I would like to take his opportunity to thank everyone who commented on this story as it went along. Knowing how much readers were enjoying it, encouraged me to continue writing, often at pace so I hope I've closed all the gaps!

Midnight Visitors 22

"So there you are!" Heyes grinned and stood hands on hips, looking at Preacher. "Been looking for you everywhere."

Heyes climbed onto the hotel porch and took a seat next to his friend.

"Morning."

Heyes looked at him, wanting an explanation of where Preacher had been for the last two days. He couldn't fail to notice that Preacher no longer wore his black tunic. Suspenders held up his black pants as usual but underneath he now wore a crisp white collarless shirt. He had shaved and if Heyes wasn't mistaken, had submitted himself to a haircut.

"Abbott has withdrawn the murder warrant on Wheat and Kyle so when you go back to the Hole─"

"I'm not going back to the Hole. 'Least I've no plans right now." Preacher shrugged. "Who knows? Mebbe later at some point."

Heyes didn't answer immediately. "Alright I'll send a telegram to Sticky. He can give 'em the good news when they're next in town." He paused. "What are your plans?"

Preacher sniffed. "Kinda like Medicine Bow. It's a nice little town. People are friendly. Thought I might stay for a while."

"What will you do? Is now the right time to go back to ministering?"

"Not exactly. Reverend ain't my domination y'understand but … he could use some help. With running the church an' all. Thought I'd stay an' give him a hand."

"And where will you live?" Heyes asked, trying to keep his face straight.

Preacher ran his tongue round his teeth. "Heard there was a room going over at the Wilson house. Thought I might apply."

Heyes gave a wide grin. "Good luck to you J. I hope it works out." He offered his hand.

Preacher took it and smiled. "Thanks."

ASJASJASJASJ

Abbott went to see Lucinda and told her what had happened with Fletcher and Simon. To Heyes' surprise, Lucinda Mercer had asked to see him. Abbott didn't know what for so Heyes went off to see her straight away. When he got there, he was in for another surprise.

Lucinda was sitting bolt upright in a chair. She looked pale and if he wasn't mistaken, she had lost weight. Hardly surprising.

"Theodore has visited, Mr Rembacker. He's asked me if he might take over Stephen's law practise. What do you think?"

Heyes smiled. "I'm not sure why you're asking me ma'am."

"He said you might give him a character reference. I think he holds you in high regard."

Heyes laughed. "Does he? Bless him." Heyes paused. "Ma'am, I think Tubby … I mean Theodore will make a very good successor to Stephen."

Lucinda smiled faintly. "Yes, Mark told me about Theodore's part in … what happened. I'm inclined to agree. If you see him, please would you tell him he can begin the transfer right away."

Heyes nodded. "Yes ma'am, I'll tell him."

He started turning to leave, when she spoke again.

"Thank you for sending, Mr Brubaker to me. I suppose I do need a good lawyer now."

"No problem, ma'am. Brubaker is a good man. I trust him."

Lucinda looked up sharply. "You? Trust a lawyer?"

Heyes frowned. "Why shouldn't I?"

"I would hardly think a man … of your profession would trust anyone to do with the law."

Heyes grinned. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, ma'am."

"Don't you?" Lucinda looked him in the eye. "Mr Heyes." Before Heyes could confirm or deny, Lucinda got up and walked to the window, her back to him. "My husband was an astute man but even he took some time to realise who you were. He figured it out after you'd left."

Heyes moved from foot to foot and pursed his lips as he considered his reply.

"I'm sure Sheriff Abbott isn't aware and I assure you I won't say anything to him."

"Thank you ma'am. I'm not sure that he's figured it out yet."

"I understand you have an amnesty, Mr Heyes?"

She looked over her shoulder when he didn't reply. He gave an almost imperceptible nod and she turned back.

"A second chance," she breathed. "I wish Stephen and I could have a second chance. As it is, I've made my bed and I'll have to lie on it. Face whatever is coming."

