Winter's Refuge
Chapter One Hundred Nine
HEYES
For two days and nights after I met Angie Doubleday and her son, Sam, I hid in my room. I even took all my meals in my room. It had been a stressful day and emotional and I needed alone time to process what happened and think. When I returned to my room after having breakfast in the diner and flirting some with Angie, I sat looking out the window and started to tremble. My whole body shook, and I couldn't have spoken a word if someone had paid me.
When it passed, I thought about the things I had done…done successfully. Kid would have pointed them all out to me if he was here. First, I traveled here by myself. And I'm pretty confident that I can get home by myself. Fall's Bells is a good companion. I talked to her a lot during my way here. Second, I handled the situation in Pembina. I wished every second that the Kid was with me, but I did it alone. Third, I stopped a pickpocket, convinced a deputy to let him go, took a beautiful lady to dinner, and played poker all night. Last, and this was the part that scared me the most, I found Angelica Doubleday and I'm falling in love with her.
I need to get myself under control. I have to make sure this is love, not concern or pity. I need the Kid here to talk about this. I need his strength and straight forward wisdom to get through this…but he's in Nebraska and I am here.
On the third day, a telegram was on my breakfast tray.
H. Heyes
Walhalla, North Dakota
Good work, Heyes STOP Can't wait to meet the lovely lady STOP Take your time there. STOP Sent telegram to the boy also STOP Letters follow.
Kid
It made me stop and think. What had I written in my letter? The Kid must have read something in my writing for him to say he can't wait to meet Angie. He got something from it that I'm just coming to realize. I care for this woman. I was making plans to finally leave my room and go check on Fall's Bells…and find Angie when an insistent knock on my door disturbed my thoughts.
"Mr. Heyes, it's me, Sam Doubleday."
I smiled, maybe I had made an impression on the boy. "Come in, Sam."
He entered quickly. "Mr. Heyes, Kid Curry sent me a telegram!" He waved it in my face. "He knows my name. And said he'd sent me a letter." He barely took a breath. "Do you think he really will send it?"
"If he said he would, he will. He's a man of his word."
Sam smiled widely. "Just like the books!"
ASJ*****ASJ
From then on, each morning, I ate at Angie's table at the diner. In a few days she started having my breakfast waiting on the table for me with a hot cup of coffee. We'd chat and flirt until her break then sit and talk in the park. I met Sam after school and told him true stories about Kid Curry. It was the only connection we had until he told me.
"Mr. Heyes, I hope you're not playing with my ma. It's the first time I ever remember her really smiling." He had his ma's eyes but with rebellious sadness deep in his.
I should put my arm around his shoulder but there are few people I'm willing to touch and I wasn't ready. "I seriously care about your ma. She's a special lady."
He saw some friends on the corner and dashed off. "Tell Ma I'll be home for dinner."
I hoped he and his friends stayed out of trouble as I checked for mail at the telegraph office. There was a letter from home, and I saw a letter in Kid's writing addressed to Sam Doubleday. I waited until I got to my hotel room before I opened my letter. I can feel home in the writing.
"Hi Heyes,
I wrote to the boy. It was short. Told him I'd show him how to shoot if he was ever at Phoenix, but not fast draw. You said to make it exciting', so I told him about the attempted robbery of the bank in Three Birds and the stupid robbers that came to me to make the bar splitter. Hope that was alright.
Nothin' much unusual happening' at the ranch, but partner, we need to talk about something'. I found out yesterday you been giving money to Chrissy. I'm fine with that. Told her to go to you when she needed money for things in town and you'd take it out of the put away money. But I thought you'd tell me when she needed it for something' important.
She was still mostly on bedrest after the baby when she asked, "Jed give Chrissy darling some money?"
I knew something was wrong because she was using' proper names again and wouldn't look at me.
"All you want, darlin', but where you gonna spend it? Aiden said you shouldn't go anywhere for a few weeks."
