TWELVE

Kitty

By noon, my door had been repaired by Helmut Kraemer. Hellie, the town drunk did odd jobs at the local saloons, chiefly the Gray Dove, in exchange for drinks or a place to sleep. By most standards he was an odd man, his hair was nearly white, thin on the top and long on the sides, his teeth, those which were left, had yellowed to a dull orange. His unvarying dress was in a dated and frayed morning suit that he'd worn so long it seemed one with his body. His shoes however were a different matter; though thin soled, they stayed polished to sheen. When he spoke which wasn't very often the words were a characteristic blend of English and German.

"Der you be frauline, da door ist fixed."

"I thank you Hellie, can I buy you a drink to show my appreciation?"

"Ja." He replied laconically, while packing up Ferd's tools.

As we walked together toward the bar I added, "You're mighty good at fixing things. Where did you learn your trade?"

"Mein vater, he t'ings fix too."

"Oh, was he a carpenter?

"He vas doktor."

I tried not to do a double take, for I suddenly saw this man in a different light, I had no doubt the soul of a healer lay buried beneath layers of a hidden grief. Life in the West had taught me one thing, to accept people for what they are, and recognize there is a reason for the path they have chosen. I had only to look at myself to see a prime example.

The Trails End filled up early that afternoon. There was tension in the air, and the usual jovial atmosphere of the saloon had been replaced by the low grumbling of discontent. As Georgie explained it to me, "The people of Rubicon are a might edgy, it's like a storm cloud's a hanging over head and no one knows for sure just when it's a gonna burst, but it's damn sure to be a gully washer when it does."

Powder and rouge had done its work camouflaging the mark on my face left from Ferd's blow, but makeup couldn't hide the hate on my face every time I saw the man. For his part, Kutz avoided me, when he did catch my eye he would be the first to look away. I wouldn't say he regretted the beating he'd given me, but it did appear to me he was having second thoughts as to the wisdom of his action, I'd made some powerful friends during my weeks in Rubicon, and Kutz knew it.

After doing a stint serving drinks I pulled a deck of cards from my pocket and solicited players for a game of poker. I'd had a fair run of luck against Larry and Ben two boys from the Lazy T as well as Parm who had stopped by for a beer. My pockets jingled with change and I had a nice little stack of bills on the table in front of me.

"Well, Ma'am, I'm afraid, you've got all my spending cash." Ben said as he threw his cards to the center of the table. "I reckon me and Larry ought to be hightailing it back to the ranch. Mr. Krause wants us to move his breedin' herd up to the North range tomorrow, I `spect, it'll be an early morning and a long day to follow." Reluctantly Larry followed suite.

He tipped his hat in my direction, "Pleasure to lose to you Miss Cassie, you have yourself a fine evening now Ma'am."

Feeling guilty, I offered. "Can I buy you boys a drink before you go?"

"No'm I think we'd best head on back while there's still some daylight in front of us."

Parm smiled at the pair of cowpokes, "You boys take it easy now, keep your guard up, you hear?"

"Sure thing, Mr. Harris."

When they had left, Parm turned his attention back to me; he pulled out a cigar and lit it saying, "You can buy me a drink Cassie."

I raised an eyebrow at him, "I was feeling sorry for them Parm, but you've got more money than anybody in Rubicon, talk is you paper your walls in greenbacks and use `Double Eagles' for shooting practice, and I think if anyone is going to buy drinks at this table it better be you buster."

He threw back his head and roared with laughter. "That's what I like about you Missy, you ain't afraid to call a spade a spade." He reached into his pockets and searched for change. Finding them empty he gave me a helpless look and shrugged his shoulders.

Grudgingly I pulled a coin from my pocket money, "Oh, all right, but it's only because I'm thirsty; Ferdie's lukewarm beer would taste mighty good about now, and I'm too much of a lady to drink in front of you while you go without. But, you'll have to go up to the bar and fetch them." He grabbed the coin off the table, as I admonished, "I want the change back, you hear?"

"Yes Ma'am." He answered with mock fear.

While he was at the bar, Flossie came down the stairs, she was wearing a new dress she had sewn herself. It had taken three months of stitching and seaming, she had confided to me, but the finished product was worth the effort. The gown was sky blue polished cotton,with a princess cut which emphasized her small waist and a sweetheart neckline to show off her shapely bosom. She headed to my table.

"Flossie, you look mighty pretty, but that's not exactly a working dress." I observed.

