there.
Lola recoiled in shock as she realized the servants had seen and heard everything. But hardly pausing she leaned in close and whispered, “Not one word against me...or you lose everything.” Then more loudly, “It was Harper...he killed Chad... I’m going for Sheriff Downs!”
Jess came to his senses and threw the offending weapon down on the table before turning to Moreton and yelling, “Fetch Bella he’s been shot bad...”
The nurse was leaning over Chad’s body and shaking her head sadly, saying there was nothing she could do, Slim and Jess looking on, when the Sheriff and his two deputies tore into the room. They immediately drew their guns aiming them at Jess and Slim.
“It was that one, with the dark hair, Pete...uh I mean Sheriff,” Lola said, refusing to look Jess in the eye.
“Get ‘em up,” the middle aged, stocky man said, shoving his gun towards Jess’s ribs.
Jess sighed lustily and did as he was told.
“Weren’t me Sheriff,” he said indicating that he was able to raise only one hand... “And iffen I was gonna shoot the guy, well...that really ain’t the kinda gun I tote.” He said tipping his head to the bejeweled fancy little hand gun, resting on the table.
“Oh, it’s mine alright Sheriff,” Lola said turning wide innocent eyes on him. “I keep it for protection,” she said batting her eyelashes at him. “I got it out of my bag when Mr Harper here started to threaten my dear brother. But he wrestled it off me and then shot poor Chad.”
“What, I did all that with my left hand?” Jess asked throwing her a disbelieving glance.
She just nodded and then started crying quietly...and the Sheriff threw a comforting arm around her shoulders.
“Please tell me you aren’t going to believe her lies?” Slim said. “It’s just like my pard said... he didn’t do it... Lola here lost her temper and shot Chad at point blank range!”
“And you are... sir?” the Sheriff asked.
“Sherman...Slim Sherman and Jess here is my buddy, we’re partners in a ranch in Laramie.”
“Partner eh,” the Sheriff said with an ironic smile, “well I reckon you would say he’s innocent then wouldn’t you Mister Sherman?”
“Look I’m telling you the truth!” Slim yelled now looking pretty mad.
“Sure, you are,” the Sheriff said sarcastically, “well you’re loyal I’ll give you that.”
Then he turned his back on him and addressing Lola said, “There was a disagreement you say?”
She nodded vigorously.
“There was. Mr Harper called him terrible names and said he’d swing for him,” she said triumphantly. “You heard that didn’t you Moreton?”
The manservant looked decidedly uncomfortable, but had to agree yes, he had heard that said by Mr Harper.
“So why was the accused so angry with your brother?” asked the Sheriff.
“Well, he and Mr Sherman owed my brother a large sum of money. It was a loan, all legal and above board. Our solicitor, Mr Brown has all the details. He can confirm also that they are unable to repay the debt and were about to lose their ranch house and land...that’s why Mr Harper was so mad.”
“Well, that sounds like a reasonable motive for murder to me,” the Sheriff drawled. Just happy to have an open and shut case on his hands.
Then turning to his two burly deputies, now training their rifles on Jess, said “Take him down to the jail boys.”
“But she’s lying through her teeth can’t you see that!” Slim yelled angrily.
“You can have your say in court Mr Sherman,” the Sheriff said dismissively.
Then squeezing Lola’s hand said he’d see her later, giving her an intimate smile.
He then departed, his deputies now having Jess in a vice like grip.
“Slim, do something,” was his parting shot.
*******
Once the Sheriff had left, Lola turned her icy glare on Slim, “I think you’d better leave, don’t you?”
Slim ignored her comment and said simply, “Why... why’d you kill him?”
She just shrugged, “He was driving me mad I just wanted him to stop. Anyway, he was a pain in the neck Mr Sherman, always had been,” she said defiantly. “I had no intention of sharing the business with him. I’d arranged to have him got rid of later in the year anyway...hounded out of town because of some scandal or other. But as it turned out...well it happened a little sooner and not as I’d planned. I didn’t want to see him dead...not really...it just sort of happened,” she finished now looking slightly uncertain.
“You really are one crazy woman aren’t you,” Slim said shaking his head. “And you really think you can get away with it huh?”
“Oh, I know so,” she said suddenly rallying with a triumphant smirk. “You see the Sheriff and are close, really close... He’ll make sure the judge only hears what I want him to hear. So, it looks like your partner is on borrowed time, Mr Sherman. As for the staff,” she said dismissively, “they will be totally loyal, or they know what will happen. After all I had arranged to have Chad...uh removed...and so I can do the same to anyone else who doesn’t support me totally,” she said throwing her employees a hard look.
Moreton, Enid and Bella just gazed at her in amazement.
“Well, what are you all staring at? Moreton, maybe you could help Mr Sherman pack...I’m going out,” and with that she swept from the room.

Chapter 9
As soon as Slim was once more established at the down at heel Station Hotel he made his way purposefully back to the Sheriff’s office and demanded to see his partner.
Sheriff Downs looked up from his paperwork and frowned.
“Sorry Sherman that won’t be possible I don’t allow visiting in my jail, unless it’s the prisoner’s legal representative. Or the doc. Doc’s been and splinted that busted hand and that’s it...no more visitors.”
“That’s crazy,” Slim exploded, “you can’t do that!” Feeling not only angry at the injustice, but also that damn it, Jess’s hand was really broken.
“Oh, I think I can,” the Sheriff said with a snake like smile. “After all this is my town and you and Harper are nobodies here.”
Slim glanced over to where the younger of the two deputies was cleaning a rifle, but he merely shrugged and looked down again, unable to offer support, although Slim noticed he did look a tad uncomfortable.
Slim turned back to the Sheriff to argue, but he was already attending to his paperwork once more and Slim figured he was wasting his breath.
“OK I’ll go find him a solicitor and be back,” he said angrily. “Maybe he’ll be able to visit huh!”
“Good luck on that one,” the Sherriff said with another cold smile.
Slim spent the next few days trying to find someone to take on Jess’s case. However, once he’d been turned away from the sixth solicitor’s office, with the same excuse he began to smell a rat. There was nobody who would help him, it seemed to Slim like every single legal operative in the town was either away on business, sick, or had no free appointments. Or as he speculated were all under instructions from the Sheriff and town council not to support him or Jess.
It was a well-known fact that half the folk in town were in the employ of Whitman and Co. and so it was hardly surprising they’d all be on Miss Lola’s side he figured. As the last living member of the family, it was down to her to keep the business up and running, which she could hardly do if she was hung for murder.
Nope they just had to hope and pray they got an honest Judge, not open to bribery. In the meantime, Slim decided there was nothing for it but to represent Jess himself.
*******
Back in the jail Jess had gone from anger through to disbelief and then to downright fury that anyone could take Lola’s word over his and Slim’ s.
Surely the Sheriff could see through her flimsy story and why hadn’t he taken statements from Moreton and Enid, after all they’d seen the whole thing, hadn’t they?
When Slim still hadn’t visited on the third day Jess’s anger turned to dejection. What was his buddy playing at...surely, he could visit, offer some kinda support... Hell if it was only to bring a set of clean clothes?
He was currently still wearing his Sunday duds. But they were looking pretty much the worse for wear, the smart, dark jacket and pants now dusty and the white shirt blood stained and sweaty. The wound to his hand had started bleeding again too after the doc had set the bones. Even though he asked to see the doc again his request was denied by Sheriff Downs.
“Waste of money son,” he said dispassionately, “the Judge will be here in a few days and not long after you’ll have a date with a rope. Hardly worth the doc’s time patching you up is it?”
“Goddamn it, I know my rights,” Jess yelled staggering up from the cot and storming over to the cell bars. “I’m in need of a doc, so you damn well fetch me one!”
“Oh, I don’t think so...maybe you should take it up with your solicitor?” Then he snapped his fingers, “Oh no, I forgot...you haven’t got one have you,” and with that he chuckled and made his way out. He slammed the adjoining door into the office and then a few minutes later the young deputy, Ben Jeffers, came in.
He and Jess had struck up something of a friendship and it transpired that the young deputy was not at all happy with the way the Sheriff was working lately.
“He’ll be going out later,” the deputy said with a wink... “I’ll go make you a coffee huh?”
Later that night when the Sheriff had departed for the evening, Ben opened up to Jess, feeling the prisoner was getting a raw deal.
“It’s ever since he found his way into Miss Lola’s bed, he’s just been acting plum loco,” Ben said honestly.
Jess‘s head shot up at that, “What he’s seeing Lola?”
“Oh yeah, more than that she’s gonna be the next Mrs Downs if the Sheriff has anything to do with it,” the deputy said rolling his eyes.
“I very much doubt that,” Jess said scornfully, “he ain’t really her type,” he added, knowing that under normal circumstances Lola wouldn’t give the chubby, balding, middle aged man a second glance.
“Nope…well he is now,” Ben said grinning, “until she’s gotten herself out of this spot of bother that is, then I guess he won’t see her for dust.”
“So for her to be doin’ that, cosying up to the guy...she needs the Sheriff onside because she’s dang well guilty as hell, wouldn’t you say deputy?” Jess said throwing his new buddy a questioning look.
Ben gave him a slow smile, “The thought had crossed my mind yes,” he said quietly. Then peering through the bars intently said, “So did you kill him Jess?”
Jess looked him in the eye and said firmly “No I didn’t Ben and that’s the honest truth, I swear.”
Ben held his gaze and then nodded, “You know I believe you...but I sure as hell don’t know how you’re going to get out of this one. The Sheriff has the whole town sown up. He will have bribed or got rid of any witnesses...and will say it’s an open and shut case. Plus, you were heard to threaten the guy just before he died...it ain’t looking good.”
“Thanks,” said Jess dryly, “cheer me up why dontcha.”
“Well one thing might,” Ben said now smiling broadly, “I really do believe you and I’ll do my best to try and see you get a fair trial. Thing is though Jess the Sheriff is a mighty fast draw, mighty fast...never beaten and with that kinda reputation, well folk tend to let him have his own way, ya know?”
Jess nodded and absorbed the information...all he needed right then was a trigger-happy Sheriff on his case and him with no chance of drawing a gun any old way, fast or slow. Not with his hand out of action.
“Oh, and while I remember I saw your buddy earlier...er Slim is it?” Ben continued.
“You did,” said Jess cheering up, “is he OK?”
“Sure, he said to tell you he hasn’t been by because the Sheriff refused to let him see you. I told him to come in later...Old Downs won’t be back tonight he’s taking Miss Lola out again.”
“What about that other deputy...that arrested me, won’t he say something?”
“Huh...oh you mean old Jake? Nah, he doesn’t work here full time. The boss just calls him in when he needs some extra muscle. He’s a tad...ya know,” and he tapped his head, “kinda slow. But nope he won’t be around don’t worry. Your buddy will be fine visiting...and you were correct, you do have a right to visitors.”
Jess lay back on the cot and breathed a sigh of relief cradling his bad hand, “Well that’s real good to hear I was beginning to think he’d run out on me,” he said with a chuckle, knowing Slim would never do that.
Ben looked over and noticed the slick of sweat on Jess’s forehead and the way he was nursing his arm, “Is that arm still bothering you?”
Jess just nodded, “Some...”
He nodded, “I’ll slip out tomorrow and see doc Jon, he’s a good man he’ll come and check you out if I ask him. Miss Bella and doc Jon are good friends of mine and Ginny, my gal.”
