GUILTY
PART TWO
CHAPTER 21
During
the crisis with Jess and attending to Cheryl, everyone had forgotten about the
posse. Nathan stepped beside Cory and drew his gun but Mort motioned for him to
put it away.
Sheriff
Mason rode up to the cabin’s hitching post, the posse spread out in a single
row behind him. When he recognized Mort Cory and Nathan Greene his eyes flashed
with anger and pulled his .45. Cory and Greene raised their hands.
“Johnson,
get down and disarm these men.” His eyes never wavered from his captives. The
sheriff snapped angrily at Nathan. "Greene, what are you doing here and
why isn’t Sheriff Cory in jail?”
Nathan
took a step forward and explained their presence at the Reynolds cabin and why
he’d disobeyed Mason.
Cory
recounted the rest of the incredible story. “Jess is up in an old miner’s cabin
clinging to life by a thread. Doctor Owen doesn’t think he’ll live. Cheryl
Reynolds is inside resting; she’ll back everything I’ve told you.”
Furious,
Mason dismounted and approached Greene and Cory. “You expect me to believe that
Rafe Connors was responsible for everything that’s
happened in the past week? Your story is ridiculous. Why didn’t Rafe just turn Harper over after the shooting? No one in
town would’ve believed Harper.”
Exasperated
Cory simply replied, “Cheryl Reynolds was also a witness to his confession. She
heard him boast about what he’d done and how he planned to kill the three of
us.”
“I
still don’t believe you.” Glancing back at Johnson who had relieved the two men
of their weapons he said, “Keep your eye on them while I check on Miss
Reynolds.” Mason tried to push past Cory who shook his head and blocked the
doorway ignoring the weapon in the sheriff’s hand. “Leave her be, she’s
sleeping; you can see her later; she’s been through enough.”
“Out of my way, Cory!” Mason shoved the pistol into Cory’s gut.
Nathan
grabbed at Mason’s sleeve, “Can’t you see that Rafe
Connors is the only logical suspect for all that’s happened? He manipulated
everything with his lies. The club he tried to use on Harper is proof enough.
When are you going to accept the fact that Jess Harper is innocent and the
victim of a brutal killer?”
Sheriff
Mason paused and realized that Greene had no stake in protecting Harper. He
nodded; finally accepting the truth and holstered the pistol.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going back inside and
tend to Cheryl.” Without waiting for a reply Nathan entered the cabin.
Mason
stood gaping at Nathan’s retreating back. His head was spinning from the story
that Cory had told him. How could he have been so blind?
In
an effort to save face, the sheriff bristled. “Look here, Cory, Harper’s still
a convicted killer and a fugitive. I’m still not convinced he didn’t kill my
deputy. He’s my prisoner and I want him brought down here where I can keep an
eye on him.”
“Haven’t
you heard anything I’ve said? Harper is barely clinging to life and can’t be
moved.”
Slim
suddenly appeared next to Mort in the doorway; his large bulk effectively
blocking the entry. He had heard the posse’s approach and rode down to offer
his support. He had quietly stepped on to the porch and stood in the shadows
leaning against the front wall of the cabin. No one had noticed his arrival.
When he heard the sheriff stubbornly continue to blame Jess, he drew his gun
and stepped alongside Mort Cory.
Almost
in unison the two men said, “No one is going to move Jess anywhere. You’ll have
to kill the both of us before you do.”
Every
man in the posse reacted by drawing their weapons, everyone except the sheriff.
He held up his hands to stop any shooting. “Now there’s no need for any
gunplay, gentlemen. Everyone put away your guns.”
Still
holding his pistol pointed at Mason Slim pleaded, “What’ll it take to get you
to believe that Jess was physically incapable of killing your deputy or
kidnapping Cheryl last night?”
“Leave
him be, haven’t you people done enough to him?” Slim’s
pale blue eyes darkened with fury; the look of determination on his face dared
anyone to challenge him.
Mason
was worn out from chasing a ghost wagon since before sunrise. His tired face
was covered with dust and creases from long hours of squinting in the sun.
Sighing, his shoulders dropping in resignation he said, “Alright Mr. Sherman,
you win. It’s a lot to digest. I want to see that Miss Reynolds is safe and in
no danger, then would you mind taking me up to see Harper and show me how and
where he killed Rafe Connors?”
The
tall straw haired rancher nodded and put away his six-iron. He heaved a huge
sigh of relief while he rubbed the back of his neck.
Cory
relaxed and clapped Slim on the back. They stepped away from the doorway to
allow Mason to enter.
“Thank
you, it’s just a formality” He went to Cheryl and looked down at her sleeping
form. Satisfied that she appeared to be all right, he spoke to Slim, “Okay, now
take me to Harper.”
Mort
stayed behind while Slim accompanied the sheriff to the miner’s shack. Upon
entering Slim immediately sat down on the bench next to the table. The big man
was breathing heavily from the ride.
Sheriff
Mason couldn’t hide his shock when he saw Jess’ still and pale form lying on
the bed in that tiny room. “My God, they said he was badly injured but I didn’t
expect to find him like this. Will he live?”
Doctor
Owen was tending to Jess, bathing his face with cool water. Lines of concern
etched across the elderly doctor’s brow; his body slumped from fatigue. He
looked up as Mason spoke. “I hope so, Tom, I truly hope so. It’s up to God,
now. I’ve done all I can.”
Mason
took off his hat and mopped his brow with a blue bandana. “By the looks of him
he’s paid a steep price for his bravery.” He turned to Slim. “Where’d you put Rafe’s body? I’d like to see it now,”
Slim
led the sheriff to the side of the building and picked up the tarp covering the
body. Sheriff Mason whistled in amazement when he saw the two bullet holes over
the dead man’s heart. “Even as badly hurt as he was, Harper’s shots were true.”
“Well,
I’ve been a hardnosed ass and I must say that there’s no refuting what my eyes
have seen for themselves. I’ll do what I can to help free your friend. The town
owes him an apology.”
“Thanks sheriff.” Slim offered him his hand and they
shook.
Mason adjusted his gun belt and turned to go. “I’m
taking the posse home and getting a good night’s rest. Tomorrow bright and
early, I’ll speak to the judge and ask for a retrial and exoneration for
Harper. I think he’ll agree once we get Cheryl’s statement.”
Slim’s
face brightened into a grateful smile. “That’s really good news, Sheriff. I
appreciate it and so will Jess.”
Slim
accompanied the sheriff back to the Reynolds’ cabin. Mason and the posse left
shortly. Cheryl was awake and demanding to see Jess. “He’s in good hands Miss
Reynolds; you’ll have plenty of time to be with him later.” Slim assured her.
‘You can’t help him if you get sick.”
Her
brow furrowed with a twinge of pain then she nodded and closed her eyes. A tear
escaped from the corner of her eyes. She spoke softly. “Take care of him for
me, Slim.”
Mort
entered from the kitchen carrying a bulging burlap sack. “Slim, what are you
doing back down here? You look like you’re out on your feet. ”He indicated the
sack. “I found some canned goods that you’ll need. I’ll send someone back here
with several days supply of food. I need to return to
“Thanks,
Mort I’ll take it up in a few minutes.”
Mort
took of his hat and ran his hands through his hair. He looked like he was
reluctant to leave. “I’ll be taking the next train out to
“Sure,
Mort, I hate to think what would have happened to Jess if you hadn’t been here.
You’re a great friend and we owe you one.” Slim released his hand and watched
as Mort walked to his horse.
“No
more than you.” Mort replied as he forked the saddle. Saluting Slim with a
touch of his finger to his hat brim, he rode away.
Slim
gathered up the sack of supplies and loaded it onto his horse. He was anxious
to get back to Jess hoping his pard would be awake.
Arriving at the doorway of the little shack, disappointment dragged at the
corners of his mouth when he saw Jess and realized that there had been no
change. He looked at Doctor Owen questioningly and the elderly man replied with
a sad shake of his head. I guess I should be grateful he’s still alive.
He thought. I’ll just have to hang on
to that idea. I mustn’t let myself think the worst. Jess will recover he’s just
got to.
Nathan
took Cheryl back to
For
four days, Slim and Doctor Owen spelled each other in a bedside vigil over
Jess. He never stirred, not even when the doctor changed his bandages. They
were able to get him to drink a little beef broth and water from time to time.
He swallowed only by reflex. It was the only response they were able to pull
out of him. Slim even tried talking to Jess on the off chance that he might
hear him and bring him up out of the depths of unconsciousness. As time passed,
Jess’ pallid features took on more color and his heart beat stronger, but he
still showed no signs of waking up.
Late
on the afternoon of the second day after the operation, Nathan returned with
the banker’s carriage. He had left Cheryl with her mother who had returned home
when she received a telegram from Sheriff Mason telling her of Cheryl’s
disappearance. He voiced his disappointment when he learned that Jess was still
unconscious. Leaving the carriage at the hunting lodge he returned to
After
he finished changing Jess’ bandages on the night of the fourth day Doctor Owen
proclaimed that Jess was strong enough for them to take him back to
“His
incision is healing nicely and there’s no sign of bleeding or infection. I’m
hoping that more comfortable surroundings and possibly Cheryl’s presence will
help bring him out of it.”
