Chapter 5
Jimmy and Teaspoon, followed by Ike who had pretended to be there too, went knocking on John Davies' house.
"Good evening marshal, has something happened?" asked John's father, James Davies, when he saw Teaspoon and the two couriers in front of his door.
"Good evening Mr Davies, we should have a chat with your son if you don't mind"
"Why?"
"I'd rather talk to him"
"If something happened, I have a right to know it", the man retorted.
"And you will, but now please don't hinder my work"
James Davies nodded worried and went to call his son. When John got to the door he blanched and Teaspoon glanced significantly at Jimmy and Ike who nodded imperceptibly.
"What can I do for you marshal?", John asked trying to keep calm and seem serene.
"You should follow us to my office, I just want to have a casual chat with you", Teaspoon replied.
"About what?" John asked.
"I'd rather talk about it in my office", retorted Teaspoon.
John understood that it was best not to delay any longer. He greeted his father and mother who in the meantime had joined her husband in alarm and said: "Don't worry mom, I'll be back soon".
Teaspoon motioned for him to precede him and to follow Jimmy and Ike and without saying a word, they reached the office.
Impatient, as soon as they were seated, John asked: "So marshal, do you want to tell me what it is about?"
"Don't be in a hurry son, we just want to ask where you were on Monday around dinnertime", Teaspoon began with feigned calmness, taking his gun in his hands and pretending to clean it.
John felt the ground slip under his feet. He was skeptical when the others had submitted their plan to attack Buck, he did not want to take part in the "punitive mission", as his friends had called it, but he had been accused of cowardice and therefore, reluctantly, he had accepted, but he knew that sooner or later he would get into trouble.
Trying to keep control, he replied: "I don't actually remember, why are you asking?"
Jimmy lost his temper and interjected: "Well, you know, we heard that you were wandering around the prairie near our station, just as our friend and colleague Buck was being viciously attacked with beatings, cuts and shots."
John Davies blanched and stammering tried to defend himself: "Oh it's not true, who told you, here…I don't remember where I was….in reality yes, maybe I was out for a ride, but nobody was there…. I just wanted to be on my own for a while…" and as he spoke he was sweating profusely.
+ It seems clear to me that it has something to do with the attack on Buck+, signed Ike.
Davies, even more flustered at not understanding the signs, asked: "What did he say?"
"You see, Ike, like us, is convinced that you participated in the ambush and your behavior is confirming it right now...", Jimmy pointed out.
"No, that's not true, I wasn't there, I mean, I was out riding but not where the boys attacked him…"
"Well, so there were some guys….we didn't know that yet Teaspoon did we?" Jimmy commented sarcastically.
John Davies gave a shiver of fear: "No, I don't know, I've heard it..."
"Oh really, and by whom?" Jimmy asked again. Teaspoon was having him conduct the interrogation, sure that with Jimmy's manner the truth would soon come out of that boy's mouth.
"In town, I don't know"
"There are too many things you don't know, or rather, you pretend not to know…", continued Hichock.
"No, I really, I had nothing to do with it, I didn't want to..."
"You didn't want what?" Jimmy pressed.
"Listen, let's put it this way, if you spill the beans and tell us in detail what happened, I promise we'll have an eye for you, otherwise…." and stroked his gun, followed by Ike who repeated the same gesture.
This had its intended effect and Davies collapsed in tears: "Okay, I'll tell you everything, but please, believe me, I didn't hurt them a hair, I didn't want to, but they called me a coward and so I had to…" and burst into tears.
"Listen to me boy, now you have to tell us exactly what happened, who was with you and why if you want to get out of here unharmed", threatened Teaspoon.
Davies nodded terrified: "Some young friends of mine, didn't accept that that new girl who arrived refused to dance with us and then spend the whole evening with Buck. They said that Indian shouldn't afford to take our women away from us and that it was a shame that a well-mannered girl like that girl should have to spend the whole evening with him."
"Forced?" Jimmy asked.
"Yes, forced. They do not conceive that she could be condescending and thought that Buck would have threatened her with violence if she had not been with him all night."
"Holy gods", exclaimed Teaspoon and Ike approached menacingly raising a fist towards the young man's face, to show all his disappointment.
