The Laramie Chronicles

The Longest Journey

By

Patty Wilkinson

(Please note, some adult themes, strong language, violence and scary bits!)

Prologue

It was a few weeks after Christmas and the snow had been down for over two weeks. Young Mike had been delighted that the school had closed, but now the excitement was slowly beginning to turn to boredom.

At first it had been wonderful and Jess and Slim had helped him build endless snowmen and they all went sledging and even skating on the lake.

But now the weather had turned and the frosty sunny days had been replaced by further squally snow showers, dark clouds and a bitter wind, precluding any outside fun and games.

Jess and Slim got through the yard chores as quickly as they were able and after tending the stock worked indoors as much as they could.

Daisy, their cheerful housekeeper accepted her lot, knowing that the frustrations of the unpleasant weather would not last forever, and made helpful suggestions as to how best deal with the situation. She and Slim had insisted on Mike doing a couple of hours of study every morning and Jess entertained him later in the day playing checkers or card games. Plus of course there were a good few books about which he enjoyed reading.

However, on this particular Sunday afternoon, tempers were beginning to get somewhat frayed.

Jess, never one to enjoy being confined indoors for any length of time had been over in the barn grooming Traveller and doing odd jobs.

Now he returned growling about the darned Wyoming weather, and what in tarnation did he think he was doing moving here from Texas anyway.

Slim looked up from the book he was reading and noted Jess rubbing his thigh and knew an old bullet wound was bothering him some. It always seemed to play up in the cold weather. So, he cut him some slack and just said, “Come and get warm Jess, Daisy’s just making some fresh coffee.”

Mike who had been lying on the floor in front of the fire with the dogs, moved over to allow Jess access and sighing said, “I’m bored can’t I go out to play please,” he wheedled.

“Uh-uh, nope Tiger,” Jess said firmly, “it’s bitter cold out there and snows blowin’ in again. We don’t want you getting sick now do we huh?”

Mike sighed again and said, “No I guess not.”

Daisy waltzed in with the coffee at that point, and noting the air of distension said, “I know what you boys could do this afternoon…”

Three pairs of eager eyes turned to her.

“What Aunt Daisy?”

“Well, I do remember suggesting we spring clean the attic not so long ago and nothing’s been done about it yet.”

“Aw Daisy, my leg’s kinda sore right now and I don’t wanna go climbing ladders. Besides, remember all the dust that came down the last time we were up there, huh?” Jess said.

“He’s right,” Slim said, “when Andy was banging about up there when he visited over Christmas, he made a real mess, dust and cobwebs all over the parlour.”

“Oh, it wasn’t so bad dear,” she said encouragingly. Then she looked thoughtful, “You know, Andy was up there looking for a book of your Pa’s that he wanted to borrow?”

Slim nodded.

“Well while he was up there, I asked him to sort through some of his old stuff and put it all together in some boxes, just so that when we spring clean nothing of his gets thrown out by mistake.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a wary glance.

“And…?” Jess said.

“And so, I thought you might like to bring the box down, I know for a fact he said there were some exciting adventure stories Mike might enjoy.”

At that the youngster jumped up, “Oh please, can ya get the box down Slim, can you...I’ve read all my books a hundred times now.

Slim’s face softened and he reached out and ruffled the child’s hair.

“Come on Jess you fetch the ladder and I’ll go up,” he said cheerfully.

Sometime later they resumed their places by the fireside along with two large boxes full of Andy’s childhood books and memories.

Mike kept whooping with delight as he discovered not only several wonderful illustrated adventure stories, but also many comics.

Jess took one and looked at it grinning across at Slim, “Remember how he loved all this stuff…used to buy them with his pocket money.”

Slim nodded.

Then Jess’s face fell…as he remembered something.

“What is it dear?” the ever-astute Daisy asked.

Jess grimaced, “I just recalled taking him into town once. I hadn’t been here too long and old Jonesy really didn’t want me to take him with me, didn’t trust me I guess.”

“Trust is hard to earn and easy to lose,” Slim said quietly, “that’s what my Pa used to say.”

“Yeah, well anyway,” Jess continued, “Slim finally agreed and I took Andy in and we’d just finished in the mercantile when I saw this guy I knew across the street. A real bad lot he was and I reckoned he was gunning for me.”

“Gee why was that, Jess?” Mike piped up.

Jess flushed a little and just said, “It’s kinda a long story Tiger, “and flicked a glance over to Slim.

Slim raised an eyebrow and then remembered that the guy had been charging Jess with getting his sister in the family way. Anyway that had been impossible as Jess hadn’t clapped eyes on the gal for over 12 months and the baby had only just been born. But there was no convincing the hoodlum.

“Oh yeah, long story,” Slim agreed winking at Jess, “so go on then.”

“Well, I dragged Andy into the shadows and hoped he hadn’t seen us, but dang me that’s when this hombre’s brother came out of the saloon and barged right into us.”

“What did ya do?” Mike asked enthralled.

“Well, I told Andy to beat it and go fetch Sheriff Cory… But then this guy Deacon called me out. I was just wonderin’ how I was gonna get out of it all when Mort showed up. As soon as the others saw him, they rode off. It seems they were wanted in four States,” he finished grinning.

“Yikes that was a close one,” Mike said.

Then Jess sobered, “Yup too dang close for comfort as far as I was concerned. I was so worried about the fact that Andy might have been hurt I decided to ride out that night and not come back.”

“Oh Jess, how awful for you, for you all,” Daisy said glancing at Slim.

Slim grinned at her then, “Yup, but luckily I managed to talk him out of it.”

Then shaking his head said, “I can’t help thinking, my life might have been a whole lot easier if I had let him go though,” he added and was rewarded by Jess slinging a cushion at him.

Daisy had been investigating the other box that was full of old diaries, school notebooks and also a bundle of letters.

“What are these dear?” she asked Slim.

He took the neatly tied missives from her and untying the ribbon perused them.

Then he looked quite emotional, “I didn’t know he’d kept all these,” he said.

Jess looked over and Slim passed the bundle across.

Jess looked quite moved too, “Well I’ll be…” he said softly.

Then Slim glanced back at Daisy who was still looking questioningly at him.

“It all started just about a year after Jess moved in here,” he said. “We went on a trip together…a really long difficult one.”

“Ha!” Jess exploded, “More like a nightmare of a journey pard.”

“And so, what are all these wires and letters?” Daisy asked.

“We promised to keep in touch,” Slim replied, “Andy was only…uh about thirteen and was really upset we were going to be away for so long, so we both promised to write him when we could.”

“Even you Jess?” Mike asked in surprise, knowing it was his hero’s least favourite task.

“Yes, even me cheeky,” Jess said clipping him lightly around the ear…the boy laughing and easily ducking out of the way.

“It sounds like quite an adventure,” Daisy prompted.

“Oh yeah, it was that alright,” Jess said as he looked off into the distance and remembered that time so long ago…

Chapter 1

“Aw Jonesy, it ain’t just me…I guess Andy had some of that bacon too you know.”

“And why pray was the boy cookin’ up bacon sandwiches way past his bedtime may I ask?” the diminutive man asked, hands on hips and scowling.

“I told ya, Jonesy, Jess had been tending that sick heifer and he was real cold and hungry when he came back in, so I thought I’d make us a snack.”

“Well, you thought wrong and why didn’t you think to ask me or Slim first?”

“Well, you were out at that stock holders meeting until near midnight, “the youngster replied.

Jonesy sighed, “Well come and get your breakfast, such as it is, beans and beans.”

Slim came to the table then, having caught the end of the conversation.

“Jonesy’s right, we’re really hard pressed right now, financially that is, we’re all going to have to tighten our belts some, or we are going to make it through the winter on short rations.”

“Dang it I don’t reckon the rations could get much shorter,” Jess complained, “and iffen I tighten my belt anymore it’ll be goin’ around me twice.”

Jonesy shook his head, “Beats me as to how a skinny runt like you can eat for Texas and still look half starved.”

“Well, it’s all the dang work I do ain’t it,” Jess complained, “takes a powerful lot of energy breaking those ol’ mustangs you know Jonesy.”

“I wouldn’t know,” he said gruffly, “I never go near the dang things.”

Then Jess turned to Slim and said, “Those green broke ones the Major took, he paid a good price didn’t he Slim?”

“Yeah, he did but it’s all about running a business you see. That money went to buy in the new stock that we’ll fatten up, and feeding up the young un’s to sell on next spring. Like I say, in the meantime we’re on pretty slim pickings.”

They finished breakfast and waved Andy off to school on the morning stage, when three riders came galloping down the rise.

 “Well, howdy Major,” Slim said as he recognised Major Rawlins, flanked by two soldiers.

The Major reined in, and jumping down from the saddle shook hands with Slim and then Jess. Sherman…Harper, it’s good to see you.

“You too Major,” said Slim looking puzzled, “uh nothing wrong with those mustangs we sold you is there?”

“Goodness me no…not at all, they are just fine!”

Then turning to Jess said, “You did a wonderful job Harper. Excellent animals, just what we need.”

“So uh, how can we help you?” Slim asked.

“Well young man I have a proposition for you both, if we could maybe speak inside.”

“Well sure,” Slim said apologizing for forgetting his manners, “I reckon Jonesy should have the coffee pot on by now, come along in.”

The Major glanced back at his troopers, “At ease men,” he barked, before following Slim into the ranch house.

Once they were seated around the table, with Jonesy looking on, the Major said, “I’ll be totally honest with you, I have a job for you to do and I really don’t think there is anyone else around that could accomplish it for me. It’s extremely risky, time consuming and not without its uh … difficulties…but it would pay mighty handsomely. What are your thoughts?”

“Well, I reckon we’d need to know a bit more about it Major,” Slim said cautiously, “what it entails …and why us?”

“Well, the latter part of the question is easy,” Major Rawlins said. “The work is in the interests of your old commanding officer.”

“Oh really,” Slim said looking interested.

The Major continued, “Well as I say, Major Burns, as you’ll remember him, or Colonel Burns retired as he is now, has asked for you specifically.”

“Oh,” said Slim his face lighting up, “How is the Colonel?”

“Sorely tried,” the Major replied, “and desperately in need of your help Slim, he couldn’t countenance any other man in the role.”

Then he turned to Jess, “The assignment will need two men who understand each other well and can work together seamlessly.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a puzzled glance before the Major continued.

“You, Jess, come with my recommendation. I’ve seen you under fire when we had that Indian problem a while back and Mort Cory speaks very highly of you. A sure shot and a tough cookie when the chips are down.”

“Can you just tell us what this is all about?” Jess asked beginning to feel restless.

“Certainly gentlemen…you may be aware that Colonel Burn’s daughter is a very successful journalist back east?”

Jess grinned at that, “A successful troublemaker by all accounts Major. The last I read about her she had everyone from Congress, through to the Indians gunning for her…kinda outspoken ain’t she!”

“Jess!” Slim said frowning.

“No please, Jess is right. She really is rather outspoken and opinionated and I’m sorry to say, it could cost her, her life…and that is why I’m here.”

“Go on,” Slim said looking anxious.

“There has already been an unsuccessful attempt on her life after she exposed that charlatan of a politician, Jake Cummings. Nothing can be proven, but we have our sources…and they say that there are several different factions gunning for her. Not least her old flame Ed Mason. Not only is she a woman in a man’s world, but she also dares to tell the truth and refuses to be silenced when she sees wrongdoing. No matter who the culprit is.”

“Until somebody silences her, permanently,” Jess said softly.

“Precisely and that’s where you two come in,” the Major said beaming at them. “Miss Burns has been persuaded, albeit with great difficulty, to move up north to Canada to live with her father the Colonel, until things settle down at least. But there is just the little matter of her being escorted there.”

“Surely the Army can do that?” Jess said.

“Sadly no, the powers that be, believe it would be like a red rag to a bull for the Army to be involved. After that piece she wrote about the Indian community…well some of the tribes were very upset when they were told about it. If she travels with an Army escort…it could blow up into a major incident if the Indians tried to take her, and the army had to use force to keep her safe. No, so what we propose is for Miss Burns to travel incognito, with just two bodyguards…you Slim, and you Jess.”

“No, no way,” Jess said at once, “that woman is trouble! What she wrote about the local tribes was pure libel!”

“Just hear me out,” the Major said, “this would be the fee for the work and he passed a piece of paper over with an eye wateringly large amount. “Her newspaper back east and the Colonel are both funding this.”

“What about the ranch?” Slim asked, “Who’ll run it all if Jess and I were away for so long?”

“All attended to,” the Major said grinning, “Corporal Barnes and Private Dawson, who rode in with me are both from ranching stock and will take good care of everything here.”

“Well, that sounds good,” Slim said, “so fill us in on the details Major, what exactly is our role?”

Sometime later Jess objected violently, “Oh no…no I ain’t doin’ it and that’s final!”

“But it really is vital to the success of the plan Jess,” the Major said, “Miss Burns is traveling incognito to keep her safe, and as such she will be traveling as Mrs Harper your wife. It has to be you as Slim is too well known in these parts, everyone knows he’s not married. But you well…with your past folk will believe anything, including a wife you’ve never mentioned. It really is essential to the successful outcome of this whole venture he reiterated, “Please do re-consider.”

“Think of the money,” Slim said urgently, “come on Jess, you can do it. It’s just a bit of play acting…it’ll be easy.”

It was then that Jonesy finally spoke up, “Never mind about the saddle tramp fussin’ and frettin’… What about the boy, your kid brother…who’s gonna explain all this to him huh, Slim?”

OOOOOOO

“Look Andy it will only be for a couple of months, less probably,” Slim said, “and we sure could use the extra money, you know that.”

When the boy still looked rather upset at being what he called ‘abandoned’ by his big brother, Jess tried.

“Look we’ll write you, as often as we can. It’ll be like one of your adventure comics huh? We’ll tell ya all about the places we travel through; folk we meet... critters we hunt, heck all about Canada too.”

Andy looked slightly placated.

“And you’ll bring me a present back? I hear they’ve got powerful big moose up there, with huge antlers that would look just swell in my room.”

“Well, we’ll see,” Slim said vaguely. “So, you’ll be OK running the place then Andy, with Jonesy’s help and those troopers too, huh?”

As Slim had hoped the idea that Andy was being left in charge appealed to him and he smiled for the first time, “You bet Slim, the place will be in good hands, I promise you!”

So, it was the following morning the Major returned, this time on the Stage, with Colonel Burns’ daughter with him.

The moment Jess clapped eyes on her as she stepped down from the coach, he just knew she was going to be trouble, why in hell had he agreed to this dang charade was his first thought…and his second Jeez, but she sure was a stunner.

She was dressed in elegant finery, more like she was about to attend some posh affair back east. She wore a fitted suit of dark green silk, shiny black shoes and a matching black hat with a tiny veil.

Slim had opened the Stage door and handed her down and she threw the veil back and regarded the yard through cynical eyes…before turning to the Major and saying, “Is this it…where I am to stay?” sounding somewhat incredulous.

“Just for the night my dear,” Major Rawlins said patiently.

He went to introduce Slim, and then turned to include Jess, “These gentlemen are to be your escorts, as we discussed.”

However, before the Major could introduce them properly, she turned to peer at Slim and then Jess and said, “Oh really,” before turning back to the Major and saying, “Well come along Major, let’s see if it improves any inside,” and marched off towards the front door.

The Major gave an apologetic shrug and followed in her wake.

Up on the box Mose smirked, “Got a real good way with words that lady, don’t she.”

“Yeah, real well-mannered too,” Jess added staring after the infuriating, albeit very beautiful, blond haired Elizabeth Burns.

Once Mose had headed off, the two men entered the ranch house to see Elizabeth now seated and Jonesy offering her coffee…after he had quickly indicated which room was the be hers. But she barely took any notice, just looked around her in ill-disguised disgust.

“I don’t think you were properly introduced out there,” the Major said, attempting to get the woman to at least speak to her escorts, “This gentleman is Miss Elizabeth Burns…Lizzy.”

She looked from Slim to Jess and then said, “I’m pleased to meet you, I’m Lizzy to my friends, but you may call me Miss Burns,” she said looking anything but pleased to meet them.

Jess hid a smile and said, “Well I’m not sure how that’s gonna pan out ma’am because I’ve been told you’re to be called Mrs Harper, seein’ as you’ll be posing as my wife.”

Elizabeth looked aghast and turning to the Major said, “I’d no idea…I thought I was to pose as a widow…uh Widow Harper?”

“No Miss,” the Major said earnestly, “I was quite clear on the matter…that is why Jess here is accompanying you as your husband. It would be unsuitable for a lady to be escorted by two strange men, unrelated to her now, wouldn’t it? Uh under normal circumstances.” he added quickly, “but of course we can vouch for Slim and Jess here to act as complete gentlemen.”

“I thought I was meant to be a Widow,” she said again plaintively.

“Suits me,” Jess said as an aside to Slim, “reckon I’d rather be dead than married to her.”

“Sh,” Slim said glaring at him.

But it was too late, as Elizabeth Burns had excellent hearing.

“Well believe me the feeling is mutual,” she cried flushing deeply, “Why you…uncouth, unkempt…un…unnecessary man!” she cried hotly and with that jumped up and dashed off towards Andy’s room.

Knowing that she had been allocated Jess and Slim’s room Andy tried to stop her.

“Excuse me Ma’am!”

“And children should be seen and not heard!” she added glaring at Andy before barging into his room…and slamming the door.

Seconds later there was an ear-splitting scream, the door reopened and Bandit flew out and off through the still open front door…Swiftly followed by a distraught looking Elizabeth.

“What was that?” she shrieked.

“Bandit, my racoon,” Andy said, “I tried to tell ya…that’s your room, you’ve got Slim and Jess’s,” he said pointing to where their room had been cleaned and tidied for her. “You’ve frightened him,” he added accusingly, before heading off after his pet.

She looked even more put out at that.

“And pray where are you sleeping?” she asked Slim.

“We’re out in the bunk house,” he said quickly, “you won’t be disturbed.”

“I sincerely hope not,” she replied.

Then turning to Jess said, “And I hope you don’t expect any conjugal rights!” Before disappearing into her allocated room and slamming the door behind her.

Jess cast Slim a puzzled look and asked, “What’ d she say?”

“She’s saying she hopes you aren’t expecting to have your evil way with her,” Slim said trying not to laugh.

Jess shook his head and muttered darkly, “Jeez what have we gotten into pard,” before heading for the coffeepot.

The Major declined another cup and took his leave, along with the troopers, promising his men would return first thing in the morning.

“I really appreciate this Sherman, Harper,” the Major said as he prepared to leave. “I know the Colonel will too. Just between us he hasn’t been too well of late…bad heart, or I figure he’d have come over and fetched her himself. Anyway, good luck,” he called as he rode out…hiding a sigh of relief.

When suppertime arrived, Andy was dispatched to knock on Elizabeth’s door and inform her that the meal was ready.

“I’m not hungry,” she called through the door, “go away.”

Slim sighed and finally went over and knocked on the door again, “Can I come in please Miss Burns,” he asked.

After a moment the door opened a crack and she said irritably, “What do you want, Mr Sherman?”

“To tell you that Jonesy has worked really hard to make a nice meal for you and it would be rude not to at least come and try some… Also, we’ll be riding out tomorrow and you’ll need to get some good food while you can. Things can get a mite inhospitable on the trail; we don’t always manage to eat as well as you will here, so I should enjoy it while you can.”

She gave an impatient sigh and finally said, “You win, Mr Sherman,” and grudgingly took her place at the table.

They ate in silence for a while, then trying hard to make conversation Slim said, “It will be wonderful to see your father again, he is a very special man and was an excellent CO in the war.”

“Oh war, war, that’s all Pa ever drones on about,” she said looking bored.

“Yes, well it was an important part of our lives,” Slim said, “and a good strong CO could mean the difference between life and death. I guess we all owe your father a debt of gratitude.”

“Oh, I suppose so,” she said looking disinterested. “I really wouldn’t know much about it all. Pa sent me and Ma back to the old country to stay with my grandparents for the duration.”

“Well good for you,” Jess said sarcastically, “but some of us didn’t get that choice, so the war is kinda important to us.  So is remembering good men that died and folk like your Pa who helped keep others alive.”

She yawned and said, “Well I thought you boys all liked playing soldiers…having fun together…all that camaraderie.”

Jess looked incensed and Slim waited for the storm to break. But Jess merely pushed his chair back and said quietly, “There weren’t too much camaraderie in the prisoner of war camp, watchin’ yer friends die in pain,” and with that he said, ‘excuse me’ to Slim and Jonesy and marched out of the house.

“Oh dear, I think I hit a nerve,” she said eyes wide open in mock distress.

“Jess had kind of a difficult war,” Slim said quietly, “I guess we all did in our own way…but you wouldn’t know Miss, not having been here.”

At that she looked down to her plate and after a minute said, “I’m sorry,” very softly and for the first time since her arrival she looked genuine, “Should I go and apologize?”

Slim shook his head, “Best to just leave him for now,” and the meal progressed in silence.

Later, after the dishes had been cleared away Slim and Lizzy were sitting by the fire enjoying a coffee. Andy was doing his homework in his room and Jonesy washing up. Although both Slim and Lizzy had offered the help, he declined and said he liked things done his own way, rather churlishly.

“Don’t pay any mind to Jonesy,” Slim whispered, as they sipped their coffee, “it’s just his way.”

She nodded and then said, “I really am sorry I upset your friend though, Mr Sherman.”

“Please call me Slim,” he said once more, “and my pard is, Jess…it would be easier that way, huh? If we aim to keep in role when we travel, it would seem strange you calling your husband, Mr Harper.”

She nodded, “Yes of course and I’m Lizzy.” Then she sighed, “I don’t know why I get like this. So arrogant, just nerves, I think. To be honest Mr… uh Slim I’m better with pen and paper than I am talking to folk.”

“Well, I’ve heard tell that’s often the way with writers,” he said charitably, trying to forget her rudeness earlier.

She nodded, “And of course I know all about the war, I am a journalist after all and with a special interest in politics. But Pa does rather dwell on that time, and it tends to get a little tiresome.”

Slim could kinda understand that, but not her flippant comment…about all boys together enjoying the camaraderie of war…and mentioned it.

“No that was crass of me. So was Jess a prisoner of war then?”

When Slim merely nodded and didn’t make further comment she continued, “So were you in the same outfit…both serving under my Pa?”

“Nope we only met up a year or so ago.”

“Oh, so which unit was he in then?”

Slim just shrugged and tried to change the subject. But she continued to fire questions at him.

“Gee you sure are a journalist aren’t you; I feel like I’m being grilled,” he said with a wary smile.

“I’m just interested, so which prisoner of war camp was he in?”

Slim told her.

She looked puzzled for a minute and said, “But that was a Union camp.”

Slim nodded.

“What, he was on the wrong side?” she cried looking astonished…and then angry.

“The other side…yes,” Slim said simply.

“Goodness me, how can you work with a Rebel? she asked frowning.

“Jess is a good man and a good friend,” Slim said coldly. “The war’s over and we don’t dwell on it here…and we don’t judge each other either. If you’re going to have a tolerable journey with us, I suggest you do the same,” he said stiffly, before rising and saying goodnight, leaving her in no doubt about where his allegiance lay.

He found Jess in the bunkhouse lying on one of the cots brooding.

“This ain’t gonna work,” he said moodily as soon as Slim came in and sat down on the other bunk.

“Well, we’re going to have to make it work,” he said, “and that’s what I’ve just told Lizzy.”

Jess raised a quirky eyebrow, “Lizzy is it now?”

“We talked,” Slim said ignoring the comment. “She apologized for what she said to you. Then she kept going on and on about the dang war…and I sort of…well I told her who you fought for.”

“So?” Jess asked looking deadpan.

“You don’t mind her knowing?”

“Why should I? I ain’t ashamed of it…are you?”

Slim shook his head, “No, of course not…you know me better than that. A lot of good men fought and died on both sides; you know my feelings about all that.”

“Well then there ain’t a problem, as long as we’re OK.” Jess said. “It ain’t like she’s really married to me is it…so I guess I don’t give a damn what she thinks of me.”

Slim was to remember these words much later on.

“Well, that’s good,” he said cheerfully, “I reckon we’d better turn in, early start tomorrow.”

Chapter 2

“I told ya this weren’t gonna work,” Jess said quietly to Slim as they reined in and looked back to where Lizzy was riding her mount at a slow walk sedately behind them. They were all riding horses provided by the military, as they would be leaving their mounts in Canada at the end of the trip, with the two men returning home via Sea and Railroad. Jess was missing his usual mount, Traveller already and was not feeling any too happy.

They waited for her to catch up and then Jess said, “Look Miss, yer gonna hafta speed up some or we’ll be celebrating Christmas on the trail.”

As it was still only early fall Slim thought he was being somewhat over dramatic, but his pard did have a point.

“You are alright with riding…uh a little faster that is?” Slim said hopefully.

“I’m quite a skilled rider,” she said haughtily, “I used to ride regularly in the park back in Washington.”

“Yeah, but this ain’t no walk in the park,” Jess growled, “You can canter…I take it? Without fallin’ off that is,” he added.

“Well of course I can,” she said moodily.

“Well come on then, let’s go,” Jess said pointing across the open prairie. “Let’s make for that stream down yonder and stop for some food huh?”

The men took off at a lively gallop, followed by Lizzy at a more sedate trot.

By the time she arrived she was looking out of breath and clearly somewhat uncomfortable. Her neatly tied back hair had come adrift and now little tendrils of hair framed her face, her cheeks prettily flushed.

“I don’t know why we have to go so fast,” she said sulkily as she reined in, “it’s not a race is it?”

Jess who had slipped down from the saddle looked up at her. “Nope it ain’t a race, but we need to know you can ride fast if you have to in an emergency. We’ve got to keep up a real steady pace too. Goin’ faster where we can and slower in other places…that’s iffen you want to get there this year,” he reiterated.

She ignored the latter jibe, but looking anxious said, “What sort of emergency?”

Jess shrugged, “Indians, wolves…getting out of the way of a storm…could be anything I guess.”

Shuddering she looked decidedly anxious at that and dismounting said, “Oh…I see.”

Jess ignored her angst and merely said, “Me and Slim will take care of the mounts, do you wanna collect some wood for the fire?”

“What me?” she asked looking hard done by.

“Yup if you want to eat,” he said, before turning to water the horses at the stream, where Slim was already standing with his horse.

“But my father is paying good money for you to escort me,” she said angrily, “I’m not doing a skivvy’s work.”

“You don’t do it…then you don’t eat,” Jess said quietly. Then more firmly, “And let’s get this straight, your Pa is paying us to risk our lives by keeping you safe…not to be your servants…so the sooner you realise that, the better,” and with that he marched off to join Slim.

“Well, I never!” she cried, stamping her foot, before finally wandering off to collect the wood, all the time scheming as to how she could get her own back. Why, Jess Harper was the rudest most intolerable man she had ever met…and she had to admit, the most handsome too and that seemed to somehow rile her even more.

By the time the men had fed and watered all three horses the wood had been collected but no fire had been laid.

“Hey I thought you’d have got the beans on by now,” Jess said grinning at her.

Then as she said nothing, he raised an eyebrow and said, “You do know how to lay a campfire dontcha?”

When she flushed up, he merely sighed he said, “OK watch, huh.”

Slim got the makings of the meal ready and Jess soon got the fire going and the coffee on and Lizzy began to feel rather embarrassed at her lack of camping skills.

Jess noticed her looking kind of uncomfortable watching the men work together so easily and he said quietly, “Don’t worry Miss, I guess you can manage the washing up,” and he nodded towards the nearby stream.

She just huffed and looked away and Slim and Jess exchanged an amused glance.

But it was later that night that things began to go even more awry.

The men had insisted on riding on until it was early evening and it was obvious that Lizzy was fit to drop by the time Jess finally reined in. Looking around he finally declared the cluster of cotton woods at the edge of a small lake would make an ideal camping place for the night.  

He slipped down from the saddle and seeing Lizzy’s pale weary face he reached up and helped her down. She swayed a little almost collapsing into his arms and he held her close for a moment, saying, “Hey are you alright Miss?”

Lizzy quickly pulled back from his embrace and said dismissively, “Quite alright thank you!”

“Well, I guess you can lay the fire again then,” he said throwing her a challenging look, “whilst Slim and I set up camp and tend the horses.”

She sighed deeply but went about her allotted task and Jess was pleased to see a fire burning away and the coffee pot in place when the men came back from settling the horses for the night.

“See, Miss Lizzy’s a real fast learner,” Jess said grinning over at his pard, and receiving a murderous look from Lizzy.

However, Slim could see how exhausted the girl was and quickly told her to relax saying he and Jess would take care of everything else.

Once the meal had been eaten and cleared away Slim suggested they have an early night as they needed to start off at first light if they were to reach Medicine Bow before nightfall.

Lizzy watched Jess and Slim start to hunker down in their bedrolls, leaving her a little privacy on the far side of the fire. Then she said tetchily, “So where do I wash and brush my teeth?”

Jess rolled his eyes and gestured with his thumb towards the lake.

She sighed deeply and then looking embarrassed said, “And pray what do I use for an outhouse?”

Jess again gestured with his thumb, this time towards the bushes behind them and woodland beyond, to answer her question.

“What out there?” she asked looking terrified.

“Sure, you’ll be OK, just holler if something spooks, ya,” Jess replied.

