HONORABLE INTENTIONS

CHAPTER SEVEN

On the way through the main room, I tossed another couple of logs on the dwindling fire, checked on Mikes's homework and then went scrounging around in the kitchen hoping Daisy had left some food out. There was a pot on the stove, looked like Daisy'd been cookin' chicken and dumplin's. It was stone cold but when I lifted the lid and took a long sniff it set my mouth watering and my hands and knees trembling in anticipation of finally getting something in my belly. Wasn't sure if Daisy'd be too happy 'bout me helping myself to supper in the late afternoon but if I didn't eat soon I was afraid my legs were gonna plain give out on me.

I was just setting a pot of coffee on the stove and about to strike a match when I heard the afternoon stage roll up.

Dadgum! I l eyed the shiny, clean and very empty plate and cup on the bench and cussed some more under my breath.

"Jess!" Mike ran into the kitchen bellowin' like I was standin' in the North pasture instead a just a few feet from him.

"What?" I snapped. That rumbling in my belly was gettin more demandin' and knowin' there wasn't gonna be no time to do somethin' about it was setting my temper to boiling. And I was thinking about Daisy out on the road by herself, still not convinced Slim was right about Deevy or that Tip fella but none of that was Mike's fault and me jumpin' on him wasn't gonna fix all them things botherin' me.

I scrubbed at my face and taking a breath, tried again. "Sorry, Mike, what's up?"

"The stage is here and…" He paused, that Slim-like frown etched on his face again as his eyes fixed on the plate and cup I had set on the counter top. "Whatta ya doin'?"

"Nothin'… now." I said. "Come on, you can help me get the team ready."

"You mean it?" He said, glancing back at his school books.

"Sure I mean it. Go on, I'll be out in minute."

He didn't need no more encouragement and went scampering out as fast as he could, slamming the door behind him.

With one last regretful look at the stove, I turned and headed out to help Mose, snagging my hat from the peg by the door on my way out.

Mose had already started to unhitch the team by the time I got out there. Mike was all chatter and excitement, dancin' around Mose like an excited pup, but as far as I could tell he was more in the way than a help.

I stepped off the porch and waved at Mose. His face lit up, "Hey, Jess, wasn't expectin' you home till later. You get all that business with the Morgans sorted out with the sheriff?"

"Yeah, Clem's taking real good care of the Morgan boys." I said and moved out into the late afternoon sun and over to the stage.

"Knew you'd get those no good sidewinders, Jess." He knew more than me, cause I sure hadn't been thinkin' along those lines this morning. Not with my gun hand out of action, not when Mac Morgan was standin' in front a me full a all his big talkin' ways. Oh yeah, he knew I wasn't in no condition to be takin' on the two of 'em. Soon as he started mouthin' off I had it figured Gladys must a told 'em I was hurt.

"Jess can outshoot anyone, anywhere, can't ya, Jess?" Mike had stepped between me and Mose and was looking up with the kinda hero worship that should be saved for somethin' other than killing a man.

"That ain't nothin' to be proud of, Mike. I did what I had to do to stay alive. It could a easily turned out different and you best be remembering that." I turned him around towards the corral. "Let's you and me get them fresh horses for Mose."

"Jess!" Mose called out after me.

I turned back to see what he wanted.

"What happened?" He asked pointing at his cheek. I realized then that I hadn't cleaned the graze on my face.

"You don't wanna know," I said, and chivvied young Mike towards the barn.

"Jess!"

"Yeah Mose? What now?"

"Did that fella get here?"

"What fella?"

"Some fella riding a pinto. Waved me down askin' directions to the Sherman ranch." Mose turned his attention back to unhitching the two lead horses.

"Wait a minute, Mose." I turned to Mike, "Why don't you get started in the barn, Tiger? Go get the harnesses out, can you do that?"

"You bet." While Mike ran off to the barn I limped over to where Mose was still workin'.

"Mose? What'd that fella look like?"

"Just some fella ridin' a horse, tall lookin' maybe, kinda dressed fancy like. Stranger, never saw him before. Now are ya gonna get the team ready or am I gonna have to do it myself?"

"Mose." I grabbed his arm when he started to turn away. "Did he say what he wanted?"

"Just asked where the Sherman ranch was." Mose pushed his hat back and scratched at his head. "Didn't take the road, though, when I told him. Headed cross country, up past the ridge. Shoulda been here by now."

"Yeah." I said quietly, knowin' it weren't likely he was gonna make himself knowed to us. Least not in any way you could be mistakin' for friendly.

