1' Chapter
It was a warm spring afternoon;
A few hours ago, Luke and Uncle Zeb, had left the Mexican border.
They were heading north through Texas and were on their way to Fort Clarke.
The sun was about to set.
" My boy, I think we'd better stop in this little town for the night.
I don't know about you, but I'm tired of eating dust for the day. Besides, it's going to get dark soon, and in those hills we're liable to get hurt.
We'll go to Fort Clarke tomorrow."
" But, you say...I mean, do you think it's not risky to show up in town? It's okay that I no longer have the $5,000 bounty on my head but I'm not out of the woods yet!"
" Don't worry-as long as you're with me! - he put a hand on his shoulder smiling, to reassure him-don't worry, I know the Colfax sheriff well, he's an old friend of mine!"
" If you say so! Anyway, I'm hungry,...!"
" You know what...if the wine cellar "Dorita" is still open, for a few pennies let's have a fancy dinner and then go rest in a real bed... You know, Dorita still owes me a few favors!"
"And who is this Dorita, Uncle Zeb?"
"Ah ah ah!.., you must know...she is Mexican and she married a squire from here and now she has been running this inn for some years.
Come on come, you have nothing to fear!"
Leaving the horses in the adjoining stable, they entered.
" I'll be damned... Is it really you? Oh Zeb how long!!!"
She hugged him and blew him a big, lip-smacking kiss.
" Hey take it easy honey! Aren't you afraid Martin will see us?"
" You can tell it's been a long time since you came by;
I run everything here now. My poor husband took a bullet last year, and unless you're busy, we're two free people!"
" Ah well then, if that's the case!"
She kissed him even more emphatically.
" mh mh!" Luke coughed, smiling.
" Oh sorry, Dorita, this young man is my nephew Luke."
"Let me look at you a bit ... Ah though! Not bad looking you know. He reminds me of you, you know Zeb, a few years ago!"
" You're always the same, you're not good at telling lies, he's much better looking than me!"
" What are you doing around here?"
"Eh, a long story! But tell me, can you still get something to eat?
We've come a long way and eaten a lot of dust and we're hungry as hell."
" Sure Zeb, have a seat, just a minute and I'll have a nice dinner brought in.
Then after dinner is over, I think you also need a good bath and a good bed right?."
" Eh well, you see!"
Well we'll take care of that later."
" Tell me Dorita the sheriff here is still good Charlie?"
" Sure, and who's going to kill that one! In fact, I think he's coming soon too... If you'd like I'll set the table for three."
" All right, you'll see Luke, you'll like it!"
" But...uncle Zeb...are you sure? He's still a sheriff!"
Dorita told him, drawing him to her by the arm.
" Trouble with the law, son? Don't worry...there's nothing good Charlie can't fix! Trust Uncle Zeb!"
They did not have time to sit down that the door opened and Sheriff Logan entered.
" But... Is it really you? Geez Zeb , the years go by but you never change!"
" Eh, Charlie, I wish! I'm getting older, too. By now you and I are two old buffaloes; the world is theirs now" - pointing to the nephew.
" Who is this handsome young man Zeb?" - she squared him - is he a familiar face or am I mistaken?"
" Ssh! lower your voice. Yes, this is my nephew Luke."
"The famous Luke Macahan?"
"That's right, that's me!"
" Come on, let's sit down. In other times and circumstances I would have risked having to arrest you, you know young man. But you've come at a good time."
" What do you mean Charlie? Explain yourself!"
" But how do you not read the newspapers?"
"Well! I haven't seen one for almost a week, why?"
" You don't mean to tell me you don't know?"
" Know what?"
" You don't know about the Las Mesas trial?"
"No, what trial?"
" Ha ha ha! Three days ago, Judge Zachary Knight, tried Francis Britten; in addition to the witness who already accused him of violence, a certain Doreen, a surprise witness popped up who named Judge Rensen's killer.
Your picture was also in the paper, Luke.
Dear young man, you are cleared of all charges, you are a free man!"
" Are you serious? Really?"-his face lit up-and. May I know who did it? I would love to know his name!"
" I can't remember the name now, wait here, I'll go get the paper."
He got up and left the cellar.
" My boy, I guess we have to toast tonight!"
" I can't believe it! Exonerated in New Mexico! Well even though I always have that slope in Missouri! Oh God, I don't believe it until I see it in black and white!"
" You'll see it very soon ha ha!"
