The horses galloped through the snow toward the train station. Jim knew he had to take action before they arrived, but he was outnumbered five to one. In most circumstances, he would just fight his way through them; however, he couldn't take the chance that the vials in Partnow's pocket might be smashed. A lot of innocent people could die.
His mind returned to the visage of Arte's pale body lying on the bed, and the lump in his throat reappeared. Jim felt a burning anger rise up from his belly, travel through the center of him, and explode the lump in his throat, replacing it with tension. He had to gain control of himself. West knew the tremendous rage he was feeling could be used to his advantage, but not if he couldn't temper it.
********
The horses slowed down as the riders approached Augusta station. The six men dismounted and handed the reigns of their horses to the station stable boy. They walked toward the steps, and Jim grabbed his stomach. A second later, he collapsed.
Partnow bent over him, West? West....now what....
Partnow started to call for help, when Jim grabbed him by the neck from behind. In a swift move, he grabbed the vials from Partnow's breast pocket, holding the containers out in front of him, like a weapon.
I'll drop them. I swear to God, I will.
That would kill you as well.
As long as I take most of you with me, I'm okay with that. Jim looked at the rest of the men, waving the vials as if possessed, And what about all of you? Ready to die?
Stay where you are, he's only trying to scare you, he has no intention of dropping those vials. We still have Artemus Gordon.
My partner's dead. I gave him a lethal dose of arsenic. So you see, I really don't care what happens to me now as long as it saves President Grant.
Sorsby's hired hands turned pale. Jim waved the vials closer to them.
Who's dying with me tonight?
That did it, the four guys took off in all directions. After a moment, Jim smiled at Partnow, dangling the vials dangerously out in front of him.
Well now, it's down to just you and me. What do you think, a good enough day to die?
Partnow studied Jim before answering, I think we both know you're not going to drop the vials, Mr. West.
Jim smiled at him, handing the vials back to Partnow, Right you are, but since you're Secret Service, you knew that before....
Partnow put his hand out, George Partnow, Special Services branch. How did you know?
West eyed the man for a moment, President Grant told me about you, but he didn't know what name you were using, or if you were still alive.
How did you know I was the agent?
I wasn't sure until you passed up the opportunity to run - only another agent would realize the innocent collateral problem I had with dropping the vials. You knew you were safe.
I've been under deep cover for the past six months, Mr. West. Special Services has known for some time that there was a leak in Grant's cabinet--
--And you were sent in to find out who it was and what Sorsby was up to.
Yes. Unfortunately, Sorsby was extremely closed-mouthed. I didn't find out until yesterday that Daily was the traitor, nor did Sorsby ever say how he was planning on executing his coup until tonight. Partnow looked at Jim, I'm sorry about Gordon....I couldn't help him without blowing my cover.
Jim's voice remained even, The President is the first priority.
Partnow nodded, You get the horses, and I'll go send a telegram to Washington. You want me to tell them about Gordon, or do you want to do it?
Jim looked strangely at the man, then answered softly, President Grant would want to know. He's always been.... Jim's voice caught for a moment, ....fond of Artemus.
Partnow headed toward the station door, I'll only be a few minutes.
Jim's eyes took on a steely quality, his voice cold,
The man turned, there was something unsettling in West's tone,
Jim smiled, I'll get the horses.
Partnow watched West walk through the snow to the stable, then he turned and headed into the station.
To be continued.....
