The following two weeks passed uneventfully. They even had a stretch of fair weather.
"About time for another town," Bass says as they make their way down the road.
"Makes me nervous."
"We can't just hide out."
"I know."
"Are you sorry that we've made this trip?"
"Bass, stop it. You know that I'm not. I do miss Miles, but he has my mom. I guess that makes him happy."
"What about Rachel?"
"Yes and no. I miss her, I suppose, but I don't miss her hate. I don't miss how she treated you, her holier-than-thou attitude. I don't miss how she tried to control me. And I sure don't miss fighting the Patriots."
Bass chuckled, "neither do I."
"What about you? Second thoughts?"
"Charlotte, I've never been happier. You've chased away my darkness. I'm with you; that's all I need."
They had stopped for lunch, and Bass pulled out his old road map. "Looks like we're going to be going past a State Park. That'll be a great place to spend the night. It's probably four hours or so more down the road. Then we will be within a day's ride of a town."
"Sounds good."
The Cedar Hill State Park sign was barely standing but still marked the entrance road into the park. The road had once been paved but was now cracked, full of potholes, and overgrown with weeds. Taking their time, they were able to make it into the park and the campsites. They chose a campsite near the lake, giving them and the animals easy access to water.
As was their routine, Bass set up camp and got a fire going while Charlie went off to hunt. An hour after she left, she made her way back to their camp to get Bass. She had gotten a small deer and needed help bringing it in.
After field-dressing the deer, they used Lilly to bring it back to camp. Bass had gotten their fire going. He fixed up a grate from one of the charcoal grills that each campsite had and laid it across the fire. There would be venison steaks for supper.
After Charlie had cut their steaks, she and Bass wrapped the deer in the tarpaulin for transport in the morning. Charlie hoped to trade or sell it when they reached the town.
Then a swim in the lake to clean up, Bass joined her.
The steaks were on the grate, and they were resting against their saddles when a wagon was heard on the park's access road. Bass grabbed his sword while Charlie readied her crossbow. It wasn't long before the wagon came into view, carrying a family of four. Mom, dad, and two young children and a dog. They were as surprised to see Bass and Charlie as they were to see them.
"Howdy!" The man called out. "Wasn't expecting to see anyone else."
"Likewise," Bass responded.
Bass introduces them as Jimmy and Sara King. After a few minutes of conversation, the family moved on to choose a campsite. They came looking to get away for a few days and do some fishing. They told Bass and Charlie that they had come from Danbury, a small town about a half day's ride from the park. The same town that Bass was thinking about stopping at.
Perfect, that would be their next stop. Bass told Charlie.
They packed up in the morning and headed out for Danbury. It was late afternoon with the sun still hot as they rode into the town. "The town looks like it could have been a set for a John Wayne movie," Bass quips.
Charlie rolls her eyes, "like I would know what that means."
"John Wayne made what they called westerns. They were movies, you know, cowboys, gun-slinging outlaws, and such set in the late 1800s."
"What's a set?"
"Sort of like a stage for making movies."
"Wish I could picture it."
"I wish that I could have taken you to one. You know, like a date, dinner, and a movie."
"But without my mother's blackout, would we even be together?"
"I guess that I would have to say, probably not."
"Then I like the way things are," Charlie smiled at him.
As they rode into what would have been downtown, Bass stopped a couple of guys walking by. "Excuse me, we're looking for the livery."
"Just the other side of town. Ask for Jack; he's the owner."
"Thanks, pal."
At the stables, they found Jack, got Lilly and Mazy settled, and asked where they might sell or trade their deer. Jack directed them to Bill Richards butcher shop.
"Just go back the way you came. A couple of blocks down you'll come to Birch Street. The shop is down there on the right."
They had fastened the doe across Chamberlain's back. Bass took his reins, and they went in search of the butcher shop.
The bell over the door jingles when they walk in, and a man dressed in a white apron comes out front from a room behind the counter.
"Can I help you, folks?"
"Yeah, hi," Charlie starts. "I bagged a doe last evening. I'm looking to sell or trade it. She's intact, except for the two steaks I cut off for last night's supper. It's field-dressed, of course."
The butcher had his sleeves rolled up, and there on his right wrist was the very prominent Monroe Republic brand. Bill Richards had been in the Militia, and he had the brand to show for it. Bass sucked in a breath and turned away from the man with the pretense of looking around the shop. (I wonder if Charlie noticed…I bet she did.)
"Bring it round back. Use the alley, just to the right of the storefront." Bill Richards was looking at Bass, thinking that there was something familiar about him.