Slim
rigged a travois and they took Jess down the mountain. He placed him on a bed
of blankets and pillows in the bed of the banker’s carriage. They set out at a
snail’s pace with Slim driving. Doctor Owen sat beside
Jess in the carriage bed watching over him. The carriage lived up to its
reputation as it rolled smoothly along. The trip took most of the day. Arriving
in
“He
couldn’t have done better than if he were still up in that bed in that old
miner’s shack. Let’s get this young man into a proper bed.”
A
small crowd had gathered around the banker’s carriage. Every face mirrored
concern for the injured man. The news of Jess’ plight had preceded the arrival
of the carriage and a few of the townsfolk rallied together and came to offer
their help. They were the same people who had, only a week before, judged him
guilty of manslaughter. The ones who had complained about the verdict had
stayed away. Someone brought a litter and two more men from the crowd stepped
forward to help Slim carry Jess into the hospital. Mrs. Owen directed them to
take him upstairs to a bedroom that served as a recovery room. The helpers
offered their sympathy and left.
Jess
had not stirred throughout the trip or when he was moved. “Why hasn’t he
awakened, Doc?” Slim asked. “You said he was stable and should be regaining
consciousness.”
Feeling
his pulse and then listening to Jess’ breathing and heartbeat, Doctor Owen
frowned. “Comas are a strange condition and we know little about what causes
them or why it takes one patient longer than another to wake up.”
“Isn’t
there anything else you can do?” The usually unshakable rancher was visibly
overcome with concern for his friend and partner. “It’s been over four days and
he hasn’t stirred once.”
The
doctor’s thinning grey hair was disheveled and his body seemed more stooped
than ever from the strain of caring for Jess. He had barely slept since the
operation. “Slim, the only thing I can think of is for you to continue to talk
to him and encourage him. It could be that he just might not want to wake up.”
Slim
rubbed his chin in puzzlement. “Jess isn’t a quitter and he’s certainly not
afraid of anything.” He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head sadly.
“I just don’t understand, Doc. What could possibly be going on inside that head
of his?”
“He’s
been through a lot lately and maybe in his mind he still has a prison sentence
hanging over him. We’ll just have to wait and pray that he has the will to live
and that whatever it is that’s keeping him from rejoining us
will soon resolve itself.”
The
doctor laid a consoling hand on Slim’s back. “Why
don’t you go back to the hotel and get some rest? I don’t need another patient
to take care of. Jess is all I can handle at the moment.”
Martha
Owen walked into the room. “The two of you look out on your feet. Now get out
of here and let me take care of our patient.”
Slim
and Doctor Owen nodded gratefully to Mrs. Owen, neither one offered a word of protest.
GUILTY
CHAPTER 22
For
the next two days, Slim hovered over Jess, talking to him about their shared
adventures and imploring him to wake up. Nothing seemed to work. The young
ex-gunfighter turned rancher failed to respond to any stimuli except to drink
the beef broth and water that he was fed. His face remained slack and his body
inert.
Late
in the afternoon of the seventh day after Jess’ operation Slim became so
exasperated with Jess’ lack of response that he began cursing him in a loud
voice hoping to rile his friend enough to bring him back from whatever place
that he had retreated to in his mind. Along with a few choice cuss words, Slim
called Jess everything from a stubborn fool to being a coward and a quitter.
His partner just lay there, unmoving, his face showing no response to Slim’s grating words.
The only sign of life was the slow rise and fall of his chest and the
rapid movement of his eyes under his eyelids. Doc had said the eye movement was
a good sign that Jess’ mind was working, possibly thinking and he most
certainly had heard Slim’s voice. Slim hung his head,
rested his elbows on his knees and tried to fathom what was going on in his
partner’s head.
Slim
looked down at the injured man. “So, where are you Jess? Where have you gone?
Are you stuck in a dream and afraid to come back to the real world? Fear is not
a part of you, so why can’t I reach you?”
He
stopped talking and shook his head dejectedly when there was no reaction.
“Andy
and Jonesy sent a telegram asking when we were coming
home. Do you want me to tell them you’re too afraid to wake up?” He was
shouting now, but Jess just lay there without responding. Slim leaned forward,
his arms on his knees; he rested his head in his hands.
He
was brought out of his reverie by Doctor Owens’ concerned voice as the elderly
man rushed into the room. He touched Slim on the shoulder. “What’s all the ruckus about? I could hear you all the way out on
the sidewalk. Has something happened to Jess? You sounded so angry and upset, I
feared the worst.”
Slim
sat back in his chair; his sad blue eyes gazing up at the doctor. “No, I’m
sorry; it’s just that I’m so frustrated with Jess. Look at him; he just lies
there. His eyes keep moving; I’m guessing he must be thinking of something, so
why can’t he hear me? I’ve tried begging him and I’ve tried reminding him of
how much I… ‘We’ all need him at the ranch. Nothing seems to work, so I thought
I’d work on his ego. I’m afraid I got a little carried away and tried shouting
at him hoping to get his attention.” Slim’s shoulders
slumped in despair.
The
elderly doctor nodded his approval of Slim’s tactics
and then frowned. “I see your scheme didn’t work.”
Slim
heaved a frustrated sigh and looked back at Jess. “No, not
even a flinch – not even when I called
him a coward. Usually, that’s a fightin’ word
for him.” He stood up and moved aside so the doctor could examine Jess.
Doc
Owen looked up at the powerfully built young man standing next to him and
marveled at the loyalty and friendship that he displayed for his friend. He had
sat night and day at Jess’ side since the operation. He refused to leave him
except to eat and catch a few hours of sleep. “You’re not thinking of giving up
on him, are you?”
“No,
but I have to think of my brother Andy and my friend Jonesy.
They can’t keep the ranch going by themselves indefinitely. I don’t know how
much longer I can stay on here. I had hoped…” He coughed then dropped his gaze
unable to trust his voice.
The
doctor nodded. “Well, I understand you have obligations and if you feel you
must go, then you should. Martha and I can take care of him. Cheryl will want
to help too once she’s recovered.”
Slim’s
eyes clouded with despair. He hadn’t been willing to face the reality that Jess
might never wake up. Still, he felt he should be there just in case…
“There’s
no reason for you to feel guilty about leaving your friend. I wish I could tell
you how long it will be before he comes out of it. When he does, I’m sure he’ll
understand why you had to leave.” Doctor Owen had almost said ‘if he does’ but
the agony in Slim’s eyes made him hold his tongue.
As
though he had read the doctor’s mind Slim looked at him and asked huskily.
“Will Jess die if he doesn’t wake up soon? How long can he live like this,
Doc?”
“I’m
not sure. His incision is almost completely healed and he’s had minimal bouts
of fever. I doubt there will be any complications from the operation now. The
only threat I see now is his failure to wake up. If he were awake and eating
well, he’d be out of that bed inside of a week or so.”
“‘If’
is the big word, ain’t it Doc? ‘If’ he wakes up…”
Slim sighed in frustration.
“Thank
goodness we can get him to drink the broth and water. But he needs solid food
to build his strength. In his weakened condition I don’t know how long he’ll
last on just liquids.”
Slim
stared down at the unmoving form of his best friend. “Did you hear that, Pard? Doc says you’re gonna die
if ya don’t snap out of it soon,” He shouted. His
voice rang with his frustration.
He
grabbed Jess by the shoulders as if he intended to shake him into
consciousness. He quickly he let go of him and pulled away stepping back,
visibly shaken by his actions. “I’m sorry; I don’t know what got into me.”
The
kindly doctor pushed Slim toward the bed. “Go ahead, give him a good shake.
Yell at him and call him a coward again. Say whatever you can think of to get a
reaction from him Doc Owen urged. “Just don’t be too rough.”
Slim
reached down again, grabbed Jess by the shoulders and shook him hard, cringing
as he did it.
“Damn
you Jess, wake up, I never figured you for a coward and a quitter. If you won’t
do it for yourself, then think about Andy and what it’d do to him if you died…”
Under his breath he mumbled to himself, “And me too.”
Slim
peered into Jess’ face hoping to see a reaction of some kind, but his face
remained expressionless and slack. Slim turned away, unable to look at him any
longer. “It’s no use, Doc.”
Doc
Owen felt Jess’ pulse and saw that his breathing had quickened. “Look, his eyes
are moving more rapidly. I think you may have reached him if just for a
moment.”
Encouraged Slim reached for Jess’ shoulders
again. “Should I do it again? Maybe this time he’ll wake up for sure.”
Doctor
Owen touched his sleeve. “Let’s leave him for now and try again tomorrow. Why
don’t you run along now and grab something to eat and get a good night’s
sleep.”
Slim
ran his fingers through his straw colored hair and stretched his back. A spark
of hope shined in the intense blue eyes. “I did get through to him; I can feel
it.” He heaved a tired sigh and hesitated, reluctant to leave.
“I’ll
send for you if there’s any change.” Doc Owen pulled on his sleeve and guided
him out of Jess’ room and down the stairs.
Slim
hesitated and turned; wistfully he glanced up at Jess’ room.
“Your
young friend will be fine for now. No need to fret; I’ll sit with him for a
while, just in case he decides to wake up.”
