Caleb stood at full height and tried not to cry; finally he broke into a run out of the café and was gone.
“Damn it all to hell,” Blake said hanging his head.
“Everybody is angry,” Chrissy said calmly, “Caleb will be all right.” She took Blake’s face in her hands. “You’re the bravest man I know. Would you please help me get Bonnie upstairs?” Blake nodded his head and tenderly picked up Bonnie in his arms and carried her up the stairs.
******
Tom and the other three in his gang rode at a break neck speed up the road. Finally Les yelled, “We are going to wreck if we keep up like this, slow down.” Tom slowed the pace to a walk and finally stopped, letting the horses blow. He had no idea what to do next, nothing was going his way.
Troy was the first to speak, “Damn, that was some big bastard that was acommin’ fer us.”
“He is the bouncer at the saloon,” Jimmy said.
“Well all I knowed is I tagged him twice and Troy got him once and he kept comin’,” Les said shaking his head.
“Shot three times? He’s dead.” Tom said coolly.
“I don’t know, boss,” Jimmy said doubtfully. “Man like that takes a lot of killin’.”
“I said he’s dead,” Tom snapped back.
“Sure boss, anything you say.” Jimmy scratched the back of his neck. “Where is we goin’ now?”
Tom pursed his lips and thought. “Come morning, they’ll come after us. We need to fort up, and I know where. C’mon.” Tom spurred his horse and the others followed, straight to his father’s ranch.
Tom stopped them on top of the hill overlooking the ranch. He gave each man instructions before heading down.
“I ain’t so sure this is gonna work,” Les said plainly. “Mostly your plans don’t go so well.”
“Take your chances with the posse then,” Tom growled.
“Shit,” Les muttered, “I’m guessin’ we’re in.”
“Let’s get to it then,” Tom said and trotted down the hill.
******
Ian MacIntyre had many sleepless nights after the dance. He spent most of his time closed in his study, rarely coming out except to eat or drink. That night he had fallen asleep in his chair behind the desk while pouring over paperwork. He bolted upright in his chair when Tom crashed through the door holding a gun followed by Les and Troy. Blinking his eyes it took him a second to assess the situation. “Thomas,” he stammered. “What are you doin’ here?”
“Had a little trouble in town,” Tom began. “I need your help.”
Ian collected himself and asked, “Why would you be pointin’ a gun at me then?”
“Because you’re going to listen to everything I say, no interruptions.”
“Tell me your tale, son,” Ian said placing his hands on the arm of his chair.
Tom motioned with his pistol. “Sit on this side, where I can see your hands. If you try to stop me, my two friends will shoot you.” Ian slowly stood up and walked around the desk as Tom maneuvered over to his chair. They both sat at the same time and Tom put his pistol back in the holster. “This is nice over here. Feels mighty powerful,” he said smiling.
“Your story, Thomas,” Ian requested with an impatient tone.
Tom told his father his account of what happened in town. Lie after lie he spun. Basically, he told his father that he saw Percival molesting Bonnie and they tried to help her by shooting him, but the townspeople were pinning the blame on him. Tom thought the story he told his father was very believable, but the look on Ian’s face said otherwise.
Ian sat for a time drumming his fingers on the arm of the chair. “That’s quite a story, son.”
“It’s all true, swear to God,” Tom replied. “These men will back me up.”
Ian glanced over his shoulder and gave Les and Troy a skeptical look. “You are my only son, Thomas. I’ve been hard on you, to be sure, but I’m not thinkin’ the entire truth has been told here,” he said quietly turning back to Tom.
“It’s the story a judge will hear.”
“Then why not let a judge hear it?”
“Because, the whole town is against me,” Tom said nervously. “They’ll lynch me before I even get close to a jail.”
“I cannea’ let that happen, son. You will turn yourself in after we employ a lawyer, and we will be clearin’ our name in court. Agreed?”
“Sure Pa, sounds good to me,” Tom smiled.
“Do you think they will be sendin’ a posse?” Ian said thinking.