While Charlie talked to the butcher, Bass' looked around; his heart did a skip. There on the wall was a wanted poster… for him. (Shit…this just gets better…not liking this.) As they were leaving the shop to bring the deer around, Bass nudged Charlie and tilted his head towards the poster. Her eyes went wide, then she schooled her features. (It didn't really look like him…did it?)
Charlie negotiated twenty diamonds for the deer and the hide.
Richards went back into his shop after making his deal with Charlie and looked at the poster on his wall. (Yup…pretty sure that's him…gotta get the Sheriff.)
"Let's get Mazy and Lilly and get out of here," Bass whispers.
"Do you think he recognized you?"
Bass drapes an arm over her shoulders, keeping her close. Kissing her temple, he whispers in her ear, "I don't know. But I think we should get out of here. Just a feeling I have."
"Agreed."
Walking casually while leading Chamberlain, they arrive back at the stable. Bass tells the owner that they wouldn't be staying after all, so can he help get Mazy saddled and Lilly's packs loaded.
Bass had no sooner talked to the stable owner when four men entered the stable. One of them the butcher, another Marshall Stone, the Sheriff.
"See there, Sheriff! It's him! Jack!" the butcher calls out. "Do you know who we've got here? Sebastian Monroe! There's a reward for bringing him in!"
Bass didn't try and deny it. "Sheriff, I have a pardon. My wife and I are just passing through. We don't want any trouble."
"Well, seems according to this poster, you're a wanted man. Gonna have to take you in." Sheriff Stone states.
"He has a pardon!" Charlie exclaims.
"Guess we'll just have to see about that," Sheriff Stone answers.
Jack sets down the pack that he had been ready to fasten to the mule and looks at Bass and then the four men.
"Listen," Bass tries, holding his hands up in front of him as he slowly approaches the four-man posse. "That poster is out of date. I'm no longer wanted; I've been pardoned. Look, I'm going to go into my back pocket and show you the pardon."
Bass slowly removed Blanchard's pardon and passed it to the Sheriff. Charlie's stomach is in knots as she clutches Bass' arm. She knew that something like this was a possibility but had hoped it wouldn't happen. She was scared for Bass.
The Sheriff looks over Bass's pardon, then turns to the others. "Looks legit, boys."
"How do you know? What if you let him go and it's a fake," one of them says.
"How would I fake the President's seal?" Bass tries.
"He's got a point," the Sheriff says.
"Should lock him up, Sheriff, until you know for sure," another says.
"Send for the Rangers," Richards suggests, confident that he's going to get the reward.
"Makes sense. Guess I'm gonna have to hold you until this gets sorted out. Hands behind your back."
Bass sighs, resigned, and turns his back so the Sheriff can cuff him.
"WAIT! You can't do this! He has a pardon from the President!" Charlie hollers.
"Look, Miss…"
"MISSUS!" Charlie corrects. "Charlie Monroe."
"Won't hold that against ya," one of the men snickers.
"If it's all on the up and up, ya 'all won't have nothing to worry about," Stone says.
"Charlie, get the Rangers if they don't. Everything will be alright," Bass says to her.
Charlie followed the procession to the Sheriff's office, leaving their horses and Lilly with Jack at the stable.
Word spread fast about the 'capture' of Sebastian Monroe, and people were going out of the shops to get a look at the notorious dictator of the Monroe Republic. Bass walked with as much dignity as he could, holding his head high. Unfortunately, he's done this march before.
Alan Wilcox, Sheriff Stone's deputy, happened to be in the office when they all trooped in.
"Wilcox, show the General here to our best accommodations," Stone said with a smirk, thinking himself clever. "Mrs. Monroe, have a seat, please; I have a few questions."
"Wilcox, ride to the Ranger Garrison over in Perryville," Stone ordered after Wilcox returned from locking Bass in a cell. "Tell them what we've got here and ask them to come and take a look. They'll need to take him into custody if there is a problem with the pardon."
"There won't be a problem," Charlie says with attitude. Her blue eye shooting daggers.
"Then you have nothing to worry about," Stone said.
"Hey, Sheriff," Bill Richards interrupts. "I get the reward, right?"
"Jeez, Bill. Yeah. If he is wanted, you'll get the reward. Now, all of you clear out. The Rangers should be tomorrow."
Once they were alone, the Sheriff addressed Charlie. "Mrs. Monroe…."
"Charlie, you can call me Charlie."
"Alright, Charlie. What are you and the General doing in my town?"
"Don't call him that; he's not a general anymore, and he hates being called that."
"Huh, yeah, whatever."
"Bass and I are heading to Oklahoma looking for a fresh start. We just want to settle somewhere and live in peace."
