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

#93 Back to the Bad Old days

Back to the Bad Old Days
By
Patty Wilkinson
(Some violence, strong language and adult themes)

Chapter 1

The Reverend Joshua Wesley had been sitting in his chilly vestry, writing his Sunday sermon for over two hours. He stretched and decided to call it a day. Tidying his desk, he moved over to the door connecting the little room to the main Church and then stopped in his tracks...the man was there yet again...
He was shabbily dressed in a dusty old black frock coat and wore a black Stetson with a bright red hatband, adorned with a single feather. He looked like someone on the drift...or possibly a miner Joshua thought as he viewed him more closely...That would account for the bulky saddle bags he carried with him; and the pack mule that had been lodged over in the livery for the last few days.
Joshua had done his best to try and help the sorely troubled looking man, who had visited the Church daily. But every time he’d approached him, he rushed away...muttering he was fine and was not in need of help. The good Reverend had made it his duty to try and seek out the man in town. But other than the fact that his horse and mule were at the livery, nobody else appeared to have clapped eyes on him, save the Padre. According to old Bert at the livery...nothing was known about the stranger.
Now as he watched the middle-aged man kneeling in prayer...his expression one of intense despair, he knew he must help him. He walked quietly over and sat in the pew beside him, effectively blocking his exit.
After a while the fellow sat up and looked over to the Padre, before desperately seeking an escape route.
“It’s alright,” Joshua said placing a gentle hand on the older man’s sleeve, “whatever troubles you I’m sure the Good Lord will help...and maybe I could too, if you’d care to share your problems?”
The man sighed and then looked deeply into the Reverend’s eyes and said decisively, “Yes, the time has come...”
Joshua said nothing but just sat quietly waiting for him to continue.
He finally pulled himself together... “I have been coming here daily Padre to try and find the strength...the courage to go and confess to a terrible crime I have committed. Now is the time; I must seek out the Sheriff and tell him everything.”
“There is a greater law than the Sheriff you know,” Joshua said quietly, “have you confessed your sins to God?”
He nodded, “Oh yes...but you see I never really meant to kill him Padre...it was an accident...really it was!”
Joshua tried to hide his shock, “You killed a man, my son?”

He nodded gravely.
“Do you wish to unburden yourself...and then I will accompany you to see Sheriff Cory?” the cleric asked.
Again, the man nodded.
“Thank you, yes. It was three days ago...I was on the run I suppose you’d call it. I’d had a terrible argument with my business partner. We own a mine together. Anyway, the upshot was that I left town quickly...no supplies...nothing. Then on the third afternoon I saw this campfire and thought I’d go and beg a cup of coffee, maybe even a meal. I had plenty of money to pay for it,” he added.
“Go on,” Joshua said softly.
“When I reached the camp, there was nobody about... so I helped myself to a coffee. I thought I’d wait and introduce myself...offer to pay. But I heard someone approach from behind me. He called out something offhand...like, ‘make your-self at home why dontcha?’ I think it was.” He sighed again and said, “It was just the sort of casual thing Pete would have said...”
“Pete?”
“Yes, Pete Ryan my partner...ex-partner I should say. We left on real bad terms. He said iffen he ever caught up with me he’d...kill me.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, this guy sounded just exactly like Pete. He had a real deep voice, and a Texas accent. So, I spun around and shot him...I don’t know how it happened. One minute I was drawing my gun, the next he was laying there, blood all over his head...dead! Oh God I’m so sorry! So damn sorry,” and he broke down head in hands.
It was sometime before Joshua could get him to continue his tragic tale.
“But he wasn’t your partner I take it,” he said gently.
“No. I went over and checked...he was dead alright. I’m sure of it. I found a wallet in his vest pocket. There was a letter addressed to Jess Harper, Sherman Ranch Laramie. So that’s why I came here...to confess...and let his kin know.”
Now it was Joshua’s turn to look pale and shaken. Jess...Jess shot...no it couldn’t be.
Joshua listened to the description of the dead man, and it matched his dear friend, Jess, to a tee.
He shook his head sadly, “I think we need to tell the Sheriff now,” he said and helping the older man up he accompanied him down the street to Mort Cory’s office.

Chapter 2
“What,” thundered the Sheriff, “you just left him out there for the coyotes and buzzards?”
“I’m so sorry,” the man said for the third time since he’d entered the office, “I guess I just panicked.”
“So let me get this straight,” the sheriff growled. “Your name is Seth Doon and you and your partner...uh...Pete Ryan argued over sharing out proceeds from a gold mine you co-own. You took what you believed was your fair share and hightailed it out of town. Uh, Denver town that right?”
Seth nodded, “I was heading north for the border.”
“Then you came across Jess’s camp...so where was this exactly?”
“Near a small lake about three miles this side of Cheyenne, I don’t know the name of the place, but I could find it again...show you,” he offered meekly.

*******
At first light the following morning Seth, Mort Cory and his Deputy Lon rode out, taking a spare horse to bring the body home.
As they left the road and approached the lake there was no sign of any buzzards hovering overhead. Then once they reached the spot where the atrocity had allegedly taken place there was no sign of Jess or his mount, Traveller either.
They searched the area thoroughly...and then Lon called over to Mort.... “Here boss, I’ve got something.”
Just beyond the remains of the campfire was a bloodstained rag beside a rock carrying further blood stains. Then as they looked more carefully, they found tracks where a horse had been ridden away heading to the north.
“Looks like you didn’t kill him after all,” Mort said with a sigh of relief.
“I always said that boy had a dang hard head,” he added grinning across at Lon.
He glanced back at Seth and said more harshly, “Not that you’re out of the woods Doon! There’s still the matter of causing serious bodily harm. If Jess wants to press charges, I guess you’re looking at a custodial sentence.”
Then turning to his Deputy said, “You take him back to town Lon. I’ll ride over to the Sherman spread and see if he’s made it home safely.”
Mort carried on following Traveller’s tracks for several miles and then he was surprised to see that instead of going the last mile towards home he’d veered to the right and turned off to follow the river. Then a few miles on he’d crossed it and then the tracks disappeared.
Mort looked thoughtful. Hell that was a well-known trick usually used by outlaws on the run. How many times had he and a posse been outfoxed that way? A criminal had ridden up or down stream and then come ashore miles away from where they went in. But why, he mused…why would Jess use that old trick?
He entered the Sherman ranch yard and tethered his old buckskin to the hitching rail before striding across the porch and knocking a lively tattoo on the front door.
Slim answered his knock and welcomed him in.
“Howdy Mort, you’re just in time for our morning coffee break,” he said cheerfully. “I guess you’ve got a sixth sense about Miss Daisy putting the coffee on,” he added jovially.
When Mort looked somewhat serious Slim sobered immediately, “What’s up Mort, is this a business call rather than social?”
Mort ignored his friend and said, “Is Jess here?”
He knew he was clutching at straws. But maybe he’d doubled back and was now tucked up in bed recovering. He prayed for as much anyway.
Daisy heard the question as she entered the parlour with the coffee pot.
“Why no Mort, he’s been over to Cheyenne delivering some mustangs. There’s been no trouble has there? He’s rather late back.”
“When was he due home?” Mort asked briskly.
“About three days ago,” Slim said. “But you know Jess, he probably bumped into an old friend and had to spend a few days in the local saloon catching up,” he said rolling his eyes. “He’s not holed up with Miss Millie, that I do know, because she’s back in Denver visiting her brother,” he added. “Had another offspring,” he continued grinning, “and...”
However, Mort cut him short, “No, listen up Slim...there’s been an accident...”
Then he proceeded to tell them all that he knew.
Daisy had turned pale and sat down suddenly when she learned how the prospector had left Jess for dead.
“He must be badly wounded if it’s a head wound,” she said quietly.
“Oh Slim, you must go and find him.”
“I aim to,” he said quickly, “I’ll leave a note for Mose to deliver to old Charlie White. Asking him to come by and mind the shop while I’m away...if you’ll be OK Daisy?”
“But of course, dear, you must find him and get him to the doctor’s as soon as you can. Head wounds can be terribly debilitating.”
Whilst Daisy hurried to fill a gunny sack with supplies, Slim turned to Mort and said, “I just can’t figure why he’d have turned for the river to hide his tracks that way. It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Mort nodded in agreement, “It’s almost as though he was on the run, like in the bad old days,” he said with the ghost of a smile.
Daisy returning with the supplies looked upset by Mort’s comment.’
“Oh dear, I wonder if this head wound could have affected his brain...changed his personality in some way? It’s quite common after a severe blow or trauma to the head for the patient to be completely disorientated. Maybe Jess forgot where home was...Or possibly didn’t even remember he had one,” she added looking tearful. The nurse in her knew all too well the dreadful possible side effects from that kind of injury.
“What you mean, like amnesia?” Slim asked looking startled.
“Yes dear, if you remember he suffered from it once before. I suppose the doctor would say he has a predisposition towards that sort of reaction to a severe head wound...But we won’t know really until we find him.”
Slim and Mort headed out a little later, making for the river and spent most of the rest of the day working their way up and down the riverbank for several miles in each direction. Then finally as the light started to fade Mort spied some tracks leading up from the river and heading due north. He reined in, pulled out his colt and fired off a couple of shots. Slim heard their arranged signal and quickly re-joined Mort.
He stood up from examining the tracks and beamed at Mort, “Yup those are definitely Traveller’s tracks; I’d know them anywhere. See there’s a slightly bent nail in the front nearside hoof. That was Jess in a hurry the last time he shod him...I remember him cussing about it,” he added sadly.
“Don’t fret,” Mort said kindly, “If he’s not feeling too good, he won’t have gone far, you’ll see. We’ll camp here and head out at first light huh?”

Chapter 3
Mort had been wrong about that, Slim thought morosely; as they followed the tracks mile after mile the following day. Occasionally they would disappear completely...only to re-surface again further on.
“Now why in hell should he be covering his tracks this way?” Mort asked tipping his hat back and throwing Slim a quizzical glance. “It’s as though he doesn’t want to be followed...like he’s on the run for goodness sake!”
“Maybe Miss Daisy’s right,” Slim said looking dismayed, “maybe that gunshot injury has kinda addled his brain.”
When the trail went cold a few miles further on Slim cussed softly, “What are you playing at Pard?” he whispered to himself.
“So, he was coming back from selling mustangs to a buyer just north of Cheyenne you say?” Mort asked.
Slim nodded, “I guess he’d just stopped for a break and should have been home within a few hours from where that camp was.”
“So, I’m right in thinking he wouldn’t be carrying too many supplies?”
Slim shook his head, “No need, he’d have been home for supper...just coffee...maybe some jerky, nothing more I guess.”
Mort nodded to a battered old sign at the roadside, “So maybe he called in at the trading post?” he asked raising an eyebrow.
“Worth a look I guess,” Slim agreed.
They arrived at Billy-Joe’s Trading Post sometime later and on entering were greeted by Billy-Joe’s smiling countenance...and a cheery, “Good day gentlemen,” as he came forward to serve them.
Then he stopped in his tracks when he saw who it was and frowned slightly, “Oh howdy Slim.”
Turning to Mort touched his hat and said, “Morning Sheriff.”
Then turning back to Slim said, “I hope you’re in a better temper than your partner Slim.”
Slim’ s face lit up, “You’ve seen him Billy-Joe, how was he? I mean...was he alright?”
“He was in a real bad temper that’s how he was,” Billy-Joe said frowning. “He acted like he didn’t know me...real unfriendly like. Then when my Matilda came out from the back and offered to tend a nasty wound to his head, he was real short with her.”
“Was he buying supplies?” Mort asked trying to keep to the point.
Billy-Joe looked puzzled, “Yes, he was, a whole mess of stuff...whiskey, basic food supplies, ammo...I asked him if he was going on a long trip and he told me it was none of my goddamn business!”
“I know yer partner’s got a real short fuse at times, but I ain’t ever seen him this way before,” he said turning back to Slim. “We’ve always gotten along real well...shared some laughs...and he usually flirts and teases Matilda. But this time...hell it was like talking to a complete stranger...and I hafta say it...a real hostile one too. If I didn’t know otherwise, I’d have put him down as a bounty hunter...or outlaw on the run. He was real strung out and filthy dirty too. Looked like he’d been swimming in that muddy old river in his clothes,” he added shaking his head.
“Did you see where he was headed?” Slim asked looking quite distressed now.
“Sure, he was in such an odd mood I went out once he headed off and saw him take the road west towards Rawlins. I figured he was headed up towards Montana and I expected him to go up through Casper. But I asked him if he’d heard the rumors of unrest with the tribes that away. So anyways looks like he’d heeded my words. Seems he opted to go to Rawlins and then through the Yellowstone and up that way by my reckoning.”
“I see, thanks Billy-Joe and I apologize for my partner, I guess he’s really not himself right now,” Slim said.
“Don’t worry too much,” Billy-Joe said cheerfully. “Jess is a tough cookie he’ll be fine...and he sure wasn’t short of cash either. His wallet looked pretty flush from where I was standing.”
Slim nodded, “It should be he was on his way home from selling a bunch of green broke horses for top dollar. So at least he’ll be OK for supplies...wherever he’s heading,” he added sadly.
Slim and Mort thanked him for his help and then regrouped outside.
Mort shook his head sadly, “Look I’m real sorry Slim, but the fact is I just can’t spare anymore time tracking him. It’s another hundred odd miles to Rawlins...and you don’t even know for sure that’s where he’s heading. I can’t leave Lon in sole charge any longer. What I will do though is wire Sheriff Red Smith over in Rawlins. Get him to keep an eye open for Jess…and put a few posters around with his picture on too...then hopefully you’ll be able to track him down.”
“Thanks Mort and sure, I understand. And could you put a reward for information on the poster too. I’m willing to pay anything to find him.”
Mort nodded, “I’ll chip in too and I’m pretty sure most of your friends and neighbors will as well. If there is a substantial reward it might encourage folk to really look for him.”
Slim nodded, “One more thing Mort could you just call by and check on Daisy and Mike? And uh...if there’s any more word about an Indian uprising be sure that they go to town until I get back huh?”
“Sure I will Slim. I’ll keep a real good eye on them and make sure old Charlie stays until you arrive home too.”
“Thanks Mort. Thank goodness the herd are all up on the summer grazing, it’s a pretty quiet time at the ranch...that’s something at least.”
“Good luck,” Mort said offering his hand. “And uh, Slim be careful huh. It sounds like Jess is in a real bad place right now. He might not be thinking straight, you know?”
Slim grinned at him, “Don’t worry on that score Mort. I can handle him OK...I just wish I knew why he’d taken off this way,” he added; looking terribly dejected.
Mort gave him a little punch on the arm before mounting up.
“Just take care Slim.” he said, before giving a little salute and riding slowly away.
Slim watched him go and said softly, “Sure I will Mort,” before swinging up into the saddle and following off in Traveller’s footsteps

Chapter 4
When Jess had finally come around at the campsite by the lake, he felt totally disorientated. The last thing he remembered was returning to his campsite after washing up at the lakeside; and finding a stranger helping himself to a coffee.
The next thing he knew he was waking up with blood pouring down his face and an agonizing pain in his head.
He put a tentative hand to his temple and winced. Goddamn it someone had shot him a glancing blow to the head. At least the bullet had only caught his temple and not penetrated his skull.
At first, he thought he was back on the battlefield...but once he sat up and surveyed his surroundings, he remembered the war had been over for what...nigh on a year now he calculated. Life had been pretty much a blur since then...returning to Texas and finding nothing left there for him. Francie, his sister disappeared and Millie’s Pa dead and the family moved away.
Then he’d run with a few gangs...mostly Ex-Confederate troops like himself. Drinking, womanizing, and hell raising had been the name of the game. He’d got in trouble... did a spell in jail...was even nearly hung for a murder...but one he hadn’t committed. He had the paperwork with his pardon still in his wallet he figured.
He sat up, still feeling groggy and pulled his wallet out of his vest pocket...opened it and then stared in amazement at the contents. It was stuffed with twenty-dollar notes…what the hell?
Then he remembered…he’d been riding with Frankie Lewis and his Gang for a while. Frankie had been one of his buddies in the war. They’d watched each other’s back and become real comrades in arms. They met up after the war and had some good times, drinking and shooting up the odd town...nothing too heavy. It had just been fun...until suddenly it wasn’t anymore. Jess had enough of the rabble rousing...wanted a job...to find a girl...get his life back on track...but Frankie had other plans for him.
Out of the whole gang, Jess was the one with the lightning-fast draw and nerves of steel. He was the one who could remain cool and keep his nerve under fire...and he was the one Frankie wanted to help him rob the Denver Bank.
Jess who had been on the verge of leaving the gang anyway told Frankie in no uncertain terms what he could do with his proposition. But Frankie wasn’t one to take no for an answer and put the pressure on for Jess to comply.
So, he’d just ridden out…or had he?
Now as he contemplated more money than he had ever seen in his lifetime; he tried desperately to remember what had happened over the last few days...but nothing. He could remember the bitter row with Frankie and then nothing more. Hell, he must have caved in and gone on the bank heist as requested and this was his share of the money. It had to be. He suddenly felt terribly guilty. Hell, how could he have sold out that way? Had he injured anyone in the robbery...or worse still, killed an innocent bank teller or bystander? It went against everything he believed in. Sure, he’d killed a few men...but only ever as a last resort to keep from being gunned down himself. But this...this atrocity? He felt sick to his stomach...and it wasn’t just due to the excruciating painful head wound either.
So, who had shot him he wondered...a bounty hunter...or lawman maybe? Why had they left him for dead...they’d need a body for proof and to claim the reward surely?
He drew his gun to check it over and stared in consternation at the iron in his hand. His lightweight, finely balanced customized killing machine had gone and had been replaced by a run of the mill Colt .45. The bastard had stolen his gun damn it!
Then he dragged himself up...maybe they were coming back for him...on their way now. He hurried over to his good old horse...threw the saddle on him and took off at speed. Once he made it to a river, he started hiding his tracks...all he could think of was to escape...get away at all costs. Time enough to feel remorse later, but right now he needed to escape.

*******
When he came upon the sign for the Trading Post, he knew he had to risk it. He had no supplies and they would be necessary if he intended heading for the Canadian border. He had no memory of riding up from Colorado to Wyoming. But luckily, he was familiar with the area having visited on a cattle-drive once. He knew he needed to head for Casper or Rawlins to head up towards Montana.
That man in the Trading Post who had mistaken him for some local guy, had at least tipped him off about the Indian trouble due north. So, he’d decided to head for Rawlins...hell, he sure wasn’t about to take any chances. He figured the law would be trailing him and that chatty dude at the trading post would doubtless tell all about his visit. So, he constantly back-tracked and hid his trail...all the time feeling as sick as a dog; his head hurting like a herd of buffalo were running rough shod within his skull.
The journey began to tell on him before he was even half way to his destination. Constantly being on the alert for either the law...or just as bad, Frankie following him and hounding him into returning to the gang, gradually wore him down. He barely ate, and slept badly, constantly berating himself for getting involved in the dang raid in the first place. That’s what really worried him, why in hell had he agreed? He’d stood up to Frankie before and wasn’t easily intimidated. If he didn’t want to do something then damn it, he wouldn’t. Now in his anxious state he began to wonder if Frankie had some hold over him... but what...dang it he just couldn’t remember. It was like the recent past...of the raid itself and what happened immediately after had been wiped from his memory. But there was one thing he was sure about…he couldn’t be incarcerated again. The memory of being in that bloody prisoner of war camp, not so long ago, was still raw and painful...the thought of being confined to a dark cell brought him out in a cold sweat. Then sometimes the pain in his head at night made him feel it just wasn’t worth carrying on. Maybe he should just end it all now. Jeez he reflected, he sure was in a dark place...and if it hadn’t been for his good old horse he would have just laid down and drifted away...or maybe put his gun to his head. But he didn’t. He forced himself to carry on, day after day until he’d finally reached his next destination.
By the time he finally reached Rawlins his supplies were diminished and he knew he had to take the risk of stocking up for the next leg of his journey.
Maybe, because he hadn’t been troubled on the trail, he figured the law had given up tracking him. So, he decided to allow himself the luxury of a beer in the saloon. The day had been fearfully hot and he was dry and gasping for a few beers as he rode slowly into town. Hell, he was miles from Denver now he told himself...he’d be fine. A few beers…stock up on food and then get out of town before night fall.
Sheriff Red Smith saw him riding in and grinned to himself. That had been a dang waste of his deputy’s time; pinning all those posters up, he thought shaking his head. Jess had turned up on his doorstep without any help from anyone reading the ‘Wanted’ poster as he thought of the fliers. There was a picture of Jess and then a description and notes saying believed to be ill and please contact the Sheriff if you see this man.
He’d mosey on down to the saloon and catch up with his old friend and see what all the fuss was about. According to Mort Cory’s letter the boy could be sick, suffering from amnesia or some such thing. Red doubted that...more likely he’d found a good excuse to take off on one of his exploits he thought privately. Hell, he knew Jess often got a yearning to revisit the Big Open...and any excuse would do, he thought chuckling to himself.
The saloon was pretty quiet, the lunchtime rush having left and just a few hardened whiskey drinkers dotted about. Plus, Denny Jones, Red’s deputy taking his ease at a back table just finishing a late lunch.
Red saw Jess at the end of the bar and strode over a mock frown on his face.
“Howdy, you old son of a gun… I believe you’re in big trouble,” he said. “I hear you’ve walked out on your partner...and he’s real mad.... got everyone looking for you!”
Jess’s head shot up and he just stared at the other ...what...what was he sayin’… walked out on his partner? Did this guy know Frankie; know about their bust up over the Bank raid? Hell had Frankie sent him lookin’?
He just stared dumbfounded...
“Hey Jess, cat got yer tongue,” the bright breezy guy said, “So what’s going on huh?”
Jess eyed him coldly and decided to bluff his way out.
“I dunno who you think yer talkin’ to...but I don’t know you and I’m havin’ a quiet drink...alone,” he added menacingly, before turning away.
“Hey Jess buddy, what’s wrong?” Red asked advancing on his old friend, “Dontcha recognize me...look at me Jess.”
Jess turned back to face him and that’s when he saw it...the Sheriff’s badge.
That was it...he was done for. The game was up...his heart was practically beating out of his chest and his pulses were racing.
“Come on Jess, why don’t we go down to my office, talk there huh,” Red said advancing some more...and now feeling slightly anxious. There certainly was something wrong with his old friend...very wrong.
Quick as a flash Jess drew his gun, covering the Sheriff...and there was a gasp from the bystanders as they backed away from the line of fire.
“Jess what the hell are you doing?” Red muttered now beginning to feel decidedly angry.
“Drop yer iron...real slow,” Jess growled.
When Red paused, just staring at Jess he said, “I mean it, goddamn it drop yer gun...now!”
Red saw the look of danger in his friend’s darkly glittering eyes and complied immediately.
Jess nodded, “Now just back off...I don’t wanna hurt you, Sheriff. I just wanna leave, OK?”
But then he gasped, his eyes closed and he swallowed hard as he felt a gun barrel dig into his back and the gruff voice of deputy Denny Jones saying, “Drop it now mister... or I’ll drop you where you stand.”
He did as he was told at once...and then glanced behind him to see the deputy holster his gun and fish in his back pocket for the handcuffs. That’s when Jess sprang into action, jabbing his elbow into the deputy’s belly before turning in an instant and laying a haymaker on him that sent him sprawling. By then Red had lunged at him throwing a punch that Jess ducked and returned smashing his fist into Red’s face and sending him crashing backwards into the bar. Then all hell broke loose as the drinkers pitched in to help the Sheriff. Eventually it took five men to hold him down before Denny managed to get the cuffs on him and march him away to the cells.

