New Beginnings: Life Changes

ch. 28

Taking Care of Business

Tuesday afternoon following his confrontation with Joseph, Ethan calls the boy outside.

"You and I both overreacted last night. You need to work on controlling your temper but so do I. I realized I am guilty of losing my temper and punishing you for doing the same! I do not condone being disrespectful, raising your voice to adults. However in this one incident, I understand your frustration. I was wrong to cancel your campout. You and Theo may camp Friday night here on our land. There is a good place right near the pasture."

"We can camp in the section where the trees begin. Yes, that would be perfect. Thanks, Pa. I apologize for yelling last night and will work harder to control my temper."

"You are welcome, Joseph. I will also work at keeping my temper. Your Mama has been telling me it needs to be tamed. She says I react without thinking. She's correct, I do. I need to react instantly when chasing criminals. It became a habit to do so at all times."

By Thursday of the first week of school, Ethan had confirmation of the gang nearing Paradise. The lookouts he had posted sent word the gang was traveling quickly. Deciding it would be best to kerp women and children out of town on Saturday, he calls a town meeting for the following day.

Adressing the group of shopkeepers and other businessmen gathered in the church, Ethan explains what is happening.

"We have reports of a revenge minded gang headed into town. I believe they will be here by tomorrow. I need you to spread the word to keep women and children home tomorrow. I don't want any vulnerable people in town. The elderly need to stay home as well. If you open after church Sunday, the women can do Saturday business then. Have your weapons ready and within reach tomorrow. We will greet these men ready to protect our town."

Friday afternoon, Mr. Davis sends Ethan a sealed envelope by Ben. Telling the boy not to mention the note to anyone but give it to his parents.

Arriving home, Ben waits for his brothers to leave for the barn to do afternoon chores before going to his mama.

"Mama, are you making another cake? You said you made one this morning but another would be good too." He asks coming into the kitchen to find Delphie busily stirring what looks like cake batter.

"You would like another cake I know, but this is bread. I am making rolls for supper. Shouldn't you be helping with the chores?"

"I will but first I have to give you this note. Mr. Davis told me not to tell anyone about it but give it to you and Pa. Joseph must be in trouble."

"Never you mind about your guessing Ben! You are to abide by Mr. Davis and now me and not talk to George or Joseph about this note. It is private between your Pa, myself and Mr. Davis. Do you understand?"

"Yes Ma'am."

Arriving home later than he planned, Ethan finds Delphie and the younger boys setting out the evening meal.

"I'm sorry to be later than I planned. We had some business to handle. Are Joseph and Theo all set up at the campsite?"

"I left it to them to set up. They have the tarp for a tent, blankets, food, water jugs, a lantern and matches. I believe they are set for the night. Do you think they are safe enough?"

"Yes Mother Hen. There is no need to worry. They are just down in the pasture not out in the wilderness. They may not even stay the night. I half expect them to come up to the barn during the night."

Catching a break in their conversation, Ben says "Mama, you told me to remind you of the note."

"Thank you, dear. You and George go wash for supper." Delphie instructs before turning to Ethan. "Mr. Davis sent a note. I haven't opened it."

Pulling the envelope from her apron pocket, she hands it to her husband.

"Ethan, you haven't read the note. Do keep an open mind about it!" Delphie scolds after Ethan's outburst of "If that boy has misbehaved again, I will heat his behind!"

"I am overreacting again, aren't I. Let me read what he has written."

In the washroom, George whispers to Ben "What was the note about? Is Joseph in trouble? I hope not."

"I couldn't read it as it was sealed with wax. I would be in big trouble if I broke the wax. Pa would know I opened it. Reading other people's mail got me a paddling last month remember? I opened the letter to Claire from the school lady at Claire's school. I didn't get far in reading before Pa caught me. He took me to their room and walloped me with that heavy silver hairbrush Mama uses. He told me if he even heard I invaded someone's privacy by reading their mail or notes again, he would take me to the tack room for a talk with his belt!" Ben whispers back before they leave the small space.

After scanning the brief message, Ethan tells her "There is nothing about Joseph acting out. He just had something he needed to tell me about the building. He is shuttering the windows and locking it for tomorrow." Ethan tells her, folding the note as the boys return.

"Let's sit down boys and George it is your turn to say the blessing tonight."

"Yes sir, I remember." George answers before folding his hands. "Dear God, Thank you for helping Mama cook this meal. Thank you for helping us have a mostly good first week of school. Please take care of Rob and Claire on their journey. Please keep us all safe. Amen"

"That was a lovely prayer, George."

"Thank you, Mama."