" Now that's good news, what did I tell you young man, there's nothing good Charlie can't fix!"
Charlie re-entered the cellar carrying the copy of the paper under his arm. Luke was almost trembling...ever since he had walked through the door he dared not take his eyes off the paper...he was no longer on edge.
"Here boy, here!!!"
Luke handed the paper to his uncle.
" Please uncle Zeb, you read it.I... I can't do it..I'm too..."
" Sure, I understand you!..here you go...
( The final act in the trial of Francis Britten, accused of violence against girls at the Breeders' Club in Las Mesas, was held yesterday.
The key witness, called to testify, told of the violence she suffered, dwelling on the violence she received in order to frame Luke Macahan's brother and what she had been forced to do and say in order to make his testimony unreliable in favor of her brother Luke.
Continuing with the questioning, the young woman, when questioned by the judge, reported that she had heard that that same night a man, hired by Britten himself, had come to town on behalf of one Stillman, who had gone to Judge Rensen's house and shot him in the back.
Asked by the judge if she knew his name, the girl answered no.
At that point, a lady Clara from the audience and asked to be heard.
Approached on the witness stand the lady declared that she knew the facts and had the evidence.
Mr. Britten, a few days before the 'hearing sent a telegram to a friend of his, such Sheriff Gruner in Serena, asking him to send his best man to settle an urgent business
On the return telegram she read that he was sending his trusted friend Tomaz).
"Tomaz?!"
" Do you know him, son?"
" He's the one you found in Serena with a bullet lodged in his shoulder, Uncle. Now I can explain why he had taken a dislike to me from the first moment he saw me, besides the fact that he loved Florrie and felt threatened by my presence with her."
" You mean that..."
"Yes Uncle, When I arrived in Dowby Town with her immediately he accused me in front of everyone of that murder and the fact that, as a coward, I had shot him in the back, ...ugly Bast*!!!! But...is there any word now on where he is?"
"No Luke, some say he has fled to Mexico...but they have issued warrants of arrest against him and former Sheriff Gruner;
For both there is a $15,000 bounty….
And how did you get to know him?"
"Ah! Long story; I was cooperating with two feds to uncover gold trafficking in exchange for their news about the judge's killer... When I ran into Florrie and her brother. I got them out of trouble, because of their robbing the stagecoach on which I was also traveling. When they got separated, I waited for Florrie and we went together to Dowby Town. She introduced me to the members of the gang and later I met Sheriff Gruner; never did I meet a slimier man. He was the mastermind of the group; they cashed in and split the profits from the thefts of gold shipments. When they got caught they fled to Mexico and I haven't heard from him since. You think he even cashed in part of my bounty."
" Ah though! Well I'm glad for you that you decided to cooperate with the feds This was a very good thing in your position."
" What does it say then uncle, please read!"
" So let's see where I was at... Ah there!
(Thanks to the overwhelming evidence provided, Britten has been sentenced to hang, which will take place next Sunday), so tomorrow!"
" Then what? What do they say about me?"
" Then it says. ( Marshal Russell is sentenced 5 years in prison for complicity and that therefore all charges, including those of the theft of two horses used in the justified escape of a man wrongly indicted, against Luke Macahan are dropped.
Also, thanks to the testimony given, by telegram from the district judge of Missouri, the crimes committed in the state of the same name as caused, by conduct unbecoming, by mithe former sheriff, Mr. Stillman!")
"Dear Luke here needs a toast...it's really over this time!"
" Not quite uncle!"
" What do you mean? You should be happy!"
" And I am...but...now Tomaz and Gruner will come after me. I will not be a completely free man as long as they are alive!"
" I'm afraid your grandson is right Zeb!"
"Yeah...what do you say we do Charlie?"
" Well, first, tonight definitely celebrate this news..then, tomorrow we'll talk about it, if you want!"
"Yeah, what do you say Luke?"
" Yes, he has a point after all! Party it is!"
From the kitchen came Dorita accompanied by her niece Marcela.
There you go, enjoy your meal.
Am I mistaken or do I see you particularly happy?"
"Eh you are not wrong dear! Luke has been cleared of all charges and is now a free man. Free from sheriffs and bounty hunters."
" But that's great! this calls for a celebration.Marcela go get a bottle...of our "fine" ..it's on the house!"
" Thank you ma'am!"
" What Luke?..call me Dorita and this is my niece Marcela..I think you will be about the same age. Te gusta Chico?"
