The older man nods and waves John on.
As John approaches the slow moving wagon, Sean waves to him. Sean brings the wagon to a stop just in front of John and says, “Hi, Marshal. I had quite tha trip ou’ here. Nice ‘n quiet. Peaceful-like.”
“I’m really glad to hear that. Did the guys at the general store give you any trouble?”
“Nah. Not like ‘em ta t’hrow a fit over so little stuff or not’hin’. I do have somet’in’ fer ya t’ho.” He reaches inside his vest and pulls out a pair of new silver badges. “I was tole by Lyttle ta give t’hese ta ya. Somt’hin’ abou’ it bein’ official now.”
John takes the badges in his hand and carefully examines them. Pure silver, shaped in the form of a six pointed star. John’s has Marshal Denver, I.T. stamped on it. Red-Feather’s has Deputy Marshal Denver, I.T. John is impressed that Lyttle was able to get these badges commissioned on such short notice.
He swaps out his old badge for the new one, straightens his vest and looks at Sean once again. “Thanks for bringing these out to us. I think I’m gonna have you unload this stuff in the back of the hotel, there.” He points to the hotel. “I can move the guns and ammo to the Marshal’s office later.”
Sean nods in acceptance and moves the wagon further down the street, swinging it around the back of the hotel.
John crosses the street and goes to the back door of the hotel to meet him. As John approaches the back door, he sees Rebekah and David both by it. John smiles at the sight of his young friend with his arm around Rebekah’s waist. Since his return, during his waking hours, David hasn’t remained more than a few feet away from the beautiful young woman.
He approaches the young couple and says, “Guess you heard him coming in, then?”
David nods.
Rebekah shakes her head and says, “I saw the two of you talking in the street. I was curious what was going on.”
Just then, Sean pulls in to place just in front of the door for the supplies to be unloaded.
John motions to Sean. “Miss Rebekah, this is Sean Mallory. He’s part owner of the Emerald Fields hotel in Norman. Sean, this is Miss Rebekah Morris, owner of the Denver Outlook hotel, and beloved of the young Doc Bakker, here.”
Sean jumps out of the wagon to stand in front of the young couple. He tips his hat to Rebekah, then offers his hand to her. “’Ello, Ma’am. Pleased ta make yer acquaintance. I’ve heard a lot abou’ ya from Doc Bakker. He tolt me ya were beautiful, but not t’his stunnin’.”
Rebekah blushes at the comment.
David laughs at the statement. “Flatterer.” He offers his young friend his hand. “Hiya, Sean, didja have any trouble on the way in?”
“None wha’ever. How did yer visit ta White go?”
“It didn’t go well at all. Wanna stay the night? It’s late enough, we can unload, eat, and talk. You can get an early start tomorrow, if you want.”
“’Twould love ta, but I cannae linger. Mam an’ Da need me back as soon as I kin,” Sean replies with regret evident in his voice.
David nods and whispers to Rebekah, who then nods in return. He looks back at Sean and says, “At least I hope you’ll stay long enough for a bite to eat then.”
“’Twould be rude of my not ta.” Sean’s grin is wide.
David motions Sean and Rebekah inside. He and John work at unloading the wagon. Between the two of them, it takes only a few minutes to empty the wagon of everything but the blankets that were being used to cushion the mini kegs of Guinness.
Just as they are finishing with moving things into the storage room, Rebekah comes in, wiping her hands on her apron. “If you boys are ready to wash up, the food’s ready.”
After a quick glance at each other, the two men rush over to the washbasin and clean up for their food. Having enjoyed a leisurely meal, the three men relax at the table, lingering over their drinks. They discuss their plans for the lumber, Sean offering some ideas neither men considered. They have Rebekah bring some paper and a pencil, then get to work on their designs.
Not half an hour later, a working design for David’s practice is in place and they are working on the fine details for the upgrades to the Marshal’s office. They have made so much progress in such little time, John is a little apprehensive they may be moving too quickly on this.
When they get done, it is mid-to-late afternoon. Sean begs off staying the night once again, insistent he has to head home. John, David and Rebekah see him off.
John looks over at the young couple. As they watch their friend riding off into the distance, John is once again surprised at how quickly the people currently in his life are becoming deeply entrenched into his thinking. He finds himself looking forward to being able to go back to Norman, the next chance he gets. That desire, however, is tempered by the fact that he is having to go there in three months, to defend his actions.
John follows his two young friends inside, looking forward to what lies ahead.
Chapter 55
The last month and a half are the same routine. Up early, filling breakfast, work sunup to full dark with small breaks for food and to relieve oneself, back to the hotel to take final meal, then bed.
In John’s case, bed means a return of the nightmares. He is drenched in sweat as he lifts yet another board into place, allowing David to nail it into place.
Today they are figuring they will complete David’s practice. Just a few more boards and the sign. Red-Feather and Quan have been working to build some furniture.
John has learned the value of the Chinaman’s experience in carpentry and woodworking. Without the little oriental man’s help, things would not be half as far along as they are. John has gained enough appreciation, he is considering offering the small oriental man a shop of his own, to start his own woodworking business.
