by Bobbi Smith
Alyssa glanced sharply at her sister. "So, you recognized him. I was afraid of that."
"You have to admit he's not an easy man to forget," Emily said, thinking of her first impression of the darkly handsome gunslinger. She shuddered visibly, though, as her initial admiration of him was replaced by loathing.
"That's a good way of putting it, Emily, because I'm never going to forget Mr. Slade Braxton... never."
They shared a look that spoke volumes, remembering the eyewitness testimony against him.
"What are you going to do now that the hearing's over?" Emily asked.
"After listening to Mrs. Hayes, I think I'd better go have a talk with Rob. It was bad enough just worrying about the Dakota Kid showing up to break them out, but now we've got possible vigilantes to contend with as well."
"`We'? Isn't that the sheriff's worry?"
"I guess, but I feel that it's mine, too. After all, I am the judge who bound them over for trial."
"What's Rob going to do next?"
"He's already wired Judge Banks in Green River to let him know what's happened here. I was just on my way over to the jail to find out the rest of his plans for transporting them."
"From the sound of things, he'd better get them out of here as quickly as he can."
"I know. In fact, I was just thinking that I'd ask him if I could ride with him when he goes."
"What?" Emily was shocked that she'd even consider such a thing.
Alyssa had expected just such a reaction from her sister, and she deliberately ignored it. "I want to make sure the outlaws are delivered safely into the hands of the proper authorities."
"That's why Rob has deputies," Emily argued. "Alyssa, you're a-"
She stopped before the statement she was about to make initiated a fight she knew she wouldn't win. Telling Alyssa she was a female and shouldn't be doing these things would only encourage her to prove that she could.
"I'm a justice of the peace," Alyssa said, finishing the sentence for her. "I'm the one who ordered them held for trial. I'm the one responsible for their being in our jail, and I'm going to make sure that the criminal trial takes place."
"I wish it was already over."
"So do I.Have you and Mother talked about going to the trial?" Alyssa asked. "Do you want to attend?"
"We discussed it earlier for a few minutes. I want to go, but Mother said she didn't. You and I both know I can't go off and leave her here to run the store alone, so I'll stay here."
Alyssa nodded. "I'll plan on staying in Green River then, until the trial's over."
"It would be good for you to be there, but do you really think you should travel with the sheriff and those... killers? Aside from the fact that you are a single female and you'd be traveling with men who are unrelated to you, the trip might prove dangerous."
"Papa taught us both how to use a gun," she said, trying to calm her sister's fears. "I'll carry my sidearm, and then I'll be ready just in case there is any trouble. I doubt there will be. I'm sure there will be a number of deputies riding with us."
"Is it proper, though?" Emily was one who always worried about convention.
"Rob is a good man. I trust him implicitly." Alyssa didn't care about propriety. She was only interested in seeing justice done. "Besides, I'll be traveling as Judge Mason, not Alyssa Mason. I have a legal, not to mention moral, obligation to do this."
"Do you think he'll agree to your riding along?"
"I hope so. Rob knows I can handle myself if there's trouble. He also knows that I won't cause him any unnecessary delays. I want to help him, not hinder him."
"I can't believe you're so daring."
"It's what Father would have done."
"But Father was a man."
"No, Father was a judge, and so am I.I'll go talk to Rob now."
When Alyssa had gone, Emily returned to business, but her thoughts were still on her older sister. Emily was constantly amazed at how different they'd turned out. Alyssa was always so serious about life, while she preferred more frivolous pursuits like flirting and dancing. She adored men and was actively looking for Mister Right, while Alyssa paid little attention to her single state. That was why Emily had been so delighted by her reaction to the stranger at the dance. It had proved that her sister was a flesh-and-blood woman after all, and not a prig destined to be an old maid. But now that Alyssa had learned the truth about her mystery man, Emily doubted she would ever allow herself such a flight of fancy again. And that was a pity, for Emily believed a woman's main goal in life was to attract and marry the richest, handsomest man she could find.
