The Laramie Chronicles

Missing Her 

By Patty Wilkinson

Some violence, strong language and adult themes

Chapter 1

It was high summer at the Sherman Ranch and Relay station and all was hustle and bustle.

“No Mike dear, you can’t take Buttons with you, he really wouldn’t like it in the big city,” Daisy Cooper said, rolling her eyes at Jess Harper.

Jess hated to see the look of disappointment on the child’s face, so tried to help him see sense.

“Hey Tiger,” Jess said as the youngster looked miserable, “you know dang well that your pup will be much happier here. Besides Blue would miss him something fierce,” he added, referring to his own sheepdog/wolf cross.

“Aw I never thought of that,” the boy said returning to his usual sunny disposition, “I guess he’ll be OK to stay home. But you will look out for him won’t you Jess?”

“Sure…now go fetch your bag from your room. Mose will be here with the Stage any minute now.”

Then Slim Sherman came in from the yard, “All ready Daisy shall I take your bag out? Stage is due.”

Their elderly housekeeper suddenly looked anxious, “I really don’t know if this is such a good idea Slim, I feel terrible at leaving you boys to your own devices over the summer.”

“Hey Daisy, your cousin is depending on you to take charge, what with that broken leg and all,” Jess said.

“Yes, I know dear, but I feel so torn...what about all the cooking and mending...and washing too!”

Jess chuckled, “Well I’ve nearly finished breaking the last of those ornery mustangs, so that’ll cut down on the washing and mending some,” he said cheerfully.

“Then after that’s done, it’s a really quiet time of year work-wise...so we’ll manage just fine,” Slim added.

Just then they heard the unmistakable sound of Mose rushing the Stagecoach down into the yard, so they all headed for the door.

Once the luggage had been thrown up on the top, Mose made a great fuss of dusting the seats before helping Daisy aboard, grinning all the while.

His infatuation with Daisy had grown since he’d had several dances with her at the New Year Dance earlier that year and he lived in hope of a romance...although Daisy gave him no encouragement. In fact, she treated him with the same kindly patience that she did Mike.

Now she beamed at the old timer and said, “Thank you so much Mose, I’m sure Mike and I will be most comfortable.”

“I sure hope so Ma’am,” Mose said tipping his hat to her. “It’s quite a step to Denver and I want you to be real at home Miss Daisy, real at home.”

“Uh iffen it’s quite a step shouldn’t you be heading off Mose,” Jess said hiding a grin.

Mose threw him a cold look and said, “I’m goin’ ain’t I,” and he hauled himself up onto the box once more. Then after shaking the lines and yelling at the hapless horses he made off at speed, Daisy and Mike waving from the window.

Once they had gone, the ranch yard suddenly felt very quiet and empty.

Jess turned away and wandered over to the coral where a fiery black stallion was staring out to the distant hills pawing the ground and looking menacing.

Slim’s gaze followed his pard, the expression in his eyes one of concern.

Millie, Jess’s best gal was staying over in Cheyenne for the summer, running her Ma’s Boarding house whilst she took the trip of a lifetime visiting kin in the old country. As luck would have it, Tom, the barkeep had his young niece, Sharon, staying. She was happy to take Millie’s place for a few weeks, working in the bar. So, Millie had gone with Tom’s blessing.

 Unfortunately, Sharon had been more than happy to take Millie’s place in Jess’s life too; and he had been sorely tried by the young woman’s unwanted attentions.

But more than that he had been missing Millie something fierce and Slim was beginning to get quite worried about his good friend. He recalled how badly Jess had reacted to the death of his beloved fiancée Maria all those years ago...throwing himself into his work and barely eating as he grieved so deeply.  See #1 Loved, Lost, Survived.

 Slim knew that these circumstances were completely different but he had noticed that his pard was spending long hours breaking this last lot of mustangs, working from dawn to dusk. Plus, just that morning he noted that he’d pulled his belt in by yet another notch.

That was another reason why Daisy had been reluctant to leave. She too had noticed Jess pushing his food around his plate. He also had a new edgy air about him, spending his evenings brooding and going off alone to groom his horse. Or he would just to sit alone on the porch looking out to the distant mountains, not wanting company.

Even young Mike had noticed and asked if Jess was sick. That’s when he’d pulled himself together and at least put on a good act of being cheerful.

Sure, he’d been to visit a couple of times. But somehow that had made matters even worse. Millie had been quite tearful when he left after his last weekend stay. So, he was in two minds about going again for a while. He knew she was coping fine when she was busy and so maybe he should just try and be patient and await her return in the fall.

Slim broke into his thoughts as he came over and said, “You know this bronc reminds me of Black Jack.”

Jess nodded, “Sure got the same ornery disposition.”

Then with a sad smile said, “I sure hope he don’t jump the fence like Black Jack did.”

The beautiful stallion he’d been breaking had achieved his freedom. But sadly, when Jess finally caught up with him, he was down and had broken a leg, leaving the cowboy with no other option but to shoot him.

Slim shook his head sadly at the memory and said, “I reckon Midnight won’t have the same fate; you’ve nearly broken him, haven’t you?”

Jess nodded, “Yup, but don’t tell him,” he said with a wink. “I wouldn’t want him to go all docile on me.”

The job was finally done, Midnight had submitted to being saddled and obeyed all the commands Jess had asked of him and now he was green broke and just needed to be schooled on some.

It hadn’t been an easy ride and Jess was pretty much covered in bruises he noticed when he showered later. He dressed and then went and slumped down by the fire where Slim was sipping a coffee.

 “I thought we might eat in town tonight,” he said peering at Jess over the rim of his cup, “seeing as its Saturday and all.”

Jess merely shrugged and said, “I ain’t hungry, figure I’ll sit awhile and maybe have an early night later.”

Slim looked at him impatiently, “Come on Jess snap out of it! You’ve not been to town in ages...all you ever do these days is work and sleep.”

“Well maybe that’s the way I like it,” he snapped back. “Besides three’s a crowd ain’t it,” he added.

Slim took a deep breath knowing how his pard was hurting, so he cut him some slack.

“If that’s what’s worrying you Lily is having to work tonight as Tom is off visiting some friends, so I could use your company. I figure there will be a card game if you come too. Mort was asking after you,” he added.

Jess brightened a little, “A poker game huh?”

Slim nodded.

“I’ll go get changed,” he said cheerfully.

Slim sighed with relief; this was more like Jess he thought happily.

It was still early evening when they marched into the saloon and Lily looked up from behind the bar and grinned as Slim and Jess entered.

She put down the glass she was polishing, but before she could move to greet them Sharon was there.

She flicked her long red hair and smiled beguilingly at Jess saying, “Why howdy stranger, I’ve missed you Jess,” and threw him what she imagined to be a seductive look. Her large hazel eyes holding his gaze a tad too long, before she turned and smiled at Slim.

She had an hour glass figure, now squeezed into a tight green gown that left little to the imagination. Leaning forwards, she said breathily, “What can I get for you boys,” her look implying she wasn’t necessarily referring to a drink.

Jess stared deadpan and just muttered, “Two beers.”

Slim moved down the counter some and leaning over kissed Lily and said, “Howdy sweetheart, how are you?”

Lily was watching Sharon closely as she pulled the beers, but turning back to Slim said softly, “Just fine, it’s good to see you Slim...and I see you’ve finally persuaded Jess to come out.”

Seeing that she was a tad preoccupied and following her gaze he said, “So how’s Tom’s niece panning out then?”

Lily rolled her eyes, “She’s been driving me crazy asking when you and Jess were due in. And look at her now, Tom would have a fit if he could see how she’s rigged out in that dress...she’s only just turned eighteen you know...and man mad.”

Meanwhile Sharon was still making sheep’s eyes at Jess.

“So, what are you up to tonight then?” she asked, eyes open wide as she once more leaned in exposing her cleavage to full advantage.

Jess quickly averted his gaze from where it had dropped of its own volition and said gruffly, “A hand or two of poker I guess.”

“Oh, how divine,” she gushed, “I’ve always wanted to learn to play.”

Just then Slim rejoined Jess and then the Sheriff and a neighbour arrived and they took themselves off to a back table to enjoy a hand or two of cards.

It was nearly closing time, the bar quite quiet and the men had enjoyed a good session, when Sharon wandered over and leaning on Jess’s shoulder, watched them playing.

After a second or so when Jess was just about to shrug her off, he was suddenly aware of the scent she was wearing...the delightful delicate aroma of spring flowers made his heart suddenly beat faster, all his senses awakened.

He turned half expecting to see his beloved Millie standing there...but no, it was Sharon.

She said, “Can I come and watch, I’d love to learn.”

There was a mutter of agreement, but with little enthusiasm...females not generally welcome around the poker table.

Now Jess turned and said gruffly, “Where’d you get that scent yer wearin’?”

She looked slightly wrong footed but after a second smiled down at him and said, “Why I believe it’s some of Millie’s I borrowed a little...she wouldn’t mind, I’m sure.”

“Well, I do,” Jess growled throwing her a black look. “What are you doin’ messing about in her room anyway?”

“I’m using her room right now, Uncle said it would be OK, he asked Millie and she agreed,” she said...looking slightly anxious as Jess was clearly annoyed.

When he looked down and said nothing, she snaked an arm around his neck and said, “So you going to teach me then Jess...huh?”

Slim’s head shot up...had this girl got no commonsense...he just waited for Jess to erupt.

However, he just sighed deeply, untangled himself from Sharon’s embrace, threw his cards down and said, “I’m out.”

Then he rose and muttering, “Night all,” wandered out of the saloon.

Lily marched over then and said brusquely, “You’re needed behind the bar Sharon, start washing the glasses please.”

The girl looked sulky, but flounced off.

“Is Jess aright?” she asked Slim quietly.

He shook his head, “He didn’t need that kid making a play for him tonight, he’s really missing Millie terribly,” he replied. “I figure smelling her perfume that way was the last straw.”

“I can understand that,” she said sadly, “poor Jess.”

By the time Jess made his way to the livery he’d calmed down some.

A sleepy stable lad let him in, and seeing as it was a moonlit night, Jess decided to ride home.

“Want me to saddle Traveller for you Mr Harper?” the kid asked.

“Nope it’s OK Billy, I can manage,” Jess said, “sorry to wake you boy, you go back to sleep.”

Then as the youngster made his way back towards the hayloft ladder Jess tossed him a few coins, “Have breakfast on me tomorrow,” he said.

The youngster’s countenance lit up and he said, “Gee thanks Mr Harper, you’re the best!”

Something in his demeanour suddenly reminded Jess of Andy and how much he missed the kid.

He just grinned at the lad and went off to saddle up.

He made his way quietly out of the livery and took the road out of town.

Jeez, he was sure feeling sorry for himself he thought wryly.

He thought back to Christmas and how great it had been to spend time with old Jonesy and Andy again...and how both he and Slim missed them after they’d left.

Then he thought back to just yesterday when Mike and Daisy had taken off for Denver...and finally he thought about Millie. Dang it, who knew that such strong feelings and emotions, could be stirred up just by smelling perfume. But they sure had and now every fibre of his body ached for her.

OOOOOOO

The following morning when Slim rode in, Jess had already fed the chickens, milked the cow, turned out the barn and was now sitting on the porch with a coffee.

Slim dismounted and then tethered Alamo, before taking the other chair beside Jess.

“Want one?” Jess asked, raising his cup.

Slim shook his head, “You OK...I thought you were staying over last night?”

Jess shrugged, “No point, and anyway the way that Sharon was pestering me I had to get out.”

“Lily told me she’d been using Millie‘s perfume and stuff…that’s really out of order.”

Jess just nodded, and sipped his coffee saying no more.

After a while Slim said, “I’ve been thinking, why don’t you take off for Cheyenne and visit Millie again huh...she must be missing you something fierce too.”

Jess shook his head, “I dunno, she got real upset when I left last time, I figure it makes it worse for her if I just stay a couple of days.”

“No, you don’t understand, I mean stay for a week, two if you want, I can manage.”

Jess’s face lit up, “Really you’d do that for me?”

“Why sure, it’s pretty quiet right now. Midnight’s all ready to be schooled on and I can do that. If anything happens and I need to go to an Overland Stage meeting or something the Jackson boys are always happy to cover...no you go Jess, I’ll be fine.”

“Thanks Slim, I won’t forget this.”

Then he leapt up heading for the door.

“Where are you off to?” Slim asked looking surprised.

“Why to pack of course!” he said grinning back.

Chapter 2

The next morning found Jess in his Sunday best, carrying a valise and sitting out on the porch awaiting the early stage. He’d been up since dawn and done all the yard chores before Slim was even awake and then cooked them a good breakfast.

Now he was like a coiled spring as he awaited the stage.

Slim wandered over and took the other seat, “Got everything?” he asked glancing down at the valise.

“Everything but a good education,” he quipped.

Slim grinned and stood up as he heard the stage coming over the rise.

“You give Millie my best and stay as long as you need Jess, I’ll be just fine here.”

OOOOOOO

Just as Jess was climbing aboard in Laramie, Millie was standing on the sidewalk back in Cheyenne, happily anticipating the arrival of the Stagecoach that would take her to Laramie. Jess would be so surprised to see her home early she thought hugging herself joyfully.

She thought back to the last twenty-four hours and the arrival home of her next-door neighbour and good friend Mrs Ida Small. Ida had lived next door for many years and occasionally ran the boarding house if Mrs Johnson were ill or away. However, this time Ida and her husband Bill had been called away to nurse Bill’s sick brother, hence Millie stepping up to the plate.

Sadly, the older man had died and so the couple had returned soon after the funeral. Ida had called next door upon her arrival home and offered her services.

“Are you sure,” Millie had asked, “you must be feeling low after all you’ve been through?”

“I am a little dear,” the older woman agreed, “but I always find it’s better to keep busy than brood. So off you go and see that handsome cowboy of yours and give him a big kiss from me,” she said winking.

Now as she sat on a bench waiting for the Stage she smiled at the memory and then sobered.

There was only one fly in the ointment and that was the concern she had about her dear friend Ellie. She had been worried about her old school friend for a while. She had never liked the man she had married just a couple of years ago. Carl Smite was a very handsome man. But also, Millie was soon to learn…a very domineering and jealous one.

Even on her Wedding Day he had shown his true colours. When Jess who also knew Ellie well, had given her a chaste kiss on the cheek as he congratulated her, Carl had come over and practically dragged her away. Saying they were late for the reception, and had bustled her off...leaving Jess and Millie exchanging a concerned glance. They had all grown up together in Texas and that bond was a strong one.

Since then, Millie had found it more and more difficult to keep in touch with her childhood friend. If she were in Cheyenne visiting her Ma and called at the small ranch on the edge of town it always seemed to be Carl who answered the door. Then there would be an excuse as to why she couldn’t visit with Ellie; she was sick or out seeing friends, or was resting after a bad night.

When Millie finally caught up with her on this latest trip to Cheyenne, she hardly recognised her pretty, vibrant friend. She had lost weight and her usually pretty chestnut hair was dragged back in an unbecoming style and her green eyes lacklustre and sad. Millie tried to bring her out and talk about how she was feeling, but then Carl joined them and Ellie just clammed up.

But when Millie finally took her leave, she couldn’t help but notice the pleading look in Ellie’s eyes.

She returned several times, but was again refused entry by Carl for a variety of reasons.

Finally at her wits end she visited Sheriff Doug Masters. The Sheriff was a good friend of Jess, and he and his wife Annie had dined out with Jess and herself several times. Millie considered him to be a friend too.

“I’m sorry Millie, really, I am, but the law can’t step in between a husband and wife. Unless you’ve got evidence that he’s mistreating her?” he asked raising an eyebrow. “Does he hit her maybe?”

“No, at least I don’t think so...I don’t know Doug, he just keeps putting me off and won’t let me in.”

The Sheriff looked thoughtful, “I figure the best I can do is have a word with him. If he thinks I’m keeping an eye on him maybe he’ll back off some. I’ll ask my Annie and some of the other women to visit too…he can’t send them all packing,” he added with a grin.

“Thank you, Doug,” Millie replied gratefully.

Now as she waited for the stage, she reflected that Doug had been wrong on that account. Carl had sent them all packing...so far anyway. She decided there and then to ask Jess to accompany her to visit the Smite ranch and have it out with Carl once and for all. Doug might be bound by the constraints of the law she thought, but Jess certainly wasn’t.

As she had been waiting the town had begun to come to life, the mercantile owner bringing some of his wares out onto the sidewalk. Then the bank opened its doors and Jim from the Stage Office came out looking at his time piece before stacking up some parcels for the Stage.

 Moments later Millie heard a horse galloping down Main Street and was stunned to see her friend Ellie driving a buggy recklessly fast. She reined in outside the bank and tore inside.

Millie quickly crossed the street and was just in time to see her friend making a withdrawal and then turning away, her eyes wild and unfocussed.

She hardly saw Millie until they almost collided.

“Ellie, whatever is it?” Millie gasped.

Once Ellie realised who it was, she clasped her hand and said, “Oh Millie, I’ve left him. Then looking anxiously around her again said, “I have to go.”

“Hang on,” Millie said, “where to?”

“What? Oh, back to the ranch. I couldn’t find Chip...I have to take him. Carl will kill him if I don’t, I just know it. Then anywhere as long as it’s a long way from here,” she sobbed.

Millie had to concur; she’d seen Carl kick the cute little pup once...that was the kind of man he was she thought angrily.

“Where is he?” Millie asked, the couple falling into step as they left the bank.

“Off rabbiting I suppose,” Ellie said, “but he’ll be back when he’s hungry.”

Millie looked surprised, “Huh...I mean Carl?”

“Oh him,” she said looking wary, “he’s gone over to Denver on business...be gone a few days he said...so I’ve got time to escape.”

“Time to escape?” Millie asked looking shocked.

“Oh yes,” Ellie said, “he locks me in when he goes out, it’s just luck I found the spare door key and hid it under the mattress. I’ve been waiting for this for so long Millie. I have to get away, I just have to.”

At that moment Millie heard the Stage arriving and looked at her friend in despair, how could she leave her to face everything on her own?

Having seen the valise and smart clothes Ellie suddenly said, “Are you taking the Stage Millie, hurry or you’ll miss it.”

Millie looked at the Stage and back to Ellie and made a decision.

“I can easily get it tomorrow,” she said, “come on, let’s go and find Chip and get you safely out of that prison huh?”

Ellie threw her arms around her dear friend, “Oh thank you,” she gasped, “you’ve no idea what that means to me Millie.”

They heard Chip barking even before they entered the yard and Ellie was delighted to see her cheeky terrier scrabbling at the door anxious for his breakfast.

Once the diminutive critter had been fed, the two women hurried around collecting the bare minimum of clothes and possessions that Ellie would be able to carry in her saddlebags.

They were just about to go and saddle up a couple of mounts and make their getaway when Chip’s barking from the yard alerted them to a rider galloping in.

Even before they got to the window to check out who was there, there was a yelp from Chip and then the door burst open and Carl stood there looking as angry as all get out. His dark eyes flashed with fury and his tall form seemed to take up the whole doorway blocking out the light. He quickly eyed up the bursting saddlebags and the riding gear both were now sporting. Millie in denims and a shirt loaned from her friend.

“Well, isn’t this cosy,” Carl said smiling nastily, “so you gals thinking of going on a little trip...huh? he asked his tone suddenly bitter and his gaze icy. “Good job I decided to come home early, “he added.

“I ... I’m leaving you Carl, Ellie finally stuttered, her voice shaking with fear, one hand clutching her friend’s , who was giving her the strength to confront her bullying husband.

“Oh I don’t think so my dear,” he said harshly.

Then turning to Millie said, “Run along Millie, I want to talk to my wife alone.”

“Oh I, bet you do,” Millie said angrily, “Well, I’ve seen what your ‘talking to’ leads to and I’m going nowhere ,” and she moved protectively in front of her friend, shielding her.

Whilst she and Ellie had been changing, she had seen the multiple bruises and even some burns on her dear friend’s body and she had been incensed.

“I hope you’re not going to be difficult Miss Millie, because I won’t stand for disobedience. My wife will vouch for that won’t you my dear?” he said angrily with a threatening glance in her direction.

Millie raised her chin and looking him in the eyes said, “On the contrary Carl, it is you who are difficult! In fact, worse than that you are a bully and a wife beater, and Ellie should report you to the law!”

At this Carl drew his gun, and levelling it at Millie, he walked towards her menacingly, stopping just feet away.

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll leave now you little tramp,” he hollered.

Suddenly they were disturbed by Chip barking furiously and scrabbling at the door, fuelled by the raised voices from within.

Millie had never felt so threatened, or so darned mad and as Carl half turned away casting an irritated glance towards the door where Chip was now howling, she made her move.

In that split second Millie knew what she had to do...and thanked the Lord for her dancing classes teaching her high kicks and Jess’s instructions in self-defence.

Bracing herself she kicked out aiming at Carl’s most vulnerable area below the belt and struck him a well aimed powerful kick.

He instantly dropped his gun and fell to his knees yelling out in agony and cussing loudly.

Quick as a flash Millie dived for the gun, yelling for Ellie to fetch some rope.

Her friend stood as though glued to the spot just staring in shocked disbelief at her husband still rolling around in agony on the floor.

“Ellie quickly!” Millie cried and then her friend was galvanized into action.

While Millie held the gun on Carl, Ellie bound his hands and feet tightly together, all the time Carl swearing violently, but still too incapacitated to fight back.

Once the task was done, they grabbed their saddlebags and made for the door.

“You won’t get away with this!” Carl yelled after them, “I’ll come and find you and damn it you’ll regret this, woman!” he said to Millie. “Coming between a husband and wife. You’ll pay dearly for this!”

Millie and Ellie rode out at breakneck speed. Chip running beside them barking joyfully at all the excitement.

They finally reined in and Ellie cast an anxious glance behind her, “He’s not following, is he?”

Millie shook her head, “Nope I think we’ve got away with it.”

“So, what now?” Ellie asked, her voice trembling at the enormity of what they had just done.

Millie shrugged, “I’m not sure, go to town and tell the Sheriff? I think he’ll be sympathetic.”

Ellie shook her head, “I know Doug Masters is a good man...but it wouldn’t be just down to him. I’d have to make a formal complaint and prove that Carl is the way he is. The trouble is he has friends in high places. He does business with the town council and is good friends with their leader, not to mention the circuit judge. I wouldn’t stand a chance Millie, Carl is such a believable liar, it would be laughed out of court.”

“Well, there is only one thing for it... you’ll have to just disappear. Come to Laramie with me and we’ll hide you there until you decide where you want to go,” Millie suggested.

Ellie looked hesitant, “That’s very kind, but Carl knows you live there; it will be the first place he looks.”

