The Night of the Near Fatal Trap

Chapter 1

Enter Gentleman Jim

"What do you think?" James West asked his partner. He was lounging against an upright beam outside the town's general store, holding an open newspaper, while Artemus Gordon was pretending to take a stone out of his left boot. No-one, looking on, would have realised that they were aware of each other, let alone having a conversation.

"Having worked my butt off, slaving for that surly curmudgeon of a foreman at the Lazy S for the last few days, I'd say that, whether our tip-off was correct or not, there's definitely something odd going on at that ranch house."

"What makes you think that?"

"Firstly, there are tales of mysterious men who used to come at all hours of the night, and not cowboys, either. Then there's the way the owner, Victor Wade, has all that money to throw around. The cattle business isn't that good."

"It looks like he could be behind the payroll hold-ups. We need to find a way into the organisation, to confirm our suspicions and collect some evidence. What do you think about the cousin?"

"The delectable Roseanna Wade? I suppose you think you're the one to break down her defences," Artie said, with an air of having been here before. "When will it be my turn, that's what I want to know?"

"Artie, come on now, you know I need you to stay loose in case we need a disguise or if I get into trouble."

"When has there ever been a time when a beautiful woman didn't get you into trouble?" The length of the conversation was such that Artie had been forced to replace his boot and was now investigating the contents of the right one. "Why can't I disguise myself as you just for once?" he asked.

"Because I am unique and, besides, you lack my technique with the fairer sex."

"Well go and try out your technique. I'm going back to the train for a nice, relaxing, hot bath. I ache all over from wrangling long-horns."

"Not so fast," Jim said.

Artie was currently balanced on one foot, trying to put his boot back on. He scowled. Jim ignored the stormy look. "When is Wade next coming into town?" he asked.

"He visits the bank every Thursday afternoon and then goes to the saloon," Gordon replied.

"He'll be here this afternoon then?"

"Yes, what are you planning?"

"After five minutes I want you to follow me into the saloon. When you spot Wade, start a fight with me."

Artie sighed. "Okay," he said, "Can I go and have my bath after that?"

West sniffed the air. "Artie, I insist on it," he said.

With that, James West folded the newspaper, placed it under his arm and strolled in the direction of the Winning Ace saloon.

Inside, there was the sound of piano music and one of the saloon girls was singing a song. It looked like the sort of establishment that wouldn't adulterate the whisky, so Jim asked for a shot and then leaned on the bar, surveying the scene around him. There were men at one table playing poker and, at another, three-card-monte. Still others were playing billiards. West saw Artemus Gordon enter the saloon, out of the corner of his eye, and head for a seat at one of the tables, from where he would be able to see when Wade turned up.

It wasn't long before a girl approached Gordon and he smiled as she leaned over him. Jim guessed that she was asking him what he wanted to drink. Artie pulled her down onto his lap and whispered something in her ear, then gave her some dollar coins. The girl giggled and got up to go to the bar. She brought back two glasses and a bottle and set them on the table in front of Gordon. He removed the cork with his teeth and poured whiskey out for each of them. The girl settled herself in the seat next to his and they clinked glasses. "Cheers," he said and downed two glasses one after the other.

That was when Wade entered the Winning Ace. Artie turned in his partner's direction and indicated that this was the owner of the Lazy S. Then he dragged the saloon girl to her feet.

"What's your name, sweet thing?" he said.

"Jenny."

"Well, Jenny, can I persuade you to dance with this weary cowboy?" Without waiting for her answer, he began a lively dance around the floor, with the young girl. It was obvious she was not happy with the situation, as his handling of her was rough, to say the least. On his second turn around the floor, Artie purposely bumped into West. Instead of apologising, he went on the offensive.

After eying Jim up he said, "Get out of my way, you gussied up, lily-livered excuse for a man. Make way for a real cowboy!"

