Slow John

by Petit, C. J.

  _____

  The next morning, their lives as husband and wife began as their first few hours had ended, but they finally left their marital bed and started the routine day.

  After they had bathed and readied for the day, Kate made breakfast while John went outside and took care of their horses. When he returned, they sat and shared their bacon and eggs, with coffee for John and tea for Kate, just as they had on the trail.

  John kissed his wife before he went to his sheriff’s office and they couldn’t help but spend a few seconds entertaining each other before John had to leave.

  After he had gone, Kate sat with her tea for a few minutes, marveling at the change in her life. Just two months before, she had been in that hovel being abused daily by those animals, and now, she was having a cup of tea in her own kitchen, having just kissed her wonderful husband goodbye for the day. Her family was living just a mile and a half away and she was content.

  There was only one thing she wished for, and not just for herself, but for that incredible man who had made all this possible. She believed that she could never begin to pay him back for all he had done for her, not even realizing that she already had done so long before last night. She had forgotten Slow John’s response to her question about what he would do if the moon was crashing into the earth. John’s only dream, the one he had been holding onto for years, was to have a wife next to him that he could love unequivocally. She had fulfilled that dream.

  _____

  Things were quiet for the next eleven days, but on June 8th, at exactly 4:11 in the afternoon, a stranger stepped off the eastbound train. He saw the empty platform, and walked to the streets of North Platte. He saw the sheriff’s office on the left side of the road, three buildings down, adjusted his hat and walked purposefully toward the jail, his boots making dust clouds as he walked.

  When he reached the office, he didn’t hesitate. This was the office of Slow John Flynn, and he’d been sent to find him.

  John wasn’t in the office as the stranger entered, as he was doing his evening rounds before going back to Kate. He was on the boardwalk when he saw the stranger pop out of his office and scan the streets, probably looking for him.

  John stopped and gawked at the man, as he turned his face and saw John looking at him.

  John was stunned when he saw the man’s face and his bright plaid shirt and denim pants. This wasn’t possible! This was all wrong!

  The stranger had spotted John’s badge and began to walk straight at him, as John just stood there looking at the man wondering what had happened to make this even possible. It must have been something terrible.

  As he drew close, John finally asked, “Father Ryan, why are you dressed like that?”

  The man smiled and replied, “I’m Ian Ryan, Sean’s older brother. He asked me to come and see you.”

  John was still stunned.

  “But, he said you were his older brother, but you don’t look any older and you look just like him.”

  Ian laughed and replied, “I am older, by exactly six minutes. We’re identical twins, but when it comes to the laws of inheritance, those six minutes matter. Can we talk somewhere? Sean said I had to talk to you, but I have no idea why. He’s that way, sometimes.”

  “Sure, let’s go to my office.”

  John still couldn’t get over the likeness as they reached his office and stepped inside.

  After they had taken seats, Ian asked, “Do you know why Sean insisted that I come out here?”

  “I have no idea. I know that he told me he was worried about you after the loss of your wife.”

  Ian nodded and replied, “He’s always been like that, even before he was a priest. He was constantly trying to help others. In my case, he portrayed me as some sort of a recluse, but I told him that I was okay, but I knew I’d never find the like of my Mary again. But he kept telling me that I shouldn’t give up trying.”

  “Why did you give up the farm?”

  “I didn’t so much give it up as let our next oldest brother, Michael, take it over. I had divided the farm into shares between all of us, including Sean. I just didn’t have the desire anymore. Now, Sean told me all your stories, and I’ll admit to being very impressed. I’m guessing that he left a lot out, though.”

  “I’m sure he did. Would you like to have dinner with me and Kate?”

  “I don’t want to intrude, especially with you being a newlywed couple.”

  “It’s not an intrusion. I’m sure Kate would love to meet you.”

  “Honestly, I’d like to meet her after all the stories I heard.”

  “Good. Let’s go.”

  John locked the office, then he and Ian headed east down the main street.

  John had to try to warn Kate before he entered the house, so she didn’t greet him overly enthusiastically as she normally did, and sometimes in a state of partial undress, so when they arrived at the door, John knocked, hoping she’d understand.

  Kate heard his knock, quickly buttoned her blouse and walked quickly to the front door and opened it with total confusion on her face.

  Before she could say anything, John said, “Kate, this is Ian Ryan, Father Ryan’s twin brother.”

  Kate’s bewilderment evaporated, and she broke into her usual welcoming smile.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please come in.”

  Ian smiled, stepped inside and Kate raised her eyebrows at John and tugged at her blouse’s buttons, letting him know that she appreciated the warning.

  After they settled in the main room, Ian was talking to Kate about his brother, as he had to John. While he did, John was reviewing the conversation he had with Father Ryan about his brother and figured out exactly why he had been sent west, and it wasn’t to meet him.

  Kate excused herself to complete their dinner leaving John and Ian to chat.

  “So, John, Sean told me about how you got your name and how you found Kate and everything, but he said he didn’t know much about what had happened when you had to make that dash to Omaha that was in the Omaha Bee. I read the story, but there were a lot of gaps.”

