A/N Again, thank you all so much. We're covering a lot of territory in this chapter - heck - you might need a playbook. I appreciate you reading along and I hope you enjoy.
00
She woke to the smell of bacon frying and fresh coffee on the stove. A quilt covered the bedroom window to keep out the cold and she was surprised to see sunlight streaming in at the sides of the thick blanket. If the sun was up it had to be nearly seven. She couldn't believe she slept so late, and she couldn't believe how much she already missed the feeling of her husband next to her.
She slipped on her house shoes and followed her nose to the kitchen, smiling when she saw him. He stood at the cookstove turning bacon in the big cast iron pan and when he heard her he glanced over his shoulder, smiled and greeted, "G'mornin' Sweetheart. Ya hungry?"
She teased, "Good morning and yes, it seems that ever since I married you I'm hungry all the time."
She'd made him laugh and he reached his hand out to take hers, drawing her near as he offered, "Lemme get ya a cup a coffee."
"I don't usually drink coffee but it does smell delicious, thank you." She took the cup from his hand and asked, "How long did we sleep?"
He shook his head as he answered, "I ain't ever slept like that in my life. It was bout 10 o'clock when we went ta sleep an I didn't get out here til six. It's just before seven now." He had a mischievous little grin as he ran a finger along the curve of her jaw adding, "Whatever ya done ta me musta wore me out."
His words sent a shiver through her and he got just the look he hoped to see when her face turned the color of cherries. She could not quite look in his eyes but still she teased back when she said, "I think it was you that wore me out."
Never had either of them spent such a leisurely morning. They took their time as they enjoyed their first breakfast as husband and wife, and one last cup of coffee curled up together on the settee in front of the hearth. It was Daryl who finally rose from the seat and said, "I'd like ta just stay right here with ya all day but them chickens an horses ain't gonna feed themselves."
"I'll come with you."
They cleaned the kitchen and made up the bed, and him being ever mindful of her way and her modesty he asked, "Ya prefer I leave ya alone ta get dressed?"
She had not thought of this, for some reason she had assumed they would do such things in private. Yet she was curious to see his routine and she had the desire to be near him. These truths had her saying, "Well I suppose there's no reason we can't get ready for the day together."
He had the smallest of grins as he gave a slight nod of his head and they made their way to the bedroom. His bride was happily surprised to discover how performing a seemingly everyday task with Daryl could have such a feeling of intimacy to it.
With his hands, his lips and his words her husband once again caused that warm feeling to spread over her body as he stood behind her to fasten her buttons. Before he did he let his hands glide softly across her back while he tenderly kissed her neck, and he whispered, "Your skin has the feel a silk," and she discovered Daryl helping her dress could bring a closeness almost as exciting as when he'd loosened the buttons of her wedding dress.
She could not believe her own boldness as with no sign of shame at all she stood watching her husband as he dressed. She was intrigued by his manly way and she was curious to know everything about him. Just watching him as he buttoned his trousers and pulled the suspenders over his broad shoulders made her once again have that warm and now-familiar feeling.
They held hands as together they walked to the chicken coop. This day she insisted she would help him more and so, while she fed the birds and gave them fresh water, her husband gathered the eggs and added clean straw to the coop.
Next would come her favorite, seeing to the horses. He knew the big animals brought her happiness and he smiled, "Ya ready ta go see your girl?"
"Yes, I miss her."
"I'm sure she misses ya too."
They fed and brushed the animals and then he showed her the saddle he would have her use with Ginger. "One smaller would be better for ya. There's a real fine saddle smith over in Bozeman, come spring maybe we can go over that way an see about havin' one made for ya."
"Really? Can we Daryl?"
His fingers tucked a loose curl behind her ear as he answered, "I'm pretty sure we gotta. If you're gonna be top horsewoman on our ranch you're gonna need ta have a fine saddle, one with your name on it. We'll get ya one a them ridin' skirts too."
She looked so happy it filled him with happiness and as he lightly squeezed her hand he added, "Now we're married ain't no reason ya can't learn ta ride western. When ya do I believe you'll find ya like it better. Ya won't have ta have help gettin' in the saddle an you'll feel more balanced on the animal." Once again he lightly squeezed her hand as he added, "Ta my thinkin' it's safer for ya too."
