Chapter 2
Mary Travis's arms were laden with the morning's edition. She had already stopped at Mrs. Potter's and at the bank. Seeing a familiar handsome man dressed in black crossing the street, she smiled warmly.
Chris Larabee tipped his hat to the widow. "Mornin', Mary," he called out. "Got a minute?"
She smiled. "Of course, Chris."
Chris joined her on the boardwalk, accompanying her as she continued to sell her papers to passersby. "I understand the Judge will be coming into Four Corners soon."
"Yes, I'm expecting him next week, on his way back from Chesterville," Mary replied, she sounded concerned. "Is something wrong?"
The gunslinger sighed. "I told you about Vin's surprise party."
"Yes, but what does that have to do with the Judge?"
"We want it to be very special," he explained. Dropping his voice to a coarse whisper, he continued. "Over the past few months I've been in contact with some old ah past 'associates' of mine.
"I have noticed you spending a lot of time at the telegraph office."
"Almost think I spent more time there than the saloon lately," he admitted, "and I know I've certainly spent more money there. It should be worth it in the long run. I think I've got a strong lead on someone who might be able to clear Vin's name. I found a witness. Someone who was too afraid to speak up back then, but I've convinced him we'd protect him and relocate him to Arizona Territory if he will step forward. Apparently he has his heart set on moving further west."
Mary gripped his upper arm with her free hand. "Oh, Chris, that's wonderful! What's Vin have to say about all this? "
"Haven't told him. There's no guarantee, Mary, not until the witness testifies; but it looks promising. I can't think of anything better than to be able to legally clear Vin's name for his birthday."
"But is it fair to clear his name, but not tell him about it until then?"
"I've thought of that. For one thing, it'll take some time to get this taken care of, that's why I need to speak to the Judge – need a little legal advice. For another, even if he could get his name cleared today, it'll take a little while 'fore the word gets out to all the sheriffs and the bounty hunters. He'd still need to be on his guard."
She nodded in understanding. "I think it's wonderful, Chris." She reached out and squeezed his upper arm. "I'll tell the Judge you need to see him as soon as he arrives – and I'll pray that you are successful."
"Please don't breathe a word to anyone else. I don't want to raise hopes if this falls through."
"If course, Chris. I understand."
Chris grinned, his green eyes twinkled. Reaching into his pocket he withdrew some change and passed it to the woman.
She looked at the money quizzically.
Laughing, he pointed at the paper.
Blushing she passed him a copy. "Page two," she said as she walked away.
Thumbing to the indicated page, he opened the newspaper and read.
+++M7+++
Slipping into the saloon, Mary spotted Ezra Standish at his customary table, but instead of shuffling his cards, he was reading a letter. Hearing her entry, he looked up. "Good morning, Mrs. Travis."
"Morning, Ezra." Smiling she passed him two copies of the Clarion.
His eyebrows rose and her met her smile with one of his own flashing his golden incisor. "Twice in one week, ma'am? Mr. Tanner's certainly become quite prolific."
"Page two."
Turning to page two, Ezra found the item and paused to read the printed poem. "Another gem. Your instruction in reading and writing is being put to excellent use. You should be very proud." Looking up at the woman, he could see from the look on her face that she was.
"He's worked very hard as well. Vin's accomplished a lot. He's very pleased to be able to pen his own poems now."
Rising from his chair, he pulled out one of the chairs to the right of his own. "Please, my dear, do sit down."
"I do have more papers to deliver," she argued," and I have a lot to do before our new schoolmarm arrives."
"I'm sure that your delay in delivering your publications will not affect circulation, and it is a couple of weeks before the educator arrives. I require your assistance in a delicate and expeditious matter. I am afraid there is one aspect of Mr. Tanner's poem that I find unsettling," he stated, his voice low.
Mary looked up him, clearly appalled. "It's a wonderful poem," she argued. "One of his best."
"I have no contention with the poem itself. Indeed, his contributions to your illustrious newspaper brighten my days. Why do you think, Mrs. Travis, that I always request extra copies whenever his literary accomplishments are published?"
Looking confused, Mary said. "Then I'm at a loss, Mr. Standish. Why are you dismayed?"
