The Laramie Chronicles

Echoes of the Past

By

Patty Wilkinson

(Some violence, strong language and adult themes)

Chapter 1

Jess Harper stood on the platform and watched the rail-car move steadily away down the track, the locomotive puffing and blowing out steam like some huge dragon. Millie leaned out of the window waving as the coach slowly moved off. The engine was hissing and groaning as it gathered speed and finally disappeared around the bend with just the eerie sound of the whistle, and a wisp of steam remaining in the air.

Jess swallowed hard, reliving the last few minutes...the passionate kisses, promises to write...her tears held back until the last minute and finally falling...as he  gently kissed them away.

Then the Conductor’s official, “All aboard please ma’am,” as he broke into their final moments together.

Now Jess turned away from the empty track and walked slowly out into the hot sunshine.

As he wandered across the street, he saw the tall lanky figure of his best buddy and business partner Slim Sherman leaning casually against the hitching rail.

He straightened up grinning as Jess walked over, “I figured maybe you could use some company right now?”

Jess merely pulled his hat down hard and nodded, grim faced.

The two men headed wordlessly towards the saloon and once in the blessed cool of the bar Slim ordered a couple of beers.

“She got off OK then?” Tom, the barkeep asked.

Jess just nodded and took a swig of his beer.

“You’ll miss her,” Tom continued.

When Jess didn’t reply Slim said, “It was good of you to keep her job open Tom, seeing as how she’ll be gone all summer.”

“Yeah, well good help’s hard to come by,” Tom said, eyeing Dilly, his pretty, but scatty young niece who was standing in for Millie.

“How’s she panning out?” Slim whispered.

Tom rolled his eyes, “Early days...but I promised my brother I’d give her a try. Got a head full of fanciful ideas,” he added, “wants to go on the stage, so he thought maybe doing an honest day’s work would calm her down some.”

Then there was a squeal of high-pitched laughter followed by a crash as yet another glass was accidentally smashed

“Or not...” Slim said grinning.

“Sorry Uncle,” the girl said blushing prettily.

After cleaning it up she wandered over and fixing her bright, flirtatious eyes on Jess, said “Well howdy, Jess. Do you wanna buy a gal a drink?”

Jess just sighed deeply and took another pull of his beer.

“No, he dang well doesn’t,” Tom said, “and you’re too young to be drinking anyway...get in the back and make my lunch young lady.”

A brief exchange of ideas followed with Dilly finally flouncing off to do as she was bid.

Then he turned back to Jess to apologize, but he’d already left.

He shook his head, “Jess’s taking it real hard ain’t he.”

Slim nodded and finishing his beer, he turned to go too, “I reckon it’s going to be a real long summer,” he agreed shaking his head. “See ya Tom.”

When he finally caught up with Jess, he was already on the road out of town leaving at a brisk trot.

“Hey hold on buddy, it’s a mite warm to go charging off like you’re in the Laramie quarter mile race, isn’t it?” Slim suggested.

Jess sighed but slowed his pace before patting Traveller’s neck and saying, “Sorry old boy.”

Then turning to Slim said, “I guess I ain’t thinking straight right now.”

“Well, I can understand that buddy...but the time will go by fast, you’ll see...and you can write her.”

Jess just threw him a stony glance and headed for home, increasing his pace once more. Sighing Slim followed along... Nope, letter writing just wasn’t gonna do it for his pard he figured and who could blame him.

The next few days were difficult to say the least with Jess moping around the place. He was either working his butt off to help quiet his thoughts or he was sitting on the porch looking sadly out to the distant hills and sighing lustily.

But then her first letter arrived and from then on, somewhat cheered, he lived for the daily arrival of the Stage and the possibility of a missive from his beloved.

One day a couple of weeks after her departure they were sitting out on the porch enjoying a coffee and awaiting the noon Stage. There hadn’t been a letter for a while and Jess was getting more and more restless.

Glancing over at his pard, Slim said, “She’s real busy you know Jess. Hang it all that’s why she’s over there helping out with the young ‘uns and the new baby. Not to mention nursing Tad’s wife. Heck Jenny’s been real sick...I doubt she’s much free time to spend writing a billet-doux to you.”

“Huh... Billy what? Jess asked looking startled.

“Billet-doux, it’s posh speak for love notes...”

Jess just rolled his eyes, “Well I reckon she could make some time...how hard can it be lookin’ after a couple of kids...huh?”

“And a new baby and a sick wife...come on Jess cut the gal some slack...”

He sighed, “I suppose...”

Then the Stage came rattling down the rise and Mose brought it to a standstill beside them...pulling on the lines and yelling, “Whoa you flea bitten nags!”

Once the team were settled Mose grinned down from the box and Jess looked up hopefully, “Well... any mail?”

“Huh? Mail did ya say?” the old timer taunted, winking at Slim and acting like the word was alien to him.

“Yeah, as in carried by the Overland Stage and Mail Line?” Jess replied sarcastically.

“Oh yeah, right,” Mose said finally looking slightly sheepish at teasing the young cowboy.

He made one last attempt at winding Jess up, by slapping his pockets and saying, “Now bless me…I’m sure there was a letter someplace you know Jess.”

But then when he saw the murderous look in the cowboy’s deep blue eyes he backed down quickly and handed the letter over.

Jess and Slim stared at the buff colored, somewhat battered envelope.

“But that’s not,” Slim blurted out before stopping and staring at Jess in consternation...the words ‘from Millie’, left unspoken and hanging in the air.

Jess looked down at the unfamiliar handwriting and the Texas postmark and his heart sank.

“No, it ain’t,” he said, quickly stuffing the letter in his back pocket and going to unhitch the team.

“I figured it weren’t from Millie, just now...as soon as I saw the postmark,” Mose confirmed. “She’s back east ain’t she, not down in Texas? I wouldn’t have teased the boy that way if I’d seen it sooner,” he added looking contrite.

Slim just nodded and went off to help Jess.

Now who could be writing to him from his old home State he wondered and thought mournfully it was probably not good news.

Once the Stage had made its way out of the yard Slim said, “Well, are you going to read your letter?”

Jess shrugged, but eventually pulled it out of his pocket and slumping down on one of the porch chairs commenced reading.

Slim took the other seat and watched as Jess’s expression turned from interest to shock and finally anger, his face flushed and the hands gripping the letter shaking slightly.

“Is it bad news?” Slim asked softly.

Jess stood up quickly and pushing the letter back into the envelope returned it to his pocket, before looking down at Slim.

“Kinda,” he replied before striding off to start tending the Stage horses.

When Slim wandered over to help him a little later, he could tell even from his back view, that every fiber of Jess’s body was saying leave me alone.

Slim went to start feeding and watering the animals Jess had already rubbed down and figured there would be time for talking later. But whatever it was, it had sure spooked his pard.

It was the following day before Jess finally confided in his buddy.

They had been riding fence and were taking a break from the overpowering heat of the day, under a shady tree.

Jess had stretched out for a nap and Slim figured now was a good time to try and find out what was troubling his partner.

Jess had said no more than a dozen words since breakfast and those mostly just a grunted response and now as he lay down, eyes closed Slim decided to sound him out.

“So, are you going to tell me what was in that letter that’s got you so dang cantankerous?” Slim asked.

“I ain’t, cateranckus,” Jess muttered.

Slim let that one go, and merely opened his eyes wide and said, “Oh come on Jess something’s bugging you...so who was the letter from huh?”

“You ain’t gonna let this lay, are you?” Jess said resignedly, opening his eyes.

“Nope,” Slim replied with a faint smile.

Jess finally sat up and after looking off into the distance he seemed to make a decision.

“It was from an old friend, Mary...telling me her brother Scott was dead. He was a good friend to me Slim,” he added looking deeply saddened.

“Aw I’m real sorry...so you want to go down to Texas for the funeral Jess?”

“I guess I’ve got to go,” he agreed.

“Well sure…we aren’t too busy right now and I can always get help if needed. You go.”

“Thanks Slim I really appreciate that.”

After a moment Slim said, “There’s more to it than that though isn’t there, Jess…so what aren’t you telling me, huh?”

Jess took a deep breath and said, “You know me too dang well dontcha.”

Slim just nodded and smiled, “So, are you going to tell me all of it? Who exactly was Scott? How did you know him?”

Jess sighed knowing he’d get no peace until he told Slim everything so he started to explain...

“We grew up in the same town and when we signed up in the army we became real good buddies. Hell, we were once as close as you and me Slim,” he said his face contorted in misery for a moment...before he swallowed hard and carried on. “Anyway, we fought together and he saved my life once when a sniper was gunning for me. Then after the war was over, we headed home together...and boy were we wild,” he said a gleam of mischief in his deep blue eyes.

“You got into some trouble then?” Slim asked easily, knowing Jess, like so many others, threw over the traces after the long years of war.

“You could say so,” Jess grinned. “Oh, nothing too bad, hard drinking, shooting up the odd town, womanizing...you know how it was...all pretty innocent really.”

“ Uh, sure it was,” Slim replied tongue in cheek.

“Well, that was until I got to know the rest of his family, especially his big brother Jake,” Jess said looking suddenly grim.

 “Oh, they were bad news then?” Slim asked.

“Not at first, no while their Ma and Pa were alive, the boys pretty much toed the line. But they were both killed in an Indian raid, not long after we got back home. And that’s when Jake especially went off the rails...hitting the bottle and getting involved in petty crime. I was living at the ranch with them back then. The place was a mess, no money coming in and the old man had left debts. That’s when Jake started robbing seriously and involving Scott and even his younger brother Lenny, who was only a child...and yes before you ask, I was roped into it all as well.”

“Jess!”

“Oh, come on Slim you’ve always known my history wasn’t whiter than white.”

Slim just nodded, “I know…go on.”

“Well, I rode with them mostly to try and keep Scott safe. I felt I owed him. Then Jake started really getting into crime…big time, and none of us wanted any part of it. But I guess you didn’t say no to Jake. He was the fastest gun I’ve ever seen and to be honest none of us wanted to risk crossing him.”

Slim looked surprised, “Even you?”

Jess looked down and said, “OK there was something else...I was seeing his sister, Mary.”

Slim shook his head a faint smile on his lips, “I should have known.”

Jess ignored him and continued.

“I just didn’t want to leave her Slim. She never went on a raid, but she was mixed up in it all...and as unhappy about it as Scott, Lenny and I were.”

“So, what happened in the end...you managed to leave?”

“I left alright,” Jess said looking angry “nearly cost me my life, but I got us all away from him. Damn it I should have killed him back then,” he muttered bitterly.

“Oh, why do you say that?”

“Because it was him that killed Scott,” Jess spat looking furious.

“What! Killed his own brother? Why the heck would he do that?” Slim asked.

Jess shrugged, “I dunno, but I sure aim to find out.”

“So, is this Jake still an outlaw...is he wanted?” Slim asked looking slightly anxious.

“Yeah, he’s wanted,” Jess replied, “last I heard he had a $5,000 Bounty on his head.”

Slim whistled softly, “Jeez, that’s a powerful lot of money Jess. He must be kind of notorious? What’s his full name, would I know him?”

Jess paused for a moment before saying quietly, “Jake Branson.”

Slim’ s jaw dropped and after a moment he recovered and almost yelled, “What, you rode with Jake Branson and the Branson Gang!”

Jess grinned at him, “Well I told ya I wasn’t whiter than white didn’t I, Slim...huh...”

It was agreed that he would leave the following day, but neither Daisy nor Mike were any happier about Jess leaving than Slim was now, but for different reasons.

When the matter was broached at the supper table Mike was immediately upset.

“But Jess we were going to go fishing this Saturday, you promised I could try your new rod out."

“Aw I’m real sorry Tiger, but Slim will take you,” he said casting Slim a beseeching look.

“Sure,” Slim said quickly.

But it was clear Mike wasn’t happy...and the real reason finally came out.

He’d pushed his plate away and was now sitting looking decidedly tearful.

Jess and Slim exchanged a glance and Jess said, “Hey Tiger what’s up, huh?”

“I don’t want you to go back to Texas, where you came from...you might think you like it better down there and decide to stay. You’re always saying how the Texas winters are just fine and how you hate the snow up here,” the youngster added his eyes huge and glistening with unshed tears.

Jess immediately got up and went and hunkered down beside Mike.

“Hey that ain’t gonna happen…I promise,” he said firmly. “I’d never leave you and Slim and Aunt Daisy...you know that dontcha? I’ve just gotta go pay my respects to a good friend who’s passed away, you can understand that can’t you Mike?”

“I guess and if that’s all, then you’ll come straight home, huh Jess?” the child asked hopefully.

Now it was Jess’s turn to look uncomfortable.

“As soon as I can Mike, I may be gone a little while. I’ve old friends I need to see. They may need a hand ya know?”

Mike nodded seeing the logic at that, “But as soon as you can, yeah?”

“Sure, as soon as I can,” he agreed, ruffling the youngster’s hair before returning to his seat.

The following morning once Mike had left for school on the Stage, Jess sauntered into the kitchen where Daisy was preparing some food for his journey.

Looking up as he entered, she said without preamble, “Slim’ s worried about you going on this trip isn’t he dear?”

Jess opened his mouth to deny the notion, but as soon as he looked Daisy in the eye his mouth snapped shut again, before he finally said softly, “Some I guess.”

“The friend of yours who was shot, who killed him?”

He looked down for a moment and then said, “It was his older brother, Daisy and I have to find out why...make things right.”

She physically flinched at that, “And kill him too you mean?”

Jess shrugged, “Only if I have to Daisy, I’ll bring him in to face justice if I can.”

Then he turned and saw Slim, standing behind him looking deeply concerned.

It was later as Slim was driving him into town to the railroad depot that the conversation continued.

“Do you think you can do that Jess?” he asked softly, remembering how Jess had said Jake Branson was the fastest draw he’d ever seen.

Jess looked him in the eye and then looked away, “I dunno,” he said honestly. Then looking back at his pard, his expression challenging, “But I have to try...for Scott, surely you have to see that, Slim?”

“No, no I don’t see ... in fact I don’t understand why you’re going at all really Jess. These people are from your past, maybe they should stay there huh?”

Jess just shook his head and said, “I’ve gotta go Slim.”

“You’re going for this ‘friend’, Mary? So, what about Millie, doesn’t she matter huh?”

“Well, you sure dug deep in the cellar for that one, didn’t ya?” Jess said looking furious, “Millie would understand. Besides she doesn’t need me right now and Mary does.”

Slim just sighed and changed the subject, “So what about the funeral...this Mary and Lenny are they still wanted like their big brother?” Then he looked suddenly worried, “Hell Jess is there a Wanted poster still out on you down there?”

Jess shook his head emphatically, “Nope. Mary and Lenny were never implicated...and yes me and Scott did time. But it was a real short sentence. We fessed up to what we’d done. To be honest it was pretty much small beer, compared with what Jake did later. I figured it was better to hold our hands up and get it over with...rather than being caught further down the line when Jake was wanted for serious crime, like killing folk and robbing Stages.”

“Well, that was darned forward thinking of you Jess.”

“Yeah, well Mary and me, we had plans and I wanted to start afresh,” he replied, ignoring the sarcasm.

Slim stared at him in surprise, “So what happened to those plans?”

“Didn’t work out,” Jess said, his face now having that closed look that said don’t ask me anymore.

So Slim changed tack, “What about Jake Branson...didn’t he try to seek you out later?”

“No need, he’d already got Max Huston, Billy James and Butch Starr riding with him,” Jess replied, naming the other notorious members of the Branson Gang.

Slim sucked in a deep breath, “Jeez, that’s one hell of a lot of villains Jess. Are they still in the Gang?”

Jess shook his head, “Nope all dead bar Jake...and he’ll be gone soon iffen I have my way,” he added.

“Jess... please just keep out of it...the Law will sort it out.”

“Ha,” Jess gave a shout of hollow laughter, “yer kiddin’…they’ve been tryin’ to track him down for years. See he’s got a hideout up in the mountains and no lawman has ever been able to find him.”

“But you know where to look?” Slim asked, dreading the answer.

“Oh yeah, I know alright,” Jess said sounding menacing even to Slim’ s ears.

“Jess, listen to yourself...let it go...please,” Slim said, as he reined in the team by the tracks. “This isn’t your fight...”

“Then whose is it?” he asked, “Mary’s or young Lenny? Hell, he’s way too young to take on Jake.”

Slim shrugged, “Well I don’t know...anyone but you.”

“I’m sorry Slim I’ve got to go. Hell, what if it was you, I wouldn’t just sit back and do nothing...and I can’t now,” and he jumped down from the buckboard.

Slim threw his bag down and then reached down and shook his hand, looking deeply into Jess’s troubled eyes.

“Then you must do what you have to buddy...just come back to us in one piece huh?”

Jess gave him a slow smile, and said, “Thanks Slim...sure I will...”

Then he took an envelope out of his pocket and thrust it in Slim’ s hands, “I wrote Millie last night...post it for me, will ya?”

Slim just nodded, feeling pretty emotional...would this be it? The last time he’d see his best friend in the whole world?

Then a thought struck, “I could come with you...watch your back?”

Jess just grinned at him and said, “No way, you know that ol’ place of ours would fall apart with us both gone. Anyways who’d take Mike fishing tomorrow huh? See ya Slim,” and with that he walked off quickly, without a backwards glance.

“See you,” Slim whispered as the ethereal sound of the train’s whistle could be heard as the train snaked its way into the station.

He knew Jess would hate for him to wait and wave him off, so he shook the lines and started his lonely journey back to the ranch.

Chapter 2

It was a long tiring journey with several train changes. Then he had to hire a mount for the last leg of his trip. He was to travel to a small-town nestling below a mountain range on the edge of the Mexican border.

“So, what’s his name then?” Jess asked nodding to the tough looking buckskin he’d just hired.

The rather taciturn livery owner looked up and said, “Uh, he’s number seven.”

“Huh, that’s a kinda strange name ain’t it?” Jess responded.

The elderly man just shrugged, “Works for me...and that’s number nine and number five over in the corral.”

Jess shook his head, “I’ll need him for a couple of weeks or so, maybe longer.”

“Don’t matter to me,” the man said shrugging again. “As long as you bring him back, we have a rope for horse stealing around here,” he added, fixing Jess with a hard look as he squinted at him through the smoke of his cigarette.

“Is that a fact,” Jess asked throwing him an equally cold look.

“‘Course there’s always the option of buyin’ him,” he added as Jess mounted up. “He’s a real good horse this one.”

Like you’d know Jess thought privately.

“I’ll see how he pans out,” Jess said and with that kneed the horse off at a brisk trot.

The mount reminded him a lot of Banjo one of his favorite cow ponies back at the ranch and from the get go they hit it off really well. He was responsive, had a kind eye and plenty of stamina, just the sort of animal Jess appreciated.

“Well, Number Seven I guess you and me are gonna get on just swell,” he said patting the horse’s neck. Together they set off on the long hot journey to the small town where the Branson family had settled.

 He’d wired ahead and arranged to meet Mary and Lenny at the Hotel the following morning, the day of Scott’s funeral.

Once he’d settled in at the hotel and had a wash and change of clothes he wandered down Main Street, heading for the Sheriff’s Office. Elk Creek was a small law-abiding town. Rare for the area as it was an ideal spot for gangsters to flee over the border to Mexico. However, Sheriff Hank Cody ran a tight ship and most of the town’s residents were hard-working, God-fearing men and women.

As Jess entered the Sheriff’s office, he wondered what kind of reception he would get.

He wasn’t prepared for how much the guy had aged, he was white haired now and as he looked up his eyes looked weary and somewhat despondent. However, once he focused more clearly, he stood up and beamed, “Why if it ain’t young Jess Harper, how are you boy!” he asked, leaning forwards to shake hands, before urging him to take a seat.

“Coffee,” he said jumping up again and returning moments later with two cups of a fragrant brew.

“So how are you, Sheriff?” Jess asked as he sipped his drink.

“Oh, fair to middling I guess, got me some sciatica, rheumatism and the like, but we soldier on,” he added with a brave smile.

“I hear you’re doing real well for yourself though boy. You’re a partner in a ranch up Laramie way, so I hear? A good friend of mine had cause to visit with Mort Cory a while back and he had nothing but good to say about you,” he added looking pleased.

Jess nodded, “Yup things turned out pretty good in the end. I was on the drift for nigh on five years after I left here, but got me a real good life now, a decent place and real swell friends too.”

“I’m glad son, I always figured you weren’t really a bad ‘un, even when you had that little stay in my cells all those years ago. ‘Twas that dang Jake Branson that was the real villain, you and young Scott just got dragged in. Yup a real bad lot that Jake,” he mused. “At least you and Scott had the guts to own up and do your time.”

