Winter's Refuge
Chapter Ninety
(Some of this was for my 'Paying Twice' challenge story)
JED 'KID' CURRY
Two months later
In the cold weather, fewer customers come to my blacksmith shop and on snowy days that number usually drops to zero. I still open it every day, but these are the days I use for what Jeff Birde calls my creative pieces that I sell in his mercantile. Heyes has designed a lock for a safe that makes it almost impossible to crack it. I've never had the opportunity to try and make it even though we revised the plans together. He mapped them out well and some of the principles are the same as the lock I made him with three keys when he was in prison, but his has a twist that makes it harder to open the safe…and harder to make.
I was absorbed in my third attempt at makin' it when ol' Mister Bretherton pulled up in his buggy outside my shop. He's got bad arthritis, so I went out to see him.
"Good day, Mr. Bretherton. What brings you out in this cold?"
I could see he was well tucked in with heavy blankets over his lap and a warm coat and hat. He had never come here before. I knew from Jeff Birde, the owner of the mercantile, that he was considered a stingy miser beyond belief. Jeff had joked that that's what kept the old man alive, seein' how much he could get for nearly nothin'.
Still, he was the oldest resident of Three Birds and in my mind demanded respect.
No greetin', he got right to what he wanted. "Can you make me one of these for my daughter?" He shoved a picture at me of a silver bracelet, plain with no detail, with words to be engraved written below.
"I could, but I don't have much silver right now and can't get it here until this storm passes. When do you need it?"
"Now! Tomorrow! I need to put it in the mail tomorrow. Can you melt this down? The rest of the set is long gone."
He handed me a plain silver spoon. I looked at it closely. "I can try, but this is not pure silver. It's mixed with another metal. I don't know if I can shape it into this bracelet."
"I was told you are the best. If I was told wrong, I can go elsewhere." He grabbed the spoon back.
I took a deep breath. He wanted a present for his daughter; I could understand that. "Leave it here and come back tomorrow at the same time." I gave him a smile and hoped it didn't look as fake as it felt.
"How much are you going to rob me of to do this? You are a famous robber, are you not?" He smiled, pleased with himself.
I felt like I'd been slapped across the face but worked to steady my features. No one was goin' to make me feel inferior again. "You providin' some of the metal. I'll add what I have. Three dollars."
"You're still a thief. Three dollars it is, but only because I was told you are the best."
ASJ******ASJ
The bracelet came out better than I had hoped, and the inscription was clear and well-spaced. I wanted Mr. Bretherton to be pleased. I even molded the traces of leftover metal into a nugget to return to him.
The next day the weather warmed up a bit and the sky was a clear blue so folks came out with their items to be fixed. He came earlier today and Chrissy and Heyes were still helpin' to check customers in. Joy naps in the back room and Chrissy still handles the horses needin' shoein' and I take the other work orders. Heyes tries to write all the 'incoming', as he calls it, into his ledger immediately.
"Blacksmith, come over here!" Mr. Bremerton yelled loudly.
Knowin' I was busy, Heyes approached his buggy. "I help you?" he asked. Talkin' to strangers still unnerves him but it does it to help me.
As I checked in the next customer, I kept an eye on Heyes and Mr. Bremerton.
"You the other convict?" Bremerton made the question sound like an accusation.
Heyes stared at the man, and I knew he had lost his words. I fight an internal battle not to feel inferior, but Heyes isn't strong enough to do that for himself yet. Chrissy stopped what she was doin' and moved to the back room of the forge where she felt protected but could still see.
I walked over to the buggy with my shoulders back and pulled up to my full height. "Ex-convict."
Bremerton laughed. "My mistake, ex-convict." He made that sound like somethin' even worse.
I refused to acknowledge the comment. "Here's your bracelet, Mr. Bremerton, and the remainin' silver."
He examined it carefully and smiled. "Very nice work, Blacksmith. And honest at that, returning the rest of the silver."
"The name's Curry."
He gave me that look meant to make me feel subordinate. I refused to look down and looked him straight in his eyes.
"I shall commend those who recommended you to me." He started to drive away.
I grabbed hold of the horse's reins. "My three dollars, please."
"You are mistaken, Blacksmith; I paid you in advance yesterday."
I dropped the reins and felt myself takin' my gunfight stance. My hand rested on my belt above my gun. Until I felt Chrissy standin' next to me.