Heyes gripped the brim of his hat tightly. For once, he was lost for words. There wasn't much he could say to comfort her and he wasn't a man to offer meaningless platitudes. He stood undecided what to do.

"You came to know Stephen well when you here before. Didn't you?"

"Yes ma'am. I'd like to think so."

"He certainly thought well of you. Even after he realised you were Hannibal Heyes."

Heyes shifted uncomfortably.

"Do you think Stephen will forgive me?" she asked, quietly.

"I … I'd like to think so."

She hugged herself. "Yes so would I." She looked at him. "Good luck, Mr Heyes, with your second chance."

ASJASJASJASJ

"Well now that's all wrapped up, there's just the trial. Brubaker's having it transfer to Cheyenne 'cos of who Stephen was and the complexity of the case. Will ya be around to give evidence, Rembacker?"

Heyes stood hands on hips, licking his lips. "No Sheriff, I don't think I will," he said, thoughtfully. "In fact I'd rather you kept me out of it. I'm happy for you to take the credit for this investigation," he added, with a smile.

"Ya sure? Man like you … ," Abbott started and chuckled. "What am I saying? Of course, ya can't give evidence at the trial."

"What d'you mean, Sheriff? I have business elsewhere that's all. Won't wait."

"Sure. Or is it 'cos ya don't want anyone looking into who you are?" Heyes stiffened and Abbott went on. "You aren't really a federal employee are ya?"

Heyes wiggled his nose and sniffed. Then he tried an unconvincing laugh. "Whatever gives you that idea?"

Abbott looked thoughtful. "Something tells me that Aloysius Rembacker is not ya real name."

Heyes grinned. "Oh now Sheriff … ."

"In fact I don't believe there is a federal employee with that name."

Heyes was silent but he gave Abbott a hard look.

"Now er as far as I know, it ain't illegal to impersonate a fictitious person," Abbott went on, slowly.

Heyes pursed his lips and nodded. "True enough." He folded his arms and frowned. "Just what are you getting at, Sheriff?"

Abbott smiled ruefully and settled himself on the edge of his desk. "Well now I'm not exactly sure but I do know that there is something not quite right about ya. Thought that the first time ya were here. I've gotton to know ya a little better this time around but that feeling hasn't gone away."

Heyes smiled and his hands returned to his hips. "I guess I've just got that sorta manner about me." He shrugged and nodded, as he turned to go. "Well I'll be taking my leave now."

"Goodbye … ," Abbott smiled, ruefully. "Mr Heyes."

Heyes didn't look back but he did stop with his hand on the door.

Abbott's grin widened. "Wasn't sure my suspicions were correct until just now."

Heyes looked back, licking his lips. He wasn't about to confirm anything unless asked directly.

"I've heard about the amnesty. Reckon that must be good news for all concerned. All things considered," Abbott looked thoughtful, for a moment before rising to his feet. "Ya did good work here, Heyes but I still don't want ya in my town." He paused. "You'll be gone in the morning, I expect."

Heyes nodded, giving a tight-lipped smile.

"Yes, Sheriff, I'll be gone first thing in the morning."

With a salute, he was gone.

Heyes closed the door and started along the boardwalk in the direction of the hotel. Pack up, final talk with Preacher, dinner and then bed. Get an early start in the morning. He was so intent on his planning that he didn't see the two women who crossed the street.

"I'm sure those ribbons will look beautiful on your new dress, Elizabeth," the elder of the two was saying.

"Oh I don't know, Aunt Holly. I … ."

The younger woman broke off and stared. "Jim?" She took a couple of steps in the direction Heyes was walking. "Jim Dewey?" she called, louder.

"Now Elizabeth you know that's impossible … ." Heyes had turned and stopped. "Oh my!"

He frowned at the two woman and was confused when the younger smiled broadly. She quickened her step to join him. As she got nearer, her smile faded, disappointed.

