My partner, Hannibal Heyes, often says that if two or more people bear witness to something, then there will be two or more accounts of exactly how that something happened, and that no two accounts will be exactly the same. Now I usually hold a lot of stock in what Heyes says, cause I know that brain of his is every bit as rapid fire sharp as his silver tongue is slick. But I did take issue with this particular claim. Seems to me if some particular thing happens, then all said and done about it. You can't change what happened.
But Heyes says that's only true up to a point. He says, take for example a game of poker. He says, let's say he wins all the money at the table, every last nickle of all the other players. Heyes says all those other players saw the same games he saw, but each of them would have a different account of how Heyes won all their money away from them. One might say Heyes was the finest poker player he'd ever seen. Another might say Heyes won because he, the other guy, called when he should have folded. Third fella might say Heyes really didn't win at all cause he cheated. All three might agree on the outcome, but not on how the outcome came to be.
At that point I kind of saw what he meant. We all can see the same final outcome. We might just not all see in the same way just how that outcome was reached.
So, when Big Mac McCreedy sent us a telegram saying he was in "dire" need of our services, Heyes and me knew right away it was going to be a situation just like that. Big Mac don't see nothing the way most other folks do.
"Heyes, what does dire mean?"
"Means extremely serious or urgent, Kid"
"Dire my ass. Probably only dire to him. Probably thinks Amandariz stole something from him again."
"Kid, is that any way to talk about your uncle?"
"Uncle my ass, too, Heyes."
"You really don't like him much, do you."
"Not particularly. I like Armendariz a might better that McCreedy, and Armendariz threatened to kill us."
"Heyes smiled. "He says he'll pay us."
"How much?"
Heyes studied the telegram. "He doesn't say."
"What's the job?"
"He doesn't say that either."
"He expects us to ride all the way to New Mexico and he don't tell us why?"
Heyes shook his head. "You want to go have a beer and think on it?"
"I want you to send him a telegram and tell him he has to be more explicit before we agree to do anything for him. Then I want to go have a beer."
"Kid, you know he's not going to tell us anything more till we get there. Besides, where did you learn a word like explicit?"
Kid shot Heyes a disgruntled smirk. "I know plenty of words, Heyes, and I could throw a few of them out at you right now to let you know how I feel about doing this."
"I think I pretty well gather how you feel about it, Kid."
Kid looked at Heyes and sighed heavily. "But we're going, ain't we?"
"I think we should. Big Mac has always treated us fairly."
Kid rolled his eyes. "Your idea of fair and my idea of fair ain't anywhere close to being the same, Heyes."
In the end, the spent the next four days riding to New Mexico.
Heyes and Curry tethered their horses on the post and walked up to McCreedy's front door. Heyes knocked several times and they waited until the gentleman's gentleman answered the door.
"May I help you," he asked.
"Joshua Smith and Thaddeus Jones to see Mr. McCreedy. We're expected."
"I'm afraid Mr. McCreedy is indisposed."
"But he's expecting us," Kid said but got no reply.
"When might he be available?" Heyes asked.
"That is most uncertain at this time," the gentleman's gentleman replied.
"How might we reach him?" Heyes asked, growing a bit impatient with the butler.
"He is currently at the Sheriff's office."
"Visiting or in a cell?" Kid asked.
"I'm afraid he is in a cell."
"Ah, thank you. You've been most helpful," Heyes said and he and Kid turned and walked back to their horses.
"There's still time to call this off, Heyes."
"Kid, if Big Mac is in jail, it must be something serious."
"Okay, Heyes. But if we end up in jail next to him, you just remember, it weren't my idea to get mixed up in whatever he's mixed up in."
"I'll remember. What good that will do me I have no idea. But I'll remember."
They rode over to the sheriff's office and again tethered their horses at the post. Neither was in a hurry to dismount.
"Think just one of us should go in?" Kid asked.
"Well, I've been thinking about that. If just one of us goes in, it would have to be you. Sheriff thinks you're his nephew. But knowing how you feel about being here, I guess we both have to go in."
Kid dismounted and waited for Heyes to do the same. "Let's get this over with."
They both felt a bit of relief when they walked in and saw that the Sheriff was not the same sheriff as the last time they were in town. Heyes looked at Kid and gave him a quick nod toward the sheriff.