Doctor
Owen slowly climbed the stairs to Jess’ room, looked at him from the doorway
and shook his head sadly. He walked up to the comatose man’s bed and gazed down
at the tragic figure before him; the change in him was shocking. He was
terribly thin and pale. Loss of blood and lack of enough nourishment had taken
its toll on him. He was but a shadow of his former self.
“Jess
Harper, I wish you could tell me how to help you. I’ve just about pulled out
all the tricks I have in my medicine bag. I’m at a loss at what to do next.”
Over
the few days, Doctor Owen had urged Slim to tell him all he knew about Jess and
his past with hope there might be some clue as to how they could reach him. He
had learned that Jess was a very complicated man with a checkered past. He was
a man who had been on his own since he was a teenager. Until a little over a
year ago, he had been pretty much a loner and a drifter who had relied on his
skill with a gun to earn enough money to keep clothes on his back and food in
his belly. When Slim met him, he was everything that Slim wasn’t and they
disliked each other instantly. Slim was somber, all business and unbending and
Jess was carefree and playful; quickly becoming a playmate for his younger
brother, Andy. Andy saw the good in Jess and befriended him. Against Jess’
better judgment and instinct to avoid other people’s trouble he went to Slim’s aid in a shootout with
outlaws. Slim invited him to stay and Jess had agreed. From that very shaky
beginning, a strong bond of friendship had developed between the two young men.
The one thing about Jess that stood out over all was his fierce sense of right
and wrong. He was loyal to a fault and protective of his friends, even to the
point of taking on their battles because his was the faster gun.
“With
that kind disregard for your life and apparent lack of fear, what could you
possibly be hiding from now, Jess Harper?
Visibly
tired and bewildered the old man looked at the time and stood up. He had almost
forgotten that he had promised to look in on Cheryl Reynolds before dinner. The
young woman was healing nicely and he expected her to recover fully from her
wound. She was already up and walking for short periods.
He
checked Jess’ pulse one more time and left leaving instructions with his wife
to look in on him from time to time while he went to tend to Cheryl.
****
Cheryl
was resting on the parlor sofa when she heard someone knocking at the door. She
called out to her mother.
“Mother,
will you please get the door? I believe Doc Owen is here. I can’t wait to talk
to him and see how Jess is doing.”
Mrs.
Reynolds let the doctor in and led him to the parlor. Cheryl was bundled in a
beautifully crocheted coverlet that she cast aside when she sat up to receive
the doctor. She looked pale but her eyes shone with life and her demeanor was
one of purpose.
“Good
evening, Doc Owen, how’s Jess doing, is he awake? Please tell me that he’s
doing better.” She looked at him anxiously.
The
doctor put on his best face trying not to look as glum as he felt. “No, Cheryl,
there’s been no change.” He had decided not to tell her about Jess’ reaction to
Slim’s test.
Cheryl
bravely tried to stem the tears that started streaming down her cheeks. She
wiped at them futilely with the tips of her fingers and sniffed.
“I
so hoped you were bringing me good news. I’m determined more than ever to see
Jess tomorrow. I feel fine and I promise to behave myself. All I’ll do is sit
in a chair and watch over him. I’ll have Nathan bring me over.”
Mrs.
Reynolds had stood in the doorway listening to the conversation. “I don’t think
that’s a good idea, young lady.” Her voice showed her displeasure.. “You aren’t well enough to go anywhere, is she Doc Owen?”
The
young woman looked at her mother defiantly. “I wouldn’t be doing anything
different there than I would be here and Doctor Owen will be right there if I
need him. I’ll be just fine, won’t I, Doc Owen?”
Feeling
caught in the middle, he thought a moment before responding. During the walk to
the Reynolds’ residence, an idea had come to him. Listening to how determined
Cheryl was to see Jess, his plan just might be the catalyst to bring Jess out
of what he now considered a self-induced coma.
“Marge,
if you don’t mind, I think that it would do her a lot of good to get out for a
while tomorrow. As she said, she can sit by Jess just as comfortably as she would
here in your parlor. I’ll make sure she limits her activities and doesn’t
overdo it while she’s with Mr. Harper.”
He
knew that the girl’s mother blamed Jess for the loss of her husband even though
she knew that his death was an accident and that Jess wasn’t the one who pulled
the trigger. For his purposes, he wasn’t concerned about her feelings. It was
more important to Jess’ recovery that Cheryl be a part of it.
“Please
Mother, I’ll be fine. I really need to see him.” Tears welled in her eyes as she
begged for her mother’s permission. She didn’t want to fight with her mother
but she would defy her if she didn’t agree. She was twenty-one years old, after
all and free to do what she wanted.
Mrs.
Reynolds made a face and hesitated before answering. Her voice sounded aloof
and annoyed. “All right darling, you may go since Doctor Owen says it’s okay. I’ll ask Nathan to come by and pick you up.” She
left the room with her chin in the air and her back was straight and stiff. It
was apparent she was opposed to the idea.
The
doctor wondered what had made Marge Reynolds change her mind so suddenly. By
her actions she obviously disapproved. “Have Nathan bring you by the hospital
about 11:00 a.m. and pick you up about noon.”
“That’s perfect, but can’t I stay longer?” She pouted
showing her disappointment.
“We’ll just have to see how you do.” He examined her
and checked her bandages.
“Well
young lady, you’re looking very well tonight and I do believe that the prospect
of seeing your young man has brought a little more color to your cheeks than
you had when I arrived. I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” He stood and gathered up
his bag. “I’ll see myself out.”
The
doctor whistled cheerfully as he walked home. He had left out the real reason
why he wanted Cheryl at Jess’ side tomorrow. He didn’t want to get Cheryl’s
hopes up and have her heart broken if his plan didn’t work. He prayed that it
would; the young man’s life depended on it.
GUILTY
CHAPTER
23
I
don’t know how long I had hovered between consciousness and oblivion. The
terrible pain that had gripped me during my last waking moments had subsided to
a dull ache but the overwhelming grief I had felt at the same time still
lingered. I had wanted to die but it seemed that it was to be my punishment to
live on in torment from the memory of all the death I had caused. Unable to
face life I chose oblivion. At some point I became aware of a man’s angry and
pleading voice calling to me but with awareness would come
mind numbing grief and I withdrew, letting the comforting blanket of darkness
fold around me.
Later
I sensed someone was with me and that a small soft hand was holding tightly to
mine. I felt small wet droplets land on my face and heard a woman sobbing
softly as if from a distance. I was sure it was just another dream like those
that had tormented me before when I had drifted close to consciousness. Then I
felt soft lips pressed against mine and I tried to pull away but a hand held my
face still and the kiss lingered on. Memory of another kiss and the touch of
soft lips stirred me to the brink of consciousness. The woman spoke again and
slowly I became aware of what she was saying and with understanding I was
compelled to open my eyes. My eyelids felt heavy and I blinked to clear the
haze that blurred my vision then amazingly Cheryl’s face swam into focus. I
panicked when the memory of watching her die tore through me again. Confused
and unable to believe my eyes I squeezed them shut and turned my head away.
Then reason took over and I slowly opened my eyes to see her gazing at me. A
radiant smile of joy spread across her face and a large tear ran down her
cheek. Weakly I reached up with a trembling hand and brushed away the tear with
my thumb.
She
held my hand pressed to her face and exclaimed. “Thank God you’re finally
awake.” She began to sob and laid her head on my chest and held me tightly. “I
thought I’d lost you.”
I
slowly wrapped my arm around her tiny waist and pressed my cheek against hers.
My head swam with confusion and I looked around the unfamiliar room. I wrinkled
my forehead trying to remember. “I-I don’t understand ─ I thought you
were dead.”
She
sat up and quickly brushed at the tears on her cheeks then smiled radiantly at
me. “Shush, sweetheart, as you can see I’m fine.” She brushed the hair off my
forehead and caressed my cheek lovingly.
“Where
am I? H-How…?” I was too weak to say more.
Before
she could answer Doctor Owen appeared in the doorway. His face lit when our
eyes met. “Welcome back to the land of the living, young man. You really had us
worried.”
“What do you mean, Doc? What’s going on?”
“We’ll
talk about that later. Let me see how you’re doing.” He took Cheryl’s place in
the chair. He held a cup of water to my lips and I drank thirstily. Then I
endured his scrutiny in silence. When he finished he smiled and patted me on
the shoulder. “You’re going to be okay young man.”
‘I-I don’t understand. What happened?” I glanced at
Cheryl and clung to the fact that she was actually alive. Then an unexplainable
feeling of grief washed over me and suddenly I felt very tired and my eyelids
grew heavy.
The
doctor must have noticed my eyelids beginning to droop. He promised to answer
all my questions later and then he told me to get some sleep. I didn’t have the
strength to argue with him.
****
Doc
Owen stood and helped Cheryl to her feet. “And you young lady, have had enough
excitement for one day. I’m going to send for Nathan and have him take you
home. You’re recovering very nicely and I don’t want you to over do it.” She
insisted on staying but the doctor refused to agree and assured her she could
return the next day. She kissed Jess lightly on the forehead and let the
elderly doctor guide her out of Jess’ room and help her down the stairs.
“Is he going to be all right?”
