West was soaked by the time he rode into Paulden. It was late, and most of the town was closed up for the night. He saw a light on in the saloon, and decided that would be his best shot to get out of the rain. He dropped his horse off at the nearby stable, quickly pulling off the wet saddle, bit and rein. He covered his horse with a blanket, gave him some hay and water, and then made his way toward the bar.
There were very few people in the saloon, but they all looked up when Jim entered. A couple of old guys were in the corner putting away a bottle of whiskey; there was a pretty woman standing near the end of the bar, talking to the bartender; and a few young fellas were playing poker at a table. Jim smiled and headed toward the bar. The barkeep heading over to him.
What can I getcha?
A whiskey please, and maybe some information.
The barkeep poured a shot of whiskey and placed it in front of West.
What kinda information are ya lookin' for?
I need a place to stay for the night, is there an boarding house in this town?
The woman moved toward West, The only Inn is on the second floor of this saloon, Mister. Rooms are six dollars a week, or a dollar a night.
Fine then, I'd like a room for the night, Miss......
Noreen Macrae, Mr.....?
West. James West.
Very well, Mr. West. When you're ready, let me know.
Jim downed his shot, and pulled a dollar from his pocket, handing it to the woman.
I'm ready now, if it's convenient, Miss Macrae. It's been a long day.
Fine. Follow me.
Jim followed Macrae up the stairs and down the hall to his room. She opened the door, showing him the room.
This is your room, and the door at the end of the hall, you'll find the bath.
It will do nicely, Miss Macrae, thank you.
He lingered for a moment, and Noreen looked at him curiously.
Is there something else you need, Mr. West?
Well since this is the only place to stay in Paulden, I was wondering if a friend of mine had passed through. His name is Mr. Gordon. He's got dark hair and eyes, weighs about 180, and stands about six feet.
A gentleman like yourself is he?
Yes, that's right.
Afraid I haven't seen anyone like that passin' through.
It's very important, Miss Macrae; are you sure?
Oh yes, I would have remembered another gentleman like you, Mr. West, and no one has given the name Gordon. We get mostly miners and drifters in these parts.
Jim shrugged, I had to ask. Thank you, Miss Macrae, good night.
Good night, Mr. West, sleep well.
Jim walked into his room, closing the door behind him.
***********
Artie tossed in his sleep, half awake. Somewhere in the twilight of his mind, he thought he heard Jim's voice. And he thought it was out in the hallway. The sound of a door closing and rustling in the room next to his brought Gordon all the way out of slumber. He sat up, drenched in sweat. The humidity had increased as the rain outside continued to pelt the roof. Slowly Artie stood and walked over to the dresser. He poured some water from the pitcher into the basin, and splashed some on his face. It felt cool against his warm skin.
He shook his head, still haunted by the voice he thought he had heard. Artie watched his reflection staring back at him, and he noticed the dark circles under his own eyes. He looked terrible; nothing like the man he had been three months before. As if on cue, his stomach rumbled and he realized he hadn't eaten since breakfast. He wondered if Noreen or Bill the barkeep were still up. He pulled his pants and shirt on and headed downstairs.
Noreen was just extinguishing the lights when he hit the first floor landing. She saw him and worry ran through her.
Mr. Morgan, what are you doing up this late?
I'm sorry Miss Noreen.... I woke up and my stomach was growling at me. Artie felt a little awkward, Listen, about before, I'm really sorry.
Noreen looked into the sunken brown eyes, You seemed very......startled.
Artie looked away, I just wasn't expecting anyone to be that nice to me is all. He looked into her eyes and some of his charm seeped through, Forgive me?
Come on, let's see what's in the kitchen.
He followed her into the kitchen, sat down in a chair and watched her make a sandwich. She put it on a plate and placed it in front of him.
Would you like some water, or a cup of coffee?
He smiled, I'd love some coffee, if it isn't too much trouble.
Not at all, I could use one myself.
He watched her go about the business of fixing some coffee, and he found himself finding similarities between Noreen and Lily. She moved with a similar grace, and her hands had the same delicate touch. He also couldn't help but notice her beauty and her intelligence. Artie felt the sting of tears in his eyes, and he slammed them shut willing not one to fall. Noreen turned to find him looking as though he was in pain. She went quickly to his side, making a point not to touch him.
Mr. Morgan? Are you all right?
He looked away quickly wiping his eyes, Yes, yes, I'm fine.
She took a step away, still mindful of how he had reacted to her earlier. Artie noticed her reluctance and felt regret. He reached a hand out, palm up, finally meeting her steady gaze. After a moment, she gently took his hand in hers. Noreen sat down in a chair next to him, just holding his hand. When she finally spoke, her voice was as gentle as he had heard it.
You lost someone close to you, didn't you?
He nodded, but couldn't find his own voice. The tortured look in the deep brown eyes told their own story, and Noreen needed no response. She put the hand she was holding in between both of hers, and lightly stroked it.
You feel like your heart has been shattered and will never mend....
My heart? He shook his head, My life.
Carefully she reached out to stroke the side of his face, and this time Artie did not pull away. Instead he closed his eyes, concentrating on the softness of her hand.
I know how it feels, to be in love and to lose everything. He opened his eyes and looked at her, so she continued, I lost my husband in the war.
Noreen, I'm so sorry.
What you need to hold on to, Mr. Morgan, is that with time, things will get better. And if you need to talk about it, I'm a good listener.
Please call me Artemus.
She smiled, Artemus. What a lovely name. Noreen couldn't help but notice how tired he looked, I think you should try and get some rest.
Yes, you're quite right. There's a lot of work to be done tomorrow.
Artemus, I didn't mean it that way. I just meant, you look exhausted. Maybe you need to take a day off.
Artie shook his head, Nah, I'm fine. Nothing a good night's sleep can't fix.
He drained the last of his coffee and polished off the rest of the sandwich, and then stood. Tentatively he laid a hand on her shoulder.
Thank you, Miss Noreen. Your hospitality and kindness is much appreciated. Good night.
She patted his hand as it slid off her shoulder, Good night, Artemus.
Artie trudged up the stairs and closed the door to his room behind him. He lay on the bed, allowing his back to stretch out the stiffness. Within minutes of closing his eyes, Artemus was asleep.
***********
