Good Man - Bad Enemy

by Gary Church

  Jace turned out to be a solid poker player and a good conversationalist. He was up to date on the latest news, and asked the others about their lives, careful not to get too personal, but to show an interest and let them talk.

  Johnny studied him carefully as they played, and he realized the young man had a sadness about him that was evident despite his seemingly carefree attitude. Another oddity, although Jace played well, was that he would occasionally completely misplay a hand, as though his mind was elsewhere. The subject of travel came up, and when Johnny noted he had been in the Northwest, Jace’s face brightened, losing its sadness for a moment, as he said he had recently returned from a trail drive to Colorado.

  “Colorado is beautiful,” he said. “I’m a Texan, but it was nice to see.”

  Then, as Jace went to the bar to order some drinks for the group, the doc made a comment to the undertaker. “Jace hasn’t gotten over his girl jilting him. It’s affecting his poker playing a little. Young, good-looking man like him should move on.”

  “I recommended to my boys they avoid the pretty ones. Generally trouble, those,” replied the undertaker.

  Johnny enjoyed the poker and the conversation, and the cards favored him. He woke up Sunday morning and decided to surprise Rosalinda by arriving in time to attend church with her and her parents. They were Catholics, and he was a Baptist—a strayed Baptist, but he always felt better after attending services, including Catholic services.

  Rosalinda was thrilled when Johnny arrived just as she and her parents were preparing to leave for church. He sat in the back of the buggy with Rosalinda, who radiated love. He felt unworthy, truth be told, but he was determined to live up to her expectations. Margarita turned and looked at him, and he felt she was looking at him in a new way. He remembered Lupe had smiled at him in an odd way this morning. My powers of observation are off, due to my lapse in poker playing. Either that, or I’m starting to see things. He smiled at Margarita and turned to look at the passing countryside. The sky was clear and the day comfortably warm.

  Returning home from church, Rosalinda and her mother prepared the noon meal—called dinner in the South—while Johnny and Lupe walked down to the barns to check on a new foal. Hearing the dinner bell, they headed back to the house. The three Mexicans who worked for Lupe usually ate with the family but had gone to town Saturday night and had not yet returned. Margarita, thrilled with the visit, had gone all out. Fried chicken and steak were both on the table, along with tortillas, corn, potatoes, and gravy.

  “Johnny, I’d like to visit with you about a possible business opportunity,” said Lupe, before a stern look from Margarita made him reconsider. “Ah, later. We’ll talk later,” he said, suddenly finding new interest in the food on his plate.

  After dinner, Rosalinda suggested a walk before dessert. She and Johnny strolled toward a creek that flowed not far from the Gutiérrez home. Once there, inside a grove of trees, Rosalinda stopped, turned to Johnny and said, “Johnny, my husband, I am with child.”

  THREE

  Johnny would later recall that he had stood there, nodding, with a stupid grin on his face, as though Rosalinda had said it was a beautiful day. It took a full minute before he realized what Rosalinda was saying. “Oh,” he finally managed to utter, then, “Rosalinda,” as he took her in his arms, but he couldn’t think what else to say.

  As he stood there, holding his wife—his pregnant wife—he wasn’t sure what lay ahead, as this was a first for him. Johnny realized that his life had just changed dramatically and would never be the same.

  Finally, Johnny was able to assure Rosalinda that this was the best news, other than her agreeing to marry him, that he had ever had. Holding hands, the two walked back to the house where they were greeted by a smiling Lupe and Margarita Gutiérrez.

  Over coffee and pecan pie, Lupe explained the business opportunity to Johnny. “It is a little complicated, and there is a risk, but it is an opportunity to make considerable money,” said Lupe.

  Johnny nodded. Given his new status as a man who would have a child soon, the idea of making money appealed to him.

  “A man by the name of Christie is putting together a cattle drive. He’s planning on moving some three thousand head up to Kansas, to the stockyards there. He’ll make money two ways. He owns some of the beeves, and some he’s taking on shares for others.” Lupe paused to see if Johnny had any questions. “He’s going to need over a hundred horses, so I will furnish all I can, but I am also interested in buying some cattle and sending them. They’re selling for around four or five dollars a head here in Texas, but Christie thinks he can get twenty-five or thirty dollars a head in Kansas.” Lupe stopped, letting Johnny absorb the numbers. “It will be a risk for me, Johnny. Margarita is nervous. It will take all of our savings.”

