by Duane Boehm
Mrs. Starks stepped backwards until she collapsed onto a couch. The color drained from her face and she looked as if she might faint. She mumbled, “My sweet Hank is gone.”
“Ma’am, I’m truly sorry things had to turn out this way,” Gideon said.
“Oh, shut up. Nobody cares what you think. That stupid son of a bitch talked my son into doing his dirty work for him and got him killed. I hope you both end up in hell,” Mrs. Starks screamed, her finger pointing at Gideon with her hand trembling as if inflicted with palsy.
Gideon stood stoic with his back straight and his arms to his side. “I had to uphold the law. I take no pleasure in killing a man,” he said.
“I said shut up. You could have left well enough alone. It was just some whores that nobody gave a damn about anyway. I’ll have to tell my daughter that her brother and father are gone. I’m going to pray every night for the rest of my life that you rot in hell and I hope that you know this feeling before you die,” Mrs. Starks yelled at the top of her lungs.
Gideon walked out of the house and jumped onto Buck, riding the horse at a lope all the way back to town.
Chapter 28
Abby sat on the porch swing knitting a baby blanket. Making things for the baby and reading kept her from going stir–crazy. She rested her hands on her bulging belly as she worked. The baby kicked her, letting her know that it was alive and active. All the bedrest and sitting had been hard to take, but she had enjoyed everything else about being pregnant. Her pregnancy with Joann had been too stressful of a time in her life to take pleasure in it. She had enjoyed being pregnant with Winnie, but this time getting to share it with the love of her life and her two daughters had made it extra special.
Joann came out of the cabin and sat down beside her mother. “Abs, you look beautiful today. The blanket looks good too,” she said.
“Thank you. I do feel good today. I’m not tired at all,” Abby said.
“Have you and Daddy came up with names for the baby yet?” Joann asked.
“No, Gideon wants to have a family meeting where we all come to an agreement on a name. I keep telling him to be careful for what he wishes. You and Winnie are liable to never agree to something sensible,” Abby said with a smile.
“I wouldn’t ever do that. It just needs to be a good strong name. It’s going to be a boy, isn’t it?” Joann said.
“I think so. The baby feels different from you and Winnie. God help us if we have another little Gideon running around,” Abby joked.
“Life is hard to predict. Who would’ve ever thought that you and Daddy would be together again or that I would get to know him? Sometimes I have a hard time believing it,” Joann said.
“You are not the only one. Sometimes life has a way of surprising us. Thank God for second chances,” Abby said.
“I was wondering if I could take Snuggles for a ride?” Joann asked.
“Sure. It’s a nice day for that. I wish that I could go with you. Are you taking Winnie? She loves being with you,” Abby said.
“I don’t think so this time. This might take a little while,” Joann said.
“You are going to go see Zack, aren’t you?” Abby asked.
“Yes, I can’t leave things the way that they are. Daddy may end up arresting me or Zack, but it’ll be better than avoiding each other forever,” Joann said.
“What are you going to say to him?” Abby said.
“I’m going to apologize and besides that, I don’t have a clue. I guess I’ll just see what happens,” Joann said.
“You’ll figure it out. Just remember that Zack is a fine young man whether or not he is the right one for you,” Abby said.
Leaning over, Joann kissed her mother on the cheek before walking to the barn and saddling the feisty horse. Letting the horse have free rein, they loped almost all the way to the Oakes’ cabin. She found Ethan and Sarah setting on the swing together, and Benjamin whittling a boat on the steps.
Joann greeted the family from the saddle and then asked, “Is Zack around somewhere?”
Ethan took a puff from his pipe and exhaled. “I decided that we would take the day off. I expect that you will find him at his cabin.”
“I’m going to go see him,” Joann said.
“I see that you’re unarmed. Would you like me to loan you a gun?” Ethan said.
Sarah elbowed her husband. “Ethan, be good,” she said.