Heyes, you know what she was gonna do with the money. I wish you had told me about it. She can spend money however she wants, but she didn't want to tell me where. I would have approved. She's been sad since Ruth Ann was born, very sad. When I carried the baby near the window, she panicked that I might stumble and drop her out the window. She was really scared. I put the baby down in her cradle and hugged my wife. Aiden had warned me that sometimes women get depressed and fearful after giving birth. It hadn't happened to her the last time, so I was surprised. I think maybe her depression made our conversation about the money awkward.
"Jed promise no mad?" Chrissy asked.
"Why would I be mad? You can buy whatever clothes you like or order a dress from Miss Mary. Or is it something' for one of the kids?" I asked, attempting' to put my arms around her but she wiggled away.
"Jed promise no mad. Pa would be mad, very mad."
"Your pa would be mad with what you want the money for? I won't be upset." I didn't know why she wanted it. Even if I didn't agree, I wouldn't let her see.
"Religion always made Pa drunken mad. Take belt to Chrissy darling when asked for money for church." Her hand went to her back, and I was angry at the man who had hit his daughter.
"You want to put more in the collection basket? Whatever you want to give. I leave that up to you," I answered. She picked up Ruth Ann and sat down, rockin' the sleeping' baby.
"PROMISE no mad," she repeated, not lookin' at me.
"I promise. But Chrissy darling, I don't like this…this you're being' afraid of me. I'll never hurt you. I'll give you whatever money you want."
Slowly she raised those green eyes to look at me and I saw tears. Dr. Arden said that some women feel uncontrollably sad after giving birth and I should be patient with Chrissy if that happens. And not let her escape into her mind again.
"How much money do you need? I'll go get it." I wasn't sure what she was gonna do with it in our bedroom. Maybe I can drop it off at church for her?
"Heyes gives me forty dollars."
I was confused, but she was so sad and crying' about it that I did not want to upset her. "Okay I'll go get it right now." She seemed content with that addin', "And envelope."
When I came back, she was nursing'. "Do you want me to take this to the church or can Auntie take it on Sunday?"
Those eyes looked at me again like she was frightened. "No for our church. For brother's church. Luke's church. Poor church in California." She hesitated. "Jed no mad," she reminded me.
"I'm not mad. Do you send him money regularly? Is forty dollars enough? You can send more."
"Pa would be very mad."
Trying not to let my impatience show I said, "I'm not your pa. Why did you ask Heyes and not me for this money? This is not household money." I could tell this wasn't the first time she'd sent money. And I was hurt that she hadn't just come to me.
She let her eyes meet mine. "You not here first time Luke write. He not ask for anything but prayers. But town poor. I ask Heyes. He no talk in words then but gave me money. Now every two months he gives it to me without asking." Her eyes fell from mine. "Then I was afraid Jed mad like Pa."
I sat down next to her. "Chrissy, don't I…"
"Chrissy darling."
"Chrissy darling, I work hard to give you and our family everything you want. Luke's family, too." I saw her eyes go to a letter on her bedside table. "May I read his letter?"
"Yes, you read. Luke never ask for money."
I read the letter. It was addressed to both Chrissy and Jed. Luke is a pretty good writer. He describes the town he works in and some of the people so well I could see them. He thanked us for the money we sent and always holds us in his prayers. Their church only has one wall so far, but each family brings a brick to Sunday Mass and he adds them to that wall during' the week. He's thankful California don't get much rain. He asked how Chrissy's feeling with the baby on the way. And he asked for our prayers.
And he never even hinted for money. "Chrissy, do you send him forty dollars cash each time?"
"Yes," she answered hesitantly and studied me to see if I was smiling or mad. I was smiling'.
"I'll go into the bank tomorrow and see about sendin' him a letter of credit that only he can use. That way it can't be stolen."
I don't know if she heard my words, but she was smilin' at me. "No mad!"
"How can I ever be mad at you? Unless there's more secrets you're hiding'?"
"No more secrets."
