Notes Chapter 3: Thank you very much for the reviews for last chapter - please do continue reviewing! I really hope you're enjoying this, as I know it's a very different story to my last one. Please let me know what you think, even if you aren't sure about it, I'd really appreciate that. Thanks to: Juliette for your review; shadowfox for your reviews of 'Lost Letters'; chrysalis escapist and afrozenheart412 for some more thoughts; and Blue Shadowdancer for reading.
Once Upon A Time In the Old West
Chapter 3: The Good, The Bad and The Handsome
Angell:
One moment I'm standin' at my window lookin' out at the snow, and the fine figure of Hattanville's Deputy walking towards my doorstep; then after takin' a moment to check on the roast dinner in the stove, I hear a fuss and commotion, and my Deputy's disappeared from sight! All I can see is the figure of a man runnin' away into the whiteness, and another figure lyin' on the ground. It don't take more than another moment to throw my shawl round my shoulders and run outside.
It might only be late morning, but the sky's gone real dark, and it's difficult to see much with the snow whirling down. However, I can see it's a familiar figure lyin' there just a few yards from my door…
"Don!" My heart almost stops, I gotta own, until I see him movin', "Don! You all right there? What happened? I saw someone runnin'…"
I reach him just as he raises himself up on his knees and elbows, and kinda' shakes himself. There's snow stickin' all over him, almost beginning to cover him up, and his hat's been knocked clean off his head.
"Miss Jessica…" He begins, and then wobbles a little as he struggles to his feet, so I take a hold of his arm, just so's he don't fall over again, and pass his hat back to him, after brushin' the snowflakes off it first.
"Now don't you be doin' too much talkin' yet, Don, you come inside with me and we'll get you warmed up and straightened out, and then you can tell me what just came to pass. You on your own out here?"
I can hear his teeth chatterin' so loud, it sounds like a clatter of horses' hooves, so I'm walkin' him rapidly towards my door. Gotta keep him movin' nice and brisk, can't have him catchin' his death o' cold out here in a blizzard. That wouldn't be doin' at all. I'd sorely miss the warmth of his hand in mine when we take our afternoon stroll down Main Street, now that we're officially courtin'.
"Was out with Stella, Hammerback and Ross." He tells me, "On my way to call on you, Miss Jessica."
"Well it's real lucky I was about to take that joint of roast beef out of the stove." I wink at him, "The one you, Ma and Pa are going to be served up for dinner later. Maybe I can give you a taste beforehand though, so's you can tell me if I got the right amount of seasonin'."
"Real lucky indeed, thank you..." He manages a smile, but it drops right back to being a frown, "But I gotta make sure the others are all right - someone threatened me and knocked me down, and I reckon the outlaw who did so's a dangerous sort, don't want anyone else in danger."
I look around and see sight of three figures hurryin' over to us; as they get closer I can make out Miss Stella, Mr Hammerback and Mr Ross. I pat Don's arm.
"Now don't you be worryin' either, though it's noble of you to do so, 'cause I can see them all safely headin' our way. See?"
We wait for them to catch us up. Mr Ross is the first to reach us, calling out as he comes. Never known such a man for agitatin'. Soon as he's in front of us, his hat is almost falling off his head, and he's catchin' it with one hand, then tryin' to run the other hand through his hair, endin' up knockin' the hat right back off again. I pick his hat up for him as well and dust the snow off.
"Th- thank you, uh, Miss… Miss Angell. Mr Flack, sir, are… are you all right, sir? I - I don't rightly know what happened, I was right behind you, then Mr Colter called me back, and… and I had to answer his questions about a certain delicate condition he's sufferin' from, 'cause it woulda' been rude not to, and… and then I lost sight and sound of you, until just now when… when I heard Miss Angell's voice."
"What happened, Don? You look real shaken up. Everything all right with you, Miss Angell?" Miss Stella's got a look of concern on her face as she joins us, Mr Hammerback too.
"I'm fine, thankin' you, Miss Stella, but Don's had somethin' of an unfortunate encounter..."