“I’d bet my life on it. We had to flee for our lives.”
“And what would your plan be?” Ian asked.
“Well, hold up here and wait them out.”
“No, son, it be a fight they’re lookin’ for. We have to make them turn back or all will be lost. I have some suggestions, if you’re not mindin’.”
“Yeah, sure, Pa,” Tom said uncertain. He knew his father had military training and fought many battles. “What do we do?”
Ian stood up and straightened his vest, “Come with me and learn.” Ian turned to the door and was stopped by Les. “You’ll be gettin’ out of my way now,” he growled.
Les glanced at Tom who nodded his head affirmatively. Les slowly let Ian pass and all three followed him into the house. Ian marched through the house like a commanding general. When he bellowed the whole house seemed to shake. His twin girls appeared at the top of the stairs confused. He ordered them to pack their things and get ready for travel. His houseman Jethro came out pulling up his suspenders and Ian told him to get quickly packed and then to get the best team of horses on the ranch hooked up to his carriage. Maids came out of their rooms and he told them to help the girls and then to ready bandages and beds for wounded men. The house came alive as people scurried making preparations. He then marched out of the house over to the bunkhouse and, slamming open the door, he barked orders as the sleepy men got up, lit lanterns, and started pulling their clothes on. “What’s going on, boss?” one of them asked as he pulled on his boots.
“The sheriff is comin’ with a posse to take my son. We will see that doesn’t happen,” he commanded.
“We are going to shoot lawmen? That don’t sit right with me,” another said.
“You men ride for the MacIntyre brand. My son says he is innocent. Any man who lacks the bravery to defend this ranch, may collect his wages and be gone from my sight. Those who remain will be collecting a one hundred dollar bonus from me. Make your decisions for time is short.”
The twelve men stood staring at one another, muttering among themselves. “We’ll stick, boss,” the lead man said loudly.
“Good for ye, lads,” Ian grinned. “Now arm yourselves and meet in front of the house.” Ian turned on his heel and marched back to the main house. Inside his daughters stood in the front hall dressed and packed. Ian walked past them and into his study and to his safe. He opened it and removed a large sum of money. Placing it in a leather wallet he stood to find Les smiling.
“You can leave that open so’s me and Troy can get the pay Tom promised,” he said looking at the large stacks of bills.
Ian slammed the safe closed and spun the dial. “Any arrangements my son made with the likes of you will be settled by him. Now move from my sight.” Les’s face darkened as he stepped aside slowly. Ian pushed past him and stopped to glare at Tom. “The combination has been changed,” he growled. “It would seem that somebody pilfered from me.” Tom met his gaze and didn’t flinch. Ian snorted and went to the front door where Jethro was standing next to the girls. Ian handed him the wallet. “You are my most trusted servant; I want you to take my daughters to a hotel in Sweetwater. Stay there until I send for you.” Then Ian turned to the men standing out front. “I need a loyal man to escort my daughters and stay with them.”
“I’ll go,” one man called out, “they’ll be safe with me, boss.”
“Good, good,” he replied. “Jethro, girls, you best be
on your way now.” The two girls ran up and hugged their father tightly.
“Don’t make us go, Papa,” Mary cried.
“There’s a good lass,” he said as he stroked their hair. “It’s for a short time to be sure. Soon you will be sleepin’ in your own beds again.”
“Promise?” Kate said her head buried in his massive chest.
“Aye, now it’s time for you to be going,” he said ushering them to the carriage. As they loaded in he kissed them both tenderly on the cheek. They held his hands as long as they could before the carriage disappeared into the night. Ian stood staring into the darkness when the sound of hoof beats filled the air.
A man came running from the barn yelling, “Joe, Little Bob, Pete and Juan just rode off,” he said breathing hard. “Said they wasn’t about to get shot for Tom.”
Ian grit his teeth and hissed, “Damnable cowards.” That left him with twelve men by his count. Depending on how many the posse had would be critical. “The rest of you men take as much ammunition as ye can carry,” he barked. “I want a good rifleman on the water tower and in the lofts of the barns. The rest find safe places to shoot from. No man sleeps and no one fires without my order.”