"It was a long prayer. I was worried you wouldn't finish and I wouldn't get supper!" Ben teases sitting across from George.

"You think about eating too often."

"I like eating! Especially roast pork and potatoes with gravy. This is so good. Are we having any of the rolls you made?" Ben asks turning towards Delphie.

"I forgot them. This baby has me forgetful and weary. I find myself falling asleep in the afternoons. They are over by the stove in a basket. Get them please, Ben. Bring the butter from the pulley pantry as well."

"Yes, Mama."

"Tell us about your schoolday. Did you have recess? What is something new you learned?" Delphie asks as the family eats.

"I learned we are going to learn script beginning next week. We are going to be able to read and write the grownup way soon. No more printing! I am ready because I already know some letters. I can write all of our names in script." George exclaims happily.

"My gracious, that is exciting! How about you, Ben?"

"I'm not excited about all the penmanship work we'll have to do. My team won at Ante Over at recess. We got the ball over the stable roof twelve times! The other team only made it nine times over."

"Great news boys. Thank you for sharing those good things with me. Ben, we will work together on penmanship so do not fret over it."

"Ben, what is something you can tell us about your lessons? Did you have any trouble with your schoolwork this first week?"

"No Papa, everything has been easy so far. Miss. Donaldson separated us into groups. I am in a different group for reading and spelling than George. Aaron is in my group but Alyssa is in George's group. She gave us spelling lists for next week. There are only ten words. I have easy words to spell. Mine have the letter patterns igh, ine, or ite in them. The one tricky part is having w.r.i.t.e and r.i.g.h.t on the same list."

"Do you remember the different meanings of those words?" Delphie asks.

"Sure, I do. The one with w is write with something and the one with r is not left."

"Not left? What do you mean?"

"You remember, Mama. Right and left! Right is not left." Ben explains.

"Yes, I understand now. That makes sense." Delphie replies watching Ethan grin at Ben's answer,.

"Alright young master scholars, finish your vegetables to get dessert." Delphie reminds gently as she notices the boys not eating the spinach.

"What is this? It looks like something the cows chewed and spit out."

"BEN! Apologize for your remark! You just insulted your mama's cooking. That is spinach and you WILL both eat it." Ethan tells him including George in the command.

"I am sorry Mama. I ate all of my buttered carrots and most of the string beans."

"You are forgiven. Spinach makes you have strong muscles Ben. Go on now, eat it. We have apple cake with warm cream on top for dessert."

Glancing across at his brother, Ben sends a silent message 'You try it first."

Shaking his head George sends back "UnUh! You taste it. Pa said you have to eat it."

"Yeah, well, YOU have to eat it too!" Ben answers silently after shaking his head to his brother's suggestion.

Watching the two boys stare at each other and then shake their heads, Ethan realizes they are having one of their special conversations. Winking at Delphie he announces "Well Delphie, it looks as if the boys have developed a shaking problem. Their heads seem to shake for no reason. I still see spinach on their plates. It is only four forkfuls and could be swallowed so easily. It is a shame they seem to be choosing bedtime instead of dessert and fun time."

Eyes going wide at that statement, Ben quickly shoves a heaping forkful of spinach into his mouth. Across the table George has taken a large bite as well. Eying each other, the two boys finish the rest of the spinach. Drinking his milk to wash away the taste of spinach, George hears Ben say "I ate all of the spinach. May I have dessert now?"

"May I please have dessert now as well? I finished the spinach. It is revolting but I ate it." George asks.

"Very good boys. Yes, I'll get the cake and cream ready." Delphie replies, ignoring George's comment about the spinach.

"So you see boys? You can try new foods and survive. Next time you are served something new, don't balk just take care of business and eat it." Ethan tells them.

Over near the pasture, Theo helps Joseph take the sizzling frankfurters off the sticks. Lifting the pot of beans from the corner of the fire, Joseph ladles some onto two plates. "If you'll look in the basket beside you, there are rolls and tin cups. We can either eat here by the embers or cover them and sit in the tent. Which would you like to do?"

"I would rather eat out here. I saw something else in the basket wrapped in paper."

"That must be dessert. Mama said she would wrap up something for us."

"I brought fresh apples and ginger molasses cookies." Theo says as he bites into an end of a frankfurter.

'Cookies and apples will be a good treat for later tonight. We might get hungry before breakfast."

"I also brought my deck of cards. We can play poker tonight since we have the kerosene lantern here." Theo declares.

"We'll play inside the tent. You have to help me listen for anyone walking up on us though. My Pa would have things to say I don't want to hear if he found out we were playing poker. Are you allowed to play cards?"

