Jess Harper's Family, a Laramie story by Patricia, Laramiekid_2000

CHAPTER ONE

Jess Harper's temper was as hot as the June sun beating down on him. As he started to enter the cabin, Slim Sherman opened the wooden door. Slim's tall frame filled the door frame.
 "Hold it right there. I fired you this morning. What are you doing back here?"
 Jess's eyes narrowed to slits.
 "You just get right back on that horse and ride out of here," Slim commanded.
 Jess said slowly, "I...uh...thought I might talk you into rehiring me."

 "Nope. You best leave. I don't want you here when the stage arrives. And I expect it shortly."
 Jess gave a short nod. He mounted easily as if he was born to the saddle. He turned his horse and started galloping away. The bullet tore into his shoulder.  "Jess!" He heard as he fell from the saddle. He hit the ground hard, dodging the horse's hooves before the terrified animal ran away. He started to rise but the pain ripping through his upper body forced him to fall back to the ground. He felt a hand touch him to steady him. He reared back unsure who this was helping him. He reached for his gun. But the face he saw froze him in mid motion.
 "Jess," the woman grinned.
 "Franny?" Jess mumbled. Despite the pain, Jess smiled.
 "Oh Jess," Franny said as tears swelled in her eyes. "I've missed you so."
 A man knelt beside Jess.
 "Johnny?" Jess said as if he couldn't believe who he saw.
 "I didn't know it was you or I never would have fired at you."
 "You shot me?"  Jess's eyes went past Johnny to a man standing holding a rifle.
 The man's eyes swept over Jess's wound. "You'll live. Get his gun."
 As he took Jess's gun and stuck it in his belt, Johnny said,  "Didn't see your face until you fell. Sure never thought our paths would cross again."
 Franny stroked Jess's arm as if she was petting a kitten.
 "After the war, I came back looking for you," Jess replied.
 "We had to leave a few months after you joined up. Raiders came through burning houses.  There was nothing left.  So we headed west."
 "I hate to break up the reunion," the voice of the man standing was pleasant but his face showed his anger.
 "This is my brother," Franny introduced. "Jess Harper."
 Surprise molded Slim's face.
 Franny continued the introduction, "Jess, Clay Taylor."
 Jess almost gasped. "What are you doing with-"
 Johnny replied, "We've been traveling with Clay for almost a year."
 Jess's eyes moved to Franny. She tilted her head defiantly, her brown eyes daring him to ask about their relationship.
 "Come on, get up, Harper. I want you inside," Clay ordered. "Stage should be here anytime."
 Johnny helped Jess to his feet. Jess's eyes moved to Slim, who stood with Clay's gun touching his side.
 "I guess we didn't fool them, Jess," Slim said apologetically.
 "Johnny, put up his horse."
 Johnny nodded, then gave a quick smile to Jess before leaving.
 "Get going," Clay snapped.
 Slim glanced at Jess. "Can you make it?"
 Jess nodded as he pressed his hand to his shoulder. Quickly his fingers were covered with blood..
 Slim started walking towards the cabin, all the while glancing over his shoulder at Jess.  Jess took a deep breath trying to push back the nausea.  Clay grabbed Jess and pushed him forward.   Jess couldn't stop crying out in pain.
 "Clay!" Franny protested.
 Jess took two steps before he started falling. Slim rushed to him, catching him before Jess hit the ground. "Easy, Jess," Slim whispered. "You've lost a lot of blood. Lean on me." Slim supported Jess as they walked to the cabin.
 "Hurry up!" Clay frequently snapped.
 But Slim kept a slow, steady pace.  By the time they arrived at the cabin door, Johnny was waiting for them.


