Longing For The Tormented Sheriff (Historical Western Romance)

by Cassidy Hanton

  “Yes,” Benjamin’s voice said, looking out the window.

  “I’m coming in,” Michael said, moving around to climb into the window.

  “Michael!” Benjamin exclaimed as he saw him clearly, “Are you back? For good?”

  “If our plan works, then yes,” Michael replied.

  * * *

  Lillian lay on a bench inside Doctor Littlefield’s office, completely still. She would have to play her part convincingly, so she did not even dare opened her eyes slightly.

  “Pull the curtains shut,” Doctor Littlefield said to Mr. Hammond, “We need to keep them away for as long as we can, to give Michael more time.”

  “Yes, Doctor,” Mr. Hammond said.

  “You’re doing good, Lillian,” Doctor Littlefield said quietly, “You can move now,” he added. She opened her eyes and looked around. They were in a small room in the back of his office, which had large bookshelves on the walls, covered with leather-bound, heavy-looking books.

  “I’m nervous,” Lillian admitted quietly.

  “I know, dear,” Doctor Littlefield said kindly, “But I believe our Sheriff here will put an end to all of this tonight, I truly do.”

  “He will,” Lillian smiled, “I’m absolutely sure he will.”

  “Doc!” Mr. Hammond called, “They’re coming. Jacob Frazier is walking this way, right now!”

  “All right,” Doctor Littlefield sighed, “Let’s do this.” Lillian nodded and laid back down on the bench.

  “Just remain completely still,” Doctor Littlefield whispered, jumping slightly as someone began to pound on the door.

  * * *

  The Sheriff’s office was completely dark, and Michael stood by the front window and looked at the succession of men following Jacob Frazier to the Doctor’s office. He had told Benjamin that Jacob was behind all of this, and although Benjamin was clearly shocked, he waited for Michael’s instructions, ready to act. His blood boiled at the sight of Jacob, and his knuckles turned white as he shook with rage.

  “Should we move ahead?” Benjamin asked, looking outside.

  “Not yet,” Michael said, “He needs to go inside first.”

  “This sure is a risky plan, Michael,” Benjamin said.

  “Don’t I know it.”

  “Do you think we will be able to handle all of his men?” Benjamin asked. Jacob now stood by the front of Doctor Littlefield’s office and was banging on the door. He was surrounded by at least five men.

  “We don’t have a choice,” Michael replied.

  “Here we go,” he added as the door to the Doctor’s office opened, “I will go to the back, and you distract his men.”

  “I’m ready,” Benjamin said, pulling out his gun and checking to make sure he had enough ammunition.

  “Now, let’s go get them,” Michael said with determination, opening the front door with force. Benjamin walked toward the men in front of the Doctor’s office, followed by Michael, who held his gun out and then walked away, hurrying to be back, hoping against hope that Doctor Littlefield had remembered to leave the back door open.

  * * *

  “Stop that!” Doctor Littlefield said, walking towards the door. He opened and looked at Jacob Frazier that stood in front of him. His hair on end and looking as if he had been sleeping.

  “What is the meaning of this?” he asked.

  “Is she here?” Jacob asked, “Is my niece inside?”

  “I need to work,” Doctor Littlefield said, “Leave!”

  “I must see her,” Jacob bellowed, pushing the door open. Doctor Littlefield tried to block his way, but Jacob muscled inside, his men stepping up menacingly.

  “Fine,” Doctor Littlefield snarled, “But they stay behind,” he said, gesturing to the men.

  “Stay there,” Jacob said to his men, and they stepped back, but did not leave.

  “She is frail,” Doctor Littlefield said to Jacob as they walked to the back room. He pulled back the curtain, and even Doctor Littlefield was shocked when he saw Lillian laying, still, white as a sheet and barely breathing.

  “Lillian!” Jacob said, his voice strangled, “How can this be?” he said quietly.

  “Where did you find her?” he added, looking at Doctor Littlefield, “Tell me!”

  “She had been left for dead by the side of the road near the town border,” Doctor Littlefield said seriously. “I was visiting the Hammonds,” he nodded his head towards Mr. Hammond, “His wife is very unwell, but on my way back, I noticed movement in the grass.”

  “How can this be,” Jacob repeated, taking a step closer to Lillian. She willed her entire body to remain motionless, even though she wanted nothing more than slap her once favorite uncle. He reached out his hand and stroked her cheek.

  “Dearest Lillian, how can this have happened,” Jacob whispered. Lillian thought about what Samuel had told her just before she left the Hammond farm. After he had called her name, she sat by his bed, and he wheezed: “Your uncle doesn’t trust anyone more than Ray… Ray has been his loyal sidekick for years. If you can make it seem as if he betrayed him, I am sure he will not know what to do.”

  I will make you pay Uncle, for all the hurt you have caused my family. You have betrayed me, and I will never forgive you, Lillian thought angrily as she moved slightly, making her Uncle gasp.