So Heyes I know about the money bein' sent to Luke and I'm glad we can help. I talked it over with Auntie. She helped me see that you and Chrissy didn't mean it to be a secret. It was set up when I was away and just kept going'. What bothered me is Chrissy was truly afraid of me. Aiden's not here, but I talked to his brother Oliver and it's the sadness after giving birth. The sadness brings irrational fears that are very real to them. He said just love and support her and it will pass. So that's what I'm doin'. Every day I wish you were here to talk things over with, things big and small.
Oh, and I got called in for a 'talk' with Miss Duhamel yesterday. I think she would have preferred you were the one to pick up the twins that day. But it was important and couldn't wait. There were three guilty looking kids sitting in the front row of the classroom with hands folded. And two of them were ours.
"Mr. Curry, thank you for coming."
I saw Michael had a black eye. "My son been fightin', Miss Duhamel?" I asked. I glared at him and he looked away. Then I looked at the other boy. He was probably a year older. He stared down at his desk.
"Michael, tell your father who gave you the black eye?" the teacher said firmly.
Reluctant, he didn't answer.
"Michael?" I asked.
He looked at his sister, then me. "Do I have to tell?"
"Now, Michael," Miss Duhamel demanded.
"Martha."
"Martha?" I asked and turned my glare on my daughter, who looked defiant and not ashamed.
"Pa, look what Henry did!" She held up her two braids that had been the same length this morning. Now one was at least five inches shorter. She picked up the liberated length of braid from her desk. "You know it's not like I can glue it back on."
"You cut her braid?" Henry still would not look at me.
A stern male voice came from the door of the school. "Henry, you cut the girl's hair?" I recognized the couple that entered as farmers. I had done some blacksmith work for them.
Henry stood up quickly and I saw that he had a black eye, too. "Yes, Pa, I did."
His pa approached him and grabbed him tightly by the arm. "I'll deal with you tonight. I see her brother gave you a black eye."
"No, Pa, she did."
"That little girl gave you a black eye?"
"She's stronger than she looks."
His pa turned and walked back toward his wife where he whispered so I could hear but not the children. "No wonder. She's the whelp of a gunfighter."
Heyes, I wanted to draw my gun and growl at him but knew that would fit the image of me he has in his head. It's the image I'm tryin' to change so I ignored his words. But it's hard, partner, and I don't seem to be making' much progress.
Instead, I looked at Martha playin' forlornly with her uneven braids and wondered what Chrissy was gonna say about that. But first I had some questions. My daughter was far from innocent in all this.
"Martha?"
"Yes, Pa."
"You gave Henry that black eye because he cut your hair?"
"Yes, Pa." She didn't sound sorry.
"Why did you hit Michael?"
"Because he didn't try and stop Henry…and then he laughed. I was so so mad." She stamped her foot. " I'm sorry, Mikey." She looked at her brother genuinely ashamed. He came and hugged her.
"Martha, you know hittin' is wrong?" I wasn't lettin' her off the hook yet.
"Yes, Pa."
I looked to their teacher, who seemed almost amused at the situation.
"And what is their punishment, Miss Duhamel?"
"I've decided I'll leave that to you parents. The boys will be wearing those shiners for a few days and Martha's hair will need to be cut so it will be even. For me, that's public punishment enough."
When this started, I thought I was gonna have to have a heart to heart with my son about not fighting. Now I was going to have that talk with my daughter. As Chrissy said later, it was wrong of Martha to fight but she was glad she did. We want strong daughters that will look to defend themselves.
So that was most of it. Henry's father told him he was getting the belt after supper. I didn't say how we would punish the twins. When Chrissy undid Martha's braids not only was one side shorter, but it was all different lengths since it had been braided, so her hair ended up pretty short. I think she likes it and it does look cute. We talked to both of them but that was all. They made up between themselves on their own.
William Knight arrives tomorrow with his three mares. I'm looking forward to seeing him and eating his cookin' again. I'll let you know how it's going in my next letter.