Chapter 5
Red watched his old friend closely though the grill between his office and the cells and was shocked by what he saw. It was probably six months since he’d seen Jess, when he’d visited just before Christmas bringing gifts from Daisy for his old Ma. They’d spent a few days together, drinking and reminiscing about past times. Now looking at Jess he could be a completely different person.
He had lost weight, was unkempt, and had an edgy, mean look to him. He constantly prowled around the cell, like a caged animal...pausing briefly to stare out of the barred window, before pacing again.
Red had interviewed him briefly, but he’d remained tight lipped and acted like his old friend was a complete stranger...and he was clearly sick, as Red saw now. It certainly looked like he was suffering from amnesia and having seen the livid scar at his friend’s hairline he could understand that was a real possibility.
This was confirmed by the local doctor who Jess appeared not to recognize.
After examining Jess, old Doc Hanson returned to Red’s office and said, “He’s certainly not faking it.”
“I’ve treated Jess on several occasions as you know, but there wasn’t a flicker of recognition, and from the little he did say…it appears he thinks the war has only recently ended. That head wound is undoubtedly responsible for the amnesia and he’s really not in full possession of all his faculties,” Then said quietly, “and that could make him a rather dangerous prospect... as you have already witnessed Sheriff,” he said; throwing Red’s black eye a compassionate glance.
“So, what do we do?” Red asked looking sorely tried.
“I think he would be best served if he were to be returned to Laramie. Maybe with careful nursing and his loving friends around him he will eventually recover. I know my colleague Doctor Baker would be the ideal practitioner to help him too... He’s quite an expert in this field of work.”
Later that evening Red tried to reason with his old friend again.
“The doc thinks you’d be better off at home Jess and Mort Cory has wired to say Slim’ s on his way up here... he’ll be able to help you buddy.”
Jess just glared at him, “I dunno what the hell yer talkin’ about. I don’t know any Slim...and I ain’t got a home either. So, when can I get out of here huh?” he asked aggressively.
Red shook his head sadly, “You’re going no place buddy, until Slim gets here. Now take that pain medicine the doc left for you and get some shut eye huh.”
“Go to Hell!” Jess yelled... turning his back.
Red bowed his head and left the cells returning to his own office...where he continued to observe his old friend through the grill. He saw him chuck the medicine into the slop bucket and then throw himself down on the bunk.
Sometime later Denny arrived for the night shift and said, “So how’s the prisoner doin’ Sheriff?”
“Not good, and the stupid idiot just ditched the medicine the doc left too,” Red said shaking his head.
Denny rolled his eyes, “You can’t help some folk I guess.”
“Um, well there’s some more on my desk there, if he’s in pain later give it to him will you Denny…I guess we’ve got to keep telling ourselves none of this is his fault, he’s just sick.”
“Sure boss,” Denny said, “you get off I’ll watch him.”
It was about two in the morning when Denny, who was sleeping in one of the cells, was awoken by Jess crying out in pain.
He sighed deeply, dragged himself up and went off into the office to collect the other bottle of pain medicine.
“I’ve got yer medicine here Harper,” he called on his return. But Jess merely writhed on the bed, groaning loudly.
Denny sighed again, but hell the guy was a good friend of his boss and so he figured he should help him out some.
He unlocked the cell and went over with the medicine, “Here,” he said, “sit up and take a swig of this, the doc left it for you.”
As he lent down to pass the medicine bottle Jess shot out a hand and grasping the deputy firmly by the throat, held a knife under his chin.
“You just lay down real quiet and I won’t slit yer throat open,” he snarled threateningly.
Minutes later Denny was gagged by his own bandana and his hands bound with his belt.
Jess put his hunting knife back in his boot and stared down at the deputy for a moment before running from the cell, locking it behind him.
He levered open Red’s desk drawer retrieving his gun and wallet before making for the door.
All was quiet down Main Street as he looked desperately for his mount. He’d left him tethered outside the saloon...and now the street was empty...and his heart sank.
After wandering up and down the street he finally located the livery and made his way in through an unlocked back door.
He heard Traveller’s little snicker of welcome almost as soon as he entered the darkened stable. Then once located he found his saddle and bags alongside the stall. It only took him seconds to saddle up and lead his mount out into the mild moonlit night. He walked him down a back street...then finally mounted and made for the distant mountains at a brisk trot...the smell of freedom never having been so sweet.

********
“What? He did that to you?” Slim asked in shock as he surveyed Red’s fast fading black eye.
“Ha, it’s on the mend now, you should have seen it a few days ago,” he said with a bitter smile.
Slim shook his head, “I just can’t believe it.”
“We’ll you’d better buddy...because the Jess we both know and love has gone. Hell, I hope not for good, but right now he just isn’t himself that’s for sure.”
Slim shook his head, “And he didn’t say anything about what had happened, who shot him, did he remember that much?”
“Hell no, he wouldn’t pass the time of day. The Doc got it out of him that Jess thought it was maybe a year or so after the war in his world...but that’s about it.”
Slim looked troubled at that news.
“He was in a real bad place back in those days you know Red. He’d suffered terribly in a prisoner of war camp.”
“I guess that would be why he took to being locked up so badly,” Red said feeling deeply concerned for his old friend.
“Uh, yeah...and after that he was running with gangs and I figure he was with the Lewis gang at about that time.”
“You know all this for a fact?”
“Oh yeah...it came up quiet recently. Last year we had some trouble with the Lewis Gang over in Laramie.”
“Damn it...I remember that. Jeez they were one hell of a notorious bunch...into cattle rustling and Bank jobs, weren’t they?”
“Yeah, big time, the scourge of the country, wanted for rustling from Texas up to Montana. Jess got out before they were that bad though. He told me Frankie Lewis wanted him to do a bank job over in Denver, just after the war. I think he refused and I figure that didn’t go down too well. Jess never said, but I know there was still ill feeling between him and Lewis.”
“Jess killed Frankie Lewis in Laramie, didn’t he?”
“Yes, there was a shootout with the whole gang in town, and they were all wiped out, thank goodness...” (See #92 Hell Hath No Fury Like....)
“If Jess is reliving riding with those desperadoes, it’s no wonder he’s acting like a fugitive and is spooked by the sight of a tin star,” Red said sadly.
“So how long has he been gone?”
“Four days now. I’ve had a posse out looking. You know Jess though, if he doesn’t want to be found then he won’t be.”
Slim nodded in agreement, “But he’s got to be heading for the border, so I’ll just carry on and hope he drops his guard eventually.”
Red shook his head, “You know what, I figure ol’ Jess is a real lucky guy.”
Slim’ s eyebrows shot up and he looked surprised, “You do?”
“Why sure, having a friend like you,” Red said grinning at him. “Good luck Slim, I figure you’re gonna need it.”

Chapter 6
Slim reckoned later that there were two things that assisted him in finding Jess.
Firstly, he knew the way his mind worked. A few years before they were working as deputies for Mort and trailing some outlaws headed for the Canadian border. Jess had insisted they take the old Indian trail skirting the Tetons and mountain ranges in the Yellowstone, rather than taking a more direct route. Then when questioned he had chuckled and said, “See it’s this way Slim, these no hopers will have taken the old owl hoot trail. This way you don’t meet folk and you have a real good vantage point to check iffen yer bein’ followed too.”
Secondly, Jess got sick...real sick and let his guard drop, just as Slim had hoped. Well he sure hadn’t wanted him to get sick...but just hoped that he would relax some and stop being so darned vigilant.

*******
Once Jess had gotten clear of the town he had ridden like the wind, the moonlit night aiding his escape. He rode on throughout the night and the following day, only pausing to rest and water his mount at noon. Now happy that he‘d put some breathing space between himself and the inevitable posse the Sheriff would have rallied, he relaxed some. He made his leisurely way down a shallow river, crossing and re-crossing several times, before finally leaving by the far bank and scrupulously covering his tracks.
He headed for the mountain foothills, where he’d get a good view of the plain behind him.
Later he was rewarded by the sight of a posse of about a dozen men splitting up to search the distant river bank, before giving up and taking off in a northerly direction.
He chuckled to himself and headed off up the rocky Indian trail heading towards the Yellowstone, where he knew there would be an abundance of wildlife for the pot and plenty of fresh drinking water.
It was several days since his escape from jail and he was beginning to hit some lush countryside with many splendid lakes. The wildlife was abundant and he decided to try something different and take a pot shot at a duck or goose maybe.
His luck was in and he managed to bag a large Canada goose, as it took off from the lake where he’d decided to camp the night.
OK he thought much later, it had tasted a bit strange...but there again he couldn’t recall actually having eaten Canada goose before and figured the gamey flavor was just the natural goose taste. That was until he awoke in the small hours with a terrible belly ache and feeling sick to his stomach. He spent the rest of the night and following morning throwing up and groaning in agony as his guts twisted and his stomach heaved relentlessly.
By afternoon he finally fell into an exhausted sleep by his lakeside campfire.
Slim saw the smoke from the fire as he crested the ridge above Jess’s campsite and his heart lifted at the sight of his buddy lying fast asleep. Then his face relaxed into a wide grin...sleeping on the job huh pard, he said to himself. Jess might be a completely changed character now, according to Red Smith, but some things never change Slim reflected. It looked to him like his buddy had somewhat over indulged on the Red Eye and was sleeping it off.
As he drew near his first observations seemed to support his theory. Jess was indeed dead to the world and looked pale and sickly. As Slim slipped from the saddle and looked down at his old friend he hardly recognized him. Not only did he look real sick, but he’d also lost a lot of weight, his dirty ripped clothes hanging off his spare frame. His slender face sported a dark beard, making him appear even more degenerate.
Then Slim remembered Red’s warning to treat Jess with caution.
“He’s really not the man you know Slim, take care,” he’d warned, “or he’ll draw on you, or worse. We’re talking about one desperate dude here.”
Now Slim decided to heed Red’s words and even though he hated to do it, he crouched down by his buddy and gently removed his Colt .45 from his holster, and then the hunting knife from his boot.
The very fact that he’d been able to accomplish that made the alarm bells ring. Maybe Jess was more than hung over...maybe he was sick?
His question was answered just a little later when Jess’s eyes flicked open and he clasped his stomach groaning quietly. Then he sat up looking blearily around him, before his gaze came to rest on Slim, sitting on a log opposite him.
His immediate reaction was to go for his gun...but then he realized it was gone and now in the possession of the strange now watching him.
He sat up looking furious, “What’s yer game mister?” he growled.
It hit Slim like a ton of bricks...Jess really didn’t know him. Deep down he’d been convinced that as soon as Jess clapped eyes on him, his memory would miraculously return and everything would be alright.
Now his mouth was dry and he felt a little stab of fear. Hell, Jess looked so dang menacing .
“It’s me,” he said quietly, “Slim Sherman...I’m your partner Jess...your buddy.”
“What are ya talkin’ about? I’ve never seen ya in my life before ...and what the hell are ya doin’ with my iron!” he asked belligerently.
“You looked like you might shoot first and ask questions later,” Slim said hoping to add a little levity to the situation.
However, Jess was not for being appeased and said, “Too darn right I would...what do ya want huh?”
“Look Jess we need to talk, you’re sick buddy and you need help.”
“Oh, I’m sick alright,” he replied, swallowing hard and looking like he might throw up again, “I don’t need you to tell me that.”
“No, I mean you caught a bullet...had a really bad head wound Jess and it’s given you amnesia. You’ve lost your memory pard. You need to come back home with me and the doc will help sort it all out...I promise.”
“What in hell are ya talking about?”
Then more quietly to himself, ‘As though it ain’t bad enough I’ve gotten a dang posse on my tail, now I’ve got a crazy man joined in.’
Slim took offense at that and said angrily, “Hell, I’ve trailed you all the dang way from Wyoming to help you out Jess; least you can do is listen to me!”
“And why would you do a dang fool thing like that?” Jess countered.
“Because you’re my best buddy and we all miss you and care about you back at the ranch,” he blurted out.
Jess looked completely nonplussed. Nobody missed him or cared about him. With the exception of Millie of course...but hell she’d gone away with her Ma after the war and he didn’t know where she was right then.
“Look I don’t know who you think I am, but I don’t know you,” he said wearily, “now just leave me in peace will ya.”
Slim sighed deeply and then had an inspired thought.
“You’re an awkward cuss, who hates getting up in a morning and won’t do anything until you’ve downed a pot of gut rot coffee. You think roosters should be strangled at birth and love apple pie, fried chicken and fishing.”
Jess’s head came up and he started listening.
“You still have nightmares about the Banister Gang firing your childhood home and killing most of your kin...and about the God-awful time you spent in the prisoner of war camp.”
Jess narrowed his eyes and looked at Slim really closely, “Who in hell are you?” he gasped, “How do ya know all this?”
Slim just ignored him and played his trump card.
“What’s more you’re in love with a girl called Millie Johnson...and she should be back in Laramie any day now waiting for you.”
That was just a step too far for Jess, “You know Millie...you’ve seen her?”
Slim nodded, “So have you pard. You two have an understanding…Jess please listen to me. It’s not 1866 like you think, its ten years on. You’re a partner in the Sherman Ranch and Relay Station in Laramie, you’ve got friends as good as kin back there all waiting on you coming home.”
Jess just looked deeply shocked, so Slim continued.
“You were on your way back from Cheyenne when this old prospector mistook you for someone else. He shot you in the head Jess and you’ve lost your memory.”
Jess’s head was indeed hurting with all this bizarre information... he couldn’t believe it...could he?
“How do I know I can trust you?” he asked at last.
Slim looked him in the eye and then slowly pulled Jess’s gun and knife from his waistband and passed them over.
“Maybe that’ll prove it,” he said quietly.
Jess accepted his weapons back and looked at Slim in a new light.
“Maybe...just maybe there is some truth in what you say,” he agreed.
“Don’t you want the chance of seeing Millie again?”
“Sure I do.”
They lapsed into silence, but then after a few minutes Jess turned pale. Clutching his stomach he leaned forwards and groaned, before lurching up and heading for the bushes and started chucking up once more.
After a while he returned and threw himself down on his bedroll. He looked just awful Slim thought. He went and refilled his canteen from the lake with cool fresh water and crouching down by Jess passed it over.
“Here Jess, have a drink, it’ll help,” he said softly.
Jess looked up into Slim’ s concerned gaze and felt a wave of...what...familiarity? The faint stirrings of memory and then, just as a dream at dawn, it fled and he was looking into the eyes of a kindly stranger.
Slim saw the flicker of recognition...and then it was gone.
“Thanks,” Jess said gruffly before taking the water and sipping it carefully and then lying back down on the upturned saddle he was using as a pillow.
“Just rest up some huh,” Slim said, with a caring look, hating to see his buddy this way.
Jess saw the warmth in Slim’ s eyes and felt a stab of unease. Was this tall blond man who he said he was...a real good friend? Hell Jess didn’t do friendship anymore. Not real close brotherly relationships anyway. People he cared about...got too close to, ended up dead. Like his kin and the friends, he’d made in the war...It was a risk he wasn’t prepared to take again.
“I’m gonna get some shut eye now,” he drawled, “and don’t even think about comin’ anywhere near my gun again or you’ll regret it...you got that?”
Slim sighed and backed off, “Sure I’ve got it,” he said frowning slightly.
Finding Jess was going to be a hell of a lot more difficult than he had first imagined, he thought.

Chapter 7
It was the following morning before Jess was in any fit state to make a decision. But having slept on it he decided to ride along with the tall lanky blond guy and see if his story held out.
Hell, the thought of actually seeing Millie again was worth taking the risk. If she really was there...then maybe they could take off for Canada together he thought, as long as he could evade the law long enough. Because he sure couldn’t rely on the story the tall rancher was spinning him. That he was a partner in a Ranch and Relay? Nah.
There would be plenty of chances for Slim to try and get the drop on him and deliver him back to the Sheriff in Rawlins, if he’d lied. Jess would be watching him like a hawk and any funny business this uh... Slim would sure regret messing with him.
But there again, maybe there was some truth in the story; after all he’d sure suffered a head wound.
However, everything was so clear in his mind. That fierce row he’d had with Frankie... then finding all that money in his wallet, if not from a bank raid...then where had he got it?
Suddenly Slim was there his horse already saddled, “You ready to ride? He asked cheerfully.
Jess nodded, “I guess so,” and he swung up into the saddle before turning Traveller back in the direction in which he had come.
They traveled for the next few days in reasonable harmony, but Jess was very quiet and withdrawn and Slim just didn’t know what he was thinking. Even when Jess had first arrived at the ranch all those years ago, he had not been as edgy and hard to read as he was now. It was almost like riding with a complete stranger; Slim thought, as he glanced across at his old friend, sipping his coffee beside the camp fire at night. He hadn’t shown any interest in the life Slim insisted he had back in Laramie and it was almost as though he didn’t dare to believe it. As if he didn’t feel he deserved to be a co-ranch owner over in Wyoming and have Millie back in his life too.
From Jess’s perspective that was partially true...but mainly he just couldn’t believe it at all…when his brain was constantly telling him he was a wanted outlaw on the run. His only clear memories were of his violent argument with Frankie...and all that had gone before. Hell, iffen he’d been lucky enough to lead the life this tall stranger had said he did...well wouldn’t he remember it...no matter what?
The closer they came to Rawlins the more anxious and strung out he had become and he was really worrying Slim. That’s why he finally agreed to Jess’s demands…
Slim had agreed to skirt around the town of Rawlins, although he would really have liked to report back to Red that Jess had been found, safe if not completely well.
“You’re not in any trouble I promise you,” he’d told Jess.
But Jess had been adamant that he wasn’t going anywhere near the town.
“Are you crazy, goddamn it? Go back there to be locked up again? After the stunt I pulled on that Deputy...I don’t think I’d be any too welcome, do you?”
Slim tried to explain that Red Smith was a good buddy and all he was concerned about was Jess’s welfare.
But he had just looked incredulous at that and said, “Do you really think I’m dumb enough to swallow that crap?” Then, he’d spurred Traveller off at speed.
They were a good mile or so out of Rawlins and taking a narrow back road that skirted the town. Slim caught up with him about a mile down the road where he’d reined Traveller in. As Slim watched, he plucked a poster from a nearby tree...glanced at it and then screwed it up in a ball and threw it down, a look of fury in his dark blue eyes.
“Not in any trouble, eh?” he yelled furiously. “So just remind me…why did I ever trust you huh?”
“What is it?” Slim asked dismounting quickly and picking up the crumpled poster.
Jess ignored his question and said, “So what are you…a lawman... or bounty hunter maybe? I’ll tell ya it ends now,” he added drawing his gun and aiming it at Slim.
Slim gasped, was this how it was going to end? Was the best friend he’d ever had going to shoot him down in cold blood? But even as he had the thought, he dismissed it. Not Jess... even this rough and ready, war weary, outlaw that was masquerading as Jess...he would never do that.
“What are you going to do?” Slim asked in trepidation as he raised his hands.
Jess slid down from the saddle and sauntered over, still holding his gun on Slim. “I’m gonna tie you up real good and put you on yer horse and head you towards town,” he said with an evil grin. “I figure by the time you and your friend the Sheriff are reunited I’ll be back on my way to the border.”
Then he looked Slim in the eye and frowned, “What the hell did ya think I was gonna do...shoot you down in cold blood?” he asked angrily.
Slim shook his head, “No ... but Jess before you do anything, just read this will you?” He asked proffering the poster that was still clutched in his hand.
“I’ve seen all I dang well need to,” Jess spat angrily. “It’s got my mug shot on it and a reward...what more do I need to see huh?”
“Just read it,” Slim said impatiently.
Jess rolled his eyes, but took the note and started to read...his expression changing from one of exasperation, to surprise and finally embarrassment.
He eventually looked up at Slim and said quietly, “Who put up the reward money?”
“Me, Daisy, Mort Cory...he’s the Sheriff and one of your good friends...and most of our friends and neighbors.”
Jess glanced back down at the poster that read, Wanted, information as to the whereabouts of Jess Harper...Then details of his appearance, followed by, he is believed to be badly injured and possibly suffering from amnesia...$500 reward for any information leading to his being found.
“I’m sorry Slim,” he whispered...holstering his gun. He folded up the poster, placed it carefully in his vest pocket and then hopped up into the saddle again, before turning back to Slim.
“Let’s go home,” he said quietly.
For one deliriously happy moment Slim thought he’d got his pard back. He’d said ‘home’ hadn’t he...had he finally accepted the truth?
But sadly, it was not to be...Jess’s mind was still in as much turmoil as it had been the day he’d been shot.
His whole attitude and behavior was that of a wanted outlaw. Well, at least a man on the drift ‘with trouble written all over him,’ as Slim had once described him to old Jonesy many years before.
Slim reviewed him now as they turned onto the Laramie Road heading towards town and addressed the problem he’d been worrying about for the last few days.
“Uh, when we get to town, I guess you’ll want to clean up some,” he asked hopefully.
Jess glanced over to where Slim was riding alongside him...and made a noncommittal grunt.
“Come on Jess, when was the last time you had a good bath and change of clothes...not to mention shave,” he added glancing at Jess’s now luxuriant dark beard.
He just shrugged, “Dunno,” but looked a little sheepish.
Hell, his buddy wasn’t the sharpest of dressers...unless he was going courting of course. But he was usually reasonably clean and presentable...in a cowboy sorta way, he amended. OK, so the odd ripped shirt and muddy denims were to be expected doing the work they did...but now looking at the state of Jess he couldn’t help himself.
“Come on Jess, you’re a mess buddy...you need to clean up if Millie’s around huh?” He asked grinning.
Jess’s head shot up at that and his eyes narrowed, “What do ya mean if she’s around...she’s here ain’t she?”
Now it was Slim’ s turn to look sheepish, “The thing is she’s been up in Denver visiting her brother Tad...and I’m not sure if she’s back yet.”
Jess frowned and then said, “He’s living there now?”
Slim nodded, “Yup married a gal from that way and they’ve just had their second kid...that’s why Millie’s visiting. He’s a news reporter now and doing real well, so I hear.”
Jess looked astounded and reined Traveller in, “What the hell are you sayin’? Tad’s just a kid himself.”
Slim sighed in exasperation and said, “I keep telling you Jess you’re ten years behind the times!”
But when Jess looked so hurt and lost, Slim took pity on him.
“Look we’ll go get you tidied up some first and then call in the saloon. Old Tom there will know when she’s due home...And uh, I think we need to see the doc too, about your head,” he added.

