A difficult man
Chapter 7
Teaspoon and Kid went with the Territorial Governor directly to Gibson's office. As soon as they entered, the latter immediately noticed that something was wrong, but tried to stay calm.
"Good afternoon gentlemen! What happens to even request the presence of the Governor? "
The latter said: "Mr. Gibson, I am holding you and your men under arrest for the assault and attempted murder of Marshal Buck Cross. Your post as marshal expires from this moment. You will be in jail for a couple of days, just enough time to prepare for the trial. Any attempt to deny what happened is useless. There are two witnesses "
Gibson was thrilled listening to the Governor's remarks and could not say a word. He didn't expect anyone to know what he and his men had done. Evidently the Indian had survived and had been well hidden by his friends. He had never trusted Kid and now he knew he was right.
His men attempted to escape but were immediately stopped by the Kid and Teaspoon.
Meanwhile, due to the confusion, a large crowd had gathered around the marshal's office. Teaspoon, after throwing those scoundrels in jail, went out to inform that the next day a city meeting would be held in which everything would be explained.
"Gibson and his men no longer exercise justice. While awaiting the return of Marshal Cross, I will help Kid by resuming my old role ", Teaspoon told the townspeople.
"So Buck will be back, he's not gone?" Asked Tompkins.
"The situation is complicated Tompkins, tomorrow we will explain everything".
The crowd, although intrigued, dispersed.
The next morning, Jane and Buck tried to behave naturally, although it was difficult for both of them given the sensations they felt.
In the late morning, Rachel came by to bring the promised books and Teaspoon who informed the two boys about how Gibson's arrest had taken place and to announce the holding of the town meeting.
"Can I join Teaspoon?" Buck asked.
"No son, it would be better if nobody knew where you are until the trial, to avoid problems and then you are not yet in strength. You will already have to attend the trial and this will tire you a lot. You have to think about resting ", the man replied.
"But won't we have to agree our version with the Governor?" Jane asked.
"I don't think it's necessary. The more spontaneous you are, the more the judge will listen to your statements ", Teaspoon replied.
Rachel and Teaspoon left them and Jane walked Buck into his room, noting that he was a little tired.
"Buck, you don't have to try too hard, stay here in bed for a while and rest, perhaps reading one of the books that Rachel brought you. Dr. Pearson should come by this morning and we will hear his opinion "
"Okay" and he smiled softly at her.
Jane went down to the living room to embroider and shortly after the doctor arrived who visited Buck and told him that he could get out of bed a little more and within a week he would also have removed the brace from his arm. He was now close to complete recovery but it was essential that he rest. He allowed him to attend the trial, but then he would have to wait a little longer before leaving, it would have been better to stay with Jane to fully recover.
Buck and Jane thanked him.
The next two days never seemed to pass, both boys were nervous about the process and also about the feelings they had but did not have the courage to confess. Jane tried to be as sweet as possible with Buck but it was evident that there was a lot of tension.
The day of the trial arrived. Buck and Jane did not show up until witnesses were called.
When Buck stepped onto the stand to testify, Gibson and his men blanched.
Buck took the oath and with extreme difficulty and pain told what they had done to him.
Jane felt all the pain and humiliation Buck was feeling and wanted to run to hug him.
Gibson challenged Buck's testimony very aggressively, so much so that the judge was almost on the verge of dismissing him.
When Buck's words were questioned by the former marshal's lawyer, Jane was called to give her testimony.
The woman told how she found Buck, his desperate condition and his convalescence at her home.
Jane was accused by Gibson's lawyer of having an affair with Buck and of organizing everything to his detriment, but Dr. Pearson's testimony was also heard and confirmed what the two boys said.
After careful consideration, Gibson and his men were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.
Jane hugged Buck without thinking and letting herself be guided by her instincts and all his friends congratulated him.
It was decided that Buck would stay with Jane until he was fully recovered and that Teaspoon would help Kid for the time being.
In the evening they all went to Jane's house to celebrate and when they were alone Buck thanked her again for all her support and dedication with which she looked after him.
Then they went to sleep, tired but happy.
The following days Jane showed up a little more in town. Now that Gibson was no longer a danger she could move freely and would often bring Buck some new book or newspaper to help distract him.
With the doctor's approval, he also tried to go out into the courtyard and go further and further, helped by Jane.
Often the two sat on the veranda and chatted: she told him about the Italian traditions and he the Kiowa ones. They looked like a close-knit old couple who loved spending time together.
A few days later, Dr. Pearson removed Buck's arm brace and told him that in a couple of weeks he could get his life back, albeit with caution.
The news was greeted with joy by Buck and Jane, but also with a little melancholy. They both knew they would have to separate and that things would be very different.
One afternoon, the two were sitting on the porch chatting and Buck said to her: "It looks like you'll get rid of me soon. I think you can't wait "
"You're wrong, I got used to having you here at home. It will all seem so empty and sad without you. I hope Rachel and Lou will continue to visit me sometime even when you are not there "
"Well I think so, you are friends by now, isn't it?"
"Yes, of course, but I don't know, it's like I'm about to suffer a loss"
"Well, if you want, we could always see each other sometime and there will be occasions for dinners at Rachel's or Lou's"
"And even here with me maybe"
"It would be nice. You know, I was almost used to having a woman who takes care of me and who pampers me by taking care of my needs. This time spent here with you was the closest thing to a family I've ever had. I will miss"
"I'm not going anywhere, I'm always here. And then maybe soon you will build a family of your own with that girl you were telling me about "
Jane wanted to know if Buck felt anything for her. Now that he was about to leave, she had to know if she could hope or if it would be better to forget about him and break away from him little by little.