Mr Hammerback adds his opinion, "You look as if you've seen a ghost, young sir. Although of course I don't believe in such things as the spirits of the dear departed, but it's a proven fact that weather conditions such as this can cause your eyes to play supernatural tricks on you." He pauses and looks a little flustered as he takes off and then replaces his spectacles, "That is not to say of course that I'm suggesting your eyes are anything but reliable, Mr Flack…"
Don's looking grim, and I can tell the anger at whatever's just come to pass is warmin' him up again as he answers, "It weren't no ghost or trick of the snow I saw, Hammerback. It was solid no-good flesh and blood that held a knife to my throat and hit me on the back of the head. Seems someone wants to make a few threats, and against one of us in particular."
Someone's threatened Don, and I ain't happy about that at all.
"You know who it was? Recognise anyone from our 'Most Wanted' posters?" Miss Stella's asked that question standin' with one hand on her hip and the other takin' a pistol out of her cloak, and I reckon it's not the only one she'll have with her. I always keep one tucked into my petticoats, but if rumours in the town are to be believed, she keeps at least twenty hidden about her person. According to Don, Mr Daniel Messer has a bet placed as to the exact number, but I don't reckon he'll ever be able to discover the true number and collect on it. Fact is, I always get the feelin' Mr Messer's a little scared of Miss Stella. Can't put my finger on it - just a feelin' I get from the times I've observed him sorta steppin' behind Miss Monroe when they pass Miss Stella and the Sheriff along the street… But he's always more than polite to her; raisin' his hat and makin' a point of complimentin' her appearance. It's somethin' I'll ask Don about one of these days. See if he can tell me any more about it; he and Mr Messer've been good pals for some time.
Meanwhile, Don's shakin' his head at Miss Stella, "He'll be long gone. Off to some hidey-hole somewhere. Can't say I know who he was, but he gave me a few clues. Reckon he might be involved in all this cattle rustlin' that's been going on further north. But I don't want to say no more about it out here, and about who it was he was directin' his threats against." I can tell this has shaken him, more than he's lettin' on.
I give them my view, "Real cowardly act it were, creepin' up on you and then a cosh in the back of the head. Didn't even dare show his face. True cowardice I call it."
Everyone nods in agreement, but it still don't make me feel any less mad, lookin' at Don and seein' how this has upset him. I'm also fumin' with myself for not gettin' out there sooner and usin' my pistol. I got a real nice Smith and Wesson Pa gave me when I came of age, same as my brothers got. Pa don't believe in treatin' me any differently to them in most matters, which I'm grateful for. Can't imagine not owning a pistol, or not being able to shoot with one either. Could hardly believe it when Miss Monroe confessed to me she was given her first pistol by Miss Stella only a few months ago. I know she still gets lessons in sharp-shootin' from her too.
But she's gettin' pretty darn good, is Miss Monroe - only broke one window of Pa's outhouse the other day when she called round to show me how she's progressin'. So I'm givin' her a few extra lessons too, and I reckon between Miss Stella and myself, we'll have her shootin' almost as sharp as Miss Annie Oakley soon.
But back to our present dilemma; and after hearin' what Don's just said, Mr Ross is fair hoppin' about in the snow, and I can almost see the questions shootin' out of his head. I'm wonderin' if I oughtta mix him up a little somethin' to calm his nerves - I keep a brew of herbs and such for Ma when hers get bad. Usually after Pa's been practisin' his skills on the fiddle, somethin' he's taken a fancy to learnin' recently. Pa's fingers ain't the sort designed for playin' the fiddle, and our ears ain't the sort for wantin' to listen to him try either; but tryin' to persuade him of that ain't easy.
However, first things first; I gotta get everyone indoors and in front of the fire we got burning nicely in the parlour, as I can't help but note we're all still standin' in the street with the snow turnin' our hair and clothes white. Ma and Pa are always welcoming of visitors, and I know they got a deal of respect for the Deputy of Hattanville, as well as Mr Hammerback, Miss Stella and Mr Ross.