"Sheriff, I'm Thaddeus Jones. I'm Mac McCreedy's nephew," Kid explained.
The sheriff looked up from his desk and gave Kid and Heyes a brief glance. "I suppose you want to talk to him?"
"That was the idea for my coming here."
"Put your hardware on the desk, both of you."
Heyes and Curry both set their guns down on the sheriff's desk.
"He's over there," the sheriff said, nodding in the direction of the cells.
McCreedy was standing in the corner of the cell, holding a metal bar with each hand and eyeing Heyes and Curry nervously as they walked over to the cell.
"So what's the problem?" Kid asked.
"The problem is that I'm in jail," McCreedy replied.
"We can see that. Big Mac. Why are you in jail?" Heyes asked.
"Well, Armendariz..."
"I"m leaving," Kid said and turned to walk away. Heyes quickly grabbed kid by the arm and pulled him back.
"Armendariz had you arrested? Why?" Heyes asked.
"Armendariz says I stole a painting from him."
"You had someone break into his house again?" Kid exclaimed.
"Shhh," McCreedy said urgently. "No, of course not. The painting belongs to Carlotta. She brought it with her when we were married."
"So can't she just explain that to her brother?" Heyes asked.
"She could...if she was here."
"Where is she?" Kid asked with some trepidation.
"That's a problem. You see, I don't know where she is."
"She just up and left you?" Heyes asked.
Big Mac nodded.
"When?" Kid added.
"Three weeks ago. She didn't leave a note or anything."
"Can't you just give the painting back to Armendariz?"
"It belongs to Carlotta. When she returns, she'll want it. If I were to give it back, I'd be in more trouble with her than I am with him."
"What makes you think she'll be back?" Heyes asked.
"She left her diamond and sapphire tiara. It's worth two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."
Kid whistled. "And Armendariz ain't wanting that back?"
"Probably doesn't know it's here. She kept it in a lock box in a bank when she lived in Mexico."
"What's the painting worth?" Heyes asked.
"About the same."
"So what do you want from us?" Heyes asked.
"I want you to find Carlotta."
"You sure she wasn't kidnapped?" Kid asked.
McCreedy shook his head. "The day after she disappeared, one of my night watchmen said he saw her drive the surrey from the barn and said she was alone."
"Going to meet someone?... I'm sorry to ask Big Mac, but could she be having an affair?"
"Would she leave half a million dollars worth of personal possessions at my house if she was having an affair?"
"Well, she couldn't have been planning to travel very far, not in a surrey." Heyes said.
"So, will you help me?" Big Mac asked.
Heyes and Curry exchanged looks.
"You mentioned in your telegram that helping you would be worth our while?" Heyes asked
"How much worth our while?" Kid asked more bluntly than his partner.
McCreedy looked at Kid, then Heyes, then Kid again. "A thousand dollars,"
"Nope." Kid replied.
"Each," McCreedy offered
"Big Mac, you're in jail over a quarter of a million dollar painting. The amount might increase if Armendariz discovers you have the tiara. Getting you out of this bind is going to cost a sizable bit more than a thousand dollars," Heyes said.
"Each," Kid added.
"Alright, alright. Five thousand dollars?"
Heyes and Kid stood with arms folded across their chests, shaking their heads.
"Ten thousand?"
Heyes looked at Kid. "Each?" Kid asked.
McCreedy sighed heavily. "Each," he agreed.
"I know you don't have any," Heyes said flippantly, "But does Carlotta have any friends in this area?"
McCreedy thought for a minute. "Maybe a few people from the Church. She attends regularly. Other than that, I don't know of any. She doesn't leave the house much. She doesn't have any visitors or guests to the house."
"Okay, we'll see what we can find out. Come on, Kid," Heyes said and turned to leave. They stopped at the sheriff's desk to pick up their guns.
"Oh, one more thing," Heyes said, turning to look at Big Mac. "Can you get word to your butler that we'll be staying at your house?"
"He's my gentleman's gentleman," McCreedy corrected. "And yes, I'll make sure he knows."
"So now what?" Kid asked after they had stepped outside.
"Now, Kid, we get a drink," Heyes replied and crossed the street to the saloon.
