Winter's Refuge
Chapter Ninety-One
JED 'KID' CURRY
We left to visit Matt early this mornin'. Aiden has a fancy buggy that seats four and Winter's Glory is pullin' it, not happily, but efficiently. Chrissy has been restin' and is quiet and calm. She's foolin' Aiden, but she's not foolin' me. I felt her tossin' and turnin' and cryin' in her dreams. I hold her tight so part of her knows that she is safe. When the dreams get worse, I wake her gently and let her cry into my chest. This is the first time she's ever talked about what happened to prison. Not lookin' at me, she speaks of abuse I only imagined. My heart is heavy. I bury my head in her hair to hide my own tears. Tears of remorse and regret, grief and sorrow, and love. She's not lookin' for words of comfort from me, just to be held tight by the one who loves her. And I vow to myself that I will do everythin' in my power to protect this woman.
I drove the buggy and Heyes is next to me. Aiden and Chrissy are sittin' in the back. We each have warm blankets tucked around us and we've been blessed with clear weather, even the slight wind smells clean. Aiden's watchin' her closely and I know he won't hesitate to call off her visit if he thinks it will upset her. But in the light of day, she has her fearful memories buried.
In Bridgeport, Mike Loveland and his son met us at the livery. He's ordered a late breakfast from the diner and has it set up in the small kitchen in the back of his shop. He blushed when Chrissy pulled his shoulder down so she could kiss his cheek and say, "Thank you."
The only sign of Chrissy's fears is that her words are becomin' more clipped and stilted, a word I learned from Aiden. She's not talkin' much except to Little Mikey.
Mikey has blossomed from a timid toddler into a curious happy little boy as he's almost two.
When we saw the spread of food laid out for us, Mikey was sittin' on a high stool just waitin' to get his hands on it. Mike uses our names all the time so his son will learn them, Doctor Arden, Aunt Chrissy, Uncle Heyes and Uncle Jed. He can't really get his tongue around all the words yet, but he connects the names to each of us. Well, except he heard Heyes callin' me Kid all the time. When we left for the train station, he waved goodbye from Heyes' arms and said, "Bye bye, Unc Kid," clear as can be.
Mike was embarrassed, but we all laughed. I know Heyes taught him that.
HEYES
Chrissy was told to stay calm, or she couldn't visit her brother, and she's doin' that. She laid down for a while at Mike's house while the rest of us ate. Dr. Arden checked on her a couple of times and told us she was sleeping. She needs to see Matt now because the next time she'll be too near the baby's coming to make the trip.
Mike let me go into the archives alone. It hasn't been touched since I was here last time. I found one of the articles I needed right away as I left it on the top of a pile. Then I spent a couple of hours organizing the old newspaper by date, month, and year. When we were leading the Devil's Hole Gang, we didn't get our hands on a lot of newspapers. Now I'm reading about some of our successful robberies. We almost seem like heroes the way they write about us not stealing from common folk. They talk about how polite the Kid always was, especially to the ladies. Many articles were reprints from Cheyenne and Denver papers, but Mike wrote a few himself. Some older ones have his wife's byline and I remember the sorrow in his life. He has a warm heart and he's opened it up to Mikey.
JED 'KID' CURRY
Chrissy sat between me and Aiden on the train. She held my arm and leaned her head against me, feignin' sleep. (A word I learned from readin'.) This way Aiden wasn't watchin' her all the time. Her eyes were closed but her grip was tight on my arm. I followed her lead and pretended to sleep. The ride was longer than ever as I worried about the ride to the prison. Aiden let us know that he couldn't find a buggy to rent before we left, so we would be ridin' horses. That suited me and Chrissy just fine. She's as comfortable on a horse as she was walkin' and ridin' always soothes her soul.
I was the one that started to lose my composure as we approached the prison and flashes of their dark cell pushed into my thoughts. I sat up straighter and held my shoulders back. Aiden saw my movements and pulled his horse aside mine.
"Jed, I can't tell you what to think, but I'd advise thinking of your wife and children and how much you love them," he said.
His voice intruded into my thoughts, and I looked at him before I answered, "Ahh, that's harder to do than you think. Starvin' in the dark cell, knowin' the food and water were poisoned but wantin' them anyway is hard to forget."
"Then tell me truthfully how your wife is doing? I'm impressed with her determination."
I looked him in the eyes and locked on his gaze as a quick anger flared up in me then died. This man is a friend that only means good. "Aiden, to tell you the truth, it would be a whole lot easier on her if she could show her fears instead of workin' to keep them hidden."
I think I shocked him. At least I gave him a view of things that he hadn't seen before. I know he's never known the confinement of prison, except through others. He can't imagine the lingerin' horrors of the abuse she suffered and the day-to-day courage it takes her to forget that and accept there's kindness, goodness, and love in her life. He can never understand that. He's never had that kind of life. I hope he never does.