I limped my way back to the barn, wondering if I'd be able manage harnessing the team with only one good hand, knowin' there weren't no use fussin' 'bout it and I'd just have to make do. Between us, Mike and me hauled the harnesses and collars out to the corral and the waiting horses. He was still watchin' me with that too-grown-up look of concern on his face. It got me to thinkin' the kid had had more than his fair share of worries in his young life and, now, with that stranger lurkin' around, I was even more set on finding a way to keep him safe

While I couldn't stop thinkin' on what Deevy might be plannin', Mike on the other hand was havin' the time of his life, fetchin' this and carryin' that, I sure had him working harder 'n he's worked before. With his chest all puffed out, I could tell he was getting a real kick outta helpin' me.

By the time I'd attached harnesses to the first two horses I was sweatin' like a Sunday hog at dinner time and my hand was hurtin' so bad it was hard to get a hold of the tack at all. Even with Mike's help it was slow going and the horses were getting restless.

"Pass me the other end of the girth, Tiger." He ran around behind the horse I was workin' on to get the bellyband to thread through to me. I took hold of it with my left hand, using my right wrist to hold the buckle in place.

"Mike," I nodded towards the two horses already harnessed and tied to the fence. "How about you take them two over to Mose so he can hitch'em up?"

His face split in a big grin and he headed off to the two we got ready. He had a real spring in his step and I couldn't help smilin', till the thought of anyone wantin' to hurt him filled me with a rage that set my teeth on edge and a fire burning in my belly and I swore it didn't matter none if Slim believed me or not, Mike and Daisy weren't gonna be stayin' at the ranch till I knew for sure there was no chance they'd be in harm's way.

I got back to workin' on Violet only half concentratin' on what I was doin'. She had a bad habit of holding her breath and I could feel her stomach swell while I tried to tighten the cinch.

"Come on you dad blamed ornery animal, let it go." I said, tugging hard on the strap.

She was a stubborn old girl and wasn't having none of my 'sweet talking'.

Grippin' tight with my left hand, and keeping my right arm against the strap, I lifted my knee and gave her a good hard blow to the guts. She let out a snort and lurched forward lettin' go of the breath. I tightened the band two more notches and finally got it done up.

Keeping a hold of the rein in my left hand, I clipped the trace strap to the crupper on the near side then made my way around to the other one. Violet kicked up some, pulling against the reins, impatient with how long I was takin' to get her ready. "Gentle, girl, steady there," I crooned but she weren't of a mind to settle too quick, dancin' around, edgy as all get out.

I picked up the off-side trace and was just about to clip it out of the way when Mike came runnin' outta the barn yellin' so as you'd hear him clear across the next county, "Hey, Jess…"

Violet wasn't none too happy neither with Mike's sudden appearance and excited bellow. Already skittish and runnin' out of patience, she pulled forward sudden then kicked back with her hind legs.

"Mike! Get back!" I yelled.

I had my right hand restin' near the crupper fighting to hold it still with my elbow while I clipped the trace with my left. When I hollered to Mike, Violet reared up in fright, my bum hand tanglin' in the looped trace and jerking me forward, all but pullin' me off my feet.

White hot pain exploded in my knuckles and shot up my arm settin' me cussin' and swearin' with words that'd sizzle bacon.

I pulled my hand in tight to my chest and staggered against the barn wall, sliding to my knees in a world of hurt. I knew I should a been worried about Violet and if Mike got out of the way, but I couldn't think past the fire in my hand or the feelin' that I was gonna puke my insides out any second. My teeth were locked so tight my jaw ached and I could feel tears leakin' out the corner of my eyes.

"Jess?" Mike was calling my name but I didn't have the wits about me to answer. "Jess, what's wrong?" I was folded over my arm like I'd been gut shot, and I knew if I didn't answer Mike soon he'd be goin' for help.

"Mose! Mose! Somethin's the matter with Jess."

"Mike… no. I'm...I'm okay." I gasped, needin' to stop him 'fore he ran inside for Slim. "Mike!" Now wasn't the time to be wakin' Slim or admittin' to him I was hurt. And dadgum this washurtin', like someone was drivin' a stake clean through the back of my hand.

When I could open my eyes, I saw he'd stopped by the corral gate but looked like he was still thinkin' about climbing over. I wondered how Mose had missed all the commotion.

"Wait." I told him. "It's…." But my stomach heaved and it was only some deep breathin' that stopped me from losin' what little mighta been in it. Right then I was feelin' awful pleased 'bout missing lunch.

When I could get to my feet I stood leaning against the side of the barn workin' real hard to get control. That scrape on my knee had opened up again and there was fresh blood soakin' my pants.

"Mike... come… come here." He looked like he wanted to bolt.

"What's holdin' you two up with them horses?" Mose'd made his way to the corral and was leaning on the fence, one hand pushing his hat back and the other rubbin' at them spiky whiskers on his jaw.