We sent Luke a hundred dollars for his church and that pleased Chrissy. She seems to be more herself each day, although I caught her staring at the wall and crying yesterday. She couldn't tell me why other than, "So sad."
I've tried to give her a good life here but now I'm feelin' I failed at that, too. I asked her what would make her happy. She looked surprised, tellin' me she had everything she ever dreamed of right here with me and all our family. I'm confused.
Ruth Ann is a happy baby and Joy has learned to run away from us using her new favorite word "no."
We got your telegram that said you were stayin' on in Walhalla for a while. Take as long as you need to court your lovely lady.
Take care and let me know if you need help or money. I'll provide both as quickly as I can.
Kid"
Kid's letters make me miss home, although I'm relieved to miss his wife's moodiness. I'm glad it was him and not me dealing with Miss Duhamel because the idea of little Martha giving two boys black eyes for cutting her hair and laughing at it made me smile.
I found two temporary part time accounting jobs here. I'm setting up accounting books for the livery and the barber shop/dentist. Both of their records are a mess, so it was easy to sell them on my services. And the hours are perfect…I have time to court Angie Doubleday.
JED 'KID' CURRY
Heyes answered my letter with a telegram.
Jed Curry
Three Birds Nebraska
Kid STOP Doing just what you suggested STOP think I'm winning her heart STOP
Ever tell Martha we were bald for years? STOP Found temporary work STOP Best to everyone. Missing home. HH
I was hopin' that Heyes found the right woman. And I hope that they settle here. I need him close.
But I don't have time to think about any of that because William Knight arrived today with his three magnificent mares. Last year he brought Lady and Princess. This year Irish Colleen, Miss Adele, and Elf. The first was named after his mother. While we were outside takin' care of the new mares, William walked into our house and straight to Heyes' room.
When me and Juan came into the kitchen, Auntie was makin' a stew for lunch. "Do you know what that man is doing to Heyes' bed?" she asked me, hands on hips.
"Restin' after his long trip?" I asked.
"He's changing the sheets and pillows. Ours aren't good enough so he brought his own." I've never seen Auntie so indignant. (Heyes will like that I know that word.)
I laughed because bringin' his own sheets is somethin' I could see William Knight doin'. He wants to be western, but his 'western' clothes are brand new and starched except for a green plaid flannel shirt. It was new when he wore it here last year but looks like it has seen some wear since then.
Rememberin' how William reacted to Juan's stew last year, I hope he enjoyed Auntie's better. He remembered our routine and took a bowl, not the one with the flower, out of the cupboard. I saw him smellin' deeply when the stew was ladled into his bowl. Sittin' between Chrissy and Arnie, he hardly said a word as he quickly finished his food. "My lady, that stew was magnificent. Would you think of sharing the recipe with me?"
Auntie actually blushed at the compliment. "Just my ma's recipe, but I'd be happy to share it."
Smilin', William held out his bowl for seconds. "When I leave here, I'm going to be a guest chef for a month at something called a Harvey House along the railroad route. This will most definitely be on my menu."
That day, William watched over everything that involved his mares…everything. He seemed content to just watch. Juan gave Arnie and Glen orders not to disturb him. I was workin' in the blacksmith shop and didn't see him much until he rode by with Auntie to pick up the twins at school. They were chattin' away so I just waved as they went by. Ken and Mary weren't gonna make his first dinner tonight. They are at his, soon to be their, new house workin' on the kitchen. Turns out Mary is very handy with a saw, hammer, and nails. William's here for three weeks and my mouth is waterin' thinkin' about what he will serve.
Michael and Martha were excited about Uncle William, who brought them candy. Whenever he sat down, Joy tried to climb on his lap. And he loved it.
"Jed, you're a lucky man, a beautiful intelligent wife and four happy children," he told me after an incredible dinner that he and Auntie had prepared.
"Thank you. Workin' hard to keep them happy."