"I'm sorry sir. You reminded me of someone I used to know," she apologised.

"Yes, Jim Dewey," Heyes said, walking towards her. "I must say it's been a long time since I was mistaken for him."

The elder woman caught up and took Elizabeth's arm. "Elizabeth … ."

"Did you know him, sir?" Elizabeth asked, eagerly.

Heyes shook his head. "No but a lot of folks told me I looked like him." Heyes hesitated. "Did you know him, Miss?"

Heyes saw the elder woman tighten her grip on Elizabeth's arm. He took that as a warning.

"I don't mean any disrespect, Ma'am," he said, tipping his hat. "Forget I asked." With a nod and a tight-lipped smile, he was about to turn.

"Yes. W-We did know him," Elizabeth said, and glanced at her aunt.

"Only slightly," the other clarified.

"Haven't heard about him in years. Never did find out what happened to him." Heyes paused and looked at Elizabeth hard. "Do you know what happened to him?"

The two women swopped glances.

"He died."

"Yeah, kinda figured that." Heyes pursed his lips. "Lots of versions out there." He grinned, dimples appearing. "Not sure which was the truth."

Elizabeth smiled. As he knew, she would.

"What versions have you heard?" the older woman asked, aware of the effect Heyes was having on her niece.

"Oh that he er died in a barn fire. Another that a bounty hunter got him … ."

"It was the fire!" Elizabeth burst out, ignoring the alarmed looks her aunt was giving her.

"Elizabeth, we really must get back to see to supper. You know how Clay … ."

Heyes was smiling again and Holly rolled her eyes. She remember how enamoured Elizabeth had been with the good looking and charming young man called Jim Dewey. The similarity to the man who stood in front of them now was indeed striking.

"Aloysius Rembacker, Ma'am." Heyes glanced down the boardwalk to see whether Abbott was in sight. He wasn't. "Attorney at law."

"I'm Elizabeth Grainger. And this is my Aunt Holly."

"Pleased to meet you," Heyes smiled in greeting. He was a little discombobulated by the older woman. A sudden image of a little old lady from Boston pinged into his mind when he looked at her. "I'm puzzled as to how two respectable ladies like yourselves came to meet Jim Dewey. He didn't exactly mix in refined circles."

"Oh … ."

"I would be most interested to hear," Heyes smoothed. "Perhaps over some tea?" He indicated the outside tables of the café.

"Elizabeth, you know how Clay gets when supper isn't ready on time."

"Oh Aunt Holly, what harm can it do? We won't be long and we'll be back in plenty of time to get Uncle Clay his supper."

Holly saw there was no arguing with her niece. Or Mr Rembacker.

"Very well. We can give you ten minutes," she said, and swept to a vacant table.

Elizabeth and Heyes shared a smile.

Sometime later, after tea and cakes consumed, Elizabeth explained how they had met Jim Dewey.

"I was out riding and I stopped to water my horse when I found him. He was half-dead with a gunshot to his shoulder. When we got him back to Shiloh … that's the name of our ranch … Aunt Holly removed the bullet. We nursed him back to health."

"That was kind of you. I'm surprised he told you his name? Just like that? Don't sounds like something an outlaw on the run should do," Heyes said, tongue in cheek.

"No not in the beginning. At first, he said his name was Tom Baker but as you say, it was obvious he was in trouble. A man doesn't get shot without a reason."

Heyes twitched his head, remembering a time he had stopped a bullet by accident. Of course, a posse was chasing him at the time but he still considered it an accident. After all why would someone want to shoot at him deliberately!

"All types of reason why one man shoots another and none of 'em good. Surely you suspected?"

"No not at first. He said it was a mistake and Uncle Clay thought it was outlaws fixing to rob him." Elizabeth looked at Holly. "Later we understood different. When he came to know us a little better, he told us about himself. His reasons for becoming an outlaw, the terrible time … ."

