Rose

by Penski

Hannibal Heyes walked into the Silver Queen saloon in Jackson and walked over to the bar. Raising a finger, he said to the bartender, "One beer." He put a nickel on the counter as a glass slid his way. Taking it, he took a long drink and then wiped the foam on his upper lip away with his sleeve. "Any good games of poker around here?" he asked.

The bartender stood wiping clean glasses. "Sure is, but they don't start until much later."

Heyes took another drink and then looked up at the top of the staircase. A beautiful young woman with deep red hair, wearing a red satin dress, looked down at the room below. Making eye contact, Heyes winked and smiled, showing his dimples.

She smiled and seductively walked down the stair and towards him. "Well, aren't you cute!" She ran a finger down the side of his face. "What's your name, stranger?"

"Joshua." He gave her arm a caress. "Yours?"

"Roses are red!" She lifted the sides of her dress to flare it. "What's your guess?"

"Rose?"

She nodded.

"Beautiful name for a beautiful lady!"

"Shall we go on up and get to know each other better, Joshua?"

Heyes took her by the arm. "Lead the way, darling."

Heyes yawned as he made his way into the hotel after a delightful afternoon and an evening of poker.

"Mr. Smith, your friend hasn't arrived yet," the man at the counter told him. "Shall I still let him go up to your room, no matter what the time?"

"Yes, definitely." Heyes furrowed his brow as he climbed the stairs. They had separate jobs that went in two different directions, but neither seemed dangerous. They had agreed to meet in Jackson and should have both made it yesterday. Heyes was surprised when he was the first to register at the hotel and not see the Kid's gelding at the livery. He went to the bathhouse and diner before going into the saloon in the afternoon.

Heyes opened his door and sighed. He put his hat on a hook, took off his gunbelt and hung it on the bedpost. He sat down on the bed and removed his boots, carefully putting them nearby in case of a quick exit. Next, he shucked off his shirt and pants, also placing them where they could easily be reached.

Heyes' last thoughts before falling asleep were, "Where are you, Kid?"

Heyes woke to a tap, followed by two more taps, on the door. He quickly got up and grabbed his gun, noting it was still dark outside.

"It's me, Joshua," came a whisper from the hall.

Heyes quickly unlocked the door, where Kid Curry leaned heavily against the doorpost.

"Come in." Heyes guided his exhausted partner to a bed, shutting the door behind them. "Where've you been? I was worried."

"Long story – wait until mornin'." Curry flopped down backward onto the bed.

"Oh, no, you'll sleep better without all your clothes on. Can't sleep with a gun, either." Heyes pulled the Kid up into a sitting position. He placed his hat on a table and pulled off his jacket and shirt before letting him lay down again. "I'll get your gun and boots, but you'll have to undo your button fly."

"Okay," came a worn-out answer. Curry slowly unbuttoned his pants, about to lose the battle to stay awake.

Heyes, meanwhile, unbuckled the gunbelt and placed it on a bedpost. He took off Curry's boots and placed them close by and then pulled down his partner's pants. He lifted his legs onto the bed and covered his already sleeping friend with a quilt.

Heyes smiled as he went back to his bed. "See you in the morning, Kid."

The partners slept in late, especially the Kid, who woke while Heyes was shaving. He yawned and stretched, still in bed. "Time for breakfast?"

"More like lunchtime, Kid." Heyes wiped the last of the shaving cream from his face. "Are you going to shave?"

"Probably." Curry sat on his bed and rubbed his head. "I sure could use a bath."

"Before lunch?" Heyes questioned with a smile.

"I guess it can wait until after I eat." The Kid ran his fingers through his hair. "Do we have enough so I can get a shave and haircut with that bath?"

Heyes nodded. "We're pretty flush right now. I just might join you and get a haircut, too."

A clean and awake Kid Curry walked into the Silver Dollar saloon with Heyes late in the afternoon.

"I wonder where Rose is?" Heyes commented as he looked around the room.