Alyssa rarely thought of matrimony, though. Emily could only remember one man her sister had ever seemed to care deeply about, and that had been back when she was eighteen. It hadn't worked out between them, so Emily supposed Alyssa hadn't really loved him. Still, her sister's lack of interest in catching a husband puzzled her. Emily sighed. The law had now become her sister's whole life, and if she wasn't careful she was going to end up an old maid.
Emily glanced at her own reflection in the small mirror behind the counter. She thought she looked dreadful in the black gown she was wearing, but she knew there was no escaping her period of mourning. She'd loved her father dearly and would not sully his memory in any way. As much as she enjoyed a busy social life, she would curtail her activities as was proper.
Smoothing her pale curls back from her face, Emily managed to smile at her own reflection as she envisioned herself in a beautiful, brightly colored gown, dancing with a handsome suitor. Though she was in mourning for her father's passing now, it wouldn't last forever. When her mourning was over, she had every intention of catching herself a good-looking husband.
"Alyssa, is something wrong?" Rob asked as he looked up to find her entering his office, her expression very serious.
"I'm not really sure, but I'm glad you've got the guards posted outside."
"Why?"
"Darlene Hayes was at the store when I stopped by just now to see Emily. She said there's been talk about a lynching."
The lawman tensed. "I thought the hearing would help calm things down around here. It looks like I was wrong."
"How soon are you planning on leaving with them?"
"Dawn, tomorrow. I have a few things I have to put in order here before I can go."
"How many men are you taking with you?"
"Four deputies."
"How would you like a fifth?"
"Who?"
Me.'
"You're a woman.... I can't deputize you," he sputtered, surprised by her offer.
"You don't have to, but I would be another gun if you needed it. I want to ride along. I'm not going to be able to rest easy until this trial's over."
Rob was quiet for a moment, considering her suggestion. Alyssa was good with a gun. John had trained both his daughters to shoot straight, as well as to ride astride. Any other female he would have forbidden outright to come along, but Alyssa-
He didn't have to think long to make his decision. Making the trip together would allow him to spend time with her, and that would be a rare treat, indeed. He'd been wanting to court her for some time now, so it looked like something good might come of the arrests after all.
"All right, you can go. Be ready to ride at first light."
"I'll see you then."
When Alyssa returned home, she found her mother at the house waiting for her.
"How are you doing, dear?"
"I'm fine. Have you had a chance to talk to Emily?"
"No, why?"
She knew her mother wouldn't be pleased with her decision to accompany Rob and his deputies to Green River, but she also knew she would eventually come to understand. She quickly explained her reasoning and how Rob had agreed to let her make the trip with them.
"Do you think it's a wise thing to do?"
"Father would have ridden with them. I can do no less. Once we're there, I plan to stay on in Green River through the trial."
; Loretta nodded. She wanted to argue with Alyssa, but knew it was pointless. Once again she thought of how her oldest child was so like her father-smart, brave and stubborn. It was a pity she hadn't been born a boy, for those traits were very admirable in men. In a female, however, society considered them less attractive qualities.
"When will you be leaving?"
"Rob said they'd be riding out at first light."
"I'll pack a few things for you to take along with you."
"Thanks." She kissed her cheek. "I think I'll go take Spartan out for a quick run. I need to get away for a little while."
"Just be careful. You know the Dakota Kid's still out there somewhere."
"I will."
Alyssa disappeared into her room just long enough to change into clothes suitable for riding-her split skirt, blouse, vest and boots. She'd fallen in love with horses as a young girl and gloried in the feel of the wind in her face as she rode across country. As she got ready to leave the house, she picked up her leather riding gloves, donned her western hat and buckled on her gun and holster. She couldn't be too careful when she was riding alone.
