Winter's Refuge
Chapter Ninety-Six
HEYES
I was as worried as Chrissy about the Kid. He'd had pneumonia, but I think he's been having headaches. I know his back aches, mine does, too. But I think his is getting worse. He grimaces when he moves and thinks nobody is looking. I hope whatever debride means it helps him.
Chrissy stared at the road ahead of us, but I think she's just watching, not her thinking. "Good," she said, pointing at the nearing buildings. I drove through town and right to Dr. Arden's office. As much as Chrissy needed to get to the Kid, she was scared to be in town. Her shoulders rounded as if she was trying to make herself small. She grasped my arm tightly.
"Chrissy, you alright? We can turn around," I said calmly. I remember the doctor telling us she needs to remain calm because of her condition.
Her answer was strong, but her words were failing her.
"Jed need Chrissy and Heyes. Chrissy need Jed." She hid her face in my shoulder for a moment, then sat up straight. "Go."
JED 'KID' CURRY
Wakin' from nothingness, I needed to throw up…right now. From sleepin' on my side, I tried to sit up, but hurled on the bed and the floor. The room spun around me.
"Good, you're awake," Aiden's voice came from…somewhere.
When I moved, I threw up again. I closed my eyes and when I woke up again, my mess had been cleaned.
"Good, Jed awake."
Chrissy was sitting next to me bed and I realized she had been readin' Black Beauty to me as I slept...or maybe she was recitin' it. I'd heard it in my sleep. She knows a lot of it by heart. No, she has it in her hands.
"Black Beauty." I tried to smile. "Chrissy, what are you doing here?"
I remember now. Aiden was goin' to do to somethin' called debride.
"Chrissy darling and Heyes come to take care of Jed."
Aiden smiled as he came into the room with a glass.
"Don't need no medicine, Aiden," I told him. I pushed myself up to lean on my elbows and found that I felt better stayin' on my side.
Handin' the glass to Chrissy, he helped me to sit up. "Don't lean back for a day or so. And that's right you don't need medicine. This is simply water. You need to drink a lot of water."
I looked at him, but he seemed to be telling the truth. I drank the water then realized my body was bandaged. I could feel one on my back and one high on my shoulder…and another on my temple…and a large one on my thigh. My feet weren't bandaged but they felt like they were covered with balm under a pair of white socks that weren't mine.
"How does your temple feel?"
"Better…a lot better."
"Even with all my diligence, you had three slivers of wood in there, each one no thicker than a hair. I removed them. I wish I had a way to see what's going on inside."
I moved my legs off the bed and realized I had my long johns on over a bulky bandage on my thigh. Aiden slid a pair of what looked like prison shoes to the side of the bed. "Wear these for a day or two. Your feet had a couple of burn scars from the fire. I took off the dead skin and cleaned them and covered them with a healing cream I made. They may be slippery for a few days, but these slippers will be better than your boots.
Before I could protest, Chrissy put them on my feet. When I looked up, Heyes was leanin' in the doorway with an amused grin. "You worried us, partner. Doctor explained he bargained you into this."
Chrissy looked puzzled. "What you give Doctor in exchange?"
Smilin' Aiden answered, "I got what I wanted."
"My back stings a bit but sure feels a lot better," I said. "And so does the shoulder."
"That's what I was hoping you'd say. Your clothes are on the chair. You better get going; Martha gets out of school in a few minutes."
"Doctor, care?" asked Chrissy.
"Rest. No boots. Lots of liquids. I'll be out tomorrow to check on him and remove most of the bandages."
"Good."
I held out my hand. "Thank you, sir."
He recognized the depth of what my words meant. I don't use 'sir' easily.
"You're welcome, my friend."
HEYES
I'd forgotten that we had to collect Martha from school. I hope she's playing in the yard because neither Chrissy nor the Kid can get out of the wagon and get her. The Kid is sitting on a blanket with pillows behind him protecting his back and Chrissy sitting close beside him.
"Don't see Martha," I announced to them when we pulled into the school yard.
