Laramie Story: The Choice ( my version of the Laramie episode, "The
Replacement") by Patricia, Laramiekid_2000


CHAPTER ONE

During the week Laramie was a small sleepy town. But on Saturdays, Laramie over flowed with people. One of  the most popular places in town was the general store. On Saturdays in this establishment, you could find all types of citizens: cowboys, farmers, ranchers, even saloon girls.

Slim Sherman had a long list of supplies to buy. But the closest Slim could park the buckboard to the general store was not really close at all.  Slim threw the last of the burlap sacks of grain into the back of the wagon. Out of the fifteen bags loaded, Slim had carried all but one bag. Though the weather was cold,  Slim was sweating as if it was a summer day. Slim took off his dusty Stetson and wiped his white shirt sleeve across his sweaty forehead. He has hot, not only from working, but his temper was flaring. If looks could kill Jess Harper would be dead right now. Slim's stare was hard as he watched Jess linger in front of the store talking instead of working. For several minutes Slim leaned against the buckboard waiting for his partner.

Finally Slim's patience reached a boiling point. He walked across the street, joining Jess and the woman who stood with him.

This woman was more than pretty. She had a smile that even the most humorless of men would grin back at. Most of the town's single men, including Slim, had at one time tried to court her. But from the first moment she had met Jess, she only had eyes for him.  Jess had been baffled by her attention.  But Slim wasn't surprised for he had often seen saloon girls openly flirt with Jess. And that this woman was a lady, the town's school teacher, still had not surprised Slim, for many a rancher's daughter had made an excuse to visit the Sherman Ranch just for a chance to spend time with Jess. Daisy often teased Jess that the reason there was so much good food at the church socials was because the single women were trying to impress him with their cooking. Still Slim had to admit that at first he too had been taken back that Jess and this woman got along together so well because they were so very different from each other. She was from back east, a city girl who had grown up with money; whereas Jess was Texas born and a country boy, who had lived most of his life hand to mouth, sometimes going without eating. He had learned to survive; she had never known doing without. She had an education, four years of college, whereas Jess hadn't even finished the fifth grade. Slim knew Jess was smart, very smart. But he also knew Jess was still rough around the edges. He wondered how much this polite young woman knew about Jess's wild past.

"Good Morning, Slim," this school teacher greeted as Slim stood beside her. She looked small and dainty as the men towered over her.

Slim respectfully tipped his hat. "Morning, Molly. I guess today's the big day, huh?"

Molly's smile widen. "My father is arriving on the ten o'clock stage. I hope he likes it here."

"Jess was telling me that he teaches school too."

A proud look formed on her face as she nodded. "I think that's why I became a teacher.  My father's so dedicated. He teaches blind children in Boston. But I'm hoping to convince him to stay in Laramie." Her eyes darted back to Jess. "You won't forget. Tomorrow, supper? I want you two to meet."

Jess replied, "I'll be there. Seven sharp."

"Believe me, Molly, when it comes to food, this boy won't forget," Slim joked. "Jess, 'spect you and me better head on back. Still got fences to mend today and I want to move those cattle out of the south pasture before nightfall."

"I reckon we best get going," Jess agreed but he didn't move. Instead he just stood on the boardwalk grinning at Molly.

"And I've got a stage to meet," Molly said but she didn't move. She just stood there grinning back at Jess.

Slim looked from one to the other. "Well..." he said impatiently. "We'll see you later, Molly."

Molly's hand lightly touched Jess's sleeve. "I look forward to seeing you later," she said so softly that only Jess heard.

Jess's grin grew. "Tomorrow. I'll be there on time. Probably even get there a mite early."

"I hope so."  She squeezed his arm, then left.

Jess watched her walking away until his view of her was blocked by other people hurrying along the boardwalk.

Slim eyed Jess with amusement. "Well you got it bad, partner. I sure never thought I'd see the day Jess Harper's head was turned by a filly."

Jess pushed past him heading towards the store. "I'll help you finish loading the grain."

"It's loaded."

Jess stopped dead in his tracks. He slowly turned and faced Slim. "I'm sorry, Slim. I should have helped you."

Slim neared Jess. His right finger jabbed at Jess's shoulder as he said,  "You've got that right." Suddenly Slim slapped Jess playfully on the back. "But it's all right this time! Still I expect the next time we load grain you do all the work."

Jess grinned. "Its a deal."

The two men climbed easily into the buckboard. "Daisy's going have our hides if we don't get back before lunch," Slim remarked as he took hold of the reins.

The buckboard moved down the street, spraying dust from under its wheels. "Well look a there!" Slim pointed at the stage. "Those two girls getting off the stage must be the two new saloon gals. Pretty ain't they?"

Jess didn't speak. He just stared.