Within minutes, she'd saddled her horse and ridden off to enjoy a moment of freedom. It wasn't often that she got to run wild this way, and she treasured every minute.
When they left for Green River the following day, she was going to have to be Judge Mason all the time. No trace of Alyssa could be revealed. She would be staid, serious and competent. She would have to be on watch and ready for any trouble that might come their way.
Alyssa rode steadily. Spartan enjoyed the workout and settled into an easy pace as they headed back toward town. She rode down the main street on her way home. It was near dusk, and she knew she should hurry, for dinner would be almost ready.
"To hell with a trial! Let's hang the bastards ourselves!"
The drunk's shout made her saw back on her reins as she was passing the Royal Straight Saloon. She paused to listen to the men inside. Though she couldn't make out clearly everything that was being said, she could pick out the general drift of things, and it didn't sound good.
"It's what the bastards deserve! Let's do it! Right now!"
"Yeah! Sheriff Emerson wouldn't stop us if we went down there. He don't want no trouble with us."
"He'd probably hand 'em over on a silver platter!" another man insisted.
"What are we waiting for?"
"Wait a minute... wait a minute. You men are talkin' crazy. You don't want to go bustin' them men outta jail just to hang 'em. You'd end up having the law comin' after you!"
"Naw...01' Hawkins wants 'em dead, too. I heard him say so earlier tonight. He was saying how it wouldn't have bothered him at all to shoot 'em down just like they shot John."
The reference to her father hurt, but Alyssa ignored the pain as she tried to make out their words.
"I heard tell, some of the other boys over at the High Noon were talking about doing the same thing. It's a good thing the sheriff's getting them killers out of town right away. If he kept them around here too much longer, he wouldn't stand a chance of holding them."
"When are they riding out?"
"I heard tomorrow, but I ain't sure."
`Then what are we waitin' for?"
A sense of dread filled Alyssa, and she urged Spartan forward in the direction of the jail. She had to let Rob know what was going on in the saloon.
"Rob!" she called out as she ran inside his office.
"What is it?" He jumped to his feet at the sound of alarm in her voice.
"I was just riding past the Royal Straight. A lot of the men have been drinking all day. They're pretty riled up and talking about a lynching. From what I heard, there's another bunch over at the High Noon talking the same way."
Rob cursed under his breath as he strode to the gun cabinet and took out a rifle. He checked to make sure it was loaded. "We can hold them off if we have to."
"To what end? Even if you back them down tonight, it'll only make them angrier."
"And if I try to move the prisoners out now, they'll see us and try to stop us."
Alyssa thought quickly. "Not if you stay here and act as if everything's going according to plan. While you're playing decoy, Hawkins and I, along with several of the others, can leave for Green River with the prisoners right away."
Rob frowned. He knew she was talking sense, but he didn't like it. He didn't like it at all. "Wait here."
He strode outside and said a few words to the two guards. They hurried off in the direction of the two saloons.
"I sent Clemans and Ursino to check out what you were saying. They'll report back in a few minutes. Then I'll decide. You may as well sit down while we wait."
"How are the outlaws doing? Have they given you any trouble?" She motioned toward the cell area.
"No. They've been real quiet since we got back here. Almost too quiet, really, but that's all right. I've got a lot on my mind right now, and I don't need to be putting up with anything from them."
"If we're forced to leave tonight, there's almost a full moon out, so riding won't be too difficult. We could travel most of the night and give ourselves a good head start."
He nodded thoughtfully. "I could catch up with you tomorrow."
"That would work. No one will ever be the wiser, unless they actually do try to force you to give them UP.17
"Let's just hope it doesn't come to that. I'd hate to fight anybody from town over these three. They aren't worth it."
"And that's exactly what the drunks are thinking. Upholding the law isn't easy, is it?" She managed a pained smile.
"No, it isn't."
They fell silent as they awaited the return of Clemans and Ursino. They didn't have long to wait.
