WINTER'S REFUGE

by Kattayl

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

122. Winter's Refuge Chapter 122

Winter's Refuge

Chapter One Hundred Twenty-Two

LOM

Felt good. Proved I was still of value to Porterville today. The boy was right; there was a troublemaker in the saloon. And I knew him - Blizzard Lee. He's a little over six feet and three feet wide. Got his nickname for walking three miles home through a blizzard when he was a teenager to save a calf. But now his reputation was as a gun for hire.

Before I left my cabin, I had a cup of coffee. I added a few drops of whiskey but just a few. I've kept my gun clean and loaded…something I learned from the Kid. It was waiting for me, hanging by the front door.

"Good to see you, Sheriff." The telegraph operator stepped out of his storefront. "Ain't been no trouble yet, but there's a man come to town that looks mean."

"Thanks for sending the boy, Roy. I'm going to check it out now."

Approaching from the same side of the street, I stopped and listened. Heard raised voices coming from inside yelling about poker and cheating… I should have known. I stepped just inside the batwing doors and took a stance resembling the Kid's gunfighter's posture. Except I can't calm myself like he does…or like I used to do. Looking around the room, I nodded to the bartender.

"Good to see you, Sheriff," he said. At his words, the poker table became quiet and all eyes looked to me. I turned slightly so I faced them. They were all good citizens of Porterville except Hauser Sletten, the writer of dime novels about Curry, and Blizzard Lee, the man causing the trouble.

Blizzard, who had his back to the wall, pushed his chair back and stood up. "Sheriff Trevors, didn't know this was your town. These gentlemen seem to think I'm cheating." He flipped the safety loop off his sidearm. I did the same. But I haven't fired my gun in months…not since Susan died. My nerves are not steady anymore. I need to use my brain, not my gun. I need to be more of a Heyes than a Kid Curry.

"Blizzard, why don't we settle this outside?"

He looked around the table. "Someone put all the money in that pot in my hat. I'll be back to get it in less than five minutes." He gave a low growl from his throat. "Every cent better be there."

"Yes, sir, Mr. Blizzard," the dealer said, scooping up the coins and bills into the black hat.

I took a step back and let Blizzard head towards the door first. With a glare at me, he led the way. As soon as his back was turned, I took my gun and hit him as hard as I could on the back of his head. When he didn't fall immediately, I hit him again.

Loudly, I announced, "No need for anyone to die here today. You men, carry him over to the jail. Bring his hat but keep your money."

By the time the Bickford boys returned from their posse later that day, I had found three separate wanted posters on Blizzard Lee and had sent for US Marshals to come pick him up. Felt good to have the respect of this town again.

And that was the day that Dr. Aiden Arden arrived for his visit. He found me in the saloon where I had gone for a celebratory drink after I was off duty.

"Oh, Sheriff Trevors, Lom, I was looking for you," Arden said. "Just wanted to say hi for now. Seems I have four appointments scheduled today before I can come by your house and examine Wayne. How's he doing?"

I smiled at the mention of the one positive thing in my life. "Good. He's good."

"Looking forward to seeing him and visiting with you." He looked at his watch. "Should be there in about three hours. You be finished with work by then?"

"Already done for the day. See you then."

And I turned back to the bar where every man who had been in that poker game insisted on buying me drinks. And I deserved every one. Three hours later, when Arden came to find me, I was still there but no longer standing. Seated at a table, the men around me were reminding me, and each other, of my deeds yesterday.

"Sheriff?" The doctor was standing next to my chair. "Went by your house and you weren't there. Had a long chat with Miss Phyllis while I examined Wayne. By the way, he's perfect." I looked at him through blurry eyes, but I earned every drink today. "I think it's time to go home, Lom," Aiden said, softly putting his hand on my arm.

"Join us, Doc," I remember saying before I didn't remember anything else.

ASJ*****ASJ

Aiden was sitting next to my bed when I woke up…my bed, our bed, me and Susan's bed. "Bet you have a hell of a headache," he said in a loud voice. "Drink this and sleep more. Then, we have to talk."

It tasted terrible. I tried to sit up through the haze in my head. "Don't want to sleep here. Susan's not here." The medicine took over and forced my eyes closed…and the nightmare dreams of Susan's death returned.