“Thanks,” Jess said softly, “I appreciate that.”
“We need to get you fit,” Ben said, “the Judge is due in a couple of days.”
Then he broke off when he heard someone enter the outer office and went to investigate.
He returned a couple of minutes later with Slim beside him.
“See here ya go Jess, one partner as promised,” Ben said with a broad grin, “and I’ll go make some coffee while you talk.”
Once he’d gone Jess got up and went over to the bars, “Where the hell have you been?” he asked severely. The relief at seeing his partner suddenly making him feel emotional and typical of Jess he masked it with annoyance.
“Didn’t you know that darned Sheriff wouldn’t let me in?” Slim responded.
“Yeah, I did hear somethin’ like that...just now,” Jess admitted.
“Well then...”
“Sorry Slim, all this is kinda getting to me ya know?”
Slim looked at him properly then and said, “Jeez, you’re a mess pard. When did you last have a wash or shave huh?”
“The Sheriff ain’t too bothered about that kinda thing,” Jess responded. “Anyway, it’s kinda hard shaving with your left hand and no mirror. I figured if I tried it, I might just slit my throat and spoil the hangman’s day,” he finished bitterly.
“Jess please don’t talk that way,” Slim said quickly, “we’ll get you out of here don’t fret.”
“You found a solicitor then?”
Slim looked down, “No there isn’t one to be had in the whole damn place, I’m sorry Jess... and I can’t even ask Benson, the trial is the day after tomorrow.”
“So how are you gonna help me out then huh?” Jess asked sarcastically, “Thinkin’ of springing me?”
“Nope I’m going to represent you...I’ll stand for you Jess.”
Jess merely rolled his eyes and went and collapsed back on the cot and lay back looking up at the ceiling, “Dear Lord,” he muttered.
“Oh, come on Jess, how hard can it be?” Slim asked trying to look optimistic.
When Ben returned a little later with the coffee Slim asked if they could please have some hot water and soap so Jess could wash up.
“And a razor and mirror maybe,” he added, he needs to look his best for the trial huh?”
Ben grinned, “You got it Slim.”
Jess had a good wash and changed into the clean clothes Slim had brought, but when it came to shaving, he looked at the razer warily.
“What am I supposed to dang well do with that?” he asked plaintively.
“Nothing,” Slim said picking up the cut throat razer, “you just lather up and I’ll shave you.”
Jess looked horror stricken, “What?”
“Oh come on Jess you have it done at the barber’s shop often enough.”
“Yeah, well he’s trained to do it,” Jess said once more eyeing the sharp razer with a pessimistic eye.
“Goodness knows I shaved you often enough when you were in that darned coma,” Slim said impatiently... See #85 Finding Christmas
“Yeah, but I were out cold then, not awake and watchin’ you,” Jess muttered.
Slim sighed, “So close your eyes then!”
Once the job was done Jess looked and felt a whole lot better.
“Thanks pard I owe you.”
“Um, well now that’s done listen up Jess, I’ve been really busy while you’ve been languishing in here.”
Jess was about to rebel at the word languishing, but swallowed it back.
“Go on.”
“I called in at the Whitman place a couple of days ago to try and interview Moreton and Enid, but they were out someplace. I’ll try again tomorrow; but I spoke to Bella and she’s happy to speak up for you. As far as she can, but she didn’t actually see anything.”
“Great,” Jess muttered.
“Doc Jon and I had a good talk actually. It turns out Lola has a history of violence. It seems its common knowledge that she stabbed her brother in a fit of temper a few years ago.”
“The hell she did,” Jess said looking shocked.
“Uh-huh, I’m seeing Jon’s boss old Doc Martin tomorrow and hopefully he’ll be able to tell me more...he dealt with the case.”
Jess thanked him and then said, “I appreciate yer help Slim really I do and Ben, the Deputy has been real good to me too.”
“Yes, he seems a real nice guy. Can’t figure why he’s going out of his way to help you though; you’d think he’d be backing his boss?”
Jess put him straight as to the whole situation, the Sheriff’s association with Lola and how it had turned him into a different guy, according to Ben.
“That all makes perfect sense then,” Slim said, “why he’d be on your side. It looks like he feels you’re getting a rough deal.”
“He knows Bella too, in fact he’s asked the doc to call as well, check on my hand,” Jess said. “Bella must have put in a good word for me.”
Then looking serious said, “Ben believes me Slim. That I didn’t do it... that means a lot.”
Slim nodded, “Let’s just hope the judge and jury believe you too huh buddy.”
Then peering more closely at his friend who was reclining on the cot once more, said, “Hey Jess are you OK, you don’t look too good.”

Chapter 10
“I can’t believe you didn’t call me sooner,” said the doctor frowning up at Sheriff Downs. “This man clearly has a fever and I’m hardly surprised in view of the unsanitary conditions in here. I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t been informed, he was sick. My associate was to visit, but he’s indisposed.”
Down’s glared at his deputy, knowing that Doc Jon was a friend of Ben’s, but declined to answer.
Old doctor Martin continued to mutter to himself as he re-dressed Jess’s hand and then called for more blankets and some clean cold water.
“You should be feeling a little better soon son,” he said nodding at Jess.
Then he turned to the Sheriff.
“I shall be asking Nurse Bella James to come across to nurse him, this fever may well get worse unless he’s looked after properly,” the doc announced. “I’d normally have him over in my hospital room at my office, but unfortunately Doctor Rawlings is sick and occupying it at present.”
“I really don’t think there is any need,” the Sheriff said pompously.
“Oh don’t you? So, you’re a qualified Doctor of medicine now are you Downs?” Doctor Martin said frowning again.
When the Sheriff just flushed up the Doc continued, “May I remind you, that you have a duty of care to your prisoners? This man deserves medical attention and also the services of a lawyer. If I hear either has been denied him, I will take the appropriate steps to discredit you Sheriff Downs. Good day!”
Then in a kindlier tone, “Good day Mr Harper, Nurse Bella will be with you shortly.”
“Thanks doc,” Jess gasped, his throat was dry and head throbbing, so he just ignored the Sheriff’s angry look and simply turned on his side closed his eyes.
Sheriff Downs had no sooner sat down at his desk once the Doctor had left, before the office door swung open again admitting Slim accompanied by Bella.
Downs looked up and glared at Slim, before addressing Bella.
“Your patient’s out back Ma’am go through,” he said grudgingly. “My deputy’s there he’ll open up for you.”
Once she had left, he turned to Slim and said, “What do you want now Sherman?”
Slim hid a smile and said, “To see my client Sheriff, I will be representing Mr Harper.”
“You can’t do that,” the Sheriff blustered.
“I think you’ll find I can,” Slim said quickly. “I’ve wired my solicitor for some advice and Jess is within his rights to be represented by whoever he chooses...so I’ll go through, shall I?”
The Sheriff just groaned and flapped a hand in the general direction of the cells.
Slim was dismayed to find Jess looking even worse than the night before and he sat quietly looking on as Bella bathed him in the cool water and after a while he fell into a restless sleep.
“So, what’s all this I hear about Jon being sick,” Slim asked quietly, “you didn’t say what was wrong?”
Bella looked upset. “I really believe he’s been poisoned Slim. He’s had food poisoning after dining at the Rochester Hotel with me. Doc Martin is calling it food poisoning, but I had the same dish and was just fine. I think his meal was tampered with.”
“He’ll be OK?” Slim asked looking shocked.
“Oh yes...but whoever did it wanted him out of the way, because he may be called to give evidence regarding the case. He knows quite a lot about Lola and her um...less than scrupulous friends.”
“But we can’t prove anything,” said Slim.
She shook her head, “There’s something else...”
“Oh?” Slim asked looking anxious.
“It’s Moreton and Enid they seem to have completely disappeared. I checked their rooms before I came out and it looks like they’ve moved out Slim...and they were to be our main witnesses, weren’t they?”
Slim just stared in shocked disbelief.
“Dear God Bella, we have to find them he said urgently, without them we just don’t stand a chance.”
*******
When the Judge arrived the following day Slim was delighted to see it was old Judge Manders. He knew all at the ranch well and had been impressed by the way the ranchers had adopted young Mike Williams. Also, by the way Slim and Jess often deputized for Mort Cory. Many was the time a piece of evidence, vital to solving a crime, had been supplied by Slim Sherman or Jess Harper. Now he was deeply saddened to hear Jess would be in the dock.
He was of course unable to discuss the case before the proceedings commenced, but he did say to Slim that he was very sorry to meet under ‘these difficult circumstances’ as he termed it.
Lola had employed a young egotistical lawyer; Mr Brown having refused to stand for her. The young man openly sneered at Slim, looking down his nose at the hard-pressed rancher.
However Slim did his very best to make out a good case for Jess and was supported by Bella. She vouched for the fact that she had heard Chad Whitman and Lola arguing violently before the shots were fired; but she had to admit that she hadn’t actually witnessed the shooting.
That was the only witness Slim had been able to find to support his case...Doc Jon was still very sick. Doc Martin had agreed to confirm that Lola was of a highly excitable personality and had been admitted to a mental institution for a short spell after she had previously attacked her brother. Slim hoped that he would go further and agree that yes in his professional opinion Lola Whitman was capable of murder. However, on the day of the trial the Doctor was called out urgently to a very sick woman some miles from town and it was touch and go whether he would return in time to give evidence.
Of Slim’ s other star witnesses, Moreton and Enid there was no sign. They seemed to have completely disappeared. Slim assumed that they had either been payed off or threatened by Lola and her hit men...but he had no proof.
Now as the day wore on Jess became more and more anxious as he stood in the dock, listening to members of the town council and Sheriff Downs vouching for Lola’s good character.
Goddamn it, you’d think she was a dang saint the way they were talking he mused bitterly.
He glanced over at where she sat wearing a demure dark dress, her hair tied severely back and the minimum of makeup and he could have screamed with frustration.
Surely good old Judge Manders would see through her act he thought, but as ever the Judge’s countenance was inscrutable. Jess held, not for the first time, what a good poker player he would make.
Her solicitor had only added to her meek mild persona of the grieving sister...saying how deeply upset the dear woman was at the tragic loss of first her father and now here beloved brother.
Slim gave it his best shot, but he was unable to break her and her acting ability was really somethin’ else Jess thought bitterly as she turned on the tears under Slim’s cross questioning.
When it came to the summing up even Jess had to admit that there wasn’t a jury on earth that would find him innocent...he didn’t have a hope in hell.
All the business of the loan from Walt Whitman was brought up and their inability to pay it, with the subsequent consequence of losing their home and livelihood. Lola’s solicitor had even hinted at a relationship between Jess and Lola that was disapproved of by Chad. As he felt Harper an unbefitting suitor for his sister and the shooting had actually been a crime of passion.
Jess was almost incoherent with rage at this preposterous idea and earned Judge Mander ’s rather sardonic comment, “I take it you disagree Mr Harper?”
Jess had swallowed hard and taken a deep breath before replying quietly, “Yes, I do your Honor,” and was rewarded by a subtle twinkle in the old Judge’s eyes. He rather liked Jess’s sparky temper. Life was certainly never boring with Jess Harper around he thought to himself.
So, it was with a sad heart that the Judge summed up the case, knowing it would be a certain death knell for the young cowboy.