ASJ*****ASJ
Turns out William Knight brought more to Phoenix than three mares and his cookin' skills. By the second afternoon, he was flushed with fever, had a sore throat and an intense headache, and preferred his bed to dinner. Thirsty, he still had to be coaxed to drink even cold water. I was glad Dr. Oliver Arden was here for the week to fill in for his brother. Glen fetched him. By the time Dr. Oliver arrived, Auntie had taken to her bed and told Hortencia, who was with child, to stay away from her. And Juan and Arnie returned early from mendin' fences in the far pasture because Juan wasn't feelin' good.
While Dr. Oliver was examin' William. Chrissy called me upstairs. Joy had the fever and lookin' at her flushed face and watery eyes was more than my heart could take. My wife and the baby seemed fine so far, so I cradled Joy in my arms and took her downstairs to the doctor.
After a quick look at William, Dr. Oliver called me into the kitchen, lookin' sympathetically at the hot child in my arms. While he spoke, he prepared a cold compress and held it to the back of her neck and then her forehead.
"Jed, it's the grippe. I've treated outbreaks of it in the east but have yet to see it out here."
"Will… I mean, Mr. Knight just arrived from New Jersey."
"He must have brought it with him. Now down to business. Where is Mrs. Clark? Aiden said she is very helpful tending to the sick."
"She's one of them sick. She's at her house, just behind here."
The doctor nodded. "I want this place on quarantine. Everyone who has symptoms should be here apart from those who don't. The young man who came and got me. He seemed well."
"Glen."
"Yes, Glen. I need supplies. I'll write out the list and he can get them." Dr. Oliver seemed to be talkin' to himself now and not me. Then he looked at me. "Make me a list of who lives here. And we'll figure out how to keep them apart."
The next few hours were a blur. Arnie rode to tell Ken and Mary to stay where they were, but both insisted on comin' home. Mary was a big help to the doctor and Ken stayed to himself in the stable, tendin' our horses and the mares. Glen went to town for the supplies. He returned with the supplies, and the twins. He kept Michael, who had a fever and the chills in the back of the wagon away from Martha who seemed well.
Hortencia was sent home to her parents' house. Chrissy and Ruth Ann stayed well and moved into Juan and Hortencia's house away from anyone sick. Martha was with them.
Glen and Arnie came down with it the next day. Me and Mary helped Dr. Oliver with everything. He kept those infected in well-ventilated rooms that me and Mary kept washin' down thoroughly. Then we washed the whole house and Auntie's house, anything that might have been been contaminated. Our list of patients was long. William and Auntie, Joy, Michael, Juan, Glen, and Arnie. That night I kept wet rags on Joy and Michael. I fell asleep with her in my arms.
Me and Mary kept broth and stew simmerin' on the stove.
I met Dr. Oliver in the kitchen, eatin' the stew standin' up. "Jed, the quinine is doing nothing to bring down the fevers. I'm afraid they have to run their course. The danger now will be that this leads to pnuemonia. We have to watch each of them closely."
I sighed. "Are they gettin' any better?"
"How are you feeling?" he asked instead of answerin'"
"Tired…but okay." That's what I kept tellin' myself.
"Good. I've sent Mary to get some rest at Mrs. Clark's house. It has been cleaned three times now. And I want you to do the same."
"But there's work to do…" I protested.
"And you won't be any help to me if you get sick. Go get some rest. I suggest the couch at Mrs. Clark's."
He turned me around and pointed me to the door. Truth is I haven't slept for more than three hours total in the last few days. When we was chased by a posse or a bounty hunter, me and Heyes went this long with only cat naps in the saddle. A nap sounded good. But first I knocked on the window of Juan's house and smiled when Martha's smilin' face appeared. Chrissy was behind her holdin' Ruth Ann up for me to see. I blew them all kisses before collapsin' onto Auntie's couch, pullin' the quilt off the back to cover up.