She smiled and told him, "I have no objection, indeed I look forward to it. I know Ginger is probably more comfortable with a western saddle." It was unexpected when she wrapped her arms around his waist, and although the move may have surprised him, his arms knew just what to do as they closed around her. He drew her closer to him as in a quiet voice she let him know, "I'm ready and anxious to learn everything you have to teach me about this life Daryl. You and Heavenly are my home now."
He couldn't believe any of it was really happening. He thought that this, right now, this was what perfect had to be. He didn't know any of the romantic words to say, he simply held her more tightly and whispered, "I'm the happiest man in this world, ya made me that way."
He kissed the top of her head and drawing back smiled and said, "I don't think today is…I think it's too soon…I mean after, ya know after we just done what we did, twice...we just…we probably should wait. If the weather's this nice next Saturday we could saddle Ginger n Blackie an go for a short ride. We'll start off kinda slow while you're learnin' an such, wanna?"
She found it so endearing how her strong and manly husband could suddenly become shy and awkward, and she loved how he always had such great concern for her happiness and her well-being. Her heart warmed with his words as she simply answered, "I do want to so much, I can't wait."
They walked the horses out to the corral and stood enjoying the warmth of the sun with the big animals. The horses nuzzled each other and Daryl quietly laughed as he wrapped an arm around Beth's shoulders, "I think Blackie n Ginger got married yesterday too."
00
Cyrus did not question his brother, he hurried to the animal, stood on the fence rail and mounted Buck. He grabbed a handful of the horse's mane as he hollered, "C'mon boy, go home." Buck was well-trained and he seemed to sense the urgency in the young boy's voice. Cyrus leaned down, his face nearly buried in the horse's neck as he continued hanging onto the mane and the horse galloped the mile or so home.
Daryl had no sooner gotten the teasing words from his mouth than he heard a horse's hooves, turning his eyes toward the road he spotted Buck and Cyrus just as they came into view. Immediately he knew something was not right, his belly clenched as he stood motionless waiting for the boy. Beth sensed it too and she stood beside her man, holding his hand and praying the news would not be bad.
Cyrus had not quite reached them when he began to holler, "Come quick Uncle Daryl, hurry please, someone's got Mary Ellen!"
By the time the child finished speaking the words Daryl called, "C'mon Blackie." The big horse followed right behind him as he held tightly to Beth's hand and hurried toward the front door of their home. He grabbed his gun belt hanging from a hook just inside and threw it over his shoulder.
Moving quickly and with purpose he mounted the big animal, sitting a bit further forward than if there were a saddle. He positioned his legs then reached an arm out to his wife, "Ain't leavin' ya here alone, c'mon, take my arm." Instinct took over and she acted quickly as well. She had the chair from the porch and as she stood on it he held Blackie's mane tightly in one hand while he pulled her up with the other. Now she straddled the big animal and her husband instructed, "Ya lean into me as close as ya can an ya hang on tight."
He made the clicking noise with his mouth and called, "Merle," and the big animal knew what to do. As Cyrus had done with Buck, Daryl leaned his head down so that it pressed close to the big animal's neck. Beth burrowed into her husband's back and hung on as tight as she could as they galloped toward his brother's home.
The man was sure he was in control of the situation and he'd taken his time as he taunted Virgil.
He had no way of knowing Virgil had a mindset and it was to protect his sister no matter what. He issued his final warning to the man, "If you're thinkin' I'm afraid ta drop ya, I ain't. Ya let my sister go or I'll kill ya where ya stand. " But Virgil was afraid, more scared than he'd ever been in his life. The man was obviously some kind of outlaw and he had hold of the boy's baby sister, and he'd made terrible threats about what he planned to do with her. To add to the boy's burden he worried, what if his shot wasn't true, what if he were to hurt Mary Ellen. Still he knew he would not hesitate.
"Don't worry little boy, I'll give her back ta ya when I'm done with her, you can have what's left." The man laughed as he dropped Mary Ellen to the ground, looked right at Virgil and began to loosen the buckle of his belt.
Virgil stood with his gun raised, the outlaw in his sites and his finger on the trigger. So focused was the boy on what he knew he had to do that he did not hear horses approaching from his right and a wagon coming from his left.