"Yes, my parents don't mind as long as no gambling takes place. Jack and I play cards often. We play rummy or poker and a game we call 'battle'. Even the little girls play battle at times. I can teach it to you and you can play your brothers."

Looking up from his game of pretend with the wooden solidiers, George asks "Papa? Why are the bad men coming to Paradise?"

"What makes you ask that, son?"

"Mama told me they were coming but you would not be hurt." Catching Ethan's glance at Delphie, he explains "I mean our first mama not Mama here on earth."

"Come here, George. You too, Ben. Let's talk." Ethan answers putting the newspaper on the floor and motioning the boys to sit on his knees.

"Oooff! You two have gotten quite heavy since I last held you both." This remark elicits smiles from the two boys and Delphie.

"Alright boys, listen carefully. There have been a few reports of a group of criminals heading to Paradise. When they were arrested, they were angry. These men made some threats against me and the town. For that reason, we are keeping women and children home tomorrow. The men are ready to stand together to protect the town."

"I want to protect the town too! I have a good slingshot!" Ben declares, crossing his arms.

"You, Joseph and George are going to stay away from town. You will be protecting the ranch. I forbid you from leaving the ranch yard tomorrow. Do not even think of disobeying me!" Ethan tells the two boys in his 'I mean business"voice.

"That's right Ben and George. We will protect our home. You can be my assistant cooks tomorrow. I need assistants to taste the cookies we will make. I have some of that new chocolate powder to use. Will you be my special assistants?"

"Yes Mama." Both boys answer..

Waking at the first rays of sunlight hitting their tent, Theo wakes Joseph.

"Did your parents say we were to go inside for breakfast?"

"No, I told them we would fix our own breakfast here at our camp. I brought a basket of eggs and half a loaf of fresh bread. I can get meat from the smokehouse. We have hams, venison, rabbit, beef sausage or salt pork."

"I have a different idea. Let's go eat at the hotel. I have money and will pay for you too. It isn't often I get to eat at the hotel. They have a special just put out kind of toast called French Toast. I saw it on someone's plate when I delivered a message there last week. I asked the server girl what it was called that is how I know. It is really fluffy thick toast with butter, jam, maple syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon and snowy sugar. You get four pieces. It looked so good."

"I like the idea! Everyone in the house is asleep so let's go without waking anyone. I can do chores when I get home." Joseph replies.

Walking into town to go to the hotel, Joseph remarks "Where is everyone? It is early but I would expect to see men out and ladies getting shopping done. Everyone is gone. Something is not right."

"Yes, it's eerie how still and quiet it is. Maybe we should go to my... " Theo begins before being cut off by a stern command "Boys! Come In Here Now!"

Jerking in surprise at the stern voice behind them, both look to see who is beckoning.

"Uncle Matt? What's happening? Where is everyone?" Joseph asks.

"Joseph! Theodore! Do as I told you! Get inside this store immediately! MOVE!

Closing the door behind them, Matt takes each boy by an arm fast walking them to the storeroom.

"Just what do you two think you are doing? Direct disobedience like this deserves a tanning! I have a good mind to take you in hand myself! Of all the stunts you pull Joseph, this is one of the most dangerous!"

"Uncle Matthew, I apologize for not coming in right after you called us. I was surprised as we hadn't seen anyone about."

"I am referring to your being in town, young man! Weren't you told you were to keep away from here?"

"No sir. No one has told me that. Why would we have to stay away? Where is everyone? Saturdays are usually very busy here."

"I don't have time to talk. You two stay here."

After he leaves, Theo asks quietly "How is he related to you? I forget. Does he usually threaten to punish you over nothing?"

"He is my Pa's brother and he is usually pretty easy to get along with. Perhaps the babies are causing him to miss sleep as he is so grouchy. Something strange is going on or the town would not be deserted."

"I didn't know Sheriff Cord had a brother."

"He doesn't. He had a sister, my first mother. Uncle Matt is my first father's youngest brother. I am adopted remember? My Pa now is my first Ma's brother. He took us in when she died and then adopted us. I have had two sets of parents so far."

"So far?" Are you planning to have more parents Joseph?" Theo asks, chuckling at his question.

"Not me, no. One set is enough especially with all the rest of the adults trying to manage my life! I will be fifteen in two weeks but everyone acts as if I were ten! Fifteen is old enough to know what is going on, not be hidden away like some baby! Don't you agree?"

"I do! Let's go see what is happening."

Riding four abreast the men come to a sign at the eastern side of town.

"Well! Look here fellas! They are being kind what with welcoming us to Paradise."

"They are not all that welcoming, Glory, Read the next sign, Jed."