Her parents looked for her, too.
"Martha no there. Inside?" asked Chrissy.
Another test for me. I need to get out of the wagon, walk by the playing kids, and go into the schoolhouse where their TEACHER awaits. I don't want the Kid to know how nervous I am, but I feel my words slipping away. Closing my eyes, I try to calm my heart which is beating so hard I'm sure people can see my chest move.
"Want me to go with you, partner?" the Kid asked quietly. He knows how I feel about people in authority and Miss Duhamel is definitely in charge of this school. Even though I know he's all bandaged up, he's willing to get out and help me. I vowed to help him. I'll do this by myself.
"G-g-got it." I climbed down from the wagon just as Martha came running across the yard. Saved. The Kid winks and nods.
"Pa, you alright?"
"Yes, little darlin', just finally had Dr. Arden do a few little things that needed to be done. Climb up and help Uncle Heyes drive, will you? He hits every bump."
JED 'KID' CURRY
For today, and today only, I'm restin' on the couch and lettin' my family wait on me. When we were outlaws, I liked spendin' time doin' nothin'. Not anymore. There's so much I have to do; I have no free time. Tomorrow, as soon as Aiden takes off all the bandages, I got a lot of work to do. Have to admit, my head feels a lot better, haven't had a headache all day. There's been a growin' ache there since I left the Wyomin' prison. Thought it was somethin' I'd have to live with, but it's gone now.
The Birde brothers arrived in the late afternoon, and I was ready for the diversion. Not used to doin' nothin'. Governor Sanderson joined us. Heyes was listenin' from the hall, so I invited him to come sit on the end of my couch. Neither of us knows much about how politics work except it's slow so it was interestin' at first.
Fritz is running for Nebraska state representative. He's the head of our City Council right now. His son Jeff came, too. And the men got right into it. I don't know what I expected, but it was all friendly-like but direct.
"Governor, what would it take for you to come out in support of me in this campaign?" Fritz asked directly.
"Well, Mr. Birde, I always consult with my assistant, Colin Apperson. He checks out the candidate thoroughly. In your case, I consider the fact that Jed Curry says you are a good man a very positive endorsement. I respect his opinion."
He looked over at me. Heyes smiled at me and tapped my leg gently. I must have looked confused.
Frank spoke up. "I agree, Jed is a good man. Perhaps he should work on Fritz's campaign?"
Now all eyes were on me. "No, not me. I don't know nothin' about politics and me and Heyes ain't never even voted. And how would it look to have an outlaw, a robber, and an ex-convict helpin' you? Lose you a lot of votes."
I was surprised Heyes added, "We want to keep a quiet profile and see if we can help this community." That drew all the attention to him, and I let out a deep breath.
Charles nodded. "Perhaps it's too soon to have Jed vocally support you. But in the future, I can see him being a valuable asset…maybe even a candidate for office himself."
He said that just to be nice, but I think Frank got the message. Jed Curry would not be good for Fritz's run for state representation. I got the message, too. With my background, stay away from Fritz or I might hurt his chances of winnin'. He was subtle but the governor still sees me as an outlaw tryin' to fit into this community.
I did hear that Colin would be here to gather the Sandersons. I started thinkin' about Fritz Birde movin' up in politics. Seen some real evil politicians in the last two years. Were they bad and ran to gain more power or did the political power turn them bad? I'll have a talk with Heyes about it and see what he thinks. But right now, I'm goin' to lean back on the couch pillow and let my friends talk politics. They seem to delight in arguin' a lot and they was enjoyin' it. I'm not. I'm as tired as Aiden said I'd be so I close my eyes. Sleep finds me quickly.
When I open my eyes, the voices are the same and seems like the conversation hasn't changed. Heyes isn't sittin' on the end of the couch anymore and it's dark outside. Joe is curled up down there. I have decided that this discussion is arguin' and neither side is winnin'.