He
took off his glasses and began to clean them with his handkerchief. “I think
he’ll be fine. Good food and plenty of rest is all he needs. I suspect a little
tender loving care from a certain young lady will also do him a world of good.”
He left to get Nathan to drive her home.
Cheryl
watched him leave and her thoughts strayed to Nathan. He had been at her side
every day during her recovery. She also realized how his quick thinking while
he was with the posse had help save her. He had changed a lot since that night
he had confessed his love for her and tried to kiss her. She believed he truly
loved her. She had grown to like him as a friend but it was Jess who held her
heart.
Nathan
made a gallant bow when he entered and said smiling broadly, “Your carriage
awaits, my lady.” He picked her up in his arms and carried to the carriage as
though she weighed no more than a feather.
“Did
Doc Owen tell you the good news?” She asked.
“You
mean about Jess waking up?”
She
nodded her head enthusiastically.
“Yes,
he did and I’m very relieved and I know how happy you must be.”
When
they arrived at her house her mother walked out on the porch to greet them.
Nathan escorted Cheryl onto the porch. Mrs. Reynolds invited Nathan to come in
and led them into the house.
“You
look tired my dear. You should go right up to bed. I knew I shouldn’t have let
you see that Harper fellow.”
Instead
Cheryl plopped down in the nearest stuffed chair. “Oh, Mother, I had to go and
I was right, Jess did need me. I’m positive my being there and talking to him
is the reason he finally woke up.”
“He’s awake?” Her mother glanced at Nathan for
confirmation.
He
smiled and nodded.
“I’m
glad your friend is doing better. Now that he’s awake and it appears he’ll recover
I don’t think you need to see him again.”
“Oh,
Mother, how can you say that? He saved my life and I won’t abandon him.
Besides, I love him and I plan to marry him. I’m sure he feels the same about
me.” Cheryl glared at her mother defiantly.
Mrs.
Reynolds struggled to contain her anger and shock. She hadn’t expected to hear
Cheryl say such a bold thing. She decided not to answer her even though she
wanted to shake some sense into the girl and demand that she not go anywhere
near the man again. Instead she convinced her daughter to go to bed and led her
from the room. When the girl faltered at the stairs Nathan was immediately at
her side and helped her upstairs.
Nathan
left them at the top of the stairs and retreated to the parlor where he sat
waiting for his employer to return. He was not at all surprised at Cheryl’s
declaration of love for Harper. It showed in her eyes every time she spoke his
name. Since Harper’s arrival in town, Cheryl had had eyes for no one else,
least of all one Nathan Greene.
Mrs.
Reynolds descended the stairs and spoke in a hushed tone, “I think she’ll sleep
for quite a while. She was exhausted and was asleep almost as soon as her head
hit the pillow.”
Nathan
rose to leave and she motioned for him to remain. She settled in a chair across
from Nathan and looked at him intently. “I don’t want Cheryl to go near Harper
again. He’s no good for her and she was almost killed because of him. I’m
ordering you not to drive her to the hospital again.”
“I
don’t know how you can hold him to blame, Mrs. Reynolds. It seems to me he’s
been the victim in all that’s happened and we’ve all helped put him in that
hospital bed by our inaction. Doctor Owen seems to think that his full recovery
is dependant on Cheryl’s presence.”
Mrs.
Reynolds wrung her hands in frustration − this wasn’t going as she had
hoped. Nathan wasn’t acting like the jealous suitor that she thought he would
be. Instead, he seemed more than willing to help Cheryl be with Harper and was
defending him. She suddenly realized that
if she tried to keep Cheryl away from Harper, she would only push her into his
arms. She decided on a different tactic and Nathan was the key. “Nathan, how
can you possibly defend him?”
“But…” He began.
“It’s
obvious you’re in love with my daughter and yet you’re doing everything you can
to push her in Harper’s arms.” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “She
couldn’t possibly be in love with that ex gunslinger. He’s just a lowly cowhand
who has nothing to offer her.”
Nathan
remained silent not wanting to anger his employer. He felt obligated to Harper
and Cheryl’s happiness was all that mattered to him.
She
looked at him intently and a gleam came into her eyes. “Why won’t you fight for
her? You’re a handsome man and you have a lot to offer a young woman least of
which is a secure future and a partnership in a thriving business. You would receive a half share in the family
store as a dowry if you were to marry Cheryl.”
Her
words made him uncomfortable and he fidgeted in his chair and tugged at his
collar. “I won’t be bought or bribed, Mrs. Reynolds. If I could win Cheryl’s
hand in marriage, it would be because I love her. It’s just that I’m at a loss
how to go about it. Harper has a strong
emotional hold on her right now and I don’t have a clue how to break it.”
She
smiled at him and gave him a calculating look. “One thing you can do is to
start courting her. Bring her flowers, sit with her and talk to her take her on
buggy rides and picnics. Occupy her every waking moment. You have the advantage
while Harper is laid up. I doubt he’ll be much company to her for quiet a
while.”
The
young bookkeeper nodded in agreement. He finally felt a ray of hope that he
just might have a chance to win Cheryl over. He told her he would give her idea
a try.
Marge
Reynolds smiled her approval and tucked a stray wisp of graying hair into the
bun she wore at the back of her neck. “She’ll welcome your company believe me.
Don’t worry about the store; I’ll tend to business while you see to winning
Cheryl away from Harper.”
GUILTY
CHAPTER 24
Doctor
Owen watched as Nathan drove Cheryl home.
He sure is devoted to that girl. I wonder if she realizes how he
feels about her. She’s so in love with
Jess that she has no eyes for any other man. As he watched the buggy disappear around the
corner, his eyes fell on the hotel and he realized he’d forgotten to tell Slim
Sherman the news.
Slim
had come to see Jess earlier that morning and had tried to get a reaction out
of him to no avail. He had left shortly before Cheryl had arrived, stating he
would be making arrangements to return to Laramie the next morning. The doctor
didn’t think he’d ever seen anyone so torn between duty and friendship as the
big rancher. The young man had left the doctor’s office looking defeated and
dejected.
Doc
Owen stuck his head through the office doorway and called to his wife, asking
her to keep an eye on Jess Harper while he fetched Slim Sherman from the hotel.
On his way he spotted the tall cowboy striding toward him down the middle of
the street and intercepted him with the good news. Elated Slim started up the
street at a run toward the hospital. Doctor Owen called out to him to stop and
told him that Jess was sleeping and that he need not hurry.
Slim
halted in his tracks and faced the doctor and waiting for him to catch up. “I
thought you said he was awake, Doc. Is there something wrong?”
“No,
Jess is just fine. He fell asleep shortly after he regained consciousness.”
Doctor Owen explained that Jess seemed a little confused when he woke up and
suggested that Slim answer only the questions Jess
might ask but not to volunteer any information.
Slim
traveled the final steps to the hospital in five huge strides. Inside he
practically bounded up the stairs taking them two steps at a time. He was eager
to see Jess even if he were asleep. The long hours of waiting and hoping were
finally over. Slim carefully opened the door to Jess’ room. He cringed when the
door’s hinges complained with a loud squeak. As much as he wanted to talk to
Jess, he didn’t want to disturb him. When he stepped into the room and looked
at Jess’ pale and thin form lying in the bed, he was greeted by two dark blue
eyes peering out from under long dark eyelashes.
****
The
creak of a door opening roused me from a sound sleep and I opened my eyes just
as a tall, broad shouldered frame filled the doorway. A vision of Slim’s bloody head flashed before my eyes. I squeezed my
eyes shut, shook my head then opened my eyes again. I squinted and finally the
blurred face of my best friend swam into focus. He had a small plaster bandage
along the left side of his head.
I
couldn’t believe my eyes. “Slim, is it really you?”
My
throat tightened with emotion. I tried
to reach the glass of water on the table by my bed. When I moved I felt twinge
of pain stab across my stomach and I fell back on the pillow and pressed my
hands against the pain.
“Take
it easy Jess, let me help you.” Slim stepped immediately to my side and held
the glass of water to my lips. I swallowed the water gratefully.
“Y-y-you’re
alive − I thought you were dead − Nothing makes any sense.” I
squeezed back the tears of confusion and joy that welled in my eyes. I couldn’t
believe the big galoot was actually standing next to my bed.
He
threw his hat on the floor and ran his hand through his hair. He smiled broadly
and sat in the chair by the bed. “As you can see I’m very much alive.” His brow furrowed and he leaned forward
looking at me questioningly.
“I just had flash of you lying dead with your
head in a pool of blood but I can’t remember when or where. What happened to
you?” I ran the back of my right hand across my eyes and rubbed my temples
trying to remember.
“Take
it easy Jess; Connors did do a number on my head. As you can see I’m okay. How
are you feeling?”
I
reached for his arm. “I need an answer now, don’t baby me; I can take whatever
you hand out.”
He looked at me and hesitated before he began. “Jess,
just how much do you remember about what happened to you?”
“Very
little, I remember a wagon and pain. Cheryl was with me and then Mort was
there. I remember an overwhelming urge to kill Connors and the rest is just
fragments that are all jumbled together along with a terrible feeling of loss
and despair.”