HEYES
I keep thinking I need to write home, but I really have nothing to write about…yet. I know I am in love with Angie but not sure how she feels about me. I know she likes me. Her smile and her welcoming eyes when we meet tells me that. With her unfair reputation as James Doubleday's mistress, we're real careful to not start any rumors. She doesn't need gossip about her and another outlaw to spread through town. So, we do everything out in the open. I want to kiss her, really kiss her, not the peck on the cheek she gives me when saying good night.
My accounting jobs are part time and temporary. It took two weeks to get the records straightened and accounting ledgers set up for the livery and barber/ dentist. But that done, now the jobs are simple going forward. And I spend all the time I can with Angie and Sam. Now that Sam sees I'm not trying to take advantage of his ma, we get along better. And the Kid has sent him two letters that he treasures…and shows off to his friends.
Today is the day. After the lunch crowd cleared, we walked to the central park and ate on the bench as we have been doing each day. I've told her a lot about my recovery and life since prison. She shared her life since her husband died, and she found out he was a bigamist. It wasn't pleasant.
But today was different. And she sensed it.
I sat so I could see her eyes. They sparkled. I took one of her hands in each of mine. "Angie, I want to tell you something."
She cocked her head, waiting for me to continue.
I have practiced these words each night so they will be there when I want them. And I've visualized what I'd do after. Dr. Arden taught me these techniques to use in a stressful situation.
"Angie, I love you. I know we've only known each other a short time, but I do." I watched her closely for a response.
A slow smile crept across her face. "I love you, too."
And right there in the central park where everyone could see, I took her face in my two hands and kissed her deeply. And felt my heart skip when she returned the kiss in kind.
I leaned away and smiled. "I'd like your consent to ask your son for permission to marry you. And you can be assured there are no other Mrs. Hannibal Heyes out there."
ASJ*****ASJ
Since that day, we've talked about our future and Sam's future. I find I need the quiet of my room each night to process what is happening. She knows I'm healing. She knows that my time in prison broke me, and the Kid put me back together. I walk her home at dusk and am back in my hotel room before dark…and she understands why. And she still loves me and gives me space and private time when I need it.
With all this going on, as I was walking Angie home one night, I suddenly realized I haven't received any word from home in a long time. The last letter Sam got from the Kid was almost a month ago. I stopped in the middle of the road and panicked. She wasn't sure what was happening but held onto my arm.
"Heyes?"
"Something's wrong at home. I haven't heard from the Kid for a month, over a month. I needed to turn back toward the main street. I have to send a telegram. Now." I knew I was speaking very fast, and my breath was coming in gulps. How had I not kept track? I had sent three…no, four telegrams home without getting a response. But even my telegrams were sent over two weeks ago.
I looked at her house ahead of us and back to the telegraph office.
She put her other hand on top of my arm. "Let's go get that telegram sent. Even if the office is closed, I know where the night clerk eats his meals."
The night clerk was eating his dinner from the diner at his counter. My hand was shaking. I can't stop it. I don't want Angie to see me like this. But she can't help but see it. She is standing so close. Without a word, she patiently took the pencil and wrote out the telegram I dictated. It was simple. "No word from home for a month STOP Everything alright?"
"You'll let Mr. Heyes know as soon as there is an answer? He's staying at the hotel."
"Yes, ma'am."
And then I walked her home again. Being with her pushed the dark thoughts aside. But when I kissed her gently and walked back to the hotel, they tortured my mind. Thoughts of the day me and the Kid's parents died came first. We lost our families while we were fishing. Fishing. I'm afraid I've lost my family again…while I was away from them. Was there a fire? Did the last bounty hunter catch up with the Kid and kill him and the rest of the family not know how to reach me? Were my nephew and nieces hurt in a wagon accident. Even the improbable seemed possible. And all of it was bad. My mind searched for it's safe place but I can't find the way to get there. Realty is stopping me. My family was just the Kid for so long but he has built that into a larger family. I'm hoping that Angie and Sam become part of our family.