Slim tipped his hat as they rode by the stage. "I think the blonde smiled at me."

Molly waved as they passed.

"Slim, hold up a minute."

"Pard, you've talked long enough to Molly. You'll see her tomorrow."

Jess turned his body so he could keep the passengers in view. Not until they were on the edge of town did Jess finally face the road.

Slim chuckled, "Yeah, partner, you've got it bad."



CHAPTER TWO

The cabin offered a warm haven from the snowy November night. A fire blazed in the hearth,  its glow filling the room with a soft light. Evenings were Jess Harper's favorite time of the day. Sitting in front of the fire, watching the flames, feeling the fire's warmth on his face,
relaxed Jess. But tonight Jess was restless. He squirmed in the chair as if he couldn't get comfortable.

Daisy Cooper dried the last pan. Slim Sherman entered the kitchen. His tall frame made the room feel smaller. He handed Daisy a plate.

"That was good pie, Daisy."

"Slim," a frown marred Daisy's pretty features, "do you think Jess is all right? He hardly tasted his supper. And I've never known him to turn down apple pie."

Slim's smile faded. "Daisy, I've only seen Jess like this once. That's when he met up with someone from his past."

Daisy washed the plate. "Well, have you talked to him?" She dried the plate.

"Wouldn't do any good. You know Jess. When he wants to talk, he'll talk."

"He seems so sad," Daisy observed.

Slim nodded. "That's why I'm hoping he'll talk to me. But it has to be when he's ready. You know you can't force Jess to do anything that he doesn't want to do. He's got a stubborn streak a mile long."

"While so do I!" Daisy threw her apron beside her wash pot. "He'll talk to me," she said in a determined voice, then marched to the living area of the cabin. "Jess Harper. I want to know what's bothering you?"

"Nothing."

Daisy put her hands on her hips. "Now don't you try to pretend to me, young man, that nothing's wrong. I can plainly see that you're upset."

Slim sat next to Jess. "That's for sure, pard. You've been bothered ever since we came back from town."

Daisy's voice soften, "Tell us, Jess. Slim and I want to help."

Jess sighed deeply. "I think I should leave for a few days."

"Leave!" Slim yelled out. "We still got cattle to roundup and strays to find. You know that's a two man job."

Jess argued, "You've got Mike."

"Mike needs to go to school each day. 'Sides he can't handle those calves like you.  Now Jess what's going on?"

Jess's temper rose, "Look Slim, I got a right to leave if-"

Daisy took hold of Jess's hands. She could feel the calluses on his palms. "Of course you have a right to leave. But running away never solved any problem."

Jess's eyes fell from Daisy's face as his temper dissolved. "I reckon it wouldn't."

"Tell us what's wrong, Jess," Daisy urged.

"In town when the stage arrived, I knew one of the passengers, Daisy."

"By the way you're acting, I take it you weren't fond of this person," Slim stated.

Jess's eyes met Slim's questioning stare. "It's a part of my past I was hoping to forget."

"Why Jess, who is this person?" Daisy asked.

Jess hesitated as if he couldn't bring himself to say name.

"Oh I can tell you, Daisy. I saw who got off that stage," Slim said, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Daisy, I say old Jess here must have seen an ex girlfriend. And Jess,  if  you're worried about Molly finding out you were sweet on one of them, you tell me which gal it is and I'll
make sure she has no time to even think about you.  Daisy, two women got off that stage. Now if I was a betting man, I'd say Jess's old girlfriend was the blonde. But them gals were both pretty."

"And both are saloon girls," Daisy didn't try to hide her disapproval. "Oh I've heard you men talking about two new ones arriving from Cheyenne."

"Now Daisy," Slim said as his grin filled his whole face.  "So fess up Jess, which gal do you know?"

"It's not a she.  It's a he," Jess said so softly that both Daisy and Slim leaned forward.

"But the only man I saw getting off the stage was..." Slim's voice faded.

Daisy asked, "Wasn't Molly's father on today's stage?"

Jess moved restless in the chair.

Slim almost chocked on his words. "You know him?"

"I recognized him. It's one face I'd never forget."

Daisy's brow furrowed. "Jess, you must be mistaken. Molly's father is-"

"A murderer," Jess cut in. "That man killed my best friend and tried to kill me."

Daisy and Slim just stared at Jess.

Jess reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small piece of cloth. Dried blood covered the cloth's design, which had been part of a battle flag.

Daisy pulled back. "What on earth is that?"

"A reminder of a vow I took."

Daisy glanced at Slim. He shrugged.

"What type of vow?" she asked.

"A vow to kill."

Daisy gasped. Slim burst out with rage, "Jess, those days are long gone. Don't let your past destroy your future."