The Kid grinned. "I haven't known you to be so keen on a soiled dove before."

"You haven't seen her yet."

Curry let out a soft whistle. "That must be her."

Heyes' eyes looked in the direction of his partner's. "Yep, that's Rose."

"I can see why you're so attracted on her. Are you gonna…"

"I did yesterday. It's your turn today while I play some poker."

"You'll be okay?" Curry's eyes stayed on the beautiful lady coming down the stairs and towards him.

"Last night's games were good and the players were friendly. I'll be okay."

"Well, then, if you don't mind…"

"Go and have a great time, Thaddeus," Heyes encouraged.

"Thaddeus? Are you a friend of Joshua?" Rose asked as she ran her fingers down his chest.

"He sure is, Rose. You two have fun." Heyes turned and joined a poker table.

Rose was twisting her long, wavy hair back up as the Kid pulled on his boots.

"You should keep it down," he commented. "It's beautiful, just like you."

"Now aren't you sweet!" Rose came over and gave him another passionate kiss.

"Now don't you be startin' something…"

BANG! A gun went off downstairs.

Curry quickly pushed Rose aside. "Joshua!" he exclaimed as he tucked in his shirt and grabbed his gunbelt.

Rose grabbed a silky robe and ran out the door behind him. At the top of the stairs, they saw a poker table turned over and Heyes on the floor with a bleeding arm and forehead.

"Joshua!" Curry ran down the stairs towards his fallen partner.

"I'm okay," Heyes panted as he shut his eyes. "Just get me outta here. We gotta leave town now!"

Without questioning, the Kid put his bandana on the forehead, where the blood was coming from his partner's head. "You can walk?"

Heyes nodded as he pressed the proffered cloth to his head while Curry lifted him up to his feet.

Kid Curry half-carried his partner out of the saloon. "Think if I find somewhere for you to sit, you can wait while I get our stuff and horses?"

Heyes nodded.

The Kid found a crate in a deserted alley, hidden from the main street, and eased Heyes down. "Don't you go nowhere. I'll be right back."

"Hurry."

Kid Curry rushed into the hotel. "We have to check out now. Make up our bill while I get our things," he called out as he ran up the stairs. His hands were full a few minutes later with saddle bags, bedrolls, and rifles.

"That'll be $1.50," said the clerk. "I hope everything is okay?"

"Yeah." Curry fished in his pocket and pulled out $2.00. "Keep the rest of it," he said as he ran to the livery.

The Kid helped the stableboy saddle up their horses, tied down their belongings, and paid within five minutes. He let out a breath and nonchalantly walked the horses behind the buildings to the alley.

"How are you doin'?"

"I've been better." Heyes opened his eyes to see everything ready. "What took you so long?" He tried to smile but grimaced instead.

"Let me wrap up your arm better before we go so the bleedin' quits. I'll clean it when we stop." The Kid took a few clean bandanas out of his bag that he had put on the top while packing and removed Heyes' from his neck. Using the clean ones as padding, he tied them tightly around the arm and his head. "Sure you can ride?"

"Just help me up and I'll stay on."

The Kid pulled Heyes to his feet and helped him up on his horse. He mounted his gelding and the two left town quickly.

Ten miles from town, Curry stopped by a few trees and shrubs beside a creek. "You're barely stayin' on your horse, Heyes. We're stoppin'."

"How far away are we?"

"Far enough." Curry dismounted and went over to Heyes. "Stay put for a few minutes while I get your bedroll down and ready for you."

Heyes nodded, so the Kid removed both bedrolls and made a bed near the creek by a tree, hidden from the road.

He led the horse over to it. "Okay, just get down and I'll help you."

Heyes slid off his horse into his partner's arms, who helped him go further down onto the bedroll.

"Will you be okay while I take care of the horses and make camp?"

"Sure." Heyes closed his eyes.