Chapter 8
Slim left Jess at the Bathhouse and Barbers and hurried down the street to Mort Cory’s office.
He’d already taken all Jess’s filthy clothes, ditched most of them and bought a new shirt, and underclothes, which he’d left at the Bathhouse. He’d also taken his denims to the laundry next door paying top dollar to have them washed, dried and delivered within the hour.
Mort glanced up and saw the big grin on his old friend’s face as he walked in.
“I take it you’ve found him then?”
Slim nodded, collapsing into the chair opposite and tipping his Stetson back.
Then he sobered, “I’ve sure found someone that looks like Jess...but it’s not really him,” he said shaking his head sadly.
“He’s that bad, eh?” Mort asked looking concerned.
“Worse...he drew on me Mort...for one split second I thought my number was up.”
Mort sucked in a breath looking deeply shocked.
“I knew he wouldn’t do it...not really. But hell, it’s like being with a complete stranger Mort. He’s stuck in the time just after the war and I can’t seem to convince him of anything different. Oh sure, he listens to me and seems to understand...then next thing I know he’s looking and acting like some outlaw on the run. I think deep down he still believes that’s who he is.”
“He needs to visit the doc, see if he can talk any sense into him.”
“I’ve just left him at the bathhouse and he was adamant he wouldn’t see the doc.”
Mort grinned, “Some things haven’t changed then.”
“He won’t see you either,” Slim added. “I explained you were real good buddies...but he just doesn’t believe he could have a lawman as a friend. I think he still secretly believes I’m going to hand him over to the law...although I don’t know what he thinks he’s done.”
Mort shook his head sadly, “I’m just amazed you managed to bring him back.”
Slim explained about the reward on the ‘wanted’ poster having clearly touched his pard... and also how he’d used Millie as a lure.
“That’s too bad,” Mort said, “Tom told me she’s staying back in Denver a little longer. Apparently, the baby was premature and Tad’s wife is having trouble coping with a sickly baby and lively two-year-old.”
“It’ll be OK though?” Slim asked anxiously.
“The new baby... oh sure, just kinda small. Seems Millie’s besotted with it; according to her letter to Tom,” Mort said grinning. “I wouldn’t be surprised iffen she didn’t want one of her own the next thing we know,” he added raising an eyebrow.
Slim rolled his eyes, “I reckon the boy’s gotten enough to worry about right now without that.”
Then he stood up, “I’d better go pick him up, I figure the barber will have finished by now...at least he’ll look more like Jess,” he added.
He found Jess smoking a cigarette and waiting moodily outside the barber’s shop.
Looking at his buddy he thought his last words to Mort couldn’t have been more wrong.
Now the full beard was gone he could see his hollow cheeks, making him look almost gaunt. His hair neatly cut also exposed the livid scar to his temple. The new clothes, although Jess’s usual size, hung on him, his belt tightened by a good two notches Slim noted. His general demeanor was mean and moody, the unspoken words, ‘don’t mess with me’ clearly portrayed. He took another deep drag on his cigarette and squinted through the haze of smoke as Slim approached.
He shook his head and tried to dismiss the image, pinned a smile on his face and said, “Are you feeling better now Jess?”
He nodded, “I guess...Uh thanks for the stuff. I’ll pay ya back...”
“OK...uh look Jess...about Millie she’s not back yet but…”
“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Jess broke in with a bitter laugh. “Was she ever here at all?” He asked glaring at Slim.
“I don’t lie,” Slim said now beginning to lose his temper with this belligerent stranger. “If you don’t believe me, come down to the saloon and talk to Tom, the owner, she works there usually and he’s had a letter.”
As it was a weekday afternoon the bar was quiet, when Slim marched in, followed by Jess.
Slim wandered over to the bar and ordered them two beers.
But Jess butted in with, “Whiskey.”
Tom flicked a wary glance at Slim before saying, ‘sure’ and fetching a beer for Slim, glass and whiskey bottle for Jess.
“Good to have you home Jess,” he said uncertainly as he pushed the whiskey across.
Jess frowned at him, sank the whiskey in one and then said gruffly, “So have you heard from Millie?”
Again, Tom flicked Slim an anxious look before turning and plucking a letter from the shelf behind him, “I sure have, would you care to read it Jess?” he asked quietly.
Jess’s countenance cleared and he said softly, “I’d be real obliged, thank you,” and taking the letter and bottle to a table in the far corner he sat and commenced reading.
Tom turned back to Slim and whispered, “Is he alright...he looks awful?”
Slim shook his head, “He’s kinda sick right now Tom, got memory problems. Pay him no heed, he doesn’t mean it.”
“Sure, sure...as long as there’s no trouble huh,” the barkeep said with feeling.
He’d seen Jess drunk and disorderly, just gagging for a fight with all comers, only once or twice, but it wasn’t a scenario he wanted repeated.
“I’ll keep an eye on him, don’t worry,” Slim said quickly, before striding over to join his pard.
“Well, what does she say?”
Jess just pushed the letter across, “A whole load of baby stuff,” he said dismissively.
Slim read it and grinned across, “Well you know women, can’t resist a new born, they’re all the same.”
“I guess...”
“And anyway, Jess this proves something...did you notice the date at the top of the letter?”
“That don’t prove nuthin’. That barkeep might have written that on to fool me. You two could be in league. That Sheriff I’m supposed to be so dang friendly with will probably come in here and ask me to go check out his cells any minute now,” he added bitterly.
“Jess you’re getting unreasonable!”
“Huh?”
“Thinking everyone is against you.”
“Well, they are ain’t they?” he spat angrily, before pouring another glass of whiskey and tipping it back with a grimace.
“No, they’re not...and if we’re going back to the ranch later, you’d better ease up on the drinking too.”
“What are you, my Ma?” Jess asked aggressively.
Slim rolled his eyes, “Look Daisy and Mike are at home and I sure don’t want you turning up drunk, they’d be really upset.”
“Daisy... uh she put up some money on the reward didn’t she...So who is she...your gal... mine?”
Slim sighed in exasperation, “I thought Millie was your girl?”
“So did I, but she didn’t write me did she?” Jess said.
Slim shook his head in bewilderment, “You’ve been away haven’t you...there’s probably one waiting for you back at the ranch.”
Jess poured himself another drink and thought about that.
“So is Daisy your woman?” he finally asked.
Slim shook his head, “No, she’s our housekeeper.”
Jess grinned and winked at that, “Well iffen that’s what you wanna call her...”
“Jess behave yourself!” Slim exploded, “Show some respect will you! Daisy is a perfectly respectable older lady, who looks after us. In fact, she’s more like a Ma to us all.”
Jess looked surprised, “Hell why have an old biddy iffen you could get a nice young...uh housekeeper?”
“Because we wanted someone up to the job, sensible but caring, to look after Mike.”
Jess’s eyebrows shot up, “So who in hell is Mike?”
“He’s our ward...an orphan that landed at the ranch a few years ago...we adopted him.”
“Hang on...you say WE adopted him?”
“Yup, he’s a great kid Jess, you love him... we all do.”
“This just gets better and better,” Jess said, his voice laden with irony, “so I live with some old dear and a dang kid?”
“With Daisy and Mike yes,” Slim said hotly. “I know you’re sick right now Jess, not thinking straight. But so help me…you upset them, and you’ll have me to answer to...you got that?”
Jess looked into Slim’ s uncompromising gaze and nodded.
“Sure, I’ve got that.”
“Good, drink up…we’re going home!”

Chapter 9
They put their horses up for the night in the barn and then strolled over to the ranch house. But before they reached the porch, the door was flung open and a little blond whirlwind hurled himself at Jess.
“Jess... Jess, you’re home. I knew Slim would find ya…I just knew it!”
“Aunt Daisy,” he hollered over his shoulder, “Jess is home!”
The child had been so excited he hadn’t noticed that Jess hadn’t grabbed him and thrown him around in the air before giving him a bear hug...his usual greeting after any absence.
Slim flicked an anxious glance over to Jess and saw nothing but mild embarrassment in his eyes at all the fuss. But after a second, he rallied and punched the boy lightly on the shoulder and said kindly, “Howdy young ‘un it’s good to be home.”
Slim sighed with relief, Jess might look like some sort of desperado right now, but he’d always been good with kids. Coming from a large family he knew just how to deal with them...thank the Lord he thought fervently.
Then Daisy was there her face full of joy...until she focused on the young man she thought of as a son, and her expression froze as she took in this mere shadow of the Jess she knew and loved so well.
“Oh Jess,” was all she could manage.
He tipped his hat to her and gave her a brave smile, “Ma’am,” he said quietly.
That shocked her even more than his appearance. But she recovered quickly remembering the wire Red had sent saying Jess had severe memory loss...and was currently in a bad place.
“Come along in,” she said quickly. “It’s Mike’s bed time so you can catch up tomorrow. We’ve had supper, but I can easily rustle you up something hot,” she added quickly.
“Thanks Daisy,” Slim said with a warm smile.
“Aw, must I? I wanna talk to Jess,” Mike said looking hard done by.
“Yes, you must,” Slim said firmly, “come on Mike I’ll read you a story, while Aunt Daisy’s busy with supper. Jess is kinda beat right now, you can talk tomorrow huh?”
Once the two had gone Jess followed Daisy into the kitchen and offered to help.
“No dear I can manage, you just sit there,” she said indicating a chair by the kitchen table, “You look done in.”
He watched her busily bustling about and then after a while said, “You do know I don’t recognize you, don’t you...Daisy? In fact, I don’t even know what I’m doing here,” he added bitterly.
She spun around to face him at that; looking upset.
“Yes, I do understand that, Jess. But it’s only temporary, you will get better you know. And this is your home...of course you should be here.”
“Is it,” he blurted out, “because I really don’t know?”
“Yes...Slim wouldn’t lie to you. You’ve lived here for over seven years...and are a partner in the business. But more importantly you are like a brother to Slim...and a son to me...and as for young Mike, you adore him. I just wish you could remember!”
“You and me both,” he said forlornly.
After supper Daisy opted for an early night, thinking Slim and Jess needed some time to talk and try and get to know each other again.
Part of her was terribly worried that maybe he would never recover...and if so, would he even stay? Everything about him seemed different. He was appreciative of her cooking, but hardly ate anything...which was so out of character. He even refused apple pie, which was unheard of.
But worse than that was the terrible haunted look behind his eyes...as though he had witnessed some unspeakable trauma that had killed something deep inside him. In the end it was all too much for her. Her motherly instincts just wanted to hug him and make everything better...but she knew that just wasn’t in her powers.
Once she had retired for the night the men took their coffee to the fireside and after a while Slim said quietly, “She’s upset...”
Jess’s head shot up and he said, “Hell it ain’t anything I’ve done...been on my best behavior ain’t I?”
Slim nodded, “You don’t have to do anything Jess. It’s the way you are right now. Jeez, you look like you’ve been living off black coffee, whiskey and cigarettes for the last few weeks.
“So, what’s wrong with that?” he asked, with a cheeky grin.
Slim merely rolled his eyes and shook his head, “Well if you don’t know...”
Then he looked thoughtful, “I forgot to ask about the sale of those mustangs...but there again I guess you won’t remember. You were on your way back when that guy shot you,” he explained.
“Sale?” Jess asked his head shooting up, “A cash sale?”
“Yup, should have been.”
Jess pulled out his stuffed wallet and handed over the wad of notes. “Would this be right?”
Slim flicked through the money and grinned, “Spot on, less what you spent on supplies, I guess. We’ll just deduct that from your half huh?” he added with a cheeky grin.
“What...my half?” Jess asked looking surprised.
“Sure, we’re equal partners aren’t we...check out the sale receipt if you don’t believe me,” he added.
Jess looked back in his wallet and pulled out a folded sheet of paper, with the heading Sherman Ranch and Relay Station Proprietors M Sherman and J Harper, then ‘received with thanks’; and the substantial sum...a copy of the sales receipt he’d given the rancher in Cheyenne, he figured.
Jess grinned...the big guy was telling the truth. And even better he hadn’t done that bank job after all. This wasn’t his share of the Denver Bank raid...but legitimately earned mustang money.
But his relief was short lived...he still couldn’t remember if he’d taken part in the raid or not. Maybe he had done so, but refused to take his cut. He’d been on the run for one reason or another; he was dang sure about that, but why?
They turned in sometime later and Slim had to hide a smile at Jess’s usual desultory wash before he crashed into bed, falling asleep moments later...some things would never change he thought to himself.
Unfortunately, the other thing that hadn’t changed were the horrendous nightmares he always suffered if he was troubled about something. He muttered and cussed in his sleep waking Slim a few times. At one stage he cried out, sitting bolt upright and staring about him in consternation. Slim’ s usual response was to call out and calm his buddy saying it was OK, just a bad dream. But he decided against that thinking the presence of a virtual stranger would just make matters worse. Thankfully he lay back down again after a few minutes and fell asleep again.
The following morning Jess was gone.
Slim awoke at first light stretched lazily and then glanced over at the other bed...it was empty. His immediate reaction was that Jess had run out on him.
The tension of trying to fit into his old life was seemingly too much for him. Heck if he really was reliving his life after the war, it had been spent on the drift. He wouldn’t even be used to having a roof over his head, much less fitting into a tightly knit household, with an elderly woman and young child to consider...plus the daily grind of ranch life.
Slim leapt out of bed and dressed quickly, before heading for the front door. He could hear Daisy banging about in the kitchen preparing breakfast and he let himself out quietly before checking the yard and outhouse.
When he drew a blank, he made for the barn to check on Traveller.
As he opened the door Jess spun around from where he’d been grooming his horse...his Colt .45 in his hand in the blink of an eye.
As soon as he saw who it was, he holstered the weapon and threw Slim an apologetic glance, “Sorry,” he muttered.
Slim had gasped at the speed of the draw, hell he’d always been fast...but this?
He figured the lightning reactions must be a testament as to how strung out his partner was right then. The least thing alarming him...again just like a man on the run.
“That’s OK...I guess I should have given you some warning. So, what are you doing up so early?”
He shrugged, “Couldn’t sleep...”
“Oh...uh, Jess you are staying, aren’t you?” he blurted out, suddenly needing to know.
“I said I would, didn’t I?” he replied coldly.
“Good, breakfast’s probably ready now, you coming in?”
Mike was beside himself with excitement at the breakfast table and could hardly sit still.
“Hey Mike calm down will you,” Slim said, “What’s gotten into you today huh?” He asked with an indulgent smile.
“Have you forgotten?” He asked giggling with glee. “It’s the last day of term. School’s out for the summer this afternoon. Then next week me and Aunt Daisy are goin’ on our usual holiday to stay with Aunt Annie over in Cheyenne!”
Then his face fell, “Aw I really wanna go, but I’ll sure miss you, Jess. What with you havin’ been away and all.”
Then turning to the blond rancher, “You too of course Slim,” he added kindly.
“Uh, Mike if you’ve quite finished eating would you go and brush your teeth and get your bag dear, Mose will be here any minute,” Daisy smiled.
Once he’d run off to do as he’d been bid, she turned troubled eyes on Slim and said, “I really don’t think I can go...not at the moment.” With the words not with Jess being so unwell... left unsaid.
“Heck we’ll be just fine Miss Daisy,” Jess said at once, picking up on the undercurrent. “Won’t we Slim?” he added.
Slim glanced over at Daisy and figured it would probably be all to the good if she and Mike were away for a while, with Jess’s behavior being so unpredictable right then.
Now he took Daisy’s hand across the table and smiled, “I agree with Jess, the change will do you good and we’ll be just fine.”
Famous last words he was to think later.