Jess fingered the cloth. "It was a long time ago. But I never forgot. Never!" A hard look settled on Jess's face. It was an expression that Daisy had never seen.

 Daisy took a deep breath to settle her nerves.  "Tell us what happen."

"So much happen, Daisy. That I don't know where to begin."

"Well when did this happen?"

"Long before I came here. It happen during the war." Jess stared into the fire but it wasn't the flames he was seeing. "I was nineteen when I was captured. Me and several of the boys I was with were sent to a prison. Molly's father ran that prison."

Slim said gently, "Jess, a lot of bad things happen during the war. But it's best if you set those memories aside and-"

"We called him the Butcher!" Jess cried out. "You want to know why? Men died every day because we weren't given enough rations. Men fought each other just for a piece of bread. Each day you felt like part of you had died. Like he had butchered part of you."

"But you survived," Daisy said.

"I did only because I was captured just before the war ended."

"You said your best friend died," Daisy continued. "How?"

"We planned a prison escape. There were five of us, me and Billy were in on it. Somehow the Butcher found out. Billy was the first one out. The Butcher knew about the prison escape but he still let us try. He had them soldiers waiting for us. The Butcher himself fired the first shot.
Killed Billy right off. I was lucky I only got shot in the leg. One of them that tried to escape was just a boy. Ben weren't much older than Mike is. The soldiers took him and his brother away. When they came back, Ben wouldn't talk about what had happened. He never said much after that. Carl told us what they had done to them. The Butcher beat them. He even shot Ben in the leg to teach him never to try to escape. The Butcher ordered Billy's body not to be moved for three days so everyone would know what to expect if we tried to escape. Billy just laid there in the middle of the yard, flies swarming on him. Some of the men stole his shoes and clothes. And I couldn't stop them because the Butcher kept the rest of us in chains for two days, with nothing to eat."

Daisy's face showed her horror.

"And now you figure to even the score?" Slim stated. "What about Molly?"

Pain raced across Jess's face. "I don't want to hurt her."

"Jess, do you love Molly?" Daisy questioned.

Jess bit his lip as if to hold back his words but suddenly the words poured from him, "Never  thought a decent girl would take up with me. With my past-"

"Nonsense!" Daisy criticized. "You're a decent man, Jess Harper. A good man. That's why you need to talk to Molly."

"That's why you need to put the past behind you," Slim noted. "When you came to work here, that's what you wanted to do. And you've done it. You've worked hard and gained all our respect. We're partners now, Jess. You want to give all that up to get revenge? And who's that going to help? Your friend is dead. A lot of men died in the war on both sides."

"My two sons died," Daisy said, dabbing at her eyes. "It was a sad time. But I had to forget what happen. I had to keep living. Jess, put this behind you."

"I don't know if I can," Jess confessed.

Daisy put her finger under Jess's chin and forced him to look at her. "I lost two sons. I don't want to lose another son. You're my family, Jess Harper. You might not be my blood but you're my son never the less. I love you."

It was the first time she had said those words to him. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. Her eyes smiled at him then wandered to the fragment of the flag that he held in his hands.

Jess touched the cloth as if he was feeling its texture; suddenly he threw the material into the fire. It burned rapidly. Jess's eyes never left the flames as the cloth turned into ashes.



CHAPTER THREE

Moving the cattle closer to the ranch had taken longer than Jess had anticipated. Still he dressed slowly.

"Jess, get a move on or you'll going to be late arriving at Molly's," Daisy would frequently call, trying to hurry him along.

Finally Jess emerged from the bedroom.  He was wearing his only suit.

Daisy smiled approvingly, "My! Don't you look dapper."

"Dapper?" Mike repeated as he looked up from his book. "What's that mean, Aunt Daisy?"

"It means Jess looks very handsome," she explained as she retied Jess's string tie.

"What's that smell?" Mike asked. He sniffed, then moving close to Jess, sniffed again.
"Jess, it's you!"

"I'm wearing the after shave you gave me for Christmas," Jess argued. "Daisy, do I smell all right?"

Daisy neared him and pretended to give a huge sniff. Suddenly she kissed Jess's cheek. "No woman will be able to resist you. Why I think I'm going to kiss you again."

"Daisy!" Jess growled but his eyes crinkled with laughter.

As he said goodnight, Jess motioned to Slim to follow him outside. Jess closed the cabin door so their conversation would not be heard. The moon was full so Slim could clearly see Jess's face. Jess's expression was a troubled one.

"Slim," Jess began then stopped, looking as if he was searching for the right words to speak.

Slim leaned against the porch rail.  He bit back any words he wanted to say as he waited for Jess to say what was on his mind.

Jess was thoughtful for a long time. Finally he mumbled,  "I don't know what to say when I meet the Butcher."