It was last week, when the Lion’s Law sold their building to the Lings and moved to Norman. Quan is allowing David to continue storing his equipment in the building, until his practice is built, for free.
Ling We talked to Josiah and John about getting some wood put together for some furniture for their restaurant. Once they were able to get some small amount of wood, Red-Feather and Quan went to work on building the furniture. Heart-of-Falcon, Ling-We, and Rebekah went to work on gathering some cloth for drapes and table cloths.
John loses himself in his musing as he remembers how Heart-of-Falcon went to White to try and buy some from the Buchanan’s store, but was turned away for being an Indian. John had to restrain Red-Feather from seeking reprisal when he found out.
Heart-of-Falcon asked John if he’d had a weird feeling about Richard as well. She said being around the young man felt like one was treading on the grave of a demon that wasn’t quite dead yet.
John agreed and Rebekah shuddered. She said that the short amount of time she and David spent in White, well, that was long enough exposure for a lifetime. Rebekah kept rubbing her arms, as if unable to control the shivering.
John looked at the young woman, fighting off the desire to wrap her in his arms. Rebekah continued to shiver for several minutes, until David walked in, put his arms around her and whispered something to her as she bowed her head. John wasn’t sure what was whispered, but had a few ideas.
David’s sharp comment to John brings him back to reality, making him realize that he was allowing the board he is holding to drop down.
An hour later, after John and David finish placing the final boards and the sign out front, they are resting for several minutes, drinking some water.
A rider making their way into Denver from the east, grabs their attention.
Junior Johnston is riding slowly, as if every single movement causes grievous pain.
John watches as he slowly rides one of Red-Feather’s paints into town. He feels sorry for the young man. His mother is still catatonic; he’s lost his father; his sister, as capable as she is, is still young. Junior was trained to take his father’s place eventually, so he is a good enough blacksmith, if half-u
ntrained. The older teenager takes his responsibilities seriously.
The first time John saw how Junior handled himself in the smithy, he was delighted at the young man’s aptitude. Since then, Junior has been working his father’s shop in lieu of the older man. John was impressed by the young man’s attitude. John spoke to him about working on the revolver that Davis had left behind. The young man took one look at it, smiled and got to work. He worked like a man on a mission. In less than fifteen minutes, he’d had it stripped, cleaned and reassembled.
John has been getting the young man to make things, like nails, to allow the family to keep their heads held high. He knows what it’s like, accepting charity, and there is little else in the world that is more demeaning.
John smiles tightly at the memory of the look of satisfaction on the young man’s face the first time he delivered some products John had commissioned.
The rider approaches where the two men are resting and raises his hand in greeting. “Ma’s awake! She’s done spoke to Sarah, tho she’s not makin’ much sense outta things. Sarah’s sed she thunk I might bring Heart-of-Falcon out ta try and hehp’er.”
John nods and points to the hotel. “She should be in the kitchen, I would imagine. If not, you can have Ben go get her.”
The young man rides over to the hotel, once again as if every movement caused an agony.
David says, “I’m surprised he’s riding at all. His recovery is going along well.”
John nods. “I guess we need to check in on Red-Feather and Quan. I would like to get started on the Marshal’s Office tomorrow.”
David nods in response. “Yeah, I think with Quan’s help, your office won’t take very long.”
Three hours later, John, David, and Quan are looking over the newly built and newly furnished doctor’s office of Denver. Red-Feather left about half an hour earlier, saying he needed to check in on Heart-of-Falcon. He promised to return in the morning to help where he could.
John thought it was just the thought of staying in town one more night was making him feel a bit of the cabin fever.
John smacks David’s shoulder in congratulations of completing the project.
David’s smile would best be described as goofy. He just stands there smiling, like the brain had been removed from his skull all of a sudden.
Quan steps up to David’s other side and smacks him on the shoulder. “Koot jop,” he says.
David looks at him with the same stupid expression on his face. He gulps audibly. “Think so?”
Both John and Quan laugh.
John says, “Come on, we need to tell the ladies we’re done.”
The celebrations that evening were muted. On the part of the men, it was due to their exhaustion; on the part of the women, mostly due to their continued efforts of support, while the men are busy building.
Later that night Rebekah told David they were either going to get engaged, or she was going to make him pay for the property he built his office on. She said that the engagement could go on for awhile, but she was tired of waiting on him to make up his mind.
So, later that night, in the hallway on the second floor, David proposed. Apparently, while in Norman, he bought the engagement and wedding rings. When David produced the engagement ring, John uttered a low exclamation of surprise.
David is now taking a knee and her hand. He looks up at her and says, “I am but a humble man. I know you have been disappointed by my cautious nature in the past, but I did have the best of intentions after all. Would you accept me, for all that I am and all I have for all time as husband?”
Rebekah’s eyes get as large as saucers. Her hands fly to her flaming cheeks as she says, “I—I—I, yes! Of COURSE, I’ll marry you!” She reaches down, lifts him by his chin to his feet and kisses him deeply.
He pulls away, long enough to place the ring on her finger and kisses her again.