Chapter 10
Almost from the day that Mike and Daisy left Jess’s behavior changed again.
He became even more aloof and withdrawn, spending hours alone riding fence.
He was still eating little, but smoking heavily and was extremely wary if anyone visited the ranch. Finding it especially hard to be welcoming to folk Slim introduced as old friends, being mistrustful of everyone. Even though Slim reassured him and told him who folk were and how well they knew him; Jess was still aloof and quiet.
Also, it was almost as though he was afraid to revisit his recent past as he changed the subject whenever Slim started to talk about it.
However, one evening when they were enjoying a welcome whiskey at the end of the day Slim told Jess about how he’d fetched up at the ranch. Then how he had finally decided to hang up his old gunslinger weapon once and for all and make a fresh start.
Jess suddenly started listening...his eyes narrowed and he frowned at Slim.
“It were you weren’t it? Took my iron and exchanged it fer that ol’ Colt I wear now? Jeez I thought it was that mad man that shot me who took it...but he swore to the Sheriff he didn’t. So, it were you all along Slim!”
Slim tensed, suddenly alerted to the change of atmosphere in the room.
“You gave it up voluntarily Jess...I didn’t take it off you.”
“Nah, I don’t buy that, I’d never give it up...so where is it huh?” he asked belligerently.
Slim glanced over to the loose brick near the fireplace, where it had been placed by Jess all those years ago...and thought this couldn’t be happening, it was all just a bad dream.
The look wasn’t lost on Jess and he stood up and turned to face Slim, “Are you gonna tell me, or do I hafta pull the place apart?” He asked aggressively.
Slim sighed and finally went over and fetched the gun from its hiding place and passed it across.
Jess quickly unfolded the cloth that it was wrapped in and gave a small sigh as he saw his beloved gun once more. He had a look of what in those deep blue eyes? Relief, yes it was relief that Slim saw in his friend’s expression. Then he turned away, took it over to the table and after collecting the things he needed commenced stripping and cleaning the gun thoroughly.
After a while Slim wandered over and stood hands in pockets looking down at the work in progress and said softly, “Please tell me you aren’t going to start using that again Jess.”
Jess spun the cylinder and then looked down the barrel before glancing up at Slim, “Why wouldn’t I? It’s a real good gun.”
“Because it’s a dang gunslinger’s weapon, a killing machine Jess, you put it up for good...It was a...a symbol of your new life. Hell, can’t you see that? You made a promise to me!”
Jess threw him a cold look, “I don’t remember any of that. All I know is this is my gun and it’ll keep me safe...you got a problem with that?”
“Keep you safe from who...from what?” Slim exploded.
He just shrugged, “Anyone...anything...”
“Jess, will you talk sense!” Slim yelled thoroughly rattled now. “It’ll more likely get you killed.”
Jess stood up abruptly holstering his iron before heading for the door where he snagged his hat and jacket.
“Where the hell do you think you’re going at this time?” Slim yelled.
“Town,” Jess threw over his shoulder and a little later Slim heard him riding out at speed.
He didn’t return until the following day.
That was to be the pattern on many days. He would simply take off without any warning, returning the following morning looking hung over and weary...and Slim figured he hadn’t been attending a prayer meeting.
The final straw came one Saturday, when Mort rode in early. He tethered his buckskin and strode purposely across the porch and knocked a loud tattoo on the front door.
An anxious looking Slim opened it and said, “Morning Mort...trouble?”
The Sheriff grinned at his old friend and raising an eyebrow said, “Are you expecting trouble Slim?”
The tall rancher nodded, “I guess I am; the way Jess has been behaving lately...just a matter of time.”
“Uh,” said Mort taking the offered seat at the table and accepting a coffee.
“I won’t disappoint then Slim...he’s currently sleeping it off in one of my cells.”
“I knew it,” Slim said angrily, putting his cup down with a clatter. “So, what’s he done?
“According to Tom it wasn’t all Jess’s fault, to be fair. Apparently young Johnny Wells was teasing him about the iron he was toting...asked when he was thinking of trying it out on a bank raid...he just ignored that.”
Slim breathed a sigh of relief, “And then?”
“Then Rod Jenks started sounding off about Confederate scum...you know what he’s like...still harps back to the war any chance he gets. That was like a red rag to a bull...Jess knocked six bells out of him and then was taking on all comers. The saloon was wrecked and Tom isn’t any too pleased, even if he can see Jess’s point of view.”
Slim frowned, “His head’s all over the place Mort, he still seems to think the war is only just over...and those scars are real raw for him...And I don’t mean the physical ones either.”
“I know and I understand; really, I do Slim. But I can’t have him kicking off this way all the time. This isn’t the first bit of bother he’s gotten himself into lately. Can you try and reason with him?”
“Oh, I’ve tried believe me. I think he accepts what the year is now...but up here,” he said tapping his head, “he still has all those feelings he had back then. And worse still, he doesn’t remember anything of his recent past or even show any interest in it.”
“Maybe he’s frightened,” Mort said with great insight. “Making a new life...learning to trust again...to make real close friends...that was hard for him back then...and maybe he just can’t do it again?”
Slim was impressed, “Gee that’s the sorta thing Doc Sam would come out with...how come you’re so knowledgeable Mort?”
The Sheriff sighed and looked off into space, before answering.
“I had a real good friend in the war, suffered the same thing...memory loss...and when he finally recovered, we told him the way he’d acted he just couldn’t believe it. He said it was all like some kind of weird dream looking back. See what I’m saying is, this isn’t really Jess ...he’s just sick, and I guess we need to find some way to get him back in the real world.”
“Maybe I should knock him on the head,” Slim said with a grim smile, “that always seems to work in the dime novels.”
Mort grinned, “I guess it’s just a matter of time...what does the doc think?”
Slim shrugged, “Jess refuses to see him.”
Mort rolled his eyes, “Heck Slim, the doc’s always visiting to fish your lake, isn’t he? Ask him over and just tell Jess he’s another buddy he doesn’t remember. Then let Sam talk to him, can’t do any harm can it...huh?”
Slim grinned, “Yup good idea... OK, I’ll come bail him out,” he said looking resigned.
Mort nodded, “Don’t be too hard on him Slim. He had a bad time last night...I figure being locked up in a cell brought back real bad memories for him.”
Slim rode back into town with Mort and visited Sam arranging for him to fish the following afternoon and talk to Jess. The doc was happy to oblige and tried to reassure Slim that the current disorder was hopefully only temporary and Jess would doubtless be his old self before too long.
Then Slim wandered over to the jail to pay Jess’s fine.
He was alarmed to see the state of his buddy when he was released. He was pale and shaken and Slim figured it was as much to do with the incarceration as to a hangover.
Once the fine had been paid and they were on their way home, Slim said, “Are you OK?”
Jess slowed his pace and threw Slim a heartrendingly sad look, “I am now, thanks for springing me Slim.”
For one giddy moment it was almost like he had his old pard back...and this was endorsed a little later when Slim suggested a fishing trip to the lake the following day.
“Now yer talkin’,” Jess said grinning from ear to ear...all his problems forgotten...for a little while at least.

Chapter 11
As Jess sat by the lakeside fishing, he reflected on the last couple of weeks since he’d been at the ranch.
It had been oh so hard to put his trust in the tall blond stranger and to try and settle down at the ranch where he allegedly lived. Sure, he’d made an effort to go through the act of being kindly towards the woman and boy and to chat with the rancher...but they were all strangers and he was terribly lonely. Not for people; so much as his old way of life...the freedom of going where he pleased, the sun on his back, wind in his face and nothing but the open road before him.
There was something else too, the constant fear that he would be found. He felt it in his very bones that someone was after him...whether it was Frankie or the law he couldn’t remember. But he was on the run, of that he was sure and the longer he stayed in the one place the more likely he was to be run to ground. But what if this man Slim was right...he really was suffering from memory loss...could he really afford to leave everything and escape? Maybe if he stuck it out his memory would return in time? He just didn’t know which way to turn.
Then his reverie was interrupted by Slim coming and sitting beside him at the lakeside.
“Any luck yet?”
He shook his head, “Nope...” and then grinning, “But it’s just a matter of time...”
Slim grinned back and remembered his words to Mort the previous day...a matter of time before Jess got into serious trouble.
“I was uh, thinking maybe it would be a good idea to stay out of town for a while, just until everything settles down,” Slim said quietly.
“Hell, I told you it weren’t my fault!” Jess exploded, “That guy was goading me about the war, he was askin’ for it.”
“I know Jess, Mort explained...but even so.”
“Yeah, yeah...OK I get it.”
Then he looked thoughtful, “By the way I decided not to press charges against that prospector guy who you say shot me.”
Slim looked surprised, “Really, that’s very understanding of you buddy.”
Jess looked off to the horizon and then turning to Slim said, “According to Mort it seems he was real spooked, thought I was a guy gunning for him. I guess it’s easy to go off half-cocked that way when yer real fearful...could happen to anyone.”
Slim remembered how Jess had spun around and drawn on him in the barn the other morning when he’d been caught unawares and he nodded, “Sure,” he agreed.
“Anyway, the Sheriff’s jail was real busy so this Doon guy was over at the Laramie jail...I didn’t see him, but told Mort to go ahead and let him go free. It seems like his ex-partner is after him, so I reckon he’s got enough on his plate,” he said rolling his eyes.
It was sometime later when Jess was alerted to a stranger riding in, but before he could draw Slim put a restraining hand on his arm, “It’s OK it’s an old friend, I invited him to join us...a guy named uh…Sam... Sam Baker.”
Doc Sam dismounted and came over and was introduced and after a while they settled down to their fishing.
Later in the morning Slim decided to try his luck a little further along the shore leaving Jess and Sam chatting quietly. Slim told me about you losing your memory,” the doc had said, “and I’m sorry Jess I can see it’s really difficult for you.”
Jess threw him a quizzical glance, “Oh yeah?”
Sam chuckled, “It’s the way you keep looking out to those distant mountains...like one of those ornery mustangs you break...like you’d rather be out in the Big Open, than stuck here. Am I right? Not over keen on settling back down to ranch life and all the responsibility of having an elderly lady and child on board too huh?”
Jess’s eyes narrowed, “You seem to understand me real well...so who are you... really?”
“Just a good friend,” Sam said, not wishing to show his cards lest Jess clam up. Slim had already said he’d refused point blank to see a doctor.
“Nope, you’re real shrewd sayin’ that...”
He looked more closely, “You sure ain’t a rancher with those soft hands and clean nails. Uh...not a business man I guess you’d be way too busy to be fishin’ on a workin’ day. A Padre maybe...you’re sure the carin’ type...but no clerics garb....so aha...yer the Doc ain’t you...huh?”
Sam grinned at him then, “Well done...Slim figured if Mohammad wouldn’t come to the mountain...well then, I would have to do a home call,” he said.
“I told him I didn’t wanna see a doc,” Jess said coldly.
“You’re not Jess you’re seeing one of your best friends...and one that’s very concerned about you...we all are. Mort, Tom, Me and of course Slim, so don’t be mad at us please.”
Jess bowed his head and then looked up, “I’m sorry Sam, but all this is kinda hard you know?”
“Indeed, I understand and I can see that it must be unnerving for you to find you have all these good friends who care about you. I’m guessing in your current mind set...having lost so many good friends in the war...you’d find it difficult to risk a close friendship again...am I correct?”
“Maybe...yeah,” he said softy. “Dang it, Sam, if only I could remember...it’s drivin’ me crazy you know?” he said with a sudden spark of anger.
Sam nodded, “That’s why I propose you go away for a while, mustanging or maybe a hunting trip? Something to give you solitude so you can really relax...and then once the pressure is off, your memory should return, given time.”
“You can promise that can ya doc?” Jess asked sarcastically.
Sam shook his head, “Nothing can be a hundred percent guaranteed in medicine. But I’d give you good odds on it...if I were a gambling man,” he added with a wink.

*******
Jess took off a couple of days later. Slim had given him directions to the line cabin on the Sherman Mountain and Jess was going to look out for any passing mustangs...or at least pick up a deer on his way back.
It had taken Sam longer to convince Slim that it was a good idea than it had to sell it to Jess.
“He’s really vulnerable right now Sam and as easily spooked as a turkey on Thanksgiving. What if he gets himself in some kind of trouble up there...or doesn’t come back?”
“Just relax and have faith in him Slim. This is still the same old Jess, he can look after himself...and I figure he just needs some space to sort his mind out, he’ll be back, you’ll see.”

*******
As Jess approached the mountain cabin, Slim’ s last words were echoing in his mind.
“Just take it real easy Jess, try and relax some huh? And uh...buddy don’t forget where you started from huh?”
He slipped down from the saddle and hitching Traveller to the rail stepped onto the porch, before turning and looking around him. Above him soared the pine clad grandeur of the Sherman Mountain, its peak shrouded in cloud. Then he looked in front of him to the trail he’d just traveled and beyond mile after mile of open grassland, the Sherman Lake sparkling on the distant horizon. It sure was a purty spot he acknowledged, before turning to make his way into the small cabin.
He stood on the threshold and as he looked into the tidy, well-appointed room he was suddenly flooded with emotion. A deep sadness threatened to engulf him as he looked across the cabin to a comfortable looking bed in the corner. He stared at it trying to grasp some elusive memory...but it was gone.
The rest of the room was surprisingly well furnished for a lowly hunting shack, having a couch pulled up in front of the fireplace, a small kitchen area, dining table and chairs and two further cot beds stacked up by the far wall. He noted the kindling wood and logs in a basket by the fire place and quickly got a blaze going, put the coffee pot in place and then went out to tend to Traveller’s needs.
Later as night fell, he decided to enjoy the last of the day out on the bench by the cabin door and he relaxed back as darkness fell. The sky was slowly sprinkled with a galaxy of glittering stars...the moon casting a luminous almost ghostly light around the cabin.
Then as he sat back relaxing with his coffee...he suddenly had a flashback...so clear and vibrant that it near took his breath away.
He saw a beautiful, wraith like girl, dancing before him. Her fragile body swaying and she was laughing joyfully as she looked skywards to where a myriad of snowflakes drifted softly down.
Again, he was flooded with sadness and a deep sense of loss...before the vision disappeared as quickly as it had manifested.
When the time came for him to turn in, he avoided the large comfy bed for some reason and chose one of the cots, which he pulled up beside the fire...the cabin suddenly striking quite chilly.
He awoke sweating and shaking several hours later. He sat up and peered around the room trying to catch his breath before eventually laying back down again. It was just a nightmare he told himself as again he relived the icy cold body lying next to him in the large bed. Looking down at the beautiful face of the dancing girl, now as white and cold as marble...he knew she was dead. (See # 19 Daisy’s Dilemma)
The following morning, he decided to head down the far side of the mountain to where Slim had said there was a river overflowing with fish waiting to be caught. That was just what he needed he decided, some down time to relax and think of nothing. Hell, the events of the previous night had really spooked him. Who was this mysterious girl...and what was she to him? If this was a sign that his memory was returning, as Doc Sam had promised, maybe he was better off just forgetting his past for good he thought wryly.
He had a good day and all thoughts of ghostly visions were gone as he made his way happily back to the cabin with an abundant catch of fish for his supper.
However, as he entered the clearing, he saw three horses tethered outside the cabin and smoke issuing from the chimney.
His first thought was that Slim had come up to check on him...and maybe brought some friends? But he didn’t recognize any of the horses as belonging to the ranch. Anyway, Slim had told him that he always rode Alamo if he was going any distance.
He was still back under the pines that surrounded the small shack and he slipped from the saddle. Then he tethered Traveller to one of the trees before collecting his rifle and making his way stealthily towards the cabin.
He peered in through the window...
Three rough looking men, in buckskins were seated before the fire, drinking coffee and chatting softly. The oldest of the three had his feet up on a stool and was really making himself at home Jess saw with rising anger. The two younger men looked less comfortable and as Jess leaned in further, he heard one say, “I dunno Pa, I think it’s kinda rude to pitch up and drink his coffee without bein’ invited in...”
“Aw he won’t fret son,” the older man said with a lopsided grin, “not when he sees what we’ve fetched him anyways. Nah, he’ll be fine... he won’t mind.”
That’s when Jess saw red... he kicked the door open and levelled the rifle at the group and said gruffly, “I dang well do mind! Now who the hell are you...and what are you doin’ in my cabin huh?”
All three men turned as one and stared at him with varying looks of shock on their faces...but the old man was the first to rally.
“Howdy there, Jess, good to see ya.”
Jess narrowed his eyes and stared coldly at him, “Do I know you?”
“Sure, you do son! It’s me...old Denver James...and my boys Cody and Mick. Hell Kate said you’d been kinda sick, but she didn’t say you’d lost yer doggone mind boy!”
Suddenly it was all too much for Jess. Here was someone else he had no memory of...and by the looks of the rough looking trio they were trouble he surmised. And who was this, Kate? What lies had she spread about him? Heck, they could tell him anything and he wouldn’t know whether they were lying or not, and he felt suddenly very vulnerable.
“Get the hell out a here!” Jess yelled gesturing with his rifle.
“There’s no need to get so dang ornery Jess boy, why dontcha sit down and take a drink with us...and maybe we can do a bit of business huh?”
“What kinda business?” Jess asked frowning suspiciously.
“The usual of course...Jeez you really have lost it ain’t you,” he said with a gummy grin. “Why Moonshine of course Jess. We’ve got a new batch ready and we’ll give it you discount like always...”
“I don’t want yer damn hooch,” Jess cussed angrily, and leaning forwards he kicked Denver’s feet off the stool and he stumbled forwards.
“Now I ain’t tellin’ you again...git,” he growled furiously.
Cody helped his Pa up from where he was sprawled on the floor and turned an angry flushed face towards Jess, “There ain’t no call to be so dang unfriendly Jess,” he yelled, Denver’s boys always being very protective of their pa.
“Just git,” Jess yelled back; waving the rifle at the trio again.
That was enough for Cody, taking Jess unawares with his speed he kicked the rifle out of his hand and launched himself at Jess pinning him to the ground and raining blows down on him.
However, Jess eventually managed to break free and sent Cody sprawling with a well-aimed hay maker...and that’s when Mick pitched in with Denver urging them all to calm down.
“Leave it boys,” he yelled, “you can see Jess ain’t himself.”
But once Cody and Mick got themselves all fired up nothing could stop them and Jess had his work cut out to stay on top. Even though it was two to one he still had the upper hand until a lucky punch to the guts from Cody brought him to his knees. But then after a few seconds he was up again and renewed his battle with an even more zealous attack.
It was still anybody’s fight when a single shot rang out and all turned to see a slight woman dressed from head to toe in buckskin standing in the doorway cradling the recently discharged rifle.
Jess looked across to the handsome woman with the white blond hair and tanned face of his old friend Kate Munroe; her deep blue eyes twinkling in merriment.
“I know how y’all enjoy a good ol’ fight,” she said grinning, “But I figure Slim don’t need the cabin wrecked, huh boys?”
“Sorry Ma’am,” both brothers said as they stood up brushing themselves down and looking rather sheepish, Cody finally offering Jess a hand up.
“Kate?” Jess whispered in wonder, “what the Hell are you doin’ here?”

Chapter 12
Once Kate had suggested Denver and the boys go back to their camp and leave Jess and her to talk, she settled down with a coffee before the fire and smiled over at her old friend.
“Well thank God I recognize someone,” he said giving her a rueful smile. “I guess I was kinda hard on the old guy and his boys...if they really are friends... that is?” He asked raising an inquiring eyebrow.
“Yes, they are good friends of yours Jess and my kin too. Denver is a second cousin and I’ve been living up here on the mountain with him and the boys for a few years now. After my man died, I gave up running the saloon back on the Panhandle and came up here...never looked back,” she added grinning, “The life suits me real well.”
Jess remembered Kate and her husband who ran the local saloon back in his hometown in Texas real well...and he figured his old Pa knew her even better, amount of time he spent in the place. She ran a tight ship and wasn’t afraid to throw drunks out...or use her rifle if she needed to. He’d always admired and respected her and was thankful to have her company.
He sighed, “So how come I remember you and not Denver...or even Slim and Daisy?” he asked. “Jeez, I really thought I was beginning to get better you know.”
“I’ve just ridden in from Laramie and according to Mort Cory the doc said that you are stuck in ‘66 or ‘67. And don’t recall anything...or anyone after that time. Of course, you knew me growing up...so...”
Jess nodded, “At least I’m not completely loco.”
Then he frowned, “So you know the Sheriff?”
“Oh, I know him alright,” she said with a wicked wink. “Let’s just say if I was the settling down sort...well Mort would be in the running...maybe even top of the list...but don’t tell him that.”
He grinned back at her, “Not Denver then?”
“Hell no, our relationship is purely one of convenience. I feed them and look out for them when they’re sick and in return ol’ Den and the boys watch my back and make sure we have plenty of fresh meat on the table and some good grog to wash it down.”
Then grinning at him she produced a small bottle from her bag and said, “Speaking of which, care for a liven-er?” she asked waggling the bottle at him.
Once they both had a good splash of the strong hill whiskey in their coffee, they settled down sipping it with relish.
After a few minutes Jess said, “Good stuff, I shouldn’t have been so hasty in chucking him out.”
She smiled back at him, “Den doesn’t hold grudges...he’ll understand you’re just not yourself at the moment Jess,” she said kindly.
Then after a moment, “So why did you sling him out that way?”
He shrugged, “Dunno, I guess I just don’t trust anyone right now. I get real spooked thinkin’ folk are gunnin’ for me,” he added rolling his eyes, “I can’t explain it.”
“You’re doing real well, go on...”
“I’m always lookin’ over my shoulder. Hell Kate, I really think someone is out to get me. It’s like I’m on the run, you know?”
“If your mind’s stuck back in ’66 you probably were,” she said with a chuckle, “either from the law...or a decent woman.”
He grinned back, “Ain’t that the truth.”
Then giving her a loving smile said, “Thanks Kate.”
“What for boy?”
“Fer just bein’ you...”
A little later she was gazing thoughtfully into the fire and said, “Tell me Jess, is there anyone in particular that you feel is after you?”
He nodded and said, “Sure...I keep getting this feeling Frankie Lewis is trailin’ me.”
Kate sucked in a breath and turned to look at him, “So why would that be boy?” Hell, she knew Lewis was dead...but how would Jess react to that in his current state of mind she wondered.
“One of the last things I remember was arguing with him about doing a bank job in Denver. I really didn’t want any more to do with him and the Gang...things had turned sour. I didn’t want any part of that way of life no more...and I told him that... I guess he took it kinda bad.”
She nodded sagely, “I remember hearing about that bank job.”
“Was...was I there?” He asked...hardly daring to hear the reply.
Kate peered across at him in the slowly darkening room and nodded, “Yes...yes, I think you were.”
That was the answer he’d dreaded, “No,” he whispered...and cussed softly.
“I never heard the true story,” she added. “Some folk said the raid was foiled and the gang left with nothing...others that several people died and they got away with a fortune. Things get distorted with re-telling,” she added quickly, “and papers write what they think folk want to hear. By the time the news drifted down to Texas...who knew what the truth was?”
“So, if I was there...I could still be wanted...couldn’t I?”
“That was all a real long time ago Jess...I shouldn’t fret...Hell Mort Cory would hardly get you to act as his Deputy if there was a price on your head now would he, huh?”
He just shrugged, “I guess not.”
A little later Jess lit the lamps and Kate cooked up the fish he’d caught and they enjoyed a relaxed supper.
Seeing that he was in need of the company Kate agreed to stay the night and so they settled down before the fire once more.
“You said earlier, you thought you were beginning to get better?” she asked
He nodded, “Yeah, it’s this place...kinda sparked off…not memories exactly, more feelings of sadness...loss. Real strange...and there was a girl…she was so dang beautiful and kinda...uh...fragile, ya know? Like one of those glass ornaments, you get on a Christmas tree? Sorry, that sounds real crazy,” he added with an embarrassed smile.
“Not at all,” Kate said sincerely, “and it just about sums up the situation perfectly.”
“It does?”
“Uh huh...Mort told me all about it a few years back. How you brought Daisy’s beloved God daughter, Flora up the mountain to die. She had TB Jess and it was her last request...to die up here. So, you brought her and nursed her to the end...I’m not surprised that brought back all those feelings huh? (See # 19 Daisy’s Dilemma)
Jess bowed his head, “Yes Flora...that was it...sweet little Flora,” and he just stared sadly into the dying flames of the fire.
After a little while Kate said softly, “Mort told me they’re real worried about you at the ranch Jess. Slim thinks maybe you won’t recover...and you’ll walk out on them all...head off back on the drift?”
He sighed and turned to her, “I guess I’ve thought on it yeah. See I don’t know him at all Kate...or the others back at the ranch. They’re real nice and kind...but I ain’t sure I’m cut out for the ranching life. It’s like I’m lookin’ fer something...someone maybe, I dunno.”
Kate just shook her head, “You found it boy...in that ol’ ranch and the folk that live there…you just don’t recall it, that’s all.”
When Jess said nothing but merely continued to stare moodily into the fire, she began to get impatient with him.
“Goddamn it, Jess...Slim Sherman is the best friend you’ve ever had. He watches your back and you his. You’ve been through thick and thin together over the years. You’ve stood up for each other when the odds were against you. Put your life on the line for him and the folks back there. You’ve been beat up, shot and worse...to keep them all safe...and now yer gonna throw all that away to go back on the drift?” She asked angrily.
“I sure ain’t no good to them the way I am now,” Jess countered equally angrily. “All I can think of right now is how and when Lewis is gonna hit...maybe even at the ranch?” He said suddenly looking worried, “Then Slim and the others would be in danger too.”
Kate sighed and shook her head, “You’re way off target if that’s what you’re thinking Jess...see Lewis can’t hurt you no more...he’s dead.”
Jess’s head shot up, his eyes opening wide in shock, “Dead? No... not Frankie.”
“Look I know he was a real good friend at one time Jess...but he changed...you know that. That’s why you ran out on him wasn’t it...you didn’t like the way he was huh?”
“I reckon so, yeah,” he said reluctantly, “Maybe I should have tried harder to change him?” he added.
“Nope, there was no way anyone could do that Jess. The more he drank the worse he got. He was notorious throughout the whole dang country. By the time he died he was wanted for murder and robbery...Jeez he was a cattle rustler too Jess...killin’ and maiming folk from coast to coast...he deserved to die boy!”
Jess just shook his head in shocked disbelief.
“Don’t forget, you are remembering him just when he really started going off the rails. Why don’t you ask Slim all about him when you land home? I wasn’t around when he died...but Slim was.”
Again, Jess looked profoundly shocked, “Slim was there?”
She nodded sadly, “Yes it happened in Laramie...but like I say I wasn’t there...you need to talk to Slim.” (See # 92 Hell Hath No Fury Like...)
Jess nodded, “Maybe...”
“And I think you should go up to Denver and see Millie. You remember her alright and maybe she’s just what you need to bring that ol’ heart of yours home again huh? If anyone can help you remember everything, I’ll wager she can,” she added with a cheeky grin.
Kate rode out the following day, promising to give Jess’s apologies to Denver and the boys.
He then spent the next couple of days hunting. But his heart wasn’t in it and he finally turned Traveller for home. Kate was right he had to find out all about Frankie’s demise.

