Chapter Four
Heyes and Curry were relieved to see that Coldwater really was the peaceful, quiet little town they had left nearly half a year ago. So much did they feel they had changed, or rather been changed by events they'd been caught up in, they wouldn't have been any more surprised to find it completely vanished, or grown to the size of San Francisco in their absence.
Early that morning - - too early to Curry's way of thinking - - they had eaten breakfast with Brigitte and Mary and then seen them on their way back to town. The three men had then waited several hours - - enough time for the girls to have gotten home - - before setting off themselves, a pack horse in tow to carry back their supplies. They had taken the extra precaution of riding around the town and entering from the side farthest from the O'Reilly house.
"Don't you think that's a little too cautious, Heyes?" Curry had asked.
"Maybe, but it's also in my mind that the telegraph office is on that side of town so we can stop their first an' telegraph Lom - - the girls ain't expectin' us until dinnertime anyway. I expect we'll have time for a leisurely drink even."
"Put some thought into this, did you?"
"Kid," Heyes replied reproachfully. "When do I not put thought into things?"
Now the three men rode into town, pulling up in front of that telegraph office, and Heyes dismounted, saying, "No point in you two gettin' down, it'll just take me a minute."
"Looks like a nice little town," Sam commented while he and Curry waited.
"It is," the gunslinger replied. "Folks are friendly an' welcomin', even the sheriff."
"Don't you and Joshua worry about a sheriff getting too friendly?"
"Usually we would, but when Lom came t'see us when we were here last time he put in a good word for us with the sheriff, so he won't even consider we aren't really Thaddeus Jones an' Joshua Smith. We won't be spendin' a whole lotta time in town anyway."
"Well, that's done," Heyes announced as he strode back outside. "I said we'd be over in the saloon havin' a drink if Lom sends a reply - - either there or at the O'Reilly's." Such had been their arrangements that morning with Brigitte and Mary in order to not appear inappropriately eager.
"It ain't ever good news if he does," Curry grunted.
"Our luck's gotta change sometime, Thaddeus," the other replied as he swung into his saddle.
"You keep sayin' that, Joshua."
"Yup, an' I'll keep sayin' it until I'm right!"
"That's what I'm afraid of."
"What, that I'll be right?"
"No, that you'll just keep sayin' it," Curry sighed.
Heyes rolled his eyes without comment and reined his horse in the direction of the saloon, which was nearly empty as most were on a weekday at this hour in honest, hardworking towns. Heyes had often wondered why they bothered staying open during the day, but reasoned that the few regulars and travelers passing through must be sufficient. He spotted a newspaper at the end of the bar as they each ordered a beer and asked the bartender if he could read it.
"Sure, be my guest," was the reply as the frothy brews were set before them.
They took their mugs to a table where Heyes happily disappeared behind the paper.
"I can't decide what irritates me more," Curry began after a long draw on his drink.
"About what, Thaddeus?" Sam asked.
"Joshua. He's either talkin' my ear off, or stickin' his nose in a book or newspaper."
Sam laughed. "You don't enjoy reading, Thaddeus?"
"It ain't that exactly, but I've usually got enough t'concern me right where I am without worryin' about what's happenin' other places. Usually ain't my concern anyway."
"What about books? Most boys love adventure stories."
"So did I when I was a kid, but at a very young age real life became enough of an adventure that I sure didn't need t'read about anybody else's!"
"I suppose you have a point there," Sam conceded.
Their beers were a swallow away from being finished when Sheriff Taylor parted the swinging doors and headed straight for their table - - a less than welcoming look on his face.
Heyes neatly folded the paper and put on his most innocent expression. "Afternoon, Sheriff Taylor," he greeted. "Will you join us?"
"Smith, Jones," the sheriff replied shortly and threw a curious glance at Sam as he sat.
"This is Sam Adamson. He's gonna be foreman of our ranch."
The lawman nodded at the wrangler as he said, "Yeah, that's some ranch you two are building up there."
"Ah, you've been to see it then?"
"Felt it was my duty and I know for a fact it takes a pretty penny to build a house like that."
"Yes, it did," Heyes replied seemingly unconcerned, but his instincts warned him that the sheriff wasn't just making casual conversation.
"Which makes a man wonder where two young fellows such as yourselves came up with that kind of money - - also taking into consideration your condition when you first came to Coldwater."
"Just what're you gettin' at, sheriff?" Curry asked quietly, but the hard look in his blue eyes was unmistakable.
"Maybe you oughta read this first," Sheriff Taylor said pulling a folded telegraph out of his shirt pocket.
Heyes' eyes narrowed as he took the paper and opened it. "Since when do telegraphs get delivered to the sheriff instead of who they're addressed to?"
"Read it first."
