"Eight dollars for this slop?" Nix stared down at the bowl of brown chunks in brown sauce, trying to conceal his disgust. "What a crime."
Dick shrugged through a mouthful of bread. "It's better than what I could cook."
"That's not reassuring." He poked at the bowl of supposed food with the battered spoon, scooping up a bite. Surprisingly, it actually tasted alright, despite how unappetizing it looked. He reached for a hunk of bread, gnawing off a piece.
Finding Elsie's Tasty Food Emporium in the midst of Wellsville had been a stroke of luck. The ramshackle town was clearly without establishment - much like Frymore - but at least there was one place to eat that offered more than just the standard trail grub that they'd been eating for weeks. And after the revelations of the safe last week? Well. They could spare an attempt at comforting luxury.
As he continued to chew, he recalled all the notices posted outside the 'Wellsville Pioneer' newspaper office. The wanted ad for the job of sheriff had made Nix chuckle a few days ago, and even thinking back on it now brought a smile to his face. "Have you considered applying for the job of sheriff here?"
Dick chewed thoughtfully, at last looking up at Nix with a conspiratorial smile. "Never even crossed my mind."
"Aw, come on. With a shiny new star on your chest, you could take Dike head-on. Challenge him to a showdown."
He laughed through a bite. "I've never seen him draw."
"Enh, I'm sure you're faster. Probably more accurate, too."
"He did manage to hit Speirs."
Nix swallowed the combined bite of bread and stew. "Managed to hit him, yes. But he was probably aiming for something a little more lethal."
"Good thing he missed."
Nix sighed, glancing down at his plate with a sudden, solemn air. "Do you really think Sink will help us? We don't have a whole lot to go on, and so far, we haven't had a lot of luck tracking down his whereabouts."
"We have to keep trying." There was no doubt in Dick's mind and it echoed in the conviction of his words. "Maybe we don't have all the answers in the documents from the safe, but Sink has the resources to access more information. There's at least enough of a sickening story there to get something started. To pull Dike in for questioning, at least."
"At least." Nix agreed, looking back up at Dick, his eyes heavy. "You know, if someone came for you like that - to lock you up because of this …I don't know what I would do, Dick." He wanted to reach for Dick's hand, to wrap him up in a protective hug. Fortunately, Dick seemed to understand him and certainly knew better than to verbalize any of the thoughts that swirled in his sky blue eyes. A boot bumped Nix's under the table, a little smirk curling Dick's lips as their boots toed together under cover of the table. They couldn't dare risk anything more.
"Howdy, fellas!" A loud, boisterous voice cut between them. "May I join you? It's a little tight at these 'ere tables."
"Of course." Dick looked up with a welcoming smile, scooting over on the bench seat to make room.
"Much obliged." The larger man stuffed into the newly created opening, jostling Dick as the table moved. Nix couldn't hold back a little smirk at the look Dick shot him across the table. It was still so wonderfully liberating to connect with Dick on a whole new level. He ached for a night when they would be alone with a proper bed. "You fellas here to prospect?"
"No," Nix answered glancing over, "didn't even know these hills were ripe for prospecting."
The man let out a belly-rolling laugh. "Why else would you come to this flea-infested hole if not for the promise of strikin' it rich! Gold, silver, gems – all of it's up in these here hills." The man slopped a spoonful of stew to his lips. "Not that I'm trying to sway you – if you're not here to stake a claim, then that's one less man for me to have to deal with."
"What sort of gems?" Dick asked.
"Oh, all kinds – blue, green, purple. Red ones, even."
"Certainly sounds like all kinds." Nix quipped dryly.
"If you fellas ain't here to prospect, then what brings you to Wellsville – if you don't take offense to the question." The man held up his spoon defensively as if just realizing his question might be unwelcome. "Not that it really matters – and if you do take offense, I hope that you'll just let my stupidity stand."
"No," Dick said quickly, with a nod of reassurance. "No offense taken. We're, uh…we're headed north to Montana. Looking to get in on the ranching business up there."
"Ranching? Montana?" The man let out another rowdy laugh. "Boy, you fellas got it all wrong. Going north to Montana for ranching, when all the riches of your future could await you in them hills." He yanked off a bite of bread, smacking it between his teeth as he looked between Dick and Nix incredulously. "Why work so hard for something unrewarding when there's an easier way?"
Dick shrugged, absently swiping his bread through the remains of liquid on his plate. "A good question. Guess it's just how I was raised."