  Johnny nodded, then he said, “I understand, Lupe. How can I help?”

  Lupe smiled. “I want you to go, and perhaps you can buy some stock yourself. It could be a good start.”

  Johnny sat, sipped his coffee, and thought. He had the money to buy some cattle. There would be losses on the drive as well as expenses, but if he cleared just ten dollars per head and got there with a couple hundred head, he would bring home two thousand dollars—a tidy sum. And he might do better. A month’s wages for a cowboy wasn’t but thirty or forty dollars.

  “I’m sorry, Lupe, I can’t be away from Rosalinda, especially not now. I mean, if I went along, I could be gone as long as three months, there and back.”

  Lupe said, “So, you think she will have a special need for you for the next few months?”

  “Well, I don’t know, to tell the truth,” said Johnny. “I just figured.”

  “Johnny,” said Lupe, “I’ve known Christie for many years, and I trust him, but he is like me—old. He is going himself, against my recommendation. There will be challenges from nature, animals, and men. I told him about you, and he is willing to meet with you. If you two can come to terms, and you are willing, he agreed to take you on as trail boss.”

  “It’s tempting Lupe, especially given as how I’m going to be a father. I could use the money for whatever I end up working at, but I can’t see leaving Rosalinda for that long.”

  “From what I remember when Margarita was pregnant, you’d be doing yourself a favor,” said Lupe, smiling.

  Johnny laughed, just as Margarita and Rosalinda entered the kitchen. Margarita gave Lupe a questioning look.

  “We were just talking business, Mamá,” said Lupe.

  “Hmmm,” responded Margarita, clearly suspicious of the laughter.

  Rosalinda moved to stand behind Johnny, leaning down and whispering in his ear. “Mamá told me about it. If you think it is a good opportunity for us, I am okay with it. Mamá will stay with me. Papá and his men will have to fend for themselves, but don’t tell Lupe.”

  Smiling, Johnny reached up behind him and touched her face. “Lupe, I am interested, but let me think on it a day or two, if that’s okay.”

  Lupe smiled and nodded.

  FOUR

  Johnny didn’t want to get up from the table. Somehow, just sitting there, drinking coffee and watching Rosalinda as she moved about the kitchen, was something he found satisfying. He had come in and washed up after completing his morning chores and was enjoying a cup of coffee.

  “Husband,” said Rosalinda, “don’t you have a meeting in town?”

  Johnny smiled. “I do, wife, and I’m on my way.” He rose and hugged and kissed her before heading out to the barn to saddle Loco. He was meeting Mr. Christie for dinner at the Menger hotel. He and Rosalinda had discussed Johnny’s opportunity and agreed that, although they didn’t look forward to being apart, the trail drive presented a great opportunity for them to earn money. They could use the income when they decided how they would support themselves and their child going forward. The only thing left was to find out if Johnny and Mr. Christie were suited to each other, and if so, if they could reach an agreement on compensation—always a matter
of concern and often one of contention.

  Johnny was ten minutes early, and Mr. Christie was five minutes early. The two met in the bar, introduced themselves, shook hands, and found a table in the dining room. They ordered quickly. After the waiter brought them coffee, the two men sat, sipped their coffee, and studied each other. Johnny saw a well-dressed, gray-haired man in his sixties. His tan and creased face sported a large gray mustache. His brown eyes were clear and studied Johnny intently.

  John Christie saw a lean, intelligent-appearing man with long dark hair. His boots were polished, and his clothes pressed. A thick, dark mustache was neatly trimmed, and Christie could see the horrors of the war in the man’s brown eyes. Christie couldn’t figure the man’s age, likely due to the war. He was probably in his late thirties, although his face made him appear older.

  Without preamble, Christie spoke. “You come highly recommended from a man I trust, but being as you’re his son-in-law, I reckon I need to exercise some caution.”

  Johnny nodded.

