by Amy Field
“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. They 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.
“I hear you need a husband real bad,” he said. “So I think I can help you out.” Jed brought the bottle and two glasses, looked uncertain, but went back behind the bar.
“You heard wrong,” she said. “I don’t need a husband, and especially not you.”
He poured her a glass of whiskey and slid it across the table. “Drink it,” he said. “Then you and me is going upstairs to celebrate being married.”
‘I will never marry you:” she said, her voice cold. “Now leave me alone.” She started to turn away from him, but the killer took her arm roughly in his hand. “You’ll do whatever I want you to do, pretty lady. And it’s time to go upstairs to show you what I mean. He took her arm again and started to stand up when the kitchen door opened, and Burns stepped into the room.
Chapter 8
The Gunmen Meet
The killer released Abigail’s arm and stood to face Burns. His eyes caught the twin pistols. “Hey,” he said. “Time for you to leave; my wife and I want to be alone.” He looked at Abigail and put his hand on his pistol.
“I’m on my way out,” said Burns. “But I want a drink first. Here, let me buy you one too, sir.” He stepped to the bar, his back to the killer. Burns nodded at Jed who looked confused but poured two whiskeys.
“Do you know who I am?” asked the killer, stepping up to take the whiskey Burns held out. “I’m Robert Bernstein. I’ve shot four men.”
“I don’t know who you are,” said Burns. He picked up his glass of whiskey and took a step toward the killer. “I know who you aren’t, though. My name is Robert Bernstein. If you leave right now and never come back, you won’t be shot.”
Bernstein watched the killer glance over at Abigail, who was still at the table and out of the line of fire. “She is my friend, and she stays here.”
The killer’s eyes flashed as his hand started for his gun, but Burns tossed his glass of whiskey into the man’s eyes. “It’s over,” he said. “Now get out.” Burns watched the killer turn away, wiping his eyes. He took a step towards the door, then drew his gun and spun, firing at Burns. The Colt Dragoon roared at the same time, knocking the killer back. He dropped the pistol and grabbed at his shoulder, now bloody.
“Go out the door and turn left,” said Jed. “Here, I can help.” He came around the bar and supported the killer as he staggered out the door.
“You saved me,” cried Abigail, standing and starting toward him. “No!” she cried. “He shot you.” Burns glanced at his shoulder “At least he missed my gun arm.” He suddenly felt light headed and sat down. Abigail helped him take off his shirt, then checked his upper arm carefully. “The bullet went through some muscle,” she said. “But it missed your shoulder and arm bone.” She looked around helplessly. “How do I stop the bleeding?”
“I can take care of that,” said Jed, coming in and seeing that Burns had been shot. “I have some clean towels and hot water in the kitchen.” He hurried to get them.
“I can’t believe you got shot to save me,” she said. “No one’s ever done anything so brave for me.”
“Well, I like you, Abigail. I couldn’t let him take you away because I’d never see those green eyes again.” Burns realized he was a bit dizzy and ought to shut up.
He closed his eyes and then Jed was back, washing and wrapping his arm. “Just change the dressing before bed tonight and twice tomorrow.” Burns nodded. “I knew something was up when you ordered a drink,” said Jed.
“Why?” asked Abigail.
“It’s a long story,” said Burns.
“Tell me?” He looked up and met her green eyes.
“I’m closing up for a bit,” said Jed. “You two take your time.” He grabbed the soiled towels and went out the front door, closing and locking it.
Abigail looked at Burns. “We can go out through the kitchen. It’s unlocked,” he said.
“I can’t believe you don’t drink,” Abigail said. “You’re the perfect man”.
Chapter 9
The Gunman Tells All
“I’m far from perfect, Abigail. That man I shot could have been me a few years ago.”
“You saved me from him”, she said, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. “He would have ruined my life and maybe killed me.”
“I had to, Abigail. He was using my name, and I couldn’t let anyone think I would hurt you in any way.”
“Why did he use your name?” She turned to look squarely into his eyes.
“A few years ago I drank a lot and got a reputation as a gunfighter.” He hesitated, then went on. “I was looking for a girl from my teen years. I thought she loved me, which was just a warped dream. I found her and tried to take her home with me but of course she didn’t want to go along.” He looked down, avoiding her eyes. “There was a struggle, and I shot her by accident.”
‘Did you kill her?” Abigail took his hand and squeezed it. “What was her name?”
He met her eyes again, and he hesitated a moment.
“Charity.” Then he continued.
“No. I hit her by accident. Thank God she survived. I turned myself in, but she refused to press charges. So I stopped drinking and moved here to get away from my reputation and shame.” He shook his head slowly. “So I’m very far from perfect, Abigail. I’m just glad I was here to help you.” He flexed his arm. “Now I guess I should get my horse and head for my ranch.”
“No, Bob.” She didn’t move and took his hand again. “I want to be honest with you because you were honest with me.” She took a deep breath. “I signed on as a bride to get away from Ohio. And I had to sell my father’s farm. All of that is true.” Tears started down her cheeks again. “But I left after I was working as a saloon girl, not before.” She sobbed. “I am so ashamed.” Burns reached out and hugged her with his good arm.
“But here you are now,” he said. “All of that is behind you.” She stayed in his embrace.
