A tear rolled down Ellie’s cheek. She put her hand to her mouth to cover her sob. Seeing the pleading green eyes staring back at her, Ellie couldn’t help herself. She dropped to her knees, wrapping Jessie in a tight embrace. Jessie closed her eyes, inhaling the scent of Ellie’s shampoo as she put her arms around Ellie and pressed her face against the side of her head.
Mayor Montgomery cleared his throat loudly. Jessie stood up, pulling Ellie to her feet at the same time. She turned to see the town folk had their eyes glued to them, and swallowed the lump in her throat as she glanced back at Ellie.
“Is that a yes?” she muttered.
“Jessie.” Ellie smiled, liking the way if felt to say her name. “I…I don’t know. Can we even do that? Get married?”
“I love you,” Jessie said.
“I love you, too,” Ellie whispered. “I really want to kiss you again,” she murmured, almost inaudibly.
Pastor Noah moved closer. “It’s none of my business, but God doesn’t care, as long as you love each other. Mayor Montgomery, you know the laws better than I do.”
The mayor chewed his mustache in thought. “I…um…I don’t think there’s anything, you know in the books.” He shrugged. “Hell,” he mumbled. “Pardon me, Pastor.”
Pastor Noah smiled and nodded.
“If God says it’s okay, then why not?” the mayor said.
Jessie grinned at Ellie. “Well?”
“Yes. Absolutely, yes.” Ellie smiled brightly and wrapped Jessie in a hug.
“Do you think we could get this other matter cleared up, first, though?” The mayor questioned, tipping his hat towards the wagon.
“Oh...right.” Jessie laughed.
“I need to get back to my store, anyhow. I’m so glad you’re okay,” Ellie added, stepping away from Jessie.
“The show is over folks. This is a law matter. Please go on home and give us some space to work,” the mayor addressed the crowd. “Well, that went…way off course,” he chuckled, removing his hat to wipe the sweat from his brow.
“No kidding,” Jessie replied. “What are we going to do about these five?” she asked, looking in the back of the wagon.
“Let’s let the undertaker handle them. You and Bert come on over to my office so we can get your statements together. Then, I’ll wire the justice in Red Rock and let him know what happened. You two were obviously attacked and are lucky to be alive.”
“That’s because Marshal Henry can shoot a trade dollar out of the sky with her eyes closed,” Bert said. “She’s tried to teach me, but—”
“It looks like you did all right. You came back alive,” Mayor Montgomery said as he climbed up on his horse.
“He did just fine, Mayor,” Jessie called before he rode off.
“I’m only alive because you saved me. If you hadn’t pulled me back in, I would’ve surely been run over by the wagon, or shot, or both,” Bert said to her.
“Be my best man at my wedding, and we’ll call it even.”
“Uh…me? Really?”
“Well, who else?”
Bert smiled. “I’d be honored.”
“Good, that’s settled.”
“I still think you should get her some flowers,” Bert mumbled as they started walking towards the mayor’s office.
Jessie shook her head and laughed.
SEVENTEEN
It had been a week since the ambush. Mayor Montgomery had sent a telegram to the justice in Red Rock, regarding the incident, to which he hadn’t received a reply. The Dirty Boys Gang members were buried in Boot Hill in a funeral that no one attended except the undertaker, and his grave diggers. Things had somewhat slowed down around town, at least as far as crime was concerned. However, the weasel, Nicolas Munroe was still around.
“There hasn’t been a drunken fight in several days,” Bert said, thinking out loud as he watched the rain pour down outside of the Marshal’s Office.
Jessie nodded and sipped her coffee. She loved the sound of the rain on the tin roof, especially when she didn’t have to be out in it, getting soaking wet. “A day like today isn’t going to help keep things calm, I’m afraid.”
“Why is that?” he asked, sticking his head outside as a young messenger ran by, obviously coming from the post with a telegram.