“That’s why I’m here,” Jess said suddenly looking concerned, “for Scott.”

“Oh yes,” the old man said looking away quickly, “the funeral is tomorrow isn’t it.”

“I don’t just mean that,” Jess replied, “I’m here to get Jake too.”

Sheriff Cody’s head shot up at that, “Oh no boy, don’t go throwing your life away!”

“Well, nobody else is gonna take him on, are they?” Jess challenged.

Cody looked momentarily angry, but then sighed and said, “I suppose you think that’s down to me huh?”

When Jess didn’t reply the Sheriff went on, “Oh yes, you’re right of course you are. But I don’t have a deputy right now...was killed in an accident just last month. So, I can’t leave town...even if I wanted to...which I don’t. Look at me boy, I’m an old man, due to retire end of the year. I wouldn’t stand a chance. That’s if I could even find him up in that mountain hideaway of his.”

Jess sunk his head down, but then looked up at the Sheriff, “Sure, I can see that...so it looks like I’m gonna have to go don’t it.”

At that the Sheriff opened his desk drawer and after digging about pulled out a deputy badge and slid it across the table to Jess.

“Best I can do for you. You’ll have the full force of the law behind you, if you can just bring him in dead or alive.”

Then he rummaged about again and passed the wanted poster over with the huge bounty. “You’d be in line for that too of course,” he said with a grin, “a pretty handsome amount.”

“I ain’t doin’ it for the money,” Jess growled angrily.

“No, I’m sure you ain’t boy, but I figure Miss Mary could use it.”

“Oh, how so,” Jess asked, looking surprised.

The Sheriff looked uncomfortable, “I guess that’s down to her to explain Jess.”

OOOOOOO

The following morning dawned gloomy and damp, the perfect weather for a funeral Jess figured as he sat in the hotel lobby awaiting the arrival of Mary and Lenny. Quite a few other folk were wandering about in smart dark clothes and Jess reckoned they would be attending too. He mused on how popular Scott must have become in the town despite his early history. Once Jess and Scott had completed their short jail sentence, they had quickly tried to redeem themselves and had worked hard, along with Mary, to pay their way and make a fresh start. All their hard work had paid off and when a rundown small ranch, on the edge of town came on the market, they had just been able to afford it. Then the hard work had really started and six months later it was a going concern. They had turned the place around and it was really beginning to make a profit, when Jess decided to move on.

Scott had pleaded with him to stay saying he couldn’t afford to pay Jess off for his share of the business.

“Hell, I don’t want your money, Scott. You know why I have to leave.” Then more calmly he’d shaken his buddy’s hand and said, “I guess I just ain’t the settling down type… well not yet anyways... But you keep this place for Mary and Lenny they need it more than I do.”

Then suddenly a voice broke into his thoughts, “Jess...thank you for coming.”

He looked up and saw a beautiful woman elegantly dressed in black, her blond curls forming a halo and her large green eyes, although sad, were full of love.

He stood up quickly, “Mary,” he said, “it’s real good to see you,” and then more softly, “I’m so dang sorry.”

She ran into his arms then and he held her close for a moment the scent of her perfume so evocative of the past...and time seemed to spin backwards.

Then lanky young Lenny was there with his shy smile, “Hello Mr Jess it’s real good to see you,” he said.

Jess shook his hand, “Howdy Lenny,” he said softly.

It was Jess, Lenny and two other good friends who bore Scott to his last resting place. And it was Jess who Mary turned to, sobbing when the sad truth hit home…he was gone for good, the guests saying their last farewell as the earth was thrown on the coffin.

Eventually, one by one the people left the graveyard and made their way back to the wake in the Hotel, until only Jess and Mary remained.

 The rain had stopped and a watery sun had come out illuminating the graves. Jess suggested they return to the hotel where Lenny had already gone along with the other pall bearers.

 “No, I don’t want to see anyone right now,” she said, “besides we really need to talk.”

“About what happened?”

She nodded, “And something else too Jess, something...well, really important.”

“Where do you wanna go...home to the ranch?” he asked suddenly wondering why he hadn’t been invited there before the funeral...but letting the matter go.

She shook her head, “No we can’t, not until I’ve talked to you...explained everything.” That made him even more curious, what the heck was going on he wondered.

“Well, where?”

“There’s a cafe just down the street, we won’t be bothered there,” she replied.

When they arrived at the small poorly lit place Mary went and secured a table at the back of the room…away from the few other customers, while Jess ordered at the counter and then followed her over and sat down opposite.

“So, what’s so important you can’t tell me at the ranch?” he asked throwing her a quizzical glance. Then he said, “Jeez Mary don’t tell me you’ve lost the place? Business was just fine when I left.”

“No, but to be honest things have been really difficult of late. I’d rather discuss that later, with Lenny. But right now I have to tell you something rather personal and I don’t want anyone else here.”

“Sounds kinda serious,” he said taking her hand.

That’s when he noticed the wedding ring.

“Hell, you’re married!” he said, his eyes opening wide in shock. “I’m sorry I didn’t know. So where is he?” he asked glancing around as though some errant husband would suddenly appear from the shadows.

“He’s dead...these past twelve months,” she said softly, looking Jess steadily in the eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“Yes, so am I. Jack Miller was a good man...very good, I didn’t deserve him. The influenza took him.

He took her hand once more, squeezed it...and said again, “I’m real sorry honey.”

“Thank you, Jess, but that isn’t why I wanted to speak to you before we go back to the ranch...I need to tell you how Scott died...and why.”

“I’m, listening...”

“He went up the mountain to talk to Jake.”

“Why in Hell would he do a fool thing like that?” Jess asked suddenly angry.

“For me, he did it for me,” she cried, “I needed some money...a lot of money quickly and Jake was all we could think of.”

“What! You’d take stolen money from that scum?” Jess asked looking horrified.

“Like I say, I had no choice...I needed it for my daughter, she’s sick you see Jess.”

“You need it for your daughter?” he echoed, looking astounded.

“Yes, Emily, she’s losing her sight...she has a film over the eyes. We took her to a specialist in Dallas, but he couldn’t do anything. The only place...well the very best place is a big hospital in London, England.”

“Whoa, are you sure about that, maybe someplace back east?”

She shook her head, “No she needs surgery. I think it’s called...uh... juvenile cataracts.”

He looked nonplussed, “Never heard of it.”

“Me neither, I noticed her eyes were getting a kind of milky look to them and then just lately she seems to have problems seeing in dim light. Oh, Jess, she could be completely blind if I don’t get her treatment. I just have to get her to this Moorlands Hospital in London for the operation, I just have to.”

“How much do ya need?” he asked bluntly.

“What? Oh, for the trip and treatment and everything…at least two thousand dollars. We propose to move over there permanently. We have distant cousins there, who will help us out when we arrive. Assist us to find a place to live and work, but not financially, that’s down to us to find the extra money to set up a new life there...and...”

“Why?” Jess butted in, “Why stay there, this is your home.”

“No,  not anymore. I hate it here now both Scott and my dear Jack are dead! I need a fresh start...and so do Lenny and little Emily. You know Lenny...well he’s kind of slow and people tend to ridicule him. I’m just hoping they’ll be more enlightened in the old country. And Emily might need further treatment...who can tell? Anyway, I thought with the sale of the ranch and some money from Jake, we could make it...but now...” and she shrugged looking close to tears again.

“I’ll get it for you,” Jess said, “I’ll bring Jake down the mountain, dead or alive...he’s got a five-thousand-dollar bounty on his head.”

“No,” she cried loudly and then as folk turned to stare said more quietly, “No Jess I’ve already lost my brother I couldn’t bear to lose you too.”

“What actually happened to Scott?” Jess asked ignoring her impassioned plea.

She took a deep breath pulling herself together said, “Scott insisted it would be OK. He went up to Jake’s hideout...explained everything. But there was a massive row. Jake even said if I’d wedded that awful Billy James like he wanted me to, then I wouldn’t have given birth to such a sickly child!”

Jess cussed softly having a deep resentment towards that particular member of the Branson Gang.

“No but you’d still have been a widow now and the kid would have had that bastard Billy James for a daddy,” he said furiously.

“Yes. Anyway, Scott lost his temper when Jake said that and they had a terrible fight...and Jake drew his knife. He told me he never meant to kill him...it just got out of hand.”

“I’ll bet,” Jess muttered darkly. Then, “He’s been here?”

She nodded, “He came in the dead of night...brought Scott’s body to the ranch...explained what had happened. He said the kid was a fool and he’d asked for it! He’s just so cold Jess...so ruthless. I know he always was, but he’s almost inhuman now. He told me if I wanted to make some money to get out on the street and earn it,” she whispered.

Jess shook his head, “By God, I’ll make him eat his words,” he said gruffly.

“Please Jess, talk it over with the Sheriff, maybe there’s some other way?”

He shook his head, “Time for talking is over...”

Then he took out the deputy badge from his pocket, “See I already talked it over with the Sheriff...I’ll head out tomorrow.”

0000000

It was quite late when Jess followed the buggy carrying Lenny and his sister into the ranch yard. He dismounted and handed Mary down just as the ranch house door opened and a diminutive figure ran out, followed by an elderly lady.

“I’m so sorry Mary, but she just couldn’t settle to sleep until you were safely home. She gets so anxious after everything that’s happened,” she added quietly.

Mary bent down and gave the child a reassuring hug, saying, “Jess this is Emily...my daughter.”

He looked into the child’s candid blue eyes as she gazed innocently up at him, dark curls framing her angelic heart shaped face and he figured he had never seen a more beautiful little girl. Then his breath caught as he suddenly realized, she was the spitting image of his baby sister who had perished in that terrible fire set by the Bannister gang.

He quickly gathered himself and giving her a warm smile he hunkered down bedside her and said, “Howdy honey,” then shook the dainty hand she offered.

“This is Uncle Jess,” Mary murmured, before introducing him to her good neighbor Jenny, who had been babysitting.

Then there was a flurry of goodbyes as the kindly neighbor left when her husband, Fred, arrived to escort her. Then Emily was ushered to bed and sleeping arrangements were organized.

It was strange for Jess returning to what had briefly been his home all those years ago...what was it, over eight years ago?

It had changed very little, although what he had seen of the outside, it looked kinda run down...and few livestock in evidence.

Now as he lay in bed in the old room he and Scott had shared, he felt suddenly bereft missing his old friend terribly. Lenny had his own room, over in the bunkhouse as he tended to sleep poorly and wander about in the small hours. Mary also had her own room of course, which she now shared with Emily.

When they turned in, she had shown him up to his room and then paused and said, “Jess, I can’t thank you enough for coming today and for offering to help us too.”

“I kinda wondered how you’d feel...me coming back again...after the way I left, I mean,” he said softly.

Then she had looked deeply into his eyes and moved a little closer...her gaze had flicked down to his lips and then back up to his deep blue eyes and just when he thought she would lean in and kiss him, there was a shrill cry from the nearby bedroom.

Mary backed off immediately as though coming to her senses.

“Oh no that’s Emily. She keeps having these dreadful nightmares since Scott’s passing,” she said, and sped away to tend to the child, calling over her shoulder, “Night Jess...”

Now stretched out on the bed in the lonely bedroom he cast his mind back to the past...when life there had been oh so different and he and Mary were lovers.

Chapter 3 (The Past)

Jake, Scott and Mary’s parents had only been dead a couple of months, at the hands of a band of renegade Indians and already their ranch was beginning to fail.

Jake the eldest had always been a wild one, but now he was completely out of control, doing little work and spending much of his time in town drinking and womanizing.

Well sure Jess had agreed with Scott…they’d done more than their fair share of that after the war...and the odd bit of small-time robbery. They’d even ridden with Jake in those early days when they were throwing over the traces after the long years of war.

They committed small crimes and jokingly calling themselves the Branson Gang. But what Jake was up to now was on a different scale altogether...Only the previous week he had held up the Stagecoach just outside of town...and with his convincing disguise had got clean away with it.

Then he had returned home gloating over his ill-gotten gains and calling the others suckers for putting in a hard day’s work on the ranch.

Jess had immediately retaliated furiously and asked Jake when he was thinking of doing some work around the place as he was sick of himself, Lenny and Scott doing everything.

 “If you don’t like it around here just git on yer horse and ride out,” Jake exploded, “you ain’t kin... none of this is your business, Harper!”

Then Scott strode over, “He’s been more of a brother to me than you ever have been,” he yelled furiously. “And what’s more, Pa loved him like a son too and said he’d always have a home here!”

“Yeah, well Pa’s dead and I’m in charge around here now and what I say goes,” Jake spat.

Then Mary had intervened, ever the peacemaker. She was terrified Jess would be forced  into drawing on her elder brother...and knew he would most likely be killed. Jake was the fastest gun around and although Jess would have been a good match for him, the outcome could have gone either way she figured...But the smart money would have been on her layabout brother.

If it hadn’t been for his friendship with Scott and the fact that he’d begun to developed deep feelings for Mary, he would just have cut his losses and left. But as it was, he stayed loyal to his friends and just hoped Jake would settle down in time.

However, things just got worse. Jake befriended some real low-life characters Billy James, Max Huston and Butch Starr, all of them desperadoes with very dark pasts. Then to make matters worse Billy started pestering Mary, trying to kiss her and constantly asking her out and generally being a real pain.

At first Mary had laughed it off and played down the situation, especially when she saw how angry Jess was getting. Several times she had needed to plead with him to let things go, saying she could handle the likes of Billy. Plus, she just knew her brother wanted an excuse to call Jess out. He had become insanely jealous of the handsome young cowboy, who was his brother’s best buddy and now seemed to be looking to romance his little sister too. Jess had played his cards pretty close to his chest so far, knowing that a relationship with Mary would just fuel the flames of Jake’s hatred of him...until one day when everything came to a head.

Part of Jake’s strategy of running the business was to sell off all the stock and then go and spend the proceeds, not putting anything back into the ranch. Stupidly their Pa had left the business to his eldest son and now the others were paying for it. The result was that one sunny morning Lenny, Scott and Jess headed out on a hunting trip...as they were desperate for fresh meat for the table. They left Jake and the others sleeping off the grog they had imbibed the previous night. Figuring they wouldn’t be up and about until late afternoon, as usual, they had left Mary at home as she said she needed to get on with the laundry as it was a hot sunny day.

A few hours later on their return, they heard Mary’s impassioned screams as they entered the yard. Jess leapt from Traveller and tore into the house and followed the sounds of the screams emanating from Mary’s room.

He wrenched the door open and stood on the threshold staring in horror as the two rolled around on the bed, Billy’s weight pining her down and Mary desperately trying to push him off, still yelling blue murder.

Within seconds Jess had pulled the heavy weight of Billy off of Mary and landed a haymaker that sent him flying across the room, where he hit the wall hard and slid down to the floor.

Jess ran over and hauling him up proceeded to land blow after blow on the hapless outlaw as he desperately tried to defend himself.

Billy was almost unconscious and begging for mercy when Jake ran in and fired a warning shot off just above Jess’s head.

Jess loosened his grip on Billy and turned to face the tall lanky cowboy.

“What in hell’s goin’ on here?” Jake yelled, “I go out to buy some grog from a neighbor and come back to this!”

Then he turned to Max who had entered a few minutes before him.

“Well Max?” Jake growled.

Max looked around and guessed what had happened and knowing Billy’s feelings for Mary he decided to be selective with the truth.

“It was Harper,” he said, “he was trying to force your Mary! Billy here yanked him off,” he added.

“What in Hell!” Jess swore looking totally stunned.

“That’s a lie,” Mary shrieked, “it was Billy that attacked me, Jess pulled him away!”

“Shut the hell up!” Jake snarled, “How many times do I hafta tell you, women talk too dang much!”

“She’s telling the truth,” Scott yelled, “Jess was with me and Lenny…we heard Mary yellin’ when we rode in.”

“And you can shut up too,” Jake persisted. “So, who am I going to believe, my dumb sister and wet behind the ears little brother or my trusted friend Max here huh?”

Then turning to where Billy had now pulled himself up and was wiping the blood from his nose with a grubby shirt sleeve, asked, “So is Max telling the truth then Billy?”

Refusing to meet Mary’s eye...Billy nodded, “Yup, it was that bastard Harper that was attacking your sis, Jake.”

“You’re lying, both of you!” Mary screamed.

Jake advanced on her and hissed, “You shut-up gal or you know what you’ll get.”

“Leave her alone Jake,” Jess snarled.

“Aw so what’s little Jessie Harper gonna do then?” Jake asked turning and throwing Jess a sneering glance.

He never knew what hit him.

Jess slammed his fist into Jake’s face with such speed and force the big man fell like a mighty oak. But just seconds later he was up again and charged at Jess like a madman. Then as the others watched in horror the two men fought like wild cats. No holds barred as first one and then the other was downed...but dragged themselves up again.

There was nothing the other men could do but stand and watch as the two looked like they might fight to the death...Until Jess managed to find the last of his strength and threw one last, well aimed punch that knocked Jake out cold. Then he shakily made his way to Mary and with an arm flung around her waist led her from the room.

Sometime later, they were in the barn, out of the hearing of Max and Billy.

“You just have to go,” Scott insisted. “As soon as he’s recovered from that beating, he’s going to call for a shoot-out Jess and we both know he’s faster than you. He’s faster than anyone we know!”

Jess shook his head, “I ain’t leavin’ Mary here with him and that shit Billy.”

“Then take her with you, Scott said, looking at Mary for confirmation that she would go. Turning from his sister back to Jess said, “In fact let’s all go! There’s nothing for us here anymore. Jake’s just about bankrupted the business. The laws on our tail because of his antics...we’d be better off cutting our losses and moving on.”

“Can we really go?” Lenny piped up, “can we go Scott, huh?”

At just fourteen Lenny had the mind of a younger child and held Scott in awe as a father figure...looking to him for the answers to all life’s problems. Of which the youngster found there were many. He’d been bullied most of his life, because he was what his dear Ma had called ‘different’ and the biggest bully was his brother Jake.

“Sure we can,” Scott replied eagerly.

“So, what do you say Jess...we hot foot it out of here before big brother comes to his senses huh?”

Jess looked stubborn, “I ain’t ever walked away from a fight in my life.”

“OK so just tell me how ending up dead is gonna solve anything!” Scott asked angrily. “Hell, Jess, iffen anything was to happen to me who’d look out for Mary, huh?” he said throwing Lenny a pointed glance as well before looking back at Jess.

When Jess still looked undecided Mary ran to his side and taking both his hands in her own said, “Jess please for the love of God do this...please... for me, I don’t want you to die,” she added dramatically, a tear escaping and running down her cheek.

He gently wiped the tear away with a finger and looked into those beautiful green eyes before whispering, “OK sweetheart, whatever you want.”

So that very afternoon they upped sticks and traveled way down south from the panhandle to the small town of Elk Creek hugging the border of Mexico.

In retrospect they should maybe have chosen a larger place where they could have hidden themselves in the crowds. However, in Elk Creek it didn’t take long before an inquisitive Sheriff had found out their links to the Branson Gang. Scott and Jess soon realized they had met their match in Sheriff Hank Cody. In the end Jess did a deal with him. He fessed up to the few light raids he and Scott had been party too...but urged the Sheriff to leave Mary and Lenny alone. The deal was struck and while Mary and the boy got work serving and washing up at a local saloon, Scott and Jess were incarcerated in the town jail for several weeks.

However, Sheriff Hank Cody was a kindly man and after spending time with the two young men he figured they were just youthful tearaways rather than desperadoes. So it was that once their penance was over, he helped them find work and kept a fatherly eye on them. They had worked incredibly hard and just a few short months later were able to put a deposit down on a rundown old ranch...and then worked day and night to make it pay.

Right from the get go Jess and Mary became inseparable, working side by side on the land and caring for the stock...whilst young Lenny and Scott pulled their weight too.

But it wasn’t all work and one bright summer’s day the couple headed off to the woods for a picnic. Once the meal was over one thing led to another and as the kissing became more and more passionate, Jess finally pulled away. He sat up looking off to the distant horizon… his expression unfathomable.

“What’s the matter darling,” Mary asked sitting up too and running a hand through her attractively tousled blond curls.

“I uh...I can’t...you know keep on this way,” he muttered.

“What do you mean?” she asked frowning slightly, “I thought you liked me...wanted this?”

He sighed deeply, “That’s the whole point honey, I like it way too much...”

Her brow furrowed again and then she realized what he was saying.

“But...but I want you,” she whispered, “You must know that?”

He shook his head, “I’m sorry Mary. I love you, sure I do, but I figure I ain’t ready to settle down and get Wed yet...if ever,” he added honestly.