Millie looked thoughtful, “The saloon maybe, but I’ve got somewhere else in mind. Look we’ll ride as far as Devil’s Leap; we can make that easily before nightfall...we’ll camp there and then I’ll tell you my plan…OK?”

Ellie nodded, “You’ve done this journey before with Jess, so I trust you Millie,” she said with a relieved smile, “Let’s go...”

Millie gave Ellie a broad grin in return, but she was thinking, ‘gee I sure hope I can remember the route…’ But at least her friend was safe, that was the main thing.

Chapter 3

It was late afternoon and about the time the girls were making camp in the hills high above the Laramie to Cheyenne road, Jess’s Stage was just arriving in Cheyenne town.

He climbed down and after looking around him…marched purposefully towards Mrs Johnson’s Boarding house on Main Street. He rapped loudly with the polished knocker and waited, eagerly anticipating holding his girl in his arms at long last.

Eventually the door as pulled open by the diminutive figure of the middle-aged Ida Small. “Sorry, I’ve no vacancies,” she said. But then looking properly at the caller her face was immediately wreathed in smiles.

“Why Jess dear, what are you doing here?”

Jess stood back shocked at not seeing his lovely Millie standing there.

He finally gathered himself together and smiling in return said, “Howdy Ma’am, I’ve come to see, Miss Millie.”

Now it was Ida’s turn to look taken aback, “Didn’t you know, she’s on her way to Laramie to see you?” Then she snapped her fingers, “Oh no, how could you, she wanted it to be a surprise.”

“It’s that alright,” Jess muttered, suddenly feeling deflated at not seeing his gal ... but there again she was home where she belonged, so that had to be good.

Then Ida was speaking again, “Come along in Jess I’m just putting supper on the table for the guests and you’ll be most welcome.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” Jess replied following her inside.

“We are fully booked,” Ida added, “but I’m sure Miss Millie wouldn’t mind you using her room for the night, why don’t you go wash up…supper will be ready directly.”

After supper and coffee with Ida and her husband, Jess decided to go out for a stroll and take a last drink in the saloon.

He was crossing the street when he noticed the light was still on in the Sheriff’s office. So, he wandered over to see if his old friend would like to join him at the bar.

Doug Masters was delighted to see his buddy and he was given a seat and had a coffee cup in his hand in moments.

After they’d chatted for a while Doug said, “So you’ve come on a wild goose chase then Jess, I saw your Millie waiting for the Laramie Stage just this morning.”

Jess nodded ruefully, “Yeah, Ma Small told me. I guess I’ll head home on the first Stage out tomorrow.”

Young Cody Moore, Doug’s Deputy looked up from where he’d been cleaning his rifle and said, “Well that ain’t right boss.”

“Huh,” asked Doug, “what do you mean?”

“Miss Millie didn’t catch the Stage. She was waitin’ on it sure. I saw her when I went over to the cafe for the prisoner’s breakfast. But when I came back, I saw her heading out of town with her friend...uh that Mrs Smite. She was driving a buggy and going at one hell of a lick too...like the devil was after them.”

Jess’s eyes opened wide and he put his cup down, “You’re sure about this?”

“Yes sir, I am...”

“Why didn’t you say something?” Doug asked.

“Well, I didn’t think it was important boss...I just figured they were late for something.”

Jess stood up heading for the door.

“Where are you off to?” Doug asked.

“To Ellie’s place of course,” Jess snapped.

“What at this hour, it’s kinda late to be calling.”

“So what? Something ain’t right here Doug. It must have been pretty important to stop her catching the Stage.”

Doug thought back to his earlier conversations with Millie about the possibility that Carl Smite was abusing his wife...and knew he must share that with Jess.

After that Jess was even more insistent that he ride out at once, so Doug agreed to accompany him.

It was a dark night, but the Smite place was only a short ride out of town and they made it easily.

As soon as they dismounted it was clear the place was empty. No light issued from any of the windows and after hammering on the door there was no response.

After a moment Jess tried it and the door swung open revealing an empty sitting room. The men entered and found a lamp and once lit they surveyed the room.

It was clear there had been some sort of altercation, with furniture and ornaments knocked over. Then Jess saw several lengths of rope that had been cut and it looked like it had been used to bind someone...but whom and where were they now?

They looked around inside and out, but storm clouds where scudding across a watery moon and it was impossible to make out any tracks.

“It’s no good,” Doug said finally, “we’ll just have to come back in the morning and see if we can track them then.”

Jess looked anguished, but knew his friend was talking sense, so sadly, they returned to town.

The following morning, they set off at first light and were able to make out two sets of hoof print’s leaving the Smite ranch, the riders going at a fair pace...then another set that frequently stopped, the ground churned up, like they were following the others.

It was mid-morning before they saw a horse grazing at the side of the road and as they advanced, they were able to make out a man sitting before a campfire nursing a bandaged arm.

All morning thunder clouds had been gathering and the first spots of rain started falling as Jess and Doug reined in by the injured man.

“Well, it’s good to see the Law actually doing some work,” Carl Smite said sarcastically. “It’s just a shame you didn’t turn up sooner to stop that dang wife of mine and her crazy friend trying to kill me!”

Jess looked mutinous at that and said gruffly, “Well iffen they did do this to you I doubt very much it wasn’t without cause...so what have you been up to Smite?”

“This ain’t anything to do with you Harper, so just butt out!”

Jess dismounted and advanced to where Carl had now struggled to his feet.

“If my Millie is involved it’s got everything to do with me,” Jess spat, “now where is she, huh?”

Doug dismounted and joined Jess.

“So, what happened exactly?” he asked frowning at Carl.

“They’re crazy women!” Carl blustered. “They just upped and shot me neither rhyme nor reason to it!”

“You’ve been shot?” Doug asked.

“Well, I sure ain’t wearing this dang sling for fun,” he growled, “sure I’ve been shot and by my own wife. Attempted murder Sheriff and I want her brought in. She’ll pay for this!”

“If she shot you, it was probably in self-defence,” Jess said, “seeing as how you’ve been hounding her for weeks now!”

“Who says that? I’ve been a perfect husband to the woman and she’s lying if she says different!”

“It’s been reported that you may have been abusing her,” Doug said, “and I aim to look into it, don’t you worry. I’ll find your wife and get to the bottom of what happened here.”

Then Carl looking somewhat uncomfortable said, “I told ya she’ll lie and that tart Millie Johnson is no better!”

Jess had Carl’s shirt front bunched in one hand and dragging him close, balled his fist in his face and muttered, “You bad mouth Millie again and I’ll ram your teeth down yer throat Smite!”

“OK Jess take it easy,” Doug said, coming over and pulling Jess gently away.

“You alright to get back to town Smite?” he asked.

The rain was coming down in sheets now the thunder rumbling ominously.

“Sure, sure,” he said moving off to his mount.

Jess and Doug quickly headed off in the opposite direction following the girl’s tracks.

But they had only been going a matter of a few minutes before the rain completely obliterated the trail.

After a while Doug reined in and said, “This is impossible Jess...they could be heading anyplace, we lost the tracks a while back.”

The hoof prints had left the road at Carl’s camp, and went up a bank that just didn’t head anywhere.

“There’s nothing this way except the open prairie,” Jess said looking anxious.

“Perhaps they were panicking and just wanted to get away?” Doug replied.

“Maybe, but no way did Smite bandage that arm himself, the girls did it and maybe made the fire up for him too.”

Doug nodded, “Hardly the action of wanton killers.”

Jess threw him a sad smile, “I guess they needed to stop him and then felt bad they’d hurt him. Knowing Millie, she wouldn’t just have left him to bleed out...neither would Ellie.”

“It was only a flesh wound as well, the guy’s a wimp, making so much dang fuss,” Doug said. Then he looked off to the misty surrounding area and said, “So where do you think they’d be heading then Jess?”

He shrugged, “All I can think is that they may have doubled back onto the road and be on the way to Laramie. They’d hardly go back to Cheyenne for fear of Smite retaliating, you saw how mad he was.”

“I agree,” Doug said, and they headed back toward the Laramie Road...looking desperately through the storm for any sign of the girls.

Chapter 4

Meanwhile Ellie and Millie were holed up in a cave about ten miles to the east, on the other side of the Laramie Road from where Doug and Jess had been looking. They were still sheltering from the furious storm, which showed no signs of letting up.

They had managed to find some dry wood at the back of the cave and now sat huddled in front of a meagre fire.

“I still can’t believe I shot him that way Millie,” Ellie said looking deeply into her dear friend’s eyes.

“You really had no choice Ellie, when he drew his gun and told us what he intended doing to us...well it just doesn’t bear thinking about. He’d have raped you if you hadn’t shot him...maybe me too,” she said in hushed tones.

“I know,” Ellie whispered, once more blinking back tears. “I didn’t think he’d have caught us so quickly; he seemed to come from nowhere.”

“I just thank God you had that derringer hidden in your bag when he did catch us. So glad I was able to distract him for a second so you could get in a shot.” Millie said. “Then we even dressed the wound and left him comfortable enough which was more than he deserved. Goodness me Jess would barely notice a little flesh wound like that. Carl’s such a wimp!” she added.

That made her friend smile at last, “He is an awful baby isn’t he,” she said.

Millie nodded, “Bullies often are.”

“So, what will we do, where can we go?”

“Well right now I figure we’ll stay here,” Millie said, casting another anxious glance out at the driving rain. “It will be dark in a few hours, better we dry off here and try and get some sleep. All the rain will have washed out our tracks even if Carl does decide to follow us,” she added.

“But then what will happen? I reckon Laramie will be the first place he looks when I don’t return to Cheyenne.”

“We’ll just have to lie low and I know the perfect place,” Millie said grinning, “the old Benson spread.”

“Huh? Where is that?”

“It’s right at the back of the Sherman Ranch and Relay station. Their home meadow abuts the Benson land. The old place is empty right now. Mort Cory has the keys and rents it out occasionally...but there hasn’t been a tenant for years.”

“Sounds perfect and you’ll be able to see Jess?”

“Yes, that’s what I was thinking. We’ll lie low for a while and as soon as it’s safe I’ll go find him, he’ll know what to do.”

“Thank God,” Ellie whispered, “because I can’t go back to Carl, I just can’t!”

The girls stayed the night in the cave and it was two very cold, tired and hungry girls who emerged the following morning.

“At least the rain’s stopped,” Millie said brightly trying to be cheerful.

“But look at the road, its knee deep in mud in places and Jonty hates the mud,” she said patting her faithful old buckskin.

“Can’t be helped,” Millie said, “come on let’s go, I won’t relax until we’re safely at the Benson place, Carl won’t find us there.”

A watery sun had come out as they mounted up and casting wary glances around started off on the way back to the Laramie Road.

They had only been travelling for half an hour or so when they saw a wagon pulled in at the side of the road and a wisp of smoke drifting up into the now clear blue sky.

The girls exchanged a look wondering if the travellers would share their fire and maybe even a good hot coffee.

But as they came closer, they saw it was a Tumbleweed Wagon and instinctively slowed their pace.

“I don’t like the look of that,” Ellie said, “do you suppose it’s full of prisoners?”

“Well, they usually are, but they can’t get out.” Then grinning she said, “Jess travelled in one once.”

Ellie looked shocked, until Millie said, “Oh he wasn’t a prisoner. He’d been helping the Marshall out and they brought him home in it as he’d been badly injured.”

By now they had nearly reached the wagon, and they saw a pleasant looking middle-aged man sitting before a blazing fire sipping a coffee.

He looked up when he saw the girls approaching and jumping up, he swept off his hat and bowed low smiling and saying, “Well howdy ladies, welcome to my humble fireside, please do come and share my repast.”

The girls exchanged a glance and nodded before Millie said, “That’s very kind of you Mr?”

“Uh...Baggins Joe Baggins at your service ladies,” he said bowing once more.

Then she looked anxiously towards the Tumbleweed wagon and said, “What about your prisoners aren’t you in a hurry to move on?”

The man looked back to where the wagon was parked a few yards away and frowned, then his face cleared and he laughed, “Oh no my dear, you misunderstand...this isn’t a Tumbleweed Wagon...at least it was, but it isn’t now if you get my drift?”

When the girls still looked worried, he explained.

“Well, it was to be sure, but it’s been uh...what’s the word...um decommissioned...sold off, seeing as its seen better days, I guess. But it was just what I was looking for to take the family out and about...more space than a regular wagon you see...the wife and kids will love it,” he added.

At the news that he was a family man and there were no desperate outlaws in the wagon Millie and Ellie relaxed, and dismounting they joined Joe around the fire.

They were soon enjoying some hot coffee and beans as Joe entertained them with tales of his large family and friends.

“So how long have you lived in Laramie?” Millie asked, “I work in the saloon there and don’t recall seeing you in town.”

Joe looked away quickly, but then gathered himself and said, “Well you see Miss Millie I signed the pledge as a boy, so you wouldn’t see me in a saloon...and we tend to be pretty much self-sufficient off at the old homestead so don’t get into town too often.”

Then Ellie gave a huge yawn and apologised.

“It seems to me you two young ladies have had kind of a difficult trip?” he asked hesitantly, “you’re maybe running away from something...or someone?”

Ellie exchanged a wary look with Millie, but then feeling she could trust this kindly family man, she said, “Yes, we are but we’re not in any trouble, just need to get safely to Laramie.”

“Well then, my dear it’s your lucky day as that’s exactly where I’m heading to meet the family. Now why don’t you two young ladies make yourselves comfortable in the wagon? I’ll tie your mounts on behind and you can have forty winks huh...you sure do look awful sleepy.”

Both Millie and Ellie were feeling very tired. They had hardly slept in the cave and now the welcome food and warm fire had worked their magic and they felt comfortable in the amenable middle-aged man’s company and ready for a nap.

He showed them to the wagon and it was indeed looking very cosy inside with a large mattress spread out and plenty of colourful blankets.

“There you are girls you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug in there,” he chuckled.

Both Ellie and Millie were soon cuddled down and fast asleep almost as soon as Joe set off down the road.

OOOOOOO

About the time Ellie and Millie were sleeping peacefully in the back of Joe’s wagon, Jess and Doug were deep in conversation with Mort Cory in Laramie.

They had ridden on through the storm for most of the day and night, desperately seeking the girls spreading out and covering all the land around the Laramie Road. But there was no sign of them. The girls of course still sitting out the storm in the cave back then.

“Maybe they headed straight to the ranch,” Mort suggested, “because they sure haven’t been in town.”

Jess had been getting more and more upset and now he turned his anger on his old friend.

“Damn it, Mort, you can’t know that, not without checking every place. They’re on the run after that incident with that bastard Smite…they’d hardly be making a big entrance. They’re probably holed up someplace deciding what to do next...and not the saloon as that’d be the first place Smite would check.”

“OK, simmer down Jess...I can understand you’re upset but going off half cocked won’t help any. Now you head back to the ranch and see if they’ve landed there and I’ll get a party together and search the town, OK?”

Jess bowed his head and swallowed hard, “Sorry Mort and thanks.”

Then turning to Doug said, “And thanks for riding over with me Doug, I really appreciate it.”

Doug slapped him warmly on the back, “I sure hope you find them. I’ve gotta be getting back, that young deputy of mine is still pretty wet behind the ears. But I’ll take another good look for any signs on my way back in case we missed something in that god awful weather.”

When Jess arrived at the ranch, Slim came running out of the house looking surprised.

“Heck I wasn’t expecting you back already...don’t say you and the lovely Millie have had a falling out?” he asked grinning at the absurdity of the notion.

Jess dismounted, tethered Traveller walked up onto the porch and after removing his hat slumped down on one of the porch chairs...his face a mask of misery.

Slim sat in the other never taking his eyes of Jess. After a moment he asked softly, “Heck, what is it buddy?”

Jess finally looked at him, his eyes bleak, “She’s gone Slim, she’s ridden out with her friend Ellie and they’ve just disappeared.”

“Huh, that can’t be true, tell me everything Jess...from the start.”

Once Slim had all the facts, he looked equally anxious, “I never did like that Smite, way too good lookin’ and smarmy...we said at the wedding he was no good, didn’t we?”

Jess nodded, “Never mind about him, he’ll get what’s due him, but I need to find the girls first.”

“Sure you do, and I’ll help,” Slim said quickly.

“You will?”

“Of course, I had a meeting with the Stage Company just yesterday and things are pretty quiet around here. We’ll head out first thing, call in at the Jackson’s and get the boys to cover for a while huh?”

“Thanks Slim,” Jess said softly.

Then just moments later there was an excited barking as Blue flew around the side of the house and started cavorting around his master…tail wagging as he gave little yelps of pleasure.

“I guess we’ll take him with us,” Jess said, “maybe he’ll be able to find their trail.”

OOOOOOO

The following morning, they were just finishing a hasty breakfast when someone rode into the yard.

At the sound of the hooves Jess leapt up eagerly and ran to the door, dragging it open, hopefully. But his face fell when he saw it was only Mort.

“No sign I take it?” he asked dismounting.

Jess shook his head, “Come on in Mort coffee’s on.”

Once they were seated Mort sipped his coffee looking rather uncomfortable.

Jess picked up on his demeanor at once, “Something happened Mort...you heard something?”

Mort sighed deeply, “Yes, I have. Doug Masters rode back in last night; he’d found two abandoned horses about five miles outside town...and it looks like they were being ridden by Millie and Ellie.”

“You’re sure?” Jess gasped.

“Uh-huh, Doug recognised the Buckskin as the one Ellie always rode. She had him before she was married...uh...and there were saddle bags still on the horses.”

Then he put the saddle bag he’d been carrying on the table and took out some of the contents.

“Recognise anything Jess?”

Jess just stared in horror before picking up a hair brush and then a little bottle of perfume. After a moment, his voice thick with emotion, he said, “Yeah...that’s Millie’s stuff.”

Mort looked down, “I’m really sorry Jess.”

“Hey this don’t prove anything. So, they left the horses, there could be a good reason. Maybe they were camped out and they didn’t hitch up properly, and they just wandered off,” he suggested.

“They’re both sensible riders Jess,” Mort said quietly.

“So, what then…they’ve been taken? What!”

“Steady Jess,” Slim said quietly.

“I really don’t know,” Mort said, “but I figure we should ride out and take a look.”

Doug had left a marker where he’d found the horses and they saw the bandana attached to a stick by the roadside straight away, in the bend in the road near old Mr Ashworth’s spread.

Blue started capering around the spot sniffing and whining.

“I guess he’s got Millie’s scent,” Jess said looking animated.

He again offered the hairbrush to the dog/wolf cross to sniff and he barked and started running hither and thither sniffing loudly.

Just minutes later he returned with a flimsy scrap of white material in his mouth and dropped it at Jess’s feet.

“What’s he got?” Mort asked raising an eyebrow.

Jess picked it up and held it almost reverently; before sniffing at it, his eyes alight with hope.

“It’s hers Mort, a handkerchief and her perfume and initial M on it...she must be around someplace.”

Blue shot off in all directions, but came back seconds later having failed to pick up the trail.

“I just don’t get it,” Jess said, “she was here with the horses and they must have walked away and left them...so why aren’t there any tracks or scent for Blue to pick up?”

“The hanky could just have fallen out of the saddlebags, maybe it could be like we said they were holed up some place and the horses just ran off?” Mort suggested.

They were stumped and wondering what to do next when they heard a horse trotting down the road and moments later old man Ashworth came into view.

He reined in and grinning said, “Howdy Jess, Slim...Sheriff, so what brings you to these parts? Not trouble I hope,” he asked eyeing the Sheriff suspiciously.

Once they had explained he looked thoughtful.

“They were riding a bay and buckskin you say?” he asked.

The men nodded, “Have you seen them?” Jess asked.

“Well sure, weren’t any ladies a ridin’ them though... they were tethered to the back of an old Tumbleweed wagon.”

“What!” Jess cried.

“You sure of that?” asked Mort. “There aren’t any prisoners being moved right now.”

“Yes, I am…see I thought it was kinda odd too. We don’t get many of those old wagons in these parts, but this one was driven by a regular guy...not a prison officer or Marshall like they usually are and just one guy driving. There are always at least two guarding prisoners.”

“And you didn’t think to tell the Sheriff!” Jess blazed.

“Well, no son. See folk sometimes buy up old Tumbleweed wagons and use them for travelling. Going on the wagon train that kinda thing. Some can be real spacious inside and sturdy too. I figured that must be the case...but now you say these ladies are missing... well...”

“So did you see inside?” Jess persisted.

The old man shook his head, “No can’t say as I did...just the horses...and they were fully saddled too, I thought that kinda odd.”

“Well thank you, you’ve been a great help,” Slim said quickly not wanting Jess to start berating the old timer again.

They turned back towards town and now they knew what they were looking for all three men had their gaze glued to the dusty road searching for the wide deep tracks that would have been left by a Tumbleweed wagon.

Every now and again they would just discern a possible track amidst all the other wagons that had travelled that way.

However, it wasn’t until they came to a fork in the road that they could clearly see the wide deep tracks of a heavy wagon...and four sets of hooves, that of the two wagon horses and possibly the two saddle horses.

The fork they took was less travelled and the trail became even clearer as the trail rose upwards heading towards the old Laramie Road, now no longer much in use.

“Looks like he was aiming to skirt town, I reckon,” Mort said, as the tracks continued off towards the old Indian pass heading towards Rawlins. See he loosed the mounts here too...you can see the tracks going back the way they’d come.”

After some time, they discovered a camp site and Blue got very excited sniffing about. But it was when Jess saw two pairs of diminutive footprints in the ground that he knew for sure his girl and Ellie had been taken.

“Goddamn it Slim! he yelled, “They’ve been shanghaied. They may not have been drugged and thrown in a ship’s hold...but they’ve dang well been taken against their will...and I reckon I know why too.”

Mort and Slim looked at Jess’s pale anguished face and Slim said softly, “Why’s that Jess?

“Look where they’re heading...up into the mountains ain’t they.”

“So?” Mort asked frowning.

“So, we all know there is a lack of females up the mountain...and one hell of a lot of lonely men. I figure they’ve been abducted to sell as mail order brides...only in this case the brides want no part of it!”

“Hell,” Mort sighed, “I do believe you may be right Jess.”

Chapter 5

After the affable Joe Baggins had helped the girls aboard the Tumbleweed Wagon, he gave them a welcome drink of water and then headed off, the team trotting along briskly as the girls nodded off.

When Millie awoke a good many hours later, dawn was just breaking.

Goodness me she thought we have slept right from yesterday morning through the night and now it’s nearly a new day!

She struggled to sit up and wake Ellie, but suddenly realised her movements were restricted by a heavy chain attached to her wrist and padlocked to the side of the wagon. Then further examination found that her ankles were manacled too.

The wagon was sedentary...but there was no sound or sight of Joe Baggins...if that was his real name, Millie thought angrily.

“Ellie...Ellie, wake up,” she hissed.