She again looked daggers before making her way cautiously into the leafy area beyond the campsite.

“Think she’ll be alright?” Slim asked sitting back up and peering out into the dusk.

“Look she’s gotta learn Slim and we can’t very well go with her now, can we? I guess we’d be in even more trouble if we did.”

“I suppose so, but it can’t be easy for a woman out here.”

“Yeah, well from what I’ve heard she’s a real tough cookie. I reckon she’ll manage,” he replied sleepily, pulling his blanket up and settling down. Besides you know it was decided it was too risky to use stage or railroad travel, so we ain’t got no choice.”

But Slim kept watch until she was safely back in camp and had bedded down.

Then just as he was dozing off, she sat upright and screamed, “What was that?!”

Jess and Slim were wide awake in seconds guns drawn peering around them.

“What’s up?” Jess asked her looking over anxiously.

There was deathly silence and then the sound of a distant coyote calling to his mate.

“That,” she said in a trembling voice.

“Jeez,” Jess muttered before lying down again, leaving Slim to explain about the many strange night time sounds they would doubtless encounter.

The following morning, she was bleary eyed and professed not to have slept a wink.

Jess and Slim exchanged a small smile, both of them having checked on her in the night to find her deeply asleep.

“Well don’t worry,” Slim said as he poured her a coffee, as Jess rustled up some breakfast, “you’ll be sleeping in a proper bed tonight, if all goes to plan.”

She looked surprised, “There is a city nearby?”

“Uh, not actually a city,” Slim said, “more a small town, but there are a couple of hotels, some stores, and the like. We’ll book in at the best place in town,” he added encouragingly. “Your Pa sure hasn’t stinted on expenses.”

“So where are we going?” she asked looking surprised.

“Medicine Bow,” Jess said dishing up bacon and beans.

“What,” she practically shrieked, “isn’t that the awful place that is full of drunks and lawlessness?”

“Some I guess,” Jess agreed as he passed her plate over.

“I do believe there is a new Sheriff in place,” Slim said placatingly, “and we’ll just be staying the one night…I’m sure it will all pass peacefully enough.”

OOOOOOO

They heard the volley of shots before they even reached Main Street.

“Looks like there’s some excitement in town,” Jess said. They reined in by the largest Hotel in the small place and watched as several riders rode the length of the street whooping and discharging their weapons before dismounting and tumbling into a lively saloon.

“Seems like it’s a party,” Slim agreed before turning to enter the hotel.

However, Lizzy grabbed his arm and said urgently, “Explain about the room situation again will you Slim?”

He nodded, “We’ll book two adjacent rooms with a connecting door...Jess will go into your room with you and then come through the door to the other room for the night…you’ll be quite private I can assure you.”

“I’m sorry sir no rooms left at all…what with this wedding in town. Won’t be rooms anywhere else either.”

Jess raised an eyebrow, “Looks kinda lively for a wedding?”

“Yes sir. You see the thing is, the bride jilted the groom…left him at the altar. So, he’s kinda hitting the bottle some. His friends are helping him get over it,” he added with a weak smile, “It seems they’re not sure if they are commiserating or celebrating a lucky escape.”

Jess grinned, “Sound like the second one to me.”

“Yes… but not good news for us. They’d booked the Bridal suite on the top floor and we’ll lose a lot of money on that.”

Slim perked up, “So that is available, my friends here are recently married, that would be OK for them…uh if you could find a room for me too?”

The Manager’s eyes narrowed and he sniffed, sensing a good deal to be had here.

“Why yes certainly sir. I’m sure I could find you a room in the staff quarters if that would do and the Bridal suite for you sir and madam,” he said smiling widely at Jess and Lizzy.

“I… I don’t know about that, “Lizzy said looking anxious.

“Of course you do honey the room will be just fine,” Jess said quickly.

Then turning to the Manager, said as an aside, “She’s a thrifty little thing…worries about costs you know?”

“Of course, sir and the suite will be this much,” and he discretely pushed a card across with the fee.

Slim took it and nodded saying, “Yes that’s fine, we’ll take it.”

Sensing Lizzy was about to make a scene Jess quickly turned and taking her in his arms kissed her, before pulling back and saying softly, “ Your Pa’s treat remember honey?” Throwing her a firm look.

The Manager was looking somewhat quizzical now and was clearly wondering if the cash was to be forthcoming. After all, the lady looked presentable enough, but her companions looked slightly rough and ready he thought. However, he need not have worried as Slim paid upfront in cash. Room keys were duly passed over and they moved away from the desk.

“What do you think you’re doing kissing me?” Lizzy hissed.

“Just getting into my role,” Jess said with a grin. “Besides I thought you were gonna protest and blow our cover,” he added glancing hastily around the hotel lobby.

She frowned, “You think I might be in danger here?”

“According to Major Rawlins you could be in danger anywhere Miss,” Slim said. “That’s why we’ve got to keep in character. You’ve got to try and act like Jess really is your husband, in front of folk anyway.”

She sighed deeply and nodded. After arranging to meet up for supper with Slim later, the couple made their way up to the top floor while Slim was shown to a small room behind the reception desk.

Well, I don’t reckon Jess will be bunking down here with me he thought…it would be just too risky. But how would Lizzy take to this change of plan he wondered.

Jess unlocked the door of the Bridal Suite and stood to one side to allow Lizzy to enter before following her in, and they both stood in silent wonder at the scene before them.

The room was filled with the scent of flowers from a variety of vases and there were even rose, petals scattered on the floor and on top of the large central bed, which dominated the room.

A bottle of Champagne and two glasses stood on the bedside table and the lush velvet drapes were half closed, awaiting the arrival of the newlyweds, a rosy glow emanating from a lamp on the other table.

After a moment Jess strode over to the window and pulled the drapes back allowing the late evening sunshine to filter in, immediately killing the romantic atmosphere. Then he turned back and surveyed Lizzy, who hadn’t spoken to him again since he had kissed her.

“It’ll be OK,” he said quietly, and tipping his head towards a large velvet couch near the fireplace said, “I’ll sleep there you can have the bed.”

Her head shot up at once what, “You’re not thinking of spending the night in here!”

“You got a better Idea?”

“Well…”

“Look honey we’ve just got to make the best of it, huh…I can assure you, you’ll be plenty safe,” he added.

Lizzy looked away quickly…unable to look him in the eye. The truth was that her heart had been beating overtime ever since that snatched kiss and her stomach felt like a whole squadron of butterflies had taken up residence.

She hid her feelings well by merely sighing deeply and saying she required some privacy to wash and change before supper.

Jess nodded and after having a quick wash left her and went to meet up with Slim in the bar.

When he arrived Slim was looking anxious, “What are we going to do?” he said quietly, eyeing the Manager at his desk, not wishing him to overhear.

“Do about what?”

“You know damn well what, the sleeping arrangements of course. You can’t spend the night in her room.”

“Our room,” Jess said quickly, “and I sure as hell ain’t gonna bunk down with my horse. Besides it’ll blow our cover if I don’t sleep there.”

Slim rolled his eyes, “Dear lord, please tell me you’re not going to start anything Jess,” he said looking annoyed.

“Hell no, she ain’t my type,” Jess grinned, “I’ll sleep on the couch, she’ll be fine.”

Slim secretly gave a little sigh of relief. Heck why did he care so much he suddenly wondered.

 Later they all ate supper and afterwards Lizzy retired to bed saying she was exhausted.

“I’ll leave the latch up for you,” she added, before she went off upstairs.

“See she’s fine about it,” Jess said grinning at his pard.

It was sometime later when the Manager came over to their table in the bar and said, “A wire just came for you gentlemen.”

Slim opened it and looked troubled, “It’s from Mort and he says somehow word has got out that Lizzy is heading north. It seems that a couple of the hit men are heading this way…apparently, they are checking out the railroad stops and stages, so we should be OK,” he added.

“Yeah, as long as we steer well clear of the railroad station here in town,” Jess said, “I’ll warn Lizzy when I go up,” and stood up.

“Where are you off to?” Slim asked.

“Bed,” Jess said, “she should be all tucked up by now, so I reckon it’s safe to go up.”

“Not yet, you’ve got something to do first.”

“I have?”

“Uh-huh, there’s a Post Office in town so we’re going to write a note to Andy before we turn in.” With that he presented Jess with some Hotel writing paper, pen and ink.

“Aw Slim…”

Twenty minutes later both men had written their letters and they were signed and sealed, waiting on the night porter’s desk to be posted later.

Jess’s read: Howdy Kid, Me and Slim doing pretty good. We’re holed up in Medicine Bow right now and the town is jumping…lots of singing and dancing and gunfire in the streets…all because of a wedding that never happened… Probably the best kind, I guess. I hope you and Jonesy ain’t working too hard…say howdy to the old fool, Jess.

Whereas Slim’ s was more formal, Dear Andy, I hope this finds you and Jonesy well and that you are managing OK. We are fine and the trip is going well so far and Miss Burns is adapting to life on the trail. We will be leaving Medicine Bow in the morning and heading due north and won’t be near a town for a while, but will write again as soon as I can, your loving brother Slim.

PS Are you keeping up with your math homework?

PPS Did Jonesy mend the latch on the hen house door?

When Jess reached the room he and Lizzy were sharing, he was relieved to find the door had indeed been left unlocked and that Lizzy appeared to be sleeping soundly.

He tiptoed over to the couch and after removing his boots and gun belt settled down for the night.

In the morning Lizzy had gone.

He awoke as a ray of sunlight shone in through the still open drapes and he saw the empty bed. Assuming that she had gone down the corridor to use the bathroom he turned over and tried to go back to sleep…but he was restless and had a gut feeling that all wasn’t well.

Although it was still quite early, he decided to get up and after a cursory wash he looked around the room thinking he might as well pack up his saddle bags ready for their departure. That’s when he noticed that Lizzy’s saddlebags were missing in fact none of her possessions were to be seen. He looked at the dressing table but it was bare, no brush or ribbons…and the closet was empty too.

“Goddamn it,” he muttered, “she’s run out on us.”

He tore downstairs and hammered at Slim’ s door. Seconds later a sleepy-eyed Slim answered and stood to one side to allow his pard entry.

“Where’s the fire Jess?” he muttered as he looked around for his pants.

“Git dressed,” Jess barked, “she’s gone Slim.”

“What do you mean, gone?”

“Vamoosed, taken off, left…what the hell do ya think I mean?”

“Nah, she’s probably just having an early breakfast.”

Jess shook his head, “Nope, the night porter just said she left about twenty minutes ago.”

Slim was dressed in seconds and they headed out looking desperately up and down the street. Once they’d checked the livery, only to find all the horses still there, they looked about them anxiously.

“There is only one other way out,” Jess said, “the railroad. She was still moaning about not traveling that way yesterday, remember?”

“Yes, and we know exactly why that would be really stupid,” Slim added looking furious. Then he asked, “You did tell her about Mort’s wire saying those bounty hunters were covering the railroad?”

“Didn’t get a chance she was asleep when I turned in,” Jess said and both men suddenly heard the distant sound of a train whistle and took off at speed.

The place was crowded with early morning travelers and it took them a few minutes to spot Lizzy standing alone at the far end of the platform. She was dressed in her finery again the dark green dress and matching little hat, and was getting admiring glances from one or two young men standing nearby.

Looking around, Jess suddenly saw two men he knew…Advancing on the other side of the tracks were Wayne Croft and Vernon White, two notorious bounty hunters. They were looking all around them and Jess gave a sigh of relief that they hadn’t yet spotted Lizzy.

He nudged Slim and muttered, “Trouble,” tipping his hat towards the scruffy looking duo, dressed in black and wearing low slung irons.

“Watch my back,” he added as he tore down the platform to where Lizzy was standing looking off into space, totally unaware of the danger she was in.

He bounded up to her and said for the benefit of any onlookers, “There you are sweetheart… we forgot to pay the hotel bill, we need to get right back there at once. Before we’re in trouble,” he added. The last words said very clearly as he looked hard into her eyes. Then he grabbed her and throwing an arm around her shoulders coerced her down the platform, away from the two gunmen, Slim, following along and keeping the men in his sights.

“I won’t go!” Lizzy said stoutly, “I want to go on the railroad and you can’t stop me.”

She opened her mouth to say more…but before she could, Jess covered it with his own mouth and kissed her long and hard to silence her.

Then pulling back he whispered, “Now listen up and listen good…there are two men a few yards away who want you dead. Now I can leave you here to discuss the matter with them…or you can come with me right now.”

She gasped and looked beyond Jess to see Slim looking at a couple of dirty looking hombres who seemed to be searching the crowds.

She shuddered and allowed herself to be guided away from the station.

They went to the hotel for her to quickly change and collect their things; then to the livery, and were riding out of town just minutes later.

They rode briskly for several hours, constantly looking back to see nobody was following and finally decided it was safe to stop for a break.  

 “You’re sure they haven’t followed us?” Lizzy asked, still looking mighty spooked.

“Yeah, I’m sure…not by them anyways,” Jess said, “but there could be others.”

Then turning on Lizzy he let rip with the full force of the Harper temper.

“What in hell did you think you were playin’ at?” he yelled.

“I was just so sick of all this,” she retaliated, sweeping a hand and gesturing to encompass the horses and camp.

“Dang it, we warned you it weren’t safe to use the Stage or Railroad before we set out from Laramie,” he said ignoring her protest.

“Oh, you’re just over reacting she replied…those men could have been anyone…just looking for a friend.”

Slim shook his head, “No Ma’am, they are bounty hunters known to Jess,” and then he went on to tell her about Mort’s wire, warning them to take care too.

“You know these men?” she said turning to Jess.

“Yup they’re Croft and White. They make a real good living out of human carcasses.”

She shuddered at that, “That’s a terrible thing to say.”

“Terrible thing they do,” Jess said simply…bounty hunters to his mind being the lowest of the low.

“And you’re sure they were after me?”

“Oh yeah, see one of those old politicians you’ve done upset will have put a contract out on you.”

“A contract you say? What to kill me?”

“Yup, they’d probably abduct you, kill you and then leave you out on the prairie someplace, making it look like a horrible accident,” he said.

“Jess, you’re scaring her,” Slim said angrily.

“Well, she damn well needs scaring,” Jess replied bitterly, “maybe it’ll make her see sense!”

After a little while he calmed down and shaking his head he said, “There’s another real good reason why you shouldn’t have traveled on that rail car too.”

“Oh, so what would that be?” she asked huffily.

“It was headed for San Francisco,” he said chuckling, “and that’s west…we’re headin’ north to Canada. So didn’t you do geography in school?” he added sarcastically.

She suddenly saw the funny side and smiling broadly at him said, “It wasn’t my strong point.”

“Good job you’ve got two guides then ain’t it?”

Then turning to Slim said as an aside, “She might have ended up at the Barbary Coast.”

Slim chuckled and winked as he remembered their visit to that notorious area, before smiling over at Lizzy.

“As long as you’ve learnt your lesson and don’t go running off again, I figure we’ll just forget it, huh.”

She nodded and inclined her head, “Thank you.”

Then with a twinkle in her eye she said, “So what’s at the Barbary Coast?”

Strangely both men stood up at that and said it was high time they were on their way…and went off to saddle the mounts.

Lizzy smiled and said to herself, ‘I may not be too good at geography…but I sure know all about what goes on in San Francisco’s Barbary Coast. Oh yes, I’m not as green and innocent as you think gentlemen!’

They headed off again and decided on camping the night beside a small lake known to the men. Then whilst Slim set up camp, Jess retraced their journey, a little way, to be absolutely sure they weren’t being followed.

It was nearly dark by the time he made it to the designated camp and Slim and Lizzy were beginning to get a tad worried. Lizzy was especially anxious, constantly jumping at the least sound and looking out down the trail where they expected Jess to return.

If she were to be completely honest her emotions were running high and had been ever since Jess had once more kissed her at the Station that morning. What was it with the man thinking he could just kiss her anytime he wanted to? Of course, both times had been a ploy to shut her up and had no real meaning to him. So why had they affected her so darned much? She’d been kissed before many times. But never, she had to admit, like that. Goodness if he could turn her feelings upside down without even trying…what would it be like if he was actually attracted to her, she wondered? But no, a relationship like that was doomed before it had even begun she thought…they were just too different. Good grief what was she thinking, she didn’t even like the man!

Slim Sherman was much more her type, softly spoken and clearly intelligent. Yes, Slim was the perfect type of beau if she had been in the market for a man of course she thought wryly…Which she most certainly wasn’t. She was off men for good after the business with Ed Mason, she reminded herself. But then she had to acknowledge even now, maybe there was still a little bit of her in love with Ed.

Then she saw Jess riding in, grinning and exchanging banter with Slim and she felt almost lightheaded with relief.

Chapter 3

The days went on…falling into a routine with them riding hard after an early start, resting in the heat of the noonday sun and then carrying on to set up camp at dusk. They had been following the old Indian trails as they were familiar to both men, having traveled this way once before.

While they rested, fished at the nearby river they were following, or went off hunting, Lizzy was always busy with her notebooks.

One hot afternoon when Slim and Jess were fishing, Jess glanced back to the camp where Lizzy was busy once more with her books.

“What do ya think she’s cookin’ up now?” he asked softly with a grin and tipping his hat towards the busily employed woman.

Slim glanced over and rolled his eyes, “Let’s just hope she isn’t plotting against some dang Canadian politician. I figure she’s riled enough of ours back east to last a lifetime.”

Jess nodded, “I guess ya gotta kinda admire her though. After all, she did expose one hell of a lot of corruption and lawbreaking amongst the supposedly good and great in power back there.”

Slim nodded, “Oh she’s not short on guts I agree. But it is bad enough a man writing those kinds of articles…but coming from a woman, well I figure they took even greater exception to it. More determined to shut her up for good, you know?” And he felt his heart miss a beat at the thought.

“You really think there will be more huntin’ her down?” Jess asked.

“According to the military yes, for sure. They know of at least two contracts out on her, maybe more.”

“Yeah, and that’s not counting the Indians,” Jess said ruefully. “I figure she ain’t too popular with them either. Not since she wrote that rubbish about them all being killing savages that should be removed from society…or some such utter crap,” he added bitterly.

“Um, but hopefully it’s only the tribes further south, that have heard of that darned piece she wrote about the Indian wars,” Slim said thoughtfully. “But right now I’m concerned for her safety up here.”

“Yeah, we’re getting awful near the Wind River reservation, and I can’t see our Shoshone friends being any too happy if they do know of her.”

Then Slim had a bite and the conversation ended as he hauled in a huge fish for their supper.

It was later after their meal that the men had a chance to see what Lizzy was so busy writing about.

She announced after the meal was over, she was going down the river a little way to bathe before bed. It had been a hot sticky day and she said she was in need of a good soak, in the cool water.

“In peace,” she added eyeing the men darkly.

“Hey you won’t be troubled by us,” Jess said raising his hands in protest.

“Just don’t go too far Lizzy,” Slim said, “stay within calling distance huh.”

She immediately looked wary, “Why what could happen?”

“Oh nothing,” Slim said quickly, “but it’s always a good idea not to wander too far away from camp out here.”

She threw him a calculating look, but never the less marched off with her soap and towel and disappeared just around the bend in the river. But moments later they heard her splashing about, so knew she had heeded Slim’ s words.

After a moment Jess noticed her thick note book had been left out on top of her saddle bag and nudging Slim said, “There you are…your chance to see what she’s up to.”

“I can’t do that, it’s private,” he said quickly.

“Come on buddy its research, after all we’re bein’ paid to keep her safe ain’t we? If she’s gonna start sending off more copy at the next town, bringing down some other poor sucker, I guess we should know.”

Slim looked thoughtful and then shot out a hand and grabbed the book and started reading the closely written text within.

After a few minutes he blushed…and continued reading turning the page over quickly…his head close to the cramped writing as he tried to decipher it in the twilight.

“Well?” asked Jess impatiently after a few minutes.

But Slim was too engrossed to answer.

“Slim!”

He looked up and said, “It’s OK it isn’t anything she could get in trouble for…not with politicians anyways,” he muttered.

“So, what is it then?” Jess asked.

“Huh, oh nothing, it’s just one of those romantic novels.”

“Oh right,” said Jess losing interest and pouring himself another coffee.

However, Slim was spellbound. Never had he read such racy and downright indecent literature. If that’s what it could be called, he thought, the book leaving so little to the imagination. What was worse, the hero in the novel seemed to be based on his pard. From the dark good looks down to the hair trigger temper it was Jess to a tee. He suddenly had an overwhelming feeling of jealousy. Was Lizzy falling for his buddy, like so many other women before her? But Jess hadn’t shown the least interest in her. And Slim wasn’t interested either…was he? He sighed deeply, if he was honest, yes, he was beginning to have feelings for the woman…even though he knew it was useless and reciprocated.

He was about to read the next chapter when Jess said, “Hey she’s comin’ back.”

Slim was just in time to replace the book before turning and smiling in the general direction of Lizzy, “Good dip,” he asked politely, not looking her in the eye.

She sank down onto her bedroll and smiled at him, “Just wonderful,” she said blithely, “I could have stayed in there all night,” and she stretched and yawned, smiling fondly at the two of them.

 “That’s good,” Jess said lightly before sipping his coffee.

But Slim still found it hard to look her in the eye after reading the salacious novel and merely said he was turning in.

The following morning Slim started watching Lizzy like a hawk…and yes, she did seem to spend an inordinate amount of time watching his pard. She didn’t have the usual dreamy look in her eyes however, that Slim was all too familiar with, where females and Jess were concerned. Nope it was more of a calculating look, like she was trying to weigh him up.

However, as the day progressed, he had more pressing things on his mind.

Jess was sitting his mount surveying the Wind River in some consternation, “It’s running pretty high Slim and I ain’t sure if it will be safe to cross in the place we did last time.”

“Damn,” Slim muttered, “that means we’d have to go off the trail and make a detour costing us three or four days.”

“And we’d have to double-back to call in at that old trading post. We need to stop there Slim, rations are getting’ pretty low.”

Slim looked anxious. Traveling any distance without Jess having his coffee was unthinkable.

“We’ll just have to ride over and check it out I suppose,” Slim said.

Jess shook his head, “It would make more sense for me to ride over. I’d be quicker than us all going. You know Lizzy. Well, she’s speeded up some but she’s hardly the Pony Express, is she Slim?”

The lanky rancher chuckled at that, but then said, “So why you? I could go,” rather relishing the thought of some peaceful time away from Lizzy, who did tend to chatter on way too much. Plus, he needed some solitude to examine his feelings towards her.

Jess sighed, thinking along the same lines, regarding the escape from her chatter, that is. “OK we’ll toss for it.”

Slim smiled, “Alright…but my coin Hotshot.”

Slim won the toss and they made camp near the river. Slim headed off at noon, saying he’d be back for supper.

When he hadn’t returned by dark both Lizzy and Jess were worried.

Jess tried to reassure her by saying maybe he’d a problem with his mount…or had just miscalculated the distance.

“But he said just the other night it could be dangerous around here and I should stay close to camp,” she said looking askance.

“He’ll be fine,” Jess said, “now let’s turn in and if he ain’t back tomorrow we’ll go looking at first light…OK?”

The following morning, they headed out at dawn, Jess feeling apprehensive, imagining Slim was in some kind of trouble. He really didn’t want Lizzy riding with him, but equally he couldn’t leave her back at the camp alone.

They followed the river along for a few miles. Then as they rounded a bend, they saw a small group of men camped under the trees near the river bank. On closer inspection he could see Slim, resting against a tree, his arm in a sling…and around him lounged four Shoshone Braves.

It was impossible to tell what the situation was from where they were. Jess dismounted and walked a few feet away to take a better look. Then he turned to tell Lizzy to stay with the horses while he walked over. But was incensed to see she had his rifle out and was aiming it at the group.

“What in Hell are ya doin’?” he snarled, snatching the weapon from her grip.

“Why I’m going to shoot at those savages of course,” she said equally furiously, “they’ve taken Slim prisoner.”

“Look lady,” Jess said angrily, “iffen they meant him harm they wouldn’t be sittin’ chatting that way. I just don’t want to spook ‘em riding in too fast. And I sure don’t want ‘em to see you either. I reckon you’ve done quite enough damage to the Indian and white man’s relations as it is!”

“But they are warmongers they’ll kill you,” she said grabbing his arm.

“Jeez do you know nothing? A Peace Treaty was signed years ago. They live on the Reservation just yonder. They’ve got schools and everything and they sure ain’t savages, so will you quit sayin’ that,” he growled.

“Stay here,” he ordered and handing her his reins he wandered over to the small group, a hand held up in the sign of peace.

Slim grinned up at him and introduced him to the friendly young braves.

Once the introductions were over Jess threw his pard a quizzical glance.

“So, what happened to you then Slim?” he asked.

“A rattler spooked my mount and I fell kind of badly…put my shoulder out and knocked myself out cold,” he said ruefully. “But at least my shoulder isn’t broken I’ll be fine in a day or so. Running Deer patched me up real good, sorted out the dislocated shoulder for me. I’ve been fed and cared for truly well,” he added smiling at his beaming companions.

One of the braves looked over to Lizzy and gesturing to Jess said, “Your woman?”

“N…uh I mean yes my wife,” Jess said, sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.

“She come have good food…drink?” another asked.

“Uh, nope she’s kinda shy,” Jess said quickly.

“And we must be on our way,” Slim said rising awkwardly.

One of the braves ran and got his horse and another helped him mount.

“You know crossing place now?” another asked, “And short way to Trading Post?”

“Yes, thanks,” Slim said offering Running Deer the sign of peace, “and I really appreciate your help.”

“May the Great Spirit guide you my friend,” Running Deer said and he stood back and raised a hand in farewell.”

When they returned to Lizzy, she was practically beside herself, “How did you escape,” she gasped. Then glancing to where the Indians were heading off back to the Reservation said, “Might they follow us, or…Oh God…scalp us,” she added looking terrified.

Jess rolled his eyes, “Jeez for an intelligent woman you sure talk some rubbish. We need a long talk about Indians, but not now. Come on, let’s get moving,” he said hopping up into the saddle and they made off following Running Deer’s directions.

As advised, they found a good shallow place to cross a few miles upstream and were soon on their way to the isolated Trading Post on the site of an abandoned fort.

They rode in and dismounted and Jess said quietly, “Fer God’s sake remember who you are Lizzy and try and look happy at bein’ my wife will ya?” he added remembering her performance at the hotel.

She sighed and rolled her eyes, “It’s not as if anyone will be interested in us way out here anyway.”

“Just do it,” Jess growled before marching off with Slim to get the desperately needed supplies.

He’d noticed Slim had been sitting his horse awkwardly and now he looked pale and sickly.

“That shoulder botherin’ you Slim?”

“Some yeah, I’ll maybe pick up some liniment from here,” he added.

Jess grinned at him and said, “Where’s Jonesy when ya need him…” and Slim chuckled.

Lizzy caught them up and they entered the shack together.

It was very dark inside and there was an overpowering smell of animal skins, candles and lamp oil.

After a few minutes an elderly man shuffled in from the back room and giving them a toothless grin said, “Can I help ya gentlemen, ma’am?”

Slim said, “Sure we’ve got a list,” and he passed it over.

The old timer perused it for a while and said, “Yup, I can do this,” and started filling the order.

After a while he said, “So have you come far?”

Lizzy opened her mouth to reply, but Jess hushed her and merely said, “Far enough…”

Lizzy flounced off and started looking at the small trinkets for sale on the counter and the old timer grinned at Jess and said, “That yer woman then mister?”

Jess nodded, “My wife, yes,” and pinned a smile on his face trying to act like an adoring husband.

“Um, expensive things wives,” the old man said sniffing.

“Oh darling,” Lizzy said making eyes at Jess, “look at those beautiful bracelets. May I have one?” she wheedled, overacting somewhat.

Jess sighed and turned back to the man and said, “So you been busy then, many folks passing by?”

He shook his head, “Nah. Then looking thoughtful, said, “Except for a miserable pair of hombres the other day.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a glance.

“Oh, miserable you say?” Slim said raising an eyebrow.

“Yup, pair of bounty hunters I figured. Way they were dressed, irons they were carrying. But they said not, said they were business men.”

“Now what sorta business would they be doing out here?” Jess said.

The older man shrugged, “Beats me. Anyway, they just bought ammo and whiskey. Wanted to know if I’d seen two men escorting a young lady,” he said. Then his eyes opened wide as reality dawned, “Jeez, like you three I guess!”

“Well, I can’t think they’d be looking for us,” Jess said quickly.

Then, after a minute said, “So which way were they headed?”

“Up on the mountain trail,” he said, “you get a good look at all the prairie yonder, from up there, I figure they’ll be holed up someplace keeping watch.”

“Well, I reckon it’s not us they’ll be looking for,” Slim agreed, “a pair of newlyweds and their Best Man. We’re on our way up north, bought a spread up there. Only thing these two would be on a Wanted Poster for is being way too soppy and loving, if that’s a crime,” he added with a grin.

“Uh-huh,” the storekeeper said, still not looking convinced.

Just then Lizzy came over with a little woven bracelet and Jess put it on the counter saying, “Add this in too, will ya?”

Lizzy gave a little cry of delight, “Oh thank you darling,” she said before pulling him into an embrace and kissing him long and slow.

Slim gestured with his thumb, “Jeez, see what I have to put up with?” he said grinning, “Young love eh!”