The man appeared to be oblivious as well and completely unconcerned about the boy who had a gun pointed at him. He laughed again and as he pulled his pecker from his pants three shots rang out.
It would be impossible to know which of the Dixon bullets killed the man, but it didn't matter. All that mattered was Mary Ellen was safe and the devil himself was dead.
Daryl held Beth's arm while she slid off the big stallion, then dismounted and stood by her. He kept an arm around her and held her tightly to him as they watched his brother's family come together.
Karen did not wait for her husband's hand, she jumped from the wagon and ran to her daughter. Cyrus slid off Buck and was running that way too, but Merle went to his older son. He wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulder and spoke to him about what had happened, "It ain't easy takin' a shot at another man but sometimes that other fella don't leave ya no choice in the matter. It ain't your fault he's dead, or my fault or your Uncle's fault. What happened ta him is his own damn fault. An you Virgil Dixon, you was told ta watch over your brother an sister an that's what ya done. I always have been proud of ya son an I'm proud of ya now."
Mary Ellen ran to her brother wrapping her arms around his waist, "Virgie, Virgie I was scared that man would hurt you."
She made her brother smile as he bent down and hugged her, "Well I'm real glad he didn't get ta hurt you or me either little sister."
They had no knowledge of who the dead man might be and they did not know if he may have partners nearby. They would take no chances, no one would stay behind.
The men loaded the body in the back of the wagon, Cyrus held the reins while his Mama held Mary Ellen in her arms, and Beth sat beside her. Virgil, Merle and Daryl rode horses, Merle at the lead, Daryl at the side of the wagon, and Virgil bringing up the rear. Each of the three men had a sidearm and a shotgun at the ready and they kept a sharp eye out as they made their way to deliver the outlaw's body to the sheriff.
Sure that he would need it in the coming hours, the sheriff had recruited help. The first being Milton who carried the message to the saloon. The sheriff's note said there were at least two outlaws running loose in town, and it happened that one of the outlaws was the one with an attraction to Andrea Harrison.
He suggested they shut the saloon down until such time as the men were apprehended. He also asked that if they were of a mind to offer assistance to his office, please come right away.
Next Milton went to the home of Zach and Amy Mitchell and relayed a message to Zach. The sheriff requested that if possible he come and give the office assistance. He further advised Zach not to leave Amy home alone but rather take her to the sheriff's home.
The last stop Milton made was the general store. He checked on Jim, Merna and the baby and advised them the outlaws were on the loose. He'd brought a shotgun so they could defend themselves, but also made the sheriff's offer. He would send men to assist them if they wanted to take refuge in his home. They declined.
The banker had further been told to warn everyone he met on the street of the danger at hand. He was to instruct that they should in turn inform everyone they may see. Folks must stay in their homes and they must stay alert, and they must be at the ready to defend themselves and their families.
When his tasks were completed Milton Mamet made his way to the bank where he had his own responsibilities to consider. He had been entrusted with large sums of money and he would do what he could to defend them.
At the saloon they hurried to turn down every lamp. The cash Andrea wasn't able to hide in her undergarments was locked in the floor safe behind the bar. She had her knife in the sheath on her thigh, Caesar had his sidearm holstered and a knife in the sheath on his belt. Dwight tucked a pistol in the waist of his trousers and a knife in his boot. They were as ready as they could get as the three made their way to the sheriff's office.
Their appearance together at the wedding had let the townspeople know Caesar and Andrea had coupled up, and so as men did, the sheriff addressed Caesar, "You're welcome to take Andrea to my home. That's where the other women will be hole up, including her sister Amy."
Caesar walked her to Rick's home while Dwight dawdled a bit behind, giving them their privacy. When they arrived at the sheriff's door she protested, she did not want her man to leave her. He assured her, "I know, I don't wanna leave you either. But if the sheriff thinks it's the safest place for ya then I ain't gonna argue. I'll be back for ya as soon as I can. You just keep your knife handy and your head down."
Knowing the sheriff's wife would be wary, Caesar rapped on the door calling to her and letting her know who it was knocking and why they were there. Lori cautiously opened the door and he and Andrea stepped inside, greeting the group of anxious looking ladies already assembled there. Then, as if it were proper and customary, he took Andrea in his arms, his hand clutching her neck as he kissed her long and deep. He pulled his lips away and with a smile he promised again, "Don't worry, we'll get those no-good bastards."