JED 'KID' CURRY

I couldn't have stopped Chrissy from goin' to visit Matt. But I should have tried. It was too much for her. She's exhausted physically and emotionally. And I'm worried about our baby. I tried to be her strong protector against the horrors of that prison, but she can read me well. She could see my darkest fears in my eyes even through my smiles. I was glad we had ridden to Bridgeport in the wagon. On the way home, she alternated between sleepin', leanin' against my shoulder, and stoppin' for mornin' sickness.

She was sleepin' when we got home Juan had seen us comin' and opened the gate so I could drive right up to the house. I was able to get down and slide Chrissy into my arms without her wakin' completely. She cuddled into me as I carried her into the house and up the stairs to our bedroom. Angie followed me and went around me to turn down the bed covers. I gently laid my wife in our bed. She opened her unbelievably green eyes and smiled at me. "Jed very strong again," she mumbled, runnin' her hand over my check before she fell back asleep. Angie put a chamber pot where it could be reached easily.

"Jed, I'll sit with her. Go downstairs. The family's been waiting to hear news of Matt."

"No, I'll…"

"Let me do this, Jed. Chrissy has done so much for me," Angie said sincerely. "Your kids are worried about her right now. They need their pa."

At moments like this, I wish my pa was still around or I had been older when he died. But I do have memories of his strong hugs. His deep voice was reassurin' of his love even when I was bein' punished. He'd show me a way to do better and I always knew I was loved. As I walked down the stairs, I found I needed my kids as much as they needed me. Martha and Michael were at the kitchen table doin' homework with Heyes helpin' them…when did they grow so tall? Joy was playin' with blocks on the livin' room floor and Ruth Ellen, sittin' on the floor, was starin' at her sister with intent interest and a block in her hand.

I swept the baby up in one hand and Joy in the other. "Michael, Martha come here," I said as I sat on the couch. "Time for a family hug." The twins ran over, and I reached out so I was holdin' all of them in my arms. I wish I could keep them safe like this forever. But I know I can't. Grinnin', I started to tickle Martha, then Michael. While they were squealin' and laughin', I changed my targets to my two youngest daughters. Soon little hands were ticklin' me back. It feels good to laugh with abandon. "Enough. Enough," I finally gasped while laughin'. Heyes knows I've been ticklish since I was little. Now he knows I still am. Although not everywhere…when my kid's hands touched scars it didn't tickle, some hurt, and some are still sensitive. But I laughed loudly anyway.

"Mama?" Joy asked when we quieted down.

"Yeah, Pa, how's Ma?" Martha's eyes turned from laughter to concern.

I looked into our collection of blue- and green-eyed children and thought about Matt's question. Yes, some of our kids have Chrissy's mountain green eyes. "Ma's fine, just tired. It was a long trip to see Uncle Matt." They know we go to visit him but don't know where he is yet. Family history can wait until they're a bit older. I looked at my two oldest, they would understand what I have to tell them. And this would be news to Auntie and Heyes listenin' from the kitchen. "You're gonna have another brother or sister."

"I hope I get a brother," Michael sighed.

Smilin', I pulled him in for another hug. "You never know until they come. Hard havin' three sisters, is it?"

"Nah, kinda special being the only brother."

HEYES

I watched the Kid with his kids. He's so good with them, always makes each one feel special. I was surprised when he told them about another baby coming. But Angie must have known the way she'd been fussing that the trip was too much for Chrissy. Auntie didn't look surprised either, just gave me a wink. Well Gramma Curry always said, "An Irish house has expandable walls." That's been true with us. My bedroom has become a hall into the Heyes' expansion of the house. We've got three bedrooms, a little sitting room that I intend to make into a library and our own water closet. No need for a kitchen as everyone here eats together at the big kitchen table that Kid and Juan extended last year. Still, we spend most of our time here in the main kitchen and living room.

LOM

It was dark when I woke again, and I was alone. Not alone, Susan's ghost is in this house. Or maybe it's the visions of what could have been…what should have been. The lamp was on low and I sat up trying to clear my head.

"Ah, you're awake. This good boy wants to see his pa." Aiden carried Wayne in and supported him with pillows, so he sat next to me. He smiled and reached for me. There's nothing better than his hugs and smiles. He's a happy child. Susan was always happy and optimistic.

But Aiden looked very serious. "Lom, I'm disappointed in what you've been doing to yourself," he started.

"Did you hear how I captured Blizzard Lee today? He was wanted for robbery and murder in three states," I bragged.

"Yes, and I'm sad to learn that you and whiskey have become inseparable."