But secretly his pulses were racing at this new intimacy exhibited by Lizzy. Was this just an excuse to make her feelings known to Jess? Or was she merely playing her role as requested?

The old man beamed at them then, “Aw that’s nice. You enjoy it while you can son,” he said to Jess, who was looking kinda breathless and flushed after his encounter with Lizzy. “Because sadly they change once yer wed a while,” he added, wandering off to bag up their purchases.

“Think he bought that?” Jess asked quietly.

Slim nodded, “Yup, I guess so. But we need to get out of here pronto,” he added. “We don’t want a shoot-out right now, not with me with this bum arm,” he added in a whisper.

They decided their best option was to stay put up the hill behind the old shack, where they could keep a good eye on the coming and goings up the trail. At least until Slim’ s shoulder was healed and he could fire a gun again.

They’d made camp up at the top of the rocky ground near the Trading Post, but out of sight of the old timer and anyone else using the trail.

Lizzy sat and watched in surprise, as Jess massaged the liniment into Slim’ s painful shoulder. She marveled at how gentle and caring he could be… so far away from her original opinion of him as a real tough cookie. To see his caring side suddenly made him much more appealing in her eyes.

“So, what happens now?” she asked.

“We wait it out,” Jess said, “Iffen they don’t come back lookin’ for you here we’ll take off after them once Slim’ s in action again.”

“Isn’t that awfully dangerous, can’t we just leave it and carry on,” she asked looking anxious.

“Sure, it’s dangerous,” Jess said, “that’s what yer Pa’s payin’ us for. And no, we can’t just carry on. They’d pick us off like target practice for the Sunday Shoot,” he said dryly.

“What you mean they’d shoot us in cold blood, just like that…kill us?” she gasped.

“Yes ma’am,” Jess said deadpan.

When she looked like she might break down and cry Slim said quickly, “It won’t come to that Lizzy, we’ll sort everything out…don’t you fret.”

Jess finished off tending Slim and helped him on with his shirt. Then went and fetched a small pouch from his saddle bag. Taking some grey powder out he put it in a cup and added hot water from the pot on the fire and gave it to Slim to drink. He drank it down gratefully and then said he was turning in.

Once he was sure his pard was comfortable Jess returned to the other side of the fire and poured himself and Lizzy a coffee.

“What was that stuff?” she asked raising an eyebrow.

“Indian medicine,” Jess said succinctly, “powdered tree bark, helps with pain and he’ll sleep better too.”

“What, you gave him medicine you took from some savage?” she asked aghast. “You could poison him.”

Jess looked angry, “I didn’t take it from some ‘savage’ as you call them. It was a gift from Little Wolf.”

“Who on earth is that, one of those dreadful Shoshone?”

Jess shook his head, “Nope Arapaho and he just happens to be my blood brother and a very good friend.” (See # 15 Blood Brothers).

“What! You actually befriended one of them?”

Jess shook his head, “No, not just one, the whole tribe. I lived with them for months when I was younger. Taught me all I know about tracking, horse whispering and a whole lot more…about life too I guess too,” he said quietly.

“You can’t be serious,” she said looking astounded.

A good hour later it was a very humbled and penitent young lady sitting listening to Jess.

He had explained all about the Indian way. How they revered and respected all life. About their relationship with who they called the Great Spirit…about their way of life, spirituality and oneness with nature…and much, much more.

He could see she was genuinely moved and also feeling terrible about the articles she had written through ignorance. Also, if she was honest, she’d had a wish to make her name by writing some sensational copy about the Indian people. Now knowing the truth, she felt deeply ashamed.

“I guess they are the same as us, in some ways,” Jess continued, “Sure there are good and bad. Some of the things that happened in the various uprisings and wars were bad, real bad. But I guess we need to put that all behind us and move on now. Like some folk have with our own civil war,” he added, throwing her a hard look.

She just blushed and looked down.

Taking pity on her at last he said, “You know we had a writer stay at the ranch with us once. Turns out he was real famous.”

She looked interested, especially when he named a famous author.

“Well, he told me, ‘I always write about what I know Jess, that’s the secret of my success. You can’t make stuff up…you have to really know your facts. Even the wildest of storytelling needs some basis of understanding behind it all for it to ring true.’”

She nodded, “I can see that now. Even more so in journalism, when you’re dealing with real people…real life, it is essential to get it right,” she said ruefully. Then smiling at him she said sincerely, “Thank you Jess.”

Then she looked at the beautiful beaded bangle she was wearing, that Jess said would have been made by an Indian squaw from the nearby tribe.

“I’ll wear this always,” she said softly, “as a reminder of tonight.”

Over on the other side of the fire where Slim had been resting, he suddenly speculated about the erotic novel she was writing. Was that all made up, or was she writing from experiences he wondered? The thought stirring his emotions and making him feel even more attracted to her.

Chapter 4

They stayed up on the hilltop for a couple of days until Slim was feeling able to handle a gun again.

Early on the third day Jess said “Shall we go pay White and Croft a little visit today then Pard?”

Jess had already tracked the men down to a camp a little further along the trail and it appeared that the old timer from the Trading Post was spot on. As Jess watched them hidden in the undergrowth, he saw them scanning the trail below them with field glasses for any sign of Lizzy and her body guards.

“Just waiting for us to pass by,” Jess said now, “and then they’d pick is off…so dang easy.”

“What will you do?” Lizzy asked wide eyed.

“Oh, just go and reason with them some,” Jess said exchanging a brief smile with Slim.

“And they’ll listen to you and back off?” she asked hopefully.

Jess knew that negotiating with these men was highly unlikely, but decided not to worry her any more than she was already.

“We’ll just have to see how it goes,” Slim said quickly, frowning at Jess and shaking his head imperceptibly.

“When are we going?” she asked, starting to break the camp.

“WE ain’t going anywhere,” Jess said quickly. “You’re goin’ back down to the Trading Post to stay with that old guy and his wife, until we’re done.”

Lizzy opened her mouth to argue but the look in the eyes of both men made her change her mind.

“It could get a tad risky out there,” Slim said quickly, “we need to keep you safe Lizzy. The old guy’s wife will probably be real pleased of the company anyway.”

She threw him a baleful glance but never the less started packing up in silence.

When they arrived back at the shack the old man came out from the backroom to greet them again and was surprised to see them back again so soon.

“Not supped all that coffee you bought already have you boys?” he asked jovially.

“No nothin’ like that,” Jess said and then went on to explain their situation. He and Slim had agreed the night before that they would have to be straight with the old-timer if they wanted his help.

“So, I was right all along,” he said tipping his battered old Stetson back, “those two were out to get you folks?”

“Yeah, except we ain’t on the wrong side of the law,” Jess said angrily, “these guys are acting illegally…there is a criminal contract out on the lady…they’re just in it for the money.”

“So are you gonna pay ‘em off instead,” the old man said, recalling having seen a large wad of notes in Slim’ s wallet when he paid for the goods.

Jess and Slim again exchanged a glance, before Jess said, “Uh, not exactly, no. We’re just gonna explain that the little lady ain’t for sale and ask them politely to leave us alone,” he said, winking at the shopkeeper.

“Well, you take good care boys,” he said returning the wink, “I’ll look after the little lady real good,” he promised… “Uh, the wife’s out visitin’ down the valley right now, but she’ll be home shortly,” he added.

“You will be alright?” Lizzy asked looking anxious.

“Sure…back before ya know it,” Jess said quickly, and tipping his hat, he and Slim rode out.

They had no problem locating Vernon White and Wayne Croft as they were still holed up overlooking the main trail from the Trading Post.

It was still very early when they arrived and made their way stealthily towards the camp, having tethered their mounts a little way back.

One moment Vernon and Wayne were sipping their morning coffee hunched over the camp fire, and the next, Jess and Slim confronted them with guns drawn, looking as mad as all get out.

Vernon White was the first to respond and gasped, “What do you want bursting in here, Harper!”

“Well, I’ll tell ya,” Jess said pleasantly, “I want to see your sorry hide ride out of here the way you came…pronto.”

“And if we don’t?” Wayne Croft replied.

“If you don’t, then I guess we’ll have to persuade ya…” he said grimly.

“Look gentlemen,” Croft replied, including Slim in his weak smile, “we’re all business men. Now we have a contract with a Councillor to bring his little lady home, that’s all we don’t wish her no harm.”

“Ha!” Jess spat, “You really expect us to believe that?”

“We have it from the highest authority that there is a contract out for several thousand dollars for Miss Burns to be uh…disposed of,” Slim said. “So why should we believe your lies huh?”

It was while Jess and Slim were looking at Croft, that White went for his gun.

But Jess saw the movement out the corner of his eye and shot him in the shoulder before he’d even levelled his gun.

“Now that really ain’t playin’ fair,” Jess growled going over and kicking the offending weapon out of White’s way.

Slim levelled his gun at Croft and told him to drop his Colt.

In the meantime, White was rolling around on the ground in agony.

Jess squatted down beside him and checked him over and after a few minutes said, “Quit yer moaning you ain’t hurt that bad…a doc will soon fix you up.”

“And where in tarnation am I going to find him a doc out here?” Croft yelled.

“Well, I reckon it’s your lucky day. There’s a small settlement about thirty miles east of here…and they have a retired doc there,” said Slim. He remembered how Jess had been hurt on the trail last time they were this way and the old man had fixed him up real good.

Croft got some rags from his saddlebag and bandaged his buddy and then both men stood ready to ride out.

“So, give us our irons back then,” Croft snarled

“Oh no, I don’t think so,” Jess said, “I reckon you’ll be able to pick some guns up in White Water…blacksmith sell’s ‘em don’t he, Slim?”

“Used to,” Slim agreed, “he might help you out.”

They finally departed uttering oaths and promises of reprisal, but soon shut up when Jess lost his temper.

“I see either of you around again I won’t be aiming at yer shoulder…you’ll be dead meat…I promise you that.”

The men exchanged a slightly chastened glance before riding out without looking back.

“Think they’ll leave it at that?” Slim said as they stood watching the men disappear down the trail.

Jess shrugged, “I dunno, but I guess there will be others to take their place according to the Major.”

“Um, we’d better get moving then,” Slim said, “we’ve wasted enough time as it is.”

When they returned to the Trading Post, the area was deserted…and the door locked.

“Now what!” Jess interjected angrily.

Then Slim saw a piece of paper on the ground near the door, and picking it up his face fell, as he read a hand written note.

“Damn it, look at this Jess,” he said as he passed over the note, that had been originally nailed to the door.

It simply said, leave $500 under bucket by door…or the lady disappears for good.

Jess shook his head, “This don’t look like it’s been written by one of the bounty hunters, it’s small fry compared to what the guys back east are offering.”

“Unless they’re just greedy, Slim said, “they’ve got Lizzy and then they could make this on top of what they’re being paid.”

Jess looked around for tracks and found the only recent ones were those made by himself and Slim. But then he picked up another set and on checking the corral saw that the old shopkeeper’s horse was missing.

Once they had double-checked the area and found no sign of either Lizzy or the Trading Post owner and his wife, they headed off following the tracks.

It took them less than an hour to follow the trail to a small shack set deep in the woods.

They dismounted and moved quietly in until they could peep in through one of the dusty windows.

Then they exchanged a look of astonishment at what they saw.

The elderly man from the trading post was sitting before a blazing fire, a bottle of whiskey at his elbow, and Lizzy was tied to a chair and gagged, on the other side of the fire.

It took Slim and Jess only seconds to burst in, their guns trained on the hapless would-be abductor.

Then while Jess kept him covered, Slim loosed Lizzy from her bonds, before taking her in his arms and asking her gently if she was OK.

He’d expected her to be distressed and tearful. But no…he was pleased to see she was dang angry.

“What did you think you were doing!” she cried angrily addressing the old man.

He closed his eyes and swallowed hard, “Gee, I’m sorry ma’am, real sorry.”

“I wouldn’t have hurt her, honest,” he said appealing to Slim.

“Oh so, that makes it alright, does it?” Jess yelled, “Hell, we trusted you, old man!”

“I’m so dang sorry,” he said hanging his head. “It’s just that business has been so slack lately, and then when I saw that big wad of notes in yer wallet Mr… well I was just tempted I guess”

“So where was your wife in all this?” Lizzy asked frowning, “I’m sure a decent woman wouldn’t be party to this sort of thing!”

He bowed his head and said, “Dead Miss, these last twelve months.”

“Well, iffen you’re lookin’ fer the sympathy vote, you ain’t gonna get it!” Jess growled. Then grabbing the old timer by his shirt front he acquainted him with the full force of the Harper temper. After a few minutes when the man turned very pale and was looking completely terrified Slim called a halt.

“OK that’s enough now Jess,” he said quietly pulling him gently away. “I reckon you’ve made your point.”

Jess pushed the man roughly back into his chair and backed off…and he collapsed head in hands weeping quietly.

Slim decided he’d learnt his lesson and suggested Jess and Lizzy go fetch the horses and head back to the Trading Post.

Jess took one last look at the man and silently left with Lizzy.

Once they had gone Slim said, “I figure you must have been pretty much up against it to have behaved this way?”

He nodded, “I guess I ain’t been thinkin’ straight since my Molly passed on. She dealt with all the money side of things…kinda lost without her Mister.”

Slim patted his arm and then said, “I understand…but we were real worried about Miss Lizzy, her life is in grave danger right now and we’re trying to get her safely over the border.”

“And I ain’t helped any, I can see now, and why your buddy was so dang mad.”

Slim grinned at that, “Oh he’ll calm down…and he didn’t mean it about not caring about your wife…he’s suffered a lot of losses himself. Come on let’s get you back home,” Slim said, helping the old guy up.

When they arrived back at the Trading Post Jess and Lizzy were already there ready to continue the journey north. But just as they were all about to set off Jess reined his horse in and slipping down from the saddle headed back into the shack.

“Jess!” Slim hollered, thinking he was going to bawl out the old man again.

But Jess merely flapped a hand in Slim’ s direction and said, “Quit frettin’…”

He returned some five minutes later with a large gunny sack bursting with more supplies.

Slim raised a questioning eyebrow but Jess just said, “I remembered some more stuff we needed.”

Slim rolled his eyes, but said nothing.

It was much later that night when Slim tackled his pard about the extra supplies.

He glanced over to where Lizzy was now sleeping deeply and said, “Well her little adventure didn’t seem to bother her too much.”

Jess grinned and said, “She’s kind of a tough little gal ain’t she.”

Casting his buddy a quizzical glance Slim said, “So what were the extra supplies all about? You must have spent another twenty odd bucks in there.”

Jess shrugged, “Just stuff we needed.”

“Jess?”

“Oh OK, I guess I was kinda hard on the old guy if you must know, I wanted to make my peace with him.”

Slim grinned at him, “You’re not getting soft in your old age are you, Jess?”

Jess grinned back, “I guess not.” Then he paused, “Anyway he might have done us a favor iffen he’d kept her...give us a break from her chatter.”

Both men chuckled at that and shortly after turned in.

OOOOOOO

They continued their journey, heading north up through Montana.

Slim and Lizzy seemed to be getting on real well Jess observed. They’d found a shared love of books and spent many an evening discussing authors and writing styles. Jess was happy to just relax and take a nap as they talked on, sometimes late into the night.

Slim was secretly in seventh heaven, having found such a beautiful and interesting kindred spirit. Heck, might there be some future for them he wondered as she laughed at his jokes and took his opinions on writing so seriously.

That was why he was so irritated by the fact that she also seemed to find his buddy of such interest.

He’d noticed that she was still looking over at Jess on and off as she wrote in one of her notebooks and he wondered if she was writing more of the erotic romance and was using Jess as the hero. The thought making him feel deeply unsettled.

Meanwhile Jess was completely oblivious to the situation, so it came as a surprise to him when Slim suggested they take another look at Lizzy’s notebooks.

“Why?” he queried one evening when Lizzy was asleep, “It’s only some boring old romance she’s writing, ain’t it?”

“Well yeah,” Slim agreed, “but she might me preparing some copy for the papers back east, in one of the other notebooks, she’s got two or three you know buddy.”

“So, what are you gonna do, tell her she can’t send it off? Hell, we’ll be at a town in a few days Slim and I figure if she wants to wire stuff back east then we can’t really stop her.”

“We can if it means her life will be at risk,” Slim said hotly. If they trace the wire back here, they’ll know she’s heading for Canada and maybe target her there,” he added his face a mask of concern.

“Shush, you’ll wake her,” Jess said quickly.

Then peering over at his pard in the dim light from the fire he said softly, “Hell you ain’t falling for her are you, Slim?”

He flushed up, “No, of course I’m not, don’t be stupid. It’s just that we’re being paid top dollar to keep her safe. I figure if that means putting a veto on her work for the duration of the trip…then that’s what we have to do.”

Jess threw him a skeptical glance at that. His pard sure seemed to be pretty keen on the lovely Lizzy. But then he decided not to push the matter and merely said, “OK I guess you’re right. So, what do you want me to do?”

OOOOOOO

The following afternoon they made camp early, near to a stream and Jess offered to show Lizzy the art of fishing.

“Might as well learn a new skill, huh?” he’d said eyes twinkling.

Lizzy looked into those oh so expressive deep blue eyes and felt her resolve start to weaken. She had promised herself she would never, ever fall for a man again, after her disastrous affair with Ed Mason. But that was before she met Jess Harper. Maybe…just maybe a little dalliance would be fun she thought now, as she threw Jess an alluring glance.

Jess just smiled kindly at the beautiful woman. Oh yes, she was sure a looker alright he thought, and she knew it, but really not his sort. All that talkin’ about books and writin’, jeez it would do his head in he told himself.

Once Jess and Lizzy had disappeared around a bend in the stream, out of view of the camp, Slim made his move as they’d planned.

He pulled the notebooks out of her saddle bag and started leafing through them. The first was the explicit novel. With several more chapters written…Slim quickly scanned a few lines… ‘His dark good looks made her pulses quicken as he leaned in and kissed her so passionately, she had never felt so excited. His taught muscular body so close to hers. The work with all those mustangs had clearly toned him to perfection she mused as he pulled her even closer

Slim closed the notebook sharply, his own pulses now racing. Was she really basing this character on his buddy? Did she want to be the heroine in the scene? He closed his eyes and swallowed hard feeling a deep jealousy once again. Did she really view Jess this way?

He put the book back and then started checking out the other notebooks. But then something stopped him in his tracks as he stared down in shock at a page of sketches…of his buddy. They were brilliantly executed, the likeness perfect. There were sketches of him sipping his coffee, fishing, riding and even one of him on his bedroll fast asleep. The way his unruly hair fell across his forehead and the gentle shadow of his eyelashes on his cheek caught to perfection.

He furiously slammed the book shut and replaced it, just as Jess and Lizzy came into view laughing and holding up their catch for Slim’s approval.

It was much later that night before the two men could discuss the matter.

Lizzy had insisted on sitting up late, writing by the light of the hurricane lantern…never pausing as she scribbled away.

Slim watched her morosely, wondering if the time spent with Jess that afternoon had fueled her desire to write more of the erotic novel.

Jess was completely unaware of his buddy’s inner turmoil, but merely thought his shoulder was still bothering him some.

That was why, once Lizzy had turned in, he livened up their last coffee with a shot of Red eye apiece.

Slim raised a questioning eyebrow.

“You looked like you needed a little pick me up…shoulder botherin’ you?” Jess asked.

“Uh, no it’s fine,” Slim said abruptly.

“Well, something’s bothering you. You’ve hardly said a word all evening. You keep throwing me looks like I’ve just drowned yer pet kitten too. So, what’s up Slim?”

Slim just shook his head and studying his buddy for a moment said, “How do you damn well do it Jess?”

“Huh, do what?”

“Get the ladies to fall in love with you without even trying?”

Jess again looked puzzled, “I don’t know what yer talkin’ about Slim.”

“Sure you do,” he hissed angrily. “You’ve got Lizzy drooling over you...writing erotic novels about you and dang me she’s even been drawing pictures of you.”

“Novels… pictures, what in hell are you talkin’ about?”

“All in those notebooks,” Slim went on to explain. Even quoting from the romantic book and describing the intimate drawing of Jess sleeping…and how she had drawn several more.

“The hell she has,” Jess reacted looking angry.

Slim picked up on his anger immediately, “So you haven’t been encouraging her then?” he asked.

“Hell no! I said right from the start she weren’t my type” Jess said firmly, “All that book talk, politics and stuff…hell, come on Slim,” he whispered angrily.

Slim looked down and said softly, “Sorry buddy.”

“You do like her, don’t you?” Jess said softly.

Slim just shrugged, “We get on pretty good yeah and I sort of thought…

“That there might be more to it?” Jess supplied.

He just nodded.

“How’d that work out Slim, with her in Canada and you down in Laramie huh?”

Slim just shrugged again, “I guess I hadn’t really thought it through…anyway there’s no point, she’s clearly stuck on you.”

“Well, I’m not for hire,” Jess said looking angry. “We were paid to keep her safe and that’s all I aim to do.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Slim said sadly, “I’d sure like to know what it’s all about though, especially all those drawings.”

“Well maybe you should ask her?” Jess replied.

“Oh yeah right,” Slim said rolling his eyes.

Then he changed the subject.

“Know how we’ve been writing notes to send to Andy over the last couple of weeks?”

Jess nodded knowing that it had become routine for the men to write the odd note at the end of the day telling Andy and Jonesy what had transpired and adding a few anecdotes.

“Well, I think we need to get them all together in an envelope and then we can post them off when we hit town in a few days.”

Jess said, “Sure, I’ll just add one more page and then you can have mine.”

Slim smiled, “And uh, Jess…maybe not mention about the book and drawings huh?”

The men exchanged a wry smile and then finally turned in.

The following morning after breakfast Jess finished off his latest note to Andy and passed it across to Slim to put in one of the large envelopes he’d brought along.

Noticing this Lizzy quickly produced one of her notebooks and carefully removing several pages passed them across to Slim.

“Is there room for my contribution?” she asked with a sunny smile.

Slim just stared at her in disbelief before glancing down at the pictures he’d been looking at the previous day. But now as he scrutinized the pictures of Jess more closely, he saw that there were written comments below each drawing. One said ‘Jess pulling our supper out of the river…it was delicious.’ There were similar light-hearted captions and then as Slim turned the pages over, he saw several drawings of himself similarly with funny or interesting comments below.

“Well, I’ll be…” he said softly.

Then grinning up at the beautiful woman said, “You didn’t need to really.”

“Oh, I wanted to…your little brother is sweet and so good taking on the responsibility of the ranch whilst you two are here helping me. I just wanted to give something back,” she said encompassing them both with her radiant smile. “Besides I love sketching, it helps pass the time.”

‘Sweet little brother’ Jess nearly choked on his coffee. Hell, she’d sure changed her tune since she arrived at the ranch he thought, remembering her brusque ‘children should be seen and not heard’. Maybe this trip had mellowed her some he mused.

“I just love to draw and write stories,” she added smiling into Slim’ s eager eyes.

Jess was tempted to say, ‘like writing questionable novels,’ but decided to keep quiet, especially when he saw the delighted look on his buddy’s face.

They hit the large town later that day and were actually able to secure two adjoining rooms, as per their original plan. Jess seeming to go into the bedroom with Lizzy, in case anyone was watching them, but then going through the adjoining door to his and Slim’ s room.

They had washed and dressed smartly for dinner in the upmarket hotel and enjoyed their meal and the expensive red wine that Lizzy had insisted on.

“After all I’m sure Pa meant me to spoil you some with the generous expenses he sent,” she said grinning.

All the time since his conversation with Jess when he’d expressed no interest in Lizzy, Slim had been formulating a plan. He was aware that Jess and Lizzy hadn’t talked one to one much, as it was always, he and Lizzy that exchanged views most evenings. Jess preferring to just relax and listen, or often just drift off to sleep. So Slim figured if he left the two of them together, then Lizzy would realize she and Jess had absolutely nothing in common, leaving the field open for Slim himself.

Once the meal was over Slim stood up and smiling said, “Well I’m up for an early night.”

Jess made to rise too, but Slim pushed him back down, “No you stay and keep Lizzy company pard, finish off the wine,” he added, before moving swiftly off.

Jess threw his departing back a puzzled glance before looking back to Lizzy.

“I don’t bite,” she said smiling flirtatiously, “shall we take our drinks through to the lounge?”

Knowing he would appear rude if he declined, he took his glass and the bottle and followed her into the dimly lit, discreet hotel lounge.

She made a beeline to the far corner and a deeply upholstered two-seat couch, romantically lit by a table lamp. Sitting down she patted the seat beside her. As there was no other chair nearby, he joined her feeling uncomfortably close as their thighs touched when he sat down.

“Excuse me ma’am,” he said backing off some.

She smiled in acknowledgement and then said, “So you’ve worked with Slim for over a year now, you must be quite good friends?”

He nodded, “Yup, he’s one of the best…we get on real good.”

“And so do you have a girl back in Laramie?” she continued.

Jess grinned, “One or two.”

“There is nobody special that you are seeing then?” she asked.

Jess frowned not liking where this was going, “Not right now, no. I’m not on the lookout for a steady girl,” he added, “I’m too busy getting the ranch up and running to its full potential… gettin’ mustanging contracts, that kinda thing.”

“Oh, I see,” she said trying to hide her disappointment.

Wanting to change the subject he said, “Slim and me will be posting Andy’s letters off tomorrow, anything you want to post…or send a wire maybe?”

Her eyes twinkled, “Is that your subtle way of asking if I’m going to send any contentious copy over to the Washington papers?”

He grinned back, “Maybe…so, are ya?”

She shook her head, “No I guess that episode with those two awful bounty hunters has unsettled me a little. You say there could be more around in the other towns?” she added, looking cautiously around the room.

He nodded, “Yup anyplace and I’m glad to see you’re taking things seriously now.”

“Oh, I really am,” she said, moving in closer and taking his hand she looked adoringly up into his eyes.

Jess instinctively moved back again and threw her a questioning glance.

“I’m just keeping in character as a newlywed,” she said batting her eyes at him.

“Yeah, well I guess we’re safe enough in here,” he said removing his hand on the pretext of raising his glass.

“Oh shame,” she whispered, looking down.

“So, uh tell me about all this stuff that landed you in so much trouble. How did you manage to get all the dirt on those corrupt politicians in the first place?” he asked, hoping again that the change of subject would make her back off some.

“Oh, that was easy,” she said flippantly, “I merely had an affair with one of them, Ed Mason.”

Jess gave a low whistle, “What, the President’s advisor who was convicted of fraud?”

“The very same.”

“Jeez you sure move in high places,” he said looking impressed. Then his face clouded, “So he was married then, this Ed Mason?”

She nodded, “That’s what affair usually implies doesn’t it?”

Jess said nothing, just looked down.

“You don’t approve?”

He shook his head, “Not really, but I guess it’s your business. Even so, hell Lizzy having an affair is bad enough, but to pretend to love a guy just to expose his corruption at work, that’s kinda low ain’t it?”

She looked furious and hissed, “But I did love him at the start…I found out about the corruption much later on.”

“Oh, so that makes it alright then?” he said sarcastically.

She flushed up angrily, “Yes as a matter of fact it did. You see, Ed wasn’t the only one close to the President, to be implicated. I only found them out because of my relationship with Ed. I was privy to information that no other journalists were. There were many others involved in bribery and corruption; they had to be exposed.”

“Yeah, and it’s doubtless this Ed Mason that’s got a contract out on you, along with a few others, you ever thought of that?”

Lizzy’s heart beat faster, oh how she had loved Ed… some part of her still did and she couldn’t believe he would want to harm her. Then she saw Jess peering at her and lifting her chin up said,

“You know what the saying is, ‘the pen is mightier than the sword.’”

Jess grinned at her, “So they say, but try telling that to a guy looking down the barrel of a 12 bore.”

“Yes well, each to his or her own,” Lizzy said primly.

They lapsed into silence and Jess suddenly noticed a newcomer to the lounge. He was dressed in subdued colors and wore the telltale low-slung iron of a professional gunman.

Lizzy thought she’d make one more attempt at seducing Jess and turning said very softly, “Shall we go up to bed then?” Deciding to say she was just playing the part of new wife if he rejected her.

Jess turned to her, from where the gunslinger was now scrutinizing them openly. Moving close to her, he cupped her face between his big gentle hands before leaning in and kissing her long and slow.

Then getting up he took her hand and lead her from the room. Glancing back, he saw the obvious bounty hunter looking away in disinterest…his ploy had worked.

As they entered the corridor where their room was situated, he saw another man further down seated on a chair reading a paper and again his suspicions were aroused and he unlocked the bedroom door quickly and followed Lizzy inside.

As soon as the door closed, she came over and ran a finger down his cheek before standing back and looking lovingly up at him.

“Well,” she said glancing over at the inviting double bed, “shall we turn in, or have another drink first?” she asked nodding toward a fresh bottle of wine on the nightstand.

Jess just stared at her in disbelief, “Huh?”

“Oh, come on don’t go all shy on me,” she said softly, “It’s taken a while but we got there. So, what are you waiting for Jess?” she asked beginning to unbutton the high collared dress she was wearing.

Jess shot out a hand to stop her and said, “You can cut that out, Lizzy, I ain’t interested, I’m doin’ my job, that’s all.”

Now it was her turn to look surprised, “But the way you kissed me I thought…I thought…”

“Well, you thought wrong,” he said harshly, “I was just playing the attentive husband. Hell didn’t you see that hombre walk in the lounge just now?”

