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

#92 Hell Hath No Fury Like ...

Hell Hath No Fury Like…

By

Patty Wilkinson

(Strong language, violence and adult themes)

Chapter 1

Jess Harper had a secret tryst with his girl Millie Johnson. He’d been drinking in the saloon where she worked, along with Slim Sherman and Sheriff Mort Cory all evening. But just now Millie had gone off duty, giving Jess a little wink and a wave as she had disappeared upstairs to her room.

He waited five minutes and then made his farewells. Slim knew better than to ask where he was off to, knowing full well. Also knowing what a private man his pard was and sure wouldn’t want his personal business spread around the saloon. So, he just nodded and with a brief, “See you later,” returned to his conversation with Mort.

Jess made his way down the dark alleyway at the side of the saloon, heading for the outside fire escape, knowing that Millie would be waiting at the top to let him in.

He must have been about halfway down the alley when someone leapt out of the shadows and brought a rifle butt down hard on the back of his head. He fell like a stone...but then moments later rallied and tried to get up as blows from his attacker rained down on his face and chest...while another booted him in the guts...the last thing he heard before everything went black were Millie’s frantic screams.

As Slim’ s girl, Lily was away tending to her sick Ma he had no reason to hang around the saloon, so he decided to accompany the Sheriff on his last rounds of the night, before retiring to his office for a welcome coffee.

As the men left the saloon they immediately heard Millie’s desperate screams and turning as one, they made for the alleyway at speed. As they entered, the two thugs ran straight into the path of the Sheriff who quickly covered them with his rifle, whilst Slim tore on down the ill lit walkway. He dropped to his knees beside Jess. Then the back door of the saloon opened wide and flooded the yard with light, illuminating Jess lying on his back, his face paper white and his shirt darkly stained with blood.

Millie and Mort joined Slim, along with old Tom the barkeep.

“Send for the Doc,” Mort said tersely...but Tom shook his head.

“No good Sheriff, he left word he’d be out of town all night, along with his nurse. Seems young Gilly Smith is having twins and the doc needs to tend her.”

“Please... take him up to my room,” Millie said quickly, “I’ll take care of him...”

“I shouldn’t bother,” sneered one of the attackers, now handcuffed by Mort. “He’ll be dead before you get him there...”

“You son of a bitch!” Slim spat rising and lurching towards the burly, rough looking hombre.

“Easy Slim,” Mort said quickly, “you tend to Jess and I’ll sort these two out and be right back...”

As it was Lon, his deputy, arrived at that moment...so the two attackers were marched off to the jail and Mort helped Slim and Tom carry Jess up to Millie’s room.

Once he was deposited on her big comfortable bed, she rushed off to fetch some cool water and clean rags, whilst Slim and Mort surveyed their friend.

“Jeez he looks bad,” Slim muttered before tossing his pard ’s hat on the nightstand and beginning to unbutton his shirt.

Meanwhile Mort removed his boots and then stood silently watching as Jess lay there unmoving and as pale and drawn looking as a dead man.

After a minute Slim leaned forwards and checked his pulse in his neck, as though reading Mort’s’ thoughts and turning to his old friend said, “It’s weak, but he’s still with us...”

“Well thank God for that,” Mort muttered... then softly, “beats me how they got the drop on him that way.”

Slim turned his pard slightly revealing the bloody gash to the back of his head, “Here’s your answer Mort, they bush-whacked him; hit him over the head and downed him before he knew what was happening.”

“Not only bastards, but cowardly ones,” Mort said angrily, “they sure weren’t interested in a fair fight.”

Then Millie bustled back and made a start on cleaning him up. After a while she sat back and said quietly, “Well I’m no doctor...but it looks like he’s got some very badly bruised ribs from the kicking, possibly even broken...and a small knife wound to his chest...along with that nasty gash to his head.”

Then she gave Slim a weak smile, “At least I’ve managed to stop the bleeding...the knife wound wasn’t too deep. But as to his head, well he’ll have a terrible headache when he wakes up.”

Jess began to come around just as Slim was unbuckling his gun-belt, to make his pard more comfortable. But Jess’s eyes flicked open and then he had Slim’ s wrist in a vice like grip, “Git off!” he growled angrily.

“Hey pard it’s OK, it’s me Slim...”

Jess peered at him trying to focus and then released his grip... “Sorry...sorry...”

“It’s OK Jess...you were attacked in the alley...Mort’s got the bastards so you just rest easy huh.” Then he finished removing the gun-belt and tucked it under the pillow. “It’s here just beside you, OK?”

Jess whispered. “OK gotcha.”

Then his eyes widening he looked desperately around him, “Millie... she was screamin’ ...is she OK?”

“It’s alright, I’m here honey,” she said coming into view and clasping his hand before taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

“We’ll push off then,” Mort said, “and leave a message for Doc Sam to call as soon as he can.”

“Hey hold on,” Jess said raising his head from the pillow and then falling back and cussing loudly.

Mort and Slim exchanged a grin.

“What’s up Jess?” Mort asked kindly, once he was settled back on the pillow again.

“Who in Hell did this to me...you know ‘em?”

“No, they’re strangers in Town, but I sure aim to find out,” Mort said a gleam in his eye.

“You didn’t recognize them Jess?” Slim asked hopefully.

“Nah, they hit me from behind...knocked me out... I guess I came around for a minute. I heard Millie yellin’ then they put the boot in and everything went black.”

Slim swore uncharacteristically, but apologized to Millie at once.

“See ya tomorrow pard,” he said softly giving him a gentle punch on the arm before leaving with Mort.

*******

“So, what’s this all about?” Mort asked glaring through the cell bars at the two prisoners lounging on the bunks within.

The tall burly one just shrugged, “We wanted Harper dead, as simple as that.”

“So, if he dies, you’ll hang,” Mort said not mincing his words. “It must be something real bad you think he’s done to risk that huh?”

The younger man who had a livid scar down his cheek and was as skinny as the other was broad said, “I guess my big brother would swing happily for what that bastard has done to us.”

“So would you care to elaborate on that?” Slim growled angrily.

“Sure, I can do that,” the skinny one spat. “See your dear friend killed our brother...and we aim to get even with the dirty wife stealing snake in the grass.”

“Huh?” Mort said looking astonished. “Who the hell are you and more to the point who is this wife Jess has allegedly stolen?”

The older man finally replied, “Carmen, Carmen Dodson....married to my brother Pete Dodson....but he may remember her as Carmen Dolores as she was before she was wed. When they were together down in Texas that is. I’m Ed Dodson and this is my kid brother Billy.... And you can tell Harper, if he makes it, that this ain’t over yet. He’ll die one way or another for what he’s done....and dang it that Carmen too, when we find her!”

“What are you talking about?” Slim yelled, “This is crazy...this alleged murder happened in Texas you say?”

Ed Dodson nodded, “Yeah, just last month.”

“But that’s impossible,” Slim said, “we haven’t been off the ranch in a couple of months with the snow being down. Heck we’ve only just started coming into town this last week or so.”

“Didn’t say he pulled the trigger, did I?” Ed said belligerently. “But he might as well have done... because by God it was him that’s dang well responsible for Pete’s death.”

Mort tipped his Stetson back and scratched his head, “So what are you saying; how did this brother of yours actually die?”

“Put a gun to his head and blowed his brains out,” Ed replied succinctly. But then glaring at Slim said, “But it was all Harper’s fault...the blame lies at his door that’s fer sure!”

Chapter 2

Meanwhile back in Millie’s room Jess was feeling mighty angry about everything. Hell for two cents he’d have gotten up out of his sickbed there and then and gone and confronted his attackers.

But as ever Millie helped to sooth his ruffled feathers. She had washed up and changed into a pretty nightgown. Then brushed out her long, dark, glossy hair before pulling back the covers and getting in beside her lover.

“How are you feeling now?” she asked gently.

“Pretty darn stupid to be caught out that way,” he muttered.

“Well, it was hardly your fault honey, they must have been a really scheming pair...watching your every move to catch you unawares.”

“Did you recognize them?”

“No, well not really, they were strangers in town. But now I come to think of it they were in the bar last Saturday too. They must have seen you leave to meet me...and just hoped you’d do the same thing tonight.”

“All that effort and planning, they must really have it in for me...but why?” He asked sighing deeply.

“Never mind that now, you just try and get some sleep huh?”

He sighed again, “I guess that’s all I’ll be doin’ tonight... I’m sorry sweetheart.”

“I’m not fretting about that,” she said quickly, “I’m so relieved that you’re alright. Just hold me Jess that’s all I want.”

He pulled her close, her head resting on his shoulder and he kissed her hair tenderly, before finally drifting off to sleep.

There was a gentle tap on her door at first light. Sliding quietly out of bed Millie pulled on her robe and on opening the door saw a weary looking Doc Sam Baker standing there.

“I believe you have a wounded rancher in here?” he said with a weak grin.

She smiled back, “Come on in Doc, he’s still asleep and hurt pretty bad as far as I can see,” she said before telling him of Jess’s injuries.

Some ten minutes later Sam stretched up from where he’d been leaning over examining his patient.

“I reckon your diagnosis was spot on Miss Millie,” he said, his gaze returning to Jess.

“Two busted ribs, a superficial knife wound, various cuts and abrasions to the chest and significant bruising to the lower abdomen...Plus that nasty gash to the head. Do you have any dizziness, or nausea?”

Jess merely shook his head, although the action made him feel sick to his stomach and slightly dizzy... “No doc,” he lied.

“Um,” replied Sam, knowing Jess of old. “Those two hombres aren’t going any place you know Jess. You need to rest up and stay in bed for at least a day or two...you got that?”

“Yes doc,” he said meekly.

“Right, well I’ll bind up those ribs and be on my way...my bed’s calling,” he added with a grimace.

“Did ya have a tough night, Sam?” Jess asked.

“You could say so, yes,” the doc agreed.

“So, what did she have?” Millie asked with interest.

“Twin boys, big bruisers the pair of them,” the doc chuckled. Then reflectively, “She had a tough time poor girl, but all worth it in the end,” he said happily as he bent to his task.

Once he heard Sam’s cheerful farewell and him hurrying down the stairs Jess pulled himself out of bed and lurched over to the window.

“Jess?” Millie said following him over.

She peered out and was just in time to see the doctor disappear into his house across the street.

Jess turned away and then finding his pants neatly folded on the bedside chair pulled them on and started buttoning them up.

“Jess what the heck do you think you’re doing?” Millie asked irritably.

“What does it look like,” he muttered, reaching for his shirt and vest.

“Jess please you’re sick,” she said more gently, “you heard what the doc said.”

“I’m just fine,” he lied, reaching under the pillow for his gun-belt and buckling it on, before looking around for his boots.

“Jess?”

He finally relented and took her in his arms, kissing her tenderly on the forehead before pulling back a little. He looked deeply into her soulful eyes and said, “I hafta go sweetheart. Those guys are crazy. Who knows what they’d have done to you if Mort and Slim hadn’t shown up when they did? I need to get to the bottom of this right now. I don’t have the time to go lying about on a sickbed.”

“Even when that bed is in my room?” was her last attempt to detain him.

He shook his head the ghost of a smile playing on his lips, “Nice try,” he said softly. “But no, even then. I have to sort this out Millie. I’ll see ya later huh,” and then he was gone.

He bumped into Slim coming out of the Hotel as he crossed the street heading for Mort’s office.

“What the hell are you doing out and about?” Slim asked angrily.

“I’m sorting out this damn mess,” Jess said equally acerbically. “I ain’t about to get the shit beat out of me and just lay back and accept it Slim, you know me better than that.”

Slim merely rolled his eyes and fell into step with his pard.

Mort was equally surprised to see Jess was up, when the two entered his office.

“I didn’t expect to see you yet,” he said raising his eyebrows. Are you OK then son?”

“Yes,” said Jess

“No, he isn’t,” Slim said in the same breath.

The two men finally exchanged a grin and Jess said, “Gettin’ there anyway Mort. So where are these low life cowards then... and is there anything on them?”

“Out back,” Mort said succinctly tipping his head towards the door to the cells.

“And no, we don’t have anything on them except this attack on you of course. There’s an old poster here, but that was way back and they’ve served their time for that assault. So, you know ‘em?”

Jess examined the wanted posters Mort slid across the desk.

His face was a study as he stared at the mug shots staring back up at him.

“Yeah, I do,” he muttered after a moment or so, “that’s...Ed and Billy Dodson...Pete not with them then?”

Mort flicked a glance up to Slim, “Er no he isn’t.”

Jess continued staring at the wanted poster and shook his head, “We’ve got us real trouble here Mort.”

The Sheriff looked surprised, “Why’d you say that Jess? They’re just petty criminals as far as I can see. Sure they hold a grudge against you; but otherwise they aren’t a threat...are they?”

Jess sank down on a chair before looking back up at his old friend.

“About as big a threat as you can think of.See these guys know the Lewis Gang. In fact, Frank Lewis is their cousin.”

Slim and Mort looked totally shocked.

Mort was the first to react, “You mean the infamous Lewis Gang? They’re responsible for rustling thousands of head of cattle. Not to mention killing and terrifying folk wherever they go; and are wanted across the dang length and breadth of the country!”

“The very same,” Jess agreed.

Mort now sank back in his chair looking totally defeated.

“Holy Smoke, I just don’t have the resources to tackle that kinda gang Jess...you think they’ll come this way?”

Jess shrugged, “It depends on what this vendetta with Ed and Billy is all about I guess, so can I see them?”

*******

“Are you plum crazy, I ain’t even cast eyes on Carmen in over fifteen years...much less had a dang affair with her!” Jess spat angrily.

“Well, that’s not what she says,” Ed said furiously, “and she’s even got letters from you to prove it.”

“Well, where the hell is she? Let’s see these dang letters,” Jess exploded.

“Your guess is as good as ours,” Billy replied. “But she showed them to Pete...and that’s why he dang well shot himself.”

Jess’s quirky eyebrows shot up at that, “What...Pete’s dead?”

“Yup and it’s your entire fault Harper!”

“So how do you figure that?” Jess asked belligerently.

“Because when you ran out on her she went and married Pete on the rebound. He was never good enough for her...not after the mighty Jess Harper,” Ed snarled. “Oh no Pete could do nothing right, in her eyes and you nothing wrong. It was always Jess this and Jess that. You were smarter, a better shot...damn it even a better lover. No wonder the guy just gave up on life when she said she was leaving him and going back to you.”

Jess’s mouth was agape, “Going back to me? We only dated for a few weeks. It sure weren’t the romance of the century. Hell, you know Carmen she was real free and easy. She’d dated practically every dang man in town. I was no different from the others. Once she started planning how many kids we’d have, I was out of there...like all the other guys. From where I was standing, she sure wasn’t heart broken when we split up. She just moved on to the next poor sucker...that just happened to be your brother.”

“Well, I guess you got her all wrong,” Billy persisted, “because she says you’re the love of her life and she won’t be happy until you’re Wed. And according to her that’s exactly what is gonna happen.”

“Over my dead body,” Jess muttered to Slim.

“Precisely,” Ed agreed with an evil smile.

“We’ll have none of that kinda talk,” Mort said severely. “I’ll thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head...you’re in big trouble here.”

“Oh, don’t worry Sheriff,” Ed said, “we’ve had a re-think and decided killing ol’ Jess here is too good for him. No, we’ve seen how well-liked and respected he is in town...so we kinda thought it would be a good plan to turn folk against him.”

Then turning to Jess said, “Let’s see how popular you are when the full force of the Lewis Gang is raining down on your friends and neighbors...huh Jess!”

Chapter 3

“He ain’t bluffing,” Jess said darkly as they returned to Mort’s office. “This is serious, real serious Mort.”

“They can’t do much all the while they’re banged up in my jail, they don’t have any way of contacting the gang anyway,” Mort said.

“Well, it won’t be long before word gets out and Frank hears about it,” Jess said collapsing down on a seat, a protective arm around his aching ribs.

“Long enough to give us some breathing space to decide what to do,” Slim said practically, “and for you to come home and rest up some Jess.”

Jess opened his mouth to argue, but Mort waded in.

“Slim’ s right, if we aim to take on the might of the dang Lewis Gang, I’m gonna need all the help I can muster Jess and that includes you. In fact, I’m relying on you and Slim to deputize for me, if yer willing...and I need you fit and healthy for that.”

“Mort’s talking sense,” Slim said patting Jess gently on the shoulder. “Come on Pard let’s head home and we’ll meet up with Mort in a few days to discuss tactics huh?”

Jess was finally persuaded to do as they suggested and the two arrived home later that day to a very worried looking Daisy.

As soon as they entered the ranch house she leapt up from where she’d been reading a letter by the fire and said, “Oh boys I’m so glad you’re home I really need to talk to you...”

Then she stopped in her tracks when she saw how sick Jess looked, his shirt filthy and blood stained and his face pale and drawn.

“Jess you’ve been fighting again,” she said more in sorrow than anger.

“No Daisy, he was attacked,” Slim said quickly, “beaten up by a couple of no-good hoodlums.”

“Oh dear,” Daisy said looking flustered, “come sit down dear, where are you hurt? And why on earth did they attack you?”

“It’s OK Daisy; I’m fine,” he said quickly, “just a few cuts and bruises. They were just drunk I guess,” he added lamely.

Slim opened his mouth to protest but then saw Daisy’s tense expression, the letter still clasped in her hand.

“Yeah, he’s fine,” Slim agreed, “So what did you want to say to us Daisy?”

“What dear?” she asked looking puzzled for a moment...then collecting her thoughts said, “Oh yes... I wanted to go and spend some time with my dear friend Megan. You know the one that lives in Denver? She’s had a nasty fall and could do with a friend for a few weeks, but it’s out of the question with Jess looking so poorly.”

“I’m just fine, really Daisy,” Jess said quickly. “You go. In fact, why not take Mike with you too? He’d be a real help around the place doing the chores and the like.”

“But what about the child’s schooling?” She asked looking surprised.

“They’ll be finishing for the Spring break in a week or two...and the change will do him good,” Jess improvised, “ya know travel broadens the mind and all that.”

Daisy turned to Slim, “And do you think that’s a good idea too dear?”

Slim opened his mouth to reply and Jess said, “Sure he does...”

Then turning to Slim said, “Anyway Pard, don’t forget that cattle deal we made yesterday, we’re gonna hafta ride out and deliver those steers. We’d be gone a week maybe more...can’t leave Mike home alone.”

Slim just gaped at him and then rallied and said, “Uh, the steers, sure ...a week maybe longer...need to get old Charlie in to run the place while we’re away,” he added for good measure.

Daisy beamed at both men, “Well that’s all settled then… I’ll go and pack Mike’s case right away. Oh, he’ll be so excited,” she said happily bustling off.

Then she turned, “You’re sure you’re alright Jess dear?”

“Sure, I’m sure,” he said winking at her.

Once she’d left, Slim turned to Jess and said, “What the hell was that all about? Steers... a deal...what?”

“Dang it, I had to make sure Mike went too, what if Frankie and the Gang land here huh...you thought about that?”

Then they heard Daisy returning, humming happily to herself and Slim whispered, “We’ll talk later...”

Packed and ready for their trip, an excited Mike and Daisy retired for the night; giving Jess and Slim a chance to talk properly.

Jess had made a good attempt at appearing fit and healthy in Daisy’s presence. But now he sat before the fire nursing his painful ribs and looking really sick so Slim took pity on him... He went off to the kitchen and returned presently with a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

“For medicinal purposes only,” he said with a grin as he passed the large measure across.

Jess smiled at the family joke and then said reflectively, “Well I guess I should be thankful for small mercies...at least Jonesy ain’t around to slather me with that dang liniment of his.”

Slim chuckled and they both sipped their drinks looking into the crackling fire.

Then after a moment Slim broached the subject that had been bothering him all afternoon...

“Uh...Jess you called Frank Lewis Frankie before...do you know him?”

Jess took another sip of his drink and then looking Slim in the eye said, “Know him, I dang well rode with him for over a year Slim.”