He dropped back to ride quietly next to Chrissy. From her eyes, I know he was makin' her nervous. Finally, he pulled up and stopped his horse. We did the same and moved to the trees beside the road.
"Miss Chrissy, I want to apologize," Aiden started.
I know that Chrissy had been havin' trouble talkin' since we left home. Hidin' it by bein' quiet, she just looked at him and waited for him to continue.
Silence makes Aiden nervous. He fills the silence by continuin' to talk. "I just realized that you are doing an excellent job of containing your fears internally. That fits what I asked you to do, but it's not what I meant. That could be more dangerous to your unborn child than expressing yourself when you are afraid. If you are apprehensive, please let it show and Jed and I will help you through it. I won't stop you from seeing your brother."
Chrissy stared at him then looked to me. "Trick?" she asked.
"No trick, Chrissy, and I'm sorry for any distress this caused you. That was not my intention."
Lettin' a small smile out, Chrissy said, "Good."
HEYES
I found the information I needed. This is something I've planned since I got out of prison. Something that will ease the guilt I felt over killing James Samual Doubleday while I was in the Wyoming Territorial Prison. It was self-defense, no one could say otherwise. He attacked me. I was lucky to survive. When it came to him or me, I killed my first man. It was one of the reasons I had to stay in prison six months, that turned into eight months, longer than the Kid.
Still, I felt guilty for taking a life so I dug into old newspapers and found everything I could on him. It was news for more than one day because they found out he had two wives. They both live in North Dakota. I'm going to find them and…and do what? I'm not sure. Apologize? Make sure they are okay? I'm not sure. I've been planning on doing this for a long time. With this Wm Knight coming and staying in our home, this is the impetus I need to push myself. I want to do this alone. The Kid will want to come but I'll say no. I'll send telegrams and letters home, so they don't worry too much. But I know he'll worry until I'm safely home again. And Phoenix is my home and always will be as long as the Kid lets me stay there.
JED 'KID' CURRY
As we rode toward the Wyoming Territorial Prison, Aiden kept talkin'. Sometimes the cold wind blew his words away before they reached me and Chrissy. That didn't matter. We weren't listenin' anyway. Chrissy was inside herself. I could tell by the way her unwaverin' stare as the prison grew larger in front of us. Me and Lom learned early on that when she's like this, she still hears conversations around her. But I don't think she'll remember Aiden's idle chat this time.
Her horse slowed as we approached the front steps. I don't think she changed her pace. Horses often sense what their rider feels. I took a deep breath and dismounted. When I looked, Chrissy had gotten off by herself and was unfastenin' the box of goodies for Matt she had brought from home, cookies, slices of Auntie's chocolate cake, cheese, and jerky dominated the contents. I carried another of Heyes' cherished books that he sent to the prisoner, sayin', "Matt needs it more than I do." Two pictures drawn by the twins were tucked inside. I have to remember to declare the drawin's when we give the things to the guards.
To my surprise, Warden Reginald Mays met us just inside the massive doors. Takin' that first step inside the prison is difficult for me. Today I had Chrissy on my arm and was concerned that she didn't slip or trip, and the large doors were sealin' us in this dark, dank buildin' before I knew it. I looked at Aiden in alarm and his gentle touch on my arm reassured me that I was alright.
"Dr. Arden, Mr. and Mrs. Curry, I hope your ride out here was pleasant today," the warden said. I felt that his eyes were tryin' to bore into my soul to find a reason to keep me here.
"The weather was unseasonably mild," Aiden answered for all of us.
The warden motioned us into his outer office and, as I felt my heartbeat faster that something had happened to Matt, I felt Chrissy's fingers grasp my arm tighter.
"Doctor, your brother has requested that you assist him in a surgery as soon as you arrive. I believe he said he is 'prepped and ready'."
Chrissy reached out and held the doctor's arm. He had protected her when she had Joy Christina in this dismal edifice. (Another word I'm proud to use.)"
The warden saw the move. He studied Chrissy for a minute before smilin'. "Mrs. Curry, I was unaware of your condition. How brave you are to undertake this journey in your condition." His words sounded hollow to me. Chrissy was with child when she was here last and even had our daughter prematurely in the infirmary. I don't trust this man, but Governor Sanderson said he was personally watchin' Matt's experiences in prison and the warden was held responsible for what happened in his prison. I also know that his brother, the senior guard, was different. I had shown him what happened when you treat prisoners as human beings.
Chrissy just looked at the warden; I don't know if she was inside her mind or just couldn't think of words to answer him.
"I've arranged for you two to have a long visit with Matt here in my outer office while the doctors are operating." Turnin' to the guard he barked orders. "Escort the doctor to the infirmary. Bring Matt McWinters here. He may have his visit unshackled, but make sure there are two guards on the door."