When the door closed behind him Andrea simply apologized, "Sorry ladies, Caesar isn't accustomed to polite company."
Although a bit taken aback by the display Lori was a proper hostess and she assured the woman, "No need to apologize. We're happy to have you here with us."
Just as the men returned to the sheriff's office Rick asked if Caesar and Dwight could transport the wounded deputy to the Doc's office. They agreed and with the doctor in the lead they carried the ailing man the few hundred yards. Doctor Carlson unlocked the office door, went through the small waiting area to the surgical room and nearly jumped out of his skin. There on the surgery table sat a man with his arm bent at an angle, obviously broken and painful. In his other hand he held a pistol pointed right at the Doc.
He did not have time to warn Caesar and Dwight of the intruder but there was really no need. They'd been working saloons for years. They were used to having to react quickly and they did. When they entered the room and took in the scene they nodded to each other, hurriedly laid the deputy on the floor and drew their pistols.
Doc glanced to the outlaw, then to the men from the saloon and addressed them all, "Now, now gentleman there is no need for weapons. I'm a physician and as such I am charged with treating those that need it. I'll get to everyone." He addressed the man on his table, "Sir, let me see that arm." The man winced as the Doc examined it and he inquired of the fellow, "What's your name son?"
"Harley."
The doctor was sure the arm was broken and told the man, "Well Harley this appears to be a mighty bad break. I'll have to set it and that's going to be even more painful. Let me give you something to help with that pain."
Harley wasn't particularly bright and he was in pain, he demanded, "That's right, I'm in pain. Gimme the strongest thing ya got." The Doc agreed, knowing the problem was about to solve itself. He double-dosed Harley on Laudanum and although not completely passed out, the outlaw was weak, dazed and now harmless. He was out cold when Caesar and Dwight laid him on the floor and laid the deputy on the surgical table.
Before they left the Doc reminded them, "I'll be over to set that arm just as soon as I treat the deputy." They simply nodded their understanding and while the Doctor worked on the deputy, they carried the outlaw back to the sheriff's office.
It was just as the lock was turned on Harley's cell the Dixon family arrived at the sheriff's office. They stood before Rick Grimes, Virgil in the center and Daryl and Merle on either side of the young man. Merle did the talking, "We're not sure which of us fired the kill shot, we just know there's a dead man layin' out in my wagon. He tried ta hurt one a my children an he got hisself killed for that."
The sheriff already had his hands and his jail full. He didn't have the time for an extensive investigation of what may have happened at the Dixon's, and he was certain the man they killed had to be a claimer who got what he had coming. "Alright, we got more pressing matters for now. Daryl I could use your help, that fella Joe escaped and we need to find him. I was hopin' you'd do some tracking."
Daryl shrugged, "It ain't gonna be easy ta track him in town." He didn't want this job, he didn't want to leave Beth to go looking for this asshole outlaw.
The sheriff kept talking, "The women are hole up at my place, you're welcome to take Beth, Karen, Virgil and the other children that way too."
Merle corrected him, "Virgil ain't one a the children no more. He's a man an he stays with me."
The sheriff nodded his agreement and then looked to all three Dixon men and said, "I got a feeling that outlaw's lucky all you boys did was kill him."
Daryl chewed at the side of his thumb as he fought with himself. He wanted to recapture the leader of the outlaw gang but he did not want to leave his bride. He felt the need to keep her with him and the need to protect her himself; but thinking on it he realized, protecting her also meant finding all those responsible for the darkness that had fallen over Heavenly.
It was as his mind grappled with these things that two things happened.
The first was Tyrese and his family arriving at the sheriff's office with another dead body and another terrible tale to tell. The second was, just as Tyrese was completing his frightening story Eugene Porter from the Western Union office came hurrying in.
In his hand Eugene held a wire directed to the attention of the sheriff. The wire was from the territorial governor's office regarding the outlaw group known as the Claimers. The telegraph went on to describe the gang as a most dangerous and despicable group. Over the past three years they had committed murder, rape, robbery and untold mayhem all across the Rocky Mountain States and as far south as New Mexico.
