The Laramie Chronicles

Love Came Down at Christmas Time 

By

Patty Wilkinson

(Just a little violence, some adult themes and strong language)

Chapter 1

It was the week before Christmas and all at the ranch were sitting in the Laramie Church listening to the Padre and good friend, Rev. Joshua Wesley, waxing lyrical from the pulpit.

His theme was on the real meaning of Christmas. He leaned forwards now and said earnestly, “So you see my good people, the heart of Christmas is not within the frippery of bows and ribbons...of gifts...strong drink and feasting. No, the heart of Christmas is love. The love of God and the love we feel for our neighbor! That is why that innocent baby was born. To bring the message of love...love! The Bible tells a message of faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love,” he concluded.

 Jess Harper ran a finger around the collar of his stiff Sunday best shirt and shifted slightly on the hard pew...and considered these words. Sure, he was all for love and his thoughts turned fleetingly to the beautiful Millie sitting demurely beside him. But Christmas with no drink or Turkey dinner...well that didn’t seem quite right. He glanced to his right and saw the tall blond figure of his best buddy, Slim Sherman, and from his expression he too was wrestling with the concept of a dry Christmas. Heck Jess thought, the way ol’ Joshua was talkin’ he’d be bankrupting Denver James’ moonshine business.

Further along the pew, young Mike Williams, their ward, was looking anxious too. So, did the Padre think there shouldn’t be any Christmas presents this year he thought dejectedly... the hopes of a new saddle fading fast.

The only member of the ranch family, who was looking on benignly as the Reverend finally called for the last hymn, was Daisy Cooper, housekeeper and surrogate Ma to all. She realized exactly what he was trying to convey and agreed completely.

It was later as the congregation filed out that Jess called his old friend to task.

“So, are you tellin’ me we ain’t allowed to celebrate the day with Miss Daisy’s cookin’ and exchange our gifts then?” he asked.

Joshua beamed at the tough, ex gunslinger, who he considered to be one of his favorite parishioners and a good friend. He said cheerfully, “Oh goodness me no, my dear boy! Why that would surely be a sin to shun Daisy’s delicious cooking. I too will be partaking of a wonderful meal and small glass of Mr James’ excellent brew...and goodness, are gifts not a token of our love for each other?”

“Well, I guess so,” Jess said looking perplexed.

“I think what the Reverend means is that we shouldn’t lose sight of the importance of the birth of Jesus and His message to love thy neighbor...all the celebrations should be secondary to that special message,” Daisy explained.

“Absolutely Daisy,” Joshua said, “that is exactly what I meant in a nutshell.”

Slim, who had been listening intently grinned happily, “Well I guess that’s OK then Joshua, I figure we can do both, sure we can.”

Little did he know then just how much neighborly love they would all be sharing over the following days?

It had just been the night before when Slim had predicted snow was on the way, even though it had been a mild night for December.

He and Jess had been sitting out in the porch, sipping a whiskey before turning in. Jess had shunned Slim’s theory that there was a Snow Moon that night, and snow was predicted.

However, as they entered the yard back from Church, the first feather-like flakes started fluttering down.

Daisy shivered and pulled her shawl more closely around her, “Goodness me it has suddenly turned so cold. I wasn’t expecting this,” she said as Jess helped her down from the wagon.

“Neither was Jess,” Slim said mockingly.

“OK, so you were right Slim but it weren’t nothin’ to do with that dang moon,” Jess muttered.

“Well, I think its swell,” Mike said dancing around the yard, “Can we make a snowman, can we huh?”

“Maybe tomorrow,” Slim said, “now you vamoose and help Aunt Daisy set the table,” he added.

Jess rolled his eyes as he unhitched the horses and moved off to the barn, “Won’t be any left by tomorrow,” he said over his shoulder.

By supper time there were several inches of snow lying and more falling.

The following morning, when Slim and Jess arose and peered out of the window, they were shocked to see several feet of snow had drifted around the yard.

“So much for it thawing overnight,” Slim said derisively.

Jess just sighed and went to find his thick jacket before heading out to start the morning chores.

It was the afternoon and they were in the yard chopping some more firewood when they paused from their labors and looking up they saw a lone rider approaching.

He made his way down the rise and reined in by the men.

“Howdy Jake, what are you doing abroad in weather like this?” Slim asked, addressing their elderly neighbor.

“Got caught up in a poker game last night,” he said grinning ruefully, “only just on my way home...roads are real bad,” he added.

“Come on in and have a coffee and thaw out,” Jess suggested.

Jake shook his head, “Nope, thank you kindly though Jess. I guess I’m in enough trouble with the wife as it is. Al from the Stage office asked me to call. They’re missing a Stagecoach back in Laramie...seems the noon Stage from Cheyenne didn’t arrive.”

Slim looked anxious, “When it didn’t pass through here, we just figured it had been cancelled?”

“Nope, seems the Cheyenne office wired to say it would be the last one out before Christmas, unless the weather improved...I guess it must be stranded someplace between Cheyenne and here?”

Although the snow had now stopped falling, there was promise of more,  as large grey storm clouds were  billowing up on the horizon.

 “I guess we’d better go look,” Jess said resignedly.

“You want some help?” Jake asked looking hopeful thinking he could delay his wife’s anger and also have a legitimate excuse for his late arrival home.

“No, you get off home, you must be freezing,” Slim said quickly, knowing the old timer would slow them down. Anyway he should be getting home it was way too cold and miserable for someone his age to be out and about he figured.

Once he’d headed off Jess turned to Slim and said, “I figure we’ve got a couple of hours of daylight left. We’d better head out pronto.”

The light was just fading when they heard voices and smelled wood smoke. Turning a bend in the road they saw the Stagecoach in the ditch at a strange angle and nearby, a group of people huddled around a small camp fire.

As they rode up, one of the group stood up and came forwards.

“Well about dang time…I wondered when the rescue party would be here,” Mose said indignantly.

“Well, you could say it was kinda foolhardy of ya to set off in the first place,” Jess retaliated.

“Weren’t my choice,” the old Stage driver said stubbornly, “I just follow orders.”

At this juncture an elderly lady strode over and said, “Are you gentlemen going to stand there jawing all night or get us to some kind of civilization?” she asked hotly.

Slim immediately went into his role of diplomat and touching his hat said, “Good afternoon, Ma’am. I’m Slim Sherman and this is my partner, Jess Harper. We’re from the Overland Relay station and we’ll have you back there safe and sound just as soon as we can.”

“Um...well make sure you do young man, we have women, a child, and an elderly gentleman here in need of a good hot meal.”

“Yes Ma’am,” Slim said quickly, before dismounting and going over to greet the other stranded passengers.

“So, what’s the problem Mose?” Jess asked regarding the broken-down Stage.

“Must have hit a rock in the road dang it, damaged the back  axle. It will need running repairs out here, I guess... but not in this weather,” he added looking up towards the threatening clouds.

Jess  reviewed the situation, “We’re about four miles from the ranch and its real hard going on foot.” Then he glanced over to the passengers comprising of the elderly woman, a younger one with a boy about Mike’s age, a smartly dressed slender older man, plus a rather edgy, scruffy looking younger guy.

“Who’s that?” Jess asked nodding to the man who was gazing irritably around him.

Mose just shook his head, “Dunno, but he’s trouble I figure.”

“Um, well I guess the woman and kid can ride up on Traveller and the older woman on Alamo and the rest of us will just have to walk, unless you wanna go bare back on one of the team maybe?” Jess suggested with a faint grin.

“I’ll walk,” Mose said deadpan.

Jess wandered over to the group but before he could introduce himself the rough looking younger man glared at him and said aggressively, “About time...so are you going to mend the Stage or what, huh?”

Jess being unhampered by Slim’ s diplomatic nature just threw him a dismissive glance and said, “No,” before turning to where Slim was still reassuring the other passengers.

But the belligerent young man made the tactical error of grabbing Jess’s arm and pulling him around.

Jess shook him off and threw him a murderous glance.

“Jess!” Slim called over, his tone one of warning.

Jess looked down and sighed before looking back up at the chancy kid.

“And you are?” he asked.

“Hank ... uh Smith...”

“Well, Mr... Smith …” Jess said glancing at Slim fleetingly, “I’m kinda busy right now making sure the other passengers don’t freeze to death, so I guess mending the Stage will have to wait. You’ll be accommodated at the Relay until we can get it mended...OK?”

He wandered over to the women folk and Slim introduced him and they started to unload any essentials they needed before heading off.

Seconds later Hank was back.

“I don’t wanna go to some dumb Relay I’m headin’ fer town. I’ll borrow one of your mounts,” he said addressing Jess.

He spun around and stared at the upstart and said, “The hell you will!”

Then again seeing Slim’ s expression made a huge effort and said, “Look kid, there is no way you can ride into town tonight,” and he shook his head in disbelief at the stupid notion.

“I’m not a kid,” Hank yelled going red in the face, “I’m twenty-one damn it!”

“Start acting like it then,” Jess yelled back having reached the end of his tether

That’s when Hank made his biggest mistake yet and drew his gun. Jess’s lightning-fast reaction made the watching passengers gasp in shock and admiration.

Jess covered the punk kid and leaning over took his gun and stuck it in his own belt before saying, “That’s a real good way to git yerself killed kid.”

Hank stood there shaking, “Who are you?” he finally whispered.

Jess looked him in the eyes and said, “Harper...Jess Harper, why...are you lookin’ for me?”

The young man’s eyes had opened wide with fear at the name...but he quickly pulled himself together, “Nope,” he muttered.

Jess threw him a hard look, his gut instinct telling him the man was lying...but he merely assumed he’d heard of his reputation and said, “Go help pack up the luggage huh.”

Hank flushed up angrily, but slouched off to do as he was bid.

Mose who had been looking on said, “See…told ya he was trouble.”

Jess watched Hank’s retreating figure, “Great,” he muttered, “just great, that’s all we need.”

Then it suddenly occurred to Mose that they were heading for the ranch and  Miss Daisy would be there with a good hot meal. Every cloud has a silver lining; he thought smiling to himself, and absently running his hand over his whiskers.

Then he turned to Jess and said, “I guess Miss Daisy’s been cooking up a storm for Christmas huh?”

“Uh-huh,” Jess confirmed.

“Thought so,” the old timer said. Then looking up to the darkening skies said, “Looks like we’re in for more snow...could be stranded with you all, over Christmas,” he added, his hopes soaring.

Jess looked up, his own heart plummeting at the thought of sharing his Christmas with the motley bunch of passengers instead of his best girl and close friends, who would doubtless be marooned in town.

“Yes,” he said heavily, “I guess so.”

They were all ready to go with the stage horses packed with the luggage and the younger woman, Mrs Jenny Dalton and her son Jody safely up on Traveller. However, when it came to the older woman, Widow Hark, mounting up she point blank refused.

“I’m far too old for horse riding,” she said firmly, “besides it’s so undignified.”

“Rather undignified than froze to death,” Jess muttered darkly to Mose. However, he wasn’t aware of Widow Hark ’s exceptional hearing.

“What did you say young man!”

“You heard right Ma’am, I don’t reckon you’d make it back to the ranch on foot and you’d slow us down too. That youngster is in need of a hot meal and his bed,” he added, nodding to where Jody was looking pale and anxious.

Widow Hark, glanced over to Jody who was perched up on Traveller with his mother…both looking mighty cold and tired and she had to agree and relented. The elderly gentleman Chas Hanson looked pretty exhausted too she noted.

She sighed and then addressing Slim said, “Very well, but you help me up young man...you seem to be the only one here with a modicum of breeding and manners.”

Once she was up in the saddle and her voluminous dress and coat adjusted to hide her modesty Jess looked up and said innocently, “Tell me Ma’am were you once a school teacher?”

She actually smiled for the first time and said, “Why yes I was young man, how did you know?”

“Oh, just a wild guess,” Jess said winking at Slim and taking Traveller’s reins, he led him off on the long, cold journey home.

The going was incredibly tough and before long the wind got up and more snow started falling, stinging their faces and slowing their progress.

After a while Slim raised a hand to halt the group and suggested they have a five-minute break, before taking Jess aside for a private discussion.

“It’s at least another couple of miles and I really don’t think that old guy’s going to make it,” he said nodding to where Chas Hanson was now collapsed on a handy boulder at the roadside.

“He don’t look any too well,” Jess agreed, “and I think Mose is finding it kinda hard going too, but he wouldn’t admit it, the old goat,” he added affectionately.

“We could redistribute some of the luggage and get Mose and Mr Hanson up on Dandy and Beauty?” Slim suggested.

“Think they could manage it?”

“I guess if we put a rope on and lead them, both horses are real steady.”

Chas Hanson was quite amenable to the notion and as Slim had figured he was really in a bad way and happy to take any assistance offered.

As to Mose…he argued for a while, but once Jess said the sooner he behaved, the sooner he’d be eating Miss Daisy’s supper, he quickly complied. Albeit with the stipulation that Jess would lead the mount.

“Dang it I don’t trust any of the critters not to bolt once I’m abroad,” he said bitterly.

Jess merely raised an eyebrow but agreed and settled to leading both Traveller and now Beauty.

Then just as they were about to resume their journey, Hank Smith kicked off again saying how  come he had to walk…he was a fee-paying passenger too, wasn’t he!

Left to his own devices Jess would have landed a well-aimed punch and loaded the unconscious trouble maker onto the back of one of the horses...but luckily Slim stepped in. He again rearranged the luggage and gave Hank a leg up onto King...another one of the four strong Stage team.

“You sure you know what you’re doing?” Jess asked.

Hank merely rolled his eyes and grabbing a  hank of mane to steady himself kneed King on ahead of the others, soon disappearing at speed down the dangerously slippery road.

“Watch the road ahead,” Slim called after him, “there’s a real steep drop further along!”

“Dang it he’d better not be heading fer town,” Jess added angrily.

It was sometime later when they saw King up ahead. He was riderless and had his head down, his breathing ragged like he’d been ridden way too hard.

Jess tore over and ran a hand over the big horse’s frame looking for any injury.

Slim and the others had now joined him and Slim asked anxiously, “Is he OK?”

Jess nodded, “I guess so. Just real wore out, that bastard must be crazy trying to run him in these conditions.”

“So where is he?” Slim asked peering around the darkening landscape.

Jess wandered over to the side of the road and peered down before taking a quick intake of breath and cussing softly.

Mose who had dismounted and wandered over asked, “What’s up Jess?”

“That idiot’s come off...fallen down the ravine,” he replied pointing to where a sprawled figure was just discernible on a ledge several feet below.

“Jeez that’s a real difficult place to get to!” Mose said apprehensively, “What in hell are you gonna do?”

“Leave him there to rot,” Jess said before going over to fetch his rope from Traveller.

He intercepted a shocked look from Widow Hark and throwing her a cheeky grin said, “Just kiddin’ Ma’am.”

 “I’ll go,” Slim said quickly as Jess hitched his rope to Traveller’s saddle horn, Jenny Dalton and son Jody standing nearby and watching anxiously.

Jess shook his head, “Nope, you’d be more help working Trav, I’m lighter Slim, will be easier to pull us up.”

Slim looked warily around but could see the sense of the argument and minutes later Jess lowered himself over the icy edge and cautiously made his way down to the perilously  slippery, narrow ledge.

He rolled Smith over and slapped his face, none too gently to bring him round.

After a minute or so his eyes flickered open and he muttered, “What...what happened?”

“You were ridin’ way too fast and came off,” Jess said gruffly, “So are you hurt anyplace?”

“The damn critter stopped sudden and threw me off,” Smith said belligerently and then tried to sit up but fell back yelping in pain.

“Goddamn it, keep still,” Jess growled, “or you’ll have us  both go over.”

The younger man glanced around him and once he realized his predicament started shaking and almost crying with fear.

“Just keep still,” Jess said more kindly , “so, is it just yer wrist that’s bad?”

Hank nodded.

Jess looped the end of the rope around them both and calling up to Slim to take up the slack he started making the hazardous journey climbing back up to safety

Once back at the top they were both soaking wet and freezing cold to boot.

Slim took one look at them and said, “We need to get home pronto.”

“I ain’t gonna argue about that,” Jess said with a tired grin.

Then Widow Hark came over and started fussing over Hank’s injury.

“What’s the damage?” Slim asked.

“A badly hurt wrist it seems,” Widow Hark said, “but I’m no doctor.”

“OK let’s take a look,” Jess said not standing on ceremony.

“I think he’s shocked,” Widow Hark said, “and he’s awfully pale, poor boy.”

Jess leaned down and manipulated the wrist causing Hank to cry out in pain.

“Ain’t broken...just a sprain I reckon,” Jess concluded.

“And you would know,” Widow Hark asked throwing him a condescending look, “you are medically trained Mr Harper?”

Slim chuckled at that, “With the number of injuries my pard has had, I reckon he’s pretty much an expert...he says it’s a sprain, then it is Ma’am,” and he went off to get the fixings for the injury.

Slim passed Jess a strip of clean rag from his saddle bag and after soaking it in the wet snow he bandaged the affected limb tightly.

“Ow, that’s real cold,” Hank moaned looking hard done by.

“It’ll stop it swelling up…help with the pain too,” Jess said.

“Come on get up we’ve got to get going,” Slim said casting an anxious glance around them to where the snow was still falling relentlessly.

“Where’s that dang horse?” Hank asked looking around him.

“Oh no,” Jess said quickly, “you’re walkin’ like me and Slim. You ain’t going anywhere near any of our mounts again. Not after the way you treated King.”

“That’s rather harsh isn’t it, Mr Harper?” Widow Hark piped up.

Now it was Slim’ s turn to nearly lose his temper.

“My partner just put his life on the line for this foolhardy kid and had precious little thanks for it,” he added, glaring at Hank who now flushed up and looked embarrassed.

“He’s quite capable of walking...aren’t you?” he asked looking stony faced at Hank.

“Yes, I suppose so,” he replied sullenly.

“Thanks Harper,” he added gruffly before getting up ready to move off.

Slim slapped Jess on the back, “You OK, Jess?”

“I guess so... better once I’m tucking into Daisy’s supper,” he said with a hopeful grin.

Chapter 2

It was another hour before the small group finally made it into the yard and saw the house lights twinkling from within.

Seconds later Daisy and Mike were out on the porch greeting the passengers and ushering them into the warm house.

Slim helped the elderly widow, Widow Hark, down from Alamo and Jess did the same for Jenny Dalton and her young son Jody.

 “Welcome, welcome do come in and get warm,” Daisy said effusively. “A hot supper will be ready shortly.”

Widow Hark pulled herself up to her full height and said graciously, “I’m sure you have done your best my good woman, but I shall take over now. Overseeing the meal and of course finding suitable billets for one and all,” she said casting a jaundiced eye around the ranch parlour. The new chintzy cushion covers and good quality dresser and desk met with her approval as did the crackling fire, but she certainly wasn’t going to offer any kind of positive comment. Oh no, servants must know their place in her book.  

Daisy had stood there looking nonplussed at this forthright woman...and delayed comment until she was sure she had heard right.