Jessie ignored the passerby as she cleaned and oiled her pistol, something she did weekly to keep it in good condition. “Everyone’s cooped up inside. When this storm lifts, they’ll be twice as eager to gamble, get drunk, and find company.”
Bert pursed his lips, thinking she was probably right. “It sure is quiet around here with Shamus gone,” he mumbled, coming back inside.
“Are you bored, Bert?” Jessie asked, putting her oiling cloth away and re-holstering her gun.
“Well…no.”
Jessie pulled a cigar from her pocket and struck a match against the wall beside her. “Sounds to me like you are,” she replied, lighting her smoke.
“Marshal Henry!” the teenager yelled, splashing through the mud as he ran.
Jessie got up and walked to the open doorway. “Slow down, kid. What’s going on?”
“Mayor Montgomery told me to come get you. He has a message from Red Rock,” he panted.
Jessie nodded and handed him a dime. “Looks like I’m getting wet,” she said to Bert as she extinguished her cigar, and pulled a rain slicker on over her coat. Large rain drops pelted down, soaking her hat and slicker as she rushed across the street, careful to avoid the puddles.
“You’re going to catch a cold running around out there,” Ellie said with a smile.
“I’ll be all right. I have you to take care of me,” Jessie replied from the doorway. She knew better than to go inside, dripping water all over the wooden floor of the store.
“Is that so?”
“You did say you would marry me, unless my ears hearing is failing me.” Jessie grinned.
Ellie laughed. “Where are you off to in this mess?”
“I’ve been summoned by the mayor. He got a wire from Red Rock, probably something to do with the ambush.”
“Do you think it’s improper for me to invite you for supper?” Ellie asked, biting her lower lip.
Jessie shrugged. “I sort of threw proper out the window a long time ago.”
“That’s for sure. Still, I don’t want the town folk to—”
“To what? Think you’re not proper? Think you’re being inappropriate? Ellie, you’re marrying another woman. I’d hope you’d stopped caring what the people around here thought of you, at least by now.”
“My business is my livelihood. Without it, I have nothing.”
“If it’s bothering you this much, then we can wait. Once we’re married, we’ll have supper together every night…in our home.”
“That’ll be nice. I’m not very fond of you boarding in that…that place,” she grimaced.
“Then, set our wedding date. You tell me the day and the time, and I’ll be there.”
“How about tomorrow at noon?” Ellie blurted.
“Okay, then.”
“Are you serious?” Ellie asked nervously.
“If tomorrow at noon works for you, then it works for me.”
“You don’t want to discuss it first?”
“Discuss what? You love me, right?”
“Yes, of course,” Ellie huffed. “Don’t be silly.”
“I love you, too, and I want nothing more than to pull you into my arms and kiss you properly. I can’t do that until we’re married.”
Ellie felt a blush creep up her cheeks. She pulled her eyes away from Jessie’s before they gave away more than she’d wanted them to. “That’ll be fine,” she mumbled.
“Wonderful. Bert and I will see you at noon.”
“Bert?”
“Yes. I’ve asked him to accompany me as my best man.”
“I…” Ellie stammered. “I haven’t chosen a maid of honor or a dress. May
be tomorrow is too soon.”
“You could wear a potato sack and I’d still think you were the most beautiful girl in town.”
“Well, I can assure you, I will not be getting married in a sack.” Ellie shook her head, trying to keep from laughing. “I don’t know about closing the store in the middle of the day. It’s only been closed one other time,” she added.
“Is there something else going on?” Jessie grabbed her hand. “You’re the one who said tomorrow at noon. If you need more time—”
“I did say that. You’re right. I guess tomorrow is as good as any other day.”
“Okay, then. Tomorrow at noon.”
“Is the church available?”
“About the church…I was thinking maybe something outside.”
“What do you mean? Outside of the church? Is that even allowed?” she questioned.
“I’m sure it is. I’ll speak with Pastor Noah. I need to get going, the mayor is waiting.”
