Dear Mort

by MustangSallie

This story is about the correspondence between Daisy Cooper and Mort Cory during the time of Jess Harper's disappearance. In order to understand this story, you'll need to read The Reluctant Imposter and Slim's Journal first as the characters and plot lines intertwine. Inspired by a reviewer, the story has multiple chapters each containing a letter and POV of the writer.

15. Chapter 15 Words of Comfort

Dear Mort,

Please don't give up hope! You and I are friends and I feel that I must tell you that next to my eldest 'son', you are the steadiest and honest man I know. When you are in the valley of desperation, and we've both been there, it's natural to turn away from every good thing and person you know. I imagine that Slim feels that way now and he probably felt that way for a long time. To him, everyone is living their life and no one needs him. Andy is in Boston; Mike is studying in ST Louis; I'm in Denver (not of my own choosing); and Jess is missing. Slim probably feels as though he's not part of the life he loved and worked for so long .But the more he pushes you away, the more you have to push back. He'll appreciate it in the end.

I had several heated arguments with Slim before I left home. I told him there was no way he could have found Jess because the trail was long cold, he had no way of knowing which way Jess had gone and he could ride 50 miles north and Jess could have gone east or west and he still might never find him. I reminded him of his recovery and that Dr. Sam had said at the time if he used his hand too much he might lose the ability to fire a gun or fell a tree or even ride a horse. I begged him to trust the Marshals and finally to trust that Jess would be found.

I still believe that something happened to him. Maybe he was shot and robbed and lost his memory. I understand Slim's need to forget Jess but in my heart of hearts I know he won't. The heartbeat of the family may be missing but the family, scattered as it is, is still alive. Please Mort, keep hoping while I keep praying.

Daisy

Daisy POV:

"It is times like these that I wish I was home!" Daisy exclaimed in frustration at the mirror in her room. ' Slim needs me. Maybe I can travel home in the spring.' she thought.