The wire further advised there were seven known members of the band. The sheriff could currently account for four. The one in the cell, the one Lozen and Tyrese had killed, the one Daryl had killed and the one the Dixons had killed. The men in the room all knew, there were still three dangerous criminals on the loose, including the escapee Joe.
Daryl knew it was right, he would do this. Reluctantly he would leave her, knowing if anything happened to Beth while he was away he would never be able to live with the pain. Still he had to try and locate their leader. He had to do his part to make their town safe again for his bride and for all of them. Maybe he'd get lucky and in his quest for the man named Joe he would come across the others.
With worried minds and heavy hearts him, his brother and his nephew walked the women and children to the home of the sheriff.
Merle entered the sheriff's home with his family, but the newlyweds lingered outside a moment longer.
He and his bride struggled with their goodbye as he promised her he would return to her soon, and she promised him she would be careful and watchful and that she would be just fine when he returned. He took her in his arms and he reminded her that she was everything to him and she always would be, "I love ya so much. I promise I'll be back for ya soon's I can Sweetheart."
She was fighting so hard not to cry and her voice was soft, barely there when she whispered, "I love you too, and no matter how long it might take I'll be waiting right here when you return."
They talked about it, him and his brother and nephew, where would be the most likely place this man would go. The saloon would be an obvious choice. The claimer had an attraction to Andrea and he may want to seek her out first, but the saloon was closed. The other was, they were known now to be a group with a penchant for rape.
Tyrese interrupted their dialogue, "No offense Smithy, but my woman's the best tracker we got. Take her with ya, I'll mind the children." Daryl nodded and it was done.
The blacksmith tended to think the outlaw would stick close to town, looking for money, a woman and a horse. The others agreed and although at first the four stuck together, eventually they decided to split their ranks to cover the area better. Virgil and Merle going south and west, Daryl and Lozen going north and east.
He and Lozen had a similar way, they put themselves in a mindset as if they were tracking an animal. They stayed out of sight but instead of concealing themselves next to trees, they kept their backs pressed up along the buildings of town.
He pointed at the boot prints and Lozen nodded, she saw it too. The same boot prints as those that were in front of the sheriff's place. The boots had a wide and tall heel and the man who wore those boots walked heavy on the left heel.
They shared a look, nodded in agreement and continued to follow the signs.
Halfway to his destination he was sure he knew where the tracks lead, and he wondered why he had not thought of it right from the beginning. Of course, it made all the sense in the world. The claimer would be at the bank.
The savings of most of the folks in Heavenly, along with the town's money and that of the other businesses was all in the bank vault, but that was only a small part of it. The miners were paid once a month, the money transported by train and then armored coach to the bank at Heavenly. Payroll was made that coming Wednesday, the vault would be full.
The big East Coast company that owned the mine had paid to have the vault built to protect their assets. It was said to be bullet proof, fire proof and otherwise impenetrable. Daryl knew though, nothing is impossible. All the claimer had to do was hold a gun to Milton Mamet's head and the safe could be opened.
He and Lozen moved quickly, but as soon as the bank was in sight they shared another look, they were sure they were already too late. The door to the bank stood open and there were papers and furnishings strewn about. On the chance the bandits were still inside they proceeded cautiously.
They saw the bank was empty but the door of the huge floor to ceiling safe was slightly ajar. As they watchfully approached it they heard the muffled sounds from within, and upon fully opening the vault door they saw the banker laying on the floor. He'd been beaten and his hands and ankles were bound, a gag was tied across his mouth.
Daryl slipped his knife from the sheath and quickly cut through the heavy rope, freeing the banker. Milton was shaken and hurt, but he managed to get out, "Thank God you're here Smithy," he nodded to Lozen, "Ma'am," and back to Daryl, "they've got the payroll."
"Ya know which way they headed?"
"The big fellow Joe said he had something more to do before he left town, kill the sheriff and claim the woman."
"I gotta go. Can ya get yourself ta Doc's?"
"Yes, yes, you go and please hurry."
Daryl and Lozen rushed to the sheriff's office only to find Rick was gone. Kuruk and Sonsee-array sat on the floor in the corner, quietly at play with their buzz toys. Dwight and Tyrese were minding the office and Dwight told him, "Rick and Caesar left not five minutes ago. They were just gonna go check on the women an little ones. They'll be right back."