"Calm down Ike, let's get him going", Teaspoon stated.
"The next day, we met at the saloon to talk about what happened and they decided to beat up Buck to teach him a lesson. I really didn't want to, I knew it wasn't right, but they told me I was a cowardly sissy and I couldn't say no", whimpered Davies.
"Who are these young men?" Jimmy asked.
Davies was silent.
"Damn, their names if you want to get out of here alive!", Jimmy railed supported by Ike.
'Calm down boy, I'm sure John will tell us everything, won't you son?' said Teaspoon still stroking his pistol.
"These are Arold Colter, James Smith, Roger Pearson and Thomas Granger", confessed Davies.
"Well. What have you done?" asked Teaspoon.
"Roger heard that Buck would have his ride on Monday and he concocted the plan. We caught up with him towards the station, Thomas threw the lasso, threw him off his horse and then the others beat him, wounded him with a knife and shot him"
+ And you bastard?+, Ike signed.
"Ike wants to know so you did", Jimmy translated.
"I, well, I was paralyzed with fear and I just stood guard. When Buck lost consciousness, we just left him there and walked away."
"Fine, now you'll sign a black and white confession and then we'll throw you in a cell to await trial. Meanwhile we'll go get your friends", Teaspoon informed him.
"No, please, I did not physically participate in the attack and if I sign the confession, the others will kill me because I am a traitor", John whined again.
"For not hitting Buck you'll get a lighter sentence, but you'll be judged like everyone else. Now come on, write and let's not waste any more time!" enjoined Teaspoon.
The boy tried again to protest, but when Ike and Jimmy drew their pistols, he was convinced.
Teaspoon threw him in the cell and left Ike to watch him, then said to Jimmy: "I'm going to inform the Davies family, you go to the station, inform Buck, then come back here with the others so we can go get those offenders. I'll send a notice to the territorial sheriff in the morning so that the trial can be scheduled. Those dogs will pay for it."
Jimmy nodded and walked back to the station.
Meanwhile, Buck was having dinner with Jinny's help. He was still having trouble swallowing but he was trying hard because he wanted to get well as soon as possible: he wanted to take back his life, with Jinny, but he also wanted revenge on his assailants, whatever Teaspoon had said.
Jimmy entered the room to update him on developments, after informing and recruiting the others.
"Cursed! They will pay dearly for it", exclaimed Buck after listening to his friend.
"Teaspoon will write to the land sheriff tomorrow and there will be a trial soon", Jimmy explained.
"By then I want to stand and look those dogs in the eye"
"Buck, take it easy now, everything will work out. We have Thompkins to thank if we have the names", Jinny said.
Jimmy took his leave and went with the other couriers and Teaspoon to arrest the culprits.
Buck was very quiet and Jinny let him alone for a while, but then she asked: "What are you thinking about?"
"Everything and nothing"
"Do you want to share your doubts with me?"
"Jinny, I really like you, I love having you here with me, but…."
"But?", Jinny asked concerned.
"But this is the life you would face with me, always on the razor's edge, attacks around the corner, insults, problems, are you really sure? Deep down you don't know me very much, you can always change your mind and find something better"
"Buck, if the best are those dogs who did this to you and who pass for the best parties in town, no thanks. I want you, I've never felt anything stronger for anyone and it's just the fact that I've come to feel this in such a short time that makes me realize that you're the right person for me. Please don't torment yourself with these bad thoughts anymore, let's enjoy this time together even if you're bedridden. When you recover, we'll see each other much less and have little chance of being alone together for so long."
Buck looked at her and smiled: what had this young woman done to him? She had stolen his heart and did not stop in front of difficulties. She could have run away and instead wanted to share this terrible situation with him. He's had feelings for women before, he's convinced he's actually fallen in love a few times, but he's never felt anything so deep and fulfilling until now. He wanted to heal as soon as possible to be able to hug her, to be able to caress her and…. over time, maybe….. He didn't even dare to hope to really make her his own, even if the desire for her increased more and more every day. He knew he was her first boyfriend and he didn't want to go too far, but he wanted her, he wanted to make love to her and he didn't know how he could help himself.