Heyes read:
To: Joshua Smith and Thaddeus Jones Coldwater, Colorado
From: Sheriff Lom Trevors, Porterville, Wyoming
Luke Potter's brother released from prison. Rumored to have regathered the gang.
He handed the telegraph to his partner to read and said, "So?"
"So it makes me wonder why Sheriff Trevors sees fit to send you news of a notorious outlaw gang. Makes me wonder how two young fellows such as yourselves might've come up with the money for that grand ranch being built. Makes me wonder if you're the sort of people we want in this town."
"You don't think we're outlaws, do you?"
"No, of course not! I don't know of any outlaws getting telegraphs from sheriffs, but there's other ways of getting large amounts of money that, while legal, may be morally distasteful."
Suddenly it dawned on Heyes what the lawman was beating around the bush about. "You think we're bounty hunters?"
"The thought crossed my mind. You saying you ain't?"
"Nothing could be further from the truth, sheriff!" The ex-outlaw grinned in relief. "Thaddeus an' me made that money honestly - - playin' poker mostly, which some might consider morally distasteful, too, while legal."
"Then why is Sheriff Trevors informing you about Luke Potter's brother?"
"Because we were there when Luke Potter was killed."
"He's dead?" the sheriff exclaimed. "There's been no news of that and I guarantee you that that would've been big news!"
"Only people who know are me an' Thaddeus, Potter's gang, an' the Silver Kid, who killed him. Oh, an' Lom, of course."
"If the bounty was paid out the folks who paid it would've let the news out."
"The Silver Kid didn't claim rewards - - he wasn't a bounty hunter either. Thaddeus an' me buried the body an' that was the end of it. Lom's probably worried that Potter's brother might want revenge, but since we didn't kill Luke there ain't no reason forhis brother to come after us. Only Lom knows where we are anyway."
"That's it?"
"That's it, sheriff," Heyes assured the lawman. "So are two gamblers turned respectable ranchers welcome in your town?"
"Of course! Just don't make paupers out of all the town fold, if you don't mind," Sheriff Taylor said jovially, his relief evident in his demeanor.
"Don't worry, sheriff, we'll be too busy gettin' the ranch goin' t'do much gamblin' at all."
"Sounds good, boys. Well, thanks for your time."
"Anytime, sheriff, anytime."
The relief at the table was palpable as the doors swung shut behind the lawman.
"Well, I don't mind admittin' I was sweatin' bullets for a minute there, Joshua," Curry said. "Since we're plannin' on settlin' here a suspicious sheriff ain't good."
"You're right about that, Thaddeus," Heyes agreed. "This telegraph makes this article I was readin' more meaningful."
"Which article?"
"This one about the 'sudden recurrence of robberies and assaults of the type once linked to Luke Potter's gang after nearly six months of peace'," Heyes read from the paper. "Seems like those rumors Lom's heard are right on. Did you know Potter had a brother, Thaddeus?"
"Yeah, younger, even more vicious than Luck if you can believe that. Named Nate, I think."
"You didn't think this bit of information was something I should know?"
"Why? He was in prison," Curry said matter-of-factly and shrugged.
"Because people get out of prison! Well, he seems to be more interested in gettin' the gang back in business than revenge."
"He'd go lookin' for the Silver Kid anyway, Joshua, not us. We didn't kill his brother."
"That's true. I worry too much, I guess."
"Ain't that the truth," Curry snorted.
"You two ready to go?" Heyes asked, changing the subject and getting to his feet.
Curry and Sam tossed off the rest of their beers and followed Heyes, who was already halfway to the doors.
Two men relaxed on the O'Reilly porch as the three newcomers rode up - - one obviously Dr. O'Reilly, while the other was a much younger man. "Joshua! Thaddeus! Welcome home, me boyos!" Dr. O'Reilly called. He strode briskly down the porch stairs and hurried to open the gate for the young men. "Won't my girls be that surprised to see you!"
"It's good to see you, too, Dr. O'Reilly," Heyes responded, grasping the proffered hand warmly. "Although there's less of you to see, I see."
Indeed, Dr. O'Reilly's previously portly figure was much reduced, though he wasn't yet slim still the buttons on his vest no longer threatened to burst. He shook Curry's hand while saying, "Aye, while my girls have been building your ranch they've left me in the care of a dour Scotswoman, who barely gives me enough food to stay alive!"
Heyes chuckled and then gestured Sam forward. "Doc, I'd like you to meet Sam Adamson, the foreman of that ranch you mentioned."
"Welcome to Coldwater, Sam! Come up onto the porch, there's someone I'd like you to meet." He hustled the trio up to the porch where the younger man stood, looking on. "Boys, I'd like you to meet Bartholomew Higgins, my partner and Coldwater's new surgeon. Barty, this is Joshua Smith, Thaddeus Jones, and Sam Adamson."