Slim gasped and nearly choked on his drink. Once he’d recovered, he said quietly, “Just when I think I know you, you come out with something like this...Why didn’t you tell me about all that years ago?”

“Well, it ain’t the kinda thing you brag about is it!” Jess said angrily.

“No, I guess not. So how come you got tied up with a crazy guy like that huh?”

Jess looked off into the middle distance before saying, “We served together during the war. Hell, he was a dang good soldier, Slim. He had my back and I had his...that makes for a real strong bond ya know?”

Slim nodded, “Yes I know it.”

“He was a good soldier...a fighting man...a trained killer. Just what you need in a war, but not afterwards. See I didn’t realise that was the way he was Slim...not for a long time. When it was all over, we went our separate ways and then I met up with him in a bar in Texas a few months later. We had a few drinks...a few laughs, romanced the ladies and had a real wild time,” he said his eyes sparkling at the memories.

“Go on,” Slim said softly.

“Like I say we had a real wild time. OK maybe a bit too wild. Shooting up towns...getting drunk...the odd petty theft but nuthin’ too bad really.Like I say it was all a bit of fun...until one day it wasn’t anymore.”

Slim nodded, his eyes never leaving his Pard.

“It started with him getting real mean after a few drinks...then he’d go on benders. But the worst was the haphazard shooting, just to scare folk...until he killed one. That’s when things really changed; he started robbing banks, stages... and killing folk. Dang it Slim just for the sake of it. It was like life meant nothing to him ya know?”

Slim looked scandalized, “And you just sat back and didn’t do anything?”

Now it was Jess’s turn to look outraged.

“Hell no, we’d parted company way before all that. First time I saw him starting getting way too drunk and robbin’ innocent folk that was it for me. I told him if I stayed around, I’d end up killing him. He just couldn’t take it...the way I walked out on our friendship. He wanted me in on a bank job in Denver...but I refused. He said if ever our paths crossed again...well he’d kill me first. Now do ya see why I want Mike and Daisy gone?” he said desperately.

Slim nodded... “And this Frankie...he’s fast?”

Jess nodded, “Way faster than me...or he was anyway.”

Chapter 4

The following morning a very excited Mike and Daisy made their way to the early morning stage.

“Now you have got your school books haven’t you dear, remember what you promised Slim, to attend to your books every morning?”

“Yes, Aunt Daisy,” was the subdued reply.

“Then you’ll be free to look around the city with Aunt Daisy. Or maybe even find some new playmates near Aunt Megan’s place in the afternoons,” Jess said encouragingly.

The boy grinned at that.“Sure, it’ll be swell.” But then his face clouded, “You’ll be OK without us?” he asked peering up at Jess and then Slim.

“Sure we will Tiger,” Jess said ruffling his hair. “We’ll miss you both something fierce...but I know you’ll have a fun time.”

Daisy looked on benignly. She was nobody’s fool and yes maybe there was a cattle sale to be dealt with. But what she really thought was the boys were looking forward to a tad more freedom. It had been a long hard winter and now spring was nearly here she just knew they’d want to throw off the traces some. Get a little drunk and maybe have their girls over. The kind of thing they had enjoyed before the advent of Mike and herself she imagined.

“You two have some fun as well,” she said beaming at them, “don’t work too hard my dears.”

Then Mose was bustling about dusting off the stage seat and helping Miss Daisy aboard looking as chipper as a dog with two tails at having her ride with him.

Then seconds later Mike was leaning out of the window waving and the stage disappeared from view over the rise.

“Oh, sure we’re gonna have a bundle of fun, with the Lewis Gang callin’ by,” Jess said sardonically as he turned back into the house.

“You really think they’ll target us?” Slim asked looking concerned.

“Sure, why not? Stands to reason don’t it if they’re around these parts.”

Both men wandered back over to the breakfast table and sat, Slim pouring them another coffee.

“So, have you got a plan?” he asked after a while.

Jess took a sip of his coffee and nodded, “Yup, but you ain’t gonna like it.”

“Go on.”

“First thing I’m gonna do is ride back to town and tell Mort I’m dropping the charges against Ed and Billy.”

Slim looked scandalized, “Why would you want to do a damn fool thing like that?”

“Because I need to get some information out of them...and that ain’t gonna happen if they’re nice and cosy in Mort’s jail.”

Slim looked puzzled, “I don’t understand…why can’t you talk to them in there?”

“Because,” said Jess throwing his friend a speculative look and pounding one fist into the palm of his other hand, “I may need to use a little persuasion...”

“Jess!”

“I said you wouldn’t like it, but desperate times require desperate measures...ain’t that what Mort always says?”

“I can’t see Mort approving of your plan,” Slim said dryly.

“Well, he won’t dang well know about it, unless you tell him,” Jess said with a scowl.

“So, what is this information you’re going to beat out of them?” Slim asked. Already knowing it would be a waste of time to try and deter his buddy.

“Exactly where Frankie and the Gang are and if they’re really intending to work over this area...and if so to make sure they land here first.”

Slim, who had been drinking his coffee nearly choked at that. He put his cup down with a clatter, “What the hell are you talking about Jess?”

“Look, you don’t know them the way I do. They’ll either choose a spread that’s real easy pickings...some poor old timer who they’ll shoot before running his cattle off. Or else they’ll hit town...get drunk and shoot the place up...probably killing a few folks in the process. That way when they call at the next ranch, to relieve them of a few hundred head of cattle, they’ll meet with practically no resistance as everyone is too shit scared to retaliate.”

Slim turned pale, “They really are as bad as everyone says then?”

“Worse...”

“And you want them to attack us first you say?”

“Yes, you see what I need is for them to check our place over first. I’ll make sure that Billy and Ed tell him exactly where we are and how I’m itching for a fight...that should do it. When they ride in, they’ll hafta come straight through the yard to reach the home pasture where most of the cattle are right now. At least we haven’t taken them back up to the higher ground for the summer yet,” he added.

“Oh yeah just great,” Slim said, “all nicely rounded up for them to make off with.”

“No, you don’t get it Slim. See we’ll have the whole yard covered...Mort, Lon and as many able-bodied good shots as he can muster...the element of surprise. They’ll think it’s just us… two sitting ducks home...until they’re right in the yard and it’ll be too late...we’ll bushwhack ‘em Slim and bring the whole dang gang down.

The following morning Slim declared he didn’t want any part of deceiving Mort, but he would ride along and help Jess execute part two of his grand plan...interviewing the two brothers...along with some play acting on Slim’ s part.

“But only enough force to get the information out of them,” he said seriously as they dismounted outside Mort’s office.

“Sure, sure,” Jess said dismissively, “You just stay over the other side of the street and watch where they go Slim and I reckon the smart money will be on them booking into the hotel. I seem to remember Ed likes his home comforts and so a hot tub and soft bed will be first on the agenda after a couple of nights in the cells.”

He burst into Mort’s office a few minutes later and helped himself to a coffee before settling down in the seat opposite the Sheriff.

Mort looked up an amused expression in his eyes, “Well help yerself and make yerself at home why don’t you?” he said with a friendly grin.

Jess grinned back, “Sorry Mort did you want one?” he asked gesturing to the coffee pot on the stove.

Mort shook his head, “So how are you feeling now Jess after that nasty attack? Come to make a statement, have you?”

“I’m just fine now Mort.”

Then looking down into his coffee cup said, “Actually I’ve decided not to press charges.”

Mort’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, “Why the hell not...Jeez, they gave you a real going over Jess...so why so forgiving...huh?”

“Well seems it was all a misunderstanding. It was that Carmen firing them up, you know how it is,” Jess replied, still studiously avoiding Mort’s eye.

Mort sighed and then said quietly, “Why don’t I believe a word you’re saying?”

Jess looked a tad taken aback at that and then annoyed.

“It’s my right ain’t it, Mort...my decision as to whether to press charges or not and like I say I don’t want to.”

Mort sighed again and said, “Alright, on your own head be it. I don’t have a thing to hold them on right now. They aren’t actually members of the Lewis Gang. Just guilty by association I guess and that wouldn’t hold up in court,” and picking up the cell keys he went to release the prisoners.

He returned their guns and personal items and then told them to get the hell out. But they paused as they left and Ed leaned over towards Jess and said menacingly, “I don’t know what yer game is Harper...but this ain’t over yet.”

Jess just ignored him and once the two brothers had shuffled out, he rose to leave too, but Mort put out a restraining hand to stop him.

“Not so fast Jess, you’re going nowhere until you tell me what this is all about.”

Jess just looked down and said nothing.

“Jess?”

“Oh alright...I need to get some information out of them, regarding the Lewis Gang. So, if you want me to try and stop ‘em riding roughshod over town and goin’ on a rustling spree I suggest you turn a blind eye huh?”

“You think they have that kind of information?” Mort asked thoughtfully.

“I don’t think, I dang well know it...see they know Lewis and his movements’ real well.”

“What... you’re telling me I just let two of the notorious Lewis Gang walk free after all?” Mort asked looking incredulous.

“Well not actual members,” Jess said grinning, “just like associates ya know. And anyway, ain’t you ever heard the term use a sprat to catch a mackerel?” he asked with a grin. “You let them go and they’ll help us catch the whole damn gang.”

Mort still looked less than impressed.

“Look Mort just trust me on this one huh. I’ll go have a word with them and then call back and tell you the plan me and Slim have worked out, OK?”

“I guess it will have to be,” Mort said, “and you say Slim approves of it all?”

“Oh yeah sure,” Jess agreed breezily before pulling his hat down hard and with a cheerful, “See ya later,” he was gone.

His hunch had been right and Slim confirmed that the two men had headed straight for the hotel after leaving Mort’s office.

The hotel manager was as snooty as they came, or so Jess thought; and he had no time for the guy with his airs and graces. But right now, he needed his help. So, giving him a brief smile said, “Uh, I have two friends stayin’ Ed and Billy Dodson, can you tell me which room ...please?”

Mister Smyth looked down his long nose at Jess and said, “I’m sorry sir that is not company policy...I can inform the gentlemen that you called.”

“Well, that ain’t a whole lot of help,” Jess said now dropping the pleasant act. “Just tell me Smyth and stop messin’ with me!”

“Jess,” Slim said warningly and pulling gently at his arm. But Jess pulled roughly away and glared at the now decidedly annoyed looking manager.

“Well really, I shall have to send for the Sheriff if you persist in being so difficult Mister Harper,” he snapped.

“It was him that sent me,” Jess growled, leaning forwards like he might very well lay a punch on the supercilious man’s nose.

The manager looked decidedly wrong footed. He knew Harper often deputized for the Sheriff and was indeed a good friend so maybe in was true...but there again...

Eventually he decided to err on the side of caution as he saw the dark-haired cowboy’s demeanor looking more than a little threatening. So, he merely turned towards where the room keys hung and indicated the empty space beside number 11.

Jess grinned at him, “Thanks, now that weren’t so hard was it,” he added before turning and taking the stairs two at a time, closely followed by Slim.

The door was smashed open at Jess’s first brutal kick revealing Ed stretched out on the bed and his brother sitting in the armchair making inroads into a bottle of whiskey.

Both men went for their guns, but Jess and Slim had them covered before they could even slap leather.

“Drop ‘em and kick ‘em over here,” Jess growled.

Both men scowled angrily, but did as they were bid.

Then Jess grinned down at Ed and said, “Well come on then Ed, what are ya waitin’ for why dontcha finish off what you started the other night huh?”

Slim gave a small gasp...was Jess crazy? OK maybe it would be easy enough to threaten them with his gun...but a hands-on fight when he was still far from recovered from the recent beating was madness.

Before he could even put his concerns into words Ed had leapt off the bed and thrown a punch at Jess. However, the blow was easily parried and Jess threw a haymaker that sent Ed sprawling spectacularly way across the room. He was upon him in two strides and dragging him up by his shirt, threw another couple of punches, one to the jaw and the other to his belly...making the older man fall to his knees before toppling forwards...out cold.

Then Jess, without a mark on him, turned his attention to where Billy was cowering on the chair across the room. He grabbed him by the shirt front pulled him up with his left hand and raised his right, balled and about to land a blow to the chin, when Billy screamed out in terror...

“Don’t...please don’t hit me Harper!”

Jess dropped him and he fell to his knees shaking and whimpering.

Then he turned back to Slim and winked, “Not quite as tough when someone fights back is he?”

Slim grinned and holstered his Colt. Then he fetched the water jug from the nightstand and threw the contents over Ed to bring him around.

Once he was conscious Jess dragged him up and threw him in the chair.

“Right, I want some answers from you Ed and you’d better dang well tell the truth or you’ll be leavin’ this room in a box...you got that?”

“Loud and clear,” Ed muttered.

“OK so let’s have the truth about Pete and Carmen, for starters.”

“We told you the truth,” Billy whispered. “Pete did kill himself after he saw your letters to Carmen...that’s the honest truth Harper.”

“But I didn’t write her any dang letters! Why in Hell would I? You’ve seen the real pretty gal I’m dating,” he added.

“I dunno... she is real cute,” Billy agreed.

Then turning to his brother said, “Best show him the letter Ed, prove it huh?”

“You’ve actually got one of the letters?” Slim asked his eyebrows arching in surprise. “So how come you didn’t show the Sheriff?”

“We was savin ’ it for the judge in case all this came to trial... we thought that Sheriff might just ‘lose’ the evidence...him being a friend and all,” Ed said.

Jess just sighed shaking his head, “So let’s see it then,” he said impatiently.

Ed fished in his vest pocket and finally came out with a crumpled envelope which he passed across.

Jess opened it and scanned the closely written words...his expression changing from amusement to disgust... “Hell, this is filthy, I wouldn’t write anything like that,” he growled angrily.

“Got your signature to it ain’t it?” Ed snarled.

Jess just shook his head and passed it over to Slim to read. It basically was a character assassination on Pete, saying he was useless and Carmen deserved better. Then went on to say exactly what he could offer her...in and out of the bedroom...then finally imploring her to leave her husband and come to Laramie as soon as she could... where he would ... Here Slim stopped reading as the words sickened him.

Looking Ed in the eye he said, “This isn’t my pard’ s handwriting, I can vouch for that and as for the content...well he just wouldn’t write that kind of stuff...no half decent person would.”

When Ed still looked disbelieving Slim said, “You still got that timber order you wrote the other day Jess?”

After a few minutes of pocket searching Jess finally located it and passed it across to Ed. Whereas the writer of the almost pornographic letter made large intricate letters with many loops and swirls...Jess’s was smaller and not as easy to read. In fact, Slim often remarked that his handwriting resembled a dying spider staggering across the page.

Ed peered at it for several minutes before looking kind of sheepish and passing the timber list across to his brother.

“I guess we owe you and apology Harper.”

Jess just nodded, not indicating if the apology was accepted or not.

He merely fixed Ed with a steely glare and said, “So what about Frankie then...is he comin ’ gunnin ’ for me?”

There was a long pause and then Ed nodded, “Yup, the Gang are heading this way and you’re on the agenda alright. This business with Pete has really gotten him all fired up.”

“Even if it’s all a load of lies?” Jess asked.

“Even then...Hell you know he’s been itching to get even with you ever since you walked out on the gang,” Ed replied. “He’s comin’ to Laramie special...to stir up the town some and round up a few hundred head of steers to take back home.”

“You mean he’s going to kill innocent folk in town and then rustle cattle!” Slim spat angrily.

Ed turned cold eyes on him, “That’s exactly what I mean mister and there ain’t a dang thing you can do about it.”

“You tell him from me I’m ready and waiting,” Jess spat furiously, “and you can tell him to land at the Sherman spread first...if he’s got the guts!”

“Hell Jess, are you mad…with all our cattle still down for the winter...that’ll be easy pickings for them,” Slim muttered.

“Shut up you idiot,” Jess replied, before glancing over at Ed.

He’d heard alright...there was a sickly grin on his ugly face. “Well, I’m sure he’ll definitely make the Sherman Ranch his first stop,” he said.

Jess tried to remain calm and merely said, “I’ll be waiting,” and turned to go.

Ed was beginning to look very pleased with himself and said, “Yes, see ya real soon Harper. Frankie said he’d be here end of the month...give him your regards, shall I?”

Jess nodded, “You do that,” and pulling his hat down hard turned and left, followed by Slim.

Once they were out of earshot, he turned to his pard and in a fair mimic of Slim’ s voice said, “Easy pickin’ s huh... Gee you should be on the stage Slim that was real convincing.”

Slim rolled his eyes, “Well that’s part one of the plan executed...now all we have to do is convince Mort it’s a good idea.”

Chapter 5

Mort Cory sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers, “So let’s get this right...you have it guaranteed that the Lewis Gang will hit your place first and not town huh?”

Jess threw Slim an anxious glance and said, “Well as sure as we can be Mort, we’ve tried to make it that way.”

“So, what if I do as you suggest and deploy all my best men out at your place and then they hit town?” Mort asked looking equally worried.

“I guess that’s just the risk we have to take,” Slim said, not looking any too happy about the idea either.

“Heck Slim you know this Frank Lewis’s reputation,” Mort snorted, “I can’t leave the town unprotected; they’d ride roughshod over the place, leaving death and devastation in their wake if all is to be believed about them.”

“Oh sure, it’s all true,” Jess said darkly.

They lapsed into silence and Jess wandered over to the window and looked idly out at the folk passing by, dreading the thought of what might happen.

Then his eyes lit up and snapping his fingers turned back to the others and said, “I’ve got it... I’ll ask old Red Eagle to track ‘em. Once they reach the twin pines on the Cheyenne road we’ll know if they’re gonna head for town or branch off to our place first.”

“That would work,” Slim said looking equally excited, “they tend to hit places at dawn, so I’ve heard, so they’d set up camp somewhere like the turn off for Jonah’s Peak. They’d be well hidden there and able to make our place within half an hour or so. If Red Eagle saw that happening then he could ride in and warn us.”

“And if not, what if they ride on towards town?” Mort asked deadpan.

“Well, the same thing. If he sees they are heading to town then he should have plenty of time to ride over here and let us know; and we could make it back to town overnight,” Jess said, “Either way they nearly always hit a place at dawn.”

“Um makes sense I suppose,” Mort said grudgingly, “But just one thing, Red Eagle has retired from scouting now. He spends all his time at that little spread of his on the edge of town just raising hogs and tending his vegetable patch. He really won’t want to do anything like this anymore Jess.”

The dark-haired cowboy’s head came up and he had the light of battle in his eyes, “He’ll do it for me, I guess,” he said firmly. “I aim to go ask him anyway.”

“Well good luck with that one,” Mort replied to the fast-closing door.

When he heard Jess ride off, he turned back to Slim, “Your partner sure isn’t lacking in nerve, I’ll say that for him,” he said with a grin.

Slim sat down in the chair opposite the Sheriff and said quietly, “Oh Red Eagle will do it for him OK.”

“How come you’re so sure?” Mort asked frowning slightly.

“Just something that happened in the war,” Slim said vaguely...not wanting to betray a confidence.

“Well come on out with it,” Mort said looking intrigued.

Slim sighed and said, “Well I guess Jess wouldn’t mind you knowing, but he sure wouldn’t want it to be common knowledge... would be afraid folk would think he was going soft,” he said with a grin.

“Go on,” Mort said sitting back in his chair.

“Well, the thing is Jess sorta helped him out some in the war.”

Mort looked puzzled, “But Red Eagle was a scout for the Union wasn’t he...until he was invalided out after he was shot up real bad.”

Slim nodded, “Yes it was towards the beginning of the war and Jess had just escaped from a Union Prisoner of war camp and was on the run.”

Mort looked surprised, “I thought he was caught towards the end of the war and was tortured in that god awful camp?”

“He was caught twice,” Slim said succinctly. “Anyway, he came upon Red Eagle hurt real bad ...dying most likely. He was in a Union uniform and Jess knew he should take him in as a prisoner. But after his own recent experience of a prison camp, he knew dang well the Indian probably wouldn’t last five minutes in a Confederate camp. Both sides were sadly lacking in medical supplies and personnel...it would have been a death sentence.”

