WINTER'S REFUGE

by Kattayl

Every author writes a Curry and Heyes prison story. This is mine.

129. Winter's Refuge Chapter 129

Winter's Refuge

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Nine

HEYES

As we moved toward the steps to the railcar, we heard a young voice call, "Rocky! Wait!"

We turned and saw his brother and sister running toward us with Dr. Oliver and Miss Nancy standing back, smiling.

Nervously, Rocky looked at the Kid before moving and I realized he was asking for permission. The Kid was smiling at the approaching kids and didn't notice.

"Rocky, go on say hi to your brother and sister," I told him.

He still didn't move, looking at the Kid, who finally understood. "Go on," he said, motioning with his hand. Rocky nodded and started to walk as if he was still shackled. "Run, we ain't got much time before the train leaves." Rocky took a quick glance over his shoulder before breaking into a run and sweeping the kids into his arms.

"Dr. Oliver and Miss Nancy brought us to say goodbye," Stephanie said, looking over Rocky's shoulder at us as if to ask if we approved.

The train whistle blew. The Kid and I hurried over to the three Rocke siblings. Dr. Oliver and Miss Nancy did the same. Rocky stopped what he was doing and looked down in learned submission. I knew the Kid hated that, but for now he just said, "Hug your family and let's go.

While Rocky was hugging his brother and sister, he looked over their heads at Dr. Oliver. "Thank you, sir and ma'am, for what you're doing for them. I'll find a way to pay you back someday."

"No debt owed to us. My house needs children. Just obey Jed and Heyes and learn your trade. That'll be payback enough," Dr Oliver said as Miss Nancy pulled Stephanie and Steven away from their brother. "Now go. Don't miss that train."

The conductor was just about to pick up the step as we got there and we settled into a fairly empty railcar. Still, the Kid stood at the back for a moment and looked over each passenger for signs that they recognized us. Old habits die hard. We put Rocky in the seat by the window and he waved to his family as long as he could see them.

JED 'KID' CURRY

First Sunday back I honored my part of my pact with Lom and Preacher. Have to admit I was scared I'd be knocked dead by a bolt of lightenin' when I entered the church. But Chrissy was pleased. We were both sittin' on our bed, leanin' against the headboard, holdin' hands.

"Jed really taking our kids to Church?" she asked incredulously.

I had told her and Heyes about Preacher in prison, but not his drinkin' or our pact. "Yes, Chrissy darlin', since you have to stay in bed, I'll take them."

Leanin' over, she kissed me sweetly. Another time this might have led to more, but now she needs to have a calm pregnancy. Auntie was gonna help me get the little girls ready, but Martha handled all that…and she had each of them in a blue dress. I couldn't help but smile at my twins helpin' Joy and Ruth Ann navigate the stairs. Maybe this gettin' up on Sunday for Church won't be so bad.

My plan was to get there just as it was startin' and slip in the back, but Michael and Martha were havin' none of it. They each took one of Joy's hands and swung her between them after they got out of our wagon. She squealed in happiness. Everyone nearby watched and smiled. Carryin' Ruth Ann and holdin' Martha's other hand, I was pulled up the front steps where Father Patrick was preparin' to walk down the center aisle and start Mass.

"Mr. Curry, it's good to see you."

I didn't have a free hand so I nodded and told a white lie. "Pleasure to be here."

He looked at me funny. Do priests know when you are lyin? I hope not. He smiled at Auntie. "And Mrs. Clark, you're looking nice today with the flowers on your hat."

Auntie smiled, pleased. "Thank you, Father."

"And Jed, how is Miss Chrissy feeling?" Father Patrick. He's lookin' into my eyes. I'm sure he knows I lied. It is not a pleasure to be here. I don't want to be here, not at all.

"Ma's doing very well, thank you," Michael answered for me.

I breathed a sigh of relief that I hope Father did not hear as I heard music comin' from inside the church. "We got to get our seats," I said to my kids and Auntie as I hurried them up the steps.