  Continuing, Christie said, “I have to discover the answers to three questions. One, are you dependable? Two, can you solve problems on the run? Three, can you lead men?”

  Christie picked up his coffee cup and sipped, looking at Johnny.

  “The answer to all three is yes,” said Johnny.

  Looking a bit surprised, Christie said, “You’re a bit cocky, aren’t you?”

  “Well, sir, I reckon a man knows himself better than anyone else does.” Johnny took a sip of his own coffee and continued. “Mr. Christie, I guess I need the answers to the same three questions.”

  Christie looked for a moment as though he might respond in anger, then he smiled. “Well, Johnny, the answer to all three is yes. I asked around after Lupe recommended you. I heard some interesting stories, and frankly, if any two of them are even half true, I think you’re the man I’m looking for. There is one more thing I need to mention. I’ve hired ten men and a cook so far, and I plan to hire a few more, if I can find men who suit me. I’ll also need a wrangler to handle the remuda and help the cook. I take hiring seriously. This will be a dangerous, risky trip. Everyone I’ve taken on is dependable and good at working cattle, but what you need to know is, two of the cowboys are black and two are brown. To me, they’re all the same color—cowboy. What’re your thoughts?”

  “Mr. Christie, if you told me otherwise, I wouldn’t be inclined to join up with you. Fact is, we’re of the same mind on the subject of color.” It was Johnny’s turn to smile. “Mr. Christie, if we can come to terms on the business end of this deal, I’m in.”

  “Excellent. You know any cowboys who would suit, by any chance?”

  Johnny thought for a minute. “I might at that. Young fellow, name of Jace Watkins.”

  “Talk to him, and if he’s agreeable and you like him, hire him. And Johnny, call me John, if you will. Oh, if this man, Jace, has a friend, hire him too. Now, the business end of this thing. I’m paying the cook sixty dollars a month, the wranglers thirty, and I’d be willing to pay you one hundred and twenty.”

  Johnny’s face showed no emotion. Finally, he said, “That’s fair, John, but I’d like a chance to buy some beeves myself and take them along.”

  “Yes, that’s fine. Can you afford, say, three hundred head? I’m trying to put together about three thousand, all told, so that would be about ten percent.”

  “Yes, sir, that would suit,” said Johnny.

  The two shook hands over the table, and Christie continued. “We’ve about done putting a road brand on the herd. I know a fellow, says he has four hundred or so head for sale. I’ve got near to twenty-eight hundred assembled now, so if you buy maybe three hundred and fifty, that’ll give you some extra, in case of loss.”

  Johnny nodded, and the two began to discuss specifics.

  Two hours later, the details worked out, Christie and Johnny said their goodbyes at the stable where both had left their horses. Christie mounted his gelding, pulled out a pipe, filled and lit it. Sitting on the horse, drawing on his pipe, he reflected on the day. He didn’t really know anything about Johnny Black, he thought, just what Lupe had told him and some stories he had heard. But he had the feeling the man was everything he appeared to be. He looked forward to discussing the meeting and his new trail boss with his granddaughter, Betty. With that thought, he turned the gelding and rode for home.

  FIVE

  Rosalinda looked at Johnny with an amused look after he told her he needed to ride into town Friday night to locate Jace.

  “I need to talk to him,” said Johnny, wondering if he should ask about playing poker.

  “Well, I guess you won’t be long. Riding in, talking to this man and riding back, I’m sure the animals and I can manage for that long.”

  Johnny stood there, shuffling his feet, trying to figure out if he should say anything about maybe staying for the poker game, as long as he was there.

  Finally, Rosalinda took pity on him. “Well, since you’re going to be there, maybe you should stay the night and play some poker. Then you can pick up some things I need at the general store on Saturday, before you return.”

  “Okay,” said Johnny, “but only if you want me to.”

  Rosalinda laughed. “Men,” she said. “Johnny, you’ll be in town. It will be a chance for you to play cards,” she said, grabbing him in a hug.

  Friday dawned clear and warm. As the sun rose, Johnny was tending to the horses, which now included his stallion, Loco, General, the Morgan, and Rosalinda’s mare, Patience. Rosalinda had already milked the cow and gathered a few eggs. Breakfast would be ready soon.