She grinned, "I have a confession, I was ready to come downstairs in my saloon gear when I saw Parm down here playing cards with you. I thought this might be a good chance to show off my ummm ahh sewing skills."

I laughed out loud in agreement, as Parm brought back the tray with our drinks. I gave Flossie a wink, "Sorry Parm, I just remembered something I have to do, why don't you sit down with this pretty gal instead."

The rancher's eyes traveled up and down the blond lady's new dress, taking in every curve. Without looking back at me he replied, "That's a right shame, Miss Cassie, well you just do what you've got to do, don't you worry none about me."

I left the two of them wrapped up in each other's eyes. I stopped by my room to secure my winnings, tucking the large bills into the hidden pocket. I'd been in the room no longer than ten minutes when Ferd was pounding on my door. "Puss, get the hell out here."

He may have proved he was stronger than I and could beat me senseless if he desired, but I wasn't going to let him see my fear. I hollered back at him, "Keep your shirt on Fatso. Even you can understand the need to use a convenience when nature calls."

I opened the door; crossing my fingers he wouldn't look to see evidence of my claim. He didn't, and seemed almost embarrassed. His voice was gruff though, "Boys are asking fer you. Flossie took the night off. I need you working the floor." I smiled to myself at the news, so the blue dress had done its work.

Stepping back on the saloon floor the first sight which caught my eye, was the tall cowboy leaning casually against the bar, one scuffed boot propped idly on the brass foot rail looking for all the world like he hadn't a care. He smiled when he saw me. The charm of which drew me like a moth to a burning candle. I ignored Buck and Charlie who asked me to sit with them as I walked by. "Hello deputy." I said with a voice deeper than normal.

"I've been looking for you." He replied, "I even asked the barkeep to go find you. I guess he did." I took a quick glance in Ferd's direction. He was setting up a tray but keeping a watchful eye in my direction. He gave me a look meant to say, "You treat that badge right, I don't want trouble with the law."

"Buy me a drink and we'll sit and talk." I replied not wanting to give away too much to the pounding of my heart and the closeness of him. He held two fingers up for Kutz to see, and said in a loud voice. "House rye barkeep"

After we'd been served we carried our glasses to a small table near the back of the room. "Where's your boss?" I asked as he settled himself in the chair.

He pushed his hat off his forehead exposing unruly dark curls, "Back at the office, he said he wanted me to work the town today. Guess he wants to see if I've got what it takes to be a lawman."

I gave him a speculative look coupled by a lopsided grin, "Does he know you're drinking on the job?"

"Hell, it was his suggestion. He told me to keep an eye on his Cassie girl - make sure no trouble comes to you." Pausing for a moment, Matt frowned studying my face. "Is there something going on between you two? Something I should know about?"

"Gabe's been a good friend, the best there could be." Matt kept staring at me and I was beginning to feel self-conscious as his gaze centered on my left cheek. His scowl deepened, he raised his hand and his fingers gently touched my face.

"How'd this happen?" he asked.

I bit my lip, afraid to respond, but knowing I had to, "Last night, when you pulled me from the horse, it must have happened then.

He shook his head, "Looks like you were slapped, hard."

"No." I lied. My life was complicated enough as it was, if Matt knew what Ferd had done he'd kill him. The thought came to me we'd both be in a fine fix if that happened. At least he'd make good company running from the law, but knowing Dillon he'd turn us both in. The thought eased the strain on my features and my grimace turned into a grin. Matt let the matter and his hand drop. He finished his drink. "Guess I'd better finish my rounds." For a heart beat his eyes captured mine, making promises I longed for him to keep. "I'd really like some time alone with you Kitty."

The hearing of my name brought me back to the reality of the Trails End and my reasons for being here, "Shhhh." I hissed hurriedly, "the name is Cassie, don't forget it Deputy Adams!"

Matt readjusted the hat on his head, "I'll look for you later Miss Cassie, say around closing time."

I hadn't seen Loretta sidling her way over to us. She leaned over resting her forearms on the table directly in front of Matt. He was forced to stare right into her exposed and ample cleavage, "Cassie here, don't take to entertaining fellas in her room after hours big guy, but I do..." her gaze traveled below Dillon's belt, "and when it's someone as fine as you, why I'll even cut you a deal on the going rate."

Matt stood up as fast as he could, the chair fell over behind him, he swallowed nervously, adjusted his hat yet again and said, "I'll keep that in mind."

Loretta hooted as Matt made a fast exit through the swinging batwing doors, "Oh, he's a shy boy; I like `em shy. Shy and big, ummm-mmmmm."