CHAPTER TWO

 "Jess, you're hurt!" Daisy rushed to Jess.
 "I'm all right," Jess mumbled.
 "You are not all right," Daisy said as she helped him to the chair. "That wound needs tending. I'll get some bandages."
 "Before you take care of him, you fix me some coffee," Clay said as he sat at the table. "Make it strong."
 "I am going to bandage Jess's arm before he bleeds to death."
 Clay's spur slid across the table making an ugly scar on the wood..
 "Clay," Johnny said quickly, "let her help him. He's my brother."
 "I'll make you coffee," Franny said quickly as she hurried to the kitchen.
 Slim moved to Jess. "Here let me help you take off your shirt." In a whisper Slim added, "I tried to get you out of here."
 "I knew something was wrong. We had a deal. You paint the barn in the morning. I finish painting it in the afternoon. When I rode in and saw only a few boards painted, I tell you I was ready to do some yelling."
 For a moment a smile tugged at Slim's lips. But quickly the smile faded as Slim informed, "They surprised me just after you rode out."
 "What's going on?"
 "Miner's pay is on the stage."
 "Where's Mike?"
 "Hidden."
 "What are you two whispering about?" Clay turned and pointed a gun at Jess and Slim.
"Maybe it would be easier if you two weren't around."
 Johnny moved between the men. His body shielded Jess and Slim. "He's my brother, Clay."
 Slim's eyebrow shot up. Jess nodded. Suddenly Slim saw the resemblance. The dark hair. The similar height and weight. Even the voices were similar. Franny didn't much resemble Jess but Johnny sure did.
 "Now I don't want no trouble with you, Clay," Johnny continued. "But I ain't going let you shoot my brother."
 Clay hesitated then put his gun down on the table. "Sure kid. As long as he don't give me 'cause to shoot him."
 "Jess won't," Franny said as she entered with the coffee pot. She glanced at Jess as she poured Clay's coffee.
 "Jess is in no shape to cause anyone any trouble," Daisy said as she moved to Jess.  She sat next to Jess and began bathing his shoulder.  Clay reached out and pulled Franny to his lap. He kissed her neck.  Jess's cheek ticked. But he said nothing.  Daisy couldn't hide her worry.  "Slim, this bullet needs to come out."
 Slim touched Jess's wound. Jess couldn't stop a moan as he jerked away from Slim's probing.
 "Can you get it out?" Franny asked as she jumped up, moving next to Jess much to the dismay of Clay. She studied her brother's shoulder.
 Slim said worriedly, "the bullet's buried deep. Sure wish a doctor was here."
 "Slim, I'm worried if we wait for a doctor, infection might set in," Daisy said.
 "You have to try!" Franny ordered.
 Daisy's puzzled look caused Franny to add, "I'm his sister." Franny's eyes caught Daisy's stare.
 Daisy's stare never wavered until Clay spoke.
 "The whole family's together," Clay said with a hearty laugh. "Brothers, the sister."
 Daisy's eyes darted to Johnny.
 Clay waved his hand at the door as he added, "Hell, I expect any minute to see the parents come through the door."
 "Clay, you know our parents are dead," Franny said softly.
 "Some man you got there, Franny," Jess stated.
 Franny started to reply angrily but her face soften as Jess involuntarily moaned.
 Slim's frown creased his forehead. "Daisy, I don't know. I don't like leaving the bullet in but-"
 "You've got to try!" Franny pleaded.
 "Yes, it would be terrible if Jess died from his own brother's bullet," Daisy bluntly stated.
 Franny glanced at Johnny who looked shaken. "He didn't know it was Jess."
 "Oh he just thought he was killing a stranger?"
 "Look lady," Johnny growled.
 "Back off, Johnny," Jess mumbled, then lost consciousness.

