The Visitor - The Final Ride 1875-1928

by Barbara Svetlick

The local churches has formed an organization to lend their voices to the need to clean up the town and will work together to help the Marshall.

  This is a breath of fresh air to those of us who call Denver home and hope to see it move into a strong community where the citizens can walk the streets without being harassed or threatened. We must give credit to one of our own who has great ties to the government and settled in this area long before the thugs claimed the seedier side of Denver.

  The U.S. Marshall, an official from the Department of Health, two auditors and five deputies arrived on the noon train and set up their office in the courthouse. Smitty decided to head north until things settled down. He packed up his books and hid them under the floor boards of his desk where they would be safe until his return. He was long gone before the Marshall walked into The Painted Lady which was immediately closed down pending the proprietor bringing his books to their office for audit. The Marshall sent in his deputies to search the premises finding the loose floorboards where the books and a large amount of cash were hidden under a layer of dirt. The Marshall issued an order of confiscation providing it to the Judge allowing them to seize all assets of Smitty. The church organization took in the young girls but many disappeared taking their trade to somewhere not under the scrutiny of the Marshall.

  Garnett was playing some of the old music that they all enjoyed when James said something. Garnett stopped and turned to the doors. James was nursing a shot leaning back against the couch looking out onto the flower field. “I said I don’t think she’s real.”

  Garnett stood up and walked over to the door. There was a full moon with light clouds that were moving across the moon slowly. He looked down as he put his hand on the door jam. Mirisa was standing in the center of the field in a white silk gown that was moving with the breeze. She was standing very still as though she was a marble statute. Mirisa loved the feeling of the breeze and the sweet smell of the budding wildflowers.

  “What is she doing?”

  “Don’t really know but she usually only does that when she’s trying to make a decision. Is that a dog at her feet?”

  James looked as the coyote laid down at her feet. “It must be Ghost.”

  “No, he’s in bed with the girls. That looks like her Dog.”

  “Garnett, Dog has been dead for years.”

  “Tell me that it doesn’t look like him.”

  Mirisa put her palms out as Dominic woke up from a sound sleep. He slipped out of bed and opened the French doors off his private bedchambers and listened. The voices of the women with the soft rhythm of drums filled his room. Jonathan laid quietly listening as did Matthew. When James turned back to her, he saw the warrior in front of her and when he blinked he was gone. “I really don’t think she’s real.”

  “I’m still trying to determine if the coyote and warrior were real.”

  “You saw that?”

  “James, I think we need to start laying off the whisky.”

  “Maybe or maybe we need another shot.”

  Mirisa lowered her arms as the song continued to hold her attention. Conrad watched her and knew she was seeking to center herself. She rarely sought him out because she was still angry over their last conversation. He smiled as he stepped away from her.

  Garnett was speechless as she slipped off her gown holding it out with one hand making it billow slightly as she released it to drift to the ground. The moon spread across the field taking her in its path as she picked a flower and wove it into her hair.

  James poured another shot. “I will never forgive Meeks for what he did.”

  “He apologized.”

  “A lot of good that does since she is afraid to go near anyone thinking he will do it again. I miss touching her more than I miss killing people.”

  “Where is Meeks?”

  “Moving in behind her.”

  Garnett turned and watched as he climbed the hill, removed his boots and started to unbutton his shirt. “James, I might have to agree with you on that one.”

  Meeks walked up behind her and ran his hands down her arms until their fingers were intertwined. Mirisa leaned back as the clock started rolling backwards and that desire you have when you want something so bad but can’t have it overwhelms you. The warmth of his breathing on her neck, the touch of his warm skin against hers with the breeze consumed her slowly.

  “I wanted you so bad that night on the hill that it hurt.”

  “Then why did you stop?”

  “You weren’t ready and I was afraid.” Mirisa turned as their arms crossed and she was facing him. “Or maybe I wasn’t ready.”

  Mirisa unwound her fingers and her hands went around his neck and he lifted her up turning her around as she put her head back and released her hands as she put her arms back. You could tell she was laughing until Meeks slowed and she brought herself back up and kissed him with such yearning. Meeks lowered to his knees as he leaned back until she pushed him down in the flowers. He reached up and undid her braid allowing the flowers to escape.

  “Damn she just never loses the ability to make you want to sell your soul. You know if more women gave into their own desires fewer men would seek sex somewhere else. I think it is her demands on a man that makes her so irresistible.”

  Mirisa sat up in the moonlight and when she did Meeks rolled her over and made love to her until they collapsed on the wet hill as the moon went behind the clouds. Mirisa thought they would never get too old or too tired to enjoy sex and he knew that the key to her excitement was the freedom of her own wants.

  James poured a shot and put the bottle on the bar for Meeks. Mirisa walked by running her hand along James as he grabbed her wrist and brought her up close kissing her with so much desire that she knew they had been watching. She looked deep into his eyes. “Mirisa I love you when you smell like you have been rolling in the grass.”

  “And exactly how does that smell.”