"How about we all get ourselves inside and outta this snow. Won't take me a moment to put on some coffee to warm us all up. What do you say?"
Mr Hammerback's the first to answer me as he takes hold of my other arm in a most courteous fashion. He may be a little eccentric, but he's a gentleman from the top of his hat to the tip of his boots. Even if they are rather dusty boots and the hat's probably lived more years than I have.
"I for one think that is a most sensible suggestion, Miss Angell. And so too, I'm certain, do all these other good folks." He says, givin' them no chance to disagree. Miss Stella puts her pistol away, reluctantly it has to be said, and I soon got a little party headin' over to our house.
In no time at all, I'm entertainin' a parlour full of guests and Ma and Pa are recountin' tales of life on the smallholding we had out on the prairies, before we moved to Hattanville. Ma starts boastin' too about the grandchildren she got from each o' my dear big brothers. All four of 'em still live out on the Kansas prairie, and it's one heck of a long wagon ride to visit, so we don't get to see 'em more than once a year.
I don't miss the significance of the look Ma gives me over her best china as she mentions grandchildren, and how her eyes kinda' slide over to Don. I'm concentratin' however on servin' a cup of coffee to Miss Stella whilst she's doin' that, and hopin' my blushes ain't obvious. Poor Don's also lookin' a little red of face I note. Fortunately for us, Mr Hammerback starts recountin' a strange tale, and any thoughts of grandchildren are soon forgotten by Ma.
So it's an interesting' hour we spend before Don glances at his pocket watch, just as Mr Hammerback seems about to launch into another story, and jumps to his feet.
"Beggin' your pardon Mr and Mrs Angell, Miss Angell, but I think we've taken advantage of your generous hospitality for long enough. Hour's gettin' late and the Sheriff's gonna be expectin' me back. We got a few things we need to be doin' before the meetin' this evening'. Can I rely on you good folks bein' there?"
Pa stands and claps Don on the shoulder. He's got a mighty strong arm has Pa, used to be a Deputy himself back east, as he's talked to Don about many a time. Reckon it's somethin' that's helped the two of 'em find a deal of respect for each other though, and I'm sure glad about that.
"Don't be frettin' yourself, young fellow. The three of us'll be there, you can rely on us. And if there's any help you might be needin', you can rely on us for that too. Aint' that right?"
Ma and I give our reassurances. I'm mighty curious, I gotta admit, to know what exactly this meetin's about. I got a fear it ain't gonna be a happy announcement - neither Don nor Miss Stella have quite got rid of their serious looks all the time we been sittin' here. They know somethin' more than the rest of us, but I know they'll have their reasons for keeping' silent. Just hope it ain't somethin' real bad.
I'm worried too about Don bein' attacked on the street in the middle of the day. Gotta be a desperate man who tries takin' on the Deputy of Hattanville. What's worryin' me most though is how much it's rattled Don. He still ain't quite got back the usual rosy colour in his cheeks, and he even refused a third helpin' of my apple pie and cream, had to give it to Mr Ross instead, and that's got me real worried. Sure ain't like him to turn down my bakin'. So I'm wonderin' how I can find a way of findin' out and helpin' out. Gotta think fast though as he, Mr Hammerback, Miss Stella and Mr Ross are all givin' their thanks and goodbyes to Ma and Pa, and preparin' to depart…
But as it turns out, Don turns to Pa and asks permission for me to accompany the little party back to the Sheriff's office. Pa gives his consent, and we set out once more into the snow.
Even the short journey down Main Street's a treacherous one now the snow's fallin' real heavily, so we hurry along to get back into the warmth. Mr Ross is needed at the drugstore, so we see him safely there - none of us wantin' to take a chance whilst there's still the possibility of an outlaw still out there.
