by Amy Field
THE END
Book II
The Outlaw Takes a Bride
Book Five in the Bernstein Sisters Series
Chapter 1 - Brides On The Way
The town of Livingston, Montana was bustling on Thursday morning. The mayor and his council were meeting to finalize plans for the next day’s arrival. Reverend Click had swept the chapel and was rehearsing the ceremony. Tomorrow, he
would officiate at five weddings, when the mail-order brides arrived on the train. There were five of them, from Ohio, coming to meet and marry their husbands and begin new lives in Montana.
Down Main Street, at the Salt Shaker Saloon, Jed Daniels was polishing the bar and keeping his few customers happy. The bar girls weren’t at work yet, so he kept the beer and whiskey flowing. Morgan Baxter was at the bar with some friends, celebrating his last day as a single man. His ruddy face hinted at the amount of liquor he’d been drinking.
“In twenty-four hours I’ll be walking Abigail home,” he said, downing his third shot of bourbon. “No, I meant I’ll be walking Mrs. Baxter home.” He smiled at his reflection in the large mirror, as his friends laughed and sipped their drinks.
“Not if you keep carrying on like an idiot,” said a voice from the doorway. They turned to the strange voice, and saw a man in his twenties, blonde, wearing a tied down gun belt. “I just got into town and I don’t need to hear any drunks hollering.”
Jed Daniels put down the bottle he was holding. “Mister, this is just a little wedding celebration. Morgan here is getting married tomorrow. He don’t mean no harm.”
“Right.” smiled Morgan. “Let me buy you a drink.”
“I don’t drink with small town hayseeds,” said the stranger, stepping close, his hand rested on his pistol. “Now you boys just clear out and let me drink in peace.”
“No sir,” Morgan said, his face flushing. “This is my home town and I have a right to celebrate my wedding day.”
“You either get out or they’ll carry you out,” said the stranger taking another step forward. Morgan’s friends moved away from him as he stood taller, his face flushed.
“I’m going to buy you a drink and go home,” said Morgan. But instead of reaching into his pocket, his hand went to his pistol.
The stranger was too fast. His gun was out and fired before Morgan could clear his holster. As Morgan staggered back from the bullet’s impact, the stranger shot him again. The saloon was in shocked silence as Morgan’s body fell to the floor.
“No wedding plans now,’ said the blonde stranger. “Maybe I’ll just have to take care of his new woman myself.” He started to turn, then stopped. “I’m new in town. They know me down in Wyoming. I’ve shot and killed three men down there. Just so you know, my name is Robert Bernstein. Remember that name” He backed slowly to the door, then turned and left.
“Oh my God,” said one of Morgan’s friends. “He just came in, shot Morg dead and didn’t even have a drink”
Jed Daniels, the bartender, stood staring at the door where the stranger had stood. Then he came around the bar to help with Morgan’s body. Tomorrow there was someone he needed to see.
Chapter Two- Here come the Brides
The train was on time the next day, with a crowd waiting to see the brides. As they stepped down onto the platform, they met their future husbands. They were women who wanted a fresh start and gambled everything on a new life with a new husband in Montana, far from their Ohio roots. The crowd watched as they met their men, ranchers and townsmen who were lonely and wanted families.
There was Lucy, a short, skinny woman with a pretty smile. Then Constance was introduced, a large, solid woman who would be fit for the ranch chores. Then came Jessica, a busty farm girl, and Marie, a sober-looking woman in a new frock. Finally, wearing a simple checked dress, Abigail stepped off the train. A tall, shapely young girl, she had auburn hair and green eyes. She was pale and shaken, having been told just minutes ago that her future husband was not meeting the train.
Jed Daniels sought her out and introduced himself. “There’s been talk of getting you a hotel room,” he said. “But that’s expensive and it will drain your money quickly. I have a room above the saloon that is clean and safe. You can stay there free until you decide what will come next.”
“That’s very kind, Mr. Daniels. I don’t have enough money to get back to Ohio, and I don’t want that anyway. So I accept your offer with thanks.” They all strolled over to the small church, where the brides were married. Jed introduced his wife to Abigail, and they went with her to the saloon, after the wedding, and helped her settle into her room.