"Need it to forget what happened."

"And you're not living here in your house with your son. You only see him for a short time each day."

"Selling it. Too many memories here."

"Lom, you need to stop drinking and take responsibility for your son and yourself."

"Don't need to work. Have plenty of money…Porter money, but it's mine now. Rather have Susan than all her money." This was giving me a headache. "Aiden, you just don't understand."

Sadness filled his face, his eyes, his manner. "Ah, but I do, Lom. I do."

"You haven't lost the love of your life; how could you know?"

"I have, Lom. I wish I hadn't, but I lost my first wife. I loved her dearly. While I was out trying to heal others, she died of the fever."

My eyes opened wide. I tried to decide if he was telling the truth or just trying to get me to think he understands.

"Instead of drink, I buried myself in my work, my patients. I took on the extra position at the prison. I closed every room in my house but the kitchen and the living room. It reminded me of her so much it hurt." I could see he was remembering as he spoke. Maybe he understands a little of what I'm feeling. "We wanted them, but we never had children. Do you know how blessed you are to have Wayne, a piece of Susan?"

I just looked at him amazed. He never speaks of his private life.

"I shut myself off emotionally from my patients even, but there was something about one prisoner that got through my emotional wall, Heyes. I felt I could help him…and when I met Jed, I made my first friend since we came west. Oliver lives in that house in Cheyenne now and it's a bright, open place to visit. And I met Denise. God has blessed me with two good women."

A thought occurred to me. "Doc, I got to do something for a friend, Preacher. Need to visit him in prison next month."

"I've heard Jed and Heyes talk about a Preacher in the Devil's Hole Gang. Is that him? He's incarcerated?" Aiden asked, and then…I remembered I wasn't supposed to tell anyone.

"In Yuma. Doesn't want any of his old friends to know. My fault, I told him to hide in Arizona. Gotta visit him next month. Would you come with me?"

"Sorry, Lom. I would but I can't leave Denise. She'll have the baby next month and I have to be with her in Three Birds."

I guess I must have looked panicked because he put his hand on my shoulder before suggesting, "Heyes' wife is with child and having a rough time. How about you ask Jed?"

I thought about the last time I was in Yuma. I went to get the Kid out of the prison's railroad construction camp. "Not sure he'll want to go back there. That's where he served his time."

"How about I ask him for you? Now, what do we need to do to get you to stop drinking?"

"I can stop drinking anytime I want," I said defiantly.

"Then do it."

"I need it for a while longer to get me through this sadness. But I promise, I won't drink as much."

"Heard a lot of people say that, Lom. Not sure I believe that you'll ever quit. Makes me sorry for Wayne, not being raised by his pa."

HEYES

Me and the Kid haven't had time to discuss how he feels since he and Chrissy returned from the prison. He's thrown himself into everything, but Chrissy is his top priority. He's worried that she's so very tired…he even sent for Dr. Arden. I've been debating whether I should tell the doctor about the Kid's confession to me. He knows about things like feelings. I'm sure he could help him, but I decided against it. What me and the Kid talk about has always been just between us and this will stay that way, too.

My cousin gets up early and practices his shooting and fast draw more earnestly than ever now as if his life depends on it. It just might. There's one more paid gunman out there. Without telling the Kid, I hired the Bannerman Detective Agency, asking specifically for Henry Briscoe, to try and discover who this last paid killer might be. So far, he's found nothing. My hope is that the gunman, knowing the man who hired him is dead, just forgot about the job.

Sometimes I join his sunrise practice. Ken is always there, too. I just work on accuracy and the Kid watches me and offers suggestions.

I enjoy the family breakfast that follows. Juan usually meets us as we go into a noisy kitchen. Chrissy insists on giving thanks for the meal and we all start eating and talking. Sam's excitement for the law brings interesting stories. Michael, Martha, and Joy all have smiles and hugs. Auntie sings old fashioned songs that we all are learning. And I've discovered that my wife possesses a beautiful singing voice. Juan and Arnie list what needs to be done that day on the ranch. If needed, I update our finances and Chrissy gives news of the breeding business. Ken and Winny usually just eat and listen. Now there's also an update on how our members with child are feeling. And the Kid sits at the head of the table, listens and smiles. There is no doubt everyone there sees him as the indispensable head of our household…our rock. Well, everyone except the Kid himself. I'm making it my mission to change that.

I thought I was making at least some progress but not enough. Chrissy found me in my makeshift office today.