The Kid hobbled the horses by the creek where there was plenty of green grass. Next, he gathered sticks and wood and started a fire. He began heating some water and finished setting up camp. Once the water was very warm, he put a hand on his friend.

"You gonna tell me what happened while I clean your wounds? Thought you said you'd be okay. You don't look okay."

Heyes opened his eyes. "Roy Smiley."

"Roy Smiley did this to you? I didn't see him. Where'd he go?"

"He came in. Sat down. Didn't recognize me at first. Ten minutes later, he grinned. Remembered me. I'd just won a big pot. Mostly his money. He was mad. Hit head with bottle. Shot me in arm as he grabbed money and left."

"So that's why we had to get outta town quick, just in case he went to the law."

"Don't think so, but never know. He's wanted, too. Might gamble law won't know him."

The Kid gently removed the bandanas from Heyes' head and arm and began cleaning them with the hot water.

"Was okay until he came."

Curry shook his head. "Just our luck."

The Kid cleaned the wounds and fell asleep. Several hours later, he woke up to moaning.

"Heyes?" He reached over and touched his partner's arm. "Dang, you're hot!"

He went down to the creek for cold water and began bathing Heyes' head and arms. By morning, he was exhausted and Heyes was getting no better.

Kid Curry began to pace in the camp. "I should never have left you alone. This wouldn't have happened if I was watchin' your back. If you're no better by noon, we're goin' back to Jackson since it's the closest. I'll figure out something."

Early afternoon, a hidden Curry watched the saloon's back door. "Please come," he prayed.

About thirty minutes later, a lovely lady was about to enter the saloon.

"Rose?" the Kid called out.

She turned and looked around.

"Over here." He quickly showed himself.

"Thaddeus?" Rose made her way over to him. "What's going on? Where's Josh… Oh my, he doesn't look good!"

"He got a fever last night from gettin' shot. There's no doctor in town and I don't know where to go. Thought you could suggest a place."

Rose nodded and fished for a key in her pocket. "Take him to my place. It's just outta town on the south side. Small cabin, but with a white picket fence and garden. You can't miss it. I'll be there late."

"Are you sure?"

Rose nodded. "I'm positive."

"Thanks, Rose. Don't know what I'd do without you."

She smiled. "I'll think of something." She looked back at the saloon. "I have to go."

A little after midnight, Rose walked the short distance home. The house looked dark, like no one was there. She opened her small gate and walked up to the porch. A curtain slightly moved, and the door opened. Inside, the curtains were all closed and only one lantern and the stove were lit.

"How's Joshua?" she asked, as she removed her shoes and let her hair fall down to her shoulders.

"The same. He seems more comfortable here than where we were."

"Which was?"

"We made camp about ten miles away."

"Thaddeus, may I ask why you left in such a hurry with Joshua injured?"

"Guess we owe that to you." Kid Curry sighed. "We know the man who hit and shot him."

"Smiley?"

Curry nodded. "You know him?"

Rose shuddered. "Evil man. I hate him and won't bed him, no matter how much money he offers. No one in town likes him. How do you know him?"

"We had a run in with him a few years ago. Me and Joshua haven't been the best kinda men, but we're workin' on changin' that."

"I believe folks deserve a second chance."

"Thanks. Is Smiley still around? What happened after we left?" the Kid asked, as he bathed Heyes down to cool him off.

"Heard he's still hanging around looking for something…someone, but after what he did to Joshua, folks are telling him to leave. Everyone thought you were trying to take Joshua to a doctor – we don't have one in town. Harriet is a healer, so most folks go to her." Rose yawned. "I'm sorry. I need to rest for a while. It's been a long day."

"Sorry, we're in your way."

"Oh, you're not in my way." Rose made her way over to her bed and began taking off her clothes. She smiled when the Kid quickly turned, giving her privacy in her one-room cabin.

Rose slept in late. She stretched, yawned, and then sniffed. "Is that coffee I smell?"

Kid Curry looked up from tending to his friend. "Hope you don't mind."