She merely shook her head.

“Well, he was a bounty hunter and there’s another out in the corridor…so just keep yer wits about you, huh.”

She suddenly looked terrified, “You aren’t going to leave me here alone, are you?”

Jess sure as hell wasn’t going to bed down there, not with Lizzy so dang fired up.

“Sure I am, you’ll be fine as long as you keep the door locked,” he said heading for the adjoining room where Slim was sleeping.

“Please!” she cried once more running over and grabbing him.

Eventually he convinced her to go to bed by promising to leave the connecting door ajar, so that he would hear any intruders.

Chapter 5

Slim was wide awake lying on top of his bed on the far side of the room and threw Jess a questioning look when the adjoining door was left open a little.

“She’s runnin’ scared,” Jess whispered, “There are a couple more of those low-life bounty hunters out there, one in our corridor, one down in the lounge.”

“Damn it,” Slim muttered, “do you know them?”

Jess shook his head.

“Do you think they recognized her?”

“Nah, I reckon she should be pretty safe, from a distance anyway, having changed her hair colour from that bright red to blond, will put ‘em off the scent.” Then he wondered what she must have looked like with her original hair coloring...Heck she had been blond since he met her...and he secretly wondered if she had the famous temper that was said to be associated with redheads.

 “From a distance maybe, but her face has been all over the papers recently after the trial of all those suspect politicians. Close to, they’ll realise who she is Jess.” Then added, “So what about the guy in the lounge?”

“It was OK a bit of play acting and he figured we were a couple and he ignored us after…” Jess said flushing up a little.

“He ignored you after what? What kind of play acting?” Slim asked frowning.

Jess turned away and started stripping off for bed.

“Oh, you know, like a married couple,” he said quietly.

“You kissed her…again?” Slim asked.

Jess looked away and said “Huh?” playing for time.

“You heard me…did you kiss her Jess?”

He turned back to his pard and rolled his eyes, “It don’t mean nuthin’ Slim, just keepin’ her safe is all.”

“Yes, well I hope that’s all it is,” Slim said angrily, “because we sure don’t need any of your shenanigans making this job any harder than it already is,” he added.

Jess lay down and said, “Never mind about all that. Stop frettin’ about stuff that ain’t happening and concentrate on how we are gonna leave town without those dumb oafs seeing us. Two men and a woman all riding out is bound to look suspicious. Most women would be taking a Stage or a carriage at least.”

They talked for a while and finally formulated a plan before turning in.

But both men lay awake with their own worrying thoughts.

Jess feeling very wary at this new turn of events between himself and Lizzy. Under different circumstances a beautiful woman offering some no strings fun, would have been real appealing. Jess was pretty sure Lizzy wasn’t suggesting anything more serious. It was obvious that they weren’t suited on any level…except maybe physically he mused. Jeez she was a stunner and that kiss had been really hot. He gave a little groan and rolled on his side desperately seeking the oblivion of sleep.

Meanwhile Slim lay awake staring bleakly up to the ceiling. What was it Jess always said when he was asked how he managed to get all the women lusting after him… ‘It’s all in the kissin’ Pard.’

Um well Slim didn’t doubt that Lizzy had been well and truly kissed and was most likely under his buddy’s spell by now.

Next door Lizzy was cursing her crass stupidity. What was she thinking of lusting after some provincial rancher when she had been used to all the glamour and excitement of Washington society? But oh, she had never been kissed that way before she acknowledged as she finally fell into a restless sleep.

OOOOOOO

The following morning, they carried out their plan.

Whilst Lizzy took her breakfast in her room Jess went off to the livery and sought out the young stable lad who he had befriended when they rode in. Jess always made it his practice to engage with livery staff to ensure his mount had the very best treatment and usually tipped well into the bargain.

Now young Freddy came running when he saw the handsome dark-haired man approaching.

“I did everything you said sir, extra rations, good rub down, and best stalls in the place. Just finished grooming them,” he added grinning.

Jess flipped him some coins and the boy’s eyes lit up, “Why thank you kindly sir,” he said cheerfully.

“Wanna earn some more money son?” Jess asked.

The boy nodded enthusiastically, “Sure do sir, ‘tis my day off, I only came in to tend your horses. So, I can do anything you want.”

Jess explained that it was his new wife’s birthday and he wanted to take her on a surprise picnic. “Give her a break from the saddle,” he added smiling. My partner will bring our horses out to us later in the day, but I was wondering if you could drive us out to Dawson’s Creek, I believe its real pretty out that way?”

The boy nodded, “Sure is sir and yup I can drive you easy, got a real comfy carriage over here the boss lets me use,” and he showed Jess.

“That’ll do real well,” Jess enthused, “I’ll see you in an hour.”

Then he turned back, “Oh by the way, don’t tell anyone about this, huh?”

The youngster looked a little puzzled but said, “No of course not, if that’s what you want mister?”

Seeing the lad looking perplexed Jess glanced around before lowering his voice, “Thing is me and my wife, well we just eloped and I think her Pa might have sent some heavies after us…to take her back home, see?”

The boy nodded, “Oh yes, I see now,” grinning once more. “No sir, I won’t breathe a word.”

“Good man,” Jess said folding some notes and pushing them into the boy’s shirt pocket, “See ya later,” and he marched off.

Later, Freddy drove them out of town and Jess sat in the back of the carriage, one arm securely around his ‘wife’, after having arranged to meet Slim in a few hours.

Nobody cast them a second look much to his relief and he just hoped his pard had similar luck.

Slim was to take a back route out of town, thinking a man leading two riding mounts might cause the bounty hunters some interest. He waited until Jess and Lizzy were well on their way before taking a trail off in the opposite direction. Then once he was sure he hadn’t been followed he would backtrack and arrive at the designated spot in time to share the picnic lunch that had been provided by the hotel.

Back at the creek once Jess had said farewell and thanks to Freddy, he looked around him. There was a fast-running river before them and a small group of Aspen trees giving welcome shade. They were well hidden from the road behind and save for a small mountain range in the distance and some rocky out crops, the view was far reaching and very beautiful.

They settled down beneath the softly whispering trees to await Slim. Jess feeling somewhat uncomfortable after the misunderstanding of the night before.

Lizzy had been very distant during the ride over and now she sat looking off to the distant hills, ignoring him.

After a while he lit a fire and made some coffee, that had been thoughtfully added to the picnic basket, and offered her a cup, as a peace offering, he thought wryly.

She took it with a distant nod.

“Look I’m sorry OK,” Jess blurted out, “it’s just…well under different circumstances… Uh, you’re a real beautiful woman…it’s just…”

“That you don’t mix business with pleasure,” she supplied with an icy smile.

“Uh, somethin’ like that,” he agreed.

Hell, how could he say his pard had the hots for her and he didn’t want to step on his toes…. and if he was honest, she really wasn’t his type. He could see it would doubtless end badly if he did get involved.

But then when he looked up to where she was sitting close to him, he saw the wounded look and the hint of tears in her eyes…and his heart melted.

She turned to look at him and then they both sat completely still just staring into each other’s eyes before Jess very slowly moved forwards. After a second, he tentatively brushed her lips with his own. Then cupping her face in his hands, he leaned in and kissed more deeply. Lizzy responded, running a hand through his hair, her heart beating practically out if her chest as he pulled her even closer.

Then there was a tremendous crash as a bullet whizzed past Jess’s head, missing him by inches.

He drew his gun and pushing Lizzy down out of the line of fire threw himself on top of her, protecting her from further bullets as he returned the fire.

However, he soon realized that the rifle totin’ bushwhacker was out of range over behind a distant rocky outcrop. Jess knew he’d need to get up closer if his Colt were to be any use…his own rifle off with Slim and his mount.

Then another shot rang out catching Jess on the top of his arm and he cussed loudly and Lizzy screamed in terror.

“It’s OK quit frettin’,” he said quickly, “just keep down and stay real still, don’t move, I’ve got ya covered.”

He was just wondering if he could move Lizzy to a safer place and scrabble his way closer to get in range, when a shot rang out from behind him. Turning he saw Slim, galloping down the edge of the creek, returning the fire with his rifle.

At this turn of events, the would-be assassin quickly mounted and tore off for the distant hills, Slim in hot pursuit.

Jess rolled away from where he’d pinned Lizzy to the ground and muttered, “Sorry, you OK?”

She nodded, her eyes full of admiration, “You…you saved my life,” she uttered.

Then seeing the dark blood stain on his sleeve said, “Oh you’ve been shot!” her face suddenly full of concern and shock.

Just then Slim galloped up, “He hightailed it,” he said, then looking down at the couple added, “Are you two, OK?”

“Jess has been shot,” Lizzy said sounding almost hysterical, “do something Slim!”

Jess and Slim exchanged an amused look before Jess said, “Yeah come on you great galoot do somethin’ before I fade away and bleed to death,” both men now grinning.

It was after Slim had cleaned and bound the superficial wound that Lizzy relaxed a little.

“He was wonderful,” she eulogized, “he threw himself over me, lay there to protect me I could have been shot too!”

“Real good at that aren’t you pard, your specialty,” Slim smirked and then more softly, for Jess’s ears only, “lying down on purty girls that is.”

Jess grinned at that, but Lizzy was not amused.

“I don’t know how you two can make so light of it, we could have been killed!”

“Yeah, but we weren’t,” Jess said sitting up from where he’d been laying back as Slim tended his arm, “so quit frettin’ and let’s get moving.”

“You can’t ride, you’ve been hurt,” Lizzy gasped.

“Heck it’s just a scratch.”

Then turning to Slim said, “That shooting could have alerted others as to our whereabouts. I doubt that low life will give up either. Should we take the Indian trail across the mountain? We’d get a better view of anyone approaching that way.”

Slim sucked in a deep breath, “I dunno Jess it’s kinda hard going up there.”

“Yeah, and kinda dangerous down here,” he replied.

They both looked over at Lizzy.

“I can manage,” she said quickly, “let’s just get away from that terrible man.”

It was dusk before the men decided to call it a day, but Lizzy would have broken their journey much earlier if she’d had her way. Not only was she struggling some with the rough terrain. She could also see Jess was in some pain. It was typical of him to make light of any injury she was soon to learn, but when they finally found a good place to make camp, she could see how pale and strained he appeared.

Slim too seemed concerned and said, “I’ll see to the mounts Jess, you take it easy buddy.”

But of course, Jess insisted on caring for his horse as per usual. He caressed the muzzle of the army horse they had been loaned and fed him a sugar lump once he had finished tending him and Slim grinned over.

“Good mounts he said patting the rump of his own horse. Reckon they’ll see us safely over to the other side,” he said tipping his hat towards the mountainous track beyond them.

“I guess,” Jess said looking tired and real peaky, so Slim thought.

“Come on he said clapping him on the shoulder, we’ll feel better with some grub inside us.”

They were lounging around the campfire sipping a final coffee before turning in when they heard it, the bloodcurdling sound of a lone wolf howling to the moon.

Lizzy shuddered, and whispered, “He won’t come near, will he?”

The weather had been getting cooler the further north they rode, and there was snow on the far mountain peaks.

Slim and Jess exchanged a glance knowing that hungry wolves could well be a problem this far north…but not wanting to worry Lizzy Slim said, “Nope…just don’t wander off too far though,” he added.

Lizzy had no intention of wandering any place. In fact, if she’d had her own way, she would be snuggling up to Jess right now. The earlier kiss had been a revelation and now she desperately wanted to carry on where they had left off. However, she realized that wasn’t an option now Slim had returned. Actually, she was aware that Jess had hardly looked at her since his buddy’s arrival and when he did, he looked kind of sheepish.

She finally fell asleep to erotic dreams of what might have happened earlier…and awoke at dawn feeling frustrated and very cold.

As she gathered herself together, she peered across the camp and saw that Jess and Slim had already added fuel to the fire. A chilly wind had got up and as she yawned and stretched the first dainty snowflakes started drifting down out of a leaden sky.

“This is all we dang well need,” Jess said angrily, looking up to the dark storm clouds. “Ain’t it kinda early in the year for this?” he added.

“Well, it is late September,” Slim said, “and I guess the weather is colder up the mountains. It should be better when we head down the other side.”

“Uh, iffen we ever get to the other side,” Jess muttered morosely.

Lizzy had wandered quietly over and now she said, “What do you mean, is it very dangerous?”

“No, he’s just kidding,” Slim said quickly, “hates the snow ‘tis all.”

Once Lizzy was reassured and had gone off to find her rain slicker Jess threw him a surly glance and said, “What’ d you say that for?”

“I don’t want her panicking about getting down the mountain in this weather, you saw the state she was in last night about that dang wolf.”

Jess sighed, “As I remember it, there are a good few caves peppering the other side of the mountain, maybe we can shelter in one of them until the worst of the storm passes over,” he suggested.

They were cold and tired by the time they had traversed across the small mountain and were heading down the other side, the men on the lookout for a good place to hole up until the weather settled down some.

They finally found quite a large cave that would accommodate their mounts as well as room for their bedrolls and a good-sized fire.

Jess quickly went about the task of settling the horses into their unusual stabling whilst Slim set a huge fire at the cave mouth that quickly lit up and warmed the rocky interior.

Lizzy sank down by the fire looking all in and so Slim made them all a coffee. They divested themselves of their soaked outer clothing, the garments were soon steaming away and the area took on a pleasant warm ambiance.

“How long will the storm last?” Lizzy asked peering out of the mouth of the cave where the snow was still drifting relentlessly down.

“Shouldn’t be too long this time of year,” Slim said, “and once we reach the lower ground, I reckon it will be falling as rain, should be warmer down there.”

“Then another four maybe five-day ride and we should hit the last town before we cross the border,” Jess said giving her an encouraging smile.

That news would have cheered her a few days ago, but now the thought of Jess returning back to Laramie filled her with sadness.

Oblivious to her dejected look, Jess added, “Then only about forty odd miles to Canada and you’ll be reunited with yer Pa.”

“Oh good,” she said sounding anything but pleased.

“Well, that’s what you’ve been looking forward to isn’t it?” Slim asked looking puzzled.

Lizzy stole another glance at Jess and seeing him engrossed in throwing more logs on the fire, merely said, “Yes of course,” and gave Slim a weak smile.

Much later when Lizzy had turned in looking exhausted, Slim whispered, “What’s up with her now, anyone would think she didn’t want to get to Canada?”

Jess looked somewhat cagey and merely grunted that it could have meant anything.

Slim peered across the now gloomy light in the cave and said, “You haven’t been upsetting her have you Jess?”

“Huh?”

“You know what I mean, she seems…I don’t know, kind of uptight, pale and down in the dumps and she keeps throwing you sad looks.”

Jess just shrugged, “Maybe she’s got women’s troubles, that can make ‘em kinda pale lookin’ and miserable too.”

Slim threw him a hard look, but just said, “Hmm,” and turned in.

It was in the wee small hours that they were all awakened by the lone wolf howling. They sat bolt upright listening intently and moments later it was joined by another and then another, until there was a cacophony of howling wolves getting closer and closer.

Lizzy looking terrified whimpered, “Will they find us?”

Jess and Slim exchanged a charged glance before Jess said, “You get to the back of the cave Lizzy try and calm the horses huh?”

When she just sat staring at him, he took her arm and led her back to the now restless animals. He checked they were securely tethered and then said, “Just talk real gentle to them, OK?”

Then looking down he seemed to make a decision and removing his Colt from his holster he passed it over, “You know how to use one of these?”

She nodded, “I think so…”

OK if the worst happens and one gets passed us just shoot it OK? Don’t aim or wait just point and shoot you got that?”

She nodded, now visibly shaking.

He reached out and squeezed her upper arm, “It’ll be OK.”

Then Slim yelled to him from where the noise was getting worse. He had already let off a shot by the time Jess grabbed his rifle and joined him. The wolves had retreated before regrouping and charging forwards again yapping and howling in a terrifying manner.

At first the shots sent them scurrying away, but eventually the smell of horseflesh overwhelmed them and their natural survival instincts were forgotten as they attacked, time and again.

The men had thrown extra logs on the fire to try and intimidate the animals but even that failed and one or two actually made it into the cave before they were dispatched.

Almost as quickly as the onslaught had commenced it was over and a dozen wolves lay scattered around the cave entrance and beyond, all dead.

Once they were sure the danger was over Slim yelled out an all clear to where Lizzy was huddling in terror at the back of the cave. But it was Jess she ran to crying hysterically and seeking comfort in his strong arms.

Jess shrugged and threw Slim an apologetic glance over her head, but Slim merely looked away feeling sick at heart.

She was finally persuaded to relinquish her hold on Jess and he took her over to the fire where Slim was just throwing on the remainder of the fuel.

Jess sat her down by the fire and then grabbing his rain slicker made for the cave entrance.

“Where are you going?” she cried out fearfully.

“Need more wood for the fire. There will be some dry stuff under those pines, down the track a way,” he said brusquely before disappearing off into the blackness beyond the cavern.

She turned anxious eyes on Slim, “Will he be alright?”

“Sure,” he replied managing a cheerful grin. “He knows it’s more dangerous for us to fall asleep and get way too cold than anything he’s going to meet out there. All the critters are dead Lizzy, I promise you.”

When she just looked surprised, he said firmly, “The cold can be a real killer,” Then he asked kindly, “Are you OK, warm enough?”

“What? Oh yes,” she said absently as she peered out into the murky night beyond the cave mouth.

Jess finally arrived back bearing an armful of thick, reasonably dry branches, “Should see us through the night,” he said with a smile, before dumping them down by the sulky looking embers and soon had a welcome blaze going again.

Then in typical Harper fashion said he was beat and was asleep seconds after crashing down on his bedroll. But Lizzy lay awake for hours, before finally falling asleep at dawn, her heart and mind in turmoil.

The men got up at first light and removed all traces of the wolves, hurling them down a steep sided ravine along the track aways.

“I reckon those ol’ horses would have balked iffen we hadn’t shifted them,” Jess said as the two men washed up at a nearby stream once the grizzly task was completed.

Slim glanced over at where the horses were ground hitched and grazing on some greenery, where the already warm sun had started melting the snow. He nodded, “It looks like the snow will all have melted before too long as well. Let’s get down this dratted mountain and get going for the next town huh?”

“Sounds good to me,” Jess said, “sooner this goddamn job is done the happier I’ll be.”

“Oh really?” Slim asked raising an eyebrow, “I was beginning to think you were kind of enjoying it… the company anyways.”

“Huh?”

“Oh, come on Jess she was all over you like a rash last night.”

“Hell Slim, she was just upset…shit scared.”

“Yeah, right,” Slim muttered turning away.

But Jess grabbed his arm and pulled him back to face him, “Look Slim there ain’t no future in it for either of us with her so just quit frettin’, huh.”

Slim sighed deeply glancing to the cave and then looked back to Jess and gave him a weak smile, “No, you’re right of course. Let’s just deliver her to her Pa and get off home huh.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Chapter 6

They made good time going down the mountain and as predicted the snow cleared within a few hours and the sun shone down on a perfect early fall day. The rest of the journey to the town was uneventful. Slim or Jess constantly backtracked to remove their tracks at first. Also kept a keen eye on the terrain all around, but there was no sign of another living soul much to their relief.

They arrived at the bustling town and again booked into the best hotel. Once the adjacent rooms had been taken Jess left Lizzy to wash up whilst he and Slim posted the latest missives for Andy and checked to see if they had any messages from home, or indeed Lizzy’s Pa.

They were delighted to find some mail awaiting them from Andy and Jonesy. Also, a wire from Colonel Burns saying he was looking forward to seeing them within the month.

“Looks like we’ll be delivering his daughter earlier than he expected,” Slim said grinning.

“Yeah, maybe he’ll give us a bonus,” Jess said looking happily at his pard. “Come on let’s get back to the hotel I told Lizzy to lock the door and not venture out, she’ll be getting stir crazy iffen we don’t get back soon.”

When they arrived back Slim went to the room next to Lizzy’s that he and Jess would share later, whilst Jess knocked at Lizzy’s door.

When he called out who it was, she threw it open and grinned at him.

“You sure scrub up pretty good, “Jess said, smiling back at her.

She had bathed and changed into a low-cut dark blue gown and her golden hair was up in a sophisticated style.

“Yer hair looks great,” he added.

She turned to the mirror and primped a little before turning back, “I just can’t get used to the colour. I guess I’ll grow it out when I reach Pa’s and go back to being a redhead.”

Jess glanced over at her and imagined she’d be even more stunning if she did so.

“I’ll just wash up some and change,” he said turning towards the adjoining door, “then I arranged for us to meet Slim in the bar before dinner, OK?”

She nodded and then there was a discreet knock on the door.

“I’ll go,” she said swiftly before Jess could move, “It will be the maid to turn down the bed.”

She threw the door open and Jess heard her gasp.

He was beside her in two strides, his Colt in his hand as he surveyed a tall blond man grinning down at Lizzy.

“Baby, it’s so good to see you,” he murmured moving to embrace her.

Jess stepped forwards and growled, “Hold it right there, mister, who are you and what do you want?”

Lizzy turned shocked eyes on Jess, “This is my friend…Ed Mason.”

“He’s your friend, huh?” Jess asked, “That’s what yer callin’ this lowlife is it?” he added holstering his gun, seeing Mason was unarmed.

Mason swiveled to stare stonily at Jess and then turning back to Lizzy said, “Who is this err…person?”

“Jess,” she said weakly, “Jess Harper, one of my bodyguards.”

“Well, that better be all he is,” Mason barked, glaring at Jess.

Then Lizzy seemed to assert herself, “What business of yours is it anyway… we’re finished Ed.”

Mason’s eyes opened wide in disbelief and anger, “Hell, you can’t mean that baby,” he gasped, “I’ve damn well left my wife for you! Come all this way to find you too!”

Jess was beginning to get tired of being ignored and gently pulling Lizzy back behind him pushed Mason hard in the chest and said threateningly, “The lady ain’t interested Mason now git before I stop bein’ real friendly and decide to knock yer teeth down yer throat!”

Mason’s head snapped up at that and he turned decidedly pale, “I’m going,” he said.

Then calling out to Lizzy who had turned away back into the room, said, “I’ll see you later we have to talk Liz, I love you…you know that, I’ve always loved you.”

At that Jess forcefully shoved him out of the door and slammed it in his face…turning the key and pocketing it.

“Oh, don’t worry I’m not going to go dashing after him,” Lizzy said sulkily.

“No?” asked Jess throwing her a searching look, “But you want to, don’t you?”

Lizzy couldn’t meet his gaze and wandered off to stare out of the window.

“Oh, come on,” Jess said harshly, “you don’t believe all that shit about him lovin’ you, do ya? Hell Lizzy, we think he’s one of the guys who’s got a contract out on you.”

“No,” she said turning to face him looking flushed and angry, “Ed wouldn’t do that, he loves me...and he’s left Silvia for me…he said so.”

“Ha, she probably left him when he was banged up in jail for fraud. In fact, what the hell’s he doin’ out of jail anyways?”

“He appealed there was a retrial I believe,” she said not meeting Jess’s angry gaze.

“Really?” he said looking unconvinced.

“What’s it to you anyway?” she cried, “You’re not a tiny bit jealous, are you Jess?”

Jess rolled his eyes, “Just doin’ my job ma’am,” he sighed.

Then the adjoining door opened and Slim barged in, “What’s all the yelling about?” he asked raising an eyebrow at Jess.

“That lowlife Ed Mason just turned up. He seems to think he can come in here and waltz off with Lizzy just like that.”

“He does, does he?” Slim asked angrily.

“This has nothing to do with you two. I’ll see who I like!” Lizzy shouted, being her usually assertive self.

Jess turned on her his dark eyes flashing with anger now, “Well that’s where you’re wrong on both accounts, it’s everything to do with us, and you damn well won’t see who you like!”

“You can’t speak to me that way,” she cried furiously.

Then turning said, “Slim…tell him!”

“He’s right Lizzy once we deliver you safely to your Pa you can do what you like. But until then you are our responsibility and we’ve got a deal with your Pa to keep you safe.”

“And we aim to do just that,” Jess added,” whether you like it or not!”

Once they had all calmed down a little, Slim suggested they’d feel better after some good food, so they made their way to the hotel dining room.

 Once more Jess made like the attentive husband settling Lizzy down at a discreet corner table, before he and Slim took their places. Both men sitting with their backs to the wall, so they had a good view of the rest of the room. It was early and still relatively quiet so Jess had no problem picking out Mason sitting at the far side of the room, watching them intently, but making no movement to come over.

Lizzy who had her back to the room had no idea of his presence and Jess figured he’d keep things that way. He decided they would eat their meal and then go off for an early night. Then first thing in the morning he’d send off a few wires, finding out whether Mason really had a reprieve after the fraud case.

They were just drinking their coffee when Jess saw Mason rise and start to wander over. He nudged Slim and said softly, “We’ve got company.”

Mason came and stood by the table and said, “I need to speak to Lizzy, in private.”

“In yer dreams, git out of here Mason,” Jess drawled.

Again, Mason ignored Jess, “Please Lizzy,” he said urgently, “we need to talk.”

She waivered and then a discreet waiter came over, “Uh, is everything alright gentlemen?” he asked, having heard Jess’s raised voice.

Slim whispered to Jess, “We don’t want to attract attention…can’t tell who else is in here watching,” he added nodding to the now busy dining room.

Jess sighed and nodded, then turning to the waiter said, “No problem, our…uh friend is joining us for coffee, could you fetch another cup?”

The waiter beamed at him, relieved that an incident had been averted, “Certainly sir,” and he withdrew.

“You’ve got five minutes and anything you wanna say, can be said in front of us,” Jess said looking less than friendly.

Mason nodded and said, “Thank you,” albeit through gritted teeth.

Then turning to Lizzy said, “What’s going on baby, are you and Harper here seeing each other?”

Lizzy flushed up and said softly, “Why…would it bother you if we were?”

But before he could answer Slim said, “No, Jess is merely posing as Lizzy’s husband as part of her cover, to keep her safe. Now state your business Mason, we need to get an early night, another long day tomorrow.”

Mason seemed to forget his jealous outburst and said, “You’re not leaving already Lizzy we need to talk; I have to set the record straight.”

“Well get on with it, because this is the only chance you’re gonna get,” Jess snarled, his patience wearing thin.

Mason tried to filter the two bodyguards out and focusing alone on Lizzy said. “I’ve missed you so much baby, please tell me you feel the same?”

When she just looked down, he said, “Please Liz. I’m so sorry for all that trouble I got into, but it’s over now. Once we’re together we can make a fresh start, I promise.”

“How can I trust you?” she lamented after all those terrible things you did, betraying the President that way.

“But I was pardoned! You see I only acted that way because I was being blackmailed.”

Her head shot up at that and she said, “Really? What about and who by?”

“Jennings…Clive Jennings, he said I was to turn a blind eye to his embezzlement, in fact help him, or he would tell Silvia of our affair.”

Lizzy looked bewildered, “I didn’t know he even knew about it. We were so careful.”

“Oh, he knew alright. I would never have gotten involved with the shady business if it hadn’t been for that… I was weak I know, but I just couldn’t face all the scandal. Not just for me you understand, but for you too, I was doing it all for you baby.”

Jess nearly choked on his coffee and rolled his eyes at Slim.

However, Lizzy seemed quite moved at the declaration of devotion.

“You’ve really left her for good?”

“Oh yes, I promise you. I’ll never lie to you again. I love you…Jeez I want to marry you, honey.”

“Oh Ed,” she whispered, suddenly softening.

“Well, I guess the lady had better sleep on that one,” Jess said quickly, “time is up Mason.”

To his surprise the tall blond man rose at once and leaning over kissed Lizzy chastely on the cheek said, “Goodnight my darling, I’ll see you tomorrow,” and left.

Once he had gone, Lizzy exploded at Jess, “How could you! What right have you to boss us about that way Jess…I’ve just been proposed to, for goodness sake!”

“Oh, come on,” he drawled, “you didn’t believe anything that no hoper said, did you?”

“Yes! Yes, I did! I know him better than you do and I believe he wants a fresh start and I aim to give him one,” she asserted.

“Not on my watch you ain’t,” Jess replied equally angrily.

When she looked like she might burst into tears of anger and frustration Slim said softly, “Jess is right Liz. Once you are safely home with your Pa things will be different. Then if Mason wants to come courting, that’s your business. But right now, we have a job to finish and it doesn’t include Mason. We’ll ride out early…and alone understand?”

Somehow Slim’ s plain speaking was even more upsetting than Jess’s more volatile address, and she felt totally dispirited and merely nodded. Then she rose to make her way back upstairs with her guards flanking her and discreetly checking all around them.

There were one or two strangers milling about on the stairs up to their rooms, so when they arrived Slim said aloud, ‘goodnight you two,’ before disappearing into the adjoining room.

Then Jess unlocked Lizzy’s door, following her in.

Further along the corridor Mason was just in time to see Jess go into the bedroom with Lizzy and cussed quietly under his breath, before taking a seat on a small sofa at the end of the corridor. Shaking out a newspaper he prepared to take watch, for as long as necessary.

Jess followed Lizzy in, locking the door behind him and again pocketing the key.

“What’s up, don’t you trust me?” she said frowning at him.

Jess just shook his head, “I’m thinkin’ maybe you don’t trust yourself right now.”

“What do you mean, to run off with him?”

“Maybe…”

“I love him and he loves me. We want to be together…and would that be so bad?”