"Heyes, are you busy?" she asked, knocking on the open door but not entering.

I was busy trying to figure out the receipts from the blacksmith shop yesterday. They were scattered all over the desk. Kid does excellent work but doesn't pay attention to the business side. But talking with a calm Chrissy is always a pleasure.

"Yes but looking for an interruption. Come. Sit."

"Need you to talk to Jed." Her words made it sound important but not urgent.

"No secrets this time?"

She laughed lightly but looked sad.

"He didn't say anything, but I think he figured out why you didn't want me to tell him. Mind telling me?" I asked.

Looking at my desk, I could tell she was 'thinking'. When she looked at me again, she said, "Jed's receipts? I'll help."

And I knew she wasn't going to reveal anything to me.

After ten minutes, she shook her head over the messy papers spread out. She studied me for a moment and said what she came to tell me. "Jed no drive us to church on Sunday."

"Well, Auntie can drive or I'll drive you," I said with a smile.

"No, he WON'T drive us to church. Says he's not fit to go to God's house."

"The Kid's going through a hard time and thinks he's not healing fast enough. Give him time and he'll go to church with you again."

She 'thought' for a brief moment. "Heyes tell Jed I worried and we talked about it. No more secrets. Jed needs my help. Me and Ruth Anne will go to blacksmith shop with him starting tomorrow morning like I used to. I'll get the receipts you need."

JED 'KID' CURRY

After breakfast, Sam's been drivin' the twins to school when he works for Mr. Kolmand. He's found his passion. All he can talk about is the law cases that Mr. Kolmand is working on and the latest Kid Curry dime novel he's read. Despite his promise, Hauser Sletten keeps writin' them and Sam, and a lot of other people, keep readin' them.

I was surprised today. Chrissy and Ruth Anne walked down to the blacksmith shop with me. I blocked off a corner of the back room with boards to make our baby a play space and Chrissy covered the floor with a quilt. Then we got to work. This baby is quieter than our others and studies things around her. Chrissy checked in the horses that needed shoes and listened while I took in the other work, somehow writin' it all down with the charge. When I fired up the forge, I closed the door to the back room so it stayed cooler and soot free. With her help, what would have taken me over an hour with incomplete records was done efficiently in half the time. Havin' someone down here with me makes me work harder, faster, better.

When Heyes brought lemonade and Joy down midmornin', I stopped work and joined them for a glass but didn't touch them. I'm covered in the black dirt and don't want it to touch my family...just like I don't want my past to touch them. Me and Chrissy talked last night, and we need tell the twins soon about our past lives. Martha got ahold of one of Sam' dime novels and read it…and is askin' questions about the Devil's Hole Gang and me and Heyes. We'll do it this weekend and Heyes said he'll be with us. I don't look forward to burstin' their ideas of their pa as a hero. They'll know he was an outlaw and a convict. We're gonna try and not tell them about Chrissy bein' in prison. So, I'm gonna enjoy these last few days until Saturday while my kids think I'm a good man and am their hero.

HEYES

Dr. Arden and Miss Denise came out to Phoenix today to check out all our beautiful soon-to-be mothers and visit. Society rules would say that Miss Denise shouldn't be seen in public in her condition. She is very happily with child and about a month away from delivering. And she doesn't let society's rules dictate her actions. Arden stopped the wagon outside the blacksmith shop. The Kid had his back turned, concentrating on the hot forge, so the doctor wandered across the road and looked at the beginnings of Ken's boot and shoe store. His wife stayed in the wagon.

Hearing the wagon, Chrissy opened the door from the back room into the forge.

"Hello, Doctor. Is Denise with..."

"Close that door! Close it now!" Arden screamed. I quickly left through the back door and hurried around to the front.

Jerking around to see the doctor, the Kid lost his grip on the iron he was heating, and the hot metal hit his arm above his glove. "Ow!"

Ignoring the pain, the Kid asked, "Aiden what's wrong?"

Chrissy opened the door and peeked into the forge.

"Papa?" Joy said from next to her.

"Close that door and keep it closed!" Arden ordered.

"Doctor, what…?" Cradling his arm, the Kid looked from the doctor to me and back again.

"Jed, what were you thinking having your wife with child and your little girls near all that black soot from the forge? Closing that door only helps a little. It can get in their young lungs. I'm sure it's in yours but theirs are trying to grow."