"Mind? It's wonderful waking up to it already made." She slipped into a robe, poured a cup of coffee, and walked over to them. "Is he any better?"

Curry shook his head. "It didn't seem like such a bad wound."

"I'll get dressed and go get Harriet." When she saw Curry's face, she quickly added, "Harriet won't say a word to anyone that you're here. She's been known to come by – she helps all of us girls."

"I brought in a bucket of water while it was still dark so no one would see me." He pointed to a pail on the table. "Also brought in some more wood."

Rose heated up some water, removed her robe and began cleaning herself. "Thaddeus, you've seen me naked before," she commented when she saw he had quickly turned around.

"Well, that was when you were workin'," he explained. "Don't seem proper when you've invited us into your house."

"You're the sweetest, Thaddeus!"

A few minutes later, Rose walked towards him with her hair down and dressed in a light blue shirt and a darker blue skirt.

The Kid whistled. "You look beautiful!"

"Thank you." Rose did a little curtsy. She grabbed a wide-brim straw hat. "I'll be back soon, hopefully with Harriet."

Within an hour, Rose came back with an older, dark-skinned person.

"Thaddeus, this is Harriet," she introduced them. "Joshua's the one I was telling you about that needs your help."

"I can see that." Harriet knelt beside Heyes. "When did he get the injuries?"

"Almost two days ago," Curry answered.

She unwrapped the bandages. "No more bleeding." Next, she pulled out a large magnifying glass and inspected the wounds. "Still glass in his head. Arm needs better cleaning, too. Just used hot water and liquor?"

"Yeah, that's all I had."

"It's good, but sometimes not good enough. This time it's not good enough." She dug in her basket and brought a pair of tweezers out. "I'll clean the glass from his head and then make a poultice for both wounds. You try to get some water in Joshua. Just a few drops and stroke his neck. He should swallow."

An hour later, the poultice covered the wounds and Heyes was dressed only in his union suit, which was wet to get him cool.

"Joshua isn't gonna like this," the Kid commented.

Rose smiled as she looked down at him. "I've seen him with less on."

That evening Rose came home earlier from work. "Goodness, is it raining!" she exclaimed as she took off her wet jacket and shoes. "It's a slow night because of the weather so I came home." She looked over at the two partners. "How's Joshua doing? Any better?"

Kid Curry smiled. "His fever is down a little. I don't know what concoction Harriet made to give him but that, along with keepin' him wet, is workin'. She's comin' back tomorrow to check and clean the wounds.

"Joshua is lucky to have you."

"I don't know about that. I wasn't downstairs watchin' his back. This wouldn't have happened if I wasn't with you."

"But you asked and Joshua said it was okay. Our poker games are usually quiet and don't end up like this."

The Kid shook his head. "I should have been with him."

"You shouldn't beat yourself up over this, Thaddeus. I'm not certain it'd make a difference being it was Smiley." Rose walked over to the stove.

"I shouldn't have left him," Curry mumbled to himself.

"Oh, good, you have coffee made. Want some more?" Rose poured herself a cup and held up the pot.

Curry held out his cup. "Sure."

"Glad it's raining. We need the water and it's nice to have some time off." Rose took off her damp clothes and, wrapping a blanket around herself, sat down in a chair near Heyes with her coffee. "He might get chilled with the fever coming down and being wet. Have a blanket ready for him."

"I got one here." The Kid sat on the other chair. "I can't thank you enough for takin' us in and gettin' Harriet, Rose. Not sure why you did it."

"Oh, I appreciated the big tips from both of you. It was nice having clean and polite men, and it doesn't hurt that you're both awfully cute." She sipped her coffee. "Besides, I know you wouldn't have asked if you had any other options."

Heyes moaned, drawing both of their attention to him.

"I sure hope he wakes up tomorrow. Funny how I miss how much he can talk when he doesn't," Kid Curry commented.

"Joshua's a talker?" Rose asked.