Jess looked across the court and his gaze locked with Slim’ s and he saw the similar look of dread he was feeling, mirrored in his Pard’ s eyes.
Damn it! For it all to end here miles from home at the end of a dang rope whilst that painted hussy got off Scot free was just too dang much.
He turned his scrutiny on Lola, who was sitting sedately looking down at her gloved hands, as though she were the wounded party.
But then as she felt Jess’s gaze upon her, she finally glanced up and looked into his dark blue eyes...and she seemed to quake. A flush gradually crept up her pale face and she seemed mesmerized. Unable to look away as Jess’s eyes bored into her and said it all. ‘How could you do this to me?’
The proceedings were nearly over and the jury just standing to leave and make their decision...although to all present there was little need for much deliberation. It was a forgone conclusion...the plaintive could be found nothing other than guilty according to the evidence provided.
The only other witness apart from Moreton and Enid was Slim. But by virtue of the fact that he was representing Jess his evidence was inadmissible. But it would have been disregarded anyway the Judge knew because of course Slim was implicated in the loan debacle too. So of course, the jury would assume he would have supported Jess in whatever action he had taken.
The Judge knew better though and he doubted that Slim would have lied under oath... However, the matter was purely academic he thought as he rose to leave court whilst the jury deliberated.
Jess felt sick to his stomach as he rose and had to clutch the stand before him as a wave of nausea and dizziness threatened to floor him. He looked out at the sea of faces before him. The scene fading and shimmering as he took several deep breaths. Then everything came back into focus and he noticed one of the court officials in deep conversation with Slim.
Then the usher strode over to the Judge and had another whispered consultation.
Judge Manders nodded and came as near to smiling as he ever did and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen it appears we have three new witnesses which the defense would like to call, please be seated.”
Lola’s head swiveled and a look of abject horror crossed her features as she saw, Moreton flanked by Enid and old Doc Martin standing at the back of the Court Room.
Things moved on apace once the evidence from the three witnesses had been heard.
Both Moreton and Enid categorically denied Jess’s part in the murder and said without a shadow of doubt they had seen Lola take the gun from her bag and shoot her brother at point blank range.
“You see, he was laughing at her,” Enid whispered.
“Speak up my dear,” the Judge intoned kindly. “You are quite safe to speak the truth here.”
Enid glanced quickly at Lola and then back at the Judge and then said more firmly... “Mr Chad was laughing at her...just laughing and laughing and she kept shouting shut up...shut up...and that’s when she drew the little gun from her bag and shot him. Jim...uh that is Mr Moreton and I thought she was going to shoot Mr Harper here too,” she said glancing over at the dock. “But then she just threw the gun at him and started yelling blue murder that he’d shot Mr Chad...she ran to the door and stopped when she saw us there...and then...”
Here she stopped again and looked down suddenly fearful.
“Pray continue my dear,” the Judge said kindly.
Enid looked across at Moreton and he gave her an encouraging nod.
“And then later she threatened us,” she continued. “She said if we said anything then I’d uh...come to a sticky end,” she said quietly.
“Louder...for the court my dear,” the Judge prompted again, now thoroughly enjoying himself.
“She said I’d come to a sticky end; said I’d meet with a terrible accident and my Jim...Mr Moreton that is...well he said we had to head off. He said he couldn’t risk anything happening to me. We, well ...we’re married you see Judge. We never told Mr Whitman. He didn’t want to employ a married couple, so we kept it secret.”
The Judge nodded, “But you returned for the trial didn’t you.”
“Yes, your honor, we just couldn’t allow Mr Harper to hang for a crime he didn’t commit. It just wasn’t right.”
At that moment Lola could no longer contain her temper and she exploded with fury.
“Shut up...shut up you silly bitch,” she screamed.
Then turning to the Sheriff cried, “Pete darling do something!”
The Sheriff looked down and flushed crimson whilst the Judge called for order.
She had to be silenced again when Moreton gave his evidence and the Judge threatened to hold her in contempt of court if she didn’t keep quiet.
Once the jury had retired to consider the case, they had not only Mr & Mrs Moreton’ s evidence to mull over but also that of Doctor Martin.
He was well respected in the town and when he revealed he had been sent on a fool’s errand to visit a non-existent patient they all sat up and listened closely. The message from the allegedly sick woman had been delivered by one of Lola’s staff, Maisie the kitchen maid.
Then Slim asked some pertinent questions about the Doctor’s view of the woman’s mental state. He had to agree with his colleague Doctor Jon Rawlings that she was highly volatile and in his opinion was a danger to herself and others with her wild ways. And yes, in answer to Slim’ s question, he did believe that Miss Whitman would be capable of murder.
The jury were out for a mere half hour before returning with their verdict that Jess Harper was innocent of the crime of murder.
That’s when Lola made her fatal mistake of admitting to the crime.
She stood up and turned to the court and yelled loudly. “Alright I admit it...and I don’t care...you hear me I don’t give a damn! My brother was a lousy no hoper and I’m glad he’s dead! Glad do you hear me...I’m glad!!!!”
It had been the Sheriff’s duty to remove her from court and place her in his jail to await trial for the murder of her brother.
The Judge gave the young lawyer Lola had employed a mere twenty-four hours to prepare his case and then the trial was held with the obvious outcome of ‘guilty as charged’ the verdict.
Lola was sentenced to hang a few days later.
After the trial Mr Brown caught up with Jess and Slim in a nearby saloon. They were still reeling from all that had occurred over the last few days and unwinding with a whiskey apiece.
“Uh gentlemen a word if you will,” he said as he took a seat at their table.
He declined the offer of a drink and then said, “I trust you will be staying in town until after the uh...sentence is carried out?”
“If ya mean are we stayin’ fer the hanging the answer is no,” Jess said bluntly. “Justice has been done and that’s all we wanted. We were gonna stay for Walter’s funeral, but I figure we’ll be heading home now. I reckon we’ve both had enough,” he said flicking a glance across to Slim for confirmation.
“Well may I suggest you do remain in town?” Mr Brown said glancing warily at Jess and hoping his spectacular temper wasn’t about to erupt yet again.
Slim knew his pard was on a pretty short fuse right then. Not just because of all the upset of the trial. But also, because there was little or no progress with his damaged hand and it was really getting him down.
He noted Jess was cradling his bad arm and was obviously in some pain, making his temper somewhat volatile.
So now he stepped in and laying a gentle hand of Jess’s good arm to quieten him, said, “Why do you want us to remain?” Mr Brown.
The solicitor turned thankfully to Slim and the voice of reason.
“Because I shall be reading the Will once Miss Lola is uh... no longer with us. Now I suggest you join me for that, as I’ve no doubt you will be told of something to your advantage,” he said discreetly, smiling at both men.
“What ya mean we’re gonna get something?” Jess asked he’s demeanor at once much more relaxed.
“My office, Saturday at 9am please gentlemen,” he said cheerfully before standing up and marching off.
Once he’d gone Jess said, “So what do you reckon all that was about Slim?”
He shrugged and then tipped his hat over to where a rather anxious looking Deputy was scanning the bar. After a few minutes he spied Slim and Jess and strode over.
“Howdy Ben, would ya like a drink?” Jess asked gesturing to the bottle.
Ben Jeffers nodded and after fetching a shot glass he took a seat across the table. He downed it in one and once the glass had been refilled by Slim, he gave both men a tired smile, “Thanks I needed that.... I’m glad I found you both, we really need to talk.”
Ignoring his plea for a moment Jess said, “How’s Lola now, settled down?”
“Huh? Oh yeah, Doc Martin gave her a shot that knocked her out...she was getting real hysterical.”
Jess just nodded, “I figured she was goin’ that way.”
“Um, well it’s not Miss Lola I’m worried about, it’s my boss.”
“Oh?” Slim asked questioningly.
“I left him getting stuck into the hard stuff and when I suggested he go a bit easy he chucked me out of the office,” the young man said ruefully.
“Well, if he’s as smitten with Lola as you say, I figure he will be taking it pretty bad, with her set to hang and all,” Jess suggested.
“It’s more than that Jess. He said earlier that I was to take a break for a few days and when I argued he said I should maybe go take care of my gal Ginny. He said he’d heard there were some real nasty characters in town right now and maybe I should keep my eye on her.”
Jess looked puzzled, “So are you gonna...watch her back that is?”
Ben grinned, “Nope, she works here,” he said tipping his hat towards the bar, “but what the Sheriff doesn’t know is that her Ma’s sick and she went off to visit her over in Denver just yesterday, so she’ll be safe enough.”
Slim looked thoughtful, “What are you trying to tell us Ben?”
The deputy grimaced, “Just that the Sheriff is planning to spring Miss Lola by my reckoning. He suggested I take some time off and when I refused, he came up with that cock and bull story about this bad lot in town...and Ginny being in danger and all. It was just a veiled threat Slim. Plain as day, he was saying I stay away from work for a while or Ginny will be in real danger. He knows I ain’t a fool and will see what he means.”
Jess gave a low whistle, “So what are you gonna do?”
“I’m pretty hard pressed to get any support from the folks in town. I know that none of them dare cross the Sheriff. They’ll just turn a blind eye...say I’m imagining things if I approach the Town Council. Nope the only way to deal with it is to catch him red handed making his escape, and that’s where you two come in.”
“Go on,” said Jess.
“I was thinking, if you could move back into the Whitman house, you’d be right across the street from the jail and we could well...sorta keep it under surveillance. If the Sheriff breaks Miss Lola out then we can stop him.”
“You can stop him,” Jess said sullenly, “I’m pretty near next to useless with this dang hand.”
“No, no you’re not,” Ben quickly reassured him. “There ain’t anything wrong with your eyesight Jess. That’s all we need. To keep an eye on him and then catch him unawares when he decides to make a break for it. The element of surprise you see.”
“Uh, yes that’d work,” Slim conceded. “If we were lying in wait and he’s no idea we were there, we could disarm him before a single shot is fired.”
Ben nodded enthusiastically, “I could go back and say I’ve thought it over and I’m real worried about my girl, so will take him up his offer of a week’s leave. I’ll also say you two have left town, urgent business back at the ranch. Then we just sit back and wait. So, what do you think huh?”

Chapter 11
As it happened, they didn’t have too long to wait at all.
Lola was due to hang at dawn on the Wednesday. Jess and Slim were once more installed at the Whitman house by Monday evening.
Moreton and Enid were in on the plan and Maisie the kitchen maid had fled after she had been implicated in giving the doc false information.
Jess and Slim took it in turns watching the front of the Sheriff’s office whilst Moreton and the deputy covered the back. There was a convenient old shed in the back yard behind the office and this where they were lying low, watching for any sign of movement.
It was in the early hours of Tuesday morning when Moreton nudged the deputy, Ben, awake.
“The Sheriff just left,” he whispered, “I saw him going off towards the livery a moment ago.”
“What at this hour?” Ben said waking from a light sleep, bringing out his time piece and rubbing his eyes. “Looks like this is it then Jim. You go warn Sherman and Harper and I’ll keep the back covered. Tell one of them to cover the front, just in case he decides to go that away; the other to join me out here.”
Later Jess was to say it was just like taking candy from a baby.
Slim covered the front of the office whilst Jess and Ben were concealed in the dark back yard. With Moreton being unarmed keeping his distance. The Sherriff had collected a couple of mounts from the livery and concealed them at the back of the office before re-entering to collect Lola.