“Worse than bad,” he said slipping off his frock coat and loosening his string tie.

“Don’t go making yourself at home, you’re not staying long,” she said sourly.

Then, “What do you mean by that…it would be very bad?”

“I ain’t discounted the fact that he still might want you dead. Seems he’s pretty much changed his tune don’t ya think? You said he was furious at you for exposing the fraud…wanted you dead, your own words. Hell Lizzy, he was even one of the suspects we thought had a contract out on you!”

“How much of your anger is about this bizarre idea that dear Ed wants me dead…and how much is it just pure jealousy Jess, um? As to Ed, sure he was mad at first, but he’s had time to reconsider and he wants me now. You had your chance with me the other night and you backed off didn’t you…being oh so business like.”

“I told ya how it had to be,” he muttered, “I can’t get involved with you Lizzy, I’ve a job to do and it would just complicate things…besides…”

Her eyebrows arched, “Besides what?”

He looked down, “Oh nuthin’.”

“It’s Slim isn’t it,” she said moving across the room to stand before him.

Jess ‘s head shot up and he looked shocked, “You know?”

“What, that he’s interested in me? Of course. He’s a lovely man, but a tad too staid for me. I like men with a hint of danger…a wild streak, know what I mean?” she asked looking up into his eyes and moving fractionally closer.

Then she leaned up and kissed him very softly. He kissed her back, tentatively and then more passionately. She responded eagerly gasping with pleasure…one hand running down his back pulling him even closer.

He was just about to pick her up and carry her to the large soft bed just feet away, when he came to his senses.

Hell, Slim was just next door and could walk in through the adjoining door at any moment. Plus, there was a man who Jess believed wanted Lizzy dead out there someplace, possibly real nearby. Then there was the main reason he abruptly pulled away from her…

“What is it?” she asked looking bewildered.

“This ain’t right, he muttered.

“Why?”

“Well call me kinda picky, but I don’t usually bed women who have just said they’re in love with another guy.”

She gasped and went pale turning away to peer at the darkness beyond the windowpane.

“Do ya really love him?” he growled.

Her world was in turmoil. She had very strong feelings for Jess…in fact she longed for him to take her then and there. But then seeing Ed again…yes there was still a flame burning for him…they had been so good together…but could she really ever trust him again?

“Well, do ya?” he asked when she didn’t reply immediately.

“Yes…no…I don’t know,” she cried, on the verge of angry tears again.

“Yeah, well write me when you’ve decided,” Jess said angrily before heading out to his room through the adjoining door.

She turned as the door closed behind him knowing she had blown her chances with him once again. Why was he so dang honorable…and she swore softly.

Slim looked over from where he was just finishing washing up before turning in.

“What’s up?” he asked, “You two been having words again? I heard her yelling,” he added looking concerned.

“Aw don’t ask buddy,” Jess said throwing himself down on his bed and muttering ‘women’ darkly under his breath.

How was it she could be such a tough cookie writing all that stuff in the paper? Exposing all that fraud and deception in Washington? And yet couldn’t see through that waste of space Mason.

As to his own feelings, sure she could stir him up, right now he wanted her something fierce…but he just knew it would be oh so wrong on every level. Nope the sooner she was delivered home and he and Slim were out of there the better.

The following morning, they headed down to breakfast early and Lizzy was disappointed to see no sign of Ed.

When they went to the reception desk to settle up the bill she asked after Mr Mason.

The clerk checked the register and said, “He checked out late last night Miss.”

Lizzy looked aghast, “He can’t have done, he was to meet me.”

“I’m sorry Miss, paid up and left about eleven I do believe.”

Then turning to Jess she cried, “This is all your fault, he probably thought you were so ridiculously protective that you’d shoot him or something if I met with him.”

“And you really wanna wed a guy that walks out on you the minute things get a tad difficult?” he asked eyebrows raised…and ignoring the jibe about his over protectiveness.

She just blushed and said, “Well are we going or what?”

“We’re going,” Slim said cheerfully and taking her arm escorted her out of the hotel.

They entered the dimly lit livery and Jess called out for the stable lad, but there was no sign of him. However, on closer inspection they noted that their mounts were all saddled up and ready to go.

Slim and Jess led their mounts and Lizzy’s out of their stalls but Lizzy had wandered off towards the entrance when Ed Mason suddenly appeared from the shadows just beside her.

“Lizzy over here,” he whispered lurching towards her and grabbing her by the arm.

Slim and Jess were immediately on the alert, guns drawn.

“Let her go Mason,” Jess snarled.

But then as the couple emerged from the gloom, he was able to see Mason had her in a vice like grip a gun to her head.

“Stay back,” he growled, “and throw your weapons down or I’ll blow her brains out here and now.”

Jess gasped and dropped his gun like it was red hot, and Slim did likewise.

“Ed what are you doing,” Lizzy squawked, “these are my friends and you’re scaring me!”

“Oh yes, real good friends,” Ed agreed, “especially Harper here. You see my dear I know he was keeping your bed warm last night, because I sat outside in the corridor. I heard you have a little spat and then all went quiet…I guess you had a good time making up,” he said bitterly.

“Don’t be so stupid,” Slim yelled, “he was in the next room with me, we just booked adjoining rooms so we could watch out for her.”

“Well, it doesn’t look like you’re doing a very good job of it, does it?” he said as he yanked her head back by her hair.

“Ed, you’re hurting me,” she gasped…wriggling to free herself.

“I said don’t move, you stupid bitch!”

“Ed?” she cried in shock.

She started shaking with fear, her mouth dry and her heart practically beating out of her chest. How could she have got it so wrong?

“Oh yeah you should have listened to your friend Harper there, when he doubtless told you I was here to kill you honey…because the guy was spot on.”

“Let her go, or by God, I’ll hunt you down and when I find you, you’ll wish you’d never been born!” Jess threatened.

“I think you’ll find I hold all the cards right now Harper…so back off!”

Then a voice from behind them said, “Oh I wouldn’t say that Mason, throw down your gun and let the little lady go.”

Mason swung around to see the Sheriff standing behind him, his rifle just inches from his back.

In that split second Lizzy elbowed Ed in the ribs loosening his grip on her. Jess lunged forwards yanking the gun from his grip and throwing Mason off balance. He then grabbed him by the shirt front and threw a punch that sent him flying all the way out of the livery door where the young stable lad was standing looking terrified.

The prisoner was handcuffed and marched over to the jail by the Sheriff just seconds later; as Lizzy threw herself into Jess’s arms, weeping noisily.

Slim went over to the young lad and said, “I guess we have you to thank for the Sherriff arriving in the nick of time?”

The boy recovered his composure quickly and grinning said, “Yes sir. See, that Mr Mason told me to skedaddle, said as how he wanted to surprise his old friend Mr Harper. Well Mr Harper was real good to me, tips real well, so I wanted to watch out for him,” he added his eyes now sparkling.

“Go on,” Jess said encouragingly as even Lizzy had stopped crying to listen.

“Well as I was leaving, I saw him checking his gun and then going into the shadows to hide and something didn’t feel right…so I thought I’d ask Uncle Jim about it.”

“Uncle Jim?” Slim asked looking puzzled.

“Yes, the Sheriff, he’s my uncle,” the youngster said cheerfully, “and he thought it sounded kinda odd too, so he came and…well you know the rest.”

Slim leaned forwards and ruffled the boy’s hair before throwing him some coins.

“Gee, thanks Mister,” he said beaming. “Shall I stable the horses again? I figure Uncle Jim will be wantin’ to talk to you.”

Jess decided Lizzy should wait in her room at the hotel while he and Slim talked to the Sheriff as they were now even more worried about her safety…this latest incident having blown their cover. But she was still in such a distressed state after being manhandled so roughly that they eventually took her with them to the Sheriff’s office.

The Sheriff noted Lizzy’s emotional turmoil and called to his wife who was out back, the family home just across the yard. She quickly saw the problem and took over looking out for Lizzy while the men discussed their business.

“I’ll take her back to the hotel and keep her company until you return,” the pleasant woman asserted and she left accompanied by the Sheriff’s Deputy, just to be on the safe side.

Sheriff Jim Blocker was a nice guy and real sympathetic.

“A real pig of a job is what you boys have taken on,” he commiserated. “Best I can do is give you an escort out of town…until you’re sure there ain’t anymore like that dog Mason on your tail.”

“Thank Sheriff,” Slim said, “so what will happen to him now?”

“Oh, he’ll hang,” the Sheriff said in a matter-of-fact manner, removing his hat and scratching his head before grinning at the two pleasant young cowboys.

“Huh?” Jess said looking shocked.

“Oh of course…you don’t know. I got a wire just this morning saying Mason had escaped from prison back in Washington, killing two officers in the process. The wire said he was heading this way…it seems he bragged to his cell mate that he’d escape and kill Miss Burns, if it was the last thing he did.”

“Bastard,” Jess muttered.

“Indeed…so when my young nephew said there was a guy acting suspiciously in the livery, well I thought I’d better take a look.”

“We’re sure glad you did,” Slim said sincerely.

“Me too,” Jess said shaking the older man’s hand.

Then they got down to the business of writing and signing their statements. When they were done the Sheriff confirmed that the following day two of his deputies would accompany them out of town as far as the border.  There they should be safe, once they crossed over he figured.

When they arrived back at the hotel they stood by her door and Slim said, “Shall I tell her? Or maybe it would be better coming from you…seeing as you’re kind of close,” he added with a sad smile. It hadn’t escaped his notice that it was Jess’ warm embrace where she’d sought sanctuary earlier.

Jess nodded, “OK, meet you in the bar later.”

He tapped on her door and called out who it was and the Sheriff’s wife and Betty showed him in.

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here Mr Harper, she’s in a bad way,” she whispered. “In fact, I took the liberty of getting the clerk to call Dr Hall over to try and sedate her. He gave her some medicine, but she’s refusing to take it until you return safely.”

Jess nodded and glanced over to the bed where Lizzy was lying with her eyes closed unaware of his presence.

Betty noticed how worried he looked and was intrigued, were they really lovers she wondered. The young lady seemed very concerned about Mr Harper and Betty figured she was certainly a little bit in love with the handsome young man. She did enjoy a good romance and now she felt maybe she should give them some space.

“I’ll just pop back to have a word with Jim, tell him I’ll stay with her for a while,” she said smiling at Jess, “I’ll be back in ten minutes if you just want to put her mind at rest that you and Mr Sherman are quite safe?”

“Thanks,” Jess said removing his hat and smiling at her.

Once she had left, he made his way over to the bed and said softly, “Lizzy, you awake?”

Her eyes snapped open at once and she half sat up, “Oh Jess I was so scared…are you alright?”

He grinned at her and sitting down on the edge of the bed said, “Hell yes, it’s you that me and Slim are worried about, how are you feeling?”

“Better now you’re here…and I’m so, so sorry…you were right all along.”

“Hey it’s OK and he’s locked up in Sheriff Blocker’s jail and he’ll be stayin’ there, so don’t you fret.”

“What will happen to him?” she asked innocently.

Jess swallowed hard, on realizing she was bad enough to need the doctor he hadn’t intended to tell her of Mason’s death sentence. So merely said, “Oh he’ll get his comeuppance, don’t worry about it.”

“Really? Will I have to give evidence at a trial, and how long will he be jailed for? What if he tries it again when he’s released?” she asked turning huge terrified eyes on Jess.

Now he was in a real dilemma, maybe it would be better to just tell her and be done with it.

“Look sweetheart, it won’t come to that,” he said quietly, “see he’s being shipped back east for the trial…and he’ll hang.”

“What?” she asked looking frantic. “Hang for what he did today?”

He shook his head.

“All that  talk about being pardoned, it was a lie Lizzy, he escaped from jail by killing two of the guards, that’s why he’s going to hang.”

She gasped, a hand flying to her mouth, “Oh no,” she whispered, “I can’t believe he was that evil and I never realized.”

“Maybe you really did love him,” Jess said softly, “I guess it’s hard to see things straight sometimes when you’re in love, huh?”

She nodded, “Maybe you’re right,” and their gaze locked.

Then there was a tap on the door and Jess went and let Betty Blocker back in.

“Now you’ve seen this young man is safe and sound you must take that sleeping draught and have a good rest,” she said briskly.

It was later that night that Slim and Jess checked on Lizzy again before turning in.

After Lizzy’s nap Betty had sat with her during the evening and the couple had got along well. Now the older woman picked up her knitting and said, “I’ll say goodnight my dear, now your guards are back…sleep well,” she added before getting up to leave.

Lizzy smiled at her, “Thank you so much Betty I appreciate your help and advice.”

“You just take things easy my dear,” she replied before taking her leave.

Slim too made a move to the adjoining door, “I guess I’ll turn in, coming Jess?”

But Lizzy shot a hand out and said, “Don’t go just yet Jess I need to talk to you.”

Slim and Jess exchanged a glance before Jess said, “I won’t be long,” and Slim merely raised a hand in farewell and went off to bed.

“What’s up,” Jess asked sinking down on the edge of the bed and smiling lazily down at her.

She stifled a sob and said, “I’m sorry, I’m just so scared…I can’t be alone right now.”

“Hey what’s there to be afraid of, Ed’s tucked up in jail and going no place believe me.”

“But there are others out there aren’t there,” she said opening her eyes wide. “I almost didn’t believe it before…but now after today, I’m just so darned scared they’ll come and get me…break in here and murder me,” she gasped, looking quite wild eyed now.

“Hey, where’s the tough cookie me and Slim have come to know and love,” he said jokingly. “You didn’t let those guys bother you when you were exposing all that corruption did you?”

“No, I suppose not…”

“Well then, it’s just the same thing…we’re gonna get you safely to yer Pa’s place. Then you can carry on doing what you do. It’ll just be a case of posting off your copy…but you can still win out Lizzy, nothing’s changed…you’re still that hard-hitting journalist who takes no prisoners.”

“Oh, you’re so good for me,” she sighed.

He rose to go, but again she put out a hand, “Not just yet please…I really am frightened, will you hold me, just until I fall asleep?”

He looked down at her, a wealth of emotions flitting across his handsome features before he removed his boots and gun belt. Then he lay down beside her, on top of the covers, and put an arm around her pulling her close so that her head was resting on his shoulder. He leaned down and kissed her softly on top of her head, “Now you go to sleep sweetheart,” he whispered, “I’ll be here…”

Something woke Slim around two in the morning and turning up the nightlight beside the bed he glanced over to the other bed and saw it was still empty. His stomach lurched as he realized Jess was still next door with Lizzy.

He got up and wandered around the room, peering out through the dusty window into the dark backyard and caught sight of a couple of cats. Then moments later they started scrapping again and he realized that was the cause of him waking.

He was about to return to bed when he saw a crack of light coming from the adjoining door and realized it hadn’t latched properly when he came to bed earlier.

He wandered over to close it and then found himself leaning close and listening…there was no sound emanating from the room. Then it suddenly struck him, maybe Jess was in trouble. Could he have heard something out in the corridor and gone off to investigate and been mugged or worse. Had the instigators come back for Lizzy? By now his mind was running riot. He took a deep breath and opened the door a few inches and peered within.

The drapes were partially open allowing a shaft of moonlight to illuminate the room and the two figures lying together on the bed. Jess was still fully clothed but the couple were entwined like lovers and Slim’ s heart missed a beat. That was it then. Any ideas he had of romancing Lizzy were well and truly over. He turned sadly away closing the door softly behind him.

When he awoke at dawn Jess was stripped off to his undershorts and lying spread eagle across his own bed…looking as youthful and innocent as Andy, Slim thought with irony.

After a few minutes Jess seemed to be aware of his scrutiny and his eyes flicked open. He looked around the room and finally his gaze came to rest on Slim.

“So, you’re back then,” Slim said gruffly.

“Huh?”

“Come on Jess, I know where you spent the night.”

“You do?”

Slim merely sighed and rolled his eyes.

“So, she was up for it, huh?” he asked throwing Jess a hard look.

“What?”

“Oh, come on Jess, you spent the night with Lizzy didn’t you.”

Light dawned and Jess said, “Oh yeah that…but it ain’t what you think Slim. Uh well not really,” he amended.

“Oh really,” Slim said angrily, “so what was it about then?”

 “Look she was real frightened. Just needed, well…some comfort,” Jess muttered now looking decidedly ill at ease.

“So that’s what you’re calling it now are you? I sure hope you know what you’re doing Jess… because we really don’t need any more complications, this job is difficult enough as it is.”

“Look I’m telling you; I was just looking out for her…she needed company, that’s all,” he said softly.

“OK we’ll play it your way,” Slim said getting up and heading for the door, “I’m going to see the Sheriff about the arrangements, catch you later,” and he was gone.

Jess sank back on his bed, a myriad of emotions in his deep blue eyes.

Chapter 7

They headed out later that morning along with Sheriff Blocker’s two deputies Bill and Dave. And what a pair of great guys they were Jess thought. They were young, funny and real good company. And what’s more they helped to dispel the atmosphere between himself and Slim.

They hadn’t discussed the events of the previous night again. However, it soon became obvious that Slim must have looked into the room, to be so convinced of the fact of where Jess had spent the night. OK so maybe things had progressed some…things had occurred that he hadn’t intended…but he figured that was nobody’s business but his and Lizzy’s.

Slim watched the couple like a hawk and noted the slightly too long eye contact…the way Lizzy seemed to revel in being close to his pard sitting beside him as they ate or fished, and riding close by.

As for Jess, Slim could see he was making an effort to act normally. However, he’d seen the odd hidden smile shared with Lizzy and the way he offered a hand to get down from the saddle or walk across rocky terrain. Normally Slim wouldn’t have thought twice about it…but now it just shouted their closeness and he was feeling really down in the mouth about the whole situation.

Meanwhile Dave and Bill were completely unaware of the emotional drama that was playing out and just enjoyed some time away from town.

On their third day out, Dave suggested a hunting party. Their fresh meat was almost gone and they hadn’t been near a sizable lake or river to stock up on fish either. Slim and Bill were up for it, happy to have a change of scene. However, Jess wondered if this could be his opportunity to talk properly with Lizzy. Since spending the night together they’d had precious little time alone and Jess knew there were things that had to be addressed.

Now he was suddenly aware that the men were all looking at him.

“Huh?”

“I said are you coming hunting Jess, we might even get lucky and find some antlers to take back for Andy,” Slim said.

Jess grinned, “Sure count me in.”

The following morning when they awoke the men were surprised to see Lizzy still lying on her bedroll, as it was her habit to wake first and get the coffee going.

Slim made the usual brew and took it over to where Lizzy had seemingly just awakened.

“Are you OK?” he asked solicitously, “you look a tad pale.”

She put a hand to her head and gave a dramatic sigh, “Not really Slim, I’ve got one of my terrible headaches.”

Slim looked puzzled…it was the first he’d heard of her getting headaches. In fact, she always seemed to be in robust health.

However, he adjusted his expression to one of concern and said, “Gee I’m sorry about that, anything I can do?”

She shook her head, “No I just need to sleep it off, I’m sure I’ll be alright later.”

When breakfast came and went and the men were ready to head out on their hunting expedition Lizzy hadn’t stirred, so Jess said, “I figure she ain’t gonna be well enough to go hunting…uh, I’ll stay and keep an eye on her.”

Oh, I bet you will Slim thought bitterly. But then he glanced at his pard and he seemed completely sincere. Meanwhile Bill and Dave were already mounted and ready to go, so Slim didn’t argue…and mounted up.

He gave Jess a penetrating look, but merely said, “We’ll be back by noon,” and rode off with the younger men.

Once the sound of the horses’ hooves had died away Jess went over and sank down beside Lizzy and said softly, “They’ve gone you can get up now.”

“Do you think they suspected anything?” she asked accepting the coffee he passed across to her.

“Nah, well Slim maybe…but he’s gone so…”

Then he looked deeply into her warm brown eyes and said, “Lizzy we need to talk…”

She sipped her coffee and peered at him over the rim of her cup before saying, “Oh?”

“About the other night…well it wasn’t planned you know…I guess it just sorta happened, huh?”

She nodded, a secret smile playing on her lips.

“I hope you didn’t think I was…well taking advantage of…of the situation, with you bein’ kinda upset and all?”

She really smiled at him then. “Oh Jess, as I remember it, it was me who instigated everything. And if I’m honest I was playing up being frightened as an excuse to get close to you.”

“You did?” he asked looking incredulous.

“Uh-huh…and nope I don’t intend to tell Daddy all about it when I land home, get the Banns read and buy a cot…so you’re quite safe,” she said with a little giggle.

Then Jess recalled that racy novel she was writing and also the way she was when they’d made love and he figured she was a real woman of the world who wouldn’t be taken advantage of and he heaved a sigh of relief…

She put her coffee cup to one side and said, “So quit frettin’ cowboy and come here.”

The sun was high in the sky and it was nearly noon when Jess reluctantly dressed and sat beside Lizzy looking pensive.

“They’ll be back soon, you still gonna act like a dyin’ swan?” he asked with a small smile.

She stretched languidly, “I think so, save me cooking the meal,” she said with a wicked grin.

Then she suddenly sobered, “Oh Jess what are we going to do?”

For all her flippant comments earlier about not expecting commitment it had become clear to them both that this was more than just some casual fling.

As well as the passionate love making, they had also talked earnestly for hours. About everything… their hopes and aspirations their needs and wants and finally about their relationship. But strangely Jess was to remember later not about marriage or children.

Earlier she’d been lying in his arms and Jess had said in wonder, “I didn’t think it would pan out this way…I thought we had nuthin’ in common…that you even looked down on me. I ain’t all educated up like you,” he added.

“And you think that bothers me?” she asked looking, startled. “I couldn’t care less about that Jess. It’s you I’ve come to know these last weeks. Everything that you are, brave, funny, loyal and kind…those are the things that matter…and why I think I’m falling a little bit in love with you,” she whispered.

Jess had merely held her close. It was too early for him to make that kind of commitment. But why was he considering leaving all he loved back in Laramie to stay here in Canada with her…and if he did where would that leave Slim? Hell, what a dilemma.

He was suddenly shaken out of his reverie by the sound of the hunters returning to the camp.

He quickly moved back to the other side of the fire and started making fresh coffee, whilst Lizzy lay back down, pulling the covers over and feigning sleep.

“How is she?” Slim asked stepping down from the saddle and glancing over to Lizzy.

“Uh, not so good,” Jess said shaking his head, “I’ll cook…I think she needs a break; she’s sleeping again.”

Slim threw him a skeptical glance, but merely said, “That’s a shame.”

Then they were joined by Bill and Dave and the spoils of their trip held up for approval.

Later that night after the others had turned in Slim glanced over to where Jess was checking on the horses and had started grooming his mount. After a moment he went and joined him and sitting on a nearby rock said quietly, “You didn’t have to lie to me today you know Jess.”

Jess’s back stiffened from where he was working on his horse and after a moment he turned and said quietly, “What do you mean?”

“Oh, come off it,” Slim said angrily, “there was no need for that charade, if you wanted some time alone with Liz why didn’t you just say?”

Jess went over and slumped down on a nearby fallen log, “I’m sorry,” he muttered, “I wanted to talk to her about something…kinda personal. She came up with the idea. But yup I went along with it…sorry pard.”

“So…is it serious?”

Jess looked down and then up at Slim and said, “Dunno, could be…”

“How would that work…you in Laramie and her up here?”

Jess just stared at him for a moment before sighing.

“I see,” said Slim after taking time to assimilate this latest bombshell, “So you’d stay, get work here?”

“No…yes…Hell, I dunno Slim.”

“Well, I can’t see her settling down as a nice little rancher’s wife, back in Laramie, can you?”

He shrugged, “I guess not…”

“I can’t even see her settling down here for too long either,” Slim said honestly, “she’d be bored sick within the month and wanting to head back to the bright lights of Washington.”

“Yeah, I figured that myself. But hell, Slim yer sounding like I’m about to up and marry the girl, we hardly know each other.”

“But you’re still considering throwing everything up for her,” Slim said softly, “so she must be really important to you. And if that’s what you really want then I won’t try and stop you, Jess. Just know there will always be a place at the ranch for you.”

“Slim…please…”

But it was no good Slim got up quickly and walked back to camp, just flapping his hand in a farewell gesture.

Jess sat on for a long, long time, trying to make sense of how his life was beginning to turn upside down. Hell, he didn’t want to leave all his friends in Wyoming…but he suddenly became aware that Lizzy had somehow found her way into his heart and it was going to be way too hard for him to leave her.

The journey continued, but now with Lizzy and Jess being more honest about their relationship, the two young deputies just accepted it without comment. However, Slim still found it very difficult if Jess and Lizzy decided to wander off and sit by a lake or river to chat late into the evening. He did notice that Jess never took her out of view of the camp. He also wasn’t overtly affectionate towards her in front of him, for which he was thankful. But the more Slim saw of this new light-hearted flirtatious Lizzy, who was so clearly in love, the more he was attracted to her.

They finally crossed into Canada and it was time for Bill and Dave to return back to their town. They didn’t have any powers over the border and so their work was done.

“I sure hope there aren’t any more of those dadgum lowlife Bounty Hunters on the loose,” Dave said as the men parted.

“You and me both,” Jess replied.

“I guess we’ll be OK, “Slim said smiling, “another week will see us at the old fort at Kamloops and I believe Colonel Burns’ place is just a few miles from there.”

“That’s right,” Lizzy said, “Daddy moved there just a couple of years ago when he retired and I haven’t visited yet. The land is excellent for ranching,” she added glancing quickly at Jess.

“Yes, I believe after that gold rush a few years back a lot of folks settled there to be homesteaders or ranchers,” Slim agreed, “it’s good land,” he added looking around him appreciatively.

Once Dave and Bill had left them, they carried on towards Kamloops, reaching the small settlement late one evening.

The Hudson Bay Trading Company now dominated the site of the old fort. But there were a few other buildings including a livery and small hotel, of sorts as well.

They were pretty worn out when they finally rode in and wanted nothing more than a comfy bed for the night.

It was Lizzy who first noticed the man dressed in the dark clothes of a bounty hunter, hanging around the hotel lobby and subtly watching the people passing by.

At first Jess was a little surprised when Lizzy was so overtly affectionate to him in front of the clerk, saying she wanted a nice room with a large bed. Then grabbing Jess’s arm, looked seductively up at him. But he quickly realized there was something wrong.

“That man behind us looking at a newspaper, is he one of them?” she whispered.

Jess took a quick look and if that wasn’t a bounty hunter then he’d eat his hat.

He leaned over and hugged her close, “Of course darling, you can have whatever you want,” he said kissing her.

“Your best room for my lovely wife and myself,” he said loudly to the clerk.

Then softly to Lizzy, “Yup, that’s a bounty hunter alright, do yer lovin’ wife thing Lizzy.”

The couple laughed and joked with the clerk, saying as how they were newlywed and wanted a real comfortable room.

The bounty hunter had glanced up and then looked away in disinterest.

Slim had been delayed chatting to the livery owner. So, when he walked in some five minutes later and asked for a room the man in black put two and two together. He remembered he’d been told by Croft and White that Miss Burns was traveling as a married woman and the couple were also with a tall blond man. He’d met Croft and White on the trail. As they’d abandoned the hunt, they had turned over their information to their old friend and suggested he contact Ed Mason to cut a deal.

Now as he followed Slim up the stairs, he smiled grimly and said, “Gotcha,” to himself.

He watched from the end of the corridor as the blond man entered a room and after dropping his bags, wandered down the corridor and knocked at another door…and noted that the young woman from the lobby opened it wide allowing the man in.

The bounty hunter smiled an evil smile and wandered down to the end of the corridor where he sat on a handy chair, shook out his paper and prepared to wait his chance.

Meanwhile it was an irritable Slim who marched into the bedroom.

When he’d asked what room Jess and Liz were in the clerk said, “Oh you mean the newlyweds…so in love, couldn’t wait to get her up the stairs Mr,” he’d said with a chuckle, “I shouldn’t think they’ll want visitors,” he’d added with a sly wink.

Now he said gruffly, “So you’re still playing at being newly married are you. Pushing things a bit aren’t you pard?” he said throwing Jess a black look. “I thought maybe we could cut that out now we’re just about home and dry.”

“Well, you can think again,” Jess said equally irritably. “Lizzy noticed a guy in the lobby watchin’ us and he’s gotten bounty hunter written all over him.”

“Oh really,” Slim said looking skeptical.

Jess went and opened the door a crack and then beckoned Slim to take a look…sure enough the man was sitting down the corridor clearly staking the place out.

“Satisfied?” Jess asked raising an eyebrow.

“Sorry,” Slim muttered, “so what do you wanna do?”

“I guess we can leave him to rot for a while,” Jess said cheerfully, “maybe call his bluff in the morning, huh?”

“Good plan,” said Slim…then looking awkward said, “I’m gonna turn in, I’m beat. See you tomorrow. Come and wake me when you are ready to see our friend off Jess,” he added with a weak smile, before leaving quickly.

Once he’d gone Jess slumped down on the bed looking rather sad.

“He’s upset,” Lizzy said, sitting down beside him, “about us?”

Jess nodded, “He thinks I’ll maybe stay…in Canada that is.”

“And will you?”

He looked deeply into her eyes, “I really don’t know,” he said softly, “But right now I couldn’t leave you to save my life.”

“Well let’s just settle for right now,” she said softly before smiling into his eyes…and then leaning in for a kiss.

