Devil Rising

by R. B. Conroy

  Doc Fletcher was kneeling on the street bandaging Ed as Jon ran by. He jumped up and grabbed Jon by the arm.”You’re not going anywhere, young man, I need to bandage that wound!”

  “Sorry Doc, I don’t have time right now!” Jon shouted as he leaped on Babe. “Let’s go girl!” he shouted as he charged after the fleeing Englishman. He’s got about a five minute head start, Jon thought, as he raced out of town. He looked down at Faraday’s tracks; they ran toward the ranch.

  * * *

  After an all-out ride through the desert, Alex dropped quickly down the final incline to the mansion; he jumped down and rushed inside, rifle in hand. His heart was racing as he pushed open the heavy door to the den, hurried over to the safe and dropped to one knee. He frantically worked the combination on the safe; moving the dial back and forth.

  “Okay, bloody safe, open!” The dial spun toward the final number; he grabbed the metal handle and gave it a yank, but nothing happened. Suddenly, he looked toward the front, his eyes wide, as he listened to the sound of an approaching rider. “He’s almost here,” he mumbled. He looked back at the safe; sweat covered his hands as he tried once again. Hands shaking, he mumbled, “right to 32, two lefts to 9, right to 24.”

  He frantically grabbed for the handle once again and pulled, but shockingly, it failed to open once again. Sweat was pouring from his face as he stopped to listen for any sound of the approaching rider. The hoof beats had stopped. HE’S HERE! A bolt of fear shot up his spine.

  * * *

  Jon, weak from loss of blood, dismounted and surveyed the scene around the mansion. He knew Faraday was inside, his horse was grazing nearby. It would be suicide to charge the mansion; Faraday would hear him coming and kill him from ambush. He moved around to the side of the house and walked quickly to the nearest window and looked inside. He saw Faraday bending over the safe on the other side of the room, his back to Jon. Jon stepped silently through the large open window, his foot gently touching the floor inside.

  The devious Brit, working feverishly on the combination, didn’t hear Jon step in. He frantically turned the dial, grabbed the handle and pulled down. The heavy door creaked open. He reached inside and pulled out a large canvass bag, took a firm grip on it, jumped up and started for the back door.

  “Going somewhere, Alex?” Jon said calmly.

  Faraday stopped dead in his tracks and looked straight ahead. Jon stood in the corner of the room near the window, the front of his shirt soaked red with blood.

  “Why uh... how are you, Jon?” the wily Brit said nervously. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

  “You seemed busy, I didn’t want to bother you,” Jon replied, his heart dark, his anger growing. “Drop the money and put your hands up, then turn around so I can see you!” Jon ordered.

  The bag fell to the floor, and the nervous Brit turned to face Jon, hands up.

  “Were you going somewhere, Alex?”

  “Why no I... uh... wasn’t... Now listen Sheriff, I don’t see why we can’t work this out, no need for anymore bloodshed.” the Englishman was sweating profusely.

  Jon started to walk slowly toward the safe, gun pointed at Faraday. Blood from his shoulder wound dripped on the wood floor as he moved across the room. Jon reached down near the safe and picked up Faraday’s rifle with his left hand. “Here,” he said coldly, “I want you to be armed when I kill you!” He tossed the rifle to Faraday.

  Alex, a bright man, let the rifle bounce off his shoulder and fall to the floor; to catch it would have been suicide.

  “That was smart Alex; you know I won’t kill an unarmed man. But I’m thinking about killing you anyway and putting the gun in your hand. It would look like self defense.” A nasty grin broke out on Jon’s face.

  The frantic Englishman spoke quickly. “There’s forty thousand dollars in that bag on the floor, Sheriff. Let me go and it’s yours.”

  “You just don’t get it, do you Alex?” Jon replied. “You just killed one of my best friends and you think you can buy me off with gold? You make me very angry Alex!”

  “So sorry about Malone, I thought somebody was stealing our horses and...”

  “Cut the crap Faraday, you don’t give a damn about Jack Malone. The only person you care about is yourself. Jack’s death was cold blooded murder!”

  Suddenly a buggy rattled to as stop out in front of the large house.