"Maybe you should think of him as Molly's father, and not the Butcher."

Jess sighed. "I reckon that's true. But though I try, I keep remembering what it was like in that prison. You know I ain't told no one this but I had nightmares for a long time after I got out of there."

"You had one last night. I heard you."

Jess pressed his lips tightly together.

"Jess, if you and Molly are going to have a future, then you have got to let this go. I ain't saying that's going to be easy to do. But tonight all you have to do is be polite."

"I don't even know if I can look at the man without showing hate,." Jess admitted.

"I think you can if you do what you just said. Look at the man, not the memory. And if you're worried he'll recognize you-"

"I'm figuring he won't. There were too many men in that place. More men than room. Drove some of them insane."

"Why don't you just concentrate on Molly. You keep your eyes on her, boy. That shouldn't be too hard for you. That gal's got you tied up like a roped steer."

Jess replied,  "You think she's got me tamed, huh?"

"I know so."

"Since when did you become such an expert on women?"

Slim smiled at Jess's teasing. He was glad to see laughter instead of pain in Jess's eyes. "Oh I expect I know a great deal. Seems the ladies like me. I guess it's my charm. Or maybe my good looks."

"And don't forget modesty."

Slim smile grew as he said, "Oh I wouldn't forget modesty. That's my best quality."

Jess couldn't hold back his laughter as he chuckled. Suddenly his mood changed as he said with worry, "I best be going now."

Slim gave a nod.

"Slim-"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks, pard," Jess said.

Slim slapped Jess's back then watched him ride away.



CHAPTER FOUR

The knock on the door startled Slim. He hurried from his bedroom to the living room. Daisy appeared in the doorway of her bedroom. She held a lantern in her hand. Normally she wore her hair in a bun. But now it hung down her back in a french braid.

"Slim, who can that be at this late hour?"

Slim grabbed a rifle before opening the door.

On the porch stood Mort Corey, sheriff of Laramie. "Sorry Slim to wake you."

"Come in, Mort."  Slim moved aside to allow Mort to enter the cabin.

Mort politely removed his hat as he nodded at Daisy. "Miss Daisy."

"Why Mort, is something wrong?" Alarm fashioned Daisy's face.

"Just had some business with Slim that couldn't wait 'til morning. Sorry for the late hour."

"I'll make some coffee. I'm sure you can use some," Daisy said with a smile.

"I know I can," Slim said sleepily. "Sit down, Mort." Slim stroked the fire, adding two more logs. He lit two lanterns before he too sat in front of the fire. "So Mort what brings you out here at such a late hour?"

Mort glanced worriedly in the direction of the kitchen. He lowered his voice to a whisper, "It's about Jess."

"Is Jess hurt?"

Daisy rushed from the kitchen. It was obvious she had been eves dropping. "What's wrong with Jess?"

"Uh, nothing Miss Daisy."

"Now Mort, I know this isn't a social call. Tell us!"

Mort glanced at Slim.

"You might as well say it, Mort. Daisy's going find out sooner or later," Slim said with a small chuckle. "We've learned we can't hide anything from her."

"Well Jess never showed up at Molly's tonight."

"Something is wrong!" Daisy cried out.

"No ma'am," Mort said quickly. "Jess is fine. He's at the saloon."

Slim's frown made his face look hateful. "At the saloon? Getting drunk? That's not like Jess."

"He's not drunk. But he met some of his old army buddies."

Daisy's face showed her worry. "We know, Mort, about Molly's father and Jess."

Mort couldn't keep the surprise from his voice, "Jess told you?"

Slim nodded.

"Let me get you that coffee. It should be ready now."

No one spoke until Daisy had poured coffee for each and she had taken a chair close to the fire.

Mort took a big sip of steaming coffee; then sighed as he swallowed it. "That taste good on a cold night like this."

"Mort, what about Jess?" Daisy prodded.

"Jess and his friends sent word to Molly's father that he's to meet them at sunrise."

"Meet them?" Daisy questioned. "They want to talk about what happen?"

Mort stirred uncomfortably in his chair.

Slim hesitated before he clarified, "They want to have a gun fight, Daisy."

"Oh my! Jess wouldn't-"

Mort nodded. "He's in on it, Miss Daisy. I tried talking to him. But you know Jess once his mind is made up. So I came to see you, Slim. Maybe you can talk some sense into him."

"I'll get dressed," Slim said then gulped the coffee.

"Maybe I should come too," Daisy said.

Mort exchanged a worried look with Slim.

Slim neared Daisy and took hold of her hands. "Daisy, I know you mean well but a saloon ain't no place for a lady."

"But Jess will listen to me!"

"I don't know about that. This is something that's been haunting Jess for a long time. I'm not sure Jess will listen to anyone."