“Well heck neither am I,” she said giggling, “and goodness this is just a bit of fun, isn’t it?”

“What about Scott…your brother might not approve huh?” he asked.

“Well, what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him,” she replied, cuddling up to him once more and then leaning in for a kiss.

“Our little secret,” she whispered.

Eventually the temptation became too strong and the two became lovers. Jess took very great care of her, and was honest and up front when he’d explained he wasn’t the settling down sort...and one day he might have to ride out. The Bannister Gang were still paramount in his life and his thoughts of revenge as strong as they ever had been.

However, in the end it wasn’t the Bannisters who were to tear them apart...but the evil Billy James.

It happened this way:

Scott along with a couple of their neighbors had been up to north Texas on business. Then once a deal had been struck with a local rancher regarding buying some green broke mustangs, they had retired to a nearby saloon to toast the transaction.

They trooped in and as Josh and Pete grabbed a table Scott went over to the bar to buy the beer.

Unbeknownst to Scott however, Billy James was seated in a dark corner of the bar. As soon as he saw Scott he got up and wandered over to Josh and Pete’s table and grinning said, “Say is that young Scott over at the bar?”

Josh nodded, “Sure, you know him?”

“Oh yeah, practically kin,” Billy said cheerfully.

At that Pete pulled a chair out and said, “Join us buddy.”

“So, you come far?” Billy asked.

“Uh-huh from Elk Creek...a little place on the border?”

“Oh yeah, I know it,” Billy said, adding “So is Jess Harper workin’ there too?”

“Why sure, Jess, Scott, Lenny and Mary bought a place just outside town.”

“Oh really...so how is the old son of a gun?” he asked cheerfully.

“He’s doin’ real well,” Josh said, “and him and young Mary are steppin’ out, if you know what I mean?” he said with a sly wink. Their little romance now out in the open, common knowledge and approved of by Scott and Lenny.

“Really,” Billy said pinning on a smile, “that’s real nice...”

Just then Scott arrived with the drinks and nearly dropped them as he saw who was seated with his friends.

“What in hell…” he started.

But then Josh jumped in, “Hey Scott you’d better go buy another drink your old friend has just landed.

Scott started to expostulate that no way was Billy a friend...but he was quickly silenced as Billy said, “Sure is great to see you Scott...I’ve got something I need to tell you,” he added, “but outside, OK?”

Scott just stared at him...as Billy threw him a cold, threatening glance.

He finally put the drinks down and turning to his buddies said, “I’ll be back in a minute,” and followed Billy out.

Once they were outside Scott said, “OK say yer piece and then scram...so what do you want huh?” he added aggressively.

“I’ve a message for Harper...he stops seeing yer sister and leaves or I’ll come by and kill her,” he growled saying the horrific words so casually.

Scott just stared at him open mouthed before saying, “What in hell are you talking about?”

“You heard me. I know she don’t want me, but as far as I’m concerned then nobody else is gonna have her...certainly not Harper anyway. Jeez, anyone but him! I guess she’ll find someone else real quick,” he added, “a pretty gal like Mary. But not Harper and if he ain’t ridden out in a week, I’ll kill her...and anyone else that gets in my way,” he added.

“You’d have to find us first,” Scott said looking rebellious.

“Uh, Elk Creek ain’t it...very talkative your friends.”

That’s when Scott was so dang mad that he went for his gun, but Billy had him covered in a split second.

“Come on kid, you’re a rancher’s son not a gun slick, so stop tryin’ to act like one...or you’ll end up very dead,” Billy scoffed.

At that Scott turned on his heel and walked away.

“Oh, and kid one more thing...I always keep my word...you know that... Harper goes and I promise on my old Ma’s life I won’t harm your sister. She can just find someone else,” he added.

OOOOOOO

“Jess please, he means it and we can’t be around all the dang time to protect her!”

“Well, I’ll just have to call him out then,” Jess said stubbornly.

“And what if he gets to her first huh...you want her death on your conscience?”

“What if he kills her anyway, even if I do leave?”

Scott could see Jess was wavering...and forced home his advantage.

“He won’t...Sure he’s an out and out bastard. But if he makes a promise, then he aways keeps it, that I do know. He promised me she’ll be free to see anyone else, as long as it’s not you.”

Jess looked stricken, “I can’t ...I can’t leave her Scott.”

“If you really love her, you will.”

Chapter 4

(Back in the Present)

Jess lay back on the bed in his old room at the Elk Creek ranch and sighed deeply. He’d spent half the night reliving those days of so long ago.

The way he had left still made him feel sick... How he’d lied to her, explaining that although he loved her, he couldn’t settle down. How he couldn’t see his future at the ranch. How he desperately needed his freedom and the great Open was calling him. He left her no shred of hope...just thinking it was the kindest way to deal with the situation. He just couldn’t stand the thought of her waiting for him. Told her to move on with her life...to fall in love again... and eventually she had done.

He must have drifted off again...because when he awoke the sun was pouring in through the thin drapes. He opened his eyes and was looking straight into those of young Emily. She was peering down at him her beautiful little face a study of innocent curiosity.

For the first time he noticed the slightly milky film on her beautiful blue eyes and was surprised at the jolt of pity he felt for her.

After a moment she said, “Ma said to tell you breakfast is ready Uncle Jess.”

“OK honey you go tell her I’ll just wash up and I’ll be right there.”

The child grinned at him showing an enchanting gap at the place where she had lost her front baby teeth.

She turned and ran off happily before stopping at the door and turning back gave him another big smile and said, “I’m real glad you came Uncle Jess,” and then she was gone.

Jess stared at the closed door...what in hell was it about the kid that made him feel like he’d known her all his life. Then he shrugged and jumping up got ready to face the day.

Once breakfast was over and Emily and Lenny had gone off to feed the hens, Jess and Mary lingered over a second coffee.

“So, this guy Miller...uh Jack, what was he like?” Jess asked eventually.

“My husband was lovely,” she replied, “the kindest most considerate of men.”

“I’m glad,” he said quietly. “Glad that you found someone to love... after...”

“After you left me?” she said bitterly. “Yes, I was broken and he picked up the pieces, helped me live again.”

He looked down and muttered, “I’m so sorry...”

That’s when she reached out across the table and placed her hand on top of his.

“Don’t be,” she said, “you see I know now Jess...why you had to go. Scott explained it all a few years after Jack and I were wed. You did it for…me I realise that now. I…I just wish you’d have been honest with me at the time.”

He squeezed her hand then and said, “And would you have let me go...huh?”

She grinned at that, “Nope I guess not, not without a fight.”

“Well then,” he said and they looked into each other’s eyes, remembering that time so long ago.

But after a moment he gently removed his hand, remembering he was no longer a free agent.... and he thought fleetingly of Millie, his heart yearning for her.

Mary seemed to notice the change in atmosphere and got up and started clearing the dishes away and Jess went off to collect his gear for the journey ahead.

However, when he was all saddled up and ready to ride out, she stood in the yard beside him, tears streaming down her face.

“Jess, you don’t have to do this, please don’t go,” she cried.

“Hey sweetheart, hush now, yer upsetting little Emily there,” he said tipping his hat to where Emily and Lenny were watching from the porch.

She took a deep breath and whispered “I’m sorry, I can’t help it,” and then leaning in she kissed him deeply before pulling back and saying, “Please take care...come back safely to us Jess.”

OOOOOOO

It was a day’s ride to the distant mountain foot hills and another two to where Jake’s hide out was deep in the mountainside. Scott had visited once before his last ill-fated trip and had drawn a map of how to get to the cave that was now Jake’s home...the last surviving member of the Branson Gang. Mary Miller had considered just giving the map to the Sheriff and letting the law deal with the situation. However, after talking it through with Jess she realized that would be fruitless. Plus, she could see Jess desperately needed his revenge on Jake and she knew he wouldn’t rest until her estranged brother got his just rewards.

Now as she watched Jess ride away her heart was breaking, just as painfully as it had done all those years ago. No, she told herself she wouldn’t lose him again. If he came back safely to her side, she vowed that he would remain with her and Emily forever, she would never lose him again.

The trail was long and the weather scorching hot, but Jess rode on, only stopping for a brief rest at noon, when the sun beat down relentlessly, man and horse exhausted. Jess had renamed Number Seven Scotty, in memory of his dear friend. He was proving to have the same dogged nature too, plodding along uncomplainingly and with tenacity to spite the wearisome heat.

When they finally made camp at the base of the mountain Jess tended the horse with care and then finally fell into and exhausted sleep, too tired to bother cooking any supper. Then he had nightmares of both little Emily and Mary weeping hysterically as they surveyed his lifeless body...and he awoke in a cold sweat, before telling himself not to be so dang fanciful and falling asleep once more.

The sun was well up by the time he finally awoke after his unsettled night and after a quick coffee and some jerky he set off once more, now ascending the steep mountain trail. Having studied Scott’s map carefully he decided to tackle the mountain from the opposite side to where Jake was holed up. That way he would be able to catch him unawares...knowing that Jake’s way was to shoot first and ask questions later.

Half way up the mountain he again stopped and left Scotty in a small box canyon. It had a stream rushing through with ample grazing and Jess easily blocked the narrow entrance with some branches. However, he didn’t make the barrier too sturdy so that should he not return Scotty would eventually be able to escape. In the meantime, there was adequate grazing, shade and plenty of water, so Jess knew he would be OK for a while.

Leaving his saddle and supplies well hidden he continued his way up the now steep and treacherous mountain trail on foot.

It was almost noon by the time he had circumnavigated the mountain and was looking down on Jake’s campsite some twenty odd feet below him.

As he had expected Jake was nowhere to be seen in the overwhelming midday heat and he figured he would be napping in the cave which was his home.

Scrambling down the steep rocky outcrop adjacent to the cave he finally landed just feet from the entrance.

It would have been so easy to take the bastard by surprise...to just walk in and shoot him where he lay. Like shooting fish in a barrel...which was really all he deserved. However, Jess was not that kind of man. He was a man of integrity. ‘Jeez’, Slim had once said, ‘Jess would give the Devil himself a fair fight.’

And so it was that Jess stood in the blistering heat and yelled, “Branson get out here you low life scrum!”

There was a scuffling sound from within, a long pause and then finally Jake stood there. A figure dressed in black, from hat to boots, his rugged features set in an unbecoming scowl...his gunslinger rig on his hip.

“Young Jessie Harper...well, I guess I half expected you...still fighting Scott’s battles for him are you boy!” he boomed.

Jess stared impassively, “Kinda hard for him to face you himself ain’t it? You murdering bastard,” he added, the first sign of anger in his deep voice.

“So, what are you thinking of doing about it then boy?” Jake asked challengingly, a hand resting on his iron...his eyes narrowing.

“Well, I ain’t come here to pass the time of day,” Jess growled.

That gave rise to a bark of bitter laughter from Jake, “So you really think you can take me Jess?”

Jess swallowed hard, knowing the answer was probably no, but he sure wasn’t going to let Jake see that...or back down.

So, ignoring the question he merely said, “This is for Scott and Mary...not to mention all the other poor innocent folk you’ve murdered over the years.”

“Quite the Good Samaritan ain’t you? Who’d have thought that wild, gun slinging, hard drinking womanizer would have gotten so dang righteous huh? Don’t suit ya Jessie boy!”

Jess just glared at him, “I ain’t a boy no more Jake.”

The older man stared for a good minute before saying quietly, “No, no more you are, I can see that Harper...So, I guess we’d better get this over with huh?”

Jess took a step back and assumed the position, legs slightly apart... his hand hovering over his gun...his eyes never leaving Jake’s, “When yer ready,” he snarled.

The timing was almost evenly matched...Jess waited for Jake to go for his gun...but in the blink of an eye he felt an agonizing pain in his right thigh....and as he started to fall he automatically fired...his bullet smashing through Jake’s heart.

Jess hit the ground...rolled over and then lay still.

OOOOOOO

It was some time later before he finally came around.

He rolled over on his back, squinting up at the relentless sun and put an exploratory hand up to his head that was aching something fierce. His hand came away sticky with blood where his head had crashed into a rock as he was downed by Jake Branson’s bullet. But that paled into insignificance when he tried to stand up. The burning, agonizing pain in his thigh made him fall back down again, retching with the pain.

He could feel the sodden denim covering the wound and knew he must bandage it to stop further blood loss. Gritting his teeth he staggered and then crawled towards the entrance to Jake’s cave home. On his way he had stopped briefly by the body, just to reassure himself that his adversary was well and truly dead and he was relieved to see the clean shot straight through the heart.

“You might have been a second faster, but I was a dang sight more true,” he muttered, on seeing the accuracy of his shot.

Once inside he was amazed at how well equipped the place was. He rested on a cot near the entrance for a few minutes before dragging himself off to explore the depths of the cave and returned sometime later with a bottle of whiskey, some clean rags to dress his wound and a canteen of fresh water.

Using his hunting knife, he cut a slit in his denims, being too weary to try removing them completely. Being such a tight fit, they were always something of a challenge to remove and he just didn’t have the strength or inclination. “Sorry Daisy,” he muttered, “but I guess this will be one pair that you just can’t mend.”

He used his knife to cut back the material enough to wash out the wound with the water followed by the whiskey and then bandaged it tightly with the clean rags. Then he washed the blood from his head where the bleeding had stopped and he now sported a dark bruise and lump the size of a small egg...but no severe damage he figured.

Once the distressing task was completed, he took a swig of the whiskey, lay back down on the cot and fell asleep within minutes.

Dawn was just breaking when he awoke and his first thought was of Scotty and if he was still in the make-shift corral around the other side of the mountain. His second thought, how in hell was he going to make it back? 

He checked the wound and was pleased to see the bleeding seemed to have stopped, but once he tried to stand, he fell back down again, the searing pain making him gasp and cuss loudly.

He finally took a deep breath and considered his options. He’d seen a sturdy bay, ground hitched and grazing nearby, but no way could he load Branson ’s body onto his horse. Jeez he could barely stand never mind hulk dead weight bodies about. Nope he’d just have to take what he could find to convince Sheriff Cody that he’d killed Branson and hopefully he’d come up the mountain and claim the body.

Staggering outside he cut himself a stick, to help him get about and then searched the cave, coming up with several letters written to Branson and his wallet with an old photograph of him with the rest of the gang. Then he checked the body and removed a timepiece engraved with his name on the back.

It took him over an hour to dig a shallow grave and mark it, so the Sheriff could find the corpse at a later date. Then he staggered over to the bay and talked softly for a while. He was a spirited, big horse and Jess reckoned he would be something of a handful...all he needed right then. However, he spoke calmly and kindly to the animal and once the critter was relaxed he looked around for a suitable mounting rock. He led the horse over and managed to mount up and urge him off down the mountain track. Once Jess was up on the horse the critter realized that he was in the hands of a confident horseman and behaved like the perfect gentleman, much to Jess’s relief.

The journey back was surprisingly easy, the track down short and undemanding to navigate. Then backtracking to where he’d left Scotty, he was delighted to see the tough little buckskin still grazing peacefully in the make shift corral.

He decided he was in no fit state to look out for two horses so dismounted and reluctantly loosed the bay off. The animal sniffed the air, looking around him as though he couldn’t believe his luck and then clattered off back down the track to freedom. Jess had noted that the horse hadn’t been gelded and he figured the stallion would waste no time looking for some lady friends.

Then he turned back to Scotty and said softly, “Just you and me now buddy. Let’s go home huh.”

The words reminded him of his real home back in Laramie and he felt a wave of homesickness. Jeez, what wouldn’t he give to have Daisy fussin’ around him tending his injuries... some banter with Slim and relating his tall tales to a wide-eyed Mike. Then there was Millie. “Oh, Millie come home,” he whispered to himself.

Feeling pretty desolate he pulled himself together and limped over to make a fuss of Scotty. But then the idea of riding back to the town to report to the Sheriff became just too much. After a while he found his bedroll from where he’d hidden it and his rig at the back of the canyon and stretched out, completely exhausted and feeling very sick and shaky he fell into a deep sleep.

The following morning, he felt little better, but knew he couldn’t just roll over and go back to sleep...even if that was just what he felt like.

His thigh was now throbbing painfully and on inspection the wound looked like it was becoming infected. He cussed softly before cleaning it out once more with the remains of Jake’s hill whiskey. Once it was re-bandaged, he breakfasted on a strong black coffee and then finally limped over to get his gear and saddle up. Just that effort left him exhausted but gritting his teeth he mounted up and headed Scotty back on the long trip back to town.

He arrived late the following evening and made his way to Sheriff Cody’s office where a light was still burning.

As he staggered in the Sheriff and a young man looked up in surprise, which quickly turned to consternation when Hank Cody saw the state Jess was in.

He moved forwards and grabbing hold of Jess’s arm guided him to an old couch and helped him to sit before saying, “Jeez, you look real sick boy.”

Then looking to the bloody bandaged leg said, “Branson’ s work I take it?”

Jess nodded and swallowed hard looking like he might well pass out.

“Take it easy,” the Sheriff said passing a canteen of water over.

Then turning to the young man said, “Go fetch the Doc, Mitch.”

Once he’d dashed out Hank said, “My new deputy...shaping up pretty good,” he added.

Then looking down at where Jess was now laying back a grim look on his handsome features and eyes closed said, “So did you get him?”

Jess’s eyes snapped open and he grinned broadly, “I got him.”

Then he felt in his vest pocket and brought out Branson’ s wallet, with the photo and his timepiece.

“Took these off of him,” he whispered, now feeling real bad...but knowing he must share the information if it was the last thing he did. Hell, he really needed Hank Cody to get the bounty money to Mary.

“I put him a shallow grave,” he added and pushed the map over to the Sheriff and pointed out the spot, “go see fer yourself huh.”

“Sure, sure son, but I’m more concerned about you right now.”

Then with a flash of anger, “Where is that dang doc?”

Jess lifted his head up and grabbed hold of Hanks vest, “Be sure she gets the money... Mary... she needs it for Emily,” he gasped before falling back, his eyes rolled up and then his head lolled to one side...just as young Doc Brown entered followed by Mitch.

“I believe you’ve a patient for me,” he said cheerfully.

“Yer too late!” the old Sheriff cussed. Then more quietly, “He’s gone...”

The Doctor hurried over and putting his bag down he leaned over Jess and checked for a pulse in his neck and then grinned at the old Sheriff.

“Nope, just deeply unconscious, so let’s take a look,” he said rolling up his sleeves a businesslike gleam in his eye.

An hour or so later the Doc stood up and went over to the sink in the corner and washed his hands before turning to the Sheriff.

“Well, that’s the wound cleaned and all stitched up. He just needs lots of rest, plenty of liquids and feeding up too. There’s not an ounce of fat on the guy,” he added surveying Jess’ slender form now stripped down to his undershorts. “As long as he’s looked after he should make a full recovery, given time.”

“Well thank God fer that,” Hank said.

“I’ll stop by and see him in the morning. He’s too sick to move him to my office right now.”

“That’s OK he can have the staff bed, back of the cells. Deputy Mitch or I are here pretty much all the time and at night too when we’ve got prisoners in, so we’ll look out for him.”

The young Doc nodded, “So what’s he done?”

“Huh? Oh nothing, the guy’s a hero, went after Jake Branson single handed and shot the bugger too,” he added grinning. “Got a real handsome reward coming his way, yes sir!”

Later the following morning Jess was sleeping after the Doc’s early morning visit but he was awoken by some sort of commotion out in the Sheriff’s office.

Then the cell door burst open and Mary entered, closely followed by Deputy Mitch.

“You can’t come in here Mrs Miller,” he said firmly, “its prisoners only back here.”

“Well surely Mr Harper isn’t a prisoner and I need to see him, I only just heard he was back and been badly injured,” she added a sob in her voice as she rushed to the bedside.

“Hey honey don’t take on so,” Jess said quickly trying to gather his thoughts as he emerged from a deep sleep. For a spit second, he thought it was Millie come to see him, when he heard the tearful female voice...But then reality kicked in and his heart plummeted.

“Jess, oh Jess, what did he do to you!” Mary asked collapsing on the chair beside the cot, her tears freely flowing now.

“Nuthin’ much,” Jess said quietly, “I’ll be fine in a few days,” he added.

“That’s not what Doc Brown said,” she retaliated, “he said you’d been real sick and needed lots of peace and quiet...and rest.”

“Yes, and that’s exactly what he’s not getting Mary,” Sheriff Cody said as he returned to the office after his late breakfast. “You shouldn’t be in here my dear,” he added for good measure.

“But Sheriff please he needs nursing,” she said looking desperate.

“And he’ll get in Ma’am, but back here is no place for ladies.”