HEYES
None of the men noticed when I stood up and left the livin' room. I did it quietly, but they were absorbed in their conversation. No wonder things take so long to be done; they seem to enjoy quibbling over every little thing no matter how inconsequential. I had to concentrate hard to follow what they were discussing, and it wasn't worth it. I listened closer when Frank suggested the Kid help with his brother's campaign. The Kid's words put a stop to that, and the governor dropped it. But when he fell asleep, the topic came up again. It was the one thing they didn't argue over. They agreed the Kid is respected here in Three Birds and further. If only he would believe in himself, he would be an asset to Fritz's campaign and a candidate to replace him as the head of our city council. Decided I wasn't going to tell the Kid. It's something he's got to learn for himself. Frank said he might be forced to help him.
The ladies were sitting around the table, sewing a quilt, and chatting. I poured myself a cup of coffee and took two cookies off the plate near the stove. Chrissy smiled at me, but the others were laughing at a story Miss Tina was telling them.
I went back and checked the Kid's forehead for fever. It seemed normal. Taking a book from the bookshelf, I went to my room and shut the door.
JED 'KID' CURRY
When I woke again the sun was comin' up and I was stiff. I spent the night sleepin' on the couch. And Chrissy is sleepin' in the chair next to me. First thing I want to do is get this bandage off my head.
"No, Jed, leave." Chrissy's hand stopped mine before I could grab it and pull.
"Aiden said it could come off today."
She froze for a quick moment. "No, doctor say he remove when he come today. Jed no touch."
"But…"
She looked at me with those green eyes. "Okay, Chrissy sweetie, I'll wait for the doctor." I took her in my arms and kissed her. When I stopped, she pulled me down for another kiss.
"And no shoot this morning or go work. Stay on couch. Eat, read, sleep until Dr. Arden come." She gently pushed me down. I didn't object and I didn't tell her how tired I still felt.
HEYES
I drove Martha to school. She didn't stop talking all the way there. She's excited about arithmetic and she was naming all the things we passed that she could count and add, like the number of steps the horse could take by the time she counted to twenty. And how she can figure how many steps he can take by the time she counts to sixty by adding the number together three times.
"Uncle Heyes, stop!" she said, when the school was in sight.
I did as she asked. "What's going on, sweetie?" I thought maybe she forgot her homework.
She turned in the seat next to me so she was looking at me. "Uncle Heyes," she said, sounding superior like she was fifteen and I asked her if she knew how to tie her shoes. "I know it's hard for you to walk through all the kids in the playground or talk to Miss Duhamel. I heard Ma and Pa talking. I'll get out here and you can watch me all the way to the door. I'll feel like a big kid, and it will be easier for you. Deal?"
Embarrassed, I clicked with my mouth to start the horse again but was stopped when Martha threw her arms around me and hugged me tight. "I love you so very much, Uncle Heyes."
And my heart melted. "I love you so very much, too," I told her.
JED 'KID' CURRY
Aiden was true to his word and removed the bandages except one on my back when he came after lunch.
"Don't touch where they're healing and keep them clean," he ordered.
"I will." I held out my hand. "And thanks. Head hasn't hurt all day."
"Glad to hear it. Give it another day before working in the forge." He picked up a muffin from a plate on the table. "Mrs. Clark, you are an excellent cook."
She blushed before she turned away.
"Want to check over Michael. He should be able to go back to school on Monday. Do you think I can ride back to town when you pick up Martha at school?"
ASJ*****ASJ
Droppin' Aiden off, I saw a familiar man sittin' outside his office. He had a fancy polished black cane near him.
"Colin, how are you?"
"Good, Jed. The governor rushed down here for a day but decided to take a vacation. I hear he's enjoying your ranch, but he's needed back in the capital."
HEYES
When Colin Apperson, the governor's assistant, arrived at the ranch, he said the governor was needed in Denver. He's the governor of Wyoming and the temporary governor of Colorado. I thought they would leave right away but they insisted on staying another day and a half. Aiden took the governor aside and told him something. It made the governor smile, really smile. I'll never fully like the man that kept the Kid and me in prison for years, but I've come to see the better side of him. Like now when I can see the friendship he shares with Dr. Arden.