"Oh, you know how I feel, I don't know if I'll ever be able to"
"Buck, please promise me you'll try to have more self-esteem. Many times you have told me that you do not know how to repay me: well, I want a promise, as soon as you return to your life, go to that girl, confess your love to her, do not give up your happiness. Please promise me "
"Only if you promise me that you will do the same"
"Oh, I really don't think I will. It is not needed. I am convinced that the man I have feelings for knows deep down what I feel for him, but that he is not interested in me or perhaps he thinks that it is not worth being with me "
"How do you make sure he knows your feelings?"
"Because I can't believe that looking into my eyes like he often does he won't read it" and he looked Buck straight in the eyes.
Buck looked away. He felt that perhaps that man could be him, but he was afraid of deceiving himself at the mercy of the feelings he felt. He couldn't bring himself to let go.
"Anyway we weren't talking about me", Jane resumed, "so, promise me?".
Buck decided to believe in himself for once and replied: "I promise you. I could do it now "
"Now?" she asked, amazed but also hopeful that he finally understood her feelings and wanted to try to let go.
"Yes, now" and he looked her straight in the eyes. Their faces approached and their mouths were about to touch, when they heard shouting: "What the heck! What the hell is this place? ".
Buck stopped suddenly and pulled back, much to Jane's pain.
"No, it can't be", he exclaimed.
"What's going on Buck? Who is?"
Buck got up and walked to the entrance gate. Jane immediately ran to his side to help him. As they walked towards the gate, they saw a very elegant woman, with a funny parasol in her hand to protect herself from the sun, getting out of a gig.
The woman, still grumbling, walked towards Jane's house and when she saw Buck walking towards her, she ran to meet him and threw her arms around his neck, almost overwhelming Jane who had to move.
"Oh Buck, thank God you're okay! How scared I was when they told me what happened to you. Luckily you are fine, you are fine, right honey? " and kissed him warmly on the cheek.
Jane was petrified. Was she the woman Buck had spoken of? Had she misunderstood her feelings and deluded herself?
"Kathleen, what are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"Oh sorry, I got emotional, how rude. I came to town to do business on behalf of my father who is now very old. I suffered a small theft, went to the marshal's office and found Kid. He didn't recognize me, but I did, he hasn't changed at all. I immediately asked him about you, I never forgot you, you know, and he told me everything that happened to you. I immediately rushed here. How are you dear?"
"I'm fine, thanks Kathleen and I owe everything to Jane. It is she who found me, saved me and cured me ".
Buck turned to Jane very embarrassed and noticed a streak of pain in her eyes. He felt his heart tighten.
"Oh yeah, sorry dear, how rude, I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Kathleen Devlin, an old friend of Buck's. Nice to meet you and thank you for saving him "
"My pleasure Kathleen. Buck is now much better, but he has had a bad time. The doctor said that in a couple of weeks he will be able to resume his life "
"Very well Buck, I'm happy for you. But you absolutely must come to the hotel with me. I will make you have all the comforts you need for your last period of convalescence, you will see that you will feel reborn "
"You don't have to Kathleen, I'm fine here, you don't have to bother"
"Oh, maybe I was inappropriate, are you engaged or married?"
"No", Buck replied, "we're not a couple, we're friends."
These words burned in Jane's heart but deep down they were true, she was nothing to him.
"Well, then there is nothing holding you back here, if not gratitude, of course. I don't accept refusals, remember? It is undeniable that you will be better off in a hotel suite "
"But ..." Buck tried to protest.
"No buts, right Jane? You also realize that with me he will be better "
Buck looked at Jane and saw that her heart was aching and he cursed himself for putting her, even if unintentionally, in that situation. He was about to say something but Jane preceded him: "She's right, Buck, you can definitely have better care with her and you can heal faster. I could come and see you sometime, if you want "
"But Jane ..."
"See, she agrees with me too. Then it's decided. Collect your things and come with me "
"Now?"
"Yes, sure, I don't have a great desire to retrace this horrible road again"
"If it's not too bothering to enter my humble home, I could make you some tea while I collect Buck's things"
"Oh thank you dear, I really need it. Come Buck, I'll help you "and took Buck under his arm.
Jane, with a swollen heart, preceded them. Buck didn't say a word. Upon entering the house, Jane made them sit down, made them tea and biscuits and then went to clear Buck's room with her heart bleeding. Meanwhile he could hear Kathleen's cheerful voice coming from underneath and talking and talking and talking.
When she got out, Kathleen asked her to carry everything in the gig. She accompanied Buck and helped him up.
Jane walked over to him, took his hand and squeezed it, then said to him: "Good recovery Buck, I'll come and see you. Remember the promise you made to me. Do not let me down". She said these words without letting Kathleen overhear.
Buck could only say her name with a sigh: "Jane ...". She put a finger to his lips and wished him good luck.
The gig pulled away as Buck turned back to look at her.
Jane braced herself and greeted him with a broad smile but as soon as the gig had turned and was no longer visible, she fell to the ground and wept, she cried as she had never done in her life. Her heart had broken and she didn't know if she would ever get well.