"No guns allowed. All visitors turn in guns at Sheriff's office while visiting." Jed reads aloud.

"Gawdamighty! No guns are in this town! Wooowee Easy, we will have fun here!" Jed bellows slapping his hat against his leg in amusement. His friends laugh along.

"Could be but let's not get cocky. First up, pay a visit to the sheriff's office to our friend Cord. We take care of him and the town is ours to play in. Find a few ladies to bring along, get us some free whiskey, burn a few buildings, shoot up the windows and we'll hit the bank. We might be nice and leave a few coins for the kids."

"Good plan, Easy! Can I leave our mark on this here sign? I have my matches."

"If you must, Flint." The leader replies waititing as the younger man burns a stick and draws an X across the sign.

"There! The X Gang strikes again!"

Riding into town, Jed notices the lack of people. "No one is about, Easy."

"I can see, Jed. Shut your yap and follow my lead." The burly leader says as he rides up to the sheriff's office.

"Deputy! Sheriff! We are here to surrender our guns! Come get them!" Easy calls as he shoots through the window panes.

After several minutes with no response, the leader peers in the broken window.

"No one there. Let's spread out. He has to be here somewhere."

"Jed, go get food. The General Store is that white building. Go in the back to be a unexpected guest. Shoot the windows and wreck the place before you leave. Leave nothing standing. We will make this town a heap of ruin."

"Flint, check the Mercantile for fresh shirts. We'll change after we ride out just in case someone sees us. You can burn the place when you leave."

"Glory, you stay with me. We hit the saloon for whiskey bottles for our ride. Then find a couple ladies to bring along to play with. You two meet at the bank when you get done."

"Look behind you Joseph. Right there on the nail."

Turning to look where his friend is pointing, Joseph sees a holster with a revolver. Reaching up he takes it down carefully removing the gun. Pointing it down, Joseph checks for ammunition.

"Is it loaded?" Theo asks, continuing to speak just above a whisper.

"It's fully loaded. Did you hear that? Someone is talking, listen!"

Moving very quietly, the boys open the storeroom door to hear better.

"Just put that shotgun down and I might not kill you! Then again shooting is fun so I might! I aim to take all the money and I want food and supplies. You keep still until I ... GAWDAMIGHTY! WHO SHOT ME?" Jed bellows having just heard a gun and felt fiery pain in his arm causing him to drop his weapon.

Dashing forward, keeping the shotgun pointed at the criminal's head, David grabs the gun from the floor.

"Get rope from the side wall, boys. Help me wrap him with it. I will keep him under the gun you two do a type of maypole routine. Each walk the opposite way winding your end around him. There! All trussed up like a piece of meat! Good shooting, Joseph! You saved my life! How did you know to shoot the gun arm?"

"I just aimed and fired, Mr. Abbott. I didn't try to hit his arm, I aimed for his back. The gun went off target."

"You gonna let me bleed out or help me? Easy is gonna be mad I got taken by a kid!"

"The ropes are binding your shirt over the wound. It will only ooze and burn not bleed out. Now, you get to have a nice bandanna in your mouth while we wait for the law! Paradise is prepared for your little gang!"

Over at the Mercantile, Flint finds himself surrounded by Axelrod and three other men with various guns all pointed at him.

"Breaking into my store are you? Thinking of robbing me? No, not today! We were ready for you! Tie him and gag him, Scott! We have his gun and he will be shot if he moves!"

Having helped themselves to as many bottles of whiskey as their horses can carry, the remaining gang members walk over to the bank.

"Easy I thought you said we would get us some women. It's been months since I was entertained that way. Flint needs women or he gets very moody. You know he starts fires when he gets in moods."

"I saw no women! You were there brother! We searched the upstairs of the place. I have seen none in town at all! Seems they all deserted us in our time of need! We can pick up some in the next town we hit. It is not what I planned. I wanted a go at that sheriff. People'd know my name. I'd be a legend! Cowardly of him to disappear with the town. We'll let Flint burn the place down. That should keep him happy. No one is here anyway. How's that plan, Glory? Glory? Where'd you disappear too? Thought you were behind me. GLORY?"

"Glory has disappeared but I have not! You say you 'wanted a go' at me. I am right behind you. Let's face off if you dare." Easy hears a firm voice announce behind him.

Spinning around grappling for his gun, Easy sees no sign of anyone.

"Whaa? Where are you?"

"Right behind you as I said! Holster the weapon. You want a fair fight do you not? You want to become a legend then do it fairly! There are witnesses."

"What witnesses and where are you? I don't see you?" Easy calls having spun in the opposite direction.