"You know, sir – I admire that." He held out a hand over the various setting of dishes. "Fairweather's the name."
"Winters." Dick took it with a firm shake and a nod.
"Nixon." Nix tipped his head in greeting as Fairweather did the same.
"Nice acquainting you two." Fairweather settled back in his seat, picking up his spoon and hefting a solid bite. "You two ever eaten at Elsie's before?"
"First time." Nix admitted.
"It's complete shit, but it's better than the breakfast in the Grand Hotel. Maggots right in the middle of stale biscuits. Rancid bacon that makes my boots smell good 'nuff to eat."
Nix conjured a tight-lipped smile against the disgusting images that threatened to sour his stomach. "We'll take your word for it." He looked back down to his plate, scooping up the last bites.
"You fellas in town for long? There's this gal, Beulah, down at Madame Clara's who'll do right by your cock and then some." Fairweather waggled his eyebrows with another roaring laugh.
"I don't doubt it." Dick said, looking over at Nix, a plea in his gaze. "Well, we better get moving, Nix. Re-provisioning won't take care of itself."
"Right you are. We got a long day of inventorying and stocking ahead." Nix said, looking at Fairweather with a polite nod. "Enjoy the rest of your breakfast…if you can."
"It's a struggle, but it ain't killed me yet." Fairweather laughed at his own joke, looking between them as they rose. "Good luck on your trip north. Perhaps I'll see you again here or at Madam Clara's." The man gave a lewd wink. "If not, then be careful going north – there's heathens everywhere just itching to claim a scalp."
"We'll just have to be careful." Dick nodded down in farewell. "Take care, Fairweather."
"You too, sir. You, too!"
Nix chuckled as he fell into step beside Dick, rounding the long table to dispose of their dishes. "Never known you to lie so smooth." He cast Dick a proud look, enjoying the blush that colored the other man's cheeks. "He didn't seem like a bad sort."
"No." Dick agreed. "But far too crude. There's no call for it – especially not at such an early hour in the morning."
"Not all these roughnecks had the benefit of eastern upbringing."
"It's more than just that."
"Oh, I understand. Just look at me – all good manners and not a shred of decency."
Dick looked over with a sly, amused grin. Something about it made Nix's heart flutter.
"Mr. Winters. Mr. Nixon." They both turned at the sound of Roe's voice, their smiles falling away as they took in the younger man. The tense, sullen set of his face couldn't be good.
"What is it?" Dick asked, face creasing with concern.
His eyes darted impatiently between Dick and Nix. "You seen the notice board this morning?"
"No."
"Didn't think to look."
Roe's lips set in a tight line, forcing a hard swallow. "Well, you ought to."
xxx
LILY JOSEPHINE MARTIN
Of Bluewater, Colorado Territory
Has been found GUILTY of HARBORING FUGITIVES and MORAL INDECENCY
And sentenced to HANG BY THE NECK UNTIL DEAD on this day OCTOBER 6 1880
U.S. MARSHAL N. S. DIKE PRESIDING
All five men stared at the notice hanging front and center on the board. It just…it couldn't be true. Lily had no part to play in any of it. She had only done what she was told.
"That's only five days away." Lip said quietly, almost reverently.
"Told you she wasn't our spy." Nix watched Dick's jaw tighten on his words.
"I see that now." Dick ground the words out, tearing his gaze from the notice with a heavy sigh.
"We have to help her." Lip looked among the group, searching out the others' responses. Speirs was the most concerning – staring intently at the notice, as if his gaze would set the paper on fire. Lip noticed the man's fist clenched tight at his side, everything about him utterly still.
"The only way to do that is turn ourselves in." Roe said. "We do that, then Dike and Sobel win."
"Then we'll just have to find another way." Nix said, already sounding defeated. "A straight up break-in and rescue still keeps us on the run, and that's a real crime they can pin on us. No matter how phony the reason for her imprisonment is."
Speirs abruptly turned from the group, stalking off down the street, radiating a mad lethality with each step.
"Ron!" Dick called out after him, moving in a fast walk to catch up.
"Don't delay me, Dick. Bluewater is easily an 8 day ride from here."
"Doggone it, you will hear what I have to say first." Dick reached out, wrapping a hand tight around Speirs' forearm, arresting his steps. He turned around, eyes blazing as Dick stared back. For a split second, Nix thought Speirs might actually shoot Dick on the spot. God, Lily had been so wrong about him.
