The Lancers arrived at the orphanage a little after six-thirty. Johnny continued to look over his shoulder, but did not see that anyone had followed them.
Our Lady was magnificent. The first sight was breathtaking, and Johnny and Scott pulled their horses up at the top of the rise overlooking the compound. Johnny’s immediate thought was of home. Lancer. Our Lady was of the same noble birth, but that birth had been much earlier.
The main building was a whitewashed mansion, larger than Lancer and much older; a gracious relic of California’s past. The age of the place was obvious in the way it settled in its surroundings, in the way the stucco was smooth, the sharp edges soft and worn. It had not been whitewashed in a number of years, and the patina of age shone through. But rather than a look of shabbiness, it held a great dignity like an old lady whose finery had faded, but whose proud bearing stood her in good stead.
Scott was reminded of some of the dignified old ships in Boston Harbor. In the early twilight, and from a distance, she was a white dove roosting on a vast landscape of gently rolling hills.
The outbuildings were modest and worn. Some may have been as old as the house, some had been added over the years. One of the buildings was obviously an old mission, now being used as a chapel.
There was no gate, no barriers, only an archway similar to the one at Lancer only older and larger. When one reached the top of the hill just to the west, the compound was laid out, open and vulnerable. Johnny had noted that on their arrival, and it gave him a sense of apprehension. He didn’t know what he had expected. High fences and gates, perhaps? He had to remind himself, it was a church-run orphanage, not a prison.
Sister Michael was in the yard, playing ball with some boys. She kicked the ball in a long graceful arc as she saw the riders approaching, sending the boys scrambling for it. She walked out to meet them, and was pulled into her third bear-hug of the day as soon as Scott dismounted.
“Angie, uh, I mean Sister Michael,” he bowed slightly in her direction, “this is my brother, Johnny.”
Johnny had already dismounted and stood with his hat in his hand as he smiled broadly at his brother’s exaggerated introduction. Johnny stepped up and extended a hand, which Angie took warmly. His blue eyes took in the habit, but came to rest firmly on her warm and open face. “It’s a pleasure, ma’am.”
“Oh, please don’t ma’am me!” She pulled Johnny into a warm hug. After she released him, she looped her arm through his. “Scott, they don’t know me as Angie around here. I don’t mind if you call me that, but you’re liable to get some strange looks.”
“Should we call you Sister Michael?”
“You can, but most of the sisters call me Michael, and a few of the children call me Mike. “ She leaned toward Johnny confidentially and smiled. “Not around the Reverend Mother, of course.”
Several of the boys that she had been playing with had gathered around the strangers. Michael turned and gathered them in with her extended arms. “These are some of our boys who live here: Tommy, Paolo, Tim, Grady, Anthony and Felix. Boys, these gentlemen are Scott and Johnny Lancer. Scott’s an old friend of mine and Johnny is his brother.”
A few of the boys shook hands with Scott and Johnny; others shyly nodded. “Now, I think it’s about time you all went and washed up for supper. Go tell the others in the back.”
The boys turned and ran off, shouting and laughing as if they had just been released from chores. Sister Michael watched them fondly. “They’re good boys. Every one of them.”
After a moment she turned and took Scott’s arm, looping her’s through his. “Come now, let me show you around.” Johnny followed behind, hands clasped behind his back as he watched the two and trailed behind them. He was sure that if Sister Michael hadn’t been a nun, she and Scott would have been a perfect match. He wondered how set she was on this sister nun stuff.
Michael took them on a tour of the grounds around the main house and several of the outbuildings. She showed them the gardens and the blacksmith shop and the barns. The ancient chapel was impressive. The mission had to be at least a hundred and fifty years old.
As they passed through the chapel, Johnny impulsively took the wad of bills that Elizondo had paid him with and dropped them in a bowl on the alter. Neither Scott nor Michael had seen and he grinned as he glanced up into the serene face of the Holy Mother and crossed himself.
They finally reached the main house. The interior had been converted to dormitories for the children, living quarters for the nuns, and of course offices, but with none of the original structure altered or compromised.
The kitchen was vast and took up most of the lower level, below the ground floor. By the time they reached the dining hall where the sisters took their meals, six or seven of them were already seated and chattering. Johnny was reminded of a flock of black and white birds.