  “Sweetheart, it has been eight years and I can still describe the smell of your body, the small drops of perspiration that start to form across your breast as you begin to climb, the softness of your skin as it moves so beautifully against the silk, the way your hands move like a flower in the wind and the way you say ‘oh God’ as your body responds to a man’s touch.”

  Mirisa lowered her eyes and the feeling washed over her with such strength that she didn’t know if she could step away. She wanted James so bad at that moment and all three of them read her body language. Meeks picked her up from behind and walked up the steps with her.

  “Must be a full moon.”

  Garnett headed back to Washington after consulting with the Ranchers Association who decided to start building a town near the church and school. Since it would be on privately owned land, they could control everything that happened and they could avoid dealing with the issues of the organized thugs. They knew the barrel of scum was deep and removing the head only allowed someone else to step up. It wasn’t the perfect solution but at that time it was the safest.

  Mirisa stood on the platform with the girls as the train started pulling into the station. They watched as the passengers got off the train and when a small wiry man stepped down carrying a music case she smiled. Lenny Winston didn’t surprise her in the least. He was thin, nervous looking, his hair was slicked back and his clothes looked too big for him. Meeks came up behind her and looked at the strange little man.

  “Mr. Winston.”

  “Yes sir. Are you…” He took out a paper that was slightly wet and tried to read it without putting down his case. Meeks reached for the case and told him that he would get his suitcase. “Why thank you…”

  “Alexander Meeks.” Meeks turned to Mirisa. “This is my wife Mirisa and our daughters Lizzie and Cassie.”

  “Very good, very nice to meet you. Did James send you to pick me up because this has been a very harrowing trip?” Meeks helped him up onto the buckboard handing up the violin case.

  Lizzie stood behind him on the wagon as Mirisa helped
Cassie climb up. Meeks put his two satchels on the back of the wagon before he climbed up turning the wagon around. Mr. Winston held onto his instrument case as though it would blow away as he had a death grip on the edge of the seat. When they passed the church, Mr. Winston turned and looked at it. “Am I not staying at the church?”

  “We thought it would be better if you stayed with us until you get accustomed to your surroundings.”

  Lizzie looked at her mother and whispered which made Mirisa laugh. When they stopped in front of the lodge, the girls both jumped down as Meeks reached in and lifted Mirisa out of the wagon putting her on the ground. He put Mr. Winston’s cases on the ground as Lenny handed his violin case to Meeks before he tried to get off the wagon without falling.

  “My goodness, what a big home you have.”

  “It is and I believe you should be quite comfortable during your stay. If you prefer, the preacher and his wife have agreed to house you but with the new construction near the church you might prefer the quiet of the lodge. But the option is always available and we would not be in the least offended.”

  “Thank you.”

  Mirisa walked into the house as Meeks walked down the hallway putting Mr. Winston’s cases in the guest room between the library and the children’s wing. Lenny followed him into the room and was impressed with the size and the furnishings which also included a small secretary.

  “We usually have dinner around seven but if you are hungry I am sure Mirisa can scare you up something to eat. Your private bath chambers are through the far door.”

  “Where shall I be giving lessons?”

  “That is your choice. We have a music room on the third floor as well as in the children’s wing.”

  “If you do not mind, I think I shall wash up and take a rest.”

  Meeks nodded closing the door as he walked back to the kitchen. Mirisa put the chickens on the outdoor grill to roast and started cutting up the fresh vegetables. James came in and washed his hands at the sink as she reached up to get her bowl for biscuits.

  “Did you find Mr. Winston?”

  “Yes. He is settling into his room and the girls have been told to find something quiet to do.”

  Mr. Winston came out dressed so properly that Mirisa smiled. He embodied every music teacher she had ever had. She fixed him a cup of tea and asked him if he had any special needs regarding eating.

  “I am not a hearty eater and this adventure has made my constitution a little finicky but I am sure I shall adjust to your cooking.”

  “Where are you from Mr. Winston?”

  “Maryland. I am schooled at the finest music academies and have taught numerous children.”

  “How did Garnett convince you to come across the country to teach his daughter?”

  “He offered an outrageous salary and all my expenses. He also promised that I would be safe and have comfortable lodging.”

  “Well, we hope you will enjoy your stay with us.”

  “How many children will I be teaching?”

  “Only Lizzie. The other girls know how to play the piano but none of them are particularly interested in making it a center point in their lives.”

  “Most children are tolerant in their attitude but occasionally I find one that is passionate. How old is Elizabeth?”

  “She is ten years old and she is a serious student.”

  “Then it will be a pleasure to instruct her.”

  “Would you like a tour of the house?”

  “Thank you.” He sipped his tea and waited as she washed and dried her hands on her apron. She took him down to the girls’ wing where the girls were sitting in the window seat drawing. He said hello to them as Mirisa introduced him to all four girls. He looked at the small piano and asked Elizabeth if she could play something simple for him. She put down her pencil and walked over to the piano. Lizzie played a simple piece as he listened.