Ellie opened her eyes and looked blearily across at her friend...after a moment she sighed and said, “Oh Millie I feel awful, my head’s throbbing.”

“You too...I feel the same,” Millie said softly, “but that is the least of our problems.”

“What do you mean?” Ellie asked beginning to sit up. But then she stopped as she too became aware of the chains.

“What! What on earth’s going on Mill?” she asked looking deeply shocked.

“I don’t know,” Millie said, “but I aim to find out,” and she yelled, “Joe...Joe Baggins...are you there?”

After a moment a surly face appeared at the barred window at the back of the wagon, “What are you hollerin’ about woman?” the man growled.

Gone was the kindly, affable family man Joe, and in his place was an arrogant, evil looking hombre.

Millie was so shocked at this turnabout she nearly lost her nerve, but taking a deep breath, she said angrily, “What do you think you’re doing locking us up this way. Let us go at once!”

“Ha!” the man barked, “A feisty little thing ain’t you, Miss Millie!”

Then he scowled at her, “You’d better watch your mouth young lady. I’d hate to hafta get in there and teach you some manners.” Then he grinned evilly, “But there again it might be kinda fun at that.”

Millie and Ellie exchanged an anxious glance before Ellie swallowed hard and in a small voice asked, “Where are you taking us?”

“Well, I’ll tell ya, Miss Ellie, seeing as how you asked so nice...we’re all going up the mountain...to meet your new husbands.”

“Our... what?” Millie cried looking horror stricken.

“You heard girl,” he replied menacingly.

Millie just stared at him, “Who are you really?” she asked.

He smirked then and doffed his hat, “The name’s Starkey ma’am Joe Starkey...wanted in three states,” he said proudly. “I also go by the name of Catcher Joe. See my business is catching dames like you two and providing bachelor gentlemen with their heart’s desire... Kind of a public service really,” he said laughing to himself and ambling off.

Millie and Ellie just looked at each other in total dismay.

000000

They would have ridden on through the night if Jess’d had his way. As it was Mort and Slim were finally able to talk some sense into him.

They were still trailing the Tumbleweed Wagon and whereas it had a few days start on them, the very nature of the large ungainly wagon meant that it would be travelling relatively slowly.

The three had reined in at the base of a large mountain and the trail had disappeared up a wide old logging trail.

“I reckon he’s decided to cover his tracks at last,” Mort said, glancing down at where the wheel marks had been wiped over with brush wood. “Waste of time though,” he added looking up the mountain. “Only one way to where he’s heading and that’ll be Ginger Malone and his cohorts a real bad lot,” he added sighing.

“Yeah, I’ve heard Red talk about them,” Jess said referring to his old friend, Red Smith, the Sheriff of Rawlins. “Gives all the good Mountain Folk a bad name he reckons. All of them Malones  would sell their granny for a bent nickel.”

Mort nodded sagely, “Uh-huh and no decent girl would go within a mile of any of those sidewinders. I guess that’s why they’ve called in the help of a shanghai merchant, to find them some women,” he said wryly.

“So, what are we waiting for?” Jess asked angrily, ready to head on up the steep, rough trail, which was almost shrouded in darkness now.

“Talk sense,” Slim said quickly, “it would be a suicide mission trying to ride up there in the pitch dark! One wrong step and you’d end up over the side...that what you want, huh? At best that old horse of yours could snap a leg. Come on Jess...be sensible buddy.”

Jess waivered still peering up the trail.

“Slim’s right,” Mort said, “we’ll camp here and be back on the trail at first light...and I reckon we’ll find them real soon Jess...real soon.”

Jess looked down and said quietly, “OK we’ll play it your way...but if that bastard has as much as harmed a hair of her head...”

Slim leaned across and punched Jess gently on the arm, “She’ll be just fine...come on let’s make camp...you’ll feel better once you’ve got a coffee inside of you.”

Jess barely slept and was up way before sun-up ready to go as soon as the eerie dawn light began to illuminate the steep track sufficiently to see their way.

As he was saddling up, Slim wandered over and said, “Look Jess I know you’re real mad and all. But don’t go off half cocked. Hear the guy out there may be a perfectly rational explanation huh.”

Jess just stared at him like he was plumb crazy, shook his head and hopped up into the saddle, without replying.

It was midday when they finally caught up with the Tumbleweed Wagon.

They rounded a bend and there it was pulled up at the side of the steep track off in the distance.

They quickly dismounted and ground hitched. Then Jess ordered Blue to sit and stay as he didn’t want him alerting the camp to their presence.

They walked in slowly and quietly.

There was a sulky fire smouldering, a middle-aged man leaning over it trying to coax it into life. The two women sat close together, away from the fire, huddled against one of the Tumbleweed Wagon’s large wheels.

The men took in the scene at once and after a second the middle-aged man suddenly became aware of their presence.

His shifty eyes darted to where his rifle was just out of reach, but before he could make a decision as to whether to dive for it or not, Jess had already drawn his Colt.

“Don’t even think about it,” he drawled, his eyes never leaving the devious looking ratty faced man.

Then Mort and Slim moved in, the Sheriff with his rifle trained on Starkey.

Jess glanced towards Millie and Ellie and what he saw made his blood run cold.

He strode over and looking down at the dishevelled women, he took in their pale dirty faces. But the worst of it was the vacant look in their eyes...that spoke of humiliation and hopelessness.

“Millie,” he said softly... “Mill?”

She just stared vacantly up at him.

He turned back to Joe Starkey and advancing upon him, the light of battle in his eyes he whispered, “What in hell have ya done to my girl?”

Slim and Mort exchanged a charged glance and Slim was about to intervene when Mort shook his head.

“Let him get it out of his system,” he whispered, “we can step in if he goes too far.”

Both men stood back and watched as Starkey started mumbling that he’d just found the girls that very day and they seemed real upset about something. Maybe the notorious mountain men had abducted them he hazarded...looking fearful.

Jess ignored his muttering completely and roared, “I’m gonna rip yer damn head off for what you’ve done,” and proceeded to lay into Starkey...fists flying as Joe Starkey cowered and then attempted to fight back. But it was all over in a matter of seconds with the evil looking abductor out cold, a dribble of blood at the corner of his mouth...eyes rolled back and his face deathly pale.

“Get up goddamn you!” Jess yelled kicking him hard on the leg. “I ain’t finished yet!”

“He’s done for Jess, out cold,” Mort said taking his arm and pulling him away, “Now go tend to your girl son...she needs you.”

Jess turned to look at Mort with unseeing eyes for a moment, before looking down at the unconscious bloody form of Joe Starkey and he finally nodded.

He strode over to the girls where Slim was already squatting down beside them offering a canteen to Millie.

She drank greedily before passing it to Ellie and turned to thank Slim...and then her eyes finally became alive, “Ssslim?” she questioned.

Then turning towards Jess as he came over, she gasped, “Oh Jess, you came…thank God!”

He knelt down beside her and held her close as she started sobbing with relief.

Mort wandered over and smiling down at the emotional scene noticed that the girls were still chained to the wagon, by ankle shackles.

“Where’s the key honey?” he asked after a while, addressing Millie who was now looking slightly more composed.

“Round Joe’s neck,” she said.

Then quietly, “You haven’t killed him have you Jess?”

He shook his head, “Nope...not yet anyway,” he added darkly, “but the day ain’t done yet,” he added, throwing Mort a weak grin to show he was just joshing...although he had been pretty near killing the bastard he reflected.

He stood up, “I’ll get it.”

“Take it easy Jess he’s still unconscious,” Mort said, flicking a warning look in his direction.

“Yeah, yeah,” Jess said easily, “even I’m not crazy enough to kill a guy who’s out for the count Mort...don’t fret,” he said, with a genuine grin this time, just happy that he’d found Millie and she was alive.

He wandered over towards the fallen man to retrieve the key to the chains...but never made it.

A single shot rang out from the derringer Starkey had just pulled from his saddlebag, near where he had fallen. He was still dazed and couldn’t even focus properly...but the bullet caught Jess at almost point-blank range and he fell like a stone, clasping his side.

Then just a split second later two more shots rang out...from Slim and Mort’s weapons...both finding their mark and Starkey breathed his last.

Mort and Slim dashed across to where Jess had fallen and Slim gasped as he saw a widening dark stain on the left-hand side, just below his ribs. He quickly removed his bandana and pushed it into the wound.

Then Blue who had been left outside the camp minding the horses tore in at the sound of the shots and made for Jess whimpering and laying down beside him.

Meanwhile Mort had run over to check on the dead man and after retrieving the key, hurried across and released the girls.

Millie was frantic as she looked over to her lover.

She and Mort dashed across to where Slim was putting pressure on the wound...Jess looking pale and sweating as he cussed softly.

“Oh Jess, no,” Millie whispered. Ellie was close behind her looking on anxiously.

“Hey I’m OK honey don’t fret,” he gasped.

“How can I help it?” she said taking his hand.

Then turning to Slim said, “Is it bad?”

He shook his head, “Not as bad as it could have been. It looks like the bullet just caught him a glancing blow on his side here...went straight through...just this heavy bleeding that’s a problem.”

Mort tipped his hat back and said quietly, “I’m impressed, you sound just like the doc there Slim.”

Slim threw him a weak grin, “I guess I’ve picked things up after being around Hotshot for so long.”

“Hey I am here,” Jess said as they talked over him.

Mort apologised and went off to get the fire going whilst Millie collected the horses and fetched Jess’s bed roll to where he was being made as comfortable as possible by the fire.

Slim removed the now blood-soaked shirt and painstakingly cleaned out the wound, that had finally stopped bleeding.

Now the sulky fire was blazing away, so Millie got busy heating some water to make up a painkilling medicine.

As Jess watched Slim make up the concoction of willow bark and herbs mixed with the boiling water and a splash of hill whiskey, he said, “Please tell me it ain’t that God awful brew Kate Munroe always gives me,” referring to their old friend and the Sheriff’s special lady.

“The very same,” Slim said, “Now get it down you. You know full well it’ll help with that pain and you’ll be able to sleep awhile.”

“Sure I will,” Jess muttered sarcastically.

Slim drifted off to talk to Mort and Ellie, leaving the lovers together.

Millie sat beside Jess holding his hand.

“Jeez,” he said softly, “I’ve missed you so damn much Millie. I never thought seeing you again would be like this though,” he said grimacing, “it’s not the way I’d been imagining our first hours together...after bein’ so long apart.”

She flushed prettily at that and said, “Oh, and how did you imagine it then?”

He rolled his eyes and gave her a lopsided grin, “You know dang well,” he whispered, his eyes speaking volumes.

She ran a hand over his forehead, brushing his dark hair back. Then leaning down kissed him softly on the lips, before saying “There will be plenty of time for that once you’re well again. Now you get some shut eye mister...that’s an order.”

He reached up smiling and ran a finger lovingly down her check and said, “OK Miss Bossy.”

Then the smile faded, “You’re sure he didn’t hurt you, Millie?”

“Absolutely sure, now you rest huh.”

He finally slept, his beloved dog still by his side as Millie crept away to check on how Ellie was faring.

The others were sitting around the fire making plans.

“I don’t want to move him today,” Slim said, “any movement could set off that bleeding again.”

Mort looked pensive, “OK but I think we should get going first thing tomorrow.”

Then glancing over to Slim, he said softly, “If Millie is right and this is the place that sidewinder had agreed to meet up with Ginger Malone and his clan, I reckon we could be kinda outnumbered. It’s not looking any too good especially with Jess out of action just now.”

However, Millie and Ellie had overheard him and looked anxious.

Mort quickly changed tack, “Oh don’t worry ladies, I’m sure Slim and I can handle things if we have too. I doubt they’d want to tangle with a lawman, but I’d rather not take the risk,” he added.

When the girls had gone to the wagon, to find something to cook up for their meal, Mort added “We need to keep these little ladies safe, I reckon they’ve been through enough.”

Slim agreed, and then the girls were back and their attention was on cooking the food.

Later Slim noticed Ellie had been watching Blue closely, as he continued lying beside his master and he said, “It’s OK you know Ellie. I know Blue looks like a wolf, but he’s all dog inside and he’s quite safe to be around.”

Ellie looked startled at that and then said, “Oh no Slim, I’m not afraid of him, he’s beautiful. I think it’s wonderful the way he’s guarding Jess. No, I’m just so sad. I do believe that horrible Joe Baggins shot my sweet little Chip.”   

Slim looked upset knowing how fond Ellie was of the diminutive terrier.

“Are you sure?”

She nodded, “I think so, he was gone when we woke up that first day. We heard Joe shooting. He said he’d been rabbiting...but he didn’t have any with him when he returned.”

“He could just have fired warning shots and the little guy decided to head for home,” Mort said hopefully.  

Ellie gave him a weak smile, “Maybe.”

It was now late evening and Ellie had turned in, as had Mort. He and Slim had agreed to take it in turn to guard the camp throughout the night with Slim taking the first watch.

There was a full moon and the area was well lit. As Millie couldn’t sleep, she had taken Jess’s bloodstained shirt down to the creek to wash and now she returned looking worried.

“It was soddened with blood,” she said softly. “It turned the water pink. I think I’ve got it all out...but oh Slim, he lost so much blood.”

He nodded and taking the shirt from her rang it out again and then put it over a large boulder, to dry near the fire.

“I know,” he replied, “he’ll be out of action for a good few days I reckon. Certainly, won’t be able to sit a horse that’s for sure.”

“But he will be alright?”

“Oh yeah, tough as old boots is Jess.”

Then he saw the tears in her eyes and put a comforting arm around her shoulders holding her close for a moment...before releasing her and smiling fondly into her eyes.

“Hey he’ll be fine Millie, don’t upset yourself.”

“I’m sorry,” she said sniffing. Then sitting up straight and pulling herself together said, “It’s just that it’s been so long since we’ve been together...and now this.”

Slim looked thoughtful and said, “You know Daisy and Mike are away?”

She nodded, “Yes visiting her cousin? Jess mentioned it in a letter”

“Uh-huh, so seeing as how you aren’t due back at the saloon for another couple of weeks...I was wondering if you’d uh...like to kinda fill in.”

“Fill in?”

“Sure, take over as housekeeper...look after me and old Hotshot? I guess you could do with some down time together huh? And well we could tell folk that you’re just helping out...you know, until Daisy gets back?”

She realised he was trying to protect her reputation by suggesting that and loved him for it. “Thank you Slim, that would be perfect,” she said looking elated. “And I will do all Daisy’s duties...I promise!”

He grinned at that, “There’s no need for that. You just keep Jess happy. I guess you both deserve some time together. In fact, why don’t you take your bedroll over there,” he said tipping his hat to where Jess was asleep on the far side of the fire. “Keep an eye on him for me huh. Just let me know if there’s any change...he gets a mite too hot...you know what to look for?”

She nodded, “I do,” and then leaning across she kissed him softly on the cheek, “Thanks Slim you’re a true friend,” she whispered before going off to check on Jess.

Chapter 6

It was early the following morning when the Malone clan arrived.

They were just finishing breakfast around the campfire when they heard riders approaching.

All of the men, even Jess, were standing rifles in hand when Ginger Malone and his two sons rode into the camp.

Jess moved protectively in front of the women and growled, “State your business.”

Ginger Malone was the archetype villain in looks and manner. From his dirty weather-beaten countenance to his rough dress and dark brooding eyes, he exuded menace. Now he turned these eyes on Jess before peering at Millie and Ellie huddled behind him.

“You got some merchandise for me I believe...Joe Starkey, is it?”

Jess tipped his hat to where Starkey was on the edge of the camp shrouded in a blanket.

“That’s Starkey,” he said and unless you want to end up the same way I suggest you ride out right now.”

Malone bristled and turning to glance at his sons behind him said, “We’ve got us some business to attend to first young man.”

That’s when Slim and Mort came forward and Malone suddenly spied the Sheriff’s badge.

“I should do as the man says Malone,” Mort drawled, “that’s real good advice.”

“Look Sheriff we had a deal with Starkey, happy to pay what we owe for these women and we’ll be on our way.”

“You’re not hearing me right,” Mort said turning his Rifle on the big man. “You’d better ride out...unless you want me to arrest you for offences regarding trafficking slaves. Because that is what this business is all about Malone. These women were taken against their will and Starkey was going to sell them illegally. So, unless you want to take a ride out to see the Sheriff in Rawlins and explain your part in this deal...I should go now.

Malone sighed deeply before making to turn his mount around. But before he could do so the younger, rather simple looking son, said, “What’s happenin’ Pa? Don’t I get my pretty wife?” he asked staring hard in Ellie’s direction.

“No Sam, git home boy!” he said as though addressing a dog. “You too Jed,” he added to the other son.

The youngster looked confused, but obeyed.

Malone was heading out of camp when he realised his older boy, Jed, was still sitting his horse staring at Millie as though mesmerized.

“Are you kinda hard of hearing?” Jess asked pointing his rifle at the tough looking hombre and advancing on him.

Slim was at his side instantly and put a gentle hand on his arm, “Easy Jess,” he muttered. Knowing his buddy was still as weak as a kitten.

Then Mort was there beside them.

“The lady is this man’s girl,” he said tipping his hat towards Millie and then Jess. “I should just quit while your ahead Mister and do as I suggest, get on home with your Pa.”

Jed Malone looked into Jess’s eyes and a shiver ran down his spine. The guy might be injured he thought noting the bandage, but hell he sure had the killer instinct...as far as anyone messin’ with his gal was concerned it seemed.

He backed down and followed his Pa out of the camp...But then paused and turning his mount back, yelled, “This ain’t over yet...I aim to take that pretty little gal for my own,” and with that he galloped off after his Pa and brother.

“Over my dead body,” Jess whispered before turning away and slumping down by the fire...feeling utterly exhausted.

This hadn’t gone unnoticed by Slim and when the time came for them to ride out he suggested Jess travel in the Tumbleweed wagon with the women.

“Well, I dunno Slim, that hombre Jed might be still hanging around waiting to try his hand. ”

“I’m never going in that wagon again,” Ellie suddenly blurted out. “I’m sorry Slim but I just can’t be confined that way again.”

“I know what you mean,” Millie said quickly, “but we won’t be locked in this time Ellie… we’ll be quite safe.”

Ellie said nothing, but when she started to sob softly Millie immediately went to comfort her...the men looking on helplessly.

“How’s about you ride up on the wagon with Slim?” Mort said, smiling at Ellie.

“You can rest up in the back like Slim suggested,” he added addressing Jess. “Then you’ll be real near at hand in case we do have any problems. This way Slim’s got Ellie’s back and you’ll be taking care of Millie huh?”

At that Jess could suddenly see the advantages of being confined in the wagon alone with his gal away from inquisitive eyes...and back-peddled fast saying that sounded like good sense.

Mort grinned and winked at Slim, “Well good I’m glad that’s settled,” he said.

Once everyone was on board, Alamo and Traveller were hitched behind the wagon and Mort brought up the rear leading Starkey’s mount, his remains slung over the saddle.

Now in the wagon, Jess lay sprawled out on the comfortable mattress, Millie in his arms... He caressed her cheek and said softly, “Thank God you’re safe...I don’t know what I’d have done...if...”

“Don’t talk that way Jess...I’m fine now,” she said looking deep into his concerned blue eyes.

Then they were kissing fervently...the others just feet away, but all their past cares forgotten in their shared passion.

OOOOOOO

They had discussed the best way to keep the girls safe once they returned to Laramie. Whereas Mort agreed that Millie would be well guarded at the ranch, he couldn’t say the same for Ellie.

They were sitting around the camp fire on their last night on the trail discussing their options.

“Well, I reckon we have two issues here,” Mort said regarding the others over the rim of his coffee cup. “The first being those dang Mountain Men, although I doubt that they’ll cause us too much trouble. Shouldn’t think they’d mess with Jess, where Millie’s concerned.”

“We can’t bank on that Mort,” Jess muttered, “that Jed looked pretty much taken with Millie and the younger kid with Ellie too.”

“I agree,” Slim said, “that’s why I’m glad Millie is to stay at the ranch for a couple of weeks until all this business calms down...Ellie too if she’d like,” he added smiling at the young woman.

“Um, I’m afraid I can’t allow that,” Mort said looking a tad uncomfortable.

Then turning to Ellie he said, “You see my dear there is the matter of you shooting your husband. Oh, I know it was in self defence,” he added, raising a hand to quiet them as both Millie and Ellie started to explain.

“I understand completely, and you will have your day in court to explain the matter. I’ve no doubt at all that you will be cleared of any charges. But in the meantime, we must follow the letter of the law and that states that you should be held securely until the Judge’s next visit.”

“Oh no, please,” Millie cried out, “she can’t stay in your jail Mort, you’ve seen how fearful she is of being confined since our ordeal!”

 “What about Widow Green’s place? Jess suggested, referring to an elderly lady who ran a boarding house in town exclusively for single ladies.

“Heck, she runs that place tighter than your jail Mort, no guy would get within a mile of Ellie, husband, mountain man or whoever,” he said wryly, having attempted to visit a lady there himself. “She’s a real tough cookie and if you say Ellie’s to be kept safe there, then she’ll see to it.”

Mort ginned, “By jingo I think you’ve got it Jess that would be ideal.”

Then turning to Ellie, said, “What do you say Ellie?”

She smiled, “That would be a perfect answer thank you.”

Slim smiled at her, “And in the meantime I’ll have a word with old Benson, our solicitor, and see if he can maybe start divorce proceedings on the grounds of your husband’s cruelty.

She looked warmly into his eyes, “Thank you Slim, you are so kind,” she whispered.

Once back at the ranch the days fell into a routine.

Jess recovered quickly from his gunshot wound, and Millie took her role as Daisy’s short-term replacement seriously. The house shone, the washing and mending were all completed perfectly, and even her cooking skills seemed to have improved vastly Slim and Jess agreed.

“You really ought to up and marry that gal Jess before someone comes along and claims her,” Slim said one morning after they were sipping a final breakfast coffee...Millie already washing the dishes.

“Hell, not so loud,” Jess said casting an anxious glance towards where splashing noises were emanating from the kitchen. “We’ve got us an understanding, you know that...But heck Slim, these things take time.”

“I know it,” Slim grinned, punching his buddy lightly on the shoulder as he stood up and headed for the yard.

Then he came back and said quietly, “It wouldn’t hurt to remind her just how you do feel though Jess. Why don’t you take a picnic down to the creek, do a little fishing and have some private time huh?”

Jess grinned from ear to ear, “Now yer talkin’,” he said happily. “You can manage here, OK?”

“Sure...”

“Thanks, pard,” and he was off.

“Millie, hey Mil, wanna go fishin’ with me?”

They had spent the morning fishing and had eaten their picnic. Now as the heat of the afternoon sun led them to lie on a blanket beneath the shade of a large old tree, Jess’s thoughts turned to romance.