“I remember,” Mort said and sighed deeply, “So what did he decide to do?”

“He laid low and nursed Red Eagle through his injury...but it was obvious to both of them that his war was over. Then when he was fit enough Jess just let him go. So, you see Mort, Red Eagle owes his life to Jess, but it’s more than that. They became real good friends when they met up after the war. That’s why Red Eagle settled here...and that’s why I know Jess won’t ask him to help unless he’s absolutely sure the old guy is up to it.”

“Well, I for one sure hope he is,” Mort said, “because without his help I figure we’re in for a whole mess of trouble. There’s nobody I know that could track them half as well as Red Eagle...Jess maybe, but we really need him fresh and ready to fight at the ranch, not running halfway across the prairie tracking the bastards.”

“Well let’s just hope for the best and that Red Eagle will help us out, because the way I see it we need all the darned help we can get,” Slim said with feeling.

*******

By the end of the month all their plans were in place. Red Eagle had been more than happy to help. In fact, he told Jess that his life had become somewhat dull of late and he’d be grateful of the excitement.

Jess wondered how much of that was true and how much, just Red Eagle being kind-hearted, but either way the die was cast. The gang were to be tracked and their subsequent downfall carefully planned.

Now tensions were running high as all Mort’s carefully chosen posse waited in hiding, dotted around the Sherman Ranch. Some on the roof, others in the barn and several hidden in the bushes along the rise that led to the yard.

Red Eagle had ridden in that afternoon, saying Lewis and twelve others were camped out not far from where Slim had predicted at Jonah’s Peak. Now he was crouched down in the shadow of the house beside Mort waiting for the gang to hit.

Slim and Jess had taken themselves off to the left leaving Mort and Red Eagle together at the far side of the veranda. Now Slim turned to Jess and said softly, “You alright now?”

Jess nodded, “Yup I guess so...”

Although the plan had been originally devised by Jess, earlier that day he had privately confessed his concerns to Slim.

“I dunno Slim, it just don’t seem right ambushing them this way ya know?”

“Oh, come on pard...you don’t owe them any loyalty, surely you don’t really care about what happens to Lewis now? You said yourself he was a changed man. After all that’s why you quit the gang all those years ago.”

“It isn’t that.” Jess said shaking his head, it just don’t sit easy bushwhacking them. I’d rather face up a guy before I kill him.”

“Well, that’s all very laudable,” Slim said, “but Hell Jess we just don’t have that luxury. Sure, we’ve a dozen good men out there. But how many of them are crack shots huh? Not one is of the same caliber as the Lewis gang; so, I guess the surprise element is all we have going for us. We have to win this fight Jess.”

“I know it,” he said softly, his head down.

“Hey, are you forgetting all those innocent folk Lewis and his Gang have murdered in cold blood, without a chance of retaliation?” Slim added angrily.

At that Jess looked him in the eye, “No I ain’t...and you’re right Slim, you need ta kill vermin like them anyway you can, I guess.”

Slim nodded and then said anxiously, “I just hope the men Mort’s chosen won’t panic. A wrong move from anyone of them could scupper the whole thing.”

It was Chas Beasley a hot-headed young man who was to bring Slim’ s worst fears to fruition. Mort had only chosen him as he was a good shot and willing to take a risk or two. However, he was also incapable of following orders...as Mort was to discover to his cost.

The gang rode in just as dawn was breaking. All the posse were poised and ready to open fire on Mort’s command. It was vital that the gang rode into the yard so that the marksmen would get good clear shots...then the men posted on the edge of the rise would fire on them if they retreated back that way.

However, as the first half dozen men rode towards the yard Beasley opened fire before the signal, warning the following riders of an attack.

Then all hell was let loose…

The riders already in the yard opened fire and shot two of the posse, but Mort and Jess managed to kill two of the gang, a third being injured by Red Eagle. Then realizing they could well be outnumbered Frankie gave the order for his men to retreat. But not before he’d yelled angrily, “You’ll pay fer this Harper...I’ll see you in town. Get ready to meet yer maker boy,” and he was gone galloping off down the back track and away to safety.

Mort and the others regrouped sometime later. But not before the Sheriff had given Beasley the rough edge of his tongue. Then finally dissuaded Jess from following through with a more physical reprimand.

“Come on Jess,” he said dragging him away from where young Beasley was looking not only utterly embarrassed but also terrified of the retribution about to be metered out by a very angry Jess.

“We don’t have time for this now. The kid made a mistake. Now it’s down to us to try and salvage something. They’re headed for town, but doubt they’ll strike before tomorrow, with their wounded to care for...so let’s get over there and get reorganized huh?”

Chapter 6

It looked like Frankie Lewis was hell bent on retribution aimed at Jess and so the men weren’t too worried about an imminent raid by the rustlers. Figuring the now depleted gang would hit town first. Then if they had a positive outcome would commence their raids on the outlying ranches.

Now the three were sitting around in Mort’s office Jess said, “We hafta stop ‘em in their tracks Mort wipe the whole dang lot out or there won’t be a rancher safe for miles around. You know the way he works...he hits an area real hard, getting folk so dang spooked that they practically hand over their cattle.”

“Well sure,” Mort said, “I’ve asked the same marksmen to stand by again...and most have agreed, I don’t see what more we can do?”

“I do,” said Jess. “This is my fight Mort...it’s me Frankie wants...so I’m gonna hafta call him out, it’s the only way.”

Slim who had been pouring out a coffee slammed the pot down on the stove.

“No, absolutely not...you said yourself he was way faster than you Jess it would be pure madness...suicide.”

“And if I don’t a whole lot of folks are gonna die!” Jess spat angrily. “This way if I can down him; I reckon the rest of them will fall apart, they ain’t nothing without Frankie leading them.”

“You seem to know an awful lot about him,” Mort said his eyes narrowing.

Jess flicked a glance towards Slim and then back to Mort, “Well I should do…I rode with the guy for a good while,” he said quietly.

Mort’s head shot up and he looked deeply shocked, but then recovered quickly and said, “Well I guess that was all in your past Jess...so Lewis has something against you?”

Jess nodded, “He never forgave me for walking out on the gang... and there’s something else too...”

“Oh?”

“Um... it seems he blames me for his cousin’s death...Pete Dodson... brother to those two you had in your jail; Billy and Ed Dodson.”

“Go on,” Mort said quietly.

“Well, er as you know, Pete killed himself...he...” then he flicked a glance over to Slim again.

“Go on pard,” Slim said, trying hard not to smile.

“Well Pete’s wife told him she was leaving him for me,” Jess finally finished, refusing eye contact with Mort.

Mort exchanged a grin with Slim and then said, “So is there any truth in that allegation then Jess?”

“No there damn well ain’t! The woman’s crazy! I ain’t cast eyes on her in years....”

“Might have known they’d be a woman involved eh Slim,” Mort said with a chuckle.

Then he relented and turned to Jess, “Actually, I already knew about that business, if you recall from when I was holding Ed and Billy in custody,” he said with a smirk.

“Look this ain’t funny,” Jess growled, “the darned woman is pure bad luck any which way you look at it.”

“Well, your female admirers are the least of our problems,” Mort said sobering. “What we need is a plan and a watertight one. I’m with Slim, you can’t take on this guy alone Jess, you really can’t.”

“What did you mean earlier, when you said most of the marksmen were out there?” Slim asked, suddenly looking wary.

Mort looked slightly wrong footed and said quietly, “There are some that have backed down...One or two wives kicked up a fuss and then some are saying this is Jess’s fight. He brought the gang here,” he added. “But that’s all nonsense. It’s the whole town’s responsibility to protect our cattle and livelihoods...not down to just one man.”

Famous last words Mort was to say with some irony later the following day.

It had been agreed that, as with the ambush at the ranch, men would be spread out ready to take on the might of the Lewis Gang once they rode into town at first light the following morning.

The half dozen men who hadn’t backed down were in place and Jess had been prowling around Mort’s office like a caged tiger since the early hours. Now he stood at the window eyeing the seemingly deserted street without... before checking his iron again.

“You won’t make ‘em come any quicker looking out there,” Mort said from his chair, where he was sitting with his rifle cradled in his lap.

“He’s right,” said Slim, standing by the coffee pot, “come and have a drink and sit a spell Jess you’re making me nervous.”

Jess rammed his Colt back into the holster from where he’d checked it again and wandered over to Slim, accepting the hot drink.

“You may as well relax,” Mort continued, “you know perfectly well Bill Simmons is watching the road, he’ll send a message as soon as they ride in.”

What Mort didn’t know was at that very minute old Bill Simmons had his skull practically split open by one of the stealthy Lewis Gang creeping up behind him and bringing his rifle down hard on the unsuspecting old rancher’s head.

The first time they knew things were about to kick off was when the strident tones of Frankie Lewis echoed down the empty street, “Git out here Harper, we’ve business to settle...”

Before either Slim or Mort could move to stop him, Jess was up and out of the door in a flash.

Frankie was striding down the centre of Main Street, his two top henchmen at his side and the remainder of the gang all fanned out behind him.

Jess’s eyes narrowed as he faced Frankie.

“Been a long time,” he said finally.

Frankie nodded, “Way too long. We were partners once Jessie...as good as brothers but you walked out on that and I can’t forgive you. But I’d be real interested to finally find out why.... before I send ya to your Maker that is.”

Jess scowled at him, “You know dang well why! I told ya often enough, didn’t I? I didn’t want no part of shootin’ up towns, robbin’ banks...killin’ folk and rustling their cattle and I still don’t,” he added belligerently. But then you know all that...from when I refused to do over the Denver Bank...”

“Well, that’s a real shame boy because you’re about to die. I ain’t gonna spare ya like last time... Not before time either it seems. Seein’ as you’ve been messin’ with my cousin’s woman...an all,” Frankie added.

“There ain’t no dang truth in that,” Jess spat angrily, “and you know it, Frankie!”

But he just stood there, ignoring Jess’s comment, his gang all around him, none moving a muscle, as though frozen to the spot.

After a good two minutes had passed Jess could stand it no longer.

“Like you say Frankie, we were real good friends once and I ain’t gonna be the one to draw first. You want me dead then git on with it.”

“Goddamn you, I downed ya once before and I reckon I can do it again,” Frankie muttered and then went for his gun.

Jess stared into the bloodshot, weary eyes of his old friend. He didn’t know what had happened to the lightning-fast draw of the man he once knew...but it had gone. Now they were more than evenly matched and Jess’s shot hit its mark...straight through Frankie’s heart. Whereas the outlaw’s shot went wide... whistling passed his ear, as Jess dived and rolled out of trouble.

There was a second or two of shocked silence before the Lewis Gang opened fire. But the whole fight was over almost before it started. The Gang quickly wiped out by the force of the gunfire raining down on them from various vantage points along Main Street.

Looking around it seemed to Jess like every man woman and child had rallied around to support him, Mort, Slim, Red Eagle and the few other stalwarts in Mort’s posse.

As the smoke haze cleared, he looked around to see old Ezra from the store wielding his rifle...as was Tom from the Saloon. Then he saw many other armed town’s folks standing around...peering at the carnage and what was left of the notorious Lewis Gang.

He couldn’t believe he’d out drawn Frankie knowing what a crack shot he’d been in his prime. But he figured all the years of heavy drinking had taken their toll. Jess had seen from the onset the weary, bloodshot eyes that told their tale... and so Frankie’s decadent lifestyle had doubtless cost him his life.

He sighed deeply, holstered his gun and then turned to where he knew Mort and Slim would have been watching his back.

He saw Mort advancing upon him...but no sign of Slim. Then his eyes went to the boardwalk...just behind him and there lying prone was the unmistakable lanky body of his Pard.

“Slim...Goddamn it,” he yelled as he tore over to his friend’s side and knelt beside him. Then he gasped in shock as he saw the blood-stained shirt and his pard’ s motionless, deathly pale face.

“No... oh Jeez, no,” he gasped.

Mort was at his side in seconds.

“Goddamn it, fetch the doc,” Jess yelled, his face a mask of fear and anger.

But even as he spoke doc Sam was pushing his way through the crowds.

After a hasty examination he helped Mort and Jess carry the tall rancher across the road to his office, where he was gently laid on the operating table in the back room.

Sam quickly ordered his daughter, Carrie, to set up the anesthetic and then turned to Jess, “Out now buddy, wait in the parkour, I’ll come and fetch you when I’m all done.”

Jess merely stood immobile, staring bleakly at his pard, as though unable to move.

“Come on,” Mort said gently, “do as the doc says...you can’t help here Jess.”

Eventually he was led from the room by the Sheriff and left in the parlor...a glass of whiskey by his side...as Mort went off to deal with the aftermath of the shootings.

It was a good two hours before an exhausted looking Sam finally made his way into the parlor.

Jess had spent most of his time pacing the floor, before finally slumping down on the couch, his head in his hands feeling about as desolate as he could ever remember. His best buddy was either dead or dying and it was all his fault. Why on earth hadn’t he arranged to meet up with Frankie secretly, someplace out of town, where Slim and Mort wouldn’t have been involved? Damn it, this was all his mess and now Slim would die because he’d had Jess’s back. Like he always did when the odds were stacked against them...Jeez he’d never forgive himself for this, never.

Then the door opened and Sam came in and slumped down wearily in the armchair opposite Jess.

“Well, so far so good,” he said.

Jess’s eyes opened wide in wonder, “He’s gonna be, OK?”

“Now hold on Jess, I didn’t say that. It’s early days and he’s lost a hell of a lot of blood. I’m a tad concerned that he was under the anaesthetic for so long too. It will be a while before he comes around. So maybe you’d like to take a break and come back later huh?”

Jess just shook his head stubbornly, “I ain’t goin’ no place until I know he’s gonna be OK...now can I see him?”

Sam rolled his eyes at Carrie who had just joined them, “Show Jess into the hospital room will you my dear,” he said with resignation. “And then make him a coffee I think he may be with us for some time.”

Carrie and Jess were old friends and she gave him her warm smile, “Come on troublemaker this way,” she said cheerfully.

It was the evening of the second day before Slim finally came around.

Jess had barely left his side or eaten anything for the duration and he looked a wreck. So Slim thought anyway when he finally opened his eyes and looked around him.

There was a gnawing ache in his right shoulder and he felt kinda weak and woozy, but otherwise he was fine.

Then his gaze came to rest on his pard and he gave the ghost of a smile and shook his head. Gee, Jess looked in worse shape than he was he thought.

He’d fallen asleep in the chair, had a good two days of dark stubble on his chin and looked pale and drawn.

After watching him for a few minutes Slim gave a discreet cough and Jess’s eyes flew open immediately.

“Sleeping on the job huh pard,” Slim teased, “I dunno I guess Sam just can’t get the staff these days.”

Jess just grinned from ear to ear, “How are ya feelin’ Hardrock?”

“Could do with a drink...”

Jess lifted Slim’ s head and helped him to some water before resting him back down on the pillows.

“I guess I should go fetch Sam....”

Slim nodded and then said quietly, “Thanks for looking out for me Jess...”

Jess just looked down and then muttered, “All this was my fault, Slim. I’m so damn sorry.”

“Hey how’d you work that out?”

“Well, it were me Frankie came gunning for weren’t it? You shouldn’t have been involved.”

“Yes, but he wouldn’t have stopped at that shootout with you and you know it. He was about to treat Laramie like any other place. Shoot up the town and then go on a rustling spree...So it wasn’t just your fight Jess it was the whole town’s fight…and thank God they stepped up to the plate when needed.”

“Maybe,” Jess said reluctantly.

“Definitely,” said Slim, “just forget it huh?”

Sam declared that Slim would make a full recovery if, and he stressed this…he was sensible and rested there in the doc’s office for a further week and then no work for another two to three weeks.

At this Slim looked worried, “We’ve got the stock to take back up the mountain...not to mention the general running of the Relay and Ranch,” he added.

“Just you let me worry about that pard,” Jess said quickly, “you’ve just gotta get well, right?”

“Right,” Slim said with a weak grin, “if you say so...boss.”

Jess chuckled at that, “Well seein’ as how we’re partners, I can pull rank on you occasionally. Now you just rest up huh and I’ll be in tomorrow to check yer behaving.”

Shortly afterwards Jess made his way over to the saloon and was overwhelmed by the reception he received. Everyone wanting to pat him on the back and buy him a drink...for seeing off that evil Frank Lewis.

“Well, I weren’t single handed,” Jess said quickly and then there were many genuine well wishes for Slim’ s speedy recovery.

As soon as he’d entered Tom had been shocked by his appearance and when Millie came back from her break he said quietly, “Look who’s in Mill and he don’t look any too good.”

Jess was actually feeling quite stunned and wished folk would just leave him alone...and where the heck was his girl anyway?

Then moments later Mort joined him at the bar, “So how’s Slim?”

“On the mend thank God, will be a while, but the doc says he should be just fine.”

Mort let go a deep breath he didn’t know he’d been holding and said quietly, “That’s good real good Jess...”

Then he looked up and saw Tom down the bar tip his head towards Jess and then jerk it back, obviously suggesting he come behind the bar. Mort grinned back at the barkeep and then turning to Jess said, “I think you’re wanted Jess...”

Jess looked up and saw Millie standing beside Tom and then she came quickly forwards and opened the bar hatch.

“Tom says you look so rough you’ll be putting folk off their beer,” she said with a giggle. “So, he says I can finish early and look after you.”

“He does?” Jess asked glancing over to Tom and receiving a friendly nod, before he went off to serve another punter.

Jess needed no second telling, “Night Mort,” he said quickly before disappearing into the back room with Millie.

She turned to him, “Slim’ s alright of course,” she said.

He nodded, “How’d you know?”

“Well, you wouldn’t be here otherwise,” she said, turning and leading the way up the back stairs to her cosy rooms above the bar.

Once inside he divested himself of his gun belt and boots as per her house rules and then turned to her.

“Gee you look terrible,” she said softly, “when did you last eat...or sleep?”

He ginned at her, “Or wash up? About two days ago I guess.” Then sobering, “I had this stupid notion that if I left him, he’d pass away...you know?”

She nodded, “He was badly injured, Carrie told me...but thank God he’ll be alright now.”

He nodded, still looking real sickly so she thought. Well, she’d soon get him feeling better she vowed.

“Right so what do you want to do first?” she asked brightly. “Something to eat and drink...wash up maybe...or just crash out, you look exhausted.”

At that he took hold of her arms and pulled her in close, his deep blue, soulful eyes never leaving hers and the message of what he really wanted to do right then loud and clear.

He leaned in and kissed her passionately and then pulled back and grinned at her. “But maybe I should wash up and shave first huh?” he asked, raising a quirky eyebrow.

Chapter 7

The following morning Jess went and checked on Slim once more and was pleased to see he’d had a good night.

“He should be ready to go home in a week or so, all being well,” Doc Sam said cautiously.

“What do ya mean, ‘all being well’?” Jess asked looking anxious once more.

“Like I said he’s lost a lot of blood Jess, it will be quite a long recovery...and you know what a worrier Slim is? Well, you just need to make sure everything runs smoothly once you get him home. Is Daisy still away?”

Jess nodded, “Yup another few weeks. We got a wire. Her friend has taken a turn for the worse, some complications with the broken leg. Mike’s going to school out there with a neighbor's kid...so I figure it could be a while.”

“Um,” said Sam looking worried, “well let’s see how he goes. As I say he should be OK to travel in a week or so. But you’ll need to look after him really well once he’s home Jess, good healthy food and lots of rest.”

“Sure, I can do that,” Jess agreed, before going to make his farewells to his pard.

“How are you going to manage?” Slim asked resting back on his pillows. “We’ve the stock to take up to the high ground in the east pasture and the young stock to brand. Not to mention the relay side of the business, darn it, you can’t do it all single-handed Jess.”