As they came out talking softly Ben yelled out from the safety of the shed for them to stop. The Sheriff completely taken unawares opened fire into the pitch-black yard, whilst Ben easily pulled back behind the building. In the meantime, Jess had snuck out of his hiding place just by the back door and holding his Colt firmly in his left hand dug it into the Sheriff’s back.
“Hold it right there, Sheriff,” he growled, “drop that dang gun and git on yer knees, or so help me I’ll drop you where you stand.”
The Sheriff had no alternative but to do as he was bid.
But Lola had no such common sense and made a run for it, heading back inside, through the open back door and on to the office and the front door...Where she ran straight into Slim who easily grabbed hold of her.
“Not so fast ma’am,” he said softly.
Then he turned to a tall figure standing behind him...just as Jess and Ben emerged with the sheriff at gun point.
“This is all the evidence you need huh Judge?” Slim said grinning at the tall figure of Judge Manders standing just behind him.
*******
Once the Sheriff had been locked up in one of his own cells and Lola returned to hers in the staff quarters beyond the office, the Judge turned to the gathered men.
“I want to sincerely thank you all for the part you played in exposing Sheriff Downs for what he is,” the judge intoned seriously. “It is always a great sadness to me to see a good man turned bad this way…unfortunately by that er Jezebel. His dubious deeds will not only cost him his liberty for some time. But also, his job,” and he shook his head gloomily.
Then he turned to Ben and said, “Well Deputy I would be delighted if you would now consider yourself the Town Sheriff. I will of course call an urgent meeting of the Town Council in the morning, but I think it is a foregone conclusion that you will be asked to take the post.”
Ben glowed with pride and thanked the Judge for his backing.
Then turning to Slim and Jess the old judge smiled and said, “I would also deem it as a great favor if you gentlemen would stand in as temporary deputies, just until this sorry business is concluded at the end of the week. I know what an asset you have proved to be to Sheriff Cory in the past and I have every confidence in you.”
Jess and Slim exchanged a quick glance and on a slight nod from Jess, Slim said, “We’d be glad to help you out Judge. So, are you expecting some further disruption?”
The Judge smiled and said quickly, “I doubt it now that you and Mr Harper are on the case. But yes, it is a possibility...I believe there are quite a few uh... ‘gentlemen’ in the town who have strong feelings about the forthcoming demise of Miss Whitman.”
Jess flashed Slim a look that said well ain’t that the truth, but merely said, “We’ll keep a close eye on things Judge.”
Once Judge Manders had left, the men organized themselves into shifts with two sleeping whilst the third kept guard on the prisoners...while Moreton returned home to his anxious wife.
Lola seemed to have given up and was just lying on her cot, where she was currently using the staff quarters giving her a little privacy.
Slim had taken first watch and when Jess took over in the early hours of the morning, he reported that all was quiet and Lola was sleeping.
“Not heard a peep out of her,” Slim said yawning. “But the Sheriff has been cussing and banging about for the last hour or so.”
Jess cast a glance over to the Sheriff’s cell where he was indeed pacing and muttering to himself.
“OK you go get yer head down Hardrock; I’ll see ya at six...”
“Have the coffee on,” Slim said grinning and taking himself off across the road to his room at the Whitman place. Ben was also billeted there until after the hanging. Then he would reclaim the staff quarters.
Once the door closed behind Slim it was only a matter of minutes before Jess heard Lola calling out.
He sighed deeply and mooched off to find out what she wanted.
She was standing by the bars her face upturned to him and said plaintively, “I’ve been calling and calling for hours.”
Jess merely raised an eyebrow knowing that wasn’t true, but said nothing other than, “What do you want Ma’am?”
“Ma’am is it? Oh, I think we’re a little better acquainted than that aren’t we Jess?”
“Well?”
“I need to use the facilities,” she said.
Jess took the key from the hook and unlocked the cell door, “This way,” he said taking her arm in a firm grip with his good hand.
“Oh, you’re so masterful,” she sighed batting her eyelashes at him.
Jess opened the door into the main office and as they passed through the Sheriff ran to the bars of his cell.
“Lola honey...are you alright?” he gasped eagerly.
Lola tossed her head and threw him a dark look, “You useless fool,” she muttered as she passed by.
“Lola...please...”
But she swept passed and out to the back yard where Jess waited patiently whilst she visited the outhouse.
Eventually he called out to ask if she was alright and she replied just fine and finally came out.
Then she glanced up at the starry sky, “What a beautiful romantic night,” she uttered giving him a winsome smile.
Jess ignored her and once more taking a firm grip of her elbow escorted her back into the office.
It was as they passed Sheriff Down’s cell, where he was looking pleadingly out at his lost love, that she made her move.
She stopped in her tracks and gazing up into Jess’s startled face put a hand up to his cheek and caressed it lovingly, “Thank you so much,” she murmured.
“Huh?” he queried looking surprised.
“Why for the very special time we just spent out there,” she said tipping her head to the back door. “It’s nice to know there are still some real men around,” she added flicking her glance over to where Downs was now looking devastated.
Then she quickly reached up and kissed Jess hard on the lips.
It only took a second for him to pull back and again taking her firmly by the arm he whispered gruffly, “Just behave will ya,” before almost dragging her back to the cell.
However, the murderous look directed at him by the Sheriff, wasn’t lost on Jess. He figured iffen there weren’t cell bars between them the older man would have torn him limb from limb.
He was just about to return and put the guy straight as to what had really happened out back when Lola came to the bars and cried, “Please don’t leave me Jess!”
He rolled his eyes, “What’s up now?” he asked wearily.
“I...I just don’t want to be alone right now,” she said throwing him a little girl lost, wide eyed look.
He sighed and looked down before looking over at her.
“There was no need to be so dang mean to the Sheriff. He’s lost everything because of you, you know,” he said gruffly.
She merely shrugged, “He got his money’s worth out of me...and he isn’t a boy, he knew the score.”
When Jess declined to answer she looked at him intensely through the bars. “Just like you do,” she added. “I’m worth a small fortune Jess, Pa’s house and business...we could do so much with all that money. We could head off to California, start again...what do you say huh?”
Jess stared at her blankly, “I say you’re plumb crazy,” he replied.
“Please,” she said, tears springing to her eyes, “we could be good together, I know we could. I’ll show you just how good,” she whispered seductively, “if you want to just join me in here for a spell?”
She took the fact that he didn’t reply to mean he was considering it and said, “Come on you know you want me... dontcha...huh?”
He turned to leave, “Night Lola...”
“Jess please,” she almost shrieked, “please don’t leave me I’m scared!”
He turned back hearing the first genuine note in her voice he’d ever been privy to.
“Look Lola, there ain’t nuthin’ I can do,” he said honestly. “You killed yer brother and now you hafta pay the price.”
She just nodded bowing her head, “I know it...but I can’t face it Jess, really I can’t, you have to help me.”
He shook his head, “The only thing you can do now is repent. See the Padre and admit to what you’ve done, ask for forgiveness. Maybe that’ll make you feel a little easier huh?”
She was silent for a long time and then she nodded, “Alright I will...but will you do one last thing for me?”
He threw her a wary look and then nodded, “I guess...as long as it ain’t nuthin’ to do with freeing ya...because I can’t do that Lola.”
“I know that now,” she said softly. “But will you sit with me... just for a little while, please.”
His thoughts were spinning. Of course, he shouldn’t open the cell door again and stay with the woman. But hell, it was her last request and she would hang shortly. How could he deny her that one last thing?
He took a deep breath and unlocking the cell door again entered.
She patted the space on the cot beside her, but he declined and took the hard chair beside the bed, figuring he’d keep his distance. However, he soon realized there was no need to be on his guard as all she really wanted to do was talk.
She reminisced about her childhood and how things had started to go wrong in her life once she matured. She elaborated on how she found the company of men irresistible and then how she had finally succumbed to a life ruled by drink and drugs.
He just listened until she was eventually all talked out. She thanked him for spending the time with her and professed to feel a little better.
“I’m glad,” he said softly before rising to leave.
She too jumped up and laid a hand gently on his chest to stop him from going.
“Jess please, just kiss me goodbye,” she whispered.
He looked deeply into her troubled eyes before leaning in and kissing her firmly on the lips. She responded kissing him back and running her hands through his dark hair.
After a moment he pulled back and took a step away.
“Are you sure I can’t tempt you?” she asked flicking her gaze over to the cot and then back to Jess.
He shook his head, “I’m sure,” he said with the ghost of a smile, before turning and leaving the cell, which he carefully re-locked.
She stood looking forlornly after him, knowing her last chance was gone.
He turned back, “You’ll be alright now?”
She nodded, “Yes, and thank you. I’ll remember your kindness always.”
The irony wasn’t lost on him.
“I’ll get the Padre to visit tomorrow yeah?”
“Yes, thank you and Jess could I have some paper and a pencil, I’d like to write my confession down tomorrow morning, before he comes.”
He agreed and went off to fetch them for her.
She nodded her thanks as he passed them through the bars. Then caressed the sling still supporting his broken hand.
“I’m so sorry about your hand I hope it heals OK.”
“Thanks,” he muttered...wondering again if she had played any part in arranging the attack, but what the hell it didn’t really matter now.
She gave him a sad smile, “Be happy Jess...with your girl...Millie is it?”
He nodded, “Thanks,” he repeated. “I’ll see you tomorrow, bring the Padre in, that’ll help I’m sure,” he added giving her a compassionate look.
But she merely said, “Goodnight Jess,” and turned to the cot.
“’Night,” he said softly, before dimming the lamp and leaving her to sleep.
*******
Jess was nodding off, his feet up on Sheriff Down’s desk, when Slim strolled in at just after six, the following morning.
He grinned as Jess dropped his feet and swung around in the chair to see who had disturbed him.
“Oh, it’s you.”
“Uh-huh, so coffee ready then Jess?”
He nodded, “On the stove.”
Slim helped himself and then brought one over for Jess, “So ...quiet night?”
“Pretty much,” Jess agreed. “Lola got kinda upset, but I think she’s feeling better now. I...”
But before he could continue Sheriff Downs got up from his cot and marched over to the bars of his cell.
“Damn disgrace that’s what I call it!” he yelled.
Slim and Jess swiveled around to stare at the big man.
“So, what would that be?” Slim said after winking at Jess.
“Your partner there, that’s what,” blustered the Sheriff angrily. “Carrying on with his prisoner, it ain’t right. Ain’t right I say! Come on admit it Harper...fornicating with her right here in front of me...no shame have ya huh?”
“Fornicating?” Jess said practically choking on his coffee, “What the Hell? I weren’t doin’ that dang it!”
“You know darned well what I mean! Fooling around with Lola. Kissin ’ and cuddling...turned my stomach sick taking advantage of a fine woman like that.”
“Ah shuddup,” Jess said flapping a hand at the red-faced man. “Save yer breath for the judge. You’ve gotten enough troubles of your own without tryin’ to discredit me dang it.”
However Slim was looking serious now.
“What’s he talking about Jess?”
Jess wandered over to the other side of the room and gestured for Slim to join him...and then said very softly, “She kissed me in front of Downs...trying to make him jealous. Looks like she sure succeeded too,” he added casting the Sheriff a baleful glance.