He’d sweet-talked her some and then the talking had finally stopped and he took her in his arms, kissed her passionately and showed her just how much he really loved her.

It was sometime later when they awoke from a nap feeling satiated and dreamy that Millie suddenly sat up looking around her.

“What’s up sweetheart?” Jess asked lazily, running a hand down her back and then saying softly, “Hey come here...”

When she didn’t lie back down, he sat up and could see she was troubled.

“What is it?” he asked, now fully alerted to her feelings.

She shivered, “I don’t know Jess, I just had this awful feeling that we were being watched.”

“Huh? Well, that ain’t likely,” he said grinning now, “the only person for miles around is Slim and he ain’t no Peeping Tom.”

She gave him a brief smile, “I know that,” she said. Then tipping her head to the overgrown land on the opposite side of the creek, “What about over the stream, is anyone renting the old Benson spread right now?”

He shook his head, “Nope that’s been empty for months. I guess you’re still a tad jittery after that business of being taken that way...stands to reason, but you’re just imagining things,” he said kindly.

“I guess you’re right,” she said and once more they lay back down, Millie in his warm comforting embrace.

Across the creek Frank Mason huddled more deeply into the surrounding foliage, his binoculars still in place and he sighed with relief as they lay down again. For a moment there he thought he’d been spotted. But nope all was well...and he settled down to watch once more.

OOOOOOO

The following morning the men were just about to stop work for a coffee break when a rider galloped into the yard at speed.

Both men reached for their guns, but holstered them again when they saw the man was clearly very troubled.

“Morning,” he said briefly, “Is this the Sherman spread?”

Slim nodded, “I’m Slim Sherman, what can I do for you?”

“Not me mister its old Will Baily, got a busted fence and most of his prime stock have escaped...heading for the Laramie River...and that’s running kinda high...he’s asked me to call on a few neighbours to come help round ‘em up.”

“Well sure,” Slim said…Will being a good friend and neighbour, “and you are?”

“Me... uh I’m his new ramrod, only been in place a few days. Was me discovered the fence down...Frank’s the name.”

 “OK Frank we’ll be right with you,” Slim said.

“Uh, I need to cut along to the Jackson place, get some more help, so I’ll see you back at the Baily place,” he said starting to turn his mount. Then he stopped, “Oh yeah Mr Baily asked if you could bring yer herding dog, thought he’d be a real help.”

“Sure,” Jess said, “I’ll fetch Blue, and lock Buttons up in the barn, don’t want that little fellah getting underfoot.”

Then he turned back to the ranch to tell Millie where they were going...But as he entered, he had a sudden feeling of apprehension.

He explained the situation, but then said, “Hell I don’t wanna leave you here alone sweetheart...what if that bastard Jed, off the mountain turns up, or even Smite lookin’ fer Ellie.”

“Now who’s imagining things,” Millie said lightly, “that Jed will have forgotten all about me by now. As for Smite, he won’t harm me it’s Ellie he’s after.”

“Uh, I guess you’re right, but listen Mill, you lock the door behind me and don’t open it for anyone you got that?”

“Of course, now off you go and catch those darned cows before they stampede clear into the next state,” she said grinning and pushing him out of the door.

It was about ten minutes later when she heard a rider gallop into the yard and peering out of the window, she recognised the man from the Baily spread, who had been talking to Jess and Slim earlier.

When he knocked on the door, she called through it, “Yes what can I do for you?”

“I need your help Ma’am, Jess asked me to fetch his lariat...said it was in the barn by his horses’ stall, said you’d show me?”

When she didn’t respond he said quickly, “He said to tell you special it was OK to fetch it...Only we’re short of ropes and men who are real good with lassoing. He’d have turned back himself but he and Mr Sherman thought they’d be better carrying on as fast as they could as that big sheepdog of theirs was needed real bad.”

 It all sounded so plausible that she opened the door and accompanied the man called Frank across the yard to the barn.

She was just looking around Traveller’s stall for the lariat, when she suddenly felt the sting of a rope being thrown around her.

“What...what are you doing!” she gasped as she struggled to get free.

However, Frank Mason merely pulled the rope tighter, pinning her arms painfully to her sides.

“Well, I’ll tell ya honey, your boyfriend ain’t the only one that can rope real good. Now, you be a good girl and don’t struggle, because you and me are going on a little trip.”

Frank Mason entered the Benson ranch house, pushing Millie before him and Carl Smite stood up as they entered.

“Well done, Mason,” he said sneering at Millie.

“Delighted to see you again my dear,” he drawled.

“She’s a feisty little thing ain’t she,” Mason said pushing her down into an armchair and leering at her.

“What in God’s name are you playing at Carl?” Millie yelled loudly. “Get this rope off me at once!”

“Now steady there, little lady, no need to go getting upset,” Smite said smoothly.

Then turning to Mason said, “Take the rope off...but keep her covered...she can’t be trusted.”

“What do you want?” Millie asked rubbing her arms once the rope was removed and glaring up at Smite.

“What I’ve always wanted…my wife back and you’re going to get her for me,” he said.

“The heck I am,” she replied belligerently.

“Oh, I think you’ll change your mind once you know my little plan. You see Frank here has been my eyes and ears these last few weeks. He knows about your abduction and escape and how my dear wife is residing in Laramie with Widow Green. Well, she sure is a tough nut to crack...so I’m going to use you to release Ellie. You see I even know about her plans to divorce me, and I just can’t let that happen.”

“I won’t betray her,” Millie said sternly.

“Oh, I think you will…tell her our little plan Frank...”

The big ugly man grinned showing a row of discoloured teeth.

“Well, I’ll tell ya... see I’ve been checking out the Sherman place for a while now...Know all their daily routines, even know about that damn wolf/cross that might have saved you today. See I’ve been watching from the hill out back with these,” he said showing her the binoculars. “Got me a state-of-the-art rifle too...so picking off your boyfriend would be child’s play...that is iffen you don’t play ball with us.”

“You’re bluffing,” she said quickly, “Carl would never have anyone murdered in cold blood. I don’t believe it!”

“You’d better believe it,” Carl broke in, and Millie gasped in horror.

“You see I know firsthand just how much you love the guy, and guess you’d do pretty much anything for him...huh?” Frank said smirking.

Millie’s eyes widened and she flushed up.

“It was you yesterday…by the creek. You...you were watching?”

“Every minute dear lady and I must say Harper is quite the stud...and you seemed to be enjoying yourself too.”

Millie was shocked into silence and even Carl felt somewhat embarrassed by Frank’s words.

“Alright that will do Mason,” he said quickly.

Then turning to Millie, he said, “It’s quite simple Millie, you merely write a note to Ellie saying if she doesn’t accompany Frank here, or she informs the Sheriff, then both you and Harper will die...and I can assure you...I’m not bluffing.”

“He’ll find you,” Millie said quickly, “they’ll check here, first place they’ll look...Jess knows I thought I saw something yesterday.”

“Aha, and that’s exactly why we are sending them on a wild goose chase. Mason here is going to make tracks from the ranch heading for the mountain, so Sherman and Harper will assume it’s the amorous Mountain Men that have abducted you and Ellie, come to collect their ‘brides’. By the time they realise their error we will be long gone. He even cut the wires at the Baily spread, so they really will be herding beeves all day. By the time they are back and find you gone, we’ll have Ellie and be ready to head off. Oh yes and there’s one more thing...the old woman and that brat of a kid are due home soon according to that mouthy Stage driver...I reckon the kid will be the first to die if you cross me...you got that?”

“You’ve got it all neatly wrapped up haven’t you,” she said angrily, then sighing said, “Fetch me the pen and paper.”

Frank Mason had been watching the comings and goings from Widow Green’s Boarding House for a couple of weeks now and knew the good lady of the house attended the Laramie Women’s Group on a Tuesday; meeting a friend for lunch in Miss Molly’s Cafe first. From time well spent propping up the bar in the saloon Frank had gleaned a lot of information from the old fool who drove the Stage, Mose Shell. He’d just stood by and listened to conversations. That way he heard Mose tell the barkeep that the pretty lady at Ma Green’s place was a good friend of Miss Millie and was there to keep her safe. “Seems there’s a no-good husband someplace that’s been treating her real bad,” Mose had said confidentially. “The folk at the Sherman ranch are good friends too don’t want the matter talked about so keep it under yer hat Tom.”

Now Frank Mason stood in the shadows of the sidewalk opposite the Boarding House and watched as Ma Green emerged and made her way purposefully down Main Street.

Quick as a flash he crossed the street and ran down the alley beside the large detached house. He passed the two mounts he’d left tethered earlier, just beyond the back yard. Pushing the gate open, he ran down the short path and hammered on the back door. After several minutes banging, a pale face peered out of the window.

“It’s OK Ma’am, don’t be afraid he said quickly, “I’ve brought a note from your friend Miss Millie...she’s in trouble and needs you!”

Aware that this could be a scam Ellie still refused to come to the door...but just stood there undecided and shaking with fear.

Mason rolled his eyes and sighed, “Look Ma’am I’ll push the note under the door and you can read it, decide what to do, huh?”

He did as much and after a long pause the door was pulled open and Ellie stood there looking ashen, shaking and looking terrified.

“It’s OK Ma’am,” Frank said at once, marvelling at how purty the young woman was, hell Smite sure was a lucky dog.

“Don’t worry,” he said quickly, “as long as you ride along with me your friend will be quite safe.”

She gestured for him to come in and then turned away, still clutching the note, made for the stairs.

“Where do you think yer goin’?” Mason asked gruffly.

“Why to get changed of course,” Ellie said, suddenly angry. “You don’t really expect me to ride in this tight day dress, do you?”

“Uh... no Ma’am I guess not,” he said reluctantly, “but don’t be long.”

Ellie ran upstairs and changed into a blouse and riding denims, before leaving the note on the bed where Ma Green would find it. Then she rushed back downstairs and they left town via the back roads heading for the old Benson spread.

Much later that afternoon at Will Baily’s spread the last of the beeves were back where they belonged and the fence mended.

Jess was just finishing off the fence when Slim and Will came up from where they’d been checking the stock.

“I can’t thank you boys enough,” Will said sincerely, “I just can’t think how they got out I check my fences pretty regular.”

“That’s easy enough,” Jess said, “the wires were cut... question is who by...and why?”

Will looked shocked at that news, “I really can’t think.”

“Maybe your new ramrod can shed some light on it,” Slim said. “So where is he and the neighbours he was recruiting to help?” he asked, suddenly realising only he and Jess had shown up.

“Huh,” Will asked looking puzzled, “who?”

“You know Frank, your new ramrod? ‘Twas him that found the fences down and came to fetch us to help out,” Jess said…thinking OK, Will was getting on, but he was usually pretty much on the ball.

“I ain’t got a new ramrod. After old Luke retired, I decided to downsize some, don’t need the help now...except like today,” he added looking suddenly very old.

“But he came to the ranch to fetch us,” Slim insisted, “So if he isn’t your ramrod, who the hell is he?”

Then Jess turned pale, “Millie’s there alone,” he said and without further ado was up on Traveller and away in a haze of dust.

“What the heck’s wrong with Jess? Will gasped.

“Sorry, I’ll explain later,” Slim said as he quickly mounted and rode off after his pard leaving Will scratching his head and looking after them in bewilderment.

Chapter 7

By the time Slim arrived in the yard Jess had already checked out the house and was now out back yelling for Millie, thinking she might have taken a stroll.

When Slim came up behind him, he turned and his buddy saw how truly distraught he was.

“I told her not to come outside,” he growled, “told her to stay locked in. Hell, she’s gone Slim...some bastard’s gone and taken her...again!”

“We don’t know that for sure Jess she maybe went to visit someone.” Slim said although it sounded kinda lame even to his own ears.

They both hurried to the barn and yes...the mount she’d been using, a tough little Bay named Cookie, was missing.

Blue, who had been sniffing around the yard, barked and looked eagerly at his master, wanting to play...But Jess was busy studying the tracks leaving the yard.

Two minutes later the men were off again following the hoof prints from a large heavy horse and the smaller marks made by Cookie.

Blue too seemed to pick up Millie’s scent and ran ahead barking joyfully...as he tore down the road and then took the old Indian trail heading towards the mountains and the hoof  prints the men were following confirmed Blue’s direction.

“I knew it...I just knew it…it’s those blamed mountain men came for Millie and Ellie.”

Slim nodded, “Yes you could be right,” he agreed.

However, an hour later they lost the tracks as the horses crossed the river and then seemed to disappear into thin air.

After wandering back and forth along the bank trying to pick up the trail Slim finally reined in.

Jess rode over looking irritated, “Why are you stopping? We know where they’re headed anyway; we’ll just carry on up the mountain.”

Slim shook his head and looked up to the distant horizon where the sun was beginning to sink, “Nope we’d never make it even half way there before dark Jess. It would make more sense for us to head back to town and get Mort to wire Red Smith. Then he can be waiting to pick them up in the morning. Otherwise, they could have gone to earth before we can catch up with them.”

Jess just shook his head undecided. He took his hat off and wiped his sleeve over his hot face before replacing it, pulling it down hard and looking mutinous.

“Come on Jess, it makes sense...and uh...well I don’t have to remind you what could happen to Millie if we’re too late?”

Jess looked desolate at that and after a moment turned Traveller towards town.

Once they hit the road, they spurred their mounts on to a flat gallop. However, as they reached the turn off to the old Benson place Blue started whining and dashed off up the track.

“Dang dog,” Jess said, “this ain’t no time to go off rabbiting.”

He whistled him up repeatedly and finally Blue returned looking unrepentant...but finally followed the two riders as they headed for town.

As they passed Ma Green’s Boarding House Slim reined in.

“Maybe we should just check Ellie is OK before we see Mort?”

Jess really needed to get the wire sent. But hell, he was fond of Ellie too and they did need to check that she was alright. Although he doubted the mountain men would have been able to gain entry to Maud Green’s place.

Widow Green opened the door immediately and beamed when she saw who was there. Although she and Jess had their fallouts in the past, now they were really good friends.

“Why hello boys,” she said cheerfully, “have you come for supper, seeing as how dear Daisy is away? You’d be most welcome I’m just about to call my boarders down.”

“No thanks Ma’am,” Jess said touching his hat respectfully, “we’re just here to check on Miss Ellie.”

“Why certainly,” she said standing to one side to allow them entry. “Go on up,” she suggested, “and then do tell her supper is nearly ready. I haven’t seen her since I got back from the Women’s Group meeting. She spends a lot of time reading in her room, and doesn’t ever go out,” she added. “But then you know that of course,” she finished, knowing, as she did, that the men had been with the Sheriff when the arrangements were made for her to look after Ellie.

They tore up the stairs two at a time and knocked on Ellie’s door. When there was no response Jess knocked more loudly and then called out, “It’s me Ellie, Jess and Slim…can we see you for a moment?”

When there was silence Jess turned the handle and the door swung open revealing an empty room.

“Goddamn it!” he yelled...and turned to go. But Slim noticed the sheet of writing paper on the bed.

He picked it up and started reading it, with Jess looking over his shoulder at Millie’s neat hand...and groaned.

“Jeez it’s that bastard Smite that’s taken ‘em,” he gasped.

When he got to the part where Millie had explained that she and possibly Daisy and Mike were at risk of being shot he headed for the door and was down the stairs and out the front door in seconds.

Slim folded up the note, pocketed it and followed his pard more slowly, stopping only to tell Ma Green what had happened and he’d be in touch. He squeezed her arm and said softly, “It really isn’t your fault Ma’am, she was outwitted by her dang husband...But don’t fret we’ll find her.”

When he entered the Sheriff’s office a few minutes later he found Jess remonstrating long and loud with Mort.

“What do ya mean you didn’t see anything? I thought you were supposed to be checking on her every day!”

“Look Jess calm down will you,” said an exasperated Mort. “I’ve gotten enough on my plate right now with Lon being sick and a jail full of drunks from the cattle drive that’s camped outside town.”

“I don’t give a damn about that! My gal and Ellie have been abducted so what are you gonna do about it, huh?” Jess asked, belligerently, leaning over to stare angrily into Mort’s tired eyes.

“Back off Jess,” Slim said grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the Sheriff, “Just let Mort speak will you.”

Jess slumped down on the seat opposite Mort’s desk and taking his hat off, he ran a hand through his dark locks before saying, “Sorry Mort, guess I’m kinda wound up.”

Mort tipped his hat back and took his own seat at the desk, “Well, I can understand that,” he said quietly. Then he nodded to Slim to take the other seat opposite him.

“I was going over there to see her just before lunch, when I met Maud Green heading for the diner. She said Miss Ellie was in good spirits and was spending time reading and doing needlework in her room.”

“Until she wasn’t, “Jess said morosely.

“Precisely,” Mort said and then he read the note Slim had passed to him.

He looked shocked and threw Jess a sympathetic glance, “Well the gal couldn’t righty ignore that kind of threat,” he said quietly.

“Did you not see anyone,” Jess persisted, “any strangers in town?”

“Hell yes, a whole bunch of them,” Mort said, “like I say I’ve had a load of drovers in creating havoc...Still are,” he said rolling his eyes as the sound of bawdy laughter came from the cells.

Then after a moment he snapped his fingers.

“There was a guy spending a lot of time in the saloon these past two weeks, didn’t like the look of him. He had the look of a gunslinger, went by the name of Frank something. Asking a lot of questions...said he was looking for work.”

“Frank,” Jess said nudging Slim.

Slim described the man who had called at the ranch professing to be Will Baily’s new ramrod.

“That’s him to a tee,” Mort said.

“What are we waiting for, let’s go find him!” Jess said.

Mort shook his head, “I haven’t clapped eyes on him these last few days figure he’s moved on.”

“Oh, he’s moved on OK, with Ellie and my girl,” Jess said angrily.

“I wonder if Smite is with him, or just hired the gun slick to do his dirty work,” Mort said reflectively.

“Who cares, all I want to know is where the hell they are?” Jess said leaping up and pacing around the office...before pausing to stare out at the street beyond.

Mort exchanged a wary glance with Slim, knowing how volatile Jess could become under these circumstances.

“I reckon he’ll be heading back to Cheyenne,” Mort said, “to fix himself up with a good lawyer and fight to get his wife to drop the divorce proceedings.”

“She’ll never get back with him,” Slim said, “she’s terrified of the guy.”

“But more terrified of dying...or maybe a friend suffering?” Mort replied.

Jess turned very pale and sat down again quickly.

“He couldn’t do that could he? I mean after everything he’s done, taking the women by force...threatening them...heck threatening to kill Daisy and Mike.”

Mort shook his head, “No he couldn’t in theory, but he’s one wily character. Supposing... just supposing Millie was to…” he looked down, but knew it had to be said, “have an accident...and he was able to persuade a court of law of that, and also that his wife wanted reconciliation...well then he might just get away with it.”

“Jeez, what are you saying? He’d kill Millie to shut Ellie up...so she’d really believe she’d be next iffen she didn’t toe the line?” Jess asked looking horror stricken.

“I sure hope not,” Mort said, “and no, I reckon even that bastard Smite isn’t a cold-blooded murderer...is he.”

“But you think, with a good lawyer, he could get away with the abduction and threats,” Slim persisted.

“No and it can’t happen,” Mort said suddenly looking animated and picking up the letter, “not with this for evidence. I reckon I’ll go wire Sheriff Masters right away and tell him to look out for Smite and the girls. I’ll explain everything and get him to arrest Smite and this Frank character.”

He rose quickly, “Can you mind the shop for a few minutes, huh?”

When he returned, Jess was all for riding to Cheyenne there and then, but Mort shook his head.

“It’s pitch-black out boys, and a storm brewing too...no point in maybe having an accident on the way.”

“I guess not,” Jess said reluctantly.

“Look why don’t you two bed down at my place, there’s steak in the larder and a bottle of Denver’s hooch on the hearth. Make yourselves at home...I’ve got to stay and guard the prisoners with Lon in his sickbed. But I’ll be home for breakfast and we should have heard back from Doug Masters by then.”

“Thanks Mort we really appreciate that,” Slim said.

“Yeah, thanks Mort,” Jess agreed.

They went to the door and Mort said, “There’s a couple of comfy cots in the spare room, clean bedding in the chest in there.”

Then ginning at Jess said, “And don’t let that dang wolf of yours sleep on my best quilt again...I’m still finding hairs on it!”

Jess grinned back and flapped a hand at him in farewell.

Back at Mort’s place they fed and watered the horses and Blue, and left them all in the barn before heading into his neat comfortable house.

Slim opted to cook, but Jess said he just couldn’t face anything.

“Come on Pard, we’ve got us a long ride tomorrow.”

“I just can’t,” Jess said softly, “I feel sick to my stomach, thinking what could be happening to Millie. Hell, you don’t really think he’d kill her do you Slim?”

“Good grief no! You know Carl as well as I do, he’s a bully and a loser, but I don’t have him down as a killer Jess.”

“But we don’t know this Frank do we...”

Jess sank a couple of coffees with more than a splash of moonshine, before heading to bed.

“I’ll be along shortly,” Slim said looking up from one of Mort’s books, “leave the lamp on low, huh.”

When Slim entered the dimly lit room sometime later, he saw that Jess had kindly made up the other cot for him. He was now stretched out on his back on his own bed fast asleep. However, he’d obviously been tossing and turning as most of his bedding lay in disarray on the floor.

Slim shook his head smiling slightly and picking up the blanket covered his buddy up again. Then he noted that for once he’d actually put his clothes neatly on a chair by the bed. It was no surprise to see his gun belt lay on the back of the chair within easy reaching distance however. He knew from experience that the least sound could wake Jess and he’d be sitting up in the darkness, gun in hand and alert in the blink of an eye. He wondered what it was like to be Jess...to always have a tiny bit of his brain on the alert. Always ready to defend himself. Well after the life he’d led who could blame him, Slim thought sadly.

He leaned over to douse the night light between the beds and saw Jess’s face in sharp contrast of light and dark as the lamp casting shadows across his pale face. He looked very young and innocent in repose. Slim recalled how he’d once heard him reply, ‘well I’ve lived a lot, it just don’t show yet,’ when someone remarked that he was younger than expected. He smiled at the recollection. Maybe...just maybe that was why he had put off marrying Millie, even when they we so obviously suited. ‘Living a lot’ had made him wary of commitment. How could he marry the girl he loved if he were to be shot down some day and leave her alone...maybe with a family to care for?

He sighed...and lay back on his own bed...tomorrow was going to be a real hard day he reflected as he finally fell asleep.

Chapter 8

The following morning, they had a quick coffee and went to saddle up. Blue was ecstatic at seeing his boss again after being banished to the barn with Traveller and Alamo.

Jess made a big fuss of him and said, “No rabbiting if I take ya with me...you just behave.”

Then he suddenly stopped in his tracks...staring into the distance.

“What’s up Pard?” Slim asked.