The following morning Jess dressed quickly and told Lizzy not to answer the door after he left. Then he motioned for her to stand well back behind the bed as he opened the door a crack and looked out.

As he thought the man was still sitting on the chair at the end of the corridor, fast asleep, his mouth open, snoring gently.

Jess turned and winked at Lizzy, before calling loudly, “I’ll just go get some breakfast sent up sweetheart, won’t be long,” and banging the door shut he marched down to the opposite end of the corridor…and disappeared around the corner.

Seconds later he hurried back and peering down the corridor saw the man in black knocking at the bedroom door. Then he called out softly, “Miss Burn’s I have a message from Ed Mason for you…he wants to meet up!”

But then he jumped as Jess pushed his Colt into the small of his back and said menacingly, “I guess you’d better come in iffen you’ve a message for the lady.”

The man, Seth Hickman, half turned and blanched at the look of fury in Jess’s eyes.

Hearing Jess’s voice Lizzy opened the door and Hickman almost fell in…but righted himself and looked desperately around him for a means of escape.

“Well come on then don’t be shy,” Jess said cheerfully, “what message have you got then, huh?”

“Uh… Mr Mason wants you to meet him…I believe he’s camped just outside town,” Seth said, refusing to meet Lizzy’s hostile gaze.

“Well, I can’t see how he can be,” Lizzy said her chin up and looking as angry as Jess, “you see my ex-lover is languishing in Jail a hundred miles away.”

Seth looked nonplussed. “I can assure you he is,” he said, now flushing an unbecoming puce...as he started ringing his chubby hands, a sweat breaking out of his round face.

On close quarters he sure wasn’t your typical bounty hunter Jess mused…but there again they came in all shapes and sizes he figured.

He had already holstered his Colt, now he grabbed the man by his shoulder and roughly spun him around.

“We don’t have time for yer lies,” he drawled, a fist under the man’s trembling double chin, “just tell the truth. And so why all the cloak and dagger, you could have just knocked on the door last night.”

“Uh, well Mr Mason said you gentlemen took your escorting duties very seriously, and I was to talk to the young lady directly and out of your hearing.”

“I’ll bet he did,” Jess muttered, “so who are you?”

“Hickman…Seth Hickman…please don’t hurt me Mister,” he added trembling uncontrollably.

“Just talk,” Jess growled bringing his fist further up under Seth’s chin.

“Alright, alright, I tell you…I’m friendly with Vernon White and Wayne Croft. I met up with them a while back and they said they were doing a little job for Ed Mason…but had decided to call it a day and go back home.”

“Something to do with a bullet in the shoulder, was it?” Jess asked.

Seth’s eyes opened even wider, “Yes, you know about that?”

Then the truth dawned. “Oh yes, they did say they’d seen you boys on the trail…and the little lady.”

“So, you decided to take over where they left off huh?”

“Y…yes, I’ve never done anything like this before, but I needed the money and Vern and Wayne made it seem an easy way to earn a fortune.”

Jess shook his head wondering how someone this dumb survived.

“Go on,” he said icily.

They said where you were headed, so I came on ahead, did some snooping around and figured you’d be stopping here on the way to Miss Burn’s Pa. I got in contact with Mason and told him I was here a few weeks ago. He said he hoped to catch up with you before you made it this far. But if not, I was to contact you Miss and arrange a meeting with him. He told me where he’d be camped.”

“A meeting huh,” Jess said laughing bitterly.

“Why yes,” the chubby man said, “I was led to believe they’d had a lover’s tiff and Mr Mason was determined to try and make it up. He thought if he could meet up with her everything would be alright again. He said he planned to take her back to Washington, where they were to be Wed.”

Jess and Lizzy exchanged a look of shocked disbelief before she laughed bitterly and went and sat on the bed, “Is he kidding, or what?” she asked rolling her eyes.

“What…what did I say?” Seth asked looking slightly hurt.

“You really don’t know what all this is about do you?” Jess said shaking his head.

Five minutes later Seth was nearly in tears, “No Mr Harper, really, I didn’t know…you have to believe me! Sure, I was working for Ed Mason, but I didn’t know he wanted the lady dead! I would never be party to that sort of thing, never!”

Jess figured he was above board and pushed him none too gently towards the door.

“Git outer here,” he yelled, “and don’t stop until you’re out of town…because if you’re still here when I’ve had my breakfast, you’ll regret it!”

“I’m going,” Seth whimpered.

“Sorry. Miss, real sorry,” he muttered before scuttling from the room.

He nearly bumped into Slim as he made his getaway.

“I thought you were going to wake me?” he said looking in surprise at Lizzy and Jess who were now laughing uproariously.

“I figured I could handle it OK pard,” Jess finally managed between gales of laughter.

OOOOOOO

They set off for the Seven Pines Ranch after breakfast and both ranchers couldn’t help but admire the wonderful countryside…and its’ far-reaching panoramic views.

As they neared the turn off for the Ranch, Lizzy reined in looking somewhat uneasy.

“What’s up sweetheart?” Jess asked pausing beside her.

She shook her head, “I don’t know, I guess I’m feeling a little nervous it has been so long.”

Slim who had stopped on her other side said softly, “He’s real proud of you, you know Lizzy. He missed you something fierce when you and your ma opted to go back to the old country during the war.”

“We didn’t choose to go,” she said hotly, “he insisted. Then after Ma died life was never the same really. He had his army career and I wanted to make a name for myself in journalism and so I just haven’t seen him for far too long…and even now…”

“Even now?” asked Jess, seeing she was visibly upset.

“Oh nothing,” she said softly, “I promised Daddy I would lie low here for a while and so I will…but even now, I don’t think it will be easy.”

Nothing could have prepared Lizzy or indeed Slim for the way the Colonel looked. He was a shadow of his former self, seeming to have aged far beyond his years…indeed he appeared quite frail.

He had come out of the ranch house leaning heavily on a stick, his face wreathed in smiles though.

“You made it!” he said joyously, “Young Davy, one of my lads said you’d arrived at the Fort so we were expecting you.”

Lizzy just stared in consternation for a minute before gathering her wits and jumping down from the saddle and into his waiting arms. “Oh Daddy,” she whispered.

Meanwhile Slim too was trying to get his head round the fact that this poor wizened looking old man was once his robust, tough commanding officer.

Once Lizzy had hugged her father she pulled back and said, “You remember Slim, Daddy, and this is Jess Harper,” she said, her eyes lighting up as they came to rest on where Jess had just dismounted.

“Ah, Sherman…delighted to see you again my boy,” the Colonel said pumping his hand. Then turning to Jess said, “You too Harper, you come highly recommended by Major Rawlins. Now come away in, you must be hungry. Thirsty too,” he said turning to wink at the men, “maybe a glass or two of whiskey before luncheon gentlemen?”

Over the meal the colonel turned to his daughter and smiling fondly said, “So what are your plans my dear. You are going to stay with me a while, aren’t you? At least until this dreadful business back in Washington has blown over?”

“Yes Daddy,” she said quietly, “of course I’ll stay…for a while anyway.”

The old man chuckled, “That’s my girl…single minded as ever. I doubt this one will ever marry or settle down to have children,” he said to Slim, “far too busy saving the world from all the evil doers!”

“Aren’t you my darling,” he said turning to smile indulgently at his beloved daughter.

Seeing Jess’s head shoot up and Lizzy blushing furiously Slim said quickly, “How have you been sir?”

“Uh…oh well not too good my boy. The doc says the old ticker isn’t what it was…but we soldier on,” he added with a sad smile.

Then changing the subject quickly said, “Now tell me about your spread down in Laramie.”

It was much later in the day…after supper that Jess and Lizzy got some time to themselves.

Slim was closeted in the Colonel’s study reminiscing about the war and so they found themselves alone before a blazing fire in the vast ranch living room.

“It sure is a swell spread,” Jess said looking around him.

They had walked around the ranch earlier in afternoon viewing the stock and getting to know the men who worked for the Colonel. However, they had been forced to return to the fireside as the weather had changed since the morning and now more snow was threatening.

Gee it sure would be a wonderful place to live and work Jess thought now…and as he looked across the fireplace to where Lizzy was sitting in a beautiful scarlet gown, he figured he had never seen her looking more beautiful.

He longed to take her in his arms and kiss her…but then he remembered where they were and figured that wouldn’t be acceptable in the old Colonel’s home. In fact, now they were here everything seemed different. The passion they had enjoyed recently was still bubbling away beneath the surface for sure. Even now as Lizzy smiled at him, he knew what she was thinking…what she wanted as much as he did…to be alone up in her huge soft bed.

But that was all and he suddenly knew it. Knew they had no future. Hell, her Pa had spelled it out for him hadn’t he, “That’s my girl…single minded as ever…I doubt this one will ever marry or settle down to have children.”

However, before he could say anything to her, they heard the sound of approaching voices and moments later they were joined by Slim and the Colonel and their opportunity to talk was lost. Shortly afterwards Lizzy excused herself saying she was tired after the long journey. But the adoring glance she threw Jess as she paused by the door before she left suggested another reason for her departure.

The three men sat on talking and drinking whiskey until the Colonel decided to turn in and Slim and Jess made their way upstairs to the room they’d been allocated.

As they went in Slim threw Jess a quizzical glance, “Staying here tonight, are you? I thought you’d be…” and he threw a glance upwards indicating Lizzy’s room.

Jess just shook his head and went and started stripping off and washing up before turning in.

Slim watched him carefully before saying. “I plan to ride out day after tomorrow. I don’t like the look of the weather and I don’t want to get caught out in the snow on the way down to New Westminster for the Steamboat.”

Jess just nodded, but said nothing.

“Have you made up your mind as to what you’re doing,” he added gruffly, “you’ll need to sound out the Colonel about a job here I guess?”

It was the question Jess had been dreading…in fact up until that moment he still hadn’t decided definitely.

It was when Slim said, ‘I plan to ride out…and I don’t want to get caught in the snow’…that it really hit home. Slim had given up on him and was planning on traveling back alone…even before Jess had confirmed anything.

“I’ll tell you tomorrow,” he finally said, “I need to talk to Lizzy first.”

Slim just nodded and went to wash up.

Jess lay down on the bed staring up at the ceiling wrestling with the situation…but he knew in his heart what he had to do.

Then just as he was drifting off to sleep…he suddenly remembered a conversation he’d had a while back with old Jonesy. He’d just returned from an extended trip down to Texas to help an old friend out, and he’d ridden in off the trail…tired, but happy to be home again.

Slim and Andy were out mending fence when he landed back and so it was the old man that greeted him.

“So, the bad penny has turned up again,” he said as Jess walked in through the kitchen door, shedding saddle bags and a brace of rabbits he’d shot for the pot.

“Hey is that anyway to greet the Prodigal?” he jested, “Look I come bearing gifts, and he threw the rabbits across to Jonesy.”

The old man sniffed and said, “I suppose they’ll make a reasonable stew,” and pouring out a coffee he pushed it across the table to Jess.

Then he sat down opposite and said, “Back for good, are you?”

Jess had nodded, “Sure iffen old Hardrock will have me,” he said lightly.

“Um…you know you nearly broke young Andy’s heart when you rode out that way…Slim’ s a little as well, I shouldn’t wonder.”

He’d felt deeply moved at that, but in typical Harper style he’d made a joke of it.

“So how about you then Jonesy…break your old heart did I?”

“Don’t push it boy,” the old man growled, throwing him a hard look.

Jess had looked down then and muttered, “Sorry Jonesy…and I’ll make it up to them I promise.”

Now all these hundreds of miles away from the old man and the boy he could hear those words and see the scene so clearly it brought tears to his eyes.

The room was in darkness now, Slim in the other bed.

“Slim…you awake?”

There was a sleepy sigh, “Yeah.”

“I’ll be riding out with you when you go…if that’s alright?”

He heard the smile in his pard’s voice when he said, “I guess that’s more than alright Hotshot.”

Lizzy awoke early the following morning and sat up in her large lonely bed. She’d been convinced that Jess would have joined her…but no. She had hoped to talk things through with him…find out what his plans were. After her father revealing the truth that she would never marry or have children she knew what she must do. How could she keep Jess hanging on hoping for the normal married life he would want when she just couldn’t give it to him? It hadn’t been until she had heard her father’s words that she had to finally acknowledge to herself that it was true. Oh, she loved Jess…as much as she could love any man. But her ambition far outweighed anything else in her life and now she had admitted it to herself, she had to explain it to Jess.

She dressed quickly and peering out of her window saw him walking purposefully towards the barn…checking on the horses she figured with a smile.

When she joined him a few minutes later she stood watching him groom the mount he had ridden all the way from Laramie and taken a shine to.

After a moment he sensed her presence and turning he smiled and came out of the stall.

“I thought you might have joined me last night,” she said looking a tad hurt.

He looked down, “I’m really sorry, it just didn’t seem right somehow, under your Pa’s roof an all. Look Lizzy I need to tell you…” he added looking anguished.

“No please let me say something first,” she said cutting him off and placing a hand on his arm.

“OK…”

She sighed deeply and looked up into those of so expressive blue eyes.

“What Daddy said about me last night…not wanting to marry or have babies…well I never really thought about it too much, but I guess it is true Jess. My work is, well just everything to me.”

“I see,” he said softly, “I kinda figured that.”

“It’s important to you isn’t it to be happily married and have children?”

He swallowed hard remembering his own large family…he’d always imagined he’d have the same…sure he had…one day.

He just nodded feeling gutted…but hell, he had been just about to say he couldn’t stay with her anyway hadn’t he…

When he didn’t reply she said, “Jess?”

“Huh?” he said looking slightly bemused.

“It makes a difference…to us, doesn’t it?”

He looked deeply into her eyes and then pulling her close said, “I’m sorry sweetheart…I guess maybe it does. I reckon if that’s really how you feel then it ain’t meant for us to be together, huh?”

They stayed embracing and talking softly for a long time, before finally making their way back to the warmth of the house.

Chapter 8

They rode out the following day after an emotional farewell with Lizzy and her father.

Slim feeling sad knowing he would never see the old CO he admired so much again…Jeez he looked so sick and he found it really upsetting.

Then there was Lizzy. She had seemed quite detached when the men were ready to mount up. She had shaken Slim’ s hand and kissed his cheek lightly before thanking him sincerely for all his help.

She had gone to do the same to Jess…but then she was suddenly in his arms kissing him passionately, before giving a little sob and turning away.

Jess threw her an agonized look, before glancing uncertainly at Slim…not knowing what to do...or say.

“Hey young lady what’s the matter?” the Colonel said suddenly aware of his beloved daughter’s distress.

“It’s alright Daddy,” she said quickly rallying. “It’s just that Slim and Jess have become such good friends it’s hard to say goodbye. Goodness, Jess even took a bullet to save me when we were attacked, he saved my life Daddy! Of course I’m upset to see them leave.”

“I understand my dear,” he said pulling her to him in an awkward embrace.

“Keep in touch Sherman…Harper…really appreciate what you’ve done for my little gal, safe journey,” he said with a little salute.

At that they had ridden out and with one last wave they headed south towards the western seaboard and New Westminster.

They rode in silence for most of the day, until early evening when they finally made camp near a small stream and under the cover of some huge old pines.

But it wasn’t until after supper that Slim could stand the atmosphere no longer. He looked at where Jess was sitting by the fire sipping his coffee and looking forlornly into the flames.

He sighed deeply and then said, “Jess talk to me, will you?”

Jess glanced up, “What is there to say…I’m here ain’t I?”

“How are you feeling about all that? Lizzy seemed real upset…did she expect you to stay?”

Jess shrugged, “I guess not…she’s gotten her own life to lead…and me mine.”

Slim thought about that and then said, “I can see that, she didn’t want children, or the sort of life you lead. Nope it would never have worked out. I guess it still hurts though?”

Jess lay back on his bedroll looking up to the stars for a moment before glancing back at Slim, and he saw the naked misery in his eyes.

“It’s that bad, huh?”

Jess said nothing, but after a moment turned on his side pulling his blanket over and Slim knew that he was done talking.

The following morning after they’d eaten a scratch breakfast and were sipping some strong coffee Slim threw his pard a sympathetic glance…but said nothing.

However, Jess knew what he was thinking and said gruffly, “I don’t wanna talk about it anymore Slim, OK?”

Slim just nodded and then Jess grinned at him, “Come on let’s get out of this place before the weather changes and we’re snowed in for the winter! With that the pair broke camp and headed off in a much more cheerful frame of mind.

It was about three days later when the bad weather hit. It had been getting progressively colder with a bitter wind blowing. But as the day wore on the snow clouds started rolling in and by lunchtime the flakes were falling fast and furiously…causing them to dismount and lead their horses through the worsening conditions…where they could only see a few feet ahead.

There seemed no place to shelter until finally the storm abated a little and they were briefly able to make out a low mountain range in the distance…before the clouds came down again.

“I reckon we should head that way,” Jess yelled over the still howling wind, “get in the lee of those hills at least huh?”

They trudged on through the deepening drifts, soaked to the skin and shivering with cold…until after a few miles the shroud of clouds lifted a little once more, allowing them to see ahead more clearly.

Now that the visibility was a little better, they remounted and eventually arrived at the rocky region, peppered with huge old pine trees, affording some cover. They started hunting for a sheltered place to camp. It was then that Slim spotted a cleft in the rocky wall, partially concealed by yet another massive pine. He dismounted and went to investigate and moments later signaled for Jess to join him.

“Looks like some sort of cave,” he said, “I reckon we could just about squeeze the horses through the entrance here, then wandering inside called out, “Heck it’s huge in here Jess!”

They returned leading the mounts but the horses really didn’t like the idea and were very skittish at first…before finally allowing themselves to be led into the huge cavern in the hillside.

Once inside they calmed down some and the men were able to look around them. The cavernous expanse was surprisingly light and as they moved further inside, they were able to see a large aperture before them opening out onto the other side of the small hill.

“Well, I’ll be…” Jess said looking out at the winter wilderness beyond the cave entrance, “this place is massive.”

Slim came up behind him and was sniffing the air, “Smells kind of rank…what’s that bear?”

Jess nodded, “Let’s just hope he’s not thinkin’ of coming home…I guess that’s what was spooking the horses.”

Slim looked around near the cave mouth and saw a ring of rocks marking the site of an old campfire.

“Looks like it isn’t just used by bears,” he said to Jess nodding at the fire area.

Jess nodded, “Probably Indians…but it don’t look like anyone’s been in here in a while. I’ll go get some dry wood from under those trees,” he added, nodding towards some large evergreens and pulling his hat down dashed off back into the storm.

Once they had a good fire blazing away and had stripped off all their outer garments to dry the men considered their position.

They had meager supplies as they hadn’t wanted to overburden their mounts on the arduous journey across to the coast. And it didn’t look like they’d be able to hunt until the weather cleared up some.

Both were aware at how ironic the situation was. Having traveled hundreds of miles through inhospitable landscape and been targeted by bounty hunters, it could all end here…just because of the horrendous weather. Jeez, talk about the journey from Hell Slim thought.

“I guess we’ll just have to wait it out,” Jess said pragmatically, “could pass over soon, huh?”

Slim shrugged, “We’re still really far up north Jess, I guess it could have set in for the winter.”

Jess rolled his eyes, “You’re a bundle of laughs ain’t ya!”

So, their long-enforced confinement in the cavern started. At first, they talked and joked, reminisced and generally tried to pass the time as best they could. But as the days went on and the seriousness of their situation really hit home, they became quieter and more introspective. It was when Jess caught Slim writing a farewell note to Andy that he really lost his temper. “So, yer just gonna give up are ya!” he yelled furiously.

“No of course not…I just thought well…I wanted him to know how I felt about him…if I didn’t make it back…is that so wrong?” he asked throwing Jess a furious look.

Jess held his gaze and then looked down, “No, no of course it ain’t, sorry Slim…I guess I’m just kinda edgy…sorry.”

Slim threw him a weak smile, “Hungry more like, you always are like a bear with a sore head if your belly’s empty.”

Jess conceded that was true.

In fact, both men were beginning to get weak from hunger as the storm continued to rage without and they were kept on short rations, as were their poor mounts.

It was that night that tragedy almost struck…

They had fueled up the fire with several logs but fallen asleep earlier than normal. Both men slept deeply as the fire began to burn down, until it was finally a mere glow within a pile of grey ash…and the temperature in the cavern began to drop alarmingly.

Jess was in a deep sleep dreaming of Lizzy. The love making had been amazing and he’d fallen asleep holding her close. But then he awoke to find her as cold as marble lying in his arms. He had gasped in horror. But as he tried to pull away, he found his own limbs were as cold as hers and he couldn’t move.

Then he was aware of a presence in the room behind him and the hairs on the back of his neck rose when he heard a low growl and the pervasive rank smell of bear.

Slowly, slowly he surfaced from his deep slumber and then seconds later he was instantly wide awake as the adrenaline kicked in.

Once more he heard a low rumbling growl and he dived for his rifle and was up on one knee aiming at the cave mouth in seconds…although he felt everything he did was in slow motion.

The bear was silhouetted against the cave entrance the back drop of snow highlighting his massive form.

Jess shot him in the head…but he still kept coming before another shot rang out, finishing him.

Slim looked over from where he’d also fired on the bear, his face a picture of shock.

It was later the following morning that the men were able to make sense of the preceding night’s events.

“I guess we were about this far from dyin’ last night,” Jess said gesturing with his first finger and thumb.

Slim nodded, “It was just a miracle you heard him and got that first shot in.”

Jess shook his head, “Hell I don’t mean that ol bear Slim, I guess he saved our lives.”

“Huh?”

Then he went on to tell him about his dream, leaving out the lovemaking with Lizzy, saying just that she had been so cold to the touch as he had been.

“If that old bear hadn’t come along when he did, I figure the cold would have done for us both. I figure it was only about midnight when the fire went out,” he added, ”we’d have been frozen stiff by morning.”

Slim looked horror stricken, “Jeez you’re right,” he said softly.

From then on, the men took it in turns to sleep or watch the fire and they managed to keep reasonably warm as the storm raged on.

They were over a week holed up in the cave, before the storm finally blew itself out.

They still had a little food left, coffee and a couple of small bottles of whiskey, but other than that nothing. Except the bear of course...but Jess drew the line at that, saying he’d rather starve.

On the morning of the eighth day the sun finally came out and the snow started to melt.

Both men were feeling out of sorts, hungry and not a little weary. However, spurred on by the bright morning they made an early start and although the going was hard in the drifted snow at least they were on the move again.

They spent some time hunting and were able to rustle up some game for the pot and things seemed to be getting back on track…literally. Colonel Burns had supplied them with a hand drawn map, suggesting the quickest route, if maybe not the easiest. Some places, like their recent terrain had been across open countryside. But now they were back on one of the old roads used for the gold rush of a few years back. The gold mines had been abandoned now and the miners moved on, but the tracks were still reasonably passable.

They were halfway to their destination and about a week into their trip when tragedy struck. Maybe it was because he was tired or it was just bad luck, but Slim took a terrible fall from his mount.

Both men were tired, the weather again bitterly cold with a northerner blowing and the terrain rough. They were still following the track but in places it had eroded and was very uneven and dangerous. Slim was going ahead of Jess, winding his way carefully along the track when suddenly his mount lost his footing and started sliding down a steep shale bank at the edge of the pathway. He tried bravely to right himself…but fell badly tipping Slim off and then rolling on him as he desperately tried to regain his balance.

Jess yelled out in consternation as the big horse rolled on Slim before righting himself and standing shaking, clearly alarmed.

Jess jumped from the saddle and tore down the steep embankment until he reached where Slim lay sprawled on the ground face down.

He knelt down beside his buddy and turned him over on his back, gasping in shock.

There was a deep gash to his forehead that was bleeding badly and his chest was splattered with dirt from the impact of Joey, his mount having rolled on him.

Jess gently patted Slim ’s cheek, “Slim, hey Slim...buddy.”

After a moment Slim ’s eyes flickered and opened before he cussed and grabbed his chest, “What…wha…?”

“You took a fall pard, ol’ Joey there lost his footing, took you down with him...he rolled on you.”

Slim gasped in pain.

“I figure some ribs are stove in, try not to breathe too deeply,” Jess said, before rising to go and fetch something to bind him up with.

Coming back, he gently cleaned out the gash to Slim’ s head with water from his canteen and then applied himself to strapping up his painful chest.

He groaned and cussed at the process, Jess apologizing, “Gotta be real tight, hold yer ribs back in place,” he said quietly.

“You should know,” Slim muttered wryly, “number of times the doc’s bound you up for the same thing.”

“Yeah well, I guess I’m an expert,” Jess quipped.

Once the job was done, he looked around him and was dismayed when he saw more snow clouds on the horizon.

“Jeez that’s all we need,” he muttered to himself.

“Huh?”

“Nuthin’ it’s OK Slim, do you think you can stand?”

“I’ll have a go,” he said gamely.

But as soon as he stood, he buckled again and would have fallen if Jess hadn’t grabbed him.

“Damn it, I think I’ve broken my ankle,” he swore collapsing against Jess. Then he turned deathly pale and looked like he might pass out.

“It’s OK Slim take it easy,” Jess said. He laid his buddy back down and marched off, returning with his mount and one of the bottles of whiskey, “here have a swig it’ll help some.”

Then he applied himself to checking the already swollen ankle.

“Ain’t busted,” he said after a few minutes, “moves OK, just a real bad sprain I guess, by the look of it.”

“Great,” Slim muttered, now looking almost grey.

Jess looked around him again and knew he had to try and find some shelter for his pard before the snow storm hit.

“I figure maybe we’ll ride double for a spell,” he said looking back down at his pard, “until you’re feelin’ a bit better, huh?”

He managed to get Slim onboard Dandy, his mount, and leading Joey, they continued their journey, albeit at a much slower pace.

Dusk was falling when the first few snowflakes came skittering down and Jess thought he saw a light shining out through the gloom.

Slim was pretty much out of it now. Riding in front of Jess he had relaxed back as Jess took his weight, one arm supporting him around his waist. Realizing his buddy was semi-conscious he said nothing and merely urged his mount forwards towards the flickering light in the far distance.

As he rode on the wind gathered force and finally blew the storm clouds away revealing a large luminous moon. Peering ahead through the twilight he was now able to make out the dark shapes of buildings illuminated by the glowing moon and a small sprinkling of snow. He figured it was one of the towns the Colonel had noted on their map, but was surprised thinking that was a good fifty miles or so to the west.

Whatever he thought and sighed with relief. There might even be a doc there who would look after his pard…and a decent hot meal too he thought hopefully.

As he moved closer to the town the one light that he’d been following was suddenly extinguished and as he finally rode down Main Street, he saw the place was in total darkness. The few stores and houses were dark and even the saloon seemed shadowy and silent.

What the hell he thought peering up and down the deserted street.

The moon had been partially covered by clouds again as he’d ridden in, but now it shone out once more, illuminating the deserted place…and he realized that the mercantile and other buildings were all boarded up.

That’s when it hit home…it was one of the old Gold Rush ghost towns.

He could have wept with frustration.

He was tired, cold and hungry and sorely tried worrying about his pard too.

Then Slim stirred and moved awkwardly.

“We’ve stopped,” he muttered after a minute.

“Well spotted,” Jess said sarcastically, before slipping down from the saddle.

Then he reached up to give Slim a hand down, “Welcome to Dodge,” he said with irony, the ghost town being the polar opposite to that notoriously lively place.

Slim looked around him at the derelict buildings and the lonely street, empty save for the odd tumbleweed blowing about in the very brisk wind.

Then he looked up to see the Saloon sign swinging in the wind and making an eerie creaking sound, the  bat wing door hanging at an angle…the whole place looking forbidding and derelict.

“Is it a ghost town?” Slim said.

“I figure,” Jess said, “but there must be someone around I saw a light as we approached.”

He called out but his voice was born away on the wind and he gave up after a minute or two.

He noted an alley running down the side of the saloon with a sign saying livery and figured he’d take a look once he’d settled Slim down inside.

“Think you can walk if I help you?” he said turning to where Slim was still holding onto the saddle and swaying alarmingly.

“How far?” he asked, looking anxious

“I figure we may as well hole up in the saloon for the night, get out of this dang wind,” Jess said, “and at least it ain’t all boarded up like the other buildings.”

The men made their way inside and were greeted by an overpowering smell of damp, decay and stale beer.

Jess found a seat for Slim and sat him down. By the moonlight streaming in through the grimy windows he was then able to locate a lamp on the bar and lighting it quickly held it up high and they surveyed their surroundings.

The layout wasn’t dissimilar to the Laramie saloon, except it was filthy dirty with grey dust covering every surface and evidence of rats and mice about.

Jess lit a couple of other lamps and then went to investigate behind the bar returning a few seconds later with a bottle and two glasses. He gave them a cursory wipe with his spare bandana, that he had whisked from his back pocket, and then poured them a good measure each.

Both men tossed the whiskey back and then Jess topped up Slim’ s glass before saying, “I’m gonna take a look out back and put the horses up in the livery, will you be OK here for a while?”

Slim grinned at him now feeling somewhat fortified after the strong drink, “Sure I’ll be fine.”

Then as he turned to leave, he called, “Uh Jess…”

“Yeah...what?”

“Watch out for the ghosts.”

Jess rolled his eyes and flapped a hand in farewell before disappearing into the back room and out into the back yard.

He found a large barn just across the yard with stabling for a dozen horses and quickly fetched Joey and Dandy and settled them for the night.