"Where are you coming from?"
"Willoughby."
"In Texas?"
"It's about two days ride north of Austin."
"How long have you been on the road?"
"Almost two months. Now, can I see him?"
"Yeah, sure, this way. Have to check you for weapons first."
Charlie volunteered the knife from her belt and the other that's in her boot. Stone took her back to see Bass.
Bass was sitting on the bench that doubled as a sleeping platform, elbows on his knees and contemplating the floor when he heard them approaching.
"Bass…"
"I'll be in the office; you have an hour," Stone said, leaving Charlie with Bass.
He stood and went to the bars to be near Charlie. "Hey, Babe. No worries, okay? Everything will work out," he reached between the bars and took Charlie's hand.
"What if the garrison didn't get the message from the capitol?"
"You know the Rangers code of honor. If there is any question, they will find out the truth."
"I hate seeing you in here…it reminds me of…."
"Charlie, it'll be fine. Go check on the animals, then find yourself a room for the night. This will all be over tomorrow."
Charlie reached between the bars and gripped Bass' face, then pulled him forward so that she could kiss him awkwardly through the bars.
"Alright, I'll go check in with the livery and find a room. I'll be back with some supper."
"Okay, Babe. Think I'll grab a nap."
Charlie spoke with Stone on her way out. "Sheriff, I'll be back with some supper if that's okay, and could you bring him some water?"
"Sure, that's fine."
"Where can I find a room for the night?"
"Try Smith's Bed and Breakfast on Church Street."
"Thanks, I'll be back."
Charlie left the Sheriff's office and returned to the stable.
"Mrs. Monroe. Is everything alright?" Jack addressed her, having witnessed the whole scene with the Sheriff. "
"Yeah, hope so. The deputy went to get the Rangers. I guess they'll be here tomorrow. At least, I hope so. We'll be needing at least one night's board for the two horses and the mule."
"Alright, that'll be three diamonds each."
Charlie pulled out her pouch and handed Jack the diamonds. "May I leave our gear here?"
"Ya, no problem."
Grabbing her pack, she left the stables in search of the bed and breakfast. She found the Smiths without a problem, secured a room, and got herself settled. After freshening up and changing her clothes, she headed to the Tavern that she spotted on the way to get her and Bass some supper.
Charlie arrived back at the Sheriff's office with a wooden box carrying supper for her and Bass. "I brought him a book, is that okay?" handing the book over to Stone. He flipped through the book and searched her for weapons, then Charlie followed him to Bass' cell. Stone shoved Bass' supper through the meal slot. Charlie had brought two bowls of stew, bread, and sweet tea. Slices of apple pie for dessert. She sat on the floor leaning against the wall opposite Bass' cell, eating supper with him.
"Charlie, thanks, that really hit the spot."
"Bass, this sucks."
Bass sat on the floor near the cell's bars. Charlie sat close next to him. She reached for his hand. "I haven't slept away from you in almost a year…."
"I know, Babe."
Then she slipped him the flask that she squirreled in in her boot. Stone watched her remove the knife and didn't bother to look any further. He gave her a wide grin as his eyes lit up. He took a few pulls, then handed the flask back to her. "I love you, Charlotte Monroe."
"I brought your book."
Stone hollered from the office, "Fifteen minutes, Missus Monroe."
Charlie grunted and pulled a face; Bass laughed.
"Glad you find this funny," she said, irritated.
"No…it's not funny. Did you find a place to stay?"
"Yeah, a little bed and breakfast."
"Try and get some sleep. This will all be over tomorrow."
"I hope so. I'll be here in the morning with some breakfast."
"Thanks, Babe." Then he kissed her through the bars. "Thank you for the book."
Charlie climbed into her bed. Two hours later, she was still lying awake, not able to turn her head off. She was worried and afraid for Bass, and her bed was too empty. The last time he was behind bars, they were going to execute him, and she couldn't shake that image, even after a couple of whiskeys. Morning couldn't come soon enough.
The morning sun was streaming through her window when she got out of bed and dressed. She packed her things and paid her bill with some extra for Bass' breakfast, a muffin, coffee, bacon, and eggs.
Charlie left her pack in the Sheriff's office, and Sheriff Stone inspected her box of food again, checked her for weapons, then let her in. Bass was still asleep on the bench. His jacket for a pillow.
"Rise'n Shine, sleepyhead."
Bass groaned, rolled over, and sat up. "Hey, Babe, missed you. Did you sleep?"
"Not really. You?"
"A little."
She passed his plate and coffee through the food slot.
Charlie sat on the floor, leaning against the opposite wall while Bass tucked into his breakfast.