Martha spoiled my plan of sittin' in the back as she pulled me up the aisle. About halfway to the altar, I dug my feet in and said, "Here's fine." It was still too close for me. I was still waitin' for that bolt of lightnin' from heaven to hit this outlaw gunman sinner.

The service wasn't as tedious as I had expected and Fr. Patrick is definitely not one of those fire and brimstone speakers that Gramma Curry talked about. But his eyes found mine just before he started the homily. I know he was talkin' to me, but I'm not sure what he was gettin' at.

"Today, family, I'm going to remind you of the story of the starfish thrower. One day after a storm that had the ocean raging, a man was walking down the beach. In the distance he saw a young boy bending down, picking something up, and quickly throwing it out into the ocean. As the boy got closer, the man could see him gently pluck a starfish out of the sand and throw it into the sea.

"Young man, what are you doing?"

"Throwing the starfish back into the ocean. The tide is going out and the storm left them out here. If they don't get back into the ocean, they'll die."

The old man sighed softly. "Don't you know there's miles of beach here and thousands of starfish. You can't possibly make a difference."

The boy picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea. "Made a difference to that one."

So family, what this story tells us is that every person can make a difference even if it's just helping one other person.

And talking about helping, I'll be away the next month and Father Sebastion from Kansas is coming here while I'm gone.

The Lord be with you."

I'm not sure what the story meant but I'll think on it. Not sure how helpin' a starfish means anything for us out here in Nebraska. And all the way home Michael led a discussion on starfish. He'd read in a book they weren't even fish. I told them to ask Miss Duhamel if she had a book about them.

All in all, it was a nice mornin' and Hortencia and Mary had prepared a large breakfast with sweet rolls for us all. Luke liked our little church here and had long discussions with the father. I can see why. But I'm not sure about this Father Sebastian. I think all of the pastors from Kansas enjoy their fire and brimstone.

ASJ*****ASJ

Everything settled into a routine at Phoenix for the next three months. Rocky was a quiet and a quick learner and he wasn't lyin' when he said he knew some basics about blacksmithin'. He makes all the horseshoes now. He already knew how to clean and trim their hooves too. I watched him a few times on our Summer's Gold and Autumn's Sweetheart. He listened closely to my instructions, always followed by the hated, "Yes, sir." And he did things in silence exactly as told. Now shoein' the horses was one of his regular chores. But he didn't check the horses in yet. Word had gotten around that my apprentice was a parolee and some customers looked at him warily. And he reacted like he was still a prisoner by lookin' down and only speakin' when spoken to. And then he looked to me for permission to answer, even though I told him he can answer on his own. With permission received, he still gives monosyllabic answers. (Another word I'm proud to know but sad to use now.)

And I got only a few more words than others. He worked hard, but didn't ask enough work questions. I been watchin' him to see if he intends to try and run away, but I ain't seein' any of the signs. I think knowin' his brother and sister will come visit helps to keep him here. I'd asked him about the Red Sash Gang tryin' to recruit him in prison one of the first days workin' together.

"Heard they tried to recruit you."

"They did. Said no."

"That's good. Matt McWinters was worried about you."

"Trustee McWinters? You know him?" he asked.

"My wife's brother."

Rocky concentrated on the horse's hoof he was cleanin'. I thought that was the end of the conversation, but hours later as we were closin' up the shop, he added, "Trustee McWinters helped me stay out of trouble. Never thanked him."

Prison rules, like do as you are told immediately, never look a guard in the eyes, only speak when asked a direct question, and always include 'sir', were beaten into Rocky and he still lives by them here. Me and Heyes keep tryin' to break these habits, but he just quietly surrenders to the prison rules.

Working by the forge, he looked at me funny the first day when I offered him a bandana to tie around his head. I still wear one when I work. He politely declined. Of course, his head had been freshly shaved before he left the prison…when hairs started to grow, he found they caught the black scum. Now he wears a bandana. He was used to the strict routine of prison and not comfortable thinkin' for himself yet. He needs a routine so I've given him other chores, too. He empties the barrel for the quenchin' water and refills it from our stream. He sweeps up the forge each evenin', and helps groom our horses.