“Of course,” Jess said his face lighting up for the first time since Millie disappeared, “They must have been holed up at the old Benson spread.”

“Huh?”

“Well, it makes sense, what he told Millie to write in her note...that he’d pick Daisy and Mike off easy. Do you remember the last time someone threatened that?”

“Yeah,” Slim said snapping his fingers,” McCrea, the Bounty Hunter, was hiding out in the Benson house and watching us from the hill at the back of our place... (See #4 The Long, Long Road to Nowhere)

“That’s it and then when Blue went racing off up the track to the Benson place...he wasn’t rabbiting Slim, he’d picked up Millie’s scent again.”

 “There’s something else too,” Jess said quietly.

“Go on...”

“The other day when me and Millie went down to the creek fishing...she thought there was someone about.”

“She saw something?”

“No, not really, we were...uh well we were...”

“Oh, come off it, Jess…I know dang well why you went down there, for a bit of private time. So, what happened to make Millie think there was someone there?”

“Well, she said she had this funny feeling...like we were being watched.”

“So, what did you do?”

“Not much, we looked around couldn’t see anyone about.”

“You didn’t go down to the creek, check the other side?”

“Hell Slim, I had other things on my mind, no I dang well didn’t. But now thinking on it I reckon maybe they were watching us, just waiting for a chance to grab her.”

“Hell, you could be right...we’ve got to go back home to get some cover for the ranch before we can take off to Cheyenne, so we’ll check it out on the way.”

They called in at Mort’s office on their way through town and he was able to tell them he’d already heard back from Sheriff Doug Masters.

“He says that yes Carl Smite left town a couple of weeks ago. Allegedly he was heading to Denver on business, if you can believe that,” he said dead pan. “Anyway, Doug has said he will detain him if he returns, until you show up with that letter as evidence. That along with a statement from the girls should be enough to hold him for trial.”

“Thanks Mort, and for the bed and board too,” Jess said sincerely...Slim agreeing.

“You’re welcome.”

Then he flipped a couple of badges over to them.

“Consider yourselves Deputies…that will give you the right to arrest him and this Frank character if you come across them before Doug does.”

They pinned them on and turned to go. But Mort called Jess back and said quietly, “I know how mad you are about this business Jess, but keep within the law, hand them over to Doug to deal with OK?”

Jess merely nodded and touching his hat said, “See ya Mort, “and the men headed off.

They were riding out of town when Slim turned to his pard and said, “So will you...behave and let Doug deal with these men?”

He was silent for a minute and then said lightly, “Sure I will. Unless either of them has molested Millie in any way...in which case I’ll kill him,” and he spurred Traveller on to a fast trot.

Once they had prevailed upon the Jackson boys to look after the ranch for a few days, they headed for their near neighbour, the old Benson place.

They rode into the yard a while later and from the offset it was clear the place had been used recently. There was evidence that four horses had been in the barn within the last day or so.

“Looks like Smite is with the gun slick,” Slim said, “four mounts.”

Jess nodded and they headed for the house.

The door swung open easily revealing a variety of detritus in the once smart main room. Empty bottles and the remains of food, dirty plates and crockery were evident.

Then Jess spied something on the floor in the corner. He picked up the brightly coloured silky material and just stared at it for a moment before burying his face in it and inhaling deeply.

Slim stared at him. Jess slowly lowered it and said, “It’s Millie’s shawl...her perfume on it...and he closed his eyes tightly as tears pricked at the back of his eyes.

Slim looked away quickly, unable to bear the look of pain on his pard’s face.

“We’ll find her,” Slim said almost gruffly, his emotions betraying him.

“Sure...sure we will,” Jess said before offering the material to Blue to sniff and get the scent.

The big animal barked joyfully and ran to the door, tail wagging and desperate to get back to the search.

They rode out and soon realised the tracks were heading in the general direction of Cheyenne as they had thought. Blue was a great help running hither and thither...losing the scent and then finding it again and dashing off. Every so often they would rein in and check the hoof prints of the four horses, before setting off again. All was well until they again came to a river crossing where the trail went cold as it had done before on their way to the mountain range.

“Don’t matter,” Jess said, “I guess he’ll be heading back home...so let’s just ride, huh.”

The Smite ranch was a couple of miles outside of town and as they approached Slim said, “Don’t you think we should ride into town first...fetch Doug?”

“What...when that bastard could be doing anything to them,” Jess said angrily, “hell we’ve got to pass the place to get to town...it don’t make sense not to call in.”

“Well OK, but remember what you said to Mort...you won’t take matters in your own hands will you Jess...huh?”

Jess just looked at him vaguely and then said, “I don’t recall actually sayin’ anything to Mort.”

Slim rolled his eyes, but finally followed Jess off towards the ranch yard.

They rode over to where a cocky looking young man sat on the corral fence...watching them.

“Howdy,” Jess said amiably enough, “we’re looking for Carl Smite is he here?”

The youth stared defiantly and said in a laconic way, “Couldn’t rightly say, friend.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a look and then Slim tried.

“Well, is he on the ranch, you must know?”

“I do and he ain’t...”

Jess sighed deeply, “Well can you tell us where he is then?”

The other smiled to himself and then looking belligerently at Jess, said “Couldn’t rightly say...friend.”

Jess was getting dangerously near the jumping off place now and clenching his jaw said again, “Well do ya mind thinking on it some?” He paused and then said, “Well?”

The youth actually smiled insolently this time and said, “Nope...couldn’t rightly say...friend.”

That was it.

In the blink of an eye Jess was off his horse, covered the short distance between him and the fence and landed a haymaker to his jaw that sent him pitching backwards, landing hard in the mud.

He struggled up and sat there for a moment rubbing his chin, before looking up with hurt eyes.

“Hey what’d you do that for?” he whined.

Jess turned to Slim and winked and then turning back to the man and copying his singsong tone said, “I couldn’t rightly say...friend.”

The youth considered this while still rubbing his chin. But before he could decide on his next move Jess had easily vaulted the fence and had pulled him up by his shirt front.

He leaned in, cold blue eyes just inches from the other mans.

“OK I’m gonna ask you one more time...and iffen I don’t like the answer I’m gonna rip yer head off... got that?”

The young man started shaking, “Y-yes, I got that mister.”

Jess turned to Slim, who was looking on in amusement and said, “Aw he called me mister; reckon I ain’t his friend no more Slim.”

Then he turned back to the lad, “OK spill...”

“He’s off at the line shack, about five miles due east. Took the new ramrod, Frank and a pair of women up there...I’m to take supplies in later.”

Jess let go of the man’s shirt and dusted it down some.

“There that was easy enough weren’t it.”

Jess went to remount...

“Just one more thing...iffen you’re lying I’ll be back and you’ll wish you were already dead...got that?”

He just nodded.

“And don’t even think of going over to tip him off before we get there,” Jess added, imagining Slim would insist on going to fetch Doug.

“Oh, don’t you worry about that,” he said all his bravado gone now. “I’m heading out of here before the boss finds out I’ve double crossed him...damn it he’d kill me!”

“Look if you do something for us, we won’t mention it was you who told us where to find him...gives you a head start anyway,” Slim said.

“What do you want mister?”

“You ride into town and tell Sheriff Masters just where to find Smite and say we’ll be waiting there for him. Jess Harper and Slim Sherman, can you do that?”

“Harper and Sherman...Sure I’ll just get my stuff and ride out,” the youth said. “I’ll leave a note saying Ma’s sick or something...I’ve had to leave.”

Slim nodded, “Good idea, so where are the other hands?”

“Out on the range, they’ll be back for supper in a couple of hours.”

Once they had seen the young man, Dave Smith, heading for town at speed they rode in the other direction, making for the line cabin.

The sun was low in the sky when they rode over a rise and saw the cabin in the valley below. It was surrounded by cottonwoods and shrubs, offering plenty of cover. So, they made their way quietly down. Then left their mounts tethered, Blue with them, under strict instructions to sit and stay, before they walked in the last few hundred yards.

Lying on their bellies in the undergrowth they inched forwards until they were just a few yards away...and could easily make out Carl Smite and the ramrod Frank, sitting out on the porch a bottle between them, deep in conversation.

The cabin looked quite substantial and Jess whispered, “I figure maybe there’s a back door, let’s get around the back see iffen we can see the girls. We need to get them out of harm’s way before we start anything.”

Slim looked annoyed, “We decided the plan was for us to wait on Doug arriving before moving in Jess.”

Jess shook his head, “And then they’ll probably be back inside and the girls might get caught up in things if there’s any gunplay.”

Slim sighed, but seeing the sense in that said, “I guess you’re right...come on,” and the pair made their way cautiously around the back of the building.

It was sometime later before they found themselves by a backdoor, the sound of laughter and chat still emanating from the front porch.

Jess opened the door a crack and his heart started racing at what he saw. Both Ellie and Millie were tied to chairs and gagged. Closer inspection revealed their clothes were muddy and they both looked dishevelled.

Jess opened the door wider and he and Slim sneaked in.

The girls opened their eyes wide in surprise and joy when they saw their rescuers.

Slim attended to Ellie, putting a finger to his lips to tell her not to make any sound.

Jess removed Millie’s gag and then recoiled in shock at the angry purple bruise to her cheek and temple.

He couldn’t speak for a moment, just held her close feeling her heart beating ten to the dozen through her thin blouse. After a second, he remembered why they were there and that Carl and Frank were just feet away...and gestured for the girls to follow him outside.

Once they were in a place of sanctuary hidden by the tree cover Jess held Millie close again before pushing her gently away and gazing deeply into her brown eyes, “Who did it,” he asked softly.

She put a hand to her face, “It doesn’t matter, we’re free and your here that’s all that counts now,” she said lovingly.

“Millie?”

“It’s OK Jess I gave as good as I got,” she replied quickly...dreading Jess’s revenge on Frank Mason and what it could mean if he killed him.

But before she could say more Ellie said, “It was that Frank...he tried it on with Millie...and Carl threatened to kill us both if we weren’t real nice to them...he’s crazy...quite crazy,” she added before breaking down in tears.

Slim comforting her as best he could and felt his pulses racing as he held her tightly ... suddenly realising how much she had begun to mean to him.

“That’s why we were tied up,” Ellie finally managed. “Carl said we were to think things over and be a bit more accommodating when they came in from having a drink.”

“He did, did he?” Jess said frighteningly quiet.

Then turning to Slim said, “Still think we should have waited on the Sheriff arriving, huh?”

Then he kissed Millie briefly, before patting her arm and turning away.

“Come on Slim, business to attend to,” he said quietly.

Millie cried out, “Jess please!”

He swung round and by the look in his eyes it was clear that nothing was going to stop him.

“Just take care,” she said quietly.

Outside on the porch Carl Smite and Frank Mason drained their glasses.

“Come on,” Carl said with a bitter laugh, “I think it’s time we taught those women who is boss around here.”

“Suits me,” Frank said with an evil grin.

The men made their way inside the cabin but then came to a standstill, frozen in shock at the scene before them.

Seated in the rocking chair previously occupied by Millie sat Jess Harper.

He was sitting back in a relaxed position, a rifle across his lap...but he slowly and deliberately picked it up and aimed it at Carl’s belly as the men stood there gaping.

When they saw the look in his granite hard gaze they quaked.

“H... Harper...What are you doing here?” Carl practically squeaked.

“Well, what I’d really like to do to you two is blow yer heads off Jess said casually...But seein’ as the Sheriff might object to that I guess I’ll have ta make do with ripping yer head off with my bare hands,” he said looking over at Frank.

“I... I don’t understand,” Carl muttered.

“Oh, I ain’t talkin’ to you,” Jess said, “the law can deal with you...abduction, death threats against women and kids. Oh yeah, I guess you’ll be holed up in jail for quite a spell. It’s that trained monkey of yours I’m after...the one that’s been messin’ with my girl.”

Frank turned to flee, but when he opened the door Slim stood there, his rifle aimed at him, “Going someplace?” he asked affably.

There was a deathly hush and Frank Mason backed into the room; Slim’s rifle still aimed at him.

“Thanks Slim,” Jess said breaking the silence.

Then turning to Frank said, “I think we need to step outside.”

“Jess?” Slim said turning to look at his pard.

What he saw made his pulses race even faster, the look of fury on his pard’s face was formidable.

When Jess still remained motionless glaring at Frank, Slim tried again.

“Jess, I can’t let you do this...”

Jess’s eyes swivelled from Mason to Slim’s face, “You gonna stop me?” he asked nodding to the rifle in Slim’s hands.

“Maybe...if I have to,” he replied quietly.

Jess stared at him again for a long minute. Sure, he figured Mason wouldn’t be able to outdraw him. It was clear now that he’d seen him up close that he was no gun slick...just a chancer trying to make a fast buck. Nope a gun fight wouldn’t be fair and if nothing else...even in this damn awful situation, Jess was, as always, scrupulously fair.

Then still holding Slim’s gaze he slowly unbuckled his gun belt...and threw it onto a chair. “Happy now?” he asked sarcastically.

Mason was grinning broadly...the adrenaline had kicked in making him fearless...and now with the prospect of a fist fight to settle their disagreement he was almost happy.

Then he made the fatal mistake of taunting Jess.

“Ha, think you can beat me Harper...Jeez...amount of meat on you, I guess you wouldn’t even make a meal for that wolf of yours.”

Jess just gave him a weak smile, “You think so?”

Mason was a good head taller than Jess and several pounds heavier, but neither Jess nor Slim had any doubts that he could wipe the floor with the bastard.

They trooped outside and Slim carefully handcuffed Carl...than scanned the distant trail for a sign of Doug Masters...but all was quiet.

The girls had followed the men out and now a distraught Millie said, “Jess please, you don’t need to do this, I’m alright really.”

Jess took one look at her poor red swollen face and just shook his head sadly.

As he approached Mason, the big man lunged at him, but Jess merely sidestepped him and he fell heavily and lay sprawled in the dust.

Jess threw him a genuine grin then, “what’re you doin’ down there?” he mocked.

The big man lumbered up, fighting mad now and threw another punch, which Jess parried and then followed through with a haymaker that sent Mason flying... landing in an untidy heap several feet away.

Jess tore over, dragged him up and threw another punch sending him spiralling out of control to collapse yet again.

They continued to exchange blows, with Mason getting the worst of it. Until Jess again downed him.

This time however Mason pulled himself up slowly a look of rage in his eyes. Not only was he hurting something fierce he was being humiliated in front of that purty little Millie.

Then he looked at where Jess was standing sweating and panting...watching him…But it was the look in his eyes that truly terrified Mason and he suddenly realised he was fighting for his life.

The big man pitched in again, this time kicking, gouging and even biting at one stage as he desperately tried to overpower his opponent.

Jess took this cavalier treatment all in his stride. However, after a while he’d had enough and one last well aimed punch to the chin found Mason on his back, completely winded. In seconds Jess straddled him, his hands around his throat.

Slim ran forwards at this sinister turn of events. He could see the sweat standing out on Mason’s forehead and his face turning blue.

He was just about to open his mouth and yell for Jess ‘to stop, for God’s sake...Stop!’ when his pard...loosened his hold...and stood up, walking away.

Slim watched him as he went over to Traveller and fetching his canteen threw it to Carl. “Give him a drink,” he growled...nodding to where Mason was coughing and gagging...still with a blue tinge to his lips.

Slim went over to Jess and said softly, “Are you OK?”

Jess nodded, “Yup I guess so.”

“I thought for a moment there...” Slim said not able to finish the sentence.

But they both knew what he was implying.

Jess looked his buddy in the eye then and said quietly, “He weren’t worth it Slim, weren’t worth swinging for.”

Then both men looked up as Doug Masters rode in.

He dismounted and greeted his friends cheerfully.

“Mort wired me, said he’d deputised you two to bring these sidewinders in. Young Dave Smith told me where to find you,” he added.

Carl was still busily helping Mason to a drink and luckily didn’t hear the exchange though.

The Sheriff looked around quickly assessing the situation.

He noted Jess’s dishevelled appearance, blood running down his chin from a split lip and his clothes covered in dust.

Then glanced over to where Mason was still on the deck, the colour now returning to his cheeks and the cough easing.

“I see one of the prisoners tried to escape and you had to restrain him,” he said throwing Jess a quizzical look.

“You could say so,” Jess agreed, exchanging a small smile with Slim.

Chapter 9

The trial was set for a few days later and Slim and Jess couldn’t wait for it to be over.

They were sitting shooting the breeze with Doug the day before and Jess said, “Well I reckon that Carl Smite and Frank Mason should be behind bars for the foreseeable.”

“Yes,” Slim agreed, “should give Ellie a chance to get that divorce set up pretty good by the time he gets out.”

Doug looked suddenly anxious, “I wouldn’t bet on it,” he said.

Jess put his coffee cup down and said ominously, “What are ya talkin’ about Doug? After what those no-good snakes have been up to, I figured they’d be rotting in prison for a good while.”

“Not necessarily. Oh, I agree what Smite did to his wife is unforgivable...and as to that low-life Mason attacking Millie that way,” and he shook his head sadly.

“What do you mean Doug?” Slim asked casting a wary glance in Jess’s direction.

“Well for starters the Judge is old man Walters and he doesn’t take kindly to potential divorce cases or indeed any problems between a husband and wife.”

Jess cussed, “That old guy would be better served as a Minister he’s so dang puritanical.”

“Always carrying on about the sanctity of marriage,” Slim agreed.

Doug nodded, “You wouldn’t believe Wyoming is supposed to be an enlightened place concerning women’s rights, would you? They got the vote and even jury service...But as far as Judge Walters is concerned the wife is merely a servant, who should obey her husband at all times, no matter what.”

“I sure feel sorry for Ma Walters,” Jess said rolling his eyes.

Doug frowned, “There is a good chance the Judge will let Smite off with a caution.”

“What!” Jess yelled in consternation, “After what he’s done...making her life a complete misery...beating her. Then hiring that bastard Mason to go bring her back by force...Jeez, the things he did,” he said now looking furious.

“Take it easy,” Doug said quickly, “I didn’t say that, did I... sure with your evidence and that of Millie, Mason will go down for sure...or there’s no justice in the world...but as for Smite,” he shook his head, “I really don’t know.”

OOOOOOO

The trial was over and now Slim and Jess were riding along behind the Stage containing Millie and Ellie bound for Laramie.

“Beats me how he got away with it,” Jess said bitterly.

“A good lawyer and a sympathetic Judge,” Slim said.

“Sympathetic?” Jess growled, “The man’s a fool iffen he can’t see what Smite is really like. All that rubbish he was spouting about Ellie being the love of his life,” and he shook his head in disbelief. “The Judge hardly seemed to listen at all to the evidence against him.”

“Um...seems there was something else too, remember how Doug said Smite was quite the big man in Cheyenne...got contacts on the town council and the Judge was a personal friend?”

“Oh, I remember OK,” Jess said bitterly, “I guess that’s what swung it for him.”

“Well at least he did get a short custodial sentence.”

“Oh sure, what was it two months? That’ll really teach him a lesson...and hardly give us time to sort out what Ellie’s gonna do next.”

Slim nodded, “Yeah. But Mason got his just rewards huh?”

Jess smiled at that, “Sure did. The Judge really threw the book at him, didn’t he? When I told him what he’d done to Millie...saw the evidence for himself.”

Slim nodded, “I think you scared the old boy with your...uh what did he call it? Oh yeah, your impassioned plea for justice to be seen to be done,” Slim chuckled. “And I figure the last nail in his coffin was when Smite went on the side of the prosecutor and said he never realised Mason was so violent or he’d never have employed him.”

“Sure, he wouldn’t,” Jess said sarcastically then added, “Real loyal to his friends Smite ain’t he…An’ it should have been a real coffin...not just two years in prison,” he added looking hard done by.

“Well, it’s all over now,” Slim said with relief...seeing again Mason in Jess’s strangle hold...he shook his head to try and un-see the image and turned his mind to happier things.

“Guess what Jess… I’ve just remembered something.”

“Oh?”

“Daisy and Mike are due home in a few days!”

Jess beamed at that, “Maybe Miss Daisy will know what Ellie should do huh?”

OOOOOOO

Millie and Ellie agreed to stay over at the ranch for a few days to help the boys get it spick and span before Daisy came home. With them having been away for a while the place was looking distinctly shabby...Jess and Slim had shipped out to the bunkhouse allowing the girls to use their room, knowing Daisy would frown upon any other arrangements.

Now as the girls busied themselves baking, the men were out in the yard ready to change the horses on the noon Stage.

“Good job Mose wasn’t driving when we came in yesterday,” Jess said grinning, “or it’d be all over town that we’ve got the girls sleepin’ over here.”

Slim nodded, and then went to collect the new team as the Stage rattled into the yard.

Mose pulled hard on the lines bringing the Stage to a standstill, the horses nodding their heads, snorting and stamping.

“Well, howdy boys, long time no see...good to have ya back. Those Jackson boys do a good job lookin’ after the place, but they make lousy coffee.”

He jumped down from the box and was making for the door when Jess headed him off.

“Where are you goin’?” he asked casting an anxious glance towards the house.

“Coffee of course,” Mose said looking pained.

“Well, there ain’t any,” Jess said quickly barring his way.

At that exact moment the door was thrown open and Millie and Ellie stood there grinning.

“Coffee’s on,” Millie called out, before they went back inside giggling.

Mose grinned evilly at Jess, “While the cat’s away huh?” he said winking.

“Say who are you calling a cat?” Slim asked striding over.

“Yeah,” said Jess hotly, “I guess Miss Daisy would take offense at that. Especially seeing as how the girls being here is all above board...what with us sleepin’ out in the bunk house an all,” he added flushing a little.

But Mose didn’t notice, “Oh dear me no, I wouldn’t call our Miss Daisy a cat...of course I wouldn’t. Hey Jess don’t say anything huh?” he asked looking mighty worried.

“Oh, I figure we can keep a secret huh Slim?” Jess said raising an eyebrow.

Then turning back to Mose said, “As long as the fact that the gals are out here, don’t get all around town?”

“Nobody will hear it from me,” Mose said quickly, “no siree, you can count on me boys.”

Slim and Jess exchanged a disbelieving glance and went off to change the team.

“I guess maybe I’ll ride into town later,” Slim said as they went about their task, “see Lily. Uh explain that the girls are staying here a while. You know Mose and I’d hate for her to hear it second hand.”

“Oh, she’ll be OK,” Jess said dismissively, “she’ll know there’s nothing in it.”

“Um,” Slim said noncommittally...not meeting Jess’s gaze.

“Well, there ain’t is there?” Jess persisted, “I mean you and Ellie are just good friends, right?”

“Sure, sure,” Slim said quickly, “I just don’t want to go upsetting Lily that’s all.”

“Seems to me you may have done already,” Jess said frowning, “you’ve been kinda neglecting her some recently, ain’t you.”