When the guards left, he added, "Please leave any guns or knives in the box by the front door."
I took off my gun belt and reached down for the knife in my boot.
"Here." I looked up at Chrissy as she handed me Heyes' Schofield. I acted like I knew she carried it in her bag. She explained to the warden, "Protection. Still man somewhere paid kill Jed."
I knew that the warden would ask Aiden about that later but right now he nodded, sayin' "Of course. Would you like to sit down? I'll have some water brought in shortly." Then he thought for a moment and opened a small, almost hidden door in the far corner. "Feel free to use this. My wife used it frequently when…when she visited in your condition." It was a tiny, private water closet and Chrissy hurried to use it as soon as the warden left the room.
There was a picture window with the curtains pulled aside overlookin' the exercise yard….and the structure that prisoners were tied to and beaten. The warden had a clear view of what was happenin'. I tried lookin' up but my eyes were drawn to that area, and I couldn't control the shudder that hit my body as I remembered bein' beaten there. Forcefully, I turned away and looked around the room. A guard brought a pitcher and four glasses and set them on a table between the chairs. When Chrissy finished, she settled herself into one of the chairs. And we waited.
We heard the sound of someone wearin' shackles approachin' down the corridor. Muffled voices and the sound of the metal restraints hittin' the floor preceded the door openin' and Senior Guard Mays and Matt enterin' the room.
Chrissy stood and moved toward Matt, then stopped and looked down, waitin' to be told she could approach her brother. I hate when submissive behaviors come out in her or Heyes.
Mays stepped out of the way. "Warden said physical contact is allowed today."
"Thank, sir," Chrissy said and hugged her brother tightly. They whispered to each other, and I could not hear what they were sharin'.
Mays turned to me. "Convict McWinters has been a model prisoner and has earned his library privilege. He may speak freely in here. He is assigned to the broom factory and has proved to be an excellent worker."
"Glad to hear," I answered. Mays didn't miss that I hadn't added a 'sir'.
"There will be two guards outside the door. Knock if you need anything. The convict may visit until Dr. Arden is ready to return home."
"Thank you, sir," Matt said, lookin' down as required of a prisoner.
"Thank, sir," Chrissy repeated.
When the door closed, I held my hand to my ear and pointed to the door. I know what is said in this anteroom can be heard in the hall and the warden's private office. I think that was done on purpose.
Matt released his sister and turned to me. "You couldn't keep your hands off of her, could you, Curry? Joy's still a babe in arms and she's havin' another,'' he growled.
Before I could form a reply, Chrissy was hittin' her brother with her forefinger in his shoulder. "No mad Jed. Not his idea. MY idea. I want."
I couldn't help but smile. Chrissy can be forceful, and I think I just saw how she tried to keep her brothers in line after their pa died.
Matt became subservient. He looked down, mumblin', "Yes, ma'am."
"Good. Baby good."
They smiled matchin' smiles and the tension was broken.
"Was she always like this?" I teased with a smile.
"As long as I can remember," answered her brother.
They talked about growin' up on Winter's Refuge when their pa was alive. Even then Chrissy had grown up fast when their ma passed. She became sister and mother to her brothers. And was runnin' the ranch with Jose Ortiz whenever her pa was drunk. And that was most of the time.
When their talkin' lagged, I jumped in.
"Brought you a box of food and a book. There's a hat, more gloves and gloves that Auntie…er, Mrs. Clark knitted for you," I told him. He'd been rubbin' his freed wrists the whole time which told me his hands were often restrained.
"Really enjoyed that jerky, especially when the mush was too thin to keep anyone alive."
"Packed more jerky. In prison, Chrissy liked jerky Lom brought best."
Matt stared at his sister. "Seems she's forgiven you for her time behind bars, but I haven't."
Chrissy's expression changed. "No talk like that…ever. You hear?"
Matt's green eyes, so like Chrissy's and Martha's, were on me as I said, "If we had known, we would have turned ourselves in." I hung my head in shame.
Chrissy stamped her foot. "Would no help," she said raisin' her voice, but she lowered it when I pointed to my ear. "Prison because I protect you, too," she said pokin' Matt in the shoulder again. "No make deal to tell where to find Devil's Hole!"
Me and Matt were quiet after that, rememberin' what this lady had done for us and the strength it took.
"Chrissy, thank you. I didn't know. Mark said it was all because of Curry and his partner. You wouldn't admit which one you were married to either."
She smiled. "Smart lawyer. No married. Never said I was. Wear Jed's ring, though." She looked smug. "Wife cannot testify against her husband but must against his cousin. This way I no testify. No forced to tell where Devil's Hole located."
She sat down just as the door opened. Matt jumped to his feet and looked down. "Everything alright in here? Thought I heard something." He stared at Matt, but Chrissy stood up and answered.
She stamped her foot. "I kill bug like that, sir."