"You are the one mistaken, Bremerton." I purposefully omitted the Mister this time. "We agreed upon a price, but you did not pay me."
I felt the eyes of all the other customers watchin' me. Chrissy gentle touched my gun arm. "Not important," she whispered. "Prove you better man."
Her words strengthened me. This little man was unimportant, no matter what he thinks of himself.
"I paid you once and I will not pay twice for the bracelet," he yelled at the other people more than at me.
I moved my hand from my gun to around Chrissy's waist. I looked over my shoulder and Heyes was standin' there leanin' on one of the poles holdin' up the side of the shop.
"Bremerton, I hope your daughter enjoys her bracelet," I said as cordially as I could. "Just know that I won't be acceptin' any future work from you or anyone you refer to me."
"Hmupft!" He drove away quickly.
Heyes had a grin on his face as he walked with me to check in the remainin' customer. He said softly, "As Gramma Curry always said, Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on you. You did good, Kid. Proud of you."
As I watched Heyes and Chrissy return to what they were doin', I did the same.
"Nicely handled, Mr. Curry," my next customer, an older lady with two broken ladles, told me. "You are a man of class and character."
"Thank you, ma'am," I managed to reply, lookin' down so she wouldn't see me blush.
I felt Chrissy's hands on my shoulder. "Jed Curry, good man," she said.
And those words from her mean everythin' to me.
LOM
Susan enjoyed Juan and Hortencia's wedding. Of course, she knows Rudy Ortiz well since he's been working as my deputy. I was hoping that he'd stay and make it a career, but he's smart, real smart. He'll do well in college.
I'm worried about his father, Jose, and so is Rudy. Instead of working in Porterville this last month before leaving for college, he went with his parents back to Winter's Refuge. I'll send his things to him. He felt the need to spend some time with his pa.
I was uncomfortable around Curry and Heyes because I decided to hold something back from them, especially the Kid. I know they decided I was acting differently because I was worried about Susan traveling. But that's not it. It's Preacher.
HEYES
Life settled down after the wedding. Arnie and Glen respected Juan as their foreman since they had never known any difference and they're quick learners. Arnie has an affinity for horses that I first noticed at the cabin near Devil's Hole. Now after all his troubles, I think he confides in them. Once it was discovered that both of them were skilled in sending and receiving telegrams, one of them, usually Glen, would work in the Three Birds telegraph office two afternoons a week and bring the twins home from school afterwards.
The kids were supposed to walk straight from school there, but Michael often ended up in the new modern office that Dr. Arden has built. The boy is fascinated by medicine and will pound the doctor with so many questions I don't know how the man doesn't scream. But he doesn't. He answers every one. He has taken the time to show Michael how to properly wash his hands and now we all wash that way. And the doctor's asked Miss Denise to marry him and she agreed. They had an engagement party, but I didn't go. Too many strangers and too much noise.
To others, the Kid has recovered fully, but he hasn't, not from what the Arizona prison system did to him. So, I'm trying to help him more and take care of myself. But there's something I need to leave Phoenix to do to maybe set things right. And I have to do it alone.
JED 'KID' CURRY
I'm angry at myself. I've been so careful that Martha and Michael don't know I was an outlaw and a convict, at least until they are older. And I was the reason they first found out.
I was up early practicin' shootin'. Chrissy was right. I need to keep my skills polished. I have to protect my family. There's still one more hired gun out there that's already been paid to kill me. Maybe the man gave up when he heard that the man that hired him is dead. But, I don't think so. I've got to be ready. He may show up anywhere, anytime.
So, I practice every dawn. Heyes came with me today. He practices accuracy, not a fast draw. He used to be plenty fast but didn't flash it around. I was the gunfighter.
I had just finished my third round of bullets when I heard a little voice in front of me. "Pa, I want you to teach me how to shoot," Michael demanded, not asked.
"Me too, Pa," echoed Martha.
I holstered my gun without reloadin' and turned around to face them. I felt Heyes standin' behind my right shoulder.
"What put that idea in your heads? You're six-years-old. Way too young."
"But Pa, your father gave you a gun when you were six and taught you to shoot," Michael said with conviction.
"Back in Kansas, before you were an outlaw, remember Pa?" added Martha.
I tried to remember I wasn't mad at the little ones in front of me, but at the one who told them. I looked at Heyes, who shook his head.
It's in your book," Martha continued, her tone so innocent.