  “Jon! Are you in there?” Doc shouted through the open front door as he and Ed jumped down and ran toward the mansion. Faraday’s prayers were answered as Jon turned toward the sound of Doc’s voice.

  The Derringer Faraday kept hidden up his sleeve slid down his arm and into his sweaty palm. He lifted his thin arm for a shot, but shockingly Jon’s Colt was pointed directly at him.

  “I’m not that stupid Alex.” Jon grinned at the doomed man.

  The terrified Brit’s arm was shaking like a leaf as he pulled the trigger. Jon ducked to the left, the kerosene lamp just behind his head burst into a thousand pieces.

  Jon opened fire. Flames shot out of the warm barrels as Faraday’s thin body flew across the room and slammed against the back door. Jon staggered forward through the smoke, holding his aching shoulder. Getting weaker by the minute, he stooped over the fallen Brit. The acidic smell of burnt gun powder filled the air; blood was oozing from several bullet holes as he looked down at the dying man.

  Shockingly, Faraday sat up.

  “You bastard!” he screamed. Derringer still in his grasp, he raised it for a final shot.

  A wobbly Jon reacted quickly. He fired away at close range, emptying his gun.

  “Uhggg...” Faraday moaned. The Derringer bounced on the floor as his body fell limp.

  Jon, weak and angry, stood over Faraday’s riddled body. He raised his gun and pulled the trigger twice again. Click! Click! Suddenly, Jon stepped back, his eyes wide with fear, My God, I just tried to shoot a dead man!”

  Ed raced across the room; Doc was close behind.

  “It’s me Jon!” Ed shouted. “Doc and I are here.”

  Jon blinked a couple of times as if coming out of a trance; his gun dropped to his side. Weak from blood loss, he fought to stay on his feet. Ed hurried over and put his arm around his friend.

  “Ya okay?” Ed asked. He fought hard to hold the huge man on his feet.

  “I’m better than he is,” Jon replied quietly.

  Doc knelt down and quickly checked Alex for a pulse. He shook his head. “Don’t know why I’m checking him,” Doc mumbled. “He looks like a pin cushion.”

  Doc stood. “You’ve lost a lot of blood, Jon. We better get you back to town.”

  “Okay Doc,” Jon said quietly

  Jon and Ed reached the door and stepped outside. Ed helped Jon into the buggy, he slumped down in the back seat. Doc tied Babe to the back of the buggy and the three men started for town.

  Chapter 28

  Auggie planted his leg firmly on the window sill and looked out at the empty street. Some tumble weed bounced past, pushed by a cool morning breeze. A sense of malaise had settled over this desert town after the violent confrontation of a day earlier. It was nine o’clock in the morning, usually a busy time. Today the only sound in Logan’s Crossing was glass breaking down at Faraday’s Saloon as the workers busied themselves cleaning up the mess. A sign saying, “Closed until further notice,” was posted by the front door of the saloon. Auggie looked to his left and noticed some comings and goings down at the coroner’s office, a busy place for sure. The sunlight reflected off Jon’s second floor window at the Westwood Hotel. Auggie wondered how the sheriff was feeling after his gunshot wound in the shoulder and all the bloodshed of the day before.

  “Need some help back here!” Lucy shouted from the kitchen.

  “Okay, okay, I’m coming!” Auggie replied. “Heaven forbid I have a little time to myself,” he mumbled as he hurried back to the kitchen.

  * * *

  Over at the hotel Jon’s arms reached toward the ceiling as he yawned migh
tily. His eyes blinked open as rolled up and sat on the side the feather bed. His heavily bandaged shoulder ached as he stood slowly, walked over and dipped his hands in a pan of water, splashed his face wet and patted dry.

  There was a gentle knock on the door. Jon dropped the towel next to the pan and hurried to the door. “Can I help you?” he asked.

  “It’s me, Jon,” Libby announced.

  Jon quickly opened the door. “Come in Libby, please come in.” Libby stepped in, the two lovers embraced as the door swung shut behind them.

  “How are you?” she asked softly.

  “Doc says I’m gonna be okay. The bullet went clear through my shoulder, it’ll be fine in due time,” Jon replied.

  “Well that’s good. And how are you feeling otherwise?”

  “Ehhh.....okay I guess!” Jon said quietly.