After that, the four of us continue to the Sheriff's office. I walk with Don, whilst Mr Hammerback engages Miss Stella in conversation; I can't catch much of what they're saying as they're a little way behind us, but I swear I hear the word 'dynamite' mentioned. Musta' been mistaken though, can't think why either one of them would be talkin' about that. Reckon I musta' misheard. Although it strikes me that there ain't many other words that sound like dynamite…
Before I can puzzle any more on the matter though we've arrived and Don's holding the door open for me to pass into the office. It ain't a place I've been very often, and truth be told, the times I have, I've felt a little nervous. Not that Sheriff Taylor's an intimidatin' man, leastways, not to anyone who ain't done wrongdoings - reckon to lawbreakers he don't show much friendliness. He greets me with a smile and a handshake however, and pulls out a chair for me to sit down on by the fire. There's a troubled look in his eyes though, same as Don and Miss Stella got, and it gets me worried again. Somethin's not right at all here. Mr Hammerback's also been offered a chair whilst the others stand and sorta' look at each other. Before I can help myself, I find my mouth's open and words are comin' out of it.
"Sheriff, pardon me for speakin' out of turn and all, but if there's anythin' at all I can help you with, whatever's happened, you only gotta ask…"
He looks at Don, who gives him a nod, and it reassures me no end, "I appreciate you speakin' up, Miss Angell." The Sheriff says, "And there may be somethin' you and Mr Hammerback can be helpin' us with." He stops and heaves a sigh, and Miss Stella gives his arm a squeeze, "Plain truth of the matter is, we got ourselves a mighty big problem…"
No more than ten minutes later and I realise exactly what kind of a problem we're all facin'. Can't hardly believe it. Why, Pa and Ma and I only been livin' in Hattanville a couple o' years, but it's a place we consider home. That some railroad company want to be tearin' it down doesn't bear thinkin' about.
But at the same time, I'm torn, feelin' another feelin' - pride. As the Sheriff's asked me and Mr Hammerback, our official Town Historian, to be doin' some researchin' into who properly owns the land Hattanville's built on. He knows I've had a fair amount of schoolin' back east, and I'm happy that all the time I spent miserable over slates and textbooks are goin' to be of some use finally. The schoolhouse sure wasn't a place I was fond of when I was a small girl - I'd have much rather been out fishin' or climbing trees with my friend Billy Jenkins.
The Sheriff's gonna be askin' Miss Monroe too, as she's another educated lady, and a mighty smart one too. Reckon she's had more learnin' than I have to be teachin' school no less. Gotta admire a girl for that.
Don's real pleased that the Sheriff's asked me to do this, and I'm happy I can help out. Course, I'd be happy to be helpin' in other ways too - reckon I might need to remind folks I can shoot a pistol and a bow and arrow as well as I can read dusty old books, if it should come to anyone needin' to be firin' weapons. Which I guess I'd better hope it doesn't…
Anyways, the rest of the day passes quickly as Mr Hammerback and I make a start on our investigatin'. Don helps me carry over some of the heavier record books and ledgers to Mr Hammerback's establishment, and I'm pleased to see once we're over there that he's recovered his appetite enough to share in the tea and cakes Mrs Hammerback serves us. There's no chance, however, to ask him any more about the threat from the outlaw, but I know he'll tell me when he's good and ready. Miss Stella and the Sheriff are busy in the saloon, settin' up for the meetin', and shooin' away the many folks who find a pressin' need to be hoverin' by the doors.
In no time at all, evenin' draws in and we head over to the saloon. Never seen so many people gathered together, seems the whole town has done the Sheriff proud and turned out. Quite a sight. There ain't a whole lotta room, but no one seems to mind. I smile at the folks I know well; Mr Messer and Miss Monroe arrive together and find a space by Don and myself; Pa and Ma and sit themselves near the front; Doctor Hawkes and the young lady who caused so much excitement with her arrival this morning occupy two seats together, and seem to be enjoying each other's company; and Mr and Miss Novak come with Mr Ross and take a table together.
The last person to arrive squeezes themselves in at the back with an apologetic look, and then conversation dies down as Sheriff Taylor takes his place at the front with Miss Stella at his side. He knocks on the bar with a glass and wins everyone's attention in a second. I realise I'm holdin' my breath, and Don's holdin' my hand. There's a second of silence, and then the Sheriff begins to speak…
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