But then the large smug looking woman turned to Slim and said, “I’m sure servants have their place here for the menial work, but when a crisis like this occurs, they do tend to go to pieces I find. You really need a lady with culture and experience to steer the ship, don’t you think, Mr Sherman?” she asked with a beguiling smile.

Slim ’s mouth was agape and he was just about to round on the woman...but Jess got in there first.

“For a lady of culture, you ain’t got the manners of an alley cat!” he spat angrily. “This lady is Mrs Daisy Cooper…the mainstay of  our ranch. Our housekeeper and very dear friend,  who will be overseeing everything...including what you eat and where you sleep Ma’am,” he said, “so I figure you’d better get used to the idea.”

Widow Hark flushed an angry red and started spluttering, “Well I never meant to...”

But Daisy broke in and smiling at the agitated woman said, “I’m sure your help in my kitchen would most useful, do come this way my dear,” she added, taking her elbow and steering her towards the kitchen.

“Supper won’t be long,” she added over her shoulder, pausing for a second to wink at Jess.

Having realized she had met her match, Ma Hark meekly followed Daisy out to the kitchen.

Chas Hanson, Hank Smith and Mose were still in the yard and Jess and Slim quickly rejoined them. Then while Jess and Mose took all the horses to the barn to start rubbing them down and feeding them, Slim took the men over to the bunkhouse.

He was pleased to see the stove had been lit and clean sheets and blankets laid out. He realized Daisy would have catered for a full house as the Stage line was always busy on the run up to Christmas.

“What...we have to sleep out here?” Hank complained.

“It’s not perfect I know, but I reckon we just have to make the best of it under the circumstances,” Slim said evenly. “There are only so many rooms in the house and the women and children should be in there.”

“Oh sure, but I imagine you and Harper will be in the nice warm house, won’t you?” he said aggressively, “And I’m injured too...I need special care!”

“Actually, we’ll be in here too,” Slim said curtly, “Like I say we don’t have too much space in the house. I’ll get Mrs Cooper to check out the wrist, she’s a retired nurse. Supper will be ready when you’ve washed up,” he added nodding to the jug and bowl on the side table. “The kettle is on the stove if you want some hot water,” he added, and with that he strode off to help Jess and Mose.

Shortly afterwards the men were all summoned to supper as Mike, rang the porch triangle dinner bell enthusiastically.

The men all trooped in just as Daisy was coming out of the kitchen with a laden tray.

She placed it carefully on the table and then looked up to welcome them.

“Do come in gentlemen find a seat,” she said cheerfully.

Mose made a quick move to secure a place next to Daisy…beaming at her with adorning eyes.

Slim stood to one side to allow the other men access to the table and said, “This is Mr Hank Smith, Daisy, and Mr Hanson,” he added as the elderly frail looking man came forwards.

Nobody was prepared for Daisy’s reaction...she turned deathly pale...a hand shooting up to her mouth as though to choke back a cry of shock...her eyes huge and troubled and she finally said, “Why Chas, what on earth are you doing here?”

“Well, I’ve come to see you of course, Daisy,” he said, “it’s been way too long.”

Jess had seen Daisy’s loss of composure and quickly came forwards placing a comforting arm around her shoulders, “Daisy are you OK?” he asked softly.

She still stared at Chas nonplussed, for a moment before turning to Jess. Swallowing hard and pinning a smile on her face she said quickly, “Quite alright dear.”

Then turning addressed the table at large, “Do sit down and help yourselves,” she said sweetly, ever the perfect hostess.

However, two pairs of eyes now gazed at Chas Hanson with hostility and Jess muttered, “He better not upset Daisy, or he’s out, snow or no snow,” and Slim nodded in agreement.

The meal was well received and everyone felt better for the warming beef broth and crusty bread, followed by apple pie.

It had been impossible for Chas to talk to Daisy over the lively dinner table and so after the meal was over, he helped her carry some of the dishes into the kitchen and said quietly, “Daisy we have to talk.”

Daisy placed the dishes she was carrying down carefully and turning said, “It’s late Chas, maybe tomorrow?”

“Daisy please…”

Jess who had just entered the kitchen said, “You heard the lady, Mr Hanson, it’s getting kinda late…maybe you should turn in huh.”

Although his words were said pleasantly enough Chas saw the steely look in the young man’s eyes and backed off quickly.

Once he had left for the bunkhouse, Slim accompanying  the guests to get them settled in , Jess sat down at the kitchen table and nodded for Daisy to join him.

“So, what’s the story,” he asked softly, “wanna tell me?”

Daisy sighed deeply and then looking him squarely said, “I suppose I should dear. You see, Chas Hanson was a neighbor and friend back east. It was he who introduced us to the conman who sold us the non-existent shop in Sherman Wyoming.”

“The Hell he did,” Jess said looking furious, “why he was as bad as the salesman who conned you!”

“Oh, he didn’t know it wasn’t legitimate. But well, I think he wanted me gone to be honest, and this seemed the ideal way to get rid of me and my husband, Edwin too.”

“But why on earth should he want to do that? Heck, the way he looks at you I’d say he was kinda smitten,” he added with a small smile.

Daisy flushed up and said quietly, “Well that’s the whole point.”

“Huh?”

“He was...well I suppose you’d call it infatuated with me. He wanted me to leave my husband and run away with him.”

“And you sent him packing,” Jess said.

“Oh yes of course, but I think he was worried that I’d tell his wife.”

“Tell his wife! Jeez he really is a bast...uh bad lot,” Jess said checking himself quickly.

“Indeed, and that’s why he suggested we buy the business and introduced us to the salesman, so that we’d move away and the rest is history. You know I lost my dear husband and decided to come out and run the business we’d bought on my own...Then I landed here and found my salvation,” she added with a warm smile.

“And you don’t want it upsetting by some jerk from your past showing up,” Jess said angrily.

“Oh, I won’t let him upset things dear,” she said quickly. “I shall listen to what he has to say and then send him on his way.”

“And the sooner the better,” Jess said as he rose to start helping her wash up the dishes.

OOOOOOO

However, by the morning it was clear that nobody would be going anywhere as the snow continued to fall...making traveling impossible.

Over breakfast it was clear the passengers all had their own agenda. Widow Hark was still secretly itching to take charge although she couldn’t fault Daisy’s prowess as housekeeper. Daisy, aware of the other woman’s rather bossy nature decided to try and befriend her knowing it would make life easier for them all.

“So, my dear,” she said smiling, “are you visiting family in Laramie?”

 “My sister, you may know her? Widow Brown, er Maud Brown, she runs a small hotel. An establishment for discerning young ladies in the town,” she said with a simpering smile.

Jess nearly choked on his coffee, “What, Ma Brown’s place?”

“You know it?” she asked raising a surprised eyebrow.

“Oh yeah I know it alright,” Jess said winking at Slim.

Many years before Jess had crossed swords with the old harridan that had been Widow Brown. He had call to give vent to the full force of the Harper temper when she had meddled in his life and that of a lady friend. She had caused severe distress and inadvertently a death too. After Jess’s recriminations she had mended her ways and was never heard to gossip unkindly again. After her heart to heart with Jess, she changed into a much kinder and more understanding woman. She even revised her strict rules of no gentlemen callers. Now she allowed them to visit ladies in her boarding house, but strictly in the parlour only, and between the hours of 7 and 10pm. There was many a young Laramie bachelor who had Jess to thank for that.

“Sure, Jess knows her real well,” Slim said cheerfully. “I guess you could say he was kind of instrumental in advising her regarding her business practices,” he added, struggling to keep a straight face.

“Oh, is that so?” Widow Hark said now peering at Jess over her spectacles with renewed interest.

“I do hope you are able to join her for the festivities,” Daisy said jumping in quickly and trying to steer the conversation away from stormy waters. “The weather is still very inclement. This snow could be down for a while.”

“Irrelevant to me ,” Ma Hark said, “I am to stay permanently you see, so I will have plenty of time to establish myself with my little sister.”

“Permanently...does she know?” Jess blurted out, aware that Ma Brown  ruled the roost with a rod of iron. Yes, she treated her guests more kindly  than in the past, but she still ran a real tight ship…that he knew. So, he doubted she would want any guest, sister or not, taking up a room that could be let out. Yup Maud Brown sure was a real smart business woman.

“No, it is to be a lovely surprise,” Ma Hark said smiling winsomely at him.

It was then that Hank Smith was finally able to get a word in. He had been looking infuriated ever since Daisy had said the snow could be down for a while.

Now he burst out, “This is crazy...I need to get to Laramie...I’ve gotta have a horse,” he said addressing Slim. “Damn it I’ll pay Mister!”

“It’s not a case of money Mr.... er... Smith. We don’t want to risk any of our animals going that distance in these harsh conditions if it’s not absolutely necessary. Even a skilled rider would find it difficult, and a horse could be injured too,” he added, implying that Smith was certainly not skilled.

Ignoring the jibe he replied, “Look it’s just a damn critter ain’t it, so what if he gets hurt, you’ve got plenty more ain’t ya.”

 Slim figured Jess was ready to drag Smith out into the yard to beat some sense into him, so he quickly put a restraining hand on his buddy’s arm and quietly said, “Easy Jess.”

Jess shrugged Slim’ s arm away and took a deep breath before replying, “The answer’s no Smith, you’ll just have to wait until the Stage is fixed and that won’t be until this snow eases off some,” he growled, his words even, but his eyes icy cold. “What’s so dang important anyway?” he added.

“I’ve got business in town...private business.”

“Yeah well, it’ll just have to wait. In the meantime, we could do with some help in the yard.”

“What?” he asked looking pained.

“With all these folk staying we need a good supply of logs cut and a couple of chickens culled too, vegetables to be collected from the root store. A full house makes plenty of extra work and me and Slim have got the yard chores and stock to deal with,” he added.

Smith sighed and rolled his eyes but stood up from the table looking  resigned. He figured that a hurt wrist would hardly earn him any respite...and in truth it was much better this morning anyway.

Then Jess noticed Mr Hanson looking hopefully in Daisy’s direction, doubtless wanting his little talk. Well, that would just have to wait Jess decided throwing the elderly man an evil smile, “You too Mr Hanson if you could spare us a little time?”

Aware of the elderly man’s frail appearance Slim said, “Maybe you’d care to help me feed the horses, it’s not too cold in the barn.”

Chas Hanson gave him a grateful smile and said, “Of course, Mr Sherman, happy to help.” Then threw Daisy a covert glance hoping he’d earned her approval.

Once the men had departed leaving the women folk and boys around the table Mike started pleading to play out in the snow.

“Please Aunt Daisy, I’ve done all my chores, collected the eggs and fed my critters. So can I please?”

Daisy smiled indulgently at him and said, “Alright dear, just for an hour or so, but you must wrap up warm.”

“I will,” he said cheerfully jumping down from the table and heading for his coat and scarf in his room.

Then turning and grinning yelled, “Come on Jody,” before dashing off.

The boys had hit it off immediately and Jody desperately wanted to join his new pal.

“Can I Ma, please?” he asked.

“Oh no dear it’s far too cold out there...you don’t want a nasty chill, do you?” Jenny said quickly.

“Aw Ma...I’ll wrap up real warm,” he said looking hopeful.

“I’ve said no Jody...now find a nice book to read dear.”

“But I want to play with Mike...he’s going to build a snowman!”

“I can’t see that it would hurt the boy…stop him from getting bored too,” came the unexpected support from Widow Hark.

Jenny waivered and then Daisy said, “I think maybe just for an hour and then they can come in and get a hot drink and cookies?”

“Please Ma?”

“Oh alright, but your warmest clothes though Jody, scarf, woolly hat and mittens...you hear?” she called to his retreating back as he dashed off to get ready.

Once he’d gone, Ma Hark smiled benignly at Jenny and said, “You can’t wrap them in cotton wool all their lives, you know.”

Out in the yard Mike viewed his new friend with jaundiced eyes noting the hat, scarf, gloves and so many layers under his coat it was hard for the youngster to move.

“So, when did your Ma get so darned clucky?” he asked with interest rather than criticism.

Jody shrugged, “About the time Pa left I guess,” he said mournfully. “She weren’t too bad until then. But I got sick and she started fussing. Then we couldn’t pay the rent and lost the house and had to move in with my grandmother...and then she just got worse and worse,” he said soberly. “I can’t dang well sneeze now but  I’m put to bed. She worries about money all the time too, since Pa stopped sending us some.”

“That’s too bad,” Mike commiserated...then thoughtfully, “So why did your Pa leave and where is he now?”

Jody’s face lit up at that, “Why he’s here in Laramie. He came to find work and make a place for us. See, he lost his job back in Denver...and he decided to try his luck out here in the spring. Said he’d get a job and find a place for us and we’d all be together again.”

“So has he?” Mike asked.

Jody shrugged, “I dunno, we ain’t heard anything for a few months now, so Ma suggested we come out and visit for Christmas...surprise him.”

“Oh right, so what’s his name,” Mike asked thinking he may have heard of the newcomer to the town.

“Albert, Albert Dalton,” Jody said proudly, “Al to his friends,” he added.

“But he’s...” Mike blurted out.

“Huh ... what did ya say?” Jody asked, “You heard of him then?”

“Uh, no I ain’t,” Mike said quickly. “Come on Jody let’s get the snowman made before we get called back in,” he said quickly.

How could he say that he’d overheard Slim talking to Jess just last week about a man called Al Dalton, who was in jail for being drunk and disorderly, yet again.

Slim had been deputizing for Mort Cory and said to Jess, “I just can’t figure the guy, he’s just fine when sober... but once the drink takes over...” and he shook his head, “it is really sad...I figure he’ll lose his job at the Relay Office if he doesn’t straighten up. He could do well there if he just settled down some...and cut out the drinking.”

OOOOOOO

The following day dawned bright, clear and with no sign of more snow falling. At breakfast Slim suggested they go and find a suitable Christmas tree for the ranch.

The notion was greeted with cries of delight from the boys and even the adults seemed to like the idea, with the exception of Hank Smith.

“Never mind dang Christmas trees,” he growled, “what about mending the Stage and getting us all into town!”

“That journey is way too far and dangerous under these conditions,” Slim said calmly. “Anyway, the Stage is pretty much submerged in a snowdrift. We couldn’t fix it even if we went over, you’ll just have to be patient. After all, our first duty is to keep everyone safe,” he added with a disapproving frown.

At that the young man stormed off saying he was going for a nap and the others could do what they damn well pleased.

Jess rolled his eyes, “Jeez...a nap dang it? He’s only just got up,” he muttered to himself.

Once Hank left slamming the door behind him Slim smiled at the table at large and said, “So who’s up for it?”

“Me ... Me!” the boys clamored.

“Um, I’m not sure Jody, it could be dangerous out there,” Jenny said shuddering.

“Oh, we’re not going too far,” Slim said quickly, “just over the ridge on the east pasture within walking distance,” he said cheerfully. “We’ll take one of the heavy horses to haul it back. There are a few good trees up that way,” he added, knowing that they usually traveled further afield for the special tree.

“You sure we’ll get a good one up there?” Mike asked looking uncertain.

“Oh yeah, Tiger,” Jess said quickly, “and the plantation’s way too far right now. This way we’ll be back by lunchtime, so how about it, Ma’am, you game?” he asked addressing Jody’s Ma.

Jenny blushed prettily and said, “Well if it’s not too far maybe.”

Jess’s dark good looks had not gone unnoticed and she felt a sudden warmth towards this handsome young man with the twinkling blue eyes.

“Well, I shall retire to my room,” Widow Hark said briskly, “I have letters to write...Once I’ve helped  Daisy with the dishes,” she added smiling regally at the housekeeper.

When Chas Hanson declared he would stay around the ranch, walking in snow not really being his thing, Jess frowned, but said nothing.

However, he sought Daisy out before they left and said, “You want me to warn him off Daisy?”

She smiled indulgently and patted his arm, “No dear it’s quite alright. I have to face him and clear the air at some point and it might as well be now. You get off and choose us a nice tree. Um, and take Mose with you will you dear? He’s even more protective of me than you are and I should hate there to be any unrest between him and Chas,” she added looking mischievous.

The small party soon fell into step with the boys racing on ahead whooping with joy in the bright cold air.

They were followed more sedately by Slim leading Samson and chatting to Mose about the repairs needed on the Stage.

Jess and Jenny brought up the rear chatting about this and that, until the question Jess had been dreading came up.

“So have you heard anything of my husband, Mr Harper?” Jenny asked looking deeply into those oh so sincere blue eyes.

Mike had already mentioned the conversation with Jody about his Pa and how he’d kept stum about his drinking. Jess had agreed that was the best course of action to say nothing and once the couple were reunited all would be well, he had reassured the youngster.

Now with those intense green eyes peering up at him he felt deeply uncomfortable.

“Uh, Al Dalton,” he said looking thoughtful. “Um I believe I have met him. I seem to recall he was working at the Stage office?”

“Really,” she asked looking surprised, “but I thought he was looking for a small ranch, that we could work together?”

Jess just shrugged hoping she would change the subject...he sure didn’t want to be the one to tell her that her beloved had turned into the town drunk.

She frowned and then said, “So where is he living, has he found us a nice home?”

There was nothing for it but to tell the truth, “Well no I guess not ma’am...”

“Please call me Jenny,” she said quickly, “No house? So where is he living?”

“Uh, well there’s a one room apartment over the office, I guess he’s staying there right now,” Jess had to admit.

“Alone?”

Jess looked perplexed, “Uh, I guess so?”

Jenny turned pale and went very quiet.

After a moment Jess said, “Are you OK Ma’am...uh I mean Jenny?”

She shook her head, “He’s left us, hasn’t he? That’s why he hasn’t written for so long or sent us any money.”

“You don’t know that for sure,” Jess said quickly. “You need to talk. It could be some sort of misunderstanding.”

But he knew even as he said it that she must be right. Heck the guy was drinking and acting like he was a free agent...so yeah, maybe he had left his lovely wife and kid. He must be crazy Jess reflected as he  looked into those hurt green eyes of one very beautiful woman.

He gazed deeply into her eyes wondering what he could say to allay her fears, feeling he desperately wanted to make everything alright, for the fragile, attractive woman.

But he was suddenly catapulted back to the present by the excited cries coming from Mike and Jody as they did a good approximation of an Indian war dance around a huge old pine tree.

“I reckon that’s a mite too big for ol’ Samson to pull back to the ranch,” Jess said grinning down at the boys as they looked up at the mighty twenty-foot pine.

“Uh, I guess so,” Mike said sadly before yelling, “Come on Jody up here, there’s loads more on the ridge see,” and they were off again at full speed, the adults following on chatting of this and that...but the spell between Jess and Jenny was broken.

Once the boys had found a more suitable tree they yelled for the adults to hurry and see it...the most beautiful tree in the whole of the small copse they avowed.

Everyone agreed the six-foot beauty was perfect and Mose and Jess were soon busy with their hatchets and the tree fell with an impressive whoosh and scattering of snow.