"WHAT BOOK?" I growled. But then was sorry I sounded so gruff as they backed up. I don't want my children to ever be afraid of me.
"What book?" I repeated in a normal tone.
Martha answered, "The one in your travel bag. When you came home after you were sick, Ma had us get your dirty clothes out of the bag and we found it in the bottom."
"Didn't know you were Kid Curry until the big kids at school explained it to us. They said Kid Courage in the book is really you, Kid Curry ," Michael added.
And I remembered the book in the store in Cheyenne, Hauser Sletton's latest dime novel. 'Kid Courage takes down the Five Brothers Gang'. I'd thrown it in my bag when we left for the prison and never gave it another thought. Until now.
Curious, Heyes looked at me. We've always ignored dime novels before this. They had gotten their hands on one before but I had taken that one and locked it in Frank's desk.
"And you think the book is about me?" I asked.
"We know it's you, Pa," Michael said. "Uncle Heyes calls you Kid. We lent the book to Curtis Birde and he said his pa said it was definitely you."
"And when Miss Duhamel read it, she agreed it was you. You're a hero, Pa," Martha finished his thought. "No matter that you used to be a convict."
"Where's this book now?" I asked, thinkin' I'd better read it before I said the wrong thing.
"Arnie and Glen are reading it. Arnie said you saved the town he grew up in from being robbed."
"Well, I think me and Uncle Heyes would like to read it. Would you get it for me?"
"Sure. So, Pa, can we learn to shoot now?" Martha got back to their point.
"I think you're too young. But I'll talk it over with your ma and if she thinks you're too young, too, we'll agree on an age you can learn."
Two six-year-olds ran and gave me hugs. "We love you, Pa."
I hugged them tight wonderin' how much they'll still love me when they become ashamed that their pa is an outlaw, a fast gun, and served hard time in prison.
HEYES
I got the dime novel from Glen and warned him that none of them books are allowed on the ranch. He was embarrassed he had it but understood.
I helped Chrissy with the spring breeding calendar. The only one that she had approved and answered was from a Mr. William Knight from New Jersey. I don't know him. I was in prison when he brought his mares here last year. That seems like a lifetime ago, yet when I'm in darkness or go to sleep, it's real. I'm right back in prison and I know I will die here. I shouldn't think about it or the urge to escape into my mind overwhelms me.
"Heyes, you thinking?" Chrissy's question helps me escape from the memories of prison.
"Yes, thinking." That's what she calls it when she retreats into her world in her mind and is using it for what I do. "Who's this William Knight?"
"Will be first mares here this spring. Last year he brought his Princess and Lady for breeding. Here read letter he sent." She looked at me shyly. "We not married then."
I read it out loud.
"Dear Mr. Curry and Miss Chrissy,
"I am pleased to report that both Princess and Lady produced impressive fillies. At your earliest convenience, I would like to reserve breeding with Fall's Legend for two of my other papered mares, Celebration and Jubilee. They are three- and four-year-old sisters and my pride and joy.
"No need to negotiate the fee, I will pay whatever you ask. Please assign us the earliest possible date as my schedule will be busy as summer approaches. The same accommodations as last year will be adequate for me. I believe in your follow-up letter you said your family had grown. I will be prepared this year to prepare fine cuisine masterpieces that I will serve to royalty later this summer. I will have some of the ingredients arrive a week prior.
"I am looking forward to this time away from my restaurants in New Jersey and the warm company of last year.
"Please advise dates soonest.
"Yours truly,
"Wm Knight"
"What accommodations?" I asked.
"William stays Phoenix like last year," Chrissy answered. "Stay Auntie's old room."
"IN our house?" This was wrong. People send their horses. They drop them off. People don't stay here.
"Yes. He cooks very good."
"Auntie cooks good."
"Yes, she's excited. Says she will learn from William."
I left the table. A stranger was going to stay in our home. I went to my room but refused to find refuge in my mind. I thought about what I could do and came up with a plan.
LOM
When he married us, Preacher signed his name as Josiah James Justice. I asked him if that was his real name.
"Might be or could be Josiah James Jeffrey or Josiah James Joyce. Or I've been known as Josiah James Jewell and when I was married, I was Joseph James Johnson." He winked as he spoke.
"Married?" I asked.
He got a faraway look in his eyes. "Was. widower." He turned away before I asked more.