Now with Angie about to have the baby, he felt out of place, confused as what to do. His usual routine was disrupted. Usually. he would go to wash up the best he could before dinner. After dinner he would sit next to Angie in the livin' room as she taught him to read from the children's books we have around here.

Even now after three months he says little, looks down when I speak to him, and calls me 'sir'. Heyes says he never objects to the night shackles, even though he's waitin' each mornin' for the door to open and the shackles to be released. I can't do it. Can't lock a man into sleepin' shackles like I wore in the railroad camp. Heyes does it. I know it's hard for him too, but he understands it's the stuff of nightmares for me.

But I did have to do it two weeks ago. Chrissy told me what had happened before I got to the house. Angie went into labor somewhere around midday. The ladies - Chrissy, Auntie, and Mary - buzzed around preparin' for the delivery. Our little ones went to stay with Hortencia. The men were all out workin' and the ladies just decided we'd be in the way. They sent Ken for the doctor and to bring Sam home from his job with the lawyer…and they made Angie as comfortable as they could.

Me and Rocky finished the orders early. As soon as we entered the kitchen door, we knew somethin' was goin' on.

"Jed, glad you're home early. Need you to go get Heyes. He's in the office in the stable," Auntie ordered as she moved around the kitchen. Looked to me like she hadn't started cookin' yet. I hesitated and she continued, a bit annoyed, "Jed, GO get your cousin and don't let him dawdle. He's about to be a pa."

I looked at Chrissy and she nodded and winked. We had discussed this and it was decided that I should be the one to tell Heyes when the time came. He gets anxious easily. But this is not the time for him to get upset, and especially not lose his words. Rocky started to follow me but I motioned him to stay. "Make yourself useful here."

"Yes, sir."

HEYES

"Hi, partner," the Kid said as he came into my office and sat in a chair. He was trying to look casual but he was trying too hard. And he sat with his back straight and then crossed his hands in his lap. That's how we sat in prison. Something was wrong and he was sent to tell me. I felt my breath slip away and I gasped for air.

"W…what's w…w…wrong?" I asked, looking him in the eyes. But his eyes were still clear blue so he wasn't angry. No, he was smiling.

"Need you to catch your breath and stay calm. Nothing's wrong. You're about to become a pa."

"The baby? Now? It's too early." I know the Kid could hear the panic in my voice. He leaned forward and looked at the calendar. I had circled Angie's due date.

"It's only three days early. One thing I've learned is that babies come when they want to," he chuckled.

"I guess. It's here now?"

"Not here yet. Ken went to get the doctor and Sam. The ladies are with Angie. If you can keep calm and your words, thought maybe you'd want to see that wife of yours for a minute before the baby comes." His blue eyes smiled.

"Scared. Worried about her." Then he looked me in the eyes and he knew the truth. I don't know whether to run to her or hide in my mind.

"You need to be strong. This ain't her first baby. She knows how it works."

I took a deep breath and reached for my hat. I knew the Kid's gone through it twice already. "Alright, let's go."

JED 'KID' CURRY

My worries about Heyes not bein' able to cope when Angie was givin' birth were unfounded. That's a word I learned from readin' and I like it. Heyes sat with Angie and held her hand until Aiden came.

Heyes' composure left him when he left her and didn't know what was goin' on. Aiden and Miss Denise were helpin' Angie, but even in the kitchen we could hear her scream. He sat with me and Juan at the kitchen table and tried to play some poker. I knew Heyes was wrestlin' between two things now, hidin' in his mind and pacin'. Rocky was not sure what to do with himself.

"Is Mrs. Heyes gonna be alright?" he asked. He sounded confused rather than compassionate.

Heyes started pacin'.