As
was his habit when he was worried about something, Slim rubbed the back of his
neck and made a face. Then he leaned back in his chair and told me what had
happened beginning with Connors kidnapping Cheryl and me to the details of his
bloody end. Some of it sounded vaguely familiar but most was a blank. Then he
told me that Doctor Owen had to operate on me and my fingers wandered to the
bandages on my stomach.
A
big grin spread across his face. “You know Pard, we can officially be
called brothers now.”
“Why,
did you adopt me or somethin’?”
“Doc
will probably have my hide for telling you this. Even though the operation was
a success you had lost too much blood and Doctor Owen said you were dying. I
talked him into giving you some of my blood to try and save you. Doc said it
was pure luck that my blood didn’t kill you.” He grinned broadly. “Maybe now
that you’ve got so much of my blood in you’ll be able to stay out of trouble.”
I
was so overcome with emotion I could only say, “Thanks, Pard.”
He
squeezed my shoulder and stood up. “Will you be all right while I get Doctor
Owen?”
“Sure.” I was feeling drowsy and I closed my eyes.
Slim had left me with a lot to think about.
Soon after Slim left Mrs. Owen brought a bowl of soup
and helped me eat it. I was famished and finished it quickly wishing for more.
She promised to bring me some later and left me to my thoughts. The soup had
made me sleepy and I dozed.
A
while later the squeaking of the door opening got my attention. I opened my
eyes as Doctor Owen walked in followed by Slim. I smiled still amazed that Slim
was actually alive.
Doc
sat next to me and peered into my eyes. “Let’s have a look, Jess. Are you in any pain?”
“No, not too much.” I glanced over at Slim. “Someone oughta oil
that door so’s a fella
could get some sleep.
Slim
tried to hide a smirk. “I forgot the door squeaked. I guess I should have oiled
it before now but until today I used whatever I could find to try and wake
you.”
His
words sparked the memory of waking up to Cheryl’s kiss and her crying about my
finally waking up. “Say, would someone tell me what all the fuss is over my
waking up?
The
doctor looked up a Slim and then back at me. He shifted uncomfortably in his
chair. “Jess you’ve been unconscious for
six days and we were afraid you’d never wake up.”
“Six
days? W-what day is it anyway?” Suddenly I felt very anxious and then I
realized why. Mc Gary said he’d be back by this coming Thursday.
Doc Owen hesitated and drew a deep breath “It’s Friday
afternoon, Jess.”
“It can’t be… so much time lost and I still have a
prison sentence hanging over my head.” I tried to move and grabbed at my
stomach with a groan when a searing pain stabbed at my gut. I watched morosely
as Doctor Owen poured the familiar brown liquid into a large spoon. I made a
face and swallowed it without an argument.
“We’ll talk later Jess, you needn’t worry about McGary. I can assure you that you won’t be going to
prison.”
I wondered why he felt so confident but didn’t think
about it for long. I realized that the narcotic he gave me was a strong dose
and suddenly I fell asleep.
*******
GUILTY
CHAPTER 25
Slim
eased himself out of the chair and laid the book down. Assuring himself that
his partner was sleeping comfortably, he went downstairs and stepped into the
doctor’s office. Doctor Owen looked up from a book he was reading and asked if
Jess was all right. Slim assured him that Jess was doing fine but the corners
of his mouth turned down in a frown of despair and his eyes darkened with
sadness.
The
distraught young rancher pulled at the back of his neck and raked his fingers
through his hair. “Doc, I’m afraid I have bad news. I haven’t said anything
before because it didn’t seem to matter as long as Jess was in a coma and might
not live.” But now that he seems to be out of the woods I think you should
know.”
Seeing how distressed the young man looked Doctor Owen
was afraid to hear what he had to say.
Slim
took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. His voice cracked with emotion. “Sheriff
Mason paid me a visit this morning and asked about Jess.” He cleared his throat
trying to control his emotions. “He told me that he had just received a wire
from the federal judge in
The
elderly doctor slumped in his chair in dismay. “But hasn’t Judge Rawlins
already cleared Jess of all the charges against him?”
“Yes
he did, but when Judge Rawlins sent the paperwork to the federal judge in
Shaking
his head sadly Slim slowly explained why Judge Rawlins could not overturn Jess’
conviction and sentence. They were told that only a federal judge could hold a
hearing to determine if there was enough evidence for a new trial. He added
that they had sent several telegrams over the last week trying to convince the
federal judge in
“I
was heading to Judge Rawlins’ office to tell him the bad news when I ran into
you.”
Stunned
by what
Slim
smiled wanly and a ray of hope came to his clear blue eyes. “You know, we might
not need that judge in
“I
can delay giving Jess a medical release to travel until the matter is settled.
But if it takes too long I’ll be legally bound to turn him over to the
authorities.”
Standing
up Slim put on his hat and adjusted his holster. “I’ll inform Judge Rawlins and
get the train tickets. I plan to go with him. It’s about a two day trip and the
first train out is tomorrow morning. Hopefully we can be back by the end of the
week. Do you think we should tell Jess
what’s happened?”
The
doctor thought for a moment. “I don’t think Jess needs to know about this
setback just yet. He’s had a lot to contend with and I don’t want anything to
slow down his recovery.”
Slim
headed for the judge’s office with a spring in his step. The long shadows of
the late afternoon sun had begun to darken the street adding contrast to the
golden colors that painted the front of the buildings facing west. He stopped
by the train station and checked the schedule posted on the building wall. The
next train to
Doctor
Owen shook his head sadly as he recalled the news that Slim had brought him. He
stood up, stretched his back and climbed the stairs to check on Jess one last
time before retiring. The young cowboy didn’t stir when he checked his pulse
and adjusted the bandages around his midriff. He was pleased to see there was
no seepage − it appeared that the incision was healing well.
****
Cheryl
woke to the morning sun streaming through her bedroom window. She felt
refreshed and eager to be up and dressed to await Doctor Owen’s
visit. She hoped he’d come early so that she could go back to his office with
him and spend some time with Jess. At the thought of seeing Jess again her
heart began to beat wildly, bringing a flush to her cheeks.
As
if on cue, there was a knock on the front door. She heard her mother open the
door and greet the doctor. Standing on the landing of the stairwell she called
down and asked her mother to send him up.
Anxious
to see Jess the examination went much too slowly for Cheryl and she fretted
when the doctor listened to her heart. He teasingly questioned her about her
racing heart and if a certain young man had anything to do with it. She blushed
and denied knowing what he was talking about. But when he suggested she should
stay home and rest she quickly admitted he was correct
in his assumption. Then she blurted out that she loved Jess Harper and intended
to marry him. He cautioned her to go slowly with him and not to expect him to
want to jump into marriage right away.
“I
promise I won’t rush him. I just want him to get well first.”
“I
have an errand to run but Nathan said he’d bring you to the hospital to see
Jess later. I’ll let myself out and I’ll tell your mother that it’s alright for
you visit with Jess this morning.”
She
reached up and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you Doc Owen.”
He
descended the stairs and found Mrs. Reynolds in the kitchen. He was puzzled
when she seemed pleased that Cheryl could visit with Harper. As he headed back
to his office he wondered why Cheryl’s mother had changed her attitude about
the young man.
GUILTY
CHAPTER 26
I
was feeling a lot stronger when I woke early the next morning. Things seemed a
little clearer and a much of what I had learned from Slim and Doc Owen had
started to come back to me. It was no wonder I had been so confused, I had been
in and out of consciousness so much that reality had begun to blend with dreams
and reality at times had been more like a nightmare. Connecting most of it
together it suddenly came to me the day’s date had been so important. The
feeling of foreboding I had felt the day before faded away. Mac had said that
he would be back next week to take me to prison and I realized that he wouldn’t
be coming. Now that everyone knew that it was Rafe
who had shot Mr. Reynolds, my conviction would be reversed and I would be set
free; free to go back to
“Good morning, Jess. Do you feel like sitting up in
bed while you eat breakfast?”
Slim
was standing in the doorway behind the doc and his huge frame practically
dwarfed the smaller man.
“Sure,
I’m gettin’ plum tired of lying on my back all the
time.”
Slim
eased me up by the shoulders and placed a couple of plump pillows behind me. He
hung on to me while I fought off a bout of dizziness. Surprisingly my stomach
didn’t protest too much.
Slim
left to fetch my breakfast and Doc checked my pulse. He fiddled with my
bandaged midriff then listened to my heart and breathing. Putting away his
stethoscope he paused and gazed at me intently. He looked like he was about to
say something but whatever it was, he must’ve decided against it then sat
staring at his hands.
“Doc, is there something you wanted to tell me?”
“No,
not really, I was just noticing that you seem more alert this morning. It’s a
good sign, Jess. All you need to think about is getting well and that you’ve
nothing to worry about, exce…” Doc stopped in
midsentence and began to fuss with his medical bag.
That
feeling of foreboding crept into the pit of my stomach again and the hairs on
the back of my neck began to rise. “Is there something wrong?”
He
tugged at his collar and mopped at his face. “I - ah think it would be better
coming from Slim.” Doc was rescued by Slim’s arrival carrying a tray of food. The smell of coffee
coming from the tray got my attention and then I saw that my “breakfast” was a
bowl of gruel and I made a face.
Doctor
Owen stood up hastily. “Uh Slim, I’ve got some things to tend to so I’ll leave
you two to talk.” He retreated from the room before I could say anything.