“Well, that’s hardly my fault, is it?” Slim said blustering, “It’s your friend, Ellie, we’ve been riding all over the dang place trying to protect from her bastard husband.”

Jess looked up quickly, thinking his buddy was protesting way too much and it wasn’t like him to cuss that way either, feelings were clearly running high.

“Well, you could have written, or wired her from Cheyenne when we were waiting on the trial,” Jess said.

Slim just grunted and completed the task in silence.

Once the men were sitting around the table a cup of coffee in hand, they chatted about this and that. Then Millie came out of the kitchen, where she and Ellie were just finishing off their baking, with the coffee pot to top up the cups.

 “Thank you, kindly Miss Millie,” Mose said with a toothless grin. “I expect you’ll be thinkin’ on gettin’ back to work real soon huh?”

Millie exchanged a quick loving glance with Jess before saying, “Yes quite soon Mose, but I’m not due back until next week. I think that’s when Tom’s niece is going back home?”

Mose rolled his eyes, “That Sharon, you mean? She’s gone.”

“Huh?” asked Jess feeling relieved as the girl had been annoying, constantly pestering him when all he wanted was a quiet drink in the saloon.

“She was a bunch of trouble,” Mose said shaking his head, “always after the men. Tom had to wire her Pa to come fetch her home last week.”

Millie looked distressed, “Oh dear maybe he needs me back sooner then?”

“I’ll say,” Mose continued, “especially with Miss Lily having gone too.”

Slim who had been happily sipping his coffee suddenly choked, “Huh...what?” he asked when he finally recovered.

“Gone,” Mose said succinctly, “didn’t ya know? He’s got Big Bertha from the Last Drop covering some of the shifts,” he said grimacing, “well that’s not been goin’ down too well,” he added.

“Never mind about that,” Slim said, “what about Lily, where has she gone and why for goodness sake? Did she leave me a message?”

Mose shrugged, “Couldn’t say...you’d hafta speak to Tom I guess.”

“Goddamn it!” Slim swore uncharacteristically, before lurching up from his seat and rushing to the door.

 “Hey, don’t shoot the messenger,” Mose retaliated...but Slim had gone.

Once the Stage had left Millie said, “I’d better go pack, I must get back today Tom will need the help. Will you be OK here Ellie? Miss Daisy will be home in a few days.”

“Oh yes, I’ll be fine,” Ellie said quickly.

The truth was that she had become kind of close to Slim. Ever since she had split with her terribly violent husband, she had noticed how kind and gentle Slim was. He had been there for her throughout the difficult experience and she was beginning to think she was falling for him...but did he feel the same? She really thought so at one point. But now she realised maybe he was just being kind and sympathetic and she had misread the signals. He sure seemed upset about Lily leaving. How important was she to him she wondered.

Then Millie broke into her thoughts, “Maybe you should come too?” she said.

“Sorry, what did you say?”

“I said you might like to cover for Lilly until she comes back...if she comes back,” she added sadly. Heck Lily was her best friend, why had she lit out without saying anything. But there again Millie had only been back a short while.

“What...work at the saloon with you?” Ellie asked.

“Sure, it would be like old times. There are plenty of rooms upstairs so you could have your own space...and a bit more fun than going back to Ma Green’s place while you get the divorce proceedings underway,” Millie said hopefully.

When she still looked undecided, Jess said, “It might be for the best Ellie. I don’t know how long Slim’s gonna be in town. I guess it wouldn’t look too good just us two being here alone overnight, seeing as how Millie’s going back today. It might be kinda difficult if someone found out, what with the divorce an’ all. We don’t want to give folks the wrong impression of you.”

“Yes of course you’re right,” Ellie said quickly, “I’ll go pack,” and she dashed off.

“Is she OK?” Jess asked, once she was out of earshot.

Millie just nodded, “Yes, she’s fine.” But secretly she was concerned for her friend. The odd lingering glance in Slim’s direction hadn’t gone unnoticed...and if she was falling for Slim, then maybe it would be better for all concerned for her to move to the saloon away from the ranch. After all Slim was in love with Lily...wasn’t he?

Jess decided to take the girls to town in the buckboard after he’d dealt with the afternoon Stage. He’d attended to all the evening chores and figured he could stay the night in town as long as he came back early the next day. He wanted one last night in Millie’s company, before returning to the usual work-a-day routine, with only snatched weekend time together. Also Slim still hadn’t returned and Jess was worried about him.

It was late afternoon when they landed at the saloon and the place was almost deserted.

Tom, the barkeep, welcomed the girls with open arms and was delighted to learn that Ellie was willing to help out during her stay in Laramie.

As he bustled them off upstairs to show Ellie her quarters Jess stopped him, “Have you seen Slim, Tom?”

The older man nodded his head towards the shadows at the back of the room, “Over there,” he said quietly, “and not in too good a mood Jess, I’d step lightly.”

Jess wandered over to where Slim was slumped forwards over the table looking deeply into a glass of whiskey, a half empty bottle on the table beside him.

Jess frowned, went and plucked a glass from the bar and retuning said, “Mind if I sit?”

Slim looked up at him, clearly only just having noticed his presence and merely gestured for Jess to take a seat.

He did so, poured himself a drink, knocked it back and then peered closely at his pard.

“Not like you to hit the bottle this early.”

After a moment Slim looked up bleary eyed, “Got good reason, she’s left me Jess.”

“Nah,” Jess said quickly, “she won’t have done.”

“No? Well read this then.”

Jess accepted the closely written letter and started reading.

He finally sighed and put the letter down.

“It just says she’s had the opportunity to make something of herself...says she’ll be back as soon as she’s made a go of things. Whatever that means...but she does say she will be back Slim.”

“Yeah, but when and what does she mean ‘make a go of things’ she’s talking in riddles.”

Jess shrugged, “No idea where she’s gone?”

He shook his head, “Could be anyplace.”

“Doesn’t Tom know?”

“I can’t get anything out of him. You go ask him,” Slim sighed.

Tom left the girls to settle in and was just polishing glasses, the only other occupant, a barfly sipping a whiskey.

Jess gestured to Tom to come over to the far end of the bar away from the drunk and then said quietly, “What’s going on Tom...did she give up her job here?”

Tom looked uncomfortable but said, “No, not exactly, I said I’d keep it open if things didn’t work out for her.”

“What things...what’s goin’ on?” Jess exploded, suddenly frustration getting the better of him.

“Don’t ask me please Jess...iffen she wanted folk to know she’d have said something.”

“Hell, Slim ain’t just folk he’s her man...you know how close they are. Jeez it’s only a matter of time before he asks her to wed him, I reckon.”

“Well, you may reckon that Jess but I can’t say the same for Miss Lily. I figure maybe she got kinda tired of being taken for granted.”

“Hell Tom, you know the way Slim feels about her...and Lily must know it too!”

Tom just shrugged and said, “Women eh!” and then turned to serve a man who had just entered.

OOOOOOO

It was much later when Jess and Millie were finally alone together.

The girls had started work right away as it was clear that Tom was struggling on his own and there was no sign of Big Bertha turning up.

“Always was unreliable,” Tom had said, so Millie and Ellie got stuck into the bar work with gusto.

It was clear that Slim had decided to drown his sorrows in the whiskey bottle so Tom kindly offered one of the guest rooms upstairs for him to sleep it off.

Now as Jess and Millie settled down in her cosy room he sank down on the comfy couch before the fire and said without preamble, “What in hell’s goin’ on with Lily?”

She sank down beside him and said, “She doesn’t want Slim to know.”

“Know what for God’s sake...come on Millie the guys fallin’ apart,” Jess said anxiously.

She looked undecided and then produced an envelope, “It’s all in here,” she said, “I found it on my pillow when we arrived.”

“Well?”

“She asked me to promise not to say Jess...I can’t tell Slim.”

“No, you can’t but I could...if he needs to know, huh?”

“Yes, maybe you’re right,” she said, and then taking a deep breath, “She’s gone and got a job as a singer.”

“Singing?” Jess asked looking puzzled, “What you mean like she does in Church?”

It always amazed him how quiet, shy little Lily, was able to perform in front of a packed Congregation so easily with no nerves or sign of stage fright. She had the most amazing voice and everyone who heard it was mesmerised.

“No, well not exactly...singing on the stage in a theatre. Well maybe a theatre one day...anywhere she can get to start with I imagine.”

“What one of those whorehouses you mean?” Jess exclaimed angrily. “They have women singers, don’t they?”

“Oh no,” Millie said looking shocked, “Henry would never let her sing in a place like that?”

Jess’s eyes narrowed, “Henry?”

“He’s an old friend of her brother Pete,” Millie said. “It seems he was passing through town and called in to see Lily. She was just on her way to Church where she was going to sing a solo, so he went along with her. It seems that Henry is an agent...spends his time touring around looking for acts...singers, dancers and the like.”

“Oh really, well it all sounds kinda shady to me,” Jess said frowning.

“No really, he said she had such an amazing voice she could make it as an Opera singer...go back east and be on the stage...make a real good living.”

“Oh yeah sure,” Jess said dismissively.

“She’s a wonderful singer, why not?” Millie said hotly, “You’ve said how great she is yourself.”

“Oh sure, ain’t nuthin’ wrong with her singing. I just don’t figure as to how this guy’s gonna get her work back east. I mean she ain’t had any practice has she. I reckon it’s one thing singing a solo in Church...but heck quite another singing to a whole dang theatre...and in that foreign language they have in those Opera things too.

Millie was silenced for a moment, amazed that Jess knew anything about Opera, until she remembered Slim was interested in it, as his mother had been. Maybe Slim would support her in her endeavour after all she thought.

“I know she’s got no experience, that’s why she says she’s starting off small, in a few dance Halls or high-class saloons and kind of work her way up. She’ll sing popular stuff and then start to learn opera later.”

“Got it all worked out ain’t she,” Jess said bitterly, “or this Henry has anyway.”

“Do you begrudge her success?” Millie asked angrily.

“Hell no ... I’d really like to see her make good. But not this way Millie...some of those places are real rough, anything could happen to her.”

“Are you going to tell Slim?”

Jess looked down and closed his eyes tightly and took a deep breath...before looking back up at Millie, “I dunno. Iffen I don’t and something happens to her he’d never forgive me. Heck, I’d never forgive me,” he added with a bleak smile.

“There’s only one thing wrong with that,” Millie said sadly, “we don’t know where she’s gone.”

Chapter 10

It was now nearly a week since they had heard of Lily leaving town and Slim was not holding up well.

The day after his conversation with Millie, Jess decided to discuss the matter with Slim.

They had ridden back to the ranch in silence as Slim was suffering the after effects of his whiskey binge.

Taking pity on his pard Jess sat him down on the porch while he did the morning yard chores and then went and made them both a strong coffee.

Slim sipped the fragrant brew appreciatively and then turned blood shot eyes on his pard.

“I just don’t get it Jess, why the hell is she being so secretive about everything? She must know I’d support her if she wants to try something new...make something of herself as she says. Although I really don’t know why she needs to…I reckon she’s pretty perfect as she is,” and he sighed deeply.

Then a thought struck him, “Hey does Millie know anything...did you ask her? Did she tell you what all this is about Jess?”

Jess looked away quickly and flushed up.

“She did, didn’t she?”

When Jess still couldn’t meet his eye, Slim said, “For God’s sake man if you know something will you tell me?”

 Slim’s heart was practically beating out of his chest and he felt suddenly weak and sick, although this time it had nothing to do with the hangover.

Jess swallowed hard before facing Slim and telling him all he knew. He really hadn’t meant to. After all, as Millie had said, what could they do when they’d no idea where she was? But there again Slim could always see through a lie...so what was the point.

When Jess mentioned Henry, Slim’s reaction was the same as his had been, however Jess reassured him that Henry was a family friend and trustworthy as far as Millie knew.

“Why didn’t she say something...tell me that’s what she wanted?”

“According to the letter it never entered her head to be a singer, until this Henry told her how good she was and how she could be...well, real famous,” Jess replied.

“But she could have talked it over with me...asked my advice,” Slim insisted stubbornly.

“Hell buddy, you hadn’t seen her in weeks, hadn’t written...then this opportunity came up and she had to decide there and then according to Lily’s letter...what choice did she have huh?”

Slim sank his head in his hands and groaned.

That had been almost a week ago and now Mike was back at school and Daisy happily employed in her housekeeping duties once more.

Slim had initially suggested visiting every music hall and singing venue within a fifty-mile radius, but common sense had finally prevailed.

“If this gentleman, Henry, is a real agent like Lily said in the letter…he could well have taken her back east. After all, that is where all the Opera Houses and large Concert Halls can be found dear,” Daisy said.

That upset Slim even more, but he could see the sense in what she was saying.

So, he went about his work miserably, ate little and retired early every night. Just as his buddy had done when he was out of his mind with worry after Millie had disappeared.

Slim had always imagined himself to be a compassionate and understanding person. But now he was in the same boat as Jess had been. He really understood his angst, the terrible feeling of helplessness and overwhelming anxiety, generated by a dearly loved one going missing.

Because he really did love her, if only she was here to tell he thought wretchedly.

He was brooding on the matter when the accident happened and he later blamed it on the fact that he wasn’t paying proper attention to the task in hand.

He’d been meaning to replace the damaged planks on the hayloft floor for weeks. But as both men were aware of it they merely sidestepped the dangerous area and hadn’t fixed it yet.

This morning though with his thoughts elsewhere Slim walked across the place with a heavy load of hay and the timber cracked alarmingly before giving way.

Slim fell heavily down to the barn’s hard floor and yelled in agony...his leg clearly broken.

Jess was the first to arrive on the scene, quickly followed by Daisy, who had been pegging the washing out and had heard the terrible crash.

Together they managed to carry him into the house. But as soon as his denims were removed Daisy was able to confirm a break and a bad one too.

“You’d better ride for Doc Sam, he needs to set this,” she said anxiously.

Jess took a last look at where Slim was lying pale and sweating. Leaning over, he squeezed his shoulder gently, “Hang on pard I won’t be long,” he said before briskly going off to saddle up Traveller.

Once he knew Sam was safely on his way, he stood on the sidewalk undecided for a moment before turning towards the saloon. Sure, it was still early, but he figured Millie would be up and about and he suddenly had a longing to see her.

As he entered, he saw Ellie busily mopping the floor and he grinned at her.

“How’s it going,” he said, “settling in alright?”

She smiled back, “I love working with Millie again. Even this,” she said, nodding at the mop and bucket, “is better than being a prisoner of my awful husband.”

“That’s good.”

Then she said, “What brings you to town so early?”

“Uh, it’s Slim, he’s had a nasty accident I’ve been to get the doc.”

Ellie turned pale and said urgently, “He s alright though?”

“Yup, I guess so. Well, he will be in time. Broken a leg real bad...fell from the hay loft.”

She gasped, “Oh poor Slim…I’m so sorry.”

He was surprised to see tears in her eyes, “Hey don’t fret,” he said quickly, “Slim’s as tough as old boots he’ll be fine.”

Just then Millie came in from the back room and smiling at her beau quickly went across and kissed him, “What’s this about Slim?” she asked.

He explained and reassured the girls that he was pretty sure all would be well.

Then Millie said, “Can you manage for a little Ellie, I need to speak to Jess.”

Once they were in her room Millie said, “I can’t believe you’re here I was just writing a note for Mose to take out on the Stage asking you to call. I need your help Jess.”

“What’s up sweetheart,” he asked quickly.

“It’s Lily, I think I know where she is! I’ve had a letter from my Ma and it looks like Lily is in trouble...big trouble.”

She passed the letter over and Jess started to read the closely written content, looking more and more concerned.

“She says that Henry ‘passed her on’ to this Jake North? What does that mean?”

“Apparently, Henry was only what they call a middle man,” Millie explained. “He finds actors, singers and the like and then passes them on to a local Agent, who finds them work and generally deals with all the venues and finances.”

“So, he decides where she works and how much she gets paid?” Jess asked frowning. “And all by a guy she doesn’t even know?”

Millie nodded, “It gets worse. It seems Lily hasn’t received a penny after working ever since she left here...plus she is working in a real low dive on the edge of town. You were right Jess it is what Ma has referred to as a house of ill repute...in her letter.”

Jess had abandoned the letter, the curly writing being hard to decipher.

“What else does she say?”

Millie looked down biting her lip.

“That he’s been knocking her about. She refused to go on Stage, so he hit her...she’s terrified.”

Jess gasped and looked furious.

“Why hasn’t she told the Sheriff?” he asked, “Doug Masters will look out for her.”

“Ma says that Jake threatened to hurt her worse if she dares tell anyone. That goes for Ma too. She tried to help her, even had her stay a while. But Lily moved out as she really didn’t want to get Ma into trouble too. Ma says if she tells Doug she’s afraid Jake will seriously hurt Lily before help arrives. It seems Jake has friends in town who watch everything that’s going on and Ma said she daren’t take the risk.”

 “I’ll get cover at the ranch and leave for Cheyenne today.”

“I knew you would,” Millie said breathing a sigh of relief.

Then coming closer she reached up to kiss him softly on the lips, “Take care, you hear,” she whispered.

Jess made his way hurriedly back home, pausing only at a neighbour’s house to secure some cover at the ranch.

“Sure,” old Harry Ramsmore said, “My grandsons can be over later to change the Stage and then stay in the bunkhouse like last time if that’s OK?”

“Wonderful,” Jess enthused, just glad that young Billy and Fred were staying with their grandfather again until the fall.

“Any idea how long you’ll be away?” he asked as Jess mounted up again.

“Hard to say, about a week if all goes well,” he said cheerfully before tipping his hat to Ma Ramsmore, grinning at Harry and chivvying Traveller off to a brisk trot.

When he arrived back at the ranch he was greeted by Carrie, Doc Sam’s lovely daughter and nurse, busy making coffee in the kitchen.

“Is Slim OK?” he asked as he came in through the door throwing his hat on the peg and smiling fondly at her.

“Sure,” she said smiling back. “Pa and Daisy are with him, he’s just coming round from the anaesthetic and the leg has set well...he should make a full recovery.”

“Phew, that’s great news,” he said, accepting the coffee she had poured him.

“Thanks sweetheart.”

She smiled back at him. Time was, when she had first arrived in Laramie as a teen, she’d had a massive crush on Jess and had nearly driven him crazy with her lusting after him. But now that was all in the past and they were genuinely good friends. (See #3 - The Doctor’s Daughter)

“When can I speak to him?” he asked urgently.

“Oh, give it another half hour or so and he should be making sense,” she said smiling again. “Unlike you who takes hours to get over it.”

“Yeah, well that ether doesn’t agree with me,” Jess said darkly.

“Um, if I had a dollar for every time you’ve upchucked over me after it, I’d be a rich woman,” Carrie reflected.

He looked sheepish, but agreed, “Sorry Carrie, I guess I ain’t a very good patient.”

She grinned then and said, “Aw but you make up for it in other ways.”

Then thoughtfully, “So what’s your rush to speak to Slim?”

When Jess explained she said, “Yes, I had heard Lily had moved on. I just couldn’t believe it. I know how fond she is of Slim...but...”

“But what?” Jess asked peering closely at her.

“If I’m honest I think maybe she was beginning to think he wasn’t interested anymore.”

“Huh?”

“Well, he seemed to be spending all his time looking out for Millie and Ellie...I think she was beginning to think maybe there was something between him and Ellie?”

“Huh are you crazy? Heck, he only rode with me as he knew how dang upset I was about Millie being taken. I guess he wanted to stop me...well... from doin’ something I might regret,” he said softly looking down.

“And so would you have done?” Carrie asked, understanding at once.

“I dunno...maybe,” he replied looking bleakly at her.

“So Slim and Ellie...there’s nothing?”

“Hell no,” Jess broke in quickly.

Then he thought back to the odd occasion...when he’d notice Ellie looking kinda longingly in his Pard’s direction. Then the recent response to Slim’s accident, and how upset she had been. “No,” he said again somewhat less convincingly.

He suddenly remembered Slim’s attitude when he’d asked him the very same question and how he’d sworn angrily and acted kinda strange.

Then the news of Lily’s disappearance came to light and they’d discussed the matter of his relationship with Ellie no further. But Carrie was right, he had been neglecting Lily of late and dang it, it was all his fault Jess suddenly thought. Slim had been helping him and as a result lost his girl and he suddenly felt terrible.

Just then Daisy came out of the bedroom, “Ah Jess you’re back,” she said smiling fondly.

“Not for long,” he said quickly, “I’ve news of Lily…gotta go and try and find her...bring her back iffen I can.”

Then he asked, “Is he awake?”

“Yes dear...uh but I’m not sure he’s up to that kind of news. What if she point-blank refuses to come back? It would just break his heart all over again and he really doesn’t need any more upset, he’s not at all well, that was a nasty break.”

“OK,” Jess said thinking quickly, “I’ve arranged for Billy and Fred Ramsmore to mind the shop. Give the Jackson boys a break,” he said grinning. “I’ll tell Slim I’ve heard of some mustangs coming through the area, we’re desperate for some new blood for me to break…now old Midnight’s gentled.”

“Well, I don’t really like you lying to him dear, but I suppose it’s for the best,” she said.

“Me neither,” Jess said hotly, “But I guess I don’t have much choice.”

“I do hope you can bring her home; they are meant to be together,” said Carrie, ever the romantic. “But what will you say if you come back without her and no mustangs,” she asked looking anxious.

“I guess I’ll just hafta cross that bridge when I come to it,” he said, marching off to the bedroom.

Fortunately, Slim was still pretty woozy...but he did put up a token objection when Jess said he was heading out mustanging.

“Come on I’ll be back before you know it,” Jess cajoled.

“You say the Ramsmore boys are staying to look after things?” Slim asked looking bleary eyed.

“Sure, and you’ll be sitting out on the porch, leg up, bossing them somethin’ fierce by the time I get back,” Jess encouraged.

He finally left with Slim‘s blessing and he and the doc left the room so Slim could sleep.

As they entered the kitchen Sam turned and said, “Now why doesn’t that conversation quite ring true?”

“Huh? You sayin’ I’m fibbin’ Sam?” Jess asked wide eyed and innocent.

“Uh-huh.”

“I must be losin’ my touch,” Jess said sadly as he went to pack his saddle bags for the journey ahead.

As he was ready to leave and the Doc had been filled in on his plans Sam took him to one side.

“Something you should know Jess...it seems that the Influenza has returned to Cheyenne... It’s not as bad as that awful epidemic we had a few years back when so many died. But none the less it’s still killing a good few folks, so take care. You should be OK having had the wretched illness in the past...but folk that haven’t, well...” and he shook his head sadly.

Chapter 11

It was early evening when he rode into Cheyenne and hitched Traveller up near the Sheriff’s office. He figured maybe he should square it with the Sheriff, his friend Doug Masters, before wading in to extradite Lily from the clutches of the no-good sucker who was her agent.