"A pleasure," the young surgeon replied, shaking the three men's hands. "I've heard a lot about you since my arrival here."
"Well, I hope you don't hold what you heard against us, Dr. Higgins," Heyes said with his charming smile, while his eyes assessed the town's most eligible bachelor.
Bartholomew Higgins could be considered of average height, a smidge shorter than both Heyes and Curry, and slim bordering on slight of build. His hair was pale blond, parted in the middle and slicked down, his eyes an equally pale blue, his nose short and slightly tilted, his mouth was formed by two sensuous lips that wouldn't have been out of place on a woman. He was dressed in a dapper suit made from a fine black cloth, his starched white shirt spotless, his tie flawlessly knotted, his shoes buffed to a brilliant shine. Heyes wasn't so sure what made him so eligible, but he suddenly felt himself in need of another bath.
"Why don't you boys sit down while I go tell Brigitte and Mary you're here and I'll find Sean to take care of your horses," Dr. O'Reilly suggested and hurried away before anyone could reply.
"So, Doc, where you from?" Heyes asked as he casually half-sat on the porch railing while Curry and Sam relaxed into the two empty chairs.
"I'm from Boston, Mr. Smith," the young physician replied.
"It's Joshua - - I expect we'll be seein' a lot of each other. Why'd you come all the way out here, if you don't mind my askin'?"
"Why would I mind?"
"Oh, well, there's lots of different kinds of folk that make their way West, most with the idea of startin' a new life, but some have good reason for leavin' their old lives behind. We tend to respect that out here."
"Ah, well, there's certainly no nefarious reason behind my coming just that Dr. O'Reilly's offer of a partnership was an opportunity too good to pass up. You see, there are many physicians in Boston and thus competition is fierce. When Dr. O'Reilly explained that there wasn't a surgeon closer than two days I knew that I could be useful here."
"You're right about that, Doc," Curry put in. "Folks have died out here for want of a doctor."
"Life out here is often dangerous," Heyes remarked.
"You two sound as if you know from personal experience," Dr. Higgins commented.
"You could say that," the former outlaw agreed.
The doctor started to say something else, but was cut off by the door slamming open and Brigitte happily shouting, "Joshua, you're back!"
Heyes stood up to prevent himself from toppling off the porch as the girl flung herself enthusiastically into his arms, her arms wrapping around his neck as she planted a kiss on his waiting lips.
Following sedately, but no less happily, was Mary. "Welcome back, Thaddeus," she said demurely. "I'm so glad you've arrived safely. We've missed you."
Curry enveloped her in a bear hug that lifted her off her feet. "Not half as much as I've missed you, Mary!" he disputed, then kissed her with gusto.
Dr. Bartholomew Higgins stood silent, shocked at this scandalous display, a tinge of red coloring his pale Eastern skin. Sam had also risen to his feet, but his face entertained an amused smile.
"Now, lasses, you're scandalizing the good doctor!" Dr. O'Reilly scolded teasingly upon returning to the porch.
Mary blushed and straightened her skirts as she regained her feet, but Brigitte just laughed. "He'd better get used to thing being different out here in the West, Da! Besides, we're betrothed so it's not that scandalous!"
"Be that as it may, it's still unkind to give the poor man apoplexy, or at the very least ruin his appetite for dinner," the older doctor retorted. "No how about you being courteous to our other guest? This gentleman is Sam Adamson and he's come to be foreman at Joshua and Thaddeus' ranch. Sam, this redheaded hoyden is my oldest daughter, Brigitte, and the shy one there is Mary."
Pretending to have never met the man, Brigitte stuck out her hand and said, "Welcome to Coldwater, Mr. Adamson."
"Sam, please," the wrangler replied as he returned the girl's firm pressure. In a more courtly manner, he lifted Mary's hand gallantly to his lips, very aware of Curry's scowl. "It's simply a delight to meet such beautiful young ladies."
Mary giggled as his moustache tickled the back of her hand. "You're a flatterer, Sam! I hope you brought your appetite because dinner is ready."
"I'm famished," Sam replied.
Curry grabbed Sam's arm as the others trooped in to dinner. "Just what do you think you're doin', Sam, kissin' Mary's hand like that?"
With a look of surprised innocence Sam replied, "Just making it look good like we talked about, Thaddeus - -it's the first time I've met her, you know."
"Well, you don't hafta make it look that good, okay?" the gunslinger growled.
"Relax, Thaddeus," the wrangler actually patted Curry's arm. "Who in their right mind is going to mess with your girl?" The rust moustache lifted in a mischievous grin.
Heyes stuck his head back out the door. "You two comin'?"