Mort said slowly, "Slim, if those men force Molly's father into a gun fight, I'll have to stop it. I could use a deputy."

Daisy's temper flared, "You can't expect Slim to go against Jess! Especially in a gun fight!"

"Slim's been my deputy before. Don't know where I'm going find another man at this hour who will go against someone like Jess. Maybe if Jess finds out Slim is on the other side, he'll back down." Mort stood. He nervously fiddled with his hat.  "I could use your help, Slim. So what do you say, Slim? I can't let them just shoot this man down. He's old. He ain't in no shape to draw a gun."

Slim's face broke out into beads of sweat. "I never expected I'd go against Jess. He's saved my life so many times but I can't let an innocent man die."

"And he will!" Mort said. "Like leading a sheep to slaughter."

Slim offered a brisk nod. "But I'm hoping it won't come to that. I'll talk to Jess. I'll convince him that what he's doing is wrong. Be right with you, Mort." Slim hurried to the bedroom. Within minutes Slim and Mort were galloping their horses towards Laramie.



CHAPTER FIVE

The saloon was darkly lit. Only a few lanterns burned. But Slim spotted Jess immediately. In three strides he was by Jess's table.

Jess never looked up. His thumb idly touched the rim of his glass, rubbing back and forth.

Slim's eyes moved from Jess to the three other men sitting at the table. "I hear you didn't go to Molly's tonight."

Jess's eyes slowly rose to meet Slim's worried glare. "I ran into some friends of mine."

Once again Slim studied the men. Two were dressed shabbily. The other in clothes similar to his own.

"And Molly? What do you want me to tell her?"

One of the men rose. He was tall. Taller than Slim. "Tell her in the morning, her daddy dies."

Slim's hand fell to his gun. "Jess, you can't do this."

Jess looked down at his drink, refusing to look at Slim. "I made a vow. I made a vow with these men."

"I thought we talked this out," Slim said angrily.

"This here is Ben," Jess introduced.

A man, not more than 18, glanced at Slim. Immediately his eyes darted away as if he was guilty of something.

Jess continued,  "He's the one I told you about. He was only fourteen when they captured him. Ben was a lively boy. Like Mike. Always talking. But now-  Well he don't say much. And he don't walk real well. You see, Slim, Ben here got a permanent limp from being shot when we tried to escape."

"In prison, Jess kind of adopted the boy," the tall man said.

"And you? What's your excuse for this killing?" Slim asked.

"I'm Ben's brother, Carl."

Slim's eyes roved to the other man sitting. "We ever met?"

"Yes sir, Mr. Sherman. My boss did some business with you. Tom Mixon. Owns the Triple M."

"You're his foreman!"

"Yes sir. Going on three years."

"You've got a good job, like Jess. Why are you-"

"You weren't there, Mr. Sherman. What we seen...what we lived through...those that didn't. Billy was my brother. The Butcher deserves to die."

"You're talking about murder."

"I'm talking about justice. We're giving him a chance. That's more than he gave Billy."

"Four men against an old man? You call that a chance?" Slim pushed back his hat so he could see  the faces better. "Jess, I won't allow this."

Jess looked up at Slim. "And how are you going to stop me?"

"Tomorrow we'll be calling the Butcher out," Carl informed. "The sheriff can't stop us from calling him out. No one can stop us." His eyes challenged Slim.

"One man against four. I say the odds are in your favor." Slim didn't try to hide the disgust from his voice.

"It's better than the odds when the Butcher use to give us food," Carl argued. "Remember that Jess?  Food thrown out like you'd throw it to the pigs. People fighting over who got a bread crumb."

Slim neared Jess. "Don't do this, Jess."

"I have to."

"Then you should know. I'll help the sheriff."

Alarmed molded Jess's face. "We'd be on opposite sides."

Slim slowly nodded.

"Why?" Jess's confused eyes met Slim's hard stare.

"Because what you're doing is wrong."

"Slim, I don't want to go against you in a gun fight," Jess admitted. "You're my best friend."

"Well one best friend has already died. If you go out on that street tomorrow then I expect another might."

Jess poured himself a glass of whiskey. He gulped the liquor.

Slim said, "Think about it, Jess. All you're giving up...Daisy...Mike...Molly. Don't be on that street tomorrow."

Slim turned and started walking away. Carl's hand dropped to his gun.

"Don't," was all Jess said but his stare was threatening.

Carl's hand quickly moved away from his gun. He sat and poured whiskey for all at the table.




CHAPTER SIX

Molly sat on a bench in the cold. She had on a warm coat and a hat. But she couldn't stop shivering. "Jess?"

Jess stopped just outside the saloon doors. "What are you doing out here?"

"I had to speak to you. Slim came by and told me about you losing your best friend."