However, one glance through the window of the Sheriff’s office told him Doug had gone for his supper leaving the young, wet behind the ears Deputy Cody Moore in charge.

Jess quickly turned around figuring he didn’t want to be encumbered by a rookie deputy and reckoned he’d sort out the problem in his own way. As far as he was concerned there was only one course of action with a woman beater and that was some of their own medicine.

He walked the short distance to the end of Main Street where the Black Lagoon saloon, cum whorehouse was situated. Of course, with the recent legal legislation regarding brothels the place was billed as a saloon and music hall...but that merely veiled the less salubrious aspects of the place and everyone knew it for what it was. Cheyenne was still pretty notorious for the number of brothels in the town even though Doug did his best to keep a lid on things.

He frowned as he entered the smoky, dimly lit saloon wondering what sort of coercion had made Lily work in a place like this.

On his way to the bar, he was accosted by several tartily dressed, painted women all vying for the handsome stranger’s attention, but Jess brushed them irritably aside. He didn’t look down on them, he knew some folk had to turn a buck anyway they could. But right now, he was on a mission and didn’t need the distraction.

He rolled up to the bar and asked the barkeep where he could find Miss Lily.

The balding, fat man scowled.

“What do ya want of her Mister? She’s singing in a minute. In fact, dang it she’s late on again!” he said angrily.

“I said where can I find her?” Jess said fixing him with the icy Harper stare that brooked no argument.

The barkeep looked slightly wrong footed, but opened his mouth to reply…

However, before he could utter a sound the low-key chatter in the bar was suddenly shattered by an ear-splitting scream, followed by a yelp of pain.

“Never mind, I’ll find her myself,” Jess said as he tore across the room and up the staircase at the far side from whence the screams were emanating.

“You can’t go up there,” the barkeep called weakly, but Jess was already halfway up the stairs.

The door to a room at the top of the first flight was ajar and he heard further screams followed by louder cries of rage and cussing coming from inside.

He kicked the door open drawing his Colt in one smooth movement and stood there surveying the scene before him.

Lily was sprawled across the bed, her low-cut dress torn and hanging loose, revealing her nakedness and there was the red imprint of a hand on her flushed cheek...the perpetrator standing over her, his hand raised about to hit her again.

“Hold it right there,” Jess growled, frighteningly quietly.

The man turned and seeing the Colt aimed in his direction froze.

“What are you after mister?” he asked standing up and moving away from the bed.

“Jake, I presume?” Jess said affably enough, although the look of fury in his eyes belied his pleasant manner.

“Who are you?” the big ugly bruiser asked, looking warily at the Colt, still levelled at his belly.

“The name’s Harper, Jess Harper and that lady happens to be my partner’s gal...so you see I figure we have a little business...to uh discuss.”

Jake now looked fearful, his ferrety eyes darting around looking for an escape route, clearly aware of Jess’s reputation. He finally decided to try and lie his way out and looked over to where Lily was cowering on the bed.

“Oh this,” he said quickly, “just a little misunderstanding. You’re fine, aren’t you Lil?”

Jess glanced over his heart breaking as he saw her poor ravaged face.

She looked up at him and then over to Jess and suddenly seemed to come alive.

“No!” she cried, “No I’m not! Jess...he’s been hitting me and bullying me since day one... I told him I wanted to quit but he just wouldn’t let me go!”

Jess nodded and said softly, “It’s OK Lily, we’ll be goin’ home shortly.”

He reached over and passed her wrap across to cover herself and she nodded in thanks.

Then he asked, “So did you sign a contract with this bastard?”

She shook her head, “No it was never mentioned...I asked several times, but he ignored me. He hasn’t paid me either,” she added.

He nodded and then said quietly, “Git behind the bed sweetheart.”

She looked surprised, but did as requested.

Jess holstered his iron and fixed the agent with an icy stare, “I think we’ve got some business to attend to, huh.”

The big man sighed with relief; he wasn’t going to be shot down...he could surely win a fist fight with this slender young man.

He lurched forwards and took a swing at Jess, which he easily parried and struck home with a haymaker that sent the bigger man reeling. It was over in seconds as Jess rained blows down on the big clumsy man until he was begging for mercy.

Jess finally decked him.

He was just turning to tell Lily it was safe to come out when the door crashed open and four or five of Jake’s henchmen were there all itching for a fight and Jess was warmed up now and more than ready to oblige them. As he so often said, fighting keeps a man in shape and it was only a matter of time before the men were either out cold or had made a run for it.

Jess was again on his way to liberate Lily from her hiding place when Jake staggered up shaking his head to clear it and moved in for round two.

He caught Jess unawares and he fell heavily...but rallied and the two started trading blows once more.

Jess threw a punch that sent Jake lurching out through the still open door and they continued fighting out on the landing.

Jake was now fighting for his life and hitting Jess hard if somewhat inaccurately. However, after a while Jess decided he’d had enough...so he threw one last haymaker, hitting the Agent squarely on the chin. He staggered and then fell backwards...somersaulting down the flight of stairs landing with a sickening thud at the feet of Sheriff Doug Masters.

OOOOOOO

Jess and Lily, now fully dressed in her own clothes, sat in front of the Sheriff’s desk sipping coffee.

“Oh yes,” Doug said with a grim smile, “it was death by misadventure alright. It wasn’t your fault he broke his neck Jess...especially as he was the one to launch that second attack on you...nope no charges.”

Then he turned to Lily and said, “I’m just so dang sorry I didn’t know what was going on there Miss. I’ll certainly be making it my business to keep an eye on all the acts there in future. But hopefully with Jake North dead and his henchmen scattered there won’t be a recurrence of what happened to you.”

“You weren’t to know,” Lily said quickly, “Millie’s ma...uh Mrs Johnson, that is, and I were just so wary of the repercussions we didn’t dare say anything.”

“Thank goodness for Millie’s Ma sending that note telling Jess,” Doug said happily.

“Yes indeed,” Lily said blushing furiously, “I’ll never be able to thank you for what you did Jess.”

“So, what are your plans now my dear?” Doug asked quickly changing the subject, knowing how Jess got embarrassed with that sort of conversation.

“Oh, I’ll return to Laramie if Tom will have me back...and more importantly if Slim will,” she added glancing over at Jess.

Jess grinned and sighed with relief, “Thank God for that,” he said quickly, “iffen you hadn’t gone back to old Hard Rock I figure I’d have had ta shoot him to put him out of his misery.”

“He’s that bad, eh?” Doug chuckled.

“Worse,” Jess declared.

Lily looked down demurely, but her heart was beating joyfully...her beloved still cared then.

“I figure we’ll leave in the morning,” Jess said, just wanting to get back to his pard with the good news.

Doug nodded, “Only one thing wrong with that, they’re stopping the Stage running for a week or two until this new Influenza bug burns itself out...stop it from spreading you see.”

Lily’s face fell but then she turned to Jess and said, “We could ride home, couldn’t we?”

“Uh, well...”

“I know what you’re thinking, that I’m not as good a horse woman as Millie...but I’ll be alright as long as we take it slowly...please Jess? I really need to see Slim,” she added, looking anxious.

He looked into her pretty face, now slightly marred by the ugly bruise and couldn’t say no.

“Sure we can, we’ll take it easy and camp out…be home in a couple of days, suit you?”

The big smile on her face said it all...

Ma Johnson had packed them some supplies for the journey along with a letter for her daughter.

“Tell Millie I’ll see her at Thanksgiving, if not before,” she said happily.

It was early fall and the weather mild, but Jess made sure they had adequate bedding as he knew Lily was unused to camping out.

They set off early and made reasonably good time, the only thing slowing their pace the nasty cough Lily seemed to have developed.

“Are you OK?” Jess asked as they stopped yet again for her to take some sips of water from her canteen.

She nodded, “Yes I’ve just got a bit of a chill I think, that room I was in at the saloon was awful damp.”

Jess looked closely at her and noted her flushed appearance, “You sure you’re OK, wanna head back?” he asked anxiously.

Looking determined, “No, I’m just fine, come on let’s go.”

By the time the sun was beginning to sink down behind the mountains it was obvious to Jess that Lily was far from fine.

She had hardly spoken for the last hour and she was slumped in the saddle holding on to the saddle horn for dear life, her eyes lifeless and sweat standing out on her forehead.

Jess reined in and she followed suit.

“What is it?” she croaked, “Are we making camp here?” she asked hopefully.

He looked around him at the endless open plain all around them, with no shelter in sight. As the sun was going down there was a distinct lowering of temperature and a nasty little breeze had got up.

The road had been strangely quiet too, and then Jess remembered the warning of the influenza outbreak and looking over at Lily again his heart sank.

“Uh, no honey, I think you could use a proper bed to sleep in tonight.”

“Do you have friends nearby that could put us up?” she asked hopefully.

“No not exactly, but there is an old cabin Slim and I use when we’re mustanging out this way, it ain’t too far.”

“That sounds wonderful,” she whispered, “a proper shelter.”

“Um yeah,” he agreed, “Well it’s got a roof and four walls anyway...last time I was there,” he added quietly.

When she didn’t respond he peered across at her and saw her eyes were closed and she was shivering.

He shook his head and sighed deeply…this was all they needed and he suddenly felt fearful...this Influenza was a killer. God knows he was aware of that alright, he’d been awful sick and they’d almost lost Slim in the last spate he remembered.

“You wanna ride double for a while?” he asked kindly.

She was about to shake her head and say she was fine again, but then she felt a wave of dizziness and just knew she couldn’t sit her mount a moment longer.

“Please,” she said softly.

He dismounted and reached up to help her down and she practically fell into his arms. He felt the deep heat emanating from her body and cussed inwardly, she was sicker than he thought he acknowledged.

He took off his jacket and put it around her shoulders as she once more started shivering. Then he managed to haul her up onto his saddle and jumping up behind her set off slowly.

Half an hour later they finally made their sedate way down a track towards the old cabin.

It was almost dark by the time they arrived and Jess wasted no time in hitching the horses and carrying the now deeply sleeping Lily into the dim interior of the old cabin.

Leaving the door open so the last evening light illuminated the dusty interior he made for a low cot set against the wall and gently laid her down.

He looked briefly around the dusty room and decided it would just have to do. At least there was no sign of vermin and he knew there was a good supply of logs and kindling in the lean-to stable.

He turned and left returning quickly with their saddlebags and bedrolls.

He managed to slip the clean blanket around lily without disturbing her too much and once she was sleeping again, he went out to tend the mounts.

She didn’t wake until much later when Jess had got a good fire going and the coffee pot on.

As he heard her stir, he went over and knelt down by the cot.

“You warm enough?” he asked kindly, “It’s got kinda cold now the sun’s down.”

She clutched the blanket around her and said, “Where are we, looking vaguely around her.”

“Old cabin just off the Laramie Road a few hours ride from the ranch, but I didn’t think you’d make it,” he said softly, “how are you feeling?”

She frowned and then put a hand to her head, “Awful…I ache all over and feel like my head’s about to explode.”

“Sounds like the influenza,” he said looking worried, “did you have it back when there was that big outbreak?”

She shook her head and then winced, “No I went to stay with some cousins up in Montana, you?”

He nodded, “Yup I had it real bad...but they say once you’ve had it then you don’t get it again, or not as bad anyways.”

“What about the first time? You said you were really ill?” she asked looking anxious.

He forced a smile and tried to reassure her, but in his heart, he knew it could be a killer...especially to someone who looked as rundown and sickly as poor Lily did. The last week or two had sure taken its toll he thought as he looked at the deep shadows beneath her eyes.

“I’ll get you some coffee,” he said trying to change the subject, “and how about some of that fried chicken Ma Johnson packed for us huh?”

She shook her head and coughed, “Just a hot drink,” she whispered.

OOOOOOO

It has now been three days since they landed at the cabin and Lily was fading away.

Jess had tried his very best to get fluids down her as he remembered that was the most important thing, if a patient couldn’t eat, according to Doc Sam.

Now he was at his wit’s end as he watched her laboured breathing and deathly pale face.

As he sat beside her she finally opened her eyes and attempted a smile.

He helped her to a cool drink of spring water and then gently laid her head back on the pillow.

“I thought I might go and bag a rabbit, make you some broth,” he said standing up.

“No!” she gasped don’t leave me Jess.

“Hey it’s OK sweetheart, I won’t go far,” he replied, but she got almost hysterical.

“Please Jess don’t leave me... I ... I don’t want to die alone!” she cried grabbing his hand to restrain him.

He sat back down and patted her arm, looking deeply concerned.

“Hey you ain’t gonna die,” he said stoutly, “not on my watch! You’ve got to stay with me Lily. Hell, for Slim, you’ve got to get better for Slim, he loves ya something fierce!”

She sighed deeply and said, “I know you’re just trying to make me feel better...but I don’t think I can go on much longer,” she whispered.

He opened his mouth to argue, but she raised a weak hand.

“Please Jess, let me speak...I want you to tell Slim I’m sorry I ran off that way... I ...well I thought maybe he didn’t care anymore. But I know differently now,” she added with a sad smile. “So just tell him I love him and...to be happy,” and with that she closed her eyes and after a little while her head lolled to the side.

Jess stared at her in horror for several minutes...now looking so beautiful in death.

He closed his eyes tightly...no this couldn’t be happening...not dear sweet little Lily...what would he tell Millie…Hell, what would he tell Slim!

He opened his eyes and took a deep breath.

But then as he looked closer his heart leapt as he saw the gentle rise and fall of her chest...and on checking her pulse, it was a little stronger than of late. She was just sleeping deeply...exhausted after her emotional outburst. Maybe, just maybe what he’d said about Slim had made her want to fight, instead of giving up...he sure hoped so.

He gave a huge sigh of relief and leaning forwards gently kissed her forehead.

“Like I said yer goin’ no place, except back to the ranch to see Slim,” he whispered.

He stood up and fetching his rifle he went off to see if he could get a pot shot at one of the many rabbits that abounded in the area.

“What you need is building up,” he said softly, “won’t be long.”

But Lily was deeply asleep.

She was still sleeping when he returned a little later with two plump rabbits.

When she finally awoke, she was able to take some of the broth and it was the start of her long battle to recovery...although there were many ups and downs along the way.

The most difficult thing for her was the enforced intimacy of being nursed by a man. She was so terribly weak that Jess had to do everything for her from washing and dressing to feeding her and it did not sit easily with either of them. Lily was a very private, shy young lady who wouldn’t normally have dreamt of being nursed by a male...not even Slim… and she found it terribly embarrassing at the beginning.

As for Jess, he had nursed Daisy’s dear Goddaughter Flora (See #19 - Daisy’s Dilemma) through her last illness, single handedly, so he was at least experienced. However, this was his best buddy’s gal and he couldn’t help but wonder how Slim would react when he found out. But what choice did he have? She was way too ill to ride to the ranch and the round trip of over four hours was too long to leave her alone whilst he fetched help.

After a while however they both realised the nursing situation was one of necessity and in fact life or death. So, they settled down and just got on with the support needed for her to regain her health. Gradually they relaxed and coped as best they could; finding a huge dose of humour helped them through the day.

It was a couple of days after Lily had managed her first meal of broth, that they had a visitor.

Jess heard a rider approaching and wary of strangers riding in off the beaten track he grabbed his rifle and went to the door...before turning back to where Lily was lying on the cot dozing.

Seeing she was asleep he opened the door a crack and peered out, before throwing it open wide and beaming at his visitor.

“Hell, Mort what are you doin’ down this way?” he asked grinning happily.

“Well trying to track you down of course!” Mort said dismounting and shaking Jess’s hand.

“You’ve got your partner as jumpy as a turkey on Thanksgiving. He got a wire from Doug saying as how you’d located young Lily and were setting off riding home, and he figured  you’d be back in a couple of days. Well heck Jess that was over a week ago!”

“So, how’d you find me?”

“Process of elimination...Slim told me the route you’d take and said there was shelter in a cave, a line shack and this old cabin. Guess it was third time lucky,” he added grinning.

Then raising an eyebrow, “So ain’t you got a coffee for a weary traveller...and where is the delectable Lily, you ain’t done lost her have you Jess? Say what are you doing holed up here just the two of you anyway?” he added looking speculatively at his friend.

Jess shook his head sadly, “Well I’ll tell you Mort, I nearly did lose her. See she’s got that dang influenza and been sick...I mean real sick...I really thought she’d gone the other morning.”

“Jeez... but she’s alright now?”

Jess nodded, “Come see for yourself she’s a lot better. Still not out of the woods, but I guess we’re gettin’ there, come in,” he said opening the door wider to allow the Sheriff in.

Lily awoke as Mort walked in and looked up at him in surprise.

“Hello Sheriff,” she said softly.

“Hello little lady,” Mort said, “I hear you’ve not been too good?”

She shook her head, “I guess I’d made my mind up to just up and die, until Jess here bullied me out of it,” she said with a cheeky smile that lit up her face.

Mort was deeply shocked by her appearance, she was so pale and thin and she looked very frail...but he hid his feelings well, smiling and chatting with her.

After a while they left her to rest and took their coffee outside to a bench by the door.

“I guess all this has been kinda hard for you,” Mort said, remembering the last time Jess had nursed a young lady and the terrible toll Flora’s death had taken on the young cowboy.

“Weren’t easy for either of us, but I reckon she’s turned the corner now,” he said wearily.

“No, I’m sure it wasn’t easy,” Mort said, “having to care for her that way...do pretty much everything for her?”

“I didn’t have no choice Mort,” Jess said hotly.

“Heck, I know that son,” Mort said quickly, “I wasn’t criticising you. Sure, I understand the situation and you’ve done what you had to do to keep her alive...you did a real good job too.”

“Um,” Jess said darkly, “I just hope Slim sees it that way.”

Mort looked off to the distance thinking hard... then said, “Well, I guess maybe he doesn’t need to know...I mean the extent of what you’ve done for her.”

“Oh, what do you mean?” Jess asked casting him a wary glance.

“Well just that maybe I could get Doc Sam to come out with the buckboard and nurse her back to health back in town. Slim needn’t know how sick she was when you were together...huh?”

“You think he doesn’t trust me?” Jess asked.

“Heck no, I’m just saying feelings are running kinda high. He’s real upset about her taking off and all...I guess he doesn’t need this,” he said tipping his hat towards the closed door, “on top of everything else. Sure, he trusts you and Lily too, but he ain’t thinking straight right now Jess and that’s the truth of it.”

“Well, it weren’t like I planned it or had any choice,” Jess said again still looking unhappy, “but iffen you think it would upset him...well I’ll do as you say.”

“Good man, I’ll get off back to town and Sam should be with you first thing tomorrow...OK?”

Chapter 12

Jess arrived back at the ranch the following afternoon, to find Slim sitting out on the porch, his plastered leg up on a stool, looking out to the rise awaiting his arrival.

He rode over and dismounting tethered Traveller before joining Slim on the porch.

“Where the hell have you been?” Slim growled without preamble, “And where’s Lily?”

“Well, howdy, pard,” Jess replied quietly tipping his hat back, “good to see you too.”

Slim looked down and muttered, “Sorry...but I’ve been so dang worried, so where is my gal ...huh?”

Jess sighed jeez he was exhausted after the long ride, not to mention nursing Lily round the clock.

When he and the Doc arrived in town earlier, he’d carried Lily into the Sam’s office and left her in Carrie’s tender care. But then Mort had stopped him in the street, apologising that he hadn’t managed to get over to the ranch to tell Slim the latest news. There had been several incidents in town keeping him busy. He said he’d sent a note with Mose on the early Stage saying Lily was safe and Jess would be returning shortly.

Now Jess was on the receiving end of Slim’s frustration.

“What’s going on Jess?” Slim repeated anxiously.

“She’s been sick,” he said, “caught that darned influenza, so she’s at Doc Sam’s office right now.”

“Sick!” Slim cried looking shocked, “But she’s alright...I mean she’ll be, OK?”

“Sure, sure,” Jess muttered, “she’s in good hands and the Doc said to tell you she’ll be just fine in a couple of weeks.”

“Damn it, two whole weeks!” Slim cussed, “I’ve got to see her now,” and he half stood before collapsing back onto his chair.

“Take it easy,” Jess yelled grabbing his arm to steady him. “Ain’t nothing you can do anyway, Doc said it’s just a case of waiting and careful nursin’ that’s all.”

“I have to go, have to see her,” Slim said looking desperate.

Jess sighed again and then, hoping for the voice of reason, said, “So where’s Daisy?”

“Gone to town visiting a sick friend, taken a load of supplies over in the buckboard should be back for supper.”

Great Jess thought. “Looks like I’m cooking then, huh?”

“She said something about cold cuts. It’s not been easy for her you know Jess, what with you away and nursing me and all...that’s hard work you know.”

“Tell me about it,” Jess muttered darkly under his breath.

“Huh?”

“Nuthin’...I guess I’ll go see what’s in the larder and start supper, I’m kinda hungry.”

“What about me how can I get to town?” Slim asked plaintively.

“Well Daisy’s got the buckboard...But I’ll drive you over tomorrow if she says it’s OK.”

“I suppose that will have to do,” Slim said churlishly. “So where have you been all this time anyway...and what happened with Lily huh, where did you find her?”

Jess got up hurriedly, “Later,” he snapped, “right now I need some coffee and food,” and with that he dived off inside, leaving a perplexed looking Slim staring after him.

When Daisy arrived home a little later, she was shocked at Jess’s appearance. He looked weary and she quickly took his place preparing the supper and ordered him to sit down and drink a coffee.

“Where’ve you been Jess?” Mike asked, recently arrived back from school on the Stage. Slinging an arm around Jess’s waist he said, “We really missed you!”

“Slim’s been real grouchy ain’t he Aunt Daisy?” he added.

“You mean, hasn’t he been really grouchy,” Daisy corrected.

“We’ll that’s what I said ain’t it?” Mike said looking bewildered.

Daisy sighed and said, “Go and make a start on your homework dear, supper will be a little while yet.”

Once he’d wandered off, Jess turned to Daisy, “So old Hard Rock’s been giving you a difficult time?” he asked raising a quizzical eyebrow and tipping his head towards where Slim was still sitting out on the porch.

“And not without good cause, he’s been in a lot of pain and worried about Lily and you too,” she replied.

Then looking at him closely said, “You look done in dear, has Lily been very sick?”

Jess was about to play everything down, as Mort had suggested, but he never could lie to Daisy and the whole sorry story came tumbling out.

“Oh you, poor boy,” Daisy said sinking down onto the chair on the other side of the table... “It must have brought back such sad memories of dear Flora?”

He nodded, “I thought I’d lost her one morning Daisy, but she was just sleepin’ real deep.”

Daisy sucked in a deep breath but just took his hand and squeezed it.

“Look Daisy I don’t want Slim to know...about, well about how sick she was. I guess he’d be kinda upset...about me being so close to her that way.”