"Yeah, didn't you notice… Oh, I suppose not."

Rose smiled. "We didn't do much talking when I spent time with him." She sighed. "My Sam was a talker. Had grandiose plans."

"Sounds like Joshua." Curry took a sip of his coffee. "Mind me askin' who Sam is?"

"Sam was my husband. We married young and he died young, making me a widow. We didn't have much and there's not much a gal can do to earn money."

"That's a shame." He shook his head. "So, is Rose your real name?"

"Is Thaddeus your real name?"

The Kid smiled. "You got me there."

Heyes began to shiver.

"Time to get a blanket on you, partner."

Kid Curry slept soundly, laying on the floor next to his partner.

"Kid… Water," came a raspy voice.

No answer.

"Kid… Water..."

"Thaddeus," Rose called out.

"Huh?" came a sleepy reply.

"Give Joshua a drink of water."

"What?" Curry sat up and looked into a pair of two brown eyes. "Joshua, you're awake!"

"Water?"

"Sure," the Kid whispered so as not to disturb Rose any longer. He got up and poured a glass of water. "Here you go." He helped lift Heyes' upper body so he could drink.

A moment later, Heyes was sleeping a deep, restful sleep.

Harriet knocked on the door early in the morning. Kid Curry immediately grabbed his gun as Rose put on her robe.

"Who is it?"

"Harriet, dear."

Curry quickly holstered his gun.

"Oh, come in." Rose opened the door. "I'll make some coffee for us all. Thaddeus and I talked until it was rather late and then Joshua woke up." Rose put the water on the stove and threw in some wood to make it heat faster.

"Good. He woke up. I'll clean his wounds this morning."

The Kid stomped on his boots and ran his fingers through his curly hair. "He woke up for just a few minutes – asked for some water."

"Excellent. He needs to drink to get better."

Heyes yawned and then groaned. "Oh… Kid?"

"Yeah, it's me. Take it easy, Joshua." Kid Curry put his hand on Heyes' chest. "Harriet is here to check and clean your wounds."

"Harriet?"

"She's the healer in town. Better than some of the doctors we've seen, especially Doctor Beauregard," the Kid informed him.

"Young man, you look much better today. Let me see your arm." Harriet removed the blanket.

Heyes blushed. "I don't have clothes on."

Curry grinned. "Nope, just your longjohns. You were pretty sick with a fever and had an infection. Both ladies have seen you this way."

"Both?"

"Good morning, Joshua!" Rose came over to greet him.

Heyes looked puzzled.

"You remember Rose, don't you?" Kid Curry asked. "I guess she looks different without her fancy work clothes on."

"Rose… I remember."

"I should hope so! Does everyone want coffee?"

"No coffee for Joshua – just water." Harriet cleaned the poultice from his forehead. "You get plenty of rest the next few days."

Heyes woke up in the afternoon and watched his partner tying his gun down. "Where're you going?"

Kid Curry quickly turned toward him. "You're awake. Let me get you some water and a biscuit to eat."

"Didn't answer my question. Where're you going?"

The Kid handed the food and glass to Heyes. "Out."

"Out where?"

Curry sighed. "If I was downstairs and not with Rose, this wouldn't have happened to you."

"You don't know that, Kid." Heyes took a sip of water. "So, you're going out to find Smiley."

Kid Curry nodded.

"And then what?"

"He tried to kill you!"

"And then what, Kid? You're not a killer."

"You could've died!"

"What about amnesty? Don't you do something foolish to jeopardize it."

"I'm tired of folks takin' advantage of us now. Smiley has to know he can't get away doin' what he did." Curry opened the door. "Rest, Heyes. Hopefully I'll be back before Rose does around midnight."

"Kid!" Heyes shouted in frustration as his partner left and the door closed. He put his good hand to his head and pressed down hard to stop the throbbing.