The Kid looked shocked. "I didn't mean to hurt them…I would never hurt them." He moved his burnt left arm awkwardly.

I needed to say something. "It was my idea, Doctor. I didn't think about the soot making them cough." But I thought of the days Angie had slept back there while the Kid worked.

Chrissy joined us, the babies trailed behind her. "Chrissy's idea not Heyes not Jed," she announced firmly, stamping her foot.

Dr Arden looked at each of us. "I'm sorry I got so upset. I overreacted because you're pregnant. I worry about everything. Can we go to the house, and I'll start my examinations. Jed, you and that arm are my first patient."

The Kid looked at the burn on his arm like he'd never seen or felt it. "Let me see what I can salvage here and then I'll be on up. Chrissy, I didn't think that this might be bad for you or our babies. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Chrissy went over and hugged him soot and all and I could hear her whisper in his ear. "Not Jed's fault. All my idea. We all will be fine." As she stepped back, she added, "Wear bandana over face like used to," she directed firmly.

JED 'KID' CURRY

How could I be so stupid to let my daughters and Chrissy get near all this filth? And Angie had rested in that room for two weeks. I found the smelted metal I had dropped and prepared it to be reforged later before closing up for the day. I need to talk to Aiden about Chrissy. I should have stopped her from goin' to Matt. And now I find it's not healthy for her to be in the shop. I'm worried about her pregnancy.

I washed in the stream before I went into the house and scrubbed myself raw to remove all the black dust attached to my body. Chrissy saw me from the house and brought towels, clean long johns, and jeans. She sat on the rock…I backed up to her and she washed my hair from behind. Her fingers lingered on the scars on the back of my head and my temple, but she didn't say anything. She held the towel up so you couldn't see me from the house although the trees hid us anyway. She waited until I was dry and had my long johns on before speaking.

"Doctor examined Joy. She's fine, healthy. No black in her nose or her mouth."

I hugged her close. "And you?"

"Angie now. Chrissy later," she said, cuddlin' closer into my arms.

"I'm sorry," I apologized again.

This time she looked into my eyes and shook her head. "Chrissy's idea help Jed. Like to work with you."

"And I like you near, but we need to take care of this baby." We were alone so I laid my hand on her belly.

"CHRISSY!" Auntie's voice called from the house.

"Let's go," I said.

She giggled and made me smile when she said, "Chrissy go now. Jed put on jeans then come."

HEYES

I was relieved when Dr. Arden carried Joy out of his makeshift office in our spare bedroom and declared her healthy. He's good with kids. He handed Joy to me, and she spontaneously kissed me on the check and hugged my neck. "Unc Hey, fly Joy."

Putting my hands on her waist I turned her face down and lifted her up. "Put your hands out," I told her, but they were already there. I flew her around the kitchen and ended up on the couch in the living room.

"More, Unc, more!"

"I think that's enough, sweetie." I settled her among the toys strewn on the floor there. How did we, Heyes and Curry, two notorious outlaw leaders, come to lead a life with blocks, dolls, and books on the living room floor? Luck and the Kid's strength and perseverance. I'm still working on making him believe in his self-worth.

Then, I started pacing, worried about Angie and our child. I'm not optimistic, that's always been the Kid's personality. I think about everything that can go wrong. That made my plans for bank and train robberies very successful but now it makes me nervous…and scared. I'm afraid that all the good things I have will be taken away like that day in Kansas when our families were killed.

She's been in there a long time. What could be taking so long? Did sleeping in the back of the blacksmith shop harm her like Dr. Arden was talking about? Or our baby?

Auntie caught my arm and handed me a glass of lemonade. "Heyes, sit, drink. You aren't going to make it go any faster."

I kissed her quickly on the cheek and took the glass. "Sorry, need to pace. Helps me think."

"Or worry," the Kid's tone meant it wasn't the time to argue. "You're gonna dig a hole into the floor with all that pacin'."

Chrissy giggled.

Dr. Arden stuck his head out the door. "Heyes, will you join us? And Miss Angie asked for Chrissy and Jed to come in, too."

"Angie want us?" Chrissy asked.

He opened the door wider and waved us in. Angie was sitting on the bed but didn't look me in the eyes. What did that mean? Something was wrong? Miss Denise was in the chair by the window. I went and sat on the bed next to Angie and took her hand. The Kid stood next to me, his hand around Chrissy's waist.

I needed to ask questions, but they circled my mind, and I couldn't get them out. Angie squeezed my hand.