CHAPTER THREE

 The bedroom usually was neat in appearance. But now there was a bucket of bloody water sitting by the bed. Cloths with both dry and wet blood lay in another pan, close to the bed. A single bloody bullet lay on the table close to the bed. Slim removed his shirt. Blood stains covered the once clean garment. Daisy tiredly removed her soiled apron. Johnny drank from a whiskey bottle while Franny paced the room. Clay swatted at flies with a bloody knife as these insects buzzed near his head. In all this turmoil, Jess lay quietly on the bed. Jess  tried to focus on the oil lamp. He needed to keep his head clear. But he felt hot. Very hot.
 "Jess?" Daisy put a wet cool cloth on his head.
 "Daisy, where's Slim?" Jess asked.
 "I'm right here, pard," Slim bent down beside Jess.
 "Is the stage here..."
 "No. Not yet," Slim said. "Now you rest."
 "But Slim..."
 "I want you to rest. I had a hard time getting that bullet out. You lost a lot of blood. So you get some sleep." Slim patted his arm. "Don't you fret."
 Slim stood and started to move to the window but Johnny blocked his path. "You'd think you were his brother. The way he talked about you when he had the fever."
 "We've shared some troubles," Slim mumbled.
 "Where are you going?" Clay asked.
 Daisy turned and stared at him for a long moment before she answered. "To get rid of these bloody cloths."
 "All right," Clay mumbled. "Franny go with her."
 "Clay, I want to stay here with Jess."
 "You heard me!" Clay snapped. Then his voice grew gentle, "Go on, honey. Watch her. I don't trust the lady."
 "Tell me, Mr. Taylor, do you trust anyone?" Daisy asked.
 Clay's eyes grew stormy but he smiled. "Watch her like a hawk, Franny."

 Franny obediently left with Daisy.
 "Come on, Sherman, you and me going take a walk outside," Clay ordered.

 In the summer the door of the cabin usually stayed open most of the day to help keep the  cabin cool. But Clay slammed the door shut as he and Slim left the cabin. The slam woke Jess.
 "Johnny," Jess eased his body so he was leaning on his elbows.
 Johnny moved to Jess. "Whiskey?"
 Jess nodded no. Johnny took a long swallow.
 Jess pleaded,  "Don't do this holdup."
 "Jess, do you know how much money will be on that stage?"
 "And you think Clay Taylor is going leave witnesses?"
 "He ain't going hurt you. You're my brother," Johnny argued. "I won't let him."
 "And what about Slim and Daisy?"
 "As long as the woman don't give us grief, she should be all right."
 "And Slim?"
  Johnny's eyes dodged Jess's stare. "Well as far as Sherman goes, don't understand why  you're fretting about him. He's just your boss."
 Jess grabbed Johnny's arm. "You listen here, boy! Slim is more than just my boss. He's the best friend I ever had. If it hadn't been for Slim, I'd probably be sitting in jail right now or running from a posse."
 "Like me," Johnny growled with anger.
 "If you give yourself up, I know Slim would help you."
 "Give it up, Jess," Johnny snapped. "I done too many robberies. 'Sides Clay wouldn't let me walk away."
 "If  it's Clay you're worried about, I might not be in any shape to gun fight but Slim will stand up for you. I know him. You won't face Clay alone."
 Johnny frowned so hard that his face looked hateful. "I'm not going against Clay. He's my best friend."
 "He's a killer. He's wanted for killing a miner..."
 "That miner went for his gun..."
 "You were there!"
 Johnny shrugged.
 "Listen to me, kid," Jess tighten his hold on Johnny's sleeve.
 "No you listen to me, Jess.  Remember how we use to dream about having a big ranch. Well Franny and me are going to Mexico. And we're starting our own spread. You can join us. We'll be a family again."
 "I ain't going to steal. And 'sides Slim is going to make me part owner of this ranch. He's done talked to me about it."
 Johnny's face darken with rage. "You'd rather stay here with Sherman than be with your own family?"
 "Slim's been good to me. He's treated me like family."
 "I am your family!" Johnny jerked away. "Though you wouldn't know it. Where were you all these years, Jess? We had to make do the best we could."
 Jess's face showed his pain. Whether it was physical or emotional,
Johnny didn't know. Jess replied, "I searched for you and Franny. Truly I did."
 "We didn't stay long where ever we went. Had to move on where we could get work. Franny even worked in saloons."
 Jess couldn't hide his sorrow.
 Johnny added, "Until we met Clay, we were scraping. And now you want me to scrape again. Or go to jail."
 "I've been in jail. But after you get out you'll be a free man. No posses."