Daisy looked thoughtful, “Surely not…after all, you saved her life Jess. If left uncared for she would have certainly perished, the Influenza is a dreadful illness.”

Jess shrugged, “He may not see it that way Daisy.”

“Alight dear, I won’t say anything...and maybe you are right to be circumspect. Slim really isn’t himself just now,” she admitted sadly.

The following morning when Jess dropped Slim off at the Doc’s place, they were surprised to see that Sam was less than pleased to see them.

“Oh, it’s just that this darned influenza,” he explained, “we’re beginning to get one or two cases coming in, and so I can’t offer you a bed here Slim, as I would normally do...so you could stay and visit with Lily.”

Slim said he quite understood and was about to say he’d stay at the hotel for a week or two, when Sam continued, “In fact I don’t think it’s a good idea you stay in town at all Slim. You really don’t need the ‘flu as well as that broken leg. I know,” he said raising a hand to stop Slim’s objections. “I know you’d probably get it more mildly than last time...but that can’t be guaranteed and I really must advise you to be very wary of contracting it again.”

When Slim still objected Sam looked as near to losing his temper as he ever did and sighing said, “Have you forgotten how you contracted lung fever after influenza and we nearly lost you Slim? Does Lily really want that on her conscience?”

“I guess not,” Slim said looking downcast.

“Come on pard,” Jess said, “you know the Doc’s talkin’ sense and maybe Lily can come and stay at the ranch for Daisy to feed her up some, once she’s over the worst huh? You sure don’t wanna pick it up from someone in the hotel or saloon, do you?”

Slim finally caved in.

“OK you win Doc, but can I just see her for a few minutes?”

“Sure you can…she’s past the infectious stage I reckon, but still you mustn’t get too close,” Sam said and led the tall rancher off, leaning heavily on his stick.

Jess watched him go and then went off to visit with Millie for a little while, before returning to the Doc’s place to take Slim home again.

Once he’d helped Slim up onto the buckboard, he waved Carrie off at the Doc’s door and they sped out of town at a good pace.

After they’d been sitting in silence for a while, Slim stony faced, Jess glanced over at him and said, “Uh...so how was she Slim...not too good?” Thinking that was why Slim looked so upset.

Slim looked down and said through gritted teeth, “Oh she’s just fine, full of your praises.”

“Oh?” Jess said raising a questioning eyebrow, but his heart was beating fast as he awaited the storm he knew was to come.

“Don’t come the innocent with me,” Slim growled.

“Jess is so wonderful, so kind and thoughtful,” he mimicked in a good approximation of Lily’s dulcet tones.

Jess sighed deeply, “So what else has she been saying?”

“Oh, just the truth…unlike you did. How she was really sick and you had to do everything for her...everything!”

Jess looked into his pard’s eyes and saw the suppressed fury there and suddenly felt his own anger rising.

He reined in the team and glared at Slim, “So what did you want me to do, stand back and watch her die, huh?”

“No of course not...but you could have gone for help...I don’t know maybe ridden for Daisy?”

“Oh, sure and left her on her own, unable to lift her head off of the pillow to drink...are you crazy!” he yelled in reply.

“She...she was really that bad?” Slim asked turning pale.

“Sure she was... hell she nearly died Slim!”

Slim closed his eyes and swallowed hard, “I... I didn’t realise. When she was saying all that about how you’d saved her...well I just thought she was kinda infatuated with you.”

Jess shook his head, “The only person she’s infatuated with is you, you great galoot!”

“Really?”

“Yes really, only way I could get her to eat and drink something was because I said how much you missed her. How she needed to get well to be with you. She loves you something fierce pard, surely you can see that?”

Slim put his head in his hands and slumped forwards, the picture of despair.

Jess looked anxious, “Hey Slim, what’s up?”

Slim sat up and looked at his friend with misty eyes, “I feel so dang guilty,” he whispered.

“There’s no need, she knows you’d have gone and found her yourself iffen you hadn’t had that dang accident. Hell Slim, it weren’t your fault.”

Slim shook his head, “No, you don’t understand...I feel terrible for neglecting her that way when we were off searching for Ellie and Millie. You’re right Jess I should have written to her...But I guess I was just so...well so wrapped up in Ellie...dang it that’s why I feel so guilty.”

Jess narrowed his eyes, “So there was something between you two?”

“Yes... no ... well, not really.”

“Well, which is it?” Jess asked impatiently.

Slim sighed, “I think she had feelings for me...and yes, she’s a real pretty gal and I guess I was flattered. Even got to thinking maybe I felt the same...but I know for sure now I didn’t. I just felt real sorry for her, and I guess I was getting empathy mixed up with loving feelings.”

Jess said nothing just cast him a knowing look.

“Really Jess I mean it. I was just really flattered, the expression in her eyes when she looked at me. Hell, it’s the way women usually look at you.”

Jess decided to keep silent and let that one go...and waited patiently whilst Slim collected his thoughts.

“Anyway,” he finally concluded, “it was just a few moments of madness. I never gave Ellie any encouragement and we are just good friends and that’s how it will always be...you do believe me don’t you Jess?”

“Sure,” Jess said grinning at him.

Slim’s face finally relaxed into a smile, “Jeez, I’m so sorry I gave you a hard time over caring for my gal. I should have been thanking you, not yelling at you. I guess I was kinda taking my guilt out on you.”

Jess slapped him on the back and said, “Hey that’s OK...and anyway I guess you’ll be making it up to me, huh.”

Slim’s eyes narrowed, “I will?”

“Sure you will. As soon as that ol’ leg’s better I reckon you’ll be doin’ all the fence mending fer...uh about a month?”

Slim’s face clouded, “A month you say?”

“Uh-huh.”

Then he grinned and shook Jess’s hand, “You strike a hard bargain pard. Now can we get home? I need some of Daisy’s tender loving care and hot pie.”

“Now yer talkin’,” Jess said and clicked the team on to a lively trot.

Chapter 13

Once Lily was on the mend she did indeed go and convalesce at the ranch and gradually recovered under Daisy and Slim’s loving care. Jess kept a low profile, not wanting to upset Slim again with any unfounded jealousy. However, all went well and once she was up and about again, Jess took on more of the chores allowing Slim some free time with his gal.

Slim too had made an amazing recovery from his broken leg according to Doc Sam and he was making progress every day.

 “I reckon I’ll be able to ditch this old stick soon,” he said to Jess one morning, when they were chatting in the barn.

“Things a man’ll do to get to walk down to the creek with his gal,” Jess said winking at him.

“Don’t you start,” Slim said, cheerfully enough, “I seem to remember you enjoying some private time with your gal when she was staying here...guess it’s payback time.”

“So just how do you propose to get to romancin’ Lily with Daisy riding shot gun, huh?”

“Ah, well tomorrow is the last Thursday in the month.”

“So?”

“So, it’s Daisy’s special Women’s Group Luncheon. They always meet up for lunch at Miss Mollie’s and then have their meeting afterwards, won’t be home until supper time. And me and Lily have plans,” he added with a wink.

As expected, Daisy went off in the buggy mid-morning on the Thursday and as soon as she left, Lily was busy preparing a picnic for the pair. They wandered off just after the noon Stage had been changed.

They were enjoying a wonderful Indian summer, the weather balmy and Jess grinned as he watched them wander off hand in hand. Slim still walking with the aid of a stick, but almost without any sign of a limp now, and he reckoned he’d be back in the saddle within a week or two.

He turned and retraced his steps to the barn where he set to tending the recently arrived Stage horses.

It was about half an hour later when he was just thinking of taking a break and making himself some lunch, when he heard a rider enter the yard.

Grabbing the rifle that was kept propped up by the barn door he walked out and was amazed to see Ellie’s errant husband Carl Smite sitting a large paint and glaring down at him.

“So where is she Harper?” he asked without preamble.

Ignoring his question Jess lowered the rifle and growled, “What are you doin’ out Smite, thought you had another month to run?”

He turned a nasty smile on Jess and said, “Good behaviour and friends in high places Harper...but you wouldn’t know of such things.  I’ll ask you again, where is she?”

“Ain’t here...”

“Well, that’s not what my sources say...they say that she’s been holed up here for nigh on a week.”

“Well, your goddamn sources are wrong then ain’t they?”

As they talked Smite had dismounted and led his horse over to the water trough for a drink. Jess followed him over...and said sarcastically, “Help yerself...and then you can ride right out again...and just keep ridin’ because Ellie ain’t in these parts no more.”

Then he suddenly became aware of a shadow behind him and half turning he was just in time to see a rifle butt coming down hard on the side of his head and he fell like a stone.

Smite grimaced at the nasty crack on the head, “Dang it, Chuck, I said slow him down some, not kill him.”

The big ape of a man, gave Smite a rueful grin and said, “Sorry boss...will I check the house huh?”

Smite nodded and when the big man returned, he said, “No sign of her boss. That blond guy with the broken leg ain’t in his bed either.”

Smite sighed, “So what exactly did this woman you saw here look like huh?”

When Chuck Robbins described Lily to a tee...Smite cussed under his breath, “That ain’t my Ellie you idiot,” he cried angrily.

Then looking off to the distance, “I thought that dang barkeep was lying saying Ellie had left town...come on let’s get back there pronto.”

“What about him?” Chuck asked nudging Jess with the toe of his boot.

“He’s still out cold, won’t be going any place for a while, if ever,” Smite said dismissively, “come on we’re wasting time here.”

Once he’d heard them ride out Jess, who had been lying doggo, rolled over and eventually managed to drag himself up. He staggered over to the horse trough and doused his head... removed his bandana and cleaned the bloody gash to his temple.

Then he wandered around for a few minutes locating his hat and jamming it on, before looking over to the home meadow where Slim and Lily were enjoying their picnic lunch. He knew they would be way over by the creek and out of shouting distance. Anyway, Slim still couldn’t sit a horse, so he figured it was down to him to go and warn Ellie.

He staggered over to the barn and after several attempts he finally managed to get a saddle on Traveller. Scribbling a note for Slim, he pinned it near the stall and led his mount out of the barn. Then finally dragging himself up onto the saddle he set off towards town at a brisk trot.

Main Street was almost deserted except for a raggedly bunch of hard drinkers standing forlornly outside the saloon that appeared to be closed.

Jess dismounted and took a deep breath trying to ward off the feeling of dizziness and nausea that had been plaguing him throughout the ride. Then he tethered Traveller, before turning to old Wes Dawson, one of the more sober and sensible of the group and asked, “What’s going on Wes...has Tom closed up?”

The elderly man nodded, “Yup, well not Tom as such, some strangers came in started shouting the odds...told Tom to close up as they wanted to talk to him in private. Well, when old Tom objected one of them, a great brute of a man, turned real nasty...so we all vamoosed before Tom got a beating.”

“The hell you did,” Jess muttered, before revuing the motley bunch once more. But he figured not one of them had the guts or indeed strength to stand up to Smite’s trained monkey.

Then he heard a muffled scream from within.

Peering up and down the deserted street for some sign of help he saw none...so turning to Wes said urgently, “Go fetch Mort Cory, tell him I said to come in the back way!”

Once Wes had jogged off in the direction of Mort’s office Jess tore down the back alley alongside the saloon and ran lightly up the fire escape steps at the back. Once at the top he reached up for the hidden key on the ledge above the door lintel and on locating it quickly unlocked the door.

He crept down the silent corridor and then started descending the staircase at the end that led down into the bar. There he paused for a moment as the walls started spinning again...but a few deep breaths and he was able to move on.

Pausing for a second time, as the bar came into view, he gasped in shock.

Smite had got hold of Ellie by her hair and was attempting to drag her towards the door...whilst Tom and Millie were trying desperately to stop him. Then Chuck Robbins, Smite’s hired gun made a beeline for Tom and dragging him away from Ellie, threw him across the room...where the middle-aged man fell heavily. Then the big tough man turned and was just making to do similar to Millie when he was stopped in his tracks.

“Hold it right there,” Jess snarled, “throw down yer guns and back off, or so help me I’ll drop you where you stand!”

Smite and Robbins turned shocked eyes up to Jess. Seeing his Colt aimed at them and the look of fury in his deep blue eyes they threw their weapons down at once and Smite released his hold on Ellie.

She tore across the room to where Millie was helping Tom up.

“Are you OK Tom?” Jess asked, coming down the last couple of steps into the saloon.

He nodded, “I am now Jess, thank God...”

“OK take the girls in the back room and open the door to the yard, Mort should be over in a minute.”

As Millie and Ellie left, they both threw Jess loving glances and thanked him, before reluctantly disappearing into the back with a Tom. Both had seen how sick Jess looked and didn’t want to leave him. But Tom pushed them away and into the back, knowing Jess just wanted them to be safe.

“Oh how very touching,” Smite said having regained his composure, “makes me think maybe there is more between you and my wife than folk know. Seeing as how you’re always there rescuing her like a damn knight in shining armour,” he said sarcastically.

“Sure, I care about her, we grew up together!” Jess snapped, “And I damn well don’t like to see her bullied by the likes of you Smite. So why don’t you just crawl back into the hole where you came from huh?”

Even as Jess was speaking, he could feel that terrible sensation of the room spinning and growing dim. But he fought it once more taking a deep breath and shaking his head to try and clear it. Smite and Robbins exchanged a swift glance as Jess’s Colt slowly lowered as he staggered and tried to regain his balance.

Quick as the blink of an eye Smite and Robbins both made a dive for their irons and Smite fired off a shot catching Jess in the upper left arm. Even as he felt himself diving into oblivion Jess pointed and fired...and Smite fell, a bullet through the heart and dead before he hit the floor.

Robbins then turned his gun on Jess...who was now lying out cold on the saloon floor. But before he could pull the trigger a warning shot rang out and Mort stood behind the bar, rifle smoking and a look of fury in his eyes.

“Don’t even think about it...drop your weapon right now!” he yelled.

Chuck Robbins dropped his gun like a hot potato and was swiftly handcuffed by Mort’s Deputy Lon, whilst Mort went to check that Smite was dead before going over to kneel beside Jess.

Moments later he was joined by Millie. A hand flew to her mouth and she gave a little cry of shock, “Is he...?”

Mort rolled Jess over and placed a gentle hand on his chest.

Looking up he said, “Nope...heart’s just fine, I figure he just passed out. See here, looks like he’s had a real bad blow to the head,” and he gestured to where the nasty abrasion from Robbins’ rifle butt had opened up and was again bleeding profusely. Then they were joined by Tom who assessing the situation quickly ran to fetch the Doc and also the undertaker for Smite.

OOOOOOO

Slim sat beside the bed at Doc Sam’s, willing his pard to come around. He’d been out cold for over two days and the situation was not good Doc Sam had said just that morning...

 “Come on Hot Shot,” Slim said urgently, “time to rise and shine.”

But nothing...Jess looked so pale and still it was almost as though he had already gone Slim mused, swallowing hard and closing his eyes tightly.

He was startled by a gentle tap on the door and seconds later it opened slowly revealing Lily standing there.

Slim gave her a weak smile, “How are you doing honey?” he asked softly as she came and joined him at the bedside.

“Much better than you by the looks of things, Sam’s worried about you Slim, he asked me to try and get you to take a break.”

“I’m OK, besides Millie’s been sitting with him as much as me...even longer.”

“Yes, and she’s had the common sense to take a nap. Jess will need lots of care and attention when he gets better so you need to look after yourself,” she said persuasively.

“Don’t you mean if he gets better?” Slim said bitterly.

“Don’t talk that way,” she said sharply. “I know you felt guilty with us being away when he needed us. But heck Slim you couldn’t have ridden all the way to town with that bad leg. So, it wouldn’t have made any difference to the outcome.”

He hung his head, “I guess not,” he muttered.

She put a comforting arm around his shoulders, “Go and take a break Slim, I’ll sit with him until Millie wakes up and I’m sure that won’t be too long.”

Slim sighed and stood up, “Alright, but just for half an hour...you’ll be, OK?”

“Oh yes, I’m completely better now Slim. I told Tom I’m starting back at work tomorrow.”

He just nodded and dropping a kiss on the top of her head he moved off, before turning at the door to look back at the motionless body on the bed...and then he left, closing the door quietly behind him.

 Once he’d gone Lily took the vacated seat by the bed and reaching out clasped Jess’s hand in her own and squeezed it gently...but there was no response.

After a while she gave a little cough and then coughed again more loudly, before calling out softly, “Jess...Jess...I need you.”

From his deep, deep slumbers Jess heard a faint sound...yes there it was again. He was back in the isolated cabin nursing Lily and she was coughing again. He needed to go fetch a drink for her he thought...but oh how hard it was to move. Then he heard her crying out weakly to him... “Jess...please Jess, I need you.”

He took a deep breath and started to struggle out of the deep pit of sleep that had been his lot since the shooting. Eventually his eyes flickered open and he found himself looking into Lily’s concerned gaze.

“W...what are you doin’ up?” he asked...feeling totally disorientated as he glanced about the unfamiliar room.

“It’s alright,” she said softly, “I’m all better, Jess. We aren’t still at the cabin...this is Doc Sam’s house...you were hurt rescuing Ellie. Do you remember?”

He looked kind of dazed for a moment and then the light of understanding dawned in his eyes.

“Yeah, sure...is she OK...and Millie...is she safe? I want to see her,” he whispered.

She beamed down at him, “Sure, she’s resting I’ll go fetch her...and tell Slim you’re OK too.”

Jess looked puzzled, “Have I been sick then?”

She smiled and nodded, “Real sick, but I reckon you’re on the mend now, thank God... Sam was very worried...you’ve been unconscious for so long. It was that blow to the head Doc said. I guess it was touch and go there for a while,” she said honestly. “But he said if you could just wake up, you’d be fine.”

Then getting up from the bedside said, “I’ll go tell the others.”

Jess’s arm shot out and he took her hand again and looking up into her eyes said softly, “Thanks Lily...for bringing me back...”

She smiled down at him, “I guess we’re quits now Jess...you saved me too… remember.”

Epilogue

It was a couple of weeks later and Slim and Jess were sitting out on the porch chatting over the last coffee of the day, Mike and Daisy already abed.

Slim’s leg was almost completely healed now, but he still rested it up on the rail as he looked off to the distant horizon, “I guess we’ll have to think about bringing the herd down end of the month,” he said sleepily.

Jess nodded, “Yup, be winter before you know it...will yer leg be OK for hustling the herd?” he asked looking concerned.

“Sure...how about you, still getting those awful headaches?”

Jess grinned at him, “Nope, I’m fine got a real tough head.”

“Um,” said Slim darkly, “the Doc was really worried you’d got a fractured skull you know. Thank goodness it just turned out to be a real bad concussion.”

Then he shook his head and gave an exaggerated sigh.

Jess threw him an anxious glance and said, “What?”

“Well, I reckon every time you get knocked out that way a few more brain cells hit the dust. I guess given a few more years you just won’t have any left at all. No siree,” and he threw Jess a tragic glance...before bursting out in laughter.

“Oh yeah, very funny,” Jess said indignantly, “well I sure ain’t as dumb as you are Hard Rock.”

“Huh what do you mean?” Slim asked, his turn to look affronted.

“Well, it took you long enough to realize Ellie had the hots for you...didn’t it.”

Slim flushed up and said, “So did she say something about that to you? I told you before I really didn’t encourage her...it was just a few moments of madness. If I wasn’t in love with Lily...then maybe...but I am...so...”

“I figure that’s why Ellie’s shipping out,” Jess said.

“Really? I thought it was a kind of hasty decision,” Slim said sadly.

“I reckon it was just one of those things. She knows you and Lily are meant to be together and so she doesn’t want to get in the way. Then her cousin writing her from California suggesting she move over there. With our old friends Chas and Gemma upping sticks and going out with the wagon train, well it was the perfect solution,” Jess said. “And I know Gemma was real pleased she’s travelling with them, she could sure use the help with those twin babies of hers.”

Slim nodded, “We’ll sure miss her though.”

Jess was about to make a witty comeback, but when he saw the sadness in his pard’s eyes he bit it back and just agreed.

After a moment he said, “I didn’t mean to kill him you know Slim. I guess Ellie was really shocked. I know she was afraid of him...but she did love him once.”

“Heck Jess, she doesn’t blame you. You had no choice but to gun him down...or he’d have killed you with his next shot.”

Jess shook his head sadly, “Thing is I weren’t planning on killing him. Just to wing him...slow him down some. But in the end, I was practically out of it...everything was going black and I just pointed and shot...ended up through his heart.”

Slim gave him the ghost of a smile, “Just shows what a great shot you are. A bull’s eye even when you’re not trying.”

Jess threw him a dark look and Slim apologised at once.

“Mort told me exactly how it was. If you hadn’t acted that way, I guess Mort might have caught the next bullet.”

Jess nodded, “Maybe you’re right. Anyway, I sure hope Ellie finds someone new over in California. At least she don’t have to go through that dang divorce no more.”

“Do you think she will?” Slim asked.

“Sure, why not she’s a beautiful gal... inside, and out.”

Then he looked thoughtful, “Funny how me, Millie and Ellie all left Texas, and landed here so dang far from home.”

“Do you regret it?” Slim asked, “Leaving the panhandle... friends...”

“Hell no, there was nothing left for me there after the war.”

Then he turned to grin at Slim and said, “Besides I’ve gotten all the friends I need right here with Millie, You, Daisy and Mike.”

Slim grinned and gave a deep sigh, “Well thank goodness you got that right.”

“Huh?”

“The order Jess, you put Millie first, maybe you should tell her that she’s the most important person in your life...and start making a few plans huh?”

Jess suddenly looked wary.

“Well heck never mind about me...at least me and Millie have got a sorta understanding. But you, well I guess you need to tell Lily where she stands, huh?”

“Oh, she knows just fine,” Slim said complacently. “But you Jess, well you’ve had that ‘understanding’ of yours for quite a while now. I reckon Millie will be thinking of making wedding plans before too long.”

“Now hang on there pard...that sorta thing takes one heck of a lot of planning. I mean like you said we’ve gotta get the herd down end of the month.”

Slim nodded sagely, “And then we’ll need to check all the fences and get the place all ready for the winter.”

“And there’ll be the spring round up,” Jess agreed. “Then we’ve got that Mustanging contract with the army set for early summer,” he added.

Slim beamed at his buddy, “I guess you right there, Jess. I figure we’re both going to be real busy for the foreseeable.”

Jess looked earnestly across at his buddy, “Not that I don’t wanna get Wed. I’ve got nothin’ against marriage. It’s good for a man all that responsibility, caring for a wife and raisin’ kids and so forth.”

“Sure, it is,” Slim agreed, “and we’ll get around to it one day...when we’re not so busy.”

“Sure, one day,” Jess agreed and they sat sipping their coffee, listening to the gentle night time sounds and looking out to the moonlit mountains, both deeply content.

The End

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