“Just watch me,” Jess said grinning at his pard, “All you need to do is take it easy and get well, let me worry about the business huh.”

Half an hour later Jess was at the livery to pick up Traveller and Alamo and make his way home. He’d just paid old Bert and was about to ride out when he was met by a group of friends and neighbors, barring his way.

“Hey what’s this,” he asked grinning at his friends, “some kinda deputation?”

“Sort of,” Greg Peters said grinning, “see we’re the self-appointed ‘help out the Sherman Ranch Group.’”

“Huh?” Jess asked looking puzzled.

“Yeah, the way we see it, you and Slim risked your necks for the whole community and so we figured the least we could do was to get your stock out to the high grazing and help you out with branding...so let’s go huh?”

Jess looked around at the eager faces and felt totally choked, he shook his head and said softly, “Thanks guys, this is really appreciated,” and they all rode out...every man in high spirits and eager to help.

By the end of the week the tasks had been done in record time with all the enthusiastic help Jess had received. So, by Friday morning he was able to hitch up the buckboard and set off for town to bring Slim home.

A worried looking Sam met him at the door and ushered him into the parlor.

“What’s up Sam,” Jess asked picking up on his friend’s demeanor at once.”Slim is alright, isn’t he?

Sam shrugged, “No, well not as well as I’d hoped him to be anyway. I think he’s been fretting about the ranch. Anyway, he certainly hasn’t picked up as well as I would have liked. I tried to persuade him to stay a mite longer but he’s adamant that he needs to get back home and maybe that’s all that will help him to settle,” the doc added. “But he really needs lots of care still Jess, understand?”

“Sure, nothing but the best for my pard...so can I see him?” Jess asked.

“He’s ready to go, just taking a nap, you go on through, I’ll just fetch a tonic I’ve made up for him.”

Jess tapped on the hospital room door and on getting no response pushed it open and peered inside.

Slim was lying fully dressed on the top of the bed, but nothing prepared Jess for the change in his friend. His face was gaunt and very pale and his clothes seemed to be hanging on him. What the hell? He thought.

Then his buddy stirred and his eyes opened, looking straight into Jess’s.

Jess pinned a welcoming smile on his face and tried to hide the shock he was feeling.

“Hey you ready to come home pard?” he asked, “I’ve got the buckboard outside.”

Slim gave him a lazy smile, “I sure am... let’s go.”

But his escape wasn’t going to be that easy as he soon found out. Doc Sam was there with the tonic and various instructions on the daily routine. Bed-rest for another week then light exercise if and when well enough, light duties following on.

“And I will be stopping by to check on you,” he said with a firm look, “so you just make sure you toe the line Slim.”

Then Mrs Hudson his elderly Housekeeper was there fussing about and thrusting a gunny sack full of pots of stew and soup and various other nourishing meals in Jess’s direction. “Just heat them up,” she said to Jess, “good and hot and he’ll be more himself in no time.”

Then finally Carrie was there, “Aw I’ll miss you Slim....now you take real good care,” she said hugging him close and pecking him on the cheek.

Then turning away to Jess she whispered, “You take good care of him Jess, he’s really quite frail right now.”

The word frail and Slim, just didn’t equate in Jess’s mind. Hell, he’d been shot up some but frail? Jeez he’d bounce back real quick once he was home...sure he would.

Jess did his best really he did...

He made sure Slim stayed abed during the first few days at least and religiously fed him Ma Hudson’s healthy stews and soups. But then when they finally ran out, it was down to Jess to build his pard up.

“Thank goodness for some real food,” said Slim as he sat down to Jess’s supper one evening. “Ma Hudson is a sweet lady but Jeez talk about clucky, well she’d give Daisy a run for her money and that’s saying something. Not to mention all those milk puddings and thin soups she fed me.”

“Well git this down ya buddy, it’ll build ya up,” Jess said grinning.

Slim had started getting up for his meals and now looked down at Jess’s offering of beans and bacon with relish.

“Looks really good,” he said grinning over at Jess.

“Yeah, well it’s hardly invalid food like Sam told me, but best I can do pard,” he said tucking into his own plateful.

Although Slim was making a manful effort to eat Jess’s food it didn’t escape the dark-haired rancher that his buddy was looking no better now than he had a week ago when he brought him home. He’d got up for his meals, but slept away most of the day away and really wasn’t his usual self. Jess toyed with the idea of sending for Daisy. But he knew full well if she felt she could leave her dearest friend she would have done so by now. Nope it was up to him to care for his pard and get him fit again.

When Jess served up bacon and beans for the third day running Slim said, “Heck Jess is this your full menu?”

“Huh?”

“Is this all you can cook?”

“Hell no...I can do beans an’ eggs...and bacon an’ eggs...and my specialty beans, bacon an’ eggs.”

Slim rolled his eyes and stoically carried on eating.

The following day the noontide stage pulled in and for the first time Slim ventured out with Jess to help change the team.

“Well, it sure is good to see you out and about again Slim,” Mose said grinning at him from his place up on the box.

Then he leapt down and said, “I’ve got a passenger for you boys...and just what you need right now I reckon.”

Slim and Jess exchanged a puzzled glance and then the penny dropped, Daisy was home!

Thank God thought Slim, no more bacon and beans.

Thank God thought Jess, no more havin’ to cook bacon and beans and both men looked at the opening stage door in happy anticipation.

Mose opened the door and handed a lady down and she stood there looking about her.

Slim had never cast eyes on the trim dark-haired woman before, with her beautiful Mexican features...her large, dark eyes taking in the scene around her before coming to rest on Jess...her expression turning to delight.

“What in Hell do you think you’re doin’ here?” Jess yelled angrily. “Goddamn it you’ve got a nerve woman!”

Mose and Slim turned from Jess to the woman and back again...both agog.

Eventually Slim said quietly, “So would you care to introduce me pard?”

“This...” said Jess disparagingly like he was introducing some heinous beast said, “this is Carmen Dolores-Dodson....Pete Dodson’s widow.”

Then he turned back to her, “So why the hell are you here, huh?”

“Well, you wrote me sweet love,” she said batting her eyelashes at him. “You said I was to come find you in Laramie and so here I am. Then this dear man,” she said nodding to Mose, “said you were sorely in need of a house-keeper so I am at your service...so to speak,” she added with a seductive glance in Jess’s direction.

Jess just shook his head, “No...no way.”

“Hang on a minute Jess would that be so bad?” Slim said quietly, “We sure could use a hand in the kitchen.”

Jess turned on his pard, “Hell have you forgotten it was her that brought the Lewis Gang down on us...the reason you’re still so sick!”

“Yes, I heard how sick you’d been from Carrie,” she murmured throwing Slim a sympathetic look.

“Huh...what do you know of Carrie?” Jess snarled.

“Why, I’ve been in town a day or so and I thought I’d acquaint myself with the Women’s Group,” she said with an innocent smile. “I decided it would be nice to have a few girlfriends to help me out with the wedding plans.”

Jess’s head jerked up and he stared at her in amazement. “Wedding plans? What dang wedding plans?” he asked.

“Why ours of course, you silly boy,” she said giggling. “I guess I only just arrived in time though. There was some saloon girl in the group, Millie something or other?” She said raising her eyes to the heavens to try and recall the name. “Anyway, no matter, but she seemed to think you were promised to her... crazy girl,” she said with another bubbly giggle. “Of course, I know different after your wonderful letter!”

Jess took a pace towards her and for one terrible moment Slim thought he might hit her.

“I dunno what yer talking about, but I wrote you no damn letter, why the heck would I? We broke up years ago...and if I remember rightly your last words to me were, rot in hell.”

Then he swallowed hard and turning marched off towards the barn.

“Where the heck are you off to?” Slim called after him.

“Town of course,” Jess threw over his shoulder, “and make sure that troublemaker is gone when I get back!”

The lunchtime rush was over by the time Jess walked into the Laramie Saloon. There were just a handful of folks playing poker and a few of the usual barflies getting slowly drunk on cheap whiskey.

Tom’s head jerked up and he wandered over to Jess and said, “Oh come in to finalize the wedding plans then have you Jess?” he asked with a smirk.

“This ain’t no laughing matter Tom, where is she?” Jess barked.

Tom jabbed a thumb up motioning behind him, “Out back taking a break,” he said, “you could...”

But before he could say more Jess had raised the bar flap and marched into the back room.

“You could go through...” Tom added rolling his eyes and reaching for the glass of beer he was enjoying.

Jess finally tracked Millie down to the little bench by the back door, enjoying some early spring sunshine.

She looked up when he walked over and said, “Oh it’s you,” before looking off into the middle distance again.

He sat down beside her and took her dainty hand in his large one and said softly, “You didn’t believe anything that woman said did you Mill?”

She looked down at his hand clasping hers, then took a deep breath and looked up into his anguished eyes, “No of course not...it’s just...”

“Just what sweetheart?” he said softly.

“These woman from your past...they keep turning up and I sometimes think one will come along who you truly love and it will all be over between us.”

“No,” he almost shouted, “how could you even think that way. You know how we are together Millie...know how I feel. Jeez I’d marry you tomorrow if only you’d agree, you know that.”

“And what if we did...and had young ‘uns and someone like this Carmen arrived in town telling everyone you were her man...like this morning. How do you think that would make me feel?”

He bowed his head, “I’m just so sorry,” he whispered, “but hell Millie I ain’t clapped eyes on the woman for over fifteen years...she’s just plumb crazy, there ain’t nuthin’ between us.”

“Well, I can see that and so can everyone else,” she said with the ghost of a smile, “but I guess you’ve just got to convince her of that.”

“No chance, I told Slim to get rid of her by the time I rode back,” he said succinctly.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Sure, I do...why, don’t you?” he asked looking surprised.

“I’m not so sure. Women like Carmen who are totally obsessed with someone can be very dangerous when crossed. I think you’d be wiser to try and explain kindly and calmly that you’re just not available.”

“Kindly? Calmly?” he exploded, “Hell you’ll be suggesting we ask her to move in with us next!”

“Well, why not? When she overheard Carrie and I discussing how sick Slim had been she said she would be willing to help look after him and to be honest Jess I really think Slim is in need of a woman’s touch. I’d come out myself, but Tom just can’t spare me right now. Plus I may need to go and help Lily out soon if her Ma isn’t better by the end of the week. Anyway, this Carmen wouldn’t be there for long, Daisy will be home soon.”

Jess stared at her in wonderment, “You really wouldn’t mind?”

She smiled then, “Well I wouldn’t say that. But I’d be OK with it if Slim was getting all the nourishment he needs; anyway, you great oaf I trust you don’t I!”

At that he took her in his arms and held her close, “Jeez, what did I ever do to deserve a girl like you,” he whispered into her hair.

Then Tom popped his head around the door, “If you two lovebirds could kiss and make up that would be good, because I need you behind the bar now Millie dear.”

Jess glanced up and winked at Tom, who withdrew, leaving Jess kissing his love passionately.

He left the bar feeling much better, knowing his beloved Millie was so understanding. But then his heart hardened…Even so, that scheming bitch Carmen had to go he thought to himself.

He was so deep in thought he didn’t see Mose striding towards him, until it was too late and he cannoned into the old timer.

“Uh, sorry Mose, I weren’t looking where I was going,” he said cheerfully.

However, Mose didn’t return the smile, but merely said, “Got news...but don’t shoot the messenger OK Jess, you won’t like it.”

Jess frowned, his eyebrows knitting, “What sorta news?”

“Well after you rode out Slim commenced helping me change the team and he had...well a sort of funny turn.”

“Huh?”

“Went real pale and wobbly in his legs, I helped him into the house and settled him on the couch and that woman...Carmen? Well, she said she’d stay and look after him until you got back, “and he swallowed waiting for Jess to erupt.

But he merely nodded and then increased his pace towards where Traveler was hitched...jumped up into the saddle and galloped off down Main Street at speed.

“Said you wouldn’t like it,” Mose muttered before turning into the saloon for a welcome beer and to share the latest drama playing out at the Sherman spread.

Chapter 8

Jess left Traveller at the hitching rail and marched into the house. But stopped in his tracks when he saw Slim fast asleep on the couch...a cool cloth on his forehead and the remains of some chicken soup in a dish to the side.

He walked quietly in and sat on the edge of the couch looking down at Slim’ s pinched pale face.

After a moment or two his eyes opened and he focused on Jess.

“Oh, you’re back,” he said softly. “Get it sorted with Miss Millie?”

Jess just nodded, “Never mind about that. Mose said you’d had a funny turn?”

“Just went kind of faint that’s all...I guess I’m not up to chores just yet,” he said ruefully. “But Carmen was really kind, took good care of me Jess... I can’t figure why you hate her so much.”

Jess looked down and sighed, “I don’t hate her as such; just what she’s done. It was her that sparked off all this trouble with the Lewis Gang...whether she meant to or not. Now she’s been meddling in town, telling all in sundry, including Millie and Carrie, that I’m about to wed her!”

Slim shook his head, “Gee that’s too bad. But Millie didn’t believe any of it did she?”

“No, but that’s not the point... Carmen is a dang troublemaker...”

“But maybe...just maybe she is the innocent party Jess? There is a possibility she didn’t actually write that letter to upset her husband...maybe somebody else did and he just found it huh?”

“Carmen, innocent? Don’t make me laugh,” Jess said bitterly. “Besides who would do such a thing...how’d they benefit?”

Slim shrugged, “I don’t know Jess... but what I do know is she’s a damn good cook and it wouldn’t really hurt to let her stay, just for a little while, until Daisy gets back. I’m beginning to feel better already after that chicken soup...and she promised pie tonight,” he added...playing his ace card.

Jess weighed it up...Have a crazy woman on board...or an endless supply of chicken dinners and apple pie.

“I guess she can stay...just for a while,” he said quickly. After all he thought, Millie had even suggested it...be kind and calm she’d said...um.

At that Carmen ran out of Daisy’s room where she’d been secretly listening in and threw her arms around Jess.

“Oh, my love, you won’t regret it, really you won’t,” she said snuggling up to him.

But Jess was regretting it already.

“What are you doin’ in Daisy’s room?” he barked, pushing her away and backing off.

“Why, it’s the housekeeper’s room is it not...and that is what I aim to be for you. Until you come to your senses and realise how much you love me,” she added with a sultry look.

“Oh no,” Jess said firmly, “you ain’t bedding down in there. That’s Daisy’s room and she’s more than just a housekeeper, she’s family. There’s a perfectly good bed in the bunkhouse...git yer stuff and I’ll show you.”

Once they were in the bunkhouse Carmen looked around her, “Why this is really nice...”

Jess just nodded, “We had it done up for a lady that was staying with us a few years back.”

“She must have been someone really special for you to have gone to so much trouble,” Carmen said batting her eyelids at him.

But Jess refused to be drawn in, “She was,” he said gruffly.

“So, are you going to stay in here too?” she asked sidling up to him. “I knew it. I just knew it; you do want me don’t you Jess!”

He backed off like he’d been stung by a wasp and growled, “Nope you’ve got it all wrong Carmen. Like I told you I’ve got a girl. This is about my pard Slim. He needs some looking after right now and it seems like you’re willing to do it. I’ll pay ya...and that’s it...just a business deal, you understand?”

“Well, I hear you Jess...but no I really don’t understand,” she replied coyly. “I don’t think you do either. It must be a shock seeing me in the flesh after all this time. But I know what your letter said...and you can’t have changed your mind about me that much. I don’t believe it. Just admit it...you want me, don’t you?” she said with another seductive look from her dark soulful eyes.

“Just behave,” he growled before turning and marching off back to the sanctuary of the ranch house.

It did indeed seem that Carmen was doing Slim some good. His appetite improved and after a day or two he began to look more his old self. Jess however kept very much out of the picture, choosing to spend most of the days riding fence and only returning to the ranch to do the relay change over, before heading out again.

All Carmen’s overtures towards him had been firmly rebuffed and she was running out of ideas of how to seduce him. Jess had merely muttered ‘dang woman’ and made himself scarce once again after her last attempt.

That’s when her twisted mind decided to try and make Jess jealous by moving in on Slim.

At first Slim was somewhat puzzled by her behavior towards him and then quite flattered. After all she was a very handsome woman, for her age that is... Jess was noncommittal on the subject, but from what he’d told Slim he figured she must be very late thirties or early forties. Either way he knew time was running out if she really wanted to start a family as she so often had alluded to. She seemed to spend much time checking out Daisy’s old catalogues, pouring over pictures of cribs and baby clothes, making Jess break out in a cold sweat.

“Garldarn it, why does she do that,” he lamented one evening after Carmen had reluctantly retired to the bunk house for the night.

“What?” Slim asked looking up from the local paper.

“Drool over all those dang pictures of babies all the time...gives me the creeps.”

“I think it’s kind of sad,” Slim said philosophically, “she’s obviously desperate to get wed and start a family.”

“Um and not necessarily in that order,” he replied morosely. “If she meant what she suggested to me just last night.”

“So, what would that be pard?” Slim asked grinning broadly.

“You know damn well what,” said Jess angrily. “Dang it Slim how much longer is she gonna stay... you’re feeling better now ain’t you?”

Slim stretched lazily, “I guess I am yeah. But I’m getting kind of used to her fussing over me now.”

Her attentions to Slim hadn’t gone unnoticed by Jess. But he’d just chuckled and shaking his head left them to it, as Carmen constantly made eyes at Slim and brushed up against him at every opportunity.

Now he said, “Yeah well I guess all that fussin’ is as much for my benefit as yours Slim.”

Slim nodded wisely, “Yup I’d figured that too. She sure has it bad for you pard. We talked some yesterday when you were out checking on the stock and it doesn’t look like she’s going to give up on you anytime soon.”

“What did she say?” he asked looking annoyed.

“She said that she can’t envisage spending her life without you. How she was broken hearted when you walked out on her all those years ago and so she married this Pete on the rebound.”

Jess just rolled his eyes, “It weren’t like that Slim, she dated practically every guy in town...I was just one of a long line. And sure, I rode out as soon as she started talkin’ cribs and diapers. Damn it who wouldn’t at that young age?”

“I guess,” Slim agreed.

“So why didn’t she have kids with Pete if it was so dang important to her?” he asked, “Hang it all they were together for years.”

“Seems he wasn’t able to give her a child,” Slim said quietly, “he had some medical problems apparently.”

Jess shook his head. “Poor guy, I bet she was a nightmare to live with after she discovered that. I sure wouldn’t want to have been in his shoes.”

“She’s got a temper then?” Slim asked innocently.

“A temper... Jeez, you ain’t seen anything like it when she gets all fired up,” he said shaking his head at the memory of what she’d been like when they split up.

“She’s worse than you?” Slim asked with a grin.

“Pretty close-run thing,” Jess said chuckling. “Let’s just hope we don’t see that side of her huh.”

They were to be famous last words as Slim was to profess later.

The following day he had arranged to see Doc Sam for his check up and Carmen asked for a lift into town to do some marketing.

Neither he nor Jess noticed the large sparkling diamond she was sporting on her ring finger, them both being somewhat unobservant males where that kinda thing was concerned.

Slim dropped her off on Main Street and they arranged to meet up for lunch at Miss Mollie’s eating house later that day.

Carmen walked purposefully off in the direction of the mercantile and Slim towards Doc Sam’s office.

It was old Ezra’s helper in the mercantile, a Miss Potts, that first noticed the diamond engagement ring that Carmen was sporting.

“So, there is truth in the rumor,” she said excitedly, “you and Mr Harper really are betrothed?”

Carmen nodded happily, “Oh yes! He just didn’t want everyone to know until he’d broken it to that Millie girl, he’d taken up with.”

“So that’s why Millie left on the early Stage,” Ezra proclaimed. “Tom told me she’d gone to stay with Lily to help care for her old Ma. But I guess that must have been a white lie...Just couldn’t face folk I reckon.”