"Well, I suppose we start with the obvious," Heyes said as he picked up his beer and followed Kid to a table.
"The priest?" Kid asked.
Heyes nodded. "You're family was Catholic, Kid. You remember when to do all the kneeling and signs of the cross and such?"
"I suspect it would all come back to me, Heyes."
"Tomorrow's Sunday. Maybe we should attend a church service,"
"The Church service is called Mass," Kid said and smiled. "That's a first, me explaining a word to you, Heyes."
Heyes took a gulp of his beer. "Might want to mingle a bit after the Mass, you know, talk to some of the folks. Might be someone knows where she is. And, I suppose we'll have to talk to Armendariz soon."
"Why?"
"Well, if he's had McCreedy jailed, he must know his sister is missing. It don't sound like he's got anyone out looking for her. That just strikes me as a bit odd."
"Well, I suppose we can ride down there after Mass tomorrow... See if he'll let us in without having us beaten to a pulp."
"Keep remembering, Kid, ten thousand dollars each."
"If we find her."
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"You go in first, Kid. I'll just follow your lead."
Kid shook his head. "Heyes you won't get struck by lightening if you forget to kneel, so quit worrying."
Heyes nodded, but still insisted Kid enter the church first. He kept a close eye on Kid and repeated his every movement. He felt some relief when they inched their way past some parishioners and sat down in a pew.
"I hate to say this, Kid, but I ain't been inside a church since we ran away from Valpo," Heyes whispered.
"I don't think the Lord's going to hold that against you, Heyes. He's got plenty of other things to hold against you," Kid whispered. "Like thieving, and fornication" Kid added very quietly.
"That must be why you quit going," Heyes retorted.
"Shut up, Heyes." Kid replied just a tad too loudly and people nearby turned and glowered at him. Kid bowed his head respectfully but gave Heyes a quick jab with his elbow.
At the end of the service, Kid and Heyes remained seated and waited for everyone else to file out before stepping out of the pew and standing at the end of the greeting line.
"Very nice service, Father," Kid said, shaking the priest's hand. "I'm Tha..." he hesitated, not wanting to utter an outright lie to the priest. "Folks call me Thaddeus Jones, and my friend here Joshua Smith. We were wondering if we might have a word with you... in private."
"Of course, son. What about?"
"Carlotta McCreedy."
The priest nodded. "As soon as all the congregation has left. We can talk in my study."
"Thank you, Father."
0-0-0-0-0-
"Big Mac McCreedy has been a friend of ours for a number of years," Kid began as he and Heyes sat in chairs in front of the priest's desk.
Father Michael poured three cups of coffee and placed them on a try that he then carried to his desk and set it down. He handed each of them a cup of coffee and sat down behind his desk.
"Mr. McCreedy is not what I would call an active member of the church," the priest explained.
"But we understand Carlotta is an active member," Heyes said.
The priest nodded. "Although she has not been in church for several weeks."
"Big Mac says she left one night in their surrey and hasn't been seen since."
"Where was she going?" the priest asked.
"We were hoping you could tell us that," Kid said.
The priest shook his head. "I know she has always been quite close to a couple of the women in the congregation."
"Could you tell us who?" Heyes asked.
"A Mrs. Whitcome. She's a widow who lives just east of town, and the Hernandez family. They have a small horse ranch also east of town."
"Anyone else you can think of?" Kid asked.
The priest shook his head. "Mrs. McCreedy is a lovely woman, very kind to everyone. Very generous to those in need. But as far as close friendships, those are the only two I can think of."
"Do you know if she would have any reason to just up an leave without telling Big Mac?" Heyes asked.
"If I did know, Mr. Smith, I would not be at liberty to tell you. Priests are not subject to disclosing private information about people. But I can honestly tell you that I have no direct knowledge as to why she would do such a thing."
"If you hear of anything, you know, public knowledge sort of thing, would you let us know?" Kid asked.
"Of course," the priest said.
"We're staying at the McCreedy house," Heyes added.
I'll remember."
Heyes and Kid stood up to leave.
"Thank you, Father. You've been quite helpful."
"If you're staying in town for a while, I hope to see you at Mass again."
"Of course, Father," Kid said.
They walked out of the church and mounted their horses.