As the adults were busy connecting chains around the tree the youngsters wandered off to look at the view from the top of the ridge...But just moments later they came tearing back down the hill at full speed Mike yelling, “Bear...bear!”

In a heart-beat Jess had his rifle in hand...thanking God he had attached his scabbard to Samson’s harness just in case they came across the odd rabbit for the pot.

Once the boys were safely behind them, Jody being held tightly by his Ma and Mike hiding behind Slim and Mose...Jess raised his rifle.

A moment later a hugely fat old bear came ambling over the ridge and peered down at them. He stood up on his back legs sniffing the air...as though undecided as to his course of action. Then he moved swiftly towards them making Jenny scream in terror and clutch her son even more tightly.

The bear paused again and went up on his hind legs once more looking intently at the small party.

That’s when Jess felt the intruder had come close enough and fired off a couple of warning shots over the bear’s head.

The bear, obviously deciding that discretion was the better part of valor immediately turned and lumbered back up the hill disappearing over the crest.

“Are you OK Tiger?” Jess asked quickly.

“Sure,” Mike said, nodding vigorously, “I’m fine...now...”

They all turned to where Jenny was still holding Jody close and was openly weeping now...whilst her son looked deeply embarrassed.

“Hey it’s OK Ma’am,” Slim said quickly, “there was no real danger.”

“How can you say that,” she said flushing, her fear turning to anger. “My boy could have been killed! And why wasn’t the awful creature hibernating?” she added with feeling. “He should be asleep by now surely?”

“Well, we’ve had a really mild spell up until this recent snow,” Slim replied, “I figure he’d probably only just hunkered and wasn’t completely asleep yet.”

“I reckon these two woke him up,” Jess said lovingly ruffling Mike’s blond thatch. “The old fellah was more grumpy  from bein’ woke up, than having the next meal on his mind. He looked pretty well fed to me,” he added throwing Jenny his charming grin.

“Should have shot him,” Mose said glumly, “only good bear’s a dead bear in my books.”

Jess secretly thought a grumpy old bear and Mose had a heck of a lot in common but decided to keep his thoughts to himself and merely said, “No point in killin’ for the sake of it,” and went back to the task of hitching the tree to Samson helped by Slim.

Chapter 3

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Daisy was wishing she could fire a few warning shots off herself. However, she knew she couldn’t put off talking to Chas any longer, no matter how painful it might be.

Young Hank was still sulking out in the bunkhouse and Widow Hark busy knitting in her room and enjoying some solitude as she told Daisy. So, it was just Chas Hanson and Daisy who sat down at the table for their mid morning coffee.

Chas launched in with a charm offensive as soon as he was seated.

“You don’t know what this means to me, dearest …. to have you all to myself at last,” he said his eyes gazing lovingly into her own.

“Well, what did you want to say to me that my friends couldn’t hear?” she asked throwing him a challenging look.

“I think you know my darling,” he said with a syrupy smile, “how I feel about you...how much I regret letting you go all those years ago?”

“I beg your pardon,” Daisy said quickly, “but you didn’t ‘let me go’ as you say. It was I who severed our friendship when you overstepped the mark. When you said you loved me and not your poor devoted wife! And I am not your ‘darling’,” she added with a flash of anger.

“But don’t you see, I was totally overcome my darling girl...I didn’t know what I was doing I was so in love,” he replied ignoring her angry outburst.

“So how is your long-suffering wife?” Daisy asked looking stern.  

 “Deceased,” Chas replied deadpan, “she died last month. She had been ill for many years and I stood by her. You see I kept my vows, in sickness and in health,” he added throwing her a tragic glance and hoping to impress her with his selflessness.

“A pity you didn’t apply your other vows back then,” Daisy said tartly, “to love and cherish her...forsaking all others, while she was still alive.”

He sunk his head down then and whispered, “You are right, of course...”

Daisy sipped her coffee unmoving and waited.

Chas looked up and after a moment said, “But I’m a free man now Daisy and able to offer you all that I have...all that I am.”

When she said nothing, he added, “I am a very rich man. I can offer you so much more than this,” he said spreading his arms to encompass the parlour and all it stood for.

Her head shot up at that and she said, “Do you really think I’d leave this...the people I care for...people I love...my family now,” she added. “Leave it all for you?” she asked looking incredulous.

“But...but what we were to each other?” he stuttered looking heartbroken.

“Anything you think happened back then was completely in your imagination,” she said briskly. “I loved my husband Edwin then, and I still love his memory to this day and nobody... but nobody,” she said forcefully, “will ever change that. Do I make myself clear?”

He nodded and rising said, “I’m so sorry...I...I didn’t mean to upset you...But do think about it...please…” and looking heartbroken he left the room.

OOOOOOO

When the tree felling party returned shortly afterwards Jess came in to tell Daisy they were home whilst the others were busy unloading.

He stopped in his tracks when he saw Daisy still sitting before the fire an empty cup in her hand…her eyes unseeing as she reviewed her recent talk with Chas.

Jess came in and quietly took the seat opposite and said softly, “Are you OK, Daisy?”

She jumped not having heard him enter and merely nodded absently.

“So, what have you been sayin’ to that Mr Hanson then?” he asked, “I’ve just seen him in the yard and he looks a broken man.”

At that Daisy turned to him for the first time and looked near to tears, “Oh dear, I fear I have been dreadfully unkind,” she said.

“Hey that ain’t like you. There must have been a good reason,” Jess said reaching over and taking her hand.

She smiled wanly at him and said, “I suppose seeing Chas again brought back so many memories of my life back east with my lovely husband and son...such happy times,” she said wistfully.

“I guess so...”

“It’s not just that though. He brought back memories of a very difficult time too, dear. The time I told you about the other night...it seems he still feels the same way.

“If that’s the case, what does he want of you now?” Jess asked, dreading the answer. Would Daisy be tempted to leave them for an easy life back east he wondered, surely not?

“Oh, the same thing,” Daisy said with a brave smile, “he wants to...well, to marry me I suppose.”

Before Jess could reply the door was flung open and Slim burst in, “Jess...Jess come quick, it’s that damn kid Hank, he’s vamoosed with one of our best horses,” he cried angrily.

Everyone gathered in the barn, Jess looking angrily at Banjo’s empty stall.

“Of all the critters he had to take, he chose one of our best cow ponies,” he growled.

Then absently putting out a hand to caress Traveller, added, “I suppose it could have been worse.”

Slim sighed deeply, “Crazy kid! He’ll kill himself and a dang good mount too trying to get to town in this weather.”

Jess shook his head, “Nope, I reckon it’s beginning to thaw Slim, it’s much warmer now than when we set off this morning. I figure he’d have a good chance  of getting through, and Banjo’s a real tough little horse,” he said smiling, jeez … he sure loved that ol’ buckskin.

“So, you’re going after him then?” Slim asked looking anxious, but knowing the truth of it before he even answered.

“Well hell, of course I am,” Jess replied quickly.

Then turning to the others said, “So, you didn’t see or hear anything?”

Daisy and Widow Hark shook their heads.

We were busy with indoor chores,” Daisy said, “and didn’t hear a thing. But then everything is muffled with the snow lying in the yard, he could have left at any time,” she added.

“How about you Hanson, did you see anything? “Jess asked throwing Chas Hanson a less than friendly look after Daisy’s latest revelation.

“Uh, I’m sorry, no ...I did a few chores around the yard and then spent some time tidying up the log store before going into the house for coffee, with Daisy,” he said throwing her a warm glance.

“So, he could have lit out hours ago,” Slim said.

“I’d better get moving then,” Jess agreed.

“Maybe I should come too,” Slim said softly as Jess went to saddle up and the others left for the warmth of the parlour.

Once they were alone Jess replied, “What and leave this motley crew all alone? What if that ol’ bear comes back? You’ll have that Jenny havin’ hysterics again,” he said with a grin. Then sobering said, “Anyway, you need to keep an eye on Hanson too,” and he gave a potted version of what Daisy had told him.

Slim looked equally incensed, “I’ll make sure he doesn’t upset her,” he vowed.

Just then Daisy returned bearing a gunny sack of food and a spare bedroll.

“Do be careful dear,” she said anxiously, “I really don’t like the thought of you heading off in this awful weather.”

“Me neither!” Mike piped up as he ran into the barn looking upset.

“I’ve gotta go get Banjo back,” Jess said firmly.

Then throwing Daisy and Mike a warm smile said, “Hey don’t fret, heck it’s thawing as we speak, I’ll be there and back before you know it,” and with that he was up in the saddle and ready to go.

Mike and Daisy waved bravely.

But Slim called him back and walking over out of earshot of the other said, “Jess, listen up...if it’s too treacherous out there you turn back huh. Ponies can be replaced but good buddies are kinda hard to find.”

Jess nodded and gave him a warm smile, “I hear you pard,” he said, before pulling his hat down hard, giving a little salute and urging Traveller on up the rise and away.

As he hit the main Laramie Road, he was indeed pleased to see that the going was much easier than of late. Every now and then he heard the crash of snow falling from the tall trees that lined the road and knew the thaw had come...then an hour or so later the sun came out and his spirits rose. He’d find that no good punk in record time and make Laramie before nightfall he figured. Then he’d have time to look up his best gal and sink a few beers.

It was only an hour later that his high hopes  were dashed, as storm clouds came rolling in obliterating the weak winter sun. The wind got up, tearing angrily through the nearby pine trees and then it started to hail.

He quickly left the road and took shelter beneath one of the tall pines, turning Traveller’s rump towards the weather. He patted his neck and said, “Gee I’m sorry boy...you hate this dontcha.”

After a moment Traveller raised his head, sniffing the air and gave a little whinny of welcome.

Jess’s head shot up and he looked off to the distance where Traveller was now peering intently and caught a glimpse of a light-colored horse...off amongst the dense tree cover.

“Banjo, that you,” he whispered to himself.

He urged Traveller forwards and in minutes they heard an answering soft neigh from Banjo. Then they saw him clearly and a figure lying deathly still just feet away.

Jess jumped down from the saddle and ran over to where Hank was sprawled face down in the snow.

He  gently turned the young man over, his clothes sodden and face deathly pale.

Then he noted the overpowering smell of alcohol and saw the half empty bottle in the snow nearby.

“Stupid idiot,” he muttered to himself, as he realized Hank was just very, very drunk and didn’t look to be injured in any way, other than a small cut to his head.

He looked around him and noted that the hail had now turned to snow and it was falling thick and fast. He knew he must find shelter for them both...and that cold and wet as he was Hank would have little chance of survival if he didn’t act quickly.

He got his canteen and poured a cold splash over the man’s face and that was sufficient to rouse him some, “Wha...what you doin’ Harper,” he slurred peering up through bloodshot eyes.

“I’m tryin’ to save your damn hide!” Jess responded angrily. “Now get on your horse...uh that is, MY horse,” he added, “We need to find shelter.”

It soon became clear that Hank was totally incapable of mounting so Jess gave him a leg up and then led Banjo on down the road, Traveller following on.

They eventually reached the old line-cabin that Jess had been heading for, about a mile further on. He hauled Hank down from the saddle and practically carried him in and dropped him none too gently on a dusty old cot.

“I’ll be back,” he growled and marched off to tend the horses.

Once he’d settled them in the battered old lean-to stable, he returned to the cabin and made up the fire. It was a place they often used when fishing in a small lake nearby and had a good supply of logs and it was watertight if nothing else.

Once the fire was crackling cheerfully, he looked around the dusty old place with the pair of old cots and moth-eaten blankets and scowled. Hell, this wasn’t how he’d planned to spent the night.

Sighing, he removed his soaking overcoat and then peered across to the cot where Hank was still wearing his wet clothes and was out for the count.

Wandering over he shook him roughly awake and said, “Git those wet things off and I’ll dry ‘em”

When Hank just groaned and clutched his head, Jess merely said, “Up to you, it really don’t bother me too much iffen you get lung fever and die. I guess it’ll save me a job.”

At that Hank sat up suddenly alert and looking terrified...he shrank back eyeing Jess warily.

Jess rolled his eyes, “I may have to beat some sense into you, but I guess you ain’t worth swinging for. But damn it boy I’m real mad at you fer takin’ Banjo that way! You’re just lucky he ain’t come to any harm. Looks like you didn’t ride him hard...that’s somethin’ I suppose.”

“I didn’t Mr Harper, really, I didn’t. I guess I learnt my lesson after I took Samson. I won’t be ridin’ reckless that way again, I can promise you that, sir. It ain’t like me anyways, I love horses, really, I do.”

Jess noted the new respect in the boy’s eyes and just nodded, “Give us yer stuff then,” he said more calmly.

With a sigh of relief Hank handed over his wet things and accepted the offer of a hot coffee and warm blanket to wrap around him.

After they’d been sipping their coffee for a while Jess looked over at the boy in the blanket looking so very young and vulnerable and said, “Come on then kid…how old are you, really huh?”

Hank’s head shot up and he opened his mouth to lie...and then snapped it shut again and threw Jess a rueful glance, “Just turned seventeen,” he said quietly.

“Thought as much,” Jess said grinning. “So, what’s your all-fired hurry to get to Laramie then, huh?”

The youngster bowed his head then looking squarely at Jess said, “I wanna see my Pa.”

“Your Pa lives there?”

Hank shook his head, “Nope he was just passing through.”

“Was?”

“Yeah...he’s dead...was shot. I need to see the Sheriff, find out exactly what happened. Visit his grave too.”

Jess looked surprised, “When was this?”

“A while back...I couldn’t come before.”

“Oh?”

Hank sighed, “Ma didn’t want me to go. I promised her I wouldn’t...but she died a few months ago. I went on the drift...but then decided I had to find out what happened...so, here I am.”

“You want to see the Sheriff...Mort Cory, and ask him about it. I don’t recall anyone called Smith being shot in Laramie in the last few years...so where did it happen?” he asked again.

“I don’t really recall...Uh look, I’m kinda tired,” he said and then clammed up and refused to discuss the matter further.

They had turned in and Jess was just drifting off when Hank said softly, “I’m real sorry for taking your horse Mr Harper...I was going to bring him back, honest.”

Truth be told Jess had been kinda moved by the kid’s story. He could sure identify with being orphaned and going on the drift. His heart went out to the boy when he told him of his Ma’s recent death. Sure, he was full of bluster and defiance...but hell so had he been  at that age.

“I believe ya,” he said sleepily, “night Hank.”

“Night Mr Harper...and thanks...”

The following morning dawned bright and with a hint of warmth in the sun. The snow had turned to rain in the night and Jess figured they’d make Laramie in good time. He reckoned he’d drop the kid off with Mort and was still debating whether to have him charged for horse stealing or not. Heck if the boy got away with it this time maybe he’d try it again...and dependent as to which State he was in could end up with noose around his neck. Maybe he’d be doing him a kindness if he got the shock of a short jail sentence. He remembered that Mexican kid who had faced the rope for stealing Traveller...and thanked God all had turned out well in the end...that time. He hadn’t wanted the death sentence for the boy but the ruling in that town had been so bigoted they would have hung the lad if Jess hadn’t taken the law into his own hands.

Now he turned his gaze on a very hung over Hank and passed him a strong coffee.

“So, what were you doin’ knocking back red-eye on the trail?” Jess asked companionably.

Hank pulled a face, “I thought it might keep the cold out.”

Jess noted the old threadbare clothes the youngster was wearing once more and said lightly, “You wanna invest in some warm clothes rather than strong drink...they’ll serve ya better.”

He grinned at that, “You sound like my Ma...”

“Well, she clearly talked a lot of sense,” Jess said quickly.

 Hank nodded, “She’d be so dang mad at me for stealing your horse. What ’ll happen to me, Mr Harper?”

If the boy had hoped the newly calm and reasonable Harper was about to forgive and forget he was sadly mistaken.

“Up to the Sheriff I guess...a spell in jail fer sure.”

Hank looked desolate, “Really ... you think?”

Jess nodded emphatically, “I reckon...”

When Hank looked totally defeated Jess felt a tinge of sympathy and decided to explain.

“See boy, you’ve gotta learn the hard way...gotta take responsibility fer yer actions. Hell, iffen I’d been clapped in jail first mistake I made I guess I’d have saved the Law one hell of a lot of work, and myself a whole shed load of trouble.”

 “You were a bad ‘un...” Hank said looking quite impressed.

“I make you look like a kid with a fire cracker at a Sunday school party,” Jess said grinning with genuine merriment and after a moment Hank joined in with him.

Then he realized what the boy had said had been a statement rather than a question.

“So, you do know of me?” Jess asked with a quizzical glance.

The boy nodded, “Your reputation yeah...Pa told me about you once...about your fast draw.”

“Do I know your Pa?”

The lad just shook his head looking uncomfortable, “I guess not...”

But then the wind got up and more clouds started heading in and so they quickly broke camp and went on their way, their conversation ended. For the moment anyway Jess thought, but he would find out more later figuring there was more to this kid and his Pa than he realized.

Chapter 4

At the ranch Jenny’s anxiety had spiraled after the bear incident and the day after Jess had ridden out, things came to a head.

She had got even more over protective…hardly letting Jody out of her sight and insisting he moved from Mike’s room into the one she was currently sharing with Widow Hark.

It was when the boy had a terrible nightmare saying he dreamed a bear was eating him that Widow Hark decided she must step in.

The three women were doing some mending around the fire, Slim, Mose and Chas out in the yard tending to chores and keeping an eye on the boys. Even so, every so often Jenny would rise and go and peer out of the window checking on her son.

The next time she did this Widow Hark came to the end of her patience.

“You really aren’t doing the child any favours you know,” she said as Jenny returned to her seat.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me my dear...I was a teacher before you were born and I know what I’m talking about,” the elderly lady said. “You continue to smother that boy and you’ll end up with one who will be bullied and unable to stand up for himself...why the poor child is scared of his own shadow because of you.”

“I... I’m just looking out for him,” Jenny said, “It is a mother’s duty is it not? And he has no Pa around,” she added bitterly.

“It is a mother’s duty to teach strength of character, fortitude and good sense,” Widow Hark retaliated hotly. “After all, Mr Harper said there was no real danger from that bear. And Mr Sherman said it would be very unlikely for one to enter the yard...and even if it did the men would deal with it, so you have absolutely no reason to be so fearful.”

Jenny turned anxious eyes on Daisy, “Do you agree with that Mrs Cooper?”

“I’m afraid I do my dear. You are frightening the children with your constant worrying. Why even Mike needed some reassurance this morning. He said you had suggested that he would be safer living in the town?”

“I’m sorry,” Jenny said quickly, “I was out of order saying that. I’m just so worried about everything right now I can’t seem to think straight,” and with that she ran to her room, stifling  a sob and calling out, “Do excuse me.”

 After a few minutes Daisy tapped gently on the door and entered.

She found Jenny seated on the edge of Jess’s bed…sobbing quietly.

“May I speak to you my dear ?” Daisy asked hesitantly.

When Jenny  blew her nose and nodded. Daisy smiled and took a seat beside her.

