CHAPTER THREE

Carson Springs was a three-day ride from Laramie. As Jess camped by the fire, his thoughts drifted to the relay station. He knew that right now Slim and Andy were sitting down to one of Jonesy’s home cooked meals. For an old man, Jonesy sure knew how to cook. Jess had no desire to even taste the beans that simmered in the small pot in front of him. Angrily, he tossed a stick into the fire as it hit him just how much he missed the relay station.

The noise was so soft that Jess wasn’t sure if he heard it. But the second sound alerted him that someone was out there, hidden by the darkness. Jess began inching his hand towards his revolver.

“Hello in the camp!”

Slim walked his horse into the campsite.

Jess’ body relaxed. With a grin, he greeted, “Slim! What are you doing here?”

Slim offered a smile in return. “You didn’t think I was going to let you go alone to Carson Springs, did you? Hope you left some coffee. Could sure use some.”

“But who’s taking care of the stage and...”

“‘Bout time Andy takes on some of our responsibilities.” Slim tied his horse to a tree then walked to the fire. “‘Sides Jonesy’s there to help. Between the two of them, they’ll make out all right.”

“You must have ridden half the night.”

Slim crouched down by the fire. “Never thought you’d get this far. You must really be itching to get to Carson Springs.”

“Want to get this done with, I guess.” What he didn’t tell Slim was that he wanted to get back to Laramie and the relay station as soon as he could. He had been gone only a day and already he was homesick to return. Jess handed Slim a cup of steaming coffee.

Slim drank like a man starved for thirst. “Just what I needed after that long ride.”

“Slim, you shouldn’t have come.”

Slim grabbed the pot of beans and ate from it. “Good.”

Jess laughed. “You must be hungry to like my cooking. Especially when it ain’t nothing but beans. Ain’t even got any bacon in it.”

“Taste mighty good to me,” Slim complemented in between chews.

“Slim, I appreciate you riding this far, but at first light you need to ride back to Laramie and...”

Slim gave a quick negative nod. “Can’t do that, Jess. You pulled my hide out of the fire too many times. No, we’re in this together.”

“You don’t owe me...”

“Of course I do! Just like if I was in trouble you’d owe me. Now I won’t hear no more about it. I’m tired and I aim to get some sleep before daybreak.” Slim started bedding down his horse.

“Slim?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m mighty glad to see you.”

Slim’s reply was a grin.

“But I can’t let you do this.”

“Now Jess, it’s late. So let’s don’t argue about...”

“Slim, I ain’t sure what I’m walking into. I’ve made some enemies along the way, and judging by the men bein’ sent to kill me, the bankroll they’ve been carrying, well, it shows that I must have made a powerful one.”

“All the more reason for me to go along. You might need some help, and I ain’t sure you’d go to the sheriff if help was needed.” Slim tossed his saddle near the fire, then spread out his bedroll. He eased himself down as if this thin layering was a soft bed. He used the saddle like it was a pillow

Jess shrugged. “Slim, you’re ain’t got the experience with a gun like I do...”

Slim’s face blackened with anger. “If you’re thinking I’m scared...”

Jess jerked with surprised. “Never crossed my mind. ‘Sides I know different. You’ve proved that, but there’s one way we differ. I’m thinking the way I might be going about this might not be exactly according to the law. If you’re along, that might not sit well with you.”

Slim stared into the fire. “The law can be your friend too, Jess.”

“Maybe, but someone in that town wants me dead mighty bad. Until I know who, I don’t have any friends in that town, no matter what side of the law they’re on.”

“You got a friend here.”

“That I do. And I thank you for it.” Jess’ voice sobered even more as he added, “But you know the kind of men that’s been sent after me. Gunslingers. I may be facing more of that kind. They don’t always play by the rules. You’ve never lived that kind of life; I have. I need to play this hand alone...at least for the time being.”

Slim’s brown eyes met Jess’ blue ones and waged war, but soon, Slim looked down at the ground. “You made your mind up about this?”

“I think it’s best.”

“You going to come back once you get this settled?”

Jess nodded. “I don’t aim to be a gunfighter. Once maybe I thought it was my only choice, but now...I’ll be back. I like it at the relay station. I like it fine. Real fine.”

Slim gave a slow nod. “I wish you’d let me go along but if that’s what you want, I’ll ride back to Laramie tomorrow. But Jess, you just remember if you need help, you got someone you can turn to. You ain’t on your own anymore. We might not be kin, but we’re friends. I’ll stand by you if you need me.”

Jess’ face crinkled with wonder. “I ain’t had many friends, Slim, at least none that

I could truly count on.”

“I rode out here to help you, didn’t I? That should be your answer right there. I’d only do that for kin or a close friend.”

“Thanks,” Jess replied. “Thanks, Slim.”

“No thanks needed. I’d expect the same from you.”

Back to Fanfic

Back to The Hired Gun

Chapter Four