“But Jess…kissing the prisoner?” Slim said shaking his head in disbelief.
“Oh, come off it Slim, you know what she’s like. She caught me off guard. It were only a quick peck...fer goodness sake.”
However, his answer was sounding somewhat aggressive even to his own ears as he was feeling kind of guilty for kissing her later in the cell. But hell, he had sat with her because she was so upset. He had only been showing her some mercy, hadn’t he? As for the goodbye kiss...well that wasn’t too much to ask of him. Seeing as she was to die shortly...but sure his motives could be misunderstood he realized now.
Slim threw his partner a hard look, “That it?”
“Sorta.”
Slim sighed lustily, “Come on Jess out with it, what’s been going on huh?”
“Nothin’ ...much,” Jess said refusing to meet Slim’ s eye. “Look I’ll tell you later OK,” and he marched off back to the coffee pot.
“What are you doing?” Slim asked irritably.
“Takin’ her a coffee of course,” Jess said reclaiming his good humor.” Then I’m gonna go fetch the Padre to her... I kind of promised.”
Slim shook his head, “No need...it seems the Judge has already lined it up. He’s due later this morning.”
“OK.”
Jess poured a coffee awkwardly with his left hand into a china cup for Lola as Slim watched him.
“Can you manage?”
Jess nodded, “Sure,” and wandered off towards the back room, where Lola’s cell was. He kicked the door open with his foot and elbowed his way in, trying not to spill the hot liquid.
Then just seconds later there was the sound of the cup shattering on the stone floor and a muffled curse from Jess followed by him hollering for Slim to come quick.
When Slim arrived, his buddy was fumbling for the cell key in semi darkness. Slim looked up to the small window set in the opposite wall of the cell, and then gave a horrified gasp. The light was being obscured by the hanging body of Lola Whitman.
“Damn it, Slim help me cut her down,” Jess yelled.
But as they approached it was obvious, they were too late. She had made a rope from her torn up petticoat and attached it to a beam above the window, using the chair to stand on, then had kicked it away.
“Damn it!” Jess swore, why in hell hadn’t he foreseen this happening.
They cut her down and laid her gently on the cot and Slim took one last look at the still body before covering her with a blanket and turning to Jess.
“So, what did happen between you two last night then huh?”
Jess just shrugged looking down despairingly at the now covered body.
“I dunno Slim. I did nothing to cause this, I promise you. She were real upset. I talked to her for an hour or so. Then as I was leavin’ she asked for one last request...she wanted a final kiss goodbye, so I kissed her. Sure, she tried to get me to set her free. But she knew I wasn’t about to do that. I suggested she see the Padre and she seemed calmer after that. She turned in and I left her. I checked on her every hour like I said I would and she was fine...sleeping until I found her this way just now...I swear.”
*******
“I’ve as much right to make a statement as anyone,” Sheriff Downs said plaintively as he peered between the cell bars at Slim and Jess who had now been joined by the new Sheriff Ben Jeffers and the Judge.
Judge Manders cast Downs a weary look and then said, “I suppose you’re right...so what’s your take on this business then Mr Downs?”
The Sheriff glared at the Judge resenting the loss of his title...but then scowling at Jess said, “It was him that led her to take her own life...I’m sure of it!”
“Why pray would you think that?” the Judge asked.
“Because he was fooling about with her that’s why, kissin’ and carrying on...bold as brass in front of me. Then he dragged her, yes sir, literally dragged her into the staff quarters and had his way with her. Gone for an hour or more he was. Poor girl probably thought he’d help her out some if she was obliging, I guess...she was confused and real upset and he took advantage of her.”
Jess merely rolled his eyes...and cussed softly.
However, the Judge was obviously intent on getting to the bottom of things and said, “Well Deputy Harper is there any truth in that statement?”
Jess shrugged, “Some maybe... Downs did see the prisoner kiss me, but it was only to make him jealous I reckon...and it was her kissed me,” he added firmly.
The judge nodded, “And later? Down’s here said you spent over an hour with the prisoner?”
Jess flicked an anxious glance over to where Slim was watching him intently...before answering.
Then he turned to the Judge, “That’s right Judge I did; she was real upset, wanted to talk so I obliged.”
“That ain’t all he did to oblige,” the ex-Sheriff muttered angrily from his cell.
“That’s enough Mr Downs,” the Judge said casting him a censorious look, “you have had your say.”
Then turning back to Jess, “And you cannot think of anything you might have said or done to instigate the prisoner taking her life?”
Jess shook his head, “No Judge I can’t,” he replied quietly.
“Um...and the doctor says that the prisoner had only been dead a short while before you found her. So that would confirm the fact that you checked on her at five o’clock and she appeared to be sleeping soundly. Well, I can see nothing out of order here. I will record death by suicide whilst the prisoner was not of a sound mind,” he finished.
“That isn’t so!” Downs shouted angrily. “It’s the way I said. That bastard had his way with her and then left her to die. She was so upset she ended it all...I know it!”
“You have no evidence what so ever,” the Judge said testily. “And may I remind you that you are yet to face the charges of perjury and aiding and abetting a prisoner to escape. Believe me Downs your behavior is not helping your case one iota!”
Then turning to the others said, “Good day gentleman,” and left without a backwards glance.
Once he’d gone Jess too stood up and made for the door.
“Where are you going?” Slim asked irritably.
“To bed,” Jess snarled, “I’ve been up half the dang night,” and with that he marched off slamming the door behind him.
Ben and Slim exchanged a charged look, both of them wondering if there was possibly a grain of truth in Downs’ claims.
Slim didn’t believe Jess would have slept with her, but had he succumbed to her charms? Was he maybe a tad more involved than he had claimed? Heck his buddy sure had a long history of romancing the ladies. Had things gotten kind of out of hand last night and when he’d backed off Lola had finally snapped? Jess had sure looked kind of guilty...and the more Slim thought about it, the more it seemed to make sense.
Just then the office door opened admitting a beaming Padre.
“Good morning gentlemen, I believe you have a prisoner in need of some spiritual guidance?”

Chapter 12
Slim returned to the Whitman place at noon and found it deserted, save for Moreton sitting in the back-kitchen smoking.
He jumped up when Slim entered and said “Uh, if you’re looking for Mr. Harper he retired some time ago sir. Miss Bella is working at the doc’s place today and my wife is at the mercantile. Would you care for a repast...or a coffee maybe?”
Slim shook his head, “No thanks, I think I’ll go and wake my pard.”
Moreton looked like he was thinking that would be folly, but kept his mouth shut.
“Oh, one thing more sir, Mr Brown called earlier and in view of Miss Lola’s sad demise he has brought the Will reading forwards to this afternoon at 3 PM.”
“Oh?” said Slim looking surprised. “So soon?”
“Yes sir, Mr Brown ran into Mr Harper on his return from his deputy duty and he said...uh...that you’d probably be leaving at your earliest convenience?”
“He did?”
“Yes sir.”
Moreton decided not to say that Jess had actually said he couldn’t wait to wipe the dust of the goddamn town off of his boots and get back home, to where folk were a tad more civilized.
“So, Mr Brown suggested an early reading of the Will before you leave?”
Slim threw the manservant a weak grin guessing that Jess had been less than agreeable, in view of the mood he was in when he left the Sheriff’s Office.
“I’ll go get him up,” he said again, “and er yeah, maybe a pot of coffee would be a good idea, thank you Moreton.”
Slim tapped gently on the door of the Blue Room and when there was no reply, he opened the door quietly and entered.
He looked down at the sleeping form of his pard and was glad to see he’d removed his boots, but otherwise he was fully dressed lying on top of the covers.
He watched him for a long minute noting the shadows of fatigue beneath his eyes, and the way he was cradling his bad hand, even in sleep and figured he was still in a lot of pain from the nasty break.
Slim finally reached down and gently shook him awake.
Jess’s eyes snapped open immediately, but he relaxed when he saw who it was.
“Oh, it’s you,” he said irritably, “come to cross examine me about Lola’s death again have ya?”
Slim shook his head and then sank down on the edge of the bed.
“Nope, I just thought maybe you wanted to talk about it huh?”
“Well, I don’t,” Jess said belligerently. Then narrowing his eyes said angrily, “You believe Down’s dontcha...you think I had my wicked way with her, huh?”
“No Jess, I don’t, not really. I just think well, maybe things got kind of out of hand? Maybe she kissed you and you...well kissed her back... and then one thing led to another. I know the way it is...” he finished unconvincingly.
“Oh, you do huh? So, you think I’m incapable of keeping my hands of a woman. Even if she is practically old enough to be my Ma and due to hang to boot. Hell, Slim how dang low do ya think I’d stoop huh?”
Slim reddened at that, “Well when you put it that way...OK I’m sorry Jess. It’s just...well you know the way you are sometimes...I just thought....” and then trailing off he looked down and said no more.
Jess shook his head and then swinging his legs down from the bed he stood up and wandered over to the window peering down at the busy street below, before turning back.
“Do you really not know me better than that?” he growled.
“Look I’m sorry OK. We’re both tired and kind of upset over all this business.”
Then there was a tap at the bedroom door and Moreton stood there.
“Excuse me gentlemen, but the coffee is ready and you have a visitor, Sheriff Jeffers.”
Slim smiled at Ben and said, “Hey who’s minding the shop?”
Ben Jeffers returned the smile, “Oh it’s OK. Old Jake is deputizing for me until I can get a younger man in. He’ll do just fine in the interim.”
Then turning to Jess said, “But it is Jess here I really need to speak to. We owe you an apology for maybe doubting you a tad?” he said looking kind of sheepish.
“Oh?” said Jess looking up from where he was pouring them all a cup of coffee.
“Yes, you see Jake and I were tidying up the staff quarters once the undertaker came for Miss Lola, and we found this note under her pillow. You should read it Jess”
He took the proffered note and read it through twice before passing it to Slim.
It was a heartfelt confession to the killing of her brother, addressed to the Padre. Then below a short PS.
‘Please tell Jess how very much I appreciated his kindness to me in my last hours. He listened to all my troubles without judgement and was so understanding and thoughtful, although I really didn’t deserve it. Now I have decided to end it all because I cannot face the humiliation of a public hanging. May God have mercy on my soul’...signed Lola Whitman.
Slim looked across at his buddy and felt just awful.
“Jess…”
“It’s OK,” Jess said quickly, “don’t say anything huh? It’ll only make it worse...let’s just forget it.”
*******
Mr Brown arrived promptly at 3 PM and Jess, Slim, Mr & Mrs Moreton and Nurse Bella James were all present in the library.
“This is a very sad and unprecedented occurrence,” Brown began. “I can never recall three members of a family...all dying in tragic circumstances in such quick succession; but here we are.”
Then he opened the Will before him and started to quote from it...
“To Jess Harper and Slim Sherman I leave the sum of the debt that was once owed to me by Mathew Sherman, plus any Interest that may have accrued in the meantime. Also, I bequeath a similar sum for travel expenses and any loss of earnings due to the trip out to pay the said loan.”
Then he looked up and took off his glasses. “This is a codicil to the Will...added just before dear Walter died,” he said. “He was of the opinion should he pass over before the document rescinding the loan were signed, well then Master Chad would insist on the full payment.” Then he gave a thin smile, “Walter knew his son all too well,” he said grimly.
Slim gave a low whistle, “We can’t accept that, it’s way too much.”