He stood on the front steps of the house and watched the men disperse. He turned to go back in the house and heard a rider coming fast. Turning back he squinted toward the sound. Tom came out on the porch to see who was approaching. The lights of the house cast an eerie image onto the rider. Caleb slid Rosie to a stop in front of the house and leapt off.
“Tom MacIntyre, I’ve come to kill you,” he yelled not stuttering one bit. He ran straight at Tom and leapt through the air crashing into him and started pummeling him with his fists. Tom was taken off guard and shielded his face from the blows. Les and Troy grabbed Caleb by the arms and pulled him off. Caleb struggled but they were too strong. Ian stepped in and backhanded Caleb, knocking him senseless.
“And who would this be?” he asked Tom who had gotten to his feet, dusting himself off.
“That’s the kid who the blacksmith took on. He’s sweet on the girl who was attacked tonight,” Tom said innocently.
“He is seemin’ to think you did it,” Ian said.
“They all do, Pa, like I told you.”
Blowing out a deep breath Ian said, “Bind his hands and hang him from the porch rail.
Caleb started to come around as they stretched his hands high over his head. His feet barely touched the ground. Ian walked over and turned him so he could see his face. “How many men would be comin’ lad?” he asked.
Caleb struggled and kicked but Ian held him firm. He glared at Tom, “You go to hell,” he spat.
“You lost your stutter boy,” Tom grinned back.
“I ain’t afraid of you no m-m-more,” Caleb grimaced under the pain.
“Oops,” Tom laughed, “there’s a little left.”
Ian wrenched Caleb’s face back to his own. “How many, lad? I won’t be askin’ again.” Caleb hung there, stone faced his lips tight. “Well now,” Ian said calmly, “he’ll answer under the lash.”
Chapter 20
Back in the sheriff’s office Johansson and his deputy were making preparations for daybreak. Iver had several of his finest collection of guns laid out on the desk with boxes of shells stacked neatly next to them. The door opened and they both drew their pistols. The mayor came in wearing a coat over his pajamas looking disheveled.
“Good, Lord,” he squeaked holding up his hands. “Bad idea not to knock, Mayor,” Johansson said putting his pistol away. “What is it that brings you out at this early hour?”
“You know full well why I’m here,” Weatherby said mopping his brow. “I want you to stop this nonsense of arresting Tom MacIntyre.”
“Do you now,” Johansson said matter-of-factly.
“Yes I do,” blustered Weatherby. “From what I understand, there is not one shred of proof he is guilty.”
“What about an eye witness?” Johansson replied calmly.
“Bah,” he said waving his hand, “a hysterical young lady claims it was him. How could she be certain in the dark?”
Mike Ventosa reached his breaking point. He kicked a chair out of his way and stood in front of the mayor yelling, “You fat sack of horseshit. You know he did it and I’m tired of turning a blind eye. You might have the sheriff here bamboozled, but not me. I’m going after that worthless son-of-a-bitch in the morning. You got that?”
Weatherby blinked several times and snorted. “You insolent pup. You’re fired!” he demanded.
“Fine by me, you pig faced bastard,” Mike snarled taking his badge off and throwing it at him.
“Gentleman, please,” Johansson smiled gently placing a hand on Mike’s shoulder and moving him so he could face the mayor. “As my deputy so eloquently stated, we have enough proof to bring in Thomas MacIntyre on charges of assault, attempted rape and murder.” Johansson sat on the corner of his desk and continued. “Oh, now, I understand that you will fire me after this but I will keep this here badge on long enough to see it through, after which if I find myself lacking employment, I will, in good conscience, have no choice but to notify the Federal Marshals of my findings here. They’ll come down and investigate to be sure, and when they find out you’re the banker and your principal client is the aforementioned’s father, I believe they will request federal auditors to arrive and go through your records with a fine-toothed comb.”
“You wouldn’t,” choked the mayor.