“I’m so sorry Jenny we really didn’t mean to upset you, we’re just concerned.”

 “No, it’s I who should be sorry. I have been acting like a complete idiot,” Jenny said her eyes wide and earnest, “honestly Mrs Cooper I’m not like this usually.”

“Please call me Daisy and tell me all about it my dear.”

“You see I have problems...well, problems of the heart.”

“Oh, do go on Jenny, maybe I can help.”

“Well Albert and I were so very happy...until he lost his job that is. He was ramrod of a big outfit, until the boss died and the place was sold off. The new man brought his own wranglers...and that was it. He felt terrible being unable to provide for us. He would turn his hand to anything...but there was no work. Then his best friend...well I thought he was,” she added bitterly. “His best friend Cal suggested he try his luck in Laramie. He’d heard what a great place it was, ranchers needing help, and work in town that paid well. So, we decided he would go, get a job in town and look around for a small ranch we could build up...run together,” she added her voice breaking.

“That sounds like the perfect plan, so what went wrong?” Daisy asked looking concerned.

“Well, that was months ago. All was well at first with letters and money for Jody and I to live on. Then suddenly it all stopped. It happened not long after Cal had been over to visit him on his way back from some business. I could tell something was wrong. I thought maybe he was sick and that’s why he had ignored my letters and not sent any money for the bills. That is until Cal told me something terrible. He said Albert had met someone else...he’d left me!”

“Oh my dear, no,” Daisy said looking shocked.

“I couldn’t believe it either, my Albert just wasn’t like that. That’s why I’m here Daisy. I had to see him for myself. I just had to get away from my hometown too...make a fresh start...even if Albert doesn’t want me anymore. I had to leave...”

  “Why  Jenny?”

“It was Cal, he scared me. You see Albert used to tease me and say Cal secretly liked me. It was just a joke, neither of us really believed it. But then when he came back from visiting Albert he changed. At first, he was just comforting me because I was so upset. But then things changed Daisy. He said I should leave Albert and marry him...was most insistent...in fact he frightened me, he was so intense. That’s when we decided to leave...and why I’m so clucky I suppose,” she said with a sad smile, “I have lost everything but my  boy, Jody.”

“You poor girl. I understand completely,” Daisy said, having a faint feeling of déjà vu after her experience of Chas ’s unwanted affection.

Then she looked thoughtful, “You don’t think that maybe this Cal made the whole thing up just to get you for himself?”

Jenny looked hopeful...but then said, “Why would Albert stop writing to me though Daisy... maybe he really is sick?” she suggested.

Well maybe he was Daisy hazarded, having heard Slim and Jess discussing Albert’s recent drinking...but she decided not to say anything until she knew more. Jess had promised to try and look Albert up to tell him his wife and son were safe at the relay...and so they would just have to wait and see what happened.

OOOOOOO

Back in Laramie Jess and Hank hitched up outside Mort Cory’s office and Jess turned to the boy and said, “Ready to face the music then?”

He’d noticed the youngster had looked more and more nervous as they approached town...and now he looked very pale and anxious.

“Come on kid,” Jess said, “Mort don’t bite and anyways, you wanna find out about yer Pa being shot too dontcha?”

Mort looked up from his desk and beamed with delight when he saw Jess walk into the office.

“Well, I’ll be… if it ain’t Jess Harper! We were giving up hope of seeing you this side of Christmas...so the road is passable now?”

“Sure is, mud up to Traveller’s hocks and he don’t like it none but I reckon you’ll get through OK come Christmas,” Jess said cheerfully.

“And I take it you’ve got a house full of Stage passengers?”

Jess nodded then turning said, “This is one of them...wants to ask you about a shooting in town...his Pa was shot a while back.”

“Uh-huh,” Mort said, “well sure I’ll help if I can son. I’ll just get you two a hot drink, still mighty cold out there,” and he moved over to the stove and coffee pot on the other side of the room, accompanied by Jess...making a wise crack about the Sheriff’s awful coffee.

The men had their backs to Hank when they heard the unmistakable sound of a Colt 45 being cocked...and both froze for a second and then turned as one to see Hank standing a few feet away, his gun trained on Mort’s head.

“What the hell are you pullin’?” Jess yelled angrily.

 “I guess I wasn’t quite up front with you Mr Harper. I didn’t come here to ask the Sheriff about my Pa, I came to shoot Cory for killing him.”

Mort’s jaw dropped and he flicked a quick glance over to Jess, before asking Hank, “Who was your Pa and when and where was this?”

“It was last year, November 16 ...in the Laramie bank. There was a hold up and Pa was killed by you in the cross fire. Ma told me...she said a witness saw you trying to kill the bank robber but the shot went wide by a mile and hit my Pa... well that ain’t right. You should be able to shoot straight dang it, iffen you’re the Sheriff,” and he glanced over to Jess for support.

Jess stared at him equally as shocked as Mort and then he clicked his fingers, “Was your Pa Hank Burns...not Smith, huh?”

The kid nodded, “Yup I’m Hank Burns junior.”

Then he levelled his gun at Mort and said, “And I aim to kill you Sheriff,” his voice sounding less convinced now as the reality of what he was doing hit home.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Jess said quietly.

This infuriated the youngster and he said belligerently, “Well why not!”

“Because you’d be shooting the wrong man,” Jess said evenly, “it was me that shot yer Pa.”

“You...but you’re a sharp shooter, you wouldn’t miss your target. How can that be?”

“Because I was damn well aiming at your Pa,” Jess said looking exasperated. “God damn it he’d just shot an innocent  cashier...he wasn’t a bystander Hank he was the bank robber…that’s why I killed him!”

“No ... that can’t be right,” the boy said flushing up, “that’s not what Ma told me.”

“She was probably lying to protect you from the truth boy,” Mort said.

“No, I don’t believe it she wouldn’t lie…not my Ma.”

“Oh yes she would,” Jess said quickly, “your Ma thought the world of you, would do damn near anything to keep you safe...shield you from what your Pa really was.” Then he felt a sudden jolt of pain as he realized it was the lovely Annie who was dead.

“How can you say that?” Hank yelled looking close to tears.

“Because I knew your Ma and Pa that’s why,” Jess said. “I knew ‘em real well.”

The boy’s eyes opened wide in shock and he just stood there trembling; the gun still held on Mort but now wavering slightly.

“Now give me the gun Hank,” Jess said taking a step towards him.

Hank turned the gun on Jess, the atmosphere electric, the sweat standing out on the boy’s forehead, his eyes wild and terrified.

Jess put a hand out and said firmly, “The gun Hank...”

After a moment Hank gave a huge shaky sigh and passed the gun over...looking down he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

“You will be boy!” Mort said angrily as he handcuffed the lad and propelled him towards the cells.

Hank turned back and threw Jess a pleading look, “I’m really sorry,” he repeated, “help me Mr Harper...please.”

Jess nodded, “Settle down kid, we’ll talk tomorrow.”

Mort returned closing the door to the cells and went and collapsed down in his chair behind his desk and looked over at Jess now pouring their coffee.

“Well, you took that pretty calmly; I thought you’d have knocked him into next week for that,” Mort said raising a quizzical eyebrow.

“I reckon he ain’t a bad kid, not deep down.”

“Oh, you don’t eh...”

“Nah, but I want him locked up in jail for a while to teach him a lesson. He dang well stole Banjo,” Jess said looking annoyed.

 “So, it’s OK for him to threaten to kill your good friend the Sheriff...but you want him in jail for horse stealing?” Mort said looking incredulous.

“That’s about the size of it,” Jess agreed. Then he smiled and after a minute, so did Mort and then they were both laughing uproariously.

“Jess Harper you’ll be the death of me,” he said still chuckling.

“So, we still on for the party at your place?”

“Sure, it’ll be a tad crowded as we’ll still have the Stage passengers stuck out there, doubt Slim will have a chance to fix the Stage in time to get them back for Christmas. But that’s OK Daisy’s cooking up a storm and we’ve got enough of Denver’s grog to go around.”

“And what about him,” Mort asked jerking a thumb towards the cells.

Jess shrugged, “Why dontcha get him whitewashing the walls, yer always sayin’ as how they need doing and I’ll have a word with a few folk to see if I can find him a job.”

“What’s with this new forgiving Jess Harper?” Mort asked grinning, “The Padre’s sermon about loving your neighbor got through to you, did it?”

Jess grinned, “Something like that and uh...well me and his Ma were kinda close once I guess I owe her.”

“Oh really,” Mort said his eyes twinkling “now why doesn’t that surprise me. So, are you going to tell me all about it then, huh?”

Jess drained his cup and stood up, “Not right now Mort, got things to do...But tell the boy I’ll be in to see him tomorrow...OK?”

Mort nodded rolling his eyes, “Give Millie my best,” he said as Jess left.

He marched down Main Street anticipating the reaction he would get from his best gal when he entered the saloon unexpectedly.

The thoroughfare was packed with folk doing their Christmas shopping and moments later Jess collided with an elderly woman with her arms full of packages. The shopping went everywhere and they both scrabbled about on the sidewalk picking everything up.

“Gee I’m sorry Ma’am,” Jess said quickly, “you just came out of the shop so quickly I couldn’t stop.”

Widow Brown beamed up at him, “Why Jess it’s you! Well, that’s alright my dear, my fault entirely; I was in such a rush,” she said, “so much to do at this time of the year.”

Jess agreed and offered to help her carry the shopping home.

Once they reached the smart front door of her Boarding House, she unlocked it quickly and turning said, “Do come in for a glass of sherry Jess to celebrate the season.”

Jess glanced wistfully down the street to the saloon, but knew better than to argue with Widow Brown, so he smiled politely and followed her inside.

Since she and Jess had crossed swords many years ago, she was a changed woman, the miserable, vindictive old harridan she once was had disappeared completely. Now ‘her veins flowed with the milk of human kindness’ the Padre had once said. Yup the only time you had to do as you were told was when Ma Brown was offering some kindness, he thought as he sat in a comfortable chair in the front parlour holding a small glass of sherry.

“So, what is the news from the ranch Jess,” she asked expectantly, “I do believe you have stranded passengers staying there. All that extra work for poor Daisy,” she added tutting, “I hope you boys are helping her out.”

Jess marveled at the local grapevine, heck he’d only been in town an hour or so and news of the broken-down Stage was rife.

“Yes Ma’am, we sure are,” he said automatically.

Then he suddenly remembered about the surprise visitor...Widow Hark...Ma Brown’s sister.

He knew  Maud Brown was the last person to enjoy surprises upsetting her regimented life, so he wondered if he should tell her of the unexpected visitor. Weighing it up he figured he’d rather be in Ma Brown’s  good books, than those of Widow Hark.

“Uh, actually there is someone there you know,” he said casually, “your sister, Widow Hark.”

He was totally unprepared for her reaction.

“What! Hetty...you say Hetty is here!” she cried turning pale.

“Yes Ma’am, staying at the ranch until we can fix the Stage...then she’s planning on surprising you,” he added.

“Just for a visit though?” Maud Brown asked hopefully.

Jess shook his head, “She’s planning on moving in with you as I hear it.”

“No! Goodness me no, she can’t possibly...I don’t have the room!”

Jess looked around the spacious parlour and knew for a fact there were another six letting rooms upstairs.

“Oh, I know what you’re thinking,” she said quickly, “but all the rooms are occupied by my resident ladies. This is a permanent home to most of them Jess I can’t turn anyone out...after all this is my living,” she added. “And anyway...”

Jess cocked an eyebrow, “Anyway?”

“Well, she is rather uh, demanding... difficult to be honest.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” Jess said cynically.

“Well then you can see my dilemma...I can’t have her here, really I can’t, Jess...but then again, she is my sister and it wouldn’t be Christian to turn her away I suppose.”

“Yeah, I reckon,” Jess had to agree.

“She must have retired from the school then...she’s a fool she will miss it so much...it was her life. She is a different person in the company of young people, so happy and pleasant,” she said earnestly.

“That’s it!” Jess said excitedly, “Daisy told me that Miss Jones, the schoolmarm, was looking for someone to move into the old school house now she’s moved out and gone to live with her old Pa, across the street, to help care for him. Someone to watch over the place and also to teach the older girls cookin’ and sewing and the like,” he said vaguely. “Sounds as though that would be right up your sister’s street huh? And get her out of your hair too,” he added grinning.

“Oh Jess, you are an angel,” she said whisking his half-drunk glass of sherry away and dashing towards the door, “I’ll go and talk to Joan Jones right away!”

Jess made his way down the street whistling and grinning to himself figuring this ‘love your neighbor business’ the Padre was so fond of, gave you a real good feelin’.

But a body could have enough of a good thing he decided, just a little while later!

He strode happily into the saloon that was heaving with drinkers all enjoying the pre-Christmas excitement.

He managed to push his way through to the bar and then finally his dreams came true... Millie saw him and giving a little cry of delight she tore around from the back of the bar and straight into his waiting arms amidst bawdy comments and cheers of encouragement from the saloon at large.

After a minute or so Tom called out above the din for Jess to put his best saloon girl down as she had work to do!

They eventually disentangled themselves and Millie reluctantly went about her duties, once she had been reassured that yes Jess was staying over, yes all was well at the ranch and yes, the Christmas gathering was still to go ahead as the roads were now just about passable.

He made his way down to the end of the bar that was slightly quieter and ordered a beer, knowing Millie would pop down and talk to him every chance she got.

It was during one of these little snatched moments that she nodded her head towards a dark table in the corner and said I see Albert Dalton is hitting the bottle again.

Jess looked over to where the guy was sitting staring into his glass a half empty bottle at his elbow.

“Jeez, what’s wrong with the guy?” Jess said exasperated. “He’s got a beautiful wife and real nice kid, why’s he acting this way?”

Millie and Lily, who had just popped over to hear news of Slim, exchanged an amused glance.

“A beautiful wife eh Jess,” Lily said giggling, “she’s at the ranch, is she?”

“And she’s very beautiful, huh?” Millie added.

Jess knew they were teasing him, but flushed up anyway, “Iffen you like blonds with green eyes,” he said, “which I don’t of course,” he added quickly.

“Um,” Millie said throwing him an old-fashioned look, “so maybe if he knows his wife is around that will shake him out if his drinking.”

“I reckon,” Jess said, “maybe I should go tell him.”

Hell, he felt real sorry for Jenny and if the idiot Al really was having an affair well, Jess figured he needed his head examined.

He’d met the guy a few times when he’d been in the office before riding shot gun, so decided to sound him out.

He wandered over and said, “Can I join ya, Al?”

The guy looked up bleary eyed but just nodded, “Sure Jess, why not.”

“What’s all this about then?” Jess said nodding to the bottle.

Al looked slightly surprised, then angry.

“Who are you, my Ma? Or come with a message from the Padre have ya Jess? Want me to reform and save my soul...beware the evils of strong drink,” he added pouring another glass.

“No, I want you to sober up and hear what I’ve got to tell you,” Jess said beginning to feel equally angry.

Al looked up mystified, “So you know about it too, do ya? I guess news travels fast. My buddy,” he said rolling his eyes, “my best buddy, Cal, has already been to tell me about my lovely Jenny. How she’s run off with some no hoper from back east...taken my boy too. So, I don’t need the likes of you meddling OK!”

Jess took a deep breath and said, “I don’t know what in the foggy blue morning yer talkin’ about. What I do know is your Jenny and Jody are over at the Relay and she’s breakin’ her heart over you. But I guess you ain’t bothered are you. You’re just too dang busy tipping the jug.”

Somewhere through the haze of alcohol Jess’s words had penetrated.

“Jenny... Jody...they are here?”

“Uh-huh...”

“She’s not run off with a snake oil salesman then?”

Jess rolled his eyes, “Well not as far as I know. She was at the ranch last time I clapped eyes on her.”

Al stood up and then staggered...clutching the table for support.

“Now where in hell do you think yer going?” Jess asked.

“Why to see them of course!”

“Not like that you ain’t,” Jess said and grabbing him firmly by the arm propelled him swiftly out of the saloon calling out to Millie that he’d be back shortly.

He half dragged half carried Al down the street before stopping by the horse trough. Here he unceremoniously dunked his head into the icy cold water several times.

“Hey what’s your game?” Al spluttered angrily.

“Just sobering you up,” Jess said pleasantly, before steering him towards Miss Molly’s Cafe. Here he bought a large pot of coffee and watched as Al waded his way through several cups.

Then spying a local woman who was an excellent cleaner he wandered over and talked quietly, striking a deal with her. Money changed hands and the woman hurried off smiling at this unexpected bonus and just before Christmas too.

When he returned to the table, he was pleased to see Albert was looking much better.

“What’s going on?” He asked tipping his head towards the cleaning woman as she left hurriedly.

“Nancy’s gonna give your place the once over, clean and tidy up everything...get a spare bed in for the kid and some decent food too,” Jess replied.

Al half rose, “I should go help.”

“Nah, she’ll be fine, and anyway I’ve got other plans for you,” Jess said grinning as they left the cafe.

He nodded towards the Barber Shop and Bath House opposite.

Al looked doubtful. “Do I need to go there?”

Jess nodded emphatically, “You sure do.”

Al sighed, “OK I guess maybe you’re right.”

“Once you’re done you go straight home and have an early night and no more grog,” Jess said firmly. “Then you can ride back to the ranch with me later to spend Christmas with yer family...but stay off the strong drink you hear?”

“I hear ya and I swear I’m done with it,” Al said resolutely. “Hell, I never was a drinker Jess until I heard my Jenny had up and left.”

Then he looked bewildered, “Why...why are you doin’ all this for me, Jess?”

Jess grinned at him and punched him lightly on the shoulder, “Because you need it...And anyways I never could resist a pretty lady in distress. But I guess looking out for her is down to you from now on, huh.”

Albert nodded, “I won’t let them down again...I promise.”

Chapter 6

The following morning was Christmas Eve and Jess sauntered happily down Main Street on his way to visit Mort and young Hank. He was whistling cheerfully after an amazing night of loving with his best gal Millie. Now filled with resolve to get Hank back on track he walked purposefully into the office. He’d already visited Bert in the livery and now his hopes were high as he entered Mort’s domain to the overpowering smell of wet paint.

“You got the kid working then,” Jess said with a smile.

“Yup been hard at it since dawn...nearly done all three cells. He sure is a hard worker,” the Sheriff added, “I’ll give him that.”

“So do ya think he’s worked off his punishment then?” Jess asked.

“Uh, you think so do ya...for drawing on a Sheriff?” Mort asked stone-faced.

Jess sighed, “Maybe not.”

Mort looked slightly less intimidating and said, “So you got plans for the boy?”

“Bert at the livery said he’d take him on as stable boy, see how it pans out. Young Jimmy quit, went to join the army and he’s having trouble finding another lad he can trust. Well, I guess after this, young Hank will be on his best behavior. Like I say Mort I don’t think he’s a bad kid. His Ma was a good ‘un and would have brought him up good, only mistake she made was not to tell the kid what his Pa was.”