Jess's face darkened with rage. "He had no right!"

"No it should have been you. You should have told me, Jess Harper."

His face softened. "I couldn't."

"But you could kill my father. Sending word that either he meet you on the street or you'll come looking for him. You left him no choice."

Jess took hold of her hands. They were trembling. "Here take my jacket." He took off the sheepskin jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. "You shouldn't be here. Outside a saloon. This late hour. Temperature freezing. If you're not careful you're going catch your death-"

"Death," she repeated. "How can you just kill a man?"

"He'll have a chance, Molly."

"A chance? Do you know how old he is? His hands are stiff from arthritis.  He can hardly write anymore. Much less shoot a gun. A chance?"

Jess said nothing.

"Why are you doing this? Why are going to kill my father?"

Jess backed up from her. He turned away, not able to watch her pained expression.

"Answer me! Talk to me! You owe me that much."

Jess slowly faced her. "How can you understand? You didn't see what I saw. If you had been there...at the prison camp."

"I know all about it," she snapped. "My father told me. That's why he teaches at a school for the blind. No one can see him! He won't be recognized. We've left so many towns. But I won't run away from this one. Because I don't want to leave you. I love you."

Jess moved quickly to her. "I care for you, Molly. Truly I do. Like I ain't never cared."

"Then please, Jess. Stop this! Stop this now while you still can."

Jess couldn't speak. He could only nod his head no.

"The war is over, Jess."

"I bet your father didn't tell you all that went on in there," Jess argued.

"They called him the Butcher," she replied. "Because men died every day because he didn't give them enough food."

"We fought like animals!" Jess informed, his voice raw with anger.

Tears started flowing down her face. "My father didn't give you enough food because the army didn't give him enough. He begged for more supplies. But supplies didn't come. My father is in poor health today because what food he did receive he gave to the prisoners. He hardly ate himself."

"I don't believe you."

"You don't believe me?" Her eyebrow arched. "I've never lied to you before."

"Molly, I'm not saying you're lying," he said.  "But your father might be holding back the truth from you."

"Jess, I know my father. He is a compassionate man."

"You saw that boy come out of the saloon ahead of me? The one limping? Fourteen years old he was when he got captured. He was lively. That night we tried to escape, they captured us. They took Ben away. When he came back, he never talked hardly at all. He limps because he was shot. When your father shot him, he wasn't running away. Your father shot Ben because he had tried to escape. It was his punishment."

"So you're going to kill my father? How will that change that boy?"

"Your father is the reason he's like that! It's called Justice."

"It's called revenge!"

"Your father will have a chance. Not like we did," Jess's voice rose to a shout.

Her anger matched his as she cried out, "He doesn't have a chance and you know it, Jess Harper. He's no gun man. Not like you are."

His face registered shock.

She gave a smile of victory. "Oh I know all about your past. But it didn't make a bit of difference to me because I thought you had changed. But you haven't changed. You're still a gun man who would rather kill-"

"I'm not a gunslinger!"

"Tomorrow on the street that's exactly what you will be. An assassin. A killer." She dropped the jacket. It hit the boardwalk then slid into a slushy gutter. "Go on get it. You'll find yourself in the gutter anyway after tomorrow."

She walked away from him.  And he let her leave.



CHAPTER SEVEN

The sun was high. But it was cold. Very cold. Jess leaned against the general store, watching the street. The other men leaned against the hitching post, their eyes too staring at the empty road.

"You think he'll come?" Carl asked.

"We didn't leave him much choice," Matt answered. "He'll be here."  He snapped open his pocket watch.  "Still a few minutes before the hour we gave him."

Jess suddenly stood up tall.

Slim, the sheriff, and the man they called the Butcher entered the street.

Matt said under his breath, "It's time."

Carl laughed. "Judgement day is here, boys."

Jess slowly entered the street. Matt and Carl walked beside him. Ben, though, lingered several steps behind these men.

Slim tried to watch all the men walking towards him. But his eyes kept going back to Jess.

Three men faced three men. They stood in the middle of the street, hands hovering over their guns. Only Ben stood apart from them. Down the street Molly stood on the boardwalk.

"Looks like the odds are even now," Carl stated. "Jess, I see the man you called your friend is going against us."

Slim's eyes peered at Jess but Jess showed no emotion.

"I want you men to leave the street," Mort ordered. "We're escorting this man to the stage. He's leaving town."

"We've come to settle a score," Carl yelled. "He's not going to run away until we've settled this."

The sheriff replied, "I want you boys to turn around and leave. If you don't, I'm going to have to arrest you."

Jess's eyes stayed on Slim. For the first time in his life, his hand was sweating. He prayed Slim would leave the street.

"This is between us and the Butcher," Carl replied.