“What
was that all about?” Slim sat the tray in my lap and a frown wrinkled his brow.
“I
don’t know. He just said that you had something to tell me. What’s going on,
Slim?
Slim cleared his throat and sat next to me. “I don’t
know what you mean.”
“Doc
said I was doing great and that I had nothing more to worry about and then he
stopped like maybe there might be something after all. What’ve you been keeping
from me, Pard?”
The
scowl on his face did nothing to quell the feeling of dread that was squeezing
at my insides.
“Eat
your breakfast before it gets cold and when you’re finished I’ll tell you. I
didn’t want to say anything but Doc has forced my hand.”
I
was still too weak to feed myself so he helped me eat. I choked down the gruel
and sipped on the coffee slowly. I wasn’t so sure I wanted to hear what Slim
had to say. The effort of sitting up had drained me of what little strength I’d
had but I fought to stay awake determined to hear what he had to say.
He
must’ve noticed my eyelids starting to droop and he said. “You’re looking awful
pale Jess and you’ve begun to sweat. I think you should get some rest and we’ll
talk later.”
“Uh − uh. You’re telling me right now.
Come on, out with it. It can’t be that bad. After all that’s happened to me,
nothing could be worse. So out with it, Pard.”
He
helped me lie back and my head sank thankfully onto the plump pillows then I
looked up at him waiting for him to begin.
Slim
slowly told me about the snag the sheriff and the judge had run up against
concerning my release. As he spoke, my heart sank and that feeling of dread
increased to the point of being unbearable.
When he had finished I just lay there and stared up at the ceiling. It
was the last straw. I cursed the day I had ever set foot in this town. I almost
regretted ever meeting Cheryl. Anger replaced despair as I thought about the
unfairness of it all. I balled up my fists and pounded on the sheets and turned
my head away from him. I didn’t want him to see how shaken I was or the tears
of frustration that had filled my eyes; frustration born out of the weakness
that kept me tied to this bed and the fear of what the future had in store for
me. I don’t think I had ever felt so helpless and trapped in my entire life.
I felt Slim’s hand on my
shoulder. “Jess, are you okay? Can I get you anything?”
I coughed and cleared my throat. “No, Slim, I’d like
to be alone if you don’t mind.” My voice echoed the bitterness that I felt.
“Jess…”
He stopped when I angrily shrugged his hand off shoulder.
“I’m
going to
I
wondered what he could accomplish by going to
He sighed and I heard him leave the room and
close the door.
Damn.
I can’t seem to get a break at all these days. ‘Harper’s down and out so let’s
kick him some more.’
I
don’t know how long I lay there drowning in self-pity. After a while, I must’ve
fallen asleep. The next thing I became aware of was the smell of lilac water
and I knew that when I opened my eyes I would see Cheryl sitting at my bedside.
I kept my eyes closed as I thought about what I must do. Before I had fallen
asleep, I had made the decision that no matter how things turned out I realized
that because of my past and the trouble that always followed me Cheryl and I
could never share a life together.
“Jess, are you awake?” I felt her clasp my hand and
squeeze it.
I
pulled my hand away and opened my eyes. When I saw the sadness that my
rejection brought to her wonderful green eyes, I relented and reached for her
hand and squeezed it. She leaned over and kissed me holding her lips to
mine until I responded. My resolve to drive her away from me vanished and I
realized that I was hopelessly in love with her. She sat up all smiles.
“Good
morning, sleepy head. I was beginning to think I was going to have to wake you
up so you could eat your lunch. Mrs. Owen has it warming on the stove.” She
smiled and stood up. “I’ll go fetch it for you.”
Before
she reached the door, Mrs. Owen arrived with a tray that held a bowl of stew.
“Here you are, dear, did you forget
that you weren’t to navigate those stairs by yourself?”
Cheryl
smiled demurely and placed the tray on the small table by my bed. She propped
me up with a couple of extra pillows and fed me the stew. Frustrated at being
too weak to feed myself I stoically accepted her help and ate in silence. This
was easy to do because as I ate she told me all about what she had been doing.
I was surprised when she told me that her mother no longer seemed to object to
her being with me. Then she told me how helpful Nathan had been. She actually
bubbled with excitement when she told me he’d brought her flowers and had
invited her to go on a buggy ride later. When she told me she thought he was
really nice I about bust a gullet. If it were possible, I’m sure my face had
turned green with envy and I forced myself to smile.
“Yeah,
he’s a pretty nice guy; I reckon I owe him my life.” I admitted sarcastically.
I regretted immediately that I had spoken gruffer than I had intended.
I
had suddenly lost my appetite but forced myself to finish the stew. I knew that
if I wanted to get out of bed soon I’d better eat. Her talk of all that she and
Nathan had been doing while I lay helpless in bed had gotten to me more that I
thought possible. Well, why should you
care, Harper? Weren’t you going to break off your relationship with her anyway?
She
didn’t seem to notice the change in my mood and stayed for about half an hour
after I had finished my lunch. She continued to do most of the talking and the
more she talked the more sullen I became and had less to say. Self-pity had
begun to rear its ugly head again and I wasn’t in the mood for light chatter. I
began to tire while she talked and I started to slide back down under the
covers. When I only grunted to her chatter she finally looked at me and her eyes
got big as saucers.
“Oh
dear, I’ve worn you out with all my carrying on and I’ve hardly let you get in
a word edgewise.”
The
pull of sleep slurred my answer. “S’all
right. I’ve enjoyed listening to you. S-s-sorry I’ve been such poor
company.” I tried to stifle a yawn in vain.
“I’ll
shut up now so you can get some your rest.” She settled back into the plump
armchair and gazed at me with those beautiful green eyes.
I
was already halfway there. All I needed to do was close my eyes. I wonder
where Slim is. Even as the thought came to me, it quickly vanished
as I slowly drifted off to sleep.
****
It
was late afternoon when I woke again and the sun’s warm rays shining on the
covers of the bed had turned them to a reddish gold. I lay there thinking about
the bad turn of events and the possibility that I might still go to prison in
spite of all the evidence that proved me innocent.
Doc Owen walked in and I looked up at him. “How’re you feeling this afternoon, Jess?
“I’m
still real sore and then there’s this dad-blamed weakness that keeps me from
being able to do nothing more than lay here in bed and sleep the day away.”
Doc
Owen sat down in a small straight chair by my bed. “Whether you believe it or
not you’re getting stronger every day and you’ll find yourself sleeping a lot
less as the days pass.”
I looked around the room. “Say, where’s Slim? I
thought he’d be with you.”
“He
left for
“He mentioned something about going but didn’t explain
why. I didn’t think there was enough time for them to do any good. It seems
like there ain’t nothing
they can do to keep McGary from hauling me off to
prison when my time is up.”
He
explained the purpose of their trip and that they were confident that they
would be successful. When he added that there would have to be a hearing and
then a new trial I realized he was hedging the facts. I knew that a new trial
wouldn’t guarantee I’d be found innocent. I realized there were a lot of ‘ifs’
involved. I wanted to believe that all would turn out okay but with my luck I
didn’t hold up much hope that it would. I tried to hide my fears but Doc Owen
was too observant.
He
placed a reassuring hand on my knee. “Jess, you can’t let this get you down.
Slim said that Judge Rawlins felt fairly confident that he could get the
appointment. Don’t give up hope just yet. You’re not going anywhere until I say
you’re fit to travel. ”
Just
then Mrs. Owen appeared in the door carrying a tray of food. “Here you go, Jess. I’ve included a treat for
you.” She placed the tray on a nearby table and the sight of the meal almost
made me forget my woes.
Doctor Owen helped me to sit up in bed and amazingly
after only a little twinge of dizziness I began to feel stronger. He placed the
tray of food in my lap and handed me a fork. “I think you should be strong
enough now to feed yourself, don’t you think?”
Grinning I took the fork eagerly and said dryly. “Even if it kills me.”
I
looked at the food on the tray. Mashed potatoes, gravy and a piece of fried
chicken plus a slice of apple pie greeted my eyes. My spirits lifted a bit with
this unexpected change in my diet. “Now this is getting to be more like the
food I’m used to.” I slowly began to eat. It tasted great and I wanted to eat
it all, but after a few bites of everything, I felt full and I began to tire.
Doc
Owen sat and watched me eat. I had become accustomed to a certain look he had
when he had something he wanted to tell me but was hesitant to say anything. Either that or he was waiting until I
finished so he wouldn’t ruin my appetite. I took one last bite of pie and
asked him what was on his mind.
“As
Cheryl’s godparent I feel I have to ask you this… What are your plans where she
is concerned?”
I almost choked on the pie and I coughed. “I-I don’t
know what you mean.”
He
smiled and ignored my obvious lie. “I
realize that your future is pretty much up in the air right now, but I’m
certain that you will eventually be a free man.”
I
put down my fork and looked at him. Stalling, I wiped my chin with the napkin
that Mrs. Owen had tucked under my chin. “If you’re asking me if I love her,
all I can say is I think I’m falling in love with her
more every day.”
He
looked at me in exasperation. “That’s not what I meant and you know it. It’s
obvious that you both love each other and I think you love her more than you
care to admit.”