While he was immersed in his thoughts, he heard her say: "Now you have to rest, I'll help you lie down"
"I want to wait for the return of Teaspoon and the boys"
"Don't even talk about it. They'll tell you everything in the morning. Now sleep. I'll stay here in the chair."
"Go and rest in a real bed Jinny, please"
"Not until I settle into Rachel's room next door. I want to be there if you need anything. Is the pain bearable and or do you want the medicine?"
"It hurts, but I can hold on, thanks. I prefer not to stuff myself with drugs"
She nodded and leaned over to kiss him. He reciprocated with desire and felt his body respond to this feeling. He prayed she didn't notice. Jinny actually sensed it, but she didn't say anything so as not to embarrass him, happy to elicit that reaction from him.
"Good night my love", she said to him.
"Goodnight", he replied.
Jinny turned off the lantern and settled into her chair.
The next morning, Jinny changed Buck's bandages, lifted him up, and went downstairs to fix breakfast with Rachel. There he found Teaspoon and the boys waiting for Buck to wake up to update him.
They went up with her and as soon as he saw them, Buck asked: "So?"
"They are all in cells awaiting trial. I already sent a message to the territorial sheriff. We will soon know when it will take place. How are you son?" asked Teaspoon.
"Still in pain but slowly recovering"
"Your face is less puffy and your eye opens a lot more now", Jinny commented.
"Fine, we'll let you rest. See you later boy" and they went out. Jinny had breakfast with him, then gave him a book and placed a bell on his bedside table saying: "I'm going downstairs to help Rachel. I have to learn well what there is to do in her absence. Whatever you need, play this and I'll be right there."
"Under your orders, boss", Buck joked, relieved that those responsible for his attack were in jail at least for now. She smiled at him and kissed him tenderly, then went downstairs to help Rachel.
Buck was getting better day by day and Rachel felt calmer when she had to leave: "Don't forget, when I come back I want to see you on your feet. I'll leave you in good hands" and she smiled at Jinny, then hugged him gingerly.
Jinny walked her to the door of the house and said: "Sorry if I don't accompany you to the stagecoach but I don't want to leave him alone. Thank you for the opportunity you are giving me, you are a friend"
"Wait to thank me, you will see that after a couple of days of dealing with all of them you will hate me"
"I do not think so"
"Take care of Buck, he needs you, not just physically"
"I know and I hope I'm enough for him"
"You are perfect together, never doubt it. See you when I get back"
"Have a good trip" and hugged her.
Teaspoon received the answer from the territorial sheriff: the trial would be held three weeks later, the judge must first deal with two murder trials.
Everyone in town had condemned the youths' action against Buck, even those who didn't particularly like him. The families wanted to go and apologize to him, but Buck hadn't wanted to see them. Jinny hadn't resisted and hadn't tried to convince him, she knew he wanted to be completely healed before facing them.
Gradually Buck recovered and was soon able to get out of bed a little. Jinny helped him take baby steps, and when she was busy cooking dinner or doing laundry, Lou or the boys helped him. Jinny had caught up with the work at the station and was really enjoying it. The boys were cheerful and pleasant and tried to put her at ease. She had written to her parents to let them know that she had found a job but, as requested by Buck, had kept silent about their relationship. It weighed a lot on her, but she wanted to indulge him to make him feel calmer in this difficult period. When Jinny supported him to help him walk a bit, they felt very intense sensations: feeling the contact of their hands on their bodies made them shiver and Buck had a great effort not to think about how nice it would be to have Jinny all to himself in the his bed. Even Jinny wanted Buck more and more and hoped that when he was fully recovered, he would take the initiative to finally be together. She knew that Buck had other things on his mind at the moment: he was awaiting trial, but he always had in his heart the desire to avenge himself. Everything would depend on the outcome of the trial.
The doctor visited him regularly and appreciated his progress.
Gradually he was able to go downstairs for meals and Jinny ushered him out onto the porch to get some air. Rachel had let it be known that she would be staying with her cousin for a while longer and Buck and Jinny weren't too sorry for this delay. At times it seemed to them that they had almost reached a family equilibrium, like a married couple, except for the incursions of the boys, Lou and Teaspoon, and the fact that they didn't sleep together. Soon lunches and dinners were again being served at the dormitory and Buck was keen to be present with friends. He was still sleeping at Rachel's while waiting for the doctor's positive opinion to return to the bunkhouse.