  “Very talented and a beautifully tuned piano. May I look at your violin?” Lizzie walked over to the bookshelf and lifted her violin out of the case and handed it to him. Mr. Winston looked it over and asked for the bow. She handed it to him and he put against his chin running the bow across the strings. “It needs tuned but it is a very nice violin for learning. I shall advise your father when you are ready to step up to a better violin.”

  “Thank you so much for coming to teach me.”

  Mr. Winston looked at her and smiled. “You may not thank me in a few weeks for I am a very demanding teacher.” He handed the violin back to her and Mirisa took him out onto the porch and told him to feel free to use the house as his own. She took him in through the great room and up to the third floor where he was mesmerized by the views and the piano.

  “Why do you have two pianos?”

  “We decided that a smaller piano in their wing of the house would encourage them to play more often. This room offers more privacy. If you believe you need to use this room to teach, you may though she is rarely distracted.”

  “I will probably use this room in the beginning.” He looked at the painting over the piano. Mirisa didn’t acknowledge his obvious question. “What time of day is Elizabeth the most active?”

  “Usually between collecting eggs and lunch.”

  “Collecting eggs?”

  “The girls all have daily chores but she generally spends an hour on the piano after breakfast.”

  Mr. Winston sat at the bar talking to her as the children came out and helped get the food on the table. It was a wonderful dinner with the children politely asking him about his life without getting too personal. He retired early saying it may take him weeks to adjust to the difference in the hours of sunrise and sunset.

  He settled into the family life though was very quiet and respectful. After a week in which he was introduced at church, Lenny began teaching Lizzie to play the violin. Lenny wrote to Garnett at the end of every week to advise him of her progress.

  Mirisa was sitting on the porch snapping sweet peas for dinner when Lenny came out and sat down next to her.

  “Are you enjoying your stay?”

  “I find the country beautiful though my lessons on riding are not as successful as Lizzie’s are on the violin. She is an exceptional student and I don’t know if it is because she is such a good pianist or her love of music.”

  “Her father is an excellent pianist and composer.”

  “Do you care for Lizzie because her mother is not here?”

  Mirisa looked up at him. “All of the children are mine.” He tried hard to figure out the dynamics as she smiled. “Sometimes it is easier just to accept our family rather than trying to understand it.”

  “Have you lived out here long?”

  “On and off for a while but after a few years back east we decided to move back here to raise the children.”

  “It seems to be a dangerous place to raise a child.”

  “I guess it would appear that way but when you live here you teach your children how to deal with any problems. Have you ever been married?”

  “No. I don’t handle social graces very well. I mean, I know how to be socially acceptable but women have always sent me into a dither.”

  “How did Garnett find you?”

  “We were introduced by the father of one of my students. He is a very interesting man and quite knowledgeable about music and the history of music.” Lenny looked out across the river. “I wasn’t sure when he told me that I had to come across the country if I wanted the job until he offered me more money than I could make in a decade. He must love his daughter a lot.”

  “All the girls are easy to love but Lizzie is probably the most serious. She seems to have little interest outside of music but she is also an excellent student.”

  James stepped out onto the porch. “Mr. Winston are you ready to head to the school?”

  “Yes, thank you sir.” He stood up and nodded to Mirisa before he went in to get his violin.

  “Quirky man.”

  Mirisa laughed. “Well at leas
t we haven’t had any problems to send him running home. How is he doing on his riding lessons?”

  “He is getting better but he’s not really comfortable even though I have him on the mildest horse.” James leaned over and kissed her. “I miss you.”

  Mirisa looked at him as she set the bowl of peas down. “I have been talking to Alexander about riding up into the foothills with Jonathan and Maggie.”

  “Is he going to let Maggie go for the summer?”

  “I think he will.”

  “Have you heard anything from Matthew?”

  “I received a letter from him this week. He’s almost finished with his studies and working as an intern at the hospital. Matthew said he works so many hours with little sleep and less food but he’s learning a lot and loves the school.”

  “I remember the day he was born. It really has been a great pride to watch him grow up and mature into such a good man.”

  “I miss the babies.”

  “So do I but it won’t be much longer before you become a grandmother.”

  “I am too young to be a grandmother.”

  “Your son is older than you were when you married his father.”

  “Do you think they will all do well in life? I sometimes worry over whether or not they can have a normal life for mine has been anything but normal.”

  Mirisa sighed as Mr. Winston came back out carrying his case. James told her he’d be back and the preacher would bring Mr. Winston back after the lesson with the other students. Mirisa set the bowl of peas on the counter as Meeks walked up behind her and kissed her just behind her ear. “How would you like to go for a ride?”

  “You are my savior.”

  “Can I help you with anything?”

  Mirisa ran her fingers through his hair and smiled. “Are you tired of working on the books?”

  Meeks stretched picking her up kissing her nose. “I finished and I have more money than I had yesterday.”

  “What have you done to make more money?”

  “Marry you.”

  “How does marrying me make money?”

  “Because I am spending it on good things instead of drunken adventures.” He lifted her up on the bar and leaned into her.