“Why ever not?” she asked.

Hank cast a glance over towards the two foul mouthed drunks he had brought in the night before...and then over to the bucket in the corner that dealt with the need to use the bathroom in the night and shuddered slightly.

“Just ain’t,” he said succinctly, “Now off you go Mary, Jess will be just fine in our care and as soon as he’s fit to travel you can have him, OK?”

She looked back down at Jess for support.

“Go on Mary, I’m just fine. I’ll see you in a few days huh.”

She sighed deeply and then nodded.

She stood up and leaning down kissed him softly on the forehead before saying, “You take it easy Jess and I’ll be by to collect you at the end of the week.”

She rose and throwing Mitch and the Sheriff a less than friendly look departed.

Once she’d gone the Sheriff and Mitch went through the details of where to find Branson’ s grave and then Mitch headed off.

Once he’d gone Hank turned to Jess and said, “So...it looks like Miss Mary’s still smitten?”

Jess flushed up and said quickly, “Nah, just real grateful I’m helpin’ her out that’s all.”

The Sheriff chuckled and said, “You young- un’s can’t see what’s plain as the nose on yer face...the gal’s got the hots for you son, yup gotten that look in her eye.”

Jess just rolled his eyes and changed the subject.

“So, Mitch has gone to dig up Branson then,” he said conversationally.

“Be good training for the boy...gotta get used to some of the bad stuff I figure.”

“You reckon the photograph and time piece wouldn’t stand up in court without a body then?”

“Reckon it depends on the judge...get a stickler like old Horace Bunce... then no, he’d need evidence of a corpse. But Henry Dole is another sort altogether...why he allowed the bounty on Billy James. He drowned you know, body never recovered.”

“Go on...”

“Well let me see, was a while back... Uh, two Bounty Hunters claimed the reward. Sam Robson and Davey Green, I believe. They had both been hunting him for a while and then joined forces...decided to share the money. Seems the Judge was happy to accept the claim if there were two witnesses. Didn’t seem right to me, but there you go. Anyway, your claim is rock solid Jess and I’ll get you the cash just as soon as Mitch lands back and the Judge has seen all the evidence...end of next week should do it.”

“That’s great Hank, I really need to get back to the ranch. I’ve been away too long.”

“Got folk missing you have you son,” the elderly Sheriff asked kindly.

“Yeah,” Jess said grinning, “and me them.”

“And uh you got...a special gal?”

“Real special,” he replied softly.

The Sheriff slapped him gently on the shoulder, “You rest now boy get yer strength back...powerful long way back to Laramie.”

Jess nodded and settled back to sleep, hoping to dream of his Millie.

Chapter 5

A few days later he was feeling much better and although he still walked with a pronounced limp and the aid of a stick, he was feeling just fine generally.

Mary had been spoiling him rotten and he’d reveled in little Emily’s company. Gee she was a great kid and as lively and bright as Mike. She was also real kind Jess noted.

Her Uncle Lenny had suffered a very difficult birth, the result being that his development had been somewhat retarded...and he had a mental age of about seven or eight. He was extremely innocent and unworldly, that resulted in him being bullied and teased by many of his peers. However, Emily was steadfastly protective of him. Mary said she often took on bullies, protecting her uncle and Jess had smiled at the idea. She kinda reminded him of himself at that age, once taking on a local kid, twice his size who had bad mouthed Millie. Then his smile faded as he yearned for Millie’s company. Had there been a letter he wondered, maybe waiting for him on his return?

“Uncle Jess... Uncle Jess...”

Jess dragged himself back to the present, where he was sitting out on the porch podding peas for supper with Emily.

“Yes honey, what is it?”

“Tell me about your home again and Mike, I love to hear about him.”

It was much later when both Lenny and Emily were abed that Mary suggested a nightcap.

They sat before a fire as the hot day had turned into a chilly evening and enjoyed a glass of whiskey apiece, the lights low and the atmosphere peaceful.

“This used to be our special time,” she said softly as she sipped her drink. “Jack and I used to talk over the day, share plans...”

He nodded, “You must miss him.”

“Oh yes, but you wouldn’t understand.”

“Maybe I would kinda. See my gal, Millie has been away all summer and I’ve been missin’ her something fierce,” he said honestly. “I know it’s not the same as losing someone. Hell, I’ve been through that too,” he added, remembering his beloved Maria.

But Mary had stopped listening after ‘missing Millie ... his gal Millie?’

“You have a steady girl?” she asked, looking shocked.

Jess was slightly taken aback by her reaction, but just said easily, “Sure, Millie, Millie Johnson. Didn’t I say?”

“No, no you didn’t...Millie from home, back on the panhandle?”

“Sure, you remember her?”

“Oh yes,” said Mary bitterly, “I remember her, you two were real good buddies even as little kids.”

“Still are kinda,” he said beaming happily, “we’ve got an understanding now though.”

 “An understanding...you’re marrying her?”

“Well sure...uh ain’t set the date yet...but sometime, sure I am.”

“Oh...I didn’t know,” and she sipped her drink again, seeming to withdraw.

Then after a while she said, “But Jess... I...”

“Huh?”

But before she could reply there was a distant wail from the bedroom above.

She sighed and got up, “That’s Emily...I hope she’s not sick. I thought she looked rather pale at supper,” and she hurried out.

The following morning it was clear that young Emily was sick, very sick indeed.

Jess went to fetch Doc Brown and he diagnosed Scarlet Fever.

Now they had moved from the sick room and were sitting in the parlour.

“It’s doing the rounds in town,” he said, “so did Emily go to Kathy Taylor’s Birthday Party?”

“Why yes, yes she did,” said a clearly upset Mary.

“I thought as much, Kathy’s cousin from the city attended and it looks like she brought the bug in. Several young ‘uns have caught it,” he said shaking his head sadly. “You must put her in isolation and send Lenny to stay with friends for a while, to keep him safe.”

“Of course, my neighbors Fred and Jenny are very good with him. They understand his needs, and they’ll have him.”

“Um, but what about you Mary, this disease is highly contagious and I am really worried about you. You really haven’t been too strong after that lung fever you succumbed to last fall. It could well be fatal if you catch this,” he added seriously. And possibly for poor Emily too he believed, but knew better than to voice his thoughts.

Seeing Mary near to tears he said, “I could try and find someone in the town who is immune, to care for her?”

“No!” cried Mary, the tears streaming down her face now. “I don’t want a stranger...what if the worst happened?” she whispered, knowing how deadly the disease could be, “I should be with her. I can’t leave her I just can’t...my place is here.”

“Mary, you really can’t risk your own health,” the Doctor said urgently. “What if you caught the illness, which you inevitably would...and died? You’d leave poor Emily an orphan...do you want that?”

“No, no of course not,” Mary said looking distraught.

“I’ll do it,” Jess said.

They both turned to look at him.

“I’ll do it,” he repeated, “I had it as a kid, so I can’t catch it.”

“Uh, it won’t be an easy task caring for a sickly child, it’s a very demanding role,” the Doctor said quietly. Although he was delighted of the offer of help, he felt he must be honest.

“I’ve nursed Mike, my young ward, through worse,” he replied turning to the Doc, “I know what I’m doin’.”

“Well in that case I’m sure you do,” the Doctor said grinning at him.

Then turning to Mary said, “It looks like you’ve found the ideal solution Mary...an answer to your prayers.”

“Yes...yes I really think I have, thank you,” she said giving Jess a watery smile.

Everything worked out well and, in the end, it turned out that Mary’s neighbor, Jenny had also had the illness and was indeed happy to help out as she was also a retired, trained nurse. So, she stepped into the breach to deal with all the day-to-day nursing needs and Jess was there to read her stories and tell her some of his tall yarns once she was feeling a little better.

“I’ll keep an eye on Jess too my dear. The poor boy is still suffering badly with that wound to his leg. I know he doesn’t complain, but as a nurse I can see he’s far from completely well,” Jenny said.

Mary looked anxious, “I know, but it’s so difficult to get him to rest up.”

Jenny’s old eyes twinkled and she said, “Well he’s not met me in my full nurse’s role has he!”

They both giggled at that. Then Mary sobered, “Thank you Jenny I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

“And I am so pleased that you have decided to stay at our place with Lenny, I feel much better knowing you will be around to spoil Fred whilst I’m over here,” Jenny replied cheerfully.

It didn’t take Jess long to realise that he had met his match in Jenny...almost a clone of Daisy when it came to strict nursing procedures.

However, she wasn’t just like Daisy in her firm nursing, but also in her caring attitude as well.

Whilst Jenny took care of all the basic nursing tasks for Emily Jess was there to talk to her and generally try and keep her spirits up. But on the third day it became clear that she was sinking fast and Doc Brown was sent for.

“You’re both doing everything you can,” he said, “she couldn’t wish for better care. But sadly, I fear her little frame is just too weak to survive...unless we have a miracle,” he added. Then at the door he turned and said, “I’ll call the Padre, Father Jamison tomorrow...he’ll give her the last rites.”

“The Hell he will,” Jess muttered, “she ain’t dang well dyin’ on my watch.”

That night he sat up with her, telling her stories full of hope and excitement, telling her all the world had to offer her if she would just be strong and stay with him, how he just couldn’t lose her. Somewhere in the depths of her fever and pain she heard him and gradually started to gather her fighting spirit. She had to live, for her Ma, for Lenny and for this lovely Uncle who had entered their lives too...and gradually she started to improve and the fever broke.

The following morning Father Jamison arrived along with a very distressed Mary.

Jenny let them in and after reassuring Mary…turned to the padre and beaming said, “I hope this is purely a social visit, because dear Emily is in no need of preparation for the afterlife.”

The Padre entered the sickroom and took in the scene before him, Jess in the chair next to the bed, sleeping soundly and little Emily wide awake and looking around her with sparkling eyes.

“Oh, Aunt Jenny, Mama” she said as they entered, “have you brought breakfast, I’m starving!”

Jenny looked at the Padre and then back down to Jess and said, “Well the Doc said we needed a miracle...and there he is.”

OOOOOOO

One morning a few days after her recovery Jess was sitting taking his ease on the porch, with his leg up as ordered.

To be honest there was little to do on the ranch and most of the stock had already been sold off, with just a few horses and chickens left to care for. So, he was able to spend as much time as he could with Emily.

He was sitting staring off to the distant mountains when Jenny came to join him carrying two coffee cups. She was still in charge as the doc was worried Mary was still at risk of catching the disease...until Emily was completely well.

He stood slowly and smiling pulled the other chair out for her.

“How did you know I was gaspin’ for a cup?” he asked grinning.

Jenny smiled back, “Oh young men usually are.” Then more quietly, “You looked very thoughtful, just now...something on your mind Jess?”

He shrugged, “The folk back home, I guess. I should really be heading back, once Emily is on the mend, that is,” he added.

She smiled again, “You’ve grown very fond of that little one, haven’t you.”

He nodded, “Sure, she kinda reminds me of my little sister.”

“That’s nice, so does she live back in Laramie too?”

She was surprised at the heavy silence and then he said bitterly, “No she don’t... she never made it past her third birthday.”

“Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know!”

Jess rallied quickly and forcing a smile said, “No, how could you. Anyways ‘twas a long time ago.”

She turned to him to ask more, but saw a closed look to his face and she knew better than to pry.

“So how is Emily,” he asked after a while, “she seems better today.”

“Indeed, and now the fever has gone, I really think she’s on the mend...thank God,” she added fervently.

“Amen to that,” Jess agreed softly, relief flooding his features.

“It’s a real shame you have to get off home,” she said after a few minutes, “I know Emily will miss you...her Ma too,” she added, glancing furtively at him, to see his reaction.

Was there a slight tightening of the jaw...and did his eyes suddenly look wary...or had she imagined it? When he replied he sounded light-hearted and cheerful.

“Yup I’ll miss them too. I sure hope the young ‘un gets her treatment OK in London.”

“I know Mary is truly grateful to you for donating that Bounty money for the trip and treatment,” Jenny said, peering at him again.

“The Judge should be releasing it any day now,” he said changing tack, “I’ll ride in and fetch it before I leave.”

“Mary is so relieved that everything will all be paid for,” she tried again.

“Yeah, well we go back a long way,” Jess replied, “that’s what old friends are for ain’t it. See me and Scott were real good buddies,” he explained.

“You and Mary too as I hear it,” Jenny said softly.

Again, she saw that closed look on his face and he just muttered, “Well that was a real long time ago too.”

Then rising he said, “Thanks for the coffee, I think I’ll check on Emily. I promised to finish that story book this morning,” and he left quickly.

Jenny sat back in her chair staring off into the distance. She had known Mary for many years and knew when the girl was smitten...and she figured if Jess wasn’t interested it would plumb break the girl’s heart.

Meanwhile over at Jenny’s house away from her home...and Jess, Mary had time to think about her future and she just couldn’t envisage one without Jess. Since he had come back into her life she hadn’t been able to think straight. But now she had a new resolve. As soon as she returned home, she must act quickly, before he upped and left and she knew exactly what she must do.

OOOOOOO

The Doc had visited and given Emily the all clear. Jenny had returned home to her beloved Fred, and Mary was once more united with her daughter.

“Mama, oh it’s so good to see you! Are you home for good this time?” the little one exclaimed.

“I am and it’s so good to see you too my baby girl,” Mary said hurrying to the bedside to hug her daughter. “Did you miss me terribly?”

“I did, but Uncle Jess has been such fun and he read me lots of stories and told me some too,” she added gleefully, “of when he was little and a naughty boy!”

“Oh, I bet there were lots of those stories,” she said grinning at Jess as he entered.

“Hey, you were a little trouble-maker back then too as I recall,” Jess said laughing.

“Oh Mama, were you really?” Emily asked her eyes huge.

Her mother just laughed, but threw Jess a coquettish look.

After a little while they settled the child down for a nap as she was still quite weak and went back downstairs.

They took some coffee out to the porch, leaving the door ajar, so they would hear if she called and settled down to enjoy the peaceful, sunny morning.

“Good to have you home,” Jess said raising his cup in a toast.

“Oh, and it’s good to be back. You’ve no idea how hard it was to go...and I wouldn’t have left her with anyone but you...and dear Jenny of course,” she added. “You’ll never know how much I appreciate what you’ve done for her...for me.”

“Hey it was fine she’s a great kid...I’m just so happy she’s well again.”

Then smiling benignly at Mary said, “It’s funny, I feel real close to her...reminds me of my baby sister I guess.”

Mary took a deep breath and then said quietly, “It’s not surprising at all really Jess...you see she is yours.”

Jess looked up, his cup suspended half way to his mouth, which was now agape...but he rallied quickly.

“Huh...what did you just say?”

“She’s yours, you’re her Pa.”

Jess put his cup down very carefully on the table beside him and stared at her long and hard and then said, “No, that can’t be true.”

“It is I swear it, Jess...can’t you see the likeness...and how well you get on...it’s obvious.”

He just shook his head now looking somewhat dazed, “But we were so dang careful.”

Now she pushed her advantage, seeing he was wavering...thinking, ‘could this really be true?’

“Not that last time...the night before you left...in the hay barn...you must remember? We weren’t going to...but then we kinda got carried away. Just a month after you left, I knew I was pregnant.”

“But why didn’t you say? Tell me!” he cried in anguish. Hell, he’d have done the right thing… of course he would.

“You just disappeared, nobody knew where you had gone...and if Scott knew he wouldn’t tell me.”

“Why ever not darn it...didn’t you tell him...he knew I’d have come back for you.”

“I didn’t tell him I was pregnant, I didn’t want anyone to know, I felt so ashamed...nobody knew then and they still don’t know. They all think Emily was Jack’s.”

“Even Jack, did you tell him that?” Jess asked looking suddenly bitter.

She flushed up.

“No, I told him the truth...I was just two months along when we met and I had to tell him when he asked me to marry him. It was a whirlwind romance, I suppose I was on the rebound from you, and Jack was so persuasive. Even when I told him I was pregnant by another man he still stood by me...promised to bring Emily up as his own. And he kept that promise, until the day he died.”

She looked across at Jess and saw his face was a study of wretchedness.

“I reckon he was one lucky guy to have had that time with her...time I never got.”

“But you have now...don’t you see? You can be part of her life. Help me bring her up. Please Jess, come with us...come to the old country and we’ll make a fresh start.”

However, before he could answer they heard a rider approaching and moments later Deputy Mitch came into view...with news that the Judge had declared the Bounty claim valid and Jess was to go into town to collect the money.

“Just a few formalities,” Mitch said, “you’ve gotta sign some papers and the Sheriff asked if you could come in now to see to it...otherwise it’ll be another month before the Judge is back.”

“Sure,” Jess said, leaping up from his chair and heading towards the barn to saddle up. But then he paused and threw Mary an emotional look, “We’ll talk it through later,” he said and then marched off, the slight limp still in evidence. Mary watched him...tears in her eyes...what would he do, she wondered...what would he do?

Those were the exact words that were haunting Jess as he rode into town with a cheerful talkative Mitch.

After a while the young deputy realized the conversation was pretty much one way, with just the odd grunt from Jess.

Turning to him he said, “You OK Mr Harper, you’re awful quiet.”

“Belly ache,” Jess muttered...and the two rode on in silence for the rest of the journey.

OOOOOOO

Jess completed the required signatures and form filling, in a daze. Once the Judge had gone on his way Sheriff Cody said, “What’s up Jess?”

“Huh?”

“Come on son, you look like you’ve just been spooked by a hulking great grizzly with an appetite to match...so what’s got yer pants in a ruck huh?”

When Jess just shrugged, Mitch piped up, “He’s got him a belly ache boss.”

Hank Cody rolled his eyes and said, “Why dontcha go take your break now Mitch?”

Once the young man had left, Hank said, “You take the weight off of that bad leg Jess and sit a spell.”

Jess reluctantly sat down and the Sheriff opened his drawer and brought out a bottle and two glasses, poured out two shots of Red eye and pushed one across the table to Jess.

He looked at it for a long minute, before knocking it back in one and putting the glass down heavily.

Hank refilled it and Jess muttered his thanks.

“So, what’s up? I guess it ain’t a belly ache huh?”

Jess threw him a rueful look and said quietly, “Women trouble.”

“Ah...so the delectable Mary has got you in her sights?”

Jess nodded, “She wants to make a go of things I guess...yeah.”

“Well would that be so bad? You were real close once, as I recall.”

Jess stood up and wandered over to the window overlooking Main Street and stood staring out his expression unfathomable.

Then turning back, he said quietly, “I guess not, except that I’m in love with a gal back home.”

“So, tell Mary...it’s tough, but she’ll get over it.”

Jess just shook his head, “It’s kinda complicated.”

“Ah,” said Hank wisely...an arched eyebrow seeking more information.

“And kinda private too,” Jess added.

“Uh, I see...”

There was a long pause and then Hank said, “You know son, when I’ve got that sort of problem I go and seek out the Padre...he’s a real wise man and silent as the grave...you can tell him anything and it will go no further.”

“Thanks,” Jess said, having no intention of going any further than the nearest saloon. He figured he’d seek answers at the bottom of a whiskey bottle. It might not help, but at least it would numb the pain he was feeling right now. The choice between spending his life bringing up his beautiful, funny, delightful daughter, or with his beloved Millie was tearing him apart.

He knocked back the second drink and then stood up, somewhat unsteadily on his wounded leg.

“Thanks Hank, I appreciate it,” he said quietly.

The Sheriff pushed the large envelope containing the Bounty Money across the desk and said, “Don’t forget this Jess...you keep it safe huh.”

He thanked the Sheriff and put it in the inner pocket of his vest, before turning to go.

But Hank called him back and said, “Don’t beat yerself up Jess, you’ve done everything you can to help that little lady and I reckon Scott would be real grateful too.”

Jess shuddered at the thought, what would Scott think of him abandoning Mary and Emily...his daughter.

He just nodded, gave the Sheriff a sad smile and left.

The barkeep of the saloon knew Jess well from when he had lived in Elk Creek and also knew it was occasionally sensible to leave him to his own devices. As soon as he entered and asked gruffly for a bottle, he knew it was wise just to comply with little chit chat.

Once Jess was seated at a table, in a dim corner at the back of the room, the barkeep kept a wary eye on him. He reckoned if the cowboy was left alone there would be no trouble...But if anyone riled him, he figured he’d send his assistant off to get the Sheriff. The last thing he wanted was his bar wrecking.

As it happened the evening passed without drama. Jess made his unsteady way to the livery to spend the night in Scotty’ s stall come closing time, without incident.

The following morning, he awoke with a sore head, made even worse by the incessant clanging of the Church bell, it being a Sunday. That reminded him of Hank Cody’s advice...maybe he should sound out the Padre...it couldn’t do any harm he figured.