“Well,” Mort said thoughtfully, “I suppose so, he’ll just be down the street where I  can keep an eye on him.”

“And Bert’s Mrs would spoil the boy rotten, like she does all the stable lads...and I guess that’s what he needs right now,” Jess replied.

“OK you’ve got a deal,” Mort said, “but the kid better fly straight, or he’ll be back inside before he knows it, you got that?”

“Can I see him, get his word on that?” Jess asked hopefully.

“Sure. So, you all set to go back to the ranch later today?”

Jess nodded happily, “Millie and Lily are packing as we speak. I hope there’s plenty of room on that wagon of yours Mort...stuff their takin’ you’d think they were staying for a week instead of a couple of nights.”

He entered the cells and was amazed at the good job the kid had done.

“Heck, it looks like a palace in here,” he said grinning at Hank.

“Did my best…I wanted to get on the right side of the Sheriff,” he added honestly.

“Um, well I’ve got a proposition for you,” Jess said easing down onto the other bunk...he explained about the job.

The boy was clearly delighted, but then he frowned, “Why are you doing all this for me Mr Harper?”

Jess sighed, “What I said yesterday is all true, I know yer Ma never wanted you to know what you Pa really was...and she hid it real well. But I have to tell you boy, your Pa was a wrong ‘un. All those times she told you he was away on cattle drives, he weren’t,” he said shaking his head sadly, “He was robbin’ banks and stagecoaches, hurting innocent people Hank.”

The boys face contorted like he might cry and then he stood up, his fists clenched and face red, “No you’re lying, I still don’t believe you...my Pa wasn’t like that!”

“No? Remember the time, when you were a little kid, no more than four or five, yer Pa came home with a bullet in his shoulder? Said he’d been shot after he’d been cheated on in a card game? That was a deputy Sheriff’s bullet after he tried to rob a store.”

Hank just shook his head in disbelief.

“Know how he often worked with his brother Vinny, saying they were on a cattle drive? Well, they weren’t. Vinny was wanted in three states for robbery over the years. Right now, he’s locked up in the pen ain’t he?”

“Well...yes,” Hank said now beginning to look uncertain. “It was Uncle Vinny that said I should trace the Sheriff and kill him for what he did to Pa,” he added.

Jess shook his head in disbelief, “He wanted you to kill Mort because it was him that caught yer Uncle Vinny and testified at his trial too. See just the week after yer Pa and Uncle tried to rob the bank and I shot yer Pa, well Vinny tried it again.”

“No! But that’s crazy!”

“I know it. I figure he thought that he’d get away with it as nobody would be expecting another raid so soon. Well Mort did and caught him red handed. That’s why he’s in jail now...and why Vinny lied about the Sheriff shooting yer Pa... he just wanted revenge.”

Hank slumped back down looking completely defeated, “I feel such a dang fool. He used me ...and Hell why didn’t Ma tell me the truth about Pa?”

“She wanted to protect you...see she loved your Pa and always thought she could change him. Maybe she could have done,” he added reflectively, “if it wasn’t for Vinny. He was the bad influence on your Pa… he always was since they were kids.”

“You seem to know an awful lot about my family,” Hank said looking curious.

“That’s because we all grew up on the Panhandle back in Texas. Even back then, Vinny was a bully and I guess yer Pa was scared of him.”

“You knew Ma too?” Hank asked flushing up again.

Jess nodded, “Yup I did. We dated for a while, after the war. She was quite a bit older than me, but we got on real well. Then I had to leave town on business and she started seeing yer Pa, who was more her age. It was him she loved Hank. Last time I saw her and yer Pa was that time he’d been shot, when you were a little kid...I told him then to give himself up, but he wouldn’t listen.”

“It’s a pity she didn’t stick with you,” Hank said bitterly.

They lapsed into silence as Jess remembered the lovely young woman who had been Hank’s Ma.

“Tell me what happened...all of it,” Hank said suddenly. “In the bank, when Pa was killed. Please Mr Harper.”

Jess took a deep breath and then started relaying the story, just keeping to the facts.

“Mort, Sheriff Cory that is, was out of town on business and I was deputizing. It was early, the businesses due to open shortly and I was just checking the street when I saw a couple of horses outside the bank, even though it was still closed. I went to investigate and found the door ajar and as I entered I heard Vinny say to the young girl cashier to open the safe. Well, she panicked, crying and takin’ on somethin’ fierce...and then the other cashier tried to comfort her. That’s when yer Pa lost it. He yelled at the guy to leave her alone and open the damn Safe. Then Vinny saw me just by the door, he let off a shot, but I ducked and winged him and he fled out the back...that’s when yer Pa shot me.”

“Shot you?” Hank echoed.

Jess nodded, “In the shoulder, I fell kinda badly and I guess he figured I was dead.”

“Anyways he told the cashier to open the Safe and so of course the guy did as he was told... That’s when your Pa shot him and turned his gun on the girl cashier. He said’ I’m sorry honey, but I just can’t leave any witnesses...’”

“That’s when I managed to lift my gun and shot him through the heart. I’m real sorry Hank, but I had no choice.”

When the boy finally spoke, it was in a tense whisper, “My Pa shot you, left you for dead and you’ve still gone out of your way to help me?”

“None of that business was your fault...and if yer willing to make a fresh start then you’ve got the chance,” he said easily.

“Oh, I will Mr Harper, I’ll grab it with both hands and I won’t let you down I promise.”

“That’s good enough for me,” Jess said happily, “and why dontcha try callin’ me Jess, huh?”

Jess left shortly after Mort agreed to keep the prisoner for a ‘short sharp shock.’

“To make him realise that pulling a gun on a Sheriff was never a good idea, no matter how misled the perpetrator might be,” Mort said.

Jess figured that was probably for the best and Mort agreed to let him start work at New Year. Then shaking his head said, “But God knows he’ll be spoiled something rotten in my jail anyway...Miss Molly always cooks up a storm for Lon and any prisoners we have in on the Big Day.”

“So, tell me Mort how do you always get yer Deputy to work Christmas?” Jess asked, with a quizzical look.

“Easy…his Ma-in-law always comes for the holiday and he’d prefer to be here. Then when she goes back home, I let him have New Year...suits us both,” he said with a grin.

Jess promised to catch up with Mort later for the trip back to the ranch and wandered out onto the sidewalk and nearly bumped into Al just coming to find him.

“Well...do I pass muster?” he asked as he doffed his Sunday best hat and stood back for Jess to admire, the clean shaven, bright eyed smart young man grinning back at him.

Jess gave a mock whistle of approval, “Well you sure scrubbed up good,” he said cheerfully.

“I’m just going to hire a buggy and go see my beloved Jenny and make it all good between us again,” he said firmly. “Bring her and the young ‘un back here and talk things out. I don’t know what’s been going on, but at least we’ll be together again.”

Jess was just about to reply when they both heard a distant rumbling sound and turned to see the Stage thundering down Main Street.

Seconds later Mose pulled on the lines and brought the Stage to a stop directly beside Jess.

“You got it mended then!” Jess said looking surprised.

“Yeah,” Mose said looking the picture of misery.

“Well, there’s no need to be so dang pleased about it,” Jess chuckled, winking at Al.

“All very well for you,” the old timer muttered as he climbed down from the box, “ain’t you that’s gonna miss Christmas with Miss Daisy.”

“Oh yeah,” Jess said.

Then changing the subject quickly, said, “So, looks like you managed to mend it OK?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, Slim got a work party of neighbors to help get it upright. Then the damage wasn’t as bad as we first thought...so here I am. Anyway, passengers aboard need their bags,” he added flinging the door wide open...before going up top to fetch the luggage.

Jess leaned up to help Widow Hark disembark.

“Thank you, young man,” she said looking around her with interest, noting the School House and smart Boarding House close by.

“That’s your sister’s place,” Jess said obligingly passing the bag that Mose had just thrown down.

“Thank you, dear boy,” she said looking quite chipper so Jess thought, maybe Daisy had been a good influence on her he thought fleetingly.

She was about to walk off when she turned back and said, “You’d better check on Mr Hanson, he may need a hand, he looks very pale and unwell to me,” she added, before marching purposefully away down the street.

Jess again offered his hand and Chas Hanson took it gratefully.

“Thank you, thank you,” he said taking out a snowy white handkerchief to wipe his brow.

Jess looked anxiously at the old timer, but his attention was distracted as Al said, “Where’s my Mrs and young Jody...huh?”

Mose who had returned down to ground level again, looked kind of sheepish and said, “Ain’t coming...they’re staying on at the Ranch.”

“What, but why?”

“I guess I might have let slip that you’d been kinda tipping the jug lately. Miss Jenny said you didn’t drink and that was proof that you must be feeling real guilty about having another woman...said she just couldn’t face you.”

“She thinks I’ve got another woman what me? But that’s crazy! I was told she had run off and left ME!” Al bellowed.

“Well, that’s what she was saying to Miss Daisy when I left. She said, “So Cal was right all along he is having an affair.”

“Hang on,” said Al, light beginning to dawn. “You said Cal said this? But it was Cal that told me she’d run off.”

“Like I said,” Jess interjected, “I reckon all this misunderstanding is down to Cal, whoever he is?” he added looking totally bamboozled.

But he wasn’t to find out anytime soon, as he noticed Chas swaying, and was just in time to leap forwards and catch him as he fell in a dead faint. The old gentleman was swiftly carried across the road to the Doc’s place.

Sometime later Doc Sam came into the parlour where Jess was waiting anxiously.

“I’ve sedated him and he’ll rest now, but it’s not good news Jess. I have his permission to reveal to you that he has a heart condition.”

“Huh, he’s bad?”

“Like I say difficult to tell really, his heart sounds just fine at the moment, now he’s resting. But he tells me he’s had issues in the past. With patients like this he could live for years as long as he’s sensible...but also, he could go tomorrow if he gets really upset again. He certainly won’t be doing any celebrating over Christmas. I’ll just keep him quietly here and we’ll see how things go.”

Jess stood to go, “Thanks Sam.”

“You’re welcome, oh and Jess…he really doesn’t want Miss Daisy to know about this, OK?”

Chapter 7

When Jess along with Mort, his dear friend Kate Munroe, Lily and Millie finally arrived at the ranch there was a party atmosphere in the air.

 (PP – I’ve marked a spot further down **** where you describe their arrival – ‘sans the party atmosphere in the air.’J)

Al had lit out just as soon as he realized his wife and son weren’t on the Stage.

On his emotional arrival Daisy had quickly taken the boys off across the fields cutting holly and mistletoe for the house, leaving the troubled young couple by themselves in the parlour.

On their return, bearing more holly and mistletoe than the old ranch house had ever seen before, Daisy was delighted to see the two were clearly reconciled.

“I can’t believe we were taken in by that dreadful Cal,” Jenny told her. “Do you know he told my Albert I had run off with a snake oil salesman...and told me that Al was having an affair with a local woman and wanted no more to do with Jody and me?”

“What a dreadful man!” Daisy said looking aghast.

“All because he wanted me for himself,” she added looking pained, “and we thought he was a good friend.”

Daisy was no stranger to that scenario after the duplicity of her husband’s alleged friend Chas Hanson.

“Well, this sure has been a wake-up call,” Al said seriously, “I ain’t ever letting my family out of my sight again Mrs Cooper.”

“I’m glad to hear it my dear,” Daisy said with relief.

“I guess it will be kinda cramped in my room over the office, but I figure I’ve almost saved enough for a deposit on a little place just outside town,” he said turning to his wife, eyes alight with love. “I’ll get to it after Christmas and move us there just as soon as I can, if I can persuade the bank, he added looking a tad anxious.”

“And in the meantime, you must spend Christmas with us,” Daisy said.

“Oh, we couldn’t impose,” Jenny replied, but looking wistful.

Al thought of the tiny apartment back in town. Sure, it was clean and tidy now, but there was no party fare, tree or any other festive decoration.

His eyes wandered to the beautiful tree beside the hearth that the children had planned to decorate later that afternoon, and he felt deeply saddened that he couldn’t provide similar for his own family.

Just at that moment Slim returned from visiting neighbors and was happy to see the young couple back together again.

“You will stay for Christmas of course won’t you,” he said cheerfully.

Jenny threw Al a hopeful look.

Well, if you’re sure?” Al said hesitantly.

“More the merrier,” Slim said casually.

Then they heard the sound of Mort’s wagon laden with guests rolling into the yard and they all went out to greet them.

 Jess dismounted from Traveller, to hand Millie down and then Slim was there to welcome his gal Lily with a loving kiss, before turning and beaming up at Kate, seated next to Mort.

She was wearing her usual buckskins that showed off her neat figure to perfection and she looked stunning from her white blond hair to the tips of her polished boots.

“Sure glad you managed to make it down the mountain in this bad weather,” Slim said, his sentiments echoed by the others.

“I’d have gone and fetched her down if she hadn’t arrived when expected,” Mort said smiling fondly at his woman.

“Now Mort Cory… when did I ever need a man to help me, huh?” Kate asked in mock severity.

Mort turned to Slim and Jess and winking said, “Well that’s me told.”

 “I’m surprised Denver and the boys could spare you,” Jess said referring to Denver James and sons, Mick and Cody, the relatives that Kate lives with, albeit in a purely platonic way, Denver being a distant cousin.

“I’ll tell you Jess boy, they were so busy tending the Moonshine Still they hardly noticed me a leavin’.”

“They’ll notice alright when it comes to eatin’ their Christmas meal,” Jess said chuckling.

“Oh, I’m a countin’ on that,” Kate said cheerfully, “make ‘em appreciate me a bit more.”

“Well, you don’t have to stay up the mountain with them you know Kate,” Mort said, for the umpteenth time, as he jumped down from the rig and helped her down.

Oh yes Kate knew the Sheriff was more than happy for her to stay with him for good, but she was happy with the status quo... And anyway it was good to keep him guessing...after all one day she might take him up on the offer.

She gave him a mischievous glance and turning to Daisy saying, “Come on Daisy show me what needs doing in the kitchen,” and the two marched off arm in arm, followed by Slim and Lily.

Mort went to unhitch and lead the horses into the barn, but Jess stopped him and said quickly, “It’s OK Mort I’ll tend to it.”

Mort was just about to say he was fine, until he saw a passionate glance pass between Jess and Millie and so he backed off.

“OK thanks Jess, see you inside,” and he wandered off after the others.

Once the horses were safely stabled with food and water Jess closed the stall door and went over to where Millie was perched on a straw bale waiting for him.

Reaching down he took hold of her hands and gently pulled her up into his warm embrace, thinking how darned pretty she looked in her dark green jacket and skirt...A fur lined coat in a matching colour completing the outfit. Her cheeks were a little flushed and her dark eyes bright and inviting.

“Gee it’s good to see you,” he whispered before leaning in for a gentle kiss that quickly turned into more and more passionate kisses and caresses.

After a while when things were getting pretty steamy Jess broke off and glanced up to the hay loft and then back to Millie...with an eyebrow raised enquiringly.

She smiled wickedly at him and they were just making their way to the ladder when they were stopped in their tracks.

“Jess, Miss Millie...you there?”

Then Mike and Jody appeared with Buttons hot on their heels barking joyfully.

“Oh, there you are, we’re just gonna do the tree, you coming in?” Mike asked innocently, beaming at the somewhat disheveled couple.

“Uh, in a minute Mike,” Jess finally managed, surreptitiously tucking in his shirt as Millie looked on trying to hide her laughter.

“OK we’ll wait until you’re done in here,” Mike said happily plonking himself down on the straw bale.

“Can we do anything to help you Mr Harper?” Jody asked politely, looking around the barn to see what chore Jess had been doing and thinking it must be a mighty strenuous one seeing as Jess still looked kinda flushed.

“No,” Jess said dryly, “I guess you’ve done enough already,” throwing Millie an apologetic glance.

Then he turned back to Mike and Jody’s eager faces, “We’re all done here,” he added.

Then taking Millie’s hand they headed for the house, knowing that was probably their last chance of intimacy gone out the window, knowing Daisy wouldn’t stand for any hanky- panky under her roof.

 “We’ve still got New Year,” Millie whispered as they crossed the yard, “don’t forget you’re staying at the saloon with me then.”

Christmas was filled with love, laughter and all the usual family traditions.

Jody was mesmerized when the tree ornaments were brought down from the attic. They consisted of some glass baubles, brought from the Old Country by Slim ’s Ma. Plus, some homemade decorations courtesy of Slim and Andy when they were young boys and the more recent ones made by Mike.

As usual Slim had a moment of sadness and nostalgia when he remembered past Christmases as he handled the old decorations so carefully, made by himself and his kid brother. Now that Andy was away at college, with old Jonesy riding shotgun on the boy, they would be spending Christmas back East...But a long letter and interesting looking parcel had arrived from Andy recently, and that had cheered him no end.

He was suddenly awakened from his reverie by Mike’s excited cries, “Here it is, see Jody…I told you it was swell,” he beamed as he placed the carved Nativity scene below the tree in pride of place.

Jess had carved the set for Mike for his first Christmas at the ranch and it meant far more to the boy than just a beautifully carved decoration. It was a symbol of love and care and reminded him of a talk he had with Jess on that first Christmas Eve.

Mike had become suddenly tearful and after a while had confided in Jess that he felt awful for enjoying Christmas in his new home even though his folks were dead. Then he had dissolved into floods of tears as the reality that he would never see his beloved Ma and Pa again really hit home.

Jess had taken him to one side and looking deeply into his eyes said, “Did your ma and Pa love you?”

Looking puzzled the youngster had said, “Yes, sure they did.”

“Well then don’t you think they’d want you to be happy and today of all days, huh?”

“I guess so,” the child had said reluctantly, “but Jess, I miss them so much.”

Jess shook his head, “Mike they are still with you...in here,” he said gently placing his hand over the child’s heart. “And as long as you keep them safe in there...and up here,” he said tapping the boys head, “then they will be with you forever.”

Mike looked very thoughtful and then he grinned from ear to ear, the tears drying on his cheeks, “Gee Jess you’re right, I never thought of it that way.”

Dang it I’ve had enough loss Jess thought...losing his family when he was just a kid and then later his precious fiancée, Maria. But love conquers all and will come shining through...even separation by death cannot dim it, he knew that.

“Works for me,” he had said ruffling the boy’s blond hair.

Now this Christmas it was clear Mike remembered that conversation and looking over at Jess his eyes shining said, “Thanks Jess,” but they both knew it wasn’t just for the little carved Nativity.

The women folk got together finalizing the Christmas cooking once the tree was dressed in all its finery and by evening the huge turkey was in the slow cooker and all the chores completed. The young boys were finally persuaded to hit the hay once they had been threatened with the notion that Santa would fly on by if they weren’t fast asleep. Both boys were old enough to take that one with a pinch of salt...but decided to humor the adults and went off happily enough. Although gleeful shouts and then giggles emanated from their room for another hour or so.

Finally, the adults turned in, the younger women all sharing the room usually occupied by Jess and Slim whilst Daisy and Kate bunked down together...the men hunkered down in the bunkhouse.

