Dodge City

by Randy D. Smith

  Emmy was dressed conservatively, looking more like a young school teacher than just another whore like the rest. Beside her stood Anson Jones in the only dress suit he had ever worn. It had seemed important to Collier that Anson be dressed in such a fashion and he was quite handsome and mature looking in his new black suit. The couple would have appeared to be a prosperous young businessman and his lady to anyone who might not have known differently .

  Even Bugs Burton had been convinced that a bath would be proper for the occasion. It was the one and only time anyone would ever recall seeing Bugs with his hair combed, even though cow licks stuck out in a few places. Stub Moore was also dressed quite well although no suit really appears quite right when the wearer has a peg sticking out of one pant leg. Still the effort had been made and would have been greatly appreciated by their departed comrade.

  Standing at the foot of the grave, alone, and appearing to be just a little tired and a bit older was Collier. His dress was formal as usual except for a strange new watch fob. It was an eagle's talon attached by twisted red horsehair to his chain. Anson noticed on a couple of occasions, Collier found it necessary to use his handkerchief to attend to his nose or eyes but otherwise, he simply stood with bowed head and listened to the proceedings. It was Collier, however, and not Big Sally who threw the first handful of dirt on the coffin.

  Another service, not nearly as elaborate, was also taking place a few yards north of the McKnight burial. There were no mourners and since no one was quite sure what his exact name was, a simple wooden stake with the inscription 'Unknown Gambler from Abilene' was all that was deemed necessary as a marker.

  The hymn "Rock of Ages" closed the ceremony and most of the mourners promptly adjourned the proceedings to the Alhambra, a more fitting place to honor the memory of Abraham McKnight.

  Since their train was due to leave shortly, Anson and Collier carried their bags and weapons into the Alhambra. Collier urged the whores to have a seat at a large center table then ordered a large bottle of champagne to be served. He filled the glasses himself and handed them to every member of the gathering one at a time. The last two glasses he reserved for Anson and himself. When all had been served, he stepped forward and held his glass high. "To Abraham McKnight...a good sport, a good man, and most of all a good and trusted friend." Several in the crowd chanted 'here, here' and all consumed their champagne in unison. At Collier's lead the glasses were placed on the table upside down and no more drinks were served.

  Collier placed an envelope on the table in front of Big Sally. She turned to Collier for some kind of explanation. Collier placed his hand on her shoulder. "I've sold out the partnership and it's assets. This is McKnight's share. I believe that he would have wanted you to have it. You know that he really did love you."

  Big Sally gave Collier a deep and affectionate embrace. "I take back every bad thing I've ever said about you, Lane Collier. You are a fine and grand gentleman."

  A train whistle sounded down at the station. "That's our train, son. I guess we'd better be on our way."

  Anson nodded, picked up his bag, and followed Collier out of the saloon. As they started across the street Emmy called. "Anson Jones! Don't you dare leave without saying goodbye to me!" She was carrying a small package. She gave it to Anson. "Here, I thought you would like to have this."

  Anson slowly opened the package. It was the small porcelain figurine of the nude. He smiled then shook his head. "I'm afraid that I didn't get you anything, Emmy."

  She looked into his eyes and gently stroked his cheek. "Oh, Anson Jones, you've given me more than you'll ever know. I will always have a special place in my heart reserved for you." She kissed him on the cheek and whispered in his ear. "I'll miss you, Anson."

  He blushed and smiled broadly. "Thank you, Emmy, I'll miss you too."

  They entered the train and found their seats. Collier handed Anson the newer of the two Remington rifles. "See if you can find a place for this."

  He carefully placed the rifle next to his seat as the train started away with a jolt. Collier leaned forward in his seat and took hold of Anson's knee. "It's a nice gun, don't you think."

  "Yes, sir, it is."

  "It's yours."

  "What? I can't take this. It's too valuable."

  "I won't be needing it anymore. I can't think of a better man to own it than you."

  "Thank you, Mr. Collier."

  "You're welcome, Mr. Jones.”

  As the train rumbled down the tracks Anson's mind wondered through all the memories he had gained since his first train trip.

  "Is something wrong, Anson. You seem awfully quiet."

  "It's just that I can't believe it's all over, Mr. Collier. I mean, Abe and Tobe, and the buffalo. The plains and Dodge City. It's kinda like a dream, a great big wonderful dream. I don't know that I'll ever have another experience like it."

  "Everything must end in it's time.”

  "I know that. It's just that it has all ended so soon. And then there's you, Mr. Collier. What'll you do now that it's over? How will you be able to settle down after all of this?"

  Collier leaned back into his seat and gazed out the window. "You know, I've been thinking about that. They say there's some mighty fine horses down in Texas that would make good breeding stock back in Missouri. I'm thinking that if I had a good ramrod. I mean a really good man. I just might be interested in going down there and driving some of that stock back to Missouri for new blood for a horse herd."

  Anson Jones sat up in his seat and beamed. "Mr. Collier, I know just the man for the job!"

  END