Then he returned with some firewood and coal he’d found in a lean-to by the back door.

When he entered, he saw Slim had managed to make his way into the back room.

“It was freezing in the bar with that dang swing door busted,” he said.

Then pointing to the fireplace said, “I thought we could get a fire going in here.”

Jess nodded and held up the box he was carrying with the wood and coal, “Great minds,” he said grinning.

Once they had a comforting blaze going and Jess had lit all the lamps he could find, they looked around them.

The room was sparsely furnished with a lumpy old couch in front of the fireplace and a cot to its left. To the right of the fire was a stove and sink with a cupboard above. On investigation Jess found some coffee and dusty cans.

“I guess we’ll be OK,” he said turning and grinning at Slim, “They left plenty of beans.”

Slim glanced up at the can Jess was holding and grimaced, “I figure I’ll just stick with coffee and another whiskey tonight,” he said.

Jess nodded, “You could be right. I’ll break into the mercantile tomorrow and see what else I can find.”

“Hell Jess, you aren’t thinking of us staying here are you!” Slim said looking horrified.

“Sure I am until you’re feeling better anyway.”

“Oh, I’m OK,” Slim said stoically.

“Hey that’s my line,” Jess said winking at him. “And you know how the doc laid into me last time I rode with busted ribs. Nope you’re going no place until you’re feeling better…and at least we’ve got us a roof over our heads, huh.”

Once the fire was made up for the night and they had sipped a final coffee, liberally laced with whiskey, the two men turned in feeling exhausted.

Jess had pulled the cot up by the fire for Slim. Letting him have the more comfortable option and with his bedroll in place it was relatively cosy. Jess opted for the old sofa as his bed, wrapping himself in his bedroll.

The men were just drifting off when the strange noises began.

First of all, there was a skittering noise that seemed to be coming from the walls…Jess leaned up resting on his elbow and said, “Sounds like we’ve got us some visitors.”

Slim nodded sleepily, “Yup…maybe you can find a cat someplace tomorrow, huh Jess.

Jess grinned at that, “Or I’ll break into the hardware store see iffen I can find some mouse traps.”

All was peaceful for a while and then both men were abruptly awoken by the sound of heavy boots walking about in the room above them.

Jess was up gun in hand in two seconds, “What in Hell?”

“Didn’t you say you saw a light before we rode in, well maybe that’s the guy with the lamp…could be he lives here, after all it wasn’t boarded up,” Slim said logically.

“Well maybe I should go introduce myself,” Jess said grimly, holstering his Colt and grabbing his rifle.

“Want me to come?” Slim said stirring from his bed.

“Nope I reckon you’d be more of a liability than help,” Jess said cheerfully, “you stay put hop-a-long.”

Then he made his way over to the steep staircase that led off the back room.

They’d been too tired to bother exploring the property when they’d arrived and Jess figured maybe the guy that lived there had been sleeping and just woken up.

There was just one room above the back room and bar that was quite large. Jess called out a welcome before pushing the door open and flooding the room with the light from the lantern he was holding up high. The room was totally empty…devoid of furniture, humans or even a lowly rat that might have accounted for the noise. There was nothing there save for a rope with a noose hanging from a beam in the corner.

Jess stood there looking at it and the hairs on the back of his neck rose as he felt an evil presence. Then he shook his head, “Get a grip Harper,” he said firmly, before turning and running lightly back down the stairs.

“What do you mean there’s nobody there?” Slim said raising a questioning eyebrow. “We heard it plain as anything.”

Jess just shrugged, “Well there was nobody there and the only way out is down the stairs and through here.”

“But that doesn’t make sense,” said Slim looking puzzled.

Jess lay back down on the couch, “I guess it ain’t called a ghost town for nothin’,” he said before pulling his blanket around him and going back to sleep.

Chapter 9

The following morning when they awoke Jess noted Slim looked real peaky.

“You feeling kinda rough?” he asked kindly.

Slim nodded, “I got me a real bad head and these damn ribs are paining me too.”

Jess looked sympathetic, “I know what ya mean, try not to breathe too deep.”

He went off and made up a brew with some of the Indian medicine to help with the pain.

Passing it over he said, “Here Slim drink this and go back to sleep, it’ll help you feel better.”

Slim took it gratefully…and then said softly, “You know I’ve been thinking…”

“Oh yeah, well don’t go straining yerself buddy, you’re sick you know…need to save your strength,” Jess said grinning.

“No hear me out, I’m being serious.”

Jess looked up and sobered at that, “Go on.”

“If you’d decided to stay with Lizzy and I’d ridden out alone…I guess I wouldn’t have made it. I’d still be lying in the road, probably frozen to death by now. Did you think of that, is that why you decided to come home, thinking we’d travel safer together?”

Jess looked deadly serious, “Sure, it was when you said you were heading back home that I really decided to ride back with you. But not for the reason you think Slim.” He looked emotional as he continued, “It was all about…you, Andy, Jonesy…everything back at the ranch, I guess I just couldn’t bear to give it all up, not even for Lizzy.”

“Even if she’d promised to stay in Canada, marry and give you children?”

Jess looked off into the distance, thinking long and hard, “I dunno, I guess not.”

Then gazing sadly at Slim said, “Maybe I just didn’t love her enough. And maybe she didn’t me either, seeing as she said she was going back to her job as soon as she was able.”

“Sounds like it just wasn’t meant to be,” Slim said softly. But felt kinda choked at this admission that Jess really thought of the ranch as home now.

“I guess they’ll be really glad to have us home,” he added, “it’s been a long hard slog, hasn’t it?”

“No arguments there,” Jess agreed standing up, “you get some shut eye pard and I’ll go see what I can find in the mercantile.”

The wind was still howling, but at least the snow had stopped, so Jess turned up the collar of his thick jacket and marched off down the Main Street. Hell, the only street he thought as he noted the shabby boarded up buildings many quite dilapidated although it was only a few years since the gold prospectors had left.

The mercantile was very securely locked, the door still intact and several sturdy boards nailed in place over it. Jess wandered down the narrow alley at the side, and jumping over a low fence made for the back door. To his surprise this one was not barricaded at all and when he tried the handle the door creaked in protest and then swung open.

He drew his gun and then made his way stealthily inside.

The backroom was empty, save for a table, chair and cook stove…but surprisingly the place didn’t look too dusty.  Maybe the lady of the house had scrubbed the place clean before leaving…sort of dang odd things females did he mused.

He wandered through into the main shop and was pleased to see the shelves still quite well stocked and seizing a gunnysack from near the till he helped himself to some non-perishable staples. That should keep them going until Slim was feeling a tad better. Then he figured once he was well enough to leave for a while, he’d take off out of town and rustle up some fresh meat or fish.

Outside again, he decided to make his way along the back alley behind the small row of businesses and stopped at the rear of the hardware store. Again, he was surprised to be able to easily access it by way of an unlocked back door. Where was the logic, why batten down all the shop fronts against looters and yet leave the back doors open to all comers? He shrugged, but entered and left a little later with some rat poison and mouse traps along with some lamp oil and a sack of coal.

When he got back he checked the horses and then back went into the saloon.  Slim was still sleeping so he put the goods away and then settled down by the fire to think.

Maybe there really was another person about, one who accessed all the buildings regularly…but why not show himself? Was he some sort of caretaker, looking out for the stores for the original owners’ maybe? If so, Jess reckoned he should pay for the goods he’d taken. But then Slim stirred and Jess went to make a hot drink and a meal for them both.

It was later that evening that things again started to occur with no rhyme nor reason.

They were sitting before the fire chatting quietly when they once more heard the sound of heavy boots directly above their heads. The men exchanged a shocked look before Jess leapt off the couch and tore up the staircase throwing the door open, gun in hand. Moonlight from the large window flooded the empty room, the only movement the hangman’s noose in the corner swinging slowly back and forth.

Jess stared at it in consternation, before heading back down the stairs.

“Must be rats,” Slim said, trying to reassure his buddy when he said the room was again empty. He noted how pale he looked and said quietly, “This business is really spooking you isn’t it Jess.”

That’s when he confided about the rope and noose swinging from the beam above.

Slim too looked uneasy at this latest piece of information.

“Rats or a ghostly hangman,” Jess said…but neither man laughed.

They were still reeling from this latest weird occurrence when they heard movement in the bar…again the same sound of someone walking in heavy boots.

At last Jess thought, it must be the guy who’s light he’d seen on the first night and who was accessing the local businesses. Come in for a drink and to introduce himself.

He again drew his gun and went off to investigate…but this time Slim hobbled after him, using a stick Jess had found.

Both men stopped in their tracks as they entered a completely empty room…save for a silver coin spinning on the bar.

Jess lunged towards the door and looked up and down the street…but it was completely empty. He ran up and down it peering everywhere, but there was nobody in sight. During the evening rain had been falling steadily, so there were not even snowy footprints to be seen either.

When he returned to an anxious Slim, he just shrugged… “Nobody.”

The following morning Jess left early to go hunting and came back a few hours later with a brace of rabbits and a large pheasant.

“Should keep us from starvin’ for a couple of days,” he said cheerfully. “So, all quiet here?”

“Like the grave.” Slim said with an ironic smile.

“Yeah, well the sooner we’re out of here the happier I’ll be,” he replied. “How are you doin’?”

“OK,” Slim said putting a hand to his ribs, “a lot better,” he lied.

“Sure you are,” Jess said winking at him. “The doc reckoned at least a week when I did it, so we’d better just make the best of things here. At least it’s nice and warm,” he added, looking appreciatively into the blazing fire.

After supper they sank a couple of whiskies and were just thinking of settling down for the night when they heard a horrific noise coming from the street. It was a sort of frantic wailing, like someone in terrible emotional turmoil. The men exchanged a shocked glance, before drawing their guns and making their way through to the front bar and door to the street.

There was a full moon which brightly illuminated an approaching figure. He marched on looking to neither left or right…his eyes wide with some personal horror staring straight ahead…his arms flaying as if to keep his balance.

The closer he came the harsher the cries, making him sound almost like a wounded animal. The only time Jess could recall hearing a similar sound was at an Arapahoe end of life gathering where the mourners had cried long and loud pouring out their grief.

Now as he came closer both men instinctively pulled back into the shadows knowing that the stranger was not in his right mind and was undoubtedly dangerous. That thought was confirmed when they saw him slashing the air with a long-bladed military sword. He passed within a few feet of them, but was completely oblivious to their presence and carried on down the street and towards the edge of town…his cries fading as he marched on out of sight.

Both men stared after him and then Jess turned to Slim and said, “Jeez…what in hell was that?”

“That,” said Slim, “was probably our phantom visitor.”

They turned with one accord and went straight back to the saloon and into the back room locking the door to the bar behind them. Then Jess went and barricaded the back entrance as there was no key to be found.

“Should keep him out,” he said returning to where Slim was crouched before the fire, warming his hands.

“He shook his head, I guess we should be kind of sorry for him,” he said at length, “he sure sounded like a soul in torment.”

“Uh, you can be sorry for him,” Jess returned, “but I’m keepin’ well out if his way, the guy’s crazy…what was he gonna do with that damn sword, huh?”

Slim shuddered, but said nothing.

Moments later they heard the heavy tramp of boots above them again…and exchanged an anxious glance.

“Tomorrow, we ride out,” Slim said, “my ribs will be just fine.”

Jess nodded in agreement, “Sure, we’ll take things real slow, and you’ll be just fine,” he agreed.

The following morning, they were up at first light and after a quick breakfast Slim started packing their saddle bags while Jess went to get their mounts…but he was back just minutes later.

“Damn it Slim,” he yelled, “the horses have gone!”

 “What, they can’t have. There’s nobody here…except…”

“Yeah, except the crazy man,” Jess said furiously, “he’s dang well made off with them Slim.”

“But why would he.”

Jess rolled his eyes, “Because he’s crazy? I dunno, but I sure aim to get ‘em back!”

With that he turned on his heel and marched out, through to the bar, followed by Slim.

“Hold on,” he said, “like you say the guy isn’t in his right mind, he could do anything Jess.”

“Not if I do it first,” he growled. “Hell, we’re completely scuppered iffen we can’t get the horses back Slim, it’s a good fifty odd miles to the next settlement, according to the Colonel’s map!”

Then a voice broke into their conversation, “Uh nearer sixty I’d say son.”

Both men turned and looked at the stranger who had just entered the dimly lit bar…Jess went for his iron, but remembered too late that both their weapons were still hanging up in the back room.

As he advanced, Jess visibly paled, Roany…Roany Bishop? But it couldn’t be, he’d shot him dead last summer. The guy had been insane and was totally besotted with Miss Essie. Then when it wasn’t reciprocated, he had lost all reason and was about to shoot her when Jess had intervened…And yet here he was?

However, on closer inspection this man was a head taller than Roany, and several years older. But the manic gleam in his eyes was just the same. He was the man from the night before and still had the old army cutlass bizarrely stuck in his belt.

Now he turned a look of utter delight on Jess and said, “Son you came home, I knew you would!” and running forwards embraced him.

 “Get the hell off!” Jess yelled, recoiling and pushing the older man away so hard, that he staggered and nearly fell backwards.

“I ain’t yer son Goddamn it! And what the hell have you done with our mounts?” he added.

“Oh, they’re just fine Johnny boy, don’t fret. I just moved ‘em, didn’t want you running out on me again before we had a chance to talk…make things right.”

“Look Mister, I don’t know who you think my partner is, but his name is Jess Harper and I’m Slim Sherman. We were just passing through and would be real obliged if you’d return our horses, we need to get going,” Slim said firmly.

The man glanced at Slim and then said, “So who’s your buddy then Johnny, brought a pal home with you, huh?”

That was it, Jess had, had enough. He grabbed the man by the shirt front and balled a fist, “Look old man you tell me where my horse is, or do I hafta beat it out of you, huh?”

“Now, now Johnny don’t go getting all excited boy, you wouldn’t hurt yer old Pa, would you?”

“You ain’t my Pa damn it!” Jess yelled. Then more quietly, “Look I’m real sorry if you’ve had a bad time, missin’ yer son and all…but I ain’t him and me and Slim here need to get going.”

“All in good time boy, now you wouldn’t want me to go getting upset would you son?” the man said. Again, the crazy look in his eyes reminded Jess so much of Roany that he backed off and pushed him away, relinquishing his hold and flicking an anxious glance over to Slim.

“Come on now boy, sit yourself down, your buddy too, and we’ll have a nice quiet drink, clear the air…then I’ll fetch your horses, OK?”

Jess again glanced at Slim, who gave a small nod and they sat down whilst the man wandered over to the bar returning with a bottle and glasses.

He poured them all a good measure and tipped his back, before refilling it and doing the same…still standing looking down at the others. Slim and Jess just looked at their drinks, hell it wasn’t even nine o’clock yet.

His face seemed to transform after the second drink and he was looking at Jess with a mixture of abhorrence and anger, “Why did you have to go that way boy?” he hollered.

Then before Jess could register what he was doing the old man had drawn the sword that was at his belt and brought it thundering down on the table just inches from where Jess’s hand was curled around his drink.

“You shouldn’t have gone that way Johnny boy, you near broke my heart,” he said quietly, the look of madness in his eyes now deeply chilling.

 “For God’s sake humor him Jess,” Slim whispered.

Jess swallowed hard and then muttered, “I’m sorry Pa, real sorry.”

“I told ya didn’t I, told ya it would all end badly iffen you left. Hell, I built this dang town for you and yer Ma, God rest her soul. Then she died on me, the mines dried up and folk were leaving in droves. But I never thought you’d go boy, leave yer old man that way.”

“I had to see the world Pa, make something of myself,” Jess said slipping easily into the role of Prodigal son… “Hey I’m a rancher now, this is my buddy Slim, I work at his ranch.”

This seemed to incense the man even more, “You’d no need to go working for strangers, not when you’d a place here!”

Then he turned to Slim and said dismissively, “You can go now Mister, you’ll find yer mount tethered back of the mercantile.”

Slim stared at the man with the manic look in his eyes. He still had hold of the sword, the tip of which was still resting on the table, pointing towards Jess, the slightest movement and it could easily be buried in his chest.

Slim exchanged an agonized look with Jess.

“Go on pard,” he whispered. “Go out the back way Slim and don’t forget your saddle bags and uh, everything, huh?”

Slim nodded, “OK…”

“Well go on man, I wanna talk with my boy here!”

Slim got up and disappeared into the back room. Then fetching his rifle, he stood in the shadows by the door, waiting his chance to get in a clear shot. But as it was the slightest error of judgment and his pard could end up with a sword embedded in his chest, or a bullet in his back.

“Look, OK I’ll stay Pa,” Jess was saying looking into those crazed eyes, “I promise…just put that dang sword away, huh?”

“It’s too late boy, I just can’t trust you, see,” he said sadly. “Nope it all ends here…today we’ll be with your Ma in Paradise, all three of us together again… ‘tis the only way.”

Even as what he was saying was still sinking in Jess saw him raise the sword up high and then as if in slow motion started to swing it down in an arc aimed at Jess’s neck.

Then two things happened almost simultaneously, Jess ducked and a shot rang out, the bullet slamming into the man’s chest.

His eyes opened wide in shock before he was catapulted back, the sword clattering to the floor as he fell…dead before he hit the ground.

There was absolute silence as the men surveyed the scene before them in horror.

Jess was the first to come to his senses and turning to where a white, shaking Slim was still standing by the door, said, “Thanks pard I guess you saved my bacon…again.”

Slim rested the rifle by the bar and came forwards to survey the man with the gaping hole in his chest, “I didn’t want to kill him that way, but I had no choice,” he muttered.

“It was him or me,” Jess agreed, “and he was plumb loco Slim, I figure maybe you did him a favour. Maybe he is in Paradise with his wife now, huh?”

“I sure hope so,” Slim said sadly.

“I wonder what became of his son,” Jess said looking down at the corpse, “I guess you can’t blame him for running out on the guy.”

Slim shrugged, “Let’s get him out of here, and bury him later, huh. I need a coffee and to sit a spell, my legs feel like they’re made of jelly,” he added with a weak grin.

They dragged the body out to the porch and covered it with a blanket…but then there was a tremendous crash and the almost black morning sky was lit up by a fork of lightning.

“Storm rolling in, I’ll go fetch the horses back,” Jess said quickly and marched off.

The thunder and torrential rain continued throughout the day, so the men decided to stay one last night. Then once they’d buried the crazy guy, the following day, they’d head off to the next town to report the death.

The storm was spent and there was an eerie silence as the men settled down to sleep that night. However, they had barely had time to close their eyes before the noises above them started again, heavy boots tramping up and down over head. Then silence, followed by a loud crash, followed by something heavy being dragged across the floor.

Both men shot up from their bedrolls looking alarmed, “Now you ain’t telling me that’s rats,” Jess said leaping up and tearing up the stairs, Slim hot on his heels.

They opened the door and stood transfixed at the completely empty room, the rope with the hangman’s noose swinging gently to and fro.

OOOOOOO

The following morning, they were up at first light despite a troubled night full of strange noises.

“At least the ground won’t be frozen after all that rain yesterday,” Jess said as they entered the small graveyard on the edge of town.

They looked around them at the few overgrown plots and then Jess saw one just on the perimeter of the yard that looked slightly newer than the others. Wandering over he read the inscription carved on the cross at the head of the grave: Johnny Saunders beloved son of Abe and Lily Saunders RIP

“I guess we’ve found his son,” Jess said looking down at the grave, “he was Johnny and the guy said he founded the town didn’t he…it’s called Saunderstown, ain’t it.”

Slim nodded, “So this is where his son is…maybe the grief of losing him turned the poor guy insane,” he said softly.

Once the grizzly task of burying Abe by his son was completed, the men rode out, relieved to be wiping the dust of Saunderstown off their boots.

They landed in the next small town early the following evening and made straight for the Sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Dodson was a pleasant middle-aged man who enjoyed the company of others and a good gossip, so he welcomed Slim and Jess with open arms.

“Sit down,” he said cheerfully, “now what can I do for you two gentlemen?”

His cheery smile was slowly replaced by one of sadness as their tale unfolded.

“I really didn’t want to kill the guy,” Slim said again, “but I had no choice, Sheriff.”

“Well now son, don’t you go fretting,” the Sheriff said kindly. “You gave him a good Christian burial?”

Slim nodded, “Buried him deep next to his son and said a few words over him too.”

“Good, good, well no more to be said. Between you and me I figure it was kind of a blessing; the guy was completely insane of course. I’ll tell you his story,” he said, settling back, once he’d furnished his guests with a coffee apiece.

“See I was a young deputy back in Saunderstown when it was a thriving little place…the gold mines busy and folk enjoying life. It was Abe that founded the place. He’d made a fortune from his mine and decided to plough the money back into the town. He owned the mercantile, that his wife ran and also the saloon. They lived there, him Lily and young Johnny… and all were pretty good. But then the mines started failing and folk moved on.”

“I remember the gold rush,” Slim said, “folk often moved on, up north?”

“That’s right. Well young Johnny was in love with a real beauty, Jenny Jones. But she was only seventeen and he just turned eighteen, so their folks tried to discourage them saying they were too young.”

“My Ma and Pa were married at that age,” Jess said grinning, “Probably not a good idea.”

“No exactly, they were just kids,” the Sheriff agreed. “But then Jenny’s folks decided to move further north and Johnny was all set to follow, except his Pa would have none of it…locked him in his room at the saloon.”

“That room upstairs?” Slim asked.

The Sheriff raised an eyebrow, “Yup that’s it and his Ma and Pa slept down in the back parlour. Anyways, the lad caused such a rumpus cussing and yelling out of his window when his Pa locked him up. That’s when I went round well all you could hear was him pacing back and forth above us like a dang caged animal.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a charged glance but said nothing, the hairs on the back of Jess’s neck rising.

“Anyway, I explained that at eighteen Johnny was a man and he should let him go…follow his dreams with his gal.”

“So did he?” Jess asked.

“Oh yes…followed her all the way to where her wagon had been attacked by some renegade Indians…her and her family all massacred.”

“Jeez,” Slim whispered.

“What did he do?” Jess asked.

“Came back home, but he was never the same again…took to the drink...then just a month later he took his own life…hung himself from the beam in his bedroom. Old Abe found him and I guess it was the shock that turned him crazy.”

“I thought it was something like that,” Slim said sadly.

Then Sheriff Dodson raised an eyebrow, “Were you there on a full moon?”

Both men fixed him with a knowing look, “Oh yeah,” Jess said.

“Well, you’ll know then. See there was a full moon the night young Johnny took his own life. That’s how Abe found him in his room, illuminated by the light of the moon. Jeez, I’ll never forget it,” he said with feeling. “I was there with him in the bar that night. We cut him down, dragged him over to his bed, but it was too late the boy was gone,” he finished sadly.

“Every time there was a full moon Abe would get real drunk…and then go marching through town lamenting his son’s death and waving that dang sword about,” he continued. “But most folk had left by then…and those that hadn’t did pretty soon after,” he added with an ironic smile.

“Don’t blame ‘em,” Jess said with feeling.

The Sherriff nodded in agreement then said, “But other times he refused to admit Johnny was dead at all, said he’d just gone on a trip, said he’d be coming home sometime soon. I guess that’s where you fit in son,” he said turning to look at Jess through narrowed eyes. “See you’re a dead ringer for young Johnny. Older of course and maybe a tad shorter and a good few pounds lighter…but he had those deep blue eyes just like yours, slender face and the thatch of black hair,” and he shook his head sadly again, “nice kid he was.”

The heavy boots tramping back and forth over head, then later the thud of a body being cut down and dragged across the floor above their heads, it all made sense now, Slim and Jess realized…well kinda.

“So where are you boys heading?” the Sheriff asked cheerfully changing the subject.

Chapter 10

Their journey over to New Westminster where they were to catch the steamer to San Francisco was relatively uneventful.

They sent yet another large envelope of travel tales off to Andy and Jonesy before they left Sheriff Dodson’s town.

“For goodness sake, don’t you go telling the boy about that darned haunted saloon,” Slim said, as Jess worked on his latest epistle, the night before they had left town.

“Why not the kid loves a good yarn,” Jess said grinning.

“So, all that business didn’t near scare the dang pants off of you then?” Slim asked eyebrows raised.

Jess looked sheepish, “I guess it did yeah…you too?”

Slim nodded, “I figure the scariest things in life are the ones you can’t explain, you know?”

Jess nodded, “Yeah, I reckon.”

Then Slim said thoughtfully, “Maybe if folk have a really horrific experience it sort of imprints itself on the place and other folk can sorta pick it up later, you think?”

Jess shrugged, “I dunno, sounds possible. But maybe yer right…I won’t mention it to young Andy,” he said quietly.

OOOOOOO

When they finally arrived at New Westminster it was a real contrast with the quiet life they’d been experiencing over the previous couple of weeks on the trail. The town was huge, prosperous and full of hustle and bustle. The difference was almost overwhelming as they rode down the main drag, Columbia Street with its large new businesses sprouting up everywhere, hotels, bars and shops abounding.

They finally found the livery the Colonel had recommended and handed over Dandy and Joey to the owner.

“I’ve had a wire from the Colonel, saying you were on your way,” he said, “and I’ve already found good, new owners for these two…and glad I am to have them,” he added. “Always a shortage of good horseflesh in these parts, with the town growing so rapidly. I know I can trust the Colonel to give me excellent mounts,” he said grinning, “We go way back,” he added.

Then he produced his wallet and handed over a fat wad of notes to Slim. “I trust that will suffice?” he asked, throwing the men a questioning glance.

Slim quickly flicked through the notes and then glanced at Jess before turning back to Mr Wiseman the proprietor.

“Very generous,” he said, “but I don’t think you understand Mr Wiseman, you need to wire the money over to the Colonel, you see we won’t be seeing him again, we’re heading back to Wyoming.”

“Oh yes I know that gentlemen,” he said, “but the Colonel wrote me and said you were to add the sale money to your return fare expenses, he was most concerned that you shouldn’t travel steerage on the boat…and that you had a sleeping car on the railroad, nothing but the best for my friends is what he said.”

“We can’t take it Slim said quickly, “it’s way too much.”

“Oh, but you must,” Mr Wiseman said grinning, “the Colonel insisted, and you know how the old man always gets his way. Plus, I’ll make a good profit on the deal too, so everyone’s happy, huh?”

“Well thank you kindly,” Jess said, never being one to look a gift horse in the mouth…and the men shook hands and turned to leave.

Then Wiseman called them back, “Oh and the Colonel said it was strictly for your travel arrangements no squandering it on women and strong drink!” he said laughing.

“As if we would,” Jess said, looking equally mirthful.

They wandered off to find a hotel, but Slim was still muttering about it being far too generous of the Colonel.

“He’s already given us adequate travel expenses,” he lamented, “on top of that huge check waiting for us in the Laramie bank for doing the job.”

“Look, have you ever traveled steerage?” Jess finally asked.

“No... why?”

“Well, iffen you don’t wanna be stuck in a miserable dark Godforsaken billet in the hold, with kids puking up on you when there’s a storm, and folk packed in like dang sardines…I should just take the money and run pard.”

“It’s that bad?”

“Worse…”

“OK we’ll get a cabin then,” Slim said reluctantly.

Jess grinned, “And first class you get a bar and gambling tables too.”

Slim rolled his eyes…

“Well what else is there to do?” Jess asked cheerfully. “That trip can take up to two weeks if they stop off on the way delivering cargo…and then if there’s stormy weather even longer.”

“OK you’ve convinced me…about the cabin. As to the drinking and gambling...” and he just rolled his eyes again.

Two days later found them in their cabin of one of the Hudson Bay oceangoing Steamers. Slim looked around him frowning, “Hell you could hardly swing a cat in here.”

“Well, we won’t be here much will we,” Jess observed throwing his valise on the bottom bunk bed. “I guess you can take the top one,” he added, “easier for you to get up there with those long legs of yours.”

“Thanks,” Slim said dryly, turning to peer out of the tiny porthole in the wall and noting that they were underway…folk on the quayside waving furiously to friends and family aboard making for the bright lights of San Francisco.

“Well come on what are ya waiting for?” Jess said taking the two paces necessary to reach the cabin door, “the bar’ll be open now.”

So, they settled into life at sea, enjoying all the First-Class facilities. They ate and drank well and passed some time at the gambling tables. However, Slim insisted on a strict embargo on spending too much of their hard-earned money there.

“You’ll thank me later,” he said to Jess as he pulled him away from the card table with his substantial winnings, “you’ll only lose it all again if you carry on.”

Jess sighed deeply, “I guess…”

It was their fourth day at sea and life had settled into a pattern of chatting with the other passengers and generally taking their ease as they ate and drank like kings.

“Sure, is a dang site easier than the rest of the journey,” Jess said happily as they finished their after-supper drinks and went for their usual walk on deck before turning in.

They went up on deck and leaning over the rail looked down at the choppy grey waters below and storm clouds gathering on the horizon.

“Looks like we’re in for a squall,” Slim said pulling his collar up, “come on Jess let’s turn in.”

It was the early hours of the morning that they were alerted to the fact that all was not well.

They awoke to a loud roaring sound as the wind got up, the boat pitching and tossing; their few belongings thrown about the small cabin.

Jess grabbed their valises and rammed them under the bunk for safety before making for the door.

“Where are you going?” asked a green faced Slim from the top bunk.