  “What’s happening?” he asked Doctor Littlefield nervously.

  “I’m not sure,” Doctor Littlefield replied.

  “Can’t you do something?” Jacob bellowed, “She looks like she is at death’s door.”

  “I think she’s trying to say something,” Doctor Littlefield stated.

  Lillian opened her mouth and closed it again. She made a low wheezing sound, thinking about how Samuel had sounded.

  “Uncle?” she said so softly it was almost inaudible.

  “Yes, Lillian,” Jacob said at once, moving closer to her, “What is it?”

  “Lillian,” Doctor Littlefield said, “Who did this to you?”

  “Don’t distract her,” Jacob spat angrily.

  “R-r-ray,” Lillian gasped, “Tried… Kill me… Gone now.”

  Jacob turned white and moved away from Lillian in horror.

  “Ray?” Jacob repeated, terrified, “It cannot be… You must be mistaken, dear,” he looked at Lillian, who had closed her eyes and lay utterly still.

  “Lillian?” he said nervously, “Come on, now. Lillian!” He shook her shoulder, and Lillian made sure to remain motionless. Her head dropped to the side convincingly, and Jacob jumped back in shock.

  “Lillian,” Doctor Littlefield said, hurrying toward her and taking her hand to feel her pulse. Jacob was backing away, looking deranged. After a little while, Doctor Littlefield turned around and said gravely: “There’s no pulse. She’s gone.”

  “NO!” Jacob screamed, “This cannot be real.”

  “It’s real, all right,” Michael said, suddenly appearing through the back door, holding out his gun, pointing it at Jacob.

  “Flemming?” Jacob spluttered, confused, “What are you doing here?”

  “It’s over, Jacob,” Michael said sternly, “Get your hands up in the air.”

  “You’re crazy,” Jacob said, backing further away from Michael.

  “We know you are behind everything, the fires, Lillian’s kidnapping, and even murder,” Michael said, approaching Jacob, who was looking rapidly from side to side, trying to find a way to escape. But he was trapped.

  “Get away from me!” Jacob hissed. Michael took a step closer to him and without warning, lunged forward, pinning Jacob to the wall behind him. Jacob grunted and tried to kick him off himself, but Michael held him tightly in place.

  “You will never be able to prove anything,” Jacob yelled, looking outside, trying to catch the attention of his cronies.

  “Come in here,” he screamed, but at that moment, Jacob brandished his handcuffs and swiftly fastened them around his wrists. The door to the Doctor’s office burst open, and three armed men came
running towards Michael. But the sight of Jacob in handcuffed made them falter.

  “Step back,” Michael said menacingly.

  “And put your hands in the air,” Benjamin said, walking inside, holding out his gun, “There’s nowhere to go.”

  The three men looked around and saw that they were indeed trapped. One of them jumped towards the door, but Benjamin tackled him holding him down with his knee. Then Doctor Littlefield appeared from the back room, holding his rifle out.

  “Don’t even think about it,” he said to the other two men. Slowly they lowered their weapons, resolutely looking away from Jacob.

  “You’re going away for a long time,” Michael said, walking forward, pulling Jacob with him.

  “Wait,” Lillian said, suddenly appearing from behind Doctor Littlefield. Jacob gaped as she walked closer to him.

  “You…” he stammered, looking at the very much alive Lillian.

  “You are going away, and I do hope that you will spend the rest of your time on this earth thinking about the harm you have caused, all because you were jealous and greedy. I will find it within my heart to forgive you one day, but you will have to live with the consequences of your actions. Goodbye, Uncle Jacob,” she said sadly and walked back, facing her back to Jacob.

  Jacob was still sputtering when Michael walked with him over to the Sheriff’s office, straight into the jail cell.

  Epilogue

  One Week Later

  Life was slowly beginning to feel normal again. The shock that Jacob Frazier had been arrested and carted off to Gatesville Prison had come as a massive shock to the people in Rust Canyon, and it was likely to be the most popular tale at the tavern for years to come.

  The morning after Lillian Walter had reappeared had been a hectic and confusing one. News broke that the jail cells at the Sheriff’s office were filled with prisoners and that a flock of bounty hunters and the Sheriff himself from Gatesville had arrived to assist Sheriff Flemming capturing Jacob’s men.

  Sheriff Flemming walked into his office, grinning as he noticed his junior Sheriff almost caved under the mountain of papers on his desk.

  “Good morning, Benjamin,” Michael said, causing Benjamin to jump up and spilling the papers all over the desk and down to the floor.

  “Darn it,” Benjamin cursed, beginning to pick up the papers, “Oh, and morning,” he added, looking at Michael.

  “It’s a beautiful day, don’t you think?” Michael asked.

  “Is it?” Benjamin said confusedly.

  “Were you here last night?” Michael asked.

  “I might have fallen asleep,” Benjamin admitted.