"Yeah, we're comin'," Curry replied and release Sam's arm. He followed the wrangler through the door and as he passed his partner he frowned at the knowing half-smile. "What?" he snapped.
Heyes laughed out loud and slapped his partner on the shoulder. "Nothin', Thaddeus, let's eat."
"So will you boys be staying tonight in town, or heading on up to your ranch?" Dr. O'Reilly asked after everyone had filled their plates.
"I think we'll go straight up after we pick up a few supplies," Heyes replied. "We're pretty anxious to see it."
"Well, I think you'll be quite pleasantly surprised at how well the plans turned out. All the organizing of workers, ordering of supplies, and supervising the actual work kept Brigitte too busy to get up to her usual antics," the physician teased his daughter with an affectionate look.
"Da!" Brigitte protested.
"Mary, too, was kept quite busy feeding the builders. Their poor father they abandoned to the care of a dour Scotswoman with more starch in her spine that her apron and a tongue that can lash a man to ribbons!" If he noticed his listeners' winces at the mention of lashes he assumed they were all in sympathy with his suffering. ""Tis sure I am that her dear departed husband fled this world to find a bit of peace!"
"Now, Da, Mrs. McDaniel is scarcely the ogre you're making her out to be."
"Perhaps not," he admitted. "So, Joshua, Thaddeus, your time away was obviously profitable, hopefully it was uneventful, if you take my meaning."
"Doc, me an' Thaddeus wouldn't hardly think a day was properly complete without some kind of event, but we're here an' in one piece so that's all that counts. Lom distracted us a couple of times with little jobs, like fillin' in as sheriffs in Coleville."
"Wow, you were sheriffs?" Sean piped up for the first time - - his eyes alight with excitement. "Did you arrest anyone?"
"There's more t'bein' a sheriff than just arrestin' people, Sean," Heyes told the boy gently.
"But we did arrest somebody, Sean," Curry put in. "In fact, Joshua arrested the mayor's wife."
"I think you were involved in that just a tiny bit, too, Thaddeus," the former outlaw retorted.
"They mayor's wife? What'd she do?" The young boy fairly danced in his chair.
"She's one of them people against drinkin' an' so she took it into her head to take a hatchet to the saloon," the gunslinger explained. "Me an' Joshua had t'take her in for destruction of private property an' disturbin' the peace."
"Is she still in jail?"
"Nah, the owner agreed to forget about it as long as she paid for the damage she'd done."
"What else happened?"
"Well," Curry thought for a moment. "We met Sam while we were there - - had him in jail for a while, but that was more for his own protection since he an' a rancher there were havin' a bit of a disagreement."
"Didja hafta fight any gunslingers?"
"Sean!" Mary reproved her brother.
Heyes lost his smile, a fact not lost on his ever-alert partner. "We weren't in Dodge City, Sean," Curry replied. "Coleville's a nice quiet little town, not the type gunslingers frequent."
"Oh," the boy's face fell in disappointment.
"Honestly, Sean, you're getting to be about as bloodthirsty as Brigitte!" Mary tsked. "Now stop badgering the men and let them eat their dinner in peace."
"Oh, okay," groused the boy sulkily and turned his attention back to his food.
"It was enlightening to see a lawman's job from behind the badge and I sure have a lot more respect for what a sheriff's gotta go through every day," Heyes said with a shake of his dark head. "They deserve a lot more pay than they get, that's for sure."
"Joshua and Thaddeus made a fine pair of lawmen," Sam added.
"We'd best not let our good Sheriff Taylor hear about it," Dr. O'Reilly said. "He might feel his position threatened."
"Hah, not likely!" Heyes snorted. "Two weeks of that was more than enough for my lifetime. How 'bout you, Thaddeus?"
"I'm with you, Joshua," Curry agreed. "I'm ready for a nice peaceful life of bustin' broncs an' only riskin' a broken neck!"
"Well, you came back in good time, boys, because I rather doubt the weather's going to hold out much longer - - in fact, we've usually had a good snowstorm by now."
"We pushed as hard as we could to get here before snowfall since none of us relished the thought of camping in the snow."
"I think you'll find we've stocked your larder with a winter's worth of supplies," Brigitte said. "You shouldn't have any trouble hunting fresh meat when you need it - - game is plentiful up there. Plus Mary is giving you several of her best laying hens so you'll have a supply of fresh eggs."
Heyes smiled warmly at the girl. "Sounds like you've thought of everything."
"The basics - - there may be certain things you want that I haven't thought of," she replied, blushing from the praise.
"There are a few things I want to stock up on after dinner. Would you ladies like to stroll down to the mercantile with us?"
"You bet!" Brigitte said heartily.
"That would be lovely," Mary said.
"Can I come, too?" Sean asked eagerly.