As they left to go home, Jed’s wife took his arm. “You’re a kind man, Jed,” she said.” This is not the first saloon that young woman has seen. She’s one tough cookie.”
Chapter Three- The Quiet Woodsman
Early the next morning Jed mounted his horse and rode out of town. He followed the trail along the river for two miles, then cut uphill towards a large log home surrounded by a wide deck, He dismounted and started up the steps to the house, only then noticing the man watching him from the corner of the deck.
“Good morning, Jedediah,” said young man, getting to his feet. “What brings you out here so early?” He waved as Jed started to talk, and said “There’s fresh coffee inside. Come in and have some.” He led the way into the large main room, motioned Jed to a seat near the fireplace, then brought him a steaming mug of coffee.
“Thank you,” said Ben, sipping the hot coffee. “I wouldn’t have bothered you, Mr. Burns, but something bad has happened you need to know about.” Jed told Burns about the stranger in the saloon and Morgan Baxter’s shooting. He explained that he was putting the young bride up in the saloon for now.
“Are you certain,” he said. Burns was a tall man, over six feet, with dark, long hair.
“Yes sir, he certainly did.” said Jed. He stood up and swallowed the last of his coffee. “Like I said, I hate to bother you out here, but I thought you’d want to know.’
“I do,” said Burns. He shook Jed’s hand and showed him to the door. “I’m not certain what I’ll do about it,” he said. “Is the killer gone by now?”
“No sir,” said Jed. “He’s still in town and has been asking about Morgan’s bride.”
“Then there’s no time to waste,” said Burns. “Don’t mention you saw me, but I’ll be in town this afternoon.” Jed agreed and headed out for his horse. Burns watched him mount up and ride away, then sighed and opened his rifle cabinet. In the back, out of sight, was a tooled leather holster. It held two shiny Colt Dragoon revolvers. Burns slipped them out of the holster, then unloaded, cleaned and oiled each. Then he belted on the holster and reloaded each pistol.
“This makes no sense,” he said to himself. “Bernstein isn’t even my real name.” He remembered how he fallen in love with Charity when he was much younger. He had wanted to be part of Seth’s family so much that he had started calling himself Robert Bernstein, and considered himself a brother.
It had all been a fantasy; one that grew and warped as he drank and wandered the west in search of Charity. He had shot three men in fair gunfights, and after each one, he had made certain everyone heard his name. He wanted a reputation that would grow, one that might attract Charity’s attention, wherever she was. He finally found her by chance, when he heard where Seth lived. And when he saw her, his fantasy, his dream, had fallen apart. He had tried to take her by force, even taking a shot at Seth. But he had missed and hit Charity instead and fled. His life had suddenly become
pointless. He never drank again and he hung up his guns.
“It’s been awhile,” he said softly. “But now it’s time to tell the truth.”
Chapter 4- The Gunman on the Bay
In town, people looked up to see a man of about thirty riding in on a tall bay. He wore a gray shirt, black hat, and two pistols. Townspeople saw the pistols were tied down, as only gunmen dismounted, patted the bay, and strolled back to the
side door. He opened the Door and stepped into the kitchen, which was empty. The coffee was hot on the stove, so he took a mug and wore them and looked away. Some people thought he looked familiar, but they couldn’t place him. He definitely was not a regular in town, but seemed to know his way to the saloon. He filled it. Looking around, he pulled a chair back into the corner so he was facing the outside door and the one to the saloon itself. Only then did he raise the mug and sip the strong coffee.
The saloon door opened a bit, and Jed peeked in. “I figured it was you,” he said. “Here’s someone I want you to meet.” He stepped into the room, followed by a tall girl in dungarees and a gingham shirt. Her auburn hair was tied in a ponytail, but what caught the man’s immediate attention were her green intelligent eyes. She looked at his face, appraising him, then sat in the chair Jed held out for her.