Kid Curry stayed in the back alleyways of Jackson, careful not to be spotted, looking for Roy Smiley. He unholstered and added a sixth bullet to the chamber when he saw the person he was looking for coming out of an outhouse. He stood his gunfighter stance. "Roy Smiley!" he called out.

Smiley quickly looked and was about to take out his gun.

"I don't think so." Curry walked towards him with his gun aimed at him. "We need to talk."

"Talk, Kid Curry?" Smiley asked. "Or are you gonna shoot me?"

"You shot my partner."

Roy Smiley grinned. "The great Hannibal Heyes! Did he die? I've been lookin' for the two of you." He threw down his weapon. "Gonna shoot an unarmed man?"

The Kid heard Heyes' voice in his head talking about amnesty. Was Roy Smiley worth losing amnesty? He holstered his gun and walked up to the man. He sucker punched him in the jaw. "Leave…" He hit him in the stomach, Roy doubled over. "My…" He kneed him in the lower regions. "Partner…"

Roy Smiley fell to the ground, clutching his privates, and moaning.

Curry kicked him in the ribs. "Alone!" He looked around before grabbing Smiley's arm and lifting him into a standing position. "Get outta here and if you ever see me or Heyes, turn around and leave. You understand?"

Smiley barely nodded.

"I didn't hear you."

"Yeah." Smiley spat out some blood. "I hear ya."

A saddled horse was nearby.

"Is that yours?" Curry asked.

Roy nodded.

Kid Curry 'helped' him into the saddle. "Now git!"

The rider spurred his horse away from his tormentor and town.

The Kid rubbed his sore knuckles as he made his way back to the cabin. "That hurts." When he got to the door, he tapped once and then twice. He slowly opened the door. "It's just me."

Heyes put down his gun. "You didn't do nothing stupid, did you?"

Kid Curry shook his head. "I just convinced Roy Smiley to leave town and turn around if he ever sees us again."

Heyes released a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

That evening Rose came home from work to see Joshua sitting up, leaning against the wall. "You certainly look better."

"I'm feeling better," Heyes replied. "My head don't hurt so much with the glass slivers out of it and my arm's not throbbing. Harriet is a wonderful healer."

"She is." Rose sniffed the air. "Do I smell bacon and biscuits?

"Yeah, I made Joshua something to eat so he can get his strength back. There's more in the pan by the stove stayin' warm. Why don't you sit down and I'll get you some." Kid Curry stood up and went into the kitchen area.

"I could get used to this – coffee in the morning and something light to eat in the evening." Rose sat in the chair beside Heyes. "Roy Smiley is finally gone and good riddance!"

Heyes gave his partner a look.

"That's good. He's just plain trouble." The Kid handed a plate to Rose. "Want something, Joshua?"

"Yeah. Anything but water."

Curry shook his head. "Harriet said only water today; you can have more to drink tomorrow."

"This is good, Thaddeus." Rose took another bite. "I'm going to miss you two when you leave."

A few days later, just before the sunrise, Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry were packed and ready to leave. Rose was up, wrapped in her robe.

"I sure am gonna miss you two," she commented.

"And we'll miss your great hospitality." Heyes gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, again, for takin' us in, Rose. We really appreciate it!" Kid Curry also kissed her on the cheek. "Here's a little money for the food and a place to rest."

"Thanks, boys."

"Ready, Joshua?

"I'm ready."

"Are you sure? It's only been a few days."

"You worry about staying on your horse…"

In unison, the Kid joined Heyes, "And I'll worry about stayin' on mine."

Rose laughed. "Goodbye and you're welcome back any time."

"Goodbye, Rose!"

That evening, Rose came home to an empty, dark house. She lit a lantern and sat in a chair, missing her company. On the side table was an envelope. Curious, she opened it and gasped. Inside was $500 and a note. "We owe you this and much more. Love, Thaddeus and Joshua."

Rose began crying. "Sam, it looks like I can move on. I have enough money now to move back east, maybe to my sister's house, and start a new life."