One look at me and he was all at attention 'bout to climb the fence himself. "Jess, you all right?"

"He's hurt Mose, it's real bad." Mike was standing next to me now lookin' like he might break out cryin', eyes flittin' from me to Mose, pleadin', like somehow Mose could put things right.

"You want I should get Slim for you?" Mose asked, makin' a move towards the house.

"No! Mose, I…I'm…I'm all right." I pushed away from the side of the barn still hunched over my arm like that was somehow gonna help, my knees shakin' so bad I wasn't sure they would even hold me.

"All right are you, boy?" Mose asked, giving me a look like he reckoned I'd just growed a second head.

"Yeah." I lied, taking a few faltering steps towards the fence.

"If you're so darned all right then why are ya holdin' that hand of yours like it might try to run off somewhere?"

"Oh, you're…you're real funny." I said straightenin' up some." How about…How about…quittin' yer smart talk and helpin' me out…with the rest of the team?" Violet had wandered off and was standin' quiet as you like in the west corner of the corral.

Mose shook his head, climbing the fence to help me harness up the rest of the horses. "Don't know why you wanna keep it a secret, Jess, but I know you ain't all right."

"Reckon that's my business. And don't you go sayin' nothing to Slim about what just happened. Or Daisy if you see her." Last thing I needed was for Mose to go yappin' to Daisy 'bout me bein' hurt.

Between the two of us and young Mike we got the team hitched up and the stage ready to head off.

By the time we were done, I could hardly think around that doggone thumpin' in my hand and Mose was giving me a look like he was going to bust if he couldn't say something to Slim.

"You sure you're gonna be okay, Jess?" Mose asked, climbing up to the box.

"Said so, didn't I?"

"Okay, have it your own way." He picked up the reins and slapped them hard. "YAAH!" The stage jolted forward and I watched as it pulled away and headed into town.

With a sigh of relief, I made my way back to the corral, leanin' heavily on the fence still not sure my belly was gonna stay put and thinking maybe the doc knew what he was talkin' about when he told me to go easy.

"Jess? You gonna get sick again?" Mike asked, lookin' all worried, those big eyes of his wide as saucers and a frown deep in his forehead. Couldn't hardly blame him after all the fuss I made earlier.

"No, Tiger, reckon I'll be okay."

I eased down to the ground and leaned my head on my knee. I felt Mike scoot down beside me.

He picked up my achin' hand, as gentle as if he was handling one of Daisy's fine china cups and studied it. "Does it hurt bad, Jess?"

"Only when someone starts tuggin' on it." I said, trying to force my grimace into a smile.

"Ain't ya gonna let Aunt Daisy fix it for you?"

"Sure, Tiger, just...well...not yet." I pushed my hat back, wiped a sleeve across my forehead then pulled my hat down tight, thinking how best to explain things to him without lettin' him know the real reason I didn't want Daisy to doctor me. If she knew me and Slim were both hurt, she'd never agree to takin' Mike to town. Problem was, Mike was too smart for his own good, and I had to make what I was about to tell him sound convincing or leastways appealin'.

"You know how Slim is hurt?"

"Uh-huh."

"Well, Daisy don't need two of us to take care of right now. There's a lot of chores need doin' around here and she ain't gonna be able to tend to them all. Not by herself. Takes a couple a strong men to do that. And you know if Daisy found out I was hurt, she'd be tryin' to make me rest, too. So, we'll keep it our little secret, just till tomorrow. Whatta ya say?" By then I was hoping they'd be packed up and safely stowed away in town.

Mike looked down at my hand still resting in both of his then lifted his head to look at me. "But won't ya be too sore to do chores?"

"Not if you help me." I smiled at him. "You know, like you and me is partners."

His face broke out in a big grin. "You mean it?"

"You bet." I pulled my hand back and tucked it against my chest. "How about helpin' me up, pardner, and you and me'll get started on feedin' and beddin' down the stock? Them horses Mose put out in the front pasture are gonna be mighty hungry."

It was enough to take his mind off me, least for the moment. But my mind was out on that road between the ranch and Griff Dolman's place. Wouldn't be too much longer 'fore the sun started to go down and Daisy still wasn't home.

Mike helped me up and once I got my feet under me, I sucked in a few deep breaths to clear my head and the both of us went about takin' care of the horses in the front corral.

It took us near another hour to finish settling the horses in the pasture and then feeding and bedding down the ones we took to the barn. Every now and then I'd catch Mike watching me, like he thought I might break or somethin'.

We was just finishin' putting the tack in the barn when I heard a wagon roll up.

"Wait there, Mike," I said. I wanted to make sure there wasn't gonna be no suprises 'fore I let him out in the open and I limped my way out to see who it was.

Daisy.