"Sure you can." Heyes turned to Dr. Higgins. "I'm sorry if we've appeared to ignore you, Doc, and I hope we haven't bored you to tears."
"Not at all, Joshua," the young physician assured him. "I've just been sitting here listening and thinking how different this dinner conversation is from those one would have back in Boston. It's rather like reading one of those dime novels!"
"Hah! You ain't heard nothin', Doc," Curry exclaimed. "We could tell you some stories that'd make your hair stand on end!"
"But we won't, " his partner hastened to say. "Because we are in polite company."
"Perhaps some other day?"
"Perhaps," Heyes agreed.
After the dishes were cleared, the two doctors retired to the office portion of the house, the two couples, led by Sean who skipped ahead, strolled arm in arm down the boardwalk to the mercantile.
Mrs. Collins smiled brightly as the small group entered her establishment. "Mr. Smith! Mr. Jones! Welcome back to Coldwater! How may I be of assistance?"
"I need some rifles and ammunition if you have any," Heyes replied after tipping his hat courteously.
"Let me get my husband from the back - - he's much more knowledgeable about that sort of thing."
"Much obliged, ma'am."
She disappeared behind a curtain and returned momentarily with Mr. Collins in tow.
"My wife says you'd like some rifles," he stated.
"Yes, eight, .45 caliber, if you have them in stock, and two cases of ammunition."
The shopkeeper's eyes widened at the order. "You planning on fighting a war, Mr. Smith?"
"Not unless one comes to us up the mountain, Mr. Collins, but I expect we might see wolves, or other predators, through the winter thinkin' t'make our horses easy meals. Best t'be prepared for the two-legged kind, too - - especially that far away from the nearest help."
"We've got a pretty nice valley here, Mr. Smith, but, you're right, it never hurts to be prepared for the worst. I think I have just what you need, if you'll step this way."
"While they're looking at rifles, could you show us your dress patterns, Mrs. Collins?" Brigitte asked politely.
The shop proprietress looked as if she'd just heard a dog speaking to her. "Did you have something particular in mind?" she asked when she finally found her voice.
"Yes, something fancy that would look nice white satin and lace," the redhead replied with an inner smile.
"Certainly, if you'll step this way. I also have some fabric swatches you might like to look at."
"Yes, we would like that, thank you."
Mrs. Collins placed a rather hefty catalog on the counter in front of the two girls. "Now I don't have every pattern in this book, but if you like something that I don't have I can order it for you, the same for any fabric."
"But would it get here in time?" Brigitte worried.
"In time for what, Brigitte?"
"Why Mary's and my weddings, of course, Mrs. Collins! We haven't set an exact date yet, because they haven't formally asked Da's blessing, but we're planning on the Spring."
"Oh, my, that's terribly exciting news! You can be sure I won't say a word about it until it's official."
"Thanks, Mrs. Collins, I was sure we could trust you with our confidence."
The two girls put their heads together and browsed the book of patterns, discussing the merits of this one and then another, until they finally settled on two, after which they turned their attention to the fabric. This took less time to decide since there was less available to choose from. They gave their orders to Mrs. Collins, who assured them she would get the order in right away and that it would arrive in plenty of time. She also reassured them that their secret was safe with her.
"We'll be back within the hour to pick these up, Mr. Collins," Heyes was saying when the girls rejoined the men.
"That'll be just fine, Mr. Smith. I'll have them packaged and waiting for you," Mr. Collins replied with the pleased smile of a businessman who had just made a tidy profit.
Sam had strolled through the store accompanied by Sean, who was happy to point out some of the more choice items available, and as they returned to the counter to join the others, the wrangler asked, "Mr. Collins, could you put two-bits of candy in a bag for me?"
"Sure, any particular favorites?"
"Some of each - - I've got a terrible sweet tooth and I'm not too particular."
A treasure trove of delicious candies was soon packaged and placed in Sam's hand and he pulled a coin out of his vest pocket. "Thank you."
"My pleasure."
The six stepped back out into the sunshine and paused a moment to let their eyes adjust. Sam opened his back of candy and held it out to Sean. "Would you like some?"
"Oh, yes, please!" the boy replied, his eyes shining.
"Go ahead then, take your pick."
Sean carefully selected several pieces and then promptly bit off a large bite of licorice.
"Your manners, Sean," Mary reminded gently.
"Thank you, Mr. Adamson," Sean mumbled around his mouthful of candy.
"You're welcome, Sean, and call me Sam, please - - Mr. Adamson is my father."
"Sure thing, Sam!"
The group continued down the boardwalk, Heyes and Curry arm in arm with Brigitte and Mary. "Our mission is accomplished," Brigitte said once they were far enough from the General Store.
"How so?" Heyes queried.