CHAPTER FOUR

 Daisy boiled water on the cast iron stove, then began cutting new bandages from the old sheets.
 "What are you staring at?" Franny asked.
 Daisy looked away as she continued to cut, "I was wondering why the kind of woman you are would take up with a killer?"
 Franny chucked as she mumbled, "The kind of woman I am?" Her laughter stopped and her voice became harsh, "You don't know anything about me."
 "No. But I know Jess. And you're his sister."
 Franny's face softened.
 Daisy folded the bandages. "There that should be enough for a couple of changes. Now to get that boy some soup though I know he'd prefer a steak." Daisy started cutting up carrots and potatoes.
 "Jess always did fancy a good steak. Even when he was a little boy."
 "What was Jess like growing up?"
 Franny's laughter filled the room. "Oh he was a handful."
 "He still can be," Daisy confessed with her own laughter.
 Franny said, "Pa use to say that Jess saw more of the wood shack than any of us kids combined. Oh Jess could get in trouble. But Jess was..."
She closed her eyes as a smile lit her face.
 "Kind? Good?" Daisy prompted.
 Franny nodded as her eyes snapped open.
 "Were you two close?"
 Again she nodded. "Pa use to say that I spoiled him."
 "And Johnny?"
 "Jess took to him like he was Jess's own child. And Johnny worshiped his big brother. Johnny truly pined when Jess left to fight in the war." Franny glanced shyly at Daisy. "So what's Jess like now?"
 Daisy added the vegetables to the water and began stirring. "A good man. A decent man. Still has a temper."
 Franny grinned. "He always did. Johnny too. That's the Harper men for you."
 Daisy turned and looked straight at Franny. "And Jess is law biding."
 Franny's grin disappeared so fast that Daisy almost swore she had not seen the woman smile.
 Daisy informed, "Sometimes Jess serves as the marshal's deputy especially if the marshal has to go out of town. He leaves Jess in charge. Jess is thought that highly of by the citizens of Laramie. A few weeks ago Jess was a member of the posse looking for Clay Taylor."
 Worry creased Franny's brow. "Please don't mention about Jess being a lawman around Clay. He hates lawman. "
 "I assume an outlaw would."
 In a scolding manner, Franny pointed her finger at Daisy, almost touching Daisy's nose. "Look, lady! Clay's been awful good to me and Johnny."
 "At what price, Franny?"
 Franny started to reply but no words came.
 "If you have to choose, would you chose Clay or Jess?"
 "I won't have to choose. Clay promised me. Jess won't be hurt."
 "And of course Clay is a man of honor who always keeps his word," Daisy answered before turning her back on a stunned Franny. Daisy said over her shoulder. "Why don't you take the bandages to Jess's room? I'll dish up this soup and be right behind you."
 Franny didn't argue. If Daisy didn't know better she would have thought that Franny wanted to escape her company.

CHAPTER FIVE

 Jess's grip on Johnny's sleeve was tight.
 Johnny's face showed a slight blush as he yelled, "You and me had a dream. But I guess that dream changed once you signed on with Sherman."
Johnny pushed against Jess. Jess cried out with pain as he fall back on the cot. Though he heard  Jess's cry of pain, Johnny never even glanced at his brother.  Johnny moved to the window, and stood there drinking several gulps from the whiskey bottle.
 "Jess!" Franny rushed to the cot. "Here let me help you. Lay down. Now quit trying to sit up. You can't lose more blood!"
 "But I have to talk to Johnny."
 "You're too weak to get up. And now your shoulder is bleeding again."
 "I got to talk sense into him."
 "No," Franny ordered in her most strict voice as she pushed gently against him. "You lay back down.  You're as weak as a puppy and you have a fever. Please stop fighting me, Jess."
 "Lay down, young man. And if you don't you'll be too sick to do anyone any good," Daisy said as she entered the room.
 Jess slowly eased his body down on the cot.
 "There now," Daisy said gently. She quickly put a fresh bandage on Jess's shoulder. The few times he moaned as she removed the old bandage, Johnny glanced over his shoulder but never said a word. She picked up the bloody cloth. "You rest." She threw the cloth in a bucket she had placed by the door. "I'm going to get some cold compresses. His fever's back up."
 Franny asked, "Should I feed him soup?"
 "We need to take care of his fever first," Daisy said gently.
 "Is he all right?" Johnny asked, though his voice was hard and he stared out the window.
 Daisy answered, "If he doesn't stay settled, he won't be. So don't get him riled."
 Johnny's head turned sharply so he was looking at her.
 She smiled. "I see you have that Harper temper."
 For a second Johnny smiled, his grin resembling Jess's. "We get it from our Pa."
 Johnny started to follow her out of the room.
 Daisy turned and stared at the young man. "Are you really that threaten by me that you have to follow me?"
 "Clay doesn't want you left alone. Franny shouldn't have left you. I won't. It's that simple, lady."
 "And of course you must do what Clay tells you to do. Jess is different. He's his own man."
 Johnny started to reply but Daisy walked out of the room as if she was a queen. Johnny quickly followed her.
 Franny pulled the sheet over Jess.
 "Franny?"
 "I'm right here, Jess."
 Jess reached out his hand. Franny gripped it and squeezed.
 "Sis, please talk Johnny out of this."
 "Jess, everything will be all right. I wish you'd quit worrying. And just concentrate on getting well."
 Jess winced in pain, then said, "Clay Taylor is a killer. You can't..."