Chapter 13
Jess rode into the yard and minutes later Slim emerged from the barn grinning from ear to ear.
“Howdy Jess I wasn’t expecting you back yet,” he said, patting Traveller and sighing with relief. Jess hadn’t taken off as he’d dreaded, but was home again...safe and sound.
Jess gestured to the deer slung across his horse behind him and said, “I bagged this little guy yesterday, figured I’d bring him straight back for butchering’ with it bein’ so dang hot we’ll need to get him in the cold store.”
He slipped down from the saddle and said, “And anyway I wanna talk to you about something real important too...”
“Oh?” Slim replied frowning slightly, “Let’s sort out Traveller and then I’ll brew us some coffee and we can have a good catch up.”
As Jess turned towards the barn a figure emerged and then stood stock still in the shadows for a moment.
In the blink of an eye Jess drew on him and growled, “Frankie what in hell are you doin’ here, I thought you were dead!”
Slim strode forwards and grabbed Jess’s arm, “Easy buddy, it isn’t Frankie this here is Seth Doon, the guy that shot you Jess. You said he could walk free...remember?”
Jess still looked unconvinced, “Git out here where I can see you,” he growled.
Seth stepped forwards shaking with fear and flicked an anxious glance over to Slim, before looking back to Jess.
“I’m sorry Mr Harper, really, I am. I came here to apologize, but then when Slim said you were away, I thought I’d stay on and try and repay you for letting me walk free by working here.”
“He’s right Jess,” Slim said turning to his partner, “He’s been working here free of charge to try and make things up to you. He’s a darned good worker too,” he said casting Seth an encouraging smile.
“Took yer time didn’t ya, it’s a while since you were set free.” Jess said, holstering his gun.
“Yes, I know...the thing is, I decided to lay low for a while once I was released, I was so dang feared that Pete...Pete Ryan, my ex-business partner would catch up with me. But I’m here now,” he added, “and willing to stay until you’re better,” he added.
Jess suddenly remembered he needed to ask Slim if he could spare him for a while as he wanted to go to Denver to visit Millie. So, he finally smiled over at the anxious looking man.
“I guess that’s real good of you,” he said...and then glancing down at his gun said, “Uh, sorry about that I thought you were someone else.”
It was much later that evening that Slim and Jess were able to speak in private. Seth had headed off to the bunkhouse after supper. The ranchers were sipping a coffee before retiring when Slim asked, “So you thought Seth was Frankie when you drew on him?”
Jess looked down into his cup for a moment and then said, “Yeah, see thing is Slim he looked just like Frankie at first glance. He wore a shabby old Frock coat like that...and had a red hat band and usually a couple of old eagle feathers stuck in it.”
“Hell yes, I remember,” Slim said, “he was wearing them when he came to Laramie last year.” (See #92 Hell Hath No Fury Like....)
“He was here,” Jess replied, “and died here...that right?”
Slim nodded, “Yes, he was hell bent on killing you Jess and then he and the Lewis Gang were going to decimate the whole area like they had other places...rustling cattle, shooting up the town...”
Jess shook his head, “Nah, he weren’t that bad...maybe take a few head of cattle, dead of night and get drunk and raise hell for a few hours in town...but no real harm done huh?”
Slim looked exasperated, “Heck Jess he’d moved on from that. He was notorious throughout the country...a price on his head far and wide. He struck dread and fear into the hearts of even the bravest of lawmen, trust me he was a bad ‘un.”
So, what Kate had suggested was true then...Frankie really had gone to the dogs since Jess had last seen him.
Then he had another flashback...Frankie drawing on him and shooting him in the thigh. He put a hand to the top of his leg and gasped....as the full force of the incident hit him hard.
“Jess, are you hurting?” Slim asked seeing Jess rubbing his thigh and grimacing, “Is that old wound bothering you some?” he asked sympathetically.
Jess shook his head, “No I was just remembering…it was Frankie who shot me. I can see him out-drawing me...and he shot me in the leg...but I dunno why?” he added turning despairing eyes on his pard.
Then he snapped his fingers. “That’s it! The key to it all dang it Slim! When Seth shot me, I must have seen that coat and hat with the feathers and for a split-second thought it was Frankie. I was reliving the time he out-drew me way back in ‘66...dontcha see? That’s why I can’t remember anything after that. In here.” he said tapping his head, “maybe I think I died...darn it I damn well nearly did,” he added bitterly.
“Maybe it was something to do with you leaving the gang...you said he took that really badly?” Slim said.
Jess shook his head, “Nope it’s more than that...I figure it’s something to do with that Bank raid in Denver.”
“Huh?” Slim asked.
“Uh... no matter...just something I need to check out,” he said vaguely.
“Slim…Kate said he died here in Laramie and I was to ask you about it?”
“It was kind of complicated as to why he wanted you dead. I’ll tell you all about it another time. But anyway, he decided that he’d pay you back for whatever...by shooting up the town you loved and hurting all those closest to you. He intended to shoot you and then devastate the whole area, cattle rustling and killing as was his way. Until you stopped him, and his gang in their tracks that is,” Slim said with a warm smile.
“What, it was just me?” Jess asked looking shocked.
“Me and Mort had your back of course. But it seemed as if most of the town’s folk were running scared. You faced him up and the gang too outside Mort’s office on Main Street, and it looked pretty much like we were standing alone.
Slim cast his mind back to that dreadful day...Standing just behind him, he’d heard every word Jess had said...and remembered what he’d told him later too.

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 guess 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

“So do you realise now how everyone in town and all your friends care about you and want you to stay?” Slim said feeling kinda emotional.
But Jess just shook his head, “I can’t believe it...that I would kill him that way?”
Jess you’re not thinking straight...he wasn’t a friend by then. It’s me, Mort and all the others that you care about now. You’ve changed from the man you were back in ’66 buddy. Incidents that have happened have made you review the way you think about some things...Please you have to remember,” he added desperately.
“I can’t...Goddamn it...I just can’t Slim,” Jess yelled before sinking his head into his hands.
Slim stood up and disappeared off to the kitchen before returning carrying a leather-bound scrap book.
“Here,” he said passing it over, “your press cuttings.”
“Huh?”
“Daisy keeps everything in here...from the time you won the quarter miler on Snowbird to when Mike starred as Joseph in the school Nativity play...and pretty much everything in between.”
Jess opened the book and was soon engrossed.
After half an hour or so he looked up at Slim and grinning said, “It looks like I’ve settled down here real well huh pard?”
Slim nodded, “And I’m sure you’ll remember all that really soon Jess...you just have to be patient.”
“Uh, Kate suggested it would help if I were to see Millie,” he said hopefully, “Maybe go down to Denver and fetch her home, what do ya think Slim huh...huh?”
Slim smiled indulgently, just glad to see Jess enthusiastic about things once more.
“I don’t see why not, after all Seth has promised to stay and help out for a while. Like I say he’s a real good worker. But I shouldn’t stay away too long pard...or you might get replaced,” he said with a chuckle.
Jess looked momentarily shocked and then grinned back. Hell, it felt so dang good to really feel he belonged someplace.
Then he had another thought, after reading Daisy’s scrap book. Tad was a reporter on the Denver newspaper, the Rocky Mountain News. Surely there would be archives he could look up and find out exactly what had happened during that long ago bank raid? Plus, he really couldn’t wait to see his little Millie again.
Then Slim broke into his thoughts.
“If you’re planning on going to the big city, I figure you need to smarten up some...Jeez you sure are a mess pard,” he added shaking his head solemnly.
“Huh?” Jess asked with a look of askance, “what do ya mean?”
“Look at you, filthy old trail clothes, and when did you last shave huh?”
Jess grinned at him, “I guess yer right at that...and there’s something else Slim...”
“Oh, what’s that?”
Jess stood up and drew his gun, before flipping it around and passing it over to Slim, “I reckon you’d better put this back where it belongs,” he said softly. “After readin’ all that stuff in Daisy’s book I don’t reckon I need it anymore...I’ll be just fine with that ol’ Colt .45 I had before.”
The day before he was due to ride out Daisy and Mike landed back home after their protracted visit away to her sister in Cheyenne.
When Daisy heard about Jess’s visit she said, “I should try and persuade Peggy Johnson to return soon too dear. I ran into her old aunt in Cheyenne town. She’s running Mrs Johnson’s Boarding House in her absence, and she is a real old harridan. I hate to say it, but I have heard that many clients are far from happy with her high-handed manner. Goodness, apparently dear Peggy has only been gone a week and things are not good!”
Then she had started fussing about clean underwear and socks and Jess had a sudden flashback of turning to Slim and saying, “Jeez Daisy can be so darn clucky!”
Then as he gazed over at their beloved housekeeper checking his valise, he had another vision of her tenderly swabbing his fevered brow with cold water and look of deep compassion in her eyes...the recollection and accompanying emotion hit him hard and he felt tears stinging at the back of his eyes...then the memory slowly faded like mist at sun up.
“Daisy...”
“Yes dear,” she asked looking up kindly.
No, he decided he wouldn’t tell her yet that he was beginning to remember a few hazy things. Time enough when he was sure he was on the mend.
“Nuthin’... just thanks fer doin’ that,” he said nodding to the partly packed suitcase.
She smiled back at him, “You’re welcome, dear.”

Chapter 14
As Jess stepped from the rail car at Denver rail head and looked around him, a woman turned and glanced over, liking what she saw. The dark-haired cowboy was immaculately turned out from his Sunday best Stetson to his highly polished boots. He wore a sparkling white shirt, topped with a brocade vest and dark frock coat and trousers. He removed his hat and ran a hand through his well-groomed dark hair, before ramming it back in place and staring around him once more. Then his gaze came to rest on the curious woman and walking over he touched his hat and asked for directions. Goodness he was even more handsome close up the young woman thought, as he thanked her and moved off at speed. She watched him go, sighing forlornly, before turning away and going about her business.
It was late afternoon when Jess knocked on the door of the well-appointed, but small house on one of the main thoroughfares through the town. He had already passed the offices of the Rocky Mountain News, where Tad worked as a reporter. Now he stood before the brightly painted front door of Millie’s brother’s house, feeling somewhat anxious. He hadn’t written to inform Millie of his current troublesome amnesia, or indeed that he was visiting, with the intention of asking her to return home. He ran a nervous finger around the somewhat tight collar of his best shirt and then rapped with the shiny brass knocker and stood back expectantly.
Moments later the door was hauled open by Millie herself. Her eyes opened wide with shock when she saw who was standing there and then she grinned at him in pure delight and gasped, “Jess...what are you doing here?”
“I got to kinda missin’ ya,” he said with a cheeky grin, “thought maybe I could stay a few days huh?”
All the time he was speaking his brain was in overdrive trying to make sense of the situation. His little Millie had surely grown up from what he remembered. The last time he’d seen her she’d been a pretty young girl in her teens...and now with maturity she had blossomed into the most beautiful woman he had ever clapped eyes on...this...this was his little Millie? He asked himself.
“Are you coming in or what?” Millie asked again, peering closely at Jess’s rather dazed expression...then added, “Hey honey...are you OK?”
Jess just stood there gazing at her before shaking his head, “No I guess I ain’t sweetheart,” he admitted.
“Come on,” she said grabbing his hand and pulling him inside, “let’s talk...Ma and the others are all out for a walk in the park...come and tell me everything.”
But before he’d even begun to explain she knew there was something deeply wrong. As soon as they were alone in the house Jess gazed deeply into her eyes, then ran a gentle finger down her cheek before leaning in and giving her a chaste peck on her cheek…instead of the usual passionate embrace and ardent slow kiss.
It was an hour or so later when Jess had finally finished explaining everything to her...from the initial shooting by Seth Doon and the subsequent loss of memory to all his fears that he might never be well again.
Millie sat back tears; in her eyes, “Oh you poor thing...this must all be so hard for you...but...you do remember me and the family?”
“Sure...you when we met just after the war...that’s the last time I recall seeing you...everything after that’s a blank.”
She looked completely devastated at that, “Everything...how we finally got together...how we’re promised to each other?” she whispered...tears threatening again.
He nodded, and then taking her in his arms whispered, “But I ain’t forgotten that first time...Hell Millie,” he whispered, “Do you remember it…that first time together?”
“I never meant for it to happen that way ya know,” he continued, “but I guess we were both young and what with you looking so doggone lovely, layin’ there in my arms in the sweet hay…I tried, God knows I tried to stop…but you said no…said you wanted the first time to be with me…said as to how it was kinda fittin’. Do you remember Millie?” he asked looking down into her beautiful face, the tears now coursing freely down her cheeks as she nodded.
He gently wiped a tear away with his finger and then bent to kiss her gently...and then more and more passionately.
They jumped guiltily apart as the door was suddenly thrown open admitting Peggy Johnson, her daughter-in-law, Mary and a lively two-year-old boy...the new baby crying with hunger pangs, in her mother’s arms.
Jess tried hard to drag himself back from the brink of paradise, into the real world, while Millie rallied well.
“Look who’s come visiting Ma...isn’t it wonderful?” she said excitedly, her eyes alight with joy.
Peggy Johnson was almost as pleased to see her daughter’s beau as Millie herself and beamed at the handsome young cowboy.
“It surely is,” she agreed, “and you’re most welcome my dear.”
Then she turned to her daughter-in-law and said smiling, “You remember Mary, from the wedding and this is young John. Named after my dear husband,” she added as she pushed the lively toddler forwards. “And this noisy little scamp is young Maggie...er Margaret that is...after me,” she added proudly.
Jess smiled and nodded to them all, but the irony of the phrase, ‘you remember Mary from the wedding’ was not lost on him.
Then the hustle and bustle of family life took over, the babies needing tending to and then supper to prepare. They were joined by Mary’s younger sister Gina, who worked at the Denver bank as a junior teller. She was lively company and as outgoing as Mary was shy, Jess noted with amusement, enjoying her company. However, she left soon after supper saying that she had an early start.
“That old slave driver of a manager always wants us in really early on a Friday,” she disclosed. “We need to make up the wage shipment for the staff at the Laramie prison and it’s collected at half-past eight sharp. Woe-betide us if we’re not at our desks by seven,” she added with a sigh.
“I’ve told you before,” Mary said with a giggle, “you’ll just have to find yourself a lovely husband like my Tad and get wed, and then you won’t have to work at the darned bank!”
The mention of the bank sent shivers down Jess’s spine and he vowed he’d catch Tad alone the following day. He wanted to ask him to check the Rocky Mountain News archives regarding the long-ago bank raid executed by Frankie Lewis and his gang.
It was much later before Millie and Jess enjoyed a few private moments together.
Although Jess had been made very welcome it was clear to him that the little house was overcrowded already with the baby sleeping in with Tad and Mary and young John sharing the other room with his auntie Millie and grandmother Peggy.
“Hardly the place for a romantic reunion,” Millie said as she explained the situation to Jess before she headed off to bed.
They were seated on a comfortable couch before the fire in the bijou parlour, Jess with his arm slung lovingly around Millie’s shoulders.
“I guess we’ll just hafta make do as best we can,” he said winking at her and moving in for a kiss.
As the kisses got more and more passionate Millie finally backed off.
“What?” he whispered, gazing lovingly down at her.
“I...um think maybe we shouldn’t start something we can’t finish,” she said with a crestfallen look, “what with all the family just nearby...and the walls so thin.”
Jess sighed and nodded, “Yeah, I guess you’re right,” and he took a deep breath before smiling down at her. “Jeez I’ve missed ya real bad,” he added softly.
“I know me too and I’ve been thinking...now Ma’s here I could go back home...maybe in a couple of days. What do you think huh?”
“I think that’s the best dang idea you’ve had all night,” he said with enthusiasm. “It sure beats this last one,” he added with his cheeky grin.
“That’s as maybe,” she said punching him playfully on the arm. “But I’m still going off to bed before you forget where you are,” she said giggling as she made her way to the door.
Then pausing she turned and took pity on him. “Real soon cowboy, we’ll be together real soon,” she said before slipping quietly from the room.
Jess lay back on his makeshift bed on the couch and closed his eyes looking back over the events of the day. Jeez it had been so damn good to see his girl again...and now as he lay there quietly, he had another flashback...
Millie was lying on a sickbed obviously extremely ill and he was sitting clasping her hand feeling desperately worried. He was talking and talking about something and nothing...just trying to bring her back to him. Then, at last he felt her respond to him by gently squeezing his hand. At that moment he experienced an overwhelming feeling of relief. That vision was all he needed to remind him of how important that woman was to him...and he held onto it like a drowning man...trying to relive every second, before it faded once more. When oh when would he remember everything was his last despairing thought before he fell asleep.