I answered Rocky. It was one of the first unprompted things he's said since bein' with us. "Yeah, she'll be fine. Just havin' a baby. You want to play poker with us?"

He looked down. "No, sir."

And Heyes' energy was suddenly focused on Rocky. "Are you Convict Rocke or the blacksmith apprentice?"

Rocky was confused and so was I. "Sir?" he asked Heyes.

Heyes' tone softened when he looked at Rocky. "I meant to say it's time you stop thinking of yourself as Convict Stanley Rocke and realize you're Rocky, apprentice to Jed Curry, blacksmith."

I could see his words made Rocky think. But Heyes wasn't finished. "We've been treating you like a member of this family but you haven't been acting like one. Time you decide if you want to be Convict Rocke or Rocky, your choice." Heyes flinched at another scream from Angie. His eyes widened and the brown deepened.

But I could see he was thinkin' about Rocky so not to worry. "Me and the Kid and Mrs. Curry all spent much more time in prison than you have and we don't like reminders of it."

"And I'm a reminder?" Rocky asked, lookin' down.

"You're not a reminder, but some of your prison habits are. Have you ever looked at the Kid's face when you call him 'sir'?" Heyes challenged him.

"No, sir."

"Well, he don't like it. You been here long enough to stop calling him 'sir' and start calling him Mr. Curry!" Heyes was practically yellin' when he finished. "You understand?" I understood that his worry for Angie was makin' him yell, but not sure if Rocky did.

Rocky took a sideways glance at me and I nodded. Turnin' back to Heyes, who he also called 'sir' he answered, "Yes, Mr. Heyes."

That brought a chuckle from Heyes. "The boy learns quick."

"That he does," the Kid smiled and looked at the boy. "Now that you're Rocky and not Convict Rocke, maybe you could do some other work around here. I can't pay you for blacksmithin' and helpin' with the horses, but maybe if you was to help Auntie weed her garden some coins might find their way into your pocket."

This was Chrissy's idea and Heyes agreed. Rocky flinched as Angie screamed again. "Well, it looks like Miss Angie ain't gonna give me my reading lesson today. I'll go start on that garden."

HEYES

The long overdue conversation with Rocky had been a diversion but Angie's screams made this all real.

"Kid, I got to go in there. I can help."

"Just how would you be helpin'?" the Kid asked.

I sighed and started pacing outside. I can't stand this feeling. I'm helpless. Just like in prison. Taking a deep breath, I fought the urge to hide in my mind. I have no control over this. I had no control in prison until I found my safe place in my mind. The grass was green. The sun was shining and no one told me what to do. I stopped walking. I need control. It's how I healed. The Kid gave me control of my life back even to some extent when I was still in prison. I circled numbers in the books I sent home to tell them I knew how many days were left. And no one at the prison knew. That tiny bit of freewill started my recovery.

Out here I can still hear Angie's screams. They are getting closer and louder. And I'm helpless to do anything. This is out of my control. I can't move my feet to walk anymore. My words are gone and I can see my mind's safe point.

"Heyes, was wonderin' where you were." The Kid's voice forced me away from my private green grass and sunshine.

I looked at him and shrugged. He knew my words had deserted me. He put his arm around my shoulder. "Let's go check on the corral near the stable. Callie and Posie are over two now and Juan's gettin' ready to saddle break them, but they still nibble on the wood on the gate." The Kid's words were matter of fact, not stressed that Angie was about to have my baby.

I pulled him around to face me and worked one word from my mind to my mouth to my tongue. "H…helpless."

"Women have been havin' babies since Adam and Eve, Heyes. She'll be alright."

Fear and anger returned my words. "Like Susan Trevors?" I snapped back. Immediately, I regretted my words. "Sorry, Kid. I just keep thinking about her."

"I know. I do, too. Aiden visited Lom last week, says he's doin' real good."

"Kid, I can't control what's going on with Angie," I admitted.

"No one can. Aiden and Miss Denise can help though…and I think we can go back to the house now."