  “I’m sure there were. I left North Platte to pursue my brother because of what he had done to Kate and another woman and to stop him from doing it again. I caught up with him in Bellevue, where he was preparing to do it to a good friend of mine, Melissa Blake. I chased him east and he ran right into the Missouri River and drowned.”

  “That’s what the newspaper said, but I think there must be more to it than that.”

  “There is.”

  John explained how Jack had always been afraid of him because John wouldn’t tolerate his troublemaking, and once he realized that John was back, he was terrified because he knew what John had to do. After John filled out all the details, he paused.

  “The final tragedy to Jack’s story was what he left behind, besides one dead and one deeply hurt woman. He was married to Kate’s younger sister, Eliza. She’s so much like Kate in so many ways, yet that misguided, uncaring brother of mine not only didn’t appreciate what he had, he would insult her for being pregnant, and just treat her like a used shoe. She lives with my parents now and will be having her baby in the next few weeks. My brother had it all, Ian, and threw it away for some malicious personal pleasure.”

  Ian shook his head. “I can’t imagine that. I had my Mary and treasured every minute I had with her. To have that and not realize how fortunate you are is beyond belief.”

  “It is. So where do you want to stay while you’re here? We have plenty of room.”

  Ian shook his head. “I’m not about to stay in the home of newlyweds. I like a good night’s sleep.”

  John laughed and had to admit it was true. He and Kate weren’t exactly quiet in the bedroom, or the main room, kitchen or even the bathroom for that matter.

  “After dinner, let’s go over to the farm and I’ll introduce you to my parents. They have a spare room as well. My brothers Patrick and Dennis live with their wives and children in the W
alshes right now, but they each filed on two quarter sections recently and are building houses on the properties, so they’ll be moving out soon. The only one living with my parents is Eliza.”

  “I’d like to meet everyone.” Ian replied as they were called to dinner by Kate.

  _____

  After they had finished eating, John went outside and saddled Cross, Bow, and another horse for Ian before returning to the house, leading all three horses to the backyard hitch rail.

  When they rode out, Ian asked if they could swing by the trees where John and Kate had been married, so they rode northwest for a bit, stopped for a minute at the small grove, and then turned east toward the farms.

  Eliza was on the porch knitting a hat for her baby when she saw Kate and John approaching with a guest when they were more than a mile out. She continued knitting for another minute before she looked more closely at the rider alongside Kate. The closer they drew, the more she was sure it was Father Ryan, but he wasn’t dressed in his cassock or wearing his collar, he was in normal clothing. She began to wonder, as John had, if he had resigned from the priesthood. It would be a great loss to the church, she thought, but didn’t feel too badly if it had happened. She had liked the young priest.

  Yet as they walked their horses closer to the house, Eliza, despite Ian and Sean being identical twins, was sure that his lookalike wasn’t Father Ryan, and correctly assumed he was a brother.

  She set aside her knitting, stood and stretched her back before making her way to the edge of the porch.

  “Hello, Eliza!” shouted Kate.

  “Good evening, Kate. How are you, John?” she asked.

  “I’m fine. Eliza, I’d like to introduce you to Ian Ryan, Father Ryan’s brother.”

  Ian smiled at Eliza and said, “Please call me Ian.”

  “I’m Eliza, Ian. Why don’t you all come in.”

  John and Kate were both somewhat surprised that Eliza hadn’t had that look of amazement about Ian’s appearance as they stepped down and hitched the horses. All three then followed Eliza into the house.

  John was getting ready to call his parents when they arrived from the kitchen and immediately had the look that hadn’t been on Eliza’s face when they saw Ian.

  After explanations were made, Mary left for the kitchen and soon returned with some coffee.

  John asked if Ian could stay there while he was in North Platte, and they assured him that it would be no problem, understanding the reason for his not wishing to be housed in the newlyweds’ home.

  It didn’t take long for Ian to figure out why Sean had sent him to North Platte, and it wasn’t because of Slow John Flynn. The reason was sitting across the room from him and for once, Ian didn’t take issue with Sean’s attempts to help him. Eliza had already enthralled him. Aside from her lively demeanor and happy blue eyes, he could see all the warmth and compassion that had marked his Mary, but different, too. Eliza was lively, even in her current condition. She simply sparkled.

  John looked over at Kate and smiled, receiving a knowing smile in return. Eliza wouldn’t have to be alone much longer.

  Kate and John returned to their home before it was dark and rode straight into the barn and began stripping their horses.

  “Did you expect that, John?” she asked as she removed Bow’s bridle.

  “I did when I remembered what Father Ryan said about his brother and Eliza. He saw two people in need and because he was a twin and probably liked Eliza, he knew his brother would recognize how special she was as well.”

  “Did you notice how she wasn’t surprised when we arrive? I asked her about it and said she knew that Ian was probably Sean’s brother because of his eyes.”

  “That’s kind of how it is with us, isn’t it?” he asked as he took her arm and they began their walk back to the house.

  “It is, and it always will be, my husband.” Kate replied with a smile.

  _____

  Ian stayed at the Flynn farm to work and started visiting a delighted Eliza.