"We told Mrs. Collins about our planned weddings in the Spring and swore her to secrecy because you and Thaddeus haven't asked Da's blessing yet. Before dinner tomorrow every townswoman will know and all will have been sworn to secrecy, and by supper all of their husbands will know and our visits to the ranch will be noticed with indulgent winks and nudges," the redhead explained.
"So that's how a small town works, huh?" Curry asked.
"Well, it's how Coldwater works, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was much the same in most places where everybody knows everybody else's business," Mary answered. "It may seem gossipy, but people here look out for each other and I think it makes it a nice place to live."
"We'll just have t'be careful what we say in public," Heyes commented.
"Ain't nothin' new in that, Joshua," his partner reminded him.
"True."
Back at the house, Mary fixed a pot of coffee, which they drank on the porch, passing the time in casual conversation, but soon it was time for the men to leave in order to traverse the pass before dark. Sam and Sean went to ready the horses while the young couples said their goodbyes in relative privacy.
"I'll be up early tomorrow," Brigitte said in a tone that seemed to say she expected an argument.
"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," Heyes replied indulgently.
All too soon they were riding away, leaving the two young women standing rather forlornly on the porch watching them go.
"Is there some particular reason for waitin' 'til Spring, Joshua?" Curry asked after one last look behind.
"We wouldn't want folks thinkin' we're in unseemly haste, Thaddeus," was his partner's reply.
"We wouldn't?"
"No, we wouldn't - - wouldn't be proper."
"Oh, well, if you say so, Joshua," the gunslinger replied doubtfully.
"Have I ever steered you wrong, Thaddeus?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"Spring'll be here before you know it."
"Personally, I think it's gonna be a long winter."
True to his word, Mr. Collins had the rifles and ammunition ready to go. The trio balanced the packages on the packhorse and tied them securely. Curry looked up from the last knot he was tying, his eyes widening as his glance crossed the street to the saloon. "Joshua," he said. "Don't those horses look familiar?"
"Hmm?" Heyes followed his partner's gaze, eyes narrowing as they lit on the solid black horse with the silver trimmed saddle. "I believe you're right, Thaddeus. I think we'd better go check this out. Sam, would you mind staying with the horses a few minutes, make sure nobody gets any funny ideas with our gear?"
"Sure, Joshua, no problem," the wrangler replied, curious, but willing to bide his time for answers.
The two former outlaws strode across the street, stepping through the batwing doors and into the dimness of the saloon. There was a solitary and very familiar figure standing at the bar, the bartender hovering nearby, a suspicious look on his face quickly replaced by one of relief when he saw Heyes and Curry. "Mr. Smith, Mr. Jones, this here jasper's been asking questions about you," he declared.
"It's all right, George, he's a friend of ours," Heyes assured the man.
Said jasper turned, a smile brightening the face that was shadowed by the black hat. "Joshua! Thaddeus! It's good to see you!"
"It's good to see you, too, Mick," Heyes greeted, stepping up to the slight figure with a friendly slap to the shoulder. "George, this is Mick Calahan, we've been expecting him."
"I reckon I know who he is," George replied. "I read the newspapers."
"Aw, you know how they exaggerate! Would you bring us three whiskeys over to that table there?"
"Sure, be right with you."
"C'mon, Mick, let's do some catching up," Heyes said, his firm grip on the slender shoulder not allowing any argument.
They took seats and waited until the bartender had placed the drinks in front of them and gone back to his place behind the bar before Heyes spoke again, a hint of his own suspicion in his voice. "I see you're still traveling as the Silver Kid. Why?"
"Yeah, once I decided to some see if your offer was still open I decided that being the Silver Kid was safer than being a woman traveling alone through the wilderness," Mick explained, her silver gray eyes steady and guileless on Heyes' brown.
"Dangerous bein' the Silver Kid, too," Curry said, breaking his silence.
"You're right, Thaddeus, but most folks tend to avoid me and I'm quite capable of defending myself if someone wants trouble. Chances of finding that trouble were a hundred times better as a woman alone. Go ahead and try to tell me that ain't true," she challenged pugnaciously.
"No, you're right," the gunslinger admitted. "But it ain't exactly safe this way either, what with your reputation."
"Well, like I said, most folks stay out of my way."
"Why did you go to the O'Reilly's like I told you?" Heyes wanted to know.
"I stopped here first to see if you were in town - - I didn't feel too comfortable barging in on perfect strangers without knowing you were somewhere around."
"They've been expectin' you, Mick, they've been thinkin' lately you weren't gonna come."
"I almost didn't," Mick admitted.
"Can we talk as we ride? We were just startin' back to the ranch when we saw your horses - - we've only got barely enough time t'make it through the pass before dark."