John allows them to go on for a few minutes, before clearing his throat meaningfully. “So, David. Why now? Surely it wasn’t her ultimatum.”
David disengages from himself from his fiancé and smiles at John. “Of course not. I was waiting until the right time. Now that we’re done building my practice . . .” David leaves the rest hanging, and gazes adoringly into the beautiful young woman’s eyes. “I just wanted a home to take you to, my love.”
“Think you’re gonna have trouble with her family?”
Both young people snort in unison.
Rebekah says, “My father won’t be happy about it. Mother? She might be okay, as long as I give her several grandbabies soon.”
David clears his throat, blushing suddenly. “I think that’s something we will have to talk about later, dear.” He looks away, unable to continue.
John laughs, looking at David directly. “Well, what about your family, out by Fort Supply?”
David shakes his head. “Grumpa isn’t gonna be happy. Mom? She probably won’t care, as long as I don’t treat Bekah,” he motions his hand toward the beautiful young woman, “here, like she was.” He shakes his head. “Her husband is, hopefully dead.”
“So now, time to start planning a wedding, huh?” John winks at Rebekah.
She nods. “I already have a parson in mind. He leads my parent’s church down in Dallas.” She shrugs. “I think we can convince him, and my family, to come up here by train.”
John nods, unsure how to mention this, asks, “So, do you think you will want to have the wedding here or in Norman?” He shrugs. “I mean, I think there is a certain U.S. Marshal that will be interested in attending.”
David’s look is thoughtful for a moment then replies, “Plus, it would give us the chance to be closer to the railroad tracks as well.”
John’s smile widens. “It’ll also give you the chance to try out an amazing setup for a bathtub.”
Rebekah’s face dawns with understanding. “David did say something about that. I’m really quite curious about it, now.”
John only continues to smile in return. “Good night, you two. I wish you all the happiness in the world.” He turns to go down the hallway toward his room. He stops, just before the door, turns to look at the young couple and smiles at the site of them locked in their loving embrace. He turns and goes back into his room, not looking forward to the nightmares that await him once more.
Chapter 56
The next month is the exact same routine as before. Up before dawn, hearty breakfast, working until past dark, filling supper, then crashing into the bed.
After having seen them working as hard as they were, Josiah finally asks for help in getting his saloon completed.
Since then, the friends have successfully completed work on the Marshal’s Office, the Jade Dragon Restaurant, and the North Star Saloon.
Junior has brought his mother and sister into town. Mary has started talking, but the attack has left her unsettled. She acts and speaks now with the mentality of an eight year old. Sarah has taken to converting several of the stalls in the livery into living quarters for her and her family. She has insisted that John, David, and Red-Feather's horses be kept in the livery, free of charge. John gets the feeling she is doing this as her way of saying thank you for everything they have done after the attack.
Two days after completing the construction projects, John walks into the foyer of the hotel and is greeted by the sight of Sarah speaking with David in a back corner of the foyer.
“Momma, she’s offa her feed, sir.” She stands there, wringing her hands in worry. “She’s awakin’ every day, spittin up anythin’ she got left in her gullet.”
David strokes his jaw a moment thoughtfully. “How long she been like this?”
“A coupla days now. I’s jus been abuh to come ovah an’ talk at ya ‘bout it.”
As John quietly turns and steps into the dining room, he hears David say, “I can check her out. I don’t want to guess, and I definitely don’t want to say what I suspect until I know. Let’s go take a look, shall we?” John motions to Ben and orders som
e food. He sits down at a table and muses on the current problem of Jeff Jacobson while he eats his meal. He hasn’t gotten any further reports about his whereabouts, other than a quick sighting of the boy south of the unassigned lands, riding away at a full gallop.
John just hopes the fool boy’s horse threw him and broke his fool neck. But, knowing his luck, the idiot would probably be saved by some natives with better intentions than sense, and be nursed back to health just to come back and annoy John some more.
He shifts in his seat, frustrated by the lack of mobility. He can’t go outside his jurisdiction, nor can he go directly on the hunt for the feckless boy.
He stands up, takes his dishes over to Ben and leaves the hotel. Without a confession, the case against those prisoners is purely circumstantial at best.
As he is walking by the livery on the way back to the Marshal’s office, he hears Sarah’s wail of, “No!” John draws his revolver and rushes in to the livery, heedless of the danger. The inside is dimly lit. Once his eyes adjust to the darkness, he sees David talking to Junior and Sarah, with their mother laying on a pallet, insensate. Sarah is once again wringing her hands, crying. Junior looks angry enough to attack someone. The look on the young man’s face is one of pure rage.
“Yo sure she wit child?” Junior demands of David.
The young doctor nods. “I don’t think you want all the details. But, yes, I am quite certain.”
John steps up, a little closer. Quietly, he asks, “Is everything okay here?” He holsters his gun. “I’m not trying to intrude, but I heard Sarah scream.”
The young woman takes one look at him and runs off to their living area, tears streaming down her face. Junior watches his sister a moment, then turns back to John. “I’s goanna find the animal dat done this ‘n killim. Beast took my momma ‘n made her with child.” He is visibly trembling in anger.
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