Daryl rushed to the sheriff's house and just as he got there he was met with a gun to the face. He held his hands palms out as if in surrender, while he took in the scene. The leader, Joe, had Rick in a headlock, a gun to his head. A tall dark man had ahold of Andrea and was promising to keep her safe for Joe, while holding a gun to her head. Zach lay unconscious in front of the sheriff's door, it appeared he'd been shot. Caesar was on the ground near Daryl bleeding from a blow to the head and just coming to. The third gunman alternated pointing the pistol between Caesar and Daryl.
Lozen had held back and now she hid unnoticed in the shadows, watching and waiting.
Daryl could hear the women in the house crying and he worried what might be instore for them if he couldn't somehow save them. He tried reasoning first, "C'mon now fellas, ya don't wanna do this. There's already a bounty on your heads, ya don't wanna be killin' a sheriff an hurtin' women. Take me, I'll fight ya."
Joe squinted his eyes as he snarled back, "Oh you're gonna get yours, I know who you are, you're the sumbitch that killed Len."
Just as he said the words there was heard an ear-piercing war whoop and the ululating cries of Indians going to battle, followed by the loud howling of a wolf. There was no way the claimers could have known all those sounds came from just one woman. The outlaws had become scared and sufficiently distracted so that those they'd captured could act.
What followed happened quickly and chaotically.
Rick threw back his head startling the leader long enough to grab the gun from his hand. The sheriff took no chances and wasted no time shooting the leader in the throat. It was as if the fellow holding Andrea froze in place at the sight, and without thinking he'd let loose of her. She stepped aside leaving the opening Caesar needed. He threw his knife fast and hard and it buried itself in the outlaw's heart.
There was one last claimer, the one with a gun on Daryl, but Daryl also acted quickly. He pulled a similar move on the outlaw as he had on his own brother. He hooked his leg behind the crook's leg and pulled hard, causing the man to fall backward to the ground.
Daryl reached for his gun thinking to shoot the man, but the outlaw kicked it away and now they were trading blows in what looked to be a fight to the death. Then the claimer gained the upper hand as he latched onto a rock in the street, using it to hit Daryl hard on the side of the head. With Daryl temporarily disoriented it gave the outlaw the time he needed to get to his feet, his gun now pointed at Daryl.
Her face was pressed to the window glass as she watched the terrifying scene unfold. Never in her life had she witnessed such violence and it caused a mix of fear and adrenaline to course through her veins. Her husband's life was in danger and she had to do something. She'd seen it there in the past, admired it in fact. The heavy brass letter opener in the shape of a dagger with its striking bejeweled handle was a thing of beauty. For now it would serve as something else.
She would not stand back while her husband was in peril. She grabbed the letter opener, threw open the door and rushed to where the outlaw stood ready to shoot her husband. At the same time Andrea had pulled the knife from the sheath at her thigh and was running to where the men fought.
It was as if the three women had rehearsed what followed. Just as Lozen took the claimer's scalp, Andrea stabbed him in the neck while Beth thrust the letter opener into his back.
Daryl sat stunned as his wife fell to the ground and into his arms. He looked at the knife protruding from the other man's neck and saw it was the one he'd made for the working woman, the one with the ruby in the handle. He looked to Andrea with a kind of amazement while she simply shrugged, "I owed you one Smithy."
He then looked to Lozen who proudly held up the Claimer's scalp. The Indian woman did something then that for her was so rare, she smiled at him. Then she shrugged and told him, "It was good bear Smithy."
00
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you've read my stories in the past you know I keep myself on a pretty tight schedule, but there are circumstances. I'm not ill, I'm fine, but I had some surgery on my eye Wednesday. It's greatly limiting my screen time, and I need a lot of screen time to get a chapter on paper. I will tell you, for a truck driver the Hub makes a mighty fine nurse :) I appreciate your patience while I heal. I'll be back with Chapter 23 on Friday, January 18th. I hope to see all of you back then too.
A/N Don't mess with the citizens of Heavenly. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and I'd appreciate you commenting / reviewing. There's a chapter photo on my tumblrs gneebee, bethylmethbrick and A Place Called Heavenly. Thank you all so much. I'll be back soon and until then remember, I love ya large! xo gneebee