The Sunday Service was almost over by the time he’d washed up and sunk several black coffees to ease his aching head and sickly stomach.

As the last of the congregation filed out Jess entered the Church, bright sunlight shining in through the stained-glass windows. The building was the pride of the town having been built to very high standards courtesy of a rich cattle baron.

He stood on the threshold admiring the beauty and didn’t see Reverend Jamison approaching, until he was by his side.

The Padre recognized Jess from young Emily’s bedside and remembered Jenny’s words...as she nodded to a sleeping Jess, ‘The doc said we needed a miracle and there he is.’

Now he grinned at Jess and said warmly, “Welcome, welcome, I trust dear Emily is still on the road to recovery?”

Jess nodded, “She sure is…in fact she’s back to normal now thanks Padre.”

“And that is predominately thanks to you I believe,” the clergyman said with an encouraging smile.

Jess shrugged, “Dunno about that, she’s a brave little thing...a real fighter,” he added.

The Pare smiled again, “It sounds like you’re very fond of the little one?”

When Jess just nodded and looked emotional the Padre realized there was something wrong and said, “Would you care to sit awhile and talk? We won’t be disturbed.”

Jess nodded and they both sat in a back pew.

“This is real hard for me,” Jess said finally.

“It’s quite alright,” Rev Jamison replied kindly, “nothing will shock or disturb me, I can assure you.”

Jess swallowed hard and finally shared his story. All that he and Mary and had been to each other, those many years ago, and how and why he had to leave. Then his subsequent deep relationship, and the understanding he had with Millie. He then told him of the bombshell of the previous day...how he was told he was really Emily’s Pa. Then of the terrible dilemma of loving both little Emily...but also Millie and how he felt he should do his duty and Wed Mary...Finally how it was all just tearing him apart.

Jess didn’t know how the Padre would react, but he certainly wasn’t expecting the reaction he got.

“But my dear chap, are you absolutely sure dear Mary is telling the truth about this?”

“Heck it ain’t the sorta thing you lie about, is it?” he replied hotly.

“Um, so when exactly did you leave town?” Rev Jamison asked calmly.

Jess told him and the Padre smiled and said, “Jess please come with me, I have something to show you.”

Jess followed him to the far end of the Church and they entered a small vestry, housing a desk and several huge books. The Rev opened one of them and Jess saw neatly written, names and dates.

“This is the Baptismal Register. Look, here is Emily’s Baptism date...a few days after she was born. Look at the date Jess it is over a year after you rode out. You couldn’t possibly be her Pa.”

Jess didn’t know whether to be elated or deeply saddened...a combination of both emotions flooded through him...closely followed by anger. He looked pale and shaken, “How could she do this to me?” he whispered.

“I am so sorry,” the Padre replied and guided Jess to a seat, as he looked like he might well collapse. However, he didn’t know Jess too well...and he was actually just furious.

“She lied,” he said angrily, “she lied to get me to marry her!”

“I do know she has very real feelings for you. She has been consulting me about her situation you see,” the Padre said somewhat cautiously. “She was happy for me to discuss our meetings with you by the way,” he added quickly, “I advised her to merely tell you the truth of her feelings. Then when she said you were spoken for, I advised her to sever all connections with you, for both your sakes and make her way to England as soon as it was feasible. Sadly, it seems she didn’t take my advice. She wished me to intervene, but I explained that no good could come of it and it was not my place to persuade you either way, and I agree…she shouldn’t have lied that way.”

“No, she dang well shouldn’t,” Jess said hotly.                                                          

“Maybe a little empathy...uh understanding, is called for,” the Padre suggested tentatively. “She has had a very difficult few years losing her beloved Jack and Scott, then poor Emily’s terrible eye disease...I think she must be quite desperate to treat you so badly...lying to you like that.”

Jess bowed his head and took a deep breath before looking back up into that kindly face and he said, “Yeah, I guess maybe you’re right. I figure I’ll go take her the money and then I’ll be on my way. Her neighbors Fred and Jenny have promised to help her pack up, so I figure she won’t need me.”

The Padre reached out a hand and shook Jess’s, “You’re a good man Mr Harper...a good man,” he said with his angelic smile.

Jess was suddenly reminded of what Slim had said jestingly a while back, “You’re a good man Jess Harper...no matter what everyone else says.”

Now he grinned broadly at the memory, before shaking the Reverend’s hand and thanking him sincerely, he left.

Chapter 6

Jess rode out of town mid morning and made the short journey back to the ranch, his mind turning over his last conversation with Mary. Although he was still furious at being duped that way, part of him was still kind of sad that it wasn’t true. Little Emily sure was a cute little girl, smart and funny, the sort any guy would be proud to call his daughter.

Then he got to thinking…what if that bastard Billy James hadn’t intervened that way, given him that ultimatum...’ship out or he’d kill Mary.’ Should he have stood up to him? But no, Scott had been right…he couldn’t gamble with Mary’s life. Anyway, if he hadn’t ridden out, he would surely have married Mary and would never have had his beloved Millie in his life now. Nope he figured everything happened for a reason and you just had to play the hand you’d been dealt in life.

As soon as he entered the yard he figured something was wrong. Although it was late morning the hens were still locked up and there was no smoke issuing from the kitchen chimney, where Mary should have been preparing the Sunday lunch. Then as he slipped from the saddle and called out, there was no little bundle of energy running out to greet him, laughing with joy at his return.

“Emily, Mary,” he called out...and then, “Lenny...where is everyone?”

He walked across to the porch and threw the front door open wide and then stopped dead in his tracks on the threshold.

The parlour was empty save for the lone figure, Lenny, gagged and tied to a chair.

He tore across the room and cut Lenny free with his hunting knife, then removed the gag.

“Lenny what in hell’s goin’ on?” he yelled.

Lenny peered at him and then his face crumpled like he might well cry.

Mindful of the young man’s handicap Jess immediately back peddled and throwing a comforting arm around him said, “Hey it’s OK buddy, take it easy...it’s OK, I’m here now.”

After a moment Lenny took several deep breaths and then shuddering said, “Bad men came Mr Jess...they done took Mary and Emily away,” and then he lost control and started weeping.

Even though Lenny was now a strapping twenty-year-old Jess knew he had to relate to him as he would a young child. So, he tried to control his own anxiety and frustration and spoke calmly until Lenny finally was able to explain what had happened.

It appeared that three men had ridden into the yard taking Lenny by surprise. Then he had been frogmarched into the house, a gun at his head and Mary was told her brother would be killed there and then if she and the child didn’t come with them.

“So do you know who they were?” Jess asked.

He shook his head then said, “Only one...that was Billy...Billy James.”

Jess rolled his eyes but said patiently, “No Lenny, Billy’s dead...you remember?”

“It was Billy!” he replied getting agitated again.

“OK, OK,” Jess said quickly deciding to humor the boy, “so did they say where they were going?”

He shook his head but then brightened, “They left a note, it might say in that. It was that loopy writin’ and I can’t read that Mr Jess,” he said sorrowfully.

“Where is it?” Jess snapped looking around.

Lenny gestured to the dining table and Jess ran over and read the note.

It was dashed off, the writing practically illegible...but to the point.

Harper, bring the Bounty to Deer Leap Point as soon as the idiot shows you this ... I’ll keep the woman and kid alive until noon.

Jess thought quickly, somebody knew him and about the Bounty then? He needed to set off right away he realized...but hell the bastards weren’t getting that Bounty. He figured they wouldn’t carry out their threat because of course Emily and Mary were their bargaining tools. However, he knew he couldn’t take on all three...and he certainly didn’t want to risk Mary and Emily’s lives in an impromptu shoot-out. Nope he needed the law’s help.

He eventually persuaded Lenny to ride for the Sheriff and gave him a note explaining the situation and asking for back up.

Once Lenny had gone Jess took the Bounty money out of his vest pocket and looked about him for a hiding place. Then he went outside and crossing the yard entered the outhouse where he knew there were several loose bricks in the wall. Removing one, he hid the money and then placed some of the cut newspaper kept in there in the envelope, so it looked bulky as though full of notes and smiled wickedly.

When he arrived at the rocky outcrop a few miles away it seemed there was nobody there. He threw himself down from the saddle and looked moodily around him...and then he heard it, the sound of a woman weeping loudly...followed by a gruff voice saying something that quieted her.

As Jess looked to the standing pines from whence the voices came several figures came into view, one a tall lanky man with a straggly beard and wild eyes followed by a stocky man who had Mary and Emily held at gun point.

Jess fleetingly wondered where the other low-life was, but then he forgot about it as he recognized the burly figure of Billy James.

“Damn it, I thought you were dead!” he blurted out.

Billy gave him a broad grin showing black rotting teeth and said, “You and the rest of the world Jess... just shows how wrong you can be don’t it! Nope I’m alive and well. My colleagues here have been in town these last few weeks, heard all about the Bounty money and brave Jess Harper. So, I thought it was time I visited.”

Then he sniggered, “Just like old times ain’t it. Then his expression suddenly hardened and he spat, “I reckon I told ya what would happen to this little lady iffen you didn’t ride out and leave her?”

“Well, I did, didn’t I?” Jess snarled.

“Yeah, but looks like you came back, cosying up to her and the kid. Like a real happy family, well I don’t like that Jess not one little bit,” and he cocked his Colt.45 holding it to Mary’s temple.

Then the lanky man suddenly yelled. “Leave it Billy, that ain’t why we’re here!”

Then turning his rifle on Jess growled, “You got the money Mister?”

Jess just nodded.

“Let’s see it then.”

Jess just stood firm, “Not until you let the lady and kid go,” he said.

“Ha, yer kidding ain’t ya they’re coming with us,” Billy said.

Jess just shook his head, “You’re plumb crazy, didn’t think I’d come alone, did ya? There’s a Sheriff and posse on their way, you wouldn’t make to the bottom of the valley.”

“Well dang well stop jawing and give us the money!” Billy yelled.

“Come and get it,” Jess taunted.

But before he could say more a rifle butt crashed down on the back of his skull and he fell forwards out cold. His last thought…so that’s where the other guy was.

Billy ran forwards and searched through Jess’s pockets found the bulky envelope and also his wallet...and transferring them to his own jacket turned to get Mary and Emily mounted up. However, he was completely unprepared for the fight Emily put up. She kicked Billy hard in the shins and then when he tried to grab her arm, she bit him...all the time her Ma screaming hysterically.

“ For goodness sake leave the hussy and the kid,” Sam Robson, the tall lanky outlaw said, “lets git out while the going’s good.”

“I’m taking Mary,” Billy vowed, “Harper can take care of the kid.”

At that Mary forgot her fear and was consumed by anger and she flew at Billy hitting him and screaming blue murder.

That’s when the other owl-hoot strode over. Leave the woman she’s dang well crazy as a box of frogs,” Dave Green observed.

Both men were now mounted, “Come on Billy or do you want the law to find you? Harper said they were on the way and dang it, the woman will just slow us down!”

Billy finally pushed Mary to one side and mounting up yelled coldly, “This ain’t the end of it, Mary, I’ll be back for you, and that’s a promise gal,” and with that all three men rode off at speed.

Mary tore over to Jess and cradling him in her arms cried hysterically, “Jess don’t leave me, don’t leave me!”

Emily looked on weeping and shaking.

When Jess finally came around, blood was pouring from the gash at the back of his head. He felt sick to his stomach and every time he moved things started spinning and Mary taking on so wasn’t helping either.

He was just trying to stand for the third time when Sheriff Hank Cody, Mitch, Lenny and a few of the town’s folk showed up.

Jess quickly explained the situation and where the gang were heading...and again tried to stand up.

Sheriff Cody merely shook his head when Jess declared he was riding with them.

“Quit while your ahead son, you’d not make it down the hill...you’d just slow us up.”

Then turning to Lenny said, “You done real good today boy. Now do you think you can get these folks home safe, and then ride for Doc Brown?”

Lenny beamed at the kind words and said, “Yes sir!”

Hank ginned back and patted him on the shoulder. Then he threw Mary a slightly disparaging glance and said, “You ain’t helping getting so upset Ma’am, Jess will be just fine.”

Then turning to Jess said, “I’ll call by later...let you know.”

Jess merely nodded, even that gesture making him wince in pain.

OOOOOOO

It was much later that evening when a weary Sheriff called by.

Jess was sitting by the fire his head bandaged and was looking pretty peaky so Hank thought.

 “Well?” Jess asked tersely, once Hank Cody was seated and furnished with a glass of whiskey.

He shook his head sadly, “We got Sam Robson and Dave Green...but I’m sorry to say Billy James got clean away.”

“Dang it,” Jess muttered.

The Sheriff shook his head, “They split up you see. But the good news is that I think we’ll be able to get Sam Robson to talk. It seems he’s had enough of Billy and his wild ways.”

“Hang on,” Jess said, “Weren’t it Green and Robson that were the Bounty Hunters who supposedly got Billy? Testified that he’d been shot and fell in the river and drowned?”

“The very same, they were all in it together and shared the Bounty.”

“And then they wanted mine too,” Jess said angrily.

The Sheriff smiled, “You said they didn’t get it, so where did you put it?”

“In the outhouse,” Jess said grinning, “I figured they wouldn’t look there.”

The Sheriff chuckled at that and then said, “Well hopefully I’ll get Billy James too.”

Jess shook his head, “Correction, I’ll get Billy James.”

“Huh...but that’s my job Jess.”

“Yeah, and you’re getting on and due for retirement soon ain’t ya,” Jess said with a twinkle in his eye.

Then more seriously, “Billy was a real hot shot, probably still is. I figure maybe I could handle it better. Besides I owe him for what he did to Mary and young Emily.”

When the Sheriff opened his mouth to make a token argument Jess silenced him, “Besides the bastard’s still got my wallet,” he said grinning, “With letters from my gal. I hafta get them back!”

“What if Sam Robson won’t talk, we’ve no idea where the hideout is.”

“Don’t need to know,” Jess said, “you see I know Billy. Mary said he’d be back for her...and I figure he will. For the money too when he finds out I duped him...stands to reason.”

“Well, if that’s the case maybe you should come into town…we can give you back up.”

Jess shook his head, “That won’t work Sheriff, he won’t risk going into town. No, I’ve gotta be here if I aim to trap him. But I’d like you to take Mary and Emily in, Lenny too he might panic when Billy calls.”

“So where is everyone?” the Sheriff asked looking around him.

“Lenny’s gone out to get a couple of rabbits for supper...Mary was insisting I needed some rabbit stew,” Jess said rolling his eyes, “apparently it was her Ma’s cure all. Right now, she and Emily are over at Fred and Jenny’s place fetching some of Jenny’s homemade pain killing medicine, for my headache.”

Hank chuckled, “It sounds like you’re going to be killed by kindness.” Then he sobered “You really think Billy will come here?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

“Like I said, I know Billy. I was just coming around when he rode out and I heard him say he’d be back and that it was a promise...and Billy never, ever breaks a promise...he’ll be back.”

As it was the Sheriff felt really bad about leaving Jess alone at the ranch and offered his deputy’s support.

Jess finally agreed, “Send him over next week then, I figure Billy won’t strike until he thinks the heat’s off and everything’s settled down some.”

The Sheriff agreed to that, but both he and Jess had their work cut out trying to convince Mary to leave when she arrived back with the pain meds some time later.

She really didn’t want to leave Jess looking so sick. The doc had diagnosed concussion and told him to rest. Plus, she still hadn’t had any response to her bombshell news that he was Emily’s Pa. What did he think? Did he believe her...what would he do? All these questions were buzzing around in her head like an angry wasp when the Sheriff’s voice cut into her thoughts. 

“Mary did you hear me dear, I said go and pack up some stuff, you really need to be in town...for Emily’s sake at least,” the Sheriff said using his most persuasive tone.

That’s when she came to her senses, “Yes, of course, Emily’s safety must come first.”

While she was packing, Jess said quietly, “While she’s in town try and persuade her to leave for England as soon as she can, I figure she’ll be a dang sight safer well away from here.”

He suddenly felt a wave of hurt and anger towards Mary, how could she have lied to him that way he thought yet again.

But then she was back, tears in her eyes, but trying to put on a brave face for Emily and for Lenny too, who had now returned.

She studied Jess’s face for some trace of what he was feeling...what he had decided, but nothing.

He just smiled pleasantly, as though she were a mere acquaintance and told her to take care and do exactly as the Sheriff said.

But when the time came for him to say farewell to Emily, he held her close and whispered tenderly, “Take care honey.”

“You too Uncle Jess, I love you,” the child whispered.

Jess felt that terrible wrench of pain, knowing that the child wasn’t his, but he had grown to love her never the less and that wouldn’t change.

“You too sweetheart,” he responded, flashing a poignant glance over at Mary.

What did that signify she wondered? Had he accepted her lie and was going to stay with them as a family? Or had he seen through her deception? She had no way of telling. But either way it was clear he was deeply attached to her daughter and she experienced a terrible feeling of guilt. How could she have lied about something so terribly important?

Once they had left with the Sheriff, Jess went to his room, collapsed down on the bed and fell asleep almost at once, the pain medicine doing its work.

When he finally awoke it was late afternoon and still feeling pretty groggy, he just made a coffee and took it out to the bench on the porch.

He looked off to the distant hills and wondered what Millie was doing. Gee it seemed so dang long since he had seen her and he felt a wave of anger as he remembered that bastard Billy had her last letter. He’d written since he’d been in Texas, but not received a reply and he hoped upon hope that she would be home when he arrived back. And that would be just as soon as he’d settled things with Billy once and for all. He just had to get home. He had a real bad feeling about not seeing his gal for so long. Maybe it was just that he was feeling kinda low, but his gut reaction was that all was not well. Why hadn’t she written...was she OK? He just couldn’t bear the thought of her being sick...or maybe been whisked off her feet by some handsome stranger and was even now planning to leave him.

“Shut the hell up Harper,” he said to himself, “yer just feeling dang sorry for yerself ‘tis all.”

He sat on, the sun warm on the porch and after a while he dropped off to sleep, leaning back comfortably with feet propped up on the hitching rail.

It was sometime later when a footfall alerted him to someone approaching and he was up on his feet gun drawn in the blink of an eye.

He stood staring at Mary’s neighbor, Jenny, looking alarmed, but still holding onto a cook-pot, held out in front, as though to shield her.

“Gee I’m sorry ma’am,” he said quickly holstering his gun, “You caught me napping...and I guess I’m kinda on edge right now.”

“I quite understand dear,” Jenny said coming to sit beside him and putting the pot down on the small table. Nodding towards it she said, “Lenny and Mary called in on their way to town and dropped off a rabbit and Mary asked that I’d make you some supper.”

Jess smiled at her, “Thanks, that’s real good of you ma’am.”

“You’re welcome. You do look really pale Jess. Mary told me what happened with that dreadful Billy.”

“You know him?”

“Of him…she told me all about her past when we moved here, a little after she married her Jack. He was a lovely man.”

“So I hear,” he replied, then, “Did she ever mention me?”

“Oh yes,” she said smiling warmly at him, “I know all about you Jess.”

“How I left her?”

She nodded and then said, “And the reason why too. It must have been very hard for you to do that...and you did it because you loved her. I can understand that, and so did she.”

“I’m glad. I felt real bad about it all at the time, but it’s all I could do.”

“Now Billy is back from the dead,” she continued, “and threatening her life yet again?”

Jess nodded and explained about the likely hood of Billy returning to the ranch.

“That’s why I was kinda spooked before,” he said ruefully, “I thought it was him.”

She looked around her anxiously, “When are you expecting him?”

“Next week at the earliest,” he replied, “he’ll be keeping his head down right now, thinking the posse is still out looking.”

“And then what? Once it’s all over and you’ve defeated the bully...as I’m sure you will,” she added with a kindly smile.

“I’ll be heading home of course.”

“So, you’re not going with Mary then?”

Jess looked surprised and then resigned, “No I ain’t…why what’s she been telling you?”

Jenny looked uncomfortable, “Nothing really...but she did tell me how much she loved you and that she’d do anything to have you accompany them.”

“Oh, she’s done that already,” Jess said bitterly.

“Done what dear, I don’t understand?” Jenny asked, now looking taken aback.

“So she really didn’t tell you that I’m really Emily’s Pa then?”

Now she looked totally astounded, “But that’s crazy, I remember her getting pregnant, I was the first she told, after Jack...there is no way that she could be yours.”

“I know that now,” Jess said, “I checked with the Padre who baptized her and the dates don’t add up. I did believe her at first...I guess part of me wanted to believe it.”