Damn, the man was too observant and I fidgeted with
the napkin again. “Cheryl and I only met a couple of weeks ago and during most
of that time I’ve either been drugged, beat-up, dragged all over the country
and mostly unconscious. Hell, we barely know each other and I want to be sure
of my feelings before I say anything.”
Doctor
Owen heaved a sigh of relief. “Well, Jess, I’m glad to hear you’re being
sensible. She told me that she loves you very much and I believe she’s hoping
to have a future with you.”
“Doc,
I want only the best for her and I certainly haven’t mentioned wanting to marry
her.” I stared at my hands and shook my head. “‘Sides, I don’t think I’m good
enough for her.”
He
removed the tray from my lap and placed it on a table and gazed at me intently.
“Don’t sell yourself short young man. She couldn’t do much better than to marry
someone such as you.”
I studied his eyes and saw that he was being sincere.
I thanked him and he helped me settle under the blankets. I told him I was
tired and didn’t feel comfortable talking about my feelings for Cheryl.
“Of
course, we can talk later.” He turned down the lamp and left the room.
I
had a lot to mull over. I wasn’t surprised that the subject of Cheryl’s growing
affection for me was of some concern to the doctor. Maybe by the end of the
week, I’d have a better handle on
what lay in store for me. If all went well, then just maybe, I could let myself
think about what Cheryl meant to me and if we had a chance of having a future
together.
GUILTY
CHAPTER 27
It
had been four days since Slim had left. I grew stronger with each passing day
and had begun to take a few steps about my room aided by Cheryl and Doctor
Owen. Cheryl visited me every day but never stayed more than an hour. Then one
day Doctor Owen brought Sheriff Mason to my room and they helped me down the
stairs to a bedroom with an outside exit. The next morning after I had finished
eating breakfast Cheryl came into my room pushing a wheelchair and announced it
was time for me to go outside. She rolled me into the garden and for the first
time in two weeks I sat in the sun and enjoyed some fresh air. In the middle of
the garden a huge oak tree spread its limbs. A picket fence formed the border
of the garden and at its base vibrant spring flowers bloomed. She came to visit
every day just before lunch and she would wheel me to the garden and we sat and
talked until it was time for lunch.
On
the fourth day I was strong enough to walk on my own pushing the wheelchair in
front of me for support. I walked from the back door to the big shade tree that
was about ten feet away but to me it felt like I had crossed the Great Divide.
I collapsed into the wheel chair exhausted, but proud of my accomplishment.
Cheryl sat on the grass-covered ground in front of me and leaned her head
against my legs as I caught my breath.
She leaned back and gazed up at me with her green eyes
twinkling. “Jess, do you love me?”
My
heart skipped a beat. She had caught me totally off guard and I didn’t know
what to say. I knew I had no right to lay a claim on her heart. There was still
no word from Slim about my retrial, the sheriff had been hanging around more
and more as if he were afraid I might take off.
I
realized that here was no way I could let her down easily. “You know you mean a
lot to me, Cheryl.”
Her
mouth formed into a little pout, her disappointment was mirrored in her eyes.
“But do you love me?”
I
shifted uncomfortably in the chair and ran my hand through my hair nervously.
“Like I said you mean a lot to me. I wouldn’t be alive it weren’t for you.”
I
swallowed hard and decided that it was time to end it. “We hardly know each
other and with a prison sentence hanging over my head I can’t to commit to
loving anyone.”
Immediately
I regretted what I had said and tried to soften the blow and caressed her cheek
with my thumb. “Anyway,
you deserve better than the likes of me.”
She
sat up, placed her hands on my knees and stared into my eyes. “Jess Harper,
I’ll be the judge of whether or not a man is good enough for me. Are you going
to give me a direct answer or not?”
I
sighed, took her hands in mine and gazed at her lovely face. “I’ve given you
the only answer I can right now. I’m sorry if it isn’t what you wanted to
hear.”
Her
eyes clouded with tears and she got up and stomped her foot. “Men can be so
exasperating sometimes and you’re no exception, Jess Harper,” she fumed. Then
she whirled and ran into the house. I thought I heard the sound of sobbing
before she slammed the door behind her.
I
wondered if she had told anyone that she had left me alone in the garden. I
wondered if I could navigate the distance back to the house on my own even if I
wheeled myself in the chair. I decided to rest a bit before I tried.
I
must have dozed off and woke when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and
saw Doctor Owen standing in front of me smiling. “Are you ready to go back
inside?
I looked blearily up at him and said. “Sure, I must
have dozed off.”
“Before I take you back would you mind if we talked a
minute?”
I
rubbed my eyes and tried to clear the last dregs of sleep from my foggy brain.
I looked around for Cheryl and remembered she had left me in a huff. “Did
Cheryl go home?”
He
nodded. “Mrs. Owen said she came into the house crying then ran out the door
toward her family’s store. Shortly afterwards, she left in a buggy with Nathan.
Did you two have an argument?”
The
thought of Cheryl with Nathan brought a sharp twinge of jealousy, but I didn’t
let on. “I guess you could call it a sort of one sided argument.” I told him
about our conversation and he took it all in without a word.
He
patted my shoulder sympathetically. “I know it must have been hard for you to
say that to her. But in the long run you may have saved her from a lot of
heartache later.”
I
wiped my hand across my face. “But why do I feel so empty right now? The idea of
losing her has made me realize that I love her more than I thought possible.”
Without realizing it I had just told the doctor what I couldn’t admit to Cheryl
and even more surprising; I had meant every word.
Doctor
Owen patted me on the shoulder. “I’m sorry, son. Let’s get you back into the
house. I doubt you can drive her away by anything you said because she’s too
much in love with you.”
I took solace in his words and hoped that he was
right. He wheeled me into the dining room where my lunch was waiting for me.
While I was eating, Sheriff Mason came by with a telegram from Slim. “I picked
this up at the telegraph office a few minutes ago. I thought you might want to
see it right away.” He said.
I
looked at it with my heart in my throat. It said, ‘Hearing to be held by a
Federal Judge Collins in
He
slapped me lightly on the shoulder. “Congratulations Jess. Looks like things
are finally going in your favor at last.”
“I’m
not celebrating until my trial is over and I’m a free man.” I still couldn’t
believe it was true and I didn’t want to set myself up for more disappointment.
I realized the telegram hadn’t changed anything for Cheryl and me. There was no
telling how the new judge would handle my case. I shuddered at the thought that
he might not grant me a new trial. The only evidence we had was Rafe Connors’ confession to a good friend of mine and a
girl who’s in love with me. I suggested the sheriff contact Mort Cory and tell
him about the hearing.
Sheriff
Mason nodded. “I sent him a telegram before I came here. I should hear back by
tomorrow that is, if Cory isn’t out of town. Uh, Jess, there’s something else…”
I
didn’t like the look on his face. He frowned and dropped his gaze to his feet
and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He looked uncomfortable and
then he stared mournfully into my eyes.
“Uh,
um… Well, it’s like this… technically you’re still a convicted felon and still
my prisoner. Now that you’re feeling better I’m going to have to lock you up.”
He blurted it out in one quick breath.
I
dropped the telegram. His words were like a knife twisting in my gut. ‘You mean
right now?”
“You
were so badly injured when we found you that I’ve let you stay free while you
recuperated. Doctor Owen can look after you just as easy there as he can here.
I’m really sorry.” He looked down at his hat in his hand and fiddled with its
brim.
Doc
Owen stared at the sheriff in disbelief. “You can’t be serious Tom. Jess is
still an invalid. He can’t even get up out of that wheel chair without help.
Confining him to a jail cell is going to slow his recovery.”
“I’m
dead serious. A few civic-minded townspeople have complained and are demanding
that I lock him up. They’ve even threatened to write to the Territorial
Governor if I don’t heed their demands. In spite of the evidence they still
believe he murdered Reynolds. I’m sorry Jess, but I’ll have to take you in now.
It could mean my job if I don’t.”
Doc
Owen stepped between the sheriff and me. “No, Tom, I won’t let you do it.”
“Step
aside, Doc, I have no choice.” He pulled a pair of manacles out of his belt and
gently moved him aside.
“Hold
out your wrists, Jess.” I complied while staring at him incredulously. He
looked at me apologetically as he snapped the cuffs loosely on my wrists explaining it was procedure and
he didn’t want to give the good citizens of
“Of
course not sheriff, we don’t want to upset the good folks in this town.”
I said sarcastically. I figured they were those very same angry folk that had
wanted to lynch me after the foreman had read the verdict. I knew there was no
use arguing with Mason. I had learned some time ago that the sheriff wouldn’t
back down once he’d made up his mind about something.
When Sheriff Mason reached under my arm as though to
help me to my feet Doc Owen objected and suggested he use the wheelchair to
take me to his buggy and then drive me to the jailhouse. I could barely climb
into the buggy even with both men practically lifting me into it. When I
slumped from exhaustion and dizziness Doc quickly climbed up beside me and
wrapped his arm around my shoulders and I leaned on him for support.
“I’ve
got you, Jess, hang in there.”