Joann smiled. “No, I prefer a frying pan. I hear that’s better for knocking some sense into a man.”
“I hear a cold bath does the same for a woman,” Ethan said with a grin.
“Ethan Oakes, keep your nose out of things,” Sarah said.
“You are bad today. I’m going to let Sarah straighten you out,” Joann said.
“I’m just joking with you. Gideon and I were teasing him the other day and that boy is still riled. He might not be in much of a listening mood, but good luck,” Ethan said.
“I’ll see you all later,” Joann said and rode away.
Zack stood in front of the cabin, splitting kindling, as Joann rode into the yard. He worked shirtless and his sweat–drenched muscles shined in the sunlight. Surprised at seeing her, he set the axe down and grabbed his shirt, hastily slipping it on.
“What do you want?” Zack asked warily.
“Well, hello to you too,” Joann said as she climbed down from her horse.
“Joann, why are you here?” he asked.
“Zack, we can’t go on for the rest of our lives avoiding each other. I came here to apologize. I know that I was wrong and that it was all my fault. I should’ve been thanking you instead of chewing you out. I’m asking for your forgiveness,” she said.
Zack looked at her for a moment before saying, “I forgive you and I’ll speak when we see each other. You can go ahead and ride out of here with a clear conscience and I promise that I won’t get in your way again.”
“Zack, please stop. This is a lot more than riding out here to clear my conscience. I want to make things right between us. I truly am sorry. I wanted you to be something that you are not and it wasn’t fair,” Joann said.
“You drive me crazy. You act as if I’m some scared little boy. I killed a man helping your daddy catch some outlaws and I got shot in the bargain, but I wasn’t ever scared. Maybe I wasn’t around women much growing up, but I was taught to be polite. You get mad at me for being polite and then you get mad at me for standing up to you and throwing you in the water trough. I don’t think you know what you want unless maybe you just like being mad at me,” Zack yelled.
Zack’s face had turned red with anger. Joann reminded herself to stay composed. She didn’t want things to turn into a shouting match. Speaking in a calm voice, she said, “I never said that I didn’t want you to be polite. I just want you to be yourself around me. You always act so timid as if you have to tiptoe around me. I don’t want some bossy man, but I don’t want a puppy that I have to lead around either. I don’t know. Maybe there is no pleasing me. I just thought that you always tried too hard. I’ll just go home.”
“You don’t want me timid and you want me to be myself. Well, I think what I want is to get me a switch and wear you out. See who’s tiptoeing when I give you a good switching. I still think you are a brat that is impossible,” he shouted.
She didn’t know what to make of the threat, but was relieved to see that he made no attempt to carry out his plan. “Zack Barlow, you wouldn’t dare hit a woman. You’re not that kind of a man and if you did, I would blow off your head,” she warned.
Zack snickered and walked up to her until they were standing toe to toe and he towered over her. “That’s mighty big talk for such a little lady,” he said, the anger no longer in his voice.
“If you remember, the last man that tried to have his way with me got shot at and if I hadn’t missed, I would have blown off his head,” Joann said.
“Do you want to blow off my head?” Zack asked.
“You haven’t given me a reason to yet
,” Joann answered.
Zack looked down into her unbelievably blue eyes. His heart thumped like a dog’s tail on a porch and he still had no clue what she really wanted from him, but he did not intend on being accused of being timid. He had no doubt that Joann was feisty enough that she could blow his head off if provoked, but he wanted to kiss her and was willing to see if she really wanted him to be himself or if she was just impossible to please. Bending over, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her for all that he was worth. He half expected to get a knee in the groin, but found her ardently returning the kiss.