"He was a very charismatic young man, Mr Rembacker. I'm afraid my niece … became a little infatuated."

"Oh Aunt Holly," Elizabeth blushed. "He was very modest, Mr Rembacker. Why when I gave him a dime novel to read about himself, he was embarrassed."

Heyes smiled. "Now Miss Grainger, I wouldn't have figured you for a reader of dime novels," he crooned, widening his smile.

Elizabeth put her head down, to hide her blush. Beside her, Holly shifted matronly.

"It belonged to Elizabeth's brother, Stacy, Mr Rembacker."

"He has all the exciting ones. About the Devil's Hole Gang. Black Nose Johnson. Kid Curry… ," Elizabeth listed them. "And … the other fella who rides with him." She wavered a hand dismissively.

"Ha!" Heyes covered the irritation he always felt whenever anyone forgot his name. "The other fella's name is Hannibal Heyes, ma'am."

"Yes well … ." Holly gathered her belongings. "We've taken up enough of your time now, Mr Rembacker. Elizabeth?"

"Just one moment, ma'am. You haven't told me how Jim Dewey died?" He was aware that the two woman glanced at each other. "Was it in a fire? Or did a bounty hunter get him after all?" He saw them hesitate again. "If he's dead, what difference would it make if you tell me?"

"It was fire, Mr Rembacker," said Holly.

"It was our barn." Elizabeth looked at Holly, who nodded. "It caught fire one night and Jim … well Jim rushed in to rescue his horse. Unfortunately, he … didn't make it out, before the barn collapsed." Holly reached for Elizabeth's hand.

Even though Heyes could see that wasn't the whole truth, he knew better than to press. He nodded.

"Thank you for telling me. Me looking so much like him has gotten me into a lot of trouble in the past. I guess I can er stop wondering if he'll suddenly put in an appearance again. Didn't bother me much at the time but er … well things are different for me now … . Life is more precious."

Holly got to her feet.

"Good luck, Mr Rembacker. We must be getting along now."

Heyes and Elizabeth stood, both realising the conversation was at an end. Goodbyes, politely said and they went their separate ways.

After leaving money on the table, Heyes wandered in the direction of the hotel, reflecting on how he had solved more than one mystery during his time in Medicine Bow. Years later, elements of this mystery would figure in one of the crime thrillers books he would write.

Before he rode out of Medicine Bow, Heyes stopped by the cemetery. He stood at the side of Stephen Mercer's grave, looking down at the earth piled up.

"Well I guess you won't thank me too much but I found who really killed you. Hope you understand that I couldn't let two innocent men take the fall, even if they are already outside the law."

He crouched down and laid a hand on the earth.

"You were a good man Stephen. I'm sorry you had to die the way you did." He quickly looked round and dropped his voice. "And you're right. I was Hannibal Heyes."

He rose to his feet. "Rest in peace, Mr Mercer."

With a tight-lipped smile and a nod, he placed his hat on his head and walked away to his horse. Mounted up, he gave the grave a final look and whirled away, urging his horse into a fast lope.

If this trip had told him anything, it was that other fella was long gone. Joshua Smith was who he was now and he had things to do with his new life. His wife, a baby daughter hopefully, and his hardware store were all the things he wanted right now. All good law-abiding ordinary everyday things. Only one thing marred it for him, wondering about the Kid. When things had settled down again, that was something he fully intended to follow up. Travel all the way to Boston and find him but that would have to wait. Right now, he missed his new life, he was excited by it and he was in a hurry to get back to it.

The end.

Notes

For consistency, I have chosen not to acknowledge the sale of Shiloh by the Graingers for the last season of The Virginian.

For information about aconite, I found Henriette's Herbal a mine of useful knowledge. However, the proportions that Martha says she uses are based on my extrapolation of similar recipes found from a variety of other sources, so I'm probably obliged to advise that they shouldn't be relied upon.