By now quite a large crowd of women folk had gathered, all longing for details of the up and coming nuptials. Soon word was spread far and wide that Jess Harper was finally to be married...the most sought-after bachelor in town. Even though most of the young girls really knew his heart belonged to Millie, they had still lived in hope. But now it seemed a complete stranger had joined their midst and claimed him. Many a heart would break that night.

Her next port of call was to see the preacher, the Rev Joshua Wesley.

“I really don’t understand my dear,” he said patiently. “You and Jess Harper are betrothed you say?”

“Indeed, she said flaunting the rather ostentatious ring. But the dear love is rather tied up at present. So much extra work with Slim still unwell and has asked me to come into town to make all the arrangements.”

Joshua shook his head. Jess was a good friend and he knew for a fact that he loved Millie dearly and had a long time understanding with her. He looked into Carmen’s eyes and felt the woman to be quite disturbed.

“I’m sorry my dear, er Miss Dolores, but I cannot possibly fix a date without both the potential bride and groom being present,” and he arose to imply the conversation was over.

She looked irate, “Well that being the case I wish you good day,” she said furiously, “and I’m sure the preacher over in Cheyenne won’t be quite so difficult,” she added her eyes blazing.

He just gave her a weak smile, forgoing to mention that he was the circuit preacher for Cheyenne as well.

She flounced off without a backward glance and Joshua closed the door quietly behind her. The poor woman was obviously deluded he surmised and possibly somewhat dangerous too. He would warn Jess next time he went over fishing he decided, before going off to find his wife and some lunch.

Meanwhile Slim had received a clean bill of health from Doc Sam with the understanding that he continue with light duties for another week or two.

“Then you can get back in the saddle,” he said grinning at his old friend.

“Uh... I believe you have a new housekeeper out there until Daisy gets back?” He asked as he showed Slim out.

Slim nodded, “She’s a bit strange, one of Jess’s old flames and he isn’t too keen on her being around. But that said, she’s sure fed us really well, can’t fault her cooking.”

“Well, you certainly look much better. Ha, way to a man’s heart, eh?” he said chuckling.

“Not in this case Sam. Jess loves Millie and Lily and I are going steady too. So, it will take more than a few apple pies to turn our heads,” he said laughing.

As he was still somewhat early for lunch with Carmen, Slim made his way to the saloon for a quick beer with Tom. He was also hoping that maybe Lily was home now and her Ma on the mend.

“No, I’m sorry Slim,” Tom said tipping his head to Gladys, I’ve lost both Lily and Millie now, hence old Glad and Betty are helping me out.”

“Hey less of the ‘old’,” Gladys called from the far end of the bar, winking at Slim good naturedly.

Slim grinned at her and then turned back to Tom, “How so?”

“Lily wired to say her Ma still wasn’t too good and could Millie be spared to come and help nurse her.Well, they’re good girls both of them, so I agreed. Millie went off on the early Stage,” he added.

Slim frowned, “That’s really bad, I’m sorry...”

“I think it’s more her kid brother and sister that she needs the help with,” Tom continued. “It seems her Ma is getting better slowly...but those young un’s are a real handful.”

“Don’t I know it,” Slim said grinning, “but I guess Millie will knock ‘em into shape easily enough.”

Tom nodded chuckling, “Well I guess if she can almost tame Jess, she can do about anything,” he agreed.

When Slim arrived at Miss Mollie’s, Carmen was already there holding court to a group of middle-aged ladies from the Women’s Group.

She looked a tad embarrassed when Slim turned up and said quickly, “Excuse me ladies, Mr Sherman and I need to talk.”

Once the women had dispersed gossiping happily, Slim turned to Carmen and said smiling, “So what do we have to discuss?”

“Why, your visit to the doctor’s office of course,” she said without missing a beat. “Did he find you well?”

“He did,” Slim said smiling at her, “and mostly down to you feeding me up so well,” he added.

She smiled and they ordered their lunch, enjoying chatting quietly about this and that.

It was as they were ready to leave that a very angry looking Carrie burst in. She looked around and then seeing Slim and Carmen at a corner table marched over.

“How could you!” she cried glaring at Carmen. “How could you come in here and take Jess away from dear Millie!”

Slim looked puzzled, “Hey Carrie honey, what are you talking about?”

“Ask her!” Carrie yelled, “She’s been telling anyone who’ll listen that she and Jess are getting married next week. Heck she’s even been to see the preacher to arrange it all.”

“Yes, that’s quite true,” said three ladies from the Women’s Group, who had relocated to a nearby table, “we heard just the same Mr Sherman.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t know,” said Widow Green, “seeing as you and Mr Harper are such close friends?”

“Well, I guess that’s because it isn’t true,” Slim said stoutly. “Jess is seeing Millie Johnson and nothing has changed.”

Then Carmen put a hand out to Slim’ s arm, “I’m so sorry,” she said quietly. “But he really didn’t know how to tell you. That’s why he’s been out riding fence until all hours. He felt so bad about letting Millie down. He just didn’t know how to break the news to you.”

The whole café was watching the drama unfold, until Slim could stand it no more.

“You’ve just gone too darned far this time Carmen,” he muttered, “I figure we’d better get home and see what Jess has to say about all this huh?”

When Slim drew the buckboard to a halt in the yard, he was surprised to see Jess sitting on the porch, feet up on the rail waiting for the late afternoon Stage.

He grinned over at his pard and tipped his hat back as Slim and Carmen alighted from the buckboard and advanced upon him.

“Howdy pard, gotta full bill of health?” he asked.

“Never mind that now,” Slim said looking worried, “so have you got anything to tell me Jess?”

The dark-haired rancher looked puzzled and then his frown cleared, “Oh yeah, that broken gate out on the east pasture, all fixed like I promised.”

“No not that,” Slim said giving up all pretense of being reasonable, “how about your up-and-coming nuptials, with Miss Carmen here...huh?”

Jess let the chair that he’d been balancing on two legs fall forwards and looked from Slim to Carmen and back...his eyebrows disappearing into his tousled dark hair.

“Huh,” he muttered, “what’ d you say?”

“You heard,” Slim said deadpan, “Carmen here has been to see Joshua to fix the date for next week...half the town is talking about it.”

Jess lurched to his feet, “Millie?”

“Nope, easy pard,” Slim said taking pity on his buddy and already believing he was the innocent party in all this. “She’s out of town right now...”

This elicited a very rude word from Carmen who was beginning to flush up.

Jess turned on her, “What the Hell do ya think you’re playing at?”

“It’s only what you wanted,” she cried. “It was just that hussy Millie that was stopping us getting back together. I figured if I got things moving, like booking the Church she’d realise I meant business. Then she’d know there was no going back. I guess it wasn’t enough you throwing her over. She just didn’t believe you’d leave her I guess, so I figured now was the right time. Come on Jess you know we are destined to be together,” she added running forwards and embracing him.

He pulled away quickly his eyes hard and open wide with shock and then he turned his gaze on Slim, “And you believe this? That I’ve thrown Millie over?”

Slim looked at him long and hard and then said quietly, “Not for a minute, no Jess...and nobody else will believe it either.”

Then turning to Carmen said, “I’m afraid it’s just the delusions of a sick mind.”

“Goddamn it Slim she ain’t deluded, she’s dang well evil,” Jess erupted furiously.

Then he grabbed hold of Carmen’s arm and frogmarched her towards the bunkhouse, “You damn well get in there and get packed up. The Stage is due within the hour and you’re gonna be on it... I want you out of here and out of my life ...you hear me?” he yelled.

But Carmen was not to be outdone. She wriggled free from his grasp and stood hands on hips berating him...the profanities falling fast and furiously from her full red lips.

“I hate you; I hate you; I hate you, you bastard!” she screamed and then she lashed out, bringing her sharp talon like, red painted nails raking down his cheek.

That was when Slim stepped in and grabbing hold of her, escorted the now weeping woman away to get packed up, leaving Jess staring after her...looking deeply shocked. What in hell had he done to provoke that he pondered? She really was one crazy woman he decided.

However, if he thought that was totally irrational, nothing prepared him for her next tirade.

Slim had helped her pack and then when he heard the Stage coming down the rise, he escorted her out of the bunkhouse, carrying her case. However, she broke free from him and tore over to Jess where she started slapping him hard around the face and swearing loudly once more, just as Mose reined the team in.

He stared down enjoying the enfolding drama and then said to Slim, “Havin’ somethin’ of a domestic tiff are they buddy... kinda early ain’t it? I thought that didn’t happen until after they were Wed,” and then he guffawed at his own joke.

“Uh, a misunderstanding,” Slim said quickly as he went to his pard’ s aid. Jess standing there merely fending off her blows...but not retaliating in any way.

Grabbing hold of Carmen, Slim held her in a firm grip and walked her to the waiting Stage.

“The lady’s leaving,” he said succinctly to Mose as he threw Carmen’s case up top.

Mose cast Jess an amused glance and said chuckling, “Looks like you came off worst in that little spat son...you’ll need to get something on those cat scratches.”

Jess put a hand up to where his face was now raw and throbbing painfully.

“Just git her out of here,” he snarled before turning and walking into the house.

Chapter 9

When Carmen arrived in Laramie, she marched straight to Sheriff Mort Cory’s office and burst in, looking hot, flustered and very distressed.

Mort jumped up from his desk and said, “Steady ma’am, can I help you? Here…take a seat.”

She removed a lace handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her eyes before accepting the proffered chair.

“Thank you, Sheriff... I’ve had a terrible shock,” she said in a trembling voice.

“I can see that Ma’am,” he said kindly, “can I get you something...coffee...some water?”

“No, really I’m fine,” she said taking a deep breath and giving him a brave smile.

“So how can I help you Ma’am? Your name first please.”

“Miss Carmen Dolores.”

“Well Miss Dolores what can I do for you?”

She sighed deeply, “I wonder Sheriff do you have a wife?” she asked.

Mort looked somewhat nonplussed, “Well er no Ma’am I don’t I’m a widower,” he said, “is that relevant?”

“I suppose not...it’s just that well...it’s rather a personal subject and it would be easier to talk with a woman present, that’s all.”

“I see, well there is Doc Baker’s daughter, she acts as his nurse...she’s very sympathetic and understanding I guess I could ask her over?”

“No,” she said quickly...and then when Mort raised an eyebrow she said more calmly, “I mean no... she’s rather young I don’t think it would be suitable for a young woman.”

Mort was beginning to feel rather restless; it was time for his supper and he’d had a long day... “Well, I was married and I’m real broad minded,” he said kindly, “you can tell me anything Ma’am and I won’t be shocked.”

“Alright.” she said a determined look in her eyes now, “I was...uh attacked this afternoon by Mr Jess Harper of the Sherman ranch and relay station.I want him imprisoned for what he did to me...is that clear Sheriff.”

Mort’s jaw dropped, “Attacked ...by Jess you say...no I don’t believe it...what did he do slap you or something?”

She shook her head and then looked down before looking Mort in the eyes again, “It was much worse than that...he hurt me terribly.”

“What... you mean he assaulted you?” Mort said his voice and whole manner one of utter disbelief.

“That’s exactly what I mean Sheriff,” and she burst into tears.

Once she had finally stopped crying and Mort had provided her with a glass of water he said quietly, “This is a very serious accusation Miss Delores... do you have any proof?”

She looked upset again. “Well only that I tried to stop him, I scratched his face...but he wouldn’t stop beating me...oh Sheriff, I can’t go on,” she said beginning to sob again.

Mort sighed, “I know Jess has got a kind of a chequered past and one hell of a temper too. But I have to tell you Ma’am he’s a good God-fearing boy who was brought up properly by his Ma to respect all women folk... I’ve never seen him so much as raise a hand to a woman; much less do the sort of thing you’re implying.”

“I’m not implying Sheriff,” she said “I’m telling you this is a fact. You see Mr Harper and I were to be wed.”

“Huh? But he’s seeing Millie Johnson.”

Yes, he was,” she said quickly, “but once I landed in Laramie, he said his whole world was turned upside down. All he wanted to do was marry me. You see Sheriff I am a very religious woman and I refused to lie with him until we were married. That’s why I came to see the preacher today...to try and arrange the wedding...but unfortunately the Rev Wesley was unable to help me. When I told Jess he said he was tired of waiting for a piece of paper just to say we were wed and he wanted us to be together there and then, well I refused and that’s when he turned nasty, flew into a rage and then he beat me!”

“And all this took place when and where Ma’am?” Mort said deadpan, pencil poised, still not believing a word the woman was saying. Hell, anyone else he might have had his doubts...but Jess Harper? Nope no way would he molest a woman any more than Mort himself would.

“This afternoon at the ranch,” she said quickly, not meeting the Sheriff’s eye.

“OK Ma’am well I’ll have to ask you to accompany me across the street to the Doc’s office for him to examine you.”

Her head jerked up and she flushed an unbecoming shade of red, “What? Examine me?”

“Yes Ma’am, standard procedure in these cases,” he said firmly. “You see it’s a very serious allegation with a lengthy prison sentence attached, attacking a defenseless female like yourself. So, we have to be absolutely sure a crime has been committed and the doc will be able to say one way or another.”

“No,” she said getting up quickly, “absolutely not, I... I can’t... I won’t!”

“Well please yourself Ma’am, but it is the only conclusive evidence we have. On the other hand, if you have been lying about this then Jess could sue you for defamation of character...so what’s it to be... are you telling me the truth or not huh?”

She looked down and then said, “Alright Sheriff have it your way... I’ll see the doctor.”

*******

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Jess marched off into the bedroom and after pouring some water from the pitcher into the bowl commenced bathing his painful face.

Slim joined him and after watching his pard for a few minutes said. “Is it real sore?”

Jess cast him a glance and said, “What do you think? Jeez Slim I said it was a mistake her stayin’ here...it was only a matter of time before she kicked off.”

“Well, I didn’t know, did I?” Slim retaliated, “You agreed didn’t you...so why’d you let her stay in that case?”

Jess looked down and then muttered, “It looked like you needed building up some. Decent grub ya know...and with Daisy bein’ away an all... well...”

“Yes, well I sure didn’t know she’d go crazy,” Slim said shaking his head, “attacking you that way ...”

“Yeah, well knowing Carmen I figure she ain’t even started yet,” Jess said, casting Slim a doom-laden glance.

“Surely she’ll realise you’re not interested now,” Slim said looking aghast.

“You don’t know her,” Jess muttered. “Anyway, where the heck is Millie? And did Carmen really go see Josh?”

Slim explained where Millie was and then, “As to booking a wedding who knows. But I’m darned sure Josh wouldn’t have agreed anything, he knows how you and Millie are.”

“Um, so do most folk, but it won’t stop them gossiping and saying no smoke without fire...especially iffen she starts telling them lies about me.”

“What sort of lies Jess?”

He shrugged, “I dunno, that I’ve been secretly making advances? Or maybe I’ve been real cruel to her...you know the reputation I’ve got with my temper.”

“Anyone that knows you wouldn’t believe that kind of lie pard.”

Jess just shrugged, “We’ll see huh.”

*******

Early the following morning they were just finishing breakfast when they heard a rider entering the yard and moments later there was a rap on the door.

Slim went and came back a minute later leading the Sheriff into the kitchen.

Jess grinned up at him and said, “Morning Mort, you’re up and about early. I think there’s a cup left in the pot, want one?”

Once the Sheriff was furnished with his coffee and seated at a chair Slim had pulled up to the table he said, “Well it’s official business I’m sorry to say boys.”

“Oh?” asked Slim raising an eyebrow, “do you want one of us to play deputy then Mort?”

Mort shook his head and looked even more serious, “Nope, I’ve had a complaint made by a young lady about Jess here.”

Jess’s head jerked up and he shot Slim an angry glance and said, “See told ya pard. I knew she’d have some kinda revenge.”

“I take it you’re referring to Miss Carmen Dolores?” Mort asked.

“So that’s what she’s callin’ herself then, not Widow Dodson?”

“She says you assaulted her so violently that she had to fight you off,” Mort said deadpan, looking at the angry red scratches running down Jess’s cheek.

He quickly put a hand up to his painful face and said, “She attacked me yeah. But because I told her to leave, that’s the honest truth Mort.”

Mort nodded, “It’s OK Jess I thought it was that, I just needed to hear it from you.”

“You believe me?”

“Sure,” said Mort, “now I’ve seen you...plus I made her have a check-up with the Doc.”

“And?” Slim asked.

“Well, as you know the doc’s consultations are usually confidential, unless like this they are part of an investigation. So, Sam came straight over with his report...I have to say he couldn’t find a single mark on her. He said when he spoke to her, he could tell at once that she was lying. He seems to think she has some kind of fixation on you Jess.”

“You can sure say that again,” Slim commented winking at the Sheriff.

“This ain’t no laughing matter,” Jess spat. “You don’t know what she’s like Mort. She wrote this here disgusting letter saying it was from me and then she showed it to that poor sucker of a husband of hers. The guy was so tormented that he killed himself for God’s sake! You know all this already though and this just proves she’s crazy.”

“She certainly seems a piece of work,” Mort agreed.

“Heck you’ve never seen anything like her temper,” Slim voiced. “Jeez she can cuss for sure...words I haven’t even heard before!”

“Mexican,” Jess said dourly, “her Pa was Mexican, picked up her cussin’ from him I guess.”

Then turning back to Mort said, “So is she leaving town then?” He asked hopefully.

Mort shook his head, “I’m afraid not buddy. It seems she’s moved into Nancy Rodgers guest house, for the time being at least.”

“But surely now she’s been proved to be a liar she’ll give up and move on,” Slim suggested.

“Oh no,” Mort said rolling his eyes. She’s been telling everyone that Sam is a quack and a charlatan. Saying he refused to report her terrible bruising and other injuries because he is a friend of yours Jess.”

“What in hell?” Jess said looking shocked.

“Well, I’ve spoken to her and hopefully there will be no more of it. Doc Sam is furious and he’ll sue for sure if she doesn’t apologize and hush up.”

Nancy Rodgers had run a, what she called, ‘Guest House for discerning ladies’ for many years. She had two letting rooms, one currently occupied by Miss Potts, the elderly spinster from the mercantile. Her narrow house was opposite the saloon and gave her a good view of Main Street and all the comings and goings in the town.

When Miss Dolores knocked on her door looking distressed and in dire need of lodgings and succor, Miss Rodgers, who was a devout member of Joshua’s congregation admitted her at once and offered her the room on the top floor at a very reasonable rent.

Miss Rodgers was however also a closet gossip and having heard rumors of the rather exotic looking newcomer and Jess Harper she was desperate to hear everything from the ‘horse’s mouth’ so to speak. She was also a member of the Laramie Women’s Group and loved to hear all the little snippets of information Daisy occasionally let slip. In fact, along with several of the other ladies of a certain age she secretly had a rather more than motherly interest in the two young cowboys in Daisy’s care.

Now as she sat over coffee in her parlor with Miss Carmen she gasped as the lady told her that Jess had attacked her.

Assuming she meant a verbal attack Nancy still looked shocked.

“Well that really doesn’t sound like Mr Harper,” Nancy said quickly, “I’ve always thought of him as such a sweet boy and so good to dear Daisy, their housekeeper.”

“But haven’t you heard of his terrible temper?” a tearful Carmen persisted.

“Well, I suppose I have,” Nancy conceded, “I know he can be a tad difficult if crossed. When he sees injustice that is,” she added for good measure.

“And when he’s frustrated,” Carmen added. “If he doesn’t get his own way...well he can be quite violent,” she added throwing Nancy a knowing look.

“What you mean…he actually hit you?” Nancy said in disbelief.

“Exactly, he beat me my dear.”

Nancy looked distressed, “No never!”

Carmen merely gave a slow smile, “There’s more to Mister Harper than any of you know,” she said quietly.

“Oh my goodness, do tell all my dear,” Nancy said settling down for a good gossip.

*******

Daisy and Mike arrived home on the noon stage the following week, much to the relief of Jess and Slim.

While Slim opened the stage door for Daisy to alight Jess turned quickly to Mose. He had already jumped down hoping to open the door himself and Jess whispered, “You ain’t said anything have ya...about the bit of trouble we had with Miss Dolores?”