Michael introduced them to all present; Sister Anne, Sister Bernadette, Sister August, Sister Naomi… Scott couldn’t remember all the names. They seemed remarkably nonchalant at having two strange men at their table.
They sat at the end of the table nearest the back wall and Michael sat between them. The cheerful talking continued unabated. There were several questions about Scott and Michael and how they met. Michael leaned over and informed Johnny that they were waiting for the Reverend Mother before dinner would be served.
After several minutes, the small, stout Reverend Mother made her appearance. Both Scott and Johnny sprang up. She hurriedly waved them down as she settled her considerable bulk in the chair at the head of the table. “I believe that Mister Harper and his friend will be joining us in a few moments.”
Scott turned to Michael with a quizzical look.
“The man that I told you was ill. He’s doing much better now. And his friend has come all the way from Wyoming to see to him. We do hope that they’ll stay with us for awhile.”
As if on cue, Jess and Slim entered the long narrow room, greeted the Reverend Mother and made their way to two seats that had been reserved for them.
Johnny watched the dark haired one. Something about him was familiar. His recent illness was obvious in the pallor of his face and his bent posture. The Reverend Mother had called him Harper. He was still ruminating when the Reverend Mother introduced them. “Scott and Johnny Lancer, this is Mister Jess Harper, and Mister Slim Sherman.”
The men rose and shook hands across the table and then seated themselves. Johnny and Jess held their handshake just a bit longer than necessary, each thoroughly eyeing the other. The familiarity was apparently mutual.
Several of the nuns inquired as to Jess’ health. He shyly but politely answered them and picked at his food. Seeing his discomfort, The Reverend Mother changed the subject.
As a few nuns scurried in with trays of food, the Reverend Mother turned to Scott and Johnny and said, “I was quite delighted when Sister Michael told us that Lancers would be joining us. I assume that you are Murdoch’s two sons?” she asked, one eyebrow rising and her blue eyes flickering to Sister Michael.
Michael was surprised, not realizing that the Reverend Mother would know the Lancers.
Scott answered as he leaned back to avoid being brained by a soup tureen, “Yes, ma’am.“
The Mother explained to the group that Murdoch Lancer was one of their benefactors and had been for many years. She did not go into any further detail, only added, “Well, we are quite honored and I do hope that you will convey my warmest wishes to your father.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Scott picked up an enormous soup spoon and examined it. He put it down a moment later when the Reverend Mother announced that grace would be said by Sister August.
During the rather lengthy prayer, Johnny and Jess eyed one another. Jess had already remembered where he had seen Johnny before and who he was. He was not Johnny Lancer. At least he hadn’t been when Jess saw him plying his trade in Sedona.
From the look on Johnny’s face, he could see that Johnny remembered him as well. At the time, they were both in the same business. They had never drawn on each other and he remembered thinking at the time that he hoped they would never have to. Jess was good, and he knew it. He’d never faced anyone better, or he wouldn’t have lived to tell about it. But he had never seen anyone faster, or smoother than Johnny Madrid.
Chapter 26
To Johnny’s great surprise, brandy was served after dinner. Most of the nuns drifted away from the table, but Sister Michael, the Reverend Mother and the men all stayed. Although they had both spoken when spoken to, neither Johnny nor Jess had been talkative through dinner, and neither had spoken directly to the other during the meal, both wondering about the other’s motives.
Two gunfighters each with well-known reputations coming together at the same place at the same time stretched the limits of credulity for both of them.
Slim was discussing watersheds with Mother Agnes, all the while casting worried glances in Jess’ direction. His friend was pale, his hands were shaky and only he was sitting close enough to see the sheen of perspiration that covered him.
As Slim was about to make their excuses, he was pre-empted by Mother Agnes. “Mister Harper, I’m afraid I must insist that you retire to your room. You have over-exerted yourself today,” her wise eyes shown with concern.
Jess’ attention was pulled away from studying his brandy snifter as the amber liquid sparkled in the candlelight. Embarrassed, he nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I’m afraid you’re right. I’ll be sayin’ my goodnights.” He took a last sip of brandy and set the snifter down by his desert plate. Slim noticed that Jess used both hands to push himself up from the table. His instinct was to jump up and help Jess, but allowed him the dignity of leaving under his own steam.