  Flop, Johnny’s one-hundred-thirty-pound, short-haired dog appeared, quickly followed by Perro, a small, shaggy dog. On his heels was Princesa, whose wounds were healing.

  “Morning,” said Johnny to the dogs, as they trotted past him, headed out toward the fields. Johnny scattered some crumbled biscuit crumbs to the chickens, and then he walked to the water-well pump to wash his hands.

  Johnny studied Rosalinda carefully as he ate breakfast. Knowing she was pregnant caused him no end of worry. What he was looking for he didn’t know, but surely there must be some sign other than the glow the woman seemed to emit. He had noticed a slight swelling in her belly when they were in bed.

  “I’ve packed your kit for the trip to town,” said Rosalinda, looking up from her own plate. “I put a small list of items inside it. It’s just a few things. They’ll fit in your saddlebags. Oh, can you ask about the book I ordered? It should be here.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” said Johnny, looking at her, marveling at her cheery attitude and energy. “I’m thinking to join the trail drive first thing Monday. Would that be okay?”

  Smiling, Rosalinda said, “You do what you need to do. I’ll take care of things here.”

  “Well, I’m trying to figure out this marriage stuff,” said Johnny.

  Laughing, Rosalinda replied, “I know, and you’re doing great.”

  After the noon meal, Johnny bid Rosalinda goodbye and headed into San Antonio. He took a room at the Menger and walked a bit, thinking. He turned down a street to make his way to José’s restaurant. He enjoyed the food and had eaten there often enough to know the owner.

  Sipping on coffee while he awaited his food, Johnny took note of a young couple sitting near the wall. Both appeared to be in their twenties, but what caught Johnny’s attention was their clothing. The man, soft-appearing and slightly chubby, was sporting a dark, double-breasted coat, light trousers, and a bowler hat. The woman’s dress was a bright blue and white stripe, with a ruffled lace collar. Johnny thought they were likely planning an evening at the theater. He thought the woman pretty, but not beautiful. She was young and had the face of someone who had lived a life indoors—a privileged life. Yes, he thought, she’s pretty in the way of the young who have had the chance to live a sheltered life.

  At that moment, the waitress brought their food, and the woman’s face screwed into a frown. She leaned f
orward, looking at the plate that had been set in front of her, and then she waved her hand, indicating it should be taken away. The man leaned forward and spoke to the woman, who shook her head from side to side.

  Finally, the man spoke to the waitress, who retrieved the plate and headed back to the kitchen. This is a bit of theater itself, thought Johnny as he watched the couple. The waitress soon returned with what appeared to be a different dish, setting it in front of the young woman and smiling.

  The woman pushed at the food with her spoon and then dropped the spoon on the plate. In a loud voice she announced, “I cannot eat this.” Looking up at the young man who was eating his food, she said, “Edward, please get me out of here before I faint from disgust.”

  “Of course, dear,” said the man.

  Johnny watched with some amusement as the couple departed. José, the owner, appeared at Johnny’s table with his food. “Hola, Johnny,” he said.

  “Hola, José,” responded Johnny. “I was just enjoying the show,” he said, nodding toward the departing couple.

  José chuckled. “The young man is reading law, working for his father. He is a nice enough fellow and eats here often. The young lady, she, well, I shouldn’t gossip like an old woman. Let me get you some more coffee.”

  Returning with the coffee pot, José leaned over and filled Johnny’s cup and said in a low voice, “The woman is a bit high-strung. She’s the daughter of a local banker, so most folks are polite to her.”

  SIX

  Johnny was relieved to see Jace already at the poker table when he arrived. Everyone greeted him, and Johnny took a seat, bringing a whiskey from the bar. He had decided to visit with Jace a little more before deciding whether or not to offer him the job.

  The undertaker, the doctor, Jace, and Johnny waited for a fifth player to show up. While they waited, they sipped their drinks, and Johnny smoked one of the cigarillos he favored. The undertaker and the doctor were discussing a man who had suffered a serious injury when he was thrown from a horse. Johnny took this opportunity to study Jace. He looked as sad as ever, although he smiled occasionally and seemed to be trying to put up a good front.