Mose shook his head, “Nope yer secret’s safe with me boy,” he chuckled. “Besides the dear lady was so full of her trip to the city I couldn’t get a word in edgeways.”

That sounded more like it Jess thought, but then the matter was dropped as Mike jumped out of the coach and straight into his arms.

“Jeepers it’s good to be home,” he said hugging his hero tightly before turning to give Slim the same treatment. Then with a cheery grin he ran off to check on his pet racoon.

“Well don’t I get a hug?” Daisy asked standing watching the little scene fondly.

Jess advanced on her and whisking her up he swung her around wildly ignoring her shrill squeals for him to stop at once and set her down.

After a moment he landed her safely back on the ground with a heartfelt, “Gee it’s so good to have you back Daisy.”

Then Slim picked up her valise and taking her arm escorted her into the house a huge grin on his face.

Over lunch they heard all, about the new friends Mike had made. Also, the good progress made by Daisy’s friend Megan and her return to robust health.

“My new friend Robbie’s Pa is a lawyer,” Mike said excitedly, “I think I might be a lawyer one day and then I can put all the bad men in jail!”

“Good plan,” said Slim quietly, “and you can keep Jess out of it too.”

“Oh Slim,” said Daisy reaching over and patting Jess’s hand, “when on earth was dear Jess in any kind of trouble...you are so bad to tease him.”

“Yup,” said Slim throwing his buddy and innocent glance, “so when were you last in any trouble huh pard?”

Jess just ignored him and asked Daisy if there was any fried chicken left...please...

Later in the privacy of their room he hissed, “Don’t you go hinting about all that stuff that went on with Carmen, Daisy doesn’t hafta know about it.”

“Well, what if she finds out anyway?” Slim asked.

“Aw she won’t, it’ll all have blown over by next week when she attends her Women’s Group.”

“I thought you said she wouldn’t stop hounding you until she’d gotten her own back?” Slim said quietly.

“Yeah, well maybe I overreacted. Now Mort and Sam have shown her up to be the liar she is, I figure she’ll give up and leave. After all, there ain’t nothin’ in Laramie for her is there?”

*******

The following Thursday afternoon both men were surprised to find the rig Daisy usually used already in the yard, when they rode in for a late lunch.

“That’s funny,” Jess said, “Daisy’s home early, she usually stays and has a meal in town with her friends after the Women’s Group, don’t she?”

Slim nodded sliding down from the saddle, “Hey I hope she’s not sick.”

As both men stepped onto the porch, they could hear the sound of pots being crashed about in the kitchen and exchanging a troubled glance they marched in.

It took several minutes before Daisy acknowledged their presence… as she was so busy angrily hurling pots about and muttering to herself.

“Daisy, what’s up?” Jess asked innocently striding over and taking her arm.

She swung around to face him, her face flushed and angry.

“How dare she!” she cried. “How dare that woman say such evil things about you!”

“Steady,” Slim said calmly, “here sit down and tell us all about it.”

Daisy finally subsided onto a chair at the kitchen table flanked by Slim and Jess.

Slim patted her arm gently and Jess leaned across and took her hand, “Come on Daisy tell us all about it.”

She sighed deeply collecting her wits and then said, “It’s the new lady at the Group...a Miss Dolores, she’s spreading the most awful lies about you Jess and the worst of it is she is so convincing. Even some of my good friends seemed to be paying some credence to her ramblings.”

“Go on,” said Slim gently.

“Well, when I arrived there was a small gathering in the corner of the room. Nancy from the guest house, Miss Potts, Widow Green and Miss Chives from the haberdashery, along with this Miss Dolores...all huddled together thick as thieves. I could tell at once they were really embarrassed that I had overheard them bad mouthing you Jess. Then this Miss Delores stood up and said, “You must be the poor cow who house keeps for that wicked Harper and his gullible partner...’”

I said, “I beg your pardon Miss, but to whom am I speaking and how dare you refer to me and my dear boys in that manner!”

Jess and Slim could just imagine it, her hands on hips and eyes blazing.

“Well, she introduced herself and said she was a new member of the group. But I wasn’t having that. I founded that group and have run it for years with no bad mouthing or discontent. I leave it in Widow Green’s hands for a matter of weeks and this is what happens!” she said looking furious.

“What happened then?” Jess asked trying to keep a straight face.

“Well, I banned her of course and said I was quite sure that we would be looking into taking legal action against her, if I were to hear anymore lies.”

“So, she left?” Slim asked.

“Oh yes...and she won’t be back either. But it’s the collusion of one or two folk I considered friends that has upset me so much...she really is very convincing.”

“But you didn’t believe what she’d said...about what I’d done to her,” Jess said quietly.

Her eyebrows arched and she looked deeply shocked, “Why no of course not, why would I? Then dear Carrie arrived and she explained everything to me whilst the others were making the tea.”

Then she cast a sad eye on her two beloved boys, “Why on earth didn’t you tell me about it all dears?”

Jess shrugged, “Gee I’m sorry Daisy we just thought it would all blow over and you needn’t be bothered with it all.”

“Oh no dear, I’m sorry to tell you, but I think it’s far from over. That Miss Dolores is dangerous in my opinion, very dangerous.

Then Jess said looking stricken, “Heck was Millie there, Daisy?”

“No dear, but Carrie told me she and Lily are coming home next week, just in time for the first summer dance of the season...and if I were you, I would be there to take her, along with a huge bunch of flowers.”

“Yes Ma’am,” said a much-relieved Jess.

Chapter 10

There was no way Jess was going out in the meadow to start picking flowers. But once he and Slim were ready for their night out, dressed in their usual Saturday night best duds, Jess paused by the rambling rose on the porch. Then plucked a beautiful red rose and placed it carefully in his dark frock coat buttonhole.

“Hey buddy you’re looking something of the city dandy tonight,” Slim chuckled as they rode out of the yard.

Jess threw him a dark look, “Don’t you start...this ain’t fer me.”

When they walked into the Laramie saloon sometime later, he received a few ribald comments from friends...but ignored them all.

Then as he approached the bar, Millie was there in her best scarlet dress and all the teasing was worth it. As she came around from behind the bar to greet him he merely plucked the rose from his lapel and offered it to her.

Her face was wreathed in smiles and she accepted the deep red rose and then she was in his arms kissing him...not caring who saw.

There was much ribbing and hilarity from the bar flies...but in all honesty most of them were rather jealous of Jess and his beautiful gal.

Minutes later Millie and Jess along with Lily and Slim were off to the local dance.

Jess decided that the best course of action was to come clean about all that had happened since Millie left to support her dear friend Lily.

“Well, you know Jess, maybe that was partly my fault,” she said reasonably. “After all I was the one that suggested you should be kind to her. I guess I was wrong, the woman seems to be totally crazy according to Carrie...and her Pa, although he wouldn’t put it in those words,” she said grinning at her beau.

“Oh yeah, I guess Sam has a good old medical term for crazy lady,” Jess agreed. “Anyways she won’t bother us none tonight, were gonna enjoy ourselves ain’t we...huh?” he asked nuzzling into her neck and kissing her.

They had been seated at the outdoor venue for the usual Summer Dances on the edge of town for a while. Most folk made their way there through the woods at the back of the livery...while others drove in, tethering their horses or buggies to the abundant trees in the area. It all making an excellent place for young folk to take time out from the riotous dancing to cool down some...or not...as Jess always said.

That night Slim, Jess, Millie and Lily had their usual seat up near the dance floor and bar...but with easy access to the path back towards the livery should they need to...’cool down’ at any stage after the hectic dancing.

All seemed to be going well...Millie said that Carrie had filled her in on all that had happened whilst she and Lily had been away regarding the false accusations against Jess and even Doc Sam. Although she felt bitterly angry on Jess’s behalf, she had tried to forget it all for now at least.

It was after the first few dances that Jess spotted her, sitting just a few seats away across the small dance floor, and staring openly at Jess, her expression one of loathing.

Jess nudged Slim and said softly, “Can you see what I do?”

Slim looked over and said, “Jeez if looks could kill you’d be six feet under pard.”

“Um, that’s what I thought. Figure I should say something to her?”

“Are you kidding? Do you want your other cheek lacerated?” Slim said with a warning glance. “Nope pard just you stay clear, after all she can’t do anything here can she huh? Besides, the amount of Gin she’s been putting away I reckon she’ll be nodding off shortly,” he added with a grin.

But then Millie noticed the icy stare aimed at her from the opposite side of the dance floor and nudged Jess, “I’ve got a good mind to go and tell her just where she gets off,” she said angrily.

“Just leave it sweetheart, ignore her, she’ll soon get bored,” Jess said quickly. “Anyways I’m gettin’ kinda warm...you fancy a stroll?”

She shot Lily an amused glance and rolled her eyes, but none the less allowed Jess to take her hand and lead her off to the seclusion of the wooded area behind the dance floor.

Jess was leaning back against a huge pine, Millie in his arms. He was intent on kissing his best girl very passionately, in fact thinking maybe he’d suggest they leave a little early, when suddenly Millie was jerked from his grip.

One minute he was halfway to paradise in the arms of his love and the next she was sprawling on the floor with Carmen standing over her swaying and looking somewhat the worse for wear.

“You stay away from my man you little bitch!” she screamed at Millie.

But Millie wasn’t about to stand for that and she was back on her feet in a trice and pushed Carmen so hard that she stumbled…but held her ground. Jess just stood there gaping and trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Then Carmen started yelling profanities and went to attack Millie again. However Jess was too quick for her and pinned her arms behind her back. But still she struggled trying to bite him and continued yelling blue murder.

All the noise had attracted quite a crowd. After a moment or two, Mort and his deputy Lon pushed their way through the throng followed by Slim and Lily. Carmen’s companion for the evening Nancy Rodgers following on...looking pale and troubled.

Mort quickly took charge taking over from Jess and holding the woman by the tops of her arms in a firm grip...and looking her deeply in the eyes.

“You’re way out of order Ma’am,” he said seriously, “and if I’m not mistaken a tad drunk too.”

“Who are you calling a drunk?” Carmen screamed, “I’ll have the law on you!”

There was a ripple of laughter from the crowd as Mort said deadpan, “I think you’ll find I am the law Ma’am. Now you just come along with me quietly and we’ll find you a nice warm cell for the night...and maybe some black coffee huh?”

That finally seemed to knock the fight out of her and she allowed herself to be led away by Lon and Mort. But not before she had turned back to Millie and spat, “I’m going to kill you, you little slut...you’re never having my man...never!” And with that she marched off, flanked by Lon and Mort.

It was Jess who was way more upset about the incident than Millie. She merely dusted herself down and muttered ‘silly cow,’ before taking Jess’s arm and suggesting they go and have another dance...as the night was young.

*******

Jess left Millie sleeping the following morning and made his way to Mort’s office at first light.

He barged in and made the Sheriff look up with a start, “You’re out and about early Jess.”

“Yeah, well I knew you’d have slept here the night, seein’ as how you’ve got a prisoner in the cells.”

When Mort said nothing, Jess turned on him and said, “You do still have her in the cells dontcha Mort?”

“Yes, I do, take it easy Jess...don’t want to wake her up do you?” he asked with the ghost of a smile.

“I’d like to do more than just wake her up after the stunt she pulled last night,” Jess growled

“She was just a bit tipsy,” Mort replied.

“Oh, so that’s OK, is it? To go around threatening folk huh?”

“Now I didn’t say that, I’m just saying it was the drink talking that’s all.”

“Well, I sure hope she ain’t gonna get off lightly,” Jess continued, “She threatened to kill Millie ya know!”

“Oh, come on Jess that was just all talk, she didn’t really mean it, just calm down will ya.”

“Calm down!” Jess exploded. “Have you forgotten Maria huh? How my gal was gunned down in front of me in the saloon! * See # 1 Loved, Lost, Survived.

“That was different Jess, that guy was plumb crazy.”

“So, what makes you think Carmen ain’t huh? She sure acts like a crazy woman.”

“Look I’ll deal with it! I do take the matter extremely seriously,” Mort said, backing up quickly when he saw how troubled Jess was. “I’ll speak to her very firmly and if there is any repetition of her behavior, she will be asked to leave town...is that good enough for you?”

“Uh, I guess it’ll hafta be,” Jess said reluctantly.

When he let himself back into Millie’s room she awoke, yawning and stretching, “Where have you been honey?” she asked.

“Just a bit of business,” he said softly, before sinking back down on the edge of the bed beside her.

“Jess?” she said raising an eyebrow...

“OK I’ve been to see Mort, make sure that mad woman gets what’s comin’ to her,” he said scowling.

“Aw Jess,” she said grabbing his hand and putting it to her lips, “don’t fret I’m sure she was just sounding off.”

“I guess,” he said, “it’s just...ya know....”

“Sure, I understand really I do. But history isn’t going to repeat itself...I doubt she even owns a firearm.”

When he still looked pretty strung out, she gave a little giggle and pulled him towards her, “Hey it is Sunday morning you know lover...no need to be up so early huh?” she said pulling the covers back with a cheeky grin.

*******

Jess was still pretty anxious when he and Slim rode home later that day.

“Come on buddy...she was just sounding off, like Mort said,” Slim agreed, “Carmen isn’t anything like that sucker that killed Maria...”

“You think not...well one crazy person is pretty much the same as the next in my book,” Jess spat angrily, “I sure didn’t like leaving Millie alone in town.”

“Oh come on Jess, she’s hardly alone. She lives over the saloon with Lily just in the next room, Tom around downstairs and countless punters in the bar who would risk their lives to save her any day of the week... you know that.”

Jess shrugged, “I guess I do...”

“Mort will rap her knuckles and she’ll probably head on home, it’s pretty obvious you’re not interested.”

However Slim couldn’t have been more wrong.

Whenever Jess went to town Carmen was there, just staring at him...but saying nothing.

She seemed to have some uncanny knack of knowing exactly where he would be at any given time. She was always walking past the livery when he rode in. Then she was the last person he saw at night if he was staying at Millie’s rooms as Miss Nancy’s boarding house was opposite the saloon. It almost became a joke to them as they would see Carmen’s figure silhouetted in her window as she gazed out across the street to Millie’s bedroom window.

That’s what it had now almost become...a joke, if in somewhat bad taste.

“Why in hell don’t she just give up and go home?” Jess asked angrily one night as Carmen stared across the dining room of the Laramie Hotel, where Jess was treating Millie to a slap-up supper.

However, it was the following week when things really came to a head.

*******

Mike and his best friend Davey, a neighbor's son, always traveled home from school on the afternoon coach. But on this particular Monday when Slim and Jess came out to change the team there was no sign of either of the boys.

“Ain’t you forgotten somethin’,” Jess asked throwing Mose a quizzical look.

“Huh?”

“Two little troublemakers...about so high”, Jess said raising his hand to an approximation of Mike’s size.

“Don’t tell me there’s another after school function we’ve dang well forgotten about,” he said rolling his eyes to Slim.

Mose looked surprised, “Well I couldn’t rightly say. When the boys didn’t turn up, I figured you’d maybe fetched them. There’s nothing on at the school, that I do know as I saw the school marm going off to the mercantile as I drove out of town.”

Jess turned ashen, “I don’t like this Slim.”

“Me neither.”

After calling to Daisy that Mike needed collecting, they saddled up and rode hell for leather out of the yard, heading for town.

When they arrived, they made straight for Miss Reed, the school mistress’s house, alongside the school.

“Well, no Mr Sherman, there are no late classes tonight...young Mike and Davey usually catch the Stage together, don’t they?”

“Yes Ma’am,” Jess said, “but tonight they didn’t...”

“Oh dear, let me think... Um, I know Davey sometimes stops the night with his Aunt…Miss Nancy Rodgers who has that high class boarding house...do you know her?”

“Oh yes,” Jess said narrowing his eyes, “and her boarder Miss Dolores too... come on Slim.”

They tore down Main Street and hammered at Miss Nancy’s door to no avail.

After a moment Widow Green emerged from her house next door to see what all the fuss was about.

“Oh, it’s you Mr Sherman, Mr Harper, if you’re after Miss Nancy she’s taken off for Cheyenne for a few days, to visit a friend... can I help?”

“Is Miss Dolores at home,” Jess asked quickly.

“Well, I imagine so dear...she usually is at this time.”

Slim thanked her and waited until the inquisitive woman had finally gone back inside and then they knocked again.

When there was still no reply Jess gestured for them to go down the back ally that led to the small yard at the rear of the property.

Here they hammered on the door again...and then Jess looked in through the window and was just able to make out Carmen sitting at the kitchen table.

“Garl darn it, she’s been in there all along,” he said turning to Slim, “bang harder.”

Eventually Carmen came to the door and stared at them as though she had never seen them before.

“Yes,” she said distantly, “can I help you?”

“What have you done with Mike,” Jess yelled...now almost at the jumping off place and not in the mood for taking prisoners, “just tell me Carmen for God’s sake!”

Slim really thought his pard might lash out and pulled him back restraining him.

“Please Ma’am we’re really worried about the boy,” Slim said quickly.

“I’ve no idea what you’re talking about,” she said dismissively.

Then both men heard a distant banging, coming from upstairs.

They tore up the stairs two at a time and onto the top landing where Carmen’s rooms were.

There was a key in the door and Jess turned it and threw it open, nearly knocking Mike and Davey over.

Quick as a flash Davey dodged around them and tore down the stairs.

“Is he alright?” Slim asked throwing Mike a troubled look.

However, Mike seemed in good spirits, “Sure he is...we were playing hide and go seek in Aunt Carmen’s rooms and she must have locked the door by mistake. Anyway, Davey needed the outhouse, we’ve been banging for ages... he’ll be back in a minute,” he added.

All the time he’d been speaking Jess had a warm arm around the boy’s shoulders, now he said urgently, “But you’re OK Tiger, she didn’t hurt ya?”

Mike looked surprised at the notion, “Heck no, we’ve had fun, she’s making fried chicken for supper and then we’re sleeping over and gonna tell ghost stories,” he added looking excited.

Carmen now joined them and started saying there had been some sort of mix up, how Nancy had arranged the visit forgetting she would be away and asking Carmen to care for the youngsters in her absence.

“Oh sure,” Jess said sarcastically.

Then turning to Mike, Slim said, “Anyway you know you’re not to go anyplace without squaring it with us first Mike.”

The boy looked down, “Gee I’m sorry Slim, but Aunt Carmen said she’d tell Mr Shell to pass the message on and I figured it would be, OK?”

Carmen turned an angry red at that and blustered, “Uh it must have slipped my mind, but no harm done.”

“No harm done!” Jess yelled, now furious.

But Slim said quickly, “I figure we’ll discuss this another time huh Jess,” then quietly “Not in front of the kids huh?”

Jess was just about to argue when there was a knock at the door and Carmen opened it admitting Pete, Davey’s Pa.

“Ah there you are young ‘un,” he said cheerfully.

Then turning to Slim and Jess said, “Martha couldn’t remember if it was this week or next Davey was visiting his aunt, she’s that forgetful since she had the twins,” he added with a grin.

“Next week,” Jess said deadpan, “Miss Nancy’s away right now.”

Pete took that in his stride, “Oh right we’ll be off then. Uh thanks for looking out for the boy Miss Dolores,” he said politely touching his hat before leaving with young Davey.

Slim guided Mike out, with Jess following on, but he paused at the door and said belligerently, “Don’t think I don’t know what yer little game is Carmen. You so much as come anywhere near Mike or Millie again and I’ll see you’re run out of town,” he growled before marching off...leaving Carmen staring after him... a strange look in her dark eyes.

“I just don’t understand how it could have happened,” Daisy said later that night, “you say Miss Dolores forgot to tell Mose?”

Jess just rolled his eyes moodily, “So she says...”

“And it was Davey that thought he was due to visit his Aunt Nancy, you say...well I can understand dear Martha being confused, those twin babies are hard work... But why didn’t the boys just come home when it was clear Nancy wasn’t there?”