The
ride to the jail was a nightmare of ruts and bumps and I hung on to Doc Owen
steeling myself against the next jolt. Finally the buggy rocked to a halt and I
opened my eyes and looked up. There were about eight men and women standing on
the boardwalk in front of the entrance to the jailhouse. Not one had a
sympathetic look for me and they all stood with their arms crossed with
satisfaction and self-righteousness written on their faces.
As
the doc and Mason were helping me down from the buggy Cheryl came rushing up
and placing her hands on her hips she demanded. “Sheriff Mason, what do you
think you’re doing and why is Jess in handcuffs?”
Mason
pushed back his hat and looked down at her. “Cheryl honey, he belongs in jail
and that’s where I’m taking him. The handcuffs are procedure although looking
at him right now I hardly think they’re
necessary. It’s more for the benefit of
these people you see waiting outside the door. They’re the ones who are insisting
I put Jess back in a cell. They left me no other choice.”
I
had managed to get to the ground and Cheryl came and put her arm around my
waist pushing the doc aside. She peered up at me with concern. “Jess, are you
alright? Doc Owen, look at him he looks terrible. How could you let the sheriff
take him back to jail? Are you trying to kill him?”
The
sheriff responded, “Cheryl honey, you just don’t understand. Doc Owen said he
was well enough to be moved and I have no other choice.”
I
lost all interest in what they were saying. I was concentrating too hard on
trying to stay upright. Sweat was pouring down my face and I felt a great need
to lie down. But I wasn’t about to let anyone know. Between Cheryl and the Doc
I stumbled into my cell and stretched out on the bunk shutting my eyes
gratefully. I didn’t protest when Doc Owen lifted my head and poured a spoonful
of Laudanum into my mouth. The last thing I remembered was the sheriff removing
my cuffs.
*****
Cheryl
fussed over Jess for a few minutes. She pulled a thin blanket up over him and
placed a second pillow under his head. “Doc Owen, he looks awfully pale and his
breathing seems very shallow. Are you sure he’s all right?”
The
doctor had brought his bag and he pulled out his stethoscope and listened to
Jess’ heart and lungs. “He’ll be fine, dear. He’s just exhausted from the ride
over here. The Laudanum I just gave him will help him rest comfortably. I
imagine he’ll sleep until this evening.”
Cheryl
seemed satisfied with his answer. “I’m going to the store and ask Nathan to
take me home. Jess will need to eat when he wakes up and I want to bring him
his dinner, if that’s alright with you Sheriff Mason.”
“Of
course it is. You’re welcome to come whenever you like.” His smile was genuine
and comforting to her.
Doctor
Owen stepped out of Jess’ cell and spoke to the sheriff. “I’ll be going along
too. Jess will be fine. He doesn’t need me right now but if he complains of
pain or becomes ill, you come and get me right away.”
“I’ll
do that, Doc, don’t you worry none.” The gruff sheriff seemed contrite and more
cooperative than usual.
Doctor
Owen headed back to his office and Cheryl started down the street in the
opposite direction toward her family’s store. She had only taken a few steps
when Nathan drove up in her family’s buggy. He had a broad smile on his face.
“Can I give you a ride somewhere? “
“Thanks
Nathan I certainly could use it. I was coming to ask you to take me home
anyway.”
He
jumped to the ground and lifted her into the buggy. “Was that Jess I saw going
into the jail in handcuffs? What was that all about? I thought he was free and
clear of all charges once we proved that Rafe had
killed your father.”
“It’s a long story and I’m really upset about it. Can
we not talk about it now?”
“I
have something in mind that might cheer you up. Are you up for a ride in the
country? I packed a little picnic box and I thought we’d go down to the stream,
and visit for bit while we share a
snack together. You can tell me all about it when we get there.”
“That’s
very sweet of you Nathan. I’d love to.” She actually looked forward to a little
diversion for a change.
They
soon arrived at their destination Cheryl laid out a blanket, Nathan brought out
the picnic basket and they sat down and began to eat in silence.
Nathan
broke the silence first. “So, tell me, why did Sheriff Mason take Jess back to
jail in handcuffs? Did something happen?”
Cheryl
broke into tears and told him everything. He put his arms around her and pulled
her close and held her while she cried.
He
stroked her hair reassuringly. “There now, it can’t be all that bad. Didn’t you
say Jess is okay? I’ll bet he’ll be just fine. He’s one tough guy and I doubt
he’ll be any worse off in that jail cell than in a bed at Doc Owen’s. You wait and see.”
Cheryl
eased out of Nathan’s arms and wiped away her tears with the handkerchief that
he handed her. She fussed with her hair and straightened her dress. “Thank you
for being so understanding.”
Looking
down at her rumpled dress she straightened it and then fussed with her hair.)
“I must look a wreck.
She
looked up at him pensively. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for all your help
with Jess. If it hadn’t been for you,
he’d be dead as well as Sheriff Cory and me. You care what happens to him don’t
you?”
“Sure
I do. He saved your life didn’t he? I’ll always owe him a huge debt because of
that. Cheryl, you know that I love you very much and I don’t know what I’d have
done if you had died that day in that old miner’s shack.”
“I
know you do Nathan and I have to be honest with you. As much as I love you for
all that you’ve done for me I feel it’s only fair to tell you that I’m not in
love with you.”
Nathan
smiled at her. “I know, but you can’t blame a guy for trying and I’m not going
to stop trying either. So you can count on more of these picnics and rides into
the countryside and maybe a dinner in town as long as you’ll accept my
invitations.” He got up, pulled a long paper wrapped package out of the buggy
and handed it to her. “And I’m going to shower you with these as long as
they’re available.”
Her
eyes widened in surprise and she opened the bundle to find a dozen red roses
inside. She kissed him on the cheek and squealed with delight, “Oh, Nathan
they’re beautiful. Thank you so much. No one has ever given me roses before.
Where on earth did you get them?”
“I
sent to
“Well,
I certainly do. Thank you again so much. This has turned into a wonderful day
for me. Especially after the horrible start I had this morning. Thanks again.”
She leaned over and gave him a light kiss on his cheek.
Nathan’s
tone turned serious. “What happened this morning? Do you want to talk about
it?”
She
pushed back a lock of golden hair that had come loose from her ribbon. “I don’t
want to hurt your feelings, but I’m so confused I feel like I have to talk to
someone. My mother wouldn’t be any help and there’s no one else. It’s about Jess.
Are you sure you want to hear this?” She gazed at him questioningly.
“Of course I do if it’ll help you feel better.”
“Nathan,
why are some men so reluctant to express their true feelings about a woman? You
don’t seem to have any reservations about telling me how you feel. Why is it so
hard for Jess to tell me how he feels about me?”
Nathan
looked very confused and scratched his head. “Uh, Cheryl how would I know? Do
you think he loves you and won’t admit it?”
“That’s
exactly what I think. Why else would I feel the way I do about him if I weren’t
sure he felt the same way? A woman would be able to sense how a man feels about
her, wouldn’t she?”
Nathan
shifted his position on the blanket and tugged at his collar. “If you say so. Just what did Jess say to you?”
“It’s more what he didn’t say when I asked him
if he loved me.”
He
swallowed hard before he answered. “You came right out asked him if he loved
you and you expected him to say, ‘Yes’?”
She nodded her head sadly.
Nathan
was becoming very uncomfortable and he fidgeted with his collar again. He
thought a moment wondering what tactic to take. “Well, maybe he isn’t sure yet
and doesn’t want you to get the wrong idea. He seems like a pretty square guy.
Give him time and I’ll bet he’ll give you the answer you want to hear.”
Her eyes began to shine with happiness. “Oh, Nathan,
do you really believe that?”
“Sure,
how could he not love you? Seriously, I saw how he looked at you when you two
first met. I think he fell in love with you the first time he laid eyes on
you.” He smiled at her halfheartedly, regretting immediately his decision to
reassure her that Harper loved her.
She
leaned over and kissed him on lips. “Oh thank you Nathan, I feel so much better
now.” She looked into his eyes and saw that they had saddened.
“Poor
Nathan, it was cruel of me to ask for your advice about Jess. Can you forgive
me? I know it must have been very hard for you to be honest with me.”
He shrugged his shoulders and said. “I guess I’m too
damned honest for my own good.”
“You’re
the truest friend a girl could ever have.” She resisted the urge to kiss him
again. A twinge of guilt clutched her heart. She felt ashamed for having
such unfaithful feelings for another man. She reminded herself that she loved
Jess and that Nathan was just a good friend.
Nathan’s
eyes saddened even more. “If all I’ll ever be to you is a friend I want you to
know that I’ll be your friend for life. If you and Jess do get together, he had
better treat you right and provide for you as you deserve or else…”
His
words surprised her. She squeezed his arm affectionately. “That’s such a sweet
thing to say. I don’t deserve such kindness especially after I’ve treated you
so selfishly. I’m truly sorry and I hope you’ll forgive me for ruining our
picnic for you. Do you want to go back now?”
“It
is getting late and didn’t you say you were going to take Jess something to
eat?” He grinned at her crookedly and stood up. “I’m a glutton for punishment,
aren’t I?”
They
packed up the picnic basket and headed for town. They rode in silence each one
lost in their own thoughts. Nathan took Cheryl to the local café to pick up
something for Jess to eat and delivered Cheryl to the door of the jail. He
promised to return later to take her home.
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