"You've got no reason to-"

"You're wrong, Sheriff," Carl interrupted. "Look what he did to my brother."  Carl moved to Ben, grabbing him by his jacket. He pushed Ben forward. The push caused Ben to trip. He lay in the dirt, his head bent in shame. "He's a crippled. And he won't talk hardly at all."

Jess moved to Ben and helped him to his feet.

Thanks, Jess, thanks," Ben mumbled.

"Jess, be reasonable," Mort pleaded.

"Where was the reason when the Butcher himself beat and shot my brother?" Carl demanded.

Mort and Slim glanced with questioning eyes at the man they called the Butcher.

Molly's father cried out, "I didn't do that!"

"The night we tried to escape. You shot Ben," Matt accused.  "You shot my brother then you took this young boy away and shot him."

"I shot at one man!" the Butcher replied. "I tried to wound but my bullet hit his chest. I was scared. And that made my aim be off. I honestly tried to only wound."

"That was my brother you killed," Matt snarled.

"And you also shot my brother," Carl added. "You see the proof in front of you. So don't lie, Butcher!" Carl's hand moved closer to his gun, almost touching the butt of the weapon. He accused, "You shot Ben! He was only a boy."

The Butcher challenged, "Ask the boy who shot him."

Jess glanced at Ben.

"He don't talk much. He hasn't since his capture," Carl explained. "But I was there. I seen it all. I saw what you did to him."

"Ask him!" Molly's father demanded.

Jess glanced at Ben. "Ben, that night..."

Ben's face broke out into a sweat.

Carl ordered,  "Go on, Ben, tell them all who shot you. Tell them the truth that The Butcher shot you."

Ben stammered,  "I can't do this. I..."

Carl snarled, "For once be a man instead of a coward!"

Jess neared Ben. Jess's voice was gentle as he spoke, "Ben, tell me. You know you can trust me."

"Jess," Ben spoke slowly with difficulty, "I-I-"  He hid his face in his hands. Gently Jess pried Ben's hands away from his face. "Ben, you don't have to be scared of me. I'm your friend."

"See what you done to the boy." Carl pointed at Ben.  "Look at him. Too scared to even talk. You made my brother into nothing more than something to be pitied."

Ben slowly glanced at Carl. "You want the truth?  I'll tell you the truth. All these years he's been scared you'd find out the truth and come looking for him."

Confusion married Jess's face. "Who Ben?"

Ben's stare never left Carl's face.

Jess's eyes followed Ben's stare. "Ben, tell me the truth. We got to know. A man's going get killed here today. If he's innocent-"

Carl gave a nervous laugh. "Innocent! What are you saying, Jess? You were there. You saw Billy die. You saw the Butcher shoot him. You saw them take Ben and me away. Innocent! Whose side are you on, Jess?"

"Why won't you let the boy talk?" Slim asked Carl.

"Because the boy don't know what he's saying," Carl yelled back. "Look at him!"

"There's nothing wrong with me," Ben snapped. "Nothing!"

Carl laughed. "Sure there is! That's why I take care of you."

"You take care of me because you're scared I'll tell."

"Tell what, Ben?" Jess asked. His voice was low but it carried so all heard. "Tell what?"

Carl's voice was threatening, "Ben, you best remember-"

"You say one more word and I'll shut you up for good!" Matt snarled. "Now let the boy speak."

"I'm just telling him to remember, that's all," Carl defended with a nervous smile.

Jess nodded encouragingly at Ben. "Tell me the truth. You know I'm your friend."

"I've been wanting to, Jess. I wanted to that night. But I was scared. I'm sorry, Jess, that I got scared. But that beating and getting shot-"

"See!" Carl cut in. "He admits that the Butcher shot him!"

"I ain't heard him say it!" Slim argued. "Get him to say it, Jess."

Jess's voice lowered to a gentle whisper. "Ben, you ain't got to be scared now."

"Tell him, Ben," Carl encouraged.

"I can't tell them what you want me to say," Ben cried out. "I can't let this killing happen. Billy should have never died. And now you want another man to die but he weren't responsible for my being like this."

Carl started towards Ben but Jess turned. With only a stare, Jess stopped Carl from moving. Jess faced Ben and said, "Go on Ben. Keep talking. Tell me. I know you want to."

"Ben-"

Matt moved to Carl; the big man's closeness silencing the tall man. Matt said in a snarl,  "I want to hear the boy talk."

Ben looked at his brother. Ben started talking slowly but as he spoke his words poured from him faster and faster, "I can't lie no more. I don't care if you beat me again. I don't care if you shoot me again. I can't let no one else die. I just can't." Ben's eyes moved to Jess. Though Ben looked afraid he said,  "The Butcher knew about the escape all right. Because my brother told him!"