“I wasn’t a whore,” she said. “I flirted and stayed downstairs. I got touched a lot by drunks, but I wasn’t one of the whores upstairs.”
“That’s because you’re a lady,” said Burns. “That’s why you left and came west” “But when people find out, no one will respect me here.”
Burns realized he was still hugging her. “Who have you told?”
“Just you,” she said. “But word will travel fast.”
“Not this time,” Burns said. “What you told me is between us, Abigail. I will never share it with anyone.”
“Then you are the perfect man,” she said. “Most men would tell others about me or try to force me to become their mistress.”
“I won’t force you to do anything,” said Burns. “I never would, and I never will.”
“Wait.” Abigail sat up. “Does that mean we’ll see each other again?”
“We never have to stop,” said Burns. “Would you like to walk over to the church and marry me”? He watched the tears flow again, but Abigail was smiling.
“Not until we put your shirt on,” she said. She turned in his arm and they embraced, slowly and tenderly. “You are the perfect man for me,” she said.
Chapter 10
The Bride is Married
Jed met them as they were heading out the kitchen door. He was excited to hear the news, but begged them to have a cup of tea at the hotel before heading for the church.
“I’ll have time to alert the preacher. I can ask the wife to spread the word, and we can try to get some of the new wives in for the wedding.” He looked at both of them and smiled. “I think Archie may have a shirt over in the store that don’t have blood on it. That might work out better for a wedding.” He winked at Burns. “If that’s okay with you.” “Of course,” smiled Burns. “The doctor fix up our shooter?”
“He did, and the son of a gun took off without paying. Got his horse and high tailed out of town.”
“That means he’s still out there,” said Abigail. She looked at Burns, who slipped an arm around her. “He won’t bother you again,” he said. “You’ll be a married woman.”
Together they strolled down the street to the hotel, which had a British chef. They ordered tea and scones and relaxed for the first time that day. The scones came and had raisins in them, which were sweet and a treat with the hot tea.
“Are you a rancher?” asked Abigail. “I just realized I don’t know much about your life here.”
“I have a ranch,” said Burns. “But I don’t have huge herds. I invested years ago in mining and I did well. We’re rich, Abigail.”
“Can I get a pony?” She looked at him carefully.
“Of course you can. We’ll look for one tomorrow, if none of our horses feels right to you.”
In a little less than an hour, Jed was back with a gray shirt. He was happy to see it fit well. “The ranchers were up at the fairgrounds, so they’ll be here any minute. The preacher is thrilled to have another wedding, and my wife had a fresh cake ready to ice. But the preacher reminded me you need a best man.”
“Would you be my best man, Jed?” Burns smiled as the man’s face brightened.
“I’d be honored, Mr. Burns. Very honored.”
“Then it’s time you started calling me Bob,” said Burns. “Now let’s get a couple of these scones for your wife and head for the church.”
With his new shirt on and a parcel of scones, they walked down the street to the small chapel. Inside they found the minister waiting, along with three of the new brides with their husbands. Jed and his wife were ready to be best man and maid of honor, and so the brief ceremony began. Burns looked Abigail in the eye whenever he could, seeing the tears dripping down her cheek, despite her smile. When the minister finally pronounced them man and wife, she stepped close and hugged him carefully as they kissed for the first time.
“I have never been happier,” she whispered in his ear.
Burns held her close and thought of all this day had brought. “The same is true for me,” he said. This morning he had been a lonely and isolated rancher with a dark past. Now, he was surrounded by new friends, married, and in love. Life suddenly had become wonderful.
Jed’s wife and the new brides had gathered together a small feast, and they all carried chairs out of
the chapel and enjoyed plates of beef, beans, biscuits, and cake. There were pots of coffee, with drinks to be served in the saloon later. Even the brides would be invited to the saloon, which would be closed for the night and referred to as a banquet hall.
Abigail went ahead with Jed and his wife to clean up the saloon. Burns finished his coffee and helped carry chairs back into the chapel. He was just leaving when he noticed Brent, one of the husbands, sitting quietly and alone.
“Is everything going well?” he asked, sitting down near Brent.
“I don’t think I’m cut out to be married,” said Brent, a thin man with red hair.
“What makes you say that?” asked Burns. “You’ve only been married twenty- four hours.”
“Lucy’s a fine woman, and I like her,” said Brent. “But we run out of things to say right quick.” He looked at Burns, then lowered his voice a bit. “I was always told that my wedding night would be the happiest in my life. But last night we were just strangers feeling awkward. We didn’t even kiss goodnight or nothing. We just lay down and eventually went to sleep.” He shook his head and looked at his hands folded in his lap. “I may not be cut out to be a husband.”
“Brent, we’re all in the same boat. I only met Abigail this morning. We’re all strangers together, and that’s not the way we grew up thinking about life.” He looked Brent in the eye. “Back then we were told we would meet someone, get to know her, and fall in love. Then you’d settle and be together for life.” Burns shook his head. “Life is different out here. We’re doing it in reverse. We’ve gotten married, then we’ll get to know each other and fall in love. This will take time and patience, Brent.”
“I never thought of it that way,” said the man with red hair. “Lucy must be just as scared and uncertain as me.”