With a look at me, the Kid started asking my questions. "Aiden, why did you call us all in here. How's Angie? And the baby?"

"The good news is that both Miss Angie and the baby are healthy. But her heart rate is still elevated and her pulse is fast. Her ankles are swollen which means she's holding water in her body."

"But you said she's healthy?" the Kid asked, knowing what I'm thinking.

With his start, I can take over from him now. "I thought her heart rate went back to normal. Is this because she sleeps in the back room of the blacksmith shop during the day sometimes?"

Arden gave my wife a questioning look. She moved so our hips and thighs were touching on the bed. I heard a mumbled, "Sorry," whispered in my ear.

I held her hand tighter saying, "So the last time you were here, you didn't tell her that her heart rate was back to normal?"

"I did not."

"And you didn't take her off bedrest?" I asked.

He looked hard at Angie. "I did not. Miss Angie, you need to follow my instructions. Even if staying in bed for the rest of your term sounds extreme, it's my job to help you have a healthy baby. Her heart rate has nothing to do with sleeping in the back room of the forge. There are probably factors we don't know about yet in medicine, but her symptoms must be addressed and that means total bed rest, good food, lots of water."

"And if she does all that, the baby will be born healthy and my wife will be fine?" That's what I really need him to say. Lom's Susan went through all our minds

Dr. Arden sighed. "I wish there was some guarantee I could give you but I can't."

I was about to object, but he kept talking. "Do these things without exception and you have the best chance for a positive outcome." He looked over at Denise sitting near the window and smiled. Then he knelt in front of Angie and studied her face.

"Mrs. Heyes," he said formally as he stood up. "You have three people here who love you. If you agree to do what I say, I'm sure they will help you every step of the way. Do you agree?"

Before Angie could answer, our three voices said in unison, "She does!"

Angie laughed and confirmed, "This time, Doctor, I really do."

JED 'KID' CURRY

"Jed, you can stay in here with your wife," Aiden told us as Heyes and Angie left. I think he handled it well, but I expect they'll have a deep conversation about her not bein' honest with him about her health.

"First, I've given your daughters thorough exams. Joy Christina is doing quite well. She's healthy and advancing her verbal and motor skills above her age expectations."

"Good." From that one word I knew Chrissy was afraid.

"And Ruth Anne?" I asked.

"Please sit." Aiden waved his hand at the bed. He pulled another chair up next to us. "Ruth Anne is very healthy," he started, then hesitated.

"But?" I asked, not knowin' if I wanted to hear the answer. Chrissy sat up straighter and held her breath.

Aiden looked down before lookin' at us. "I believe she has moderately severe hearing loss in both ears and that has delayed some of her first year development."

Chrissy grabbed my burnt arm, I let her. Even though it hurts, I need to be strong for her now. "She deaf?"

"Not completely. She has minimal hearing in one ear. When I leave today, I'm going to write to an acquaintance of mine back east. He works at the American School for the Deaf. He specializes in hearing loss in children. Kids exactly like Ruth Anne. There is a language with hand signs that exists…even for babies.

I nodded while Chrissy asked, "Ruth Anne baby. Help her now?"

"I will give you a medical journal with an article with some suggestions on how to teach babies sign language and start to verbalize. It will take work and persistence and you all must learn it too. For now, touch her, guide her when you want her to do something. DO NOT do it for her. Let her learn."

Chrissy was cryin' into my shoulder. "Poor baby."

Aiden was quick to correct her. "No. You must not think of her that way. She's healthy with an enchanting smile. If you think of her as a poor baby, she'll come to believe it. I'm convinced that she can live a full happy life. She already watches Joy carefully. Her vision is good so she can learn to read as soon as she's ready. Understand?"

Chrissy stopped cryin' and stared at somethin' over Miss Denise's head. We all knew she needed to process this. "Okay. Good. We all learn and help her."

"Now, Jed, let me see to that burn on your arm and then I'll examine Miss Chrissy."

I had forgotten the injury but when he mentioned it, it burned and throbbed, especially where Chrissy had grabbed it. I've had worse that were never doctored except for any cold water I could find in the desert. Aiden washed it carefully and thoroughly. We've learned that from him, the complete cleanin'. He spread the same cream on it, the one he used when I was burned in the mercantile fire. I recognize the smell. After bandagin' it lightly, he told me to rest it for a day or two.

"Know you mean well, Aiden, but I got work to do and this ain't gonna stop me."