Chapter 29
With the arrival of Judge Laurel, the trial was finally ready to begin. After the death of Henry Starks, much of the town lost interest in the case and few spectators were in attendance as court was called into session. Cal Simpson looked nervous sitting with his lawyer, Billy Todd. During his time in jail, the bartender had lost weight and his skin had taken on an ashen tone from lack of sun. District Attorney Kile brimmed with confidence and seemed eager to begin. Well–groomed and dressed in a tailored suit, he looked the part of a future politician. Gideon sat with the two whores, Constance and Sissy. Mary had sewn each of the women a dress to make their appearance presentable in court. Judge Laurel, a well know ladies’ man, took a keen interest in the young women as soon as he entered the court.
D.A. Kile presented the evidence and called his witnesses. Attorney Todd had nothing to refute in any of the testimony and no witnesses to call. The trial came off as a one–sided affair with no chance for Simpson to win an acquittal. By mid–afternoon, both sides made their closing arguments. The judge gave his instructions to the jury and sent them to deliberate. Barely a half–hour later, the jury reached a verdict and Cal Simpson was pronounced guilty of all charges.
Judge Laurel pounded his gavel, letting the reverberation die out before speaking. “Cal Simpson, I sentence you to twenty years in the Colorado State Penitentiary. Your treatment of women disgusts me. May you find yourself in the same position in prison as you put these women – a sex slave.”
The judge paused as if he had lost his train of thought before continuing. “Mr. Kile, based on the ledger, how many women do you believe are in forced prostitution from this operation?”
“Counting these two women, I believe there to be a total of thirteen, Your Honor,” Kile answered.
The judge rapped his gavel again for no other reason than he liked the noise. “I hereby declare that the Lucky Horse Saloon and the assets from the two accounts listed in the ledger will be forfeited to the State of Colorado. These two women will receive all the proceeds from the sale of the Lucky Horse and each will be entitled to one–thirteenth of the assets of the aforementioned accounts. Court is adjourned,” the judge said and once again sounded his gavel.
Gideon could feel all the stress melt away. The case had been the most challenging one of his career on so many levels and he felt elated to see it end. He suppressed the urge to throw his hat in the air and let out a holler.
The two women were still sitting beside Gideon as the courtroom emptied. They seemed dazed and confused as D.A. Kile walked up and congratulated them.
“What does it mean?” Sissy asked.
Kile smiled and said, “It means that in a month or so, you girls are going to have more money than you ever imagined. You’ll be able to start a new life.”
The two women looked at each other before squealing and hugging. In unison they said, “Thank you, Mr. Kile.”
“Don’t thank me. I had the easy part. You need to thank the sheriff. He is the one that wouldn’t let the case die even when it nearly cost him his life and looked for all the world that things were hopeless,” Kile said.
Gideon said, “There were a lot of people that played a part in justice being served. I have to get my prisoner back to the jail.” Gideon abruptly walked over to Simpson and Todd before the girls had a chance to make him uncomfortable with their gratitude.
Gideon locked Simpson in his cell before walking across the street and finding Doc asleep at his desk. Banging the door for orneriness, Gideon cackled when the doctor jumped.
“The trial is over. He got twenty years and I’m buying the first beer if you want to meet me at the saloon. I have to go find Finnie,” Gideon said and flew back outside before the doctor had a chance to start cussing him.
Finnie stood outside the livery stable talking to Blackie when Gideon walked up behind him. The Irishman animatedly debated the merits of black horses and did not see him approach. Gideon could not contain himself. He reached over and goosed his friend. Finnie jumped straight up in the air and began cussing before his feet landed on the ground.
“My God, Finnie, I didn’t know that you could jump that high,” Gideon said between fits of laughter.
“I’ll give you an uppercut that lifts you higher than that if you ever play with my arse again,” Finnie threatened.
“Meet me at the Last Chance if you think that Mary will give you permission,” Gideon said before walking away.
Doc and Mary were sitting at the usual table drinking beer by the time Gideon walked into the saloon. The beer and Mary’s company seemed to have revived the old doctor. He was laughing as Gideon took a seat.
Pointing his finger at Gideon, Doc said, “If you ever startle me like that again, I’ll castrate you the next time I have you on that table.”