More suppressed giggles came from the girls in Jess and Slim’ s room as Millie related the events in the barn and how they had been quickly scuppered by Mike’s appearance. Jenny could certainly relate to that frustration and being one of the only married couples present it would have been nice to share her bed with her husband again. However, the logistics of the sleeping arrangements made sense and anyway maybe it was good that they had time to really make their peace together before falling back into married life. Goodness it would be like another honeymoon she thought excitedly. They only had to wait a couple of days before they would be together again forever, she smiled to herself as her head hit the pillow. Then she remembered how Al had explained the part Jess had played in bringing the couple back together again. I really must thank him properly tomorrow she reflected…such a handsome man, and kind too, she thought as she drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile Jess and the others were settling down in the bunkhouse after a few hands of cards and some of Denver’s best brew. Before turning in, Jess had taken a trip to the outhouse and on his way back was surprised to see a lamp still burning in the kitchen.

Wandering over he popped his head around the door and was surprised to see Daisy sitting at the kitchen table in her night attire.

“You, OK?” he asked entering and closing the door quietly behind him.

“Yes,” she said softly, “but I couldn’t sleep so I made myself some hot milk, would you like a cup dear?”

Jess shuddered, but refused politely...then taking the seat opposite asked, “Something on your mind Daisy?”

She looked up about to shake her head, but something in his kind, deep blue eyes made her confess her troubles.

“It’s Chas,” she said eventually, “I was rather sharp with him, well quite unkind really and sent him on his way to celebrate Christmas in some miserable Hotel room. I suppose I’m feeling rather guilty. Especially after what Joshua was saying about the heart of Christmas being to love our neighbor. Well, I’ve hardly shown him much Christian love, have I?”

Jess shrugged, “He upset you turning up that way out of the blue. Heck he could have wrote you, given you some warning.”

“Um, but he always was rather dynamic, got things done, that’s one of the things my beloved husband, Edwin, admired about him.”

“Yeah, well he wouldn’t have admired him too dang much if he’d known his good buddy had the hots for you and had upset you that way,” Jess said angrily.

Daisy hid a smile…always loving Jess’s innate loyalty, “I suppose you’re right dear, but I still feel bad. How was he when he arrived in Laramie?”

That was the moment Jess had been dreading...he was all set to try and save her feelings by dodging the truth. But then he remembered Al had been present when Chas had collapsed, what if he said something?

“Uh, he was a tad under the weather,” he said, being a master of the understatement as ever.

Daisy’s eyes narrowed and she looked hard at Jess, “He was ill you mean?”

“Well...uh kinda,” Jess said awkwardly, searching desperately for a way to change the subject.

“Anyway, it’s real late,” he said, getting up and pretending to yawn.

“Sit,” Daisy commanded, “you’re going nowhere until you tell me everything, Jess!”

“Aw Daisy...I can’t Sam said Chas didn’t want you to know he was sick.”

“Doc Sam, you say? So, he’s at the Doc’s house?”

“Uh, I guess so...”

“Jess!”

“Yes, OK…seems he’s got a bad heart...he had a kinda turn, but the Doc said he was just fine now. He’s keeping him in over Christmas and then he should be OK to go home,” he said adding a little white lie to ease Daisy’s worry.

“I should go to him,” she said getting up.

“Daisy don’t be crazy,” Jess said quickly, “he’s in good hands and you can’t do anything.”

“No, of course you’re right, dear,” she said sinking back down. “He just needs rest and Doc Sam will see to that.”

“Sure he will…and I’ll ask Mort to take you in on his wagon, when he drives the gals back to town and I’ll be there too iffen you need anything, OK?”

 “Thank you dear that would be most kind.”

OOOOOOO

Christmas day seemed to pass in the blink of an eye. From the moment the boys awoke way before dawn, to the last enchanting hour of the day, all enjoyed the best Christmas ever...as Daisy was to declare at supper time.

“Aw Daisy you always say that,” Slim said smiling indulgently at her.

“Well, I’m always right too aren’t I,” she chuckled, “every Christmas is even better than the last here.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Jess said happily, one arm slung around Millie’s shoulders and the other hand raising a glass of red-eye.

“Here’s to good company and to Daisy who makes everything real special for us,” he added.

Everyone raised their glasses in the toast and Daisy flushed prettily, before passing around more Christmas cake.

Finally, all were abed, save for Mort, Slim and Jess who were sitting before the roaring fire chatting quietly.

“I see Al really is off the strong drink,” Mort said, “he didn’t touch a drop all day.”

“I guess he’s learnt his lesson,” Jess said grinning. “He came dang close to losing everything; he won’t make that mistake again. I reckon if he’d been sober, he’d have realized there was no truth in those lies his so-called friend fed him.”

They all sat sipping their drinks and reflecting on the complexities of romantic love for a few minutes.

Then Mort broke the silence, “What about Hanson, will he make a full recovery?” He asked.

Jess nodded, “Sam reckons he’ll be just fine as long as he takes things easy...could out live us all,” he said morosely, not having much time for the guy with the way he’d upset Daisy.

Mort took a sip of his drink, “Something about him I can’t take to. I only talked to him for a little while, can’t put my finger on it...but there’s something not right about him.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Jess said and Slim agreed.

Then the conversation turned to the superb gift Andy had sent and what a wonderful Christmas it had been. But Jess and Slim were to remember Mort’s observation much later.

Chapter 8

Once the holiday was over and everyone packed up, Slim waved them off as Mort and the women folk left for town in his wagon, followed by Jess and Daisy in the buckboard. Daisy had decided they needed some more rations as the Stage passengers had made quite a dent in her basic food stocks, so Jess drove her in.

Slim and Jess had tossed for it and Jess had won the ‘honour’ as he’d called it of escorting Daisy into town.

“I really can’t understand it,” she had said as an aside to Kate, “the boys usually hate hanging around waiting for me to run my errands.”

Kate turned and glanced at where Jess and Millie were in deep conversation, before he helped her up onto the wagon.

Oh, she had a pretty shrewd idea as to why Jess wanted to spend some time in town, but sensibly kept it to herself.

Once they arrived, Mort dropped the gals off by the saloon and took Kate on to his place where she would be staying for a few days.

Jess brought the buckboard to a standstill outside the mercantile and turned to Daisy.

“Uh, how long will you be?” he asked, “I’ve got some business I need to attend to as well.”

“Quite a while I’m afraid,” Daisy said, “I need to call at the haberdashers and then go to the mercantile to order the supplies. Then while they’re being loaded, I thought I’d just step over to doc Sam’s Office and pay Chas a visit...we discussed it, if you remember?”

“Sure, sure,” he said quickly, “say, a couple of hours then?”

“That will be perfect, thank you dear,” she said beaming at him.

Once he’d handed Daisy down and seen her disappear off down the street, he marched quickly away in the opposite direction...before turning into the alley that ran along the side of the saloon.

He entered the back yard and ran lightly up the metal fire escape steps and knocked on the door at the top.

Seconds later Millie threw it open and he went in, taking her in his arms and kicking the door shut behind him.

Over two hours later he tore down Main Street, to see Daisy sitting demurely in the wagon, but she wasn’t alone.

Pausing to catch his breath, he looked up into the quizzical expression of Chas Hanson.

“Oh, there you are dear,” Daisy said quickly, “I hope you don’t mind but I’ve asked Chas to stay for a little while, just until he’s feeling better.”

Jess hid his displeasure and merely said, “Sure,” before jumping up and taking the reins, urging the horses off at speed.

Slim did his best to welcome Chas Hanson back to the ranch, knowing that Daisy had felt so bad at the way she’d treated him before Christmas. But like Jess he was none too happy that the elderly gentleman was once more under their roof.

“It ain’t fair on Mike him having to bunk in with us, while Hanson gets his room,” Jess said later that night as the men were attending to the horses in the barn.

“We’re bound to wake him up when we turn in.”

“I guess we’ll just have to be extra quiet,” Slim said. Then looking thoughtful, “I wonder what his game is...you know he wants to take Daisy away from us don’t you.”

Jess gave a hollow laugh, “Well good luck with that, she don’t even like him too much, does she?” he added looking slightly anxious.

“I guess not, but I reckon he could be real persuasive, keeps telling her what a wonderful home he has now...fit for a princess.”

Jess rolled his eyes, “So how long is he stayin’ then?”

Slim shrugged, “Not long if I can help it.”

That conversation had been over two weeks ago and Chas Hanson was still there, eating them out of house and home and looking exceedingly well to Slim and Jess’s eyes.

However, whenever the conversation of him moving on was broached he seemed to have a set-back the following day saying he had palpitations and felt his time was near.

The third time this happened Jess took Daisy to one side, after Chas had once more taken to his bed.

“I’m tellin’ ya Daisy there ain’t nothin’ wrong with the guy…he’s stringing you along.”

Daisy was feeling none too well herself after yet another day worrying about Chas ’s health and the general bad atmosphere that his presence was creating.

“And you’d know that would you?” she said tartly, “I didn’t know you were a qualified doctor.”

The sharp rejoinder was so unlike Daisy Jess was completely floored for a moment. But then he looked into her tired eyes and knew she was just upset.

“I’m not,” he said quietly, “but I know a man who is, and Doc Sam told me the guy was fine...As long as he took things easy, he reckons he could out live us all.”

Daisy looked completely shocked, “But he told me the Doctor had said he only had months to live. That’s when he said he wanted to marry me. To spend the time he had left, together.”

Jess looked equally shocked, his jaw dropping as he just stared for a good minute before whispering, “So what did you say?”

Daisy smiled for the first time, “Well, I said no of course dear, I don’t love the man and have no intention of leaving here for him...or anyone else,” she added staunchly.

“Well thank God for that,” Jess said striding across the kitchen and giving her a warm hug, before looking down into her eyes and saying, “I guess you need to make that real clear to him Daisy and maybe he’ll get the hell out...uh I mean be on his way,” he amended quickly.

“Oh, I will dear I can’t abide a liar, he was using his alleged illness to blackmail me and I won’t stand for that.”

However, before Daisy got a chance to speak to Chas later that day, she found him and Slim in deep conversation, sitting at Slim’s desk.

They were clearly in an important discussion regarding a business deal, so she went off to the kitchen and left them to it.

Later when Chas had borrowed the buggy and gone off to town to attend to some business Slim went to look for Jess.

He found him tending a sick heifer and once his task was completed Slim said, “I need to talk to you, come inside a moment will you Jess.

They went and sat by the parlour fire and Slim passed some papers over...and started discussing the proposed business deal.

Once he’d finished, he sat back and said, “So what do you think Jess?”

“I don’t like it. I don’t trust that Hanson, and I thought you felt the same?” Jess said honestly.

“Well, it’s not Hanson’s deal,” Slim said, it’s another guy who buys and sells the shares... these are in the railroad and are rock solid. If we bought now, we’d make a killing. We’d be able to buy that plot of land across the creek we’ve been after for years...do this place up, increase the herd.”

 “Hold on, so what’s the initial outlay Hanson wants from us?”

Slim named an eye watering amount.

“We could get it,” he insisted, “the bank would loan it I’m sure...”

“Oh yeah, sure Slim and on what collateral huh, this place I reckon? Are you crazy?” Jess yelled getting up and pacing around the room.

Something in his outburst suddenly brought Slim to his senses.

He shook his head and whispered “Yeah, maybe I am. But Hell, Jess he was so dang convincing, we’d make so much money.”

“Where’s he gone?”

“Town to wire his partner, get him to send over more details and some references from previous buyers.”

“Sure he is, and they won’t be worth the paper they’re written on,” Jess said bitterly.

“I guess you could be right, but we’ll take a look huh?”

“And then send him packing...yeah?”

Slim looked awkward, knowing in his heart Jess was right...but part of him still wanted the money-making scheme to be watertight.

“Yeah, you agree?” Jess said again.

Slim sighed deeply, “I guess so, yeah.”

However, things were to come to a head that very afternoon, before Jess even had a chance to express his doubts of the business deal to Chas.

When the noontide Stage came rumbling in, Jess and Slim hurried out to change the horses, just as Mose brought the team to a standstill.

Looking down from the box the old timer said, “Passenger aboard boys and she’s none too happy. I should hold onto yer hats…she’s one scary lady.”

Slim ever the diplomat pulled the Stagecoach door open and pinning a smile on his face said, “Welcome to the Sherman Relay ma’am would you care for some refreshment while we change the team?”

The grey-haired slender women accepted Slim’ s hand down and then turned hard eyes on him, “You are Sherman, I take it?”

“Uh yes Ma’am, Slim Sherman,” he replied, the smile fading slightly, “And you are?”

“Mrs Gladys Hanson and I’m here to see my husband!”

Jess, who had been keeping a low profile, standing well behind Slim stared in bewilderment and then blurted out, “But you’re dead!”

“Well clearly I am not young man,” she retaliated, “doubtless my devious husband would have you believe that though. So where is he...and Daisy Cooper?”

Just then Daisy came out onto the porch drying her hands on her apron, ready to offer the passengers a good hot coffee, but stopped in her tracks looking deeply shocked.

Gladys turned to Daisy and said, “Oh there you are...well what have you done with my husband, Daisy?”

“He’s not here right now,” Slim said quickly, “he’s gone to town, but he’ll be back shortly, maybe you’d care to wait inside,” he added aware of Mose practically taking notes.

“Oh, I’ll wait alright,” she said, “and maybe you’d like to explain what exactly has been going on?” she added, throwing Daisy a less than friendly glance.

“There ain’t nothing been ‘going on’ as you put it,” Jess said angrily, “we’ve just been lookin’ after yer dang husband and as far as we’re concerned yer welcome to him.”

“OK Jess,” Slim said quickly, “why don’t you give Mose a hand and we’ll just get Mrs Hanson a coffee, and hear what she has to say,” and he threw Jess a warning glance tipping his hat towards where Mose was lapping up the enfolding drama ready to entertain his cronies in the saloon later.

Jess just shrugged but did as he was asked and Slim escorted Mrs Hanson into the house.

Once they were inside Gladys Hanson really let rip.

“So is there something between you and Chas, Daisy!” she cried angrily.

Daisy looked at her coolly and said, “For goodness-sake, Gladys, don’t be ridiculous. I had no time for his nonsense all those years ago and nothing has changed. I can assure you I have not encouraged him in any way.”

“Yes,” said Slim quickly, “your husband has only been staying with us because of his heart condition. We were most concerned... at first anyway.”

“Heart condition, poppycock,” she spat. He has a very mild ailment...and most of the time he’s just fine.”

“Yes,” said Slim dryly, “we realise that now, although he’d have us believe otherwise,” he said throwing Daisy a knowing look. “Anyway, he’ll be leaving soon. You see he’s been somewhat overplaying his illness...but we’ve seen through it now,” he repeated looking less than happy.

“Oh, he’ll be leaving alright,” Gladys said looking furious, “and on his way to a prison cell if I have any say in the matter.”

“Oh, so why would that be?” Jess asked as he came in, throwing his hat on the hook and coming to join them at the table.

She sighed deeply, “It is a long and somewhat tedious story...and you are Mr…?”

“Harper ma’am, Jess Harper and we’ve got all the time in the world.”

Gladys Hanson sighed deeply, but then said, “Yes Mr Harper, you all need to hear this, especially you, Daisy. If what you say about my husband is true and that you have no interest in him, then I apologize. After all it won’t be the first time my philandering husband has caused me misery. But this last nonsense beats all.”

“Go on my dear,” Daisy said gently seeing that the other woman was clearly upset.

Gladys sighed again and then started her sorry tale.

“I’ve always known he had a wondering eye, but things were different with you Daisy, I believe he really loved you...and yes, I’m sure you tried very hard to deal with his constant pestering hoping he would leave you alone. Chas realized that you really weren’t interested and that must have been when he decided to con you and your husband in an act of revenge, I suppose.”

Daisy’s head shot up, “What do you mean? Why Chas wasn’t involved in the scam. He said he barely knew the man who sold us the deeds to the shop...that sadly didn’t exist. He said he came highly recommended, but didn’t know him personally. So that’s why I never blamed Chas.”

“You’re wrong Daisy you see Chas and Ike Morton, who sold you the shop, were partners. Oh yes, I didn’t know about it back then, but that’s how they made their money, by conning innocent people with false bonds, properties, shares, you name it.”

“And shares in the railroad?” Slim asked sarcastically.

Her eyebrows shot up at that, “Oh yes that’s the latest scam. Please tell me you haven’t invested?”

Jess shook his head, “Nope, but I guess some other suckers will iffen we don’t stop him.”

“That’s why I’m here, Mr Harper, after a lifetime of unhappiness and deceit, this time he has gone just too far. You see I was really sick with the influenza and the doc thought I wouldn’t make it. I was lying in my sickbed and I overheard a dreadful conversation between Chas and Ike.”

“Go on,” Slim said gently.

“Ike had told Chas that a mutual friend had seen Daisy when he passed through on the Stagecoach just last month. He told Chas all about the Relay Station, the men that worked here and how Daisy was the housekeeper.”

Then she turned to Daisy, “So now Chas knew where you were Daisy, he decided to pursue you once more, especially as he thought I wouldn’t make it. Then he could marry you and start a new life.”

Daisy looked stunned, “He left you when you were desperately ill, to come here?” she asked in shocked disbelief.

“Oh yes and it gets worse,” Gladys said bitterly. “He told Ike that the doc said I wouldn’t get better. He said for Ike to wire him in Laramie when I died and he’d try his luck with you again Daisy. Then Ike said, ‘What if she still ain’t interested?’ And Chas replied, ‘Then I’ll get my feet under the table, make sure those hayseed cow pokes trust me. Then I’ll sell them some of those fake shares, so either way it won’t be a wasted journey!’”

“The hell he did,” Slim muttered looking furious.

“Jeez, I’ll knock the bastard into next week when I lay my hands on him,” Jess muttered, for once forgetting he was in the presence of ladies.

But before he could apologize, there was a bang on the door and Mose put his head around, “Is the lady travellin’ to town or what?” he asked looking somewhat cantankerous at being left out.

“No!” Gladys said at the same time as Slim said “Yes!”

“Just hang on outside Mose,” Jess said quickly ushering him out.

“Women,” he whispered conspiratorially, “she’ll make her dang mind up in a minute Mose,” and he winked at the old timer and closed the door behind him.

“Look Ma’am I’ve got an idea,” Slim said. “If you go to town and stay in the hotel for a day or so I think we can trap your scheming husband.”

“You do?”

“Uh-huh, yes, I do. But you must stay hidden in town or it will tip him off that we are onto his plan to fleece us.”

“I get it,” Jess said, “if we confront him now, he’ll just deny everything, and we’ve no evidence. But if we set up a meeting with him and this Ike to buy the shares and then get the Sheriff to raid the meeting, we’ve got them both red handed.”

“Exactly,” Slim said with a wicked grin.

“I can see the sense in that,” Gladys agreed, gathering her things together and rising.

“Just one stipulation,” I should like to ride in with the Sheriff and see my husband’s downfall. It has been a long time coming and will give me great satisfaction!”