Chapter 15
Jess was awoken several times in the night by the new baby crying for its feeds. When it awoke him again at dawn he decided to give up on sleep and go and get some fresh air. He was stiff after tossing and turning all night restlessly on the small couch and now he needed to stretch his legs.
He dressed quickly and wandered out onto the front porch overlooking the main thoroughfare and after lighting a cigarette and inhaling deeply he surveyed the early morning scene unenthusiastically. There was a cold drizzly rain falling and the street was pretty much deserted at this early hour. He glanced over to the Sheriff’s office and noted a light on within. He figured there must be a prisoner in the cells and the Sheriff or deputy had stayed the night in the office. Then he remembered how Slim had told him that he, himself often deputized for Sheriff Cory and shook his head in disbelief. Jeez this memory loss sure was driving him crazy he reflected...Some things seeming so dang outlandish to him. He was good friends with a Sheriff and even deputized for him? Nah...
He turned his attention down to the other end of the street as he saw a movement out of the corner of his eye. Yes, there were several horses tethered outside the bank. Kinda early to be working he thought. Then he remembered Gina’s comments of the night before...about the slave driving manager and how the staff were all in trouble if they didn’t arrive on the dot of seven on a Friday morning. All the time he’d been mulling this over he slowly strolled along the boardwalk towards the bank. But then something made him stop in his tracks. Wasn’t it kinda funny that staff who would be holed up working in the bank all day would leave their mounts tethered outside all the long hot day? Surely, they would be left in the coral adjacent to the livery?
Then as he watched he saw a man standing close by the horses, holding the reins of a couple of them and looking suspiciously around him. He had his back towards Jess, who quickly darted into the shadows.
“If that ain’t a look out for a bank raid I’m a Dutch Uncle,” he murmured to himself.
For a second, he considered running the length of the street to alert the Sheriff, but just as quickly decided against it. Hell, young Gina could be in danger and shot by the time he’d convinced the Sheriff to check it out.
The shifty looking character glanced up and down the street again...but as soon as his back was turned Jess sped across to the other side and down an alley opposite. From here he made his way along the rear of all the premises before reaching the bank.
As soon as he saw the back door standing open he knew his suspicions where correct.
He made his way stealthily to the door and drawing his Colt, peered inside.
In the dark back room of the bank, he could just make out two figures on the floor, tightly bound and gagged, and the door into the front of the bank firmly closed...of Gina there was no sign.
He crept into the room and leaning down beside one of the captives removed the gag and signaled for him to keep quiet, before cutting the thongs at his ankles and wrists.
The elderly man whispered his thanks as Jess also released the younger of the two, who massaged his painful wrists and also nodded his thanks.
“How many are there?” Jess whispered.
“Three including the lookout,” the elderly manager gasped.
Jess looked closely at the flushed elderly man and figured he’d be of little use in a gunfight, or even running for help he thought; noting his rotund form and the way he was wheezing already, just from scrabbling up from the floor.
“OK,” he said softly, “and Gina, the teller she’s in there?”
The younger man seemed surprised that Jess knew the girl, but just nodded miserably.
“There was nothing we could do,” he whispered. “They were waiting around the back and waylaid us.”
Jess nodded, sympathetically, “Look, you go fetch the Sheriff, huh,” he said pushing the younger man towards the back door.
Once he’d gone Jess and the manager heard raised voices and Jess darted to the door, opened it a crack and peered inside the bank.
Both men were on the far side of the counter urging Gina to hurry up, as she stuffed notes and coins from the safe into a large gunny sack.
Jess figured if he could get to Gina in time and push her to safety below the counter, then he’d have a reasonable chance of stopping the outlaws before they escaped with the cash.
He turned back to the elderly manager, “You got a gun?”
He nodded, “Yes here in my desk.”
Jess nodded, “I’m goin’ in...as soon as you hear the first shot you start firing that pistol of yours...should alert the town that all’s not well in here,” he said with a faint grin. “Just in case the other guy don’t make it to the Sheriff’s office. I’ll do my best to stop ‘em,” he added.
“Is that wise?” the manager asked as Jess moved towards the dividing door.
“Probably not,” he declared, “but see, the thing is mister, a lot of these outlaws don’t take no prisoners and they aren’t wearing masks...so you, and that purty little Gina could identify them...and I guess they wouldn’t allow that to happen.”
The manager looked aghast, “What! They’d really do that...kill us in cold blood?”
Jess shrugged, “I dunno, but I sure ain’t waitin’ to find out,” and with that he opened the door and dived down behind the counter grabbing Gina and pushing her down with him.
Then with an abrupt, “Stay down!” he broke cover and aimed at the nearest gunman shooting him through the heart at almost point-blank range. However, his partner rallied and started firing at Jess; the bullets slamming into the counter and wall behind them where Jess lay shielding Gina.
Then they heard the volley of bullets being fired out back by the bank manager...and seconds later shouting and the sound of heavy boots clattering down the street. More shots were fired by the lookout Jess surmised. As the other outlaw turned towards the sound of the shots Jess was able to take his chance and darting from the safety of the reinforced counter fired off a shot catching the outlaw in the shoulder...where he crashed down to the floor in agony yelling in pain and cussing loudly.
Moments later there was an almighty hammering on the bank door. Casting a quick glance at Gina to check she was OK, Jess easily disarmed the injured outlaw before he made his way across the carnage and admitted the Sheriff, his deputy and several outraged citizens.
Suddenly all the clamor and noise receded as Jess fell to his knees, his smoking gun still in his hand and a dazed look on his face.
He felt like he was on the ocean shore being pounded by waves as memory after memory flooded his brain, threatening to completely overwhelm him.
He had an alarming feeling of déjà vu regarding the bank robbery as he finally recalled what had really happened on that fateful day all those years ago.
It was when they were standing by the bank door about to enter when Frankie had dropped his bombshell... ‘We take no prisoners this time...kill them...all of them...we can’t afford to be identified.’
Jess had only ridden along to try and persuade Frankie not to go ahead with the raid. Hell, he was between a rock and hard place. He couldn’t tell the law of the proposed raid as it would have gone against his sense of loyalty...neither could he take part. But now everything had changed. He would not be party to such an atrocity...neither could he allow Frankie and the gang to be either. So, he did the only thing he could...he took out his gun and started firing to warn the Sheriff and the town of the impending raid. The Sheriff was quickly alerted and the Gang made a swift exit...their attempted robbery foiled...while Jess headed in the opposite direction.
Now he sighed deeply and muttered, “Thank God,” as he remembered everything and knew that he’d done the right thing in the end.
Then his brain was bombarded as a myriad of memories flooded his mind...each vision earth shattering to him. His beloved Maria lying dying in his arms...meeting Slim for the first time...then laughing with Andy as he near drowned as the youngster attempted to teach him to swim. Millie and him standing in the freezing cold ranch barn pledging their undying love and making a sacred promise at long last. Daisy’s kindly old eyes willing him to live as he struggled to breathe with the lung fever. Then Mike grinning up at him and imploring him to... ‘tell me another story Jess...just one more please!’
Home, he had to get home...tell them all it was alright...he was alright. At last, he was back from the bad old days.
Then he felt a firm hand on his shoulder, “It’s all over son, give me your gun,” the Sheriff said for the second time.
Jess gazed up at him and tried to figure what was happening.
Then the elderly bank manager was at his side helping him up, “No you’ve got it all wrong Sheriff! It was this young man that saved the day. He’s a hero...a regular hero,” he said beaming at Jess.
Then Millie and Tad were there beside him and frantically asking if he was alright...the crowds pushing forwards to see the dark-haired cowboy who had ‘saved the day’ according to the manager.
However, the Sheriff soon took command of the situation and along with his deputy he had one outlaw removed to the undertakers. Then the other two banged up in the cells and Jess and the bank staff in his office giving their version of events. As Jess stared at the bank manager his sense of déjà vu returned...it couldn’t be. But dang it, it was the same guy who had managed the bank all those years ago when Jess had foiled Frankie’s attempt to rob it. Jeez no wonder he was ready for retirement Jess thought now...and then wondered if he would be recognized.
However, it wasn’t to be the manager who would reveal Jess’ secret...but Tad!
Much later that day all the fuss had died down and Jess had been allowed back to Tad’s house. After giving his statement and being officially commended by the Sheriff he was at last able to relax and tell Millie the amazing news...that his memory had returned in full.
She sighed with relief and clasped his hand in hers, “Oh thank goodness ...so how does it feel?” she asked beaming at him.
“Some of it real good and some not so much, I guess,” he said honestly. “I reckon the bad memories are real hard but the others, they’re real special,” he said running a finger down her cheek... “I guess I’m gonna really appreciate everyone that’s in my life even more than I did before,” he added lovingly.
As he leaned in to kiss her, he suddenly felt someone grab him around the legs and peering down looked straight into the sparkling blue eyes of two-year-old John grinning back up at him as he hugged his legs, “Story Unca Jess?” he pleaded.
Millie and Jess had escaped to Tad’s back yard in a bid to find some privacy and now Jess rolled his eyes at Millie, before scooping the youngster up in his arms.
“You sure choose yer moments dontcha champ?” he said, not unkindly, before shrugging and carrying him back into the house to do as requested, but not before he turned to Millie and said firmly, “We go home tomorrow!”
It was later that night when Tad returned from work looking triumphant.
“Thanks Jess,” he said pumping his hand, “I guess you’ve given me the best darn story of the year and the Editor is so pleased he’s awarding me a pay raise!”
“Glad to be of service,” Jess said winking at Millie...the irony lost on Tad who was bubbling with excitement.
“Peggy and Mary were putting the kids to bed and he knew he could speak openly in front of Millie so he went on, “You know that other matter you wanted me to look into, about the part you may or may not have played in the Lewis Gang raid?”
Jess just nodded, not having had time yet to explain to Tad that his memory was now intact. Not that he’d be able to get a word in edgeways anyway he reflected as Tad babbled on.
“Here,” he said passing over an old paper from the Rocky Mountain News archive, “the full story about how a potential bank raid was thwarted by a brave stranger who alerted the town by discharging his weapon...and then left before he could be thanked.”
“Um,” said Jess looking less than impressed, “so did it say up until that moment I’d actually been a member of the dang Lewis Gang?”
Tad ignored the somewhat acerbic comment and merely grinned at his big sister’s beau.
“Not in this article no... that emerged later after the Bank Manager gave a statement saying as how you rode in with the gang, but then obviously wanted no part of the raid for some reason and gave the warning to the town.”
“I was dang well press ganged into it,” Jess said angrily. “Frankie just wouldn’t take no for an answer and I finally thought if I rode along, I could maybe persuade him to pull out. In the end he was threatening to kill all the staff and customers...so what else could I do...I had to betray him.”
“Betray him?” Millie asked frowning, “Surely you don’t think that?”
Jess shrugged, “It kinda felt that way at the time.”
“So, you remember it all now?” Tad asked, “Your memory is back?”
Jess nodded, “Yup and some things, like that damn raid I’d rather forget.”
“It was a long time ago, but some folks haven’t forgotten,” said Tad. “I interviewed the Bank Manager, Mr Scott again this afternoon and he said there was something vaguely familiar about you. Then he remembered you were the one who stopped that raid by the Lewis Gang and he wants you officially commended by the Town Council, maybe even a reward. It’s a great story,” he added, “it’ll just run and run...I can just see the headlines, ‘Hero Returns to Save Town yet Again!’”
“What!” Jess yelled looking furious, “You ain’t writing that...damn it, Tad, some things are best forgotten!”
It was Millie who finally interceded on her brother’s behalf and eventually got Jess to agree to Tad writing the story.
“Please Jess it will really do his career the world of good...and what harm can come of it? After all you didn’t play any part in the original raid. Then just today you saved dear Gina’s life...and the others too. Surely that’s something to be celebrated...to be proud of...not hidden away?”
Jess just shrugged and muttered, “I suppose so...”
Then turning to Tad, “This is really important to you ain’t it?”
Tad nodded and for a moment looked so like that little boy he remembered from all those years ago, begging to be allowed to tag along with his big sis and Jess...that he finally gave in.
“OK...but on one condition…me and Millie are heading home tomorrow...don’t print the dang thing until we’ve left, OK?”

Chapter 16
There had been just one problem with them leaving. The fact that Daisy had expressly asked Jess to warn Peggy Johnson that her Aunt Vera was causing ill feeling at the Boarding House with her highhanded and fussy ways. Now he was concerned that she would want Millie to remain helping the new mother, whilst she headed home early.
“Folk are getting real tired of her,” Jess admitted to Millie as they packed.
Millie looked troubled, “Aw I don’t want Ma to cut short her stay, she’s so loving spending time with the baby...don’t say anything Jess. She’s due home next week anyway and I doubt Aunt Vera can be that bad.”
Jess merely raised a disbelieving eyebrow. Daisy weren’t one for idle gossip; that he did know.
“Alright,” she relented, “I’ll tell you what. Let’s break our journey in Cheyenne, stay a couple of nights and we can check on Aunt...and maybe pour oil on troubled waters,” she said with a giggle, “as the Padre would say.”
At the mention of Rev. Joshua Wesley Jess grinned. Jeez it would be good to catch up with Josh again now his memory had returned. He recalled how it was Josh who had intervened and got the prospector Seth Doon to admit to the shooting that had caused Jess’s amnesia. The guy was sure making up for things he reflected; working at the ranch. Then he grinned broadly as he figured Slim could manage just fine if he were to extend his trip some. Yes, a few days holed up in Millie’s cosy room at the Boarding House was just what the doctor ordered Jess thought to himself with satisfaction.
Now he turned to Millie and winked at her, “Sure that sounds like a swell idea.”
They arrived in Cheyenne in the early afternoon and made their way straight to Peggy Johnson’s smart little Boarding House.
Thinking she should start on the right foot Millie rapped on the knocker, instead of using her key and waited for her great Aunt to admit her.
There was a sound of shuffling and then a great to-do as bolts were pulled back. Finally, the key turned in the lock and the door swung open revealing a grey-haired battle axe of a woman, dressed in one of Peggy’s aprons and her arms folded firmly below her ample chest, her chin up and a determined glint in her dark eyes.
“Well?” she asked.
Then sniffing, “If it’s a double room you want, I’ll need to see your Marriage certificate.”
“It’s me, Millie,” Millie said quickly. “We’ve come to visit, check you’re managing alright Aunt,” she added with a friendly smile.
“Millie? What, Peggy’s little Millie?” she asked brusquely.
Then turning to glare at Jess said, “And so who is this?”
Jess switched on his best, charming little old ladies smile and removing his hat said respectfully, “Jess, Ma’am, Jess Harper. Millie and I have an understanding and are just on our way home to Laramie...been visitin’ Tad’s family and the new baby,” he added for good measure.
Vera threw him a look that would curdle the milk and said “Um, well...intended isn’t married is it, young man?” Then added, “Been visiting Tad and Mary have you,” and shook her head despairingly. “Only married five minutes and two babies already... that’s what happens when lust takes over young man...married or...not,” she added with another icy glare.
Millie had just about had enough now and giving her aunt a challenging look said, “May we come in please, it’s been a long journey.”
Aunt Vera stood grudgingly to one side and let them enter before turning and bolting the door securely.
“Expectin’ a raid?” Jess asked with an innocent smile.
Vera threw him another hard look before saying succinctly, “It keeps the clients out during the day...I let them in for supper.”
“That’s big of ya,” Jess muttered under his breath.
“But Ma allows the guests free access,” Millie said looking troubled, “they are allowed to use the front parlour during the day and go to their rooms at any time.”
“More fool her,” Vera replied, “just making a rod for her back...extra work, all that traipsing dirt all over the place. No, I let them sleep, eat their breakfast and then out they go,” she said making a shooing motion with her hands.
Millie gave up and moved towards the stairs, “I’ll just put my bag in my bedroom, and Jess usually has the double next door,” she added.
However quick as a flash Vera barred her way.
“Oh no dear whatever would Peggy think. Off you go and settle in, but Mr Harper here can have the first-floor front, right next to me.”
Then turning to Jess said, “I’m a very light sleeper and so I do hope you don’t need the bathroom in the night as I’d be awake and out checking in seconds,” she said with a frosty smile. “I like to be sure all my clients are where they should be at night,” she added for good measure.
“Oh, I’m sure you do,” Jess said bitterly.
It was much later when Jess and Millie were able to discuss the situation over supper in a small eating house down the street.
Vera said she only had enough supper made for her four clients and could Millie and Jess make their own arrangements.
“After all, I wasn’t expecting you,” she said with a frosty smile. “Please don’t be back late,” she added, “The door is locked and bolted at 9.30 sharp!”
For two pins Jess would have booked them into a hotel. But as Millie had said, her Aunt would doubtless have wired her Ma and she sure didn’t want any upset spoiling her dear Ma’s time with Tad and his family.
“We could always throw her out, run the place ourselves,” Millie said with a grin as she sipped her wine.
“Not a bad idea,” Jess said looking slightly hopeful.
But then Millie shrugged, “Nope, too much like hard work...all that bedding to wash and meals to cook...and besides you’re always on duty...we’d hardly be able to have those romantic few days we were hoping for.”
“I guess not...so what are you gonna do about Vera anyway? Tell yer Ma the way she’s been with the guests?” he asked.
Millie shook her head, “Nope I don’t want to spoil her holiday. I’ve had a quiet word with the regulars saying Ma will be back next week and they are fine with that...so that just leaves our predicament...shall we go home tomorrow?”
Jess nodded, “I guess. At least I can stay with you for a day or so...but I imagine Tom will want you back at work. Darn it…as soon as Slim hears I’ve hit town I figure I’ll hafta go back too. Unless...” he said looking thoughtful…
“Unless what?” she asked intrigued.
“Unless we sorta spin out the journey home, you used to love to ride as a kid didn’t ya?”
She nodded, “I still do, when I get the chance.”
“That’s settled then,” he said beaming at her. “Instead of taking the Stage; we’ll hire a couple of mounts and ride back home. Make a real trip of it. Camping under the stars...real romantic...so what do ya say huh?”
The following morning, they made their farewells to Aunt Vera and headed for the livery stable.
“Sure Jess, I can let you hire a couple of mounts,” said old Freddy, “just leave them over with Bert at the Laramie livery and he’ll make sure they get back next time someone’s out this way,” he said smiling at the young couple.
Then he turned to review his stock.
“I’m afraid I can only offer you old Maisie and Tucker,” he said jerking a thumb to where two rather elderly looking bays were standing staring into space. “Uh, you’re not in any hurry I take it?” He asked flicking a glance over to Millie. She was now turned out in a white silk shirt tucked into tightly fitting riding britches and was pretty easy on the eye old Freddy mused.
“Nope got all the time in the world,” Jess confirmed happily.
They headed out of town with a gunny sack full of food supplies, plus candles, extra coffee and a bottle of good whiskey. Then they made for the old Indian trail that skirted the Laramie Road. It was a picturesque route through pine clad hills and past deep sparkling lakes...all the time with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
The sun beat down and they were glad of the shade of the pines and inhaled their deep pungent aroma as they made their way slowly to their first campsite.
Jess had chosen a place he knew well. A small cave which overlooked a fast-flowing stream that tumbled down the hillside before entering the distant lake.
All day long the humid heat had increased and then over the last hour or so they had heard the rumble of distant thunder. Jess looked up and saw the dark grey thunderheads rolling in and suggested they up their pace.
They finally rode into the campsite in late afternoon, just as the first fat drops of rain started splattering down.
Jess quickly dismounted and showed Millie to the shelter of the cave, before returning to unsaddle and attend to the needs of the horses. Once he was sure they were well fed and watered and now ground hitched under the shelter of a nearby rocky out crop, he returned to the cave.
When he entered, he stopped in his tracks. Millie had lit a fire in the cave entrance and had the coffee pot in place. But that wasn’t what had caught his attention...he looked around the small space to see it romantically lit by several candles. Millie had placed their bedrolls close together, near the fire. Now she reposed on one, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She had loosened her hair and brushed it out so it hung down her back and framed her pretty, slightly flushed, heart-shaped face. She sat smiling beguilingly up at him, hugging her knees and wearing nothing but a gossamer thin dress of snowy white.
He walked slowly over, and stood looking down at her for a long moment before dropping down beside her and taking her in his arms.
The next day dawned bright and sunny; the rain clouds banished. A perfect view from the cave mouth of the distant lake sparkling in the sun delighted them. They avowed they had found the perfect place to renew their love and remember that special bond that had led them to be promised to each other.
In years to come they were to remember this special interlude as one blessed with joy, understanding and undying love...but sadly the time was all too short.
Towards the end of the week, they both knew they must return to their homes and work, even though it was the very last thing they wanted to do. But both were aware that they couldn’t impose on Tom or Slim’ s good nature any longer; and they must head back to their responsibilities.
On that last night they made passionate love.
As the sun dawned the following day and the first fingers of light crept into the cave, they were still both wrapped in a loving embrace and fast asleep.
Jess was suddenly awakened by the sensation of cold steel being pressed into his temple.
His eyes sprang open as a deep, gruff voice snarled, “Freeze, or you and the woman are dead meat!”
Jess did as he was instructed and felt Millie tense in his arms.
“It’s OK honey,” he whispered, “just do as the man says.”
“Good advice Harper, now stand up and move away from the little lady.”
Jess grudgingly obeyed and squinted into the eyes of his aggressor, “Do I know you?” he growled.
The tall hulking man sneered at Jess and said, “Nope can’t say as we’ve been formally introduced, but seein’ as how you killed one brother and put the other in the hospital...I reckon you damn well should know me.”
Then light dawned, “You were the look-out on the bank job in Denver.”
“You got it in one,” said the rough looking hombre...his gun still levelled at Jess. “I’m Hank Cain...and my dead brother was Denny.”
Then a plump blond woman emerged from the shadow, “I’m Denny’s widow, Bel” she cried angrily. “I’ve been so looking forward to meeting you Mister...and yer little floozy here too,” she added throwing Millie a contemptuous glance.
“This ain’t nuthin’ to do with Millie,” Jess spat furiously, “just leave her out of it. If you want me OK...but let her go.”
“I reckon not Harper. See your reputation as a tough guy is well known. But I figure you’ll be a pussy cat iffen you think your woman is in danger huh?”
Without waiting for an answer, he nodded to the woman, “Do the honors will ya Bel?” he asked passing her a pair of handcuffs.
Once Jess was securely cuffed and Millie’s hands tied, they were escorted to their mounts and led by Bel with Hank’s rifle trained on them from the rear they made their way slowly down the trail.