“Be careful in that mud. Miss Mable will have a field day trying to get it out of your clothes.”
“Miss Mable doesn’t do my laundry.”
“So, the harlot does that, too?” Ellie growled, crossing her arms in haste.
Jessie laughed. “What is it with you and Lita? I’m not sweet on her. In fact, I have never been in her company, other than at the saloon. She’s merely a friend, and no, she doesn’t do my laundry, either. If you must know…Ike does it.”
“Ike? Since when does he wash clothes?”
“He washes mine twice a month. I pay him of course.”
Ellie stared oddly at her.
“You’re beautiful when you’re mad. I noticed that the first day I met you.”
“I’m not mad, and I wasn’t then, by the way.”
“Okay.” Jessie grinned and tipped her hat before stepping back into the rain.
“Jessie Henry, you make me crazy,” she called.
“Good. I feel the same,” Jessie yelled with a big grin on her face.
***
Mayor Montgomery stood by the window, smoking a cigar. His hat and coat were on the rack nearby. He’d handed Jessie the telegram when she’d walked in.
She read over it…twice.
Mayor Montgomery,
Expect my presence in Boone Creek, one week from the 12th. I’ll be conducting an inquiry into the events of the 5th, during which time Shamus Maguire was being transported to Red Rock to stand trial for murder. I will be holding interviews with Marshal Jessie Henry and Deputy Marshal Bert Boleyn in accordance with Law 18.2.34. Your presence is not required, but you are permitted to attend any and all meetings if you deem it necessary.
Regards,
Colorado Territory Justice Walker T. Samuelson
“Surely we’re not being held responsible for an ambush that nearly killed the both of us,” Jessie said, placing the paper onto his desk.
“No. That’s not what the law states. He’s merely coming here to finalize everything and close the case on Shamus Maguire. The two of you will give sworn statements about what happened, separately of course, then he’ll write up a report and be on his way. He’s an old friend, so I’m sure that’s why he’s coming here, rather than having you two go to him.”
“I’ll let Bert know.”
“Any word on your wedding date?” he asked.
“Ms. Ellie said tomorrow at noon.”
“That’s pretty soon.” He left the window and walked back to his desk. “There are mixed feelings around town, you know.”
“I’m sure there are, but I don’t get into anyone’s business…so I’d hope they’d do me the same respect and not get into mine. Ms. Ellie is a business owner in this town. She’s respected and well-liked. Shaming her for who she loves is…well it’s nonsense.”
“I never said anything was wrong with it. As long as you are happy and love each other, who am I to judge? Besides, Pastor Noah preaches the word of God, so if he agreed to marry you two, then it must be okay with him, as well.”
Jessie nodded.
“Everything has to have a first one, and you’ve brought a lot of firsts to Boone Creek. The town folk have come to like you. Hell, you keep going, you’re liable to be in my shoes one day.”
She shook her head. “Politics is most definitely not for me.”
“Never say never,” Mayor Montgomery laughed.
“Looks like the rain is letting up,” she said, seeing the sun in the distance.
“I hope so, or we’ll be covered in mud for weeks.”
***
Jessie took a detour back to the Marshal’s Office since the weather had cleared, stopping at the Rustler’s Den.
“It’s about to get busy in here,” she said, sitting on a stool.
“Yeah, rains always good for business. People hate to be cooped up. They don’t have a whole lot to do with the theatre still being closed. You think it’ll ever reopen?” Elmer asked, pouring a hot cup of coffee for her.
“Not as long as that weasel, Mr. Munroe, is in town pretending to buy it,” she replied.
Elmer wiped the bar top with the towel he always had over his shoulder, then he placed the mug in front of her.
“You ever been married, Elmer?”
“Once,” he muttered. “Long time ago. The fever took her.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Oh, don’t be. I was just a kid.”
“You never found anyone else?”
“No. Never really looked, either.”