Scott and Johnny had both noticed the difficulty Jess had, but politely gave the man his privacy by neither remarking nor appearing to stare.
Jess touched the Reverend Mother on the shoulder affectionately as he passed her, and her hand rose to cover his for a brief moment, a gesture not missed by either Scott or Johnny.
Johnny was sure that Scott had no idea who he had just had dinner with and wondered if anyone else did. A phrase that Murdoch liked to use flitted through his mind. “In for a penny, in for a pound.” No time like the present to get business out in the open. He and Scott were either in this all the way, or no way.
Johnny cleared his throat, “Um, Reverend Mother.”
“Yes, Mister Lancer?”
“Ma’am,” Johnny glanced at his brother. “Ma’am, I think that you should know that while I am Johnny Lancer, Murdoch Lancer’s son, I’m also known by the name of Johnny Madrid.”
Scott murmured, “Johnny…” and grabbed his brandy snifter.
Johnny’s eyes flickered over to Slim whose reaction was less than subtle. Slim’s eyes flashed and his jaw muscles were working overtime. Johnny raised his hand, “Now, don’t get excited Sherman. I take it you’ve heard of me?”
“I have, sir, and I would wager that Jess has too.”
“Oh yeah, he certainly recognized me, as I did him.”
“Why didn’t you say something before?”
“Well, until just a minute ago, I wasn’t sure if the Reverend Mother knew who he was.”
“And you are now?” Mother Agnes asked.
“Well, ma’am, I figure if you didn’t, you certainly know what kind of man he is and you wouldn’t be trusting him as you obviously do. You’ve asked him to stay and help you, haven’t you?”
Johnny noticed the expression on Sister Michael’s face. Shock was the only word for it. “Pardon my bluntness ma’am, but you are not a stupid woman and I’ll wager you don’t give your trust easily.” Johnny looked at Scott who nodded at him to continue. “Ma’am, have you ever heard of Johnny Madrid?”
“No, Mister Lancer, I’m afraid I haven’t.”
Johnny smiled. “No need to be sorry, ma’am, I’m glad that you haven’t. Johnny Madrid is…”
“WAS,” Scott interrupted.
“…was a gunfighter of some repute down around the border with Mexico.” He took a sip of brandy. “That would be me, ma’am.”
“Why are you telling me this, Mister Lancer?” the Reverend Mother inquired calmly.
“Well, ma’am, you have another gunfighter living under your roof, and even though I don’t think either of us came here for the same reason, we are both here now, and I think we’re both on your side.” Johnny shifted in his seat and took another sip of his brandy. “I haven’t spoken to Jess, but I did hear from Sister Michael how he came to be here…”
“I can vouch for Jess,” Slim said adamantly. “He wants only to help and he’s not a gunfighter anymore. Hasn’t been for a long time. He owes these folks his life.”
“I’m glad to hear that,” Johnny replied. “I’m telling you this now because you’ll probably hear in the next few days that Johnny Madrid has been hired by Elizondo.”
Slim sat straighter, looking like he was going to lurch to his feet. “You’re working for…”
“Yes,” Johnny waved Slim down with his hand, “I got myself hired as Johnny Madrid so I can find out what they’re up to. I don’t know everything yet, Reverend Mother, but I do know that they’re out to get this place and they’ve hired themselves an army to do it. Not only that, they want the whole of Lancer.”
“Lancer?” Slim asked.
Scott leaned across the table to snag the brandy and pour himself another. “Yes, Mister Sherman. Lancer is our father’s…our ranch, here in the San Joaquin Valley. I’d venture to say it’s one of the largest, if not the largest cattle ranch in the state and Elizondo wants to own the state, starting with Lancer. This orphanage is part of Lancer.”
“Mister Lancer, is your father aware of this?” the Reverend Mother asked.
Scott glanced at Johnny, the two of them silently agreeing that Scott should speak for them. “No ma’am, not entirely. You may be aware that Elizondo tried the courts first, some legal maneuvering that failed, but Murdoch is not aware just yet that Elizondo has taken this to the next level.”