"Seemed kind of odd that he specified direct knowledge. I wonder if he has any indirect knowledge that he's not sharing with us," Heyes said, thinking out loud.
"Either way, it don't appear he's going to be telling us anything more," Kid replied.
"Well, Kid, I guess we're riding to Mexico."
0-0-0-0-0-
The Mexican border was just a two hour ride and Armendariz' home was another hour away, so they arrived in the early afternoon. A guard was standing at the gate when they arrived.
"Joshua Smith and Thaddeus Jones to see Senor Armendariz," Heyes said. "If he has trouble remembering who we are, just mention Cesar's Bust. That should ring a bell."
From inside the gate, the guard summoned a sentry to him and spoke in Spanish to the sentry who then looked at Heyes and Curry and hurried off to the house. A few minutes later Armendariz himself stood on the balcony and motioned to the guard to let them in. When the gate opened, Armendariz disappeared into the house, and when they reached the hitching post, Armendariz was standing in the courtyard to greet them.
"Ah, Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, I see you are not trying to break into my home again, so what brings you here now?"
Heyes and Curry dismounted and both extended a hand to Armendariz.
"We like to have a few words with you, in private," Heyes said as he shook Armendariz' hand.
"About your sister," Kid added, also shaking Armendariz' hand.
"Is Carlotta alright?" he asked.
"We believe so. We haven't seen her. Could we speak inside?" Heyes asked.
"Of course, of course. Follow me."
Armendariz led them to his study, a very large room with comfortable chairs, a massive desk, a red leather settee, and of course a large pedestal upon which sat the bust of Cesar.
Kid sat in a red leather chair while Heyes chose the settee.
"Now, what brings you here?" Armendariz asked.
"Well, Mr. McCreedy is in jail," Kid said.
"Where he will stay until the painting is returned to me."
"Mr. McCreedy says the painting belongs to Carlotta," Heyes said.
"And he is of course, wrong. The painting belongs to both Carlotta and to me. It is a part of the estate. Neither one of us has full ownership."
"When was the last time you saw or spoke to Carlotta?" Kid asked
Armendariz thought a moment. "Perhaps a month ago. Why?"
"Kid gave Heyes a glance and saw Heyes discretely nod his head.
"Carlotta rode off in their surrey a couple of weeks ago. McCreedy hasn't heard from her since," Kid explained.
Armendariz smiled. "So she has come to her senses and has left that scoundrel, that vermin. Good, it's about time. I hope she is doing so legally, officially. But she has not come here."
"Any idea where she might have gone?" Kid asked.
"No. I am sorry. I do hope she decides to return here, to her home."
"Senor Armendariz, if we were to return the painting to you, would you be willing to drop your charges against Big Mac?"
"Would McCreedy be willing to let you do that?"
"Probably not. "
Armendariz smiled at the thought of Heyes and Curry stealing the painting and returning it to him.
"I would feel very fortunate to have that painting returned. Fortunate enough to pay handsomely."
It was Heyes' turn to smile. "I think you may have misunderstood me. We don't plan on stealing the painting. What I would do is try to talk Big Mac into returning it, but only if I had your word that you would drop the charges against him.
"I see," Armendariz said, leaning back in his chair. "I tell you what, if you find Carlotta and bring her back here to me, I will consider dropping the charges."
"Would she be free to return to Big Mac if she wanted to?" Kid asked.
"Agreed. But only if she wants to return to him."
"Any place here in Mexico that she might have sought shelter?" Heyes asked.
"Except for possibly the Church, I can think of no place other than right here."
"Do you know if Carlotta still has any bank accounts here in Mexico? You know, somewhere she can withdrawal money without Big Mac knowing?"
"I can look in to that possibility for you. I can wire you with any information is obtain."
I would appreciate that. It would explain how she is managing without any real cash. If she is having money sent to her, try to find out where she is having it sent."
"Of course. Is there anything else gentlemen."
"No Sir, not at the moment," Heyes replied as he raised himself from the chair. Kid followed suite and Armendariz walked them to their horses.
"Please, if you find my sister, let me know."
"We will, Senor," Kid promised and they pulled the reins of their horses and headed back to McCreedy's place.