My knees almost buckled in relief. She'd pulled the buckboard up out front of the house but she wasn't makin' a move to get down. Somethin' wasn't right, the way she was just sittin' there.

"Daisy?"

She didn't give no sign she'd even heard me.

I hurried as fast as my stiffening knee would let me.

"Daisy? You all right?" Up close I could see she was tremblin', gone all pale and starin' straight in front, like she was lookin' at somethin' that wasn't there.

"Daisy?" I laid a hand on her arm and she jumped, let out a cry. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, Jess. I….I'm sorry. Yes…yes…well…. Oh dear." She was actin' real flustered and flapping her hand at her face like she was hot or somethin'.

"Here, let me help you down." I tied the lead rope to the hitching rail then offered her my arm and she climbed down from the seat, not quite steady on her feet. "Did something happen? On the road home?" My stomach clenched, a cold hard lump forming deep in my guts.

"If it hadn't been for that young man, I'd hate to think what would have happened." I could feel her shaking and I wrapped my good arm around her shoulders.

"Whatta ya mean? What man?"

"I was so frightened. If he hadn't come along…." She trailed off and shuddered.

"Daisy!" She weren't makin' no sense, just ramblin' on like I should a knowed what she was talkin' about.

"Yes, dear?"

"What man? If he hadn't come along and done what?"

"Why the man who saved me. When the horse got a fright and ran off… I couldn't stop her and then from out of nowhere a man rode up, grabbed the reins and pulled the wagon to a stop. I don't know what I would have done." She gave me a weak smile. "But everything's all right. Just the nerves of a silly old woman. Now, I really must go in and get supper ready. I'm much later home than I'd planned." She placed a hand on my arm, "I'm all right now, Jess." She smiled again before untangling herself from where I had my arm around her shoulders and heading towards the door. She paused, turned around to look at me.

"Oh, how's Slim? Is he awake yet? I gave him a something to help him sleep." She turned thoughtful and clicked her tongue, then shaking her head said, "You boys are too stubborn for your own good." Without another word she disappeared inside. Leaving me standin' there gapin' at her like some kinda fool.

"Daisy!" I yelled, still not sure what all that was about.

Yeah, she was safe and for that I was real relieved, but I sure wanted to know more about that man. Wondered if it was the same one Mose'd seen earlier. I also wondered what spooked the horse. Couldn't a been a gunshot, Daisy would a heard it.

"Mike!"

Mike came barrellin' outta the barn pullin' up in front of me, all but skiddin' to a halt. Even after workin' the pants off a him, the kid was still full a beans. "Is that Aunt Daisy? Is she getting' supper? I sure am hungry."

It didn't surprise me none the boy was hungry. I was feelin' that way myself. And while food was somethin' I was startin' to wonder if I was ever gonna see again, the need to get some sense out of Daisy 'bout that man and his horse was naggin' at me more.

"Help me unhitch the wagon, Tiger. The sooner we get it done, the sooner we eat." That spurred him on. I was real proud of Mike, he was doin' a man's job and wasn't complain' one bit. But I couldn't get my mind off that stranger. It was chewin' me up not knowin' who he was or if he was still lurking up on the ridge somewhere… watchin'… waiting for a chance to make a move. And I was real unhappy 'bout the way he made himself known to Daisy, but then, if he wanted to harm her why come to her rescue? I needed to get her horse bedded down then find out more 'bout what happened. Maybe by the time we got back inside she'd have calmed down some.

We stowed the wagon along the side of the house and put Daisy's horse in a stall. While Mike set about filling her feed trough, I started brushing her down. Dried sweat coated her chest and back, I worked particular hard on those areas before moving to her rear. I was lost in thought, in a steady rhythm of brushing, not payin' real close attention to what I was doin' when on a down stroke she suddenly jerked forward with a loud whinny.

"Shhh, easy there, girl. Something botherin' you back here?" I put the brush down and ran my good hand over her left rear flank; she shuffled nervously, shakin' her head. "Gentle now. Easy there." I could feel a lump under her coat and there was a small nick in the skin, not enough to draw blood, but the skin underneath was red and angry.

"How'd this happen, girl?" But even as I asked the question I knew what caused that cut on her rump. I seen this before, usually a rock, or a stone throwed, meanin' to startle a horse and make it bolt. It wasn't no accident out there on the road, and it wasn't no accident that stranger came along when he did. I felt acid rise in my throat and burnin' anger runnin' through my veins.

I finished off the groomin' while Mike filled the water bucket, then I applied salve to the cut on Molly's rear and offered her a few gentling words of comfort before tellin' Mike it was time to get on inside for supper.

By then that empty feeling was gnawin' real hard in my belly. I was hungrier than a woodpecker with a headache.

Continued in chapter 8