West could tell that Artemus was really enjoying himself and he was ready for the punch his partner aimed at him. Jim ducked and planted Artie one right on the jaw, sending him backward into the table of poker players. Artie made sure to grab the table to help himself up, sending the cards and money flying. Instantly, the men were on their feet and attacking him. Jim joined in and landed a punch on whoever got in his way. Soon just about the whole bar was in uproar and then just as suddenly as the fight started, it stopped again. Victor Wade had fired his weapon in the air and the sound was loud enough to shock everyone into staying still.

"Well done, my friend," Wade said, walking over to where West was standing, wiping the dust from his hat. "You fight very well."

"I know how to defend myself," Jim agreed.

"A man that handy with his fists often finds himself in trouble with the law," Wade observed.

"What business is that of yours, Mr er.."

"Victor Wade," he said, extending his hand in greeting.

Jim ignored it. "Well, if you'll excuse me, Mr Wade, I have to be going."

"First, I'd like to know your name."

"It's James West, but knowing it won't do you any good."

Jim turned to leave, well aware that a female was standing just behind Wade. He managed to walk close to her, making it appear that he had just caught sight of her for the first time. He guessed that she was Roseanna Wade. She appeared some ten years younger than her cousin, who was about West's age. The hair piled on top of her head was the colour of Artemus Gordon's chestnut gelding and her eyes were blue, with dark lashes and eyebrows. She had naturally rosy lips and her skin was unusually creamy for someone living on a ranch in Arizona. She had on a pair of cavalry twill trousers, tucked into knee-length leather boots and a blue shirt which complemented her eyes. On top of that was a buckskin jacket, tailored to accentuate her feminine form. She looked delightful.

"Well, who are you, pretty lady?" Jim asked, keeping in character. He had more or less decided to play this the way he had played Frank Slade, outlaw, only he didn't have a moustache.

"I'm Victor's cousin," the young lady replied, "If it's any of your business."

"I have a mind to make it my business," Jim said, treating her to a taste of his easy charm and the glint of his laughing green eyes.

"In that case, I'm Roseanna Wade," she said, thawing a little and holding out her hand to him.

James West slowly lifted it to his lips, while keeping his eyes fixed firmly on her face, in order to create a feeling of intimacy.

"You're beautiful, Miss Wade," he said, keeping hold of her hand and gently massaging her palm.

"You may call me Roseanna," she said, a little breathlessly. There was something in her eyes that told him to be wary but, as always, in these situations, he took no notice.

"And you may call me Gentleman Jim," he replied.

"That's an unusual name. Is Victor right?" she asked.

Jim raised a questioning eyebrow.

"About you having been on the wrong side of the law," she said.

"I can't say as I remember ever being on the right side of it," he replied. "How else do you think I can afford duds like these?" he asked, referring to his well-cut suit of , blue cloth.

Having overheard their conversation, Victor Wade approached West. "I'm looking for a man like you, who can handle himself in a fight. If you have nowhere more important to be, I would be delighted if you'd accept an invitation to stay at my ranch."

Jim looked at Roseanna and seemed a little hesitant.

"My cousin Roseanna lives at the ranch with me. I'm sure she'll add her welcome to mine, won't you my dear?"

"Of course Mr Wes is welcome to join us, if you say so, Victor," she said.

"Your beauty and your other charms are the deciding factor for me," Jim told her. Then he turned to Victor Wade.

"I'll be happy to accept your invitation," he said.

"Then come and have a drink with me," Wade said, clapping West on the back. They went, with Wade's men, to one of the tables, which had now been set upright again. Roseanna joined them and they sat drinking and discussing politics and cattle. Jim made sure to pay enough attention to Roseanna to keep her interested.

Artemus Gordon watched from his position by the door and, when he was satisfied that his partner had achieved his objective, left the saloon and headed back to the Wanderer, for his long-awaited and much-needed bath. He nursed his sore jaw as he went. Why did Jim have to hit him so hard? It added insult to the injury of Jim getting to be the one who wooed the delicious Roseanna. Artemus could have really made a fool of himself over a girl like her. Gentleman Jim – Whoever heard of such a ridiculous name?

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More to follow