“Oh my dear boy that is terrible, and so cruel. I can hardly believe it of Mary. She must be feeling awfully desperate to try to hoodwink you that way.”

Jess looked off to the distant hills, “I guess so...but she still shouldn’t have lied that way.”

“No, she shouldn’t, I agree dear.” 

After a little while Jess walked her back home and ensured that both she and Fred wouldn’t visit until Billy had been finally apprehended.

“I feel real bad about you being there all alone,” Fred said, “I’m no hot shot, but I’d willingly back you up son.”

However, Jess declined saying he would be just fine and the Deputy would be over early the following week to support him. With that he left, with a cheery wave; the elderly couple looking sadly after him.

Chapter 7

After a few days Jess was going stir crazy. All the stock had been sold off and Mary had given Fred and Jenny the chickens and house cow. So, other than tending his mount, Scotty, there was little for him to do. On the third day he decided to ride the half dozen miles into town and check to see if there was any mail for him.

He had just about recovered from the nasty crack on the head. But he still had quite a pronounced limp from the bullet wound to his thigh. He hoped it would settle down before he rode home, knowing how Daisy would fuss over him something fierce. But there again maybe that wouldn’t be so bad...and even better if it was Millie doin’ the fussin’.

It was still early when he rode in and just five minutes after landing in town he wandered over to the Sheriff’s Office, looking as miserable as sin.

Hank glanced up from his paper work as Jess entered and looked anxious, “Don’t tell me that owl hoot has landed already?”

“Nah, nothin’ like that...just been to see if there was any mail for me is all.”

“Oh...right,” Hank replied with a sympathetic glance, “from yer gal?”

Jess nodded, slumping down in the seat opposite the desk.

A cup of coffee was placed in his hand moments later and Hank sat back down and said, “I’m thinking maybe no news is good news?”

Jess shrugged, “I just dunno, I wrote her ages ago, she should have wrote back by now.”

“Maybe she’s a bit jealous, you know with Miss Mary being an old flame and all?”

Jess just shook his head, “She ain’t like that.”

“Oh believe me they’re all like that,” the Sheriff said sipping his coffee, “Just that some don’t show it ‘tis all.”

Jess said nothing and merely sipped his coffee, morosely.

After a while he said, “So is Mary OK, yer keeping her safe?”

“Sure, although I reckon even that numbskull Billy wouldn’t be stupid enough to show his face around here. Anyway she’s at my place, the wife and my brother-in-law, Tom Dickson, are ridin’ shotgun on her, Emily and Lenny. Nobody will get past Tom,” he said grinning.

 “That’s good, thanks.”

Then the Sheriff looked kind of uncomfortable, “Mary told my wife she reckoned you’d be traveling over to the old country with her, Jess.”

His head shot up at that, “The hell she has!”

“Seems to think you’re getting back together, the way she’s talking,” Hank replied, with a questioning look.

Jess drained his cup and stood up quickly, heading for the door.

“Where the heck are you off to now?” he asked looking exasperated.

“To put Miss Mary straight on a few things, once and for all,” Jess said angrily before striding off down Main Street at a pace despite the limp.

The Sheriff’s house was at the end of a side street, a pleasant little spread with a large barn and grazing out back.

As soon as Jess opened the gate, the front door was hauled open and a burly man stood there, his rifle aimed at Jess’ head.

“Hold it right there! So, what’s your business Mr?”

“Mr Dickson? I’m Jess Harper, a friend of Mary and Lenny, just come from Hank’s office.”

The other lowered his rifle immediately and said, “Sorry, Jess, can’t be too careful with that low-life Billy James still at large.”

Then Hank’s kindly wife came to the door, “Why Jess Harper, how lovely to see you dear, do come in!”

Peggy Cody had been a real mother hen when Scott and Jess were spending time in Hank’s jail and later when they were setting up the ranch too. Now she was delighted to see him looking, ‘All grown up and so handsome,’ as she declared.

She fussed about him asking questions until suddenly Mary came in from where she’d been working in the vegetable plot out back with Lenny and Emily. It was still early in the day and she hadn’t bothered with her hair or make-up yet and put a hand up to her curly locks, “I must look a fright,” she said with a girlish giggle, batting her eyes at him...and hoping for a compliment.

However, Jess merely threw her a stony glance and said gruffly, “We need to talk.”

Picking up on the less than convivial atmosphere Peggy quickly showed them into the front parlour, saying, “You can talk in here Jess, you won’t be disturbed.”

Once they were inside Jess wandered over to the window, hands thrust deeply into his pockets, staring out at the yard beyond with unseeing eyes.

Ignoring his mood, Mary sat down on the couch and patting the seat beside her said softly, “Come and sit Jess we have so many plans to make.”

At that he spun around staring at her, “What are you talkin’ about?”

“About us of course silly, I thought now you know you’re Emily’s Pa you’d be coming to England with us. Oh Jess,” she said getting up and running to him, “we can be a proper family...get back to how we were!”

He shook his head, “No, no  we can’t, because you ain’t like the Mary I remember, she’d never have lied to me this way.”

She turned ashen at that, “Lied...about what?”

“For God’s sake don’t make it worse girl, about Emily of course!”

“I never did! I should know who her Pa is!” she cried indignantly.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking back at her and saying quietly, “I visited the Padre, saw her Baptism papers...and we both know I couldn’t be her Pa.”

At that she turned away and went and sat back down on the couch, head in hands and moments later started weeping softly.

After a short while Jess could stand it no longer. He hated to see women cry and deep down he knew she’d never have tried to deceive him this way iffen she hadn’t been at her wits end. Scott dying that way and also little Emily’s illness were bound to have taken their toll on her, he figured.

Eventually he went and sat down beside her, “Hush,” he said softly, “don’t take on so...please Mary.”

“I’m so sorry,” she muttered, “I should never have treated you that way, you didn’t deserve it after all you’ve done for us.”

“We’ll just forget it huh. You’ve got the future to look forward to and getting Emily well, that’s the main thing ain’t it.”

“Yes,” she said, “that’s the main thing,” although her heart was breaking and she didn’t know how she would carry on without Jess.

Figuring he’d quit while he was ahead, he stood up quickly, “I’d better be off, still got that no good Billy to deal with.”

She stood up too, “You will be careful...”

“Sure,” he said, then caressing her cheek gently said, “I’m sorry it can’t be different Mary... but I’m with Millie now, made a promise that I mean to keep, you know?”

“I understand,” she said, then leaning forwards kissed him, “For old time’s sake,” she whispered as she drew back looking deeply into his eyes.

He nodded, pulled his hat down hard and said, “So long Mary,” and left, without looking back.

From his office window Hank Cody watched as Jess walked down Main Street. He mounted up and rode out at a fair lick...and from the look of him he was one troubled guy. Sure, Hank realized how Mary was totally besotted by him, but you couldn’t turn the clock back and he figured Jess had just told her that. Well, his wife wouldn’t be too happy, she was a great one for romance...but real life just wasn’t one of her cheap two cent novels. He sighed deeply imagining that his evening would be far from peaceful when he finally went home that day.

Then he turned to his deputy, busily cleaning his rifle, “I figure you can go over to Scott and Mary’s old spread this afternoon, after yer dinner Mitch. I don’t want Harper out there alone and I figure that Billy will be paying a visit any day now.”

The young deputy visibly brightened at the idea of some action.

“But Mitch, just do Jess’s bidding huh...he’s way more experienced in dealing with the likes of Billy James, OK?”

Mitch sighed quietly, but nodded, “Whatever you say Boss.”

It was just before noon when Jess rode into the yard and noticed a rangy looking bay at the hitching rail...and the front door standing ajar.

Dismounting he left Scotty over by the water trough and made his way silently across to the door. Then drawing his Colt.45, kicked the door open wide.

He stood on the threshold and surveyed the chaos abounding within...the startled figure of Billy James in the midst of the mess of the turned-out drawers and papers strewn about the floor.

“Lookin’ fer somethin’?” Jess asked affably.

At the sound of the door banging open Billy’s head had shot up and he would have gone for his gun; except he saw Jess already had him covered a cheerful grin on his face.

Billy swore colorfully as Jess advanced and told him to sling his gun down. Then he cuffed him with the issued handcuffs Hank had given him and pushed him, none too gently down onto a chair. Looking around he spied a length of rope amongst the other detritus now covering the floor and tied him securely to the wooden seat.

“So where is it?” Billy growled.

“Huh? Oh, the Bounty...nice and safe with the Sheriff, we figured even you wouldn’t be dumb enough to go looking there.”

“Don’t you think for a moment this is over Harper, I’ll get you for this...and take Mary from you as well!”

Jess rolled his eyes, “The only place you’re going is the gallows, Billy. It was three men you killed on that stage robbery, weren’t it?”

“Sheriff’s gotta jail me first don’t he...and I don’t figure you’re man enough to take me in. You sure weren’t man enough to shoot it out. The old Jess Harper would have wanted that...a fair fight,” he goaded.

“Yeah, well the old Jess Harper could be pretty darned stupid at times,” Jess replied “and right now all I want to do is get you to town and get back home to my gal, if that don’t suit you, well too bad. I don’t owe you anything Billy...not even one last chance. You ruined my life once before and I damn well ain’t gonna let you do it again.”

Billy just looked rebellious...But then Jess remembered something and leaning forwards yanked Billy’s jacket open and started checking his pockets.

“Hey what are you playin’ at?” Billy said angrily.

“Oh, just lookin’ for this,” Jess replied, triumphantly holding up the wallet that Billy had taken from him.

Yup it was all there, Millie’s last letter to him, with her address over in St Louis at the top, although he knew it off by heart now. Plus, a business letter regarding some cattle he was thinking of buying, he’d written but had not gotten around to posting yet. Even his cash was intact.

“You’re slipping Billy,” he said waving the notes in front of his nose, before replacing them and putting his wallet in his own pocket.

Then he walked away. He was tired and hungry and his leg was hurting something fierce. Well, the Doc had told him not to ride for another week...but would he listen? His own worst enemy as Daisy often said.

He was just thinking of making some chow before the ride back to town with his prisoner, when he heard a horse enter the yard. Snagging his rifle, he went out to the porch...and then relaxed as he saw the boyish figure of Hank’s Deputy dismounting.

“Howdy Mitch,” he called, “you come to watch my back?”

The young man grinned, “The Boss said how I was to watch and learn.”

Jess smiled, “OK, be my guest then,” and he stood aside allowing Mitch to enter the house.

The young man recoiled when he saw the burly figure of the notorious outlaw Billy James tied to a chair and glaring angrily at him.

Trying not to look disappointed at having missed the action he turned to Jess and said, “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that. I guess I’m too late to help you then Jess.”

Jess shook his head, “Nope, I’d be real obliged iffen you’d escort Mr James here back to town for me Mitch.”

Once they were all ready to go, Mary’s neighbor, Fred arrived on the scene.

“I’m just on my way to town Jess thought I’d ask if you have any messages for Mary...or the Sheriff maybe.” Then grinning and looking at the now mounted prisoner said, “But I guess actions speak louder than words...congratulations!”

Then he noticed how pale and drawn Jess looked, “You OK son?” he asked kindly.

“Sure, just kinda bushed,” Jess said quickly, “Mitch here is taking the prisoner in, but I reckon he’d be glad of your company,” he said as an aside...Mitch being across the yard watering his mount.

Fred nodded wisely, “Yup you got it Jess. Then I’ll tell Miss Mary that we are all set to leave tomorrow. She’s been hanging about way too long. We need to get going, ‘tis a fair distance to Galveston where she’ll sail for New York...then off to Southampton, England.”

Jess gave a whistle, “That’s one hell of a trip.”

Fred nodded, “Sure is and now this hombre has been picked up I reckon we can travel safely.”

Then Mitch rode over, “I’ll be off then Mr Harper any message for the Sheriff?”

Jess shook his head, “Just tell him so long and thanks, I’ll be riding out tomorrow, heading back to Laramie.”

The following morning Jess was up early and feeling better after a good night’s rest. The ranch house and land had already been sold to a young couple who were marrying and moving in the following month. He felt kind of nostalgic as he slammed the front door for the last time. They’d been good days setting up there with Scott, Lenny and of course Mary...Gee he’d loved that gal, but that was a long time ago and he figured they’d both changed so dang much. He’d heard Fred’s wagon rumbling past before first light and figured Mary, Lenny and little Emily would be packed and on their way by now.

He sighed deeply and turned his mount toward the distant railroad town where he could start his journey home.

Once up on the main route he paused...and looked around him, east and west undecided...before turning Scotty in the opposite direction to home and breaking into a lively trot.

Back in town the wagon was packed with all the baggage they needed on the voyage and Mary was saying a tearful farewell to her many friends. However, as the time came for them to get aboard Fred’s wagon for the long trip ahead, it was little Emily who held back.

For the last half hour she had been standing in the road, peering into the middle distance. Now her mother went and stood beside her taking her hand. “What is it honey...what are you doing...it’s time to go now.”

“I’m waiting for Uncle Jess,” the child said turning innocent eyes on her mother.

“Oh Emily, I explained didn’t I, Uncle Jess can’t go with us.”

“Yes, I know that Mama, he loves his little boy, Mike and all his friends back in Laramie...I understand that...I’m really sad, but I understand why he can’t leave them.”

Mary suddenly felt terribly guilty...her little daughter loved Jess but could put his needs above her own. Mary was really put to shame...as all she was feeling was a mixture of anger and misery when she thought of the man she professed to love.

Swallowing hard and blinking back the tears Mary said, “Come along dear, you must climb on board, Uncle Fred is ready to go.”

“But Mama, Uncle Jess will come to say goodbye...I know he will he wouldn’t let us go without that, I just know he wouldn’t!”

However, Mary took the child’s hand and lead her to the wagon, helping her climb in the back, “You can write to him when we get to England,” she said, “you’ll have so much exciting news.”

Being a well-behaved child Emily said nothing, but just continued to stare off down the road.

They had only gone a few yards when Emily cried out, “Stop! Stop, Uncle Fred!”

Fred immediately pulled the team to a halt and he and Mary turned to see young Emily had jumped down from the wagon and was running towards a distant rider, coming hell bent for leather down the street.

Jess jumped from his mount and Emily hurled herself into his arms. He picked her up, swung her around and then held her tight, his eyes bright with unshed tears.

“You came; you came…I knew you would Uncle Jess!”

More hugs, tears, promises and farewells were made before Mary, Lenny and Emily finally went on their way.

Jess watched until the dust had settled and the wagon had finally disappeared from view. Then turning, he saw the cheery presence of Sheriff Cody standing beside him.

“You look like a man in need of a good strong coffee before you ride out,” he said kindly.

Once they were sitting in the office, a coffee apiece, Jess asked, “So your deputy delivered his prisoner OK then?”

“That should be your prisoner Jess the boy just escorted him back here. That reminds me,” he said opening his drawer, “I’ve something for you...was going to wire it over, but seeing as you’re here,” and he pushed a fat envelope across the desk.

Jess’s eyebrows arched in surprise as he opened it to see a fist full of dollars, “What’s this?”

“It’s the Bounty on Billy James...a tidy sum.”

“But that ain’t right the Bounty money had already been paid out.”

“Yes, and it was a scam as we now know dreamed up between Billy and those two Bounty Hunters, Green and Robson. Green decided to come clean, told us where the hideout was and we recovered all the money...some from that last stage robbery too. So, this Bounty is going to its rightful owner.”

Jess thought long and hard and figured he’d been gone so long Slim might well have had to buy help in. Yes, siree he’d buy everyone back home a gift and then put the rest into the business account.

He drew some of the notes off the top and passed it back to the Sheriff, “For young Mitch, for escort duty,” he said grinning. “I figure he was kinda miffed he missed all the action, with Billy having been arrested by the time he showed.”

Cody grinned back, “He’ll appreciate that, saving up to get Wed and this will be a real help...thanks.”

“So, what about Billy...end of the road?”

“Oh, he’ll hang for sure...all the evidence is against him. We’ve got witnesses to the stage shooting plus all the other stuff he’s done.” Then he shook his head, “Silly fool should have stuck to fraud...less likely to end up on the business end of a rope that way.”

“He committed fraud?”

“Yup he was a master forger could copy anyone’s hand real well. He made quite a lot of money forging checks and business deals...until he was caught...Did a five-year stretch and ended up in a cell with Jake Branson and the rest is history.”

 “Just shows ya don’t it,” Jess said and the two dwelled on the strange ups and downs of life for a while.

He finally drained his coffee and shook hands with the Sheriff.

“Safe journey Jess...you take care now...”

Chapter 8

Jess had a safe, uneventful journey home. He called in at the livery where he’d hired his mount and did a deal with the owner, buying Scotty, AKA Number Seven, for a good price.

Then he traveled on by railroad. Finding an empty cattle wagon, he’d settled down and spent the journey in there with his mount, enjoying the peace and quiet away from the other passengers. By the time he reached Laramie he was looking pretty much like a Hobo though…unwashed, needing a shave and his clothes a good wash.

He swung down from the dark of the cattle wagon, leading Scotty and blinking in the bright sunshine as he looked around him, delighted to be home.

It was now early September and he was convinced Millie must be home by now. Heck that was probably why she hadn’t bothered writing him, he figured, imagining she would be seeing him before a letter was delivered.

His first port of call however was to get Scotty bedded down over at the Livery, as he intended to spend the night in town, before riding home. Old Bert made a fuss of Jess’s new mount and agreed he was a darned good-looking critter.

“Be putting Traveller’s nose out of joint, will he?” the old timer chuckled.

Jess shook his head, “Ain’t a horse alive to measure up to Trav,” he said grinning. “But this fellah will be a real good cow pony, maybe for Mike,” he added.

He was halfway to the saloon when he caught sight of his reflection in a shop window and stopped dead, staring in consternation...Jeez he looked rough. He ran a hand over his beard and hitching his saddle bags over his shoulder, containing clean clothes, he headed purposefully towards the barber’s and bath house.

Having removed the dressing on his wounded leg when he bathed, he was pleased to see the gunshot wound was healing reasonably well. However, it needed a clean bandage. He toyed with the idea of going over to Doc Sam’s place, but then decided against it. His need to see Millie was now all consuming and he figured he could see the Doc the following day.

Once he was done at the barber’s shop he made his way purposefully over to the saloon. Entering through the batwing doors he stood on the threshold, his eyes searching hungrily for a glimpse of his gal.

Once his eyes became accustomed to the dimly lit interior, he could see it was virtually empty, save for a few men playing a hand of poker in the corner and a couple of barflies drinking whiskey.

It was still early and he figured maybe Millie was up in her room.

He moved quickly to the bar and Tom the barkeep came forwards to serve, but his welcoming smile froze as he saw who it was.

“What in Hell are you doin’ back in Laramie!” Tom spat, angrily.

Jess stopped in his tracks somewhat taken aback by the less than friendly welcome.

He raised a questioning eyebrow and said, “Well it’s where I live an’ work ain’t it. And it’s real good to see you too, Tom,” he added sarcastically.

Tom didn’t bat an eyelid at Jess’s comeback and said, “I figured you’d be half-way to England by now with your new woman...and your kid!”

Jess just stared at him dumbfounded before he recovered and said, “What in the foggy blue morning are you talkin’ about, Tom?”

“You heard me! You and your fancy piece...uh...Mary something...and your daughter, off to a new life in England so I hear.”

Jess just shook his head, “Who the heck told you that?”

“You did!” Tom bellowed with uncharacteristic anger, “Well not to me exactly, but you told Millie in that letter you wrote her...and she showed me.”

Jess just shook his head, “Look, where is she?” he asked.

He turned to move off towards the staircase.

“No!” Tom shouted furiously, “She ain’t here. Doesn’t work here anymore, she’s gone!”

Jess spun around to face him, “You’re lying...”

Then Lily came through from the back, “He’s not Jess, Millie really has gone. She was heartbroken, couldn’t stand to be around here with her memories any longer.”

“Why?” he asked all his anger draining from him as the truth dawned Millie really wasn’t there.

“The letter of course, you didn’t even have the decency to come and tell her you were marrying someone else Jess...I couldn’t believe that of you...just sending a letter that way was so cruel.”

“But I didn’t,” he insisted. “I wrote her of course I did. I told her about my trip. Yes, I mentioned Mary and her daughter, but I didn’t write those things about us being together. Hell, I wouldn’t and besides they’re just not true, Mary’s just an old friend, now.”

She shook her head, “I saw the letter for myself Jess, it was your hand, I’d know it anywhere and Slim confirmed it was your writing too.”

“Oh great, so is there anyone who ain’t read it?” Jess asked acerbically.