“Abigail, this is the man I told you about,” said Jed. “Mr. Burns, this is Abigail Donovan. She’s in a tight spot. I told her maybe you could help.” He looked at Burns hopefully, then opened the door into the saloon. “I’ll be out here if you need anything,” Jed closed the door, and they were alone.
“Thank you for coming to meet me, Mr. Burns,” she said, her green eyes meeting his. “Everyone has been so kind to me. She looked down, and Burns caught sight of a tear on her cheek. He pulled his chair up to the table and patted her hand.
“First of all, my name is Bob,” he said. “And there’s got to be a way out of this for you.” She wiped her eyes and sat up straight.
“I grew up on a farm,” she said. “I was used to long days of chores, helping my father. “But when he died, I couldn’t keep up with everything. I tried, but the bank was pushing hard, so I sold and had a bit of cash. I’m good with horses and crops, but I don’t know much else. Pretty soon the men in town were offering me money to work in a bar, but I wouldn’t do it. I signed on to come out here to live on a ranch. But even then I’d have to marry a stranger. I just don’t know.” She gave up holding back and sobbed, holding her face in her hands.
“You’re in ranch country now,” said Burns, putting his hand gently on her back. “People here will help you get settled.”
“Coming out here took almost all of my money,” she said. “I don’t know what to do or where to go. I will not work as a bar girl here, either.”
“No decent person will allow that,” said Burns. He drained his coffee mug and caught himself staring into her green eyes again. “Don’t think of leaving just yet,” he said. “But if you want, people will pitch in to get you back to Ohio.”
“There’s nothing for me there anymore,” said Abigail. “This is where I have to live. I have to come up with a plan.” Her eyes stared at Burns, and he nodded.
“I’ll help, Abigail” he said. ”Give me a bit to see what I can come up with. Jed and his wife are good people. You’ll be safe with them.”
“Thank you Mr.,” she paused. “Thank you, Bob. I’m honored to have you as a friend.” She shook his hand as they both rose. Burns felt her soft squeeze and stared once again into her green eyes before she turned and went out into the saloon.
Chapter 5- The Man from Wyoming
The kitchen seemed empty once Abigail left the room. Burns poured himself another cup of coffee and sat down just as Jed opened the door and stepped in. He got himself a mug of coffee and joined Burns at the table.
“I have a question, Jed,” said Burns. “Why did you ride out all the way to my place with the news? Plenty of folks would have helped out.”
Jed took a sip of his coffee, looked at Burns, and shrugged. “A few years ago I was down Wyoming way. I had stopped in town and happened to witness a shooting.” He paused as Burns nodded and smiled. “Anyhow,” said Jed, “I heard later the shooter had turned himself in and spent time in jail. Then I head the woman he had wounded survived, said her shooter was drunk and upset. She refused to press charges and they released the man from jail.” Jed finished his coffee. “I saw the man who shot down Morgan, and I thought the real Robert Bernstein should know about it.”
“I guess my secret is out,” said Burns. “It was bound to happen somewhere.” He drained his coffee. ‘What you heard is all true,” he said. “Back in those days I made a lot of money with furs. I also used my pistols a lot. I shot three men who drew on me first and got to thinking I was pretty hot. Luckily, I put my money in a bank to grow and invested some in the Wyoming mines. So while I was getting rich, I went looking for my childhood girlfriend. I was drinking a lot then, and somehow I convinced myself that she would love me after all these years.”
“We all change, Mr. Burns,” said Jed.
“Well, I eventually found her,” said Burns. “She was with my old friend Seth, and I was stupid and drunk and tried to take her away by gunpoint. I ended up aiming to shoot Seth and hit her instead. I thought I killed her, and I ran away.” He shook his head slowly.
“But she survived,” said Jed. “And she wouldn’t press charge against you.”
“Which shows what a good person she was. And is. She gave me a chance to straighten out my life. I wrote her and Seth a letter. I thanked them both, said I was sorry, and that I would never bother them again. Today is the first day I’ve worn these guns since. I’ve come here to Livingston to live quietly and keep to myself. I raise some cattle and horses up on my land. And I haven’t had a drink since that horrible day. I’m a different person, Jed. And I thank you for keeping quiet about who I am. You’re a good man.”