“It would be my civic duty,” smiled Johansson. “Now why don’t you go home and rest easy knowing that justice is in good hands?”
Weatherby blinked and coughed. He turned his head quickly, with his jowls quivering, between Mike and the sheriff. Finally, he looked like he was on the verge of tears. He hung his head low and left the jail quietly.
Johansson leaned down and picked up the badge Mike had thrown, turning it over in his fingers he said, “As for you, it would be my hope that the next time you get riled up, you would give me first crack at sayin’ what you’re thinking.” He grinned broadly and tossed the badge back to Mike.
Ventosa pinned it back on his chest and chuckled, “Federal auditors?”
Johansson laughed. “Thought of that on the fly. You think they exist?”
******
Blake dozed uncomfortably in a rocking chair in Chrissy’s room. He had stayed after she had put Bonnie in her bed. Chrissy sat in a chair lying partially on the bed holding Bonnie’s hand. Blake took out his watch and checked it. He stood quietly as he could and crept to the door. A sleepy voice whispered, “Is it time?”
He nodded yes and opened the door. Chrissy slipped her hand out of Bonnie’s and followed him. At the top of the stairs she stopped him and hugged him tightly. “Would it do any good to say you’re in no shape to go out there today?” she asked with watery eyes.
“Nope” he answered.
“I’m so scared, Blake, I don’t want to lose you.”
“I can’t die,” he said. “You and I have unfinished business.”
“What do you mean?”
“I have to get going,” he smiled. “I love you, Chrissy.” He kissed her deeply and started down the stairs.
She stayed at the top of the stairs and watched him go. “I love you more,” she whispered.
At the bottom of the stairs Blake saw the doctor sleeping in a chair, Percival was laying on the tables his huge chest rising and falling slightly. Blake went over and shook the doctor’s shoulder gently. He woke with a start a sat up. “How’s he doing, Doc?”
The doctor pursed his lips and said, “He has no right to be alive. Five gunshot wounds and losing that much blood would kill anybody.”
“He ain’t just anybody, Doc.”
“If he survives the night, he is going to take away your award for being the toughest man on earth.”
“He’s earned it,” Blake said patting the doctor on the shoulder. “Take ca
re now.” Blake stepped out in the cool night air and walked to the jail. Every step he took, the pain from the beating deepened his resolve even more. Six months ago he never thought he would be here. He could have just ridden on and not complicated his life so badly. He had no intentions of putting down roots or being tied to anyone. He finally decided it was his horse’s fault and he would be giving Bull a stern talking to.
******
The door to the jail was open and crowded with men. Johansson was handing out badges, firearms and ammo and told everyone who was armed and sworn in to wait outside. Josh Dooley came out first, carrying a Winchester followed by Joe Bergman and Avery. Hap came out adjusting his gun belt and smiled at Blake. The next to come out was Al Conner, the owner of the sawmill and Sam who were both carrying rifles. The bartender Clyde appeared checking his Spencer rifle to see if it was loaded. The last of the volunteers was Dan LaClare smoking a cheroot. “Well, Blake Thorton,” he smiled. “it brings my heart joy to see you up and around.”
“Dan,” Blake said shaking his hand. “I thought you weren’t the hero type.”
“I am most certainly not,” he smirked. “I have placed a wager on the outcome of this endeavor.”
“Really? What are the odds?”
“Three to one it will fail. I stand to make a great deal of money should it succeed.”
“Little underhanded helping out, isn’t it?” Blake asked.
“Not at all, my assistance was implied,” he laughed.
With that Caleb’s horse galloped into town dragging the lead rope. She was lathered up and breathing hard from running so far. “Damn, damn, damn,” Blake said running to her.
“You think Caleb went out there?” Joe Bergman asked as he caught up to Blake.
“Yup, I do,” Blake said. “We have to go now.”
“Any man that needs a horse, follow me,” Joe yelled. “I’ll saddle Bull for you, Blake.” All the men ran for the livery while Blake went to the jail.
The Blacksmith Page 24