"Simply regarding this." Ezra poked at the poem with his index finger. "It's a shame that the only recognition our erstwhile tracker/poet extraordinaire is able to garner from his efforts is his initials," he noted of the 'by V.J.T.' which was imprinted beneath the poem's title.
Mary nodded and sighed forlornly. "I do understand, Ezra. It pains me that I can't put print his full name, but until his name is cleared there is really no other safe alternative. I did at first suggest just using 'anonymous', but as Vin said. He wasn't going to have any of his poems credited to a 'naughty mouse'."
"While it is unfortunate that there doesn't seem there is anything I can do to resolve that particular matter, I have been given some thought to Mr. Tanner's birthday celebration, and most importantly an appropriate gift." He looked up at the saloon doors to ascertain that was he was about to tell the young widow was for their ears only. "I've been in contact with a reputable publishing house in New York City. They specialize in books of poetry."
"Oh, Ezra!" Mary's lips curled up into a smile and her eyes twinkled.
"I have even sent them all of Vin's poems that have been featured in the Clarion." Pushing the letter he'd been reading earlier towards the woman, he continued. "Acting as Mr. Tanner's proxy I have received confirmation from a Mr. Jonathan Q. McAllister of McAllister Publishing that they would like to indeed publish a book containing Mr. Tanner's poems. While I'm very pleased with their interest and intent, it pains me profoundly to instruct Mr. McAllister to proceed with the printing with 'by V.J.T.'. I'm afraid that I have no other option unless a pseudonym was used."
"You're acting as his proxy, but he has no idea as to what you are doing?"
"Perhaps you recall a couple years ago when Mr. Tanner allowed me to act on his behalf during that minor legal situation?" Ezra asked.
"Regarding that disagreement regarding the ownership of his horse?"
"The very same, though why anyone aside from our tracker wanted that devil of a horse still alludes me. Anyway, I still retain that authority to act on Mr. Tanner's behalf."
Mary looked uneasy finding it difficult meet the gambler's green gaze. "I see, providing you don't abuse that authority."
"My good lady, I consider Mr. Tanner one of my dear friends. It pains me that you even suggest that I could stoop to such behavior. "
Mary shot him an evil eye…one all mothers perfect in a very short period of time.
"Besides, I am well aware if I were to misappropriate that trust, Mr. Tanner, Mr. Larabee, and the rest of the Seven wouldn't hesitate to dole out harsh punishment."
"Considering your intent, and situation, Ezra, would it be possible to instruct Mr. McAllister to save the printing of the cover and the title page until last? Perhaps Mr. Tanner's situation will change before they have to commit the author's name to the books?"
The green eyes narrowed scrutinizing the woman as he would a fellow poker player. "Mrs. Travis, do you know something of which I should be cognizant?"
She giggled nervously, a blush warmed her face. Rising to her feet she gripped her unsold papers firmly. "Now, Ezra, I'm sure I have no idea."
Standing Ezra gently placed his hand on her forearm. "My dear woman, I am an astute observer of my fellow man – or woman – as it is in your case. Now I inquire again – and please consider the ramifications of your reply before you speak – is there anything I should know regarding Mr. Tanner's legal circumstances?"
Mary looked away casting her eyes over the batwing doors and to the street outside. There resting in a chair in the shadows of the restaurant sat the subject of their discussion. Why hadn't she noticed it before? For as much as Vin Tanner enjoyed the outdoors, when he was in town he tended to keep as hidden as possible while still maintaining his vigil on the town and its residents. Outside he'd keep to the shadows, his hat placed just high enough on his head so he could peer out beneath the brim but still remain hidden. Indoors he'd always place himself in the back of a room, his back to the wall, allowing him to remain as unnoticed as possible and also preventing anyone from sneaking up behind him. How Vin was able to maintain his outlook on life as evidenced in his poetry was a mystery to her. A man like Vin Tanner shouldn't have to live his life like a wanted man, she determined, he was innocent – of that fact she had no doubt. He shouldn't have to worry about whether his name appeared in print – he should be able to experience the pride and joy of knowing not only there were other people enjoying his literary achievements, but that they also were able to associate a name to his talent. On the other hand, she had made a promise to Chris. "Perhaps you should speak to Mr. Larabee about your problem," she relented meeting his eyes her gaze unwavered.
"I will do that, madam." Snapping the paper open, he proceeded to peruse the poem again.