"Sure, let's go." Mick tossed off her drink and stood.
Heyes and Curry followed suit and they headed out the doors, Heyes tossing George a coin and a wave, saying, "See you next time we're down, George."
"Bring your horses over to the General Store, Mick, we've got someone for you to meet."
"Okay." Mick freed the reins of King and Beauty and followed them across to where Sam waited, watching their approach curiously.
"Sam, I'd like you to meet Mick Calahan. Mick, this is Sam Adamson, our foreman."
The wrangler looked the petite figure dressed all in black up and down, taking in the low-slung holster with its protruding six-gun grips that were well-polished by frequent use. The silvery gray eyes that were giving him the same once over were cold as ice. Even though he knew her story from Heyes and Curry, he was still taken aback by the suppressed air of danger that surrounded her, like a rattlesnake coiled to strike. Nevertheless, he pushed his hat casually back on his head and leaned back against the hitching rail, arms crossed over his chest. "So, you're the Silver Kid, eh? You're not as big as your reputation paints you," he commented.
"Size isn't all that counts," Mick retorted, her temper flaring at what she perceived to be a condescending slight.
"No, I don't suppose so as long as you carry that equalizer on your hip. You've got some mighty find horseflesh there, though. Thoroughbreds, aren't they?"
"I see you know your horses at least," she shot back scathingly.
"That's why Joshua and Thaddeus hired me."
Heyes and Curry stood off to the side watching this interchange with interest.
"I think they're takin' a likin' to each other, don't you, Thaddeus?" Heyes commented.
Curry shook his head. "What I think is you'd better stay out of the matchmakin' business if that's whay you're thinkin'."
"Me? I'm just figurin' we'll all be livin' and workin' together so we oughta get along."
"Uh-huh."
Changing the subject, Heyes announced, "We'd better get a move on - - we're runnin' out of light and attractin' attention."
The four mounted up and with a clatter of hooves left Coldwater behind, keeping the horses to a lope in deference to the laden packhorses. After several miles they slowed to a brisk walk.
"How far is this ranch of yours?" Mick asked.
"About two hours ride. See that pass up there?" Mick nodded. "It's on the other side."
"Pretty isolated," she commented.
"Suits us."
"Yeah, me, too."
"So, how're you doin', Mick?"
She shrugged. "I'm still alive."
"That somethin' I'm mighty glad t'see. What've you been up to since we last saw you?"
"I went back to Texas like I had planned, visited Mike's grave, told him he'd been avened and then I just didn't know what to do - - I felt completely empty. So I went back to the little cabin where I'd spent the year becoming the Silver Kid. I spent most of my time brooding, to be honest, couldn't even get up enough desire to finish the job you'd interrupted. Finally, I got sick of myself, and my own company. I figured that maybe the best thing I could do in Mike's memory was continue with our plan to breed horses and take you up on your offer of a partnership. So I headed here, hoping the offer was still open." Her voice trailed off on a questioning note.
"Of course it is! Just wait 'til you see the ranch house - - we've got room for you an' the whole Devil's Hole gang!" Heyes exclaimed with a broad grin.
"You realize Heyes is exaggeratin', I hope, Mick," Curry put in. "But it's pretty big and there's sure plenty of room for you."
"I appreciate it, really I do, and I'll pull my own weight," the small gunslinger assured them.
"No doubt about that, Mick, cuz the four of us, and Brigitte and Mary, are all there are for all the work that'll need t'be done t'get this ranch up an' runnin'. You realize it'll probably be some time before we realize a profit, don't you?" Heyes asked.
"Of course, and money's the least of my concerns."
"Hmmph, I can't say money's at the bottom of my list," the former gang leader grunted.
"Well, Heyes, not everybody's as avaricious as you are," Curry teased.
"Avaricious? Kid, where you gettin' this kinda language?"
"From listenin' to you, Heyes," the gunslinger drawled.
"Oh, well, glad to see I've had some kind of positive influence on you." Out of the corner of his eye, Heyes caught the faintest shadow of a smile on Mick's face, quickly gone, but a hopeful sign.
"How come we ain't worryin' about Mick's reputation, Heyes?" Curry wondered. "Shouldn't she be stayin' with the O'Reillys?"
"You'd be right, Kid, if anybody but us knew Mick's a woman, but since they don't then her reputation's safe," Heyes explained.
"But ain't they gonna find out some time?" the gunslinger persisted.
"I don't know, probably, but we don't really need t'worry about it right now. Do we, Mick?"
"I'm not worried about my reputation, Kid, so you don't need to be," Mick replied. "I don't expect to start running around in skirts any time soon anyway - - I've kind of gotten used to trousers."
"You an' Brigitte'll have a lot in common," Heyes said wryly.
"Now it's my turn to ask what you two have been up to."