Chapter 17
Jess immediately recognized the terrain and realized they were heading for the lake on Sherman land. They kept very much to the deeply wooded trail though and he knew he had no chance of a happy encounter with Slim or any of their neighbors.
They finally arrived at the lakeside shore where a cave was situated up a steep hill looking down on the lake. It was early afternoon and Hank wasted no time in tying the still handcuffed Jess to one of the lakeside pines along with Millie. Then he went off up to the cave with Bel and sometime later the delicious aroma of cooked meat drifted down to where Jess and Millie were held captive. “I guess they ain’t about to come down with dinner anytime soon,” Jess said irritably, his stomach growling with hunger.
“I wouldn’t eat it anyway,” Millie said bitterly. “Oh Jess what do they mean to do with us?”
He shrugged, “I reckon we’re their ticket out of here. Did you notice the badge he was wearing?”
“The Deputy Sheriff’s, one... Yes I did.”
“Um...and these cuffs I’m wearing are stamped with Denver Town Jail too. I figure he jumped ship when being transported to the Laramie Prison to await trial. Remember the Sheriff said it would be a few weeks before the other robber was well enough to testify.”
“But why involve us?” Millie asked looking tearful.
Jess shrugged, “I dunno for sure, but I reckon he’s trying to pass himself off as a Deputy escorting a couple of prisoners. It would be real easy to fool folk further up in northern Wyoming and into Montana, who hadn’t heard about the Denver Bank raid.”
All the time he’d been talking Jess hadn’t noticed Hank skulking around near them...now he came into view and clapped his hands.
“Bravo Harper got it in one. I was on the Stage with a clueless young Deputy...and it was real easy for Bel to pull a gun on him. Then we just threatened to kill the other passenger... a sweet old lady, if he and the driver didn’t do exactly as I said,” he continued looking pleased with himself.
When Jess looked decidedly unimpressed, he went on, “So I got the cuffs and key...and we took a couple of the coach horses. We let the others go free...so it will be a while before they go looking for the stranded Stage and find yours truly missing,” he added with an unpleasant laugh. “Especially as we made that old fool of a driver take it way off the road. Ha, him and the old dear would have had a good long walk to fetch help,” he added with a loud guffaw.
“Goddamn you!” Jess exploded angrily.
But Hank ignored his outburst and just continued.
“Trouble is those ol’ stage horses don’t make for an easy ride, especially bareback. So tonight, you and I are paying the Sherman Ranch a little visit and will take a couple of your best riding horses, savvy?”
Jess just stared at him angrily, “Now why would I wanna do a damn fool thing like that huh?”
“Because if you don’t, I’ll kill that woman of yours...and that’s a promise.”
There was no arguing with that so Jess just lapsed into a sullen silence.
Hank was on a roll full of his ability to master-plan the raid on the Sherman place however and wouldn’t shut up.
“I’ll leave you here Millie dear,” he said sarcastically, “in the hands of Bel.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” he added, “you’ll be quite safe as long as Harper and I return before dawn with the horses. If not, she’ll kill you, take your mount and head off for the border as planned.”
He smirked as he said, “And don’t think she wouldn’t do it. She’s real mad at you for killing her husband Harper and I guess she’d do pretty much anything to get her revenge,” he added.
“Bel traveled to Cheyenne and then boarded the Laramie stage with me. The Deputy didn’t know who she was so it was real easy to pull that derringer on him; he just didn’t suspect a damn thing,” he laughed. “The Denver Sheriff wouldn’t pay the railroad fare all the way through, so said his Deputy was to take the Stage for the last leg of the journey. Bel arrived a few days earlier and had plenty of time to plan everything. She even followed you to the livery and heard you and your woman discussing your cross-country trip on horseback, sneaky huh?” Cain said with another loud laugh. “See how determined she is to get even?” he added. Then he continued with his lengthy saga...enjoying every minute, “So, it was pretty easy to trail you once she sprung me a few miles out of town. Before that, the dumb Deputy kept reading pieces out of the Denver newspaper, when we were on the Stage. All about brave Jess Harper...who worked at the Sherman Ranch and Relay outside Laramie. That was the last piece of the jigsaw. Real neat huh... So we pay a call and collect a couple of prime mounts and head for the border.”
“And then what?” Jess asked deadpan.
Hank rubbed his chin, “I hafta say the future ain’t looking any too bright for you Harper. But you do just what I say and maybe...just maybe we’ll let the little lady go. That’s my best offer...and I guess you ain’t got no choice other than to take it,” he finished with another loud hoot of laughter before heading off back up to the cave.

*******
They headed out just before midnight...
It was a mild moonlit night without a breath of wind and ideal for carrying out the intended theft. One which Jess knew he must commit undetected, if he was to keep Millie safe. But he had a plan and thank God Hank fell for it.
They had loosed off the two relay horses in the large pasture near the road gate and now they stood at the top of the rise peering down into the deserted yard. A few of the stage horses were standing quietly in the small coral by the barn...but Jess knew all the riding horses would be tucked up inside for the night.
“I’m gonna hafta go in alone,” he said, “so take these dang cuffs off.”
Hank gave him a penetrating look, “What, so you can go and wake up yer partner…I don’t think so...I’m coming with you.”
“Suit yerself,” Jess said shrugging, “but there are dogs asleep in the barn and they’ll bark enough to wake the dead if a stranger goes in; even if I am there too.”
Hank pondered this for a moment and then said, “Alright...but any funny business and you’ll regret it. Make any noise to alert Sherman and I’ll shoot anyone that comes out of the house.”
Did Hank Cain know about Daisy and Mike?” Jess wondered. It was a risk he sure wasn’t about to take.
“I’ll be as quiet as a dang mouse...now fer God’s sake take these cuffs off of me,” he whispered angrily.
As he had hoped both dogs, Blue and Buttons, were sleeping on the nice cool stone kitchen floor in the house. So, he was able to access the barn without their exuberant welcome. He entered stealthily and then searched through his pockets for a scrap of paper and then found a pencil stub and wrote a hasty note for Slim.
Pinning it on Traveller’s stall he then quickly saddled up his beloved horse and also Scout a rather stubborn Pinto...and smiled grimly to himself. With the help of these two maybe he’d be able to get one over on Hank Cain after all.
He led the horses quietly out of the barn and up the rise. He was holding his breath and hoping against hope that a lamp wouldn’t suddenly be lit, followed by Slim running out to see what was amiss.
He stopped once he reached Hank and glanced back at his home, flooded in moonlight and all those he loved sleeping peacefully within. Hell, this hadn’t been how he’d imagined his happy homecoming and reunion with all at the ranch. He’d envisaged rejoicing at his return to good health...his amnesia gone forever.
The moment Jess returned with the horses Hank snapped the handcuffs on again...knowing Jess wouldn’t resist and make a fuss in case he alerted the sleeping rancher.
But then the dark-haired cowboy quickly mounted the bay, leaving the Pinto for Hank to ride back to their camp.
By the time they arrived at the lake Hank was in a real sour mood.
“Dang horse, why in Hell did you pick this ‘un, Harper?” he spat angrily.
Slim often referred to Scout as a mule in disguise…and he sure had some of their ornery ways...being dang stubborn and real hard to get moving. Then if he got the chance, he’d have his head down grazing at the least opportunity. He seemed thick skinned too and hardly reacted; even when spurs were used or if the rider cussed long and loud.
“He’s fine,” Jess said calmly, “once he’s gotten used to you.”
“He ain’t getting the chance,” Hank yelled, “I’m ridin’ that bay of yours tomorrow and you can have this cantankerous animal.”
Jess smiled to himself; things were going to plan. Let’s see where that gets ya Mister, he thought to himself.
Hank had insisted they double back and remove all trace of their tracks from the night before. So it was later than they had planned when they were ready to ride out heading for the old Indian trail towards Rawlins. Jess had a sense of déjà vu remembering how he’d headed that way when he’d been suffering so badly from the amnesia. But it all seemed so long ago...like a different world.
As they saddled up, Hank renewed his pledge of the previous night.
“Here you ride that dang Pinto Harper and I’ll take this sparky lookin’ bay of yours.”
Jess flicked a glance over to Millie and hid a smile.
“As you want, but he’s quite a tough ride,” Jess added.
“Ha! Are you tellin’ me I can’t ride a goddamn ranch horse now?” he spat angrily.
Jess just shrugged and handed over the reins.
It only took a few yards before Traveller objected strongly to the stranger on his back. Not only was he a good many pounds weightier than Jess; he was also heavy handed and way too ready to use the spurs.
Traveller exploded...bolted forwards and then stopped dead in his tracks and Hank was thrown over his head in a perfect arc before landing badly in a crumpled heap.
Jess covered the distance in seconds...and managed to throw a punch as Hank scrabbled up. But having his hands cuffed it was impossible for him to have a fair fight and it wasn’t long before Hank downed him and then savagely kicked Jess in the chest and belly.
Millie tore over yelling at him, but he merely pushed her aside.
Jess finally curled on his side, groaning in pain.
Hank threw him a contemptuous glance before going off to fetch the Pinto.
Then he returned riding Scout, “Git yer man on his horse,” he yelled angrily at Millie, “we’ve wasted enough time.”
Jess finally mounted and the four made their way along the lake shore and then off through the trees towards the trail...heading for the town of Rawlins.

*******
Meanwhile back at the ranch, Slim, Daisy and Mike were enjoying a leisurely Saturday breakfast.
“I wonder if Jess and Millie will be home today,” Daisy said cheerfully as she refilled Slim’ s coffee cup.
“I darned well hope so,” Slim said looking less than happy. “According to old Bert at the livery, Jess and Millie left riding a couple of hire horses and were heading this way over a week ago. He got a wire from Freddy at the town livery saying to look out for them, and send the horses back with the next customers heading Cheyenne way. So how long does it take to ride from there to here,” he added irritably.
Daisy smiled serenely, “You can’t blame them dear. What with Jess’s illness and Millie having been away so long I’m sure they had a lot of...uh...” she glanced at Mike and then continued, “a lot of catching up to do...sharing all their news and things,” she added vaguely.
“I’ll give him ‘catching up’,” Slim muttered darkly. Then added, “With poor Seth getting sick I could really use Jess’s help now.”
Daisy nodded, “Yes that is unfortunate...but it’s just a bad chill, he should be up and about in a day or so. That herbal tea I made last night would have had him sleeping like a baby. I’m sure he’ll feel better today.”
Then she looked thoughtful. “You don’t suppose Jess and Millie have been caught up in that terrible Stage hijack do you Slim?”
He shook his head, “Nope, Mose and Widow Green said they didn’t see anyone else...and that bank robber... uh Cain, Hank Cain and the blond woman headed off on the stage-line horses. I guess they’d be headed north for the border... nowhere near where Jess and Millie would be riding.”
Mike had been drinking all this in and now said, “At least Jess is better now! He’s got his memory back according to that letter he sent...so that’s real good news ain’t it?”
“Isn’t it,” Slim corrected quickly.
“That’s what I said,” Mike replied looking confused.
Slim sighed...his pard sure was responsible for some poor grammar and annoying ways in the child he thought. Then grinned to him-self and some dang good ones too, like loyalty, honesty and kindness. Gee it would be so good to have the real Jess back he thought.
Then he smiled benignly at the child and said, “If you’ve finished Mike will ya go and make a start on mucking out the barn...I’ll be with you in a minute.”
However, the child was back almost immediately, “Slim, Slim,” he yelled, “Traveller and Scout are gone...someone’s taken them!”
It was much later in the day when Slim finally found Jess’s note that had fluttered down into Traveller’s stall from the draught of the barn door opening.
Slim had headed out immediately that morning looking for the thief’s tracks to no avail. So, it was much later that afternoon, when he was once more searching the barn for any clues as to who had taken the horses that he saw the scrap of paper in the stall. He read it over twice and then high-tailed it to the ranch kitchen.
Daisy looked up from where she was just starting supper and asked, “Any news?”
He nodded excitedly, “Yes, listen to this Daisy,” and he squinted down at Jess’s untidy scrawl.
“Me and Millie captive...lake cave...headed border...Come in real easy...bring Mort...Jess. It looks like you were spot on Daisy. I reckon that no good bank raider, Cain did come across Jess and Millie and he’s holding them hostage. I’ve got to ride for Mort…go find them and bring them home.”
However, by the time he reached town and alerted Mort it was too late to ride out to the lake.
“We could do more harm than good blundering about in the dark,” Mort said wisely. “It looks like a real delicate situation, what with Millie being held captive and all; and this guy Cain being so hot-headed. I can see why Jess said come in real easy and why he hasn’t been able to get the drop on him. I guess he’s real fearful of Miss Millie being harmed. We’ll ride out at first light and take our time...seize the right moment huh?”

Chapter 18
As Mort was speaking Hank Cain and his hostages were resting after a long day’s ride…Bel already fast asleep. Hank had soon realized that she was no horsewoman and was slowing them down. Plus, she had clearly taken a disliking to Millie...whereas Hank had quite different feelings towards the pretty, curvy brunette.
Yes, he figured if he could get rid of Bel...and then Harper once he was safely over the border, well then maybe he and Miss Millie could make some sort of future together.
Millie hadn’t missed the signs…the secretive glances...the way he looked at her figure...it made her blood run cold... but maybe...just maybe she could use it to her advantage.
“I said no, absolutely not!” Jess snapped when she related her plan.
“Why not...if I can get him really drunk and persuade him to untie me, then maybe I’ll be able to get the keys to those handcuffs...even get his gun,” she whispered.
Jess was still in a lot of pain from the morning’s beating and the last thing he wanted was for Millie to put herself in any danger when he knew he couldn’t keep her safe.
He shook his head, “It’s too dang risky...what if he hits on ya huh?”
She just chuckled softly, “What with all that whiskey down his neck, he’ll be incapable...besides I know how to deal with his sort,” she added.
It was when she had been allowed to answer the call of nature that she went ahead with her plan.
As Bel was still sleeping, Hank had untied Millie and allowed her to go off into the undergrowth whilst he stayed within a few feet of her...discretely looking in the opposite direction. Millie fleetingly toyed with the idea of making a run for it...but on reflection she figured he’d fire on her...and anyway she didn’t want to leave Jess in his clutches.
When she wandered back into the camp, she threw Hank a sultry glance and asked if he’d care to share a glass or two of whiskey with her.
His head shot up in surprise and then an evil grin suffused his ugly features.
Jess shuddered...but said nothing. Hell, he knew how dang stubborn Millie could be once she made up her mind to do something...and he just hoped and prayed she’s be able to carry it off.
“Why that would be real neighborly of you Ma’am,” Hank said casting a glance over to where Jess was still securely cuffed and tied to a huge cotton wood.
She plucked their bottle from Jess saddle bag and Hank took her arm and escorted her over to the other side of the camp fire...affording them some privacy from Jess’s icy stare.
As Millie had predicted he didn’t tie her wrists again. But helped himself to a long pull of the powerful grog and it took no time at all for him to get completely drunk. Sure, he’d fumbled about a bit and made a few ungentlemanly suggestions...but nothing Millie couldn’t handle.
When he was snoring loudly it only took her a second to find the key to the cuffs and carefully remove his Colt from the holster before running over to Jess.
Once the cords were cut and the cuffs removed, he massaged his painful wrists and ankles before grinning over at Millie. Then they quickly headed over to where Hank was still dead to the world. As Jess approached, Hank let out a yelp in his sleep, obviously having a nightmare…but then turned and started snoring again.
The cuffs were in place and their freedom assured...or so Millie and Jess assumed…
But as they stood up, they were suddenly alerted to a movement just behind them and turning as one saw Bel standing there, awoken by Hanks crying out in his sleep.
She looked petrified but none the less held a derringer aimed at Jess’s head.
Then everything seemed to happen at once.
“Take it easy Ma’am, drop the gun...you don’t really wanna shoot us,” Jess said softly.
Bel looked uncertain, like she might lower the weapon.
But then seeing her full attention was on Jess, Millie made a rash lunge for the gun and Bel fired it off without warning.
It was difficult to see who looked the more shocked, Millie or Bel.
Millie just stared aghast then looked dazed before falling like a stone.
Bel looked horror-stricken at what she’d done.
“I ... I didn’t mean to...Oh God no!” she stuttered and with that she tore off into the dark night...and moments later Jess heard a horse galloping away.
He didn’t even consider following but fell to his knees beside Millie and gently turned her over. Her beautiful face was ashen and blood oozed from a wound to the top of her left arm. He pulled her up into his warm embrace and held her close, whispering her name and almost sobbing in his distress.
It only took him a few minutes to pull himself together and he carried his beloved over to where her bedroll was laid out near the fire. Then he turned back to where Hank was trying to drag himself up, staring in bewilderment at the cuffs, unable to process what had happened.
Jess strode over and pushed him down unceremoniously before tying him tightly to a nearby tree.
“Wha...what’s goin’ on...who’s bin shootin’?” he slurred.
“Shut the hell up,” Jess snarled, before turning on his heel and seeking out his canteen and some clean rags to tend Millie.
He began to gently clean and dress the wound, whilst she remained unconscious.
She eventually came around just as he was finishing binding the wound, which he noted was not life threatening...but nasty none the less.
Her eyes flickered open and she tried to focus on Jess, before tears welled up, “It hurts,” she whispered, “so bad...”
“I know, I know... but it’s alright sweetheart, you’re gonna be OK,” he said quickly.
Then he ran a finger gently down her cheek, “You take it easy huh...you’ll be just fine.”
She closed her eyes and took a deep shuddering breath before opening them again, “What happened?”
“You tried to be a dang hero,” he said softly feeling his heart might break as he looked down into her pale tense face. “It were that Bel, she shot you and then took off.”
“Oh yes...I guess I should leave the heroics to you in future,” she said with the ghost of a smile.
He pulled her close again and kissed her forehead, “You just get some sleep huh...things will look better in the morning.”
The following day it was clear Millie wasn’t up to sitting a horse. If truth be told Jess wasn’t up to it either. The beating he’d received from Cain the previous day was really laying him low now. Hell, why had he attacked the outlaw after Trav had tipped him off, Jess thought morosely...he hadn’t stood a chance being cuffed that way.
Now as he awoke at first light and stretched, he gave a little groan as pain shot through his badly bruised ribs and abdomen where Cain had booted him multiple times. The sound alerted Millie and her eyes flicked open and she looked about her in consternation before her gaze fell on Jess.
“Are you alright?” she asked anxiously.
“Hey never mind about me...how are you feeling?” he asked, kindly.
“Kinda sick and dizzy,” she said after a minute, “and my arm is really sore...I hardly slept.”
He nodded sympathetically, “It’s reaction to being shot...kinda shakes you up some. Then he ran a hand across her cool brow, “No fever that’s good. I figure you just need to rest up for a day or so.”
“What about him?” she asked tipping her head to where Cain was still sleeping off his hangover.
“Oh, he ain’t goin’ no place,” Jess replied with a grim smile. “Besides with any luck Slim and Mort should show up sometime…they can sort him out.”
It was midday when he was alerted to some people riding into his camp.
Jess was resting beside a now slumbering Millie. He had laced her coffee with some Red eye Kate had given him. She was now sleeping soundly and didn’t stir as Jess leapt up at the sound of horses advancing.
He grabbed his rifle and was ready when Slim, followed by Mort, his deputy Lon and a handcuffed Bel arrived at the camp.
He quickly lowered his rifle and beamed at Slim.
The tall rancher slid down from the saddle and advanced on Jess his gaze never leaving those blue, oh so familiar, eyes.
They stood just grinning at each other for a minute before Slim glanced away to where Millie was still fast asleep.
“She’s OK?” he asked anxiously, “That Bel woman confessed to what she’d done.”
Jess nodded, “It’s just a flesh wound, she’ll be fine. I doctored her coffee with Red eye this morning so she’d get some sleep. She had a bad night,” he added.
Slim nodded and then looked back at his pard, “And you, you’re really OK now?”
Jess nodded, “Yeah...I’m back...and Slim...I’m sorry...real sorry for uh...you know...the way I’ve been.”
Slim gave him a little punch on the arm, “Hell Jess that’s not your fault.”
Then Mort joined them, “Did I hear coffee mentioned?” he asked with a raised eyebrow and inquiring grin.
Jess flicked a glance over to Slim and said, “He don’t change any does he?”
“It’s clear you have,” Mort said chuckling, “thank goodness. It’s real good to have you back son,” he added sincerely.
Lon came over after tying up his prisoner over by Cain and they settled down to a good strong coffee...and catch up on all the news.
Sometime later Mort and Lon left with the prisoners. They agreed to meet up with Jess later that week for a full report of his and Millie’s abduction and the ensuing arrest of Hank Cain.
When Millie finally awoke it was clear that she wasn’t her usual self and refused anything to eat. Slim was very worried by the change in the usually chirpy upbeat young woman...who seemed a shadow of her former self right then.
Jess finally managed to get her to take some broth he’d made and she fell into a deep sleep soon afterwards.
“That’s what she needs,” Slim said encouragingly, “a good snooze will do her the world of good.”
However, Jess looked anguished, “She ain’t right Slim. I reckon we should ride for town tomorrow get the Doc to check her over.”
Slim nodded and the two settled down with their coffee to chat quietly.
“Peggy Johnson sent all your press cuttings over for Daisy’s scrap book,” Slim said with a grin, “those articles Tad wrote...”
Jess just rolled his eyes and said nothing.
“I don’t know who she was more proud of,” he continued, “you for foiling the bank raid...twice...or Tad for writing about it so vividly.”
“He sure is doing well,” Jess said with a happy smile, “he’s been promoted and they’re hoping to move to a bigger place.”
Slim smiled at his friend’s enthusiasm, “I guess they need some more space with all those babies that keep coming along...and so easily too,” he chuckled.
Jess looked slightly alarmed by that, remembering Aunt Vera’s words on the subject back at Peggy’s Boarding House. “Only married five minutes and two babies already...that’s what happens when lust takes over young man...married or...not.”
Slim picked up on his unrest and changed the subject.
“So, you finally remembered what happened about Frankie’s bank raid all those years ago?”
He nodded, “Yup and Tad dug up the story too as you’ve read?”
Slim nodded, “It was a real courageous thing to do that Jess, alert the town...you could have gotten yourself killed.”
Jess just shrugged, “I didn’t have no choice Slim...I couldn’t have lived with myself if it had gone ahead...he aimed to kill all the witnesses you know.”
Slim gave a little whistle, “Jeez....no wonder you did what you did then.”
He looked thoughtful, “I would imagine he didn’t take that lying down? So did he come after you?”
Jess nodded, “You know how I was convinced someone was after me all the time I had that dratted amnesia?”
Slim tipped his Stetson back and looked thoughtful, “Yup, you said it felt like you were on the run...thought it was maybe from the law?”
“Yeah, well it wasn’t…it was Frankie. I remember it all now.”
“Go on,” Slim said softly.
“I lit out...headed for the Mexican border. I’d friends that way and I really didn’t wanna face him Slim; he was way faster than me back then. Anyway, after a while I decided I weren’t gonna carry on running for the rest of my life. I was so damn sick of lookin’ over my shoulder that I figured, better just let him finish it.”
“Jeez,” Slim uttered shaking his head sadly.
“Anyway, I went and found him in Texas and he called me out. He shot me OK...but in the leg,” he added rubbing the thigh that still troubled him on occasion. “He said he’d give me somethin’ to remember him by,” he added bitterly. “I guess he weren’t wrong there.”
Slim looked sympathetic and then deeply shocked.
“Hell...hang on...so when you faced him in Laramie last year...you really didn’t think you could out draw him, did you?”
Jess just looked down and said nothing.
“He said, I’ve downed you once I can do it again,” Slim continued.
“Yeah, I just got lucky,” Jess said quietly.
Slim shook his head and said softly, “I think that’s about the bravest damn thing I’ve ever witnessed.”
Jess just shrugged, “Maybe it was all best forgotten...and now I do remember it, I don’t wanna dwell on it Slim. What’s done is done...let’s just look to the future huh?”