Jess and Slim escorted her outside and Slim handed her back up into the Stage.

“About dang time too!” Mose muttered from where he was sitting up on the box waiting to go.

However, before he could slap the reins Jess leaned up and said, “Listen up good Mose. This woman was never on the Stage if anyone asks...especially that old guy that’s been staying here... you go that?”

“Uh, never here you say?” Mose said tipping his hat back and looking skeptical.

“You heard me and when you get to town you show her to the hotel, make sure she’s settled in... right?”

“Settle the lady who ain’t here into the hotel?” Mose said now looking totally bamboozled.

“You heard me,” Jess said throwing him a hard look. “I’ll see you right for a few beers in the saloon next time I’m in, OK?” he added, suddenly remembering a carrot usually worked better than a stick as far as Mose was concerned.

The old man grinned at that and said, “Consider it done Jess,” and he hustled the team out of the yard at speed.

OOOOOOO

The meeting with Chas and his business partner was arranged for the following Friday, Mort had been alerted and the plan was all in place.

“I figure I’m gonna really enjoy this,” Jess said as he and Slim sat in the barn awaiting the arrival of Ike, Chas having gone into town to fetch him.

“Me too,” Slim said, “when I think of what that no hoper did to our Daisy,” and he shook his head. “Can you imagine it, Jess. Hell, she’d not long lost her husband and was brave enough to follow their dreams for a fresh start on her own...and then to find out that she’d been swindled and all her money was gone.”

Jess nodded in agreement, “It was real tough on her that’s for sure.”

But then his face brightened, “But there again I guess we should thank them because iffen they hadn’t fleeced her then we’d never have gotten us the best dang housekeeper in the whole of Wyoming!”

Slim had to grin at that, “Well no arguments there.”

Then they heard the buckboard hurtling down into the yard and exchanging a wicked grin they went to meet their visitors.

The meeting was in full swing when there was a knock on the door.

The men were all sitting around the table and Slim had a pen in his hand ready to sign over the money for the shares. The cash was waiting in a bag on the table and Ike and Chas were full of good cheer, not being able to believe their luck. Chas especially thought Jess would be a hard nut to crack. But no, he had fallen for the scam hook line and sinker.

He hadn’t taken to Harper at all; he had a quick temper and was incredibly loyal to Daisy...would have given him a bloody nose Chas figured if he had upset the lady in any way. Well now he’d pay for his less than friendly attitude. Yes, siree the guy would be penniless, the ranch repossessed and him, Sherman and Daisy and that sassy kid out on the streets. Ha, he thought maybe his darling Daisy would reconsider his offer of matrimony then, he thought wryly.

Slim put the pen down and rose to answer the knock at the door.

Moments later Mort, followed by Gladys Hanson entered.

Chas had already been warned by Ike that his wife had made a full recovery, but that she was very weak and sickly still. So, seeing her looking larger than life and with a healthy bloom to her cheeks flabbergasted him.

 “Glad...what are you doing here honey?” he whispered half rising and staggering a little as the shock of seeing her hit home, making him feel quite dizzy.

However, it was the sight of the Sheriff’s badge that had really spooked Ike and he stood up and backed off some.

“What can we do for you Sheriff?” Jess asked, the picture of innocence.

Mort glanced at his friend hiding a smile and then turning to the two swindlers said, “Charles Hanson and Ike Morton?”

Both men nodded, suddenly aware of the charged atmosphere in the room.

Then Mort continued, “I’m arresting you both on suspicion of fraudulent share dealing.”

Then two things happened at once. Firstly, Ike went for his gun. But Jess had him covered before he’d even slapped leather. Taking Ike’s gun, he shoved it in his own belt, then catching the cuffs Mort threw him, had the offender restrained in seconds.

At the same time Chas dramatically clutched his chest and sank down onto his chair groaning loudly...and looking beseechingly at his wife.

“Glad, darling, tell him...it’s my heart...I had nothing to do with this,” he added, “I hardly know this man.”

“You’re a liar and a cheat,” his wife cried angrily, “and as far as I’m concerned you can rot in prison. I’m finished with you!” And with that she swept dramatically out of the house.

Then Chas turned to Daisy, “Please, Daisy my love, tell them I’m sick...and innocent really I am.”

That’s when Daisy really saw red, “I know everything Chas. I know it was you who took our life savings...And you have done the same to hundreds of others.”

Then turning to Mort said, “He has a mild heart condition, but if he rests when you get to Laramie he should be just fine. Maybe get Doc Sam to check him over,” she added, wanting to be absolutely sure Chas wasn’t just crying wolf yet again.

Chas just broke down, pleading for forgiveness, but was led away by Mort, along with Ike who was now looking totally beaten, knowing the gig was finally up.

Slim went along to help Mort escort the prisoners and Ma Hanson back to town.

Once they had all left, Jess poured some coffee and he and Daisy sat before the fire.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

Daisy nodded, but he saw her shaking and went off to the kitchen and returned with the medicinal whiskey, from the medicine box, and poured a drop into her cup and the same to his own.

“Thank you dear,” she said weakly, “I do feel quite upset...what will happen to Chas?”

“There ’ll be a court case. Mort’s been doing some research and apparently the law have been trying to tie them up with all these scams for years. I guess this will be the vital evidence they need to finally put them behind bars.”

Daisy sipped her coffee, “I suppose I should be pleased that they’ve been caught, but all I feel is numb.”

“Just reaction Daisy, I guess all this has brought back some real bad memories.”

She nodded, “Yes, I was distraught at the time when I realized everything had gone... But then you, Slim and young Mike came into my life.”

She closed her eyes and swallowed hard and then opened them and looked lovingly at Jess, “But now, I thank the Lord it all happened because my life has been transformed in countless ways, being here with you boys, I have been truly blessed.”

He reached over and took her hand, “I’m glad,” he said softly, “and you make everything right for all of us...we couldn’t manage without you. You know that dontcha?”

She just nodded, smiling. Then after a minute she stood up.

“Hey, where are you off to?”

“Why to start supper of course, Mike will be home from school soon.”

Then she looked thoughtful, “I think I can find it in my heart to forgive them...but I’ll never forget.”

“Well, they sure won’t be hurting anyone else,” Jess said cheerily.

Getting up he went over to her and flinging an arm around her shoulders said, “Come on, I’ll peel the potatoes.”

OOOOOOO

It was several weeks later before Slim and Jess were to hear more of all the ‘Unexpected Christmas Guests’ as they had dubbed the Stage passengers and it was Daisy who brought them news.

She had been to town for her weekly Women’s Group Meeting and was bursting with gossip on her return. However, she refused to discuss matters until supper was over.

Now she, Slim and Jess were seated before a blazing fire, a coffee cup apiece and Mike at the table doing his homework.

“Come on then Daisy, dish the dirt, I know yer dyin’ to,” Jess said, a twinkle in his deep blue eyes.

Looking scandalized, she said, “Why Jess Harper I never gossip...dish the dirt indeed!”

Slim grinned at her, “Quit keeping us in suspense, you know what Jess means,” he said, throwing his buddy a look that said ‘shut the hell up Jess.’

Daisy chuckled at that, noting the glance and decided to put them out of their misery.

“Everyone was at the group this week, plus some new members,” she beamed. “Well firstly I chatted with Betty, Bert’s wife, from the livery and she couldn’t praise young Hank enough. She and Bert have practically adopted the boy,” she added with satisfaction. “Said they couldn’t do without him and he’s turning into a real asset in the business.”

“I knew it.” Jess said beaming, "I figured if he was given half a chance, he’d prove to be his Ma’s son, rather than his Pa’s.”

Daisy looked thoughtful, “You knew his Ma, didn’t you?”

Jess nodded, “I did Daisy, and Annie was a lovely lady and tried hard to bring young Hank up right. It’s a real shame she died before her time,” he added sadly.

 “Well, he’s found perfect surrogate parents in the folk at the livery,” Daisy said cheerfully.

“So, is there any other news?” Slim asked.

“Oh yes dear, you won’t believe it but Gladys Hanson, Chas’ wife, has joined the group. It seems she has decided to settle in Laramie, and acquired a part time job at the hotel as housekeeper and is set on starting a new life.”

“Well good for her,” Slim said approvingly.

“It’ll be real handy for visiting her husband with him being in the prison here,” Jess said grinning.

“Who were the other new members, then Daisy?” Slim asked sipping his coffee.

“Well dear, young Jenny Dalton was there, it’s so lovely to have a younger woman join,” she added.

“How’s she getting along?” Slim asked.

“Oh, marvelously they have settled well into that small ranch on the edge of town. Jenny said she can’t thank you enough for speaking to the Bank on their behalf regarding the loan. She also sent a message to you, Jess, saying how much she appreciated you ‘knocking Al into shape’ as she put it.”

Jess chuckled at that, “I figure he’ll be teetotal for life now.”

Then she turned to where Mike was pretending to work at his books, but was really listening in.

“She had a message for you too dear. She said thank you so much for making young Jody feel so welcome, showing him the ropes in his new school and sharing all your toys with him at Christmas.”

Mike beamed and said, “I really like Jody he’s real neat and he always shares his candy too,” he added, his eyes lighting up.

Daisy turned back to Jess and said, “Oh yes, I nearly forgot…Widow Brown was there singing your praises Jess. It seems her sister Hetty...uh Widow Hark as we know her, took that job at the school. Apparently, she is happily living in the school house and in her element... Maud Brown says she can’t thank you enough for suggesting it.”

“I’m glad,” Jess said happily, “I reckon the sparks would really fly iffen those two were under the same roof.”

“Maud’s sentiments exactly dear,” Daisy replied.

“Sounds like a real good meeting,” Slim said smiling indulgently.

“Oh yes it was and I’ve a message for us all from Mary.”

Mary Wesley was the Padre’s wife and Jess wondered what she had to say to them.

 “Huh?” Jess asked, looking surprised and wondering what she had to say to then all.

“Well, it was after I had been telling her about the terrible business of Chas being found guilty of all those awful scams. Then I told her how I had finally managed to forgive him. Well, bless her she said that was a truly Christian act. And then she said please tell them all at the ranch that I am so happy that they acted upon the words of my dear Joshua’s Christmas Sermon...of love they neighbor.”

Slim looked equally as puzzled as Jess and said, “What do you mean, Daisy?”

“Why the way we helped our Unexpected Christmas guests of course dear. She had been listening quietly to our conversations and heard all the things we had done to support them. She said they were truly Christian Acts.”

“Um,” said Jess chuckling, “I doubt your friend Chas would agree with that.”

Daisy just smiled at him, “Well there is the exception to every rule and besides it appears that he has indeed changed his ways. You see you weren’t far wrong when you said Gladys would be handy to visit her husband in the jail. She can’t visit of course, but they do write and it seems she too has found it in her heart to forgive him. And maybe because of that he has completely changed. He is studying the Bible...and hopes to make everything up to her on his release and lead a truly good life.”

“Ha, time will tell I guess,” said Jess. Then reflectively, “It was real nice of Ma Wesley to say what she did.”

“I thought so too dear...and you can thank her yourself at Easter.”

“Heck that’s not for ages,” Jess said quickly, knowing that once the snow was down that would doubtless be their next visit to Church.

Chapter 9

It was early spring before all at the ranch were reminded of one of their ‘Unexpected Christmas guests’ once more...and not in a happy way either.

The snow had been down for several months and now it appeared to be melting and there was a definite feeling off spring in the air.

The sun warmed Jess’s back as he saddled up and he was filled with happy anticipation of his planned hunting trip, until Slim wandered over.

“I really don’t know that this is such a good idea Jess. We could still get more snow and it’ll be real hard going, riding over to Paradise,” he added, referring to the untamed parcel of land a good few miles behind the ranch where wild game were abundant.

“Aw quit fussin’,” Jess said with a cheeky grin, “yer gettin’ worse than Daisy, I’ll be there and back before you know it. And God knows we could do with some fresh meat.”

“Uh, I suppose you’re right,” Slim said reluctantly, “I just wish I could come with you...dig you out of any trouble,” he added with a weak smile.

“Yeah, but you’ll be too busy keeping this ol’ place running won’t you,” Jess said as he mounted up.

Then Daisy hurried over from the house with a gunny sack full of home baked goodies.

“In case you get hungry on the ride over,” she said smiling up at him, “and you will be careful won’t you dear?”

Jess bit back his irritation at being fussed over and said, “Thanks Daisy, sure I will.”

“And you’ll be back...when exactly?”

“Uh, a couple of days or so should do it…by the end of the week at the latest,” he said smiling down at her.

Slim reached up and shook his hand, “You’d better be, or I’ll come looking,” he added with a grin.

Jess winked at him, gave them both a little salute of farewell and urged Traveler off up the rise and away.

OOOOOOO

Over in Laramie young Hank Burns, from the livery, had received a very unwelcome visitor in the early hours of that morning. Part of his duty as stable boy was to sleep up in the hay loft to be on call should anyone need a mount urgently out of hours, also to keep an eye on everything. So, he wasn’t particularly surprised to be awoken by a gruff voice calling for him to wake up and come down as a hire horse was needed.

Hank lit a lamp and climbed quickly down the ladder and turned to face the stranger, “Can I help you Mister?” he asked before stopping dead in his tracks and staring in shocked disbelief.

“Uncle Vinny, what are you doing here?” he asked, hardly recognizing his uncle…he had changed so much.

“Well, what do you think boy. I’ve come to do the job you were supposed to have done for me!”

“But Uncle you had it all wrong, it wasn’t a mistake that Pa was shot, it was him robbing the bank. I know that now...gee Sheriff Cory wasn’t even in town, it was Jess ... that ...” and then he clammed up realizing his mistake at mentioning Jess’s involvement.

“Oh, I know that boy...I know Jess killed yer Pa, see I guess you know by now I was there too. Nope I just wanted you to kill Cory for what he did to me later...as to Jess... oh yeah, he’ll get his comeuppance too, don’t you worry about that.”

“Uncle Vinny, please…no, Jess has really helped me, and the Sheriff’s been real good to me too.”

“Listen to yerself boy... ‘the Sheriff’s been real good to me,’ he mimicked. “Jeez yer Pa would be turning in his grave.”

Hank looked down and muttered, “What are you doing here anyway, I thought you were in jail.”

“Well, I was but I escaped! I reckon I need to do the damn job myself. Now all I need from you is a fast horse and the place where I can find Harper...a ranch someplace out of town I believe?”

“I won’t tell you. I won’t!” Hank shouted looking furious.

Vinny advanced upon him and gave him a backhander across the face that floored him.

Hank looked up shock and fear in his eyes, “You hit me,” he whispered.

“And you’ll get more iffen you don’t shut the hell up,” Vinny growled, looking fearfully around him, lest someone heard and came to the kid’s aid.

“I won’t tell you,” Hank persisted.

“Oh I think you will,” he said menacingly, because I’ve been doing my research. See now I’ve dyed my hair and grown a beard nobody recognized me in the saloon last night and I was free to listen in to a few folk talkin’. Well, I’ve been hearing how close you are to the owners of this place and figure you wouldn’t see any harm come to them? So iffen you don’t do as I say, that nice old man...uh Bert, and his sweet little wife are goin’ to meet their maker. And this place will be burnt to the ground,” he added reaching in his pocket and producing a match. Then he struck it and held it near a hay bale.

“So where can I find Harper, boy...huh? I guess if I go gunning for Harper, the Sheriff won’t be far away,” he said , “a case of killin’ two birds with one stone!” he added with an evil laugh.

It was a good couple of hours later when Bert came to call Hank in for his breakfast and found the boy out cold in one of the stalls, having been pistol whipped by his uncle.

Although his head was aching something fierce, Hank still insisted on going to warn the Sheriff and also on riding out with him.

“Well, I dunno boy, you look pretty much done in with that big bump on your head,” Mort said, “I don’t want you passing out on me and holding me back.”

“I won’t Sheriff, honest I won’t. I owe Jess big time. I need to help...please.”

Eventually Mort agreed, leaving his deputy Lon in charge with strict instructions to organize a posse and send them to the Relay station the following morning if they weren’t back by nightfall. It was still quite early in the day when they rode out and they made it to the ranch in record time.

Meanwhile back at the ranch Jess had made his farewells to Slim and Daisy. However unbeknownst to him, Vinny Burns, up on the ridge overlooking the house, had been watching his every move. From his vantage point he saw Jess take the road away from town towards open countryside and figured he was going on a hunting trip. He knew how much Jess loved to hunt, from when he knew him way back in their youth in Texas.

He’d seen him loading a hunting rifle into his scabbard and large panniers already behind his saddle to accommodate a kill. The old woman bringing out the gunny sack of food confirmed his suspicions, trail grub he figured.

Back when he and his brother had been planning the Laramie bank raid they’d holed up in a densely wooded area, where the hunting was good, a few miles south of the ranch and he figured that was where Jess would be heading. The perfect place to pick off his prey Vinny decided...just like taking candy from a baby. Then he’d sit tight and wait for Cory to come looking. He felt sure that no-good nephew of his would have informed the Sherriff and he’d be on his way shortly. With that in mind he spurred his mount on, but keeping well back and out of sight of Jess. He sure wasn’t going to get caught at this late stage of his plans. He knew dang well that in a fair shootout he wouldn’t stand a chance against Jess.

OOOOOOO

When Slim heard riders approaching later that morning, he emerged from the barn in time to see Mort and young Hank making their way down the rise at speed.

“Hey good to see you, but where’s the fire Mort?” he asked grinning up at the Sheriff as he reined in beside him.

Ignoring the warm welcome Mort asked, “Where’s Jess?”

“Huh? He’s gone over to Paradise to scare up some meat for the table. Why...are you looking for a deputy?” he asked.

Then turning to Hank said, “Looks like you’ve already got one here,” and he smiled at the young man.

However, Hank shared Mort’s brevity, “When did he leave Mr Sherman?”

Slim frowned, “A couple of hours ago, why do you ask?”

Mort briefly filled him in about all that had transpired back at the livery. Slim then explained it quickly to a distressed Daisy, telling her to pass on their whereabouts to the posse, should they come looking. Then promising her he’d find his pard and bring him home safely, he quickly saddled up and rode out with Mort and Hank.

Once they were off the Laramie Road it was easy to trail Jess and Traveller, but it soon became clear that another rider was in pursuit of Jess.

“Dadgum it,” Mort said tersely, “the bastard’s right on his tail.”

“I don’t imagine Jess would be too much on the outlook, nobody tends to go to this neck of the woods, especially not in this weather,” Slim added.

The early morning sun had now gone behind dark threatening clouds and a bitter wind had gotten up, blowing a few snowflakes into their faces.

“I told him we’d not seen the last of the snow, but would he listen?” Slim said looking both anxious and annoyed in equal proportion.

“I figure the weather is the least of his problems,” Mort said morosely as he urged his buckskin on through the inclement weather.