"Huh?"

"Listen."

The screams had stopped, replaced by the strong wailin' of a baby. "Let's go meet your baby."

JED 'KID' CURRY

Heyes ran to his bedroom door, then stopped. I was right behind him. And Sam behind me. Angie was sittin' up in bed lookin' tired but joyous.

"Heyes, come hold your daughter," she said. We all got to admire her. She has a headful of light brown hair and Heyes' ma's Curry blue eyes.

Sam held her awkwardly for a minute. "Never thought I'd have a pretty little sister." Then he handed her back to his ma. "Got homework to do."

Heyes planted himself in the chair next to their bed and started readin' Chrissy's Black Beauty to his wife and daughter.

When I stepped out of the room, Rocky tapped me politely on the shoulder. "Mr. Curry, sir...er."

I smiled. He was tryin'. "Rocky?"

He held up the metal shackles and I shuddered. I couldn't do this when we got here and I can't do it now. Heyes does it. I looked back into his room. The dimpled smile hadn't left his face since he saw his little one. I won't interrupt him.

"Let's go," I told Rocky, leadin' the way to his small room without lookin' at him.

He made it easy for me, sittin' on the bed, legs apart. And he chose this minute to get talkative. "Mr. Heyes said this was hard for you. Were you shackled to your bed in prison?"

This was personal. Few people know what I went through in the railroad camp. "Yup."

My always steady hands shook as I clicked the shackles shut and it was as if I felt them on my own ankles. "Not just at night. All the time."

"Thanks for doing it tonight. Didn't want to disturb Mr. and Mrs. Heyes, but I don't want to go back to prison either."

I locked the door when I left. I ain't gonna do anything that might send that boy back to prison.

ASJ*****ASJ

Two days later, Angie joined us at the dinner table with little Antoinette Hope Heyes.

"That's quite a name to saddle her with, almost as bad as Hannibal," I joked with him.

"Heyes family tradition, long names. But we're going to call her Nettie," he explained.

"Nettie, like your ma."

"'Cept Ma's name was Annette."

I made a face at Nettie and gave her my finger to grab. "Fits her."

HEYES

Colin came to Phoenix for Rocky's three-month parole review. In the blacksmith shop, the Kid told me Rocky froze when he saw Colin ride by in his buggy. He stood still and looked down, even though Colin only waved and continued up the road.

Martha reached the front door before I did. "You Mr. Apperson? Ma said I was to let Mr. Apperson in."

"That's me. And who might you be?"

Martha looked at me before telling him. The Kid still thinks that Curry is a bad word in the west…or a name to be afraid of. I smiled and nodded, coming to stand behind her and put my hands on her shoulders.

"Martha Curry," she answered, before scurrying off to find her brother and tell him about the visitor.

"Pretty little girl." Colin smiled. "My Aunt Tina said the Curry children are all smart, cute and well mannered." He said it casually, but I know his aunt is married to the governor and for a second my heart jumped in fear of this man.

"Come in. Auntie made some fresh strawberry lemonade today. One of the Kid's customers gave him baskets of strawberries in payment for a fixed pot."

Before he could sit down, the Kid and Rocky came in through the backdoor. The bandanas covering their hair were gone and an attempt had been made to wash the soot off Rocky's face and hands and brush his hair.

"Good to see you, Colin. Welcome to Phoenix. Not gonna shake your hand." The Kid held up his dirty hands.

"Nice to be here. I met you pretty little daughter."

"Which one?"

"How many daughters do you have?"

"Three and Heyes has one now, too."

Colin's "Congratulations," was said with enthusiasm. But I wondered why he was here.

"Here to do a parole review for you, Parolee Rocke. You been obeying these men?"

Rocky stood very straight but looked down at the boots Ken had made him. "Yes, sir. I think so, sir."

"Jed? He been learning to be a blacksmith? Following your orders and all the rules?"

I know the Kid was thinking about my parole hearings when he was asked just about the same thing. "Yes, he has."