“We thought it must be some sort of hoax,” Tom interjected, “that’s why we double checked it and it was definitely in your hand as Lily says.”

Jess just shook his head, knowing when he was beat.

“Where is she?” he asked quietly.

Tom looked mutinous, “I don’t know, she didn’t say.”

Jess rolled his eyes and turned to Slim’ s gal, Lily...

“Lily...please,” he whispered.

“I’m sorry I don’t know,” she replied, “back east as far as I know,” and she dashed off into the back room, unable to bear the look of anguish in Jess’s eyes.

OK maybe he had done wrong...was going to run out on her best friend. But he must have changed his mind if he was back. She was overwhelmed and just didn’t know what to say or do for the best. Should she tell him where Millie really was?

 Sometime later Jess rode into the ranch yard with a heavy heart.

There was no sign of life and he remembered it was a school day...so no Mike.

Then peering up at the cook stove chimney and seeing no smoke figured Daisy must be away too, maybe off visiting a sick neighbor. Unlike her not to be home by noon to cook their meal...but he wasn’t hungry anyway. He felt sick to his stomach after the revelations in town.

He hitched Scotty up by the water trough and limped painfully across the yard...the raw wound to his thigh now being rubbed painfully by his denims as he walked.

Then Slim emerged from the house and stood on the porch watching him advance his expression stony.

When Jess was a few feet away he said, “So you’ve decided to come back have you?”

Jess just stared at him and sighing deeply said, “Jeez please tell me you don’t believe all the rubbish in that letter, do you?”

“Well, you wrote it,” Slim, said, “so are you telling me you wrote poor Millie a pack of lies and if so, why?” he asked belligerently.

“I never wrote that goddamn letter,” Jess yelled his patience finally wearing out.

Slim just threw him a skeptical glance, “Sure you didn’t.”

“Why won’t anyone believe me,” Jess replied. “Even you think I’m lying, Slim. Do you really think I’d write her that kind of letter?”

Slim shook his head, “No, no I don’t. Unless this uh...Mary had totally bowled you over...and maybe...just maybe the child is yours?”

Jess groaned and climbing up onto the porch slumped down on a seat...and put his head in his hands.

“I’ll go get us a drink,” Slim said throwing his buddy a compassionate look. No matter what his pard has done, he was still the best friend he’d ever had and he figured the least he could do was to listen to his side of the story.

Once they were both outside a good slug of whiskey and another in their glasses Jess told his story...How Mary still had feelings for him and had concocted the story about little Emily being his to persuade him to leave with her. How Emily was a dead ringer for his little sister and he’d half believed the story and then how later the matter had been resolved by the Padre.

Slim sucked in a deep breath, “Hell, I bet that was a relief.”

Jess pondered, “Yeah I reckon so...she’s a real cute little girl though Slim...anyone would be proud to be her Pa.”

Slim threw him a knowing look, “So what would you have done if she had been your daughter?”

Jess shrugged, “I just don’t know...my brain told me I had to do the right thing by her.” Then he shook his head, “But my heart was saying I just couldn’t leave Millie.”

“So let me get this straight, you wrote the letter before you had it confirmed that you weren’t Emily’s Pa?”

Jess glared at his pard, “How many times! I did not write that letter!”

“OK... OK I believe you.”

“You do?”

“Now I come to think about it, I reckon there was something strange about it,” Slim said.

“Huh?”

“Well, the writing was definitely yours and the signature...But the content well it was just too eloquent.”

Jess sighed deeply, “You know some of us didn’t have the benefit of having a teacher for their Ma growing up, so what are you talkin’ about?”

“Eloquent, means someone who is good with words...and can write a good letter...for example, which you really can’t Jess.”

 “So, you’re saying I’m dumb!” Jess replied angrily.

“No, what I’m saying is that whoever wrote that letter used a few words that you’re probably not familiar with. Well at the time I just figured this uh, Mary, had helped you write it. But now...well...maybe it was a forgery, but a good one I have to say.”

“That’s it!” Jess yelled leaping up and spilling his drink, “Sheriff Cody said that if that low life Billy James had stuck to forgery, he wouldn’t be facing the business end of a rope now.”

“Huh?” Slim asked looking somewhat befuddled.

Jess sat down again and explained everything in detail.

Then he continued, “Billy had the opportunity, he stole my wallet with Millie’s letter and address, plus a business letter I’d written...he could have copied my writing from that.”

Slim resisted the urge to ask Jess why the heck the letter hadn’t been posted weeks ago and merely said, “It sure looks like he could be the one that did it Jess.”

His pard nodded excitedly, “He had the opportunity, the method…he’s a real good forger according to Cody, and he sure as hell had the motive. If he couldn’t kill me, then wrecking my life would be a pretty good second for him.”

Then the look of animation faded, “What’s the dang point. How can I convince Millie iffen I don’t even know where she is?”

However, before Slim could reply they were disturbed by the noon Stage from Cheyenne rattling down the rise.

To their surprise the moment Mose brought the horses to a halt he leapt down from the box and ran to open the coach door...ready to hand down the single passenger.

Jess and Slim looked over to the Stage and were delighted to see Daisy alighting. Glancing around her with a look of delight she then thanked Mose, before finally being able to release her hand. Then she looked up and saw Slim and Jess walking over to greet her and heart leapt with joy, “Oh Jess dear, you’re home,” and he welcomed her with a bear hug.

Once they were inside and Mose had reluctantly taken his leave, Daisy took off her hat and looked closely at Jess. She noted the look of tension in his demeanor...and the troubled look in his eyes.

“Jess what’s going on?” she asked, “Did you really write that terrible letter?”

“Not you too Daisy,” he muttered.

“Tell me dear, how can I understand if you don’t explain?” she said reasonably.

So, Jess with the aid of a now convinced Slim, retold the sorry tale, finally suggesting the logical explanation of Billy James forging the document.

“Why of course,” she said clasping her hands together, “that makes perfect sense, so all will be well, thank goodness.”

“Sure,” Jess said irritably, “except I dunno where Millie is. I figure I’ll go to St Louis, maybe she’s gone back there do ya think?”

“No need dear,” Daisy said triumphantly, “I have just come back from visiting with her. She’s staying in Cheyenne with her mother.”

“I was just going to tell you,” Slim said quickly, “then Daisy landed home.”

“How is she Daisy?”

The elderly woman looked away, unable to stand the look of eager hope mixed with trepidation in Jess’s eyes.

“Daisy, tell me...please?”

“She’s not too good dear, inconsolable her Ma is so worried about her we all are.”

“I’ve gotta go...right now,” Jess said urgently.

But Daisy put out a hand to stop him, “You’re going nowhere young man until you’ve had a good meal and decent night’s sleep...and I’ve had a chance to check out that wound to your leg as well.”

Slim and Jess exchanged a mystified glance, before Jess asked “How’d you know?”

“Not much gets past me dear,” she said with an enigmatic smile, “and anyway you’re limping badly. So, let’s get you checked over before you go rushing off again, um?”

 “She’s right,” Slim said, “you look pretty beat buddy. You don’t want to get sick and not make it over there do you, huh? Besides a day won’t make any difference and you can be sure her Ma’s looking after her really well.”

“I guess you’re right,” Jess said reluctantly.

“But Daisy, tell me everything...huh,” he said turning to their beloved housekeeper.

“Of course, dear,” she said smiling warmly, “just as soon as I’ve put a clean dressing on that leg.”

Daisy sat back and threw Slim an anxious glance before looking to where Jess was lying on his bed. He’d removed his denims, but covered his cut off undershorts demurely with a sheet whilst Daisy worked on the damaged limb. Earlier she had smiled inwardly at how shy the tough young cowboy could be. But now her expression was one of deep concern.

“Why isn’t there a proper dressing on this awful wound dear?” she asked.

He shrugged, “I took it off in the bathhouse...was gonna go see Sam to get it fixed up, but I got kinda sidetracked.”

She shook her head sadly, “The rough material of your pants has chafed the skin badly, it must be awfully painful?”

“Stings a bit,” he admitted.

Daisy cleaned the wound and put some soothing balm on and re dressed it and sat back again looking worried. “It’s difficult to tell if the wound is infected or if it’s just the skin around that is inflamed, due to the lack of a dressing...I think maybe you should see Doc Sam.”

“Aw Daisy quit fussin’ it’ll be fine now you’ve put a clean bandage on,” Jess said quickly.

“We’ll see how you are tomorrow dear, but you certainly shouldn’t ride for a few days.”

The following morning at breakfast Daisy was saying again how Jess must sit in his rocker with his leg up and then see how he was in a few days. However, her fussin’ as Jess called it was brought to a halt by someone knocking loudly on the front door.

Slim went to investigate and seconds later Jeff Stone burst into the room, “Miss Daisy, can you come quickly? It’s my Betty, the baby’s on the way!”

“Oh bless me, she’s a week early!” Daisy said dropping everything and running for her medical bag, before dashing after Jeff who had a buggy waiting.

At the door she turned and said, “Oh Slim, could you please drop off my overnight bag later, all my things are nearby, it just needs packing. I’ll need to stay a few days as its young Betty’s first.”

Then she called out to Jess over her shoulder, “And you take care young man...keep that leg up and lots of rest,” then she was gone.

Once breakfast was finished Jess limped over to their bedroom door.

“Going for a nap?” Slim asked with an indulgent smile.

“No, I ain’t, I’m going to pack a bag...I’m heading off for Cheyenne this morning.”

“Jess!”

It soon became clear that Slim was wasting his breath as he saw his pard walking determinedly over to the barn a little later, albeit with a pronounced limp.

“For goodness sake at least take the Stage,” Slim said irritably.

Jess shook his head, “What with Mose giving me the third degree on my love life for the whole journey...no thanks.”

Slim just rolled his eyes knowing when he was beat.

“See Old Doc Cole when you arrive, get him to check the leg and make sure Millie looks after you real good too.”

“Um, iffen she’s even speaking to me,” Jess said with a grimace. “See ya Slim,” and he headed off kneeing Traveller into a brisk trot as he rode off up the rise.

Chapter 9

Jess regretted not taking Slim’ s advice after the first few miles. His leg felt red hot and painful and as he rode on through the heat of the day, he began to feel very sick and lightheaded. However, he pushed on after just a short break at noon. He had set off very early and whereas he could have camped over-night and carried on the following day, he just kept going. The thought of Millie being so distressed spurring him onwards.

It was early evening when he finally arrived outside Ma Johnson’s Boarding House.

He was exhausted and swayed in the saddle for a moment or so before finally swinging down. He clutched hold of the hitching rail to steady himself and then made his way slowly across the porch and pounded on the door.

He waited leaning on the wall for support and then as the door opened, he finally lost his battle to stay upright and crashed straight into Ma Johnson’s arms.

She was unable to take his full weight, but managed to break his fall as he collapsed, out-cold before he hit the ground.

Millie’s Ma knelt down beside him, looking into the deathly pale face. His eyes were closed and she thought for one terrible second, he was dead.

Then he moved a little and groaned.

“Millie, Millie come here quickly,” she called into the house, “run for Doc Cole at once...it’s Jess...he’s very sick!”

Across the street Sheriff Masters, who had been gazing idly out of his office window, saw his old friend riding in and watched in shock as he dismounted, looking to be in a bad way.

Then as he saw him stagger and fall, Doug left his office on the run, to see if he could help.

He arrived just as Millie was tearing down the street to fetch Doc Cole and he helped Ma Johnson carry Jess into the front parlour and lay him down on the couch.

  “What’s up with him, is he injured?” the Sheriff asked eyeing his buddy anxiously.

Ma Johnson shook her head, “I’m not sure,” and then passing a hand over his forehead said, “He’s certainly got a fever.”

Moments later the Doc arrived and Doug left saying he’d call by in the morning to check on  his buddy.

An hour or so later Jess was tucked up in one of the guest rooms, the dressing to his leg changed and the Doc’s warning of the folly of riding so far with such a serious injury still ringing in his ears.

Millie sat beside the bed peering down at him with sad eyes. “Why did you do it?” she asked impatiently, “You could have killed yourself riding all that way with such a bad injury to your leg.”

“I had to see you...to explain about everything...make things right between us.”

“Oh that,” she said suddenly flushing angrily, “there’s not much to explain is there? You said it all in your letter. How you’ve fallen in love with this Mary and have a child by her. I thought you’d have gone to England by now.” she added. “What’s the matter did your conscience get the better of you, thought you should explain in person? Maybe ask me to forgive you? Well, I can’t Jess!” she cried heatedly. “How could you do that to me...after all we’ve been to each other!”

Angry tears escaped, running down her cheeks as she brushed them away furiously.

“Millie, listen…it wasn’t me! I didn’t write that letter and it’s all a bundle of lies...I don’t love Mary and young Emily ain’t mine either...you’ve got to believe me!”

Millie dashed from the room and returned moments later and threw an envelope at him... “There,” she said, “deny it all now!”

He opened the envelope and recoiled in shock as a letter written in his own hand fell out.

“I...I didn’t write this,” he whispered as he read the terrible contents...so cold and matter of fact. “I wouldn’t...I couldn’t, you must know that, Millie?”

She shook her head, “I don’t know Jess. I don’t know anything anymore,” and she ran from the room weeping and moments later he heard her bedroom door slam and he cussed softly under his breath.

She looked terrible he reflected, her eyes red and puffy from crying, her face so pale and drawn and she’d lost weight too. His heart was breaking, knowing that he was responsible for everything. Hell, he should have listened to Slim and left the past in the past where it belonged, he reflected.

He looked back at the letter his usual scrawl drifting across the page and he really thought he was going crazy...had he written it? He remembered that night when he’d told Sheriff Cody he’d got women trouble. Then had proceeded to the nearest bar and downed the best part of a bottle of Red Eye to drown his sorrows. Could he possibly have penned the letter then...posted it and forgotten all about it? But just the following morning he’d seen the Padre and discovered the real truth of Emily’s parentage, her birth date confirming he couldn’t possibly be her Pa. Had he already posted the terrible letter though? He had absolutely no recollection...But now staring at the missive in his hands he was almost convinced he must have written it...and he finally fell into an uneasy sleep.

The following morning there was no sign of Millie and her Ma brought Jess’s breakfast up to his room.

“Where is she?” he asked.

Ma Johnson said sadly, “She really doesn’t want to see you Jess, I’m sorry dear.”

He grabbed hold of her hand as she started to leave and said, “Please Ma you’ve gotta believe me, none of it is true.”

She looked deeply into his eyes and finally said, “I do believe you Jess. But I think it’s going to be hard convincing my daughter, she’s very hurt dear,” and with that she left.

He was just finishing his coffee, unable to face his breakfast when he had another visitor.

Doug Masters made himself comfortable on the bedside chair and said cheerfully, “So what have you been up to now Jess...and what have you done to upset that pretty little gal of yours huh?”

It was a good hour later before the sorry tale was told, leaving nothing out. He recounted all, including his conflict with Jake and then Billy.

Doug was amazed at all that had happened and vowed that Jess was a real hero for getting the bounty money for young Emily’s operation back in the old country.

“But I don’t get it, why is Miss Millie treating you like you’re public enemy number one?”

“Because of this letter,” Jess said picking up the envelope from the bedside table.

Doug frowned, “Can I read it?”

“Why not,” Jess said bitterly, “everyone else has.”

Doug’s expression became more and more troubled, “Well no wonder she’s mad at you...so is all this true?”

Jess rolled his eyes, “What do you think, of course it ain’t true.”

“But it’s your writing...you wrote this?”

“Way I’m feelin’ right now, I’m beginning to think I did,” he spat angrily. “But no, me and Slim think it could be a forgery...only explanation. Apparently, Billy James is an expert and he sure wanted revenge.”

“Can I borrow this?” Doug asked looking animated, “I know a guy who used to be a forger.”

“You do huh?”

“Yeah, spent some time in jail and changed his ways...Nice guy he’s an artist now, forges great masters,” he said chuckling. Then sobering said, “He’ll know if this is genuine or not... got a sample of your handwriting?”

Jess pulled the business letter out of his wallet, also on the side table, and passed it over.

“I’ll go see him right now and get him to look it over. And Jess, in the meantime just talk to her, huh. Tell her the whole story like you did me. The things you did down there to help out that family. You should be real proud of yourself buddy.”

Jess shook his head, “She won’t listen Doug, she’s too dang mad at me.”

The handsome Sheriff sighed, “That’s too bad. I’ll get back to you just as soon as I can...take it easy huh.”

It was mid afternoon when Millie showed Doug and a dumpy little man, with greying hair into the bedroom and then turned to go.

“Wait Millie,” Doug said quickly, “I figure you need to hear this too.”

Then turning to the older man said, “This is John Styles and he specializes in uh...”

 “Handwriting comparison,” John said quickly, “the science of forgery.”

“Forgery?” Millie echoed.

“Yes, Miss. The Sheriff had reason to believe this letter was a forgery and I am pleased to confirm he is absolutely right...this letter was not written by Mr Harper here,” John Styles confirmed.

“It wasn’t?” Millie asked weakly, turning to look at Jess.

“No Ma’am,” he said bringing out a large magnifying glass and peering carefully at the letter. “You see in comparison Mr Harper’s O’s and A’s are a completely different shape to the ones in the forgery....and the signature has several faults too. But the most damning mistake is the use of an ampersand throughout the letter.”

“Huh... amper ...what the heck is that?” Jess asked looking puzzled.

“Precisely,” the ex-forger said with a smile, “you never used them in your business letter Mr Harper, they are these little squiggles (&) that are used in place of the word ‘and’. They are dotted about the forgery, but do not appear once in your own letter...So with that evidence we have absolute proof, along with some poorly formed letters and an incorrect signature I can confirm this to be a fake.”

He looked up, from where he had been busily scanning the letter with his magnifying glass, to see the pretty dark haired young lady leaning over the bed and kissing Mr Harper passionately.

He turned a questioning glance at the Sheriff who was now grinning broadly.

“Come on John let’s be going,” he said quietly, “I think our work here is done.”

Jess stayed on at Millie’s Ma’s Boarding House for a few more days until he was feeling fit and healthy and champing at the bit to get home, as Millie laughingly said.  

As they finished breakfast on their last day he turned to Mrs Johnson and said, “Thanks for all you’ve done for me Ma.”

“I’m just happy to see you both back together again,” she said smiling at her daughter. “I don’t think either of us will ever forgive ourselves for believing that dreadful letter, but it was just so well done.”

Jess nodded, “Nearly had me fooled too I was beginning to think I really had written it.”

Mrs Johnson chuckled and then sobering said, “What became of that terrible man, uh Mr Billy James?”

“He was due to hang, for murder, but last I heard the Judge was sick and the trial was postponed...but any day now I guess.”

Millie shuddered, “I don’t even want to think about him, he sounds quite mad.”

“He sure don’t like me none,” Jess said grinning, “But then, I reckon the feeling’s mutual.”

Once breakfast was over there was a bustle of activity as the couple prepared to leave. As Jess had Traveller with him, they decided to ride back. Millie being an excellent horse woman…a suitable horse was soon hired from the livery. They agreed to take their time on the journey, enjoying some private time together, after their long separation over the summer, before they both had to return to work.

 “I’m just glad Tom persuaded me not to pack up everything in my room and send it over here,” she said as they set off. “He said I was to think things out for a week or so and my job would be there if I changed my mind.”

“I can’t wait to put him straight about that dang forgery,” Jess said. “Doug came around earlier with an official letter from John Styles confirming it’s a fake. I guess I’ll pin it up in the bar...maybe get my good name back again,” he said grinning ruefully.

However, when they finally arrived home in Laramie that was to be the last thing on his mind.

The weather was still pleasantly warm and the couple made camp on Sherman land but a good few miles away from the ranch and an idyllic spot at the base of a rocky outcrop, that provided shelter and privacy from any passers-by on the Laramie Road, some half mile away. The campsite was surrounded by Aspens and looked out onto a small lake with the Snowy Mountains far beyond.

When they arrived, Jess slipped down from the saddle and walked Traveller over to the lake for a welcome drink, followed by Millie. She stood beside him looking out at the view and after a second, tears in her eyes, she whispered, “It’s just so beautiful here.”

Jess turned away from the vista and dropping Traveller’s reins, looked deeply into her eyes and running a finger down her check said, “Yeah, so, so beautiful,” then he leaned in for a kiss...leaving her in no doubt that he hadn’t been talking about the mountain view.

That was to set the pattern for their stay, making love, talking endlessly about everything and nothing and just luxuriating in each other’s company.

But finally, the day came when they knew they must return to real life and work.

“I really don’t want Tom to give up on me and give my job away,” Millie said as they broke camp.