When the weather had turned stormy, Vinny was delighted. He knew the hunting grounds covered acres of ground, but there was only one really good sheltered spot that he knew of and that was a small lakeside cave, where he had camped on his last visit. As the snow started to drift down, he figured that would be where Jess would be heading. So, trusting his instincts he cut away from where he was glued to Jess trail, albeit a good way back, and branched off circling around and heading for the lake and cave.

Jess, being Jess had an uncomfortable feeling in his gut and had paused a couple of times, looking all around him, somehow feeling he was being followed. Now he reined in and moved off behind a rocky outcrop and waited some time. It was gradually getting colder and the snow was coming down thick and fast. After a while he shook his head and patted Traveller’s neck.

“I guess I’m gettin’ way too fanciful in my old age, huh boy, there’s nobody out there,” and he kneed his mount on, making for the shelter of the cave.

Meanwhile Vinny had skirted the area and found a good lookout place at the top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the lake cave. Here he settled down to wait, occasionally taking a swig of Red-eye from a small bottle...his eyes never leaving the track leading to the lake.

After a long while when he was just about to give up, his quarry finally came into view.

Jess dismounted and walked to the lake to water his mount...then walked him over to a small, roughly enclosed paddock near the cave that offered the shelter of several huge old pines.

He then proceeded to tend to his horse for a while and once he was fed and had a warm blanket on, he carried his saddle and belongings across to the open mouth of the cave. Here he was out of sight of Vinny, who had been following his every move.

“Damn it,” he cussed. Why hadn’t he risked taking a shot while the cowboy was in the paddock with his horse? But then the dang animal had kept getting in his line of fire and he couldn’t risk missing the shot. He had to hit Harper cleanly and kill him instantly with the first shot...or he’d be dead meat himself, he knew that.

Moments later he couldn’t believe his luck as Harper emerged from the cave and wandered over to the lake with his canteen and hunkering down proceeded to fill it. Then he stood up and that’s when he turned back towards the cave and Vinny had the perfect shot.

He stood up raised the rifle and took careful aim.

A single shot rang out and Jess fell like a stone.

Vinnie’s first instinct was to rush down the hilly slope and check that his quarry was really dead... But no, he told himself, stay put and wait on Cory. He couldn’t risk being caught out in the open with the Sheriff arriving at any time. Nope he just had to sit it out and if Harper wasn’t already dead, he was damn near it he figured. The prone figure hadn’t moved since he was shot and if he did then he’d merely slam another few bullets into him.

Mort, Slim and Hank were still a long way off, but Slim reined in and said, “Did you hear that?”

Mort nodded, “It sounded like a shot...coming from down there,” he added tipping his hat to where the trail led down to the lake over a mile away.

“Then let’s go,” Hank cried turning his mount in that direction, ready to gallop off.

But Mort called him back, “Haste makes waste boy,” he said. “You just stay behind me young man and take my lead. Last thing we want to do is go blundering in there and get shot up too...OK?”

Hank did as requested and fell in behind Mort and Slim as they guardedly made their way towards the cave and lake.

However, once they arrived and saw Jess’s body lying partially covered in snow, it was Slim who threw caution to the winds. Leaping down from Alamo he tore across to where Jess lay and throwing himself down in the snow beside him gently turned his buddy’s prone body over, gasping in shock at his blood-soaked jacket.

Before he could investigate further a shot rang out and Mort, directly behind him, hit the ground as the bullet whistled past his ear, missing him by inches, whilst Hank ran for cover behind a nearby rock.

Slim instinctively threw himself across Jess, protecting him from the barrage of bullets now raining down from the rock above them, Mort and Hank returning fire.

The exchange of fire continued for several minutes...and then both Slim and Hank fired at the same time. Just seconds later there was a frantic, agonized cry and Vinny’s body plummeted down from the rocks landing with a sickening thud just yards away from them.

The silence after the gun play was almost palpable as Mort and Hank stood up and looked over to the dead man.

Then Slim moved and felt his shirt was warm and wet and looking down in horror he realized he was covered in Jess’s blood.

Mort was at his side in seconds and taking in the situation disappeared to return moments later with bandages and a small whiskey flask. Slim was still staring at Jess who was deathly pale and very still.

“Hey come on Slim, he ain’t dead yet,” help me get his coat off and stop that darned bleeding, huh.”

It was sometime later before the wound had been cleaned and dressed, but the bullet was still deeply embedded. All the time he’d been treated Jess had hardly stirred and now as Slim looked down at him he really didn’t think he could last much longer.

Then Mort broke into his thoughts, “It’ll be dark in another few hours. We need to get him to the Doc real soon,” he added.

Slim shook his head, “He wouldn’t make it to town, Mort.”

“I guess it’ll be down to Miss Daisy then,” Mort said in his business-like way, not wanting Slim to give up hope. “She dug a bullet out of you once, didn’t she?”

Slim just nodded, looking hopeless.

Hank had been standing nearby watching this exchange and now he looked near to tears, “Jess ain’t gonna die, is he?” he asked...suddenly looking very young and vulnerable.

That seemed to rally Slim ’s fighting spirit.

“Not on my watch he isn’t,” he said firmly, “come and help me get him up on Alamo and I’ll ride double with him.”

Hank was dispatched to Laramie to fetch the Doc, and Slim and Mort made their slow, careful way back to the ranch, Mort leading Traveller.

When they arrived, Daisy came running out and looked on in distress as Mort and Slim carried a deeply unconscious Jess inside, laying him down on the couch.

It was clear to her from the start that the bullet needed to be removed urgently and she went about collecting her medical kit together.

Meanwhile Slim had cleared the table and covered it with a clean sheet before he and Mort laid Jess down.

Later Slim was to say it was just so dang typical of Jess to cause such a ruckus. Up until that moment he had been completely out of it. But then as soon as the operation commenced, he came to and started taking on all comers...lashing out and yelling for them to get off of him.

“Jess, will you see sense!” Slim yelled at him, “You’ve got to keep still, Daisy’s trying to get that slug out of your chest and she can’t work on a moving target!”

When the truth finally sunk in, he did his best to keep still. But, his natural instincts came to the fore and he kept jerking and thrashing about as Daisy tried to dig deeper and deeper to remove the bullet. Even with both Mort and Slim trying to hold him down the mission was almost impossible and Daisy was in despair of ever finishing the job.

“I’m just doing more harm than good,” she said almost tearfully. “Let’s take a break for a moment.”

She paused from her labors and brushed Jess’s dark hair back from his forehead in a loving gesture and said, “I’m so sorry dear, but the bullet just has to come out and as soon as possible. You’re still losing blood you see,” she added, “and we can’t wait for Doc Sam.”

While she’d been talking, Slim had left the room and now he returned and waggled a whiskey bottle at Mort.

Mort grinned and said, “The original general anesthetic eh.”

Slim nodded, then turning to their beloved housekeeper said, “I doubt you will approve Daisy, but I guess it’s all we’ve got.”

By the time Jess was three sheets to the wind...and feeling no pain...well very little anyway, Daisy was eventually able to remove the bullet and clean and stitch the wound.

They were all just breathing a sigh of relief when they heard the late afternoon Stage entering the yard and moments later the door burst open and Mike ran in closely followed by Doc Sam Baker.

“I got your message,” the kindly Doc said, “and I figured the Stage would be quicker than that old nag of mine. Oh, and Lon said to tell you that young Hank has gone with the posse to retrieve the body. OK, let’s have a look at the patent,” he added.

That’s when Mike pushed forwards looking shocked as he gazed at the ashen face of his hero, “Heck, he’ll be OK won’t he, Aunt Daisy?”

“I’m sure he will be dear, now the Doctor is here to look after him. Be a good boy and go off to your room and start your homework. I’ll bring in some milk and cookies directly,” she smiled. “Uh, supper may be a little late,” she added, glancing at where Jess was fast asleep, and Sam was checking out her handy work.

Once the child had left, Sam turned to Daisy and smiling said, “A very professional job Daisy, well done my dear.” Then frowning slightly, “But I’m afraid he isn’t out of the woods yet, he’s lost a tremendous amount of blood, I think I should stay the night and keep an eye on him,” he said seriously.

Much later that night, with Mike and Daisy abed, Slim and Sam sat up in the parlour keeping a watchful eye on Jess sleeping restlessly on the couch.

Every now and again Sam would rise and go and check on his patient.

Now as he returned to his seat he was frowning slightly and he sighed.

“Worse?” Slim asked.

“I’m afraid so he’s running a temperature...quite high too.”

“Is it an infection from the surgery maybe? But Daisy was real careful and we washed the wound out with whiskey on the trail too,” he said looking upset.

“No, I don’t think it’s that,” Sam said quickly, “I reckon he’s taken a nasty chill...he was lying in the snow when you found him, you said?”

Slim nodded, “It took us a good while to locate him after we heard the shot ring out, he was freezing and his clothes sodden...we just figured getting him home was more important than drying him off.”

“Quite so, and understandable,” Sam replied. “He’ll need careful nursing and let’s just pray it doesn’t develop into lung fever,” he added casting his patient an anxious glance.

The next few days were a worrying time for all at the ranch as Jess coughed and spluttered, interspersed with the odd expletive. That made Slim grin though, knowing his buddy couldn’t be too bad if he was still cussing.

Once he had shaken off the fever the visitors started arriving thick and fast, the first being Millie of course, followed by many other friends bearing gifts and goodwill. One of the first visitors after Millie was Hank and he was touchingly delighted to see Jess on the mend. However, it was clear to both Slim and Jess that he had something on his mind and eventually he confided in them.

“You see I know it was right that Uncle Vinny had to die that way...sure he did for what he did to you Jess. It’s just that I feel kinda bad that it might have been from my bullet. After all he was kin. So do you know Mr Sherman, was it my bullet that did for him or yours?”

 Jess and Slim exchanged a quick glance before Slim said quickly, “Oh it was mine Hank, yours went wide...I saw it ricochet off the rock behind him,” he added.

Hank sighed with relief, “Thanks Mr Sherman,” he said softly, “I appreciate you telling me that.”

Once the young man had left Jess threw Slim a quizzical glance. “When you came back from town the other day, I thought you said that Vinny had died from two bullets through the heart. You said Mort told you that when you went in to give a statement.”

Slim nodded and then winked at Jess, “That’s right but I figured there was no need for Hank to know that...I guess white lies are sometimes justified.”

Jess smiled, “I guess so...”

Then he frowned, and changing the subject said “So when the heck is Miss Daisy gonna let me out of bed then, huh...huh?”

“Oh not for a good while yet I believe Jess. The Doc left strict instructions that you were to stay put until he says so.”

 “Aw Slim that could be another dang week before he says I can get up...or even longer.”

Then he brightened, “Hey she’s going to town fer her Woman’s Group tomorrow ain’t she. I could get up for a while then, couldn’t I?”

“Heck no Jess, that’d mean I’d have to lie to her.”

“Yeah, but that would only be a white lie and you believe in those dontcha Slim...huh?”

“A white lie is usually to save someone’s feelings or to help them in some way,” Slim said doggedly.

“Well sure I know that, and you’ll be saving me...from going stir crazy!”

“Nice try,” Slim said getting up and heading for the door, “sorry... but I just can’t lie to Miss Daisy.”

Jess lay back down in bed and sighing said, “I guess not,” as Slim left.

Then he closed his eyes accepting his fate, to be petticoat bossed for another week or two.

But it was not all doom and gloom because as Daisy left for town the following day his good friend Rev Joshua Wesley arrived.

“I’d have visited sooner,” he said as he took a seat beside the bed, “but I’ve been over in Cheyenne all week tending to my flock over there. I only recently heard about this unpleasant incident on my return,” he added looking full of compassion.

“Yeah, well...” Jess said looking embarrassed. He was never one to make a big deal of any of his ‘little escapades’ as Daisy called his brushes with death.

“So, how’s young Hank coping...have you seen him?”

“I have indeed. In fact, it was he who filled me in on all that had transpired after his Uncle Vinny escaped. The poor boy was beside himself at the thought that his uncle could have killed you. A terrible incident,” Joshua said reflectively. “So, how are you feeling now dear boy?” he added looking deeply into Jess’s deep blue eyes.

“Come on Josh, quit doin’ the visitin’ the sick act. How’s that new fishin’ rod of yours doin’ huh?” Jess asked grinning.

The Padre sat back in his chair, returning the grin and visibly relaxing.

“I should have known better than to offer sympathy and spiritual guidance.” Taking a deep breath, he launched into all the pros and cons of the new rod. Then a lively debate ensued as to the best bait to use for certain fish.

As he finally rose to leave an hour or so later, Jess said, “Thanks Josh, I feel a lot better fer seeing you...thanks for coming.”

Josh leaned forwards a hand on Jess’s shoulder and said, “My dear boy, you really have no idea, do you?”

At that Jess looked puzzled, “Huh... no idea about what?”

“You have no idea as to the high esteem in which you are held amongst your com padres… so very many folk in Laramie care about you. Mort Cory has been inundated with callers asking after your health. My wife, says nearly every young woman...and the not so young, have been asking after your progress,” he added with a knowing wink.

Jess looked slightly anxious at that revelation and said, “Well I dunno why,” just hoping the Padre didn’t think he’d been two timing Millie and seeing other gals.

Joshua beamed down at him, knowing the young man was completely unaware of how popular he really was.

This was all getting a bit too much for Jess and he just smiled kindly at the Padre and hoped he’d be on his way before he shared anymore embarrassing notions.

“I must be on my away,” Josh said as if reading Jess’s thoughts. “I’ve a sermon to write... we enter Lent next week,” he added. “How the year is flashing by, seems like Christmas was only yesterday. A sign of old age,” he added shaking his head and looking rueful.

Jess chuckled, “Nah, not you Josh.”

The Padre grinned and then gathering himself said, “Well I doubt I’ll be seeing you in Church for a while Jess, but rest assured you will be in all our prayers...you get better really soon...you hear,” and with that he left.

It was the following week before Jess was to think of the Padre again as all at the ranch prepared to attend Church.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright alone dear?” Daisy asked.

“Sure, sure you get off Daisy, I’ll be just fine,” he said with a brave smile.

Once he heard the buckboard leave, with Slim, Mike and Daisy on board he pulled back the covers and got out of bed.

He stood there in his cut off undershorts, swaying slightly, his legs feeling like jelly. Then he pulled on his denims and boots and made his way shakily to the bedroom door. Here he paused to get his breath, before shuffling off to the kitchen to brew some good strong coffee.

He had to pause and rest up there for a while before making his way painfully slowly through the house to the front porch. Throwing the door open he inhaled the good clean fresh air for the first time in over two weeks...and it was wonderful. He stood there breathing deeply his gaze feasting on the yard and the horses in the coral. Even the hens contentedly scratching away in the dirt filled him with happiness. He sank down onto a porch chair, sipped his coffee and wallowed in the joy of being outdoors again.

After half an hour or so he dragged himself up and made his way over to the barn to pay his beloved horse a visit. Traveller turned and gave a little whinny of pleasure as he entered. Jess walked over and talking softly made a fuss of his good old horse...offering sugar lumps and loving caresses.

He must have been in the barn for a good while and although the spring weather was warm, he was beginning to feel a little chilly, having forgotten to put a shirt on, in his rush to get outside. Saying farewell to Traveller he made his way back towards the house. That’s when he heard the sound of the buckboard approaching and he tore across the yard and into the house as fast as he was able. He stopped, leaning forwards and breathing hard, once he was back in his room...everything spinning and turning black. However, with great fortitude he inhaled a few more deep breaths and managed to overcome the dizziness, yanked off his boots, and returned to his bed.

He had only just pulled the covers up and laid down when the door burst open and Slim was standing over him grinning.

“Are you OK? Didn’t miss us too much?” he asked a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Jess took another deep breath to steady his nerves and said, “Nope, hardly at all Hard Rock.”

Slim sank down on the bedside chair and looked at his buddy in mock concern, “You’re looking a tad flushed Jess and kinda breathless too?”

“I’m just...fine,” Jess said between deep breaths.

“I dunno, I think maybe Daisy needs to take a look at you,” Slim said half rising.

“No!” Jess squawked, then more evenly, “No I’m just fine Slim, don’t bother Daisy she’ll be busy cookin’ the Sunday lunch.”

“OK,” Slim said, “I’ll just get you tucked in nice and warm,” and with that he got hold of the sheet and blanket covering Jess and jerked them back, exposing his denims.

Slim stared in pretend surprise, “You feeling the cold then Jess?”

Jess pulled the bedding back and sighing deeply said, “OK you win! I’ve been outside, but Hell Slim I was goin’ mad cooped up in here.” Then pleadingly, “You won’t tell Daisy, will ya?”

“Well, I dunno Jess... I think she should know.”

“Slim!”

“Oh alright, I won’t tell her.” he said sitting down again.

 “So how was Church?” Jess asked quickly changing the subject.

“Just fine, Joshua was talking about Lent...you know the forty days our Lord was in the wilderness and how we should give something up for the days of Lent, the forty days up to Easter.”

“Uh-huh...”

“So, we all had to choose what we’d give up...and I decided on not taking sugar in my coffee.”

“Um,” Jess said his mind elsewhere now and wondering vaguely when lunch would be ready.

“I decided on giving up strong drink for you,” Slim added.

“Uh-huh,” Jess said and then the words sank in, “What did you say?”

“I said I’d pledged that you’d give up drink...well not just strong drink...beer as well.”

Jess was practically spitting with anger, “You did what!”

“Well Joshua was most insistent that you shouldn’t be left out, he thought I’d know what you’d choose. So, I just said you wouldn’t enter the saloon until Easter.”

“Not enter the saloon...until Easter?” Jess said in horror. “You mean not see my Millie?”

“Uh well yes, that’s right,” Slim said quickly rising from his seat and heading towards the bedroom door.

“Why... you!” Jess yelled angrily, sitting up and looking like he was ready to commit murder.

Slim made a last dash for the door and ran out closing it behind him.

Then Jess suddenly smelled a rat, old Josh wouldn’t do that to him, and he yelled, “You’d better be kiddin’ me, Slim!”

The door opened exposing Slim ’s grinning face, “I’m kiddin’,” he agreed and withdrew again just as Jess hurled his pillow at the closing door.

He’d plodded over and collected his pillow and was settling down for a nap sometime later when the door opened again.

Jess was sitting up pillow in hand ready for round two...but he just stopped in time as he saw Daisy peering around the door.

“Why Jess dear, do you not feel well enough to get up for lunch?” she asked.

“Huh?”

“I saw Doc Sam in Church and he said it would be fine. I asked Slim to come and tell you when we returned home. I thought you could get up for a while this afternoon, see how you go... but if you don’t feel up to it?”

“Oh, I feel very up to it,” Jess said quickly, “never better.”

“That’s good…lunch will be on the table in a minute, if you’re sure you’re ready dear,” she said withdrawing.

“Oh, I’m ready alright,” he muttered and he jumped out of bed and pulled a shirt on.

“Just you wait, Slim Sherman,” he whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief, “just you wait!”

The End

Thank you for reading and...

Merry Christmas especially to YOU!