0-0-0-0-0-
They next day they road out east of town. Heyes went to see Mrs. Whitcome, while Kid visited the Hernandez farm.
"Mrs. Whitcome?" Heyes asked as the woman looked at him through her screen door.
"Yes."
"My name is Joshua Smith. I'm a friend of Mac McCreedy. I was told you are a good friend of Big Mac's wife, Carlotta."
"Yes, I saw you in church yesterday. Please, come in," she said and opened the door so Heyes could enter. She led his to the parlor and offered him a seat.
"Would you like something to drink? I just made some lemonade."
That would be nice, thank you."
She disappeared into her kitchen and returned with two glasses of lemonade. She handed one to Heyes and then sat down on a chair across from him. Heyes took a sip of the lemonade.
"This is very good," he said and smiled at her. "I understand Carlotta hasn't been seen for a couple of weeks. I thought maybe you might know where she is?"
"Where she is?"
"Yes. Big Mack is worried. She didn't leave a note."
"I see," she said and took a sip of her lemonade.
"You do know something," Heyes said.
"I know he needn't worry. She's fine."
"Why did she leave without telling him?"
"I'm sorry. I can't tell you anything more."
"Is she planning to come back?"
"Yes. I believe so."
"Is she in some sort of trouble?"
"No, nothing like that. Please, I gave her my word. Don't ask me any more questions."
"Have you spoken to her?"
"Mr. Smith, I appreciate your concern. I understand Mr. McCreedy must be worried. But I'm afraid I must ask you to leave."
Not wanting to alienate the woman, Heyes relented. He handed her his glass and stood up.
"Thank you Mrs. Whitcome... I'm staying the the McCreedy house. If you decide there is anything more you can tell me, you can find me there."
Mrs. Whitcome nodded and escorted Heyes to the door.
Kid had ridden to the Hernandez farm and spotted who he assumed was Mrs. Hernandez working in her garden.
"Mrs. Hernandez?" he called before dismounting.
She looked up and raised her hand to shielded her eyes from the sun.
"Yes?"
Kid dismounted and approached the garden. "I'm Thaddeus Jones, Ma'am."
"Yes, I heard you speaking to your friend in church yesterday. The Lord deserves more respect than that."
Kid blushed. "Yes Ma'am. I know that, Ma'am. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so loud," he apologized. "I wondered if I might have a word with you... about Carlotta McCreedy."
She brushed the dirt from her hands, straightened her apron as well as her hair, and walked over to Kid.
"What about Carlotta? Do you know where she is?" Mrs. Hernandez asked.
"No Ma'am. I was hoping you could tell me where she is."
"Why?"
"Mr. McCreedy asked me to try to find her. He's very worried about her."
"He's in jail. Must have committed some kind of sin."
"I wouldn't know about that, Ma'am."
"Why is he in jail?"
"A...a property dispute, Ma'am."
"With Carlotta's brother?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Mr...?
"Jones, Ma'am."
"Mr. Jones. Carlotta is like a sister to me. She is taking care of a personal matter... Yes, I know where she is...and no, I will not tell you. She is fine."
"Will she be coming back?" Kid asked.
"I believe so."
"Why is it such a big secret where she has gone?" Kid asked
"Because it is personal to her."
"Does it involve Big Mac?" Kid asked.
"Mr. Jones, you are a stranger, seeking answers to things that are not your business. I have given you all the information at I am going to give you. It is time for you to go."
"Just one more question, please."
She sighed heavily. "What is it?"
"Does it involve the church?"
Her eyes widened. "Why would you think that?"
Kid looked at the woman's eyes. "I think I've answered all I'm going to answer, too," he said. "Thank you Ma'am. Good day."
Kid turned and jumped onto his horse and rode back to the McCreedy house.
0-0-0-0-0-
"Mrs. Whitcome knows something. I'm sure of it," Heyes told Kid when he arrived at the house.
"Heyes, let's go get a drink. It's more private."
"A saloon is more private than a house?" Heyes asked.
Kid nodded. "When there's a gentleman's gentleman in the house," Kid replied. "Here, just climb up behind me."
Heyes shrugged. "Okay, let's go have a drink."
"Mrs Whitcome knows what Carlotta is doing. I think she knows where she is."