“But you can,” Mr Brown said smiling happily, “because even if the loan was rescinded, he still wanted you to both have the money. In some part to make up for all the worry you have incurred. I know he felt badly about the clause in the agreement about him obtaining the ranch if payment wasn’t completed. Well, this is his way of trying to make amends. So please let him rest in peace knowing he had righted a wrong, will you dear sir?”
Jess smiled over at the older man and then glanced across at Slim, “Sure we can do that can’t we pard?”
Slim nodded, “If you put it that way...then yes, thank you. It’s much appreciated.”
“Good, good I’m glad that is settled,” Mr Brown said rubbing his hands together and then turning to the content of the Will once more.
“Now here things become very interesting,” he said glancing up at the Moretons and Bella. “Obviously the bulk of his estate and business were to be divided equally between his son and daughter. With a very generous cash bequeath to both you Mr and Mrs Moreton and also to you Nurse James, in recognition of your loyalty and friendship over the years. However, as we know things have changed so I will tell you how the Will reads now, in view of the recent...uh tragic events.”
Bella was still reeling over the promise of a ‘very generous bequeath’ and felt tears pricking behind her eyes...what on earth was old Brown going to say now she wondered?
“In the unlikely case of the demise of both my son and daughter I would like the whole of my business enterprises and half of my estate, barring this house to go to Nurse Bella James and her fiancé. In the hope that this will help to enhance their future careers in medicine. Whitman Enterprises can be sold for a substantial sum which should be enough to finance any future initiatives they may have in mind, a medical office or even small hospital.
There was stunned silence that was finally broken by Bella sobbing uncontrollably. Enid quickly went to her side and held her close until the crying abated.
“I’m...so sorry,” she finally managed, “but it is just such a shock, I’m absolutely overwhelmed.”
Brown smiled kindly, “We discussed the matter at length and Walter knew that you and the doctor had plans to return back east and set up some sort of clinic for the less well-off. Well, he endorsed the idea wholeheartedly. The original bequeath would have helped enormously but now you can really make a difference my dear,” he said beaming happily.
She took a deep shuddering breath and whispered, “Thank you.”
Jess reached over and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and was rewarded by a watery smile.
Then Brown returned his attention to the Will. “The remainder of my estate, including this house I leave to Mr and Mrs Moreton in recognition of their loyalty and support over the years, particularly after the passing of my dear wife. I do believe that on retirement from my service they intended to buy a small property with their savings to run as a Boarding House. However, I hope that they will find this old place suitable for their venture?”
Now it was Enid’s turn to be tearful, whilst Moreton just sat there looking totally stunned.
Mr Brown beamed at them both. “Dear Walter knew all along that you were a married couple you know. It was just his little joke to keep up the pretense.”
Eventually proceedings came to a halt. But before Mr Brown could take his leave Bella stopped him.
“I take it that I am now in sole charge of the Whitman Enterprises?” she asked shyly.
“Absolutely my dear,” Brown said benignly.
“Well in that case if you still have the document releasing Jess and Slim from that loan may I sign it now?” she asked cheerfully.

Chapter 13
Jess and Slim made their way home a few days later, having remained in town for the funerals of the Whitman family.
It had not been an easy time and they left with the recriminations of the former Sheriff...now plain Mr Downs, ringing in their ears.
They were settled in the rail car heading home when the subject came up again.
“It looks like Downs will be in jail for a few months,” Slim said conversationally. “What with him being accused of contempt of court by the judge too,” he added chuckling.
Jess shook his head, “Kinda sad really how a woman can turn a man away from all he knows is right.”
“Apparently he really changed when she started up a relationship with him...according to Ben he was a different man...plain bewitched by her.”
Jess just rolled his eyes.
“Something else,” Slim said now looking serious, “Ben reckons Downs is going to come gunning for you when he gets out.”
“What? Why the hell does he wanna do a fool thing like that?” Jess responded in surprise.
“Apparently he’s still blaming you for her death. You stopped her from escaping and then according to him it was you that turned her to suicide. He seems to think if he’d made a final bid for clemency, he’d have got the judge to overturn the sentence. That’s why he wanted her to see the Padre, get him to plead with the judge on her behalf.”
“He’s crazy. As though the judge would do that,” Jess snapped. “And I didn’t make her kill herself either...you read that note Slim.”
“Hey you don’t need to convince me Jess, I’m on your side remember? Nope it’s that Downs. Ben’s tried to talk some sense into him. But he’ll have none of it. He just wants a shoot-out with you.”
Jess looked down at the sling still supporting his broken hand. Then over at Slim, his eyes wretched as he said quietly, “Well I wish him luck with that, because the doc reckons, I may never hold a gun in this hand again. Much less be able to fast draw.”
*******
“Damn it...just leave it will ya!” Jess exploded angrily. “Don’t ya think it’s bad enough trying to work this way without you naggin’ me all the dang time?”
He had been trying to harness up one of the relay horses, much impeded by the sling. Even after he’d angrily pulled his arm free Slim could see he had little use of his right hand.
Mose looked down from where he was sitting on the box waiting impatiently to get off.
“Slim’ s right,” he said adding his two cent’s worth, “why not get Doc Sam to check it out? He may have some new miracle cure, him bein’ real up to date and all.”
“So, he’s gonna mend a busted hand like new is he Mose...you sure of that are ya?” Jess replied bitterly.
“Well...uh, no of course not, but can’t hurt to see him,” the old timer muttered.
Jess finally gave up on trying to fasten the stiff strap with his one hand and glaring at Slim said, “You damn well do it,” before marching off to the barn every inch of his back displaying his anger.
“Don’t pay him any heed,” Slim said kindly as he finished the task, “he’s just kind of upset.”
Mose shook his head lugubriously, “Well you can’t blame the boy Slim. He must feel kinda naked not toting an iron no more...I can see how it could be a real problem for him.”
Slim frowned, “How so?”
Mose looked a bit sheepish and then said quietly, “The word on the street is that now Jess ain’t carrying , there’s a few out there who are getting a tad big for their boots. One or two of them are thinking of taking him on...cuttin ’ him down to size some.”
Slim looked furious, “Who, who’s saying it Mose?”
Mose looked even more uncomfortable. “Just kids, ones that have been in trouble with the law. Jess has arrested them when he’s been actin’ deputy for Mort. Like the Grundy boys...Jake Slater...Den Ross...that kind ya know. All talk I imagine,” he added.
*******
“Of course I’m goin’ to town on Saturday, why wouldn’t I?”
“Uh, I don’t know Jess. I thought you might want to rest up some?”
“Hell Slim it’s only my dang hand that’s paining me why would I need to rest up?” Jess retorted irritably.
“So, you admit it then? It’s still bothering you?”
Jess sat down on the edge of his bed and slung the towel he’d been drying himself with in the approximate direction of a chair. Then he frowned at his friend. “It is some, yeah.”
“All the more reason to call in and see doc Sam about it sometime,” Slim said. He finished his own ablutions and settled down on his own bed, yawning widely.
Jess sighed and rolled his eyes, “OK I’ll go on Saturday then, before I see Millie.”
When Slim said nothing Jess growled, “Come on Slim we ain’t seen our girls since we came home a week ago, ain’t you missing Lily?”
Slim’ s face finally relaxed into a soppy grin, “Sure I am.”
“Well then...”
*******
Jess sat across the desk from the doctor, his splinted hand re dressed and returned to the dark sling he still wore at Daisy’s insistence. He felt a sudden wave of guilt. They had not told dear Daisy anything of the trauma they’d been through in Omaha so as not to upset her. She was under the allusion that a horse had stomped on his hand. Then he glanced over at Sam thinking he must really tell him not to tell Daisy the real cause of his injury.
Sam looked kinda serious Jess thought, not his usual cheerful self that was for sure.
“So, what’s the damage Sam?” he asked anxiously, “Was Doc Jon back in Omaha right…I may not be able to use a gun no more?”
Sam looked him in the eye and said, “I’m sorry Jess but it’s still too early to say. The doctor did a good job setting the bones, but it was a really nasty injury. Not only is a metatarsal bone broken but also a phalange. And what is more concerning is the possibility of tendon damage.”
“Huh?” Jess asked looking dazed at all the complex medical terms, “Really?” he added in a hushed tone.
Sam said earnestly, “Basically the flexor tendon bends the fingers towards the palm...including your trigger finger. It is possible that if that has been irreparably damaged then you may not be able to use it...either at all or at least not with the same speed as previously.”
“So, I could still draw, but not pull the trigger?” Jess asked looking dumbfounded.
“That is the worst possible scenario yes, but not a forgone conclusion. It could also be that the hand will be permanently weakened, with limited movement, but as I say it really is too soon to tell.”
“I see,” Jess said softly looking down. But then he took a deep breath and when he looked up, he had the light of battle in his eyes.
“I’ll work at it doc, get myself fit again, I can do it... just need to practice some huh?”
“Jess it doesn’t work that way buddy. If it’s damaged permanently then there’s simply nothing you can do.”
Jess remained silent but the stubborn look in his eyes said it all and Sam decided it wasn’t worth the argument if his good friend had made up his mind.
The doctor shook his head and raised his hands in submission, “OK have it your own way Jess. But please promise me you won’t uh...start ‘working on it’ yet awhile. Those bones need to be completely healed before you attempt any form of physiotherapy...or you’ll do more harm than good understand?”
“Huh... physio...what?”
“Any form of exercise to strengthen the limb Jess. Just keep that hand in the sling and don’t attempt to use it for another four weeks, understand?”
Jess left the doc’s office sometime later and was just crossing the street to find Slim in the mercantile when someone called him.
He turned to see Cain Grundy flanked by his brothers Lou and Dev standing behind him a mocking look on their young faces.
“Hey Harper I hear you can’t use a gun no more,” Cain said disdainfully.
Jess threw the young man a baleful glance.
“So, what’s it to you?” he growled.
“I figure you ain’t gonna be throwing your weight around so much, seein’ as how you can’t defend yerself no more,” he said nudging his brother Dev and giving him a sly wink.
“You think that do ya?” Jess said before shrugging and walking away.
“Hey Harper don’t you turn your back on me,” Cain yelled angrily. “I ain’t finished with you yet. Me and the boys are lookin’ for a little sport.”
Jess ignored him and continued off towards the mercantile, but then seconds later a bullet hit the ground beside him followed by a second and a third.
He turned angrily, “What the hell do you think yer playin’ at?” he spat.
“Just havin’ us some fun,” said Dev, sending another shot within inches of Jess’s boot. “We thought we’d like to see ya dance some Harper.”
Jess sighed and rolled his eyes, “Why don’t you kids take yer guns and go home. I figure yer Ma will be wantin’ to tuck you up with a story pretty soon,” he said casting a glance over to the setting sun.
Cain flushed an angry red, but before he could retaliate Mort emerged from his office carrying a rifle.
“I reckon that’s pretty good advice,” he drawled. “Get off home boys...or you can have a spell in my cell iffen you’d prefer?”
The young men turned and made off at speed as Mort came over and clapped Jess on the back.
“Well done for holding that temper of yours in check buddy,” he said grinning. “So how about a glass of whiskey and you tell me all about your adventures over in Omaha huh?”
Jess sat on the chair opposite Mort’s desk sipping a welcome glass of red-eye as the Sheriff looked at him thoughtfully. “Seems like that’s a real serious injury,” he said eventually, “I trust you returned the deed in kind?”