  “Go on then.” Michael gestured to the papers on the desk. “Head back home. All of this can wait.”

  “No, I wanna finish this,” Benjamin said determinately.

  “I insist,” Michael said sternly, “You have been wearing yourself out. Jacob is gone, and we caught most of his men—Relax, Benjamin. Go spend some time with your family.”

  “Well,” Benjamin hesitated.

  “Go!” Michael repeated with a chuckle.

  “All right,” Benjamin replied happily, “Thank you!”

  He grabbed his hat, put it on backwards, and left the office. He then turned around, shaking his head. “I almost forgot,” he said, picking a letter from his pocket, “I didn’t want to lose it in the mess on my desk,” he explained, handing Michael the note.

  “I think it’s from Rex,” he added.

  “Thank you,” Michael said, “Now get going.”

  “I’m leaving,” Benjamin chuckled and left; this time, he didn’t return. Michael opened the letter and read it:

  Dear Michael. In all the chaos of catching Frazier and his men, I completely forgot to properly thank you. Without your excellent work, I doubt that we would ever have caught ‘Old Ghost.’ I am back in Gatesville, and Jacob has been locked up; he will spend the remainder of his life behind bars. The same is likely to be with Ray Jennings.

  I wanted to tell you that the man that we picked up before, Vincent Hays, is scheduled to be released soon. The jails are filling up here, and I think he must have bought his way out. But apparently his family has turned their back on him, and he has been left with nothing—there seems to be some justice after all! We are still working out the extensity of Jacob’s actions, and I’m afraid it will take us a long time to catch all of his men.

  I hope to return to Rust Canyon one day, although I hope it will not be on official business again. Take care of your town, and give my best to the lovely Miss Walter. Yours, Rex Rodgers.

  P.S. You should give your junior Sheriff my thanks for his continued work and letters. He has an excellent eye for details.

  Michael closed the note and smiled to himself. This had been a wild few months, but he looked on hopeful. Because his future had never seemed brighter.

  * * *

  Lillian stood in the kitchen and was packing a small piece of ham. She was humming a sweet little melody and almost felt like dancing. Every morning she woke up with a smile on her lips, and she was excited to get up and face the day. The dark cloud that had been hovering over Rust Canyon for so long was gone, and it was as if everyone had an extra bounce in their step.

  Since Lillian had returned, Dorothy had become her old self again. She had been filled with a new appreciation of life, she was happy, and she was thankful for every moment she spent with her darling daughter.

  Dorothy walked into the kitchen and kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “Good morning, my sweet Lilli.”

  “Morning.”

  “Is Michael keeping you company today?”

  “Yes,” Lillian replied, “I’m on my way out.”

  “That’s lovely, dear,” Dorothy replied happily. Lillian had been shocked when she came to see her mother after returning to Rust Canyon. She had gently walked into her mother’s room, and for one horrifying moment, she thought her mother had passed away. She had been completely still, a shadow of herself. Her hair had been unkempt, and she had dark circles around her eyes.

  Lillian had stroked her mother’s cheek, and when Dorothy opened her eyes, it took her a long time to truly believe it was her. Then she cried and held her daughter tightly. Lillian had worried about how her mother would react when she told her Jacob had been behind everything, even the murder of her father. But Dorothy had taken it in quietly, and with grace, she had then said she would pray for him.

  “Here, I made this,” Dorothy said, walking to the pantry and bringing out a small pie.

  “Oh, thank you,” Lillian exclaimed, “Michael will be happy,” she laughed.

  “I just wanted to give you two a little something,” Dorothy dismissed.

  “It’s perfect,” Lillian smiled, “What are you going to do today?”

  “I’m meeting Pat,” Dorothy said happily.

  “That great mother,” Lillian said, “I’m glad you’re going out.”

  “Me too, dear,” Dorothy replied, “We are going to help plan the town meeting.”

  “Well, I better get going,” Lillian said.

  “Give Michael my best regards,” Dorothy said happily.

  “I will,” Lillian said, finishing with packing the basket. She kissed her mother on the cheek and left the house.

  * * *

  There was a small knock on the window, and Michael leaped up when he noticed the slender, blond figure standing outside. He ran outside, unable to contain his grin. There Lillian stood, her hair in wavy curls, her cheeks rosy, and her eyes were sparkling. She was carrying a picnic basket.

  “Hello gorgeous,” Michael said, giving her sweet kiss on the cheek, “Here I’ll hold that,” he said, taking the basket.

  “You’re in a good mood,” Lillian giggled.

  “That’s because a beautiful woman has agreed to have a picnic with me,” he grinned, offering her his arm. She held him, and together they walked.

  “But this is our third picnic,” Lillian said with a tinkling lau
gh.

  “And they just keep getting better,” Michael replied. They walked towards the hitching post where two horses were tied. Michael put the basket down as he helped her mount Walt, his old horse. When he had made sure she was sitting securely, he jumped easily on the back of his dark steed.