  Eliza went into labor on June 23rd and at seven-thirty that evening, gave birth to a baby girl, and named her Mary Catherine.

  Kate and John stopped by the next morning to see Eliza, and Kate cried softly as Eliza let her hold the small pink bundle.

  “She’s so beautiful, Eliza. She looks just like you.”

  “Isn’t she special, Kate? I’m so happy.”

  Kate handed her niece back to a smiling Eliza who cuddled her daughter into her arms.

  “You deserve it, Eliza.”

  Eliza looked at Kate and could see the hurt behind her eyes and knew there was nothing she could do or say to ease her worry.

  Kate and John rode back to their house, and John knew before they had gone to the Flynn home that she’d be affected by the sight of Eliza’s new baby. In a way, he’d been dreading the day she held the baby in her arms.

  Kate never said a word on the ride back, which was unusual, but it wasn’t a long ride, so John didn’t feel the need to speak.

  When they stepped down at the back of the house, John tied off both horses as Kate silently stepped onto the porch and walked inside. John blew out his breath, stepped onto the porch and followed her into the kitchen.

  She was pouring herself a cup of coffee, rather than tea, and poured a second one for John. She added some sugar and cream to hers as she took a seat, and John sat down beside her.

  He rested his left hand on her thigh and said, “We’ve only been married a month, Kate. You shouldn’t worry about anything.”

  Tears slowly wound their way across her cheeks as she said softly, “I’m barren, John. I can never give you a son. I can never experience what Eliza, Maggie or Martha have.”

  “Kate, my love, you really do have to remember that it’s only been a month. And even if that were true, it doesn’t matter to me that much. It only matters because it makes you so unhappy. You are everything to me. When we’re told that the moon will come crashing to the earth in four days, I’ll have you close to me, I’ll tell you how much I love you, and I’ll be completely happy with my life.”

  Kate turned her eyes toward her husband, touched his face and smiled. “I remember the first time you told me that. It said so much about you, and it still does. I’ll try not to be such a worrisome woman.”

  “Kate, just try not to think about it. Just relax and enjoy what we have. If you’d like, I can increase the chances by taking you to bed more often, you know, just to help.”

  Kate sniffed once and then laughed, “I’m sure that’s your only motivation, Mr. Flynn. But, I, unlike many other wives, will be most pleased to take you up on your offer.”

  They set down their cups and John wrapped Kate in his arms, then kissed the top of her head.

  “I suppose I’ve got to go to work sooner or later. They’re almost finished building the bank now that the safe’s been installed. It’s only a matter of time before somebody comes and tries to take it away.”

  “Be careful out there, John. I need you.”

  “I’ll be careful, Kate. I’ll be right back after making my evening rounds.”

  He gave her a kiss and walked out the back door to lead both horses to the barn. He unsaddled and brushed down Bow before mounting Cross and riding into town.

  CHAPTER 11

  John hadn’t realized it, but he had gained a measure of fame with the stories published in the Omaha Bee. Unfortunately, there were some who saw the stories as a challenge. They called him Slow John Flynn, and there were a few that thought it meant he was lucky, but not fast with his pistol. The combination of a perceived lack of speed with a reputation was an invitation for trouble.

  John continued to make improvements in his office space as the days passed. He had two Winchesters, including the one with the hole through its stock, a shotgun, and a Henry rifle. He had two loaded Colt New Army pistols in his drawer but kept his spare Remington at the house.

  He was already very comfortable in his position and the good folks o
f North Platte were grateful for his presence.

  Patrick’s house was complete and soon Dennis and Martha would be able to move into theirs.

  It was the 4th of July, and the town had fireworks scheduled, but that was for the night, rather than the day, which had its own, unscheduled display of fireworks of a different nature.

  John had gone to lunch at his house and was sitting at the kitchen table with Kate. Her monthly had come and gone at the third week in June and was still fighting off her disappointment.

  “I went and saw little Mary today, John. It’s amazing how fast she’s growing. Ian is strutting around like he’s proud papa, even though they aren’t married yet.”

  John laughed. “I know. It’s his own fault. They have to wait until Mary is big enough to travel back to Omaha for a few days. I imagine that will be odd, having your twin brother marrying you.”

  “I think so. Are you going to stay late tonight?”

  “I have to because of the fireworks, and the amount of drinking that will be going on.”

  “I’ll be waiting. You be careful.”

  John stood, kissed Kate and left the house.

  He walked back down the street, and was almost to his office, feeling the heat of the July sun heating his dark Stetson, so he took it off and wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve. As he did, he caught sight of a stranger riding into town from the west. He had the furtive look of a man up to no good. What made it an incongruous sight was the man, who was obviously trying to look fearsome, was about John’s height, but was riding a short black horse that looked like a pony underneath him. It’s hard to be tough guy when you look like a clown.

  The new bank was now in business, and John had been one of their first depositors, when he and Kate had opened their account and deposited most of their remaining cash, $1340. But John didn’t think he was a bank robber. Bank robbers rarely worked alone, and John couldn’t see anyone else in the street.