Jess shook his head. “No need. Apparently, the guy who did it was shot dead when he tried to rob a bank the following week and the rest of the gang are banged up in jail for the next few years. As to the guy that paid them to work me and Slim over, well he’s dead too.”
Mort just shook his head in bewilderment, “Three members of the same family all dead, and you left this way,” he said nodding to Jess’s sling, “seems like you had a pretty rough visit?”
Jess just sipped his whiskey and then said quietly, “We had to go. We needed to sort out some family business for Slim.”
Mort nodded wisely, “Yeah, I know all about that. He confided in me when I saw him earlier. A nasty business all around, but at least you have that legacy. That’s something I suppose.”
“I reckon he’ll need it pretty soon too,” Jess muttered.
“Oh, why is that?”
There was a long pause before Jess said bitterly, “Use yer head Mort, he’s gonna hafta buy in extra help...and maybe even find a new partner.”
“What? Hell, why Jess?”
Jess glared at him, “Well what good is a one-armed ranch hand huh?”
There was a shocked silence and then Mort said, “Hell it won’t come to that Jess, it’ll heal just fine you’ll see.”
“You’re sure of that are ya? Well, that’s more than Doc Sam is Mort!”
With that he drained his glass, muttered his thanks for the drink and barged out of the office slamming the door behind him.
As he left, he practically cannoned into Jake Slater, another young tearaway that Mose had said was looking to get even with Jess.
When the teen saw Jess wasn’t wearing a gun a sly grin covered his usually slack features.
“Well, howdy Mr Harper,” he said in his strange sing song voice, ready to make a sarcastic comment about the fact that his old adversary was now unarmed.
Jess threw him a look that would curdle the milk and grabbing him by the shirt with his good hand dragged the boy to within a few inches of his angry face and spat angrily, “What do ya want kid?”
“Uh...nuthin’ Mr Harper,” he said back peddling quickly, “just passin’ the time of day.”
Jess gave a low growl that could have meant anything and tossing the boy aside strode on up Main Street and into the saloon.
It was pretty crowded but the men parted to allow him through noting the look in the cowboy’s deep blue eyes.
He marched over to where Slim was propping up the bar and nodded to him before turning to address Tom.
“Whiskey,” he said abruptly.
“Well, howdy Jess good to see you too,” Tom said sarcastically.
Jess gave him a rueful grin, “Sorry Tom, howdy.”
“What’s up with you...and I thought we were meeting up at the mercantile?” Slim said casting his buddy a questioning look.
“Got side tracked,” Jess replied downing his drink in one and pouring another.
Slim raised an eyebrow, “Whose been ruffling your feathers?”
But before he could answer Millie came out from the back and ran over beaming delightedly.
Then she stopped in her tracks her face falling, “Oh Jess, you’re hurt,” she said gently, “what happened?”
Jess gave her a warm smile, “Well it’s kind of a long story,” he said and putting an arm around her led her to a table at the back of the saloon and soon the couple were in deep conversation.
However, their exchange was short lived as a little while later she was called back to serve at the bar.
“You and Slim will come up for coffee when Lily and I finish won’t you?” she asked as she reluctantly left him.
“Just try and stop us,” Jess grinned back.
He re-joined Slim at the bar and the evening was spent chatting with each other and exchanging light hearted banter with their girls when the opportunity arose.
It was nearly closing time and the place was heaving when there was some commotion near the door and a shot was fired.
Jess spun around, his initial reaction to go for his gun, until he felt the pull of the sling restraining him and remembered he was unarmed.
Then the crowd parted revealing the Grundy brothers standing there, swaying a little and obviously drunk.
Jess just cussed and turned back to the bar but Cain yelled at him.
“You turned your back on me once today Harper, don’t do it again!”
Jess rolled his eyes and turned back, “What do ya want?” he asked wearily.
“You know dang well what I want,” he said, his gun still in his hand. “I want some respect from you,” and he fired the gun off again within inches of Jess boot.
Slim made to draw but Jess shot his good hand out and stopped him.
“Leave it Slim,” he said quietly, “I need ta deal with this.”
“The Sheriff told ya to go home,” he said to Cain, “I suggest you do as he says.”
“Not until you get on your knees and call me sir,” Cain said furiously and he raised his gun so it was pointing at Jess’s chest.
There was a deep intake of breath from the other drinkers and the sound of tables and chairs scraping back as they all moved out of range.
“Jess?” Slim said softly...putting a hand on his arm.
But Jess shrugged him off and pulled away taking a step forward.
“Are you goin’ home or do I hafta make ya?” he asked.
Dev gave a nervous laugh and Cain looked uncertain as he held the gun steadily on Jess, “On your knees,” he repeated somewhat shakily.
When Jess finally made his move, it was almost too fast for the eye to see. One minute, Cain was pointing his gun and the next second Jess had kicked it out of his hand and punched him hard in the face with his left fist, sending him reeling across the room, falling badly several feet away.
He ran over and before Cain could even move Jess had straddled him and was holding his hunting knife to the young man’s throat.
There was a further deep intake of breath from the collected crowd and Slim strode over and again said softly, “Jess...”
But he ignored his pard and edged the razor-sharp blade across Cain’s throat so he felt the cold steel on his skin...a sweat breaking out on his brow.
“More than one way to skin a cat huh?” Jess said quietly.
Cain turned huge terrified eyes on Jess, “Please...I’m sorry... Mr Harper.”
“Mr Harper what?” Jess breathed.
“Mr Harper sir...”
“That’s better, now louder, so they can hear right at the back of the bar huh.”
“I’m real sorry Mr Harper sir,” the youth cried, “can I go now...please.”
Jess released him and replaced his hunting knife in his boot before returning to the bar to cheers, whistles and much stomping, as the Grundy brothers slunk out.
It was later in the warmth of Millie’s room above the bar, that that matter was discussed once more.
“All I’m saying is that what you did was kind of crazy,” Slim said from where he was seated on the couch, his arm around Lily.
“They needed to be shown I ain’t a complete pushover, or every dang lowlife kid in town will be chancing his luck with me! Is that what you want Slim?”
“No, of course not.”
“Well then....”
“Come on boys don’t argue,” Lily said cheerfully, “Millie and I have missed you both something fierce. Haven’t we Mill? And all you can do is talk about fightin’,” she said sighing deeply.
“Well, I don’t know how that’s true,” Jess said quickly, pulling Millie, who was sitting on his knee, even closer.
“I figure we can talk about other stuff can’t we Slim?”
Then softly, “Or quit talkin’ altogether,” he added as he leaned in for a passionate kiss.
Chapter 14
It was a few weeks later before Jess finally got a clean bill of health from Doc Sam..
“Well, the bones have healed really well,” he said, “but as to your fast draw? Well like I said before time will tell Jess. It depends on how badly the tendons were affected.”
When his friend looked sorely troubled at that Sam said more gently, “Maybe this is for the best Jess. You can walk away from gunfights for good. Just concentrate on the ranch...that’s what you want isn’t it?”
Jess looked down and said, “Sure you know it is...but maybe the gunfights won’t walk away from me Sam. I need to know if someone takes me on, I can survive, surely you can see that?”
Sam nodded. “Oh yes I can see that Jess, but it’s not the way it should be.”
“No, it’s not and sometime in the future it won’t be this way Sam. Folk will settle their differences easier. But until then...well I’d really like to stay alive.”
It was good that Jess could pull his weight about the place once more; Slim was really glad about that. But there was a shadow hanging over his pard and Slim was pretty sure what it was too.
Jess had been working really hard to make up for the times he wasn’t able to do his bit, but there were other times when he disappeared for hours on end and refused to say where he’d been and what he’d been doing.
It all came to ahead some three months after they had arrived home from their trip to Omaha.
Jess was late for supper, yet again, and Daisy was getting worried.
So Slim marched over to the barn to see Jess as soon as he arrived home and caught up with him as he was putting Traveller up for the night.
Slim stood watching his pard rub down his mount for a few minutes before strolling over and saying, “If I didn’t know you better, I’d think you’d got another woman hidden out there somewhere.”
Jess swung around looking really annoyed, “What...are you crazy? I’d never cheat on Millie you know that!”
“So, what have you been up to lately, huh?”
Jess turned away to his task and Slim thought he would dodge the question yet again. But then his pard took a deep breath and turned back to face him.
“OK if you must know, I’m working on my draw...and I didn’t think Daisy or Mike needed to know...you either,” he added.
“Why?” Slim asked looking totally baffled, “why do you need to do that and hide it from me too, huh?”
“Because you sure don’t approve,” Jess spat, “and I need to do it to stay alive that’s why.”
“Oh, come on Jess you’re acting crazy, you’re quite safe here. Who the heck is going to come gunning for you know a days, huh? OK when you first moved in here there were some folk with a vendetta against you...I know that. But now? Heck Jess you’re a rancher, in fact a ranch co-owner! Just accept that and relax will ya, huh?”
Jess turned away, “I’m sorry Slim, but I just can’t do that.”
It was a mere week later that Jess’s fears were to be confirmed.
Being a Sunday morning all at the ranch were spruced up and nearly ready to head off for Church when Jess heard a rider trotting into the yard.
“That’ll be young Billy Jackson,” he said, “I agreed he could ride over with us.”
Slim was still brushing his hair in the bedroom and Daisy fussing over Mike’s tie so Jess made his way out onto the porch and then stopped in his tracks.
“What the hell are you doin’ here?” he asked gruffly.
“Well howdy Harper,” the other returned, “you really needn’t have dressed up for me you know,” ex Sheriff Downs said, eyeing Jess’s smart frock coat. Then he dismounted and took a step forward.
“What do you want?” Jess repeated.
“I think we have a little unfinished business, don’t we?” he replied with a sly smile, that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“I can’t think what...”
“Can’t you? Well, how about the little matter of driving the woman I loved to her death. Not to mention giving evidence against me that resulted in three months in jail and then me losing my job.”
“You can’t lay any of that at my door and you know it. Hell, man you lost your job through your own actions. You were just so bewitched by that woman that you couldn’t see straight. Still can’t I reckon.” Jess said angrily.
“I’m seeing just fine,” the other spat. “So, did that busted hand heal up OK Harper because I ain’t come all this way to pass the time of day. You’re not wearing an iron?”
Jess pulled back his long frock-coat to reveal his Colt snugly holstered, sitting on his hip, but said nothing.
Then the charged atmosphere was disrupted as Daisy and Mike came out onto the porch.
“Oh, Jess dear do go and hitch up the buckboard or we’ll be late.”
Then she stopped as she noticed the burly middle-aged man glaring at Jess.
But before she had time to say more Jess turned and said sharply, “Get back inside Daisy, take Mike and stay there until I tell ya... Go pronto!” he yelled when she hesitated for a moment...and then they were gone.
Downs backed off and assumed the gun fighter stance, feet wide apart and his hand hovering above his gun.
“Come on then Harper, let’s finish this once and for all,” he drawled.
But then Slim was there behind Jess, “What the heck’s going on here?” he stormed.
“Ah, Sherman good of you to join us,” Downs’ sneered. “But Harper and I have a little unfinished business if you don’t mind.”
“Well yes I do damn well mind,” Slim raged.