Marcela made eyes at him; she was a lovely girl, about twenty years old, long wavy black hair, slender with an angelic face..
Luke looked at her and was impressed, remaining dumbfounded staring at her.
" Hey! Has entendido lo que he dicho?"
Dorita said, smiling as she took Zeb's arm.
" So Luke?" Luke turned sharply toward Zeb.
" Excuse me?"
" Ha ha! Careful my boy. remember what I told you about that Mexican girl that day before I got into Grey's clutches!"
" Yes, I remember that little story you told me!"
" You know what-it was Dorita, that girl!"
At the news Luke laughed heartily.
" She ...she's a beautiful girl...accidents... Hillary! Uncle Zeb, I have to warn Hillary and also Aunt Molly ..."
"Yes, we'll take care of that tomorrow morning Luke!!!
You see, Dorita, I think Luke meant that she is beautiful, and her look and silence is a blatant confirmation of that, but, this boy has now got the ring on his finger ha ha! - said giving a mighty pat on his nephew's shoulder - Now let's celebrate, tomorrow let's think about everything else."
" Yes Uncle!"
They ate and drank to their heart's content, after which Sheriff Logan took his leave.
" Sheriff your paper!"
" Keep it, boy.I don't need it and you know what...I've already had your wanted posters taken down in the area under my jurisdiction...have a nice life, son! ha ha!" He exited the basement.
" Well Zeb, I think it's time to go upstairs and get you all cleaned up..a quick bath since you just had dinner and then...the rooms are ready!"
"The rooms?"
" Come on Zeb, don't be shy..I'll take care of you and Marcela will take care of Luke!... After all, he's not married yet!"
" Watch out Luke!"
" Yes uncle, take it easy!"
" Come on let's go.."
" No come on, one more drink please!" ...
" Alright...the last one though!"
--
The same evening at Las Mesas...
Tomaz and Gruner were camping just outside of town. Palomo had just brought them a couple of beers while Jack Pollard stood on the sidelines playing solitaire.
"Let's hope everything goes smoothly in the village!"
" Don't worry Tomaz, you have nothing to fear;
in a little while my men will be here with Britten, and then we'll be off to a quieter spot to plan!"
The band had gathered in Sonora, near the Mexican border the day after the verdict
and Tomaz had also called in some
Iltrigger-happy gringos, unscrupulous men willing to help Tomaz carry out his revenge, and later they had stopped in Las Mesas.
At that precise moment three of them, Manolo, Fernando and Eusebio arrived in town with the task of breaking Britten out.
They placed themselves in an alley near the sheriff''s office.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Mason, who had taken the place of Marshal Russell, who had left the ranchers' club, stood in the company of Judge Zachary knight who , in turn, had taken the place of Judge Rensen.
"What are you doing now Mason, retiring to your chambers already?"
"I think so!"
" You work too much; you should take time for yourself. Aren't you neglecting your family too much?"
"Ah! Now is not the time to think about that; you know what's at stake, everyone is expecting tomorrow to come and see Britten dangling on the gallows, and I will not rest until that happens!"
" Do you want me to send someone to help you? You can't make it all night by yourself!"
" Well maybe a little help wouldn't hurt!
You know around 2 o'clock is the most critical time to risk falling asleep. I always lock myself in but...you never know."
"You're doing a great job and more importantly, unlike Marshall, besides being very handy with a gun, you're really a good man.
Well come on, then it's decided I'll send Clay to you, around 1 maybe have a chat; he's a good guy and who knows he might agree to be your Deputy... You know since he was a kid he always dreamed of being a sheriff."
" Yes I know Zac, he really is a good guy! Good night!"
"Good night to you too, maybe at dawn I'll come see you too."
He walked toward his office; it was 11 p.m..
Reaching the door he let go a big yawn as he slipped the key into the keyhole.
Never was distraction more fatal; He found himself with the barrel of the gun straight to his back.
"Come on, open it, quick! Now get inside and be quiet!"
" Who are you, What do you want from me?"
" The keys to the cell, quick!"
"Ok , but I didn't shoot Please!"
" If you do what we tell you nothing will happen to you!"
" Who do you want me to free you?"
" And according to you? Britten, of course!"
"Hey, you guys free me too!"
" And why would Russell? You don't fit into our plans, we got strict orders! Now Quick you sheriff, get in here, where he belongs!"
" You scoundrels, Britten, you'll pay dearly, we'll find you and you'll all go under!"
