An ABC's of Jess Hurt (and comfort) because I'm a sucker for it. Some will be modernized to fit the story line, but hopefully won't be too bad.
In the first season, Robert Fuller was 26, I will be using that as Jess Harper's age as well, just because it seems to fit for the character.
If you have suggestions for what you want, let me know and I'll work it in, even if it means duplicate letters.
Y'all have been amazing in previous reviews and I want to thank y'all for it.
I own nothing.
JHJH
Animal Trap (Ankle)
It just wasn't Jess Harper's day.
First, the milk cow knocked the bucket over, then stepped on his foot when he stood to retrieve it.
Then his harness for his horse, Renegade, broke so he had to use another one that had to be adjusted.
Next was his coffee, that was burning hit and seared his tongue when he took a drink, instead of a sip.
Now it was raining and all he had was his jean jacket and he was checking the fences after the storm they had the night before.
God must really be annoyed with him, was all the poor rancher could think of, as he dismounted and headed to the downed fence.
But as he walked up to pick up the wooden posts, he felt excruciating pain in his ankle that traveled up his whole leg.
He fell back hard, and lay there for a time, trying to steady his breathing before checking to see what happened.
And when he looked, he wished he hadn't.
Some genius had left an open leg trap by the fence, on the Herman side of it, mind you, and he was the one who stepped in it. On the day he was riding alone. And wouldn't be back until nearly time for supper.
Gritting his teeth, Jess leaned forward to try and release the trap, but was unable to, as the pain from jarring his injured ankle caused him to pass out.
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Jess was unsure how much time had passed when he woke next, but knew it was past noon. Renegade was still nearby, chewing grass, and had his canteen still on the pummel of the saddle.
Jess wished he could reach the precious water, but knew he couldn't. There was only one thing left to do, and he did it.
Pulling his pistol from its holster, Jess fired in the air, three shots, know that if Slim could hear it, he would be on his way to help.
And if he couldn't, well, Renegade was already high tailing it out of there, in the general direction of home.
Laying back, the dark headed rancher pulled his hat towards his eyes, in hopes of keeping out the rain, that seemed to be falling harder.
At least he had a way of getting SOMETHING to drink, that helped some.
Trying once more to pry open the trap resulted in another loss of consciousness, that Jess welcomed with open arms, to get away from the pain.
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Slim Sherman opened the door and stepped into the front room, shaking off the water that seemed to collect around his neck.
Andy met him halfway to the fireplace, and handed him a hot cup of coffee, "Its really coming down outside, huh Slim?"
Looking at his little brother, he nodded, "Jess make it back yet?"
Jonesy came from the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel, "No, the boy isn't back yet he said-" Jonesy cut himself off and headed to the window, "Isn't that Jess' horse out there, throwing a fit? Where's the boy?"
Slim quickly looked out, and sure enough, the animal was tearing on its hind legs, and tossing its head around.
Slim immediately started to get ready to head out, "Andy get Jess' bed together. Jonesy, get plenty of hot water, and your medical kit. We may need it. Jess never would let that horse run around like that."
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It didn't take long for Renegade to take Slim to his owner, and when his rider dismounted, the horse followed to his downed owner.
Slim quickly saw the problem and worked to remove the trap, with Jess letting out a pained scream before losing consciousness again.
Wrapping his best friend (where did that come from?) in a blanket he took from the saddlebags, Slim and his precious cargo headed back to the ranch house.
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Jonesy directed the blond to Jess's room and helped to get the soaked clothes off, and remove the boots his patient wore.
Once they had Jess laying down and covered up, Jonesy started to work on the ankle.
It was definitely broken, but not something that was outside of Jonesy's ability to treat.
After setting the bones and splinting them, Jonesy made sure to get Jess as comfortable as possible, and set down to wait.
Slim got Andy in bed, then joined his old friend in their vigil, as Jess had yet to regain consciousness since Slim found him just hours before.
Jonesy looked at the boy, "What's eating you, Slim?"
Slim looked up, "He didn't think I would come for him, Jonesy. I had him all wrapped up and almost back here before he woke up and the first words out of his mouth was 'You came. I didn't think you would.' I asked him why, and do you know what he said?"
Jonesy shook his head, afraid where this was headed.
"He said it was because no one cares for a washed up, has been drifter."
Jonesy seemed to deflate at this news, and looked back at the patient, " He's so young. But has seen so much in his short life. I can see why he feels that way, but it's our job to change that."
Giving a slight smile, Jonesy continued, "But if you tell him I care, I'll get my wooden spoon."
Slim smiled, "Not a word, Jonesy. Not a word."
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The night seemed to wear on, and when Jess got a fever halfway through the night, it got longer.
The nightmares led to confessions of how his family died.
Of the first time he ever killed a man, even in clear self defense.
By the time morning came, water had been changed out more than was necessary, tears evident in both men's eyes, and vows were made to make Jess feel more a part of the family.
The fever finally broke midmorning, and a pair of glassy blue eyes met steel blue with a tired smile "I think I'm gonna need a few days off, Slim."
Slim and Jonesy laughed, tension leaving the room quickly, as Jonesy left the room and brought in a cup of coffee for Slim and himself and water for Jess who frowned as he slipped back to sleep, muttering about "mother hens."
Prologue
Getting around on crutches was trying at first, but he soon got the hang of it, and the was regulated to a cane. And by Christmas, a minimal limp was noticed when it was really cold outside or change of weather occurred.
Sherriff Mort Corey came around a few times, to check in on things, but the person who had left the trap was never found.
Jess wasn't too bothered by it and would tell Slim to just forget it when he would bring it up and that it first really matter, since he was still there.
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Well, another story complete. Be on the lookout for the next part, that should be up in the next day or so.
Thank y'all for reading. Don't forget to review, please and thank you!