Jeez he’d seen the Sheriff draw and couldn’t remember seeing anyone faster...save Jess on a good day...but now, still recovering from that hand injury he didn’t stand a chance.
“Jess just back off,” he said softly.
Jess half turned, “I can’t do that Slim. If it ain’t now it’ll be another time, the guy’s plain crazy he ain’t gonna let it lay.”
Slim said nothing, his mouth dry with fear. All he could do was hope and pray that Downs wasn’t as accurate as he was fast. Maybe Jess would just sustain an injury...that’s the best he could hope for.
Jess and Downs stood facing each other off like a pair of wary tom cats...until Downs finally went for his weapon.
The gun play was just too fast for Slim to see...But then the air cleared and he saw that his pard was still standing, the smoking gun in his hand...and Downs was on his knees clutching his arm.
Slim turned to his pard in amazement, “How in hell did you do that?” he whispered in awe.
Jess holstered his gun, “Like I’m always tellin’ ya, it comes out faster when it has to,” he said grinning broadly.
*******
Downs was a broken man. But the injury to his arm was minor, Jess having just winged him. After he’d been taken indoors and ministered to by Daisy, he sat shame faced and apologetic.
“You’re right of course,” he said finally turning weary eyes on Jess. “She did bewitch me...and I know I’ve been a fool. I just couldn’t face the fact that she’d used me that way. But now...seeing you again... well the truth hit home...I’m so dang sorry Harper.”
In the end Jess agreed not to press any charges against the man for his unsolicited attack and he finally left, looking a mere shadow of the man they had met a few months earlier.
It was the following morning when Daisy finally got all the details of the troubled time they had spent in Omaha. They had sketched over the details on their return so as not to upset her. But now with Downs arriving on the scene she demanded to know exactly what had happened on their protracted visit to see Mr Sherman Senior’s old buddy.
She was deeply shocked when she learned that the real reason for their trip had been, to stop the ranch from being sold off to repay the debt.
“I’m sorry Daisy,” Slim said softly. “We should have levelled with you from the start...but I was kinda embarrassed about it all.”
“Then when it looked like we could lose the place well we really didn’t want to worry you,” Jess added.
They were all sitting around the breakfast table and Daisy reached out her hand and squeezed Jess’s.
“I appreciate that really I do dear. But I’d much rather be kept in the picture. You’ve no idea how...well how vulnerable I feel sometimes,” she added uncharacteristically.
“Heck Daisy we’d never see you homeless, you know that,” Slim said quickly, “we’d have sorted something out.”
She smiled at him, “Yes I’m sure you would my dear. But can’t you see how difficult it is sometimes to be totally dependent on another?”
“Can’t say as how I’ve ever thought of it,” Jess said honestly. “You’re just like kin to me and Slim. So of course, we’d look out for you, like you were our own ma. Surely you know that Daisy?”
“Yes, yes of course I do,” she said gently, “and I appreciate it really, I do...but I still need my independence and well, I think maybe I can have it...in a small way”
“Heck Daisy please tell me you’re not thinking of leaving?” Slim said looking worried.
“Oh no dear nothing like that...but I too have a little secret and I’m feeling rather guilty about it as well.”
Jess grinned broadly, “Go on then Daisy. Don’t tell me yer gonna get married. Did you meet a smooth-talking’ snake oil salesman while we were away huh?”
“Oh you!” she said cuffing him none too gently. “No, it’s something that affects you really Slim…well, your ma anyway.”
“Go on,” said Slim looking much relieved.
“Do you remember those old recipes you found in the attic?”
“Ma’s favorites, sure I do,” Slim said grinning. “In fact, I was kinda hoping you’d try a few of them.”
“Ma made this amazing chocolate cake,” he said turning to Jess.
“The thing is...well were they her secret recipes?”
Slim pondered the point and then said, “Nope I reckon not...they were all hers alright, but she used to swap them around share them with friends ya know?” “Oh, thank goodness,” Daisy said with a gasp of relief.
“Hey Daisy what’s this all about?” Jess asked raising a quizzical eyebrow.
“Well, you see dears I have tried out some of the recipes. That cake for a start. I baked it and shared it at the Laramie women’s group to great acclaim. In fact, Winne Hanford took some home for her husband...you know the new Editor of the Laramie Sentinel?”
“Go on,” said Slim looking fascinated.
“Well, he liked it so much he wants to start a new series in the paper called ‘The Laramie Kitchen’ and invite folk to send in their recipes. Well actually not everyone.” she confided, “just me really.”
“What, yer own newspaper column?”
Then he chuckled turning to Slim, “That sounds about right don’t it buddy. The way that new editor is aiming to clean up the town by tryin’ to ban strong liquor and gambling I figure all we’ll be encouraged to do is bake...and maybe a bit of excitin ’ dress makin’ before too long!”
Slim grinned, “You could be right Hot-shot.”
“Well, that sounds great anyway. Well done Daisy,” said Jess enthusiastically “and I hope he’s paying top dollar?”
“Oh yes dear he would pay me very handsomely, should I accept his offer. I thought it would help top up the housekeeping. Buy us all a few extra treats...and maybe I could keep just a little and put it away for a rainy day? It would make me feel...well a little more secure. What do you think Slim, would that be alright?”
Slim frowned and shook his head, “I’m sorry, no Daisy.”
“What? Hey come on Slim, I’m sure your Ma would be proud to have her recipes shared that way...where’s the harm?” Jess asked crossly.
Slim turned to Daisy and beamed at her, “The answer is no, unless you promise me to keep all the payments for yourself Daisy...and that’s my last word on the subject!”
Daisy’s face was wreathed in smiles...and she leaned forwards and kissed him warmly on the cheek, “Oh thank you my dear,” she said happily.
Jess cuffed Slim good naturedly around the head and said, “Good move buddy!”
Then the door banged open and Mike rushed in.
“Have ya asked them about your Attic Secret yet?” he asked breathlessly as he referred to the old recipes.
She nodded cheerfully, “Yes dear and Slim is happy for me to take that little job. Now would you like to help me make the chocolate cake for Slim and Jess?”
He nodded vigorously, “I sure would!”
Then he turned to Slim and Jess...
“Then afterwards can we go up in that old attic again and see if we can find some more things? After all you had a real exciting adventure in Omaha when you found that ol’ letter. Then Aunt Daisy’s got herself a job on the paper because of those recipes. Maybe I could find something that would make for an adventure too?” he asked his eyes sparkling.
“No!” Slim and Jess cried in unison.
“No?” asked the bewildered child.
“Let’s put it this way Tiger. You can go back up there in about ten years or so. I figure you’ll be able to handle the kind of adventure we had by then.”
“Oh you’re no fun,” the child replied marching off with Daisy to make the cake.
“Uh, I’d make it twenty years,” Slim said dryly, “just to be on the safe side,” and chuckling the two went off to attend to the morning chores.
As they made their way across to the barn Jess turned to Slim, “Well one good thing came out of that dang ‘adventure’ as Mike calls it.”
“Oh so what was that?” Slim asked
Jess flexed his right hand and said grinning, “With all the work I put in to get this old hand of mine back up to scratch I’m faster than I ever was!”
Slim just shook his head and rolled his eyes, “Come on Hot-shot...work to do...

Epilogue
It was sometime before they heard anything from their friends over in Omaha. Then two letters came at once about a year after their trip.
The men sat at the breakfast table reading the mail and quoting odd sections to Daisy.
Jess who was reading the missive from Walt’s nurse Bella said it was written just the way she spoke. Full of capital letters and exclamation marks, so Jess confirmed. She was delighted to inform them that she and her now husband Doc Jon had followed Walt’s wishes to the letter. They had opened a small hospital in a poor area of New York and were using all their skills and the generous legacy to transform the lives of so many. On a more personal level she informed them that they were expecting a baby in the fall and she had never been happier.
“Ain’t that just swell,” Jess said cheerfully as he passed the letter over to Daisy for her to read the rest.
Then he turned to Slim, “So what has that old devil Moreton gotta say?” he asked grinning.
Slim returned the smile, “He was rather a stuffed shirt, to start with, wasn’t he? But he came up trumps in the end, the way he helped us out after Walt passed over.”
Jess agreed, “So what’s he up to...has he opened Walt’s old place up as a Boarding house like he said he would?”
“Ha, better than that Jess, he is running it as a luxury hotel!”
“Well, you wouldn’t expect anything less of Moreton,” Jess laughed.
“He says here that the traditions of the old country have gone down really well with the uh...more discerning client and Enid is now serving afternoon teas for the local ladies.”
“Oh, how swish,” declared Daisy looking enchanted.
Slim continued reading the letter to himself his face suddenly registering surprise, “Well I’ll be...listen to this Jess...”
“My dear Enid and I decided to share the most generous bounty supplied by my esteemed employer and have adopted two young orphan boys Michael and Joshua aged just seven and nine. They were quite a handful at first but are gradually learning the decorum so necessary in this establishment. They are very happy and healthy. My Enid looks ten years younger.
“That’s just great,” Jess said enthusiastically.
Then he looked thoughtful. “Strange how things work out ain’t it Slim. Iffen Lola and Chad had inherited I doubt they’d have used any of that money for the good of others.”
Slim nodded, “You’re right there pard,” and he also passed the missive over for Daisy to read.
She smiled her thanks and popped it in her apron pocket.
“Thank you dear I’ll read it later. I really must get on with washing these dishes, my article for the Sentinel is due in tomorrow I must finish that off next.”
Jess smiled benignly at her, “I can’t believe how popular those ol’ recipes are Daisy. According to Millie they’re having to print extra copies the day your column appears. Well done! I never miss it,” he added.
“Me neither, it’s a real good read and yes I heard that too,” Slim enthused, smiling.
Then more thoughtfully, “Only one thing though Daisy what’ ll you do when you run out of Ma’s recipes...there are only so many you know.”
Daisy flushed a little, “Well actually we have used them all now. But Mr Hanford was pleased for me to use some of my own recipes. Plus, I now write a little about kitchen tips for the young wife, advice and that kind of thing,” she added vaguely, “but I expect you knew that already being such avid readers,” she added with a chuckle.
*******
Dr Jon Rawlings and his wife Bella went on to be great philanthropists offering low-cost medical treatment to the less well off, never turning anyone away from their door. They had a long and happy life raising six youngsters and working until a ripe old age.
Moreton and Enid were so highly acclaimed for their first-class cuisine and excellent accommodation that they were able to buy a further two properties. They retired in late middle age leaving the running of the business to their two adopted sons.
Nowadays they own a chain of smart hotels across America. Known simply as Moreton’ s, it is a multi million-dollar business famous for its old-fashioned values and award-winning cuisine.
As for Daisy, she was approached by a friend of the editor and asked if she would be interested in compiling all her recipes and home-spun wisdom into a book. Although she was rather overwhelmed at first, she persevered with the encouragement of Jess and Slim. Then with the help of the Sentinel editor, and his wife, she was eventually able to write the book. Thus, giving her the financial security, she had always secretly craved. A legacy from when she had been swindled out of her life savings before arriving at the ranch she surmised. Anyway, now she had a little nest egg to rely upon if ever she was in need, which gave her great comfort.
Today there is hardly a kitchen shelf across the whole of the land that does not bear a copy of, Wisdom and Recipes from a Laramie Kitchen by Mrs Daisy Cooper!
The End
Thank you for reading!