Jess's eyes shot to Carl.

Carl screamed out, "He's lying! You know how he is. Hasn't been right in the head since that night."

"Quit talking about me like that Carl!"

"All these years I've taken care of you!" Carl growled. "What would you have done without me?"

But Ben paid no attention as he continued, "I wanted to tell. Truly I did. But I was plumb scared.  I figured if you knew Carl made sure we got the last draw so we wouldn't be the first ones out that night, you'd blame me too. But I didn't know. I swear I didn't!"

"You knew?" Matt asked facing Carl. "When my brother was the first one out there you knew he was going to be shot?"

"Ben got shot too-"

"By you!" Ben yelled, his hand pointing frantically at Carl. "You shot me. That was my warning not to tell. Or next time you'd kill me. That's what you told me. That's why Carl wants this gun fight. Carl's always been looking over his shoulder scared the truth would come out and you'd come looking for him instead of the Butcher."

Jess felt as if the earth was reeling. He glanced from Ben to the tall man then back to Ben. "What are you saying?"

"It's true, Jess. The Butcher never shot me. The soldiers never shot me.  My brother had a deal. They take him off as if to beat him. But really they feed him in exchange for him telling about the escape. He sold you out. He sold all of us out."

"I protected you!" Carl screamed angrily. "I'm your brother!"

"You shot me! When I said I was going tell them the truth. You beat me and shot me when we were alone. It was them soldiers that pulled you off me. Or I'd been dead. My own brother, Jess. My own brother betrayed us!"

The bullet hit Ben in the chest, spinning him around before he hit the dirt. Both Jess and Slim drew their guns to shoot Carl, who held the smoking gun. But before they could shoot, Matt back slapped him, hitting with such a force that Carl screamed out with pain as he fell
backwards.  Matt leaped for him. Carl fought back but he was no match against this huge man. Mort ran to the struggling men as Matt's hands circled around Carl's neck. Mort tried to pull Matt off Carl, but he couldn't budge him. Tighter, tighter Matt squeezed until Carl's body
grew limp. Slim and Jess rushed to help Mort pull the big man away from the tall man. But in only a few seconds, almost in the blink of an eye, the fight was over as Matt suddenly released his hold and Carl fell dead to the ground.

Both Jess and Slim drew their guns but Matt only unbuckled his gun belt and let it fall to the ground. He turned his back on all and stood there, with his head hung low. His shoulders shook as he silently shed tears.

Slim kept his gun drawn but Jess quietly put his peacemaker back into his holster. Jess knelt beside Ben. "Ben?" but the boy was already dead. Jess slowly stood. He walked the few feet to Slim. "I was wrong," he mumbled. "All these years I thought...all these years I was wrong."

Jess glanced at Molly's father. Finally looking at him as he really was. He was an old man. His bad health showed plainly on him. Molly ran into the street. She ran past Jess as she raced to her father. She hugged her father tightly.

Slim touched Jess's shoulder. "Let's go home."

"You sure I'm still welcome?"

Slim replied, "Don't ever doubt that, pard."



CHAPTER EIGHT

The stage pulled into the yard of the Sherman Relay Station. Jess jumped down from the corral as Slim left the cabin. Mort Simons, the driver, yelled out,  "Rest inside while we change horses. Only be a few minutes, folks."

Jess started to help Slim unhitch the horses but stopped in his tracks as Molly descended from the stage. Following her was her father. Surprise showed on Jess's face as they went to him instead of to the cabin.

"I wanted to say goodbye," Molly greeted.

Jess nodded. "I was hoping we would get a chance. I came by several times but-"

"I couldn't talk to you. I hope you understand," she cut in.

"Mr. Harper," Molly's father spoke.

'It's Jess, sir."

"Jess, you must understand that with a prison overcrowded with prisoners I had to make sure no more prison escapes occurred. I wasn't happy keeping your friend's body on public display but I had no choice. I had few guards, few ammunition, and I couldn't get supplies or medicine." He held out his hand. "In another time we might have been friends."

Jess hesitated. The man started to drop his hand but Jess held out his. They shook hands.
Before the stage left, Molly kissed Jess; then she lingered for a moment as he held her tightly to him.

"Are you sure you have to leave?" Jess whispered.

She didn't answer but pulled away from his embrace and boarded the stage.

As the stage left, Slim neared Jess.

"First time I thought about marriage," Jess confessed.

Slim replied, "I hear those two new saloon gals in town can make a man forget his troubles."

"I don't think I'll ever forget her, Slim," Jess said without humor "I'll get my horse saddled so we can round up them strays."

"I'm thinking we should forget about the roundup today. And go to town and have us a beer."

And Daisy didn't complain when Slim and Jess rode to Laramie to meet the new saloon girls.

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