"Good, then this meeting is over. I'll do it again in six months. Now who are these two little ladies?"

Joy and Ruth were slowly coming down the stairs with Auntie after spending the morning with Chrissy in her room. Ruth Ann has learned to come down stairs backwards and Joy imitates her little sister. This pregnancy was different for Chrissy. I tried to ask the Kid why she was so tired and ordered to bedrest, but he just repeated what I heard Dr Arden say, "Each pregnancy is unique." With Joy and Ruth Ann, Chrissy was everywhere cooking, cleaning, and a part of the family. But now she rarely comes out of their bedroom and we go to her.

Colin didn't stay long, but took the time to visit the blacksmith shop and admire the shoes Rocky had put on a horse. He told the Kid and Rocky, "Keep up the good work. Both of you. I'll let the governor know that everything is working out well here."

JED 'KID' CURRY

I don't think Rocky had worked this hard in his life, even in prison. Blacksmithin' is a hard, dirty trade. And hard on the back. When me and Heyes were goin' for amnesty, we always needed work and made sure it was not hard on the back if we could. Now, even as strong as I try to keep myself, my back hurts and aches. With Rocky doin' the easier work of makin' the horseshoes and shoein' them, I do the heavier work like farm instruments. I used to come back after dinner and make horseshoes. Now I come back and work on my special projects. Lately I've been makin' locks. This is the part of blacksmithin' I enjoy. At the prison railroad camp, Lom sent me a used blacksmithin' book that included how to make locks and keys. Made Heyes one with three keys when he was in prison. Now mostly I'm just makin' simple locks and keys. They're sellin' very well at Jeff's mercantile. And I'm makin' Chrissy a golden heart with the names of our kids written very small. Course it won't be finished until she gives birth. But as much as this special work captivates me, it's just as hard on the back, even though I'm sittin' down. I lean over close to the work to get the details just right…and when I'm ready to stand up, the pain hits.

At first, Chrissy would rub Aiden's salve on it before I went to bed, but now she's always sleepin' when I come to bed. Each night, Auntie fixes me, Chrissy, and the twins our dinner on a tray and we take it upstairs in our bedroom. It's my favorite part of the day. Martha is always filled with stories about their day at school and her schoolmates. She can always make Chrissy laugh., a sound I cherish. Michael's stories are usually about what happened at Aiden's office after school. And they both include almost all of the current gossip in Three Birds. When the twins leave, we talk as only man and wife talk about their future. I grimaced when I stood from the chair.

"Jed back hurt? Salve?" Her voice was barely awake.

She closed her eyes and I knew sleep had claimed her. Aiden tells me all this is normal for a pregnancy with twins. Still, I worry about her every day.

The next day while Rocky was out gettin' the water, Heyes appeared at the shop's back door with the salve and a grin. "Lift up your shirt, cousin. I've got orders from your wife to put this on your back."

"Heyes, you don't have to…"

"Kid, if we argue about this, you're going to lose. Now lift up your shirt or take it off."

He spoke the truth. He'd rather fight me than go back and tell Chrissy he failed. So, I took off the shirt and turned my back to him. "Oh, Kid." was all he said sadly and I felt the cold balm ease some of my almost constant pain.

He was almost done when we heard the sound of the two water buckets hittin' the floor. Turnin' we saw Rocky standin' in the doorway, eyes large. He turned around and ran.

Heyes started after him.

"No, I'll go," I told him, grabbin' my shirt and puttin' it on as I ran. "Rocky, stop."

He stopped but did not turn around. "Your back…is that from prison?"

"Yeah…you didn't need to see that. You ever whipped?"

"Once when everyone was given lashes. Back hurt for a month…but you…you…your back. What happened?"

I told him the truth. "Happens when a belligerent outlaw with a reputation with a fast gun goes to prison…lot of people out to fight him ot break him."

Turnin', he looked right at me. "You never broke." It was a statement. I could hear the respect in his voice. "After all that." He pointed at my back. "How did you not break?"