"We went back t'playin' poker to raise the stake for this ranch with a couple of rough spots along the way, but we'll tell you about them some other time, after three or four drinks," Heyes replied.
"Sounds intriguing."
"But everything worked out. We met Sam up in Coleville, Wyoming. He led us to a fine stud and he brought a string of mustangs to the ranch. We just got back two days ago."
"Mustangs? What do you want with mustangs?" Mick exclaimed, curling her lip and looking over her shoulder at the wrangler.
Stung, Sam snapped, "I plan on breeding the best cowponies in the West! By combining the best characteristics of the quarter horse and the mustang, yes, and maybe even thoroughbreds, we'll have a breed that'll bring ranchers and cowboys all the way from Texas and California to buy!"
"Huh, is that a fact?"
"Yes, it is. Have you ever ridden a mustang? Have you ever even seen one up close?"
"No, can't say that I have," she admitted.
"Then you got no right to turn up your nose at them! You take a look at my string, and the herd that runs the range up there, and then we'll talk!"
"Who put a burr under his saddle?" Mick asked turning her face back to the front.
Heyes and Curry exchanged laughing glances. "Sam's like a mother hen when it comes to his mustangs, Mick," Curry told her.
"Yeah, he's a very passionate spokesman for the breed, a fact that nearly got him killed for it up in Coleville," Heyes elaborated. "He's got a point, though - - you should wait and see his animals - - I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."
"Okay," she shrugged. "I'll reserve judgment until then. I doubt I'll throw my thoroughbreds over for his mustangs, though."
"You don't have to, just keep an open mind."
By this time they were heading into the pass and conversation died while the concentrated on leaning forward to lighten their mounts' burdens. At the top, though, Heyes had to stop, as usual, to look out over the valley. "There it is, Mick, our valley." He gestured broadly and Mick let her eyes drink in the view.
"This is all yours?" Mick asked in awe.
"Yeah, because who else wants to live in such a remote spot besides outlaws, former outlaws, or other fugitives?"
"There's nothing to compare to this in Texas!"
"I think we can agree with you on that, Mick. Heyes an' me've been to Texas once or twice," Curry put in. "We found it had two temperatures - - hot as hell an' cold as hell."
"That sounds a bit contradictory, don't you think?"
Curry shrugged. "It's Texas," he said as if that explained everything.
The sun was rapidly dropping behind the mountains and a biting wind began to blow up through the pass. Heyes shivered and said, "Speaking of cold, let's get down off this mountain before we freeze."
Possibly the only advantage of the small track having been beaten into a well-defined road was that they could move faster and soon were riding into the ranch yard.
"All this was built on poker winnings?" Mick asked, awestruck again at the sight of the house.
"Well, we did a couple of odd jobs, too, that helped," Heyes told her modestly.
"Honest jobs?" She looked at the two former outlaws through narrowed eyes.
"Of course they were honest jobs! We haven't worked hard at bein' honest these past couple of years just t'throw it away now that we're plannin' on settlin' down! I know we haven't know each other that long, Mick, but I thought our time together had convinced you of our sincerity." Heyes managed to look shocked and offended at the same time, while Curry's eyes had become chunks of ice.
"You're right, Heyes, I'm sorry, I meant no offense - - it's just so grand! You must be awfully good at poker, or awfully lucky."
"No offense taken. It was Brigitte, really, who put the money to careful use and got this place built - - that girl knows how to drive a hard bargain."
"I can't wait to meet this paragon."
Working together they soon had their horses groomed, watered, and fed, and several pitchforks of hay tossed into the mustangs' paddock.
The small group trooped up to the door of the house and Heyes swung open the door, holding it so that Mick could enter first. "Welcome home, Mick," he said softly.
Tears welled in her eyes as she silently stepped over the threshold.
Silver City, New Mexico, that same day:
Nate Potter strode out of the telegraph office, his thin-lipped mouth twisted in a triumphant leer. He was a young man, but hard living had left its marks on his face making him appear years older, and his yellow eyes, so like his late brother's, glittered with malice. He swung into the saddle of his waiting horse and viciously spurred the animal into a gallop.
Outside of town, out of sight, the reunited members of Luke Potter's gang watched as their new leader brought his mount to a skidding halt amidst a cloud of dust.
"Walker's traced the Silver Kid to Oakton, Colorado. He left there two days ago, heading north. Bartender said he was askin' for directions to a place called Coldwater. That's where we'll run 'im down an' he'll pay for killin' my brother an' it won't be no 'fair fight'!" The malicious gleam in Nate Potter's eyes sent chills down the spines of even the most hardened of the gang. "It'll be a good idea to get out of New Mexico for a while anyway, especially after we take down this town's bank tonight!"