"We are here." A voice above him calls.

Looking up, Glory sees two men with rifles pointed at him.

"Now look this way." another voice tells him.

Turning in that direction, the would be bank robber finds Mtch holding a handcuffed and gagged Glory.

"Those are the witnesses. Do you wish to call me out? " Ethan asks stepping out from the side of the bank.

"You! You ruined my plans! Where are the women?"

"Somewhere safe. Now let us get this over with. Pace off ten and we turn and fire. Ready? ONE TWO... at the count of seven Ethan hears the sound of a shotgun and turns around. Finding his opponent writhing on the ground holding his bloody leg, Ethan looks to the door of the bank.

"He drew on seven. He had his gun pointed at your back. I don't think seven is his lucky number." Chris declares holding the smoking shotgun.

"Thank you, Chris. You and Mitch take these two to the clinic. Let me check on the other two you told me were prisoners. Amy will fix up their wounds before we put them all in the cells. Let it be known, it is over. Was anyone injured?"

"Lawrence Blackstock has a broken wrist. I checked on him and Dr. Amy has it splinted and wrapped. One of the gang went after the cashbox. Lawrence tried to stop him and got a gun handle to the wrist" Matthew says before saying "Ethan, I left Joseph and Theo in my storeroom two hours ago."

Eyes darkening even more than they were, Ethan nods in acknowledgement.

Mounting the steps quickly, Ethan enters the General Store.

"Hello? David? It's Ethan Cord. Are you all right?"

"Yes, we are back in the storeroom. Come back. We have a prisoner."

Finding David and the two boys, Ethan locks eyes with Joseph.

"Come with me." He commands, his voice deep and menacing.

"Just a second, Sheriff. Joseph saved my life This man broke in the back and had his gun pointed at me. The boys found my revolver in the storeroom. I keep it for disposing of rats. Joseph heard this man threaten me, saw him take aim at my head and reacted. He shot him in the back of his arm causing him to lose control of the gun."

"Thank you for your explanation, David. Theo, your Pa needs you at home. One of the criminals attacked him and broke his wrist. He is going to be fine in a few months as it takes time for bones to heal. It is safe to return home now."

"Yes sir." Theo replies hurrying out of the room. The steely glare he witnessed earlier has him obeying instantly.

"David, would you take the prisoner to the clinic? Chris will take him from there to the jail. Hold the gun on him as you do so. He can hobble enough to get there as he is tied to beneath the knees but his feet are free."

"Certainly, it is my pleasure. Thank you again, Joseph. You are very brave."

"You are welcome, sir." Joseph replies.

As he now finds himself alone with his father, Joseph can't help but wonder if Ethan has plans to punish him right here. The look he received left no doubt his Pa is furious. Thinking maybe it has to do with him being in town as well as the gun incident, he explains.

"Pa? Uncle Matt said I was not to be in town. Theo and I came to have breakfast at the hotel. Uncle Matt saw us and ordered us into the storeroom. I was not aware we were not to come to town. No one told me. I apologize for using a gun without permission but the guy was going to kill David, umm Mr. Abbott! He was laughing and saying how he found shooting fun. He was going to steal the money too. I heard him."

Thinking for a moment, Ethan remembers the two boys were already in their camp when he told the family to stay home.

"Yes, I realize you did not know about the ban now. You were in your camp when I told the other boys. Joseph, I am very proud of you for your reaction today."

At the shocked look on his son's face, Ethan continues. "I realize I have been tough on you at times. I can see you expected punishment not praise. Joseph, when you take time to think as you obviously did today, you act rationally. So many of the times when you find yourself in trouble with me it is for your impulsive actions. The times you rush headlong into danger or deliberately try to manipulate a situation to your advantage. Today, you acted as the mature thinking young man I hope to see more of. You saved David's life and Matt's store. This gang planned to rob and destroy our town. He wouldn't have let David live."

"I shot him in the arm but I aimed for his back. I missed. I only knew enough to point and shoot. It isn't like target shooting, Pa."

"Aim and shoot is good enough. There isn't anything else to do but learn the gun. Some seem to shoot slightly off target. Are you feeling regret for shooting a person?"

"Yessir. It made my stomach turn over. He is a criminal but I regret shooting him."

"That is good, son. That is the difference between you and people like the gang members. He had no qualms about killing someone and you regret hurting him. I regret having to shoot people as well. I learned to put my feelings aside and focus on the job. That does not mean I have ever been pleased to have to shoot someone. Come with me while I take care of business with this gang. I need to wire the Marshals to come collect them. After that, we'll get a meal at the hotel. I hear your stomach complaining."