"She's right, Sheriff," Clemans told him. "They're drunker than skunks at the Royal Straight, and the talk is running hot and heavy toward lynching them tonight."
"Ursino?"
"They're hot at the High Noon, too. I don't know if they'll really do anything. But do you want to take the chance?"
It would have been easy to let things stand as they were and simply turn the three outlaws over to the crowd of vigilantes if they came for them. But Rob prided himself on being an honest lawman. He was not going to take the easy way out on this one. He'd worked too hard to bring these men in.
"All right. You two go find Hawkins and Brown. I want you on your way to Green River-now. And tell Connors and Drake that I need them back here to stand guard at the jail again. I want things to look the same to anybody who might be watching us."
"I'll get them and be right back," Clemans promised.
"And I'll go get the prisoners* horses and tie them up behind the building."
"Good. That way we can get them out of here by the rear door, and nobody will see us. I'll just spend the rest of the evening sitting here at my desk, pretending like nothing's going on. If anybody comes down to check on us, everything will look like the prisoners are still locked up nice and tight."
"Rob? Could you get word to my mother and sister about what's happened? I mentioned to them earlier that I was making the trip with you, but they both expect me to leave tomorrow morning. There's no time for me to go back home now."
"I'll let them know as soon as I can. Are you going to be all right?"
"I'll be fine," she said, giving him a half-smile. "I have my gun, so I guess I'm ready to ride."
"Here, take this, too." He handed her a rifle he'd taken from the gun case. "Be careful, I keep it loaded."
"Thanks."
"I already stocked up on some supplies for the trip. You can take those with you, too. You'll be needing them. It's a good three days' ride. And here's some money. It's not much, but I'll bring more when I come along after you tomorrow."
"Looks like you've thought of about everything."
"Except a lynch mob. I'd worried about the Dakota Kid showing up and causing trouble, but I hadn't expected this," he said, thoroughly disgusted.
"It'll be
fine. You'll see. We'll be watching for you to catch up with us on the trail."
"I'll be there. I intend to see this through to the end, just like you do."
They shared a knowing look, satisfied that their plan would work.
"Now, let's get the three of them ready for their little trip." He got the handcuffs and his own six-gun, then led the way back to the jail cell.
Slade looked up when he heard someone coming. He was surprised to see a woman with the sheriff. It was dark there, so he couldn't quite make out who she was.
Nash stirred, too, and drawled, "You bringing us a little entertainment to help pass the time, lawman?"
"Watch your mouth, Nash," Rob threatened.
"I doubt you'd find me very entertaining, Mr. Nash," Alyssa said in her coldest tone.
Slade recognized her voice immediately-the woman was none other than Judge Mason. He felt a moment of hope that Emerson had investigated what he'd told him about being a Pinkerton and was coming to release him. His hope was instantly erased when he saw the handcuffs.
"All three of you, get over here. You're going for a ride tonight," the sheriff instructed.
"Where to?" Johnson challenged.
"You don't need to worry about that or anything else except getting out of here while you're still alive."
"Why? What's going on?" Nash asked.
"There's talk around town of a lynching, so I want you on your way to Green River before anything happens. Johnson, you first. Come here," he ordered.
Johnson rose slowly and stalked to the bars. The sheriff fastened the cuffs on him, then on Nash. He looked over at Slade. He had never even considered that the outlaw's story about being a Pinkerton could be true. There was so much evidence to the contrary, he hadn't bothered to wire anyone in Denver. Braxton was a killer with a reputation known far and wide. He was guilty. They even had an eyewitness who'd seen him shoot John.
"Let's go, Braxton. We haven't got all night."
Slade climbed slowly down from the top bunk and walked toward the lawman. He said nothing as the irons were clasped about his wrists, but he took the opportunity to let his gaze run over Alyssa where she stood next to Emerson. Gone was the cold, proper lady judge from that morning. She'd forsaken her mourning dress and gavel for riding clothes and a sixgun.