I restrained from smilin'. She couldn't think fast to explain herself but had thought quickly to save someone she cared about.
The guard looked at me. "All's fine in here," I answered. The guard glared, waitin' for the usual 'sir' required of prisoners. He wasn't goin' to get it from me.
"Got word that the operation went well and is almost over. You should be out of here in less than half an hour." He slammed the door forcefully.
I repeated my question. "Anything else we can bring you?"
"We?"
"Next time it will be just me," I admitted.
"Take care of her," Matt said to me. "This place isn't good for her."
"Jed take good care of Chrissy," she said softly. "I decide when visit. Visit after baby comes."
That was the end of that subject. We told him about the ranch and our kids. I think it was almost cruel to talk about things he couldn't be a part of anymore. But he kept askin' more questions. Said he wanted to get a good picture of the house and the ranch in his mind so he can imagine us there. Chrissy told him about the horses we got from Winter's Refuge and the new colts and fillies. He soaked it all in.
When we heard voices nearin' the door, Chrissy grabbed him in a strong hug. "Be strong and pray. Stay out trouble."
"I promise." He held out his hand to me. I took it and pulled him into another hug. I remembered how the lack of human contact in here ate away at you.
"I'll be back in three months."
"With news of new baby," Chrissy finished as the door opened.
Matt had relaxed with us. Now his face hardened. His back was straight, and he looked down at the floor.
Dr. Arden, his face showin' a tired strain, followed the guards into the anteroom.
"I'll have your horses brought round," the guard said. "Convict, the things that they brought have been approved. You will find them on your cot."
With a quick look up at Chrissy, he was gone.
A different guard came in with the warden. Chrissy looked down immediately. I'll talk to her about that. "Thank, warden, for visit," she said.
"You're very welcome, ma'am. Please do sit down while you wait for your horses. Mr. Curry, Dr. Arden, the governor has requested another meeting regarding discipline and the treatment of prisoners."
I nodded. Aiden was so tired; I didn't know if he was listenin'. "When are you thinkin'? I need to get my wife home."
"No, no not today. I was going to ask him if when you return in three months would be soon enough for the meeting."
Aiden spoke up. I could tell he just wanted to leave. "Yes, yes that's fine. Set it up."
The warden left. And fear of leavin' this safe haven of a room and steppin' back out into the horrible, imposed silence of the prison hallway started to destroy my attempt at rational thought. I looked around for help. Aiden was sittin', eyes closed, in one chair. Chrissy was sittin' in the other. When she raised her eyes to me, they were pleadin' for my strength through soft tears.
Through my fears, I saw her need and knelt next to her. She leaned forward and I wrapped my arms around her. "Jed strong. Chrissy safe."
I kept my arm around her waist as we left. I only let her go when the big door closed behind us, and I stopped to put my gun belt back on and Chrissy returned Heyes' gun to her purse.
"Aiden, you alright?" I asked.
"Yes, operating in these conditions is trying. I'll be fine. A ride is just what I need."
Chrissy took my arm as we went down the steps to our horses.
"Thank you, sir," I said to the trustee that brought our mounts.
He grinned. "Yes, sir," he answered softly.
Chrissy switched to lean on Aiden's arm. "Bad operation? Lose patient?" she asked with sympathy.
"Oh no. Oliver is a brilliant surgeon. The man will be fine. But the wounds were from an attempted suicide. My brother said the prisoner will try again and all this work will be for nothing."
Chrissy stared into nothingness as I helped her onto her horse. The three of us rode at a quick pace until Aiden let us know that we had left the prison far behind. I recognized the place we stopped as near the stream where I got sick three months ago.
Chrissy was still in her private thinkin' world, but she let me help her dismount. She sat on the fallen tree where I led her.
"I'm worried about her," Aiden said. "I was afraid that the trauma of the visit in the prison might set her healing way back."
I looked at her for a few minutes. "She'll be alright, Aiden. You know this is how she thinks, how she processes new experiences."
"I'm not sure…" Aiden began, but Chrissy cut him off.
She looked at Aiden. "Patient who tried suicide, lifer?"
"Yes," Aiden admitted reluctantly.
"Matt lifer."
"Yes."
She started cryin'. "Any chance sentence changed? My good lawyer?" The green eyes I loved were clutchin' at any hope. I looked at Aiden.
The ride had done him well. "I've heard of sentences reduced. Amnesty is out of the question. The McWinters Gang were killers."
"Matt no killer," Chrissy argued.
"No matter. He's the only one of the brothers that was caught. The public wants their revenge."
Chrissy looked away from him. "Good lawyer?" she repeated.
Aiden looked like he wanted to cry, too. "Like I said, I've heard of sentences being reduced upon appeal."
"Good. We do that. Jed get name of my lawyer from Lom. No life sentence. Matt no kill himself."