I'd warned him away from Wyoming and Colorado. Last thing he said was he was heading to Arizona. Turned out to be as bad a choice as Wyoming. I got a letter from the Arizona Correctional Facility at Yuma, same one the Kid had been sent to. It was addressed to me at the sheriff's office. I was relieved it hadn't come to our home.
"Lom,
"Wanted someone to know where I was and why. Ain't asking for help, just want you to know I put you down as my next of kin. I been convicted of armed robbery. I plead guilty because I am. Needed money and the bank had money. They found wanted posters from Wyoming and other states and so I'm in here for twenty years. Know already I'm not going to be alive then.
This is the path the Lord has given me to earn a salvation l thought lost to me. I was allowed to keep my bible and I counsel others to choose His path. I am allowed to preach in the makeshift chapel on Sundays. He's supposed to be a God of divine mercy and forgiveness. I preach that and try to believe that in my soul.
Please don't tell no others where I am. Let them forget me. If you have a moment, say a prayer for my soul.
Preacher (Josiah James Jeffrey)
I reread the letter slowly before I folded it and put it in my pocket. I don't know what to think. I've seen the Preacher patiently patch up fellow outlaws in Devil's Hole. And preach and cry over graves when men were lost. At Brown River I've heard he was cold and calculating with a rifle, saving the Kid's life with one bullet through Johnny McWinters' head. He always seemed lost to me, and he drowned himself in whiskey to forget something. Prison sobers a man up quickly.
I didn't tell Susan anything but sent Preacher a box of cookies and a book. I'm going to reach out and visit him before my baby comes. Every man deserves to know there's someone on the outside that cares.
His letter saddened me, and I can't share that with anyone.
JED 'KID' CURRY
It's time to visit Matt again in prison. It's been almost three months and Chrissy is determined to go this time. And to my surprise, Heyes wants to go with us as far as Bridgeport. He wants to look through Mike Loveland's archive of newspapers again but wouldn't tell me why.
I wanted my wife to stay home while I went to see Matt. But she is goin'. I can't deny her anything she has her heart set upon. She has clothes that hide her condition if you don't know her. She stopped nursin' Joy a few weeks ago at Dr. Arden's suggestion. Tryin' to do that, while bein' with child, was exhaustin' Chrissy until she almost fainted in the kitchen.
She's been restin' and takin' naps when Joy does now. Her color is better, and she has more energy. I told her Dr. Arden had to say she was healthy enough to make the trip. Lookin' at it as an adventure, Chrissy was excited to see Aiden's new office. She doesn't get into town too often. She and Miss Denise have become friends. Unlike Dr. Sexton, Aiden treats the girls that work in the saloon and one of them was leavin' the office as we entered. Chrissy stared at the yellow feathers in the saloon girl's hair.
"I touch?" she asked.
"Sweetie, you can have one." The girl named Sally returned. She took one out and handed it to Chrissy, who stuck it in her own hair.
"Pretty?" My wife laughed.
"Very pretty!" I answered. And said, "Thank you," to Sally.
Miss Denise greeted us smilin' at the feather in Chrissy's hair.
Aiden asked me to wait in his outer office. She was in there so long I started to worry.
Miss Denise came and sat next to me. "Don't worry, Mr. Curry. I'm sure everything is just fine. Aiden is a very thorough doctor. And your wife is beautiful."
"Thank you," I muttered, not knowin' what to say.
"Didn't realize you were married. I thought it brave how you rescued us, but riskin' your life when you have a wife and kids at home is even braver."
"Did it as a favor for a friend," I answered, questionin' my choice to take on that assignment.
"I'm glad you did. Don't think there's anyone else in this world that could have stood up to my husband - ex-husband - and win."
That made me stop and think. Harrison Roberts is fast. He riles his opponent up until they start to draw first and then kills them. If I hadn't been there...I don't want to think of what might have happened, but Miss Denise wouldn't be engaged to Aiden. She's his second chance at happiness, Chrissy told me.
Finally, the door of the inner office opened. Chrissy came out first, the feather still in her hair and a smile on her face. "Doctor says I go."
"With conditions," added Aiden quickly. "Miss Chrissy needs rest and lots of it while we travel."
"We?" Chrissy asked.
"We. I intend on going with you and visiting my brother. Lots of rest and she needs to stay calm. I'm not sure that's possible?"
"Chrissy be calm. Promise. Visit Matt."