“Hell no,” Jess agreed. “I’m feelin’ kinda guilty about leaving old Hardrock with all the work too. Yup, I guess we’d better get home.”

But then he turned from saddling Traveller and said, “But it’ll be mighty tough without you,” and he took her in his arms one last time...and again their departure was postponed; for a little while at least.

It was early evening when they finally rode into town and Jess figured he’d stay over and ride back to the ranch the following day.

They had just settled their mounts at the livery and were making their way to the saloon when Mort Cory dashed out of his office and stood before them stony faced.

“I thought I saw you ride in,” he said, “in my office now!”

Jess and Millie exchanged a bewildered glance before following him in.

“Well, good to see you too, Mort,” Jess said sarcastically.

Then when he got no response said, “Hey what’s eating you?”

“Uh, oh I’m sorry,” Mort said at once realizing his anxiety had come across as a rather brusque greeting.

“Real sorry,” he added throwing Millie a weak smile. “But the fact is I’m worried about you two.”

Jess was just about to make the witty comeback, saying that if he wasn’t good, he was always careful...so the Sheriff had no call to worry about him and Millie’s romantic trip together.

However, something in the Sheriff’s demeanor made him bite the comment back and he said, “What’s up Mort?”

The Sheriff sank down in his chair behind his desk and motioned for Millie and Jess to sit opposite him and opening his drawer he took out a telegraph and pushed it across to Jess, “This came for you.”

Jess picked it up and then frowned at the Sheriff, “You’ve opened it,” he said accusingly.

“Yup I did. The boy brought it to me as he knew you were out of town and thought I might know when you’d be back. Then when I saw who it was from...well yeah, I felt I had to open it.”

“So, who is it from?” Jess queried, looking more closely at the form in his hands. But then he nearly dropped it like it was red hot, “Billy James...yer kidding! He’s dead by now...ain’t he?”

Mort shook his head sadly, “Far from it I’m afraid. He jumped jail back in Texas.”

“He did what! How?”

“It seems he had a stash of dollars hidden in his boots. The town drunk always sniffed about the jail window looking for handouts from the prisoners. They’d pay him to get some grog in or food.”

“Go on,” Jess said grimly.

“Well, he had enough money for a gun and a fast horse...and that’s exactly what he got. Shot the Sheriff and made his escape.”

“What, he shot Hank Cody?” Jess gasped in alarm.

“Yeah, but he’s OK, just winged him apparently and he’ll be alright.”

“Thank God,” Jess whispered.

“It’s not him I’m worried about Jess...just read it will you.”

Jess finally looked down at the succinct message: The old woman and kid get it first along with your partner Sherman STOP Then your woman Miss Millie STOP Last you Harper STOP

 “What does it say Jess?” Millie asked innocently

Jess licked his lips, his mouth suddenly dry...and looking over to Mort said, “This was sent a week ago.”

Mort merely nodded, “Yes, he could be around anytime.”

“Jess what is it?” Millie asked again…grabbing his arm to get his attention.

He just knew he couldn’t lie to her. “It’s Billy James, he ain’t dead sweetheart. He’s gunning for me...the folk at the ranch and you too.”

Her mouth opened into a perfect O and then she whispered, “Jess no...”

He turned to Mort...his expression haunted.

The Sheriff knew his good friend was torn...he needed to be at the ranch to protect them there, but he also needed to be with Millie.

“I have a plan worked out,” Mort said looking more confident than he felt, “Miss Millie will stay here under constant guard from me or Lon, day and night.”

“Here?” Jess and Millie echoed.

Mort smiled, “It’s not as bad as you might think Millie, I’ve got me a hot tub out back now. Had some new staff quarters built a while back as well. Just next to the cells, but private. It ain’t anything fancy, but there’s a table, armchair and a bed with a new mattress, I reckon you’d be comfy enough for a day or two.”

Millie looked anxious, “Oh couldn’t I just stay at the saloon?”

“No!” Jess yelled. He’d suddenly had a flash back to years ago when Maria, his gal, was shot dead in front of him in the saloon bar by a jealous ex lover.

Millie turned hurt eyes on him, “Jess?”

“I’m sorry,” he whispered taking her hand, “but Mort’s right, you’d be safer here...please sweetheart for me, huh?”

“You really need to be kept completely out of sight Millie,” Mort said, “ and I figure the only place that varmint won’t try and enter is the Sheriff’s office.”

A little later Mort made himself scarce, saying he was going to freshen up the staff quarters for Millie. As soon as he was gone Jess took her in his arms holding her tight and whispering all the things she needed to hear.

He finally released her just as Mort returned.

“I’d better get going,” he said pulling his hat down hard.

Then turning to Mort said, “Slim knows all about this?”

“Oh yes, he’s been waiting on you for a while now, we expected you sooner. I wired Doug Masters and he said you’d left Cheyenne a few days ago?”

Jess flashed a wicked grin in Millie’s direction and then muttered, “I guess we got kinda sidetracked on the way.”

Mort hid a smile and then said sincerely, “You take care of yourself Jess, and with any luck he’ll get picked up by the Law or a Bounty Hunter before he can do any damage.”

“Yeah, maybe and thanks, Mort.”

Then he glanced at Millie and just patted her arm gently, unable to hold her again, thinking if he did so he would never be able to walk away.

“I’ll see you real soon,” he said softly, “just do what Mort says, huh.”

She nodded…her eyes bright with unshed tears.

Jess gave Mort a little salute and then turned and walked away, but at the door he paused and turned back and she ran into his arms. He held her tightly one last time and then finally walked out without looking back.

As he rode home, the irony of the situation was not lost on him. It wasn’t long since Mary’s life had been at risk...and now it was Millie. There really was no stopping Billy James, Jess figured...except maybe a dang bullet through the heart and he was more than ready to oblige.

As soon as Jess rode in, Slim was out on the porch, rifle in hand.

Jess eyed the rifle warily and then dismounted and wandered over to the porch.

“Where in Hell have you been. We’ve been worried sick,” Slim said lowering the rifle as Jess advanced.

“I’m sorry pard, I only just found out about Billy James escaping.”

“Four days to ride over from Cheyenne...really?” Slim added with a stern glance.

Jess just shrugged and gave him the ghost of a smile, “You know how it is Slim...out in the big open with your gal.”

“Um, I know how it is with you,” Slim replied disapprovingly. “Well come on in, Daisy and Mike are hiding in the kitchen, same as they have been every time anyone rides in,” he said darkly. “We’ve just been waiting on this Billy James of yours ever since Mort told us about him escaping last week.

Jess said nothing and then as they entered Daisy and Mike were there fussing and fretting over him and so it was a while later before he could sit and tell them all about the confirmed forgery and his reconciliation with Millie.

“So where is the dear girl?” Daisy asked.

“Back in Mort’s jail, we figured it was the safest place for her...well the staff quarters that is,” he added at Daisy’s raised eyebrow.

“So, I suppose it’s just a waiting game now,” Slim said quietly, a comforting arm around Mike’s shoulders.

“Gee does that mean I get to stay off school again next week?” he asked excitedly.

“Yes, but you have to keep up with your lesson’s young man...Slim will set you Math and English like last week,” Daisy replied.

“OK,” he said cheerfully and ran off to his room to play.

Jess sank down in his rocker and put his head in his hands for a moment and then when he looked up his expression was full of remorse, “Damn it, I’m so dang sorry about this,” he whispered.

Daisy, taking his uncharacteristic cussing in her presence in her stride, put a gentle hand on his shoulder...and said softly, “There is nothing to be sorry for Jess dear, none of this is your fault.”

“Can’t you see,” he exclaimed bitterly “it’s my entire fault...I should just have done what Slim told me and left the past in the past.”

Then jumping up he made for the door calling over his shoulder that he was going to tend his mount.

Slim found him in the barn, sometime later, grooming Traveller. He looked up when Slim entered and then went back to his task.

Slim took a seat on a nearby straw bale and said, “I guess I was wrong about that Jess. You helped a lot of folk down there, brought that desperado Jake Branson to justice. But more importantly it looks like the bounty money will save that little girl’s eyesight...you wouldn’t want to change any of that, would you?”

Jess stopped his task and leaned on the stall door, “No of course not, but I sure as hell didn’t wanna bring all this trouble to your door Slim.”

“Your door too,” Slim pointed out.

“Yeah, well maybe it shouldn’t be anymore.”

“What?”

“Maybe I should just move on when this is all over...”

“Are you crazy? Why would you want to do a darn fool thing like that?” Slim asked in exasperation.

“To keep everyone safe of course,” Jess replied bitterly. “All I seem to do is bring trouble here...always have done...even back when it was us with old Jonesy and Andy.”

“And we always got through it didn’t we?”

Jess nodded, “I guess so, but it still ain’t right.”

“And what about all the good you do around here, the place couldn’t run without you...you’re a darn good worker...when you’re here,” he added with a faint grin. Then sobering said sincerely, “Heck that little kid in there loves you, you’re his hero...As for Daisy well you’re a son to her. Helping to heal the pain of the one she lost. How’d you think they’d feel if you up and walked out huh?”

Jess looked slightly embarrassed, “You been hitting Denver’s brew?” he asked with a faint grin.

Slim just shook his head and threw his buddy a rueful grin, “I guess I’m just trying to say we all need you here...yup, me too. So don’t be so darn crazy with all this talk of moving on. After all, we’re family aren’t we and families sort stuff out.”

Jess really grinned at him then and said, “Yeah, I guess we are. OK, I’ll hang around a while longer,” and he went back to his task, now whistling cheerfully.

Slim sighed with relief and getting up he said, “Daisy sent me to tell you coffee’s on,” and the two men made their way back to the house laughing and chatting animatedly.

Chapter 10

It was just a couple of days later when there was a knock on the door during the midday meal.

Daisy and Mike were once more rushed into the kitchen and Jess and Slim grabbed their rifles...although as Jess said it was unlikely Billy would politely knock at the door.

Slim pulled it open wide and both men stood their ground, rifles at the ready.

One of the Patterson’s brood stood there looking terrified, until the men put their guns up and Jess said kindly, “What can we do for ya, Freddy?”

“Is Mrs Cooper here,” he asked, “Pa sent me, Ma’s having the baby and Mrs Cooper said she’d come help.”

Jess and Slim exchanged a glance, “Well I dunno Freddy,” Jess started. “See Miss Daisy, ain’t goin’ out right now.”

“Nonsense,” Daisy called from the kitchen, “I’ll just get my bag and be right with you.”

Jess rolled his eyes to Slim and he shook his head.

“Sounds like she’s made her mind up, you go with her Jess and I’ll stay here and watch Mike,” and he went off to fetch the buckboard.

With young Freddy lounging in the back, and Daisy driving whilst Jess kept a careful look out, rifle in his lap, they drove off.

“Seems to me you’ve got a full-time job delivering babies around here,” he muttered, “it wasn’t long since Jeff Stone was knocking the door down wanting you...now this.”

“Well don’t fret dear at least Mrs Patterson is well versed in the art of giving birth, everything should be straightforward...and the older girls can hold the fort until she’s back on her feet again. “We can be home before supper.”

“So how many is it now?” Jess asked turning to grin at young Freddy.

The child rolled his eyes, “Dunno, me and Pa stopped counting after number eight.”

Jess laughed and winked at Daisy and they were soon at their good neighbor’s home.

Daisy reined in and was handed down by a rather harassed looking Pa Patterson who quickly showed her in. Jess drove the buckboard around the back of the property where he knew there would be some welcome shade for old Betsy. He toyed with the idea of unhitching her and putting her in the Paterson’s coral, but decided against it...hoping Daisy was right and they wouldn’t be there long.

“Just like shelling peas!” Pa Patterson said grinning broadly as he waved Jess and Daisy off just a few hours later.

Again, Daisy took the reins and Jess rode shotgun, anxiously looking around them as they made the short journey home. The fact that Billy hadn’t showed up yet was getting on everyone’s nerves and the longer the time went on, the more anxious they became.

“We can’t keep Mike off school indefinitely,” Daisy said, “maybe someone has caught up with that dreadful man.”

Jess was just about to answer when he felt cold steel at the back of his neck and a harsh voice said, “Drop the rifle Harper.”

He made to turn and then felt the gun dig sharply into his back now, “I mean it or I’ll down you right now,” Billy rasped.

Jess threw down the rifle and Daisy half turned.

“Rein in right now ma’am,” Billy growled.

“Do as he says, Daisy,” Jess said brusquely.

Once the buggy was at a standstill Billy made them get down and removed Jess’s Colt.45 before studying them with a sickly grin on his face.

“It was a tactical error Jess...leaving the buckboard around the back, out of sight...and then leaving that old tarp in the back...took me no time at all to hide away.”

Jess just scowled at him, “If yer gonna finish me just get on with it.”

“Oh, not so fast my friend...if you remember I told you that this little lady, the kid and that partner of yours were to go first.”

“You wouldn’t dare kill an innocent woman in cold blood!” Daisy said staunchly, taking a pace forwards and looking at him angrily.

“Oh yes, I would. You see I said I’d kill you Ma...and the others too and Jess here will tell you; I always keep my word.”

Jess’s heart was almost jumping out of his chest…sure he knew the truth of it.

He moved a little closer to Daisy and said quietly, “Not this time Billy...for the love of God, she’s an old lady...just let her go, it’s me you want...just do it damn you!”

Billy shook his head, “Nope...sorry too late Jess. You see the killings already begun...that blond guy...uh Slim...and the cute kid...both dead.”

Something seemed to explode in Jess’s head and ignoring the rifle aimed at his belly he lurched forwards, just as Daisy slammed her handbag at Billy. The heavy bag knocked the rifle to one side before Billy could fire allowing Jess to wrestle it away from him. Then he laid into Billy with the strength of ten men...and it was only seconds before he was begging for mercy.

It was when he was astride Billy, his hands around his throat, the sweat pouring down his face so he could barely see that Daisy’s desperate cries for him to stop finally filtered through.

“Jess stop, please stop, you’re killing him!” she cried once more.

He finally released his grip, and shaking stood up and after a moment he turned and took Daisy in his arms.

“Are you OK?”

She nodded, “Yes I’m alright dear.”

He nodded and then fetched some rope from the back of the buckboard and tying Billy up, he threw him in the back, without looking at him or speaking.

Then he helped Daisy up and they made their way home in silence.

Once they got to the top of the rise Jess reined in.

“I think maybe I should go down first,” he said turning to Daisy.

Hell, Billy had slaughtered the two people in life that they both loved. He figured maybe he could at least clean up the carnage before Daisy saw them.

“No dear,” she said taking his hand and squeezing it, “we’ll face this together.”

He nodded and drove slowly down into the yard.

Then moments later the front door was thrown open and Slim stood there grinning, “You’re just in time,” he said cheerfully, “Me and Mike made supper as a surprise!”

Then he stared in shock as Daisy rushed to clamber down and ran into his open arms and started weeping.

Meanwhile Jess had leapt down and now held Mike in a tight bear hug...his eyes bright with unshed tears. After a moment Mike squawked, “Hey Jess you’re hurtin’!”

He immediately released his vice like grip and muttered, “Sorry Tiger I guess I’m just glad you’re OK.”

“Did you think I wasn’t?” the youngster asked, head on one side and looking puzzled.

Before he could reply Slim looked over from where he was still comforting Daisy and said “What’s going on Jess?”

“It’s that lowlife Billy, he told us he’d killed you both...and for a while there, I guess we believed him”

Slim stared at his partner in shocked silence. But then Daisy rallied and said quickly, “You’re alright, that’s the main thing.”

Then seeing Mike looking frightened said, “The horrible man won’t hurt you now dear, Jess made sure of that,” she added throwing Jess an anxious glance.

“Take Mike inside Daisy,” Jess said gently, “We’ll be in presently.”

Once she’d gone Slim frowned, “What did Daisy mean...is he dead?”

Jess shook his head, “Nope,” and moving around the back of the buckboard, he pulled the tarp aside exposing the bound, bloody, unconscious body of Billy James.

Slim looked at the body and back at Jess and then said, “So it came down to a fist fight in the end?”

Jess nodded, “It was when he said he’d killed you and Mike... I just saw red. I ignored his rifle and laid into him. Daisy helped... bashed him with her bag for good measure,” he said with the hint of a smile.

Slim stared in shock as Billy groaned and moved a little.

“ Darn it Jess, you really did a number on him.”

“I’d have killed him iffen Daisy hadn’t stopped me,” Jess said bitterly.

Slim’ s eyebrows rose in shock, “Really?”

Jess nodded, “I’ll tell ya this Slim, if I’d come home and found you and Mike dead, I’d have strung him up from our old pine...and nobody, not even Daisy could have stopped me.”

Slim said nothing but put out a hand and squeezed Jess’s arm, “Oh buddy,” he whispered.

They stood in silence for a moment. But then Daisy broke the charged atmosphere by returning and casting a glance at the now semi-conscious Billy said, “Jess dear maybe you should bring him in for me to dress his wounds?”

However, Jess and Slim were both adamant that they wouldn’t subject her or Mike to a moment more of the low-life’s presence.

“I’ll take him to town,” Jess said, “Doc Sam can sort him out.”

“Well, you know best dear,” Daisy said turning back to the house, aware that Mike was very unsettled after the recent events.

Slim turned back to his pard, “He will get there…?”

Jess nodded and jumping back up onto the buckboard said, “Sure he’ll get there. We don’t wanna deprive him of seeing the hangman now do we? He said, with a wicked grin.

Then remembering Millie would be at the Sheriff’s Office added, “Don’t wait up,” and he urged Betsy out of the yard at a brisk trot.

Epilogue

It was two weeks later when Jess arose just before dawn and dressing quickly, he silently left the ranch house. He made his way up the steep hill behind the ranch and stood looking out to the distant mountains, watching as the sun came up, casting its rosy glow on the snow-capped peaks.

Moments later he was aware of a movement behind him and spinning around he drew his Colt with lightning speed, only to see the lanky figure of his partner standing a few feet away.

He quickly holstered his gun, “Sorry Slim.”

“I guess I should know better than to come up unannounced,” Slim said easily.

Jess just nodded in affirmation before sinking down onto the bench that stood below the huge pine tree that dominated the hill, and Slim joined him.

 “I’m really glad you didn’t have to employ this old pine,” Slim said with a deep sigh.

“Hell, me too,” Jess replied.

“It’s today isn’t it, the hanging down in Texas?”

Jess nodded, “Round about now I figure.”

The two sat in silence for a while and then Jess said, “I reckon Mary and the others will have arrived in the Old Country by now.”

Slim turned to look at his pard, “Do you regret anything?”

Jess shrugged, “No, I guess not...I’m sure glad I was able to get the money for Emily’s operation...that’s what really mattered.”

“And Mary...could you have made a go of it with her do you think?”

Jess looked out to the distant mountains for a long time and then turned back to Slim, “I reckon not. See, she weren’t the same Mary that I knew. The old Mary would never have lied to me that way...about me being Emily’s Pa and all. No Slim, I guess once you lose trust then that’s it, there’s no going back.”

Slim nodded sagely, “I agree. So, what would you have done if Emily really had been yours?”

Jess shrugged, “I’d like to think I’d have done the right thing...but you know Slim, I just don’t think I could have left Millie. I guess maybe I’d have tried to persuade Mary to return after the operation and I’d have visited Emily when I could, paid for anything she needed, I figured that was at least meeting Mary half way.”

Slim nodded, “I figure that’s not what she wanted though Jess, seems to me she was darned well besotted with you, making up that lie about Emily and all. I guess she’ll just never find anyone to match you.”

Jess’s head spun around and he stared at his buddy. Then saw his lips twitch...and moments later Slim was laughing uproariously.

Jess would have joined in, but part of him felt so sorry for Mary. However, as Slim protested later, he was not sorry enough to marry the gal.

After a minute Slim realized Jess was not enjoying the joke and giving him a gentle punch on the arm said, “Come on let’s go down and start breakfast, give Daisy a nice surprise.”

The two men made their way slowly down the hill, the sun’s warmth on their backs and both mighty relieved that the trauma of the summer was over and life was once more back on track.

It was several months later that Jess received a letter from Mary, saying the operation had been a success and young Emily was joyfully embracing her new life in the countryside. There was also a long letter from Emily herself, to her dear Uncle Jess with all her news, her excitement of her new life clearly evident.

She continued to write to Jess throughout her life and he always looked forward to her missives on English rural life. She threw herself into country sports and soon became well known as having an exceptional gift for fly fishing. She won many championships, proudly recounting her achievements to Jess and causing Slim to quip, “You sure she isn’t your daughter, Jess?”

But Jess just grinned and said she was just one very special little lady.

The End

Thank you for reading

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