"I figured as much. Chrissy, I'm leaving two jars of the burn cream here. You see he uses it three times a day," Aiden told her.

"He will. Jed go? My turn?"

HEYES

Me and Angie talked. She's worried that she's new around here and she can't contribute to the household if she's in bed. So, I had an idea. We'll set her up a bed in the living room. She can help me with the blacksmith receipts and accounting. That'll help me and she'll feel she's contributing. Not that she has to. She's part of our family. When I first got to Phoenix, wasn't much I could do. I was lost in my mind at my Solteria. The Kid made sure I felt like this was home...and we'll make sure Angie always feels that way, too.

Now it was the Kid's turn to worry. He doesn't pace like me. And I know why. He's thinking that he shouldn't have taken his wife to visit Matt, and he shouldn't have let her near the soot in his blacksmith shop. If something's wrong, he'll blame himself.

"Jed, come on in. Mary, you're next."

JED 'KID' CURRY

"Chrissy is a very healthy woman, Jed. All pregnancies are different and this time she's very tired."

Chrissy nodded. "Very tired."

"That trip to see Matt was exhausting," Aiden continued. "Oliver told me how tired she was there." He smiled at Chrissy.

"Chrissy need go to Matt."

"Yes, I know and nothing anyone said would have stopped you. You're healthy but listen to your body and sleep when you feel tired."

"Chrissy will and watch over Angie, too," she promised.

"And I'll watch over them both," I finished.

"Good. Jed, I'd like to speak to you in private for a minute." He looked at Miss Denise and Chrissy. "Why don't you two lovely ladies sit on the porch and have a talk. Don't worry, Miss Chrissy, this has nothing to do with you. Just need Jed to do me a favor."

Chrissy shot me a curious look but knew I would tell her later.

When they were gone, Aiden sat in the chair again and I was on the bed across from him. I could tell this was something that weighed heavy on his mind.

"Jed, you know what happened to Susan Trevors, don't you?"

"Yeah, broke my heart. Chrissy and Auntie cried for hours. How's Lom and his son doin'?"

"Not good. Not good at all."

"The baby's sick?" My heart sank.

"No, Wayne is a beautiful, healthy boy with Susan's eyes. But Lom has taken to the drink."

"Well, it's understandable. He just lost his wife."

"Don't make excuses. The whole damn town of Porterville feels sorry for him and makes excuses for him. Don't you do it, too," he demanded, forcefully.

Taken aback, I just said, "Alright, no excuses. Never been big on excuses myself."

He nodded. "That's true. You're quicker to blame yourself than give an excuse. I gave him a stern talking to when I was there a few days ago. He's not even living in their house. Has a nanny for Wayne and only sees him an hour or so a day. He's moved back to his cabin."

I didn't know what to say. I didn't understand why Lom wasn't with the boy as much as his job allowed. Children are precious and they were so excited to have a baby. I got lost in my thoughts until I heard Aiden repeatin', "Jed, JED!"

He got my attention. "How can I help? What do you want me to do?"

"Go there. Help him."

I nodded but I could see he wasn't finished. "You can tell all of this to your wife and Heyes. But this next, I'm asking you to keep yourself. It wasn't Lom's secret to share."

"Don't like keepin' secrets from them."

"I'll leave it up to you after you hear what I'm going to tell you. Lom asked me to go with him to visit your friend Preacher in prison. He's the only one who knows he's in there."

I took in a surprised breath. "Preacher's in prison? How did we not hear about it?"

"He only told Lom. He's been visiting him every few months. Lom asked me to go with him this time, but I don't want to leave Denise at all until the baby comes. I think he knows how the whiskey has claimed him. He says he needs it for a while longer by then it may have claimed him foreve."

"I'll go to Porterville a few days early and try to help Lom. We can take the train together up to Cheyenne when it's time to visit Preacher."

I could tell there was something else Aiden didn't want to tell me. "What was the Preacher convicted of?" I hoped it wasn't murder.

"Didn't ask. It caught me off guard. Lom's right. In his present condition, he can't go alone. But Jed, Preacher's not in prison in Wyoming; he's in Yuma, Arizona."

My stomach tightened and a tremor of fear raced through my body. I swore I'd never return to that prison. Catchin' my emotions quickly, I concentrated on takin' my them off of my face so Aiden wouldn't see them.

"Yuma it is, then. When is the visit scheduled?"