It was just past 9:00 when a squad of four Texas Rangers rode through town with Wilcox. They rode slow and with the arrogance that they are known for… The "don't mess with the Rangers" attitude.
Bill Richards saw them ride in, grabbed his buddies, and headed to the Sheriff's. He was already spending that reward money.
Lt. Green, Sgt. Sanchez, and two privates, along with Wilcox ride up to the Sheriff's office. Green, Sanchez, and Wilcox dismount, hitch up the horses, and head into the office, leaving the two privates with the horses.
Word of the arrival of the Rangers spread fast, and many of the townspeople flocked and gathered outside the Sheriff's office expecting to see The Sebastian Monroe hauled off by the Rangers.
Bass had just finished his breakfast when they heard some commotion coming from the office.
"I think the Rangers are here," Bass noted.
"I hope so; I'll go see what's going on."
Charlie entered the office from the back to find two Rangers with Wilcox along with Richards and his cohorts.
Lt Green had walked into the office with an air of authority. Standing straight and tall wearing his regulation white Stetson, gold star, and regulation gun belt. "Sheriff Stone. I'm Lt. Green with the Texas Rangers. We were notified by your deputy that you have General Sebastian Monroe in custody."
"Yup, we sure do," he responded with some pride. Charlie made a face.
"Release him," Green ordered.
"What? Release him? Just like that?"
"He has been pardoned of all charges. Did he produce a copy of the pardon?"
"Uhh, yeah. He gave this to me, but I wanted to be sure it was legit. He's a clever one, ya know." Charlie snorted. (Not clever enough to forge a Presidential seal.)
The Sheriff handed the copy of the pardon to Green. "Sheriff, so you see this right here?" Green had laid the pardon on the Sheriff's desk and was pointing forcefully. "That's the President's seal. How do you think he could have faked that?" Green was getting annoyed. He had been called to this Podunk town for nothing. "Now, release the General."
"He's still a General, even with the fall of the Republic?"
"He's a General with the Rangers, appointed by President Blanchard." Blanchard had kept Bass' commission even though he wasn't going to take the position that he offered.
Stone was speechless as he went back to the cells and released Bass, who had been sitting calmly waiting for everything to play out.
Bass walked into the office, and Charlie went right over to him and slipped an arm around his waist; he did the same.
"General," Green said, coming to attention and saluting him. He handed the copy of the pardon back to Bass.
"Ahh, thank you, Lt. but not a General anymore."
"You're a Marine, right?"
"Yeah, in another life."
"Well, then you should know how it works. You may be 'retired,' but you are still a general, General."
Bill Richards couldn't believe what he just watched happen as his reward went flying out the window.
Green escorted Bass and Charlie out of the office and right into the waiting throng. He addressed the crowd. "My name is Lt Green with the Texas Rangers. The General has an official pardon from the President of the Great Republic of Texas. General Monroe is a war hero in the defeat of the Patriot invasion. He should be respected" Then he turned and saluted Bass again, shocking many in the crowd who were expecting to see him hauled off in cuffs and chains.
Bass wasn't comfortable with all the saluting and told Green so. "They need to see that you are respected, General," Green said.
Before leaving the office, Sgt Sanchez tore down the wanted poster that was on the wall. He handed it to the two privates that had been waiting and ordered them to scour the town and remove any posters that they found. Bill Richards shop was the first one they came to.
Green chatted with Charlie and Bass while they were waiting for the posters to be collected. Once the posters were collected, Lt. Green shook Bass' hand, wished him well, and headed back to his garrison.
Bill Richards was looking like someone had stolen his dog. "So, I guess I don't get that reward."
"Ya think Bill? No, ya don't," answered Stone feeling a bit foolish for allowing himself to be lead down this path.
Stone approached Bass and Charlie. "I apologize for the inconvenience," extending his hand.
Bass shook his hand, "It's okay, Sheriff. We'll stock up on the things that we came into town for and be moving on," Bass says.
They were back on the road by 11:30, and by the end of the day, they had put fifteen miles between them and Danbury.
That night as they lay under the night sky, Bass held Charlie close. "Do you think we will ever find a place where we will be left alone?" Charlie asks.
"Charlie, I think so… at least I hope so. But you know my well-deserved shitty reputation."
"But it's been almost two years…can't people move on?"
"Move on from what I did with the Republic? That's a hard one for most people to swallow. Look at your family, I'm still not forgiven, and I get it. Sometimes 'sorry' isn't enough."
Charlie held him tighter, thinking about how she came to forgive him and then love him. "I love you."
"And I am thankful for that every day. I love you too, so very much," then, leaning over, he kissed her.