"Heyes, I think I know what's going on. It's something Big Mac ain't going to like."
"What do you think is going on?"
"Well, first off, Mrs. Hernandez knows where she is and why she went there. But, secondly, that woman kept getting all religious on me. You know, telling me it was sinful when I told you to shut up yesterday."
"I don't know about sinful, but it was pretty rude."
"I'm gonna tell you that again if you don't let me finish."
"Alright, go on, Kid."
"So right before I left, I asked her something I knew she'd get all proddy about if it was true."
"What did you ask her?"
"I asked if if Carlotta's leaving all secret like had something to do with the church. Sure enough, she got all proddy."
"I don't follow you, Kid."
"I think Carlotta's leaving has got to do with her wanting to get her marriage to Big Mac annulled."
"Annulled?"
"Yea, Carlotta is Catholic. She can't just up and divorce Big Mac without it being considered sinful. She don't want excommunicated from the church, so she's gone off to get the marriage annulled."
Heyes gave the information some thought. "And the priest may even know about it. She likely went to him for help, thus making it personal information that he told us he can't divulge. But, Kid, I'm pretty sure both parties have to agree to an annulment," Heyes said."Although I'm willing to bet that's not true in Mexico, And, I'll bet Armendariz knows that."
"Heyes, are you saying we have to pay Armendariz another visit?"
"I think we probably should, Kid. We might even find Carlotta there.
"I think I need another beer."
The next morning, Heyes and Kid rode back to the Armendariz estate. As like the last visit, they waited for Armendariz to approve their entering, and he greeted them at the door.
"So, what have you discovered?" Armendariz asked when they reached the study.
"Well, Kid and I are pretty confident that Carlotta is off getting an annulment," Heyes explained.
"So she has come to her senses," Armendariz said.
"And we're pretty sure she's here in Mexico getting that annulment. And lastly, we're pretty sure she is right here in this house."
Armendariz smiled. "So, the truth is out."
"You could have saved us a lot of trouble by just telling us the truth when we were here before," Kid said.
Armendariz gave Kid an assenting nod. "Perhaps."
"So, now what do we do about getting Big Mac out of jail? Heyes asked.
"He is still in possession of some items that belong to Carlotta."
"Can't she just go and pick them up?" Kid asked.
"She would need an escort."
"We're not going to help you steal items from Big Mac's house," Heyes said flatly. "But there's nothing to stop Carlotta from taking what's legally hers."
"I understand that the two of you are staying in that house," Armendariz said.
"Ah, I see what your saying," Heyes replied. "Kid and I would gladly move in to the hotel as soon as we get back, just so long as you drop the charges against Big Mac."
"And the butler?"
Heyes smiled. "He's your problem, but again, why would he object to the lady of the house removing some of her personal items?"
"Very well. Be out of the house by noon, tomorrow." Armendariz said.
"How do we know you'll keep your word about Big Mac?" Kid asked.
Armendariz look directly at Kid. "Have I not always kept my word to the both of you?"
Kid looked at Heyes and then looked back at Armendariz. Kid nodded. "Yes, you have."
"One more little detail," Heyes said. "Tomorrow, while Big Mac is still in jail, Carlotta has to tell him about the annulment. Kid and me shouldn't have to be the ones to do that."
"I will see that he is informed," Armendariz replied.
With details ironed out, Kid and Heyes headed back to the US.
"Heyes, what if they take things that ain't theirs?"
"Not to worry, Kid. That's not Armendariz' style. He may be a lot of things, but he ain't a thief."
"How do you think Big Mac is going to take the news about Carlotta?"
"Probably ain't going to be good. I know I don't want to be there to witness it."
"It's probably an example of there being one end result, meaning the annulment, that everyone can agree on, but every person involved would have a different story about how that end result was reached.
Heyes smiled. "I'm sure you're right about that, Kid."
"Heyes?"
"Yea?"
"Big Mac ain't going to pay us, is he?"
"No, but I don't think we actually earned it either, do you?"
"No, but I think we should stop doing all these things for him. Don't any of em ever turn out well for us."
"You're right, Kid. We don't fare very well around Big Mac."
"At least we didn't get beaten up or even threatened this time," Kid said with a smile.
"Nope. Guess you can find a good side to most everything."