She drank her coffee and sighed. “Does it bother you?”
“What? You and Ms. Ellie getting married?”
Jessie nodded.
“Would it matter to you if it did?”
“No,” she said.
“Then, why ask?”
“Just checking.”
“Marshal Henry, I consider you a friend. So…no, it doesn’t bother me.”
“Good to know,” she replied, digging into her vest pocket.
“Coffee’s on the house.” He smiled, waving her off as she tried to pay.
She slid off the stool and headed out the door, happy to see the sun in the sky. The rain had left massive puddles in its wake, which were impossible to step over.
“Well, if it isn’t our town marshal,” Otis muttered.
Jessie looked around, seeing the town drunk leaning against a hitching post outside of the stage office.
“You headed somewhere, Otis?”
“Nope, but you are,” he called.
“And, where might that be?”
“To jail. I hear the territory justice is coming for you himself.”
Jessie laughed. “What makes you think I’m going to jail?”
“There were no witnesses to that ambush…except the dead ones. It’s mighty hard for them to defend themselves, don’t you think?”
“What do you know about the law, you old bag of bones?” She shook her head and began walking. “Didn’t I tell you to take a damn bath? You stink, Otis!” she called over her shoulder.
EIGHTEEN
Bert looked like the cat that ate the canary when Jessie walked into the Marshal’s Office. She raised a brow and waited. It took all of ten seconds before he blurted out everything.
“Molly is helping Ms. Ellie with the wedding. She came over after you left and asked me what I thought about her asking Molly to be her matron of honor. I told her I thought she’d be delighted. Turns out, she was. Molly’s been over there for the past hour.”
Jessie shook her head and laughed. “Bert, you sound like a damn puppet. What Ms. Ellie does before the wedding isn’t any of my concern. I’m glad your Molly is assisting her. However, I have other things to contend with…like Justice Samuelson coming to town next week to conduct an inquiry on the ambush.”
“Are you serious? What for?”
“He has to interview us and get all of the facts so the territory can close the case on Shamus Maguire.” S
he watched him fidget for a second. “Don’t worry, all we have to do is tell him the truth. They came up on us, guns-a-blazing. We fought back, and we happened to be better shots. It’s as simple as that. Now, where are these flowers you keep telling me to get?”
Bert grinned. “Near the edge of the town limit. There are fields of purple, pink, and blue flowers growing everywhere. Get a couple handfuls, tie them up with a silk ribbon, and there you go.”
“Great. I have a few more things to do, so I’ll meet you tonight for rounds in Six Gun Alley,” she said, leaving once again. She glanced over at the General Trade, before turning the curve and carrying on at a brisk pace.
***
“Hello?” Jessie called from outside the doorway of the church. “Anyone here?”
“Well…I wondered when I’d see you,” Pastor Noah said, walking up behind her.
Jessie jumped, nearly drawing her gun on him.
“Whoa, now! Don’t shoot. I’m unarmed,” he kidded.
“Sneaking up on a marshal probably isn’t a good idea,” she stated.
“You’re right. My apologies. Although, in fairness, I didn’t intend to startle you. I saw you walk over, and I was headed back here anyhow. I just happened to be behind you.”
“I came to ask a favor of you.”
“So, I’ve heard. You and Ms. Ellie plan to marry tomorrow. Is that correct?”
“Yes, but if you’re not available with it being short notice and all—”
“No,” he paused for a second. “No. Aside from a little work I have to do on my sermon for Sunday, my schedule is pretty clear.”
“Great. We plan to marry at noon. Is that all right?”
“Marshal, God doesn’t care what time you get married, and frankly, I don’t either. Noon is fine with me. That doesn’t give you much time to get over that phobia of yours though.”
“What phobia?”
“Well, stepping inside my church, of course.”
“Oh…no. That’s not happening. I’d like to do it outside, under a tree maybe.”
“You want to get married…under a tree?”
Boone Creek Page 10