That opinion arrived one evening: the doctor visited him and declared him completely cured. He advised him to wait to resume his Pony Express rides for another week, but otherwise he could go back to his life. Buck was happy because the trial was to take place in a few days and he wanted to be there in full force.
Jinny broke the news to the others and said that the next day Buck would be back with them in the dormitory. Ike hugged him and was moved and Jinny saw Buck's eyes shining too. She promised herself to ask him to teach her some signs to communicate with Ike more easily.
That night Jinny prepared a special dinner to celebrate Buck's complete recovery. After eating, Teaspoon read a message from Rachel assuring she would be back for the trial, and Buck was delighted.
While Jinny arranged the dishes, Buck said goodbye to everyone and said he was going to rest and collect his things to return to the bunkhouse the next morning.
Jinny asked him, a little worried about his attitude: "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I just want to rest a bit to be in shape from tomorrow"
"Okay, I'll come later to say goodnight" and she kissed him.
Oddly, the boys still hadn't commented on the fact that Buck and Jinny were now a couple. The two of them hadn't stated it openly, they had learned it from Buck's speech to Thompkins. The boys knew Buck's situation was delicate right now, but they surely would recover as soon as the whole trial thing was wrapped up.
Jinny, when she had finished arranging the dormitory, said goodbye to everyone and said good night. She walked towards the house and noticed that the light was on in the living room. She thought Buck had come down to get something. When she entered, she found him sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace.
"Are you okay?" she asked a bit concerned.
"Now that you've arrived, yes", he replied, gesturing for her to sit next to him.
"I thought that since I'm going back to the boys tomorrow, we could have some alone time tonight and I've prepared the fireplace for you. All right?"
Jinny nodded and sat next to him. She rested her head on his shoulders and they stayed like that for a while, not needing to speak. Buck then started kissing her hair and Jinny lifted her head. Immediately their faces approached and kissed passionately. They both burned with desire and feared they couldn't control themselves, especially Buck, but suddenly he thought he didn't want to hold back any longer. He started stroking her more boldly and kissing her neck, waiting for her reaction. Jinny didn't pull back but moaned with desire. They looked into each other's eyes for a moment and then Buck said to her: "I want you Jinny, but I don't want to force you. If you don't feel like it, that's fine, I'll know how to wait" but he prayed that she didn't push him away because he didn't know how to stop at all.
"I want you Buck me too, more than anything in the world. I want to be yours tonight and forever"
Buck's eyes lit up and she saw the reflection of the flames in them and melted.
"Are you sure?" he asked again.
"Stop talking Buck Cross and make love to me now"
He walked her onto the rug in front of the fireplace and began to unbutton her dress. She let him do it and when he had slipped it off, she took off his black waistcoat and shirt. He started to take off the medicine bag he was carrying on his chest but she stopped him and said: "No, keep it, it's part of you". Buck had explained to her in one of their porch chats the meaning of that amulet. He smiled at her and started kissing her. She moaned under his touch and he grew bolder. Soon they stripped off the rest of their clothes and stopped to contemplate each other's naked bodies. She admired those strong arms she had long dreamed of and saddened to see the scars, but she tried not to be surprised by him. His body was tanned and muscular and to Jinny he looked like that of an ancient deity. He contemplated her white and delicate skin that he had dreamed of touching every night and now it was happening.
Buck guided her with his increasingly daring caresses towards her first orgasm and she could not believe the sensations she felt and felt herself floating in the air. Buck made space between her legs and gently positioned himself inside her. He did very slowly until she adjusted to his size and then he began to dance inside her. Jinny felt a little pain but then her pleasure took over and she began to dance with her man taking his rhythm. Exhausted, they spilled onto the carpet and he put his arms around her.
"Are you okay?", he asked worried that she regretted it.
She flashed a wonderful reassuring smile and replied: "I've never been better, I'm here with the man of my dreams and we just made love. What more could I want?"
He smiled back and kissed her. They remained embraced in front of the fireplace for a while, then went upstairs without bothering to get dressed and made love again. They fell asleep serene and satisfied and dreamed of each other all night long.