"I almost did at first. But then I set one goal for when I got out: to get strong and protect my family. So strong that nothin' would ever hurt them."

We worked in silence the rest of the day, but I saw him look at me when he thought I wasn't lookin'. When a customer came in with a heavy plow on his wagon to be repaired, Rocky stepped in front of me to take it.

"Move aside, boy, that's too heavy for you," I ordered him.

"Yes, sir…er, Mr. Curry."

When the man had left, I told Rocky. "Try and lift that plow."

"Alright. Where do you want it moved?"

I didn't answer as I watched him try and lift it. He tried twice but could not get it off the ground. He looked at me in surprise.

I smiled. "Rocky, even on my weakest days, I'm stronger than most men, part of my plan to protect my family."

"Sorry, I was just thinkin' about your back." And I knew he was settlin' in here just fine thinkin' about helpin' others.

We didn't speak again until we were walkin' back to the house at the end of the day. "Mr. Curry, when I was in prison, my goal was to try and follow the rules and get out and take care of Stephanie and Steven. That's what kept me in line."

"And why you turned down the Red Sash Gang's pressure to join with them?"

"One of the reasons."

The Red Sash Gang never came up in conversation again until three weeks later.

ASJ*****ASJ

This was the kind of day I fantasized about when I was in prison. The sky was blue and the air smelled sweet after the rain. Joy had given me a sticky kiss goodbye with jam on her lips and Ruth Ann has learned to say 'papa' as she signs it. It's not real clear but it brings joy to my heart every time. The mornin' was not rushed. Juan drove Sam, Michael, and Martha to school and they left early as everyone was ready on time and no shoes or books needed to be found. It had been a good day for my apprentice, too. He'd given Frank's horse four new shoes. He was nervous because he saw his sheriff's badge and Frank stayed to talk to me while Rocky was workin'.

"Jed, been meaning to talk to you about something. You know my brother won a seat in the Nebraska state legislature and will take office in a couple of months."

"First time votin' for me and Heyes. Felt like a privilege to vote for Fritz. Congratulate him for us, would you?"

"Sure will. He was happy to have your support at a couple of rallies. Your name got the people there to listen to his platform."

"Happy to do it."

"The City Council voted and we'd like you to take his place as the head of the Council. Before you say anything, you've earned this. You are always there to help your neighbors and of all the civic improvements we did last year, you suggested all but one. Not to mention the people respect you." Frank sounded earnest but I had to look away.

He looks at me differently because he's my friend. A nice town like Three Birds don't want someone with the reputation of the fastest gun in the west on their City Council, much less leadin' it.

"Thanks for askin', Frank, but I don't think I'm the right person for the job."

I could see his disappointment. "Well, think about it. For now, we'll ask Jeff Birde, Fritz's son, to do it on a temporary basis. Talk it over with Chrissy and Heyes and if you change your mind the position is yours."

Rocky had waited for a lull in our conversation to say, "Your horse is ready, sheriff, sir." I knew him well enough to see his fear when talkin' to a lawman. Heyes was like that when he was on parole…and he still is, but hides it better. Frank knows Rocky is on parole and my apprentice…no one except us knows the indentured part.

"Well, thank you. Let me see what kind of a job you did. Frank's voice was friendly, but still Rocky flashed me a fearful glance. Frank inspected each new shoe in silence. I knew Rocky's work by now and it's very good so I wasn't worried, but I could tell he was.

Frank handed me the money due. "Excellent work. Jed, you found yourself a good apprentice. Soon he'll be as good as you." He looked at Rocky. "There's a little extra in what I gave Jed…that's a tip for you."

Rocky didn't take his eyes off Frank until he turned onto the main road.

HEYES

I saw Rocky staring down to the main road when I rode up to the shop in the wagon with Juan, Ken, and Arnie. I followed where he was looking and saw Sheriff Birde turn onto the main road. I know he's a friend of the Kid's, but I'm not comfortable around him. And I'm sure Rocky isn't either.