“I will always do what I can,” said Jed. He stood up and reached across the table to shake the other man’s hand, their eyes meeting. “But what are we going to do about the young lady? She has no money, and that man who pretends to be you wants to take her away. She is in a bad position.”
“I have to meet this killer and clear a few things up,” said Burns. “Leave him to me. We can all work on a way to help Abigail after he’s out of the way.”
“You shouldn’t have to take on that young man yourself,” said Jed. “We can get a group together.”
“This is personal,” said Burns. “He used my name in a killing. Besides, I have a little experience facing fast guns.” He smiled. “I’ll put my horse away and sit in here for a bit. We’ll see what comes up.”
When Jed went out into the saloon, Burns went out the side door. He untied his horse, mounted up, and rode down the main street. Then he turned down an alley and rode slowly to the livery stable. He paid to have his horse fed and watered, then left quietly. He walked further down the alley, then tuned into the narrow space beside the saloon. The kitchen door was still unlocked. Burns went in. The coffee was cold, so he threw some sticks into the stove and blew on them until the fire was burning again. While it heated the stove top, Burns used the hand pump to fill the coffee pot, then poured in coffee ground, put the pot on the stove, and let it start to work.
Burns took out his guns and put them on the table, even though he had cleaned them that morning. His life would depend on them being ready and loaded. As he checked the big 44 caliber bullets, his thoughts went to Abigail. She was a strong and brave young lady who was stuck in a tight situation. No man would take her away if he could prevent it. He remembered when he had tried taking a woman and shook his head. It would not happen. And then, he pictured Abigail’s green eyes and smiled. They were worth fighting for. He buckled on his holster and then slid the pistols in. Now he was ready.
Chapter 6- The Desperate Abigail
Abigail left the kitchen and stepped out of the saloon to enjoy the fresh air. She almost bumped into Jessica, one of the brides.
“I was just coming to see you,” said Jessica. “Let’s sit and talk.” She nodded at two of the wooden chairs on the boardwalk outside the saloon. They went over and sat down.
“How is married life?” asked Abigail, noting Jessica’s glowing face.
“It’s everything I dreamed of,” said Jessica. “Back home, every fella I had dinner with or met at a dance kept staring at my bust. Th
ey were polite and fun, but I knew as soon as we were alone I’d be pawed. But this is so different. Delbert is gentle and polite, almost like he is a schoolboy. He’s been so lonely that he almost worships me and waits on me hand and foot.
“I’m so happy for you,” said Abigail, squeezing Jessica’s hand.
“I came here to tell you to be patient,” said Jessica. “Two of the men have brothers who are single. We’ll find you a husband.”
“No,” said Abigail. “The whole plan was wrong for me. I had to escape Ohio to
keep my virtue intact, but I was still selling my body.”
“Everyone who gets married does,” said Jessica. “But it’s not selling your body. It’s sharing yourself as part of love.”
“But no one loves me,” said Abigail. “People are nice and helpful, like Jed and his wife. But no one has taken a chance or risked anything for me. No one has shown any sign of love.”
“You’ve only been here a day,” said Jessica, “Give it a chance, Abigail.”.
“I want to,” said Abigail. ”But I don’t know what could happen.” She stood up and hugged Jessica.” Thank you, Jessica. But I don’t know if there’s any way out.” She turned and walked into the saloon, then felt guilty about leaving Jessica abruptly. She turned and stepped to the door, almost bumping into the blonde killer.
Chapter 7- Abigail’s Ultimatum
“Just who I was looking for,” he said, looking her up and down. ’I stopped in to buy you a drink, pretty lady.” He stepped into the saloon, blocking the door.
“No thank you,” she said. “I was just leaving.”
“That’s not being polite,” said the killer. He took her arm and pushed her to a table, forcing her down into a chair. “When a man offers you a drink, you accept.” He waved at Jed and ordered a bottle.