"Speak your piece."
Dick held his gaze, unflinching. "Don't take any chances that you don't have to - I want foolproof and as safe as possible. And if you're too late." Speirs' jaw tensed further. "If you're too late," Dick repeated, "you leave – fall back and hold up until we arrive. Losing you and Lily both won't do anyone any good. We'll follow what we have for two more days, then we'll ride for Bluewater."
"Anything else?"
Dick's face softened, resigned as he let Speirs' arm go. "Don't turn full outlaw on us. Be smarter than that. You hear me?"
Speirs nodded, the movement harsh with a razor-sharp flash of teeth. "I hear you." He turned around as quickly as he'd left the first time, continuing down the street. Dick really hoped it wouldn't be the last time that he saw Ronald Speirs.
Roe brushed by him in fast steps, breaking him from his thoughts. He stared after the younger man. "Where are you going, Gene?"
Roe looked positively annoyed as he cast a glance over his shoulder. "Someone needs to be there to fix him up when he gets his fool-head shot off."
"I heard that." Speirs called back.
"Good." Roe caught up to walk briskly alongside the taller man. "Cause you're a damn fool – riding out like this."
"Then what's that make you for joining me?"
"I wouldn't be going if you weren't."
"Then don't come with me." They reached the rack where their horses were hitched, undoing the ties. "You'll only slow me down."
"I'd like to see you try, city boy." Roe shot a tight glare over his horse. "I'll outride you if I've a mind to."
"Then let's hope you do, bayou boy. Time's not on our side" Speirs swung up on his horse, adjusting his hold on the reins. "We'll barter change out of horses as we go."
"I have some grub left in my bags."
With a quick nod, Speirs sunk his heels into the horse's flank, urging it to a cant with Roe close at his side.
Footsteps sounded on the porch outside. Some dull, some sharp. Both made her head throb from where she sat braced against the wall, fighting to keep her eyes open. It was so hard to stay awake these days. She just had nothing left.
The door opened, admitting the soft light of twilight and the sharper footsteps.
"No, thank you, Norman." Alice's familiar, honey-sweet voice drifted through the air as she entered the jail. She looked back out to the porch with a small smile and a nod. "I promise I'll be alright."
With a quiet thud, the door closed as Alice turned to gaze down at her. Lily couldn't believe it as she stared back at the woman clad in a fine wool dress. She looked every bit the respectable lady of society. Her blood curdled at the realization – it was Alice. Alice who had passed along information to Dike. Alice who had brought the full force of his corrupted power down on them. Alice who had betrayed everyone.
"How could you?" Lily hissed, shooting the best glare she could muster at the prim, well-put together woman. She knew how she looked and sounded by comparison after weeks in this cell, but couldn't bring herself to care one whit.
"How could I not, don't you mean?" Alice sounded genuinely affronted. "Those men – all of them – was breaking the law, and I couldn't stand by any longer. Something had to be done to bring them to justice."
"To bring them to justice? What about Norman?" She implored, staring at Alice like she'd never seen the woman before. "What about Sobel?"
"They's only doing their sworn duties to uphold the law." Alice sniffed, unbothered. "Just because you went and gave your heart to those men doesn't make them right."
"Nor does it make Norman right just because he told you…whatever it was he told you to make you into a turncoat."
A small, private smile came to Alice's face. "He offered me what no one else ever has – a chance to start over. A respectable position as wife of a US Marshal."
"Oh, Alice…." Lily sighed, her gaze heavy with pity. "Please don't tell me you betrayed us all just because of that. You…you saw what Dick did for Ginny when she took with child. If you had just said you wanted out, I'm sure he would have helped you."
"What's his help without something to keep me going? He wouldn't have married me, and I don't think I would have wanted him to. Sure, he played holy – always attending the Sunday services, and paying dues to the coffers. But now I see all that for what it was. He was only trying to purge his sins and the guilt. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but shame on him for not being enough of a man to bring an end to it."
Lily shook her head, anger mounting. "You don't know what you're saying."
"Oh, don't I?" Alice strutted more into the room, chin held high in a condescending gaze. "Of us two, who's the fallen woman locked in a cell and bound for the gallows? And who's the woman cleansed of her former sins with the promise of position in her future?"
"Whatever promises you think Norman Dike has made you, I'm sure they are all falsehoods. His only goal is to save his own skin – and the men of Easy know too much for him to be safe. He won't rest until they're all brought in."