“Well Davey knew Carmen from previous visits, even called her Aunt Carmen. I guess he thought it was OK to stay with her and he just assumed she’d make everything good with Mose about Mike staying too. She left them alone to go across the street to buy candy and Mike just thought she’d seen Mose then,” Slim explained.

“Um, so just a misunderstanding then,” Daisy said thoughtfully.

“Uh, didn’t stop that dang Carmen taking advantage of the situation though,” Jess said darkly.

“I suppose so,” said Daisy looking thoughtful.

“Heck don’t tell me yer feeling sorry for the woman now?” Jess said looking irritated.

“Not exactly dear no, but the more I see and hear of her I think she’s a sorely tried woman and not at all well.”

“What do you mean Daisy?” Slim asked.

“Well,” she said looking slightly uncomfortable, “she is of a uh, of a certain age...when changes occur in a woman and they can...well make them rather irascible... hard to live....as the body changes from child bearing to...well the end of that phase,” she said with her usual nursing aplomb.

“Oh yeah I’ve heard of that,” Slim said looking a mite embarrassed, “can turn woman a tad crazy so I’ve heard?”

“For many years doctors would institutionalize women who had such difficulties during the change,” Daisy said shaking her head, “nowadays we are a little more enlightened...But still it can lead to some very strange behavior...especially in the case of someone like Carmen who is so desperate to have a family and yet it seems that will be denied her.”

Jess said nothing…just looked down and sighed, then said, “OK Daisy so maybe she is kinda sick in the mind, but even so she’d dang dangerous and I really wouldn’t trust her, especially around Mike.”

“You could be right my dear, we’ll keep him close and just hope that she improves, or maybe returns home,” she said quietly. “But you know Jess I think maybe if you were to speak to her as a friend that would go a long way to helping to heal her.”

Jess just gave her a deadpan look and said, “Night Daisy,” before wandering off to bed.

Chapter 11

Jess had absolutely no desire to go and see Carmen even if she was kinda sick as Slim had suggested.

“So, what am I some kinda miracle cure?” Jess said hotly... before riding off to town to settle the feed bill.

Once he’d completed the business, he walked on down Main Street deciding he’d have time for a quick beer and chat with Millie before he returned home. He’d suggested they spend her day off together the following week over at the lake with a picnic. Millie was delighted and clearly looking forward to enjoying some quality time with Jess, sans Carmen’s unwanted presence.

Half an hour later he made his way jauntily off towards Traveller having arranged his hot date with his best girl.

He was just about to mount up when Doc Sam hailed him from the other side of the street.

He wandered over and the doc smiled saying, “Can you spare me a few minutes Jess? I do believe Carrie has the coffee on.”

Once they were settled in the doctor’s study a coffee apiece Sam looked serious and said, “I reckon you won’t like what I’m going to say too much Jess but hear me out huh?”

Jess had a pretty good idea about what was coming next, knowing Sam’s philanthropic attitude so well...but he just nodded and listened quietly.

“It’s this business between you and Carmen Dolores,” the doc said, peering closely at Jess. “I know it’s none of my business really, but do you think you could spare some time to talk to her. I really think it would help her buddy.”

“I guess there ain’t much left to say is there?” Jess growled angrily. “Heck she done attacked me, for no good reason Sam. Then she spread that malicious gossip about me all around town, not to mention threatening Millie and tryin’ to abduct Mike...I really can’t think of anything that I wanna say to her. Nuthin’ that she’d wanna hear anyways,” he added with a grimace.

“No, you misunderstand me Jess. I think it is Carmen that wants to speak to you. To apologize for her terrible behavior, and I personally think that would be the first step to her regaining her mental health. You see she is at an age when things sort of get on top of her and to be honest, she just isn’t coping too well.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard all this from Daisy,” Jess said dismissively, “but I can’t see as it’s anything to do with me.”

“Oh, but it’s everything to do with you Jess. She has this notion that it’s just a matter of time before you two get back together. I think she just needs to hear it calmly and rationally from you that unfortunately that isn’t going to happen. Then I think she will be able to move on.”

“Well, she can’t dang well ‘move on’ fast enough as far as I’m concerned,” Jess said bitterly.

Sam hid a smile at Jess’s deliberate misunderstanding of the phrase ’moving on’ and said gently... “So, you will talk to her huh?”

He sighed deeply, “Well I guess you and Daisy ain’t gonna rest until I do.”

*******

Slim heard Traveller entering the yard and strode out onto the porch as Jess rode in.

“Where the heck have you been until this time,” he said sharply. “I’ve been waiting on you to help me fix the barn door. Garldarn it Jess how long does it take to pay a feed bill huh?”

Jess reined in and slid down from the saddle and then leaned forwards, resting his forehead on Traveller’s neck and swaying a little.

“Jess?”

He turned slowly towards his pard and Slim gave a little gasp.

Jess was sweating profusely and his eyes looked dazed as he tried to focus on Slim. Then his knees buckled and he fell headlong in a dead faint.

Slim lunged forwards and caught his pard before he hit the ground and then half carried and half dragged him into the house.

He laid him gently on the couch yelling for Daisy as he did so.

“What’s the matter dear?” she asked coming through from the kitchen and wiping her hands on her apron. Then she saw Jess and her eyes opened wide in shock.

“Oh my, has he been shot?”

Slim looked puzzled, “I can’t find any bleeding, not a mark on him as far as I can see,” he said unbuttoning Jess’s shirt and loosening his bandana.

Daisy hurried off and promptly returned with a cool damp cloth and she proceeded to wipe his face gently.

After a moment Jess’s eyes flickered open and he stared bleary eyed up at Daisy and Slim.

“Jess dear are you ill?” Daisy, asked anxiously.

Jess just groaned and closed his eyes again before opening them once more, his expression somewhat glazed and his eyes bloodshot.

“Jess, have you been tipping the jug?” Slim asked irritably.

Jess peered up at him and muttered, “No I ain’t...so help me Slim I ain’t. I had one beer at the saloon, and that’s all.”

“OK, OK take it easy,” Slim said more gently.

“‘It was that Carmen, she’s poisoned me,” he finally managed.

“What? Are you sure dear?” Daisy said looking horrified.

“Sure, I’m sure, dang it I’ve been on my knees throwing up by the roadside for the last couple of hours,” he said plaintively. “She gave me coffee and it tasted kinda funny...I just thought it was because of the cream and sugar...but she must have doctored it with somethin’”

Then he yelled out in pain, his body jackknifing as he rolled on his side bringing his knees up and clutching his stomach, “Jeez that hurts,” he gasped.

Moments later they heard the noon stage rattling into the yard.

“Just hang on pard,” Slim said squeezing Jess’s shoulder, before rushing out to the yard.

Daisy heard a brief interchange and then Slim hurried back inside. “Mose said he’d change the team in town, he’s going for Doc Sam right away.”

“Thank God,” muttered Daisy sincerely as Jess lay on his side dry retching and grasping his stomach.

“Just take it easy,” Slim said softly, “Doc will be here directly.

Surprisingly enough the doc seemed to be there in no time at all.

Slim heard a rider advancing quickly into the yard and was surprised to see Doc Sam up on a livery horse rather than driving his usual sedate buggy.

Slim recognized the fiery grey as one Jess had broken a few years back and sold to Bert at the livery stables. He was one of Bert’s fastest and most difficult rides being hard to hold back once he had his head.

Mike had named him Frenzy, but Bert had decided it more circumspect to re name him Freddy.

“I see you’re on old uh... Freddy,” Slim said as he watched the doc dismount quickly.

He nodded briefly, “From what Mose was saying I figured it was something of an emergency?”

Slim nodded, “He’s in terrible pain, trying to hold it all together for Daisy’s sake, but I can tell he’s really bad Doc. He says that Carmen poisoned him.”

Doc Sam stopped in his tracks, “What’ d you say?”

“Well, I don’t know if it’s true but something has made him throw up all the way home and now, he says he feels like his guts are on fire.”

Doc Sam turned pale and just hurried on in to his patient.

He checked his heart and lungs and took his pulse. “Um, that’s running pretty fast Jess,” Sam said shaking his head. He was also finding it hard to breathe now and was still sweating badly, his shirt sodden. The doc removed it and asked for extra pillows so Jess was sitting up more.“That will help with the breathing,” he said kindly, “the drug has just speeded your heart up some but this won’t last too long now. I’ve some medicine here that will help ease that pain in your stomach and gut too.”

“Is it serious doctor?” Daisy asked looking on anxiously.

“It could have been yes, if he’s ingested what I think he has,” Sam said.

“You reckon it was Miss Dolores that caused this then Jess?” the doc asked.

“Well, I had a beer, but I don’t reckon it was that...so it had to be the coffee...it tasted strange too.” Jess growled.

“I think it was lucky you had something already in your stomach it would have helped to dilute the effects of the drug at least.”

“You know what it is?” Daisy asked.

Sam nodded and mentioned the name of a highly potent drug that he occasionally used.

“I prescribed it for a tiresome ailment that Miss Dolores was suffering from. Used as prescribed it is quite harmless. But as I stressed to her if not used as instructed it can be extremely dangerous.”

“An overdose of that can be fatal, can’t it?” Daisy asked looking alarmed.

The doc nodded, “Indeed, it can cause coma, organs to stop working and subsequently death. But luckily in this case Jess seems to have eliminated most of it. However, the stomach pain is very serious the drug can burn the lining of the digestive tract, causing intense pain and occasionally bleeding too...that’s why it says on the bottle not to be ingested.”

“It looks like Miss Dolores knew exactly what she was doing,” he added quietly as an aside to Slim.

“Oh great,” Jess muttered clutching his stomach again.

“Don’t worry this medicine will help and you should be feeling more yourself in a day or two Jess.” Then he looked utterly contrite. “I’m so very sorry…this is my entire fault; I should never have persuaded you to go and see her. She was just so convincing when she said she just wanted to make her peace with you.”

Jess managed the ghost of a smile, “Don’t feel bad Sam she had me fooled too,” he said quietly.

It was much later that night when Jess eventually filled Slim in on what had occurred earlier.

Jess was hot and in a lot of pain, unable to sleep. So, Slim had finally turned up the nightlight and settled back to chat for a while, hoping to take his pard’ s mind of the awful pain he was still suffering.

“When I went in, she seemed just fine,” he said speaking softly not wanting to disturb Mike or Daisy, next door, “almost like the Carmen I knew back in the old days.She said she was real sorry for the way she’d behaved...said somethin’ about women’s problems.Well hell I sure didn’t wanna go there Slim...so anyway she made us coffee and we chatted some. She said she was real worried about Ed and Billy Dodson coming gunning for her...Said how they blamed her for Pete’s death. She was still holdin’ out that she didn’t write that letter that was supposed to be from me ya know Slim?”

Slim shook his head, “I guess it’s kinda hard to believe anything she says...especially now after what she’s done to you.”

Jess nodded, “I do believe that Ed and Billy want her dead though. She said they were most likely coming back to Laramie to deal with me too...seeing as it was me as despatched their cousin Frankie.”

“Do you think they will?” Slim asked suddenly looking troubled.

“Nah, they’re all talk, you know the way they backed down when we paid them that little visit in the hotel room. Besides they don’t know she’s here and I figure they hightailed it back to Texas, they weren’t riding with Frankie when he came callin’ were they?”

Slim shook his head, “Well let’s just hope they stay down there. So, what are you going to do about all this business Jess? She can’t get away with it.”

He shrugged, “I dunno. Mort said he’d ask her to leave town if she got in anymore trouble, so I figure it’s down to him.”

The he groaned and clutched his stomach again, “Hell Slim I just wanna up and die right now and I really don’t care what happens to her. Just so long as she dang well stays out of my life...or so help me I’ll swing for her,” he gasped as his stomach cramped again.

*******

Mort was true to his word and after interviewing Jess, Slim, Doc Sam and afterwards Carmen he issued a declaration that Miss Dolores was no longer welcome in Laramie.

He interviewed her in the front parlor of Nancy Rodgers house and said, “You have one week to leave Ma’am and to be honest with you, you have got off very lightly. Jess Harper could well have pressed charges against you for attempted murder.”

“That would have been his word against mine,” she said haughtily. “I certainly had nothing to do with his illness I can assure you.”

“Well from the evidence provided by Doctor Baker I think Jess would have a very good case if it came to court Ma’am, so I should quit while you’re ahead,” Mort said dryly.

As far as Jess was concerned the matter was over... he was just glad that Mort had given Carmen her marching orders.

Now he was much more excited about feeling well again and his anticipated date with Millie.

He had driven the buckboard into town and collected Millie from the saloon. Lily had waved them off with a cheerful, “Gee I wish I was picnicking by the lake today instead of working...have fun you two!”

Jess and Millie had waved back, but none of them noticed the figure of Carmen standing in the shadows...and then quickly making her way over to the livery.

It was a week since Jess had been laid so low. Now as he relaxed on a rug beside the lake enjoying the picnic lunch with Millie, he felt on top of the world again.

“According to Miss Nancy, Carmen leaves town tomorrow,” Millie said as she sat beside Jess in the warm sunshine, “And it won’t be a day too soon as far as I’m concerned...when I think of what she did to you!”

Jess’s face clouded, “She sure is a bad ‘un,” he said quietly, looking down.

Millie knew him so well and the fact that he wasn’t cussing and sounding off said volumes. This Carmen had really gotten to him, she knew that.

“It’s OK,” she said softly, “she’ll be out of our lives soon and we can forget her.”

“Thank God,” Jess said with feeling, “because I sure couldn’t take much more of her nonsense.”

Much later after they had enjoyed their lunch Carmen’s evil ways were the very last thing on Jess’s mind as he and Millie lay together on a blanket in the afternoon sun...kissing passionately.

However just as things were getting ‘real interesting’ as he was to relate to Slim later, Millie pulled away and said, “What was that?”

“Huh?”

“I heard someone...a horse riding this way I think.”

“It’ll only be Red Eagle; we saw him earlier remember? He said he was going hunting over the ridge. He’ll be on his way home. But the guy ain’t so old that he’s forgotten what it’s like to be alone with a gal. He sure won’t come callin’ when he knows two’s company,” he said chuckling.

They lay back down, but then just minutes later Jess heard a horse whinny...and looking up he saw the unmistakable silhouette of Carmen astride a Bay...just a few yards away.

As soon as she saw she had Jess attention she called out, “Jess help me... please!” and then rode off away behind some high rocks just a few yards away, heading beyond the ridge.

That was it as far as Jess was concerned.

He leapt up and said to Millie, “You stay here...she’s just pushed me too dang far this time...this ends now,” and he marched off in the direction in which she had ridden away.

Millie called him back, but to no avail... Jess was about as riled as she’d ever seen him and she knew nothing would stop him from lambasting Miss Carmen and making her realise just how mad he was.

Millie stood hesitantly as Jess disappeared out of view over the ridge, wondering if she should intervene. Oh, she knew Jess wouldn’t hurt Carmen... but he sure would turn the air blue, she thought with a little nervous giggle.

She had just decided to go and check on her lover when she heard two shots and then a minute or so later a volley of several more rang out.

“What on earth?” she said before dashing off after Jess.

She found him a few seconds later standing over the bloody body of Carmen Dolores, his smoking gun still in his hand...and a severely wounded Red Eagle nearby.

“Jess,” she gasped, “what happened?”

He turned looking profoundly shocked, “I dunno,” he said holstering his gun. “It all happened so dang fast.”

“You didn’t?” she gasped staring down at Carmen.

“What...shoot her? Hell no, of course not...I heard the shots just as I came over the ridge and saw a couple of guys riding off... I fired on them, but they were out of range too quick.”

Then he fell to his knees and felt for a pulse in Carmen’s neck.

“She’s still alive,” he said before checking on Red Eagle.

The Indian was deeply unconscious, but he too was alive and Jess quickly went off to hitch up the buckboard and with Millie’s help got them on board and headed for town.

They made it in record time, and once he reined Betsy in by Doc Baker’s place a small crowd had gathered...and then Mort was pushing his way through, followed by Lon.

He stood for a second looking profoundly shocked at Carmen and Red Eagle lying in the buckboard, being tended by a tearful Millie.

“Hell don’t just stand there; Mort give us a hand!” Jess snapped angrily.

Once both patients were in Sam’s office…a quick examination revealed that whereas Red Eagle had a fighting chance, it was clear that Carmen’s injuries would prove to be fatal.

Jess, Lon and Mort still stood nearby, having carried Carmen in and watched in dismay as Sam shook his head.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered having concluded his examination, “I can’t save her...the bullet is too near the heart.”

“Please,” Jess interjected, “you’ve gotta try Sam!”

At his voice Carmen seemed to rally and opening her eyes she stared straight at Jess and gasped, “He shot me?” as though she couldn’t believe what had happened.

Jess turned white and just stared at her in horror... and Mort’s head snapped up as he glanced at Jess and then back to Carmen.

Mort was just about to ask her to clarify the statement...who was her assailant?

But she put a hand out grabbing at Jess’s arm and whispered, “I loved you,” before her head fell to one side and she breathed her last.

*******

“I hear what you’re saying Millie my dear and maybe Jess is innocent... But you have to look at this from my point of view. Carmen said, ‘He shot me’, in front of witnesses. My Deputy and the Doc heard it too...so what am I supposed to do? If I let Jess walk free then the whole town will be down on me. They know what a good friend he is and will say I’m taking his side. Can’t you see that? Plus, there is all the bad feeling between the pair which has been gossiped about far and wide as you know...folk will think he just snapped.”

“And do you think that?” Millie asked angrily.

“No of course not, but the evidence is stacked against him, you must see that.”

“All I know is that he didn’t do it,” Millie said stubbornly, “and you should be out trying to find those two gunmen who really did do it!”

Mort cast a glance out of the window to where torrential rain was coming down almost horizontally. “Well sure I’ll look into it,” he said defensively, “but I hafta tell you any tracks will have been washed away by now.”

Millie just rolled her eyes and marched to the door.

“Now where are you off to in such a hurry young lady? I still need your statement.”

Millie remembered Jess’s last words to her as he was locked in Mort’s jail... “Get Slim.”

“I’ll be back directly,” she said, “I just need to send a message to Slim... and let’s hope he proves to be a better friend than you appear to be right now Sheriff,” and with that she flounced off.

Surprisingly Jess was being more lenient with his old friend.

“Sure, I understand yer only doin’ yer job Mort...but you do believe me dontcha?”

Mort had looked deeply into those sincere blue eyes and knew he was telling the truth.

“Sure, I do Jess...but none the less I figure you need to get a real good lawyer. Because if this goes to court... well. Folk have got real good memories around here and will recall all the scandal that Miss Dolores spread around about you. I’m sorry to say it but many of them will say no smoke without fire...so I guess somehow we’ve got to prove your innocence.”

Slim arrived later and spent several hours with his buddy, before returning the following day with the family lawyer, Mr Benson.

Slim sat silently whilst Benson interviewed Jess.

He had trawled through all the history between Jess and Carmen including her recent appearance in Laramie. How she had made a play for Jess and how he had told her in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t interested. Then of the following backlash and all the terrible lies she had made up about him.

Benson shook his head sadly and said, “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned you know Jess.”

When Jess just groaned Benson turned to Slim and said, “Shakespeare you know...but just as true today.”

Then he continued cross examining his client...

“So, uh Jess what were you actually doing when you spied Miss Carmen by the lake? You’d finished your lunch,” he prompted when Jess remained silent.

“Just um...sitting by the lake,” Jess said vaguely.

“Talking?”

“What’s that gotta do with anything? What we were doin’ is our business,” Jess said hotly, flushing up.

“I’m sorry old chap, but it is a question the court will ask you.”

Jess sighed and then said, “OK we were kissin’...”

“Um,” Benson looked down, “maybe more than that? A warm summer’s day, on a blanket by the lake…all alone; were you may be making love?”

Jess shot up from where he was seated and prowled around the cell looking furious.