" Come on hurry up sheriff, give me the handcuffs!"
He handcuffed him to the bars after which he gagged him then, locking the cell, turned to leave.
"Hey, Britten, come on uncuff me!"
" Sorry Russell, I have better things to do!"
" You're a rotter Francis, I've always supported you Besides, I was the one who introduced you to Gruner, remember?"
" And I thank you from the bottom of my heart... Have a nice life Marshal !"
" Damn you Britten!!!! " he shouted.
Britten was about to leave the 'office when Manolo called him:
" Hey Britten, check this out!"
" Mhh! Luke Macahan...it's his file..let's take it to Tomaz... he'll find it interesting...come on let's go!!!
Hey watch out, someone's coming...quick, this way to the right! the horses are back here!"
Taking the horses they left town and came to Gruner and company.
" You took your time!!!"
" Don't worry, everything went well!"
" Thank you Gruner, glad to see you!"
" Shut up!"
"I wasn't talking to you, Tomaz."
" If we let you out it was only so we could get revenge in person... you betrayed us!"
he drew his gun..
" Easy Tomaz, not now!!!
" It wasn't me who betrayed you; it was the old woman!"
" What old woman?"
" The madam of the club, Clara! She must have peeked into my study."
" You must eliminate her!"
" Yes, of course, now I'm going back to the village, I'm going to the club and I'm going to kill her...but do you think!!!!???"
"We'll do that; Palomo and Pollard will go there, after all, nobody knows them."
" Hey, hey what are you saying; I'm not killing anyone!"
Britten grabbed young Jack by the lapels of his overcoat.
" You do as you are asked...do I make myself clear?"
"Quiet! now, you two go to the village; when you get to the club you ask to be with Susanne and that Palomo wants to be with Clara.
You follow her and make her tell you where Doreen went and then you 'kill her! - he extended a dagger to him -
have I made myself clear enough! Here, this is $20, you'll see Jack, you'll like Susanne. Now go!"
It was about 11:45 p.m. when they reached the club..they saw the staircase and started to climb the first steps when a voice from behind stopped them.
" Hey guys, where are you going from there, it's the private quarters!"
" That's just what we were looking for beauty!" said Palomo.
" And tell me are you looking for anyone in particular?"
" Well for my friend no doubt someone younger but as for me.-he winked at her-if you was pretty enough to keep me company I would be grateful!"
"But... Do you have the money?"
He pulled out the rolled up package!!!
" With those you can have more than just my company! Come on Follow me!"
For your young friend I have just a nice girl, her name is Susanne; she will be free in 10 minutes Now she is taking a bath."
" Well then let's drop by her place so we can pay you in the meantime and then ... have fun!"
The two looked at each other smiling, went up the stairs, and after walking halfway down the hallway entered Clara's room.
Reaching the desk they noticed a newspaper and a pad with notes written on it
Chicago 8:20 a.m.-change San Antonio.
" Are you leaving Mrs...?"
" Clara, my name is Clara and for departure no.
It is a note I marked for one person, business trip."
"Yeah, I guess! will you know a lot of people?"
" Well yes, quite a few. So it's $20 total but if you want breakfast too it's $25."
"No, no breakfast, we already have an appointment with some friends."
" Well, young man now, if you want you can go out and wait in the hallway, Susanne will be here soon.
Jack began to sweat and grabbed the handle of the dagger behind his back.
" What's wrong young man, are you all right? ah maybe I got it... it's your first time!"
" No, it is not what it seems! Look Palomo you do it, I don't feel like it!"
" Give it here coward!" At the same time he put his hand in front of her mouth to keep her from screaming and in no time he inflicted three stab wounds in her chest.
He let go of her mouth when he felt her failing.
They left, in silence, leaving Clara's lifeless body lying on the floor.
Susanne was still in the room; she noticed nothing and did not even hear their footsteps as they hurriedly left the rooms.
They descended the stairs and retrieved their horses.
"Well Jack, let's go back to Tomaz . they will be satisfied...justice has been done...so that bitch learns to mind her own business."
" Well... Palomo...I doubt she can learn...by now she's..."
" Ssh shut up...!
They left town with the presumed confidence that they had not been noticed.
" Hey Palomo, please don't say anything to the others!"
"You are a coward, but deep down I understand you; the first time is always difficult. It happened to me too, you know! Don't worry..I'll cover for you this time, but you see that you get over it..I won't do it a second time..so get a grip now!"
" Thank you Palomo!"