  “You don’t sound too sure,” Libby replied.

  Jon walked over and looked out the open window at some children playing in the quiet street.

  “Bang! Bang! I’m Sheriff Stoudenmire and I shot you dead, Faraday!” a little boy shouted as he pointed a wooden gun at his friend.

  The other boy rolled on the ground holding his stomach. “You got me Sheriff!” he shouted.

  Jon was very troubled by the scene. Libby walked over and gently laid her hand on his back as Jon leaned out the window and shouted at the boys. “That’s enough of that, boys. Now get on out of here!” Jon barked.

  The boys giggled as they looked up at the big man in the window. “It’s him!” one of them shouted. “It’s big Jon,”

  “Wow!” the other boy shouted. He pointed his wooden gun at Jon. “Bang! I got him,” he screamed. “I killed Jon Stoudenmire.” The boys ran away squealing.

  Jon slammed the window shut. “Damn!” he said.

  “You’re their hero, Jon,” Libby said calmly.

  “I know I am, but I shouldn’t be,” Jon muttered as he sat on the feather bed and hung his head.

  Libby nestled in next to him, her arm slid around his shoulder. “I’m not so sure about that,” she said tenderly.

  Jon’s eyes narrowed, he grimaced as he spoke. “I rolled around in bed all night last night, Libby, I couldn’t sleep. There’s something inside of me, something dark. I pulled the trigger twice yesterday on a dead man. It’s not right. I’ve done a lot of thinking, and I’ve made up my mind about something.”

  Libby’s eyebrows rose.

  “I’m resigning today as Sheriff of Mesquite County. I’ll be heading west to my vineyard in California in the morning, at the crack of dawn.”

  Libby looked intently at Jon, shocked and dismayed by the stunning announcement. “I’ve been dreading this day for a long time, Jon. I was afraid you’d be leaving me at some point.”

  “It’s not like that, Libby! I want to be with you more than anything, but I’ve got a lot of healing to do, my heart’s not right. Even the love of a good woman like you can’t fill this hole deep inside of me. The faces of all the men I shot, the smell of death, it’s too fresh in my mind right now! I need some time away from all this, some time alone. When I get to California, I’m going to build a large cabin near the mountains and when it’s done and when I’ve become the kind of man you deserve, I’m going to send for you. And I’m hoping and praying you’ll come be with me.”

  “It was always my dream to come out west and own my very own saloon, Jon, that’s all I ever wanted. I was so happy, and then you came along, with those rugged good lucks and proper manners. And what do you know? I went and fell in love. I tried to fight it, but every time you gave me that boyish grin and I looked into those big blue eyes, I just melted. I knew it wasn’t right, but I couldn’t help myself. Go build your cabin Jon; Sam will buy the Barbee when the time comes and I’ll come to California. I got no choice, I just plain love you too much to say no. In the meantime, during our time apart, I’ll hold tight to our memories!”

  Jon stood and pulled Libby gently into his arms. “Your new kitchen will have a view of the mountains,” he said tenderly. A long passionate kissed ensued followed by a long embrace.

  Suddenly there was a loud knock on the door. “You better answer it,” Libby said, “It might be someone important.”

  Jon hurried to the door. “Yes?” he shouted.

  “Tom Baldwin, Jon, I need to talk to you. Got a minute?” Jon looked at Libby, she nodded yes. “Just a minute Tom.”

  Libby walked over and squeezed his hand. “I best be going,” she said. “A respectable girl shouldn’t be alone in a hotel room with her man - people might talk!” She looked directly at Jon for a moment. “Sorry for staring,” she said. “I just want remember that handsome face until we meet again.” She tenderly kissed his cheek. “Better not keep the Commissioner waiting,” she said quietly.

  Weak kneed, Jon turned the handle and opened the door. What a lady! he thought.

  The waiting commissioner’s eyes brightened when he saw Libby. “Good Morning, Libby. Surprised to see you here. How are you?”

  “I’m fine, Tom. I just stopped in to see how Jon was doing, I best be going now.” She smiled at the friendly barber, lifted her lovely gown and stepped out of the room.

  Jon slid the metal badge off his denim shirt. “Come on in Tom, you’re just the ..”