Chapter 19
The next morning although Millie was still looking pale and kind of dazed, they decided to ride for town and the doc’s office. Jess insisted she ride double with him on Traveller and she finally agreed although she kept saying she was absolutely fine.
“Sure, you are,” Jess drawled, “but just humor me huh?”
He knew perfectly well how frustrating a ride on the Pinto, Scout could be, even if the rider was in top form. For Millie, with one arm in a sling, the dang mount would have spent half his time head down grazing...or just refusing to budge; he’d told Slim earlier.
“I thought he was kind of an odd choice for you to take at the time,” Slim said grinning.
Jess chuckled, “He was all part of my plan. I made sure Cain rode him back from the ranch and the next day he insisted on taking Trav...just like I knew he would.
“Ha...fat lot of good that would have done him,” Slim said his eyes twinkling.
“Yup, tipped him off within a few yards. That’s when I moved in. I managed to floor the bastard with my first punch...but...”
“Uh?”
“I guess I had no chance...trying to fight a guy when I was still cuffed.”
Slim merely rolled his eyes and said, “Not one of your better ideas pard for sure.”
They set off for town and had only been riding for a short time before Slim glanced over to see Millie was fast asleep already.
Jess held her firmly in front of him, one arm holding her around the waist, and she was now laid back with her head resting on his chest...completely dead to the world.
“So much for ‘I’m just fine,’” Slim said softly.
Jess nodded looking anxious, “The sooner I get her to the doc, the happier I’ll be,” he replied quietly.
They arrived in Laramie late afternoon and went directly to Doc Sam’s office and Millie was taken off to his consulting room at once.
“She’ll be OK,” Slim said as Jess collapsed down on the doc’s comfy couch in the parlour.
Before too long a beaming doc Sam returned.
“You’ll be pleased to hear minimal damage, you did an excellent job cleaning and bandaging the wound Jess.”
“She’ll be alright? Gee she looked real bad,” Jess said leaping up from his seat and looking relieved.
“Hunky dory after a good night’s sleep in a proper bed. I’ve given her a sedative to help her sleep, but you can go and see her...just for a minute, OK?”
He entered the room quietly and found Millie lying in the hospital bed, looking flushed and very pretty.
“I feel an awful fraud,” she said as he sat on the bed taking her hand. “I’m so much better now I’m here.”
“Look it’s been a shock...all of it, not just bein’ shot that way, but taken prisoner an’ all, bound to shake you up some.”
“I guess,” she said yawning...and then apologizing.
“I’d better go...let you catch up on yer sleep,” he said rising.
“No,” she said clasping his hand again, “please stay with me a little longer...please Jess...just until I’m asleep.”
“Sure,” he said sinking back down onto the bed and gently brushing her hair back from her forehead, “sure I will...”
Sometime later the doc popped his head around the door and smiled benignly at the scene within...Millie was fast asleep and Jess still sitting there holding her hand and looking lovingly down at her beautiful face.
Sam advanced into the room and said softly, “Come on Jess let her sleep, she’ll be right as rain by tomorrow.”
Jess leaned forwards and tenderly kissed her forehead before following the doc out of the room.
Then he and Slim had a quick word with Mort across the street; went to the saloon for a drink, and then booked into the Laramie Hotel for the night.
Slim sat on his bed regarding his pard as he stripped off to wash up before bed and gasped, “Hell did that no hoper Hank Cain do that to you?” he asked as he saw the dark bruising to Jess chest and stomach.
He nodded, “I guess that’ll teach me to try and fight a man when I’m cuffed,” he said rolling his eyes.
Slim gave a low whistle, “Jeez that’s a mess, you should have let the doc take a look.”
“Aw quit frettin’ Slim, it ain’t nuthin’,” he replied as he turned to finish washing up.
“So, what did the doc say about Millie?”
“That she’d be her old self real soon and I could visit first thing too,” he said happily.
“OK and then we really need to head home Jess. I feel kind of bad about leaving Seth in sole charge all this time. I figured he’d repaid his debt for shooting you a while ago...so I’ve put him on the payroll...are you alright with that?”
“Sure, that’s swell, he seems a real good worker and a nice guy from what I’ve seen, do ya think he’ll stay?”
“Uh, that’s the thing...he’s been getting real worried about that lousy ex-partner of his. It seems someone had a sighting of him over in Cheyenne and Seth thinks he might be heading this way...so he’s getting ready to take off when we land home.”
“That’s too bad...so did ya ever find out what this feud is all about?”
“It seems that this ex-partner of his, Pete Ryan, is demanding all the money Seth made from their gold mining enterprise. Although they both put the stake money in, half each, it was actually Pete who rode into town and laid the claim to the mining site, in his name only. Seth didn’t find out until later and Ryan was claiming that legally he owned the whole mine and all its profits. Not just half...although they were equal partners. Seth had an agreement signed by both of them saying that he is legally entitled to his share. I’ve had old Benson check it out and it will stand up in court. Pete Ryan doesn’t have a leg to stand on and any claim would be laughed out of court, according to Benson.”
“So, where’s all the money now?” Jess asked looking anxious. “Not at the ranch?”
“Nope I made sure he put it in the Laramie Bank, along with the letter regarding their partnership.”
Jess nodded, “Maybe we can get him to stay and if this Pete Ryan comes a callin’ I reckon we could show him the door huh pard?”
On that happy note they retired for the night.

*******
Early the following morning, Jess headed for the Doc’s office and was able to see Millie and confirm that she was indeed in excellent health once more. He promised to visit at the weekend as per usual. Then took off down Main Street whistling happily, headed to Miss Mollie’s Café where he was due to meet Slim for breakfast; the hotel food being expensive and nowhere near as good.
They were just finishing the works, washed down with numerous cups of strong coffee when something beyond the window caught Jess’s eye.
His face registered shock, before he leaped up nearly scattering all the dishes from the table as he swore loudly, “What in Hell?”
Slim turned and was just in time to see Daisy driving the buckboard recklessly along the street, before bringing it to a halt outside Mort’s office. She practically threw herself down from the vehicle and tore into the Sheriff’s office.
Jess was already halfway across the street, followed by Slim, who had only paused to throw some coins down on the cafe table, before heading after his pard.
They burst into the office to find a practically hysterical Daisy with Mort looking on helplessly.
“Just sit down, Miss Daisy and catch your breath,” he’d said kindly, as Jess and Slim burst in.
“Daisy what’s the matter?” Jess asked crouching down beside where she had almost collapsed on a chair opposite the desk.
She looked down at him with anguished eyes.
“It’s Mike,” she cried, “that awful Pete Ryan came looking for Seth and took him away along with Mike. He said he was collateral!”
“What does he mean Sheriff?” she asked looking back over to Mort.
“Insurance,” Mort said bitterly. “He’ll get everyone to do exactly as he wants or he’ll threaten to harm Mike.”
“Oh yes, he did imply as much,” Daisy nodded looking devastated.
Jess took her hand and squeezed it, “It’s OK Daisy you did the right thing in telling us.”
“Oh, but what if he hurts Mike because I’ve come here!”
“No, I don’t think so, he’ll need the boy to negotiate for what he wants,” Jess replied.
“Uh, and I know exactly what that is...Seth’s share of the proceeds from their gold mine and a letter proving Seth is the rightful co-owner of same,” Slim said grimly.
“I guess they’ll be headed for the Bank when it opens later,” Jess interjected.
“Yeah, and I think they’ll have a little reception committee waiting for them,” Mort said.
Lon was consigned to take a tearful Daisy back to the ranch, on the chance that Mike might have managed to escape and make his way home.
Slim and Jess had hugged her closely before she went, promising all would be well and she wasn’t to worry.
Mort, Jess and Slim were holed up in the Manager’s office when Seth rode into town a little later that morning and made for the bank.
As primed, the cashier told him he must see the Manager to withdraw such a large amount and he was duly shown into the Manager’s office.
He looked completely overwhelmed when confronted by the lawman and ranchers and cried out in despair, “Please you must let me take him the money. He said if I’m not back with it this morning he’s going to...going to do away with the boy.”
“The hell he is!” Jess growled angrily.
“This is Pete Ryan, your business partner we’re talking about?” Mort asked.
“Yes...he wants all my cash and the letter confirming our partnership in the mine ‘or you won’t see the boy again’ that’s what he said.”
Then turning to Slim and Jess said, “I’m so...so sorry.”
“Sorry don’t hack it,” Jess muttered angrily.
“Take it easy Jess this isn’t Seth’s fault,” Slim said reasonably.
Then turning to the older man asked, “Where is he hiding Seth?”
“We’re camped up in the cave by your lake. He intends to stay there for a day or so, until everything settles down and then head for Canada. He’s promised to let the boy go...but I really don’t trust him...anything could happen.”
“Well, it ain’t going to,” Jess said angrily, “because I’m gonna go get him back.”
“And how do you intend to do that?” Mort asked looking slightly irritated.
Jess ignored him and turned back to Seth, “So tell me; you’re to take the money and that Partnership Agreement...anything else...supplies?”
Seth looked puzzled, “No... uh only a couple of bottles of whiskey. Pete is darned fond of the old grog,” he added bitterly.
“I’d hoped as much,” Jess said smiling wolfishly. “Now listen up good...you don’t take the whiskey.”
“But he’ll go crazy,” Seth interrupted, “he’s pretty much dependent on it to keep going I guess.”
Jess held his hand up and continued, “OK he don’t know me from Adam...so I ride in, sayin’ I’m on the drift and wanna scrounge a coffee...when he tells me to git, I’ll offer to share my bottle...so what do ya think?”
“I reckon he’d do pretty much anything for some grog right now,” Seth agreed, “he ran out yesterday.”
“What about Mike? I don’t want him in any danger,” Slim said.
“And you think I do?” Jess growled angrily.
“Look Seth,” he continued, “you warn Mike I’m coming and tell him that he don’t know me...right?”
Seth nodded.
“Then tell him to do exactly as I say. Now here’s what we do....”

*******
Seth rode into the camp later that morning and was greeted by a very jittery looking Pete.
“You took yer time didn’t ya,” he said gruffly...so did you get it?”
Seth dismounted and strode over towards his ex-partner and passed over the bag of money and documents.
Pete took a quick look and nodded before peering up with bloodshot eyes, “And the grog?”
“I’m sorry Pete it was too dang risky...the Sheriff was wandering about and they’ll have found out about you taking the boy by now that’s for sure.”
“Na that old biddy won’t be able to get to town and you said the rancher was away. We’ll be just fine for a few days I reckon...so damn well go back and get it!”
“OK...but give me a break Pete, I need a coffee first huh?”
Seth nodded curtly, “OK but be quick about it...or I’ll start takin’ my anger out on that brat.”
“Where is he?” Seth asked suddenly looking anxious.
“I tied him up while you were away,” he said tipping his hat to where Mike was tied to a cottonwood near the edge of the lake.
“Hell Pete, that ain’t no way to treat a youngster,” Seth said angrily before striding over to Mike and untying him. Whilst he was doing so, he took the opportunity to tell Mike of the plan, “Remember you’ve never seen Jess in yer life” he said again, before leading the boy over to the camp fire.
He then passed Mike a canteen and poured himself and Pete a coffee.
It was only a few minutes later that Jess rode in dead on cue.
He walked towards the camp leading Traveller and then left him over near some trees before advancing further into the camp.
Pete was up in the blink of an eye and turned his rifle on Jess.
“That’s far enough...what do ya want?” he growled.
“My horse has come up lame and I was resting him awhile. Then I saw yer campfire smoke, wandered if I could cadge a coffee...I ran out a few days ago and could sure do with one,” he said hopefully.
“So, who are ya and where are you from?” Pete asked still not lowering the rifle.
“Jess...uh Jess Smith...and I guess I ain’t from anywhere in particular...been on the drift since I was a kid,” he added glancing over to where he noted Mike was taking the charade in his stride.
Pete just stared at him looking undecided.
Then Jess played his ace.
“Hell, I weren’t thinkin’ on just takin’ without givin’ in return...got me a bottle of Red eye back there.” he said jabbing a thumb towards where Traveller was now contentedly grazing at the edge of the camp.
“Now yer talkin’,” Pete said his demeanor changing completely as he put his rifle down, “come on in buddy take a seat,” he said expansively, turning and sitting back down on a rock.
Jess turned to Mike and said, “Hey kid, go fetch my bottle will ya? It’s in my saddle bag...one on the far side of my horse...down at the bottom...you’ll hafta dig about some.”
As Mike passed him Jess whispered, “Stay by Trav...”
Once the boy was over on the far side of the horse and was out of the line of fire Jess turned back to where Pete was seated. He noted that Seth had now moved away out of danger too and smiled to himself.
“Come and take a pew,” Pete said cheerfully “and we’ll have a coffee and a drop of your hooch.”
Quick as a flash Jess drew on him and growled, “Kick the rifle over here Ryan.”
Pete looked totally stunned, “Wha...?”
“You heard me…just do it, NOW!” Jess bellowed.
Pete did as he was told and then Jess made him stand and drop his gun-belt and kick that over too.
“Who in hell are you...the law?” he spat angrily once he had done as requested.
Jess gave him a bitter smile, “Nope...I’m your worst nightmare. I’m Jess Harper and young Mike there is my ward...and I hafta tell you I don’t take too kindly to the way you’ve treated the boy...or my housekeeper Miss Daisy either. In fact, you’ve really pissed me off,” he added, before holstering his gun.
“So, let’s see how brave you are with someone yer own size huh?” he asked pleasantly before stepping forwards and sending him flying with a haymaker to the chin.
Pete defended himself as well as he was able, but he was no match for Jess who was thoroughly enjoying himself.
Mort and Slim wandered over from where they’d been viewing proceedings from the cover of some nearby trees and watched with interest for a few minutes before Mort felt he should step in.
“OK Jess that’s enough. I think you’ve made your point,” he said firmly as Jess stood panting and glaring down at a pale and bleeding Pete Ryan. “We can call this resisting arrest. But any more and you’ll be in trouble savvy?”
Jess continued glaring down at his adversary for a full minute before nodding...and turning away to find Mike and check on him.
He went over to where Slim was hugging the boy close.
“You OK Tiger?” he asked softly.
“Sure, I am,” he replied grinning widely. “Gee you sure whopped him good Jess,” he added beaming with glee.
Epilogue
Not long after Jess’s return home he received a bulky envelope from Mr Scott the Manager of the Denver Bank. It contained a long letter signed by all the Town Council and a check for a substantial amount.
“Oh, my goodness,” Daisy said with eyes sparkling, “what a lovely letter and also such a large reward...Jess, I’m so proud of you!”
She passed the check to Slim and he gave a low whistle, “It looks like they really appreciated you for what you did over there...foiling not one but two bank raids. So, what are you going to do with this fat check Jess...a new rifle? Or maybe that saddle you’ve been hankering after?”
Jess shook his head, “Nope, I’m gonna treat you, he said smiling at Slim, Daisy and Mike. You can have whatever ya want, “he added grinning.
Once the excited thanks were over, Slim said, “What about you Hotshot...what are you doing with the rest?”
Jess smiled happily, “Its baby Maggie’s christening next month and I’m giving the rest to her as a gift.”
“Wow that’s real generous of you Jess,” Slim said admiringly.
“Yeah...well if it hadn’t been for her Pa, Tad, bringing all that business about me stopping that other bank raid to the Manager and Town’s attention I guess they’d never have made such a fuss. It was his newspaper article that made all the difference,” Jess said honestly.
“Besides she’s a real cute little thing,” he added softly.
Slim and Daisy exchanged a glance.
“Hey you’re not getting broody on me are you pard?” Slim asked chuckling.
But Jess quickly lost his soppy grin and said, “Heck no...of course not...no...”
“Me thinks he protests way too much Daisy,” Slim teased.

*******
Several weeks later Mort was able to confirm that both Hank Cain and Bel had received their just rewards of long prison sentences.
Seth Doon’ s ex-partner Pete Ryan also received a good lengthy spell in jail for abducting Mike and also laying false claim to Seth’s half of the gold mine.
Slim and Jess tried to persuade the prospector to put down roots in Laramie and carry on working at the ranch, but he had other plans.
“I thank you kindly,” the middle-aged man said grinning across at both Slim and Jess, “But I figure I’ve got something of the wanderlust in me. Like you once did eh Jess,” he said smiling kindly.
“Hey, less of the ‘used to’”, Jess said in mock indignation, “I still get out an’ about on occasion ya know...when this ol’ slave driver allows,” he added nudging Slim and winking at Seth.
Seth smiled back, “I guess I’ve got a hankerin’ to see Canada and they tell me there’s a good life to be had up there. With my share of the mine, I reckon I could afford a little place…maybe even raise a few horses like you folk,” he added.
He looked over to the corral where some green broke mustangs were waiting Jess’s attention, then looked up to the hills.
“Sure is a good life you’ve got here,” he said softly, “and I’m so dang sorry you nearly lost it all because of me being way too trigger happy,” he added turning to the dark-haired cowboy.
“Hey, we’ve been through all that, it weren’t really your fault...so forget it huh?”
They had waved Seth off and now it was late evening as they sat out on the porch, a whiskey apiece, feet up on the rail relaxing.
After a while Jess turned to his pard and said, “You know in a strange kind of way I reckon Seth did me a favor.”
Slim jerked his feet down and turned to stare at Jess in surprise, “How do you work that out?”
Jess shrugged, “I figure he made me realize how dang lucky I was to end up here...and I guess I appreciate you all more now too.”
“That’s good to know,” Slim said smiling broadly, “and it’s good to have you back...I wasn’t any too keen on the Jess from back then,” he added with a grimace.
“Yeah, me neither...and I figure it’s the life I’ve had here that helped change me...some anyway.”
“Ha-ha, sure,” Slim said chuckling.
Then he peered over to his pard and realized he was deadly serious and was looking out to the distant hills, misty eyed.
“Jess, what is it?” Slim asked after a moment.
He eventually turned and looked at Slim, “I really am sorry for the way I’ve been...but it was real hard for me.”
“Go on...”
He sighed deeply, “I dunno...settling down here...you, Daisy and Mike...you were all so doggone nice to me; and I just couldn’t remember you...why should that be?”
Slim looked thoughtful, “I guess you just weren’t ready for that sort of commitment back then. The way you were acting...feeling...back in ‘66. You were in a real dark place in the bad old days Jess. I guess we should just be thankful you came back to us huh?”
Jess nodded, “Oh I am...I really am.”

*******
Daisy had been delighted to have her Jess back and had spoiled him rotten since his return...but today was the day things must get back to normal she decided.
It was a sunny morning towards the end of the long school holidays. They were just finishing a leisurely breakfast with the sun streaming in through the open kitchen door, when Daisy turned to Jess and said, “I think today would be a good one to start the painting, don’t you dear?”
Jess stopped eating, his fork suspended halfway to his mouth, “Huh?”
“Why the painting of course, you and Slim promised to paint the house directly after you returned from selling those mustangs over in Cheyenne. In fact, I do believe you promised to buy the paint on the way home,” she added with an innocent smile.
“I...I never...” Jess stuttered.
“Never bought it? No of course not dear, after all…you were shot and then had that awful amnesia; I quite understand...but don’t fret, Slim and I got the paint last week.”
Jess turned to his partner and muttered, “Traitor,” under his breath.
Then looking back to Daisy said innocently, “I really can’t recall that promise at all Daisy...what with this amnesia and all. Anyway, I’m sure I wouldn’t have made a promise like that...not with so much work on.”
“Sure, you remember Jess!” Mike piped up. “We were standing in the yard just after Slim and you promised Aunt Daisy and you turned to Slim and said a very rude word...and then you sorta changed it into a cough when you saw Aunt Daisy had come out onto the porch...dontcha remember that huh...huh?”
Jess put his fork down and made a grab for Mike, “Sure I do...you little snitch,” he yelled.
But Mike was too fast for him and was out of the door in a flash...with Jess in hot pursuit.
He caught up with him by the corral fence and wrestled the child to the ground and tickled him mercilessly...before swinging him under his arm and carrying him back to the kitchen, where Daisy and Slim were both in fits of laughter.
Jess deposited Mike down and ruffled his hair, grinning over at Slim.
“I, uh guess you don’t remember I loaned you ten bucks just before your amnesia either?” Slim quipped.
Jess’s head shot up and he said gruffly, “Now I really don’t remember that, nope!”
“But...um, you do remember about the painting though?” Daisy wheedled trying to hide a smile.
Jess sighed deeply and rolled his eyes at Slim, knowing when he’d been out foxed, “I guess, maybe I do yeah...”
“That’s wonderful dear,” Daisy said smiling happily. “I’ll go and fetch the paint and brushes.”

The End
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