The governor smiled as he waved his hands. "Everyone, attention everyone." I must admit when he talks like this, you know he's in authority. I'm cowed by anyone in authority. Been remembering lately how it felt to lead the Devil's Hole Gang. I was stern when I needed to be. The gang was afraid of my temper. But I've always known I couldn't have done it without the Kid. He was, and probably still is, feared by outlaws. He was always at my shoulder backing me up. The few that challenged my authority, he spoke quietly to them, and if that didn't work, he outdrew them. When I told someone to leave, he was the one that enforced it. Always calmly. I needed him then and I need his strength now. But I've learned that he needs me too. And I will fight to be there for him.
I think the governor needs Dr. Arden. He reminds him of his humanity. Right now, the doctor has called upon Charles Sanderson for a favor.
He looked around the group gathered in the living room of the Kid's house and smiled. Dr. Arden was smiling, too.
With his arm around the doctor, the governor said, "Colin, I'm afraid I have to delay my departure. You go ahead to Denver and get all the facts."
"But Governor, they need you."
"They will have to wait. Day after tomorrow I am needed right here to be the best man at my friend Aiden's wedding to the lovely Miss Denise."
Everyone clapped and 'oohed' and 'ahhed'. This is a good thing. Miss Denise was silent and broken when I found her. The doctor healed her.
"Thank you, all," Aiden said with exuberance. "Jed, Miss Chrissy, Heyes, may I speak with you for a minute? I have a favor to ask."
I don't like favors. The last favor was for the governor and was very dangerous rescuing hostages in Devil's Hole. The Kid was shot in the shoulder. I follow the Kid and Chrissy into the one empty bedroom down here. I hope this favor doesn't take us from home or put us in danger.
Dr. Arden is still smiling widely. "I would like to ask you three if Miss Denise and I could impose on you to get married here at Phoenix? Nothing elaborate, like Miss Hortencia's rehearsal dinner. We expect very few guests."
Chrissy doesn't touch many people, but she hugged the doctor. "Good here!"
The Kid nodded his agreement and looked at me. I shrugged my shoulders.
"Partner, we own this place together. Would like to have us all in agreement to do this," the Kid said. Chrissy and Dr. Arden were waiting for me to say something. The Kid is always telling me I own part of Phoenix so I must. I want to be positive and support the Kid.
"Sounds good to me."
The future bridegroom turned to my partner. "Excellent. And Jed, Denise would like you to give her away. You are the one responsible for her having a new life after all."
First time I saw my cousin blush in a long time, and it made me feel like teasing him a little. "Practice for when you have to give away Martha and Joy Christina to young men." I told him as we joined the others in the main room.
That thought made him think. "They ain't gettin' married. My girls will stay here with me and their ma," he answered.
Everyone laughed and Miss Tina touched his arm. "Our children have a way of growing up whether we want them to or not."
Everyone looked forward to the wedding and the planning started immediately. They were moving so fast and talking over each another. I could not stand the noise and went to my room. But I didn't close the door. I'm not hiding. Just getting away from the commotion.
JED 'KID' CURRY
It rained the next day, but on the day of the wedding, the sun shone clear, showin' off the beauty of the trees still glistenin' with raindrops. I had time to practice shootin' right after dawn and I was glad to get out of the house. Everyone was very excited. Yesterday we thought the weddin' might have to be in the livin' room, but the weather will be just right outside.
I reloaded my Colt and slipped it into its holster.
"You just watchin' today, Heyes, or you gonna practice your aim?" I couldn't see him, but knew he was in the trees in back and to my right.
"Just watching. Fast as ever."
I just smiled. "Well, Chrissy said no blacksmithin' today. Have to stay clean after my bath last night." I looked at my white nails. "Don't mind not seein' that black dust under them for once."
The way things worked out, it was a good thing Miss Denise stayed with Auntie last night. She was safe there.