“You and Finnie are awfully disrespectful to the sheriff. I just got Cal Simpson put away for twenty years and you want to fuss on me,” Gideon said as he motioned for Delta to bring two beers.
Mary patted Gideon’s arm. “We all still love you. The girls were just in here telling me that they were going to be rich. Thank God for that. I’m ready for them to move out of here. I owe you for that if nothing else,” she said.
“That’s what I like to hear. Appreciation for the sheriff,” Gideon joked.
“I thought that’s why we paid you. I didn’t know that flattery came with the deal,” Doc said.
Finnie walked in and sat down. “I hear the trial is over. I guess that is why we are given the pleasure of your fine company and rowdy mood,” he said as Delta delivered the beers.
Gideon shoved one of the mugs at Finnie. “Have a drink and smile. Neither of us will have to sleep in that damn jail much longer,” he said.
Mary held up her hand. “Hold it there a minute. You need to speak for yourself. I only agreed to let Finnie stay over when you stayed in town. Nobody said anything about him taking up residence here.”
Finnie appeared crestfallen. “I’m destined to die a lonely old Irishman. I’ll be called the leprechaun of Last Stand,” he said, causing a chorus of laughter.
Mary leaned over and kissed Finnie’s cheek. “You never know what might happen if you are a good boy,” she said.
The four friends continued their light–hearted banter until Gideon realized that he needed to go home. He paid his tab and said his goodbyes before riding out of town. The ride gave him a chance to absorb all that had happened. He still felt jubilant as if a heavy burden had been lifted. The last couple of months had been a trying time and he looked forward to happier days.
Joann stood at the stove frying steaks when Gideon walked into the cabin and the mouthwatering smell of the meat filled the air. Abby sat at the table with Winnie, helping her with homework. Gideon greeted the family and eagerly told them the verdict. Abby, grasping the importance of the completion of the trial, beckoned him to sit with them until the mealtime.
During the meal, Gideon said, “I think that it’s time that we come up with a couple of names for this baby. If we don’t get started, it will be a year old and we’ll still be calling it baby.”
Abby rolled her eyes at her husband. She still had doubts about how successful it would be to let the whole family in on the naming. Winnie never swayed away from an idea once she struck upon it and she feared that they would never get her to agree to a reasonable name.
Winnie chimed in immediat
ely. “I think we should name it Buddy if it’s a boy. We could call him Buddy Boy. If it’s a girl, we could name her Sissy. I would never forget her name that way.”
“I would hope that you could remember your sister’s name,” Abby said.
“That’s it. We could name her Hope,” Joann said.
“I like that,” Gideon said.
“Me too,” Abby added.
Everyone turned to see Winnie’s response. She looked around the room at each member of the family, wishing that she had thought of the name for the baby.
“Okay, I like Hope too,” Winnie said.
“Hope it is,” Gideon said.
A lively debate broke out in choosing a boy’s name. Winnie kept spurting out names that were rejected and she began sulking. The others continued listing names, but nobody came up with a name that satisfied everyone and the search began to grow old.
Finally, Gideon said, “How about we name him Chance? It was quite a chance that we would all ever be together.”
“That’s it,” Winnie said.
“I believe you are right. I love it,” Abby said.
“Chance it will be,” Joann added.
Chapter 30
Two months had passed since Zack and Joann had made up. The couple continued playing cat and mouse with each other. Zack, having learned his lesson well, found the less that he talked about their futures and the more he acted self–assured, the better things went. Joann would be coquettish one time that they met and cool and distant the next time. Somehow though, before a night would end, they would manage to be alone together and the petting would begin as if there were no tomorrow.
At church, Zack had asked Joann to go riding later that day and she accepted. In preparation, she sat in her room brushing her hair, having changed into her favorite blouse and Abby’s riding pants. Her blue eyes would always link her to her daddy, but otherwise, she appeared very much her mother’s daughter.