Slim sighed and said softly, “Jess just answer the damn question.”

Jess finally subsided down on the cot and looking down said quietly, “I guess we would have been yeah, if Carmen hadn’t happened along right then.”

Benson nodded with understanding, “So it would be fair to say you were righteously very angry at the intrusion?”

Jess yelled furiously, “Well sure I was, who wouldn’t be? I could have dang well killed her!”

And then he stopped and his head sank down and after a long pause he whispered, “But I didn’t.”

Benson leaned forwards and patted his arm gently, “I know that Jess. But can you see now why we need to work on your story...because a good lawyer would have found you guilty and hung for murder after that little outburst. So, lets’ just go through this again huh?”

Much later Benson said, “So who do you think the real perpetrators were then Jess?”

“Well, it’s obvious ain’t it, Ed and Billy Dodson. Carmen herself said they were gunning for her after what she did to their brother...leavin’ him that way. You see Mr Benson they blamed Carmen for his death, because he took his own life after she walked out on him. They wanted me dead too, seeing as how I gunned down their cousin Frankie Lewis.”

“Ah yes,” said Benson, “an admirable day’s work Jess....fine shooting and ridding the country of the scourge of the Lewis Gang once and for all, well done.”

“Yeah, well it ain’t done me much good. Folk around here have real short memories when it comes to things like that,” Jess said with irony. “You’re a hero one minute and jail bait the next,” he said with a shrug. “Anyway, Ed and Billy wanted me dead too and I figure iffen I hang, then they’ll have the last laugh huh?”

“Well let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that,” Mr Benson said seriously. “So have you any idea as to the whereabouts of these two hoodlums?”

Jess shrugged, “Probably halfway back to Texas by now,” he said morosely.

*******

Two bearded men sat in a quiet corner of the Laramie saloon talking quietly.

The younger skinny one was looking around him anxiously, before turning to his older brother and saying, “I don’t care what you say Ed I think it’s crazy hanging around here after what we did to Carmen.”

“Not to mention Harper, Billy boy, don’t forget that,” the older man said with a wicked wink.

“Yeah right and he’s banged up in jail ain’t he, so why don’t we just hightail it back home to Texas huh?”

“What and miss all the fun of the trial ...not to mention the hanging,” scoffed his older brother. “You worry too much Billy. With our beards, and these smart duds we’re wearing, no one will recognize us. That fussy manager guy at the Hotel never remembered us, did he? Never turned a hair when we said we were snake oil salesmen from Kansas. We’ll just keep our heads down and enjoy the fun, so how about another drink huh?”

Chapter 12

Daisy took the news of Jess’s imprisonment badly and insisted on visiting him in jail.

“He really doesn’t want you to go and see him that way,” Slim said at breakfast, once Mike was off doing his chores.

“Nonsense dear, he’ll come around once I’m there and besides he’ll need a change of clothes and his shaving things.”

“Uh, I don’t believe prisoners are allowed razors in jail Daisy,” Slim said softly.

“What, why ever not?” she asked looking at him with wide innocent eyes...and then the truth dawned.

“Oh no, Jess wouldn’t think of doing away with himself, no matter how bad things got,” she said staunchly.

Slim looked away quickly, “No of course not ... and anyway I believe he’s been borrowing Mort’s.”

*******

“Daisy look I’m fine,” Jess said for the third time, although she could tell his heart wasn’t really in it.

She had been sitting beside him on the cot in his cell holding his hand and offering sympathy and wisdom in equal proportions when the main door swung open admitting Mort and Carrie...both looking decidedly cheerful.

“Good news,” Carrie said beaming at the couple. “It looks like Red Eagle is coming round and as soon as Pa says he’s well enough the Sheriff is going to interview him.”

Mort was looking pretty chipper too, “If he witnessed the whole incident, he will be able to put you in the clear Jess and might even have recognized the hoodlums responsible.”

Once the Sheriff and Carrie had left Daisy turned to Jess and was surprised to see he was still looking pretty down in the mouth.

“What’s the matter dear, that’s good news, isn’t it?”

“I guess so...if he remembers anything...he was hit in the head you know Daisy...it might all be a complete blur to him. Plus, his evidence needs to stand up in a court of law. Folk know he’s a good friend of mine and would say pretty much anything to help me out. Then there’s the bad feeling there was between me and Carmen before she died, everyone knows about that.”

Daisy sighed, “Yes I can see that. Oh, Jess dear think carefully...isn’t there anything about those men that you can remember?” she pleaded.

He shook his head, “It all happened so dang quickly Daisy. Carmen on the ground looking more dead than alive...then I heard them galloping away. They were firing on me and kicking up dust as they galloped off...dang it, all I saw was their mounts butts,” he said in frustration.

Then he gasped and his whole demeanor changed as he looked back at Daisy clicking his fingers and grinning at her, “One of them was riding Frenzy...uh Freddy that is!”

“What that big grey you sold to Bert at the livery...are you sure dear?”

“Yeah, I’d know him anywhere...can’t think why I didn’t realize it before. He’s got this funny way of kicking out his back legs when he changes to a gallop...almost like he’s tryin’ to take off and fly,” he said chuckling. “He’s got a dark grey patch on his rump too, I’m sure it was him.”

Then he yelled Mort, “Hey Mort get in here!”

Mort was joined by Slim, who had left Daisy with Jess whilst he ran a few errands.

“You’re sure Jess?” Slim asked.

“Absolutely...I didn’t remember until Daisy made me think on it again,” he said casting her a warm smile.

“This could be just the breakthrough we need. Come on Slim let’s go and sound out Bert. He keeps pretty good records and if Freddy was booked out on that day, he’ll have made a note,” said Mort looking excited.

“Well sure I remember them,” Bert said reaching for his Booking Diary. I always make a note of folk I don’t know ...git their name and address just in case anything goes wrong,” he said flicking through the book.

Slim and Mort exchanged a grin as the old timer peered short-sightedly at his notes.

“Here we are, last Thursday you say?”

Slim nodded.

“Uh, had three go out that day. That Miss Carmen...that was killed,” he said shooting Slim a sympathetic glance. “She came in first booked out Connor, that nice little Bay...good with the ladies he is, nice and gentle,” he added smiling.

“Yes, yes, go on,” said Mort impatiently.

Bert threw him a slightly aggrieved look, but none the less consulted his notes again.

“Then not ten minutes later these two guys came in, saying they wanted the fastest horses I had. Didn’t seem to wanna give me their names, but said they were staying at the hotel, iffen I needed to contact them anytime. Well, it seemed kinda strange to me because they said they were snake oil salesmen going out to promote their goods. I couldn’t see as to why they needed fast mounts for that...and they didn’t have any sample cases with them either.”

“Go on,” said Slim.

“They were in a real hurry and paying cash up front, so I just saddled up Freddy and Sparky and they went off, in a real hurry.”

“When did they land back?” Mort asked.

“Uh later the same afternoon. Those critters had been ridden real hard that’s fer sure. Sweatin ’ and blowin ’ they were.Ain’t right to treat a horse that way. I was gonna tell ‘em too, but...”

“But what Bert?” Slim asked kindly.

“Well, they were havin’ somethin’ of an altercation. The young ‘un wanted to leave town, said they needed to git movin’ and go to the rail-head. But the other was sayin’ no they were staying put until...um...until the fun’s over that’s what he said.”

“The hell he did,” Slim muttered angrily.

“So, they said where they were staying...the hotel did you say?” Mort asked.

“Why sure at the Laramie Hotel. The older one told the other that they’d got a comfy billet at the hotel and they were damn well staying put there. It turned kinda nasty then with the young one kicking off... so I decided to let the little matter of them riding my horses into the ground go. Looked to me like either one might lash out at any time. Real short fuses the pair of ‘em. I can’t see as how they’d sell much snake oil with that attitude,” he muttered.

“Thanks,” said Mort beaming at him, “you’ve been a great help.”

Slim and Mort marched down the boardwalk and entered the Laramie Hotel, just minutes later.

“Yes, Sheriff I do have two Snake Oil salesmen staying. The gentlemen are from Kansas and on a promotional sales drive so I believe,” the haughty manager said, looking down his nose at the Sheriff with disdain.

“Names?” Mort barked.

“Uh Edward and William Smith,” the manager said grudgingly.

Mort rolled his eyes to Slim and sighed lustily.

Then he gave the manager a deadpan look and said, “Room number?”

The manager swallowed hard, looking rather put out, but none the less said, “Number 3 top of stairs and to your left.”

Mort decided not to stand on ceremony and having gently tried the door and finding it unlocked he nodded to Slim before he smashed the door wide open, both men rushing in, Colt’s drawn, using the element of surprise.

“What in Hell!” Ed cried peering up from where he was lounging on the bed taking his ease.

His younger brother, Billy was sitting at a desk by the window and looked like a cornered animal as he gaped at the Sheriff and Slim.

“Ed and Billy Dodson, I’m taking you in for questioning regarding the murder of one Carmen Delores and the wounding of the Indian known as Red Eagle,” growled Mort.

“I told you!” yelled Billy looking frantic, “I said we should have gone home.”

“Shut up you fool!” Ed snapped, glaring at his younger sibling.

But Billy was completely spooked by the Sheriff and the tall rancher who he knew was Harper’s partner. It was all over and he knew they were done for.

“It was him,” he said leaping up from his seat, “Ed killed Carmen...shot the Indian too... I’m sorry,” he whispered falling to his knees and beginning to sob uncontrollably, “I’m so sorry dang it. But it weren’t me...I didn’t kill anybody...I swear.”

“For God’s sake shut the Hell up!” Ed screamed.

But it was all too late.

Mort took out his cuffs and tossed a pair to Slim and the two brothers were hand cuffed and marched from the room.

As they passed the reception desk the officious little manger jumped up and said, “I say you can’t just arrest my guests like that.”

Mort threw him a baleful look and said laconically, “Seeing as how I’m Sheriff I think you’ll find I can...and I should pipe down if I were you before I lock you up for harbouring fugitives,” he added with a grim smile.

A quick exchange was made and Jess was liberated whilst Ed and Billy were thrown into adjacent cells.

“Way that Ed’s spouting off I figure we’d better separate them,” he said to Lon as he wandered off back into the office. We’ll get statements when they’ve had time to cool off,” he added.

Then he turned to where Slim and Jess were grinning at each other with Daisy looking ecstatic.

Then he dug about in his desk drawer and pulled Jess’s gun belt out, passing it over.

“No hard feelings I hope son?”

Jess shook his head and quickly buckled up, pulling his gun out and spinning the cylinder to check it was loaded before holstering it again.

He glanced up and said, “Nope, just doin’ yer job Mort I know that.”

Then Daisy was chivvying them up, “Come along let’s get you home before the Sheriff changes his mind,” she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Jess may have forgiven Mort, but she was like a mother hen with her chicks. She could only see how deeply upsetting the whole incident had been to them all at the ranch....and Jess in particular.

“Uh Jess...maybe you’d care to accompany me when I interview Red Eagle, as soon as he’s strong enough?” Mort asked. The Olive Branch not being missed by Daisy, who merely sniffed.

However, Jess jumped at the chance and said, “Just send a message with Mose and I’ll ride in.”

It was later in the week when Mort kept his promise.

Jess sat by Red Eagle’s bed, the older man still looking rather frail, but insisting on telling his part of the story.

Later that afternoon Jess shared the story with Slim as they sat in the barn repairing harness, whilst rain thundered down on the roof.

“It seems that he was riding back home after a good morning’s hunting and he decided to go back via Pine Peak. He said he liked the views from up there across the plain.”

Slim nodded, “Yup sure is a wonderful view, one of the best in these parts.”

Jess merely nodded, “Anyways he said he could see the lake sparkling in the sunshine and thought maybe he’d call on his way back,” then he chuckled, “but he thought better of it, thinking maybe he’d uh...disturb us, as he put it.”

Slim grinned, “I guess he would at that.”

“Uh, yeah, well he was just about to make his way down and he saw a lone rider heading towards the lake.”

“Carmen?”

“Yeah, but as he watched he saw there were two other riders stalkin ’ her. Hell, she had no idea they were there Slim. I’d thought that when she called out for help, well it was because she’d seen Ed and Billy following her, but apparently not. She just pretended she was in trouble to get me away from Millie.”

“Sounds true to form,” Slim said softy, “then what?”

“Well from his vantage point Red Eagle saw everything. He tore down the hill to help her...but was just seconds too late. He burst in just after Ed had fired on her. Carmen saw Red Eagle and said, ‘He shot me!’ Meaning Ed of course, he said she sounded so dang shocked, like she couldn’t believe it...then next thing Ed took a pot shot at him...and that’s all he remembers until he came around at Sam’s place.”

“Well that all makes perfect sense,” Slim continued, “what she said just before she died that is, ‘He shot me,’ she was looking at you. But if she’d meant you’d done it, then surely she’d have said YOU shot me ...not ‘he’. I guess she still couldn’t believe that her brother-in-law would do such a thing.”

“I guess not,” Jess whispered. “Anyway, it’s all done with now. Billy made a statement and eventually Ed realized what with his brother betraying him and then Red Eagle’s evidence he didn’t stand a chance so he made a full confession.”

Slim sighed with relief, “Maybe now we can draw a line under it all and get on with our lives huh?”

“I sure hope so,” Jess replied.

But there was one final piece of the jigsaw yet to be fitted into the whole story, that was who really wrote that letter to Carmen, pretending to be Jess? She had protested long and loud that she had not written it herself...so who did?

They were to find out the very next day.

Mose came rumbling down the rise early the following morning to collect Mike for school and also to deliver the mail. As soon as he reined in, he jumped down from the box and went to meet Mike, Jess and Slim just emerging from the ranch house.

“You’re early,” Jess quipped, “what’s up Mose couldn’t sleep?” he asked chuckling. “Or have you been at one of those all-night poker games again huh?”

“I never play in the week,” Mose said looking aggrieved.

“Sure, you don’t,” Slim muttered winking at his pard as he hoisted Mike up into the coach.

Mose ignored the slight and said, “Got mail for you.”

Jess turned from where he was unhitching the team and said, “OK hand it over then Mose...you don’t wanna be late he added,” grinning and knowing the old timer would doubtless prevaricate until he’d been made privy to the content of the letter.

For once Mose found the letter immediately, producing it from his shirt pocket like a rabbit from a hat...but holding it just out of Jess’s reach.

“Now not so fast...it ain’t actually addressed to you.”

Jess sighed and rolled his eyes, “OK Mose I promise faithfully to pass it on to Slim or Daisy,” he said.

“Not for them either,” he said succinctly.

“Well, who the hell is it addressed to then?” Jess asked as he finished unhitching the team.

Mose finally passed it over and Jess gaped as he looked at the neat handwriting proclaiming the letter was for one Mrs Carmen Harper.

He turned pale just staring at the envelope.

Then Slim arrived with the replacement team and turned to Mose, “What’s up Mose...Jess is looking kind of worried...not been over-spending in the mercantile again, has he? Is that old Ezra’s bill?”

“Nope, nothing like that. It’s a letter for that Carmen woman that was here. It seems she upped and married Jess in secret after all!” he added with a raucous laugh.

Slim took the letter from Jess and frowned and then glared at Mose, “Have some respect will you the woman’s hardly cold in her grave.”

“You know perfectly well I never wed her,” Jess said angrily, “and if I hear you’ve been telling folk different...”

Mose backed off quickly, knowing when he’d over stepped the mark.

“Heck no offense meant,” he said quickly heading back up to the box.

Then once he was safely in place and the team were ready to roll, he added, “Seemed to me it should be delivered to the Sheriff maybe? Iffen it’s something to do with all that business. After all it ain’t actually addressed to anyone here,” he added for good measure.

“I can assure you Mort will be informed if he needs to be,” Slim said dryly. Then waving Mike off the two wandered back into the house.

Slim, Jess and Daisy sat at the breakfast table the letter lying in front of Jess.

“Well, aren’t you going to open it Pard?” Slim asked kindly.

Jess flicked a glance at him and then over to Daisy...before sighing, “I guess so.”

He opened it and his face was a study as he slowly read the long missive... Firstly surprise...then shock and finally sadness.

“Well?” Slim asked after Jess finished reading and folded the letter.

“It’s from her brother Antonio.”

Slim looked surprised, “She never mentioned a brother.”

“He was her baby brother...just a little kid when we were dating...a nice enough youngster though.”

“So, what does he have to say...and why address it to Mrs Harper?” Daisy asked looking intrigued.

“Seems he was the one that set it all up,” Jess said. “He knew she was really unhappy with Pete. Then he met a guy from Laramie in the local saloon, who had news of me.”

Slim frowned, “Who was that and why didn’t he tell you he’d met this, Antonio?”

“It was Lenny, Lenny Perks,” Jess said rolling his eyes.

Lenny’s Pa was an old friend of Slim’ s and to be honest that was the only reason he’d taken him on to work at the ranch. But the arrangement had been disastrous. He left gates open so the stock escaped, broke tools and was almost impossible to train. His Pa had admitted that his first born was kinda slow...but real good with the horses. That’s why they had sent him down to Texas with a couple of horses they were selling, knowing the youngster would look after them well. Plus, it gave them a good long break from his constant mistakes.

Jess remembered how he’d said, “I never knew a guy hired on to help could cause so much extra work, dang it!” he had complained bitterly then eventually made a deal with Ezra at the mercantile. He was looking for a lad to do all the heavy lifting and deliveries and so Jess negotiated obtaining the job for him. So, on his return young Lenny took up the post and never looked back. He loved working at the store and excelled.

Now Slim broke into his thoughts, “Go on, so Lenny told him where you lived?”

Jess nodded, “And that’s when Antonio hatched this plan to write that other letter to his sister pretending to be me... and saying I was desperate to get back together. I guess he finally decided to come clean to her and say what he’d done.”

“Well, it certainly worked,” Daisy said wryly.

Jess nodded and tapped the letter in front of him. “In this letter he says how sorry he was about Pete killing himself...he never meant for that to happen. Then he said something else,” Jess said looking somewhat uncomfortable.

“What was that dear?” Daisy asked.

Jess looked bleak, “He said he knew how devastated she was when I left town. How she cried for days she was so upset. Hell, Daisy I didn’t know that. I really thought she was OK about it. She seemed to be more angry than upset...”

“Just bravado I expect,” Daisy said wisely, “she didn’t want you to see how upset she really was.”

He nodded sadly, “Anyways that’s why he decided to step in once he knew where I lived. He disguised his handwriting and then gave the letter to Lenny to post when he returned back to Laramie, so it really looked like I’d sent it. You know Lenny...he never asked any questions, just did as asked and then probably forgot all about it.”

“So now she’s dead and buried,” Slim said sombrely, “but I suppose Antonio assumes his big sister is happily married, thanks to his doing.”

“Yup I guess that’s why he wrote admitting the part he played to get us back together and so yeah, that’s about the size of it,” Jess said sadly.

“We’ll pass the letter on to Mort,” Slim said wisely, “I guess it’s better if he deals with it.”

*******

It was much later when both men had turned in for the night that the subject came up again.

Slim climbed into his bed and cast a glance at his pard who was stretched out on his own bed, hands clasped behind his head and a relaxed smile on his lips.

Slim settled down and said, “It sure is good to have it all over and done with.”

“Um...”

“So... er Jess are we going to see anymore of these women of yours turning up and causing mayhem?” Slim asked.

“Well, I don’t know...let’s see... there was Ginny...she was a real firecracker... but she’s married now. Then after her was Sue, Mary-Lou....er...Anna...then...”

“Hold on Jess aren’t you being kind of picky, surely there was one of those gals you could have settled down with?”

“Heck no...they were just when I was a kid in my teens. Nope I really got keen on the ladies when I was in my early twenties...there was Laurel, Jane, Cindy, Carrie, Katy....uh...Gina...”

“Jess...”

“Huh?”

“Shut up and go to sleep will ya, you’re wearing me out.”

“Night Slim.”

“Night.

The End

Thank you for reading!