“To see what’s happening of course,” Jess replied over his shoulder, “you coming?”

Slim just groaned and lay back, “No, think I’ll just lie here and die,” he muttered as the seasickness threatened to overwhelm him.

As Jess mounted the stairs he was thrown from side to side and when he eventually heaved the heavy door to the deck open, he was practically floored by the gale force wind. Up here it was practically deafening, but even that couldn’t drown out the shrill cries of fear, as others around him surveyed the mountainous darkly threatening seas.

Then as he ventured a little further, he saw two men desperately pulling on ropes to try and lower the sails. He knew that some of the ocean-going steamers were equipped with sails as well as powerful boilers to generate steam to turn the paddles. He recalled that the sails had been used over the last few days, the prevailing wind having helped them make good speed.

Even now as he watched the two men straining on the ropes a huge wave suddenly crashed across the deck obliterating them from his view. Then when it receded there was only one crew member left…still hanging onto his rope for dear life. The other rope flailed wildly in the strong wind... the other seaman having been washed over the side and almost certainly drowned.

Jess left his place of safety in the lea of a bulkhead and staggered over to the sailor, like a drunkard as he slid from side to side, the boat bucking and diving as well as rolling fiercely, buffeted by the strong wind and violent waves.

Grabbing hold of the heavy, soaking wet rope he started pulling like the sailor had done. Working in unison they finally completed the task and the burly seaman signaled Jess to follow him below deck.

As soon as they were away from the thundering waves and shrieking wind, they were able to speak. The big rough looking sailor grabbed Jess’s hand and shook it firmly, “Thank you mister, that was a real big help…we’d be goners for sure iffen we hadn’t lowered those damn sails…they’re all down now thank God!”

“Your buddy, he went over? Jess said looking anxious.

He just shook his head sadly, “Yes it happens in a storm this bad we lose men. Gone to meet his Maker I guess mister, rest his soul,” he sighed looking deeply saddened.

Then he rallied, and said, “I’m needed below decks...thank you again kindly, sir,” he said once more before dashing off.

Jess watched him go, standing there undecided as to his next move. As the sailor opened the door down to the lower decks he heard the sound of unmitigated panic. He went over and peered down into the dark depths of the hold and could only imagine the pure terror of those below decks in steerage. Knowing there was nothing he could do he shook his head sadly before making his way back to the cabin.

The next morning there was still a heavy swell but the worst of the storm had abated.

However, Slim was still laying like a dead man his face now a terrible grey colour.

“Can I get you anything?” Jess asked as he got up heading off to see how the ship had fared overnight.

Slim just groaned and said, “I reckon a bullet through the head would be a kindness, to be honest.”

Jess flapped a hand at him in farewell, “I’ll bring you back some ginger beer that’s supposed to help.”

Nothing prepared him for the carnage he saw when he arrived on deck. One of the masts had been completely lost the other split in two and littering the deck. Along with broken tables and chairs…shattered glass lamps and a variety of other detritus.

Then he noticed that there were no sounds of the engines working…the paddles stood motionless, the huge Steamer just drifting aimlessly across the now much calmer ocean.

Seeing his new friend of the night before busy brushing the deck he wandered over.

After a few minutes of banter he said, “So what’s up, we don’t seem to be going anyplace?”

The young seaman who had introduced himself as Davy, said, “Well that’s because we ain’t Mister…boilers are busted…got a soaking last night and the engineer can’t do nuthin’ with ‘em.”

“That ain’t good,” Jess said looking out at the now almost benign blue seas stretching as far as the eye could see in all directions.

Davy shook his head, “You can say that again, becalmed we are. Men are saying the captain is real troubled. He don’t know where we are right now.” Then flushing up said, “I guess you shouldn’t say anything sir, don’t want folk panicking.”

Jess nodded sagely, “I won’t say nuthin’’,” and he headed off to see if there was any breakfast in the offing.

When he returned to the cabin sometime later, he finally persuaded Slim to drink some of the ginger beer and it soon settled his stomach.

“So, what’s the damage?” he asked from his bunk.

Jess turned from where he was looking at the vast blueness beyond the porthole and explained the situation in a nutshell as told by Davy.

Slim looked horrified, “What, becalmed you mean? No idea where we are? Dang it Jess we could just go floating off into the wide blue yonder and never be seen again!”

Jess nodded, “Or the engineer might mend the boilers?”

“Even if he does, we could be hundreds of miles off course…doubt there would be enough fuel left to get us there. That’s why they use the sails when they can.”

That reminded Jess of the night before, remembering the poor sailor flung overboard to his death in the angry waves.

“Look on the bright side why dontcha,” he said angrily now. “At least we didn’t drown did we!”

Slim looked slightly abashed at that and then Jess explained about the sad demise of the sailor.

“Damn it Jess trust you to go and help out…you could have gone over too!”

But Jess merely shrugged and suggested they spend some time writing to Andy.

“The story of a real ship wreck, he’ll love it,” he said cheerfully.

The following day the situation hadn’t changed, except when Jess went up on deck he was greeted by a thick sea fog.

Oh great, he thought, to himself, not only are we dang well lost but now we run the risk of another ship ploughing into us, or running aground.

He was deep in thought staring out into the misty realms beyond the bow, when he heard cries, a door slamming and then a youngster came tearing towards him, closely chased by a seaman and steward.

The boy made straight for Jess and cannoning into him he yelled. “Help me mister they’re gonna drown my Ma!”

He was about seven or eight years old Jess figured, and had the dark hair and skin colour of a Mexican, although he spoke perfect English.

“Hey son, it’s OK, what’s up?” he asked throwing a protective arm around the clearly distressed child.

“It’s Ma, down in there,” he cried gesturing to the bowels of the ship, “they say she’s dead, but she ain’t!”

Jess glanced up to the steward, who looked very sheepish and turning away said, “The boy’s just upset Mister, I’ll deal with it,” and made a grab for the child.

However, Jess was too quick for him and taking the boy firmly by the hand said, “Come on son take me to see yer Ma.”

As they arrived in steerage Jess recoiled at the stench of sickness and unwashed bodies. Then through the gloom he saw a small party of men carrying a body on a stretcher.

The boy broke free of Jess’s grasp and ran over crying, “Ma…Ma…!”

As soon as Jess saw the raven-haired woman on the stretcher it was clear that she was far from dead. She was deathly pale for sure, but her eyes were staring wildly around her and she put out a hand to her child saying, “Get help Antonio!”

Jess was at her side in a split second, and said quickly, “It’s alright Ma’am don’t fret.”

Then turning to the stretcher bearers said, “What in Hell’s going on here?”

“Tipping her over the side,” one tough looking character said, “she’s got the Cholera and won’t last anyway. We’ve got to protect everyone else Mister…now out of the way!”

Jess couldn’t believe his ears, “What, you were going to drown her, just like that?”

“Sure,” jeered another, “damn it Mister she’s just a two bit Mexican broad, of no account, far too many of them in the world anyways.”

Jess had been inwardly seething, but the man had just gone too far.

A well-aimed punch sent him smashing into several other men…and that’s when Jess drew his gun, before a free for all ensued.

“You men take her up to first class,” he barked, “cabin 21.”

The men glanced furtively at each other, then at Jess still holding his Colt on them.

“I’m waitin’,” he barked.

The steward went over and opened the heavy door to the stairs and the stretcher bearers meekly obeyed.

Jess followed them out, with the young boy, but turning back to the other passengers he holstered his gun and said, “My God, you should be damned ashamed of yourselves.”

Not one of the passengers could look him in the eye and they all turned away and shuffled off.

Once they got to cabin 21, which was next door to the one shared by Slim and Jess the men halted awaiting further instructions.

“Well go on then, open it,” Jess said glaring at the steward, “you’ve got a pass key ain’t you?”

When the man still hesitated, Jess said, “You told me just the other day that this cabin was free as the passengers never showed up…so what are you waiting for?”

Then playing his trump card, “I guess the fact that a poor sick woman was going to be thrown in the sea, with you and other staff lookin’ on wouldn’t go down too well with the captain? Or the head of the Hudson Bay Company either. Would be kinda bad publicity I reckon. And seeing as how I’m a personal friend of Miss Elizabeth Burns, the Washington Journalist … I should just do as I ask, unless you want to make the headlines, huh?”

“At once sir,” he said fumbling for his pass key.

Once they were inside and Mrs Anderson safely in the clean comfortable bunk, Jess sent the steward off to find the doc, and she smiled weakly at him.

“I can’t thank you enough,” she whispered, once they were alone, “you really saved my life.”

Jess grinned down at her, “The doc will be here shortly, he’ll sort ya out.”

She nodded, “It isn’t cholera like they said just terrible seasickness.”

“Well, iffen that’s all it is I guess we don’t need the doc,” he said grinning, and made for his own cabin to fetch her some ginger beer.

Much later when she was feeling better, she explained a little of her life to Slim and Jess.

“My husband was killed in a robbery at our home, just a few weeks ago,” she said, hugging Antonio close, “leaving us penniless.”

“I’m real sorry to hear that,” Jess said quickly, liking this plucky Mexican woman.

“George was Canadian, that’s why my Antonio speaks so well,” she said proudly. “We had a good life until these outlaws came and burnt our house and crops and took all our savings.”

“That’s terrible,” Slim said, “so where are you headed?”

“To my parents, they live in San Francisco, they own the Chico Restaurant there,” she said naming a prestigious eating house in the city centre.

Jess gave a little whistle knowing that Chico Fernandez was one of the richest business men in the place and the restaurant the best in town, having dined there years ago after a win on the cards.

“So why the heck are you traveling steerage?” he asked puzzled.

“I wasn’t thinking straight, I just needed to get away,” she said softly. “I just managed to scrape the fare together. Papa will be furious when he knows…he would have sent me a first-class ticket.”

Jess smiled inwardly, ‘So much for a two a penny no account Mexican then,’ he thought.

“That’s why I am so grateful to be in here,” she said looking around at the comfortable little cabin, “How on earth did you persuade them to let me come up here?” she asked looking puzzled, not having taken in what Jess had been saying earlier to the steward…such was her distress.

Slim grinned over at Jess and said, “I guess sometimes it’s about who you know not what you know…huh, Pard?”

Jess just grinned back knowing how much Lizzy would have enjoyed sticking up for the underdog and exposing the staff of the shipping line, for what they had been a party too.

“Oh yes,” he replied, “for sure…”

The following morning when Jess and Slim awoke there was a familiar low throbbing noise of an engine.

Jess looked over at his pard and said delightedly, “Hear that?”

Slim nodded, grinning, “Sounds like they’ve mended the boilers…we’re moving!”

They finally landed in San Francisco four days later and Delores Anderson insisted on Jess and Slim accompanying her and Antonio home to meet her parents and enjoy a slap-up meal.

When Chico heard of how Jess had saved his beloved daughter’s life he couldn’t do enough for the cowboys and insisted on them staying at the Golden Gate Hotel, which he also owned, free of charge, whilst they were in the town.

On their second night there they had dined alone at the hotel’s exclusive restaurant and as they sipped their post dinner whiskies Slim grinned over and said, “This is the life, huh?”

Jess nodded, and then said, “But kinda tame ain’t it?”

“Huh?”

“Well, I reckon I need a bit of excitement while were in town.”

Slim’ s head shot up and he said, “Oh no…no Jess we’re not going to the Barbary Coast.”

“Aw Slim you’re no fun…tomorrow we’ll go over, just for a drink…maybe a hand of poker, huh...huh?”

“No! Positively not!”

The following evening found them wandering down Pacific Street past the many seedy bars, dance halls and drug stores doing a brisk trade in morphine and cocaine. The street was buzzing with men in various stages of drunkenness. However, the only women allowed in the area were the many employed in the huge variety of Brothels…or as pretty waitresses in the bars.

They made their way past yet another red-light establishment before Jess turned into a large lively bar.

“This is the place,” he said happily, “got a gaming table in a back room and the gals are real pretty.”

Slim rolled his eyes but followed his pard over to the bar, where they were met by a scantily clad, very beautiful young woman.

She looked like all her Christmases had come at once when she eyed Jess and pushing another girl firmly out of the way she went and leaned over the bar and said, “May I help you gentlemen?”

Jess’s eyes were automatically drawn to her deep cleavage, the tightly fitting red dress leaving nothing to the imagination.

“Sir?” she said again, her eyes twinkling in merriment.

“Uh... whiskey,” he said dragging his gaze up to her pretty face.

“That’ll be table nine,” she said licking her lips and leaning even further forwards, “unless you’d prefer a room?”

“No, just the drink,” Slim said quickly.

“Yes sir,” she said looking slightly crestfallen.

They made their way over to the table and moments later they were joined by Fifi as the dark-haired beauty introduced herself and her friend Rose.

While Rose sat beside Slim and poured the drinks, Fifi slipped onto Jess’ knee and snaking an arm around his neck said seductively, “So what do you do for fun then cowboy?”

Jess exchanged an amused glance with Slim, before saying, “Oh I’m up for pretty much anything, so how’s about you?”

She leaned in and whispered something in his ear and he chuckled, before reaching for his glass and knocking the drink back.

Then he said softly, “Well that’s real kind of ya honey, but see I don’t pay for it.”

She was just about to offer her services for free when her pimp wandered over and looking down said, “You payin’ for a room then mister?”

Jess squinted up at him, “What’s it to you?” he growled.

“Well, iffen you ain’t, the little lady’s got business elsewhere,” he said dragging her up roughly… and squeezing her arm painfully.

“Ouch you’re hurting me, Brad!” she cried.

The big ugly looking pimp never knew what hit him…Jess’s haymaker sent him flying across the room. Then the girls were screaming and running behind the bar to safety whilst a free for all fist fight prevailed.

Slim and Jess started trading blows with the pimp and one or two others, but then as everyone got involved, they made their way behind the bar.

“Enough?” Jess asked raising an eyebrow.

Then they heard the sound of gunfire as the law or possibly some vigilantes finally arrived.

“Enough,” Slim agreed as they made their way out to the back yard.

They wandered off and Slim was just about to suggest they return to the safety of their hotel room when Jess said happily, “Let’s try in here,” and before Slim could answer he’d disappeared into another dimly lit low dive.

Again, they were surrounded by pretty girls, but Slim pulled Jess aside.

“What are you trying to do get us shanghaied? You know dang well half these girls are hooked into the slave trade…do you really want to wake up at sea and have to work your passage to Africa or some dang place?”

Jess looked back at the eager blond who was now making eyes at him and weighed things up...pretty gal... verses a life of hell at sea for the next few months? He sighed deeply, “You got a gaming room out back Miss?” he asked.

They had just about broken even and Slim was getting restless as it was now quite late. He’d quit at the poker game some time ago and now he nudged Jess in the ribs once more.

“Come on Pard let’s quit while we’re ahead, huh?”

“One more hand,” Jess hissed back, the old timer in front of him now looking wary.

A little later when Jess raised the stakes he discovered why, the man who’d been on a losing streak had run out of cash...but then he brightened.

“How about these,” he said and after digging about beneath the table he pulled out a huge set of Moose antlers.

Slim guffawed and said, “Are you kiddin’ me?”

“No, hang on,” Jess said, “it’s just what we need, for Andy, remember, we said we’d bring him some back?”

Slim shook his head in disbelief, but Jess agreed to the bet and they continued playing...

It was only a few hands later that Jess was the proud winner of the antlers.

He pushed his chair back and picking up his winnings along with the antlers he and Slim made to leave.

But then moments later Jess returned to where the old guy was still sitting looking woebegone and taking a couple of notes from his wad Jess folded them and put them in the old timer’s shirt pocket.

“For a bed and some breakfast tomorrow, huh?” he said ginning.

The old man stood up and left the table, “God bless you, thanks son,” he said as he wandered wearily off.

Slim slapped him on the back and said, “You’re getting soft in your old age Jess,” and then grinning, “It kind of suits you.”

Jess looked down and said quietly, “I can’t help but think I might have ended up that way iffen I hadn’t met you Slim, always around to rein me in,” he added with a rueful smile.

After that they made their way slowly back to the hotel and packed up ready to catch the railroad the following morning heading on the last lap of their journey home.

Chapter 11

The following morning found them at Oakland, boarding the Union Pacific railroad bound for Sacramento. Then they traveled on across the Sierra Nevada Mountains, with magnificent views of Cape Horn and Donner Pass, breathtaking mountains and deep canyons.

“Sure, beats seein’ it from the saddle,” Jess said grinning as he relaxed back in his seat.

They had acquired a sleeping compartment and had the added luxury of use of the dining car and bar so were happy enough. It had been a tight squeeze with Jess insisting on bringing the huge moose antlers with him for Andy. But other than that, they were content. The days flew by and they entered Nevada stopping off at Reno, before carrying on and crossing the Bonneville Salt Flats of Utah and onward. The railroad eating up the miles as the men slept, ate or merely peered out at the amazing views through the window.

Then when they finally reached Ogden, Utah they were able to get off and stretch their legs some, as they changed onto the Union Pacific Railroad bound for Green River, Rawlins, the Laramie Plains and finally home to Laramie.

It was when they had transferred onto the Union Pacific Rail and were finally crossing Wyoming that Jess became restless. So, one evening, when the dark without had swallowed up all the views and Slim had his head in a book, Jess got up and made for the door.

Slim glanced up and said, “Where are you going?”

Jess shrugged, “To find some action, a poker game someplace maybe, don’t wait up,” he added with a cheeky grin and was gone.

He wandered off to the bar and was able to catch last orders. Then sitting chatting with the barkeep said jokingly, “So where’s all the action around here, huh?”

He’d just walked through the main carriage to find most of the other passengers either sleeping or preparing to bed down.

The barman threw him a speculative glance, “What about a hand or two of poker?” he asked.

Jess looked around the almost deserted bar, “What, here?”

The barman grinned, “Nope, the Express Car. It ain’t usually open to passengers, what with the safe and all the valuables stored in there, but you look like a good law-abiding citizen,” he said with a grin.

“Well, that sounds real interesting,” Jess said smiling back.

The barkeep finished polishing his last glass and said, “It’s Tom, the Wells Fargo guard, Alf the railroad guard, me and yourself...suit ya?”

Jess nodded enthusiastically, “Sure let’s go.”

Jess had a very successful time and was just thinking of calling it a night and thanking his, now good, friends from the poker game when something strange happened.

The train started to slow down and there was a great hissing and shrieking as the brakes were vigorously applied.

Jess frowned, “What’s up are we supposed to be stopping?”

Alf the Guard shook his head, “Damn it no, something’s up!”

Once the train came to a shuddering standstill Alf cautiously slid the side entrance open a few inches and was rewarded by a barrage of gunfire.

“Open up,” a gruff voice yelled, “before we open fire on the damn passengers.”

Alf slammed it closed and looked to Tom the Wells Fargo man for support, “I guess someone got hold of the news we’re carrying wages in the safe,” he muttered.

“Don’t make any difference if we let ‘em in, they won’t crack that safe,” Tom said, “it’s the latest model...would take a ton of dynamite to blast it.”

“Never mind about that,” Jess interjected, there are women and kids back there. Look, here’s what to do,” he added, quickly taking charge.

On Jess’ advice the men made a barrier of boxes and trunks between them and the door and once safely behind it, Tom called out, “OK Mister we’re opening up, just stay clear of the other cars.”

Then as he pulled the door open Jess, Alf, Tom and Mickey, the barman fired in unison, the hail of bullets killing two of the train robbers outright and wounding another...the other two taking off at speed, not liking the odds against them.

Whilst Tom and Mickey pulled the dead and injured man on board, Alf, the railroad guard and Jess made their way down the side of the track towards the engine.

Old Pete the driver was sweating and cussing when they arrived, “You get ‘em?” he asked fearfully.

“Sure did,” said Alf grinning, “with a little help from our new friend here!”

“That was real fast thinking Jess,” he added.

Then, “What stopped you Pete, log on the line?”

“Nope the bastards had left red lamps burning, the signal to stop, had no choice.”

“Oh well, all’s well, and Wells Fargo reckon that new safe is dang near impossible to bust,” he added cheerfully before going off to remove the red lamps from the track.

Turning to jump back up on the train, Jess bumped into Slim and several other armed men all wanting to know what all the shooting was about.

Slim grinned at his pard, “Garldarn it, I might have known if there was trouble, you’d be right in the midst,” he said shaking his head, before slapping Jess on the back.

“Come on, let’s get you back on board and home huh.”

OOOOOOO

Now all these years later Slim and Jess were seated in the snug ranch sitting room, recounting all their adventures to Daisy and Mike, suitably abridged of course.

“Wow, so that’s where those neat Moose antlers in my room came from,” Mike enthused.

Slim grinned, “They sure did, and boy did we have fun getting them home.”

Daisy chucked, “I can imagine. But by all accounts, they were the least of your troubles and what an incredible adventure. No wonder dear Andy wishes to keep all these wonderful notes safe and sound.”

She smiled broadly, “So what became of the Colonel and his daughter Miss Elizabeth Burns?” she asked casually.

Slim flicked a quick glance over to Jess and saw him flinch and look down quickly.

“Uh, the Colonel died a while after we’d returned, his heart you know,” Slim said.

“Oh, that’s too bad and so did Elizabeth stay on in Canada?” she asked, having noted Jess’s reaction and wondering what had happened.

“No,” Slim replied, “she went back to Washington soon afterwards.”

Then turning to Mike said, “Come on Tiger let’s get this stuff packed away, Aunt Daisy will need the table for supper shortly.”

Once Slim and Mike had disappeared off to the youngster’s room to stash away all the notes and pictures, Daisy turned to Jess who was now gazing sadly into the fire.

“What is it dear you look troubled?”

When he didn’t answer but merely looked at her, she said, “Would it help to talk maybe?”

He sighed, “Maybe...”

“So did you meet up with her again?” she asked patiently.

Jess nodded again looking deeply into the fire, remembering before continuing the story.

“It was about six months after we’d arrived home that the Stage pulled up and old Mose said we’d got a surprise visitor...and it was Lizzy.”

Jess and Slim had run out to change the horses, but they both stopped in shock as Lizzy alighted accompanied by Sergeant Hal Billings, who had been the Colonel’s ramrod at the ranch and previously under his command. Now he was her escort for the journey.

Jess looked shocked to the core when she sashayed over and kissed him passionately, “Surprised, huh?” she asked pulling back and looking deeply into his startled eyes.

This little drama unfolding had not gone unnoticed and now Hal, Mose and Slim were all looking on with interest.

Slim was the first to come to his senses and once the horses were dealt with, he ushered the other men into the ranch for some of Jonesy’s coffee. Nodding to Jess and Liz, saying, “I guess you two need to talk?”

A good half hour later the men returned to find Jess and a rather flushed and tearful Liz sitting out on the porch.

She stood up quickly as Hal waited ready to help her climb aboard. But then turned back to Jess and kissing him once more, said, “You will write though...and think about it...yes?”

Jess merely nodded and then stood back once she was aboard. Then he watched as the Stage pulled away and up the rise in a cloud of dust, his face impassive.

 “What the heck was all that about?” Slim asked. But Jess merely marched off to the barn and refused to talk.

Now Daisy gave him a tender look, “So what was it all about?”

Jess sighed and looked her in the eye, “Well we’d gotten kinda close on the trip and she wanted me to stay up in Canada with her, get hitched maybe. But I decided against it...like I mentioned earlier. And I guess I hadn’t changed my mind, Daisy. Sure, I thought I loved her, but maybe not enough...it had all happened so darned quickly you know?”

She nodded, “But she felt differently?”

He bowed his head and whispered, “Yes...see she broke her journey especially to see me. She wanted me to go to Washington with her. But I couldn’t Daisy...just couldn’t, and she said I’d broken her heart.”

“Oh, my dear....so what happened in the end...did she go anyway?”

“Oh, heck yeah, and she did real well for herself too. She got to be one of the President’s closest friends...ended up as one of his political advisors.”

“Goodness me that’s amazing and for a woman too! So maybe she was right, in what she told you? That she was happy to have a career and no family?”

He shook his head, “Nope she wrote me, several times and said she could get me a real good job, as the chief security guard for the President...would have paid top dollar. She wanted us to Wed and to carry on working for the President too...I guess she wanted it all.”

Daisy shook her head sadly, “Poor girl, she was sadly deluded if she thought that could happen...maybe one day in the distant future,” she surmised, “but not now.”

“That’s what I said,” Jess agreed, “She still didn’t want a family...and I did...and then she stopped writin’ me.”

“Maybe that was for the best dear?”

Jess shook his head, “No it really weren’t, Daisy.”

“Oh, why is that?”

“A few months after her last letter, something happened...something real bad Daisy.”

Daisy just waited patiently as Jess swallowed hard and closed his eyes for a moment before continuing.

“See old Jonesy had a good friend he visited in town, whose son worked in Washington, and he’d send the Washington newspaper over for Jonesy and Bill to do the crossword together.”

Daisy just nodded wondering where this was going.

“One day Jonesy brought it home to finish the puzzle. Then when he was abed Slim picked it up to read.”

Hell, he could remember it now like it was yesterday. He’d been sitting before the fire whittling and had looked up at Slim’ s sharp intake of breath, the fingers holding the paper turning white as his grip increased.

Jess grinned, “What’s up Hardrock? Hey don’t let those political articles get to you...none of their dumb laws will affect us way out here ya know.”

When he got no response he said, “Slim?”

When Slim lowered the paper, he looked very pale. “It’s Lizzy,” he whispered, “she’s been shot!”

Jess grabbed the paper and read how the President’s aide had been caught in the cross fire after an assassination attempt on the President himself.

At this Daisy put a hand up to her mouth and cried, “Oh no! How terrible you must have been so upset?”

“We both were Daisy, Slim was fond of her too, real fond,” he whispered.

“We wanted to visit, but she point blank refused.”

“She survived then?”

Jess nodded, “Yup...but damn it she was blinded Daisy...she lost her sight...and I figure it was all my fault,” he said throwing her a sad glance.

“Why on earth should you think that dear?”

“Well, iffen I’d taken that security guard job maybe I could have saved her?”

She shook her head vigorously, “Oh no. Why Jess, you are always saying if you lived your life by saying ‘what if’ all the time, then you would surely go mad!”

He gave her a weak smile, “I guess you’re right.”

“You know I am, young man...so what became of her?”

He gave her a genuine smile now.

“She bounced back as only Lizzy could. Once she’d begun to accept the blindness, she just carried on writing for the newspaper and also novels. See she could touch type, so it didn’t matter that she couldn’t see.”

Daisy clapped her hands together and smiled happily, “What an amazing young woman. And you and Slim are amazing young men,” she added fondly.

Then more briskly, “Come along dear you can help me peel the potatoes for supper I’m all behind after all this reminiscing.”

OOOOOOO

It was much later that night after Jess and Slim had turned in that the subject of their epic journey was resumed.

Jess was lying on his bed looking up to the ceiling as Slim came and sat down on his own bed and said, “What’s up Jess? You’re looking kind of pensive?”

He shrugged, “Daisy was asking what happened to Lizzy, brought it all back again you know.”

Slim nodded sympathetically, “Yeah, I know what you mean...but Hell Jess, you’re not still beating yourself up about that are you?”

“No, I reckon not, Daisy straightened me out,” he said turning his head to give Slim a cheeky grin.

“Good,” Slim said and then looking thoughtful, “Apart from that, it was good to remember that time wasn’t it…I figure we sure learned a lot.”

“Huh, like what?”

“Well tolerance for a start, remember how dang difficult Lizzy was at first?”

Jess grinned, “I sure do...but she was some woman, weren’t she Slim.”

“Yes, she sure was,” Slim said softly.

Then Jess realized he was being a tad insensitive knowing how Slim had felt about her. So, changing the subject said, “Well the journey home sure made up for that dang nightmare on the way up to Canada...I’d never traveled first class before.”

Slim settled back to sleep and said, “I’m glad you enjoyed traveling in style because I guess you never will again.”

“Um...it was real good of the Colonel to pay weren’t it?”

Slim agreed sleepily, “So which bit of the journey did you enjoy best then Jess?”

Jess was about to say the passionate times he had spent in Lizzy’s arms, but quickly changed his mind.

“Uh, the Barbary Coast, I guess,” he replied.

Slim sat up and threw him an incredulous glance, “What...nearly getting shanghaied and that darned fight we got into...not to mention winning those damn Moose antlers,” he said despairingly.

“Yup, all good fun,” Jess said.

Then sitting up he said, “Remember that foreign Eating House we went to...where we had that fire water?”

“Uh yeah, the Japanese place and that was Saki Jess. Jeez yeah that was really potent,” he said shaking his head.

Jess nodded enthusiastically, “That’s it and there was that great tattoo parlour just next door, but we were a bit too sloshed to go get one done.”

“Thank goodness,” Slim sighed.

Then Jess sat up again, “Hey I’ve got a real good idea...we could take Mike!”

“Huh, what are you talking about he’s a child…you can’t subject him to that kind of place, are you crazy!”

“Oh no, not now...I mean when he’s all grown up, for his eighteenth Birthday maybe? We could show him around the town get a meal at that Japanese place and then we could all go get a tattoo each. What do you think Slim?”

“No Jess!”

“No?”

“No!”

“OK, keep yer hair on ... ‘night pard.”

“’Night Jess...”

Shortly after all that could be heard was the sound of gentle snores.

The End

Thank you for reading!

(Fandom may recognize a little nod towards the cherry tattoo!)