“Ma’am,” Johnny interjected, “I’ve met Elizondo. He’s… well, he’s not right in the head, ma’am. I don’t think we’re dealing with a stable personality here and he’s hired the worst of the worst to work for him.”
“Present company excepted,” Scott interjected.
“Why thank you, brother, “ Johnny flashed his most engaging smile and clinked brandy snifters with his brother. Slim couldn’t help but grin. “Besides all that, ma’am, Elizondo seems to have almost unlimited funds. Getting word to Murdoch may prove difficult. It’s hard to know who to trust. I don’t think a telegram is a good idea.”
“I know someone we can trust,” Michael contributed. She seemed to take all of the new information in stride. All eyes at the table fell on her. She smiled.
Scott smiled knowingly. “Kate.”
Johnny’s mouth fell open. “The dentist?”
“One in the same.”
Chapter 27
Johnny excused himself from the discussion and went in search of Jess. Slim’s eyes followed him as he left the dining room, but did not attempt to follow.
A nun in the kitchen area pointed him to Jess’ room. Johnny filched an apple off the counter and headed down the corridor. The door was ajar and he could see the glow of a lamp. He knocked, pushed the door open and stuck his head in.
“You awake?”
“Yeah, come on in,” Jess replied. He looked up surprised to see who his visitor was. He pushed up from the pillow and leaned back against the stone wall. He was exhausted but had been unable to sleep. He wanted to talk to Slim. The presence of Madrid complicated things considerably.
“Bet you’re surprised to see me, huh?”
“A little.”
Johnny crossed the small room and pulled the small wooden chair beside the bed and made himself comfortable. “Let’s not beat around the bush, Harper. You know who I am, right?”
“The question in my mind is, does the Reverend Mother know who you are and why you’re here.”
“She knows I’m working for Elizondo.”
Jess stiffened and swung his legs to the floor.
“Now, wait a minute, Jess. She knows about Johnny Madrid, and I told her I signed on with Elizondo to see what he was up to. No need to worry, I’m just as concerned for the folks here as you are.”
Jess glared at Johnny, his jaw muscles working over-time. He had a lot of thinkin’ to do. Last time he saw Johnny Madrid, he was a deadly and expensive gun for hire.
Johnny interrupted his thoughts. “I was a gunfighter, just like you were, but I think you and I had one thing in common that set us apart. We didn’t go to the highest bidder. We hired on with the ones that we thought were in the right.”
“The lost causes,” Jess added, nodding.
“Yeah, well, I guess you could say that.” Johnny grinned. “Jess, you know my reputation and I know yours. I’d guess that neither one of them is entirely accurate. Things have a way of getting’ twisted. Besides, “ he leaned back and propped his foot up on his knee, “neither one of us are in that business any more.” He tossed the apple in his hand to Jess and Jess caught it easily.
“Slim tell you that?”
“Yeah.”
“What about you? If you’re not...”
“I have a family now...my brother, my father. We have a ranch...”
“Looks like we both found something better than what we were doing.”
“Yeah, but ain’t it a bitch how it keeps comin’ back on us?”
They both laughed. After a few moments of companionable silence, Jess continued.
“Johnny, when do you think Elizondo’s gonna make his move?”
“I dunno yet. I heard Morro Coyo mentioned, but don’t know what his plans are for this place.”
“What’s Morro Coyo?”
“It’s a little town close to our home.” Jess nodded and Johnny continued. “I gotta get back and do some snooping around. Also gotta find a way to get word to my old man.”
“Your old man?”
“Murdoch Lancer. He’s the one that actually owns this place. In fact, he owns the whole shootin’ match that Elizondo’s after.”
Jess studied this new information for a moment. “Well, you sure did fall into the middle of it, didn’t you?”
“Well, you did too by choosing this valley to get sick in.”
“I’ll be more careful next time.”
Johnny stood to leave, picking his hat up and putting over his head to hang down his back. He reached the door and then turned back.
“Jess?”
“Yeah?” Jess looked up.
“You ever wonder...you know...which one of us...”
“Nyah,” Jess replied quickly.
“Me neither,” Johnny said as he slipped through the door and closed it quietly behind him.