Today we are mapping out where Ken wants his Boot and Shoe Emporium. Mary came up with that name and he enjoys saying it. It'll be across Curry Road from the blacksmith shop and positioned so that it avoids the smoke from the forge. And Chrissy has it in her head that we should plant trees along the street. The Kid can't say no to her and he had Jeff get a seed catalog that also sells small trees. Chrissy must know that catalog by heart by now it's never far from her.

Finally, we had laid out the wood where we wanted it. We had a main room and a back room, much like the blacksmith shop. I heard someone yelling and saw Auntie trying to run toward us with her cane in one hand and waving her dishtowel to get our attention in the other.

"Something's wrong," I said to the wind, as everyone ran towards Auntie. Stopping, she put her hand on her back and tried to catch her breath.

Rocky got there first and Auntie grabbed his arm to steady herself. She took a deep breath, saying, "Mary's in labor. Wants to have her baby at home."

Standing in the middle of the road, Ken, our fearless ex-US Marshal stood motionless, in shock.

The Kid took charge. "Heyes, drive Auntie and Ken to the house and get Mary. Then take them all to Ken's house. Arnie, ride and bring Dr. Aiden to Ken's house quickly. Juan, tell Chrissy what's happenin'. Joy and Ruth Ann should be takin' their naps. Let them sleep. Do you think you can pick up the twins later?" We all did as he asked. Nobody questions the Kid; everyone trusts him.

JED 'KID' CURRY

After five minutes of intense activity, me and Rocky went back to work, or tried to. My mind was not on my work; it was on Mary and Ken Josephs. After almost an hour, I called it quits. As usual at the end of workday, Rocky dumped the forge flushin' water and took the two buckets down to the stream for fresh water. I was closin' the shop and busy tryin' to find all the receipts in my pockets and on my worktable to give to Heyes. I won't allow Chrissy to come back here until after the babies come because of what Aiden told us about the black dust, so keepin' track of the receipts falls to me. And I ain't doing a very good job of it. My mind was on Mary Josephs. Aiden should be there soon if he left as soon as Arnie got there.

But I realized that Rocky had been gone too long. I trust him not to run away, but I also worry about him. He's not used to livin' on a ranch...and I'd seen some rattlers lately. I looked out the backdoor and my heart went to my throat. I grabbed my gunbelt and put it on while marchin' carefully toward the stream. I stopped when I heard Rocky and deep unfamiliar voices.

"Don't want to join up with you, sir. Told you that in prison and I'm telling you now." Rocky's voice was low with a shake in it.

"Now who ever told you you have a choice?" growled whoever he was talkin' to.

"I can't leave. I'm indentured here," Rocky argued. I heard his fear and so did whoever he was talkin' to.

"Boy, you're goin' to walk out of here with us and never look back."

"No, sir"

I took a deep breath. I'd heard the word 'us' so I didn't know how many I was up against. But I do know this trail to the stream well…includin' places to hide without bein' seen. Quietly, I positioned myself behind the men. Rocky had his back to the stream as three men advanced on him. They were older and hardened.

Rocky put his hands in the air. "Don't want to fight, but I will to stay here. Don't want to end up back in prison."

"We don't plan on that either. Your pa ran with us. Talked about his son. We plan on you followin' in his footsteps."

Rocky took a step back from the men. "Sure don't want to be anything like him."

I repositioned myself so I could see the gun hand of each of the men clearly. I haven't done this in a long time, but my body knew what to do. An alert calm dominated my thoughts. I straightened into my gunfighter's stance. My heartbeat slowed and my concentration focused.

I fired my gun into the air. "Leave him alone! Get off my property." I ordered, stepping out where they could see. If this was Heyes I was savin', he would know to run and hide as soon as I had the men's attention diverted. But Rocky isn't Heyes and just like his harassers he looked at me. Which put him in one of my potential lines of fire. I'm not about to let these men take Rocky.