"And he shouldn't. Such outlaws shouldn't be allowed to roam the countryside." Alice shook her head, a pitying motion. "You might have had their confidence, but when it came down to the end, they cast us both aide. Like yesterday's trash. I can only imagine how much that must have hurt you – believing you were so close to them."
"What about you, hm?"
"None of them wanted me. So, I found someone who did. And the more Norman explained what the men of the Easy Saloon did, the gladder I became that none of them wanted me for anything. I'll never look at any of them the same way again."
"You're wrong. Whatever Dike has told you, it couldn't be more wrong."
"I'm sorry they have you so caught up in their lies." Alice's face creased with sad lines. "I don't want to see you hanged. Not really, you know. But if you don't help the proper men bring them to justice, then I won't lose any sleep over seeing you swing."
"I wouldn't expect you to, anyway." Lily snarled, wanting to wipe the smug look from Alice's face. "Not for a 'fallen woman' like myself."
"You are fallen, Lily. Whatever redemption you might have hoped for at any of their hands, it will never have come. They're liars and killers and thieves –"
"And Norman Dike is the worst of them all."
Alice sighed resolutely, looking down at the floor before glancing back to Lily. "I came here to try and help you. I already told you that I don't want to see you hanged, but if you won't listen to me, I cannot help you."
"I don't need your help." Lily glared. "Let me hang. The injustice of it will bring a swifter retribution down on Dike and Sobel's heads once the men of Easy find out."
"If you say so." Alice heaved a resigned sigh once more, moving for the door. "I would pray for your soul, but I don't think there's any saving it."
"Probably not." Lily agreed, a sneer in her voice as the other woman stepped back out onto the porch.
Another low murmuring of voices could be heard as footfalls thudded away until silence returned.
Her hanging was only two days away now. Tears stung her eyes to think how close it really was. Would these really be her last days on Earth? Did Dick and Lew know that she would die in two days? Did Ron?
She heaved a shaky breath, fighting to keep the tears back and the blackness from taking over the edges of her mind. She couldn't let any of them see her cry – not Dike, not Sobel, not Alice. She knew that she was right. She knew that they were wrong. And if her neck did snap by the hangman's rope, she knew she would be avenged.
Wouldn't she?
The nights slowed them down more than Speirs would have liked. But a horse's broken ankle would slow them down even more. Between some combination of his luck and Roe's spiritualism, they had been afforded clear, moonless nights so far, and tonight was no exception.
Except that they had to stop. The horses were ragged. They had last bartered a changeover about 20 miles back, but they couldn't push them any further without serious harm. And if Speirs was being honest with himself, both he and Roe could use some sleep. It'd been well over 72 hours since they'd left Wellsville, but they were nearing their limits.
Roe yawned again, stretching out against the thin blanket he used as a bedroll. They'd stopped near a flowing creek, in a former riverbed, so at least the ground was sandy soft. The horses had plenty of grass and water available.
Roe crossed his boot-clad ankles, resting his hat just over his eyes before laying his hands across his chest. "Three hours, all right?"
"Yes – I'll wake you in three hours." Speirs confirmed, his voice rough from dust and days without rest.
"You bettah." Roe's accent was thicker in his exhaustion. "You need to sleep, too. Don't think I don't know that you're hurtin' over that notice."
"I know." Speirs wasn't sure he could bring himself to voice much more. Not until Lily was safe.
"You figure out yet what we're gunna do when we get therah?"
"Not fully."
"I still think creatin' a distraction is the way to go."
"I don't disagree. It just needs to be something that keeps Dike off the scaffold long enough."
Roe hummed sleepily. "Maybe we'll need two distractions."
"Time's wasting - you're supposed to be sleeping."
"With pleasure, sir." The last word come out more of a 'suh' sound than anything, and Speirs couldn't help a tired lift of his lips. Nixon always claimed he could never quite understand Roe when he got exhausted. It made Speirs wonder how Roe fared on those extended shifts behind the bar. Could the patrons understand him in the wee hours of the morning?
A memory sparked in Speirs' brain. A distant recollection of a conversation he vaguely overheard some years back.
He fixed his gaze on the reclining man in the dim starlight. "You still awake?"
"No," Roe grumbled, "you just told me I should be sleepin'."
"Well, since you're still awake," Speirs plowed ahead undeterred, "tell me again about that night at the bar with the firecrackers."
Up Next:
October Part II - In which it's hanging day.