  The door clicked shut behind Libby as she hurried back to the Barbee.

  * * *

  The cool breeze sent a chill down Pecos Street as Jon walked to the jail to clean out his desk. Evening was falling. As he passed Baldwin’s Barber Shop, he thought of his friend, Tom Baldwin, a friendly and principled man. The hitching post was empty in front of Auggie’s as he walked past his favorite eatery. He remembered all the good times there, the practical jokes and laughter. His heart sank as he walked past the Barbee. The thought of leaving Libby, even for a short time, was gut wrenching. His heart raced as he walked past Faraday’s Saloon, the horror of the gunfight the day before sickened him. He looked over at the jail; Ed’s horse was out front. He hurried over and stepped inside just as Ed was walking out from the back room.

  “Evening, Ed.”

  “Howdy, Jon, good to see ya. I didn’t think you’d be up and around so soon. How are ya feelin’?”

  “Shoulder’s a little sore, otherwise I’m feelin’ okay, thank you. I’m leaving for California in the morning,” Jon said matter-of-factly.

  “Tell me it ain’t true,” Ed replied, eyes wide with surprise. “My good buddy’s leavin’ me again? I can’t believe it, you’re finally gonna do it, turn tail and run off to California. And just when I was gettin’ used to having you around?” Ed smiled warmly.

  “I’m sorry Ed, but I got a lot of thinking to do, I have to get my heart right,” Jon said sincerely.

  “I know Partner, you’ve sure had a tough go of it here,” Ed said somberly. “I had no idea that things would get this rough when I asked you to stay on and be--”

  Jon interrupted. “It’s not your fault Ed, I’m a big boy. I knew what I was getting into when I took the sheriff’s job. And its not just here, my whole life’s been one fight after another. I gotta get things straight, that’s all.”

  “I understand, partner. How’s Libby handling it?”

  “Like the wonderful lady she is. I’m building us a cabin near my vineyard in the mountains; she’ll join me there someday.”

  “Hope so, she’s a fine woman,” Ed said.

  “The best,” Jon replied as he emptied his desk drawers into one of his saddle bags.

  “I got an early ride in the morning, so I best be going Sheriff.” Jon smiled at Ed.

  “Sheriff?” Ed exclaimed loudly.

  “You heard me right, friend. This town needs somebody like you right now! Tom Baldwin and I talked about it this morning; he’ll be in to see ya tomorrow.”

  “Well, thank ya, Jon. I’m flattered. I’ll do the best I can, but nobody can replace you. As far as I’m concerned you’ll always be the Sheriff of Mesquite County!”

  Jon nodded at
his dear friend, “Thank you Ed,” Jon replied. “I got just one bit of advice, if you don’t mind.”

  “Fire away!”

  “When trouble starts, move in fast; don’t let some no account get the jump on you. You’ll live longer that way,” Jon said.

  “I’ll take that to heart my friend, I promise ya!”

  Jon smiled as his face softened. “There’s one more thing Ed.”

  Ed nodded.

  “When the time comes, could ya take a little time off and bring Libby over the mountains to me. She’s precious cargo and you’re the only man I would trust.”

  “I was already plannin’ on it,” Ed said with a grin.

  “Thanks Ed,” Jon replied. “I’d like to stand here and talk all day, partner, but I got things to do.” Jon punched the new sheriff on the arm. “Take care buddy,” The two old friends shared a quick embrace; Jon turned and hurried out the door.

  Chapter 29

  The cold wind stung Jon’s face as he walked to the stable early the next morning. It was still dark. Jon pulled the collar up on his duster for additional protection from the cold. Two full saddle bags and two bags of water were draped over his right arm. He could hear laughter nearby, the all night gamblers were still at it at the Barbee. Libby had probably just gone to bed a few hours earlier; his heart ached to see her, but a proper lady needed time to prepare herself, he wouldn’t disturb her.

  Jon’s heart was heavy as he walked along the darkened street. Logan’s Crossing had been an epiphany for Jon. During his time spent here, he had come to grips with the very forces that tortured his soul and darkened his heart, while at the same time experiencing the greatest love he had ever known. It was with great conflict that he departed from this town, knowing that the year spent here had been the most significant in his life.