 "Jess, Clay's taken good care of me and-"
 "What happen to you?" Jess snarled. "You use to be decent."
 She slapped his face. "Don't you judge me! You left our family. I had to survive the best way I could."
 "And that meant hooking up with a killer?"
 "Clay takes care of me. Without him I'd be in some saloon...that's right, I was a saloon girl."
 Jess tenderly touched her cheek. "I ain't judging you, Franny. I've done things I'm not proud of. Even went to jail once. But don't do this. This ain't right. If you and Johnny give yourselves up, I know Slim would help you. And you know I'll help you."
 "You give it up, Jess," Franny snapped as she moved away from him. She added in a whisper,  "'Sides Clay wouldn't let me walk away."
 "Because he loves you or because he considers you his property?"
 Franny turned her back on Jess. "It's the fever talking."
 "We both know that ain't true."

CHAPTER SIX

 Daisy washed out the blood stained cloth. The water quickly turned beet red.  "So you're Jess's brother?"
 Johnny lost his smile. He eyed her as if she was snake ready to bit him.
 "I never knew Jess even had a brother."
 "He has...had two brothers."
 Daisy glanced at Johnny with surprise.  "Had?"
 "At one time my Pa had a good ranch. Nothing real big. But a nice spread all the same. When I was twelve, land grabbers burned us out. Three of us made it out of our burning home. My Ma, Pa, and the others didn't. If it hadn't been for Jess, I wouldn't be here. He got me out of
that house. He saved my life."
 "Oh dear!" Daisy started to touch Johnny's arm in a compassionate way then thought better of it. "Jess never said a word. Did the law ever catch the ones responsible for-."
 "The law!" Johnny mocked. "No, the one responsible became a successful rancher on our land. So now I'm getting mine. If Jess had any sense he'd join me and build us a ranch-."
 "With stolen money?" Daisy now mocked. "Young man your brother is a decent man."
 "And where's it gotten him? He doesn't own this ranch. He ain't got nothing to show for all his hard work on this ranch."
 Daisy smiled in a sympathetic manner. "Why that's nonsense! Jess has a lot to show. He has a home and a family. Slim and Jess are as close as if they were brothers."
 Anger torched Johnny's face.
 "Why don't you stop this robbery while you can?"
 "Ma'am, if you're through, I want you to get back in there and tend to my brother," Johnny commanded in such a hostile voice that Daisy moved away.


CHAPTER SEVEN

 Minutes passed as Daisy sponged Jess with the cool water. Finally his temperature dropped.
 "How is he?" Franny asked, looking down at him.
 "His fever's broke," Daisy said with relief as she stretched her arms. Daisy started to leave his bedside but Jess's call brought her back to him. He spoke so softly that she leaned her ear against his mouth. Shelooked startled. "Are you sure?"
 He nodded.
 "Wait a minute!" Johnny stopped her. "Where you going now?
 "Jess wants some morphine. We keep a small amount in the kitchen. For Jess to ask, well the pain must be awful for him."
 Johnny's concern was plainly written on his tan face.  "He's going live ain't he?"
 "I hope so. Slim did all he could for him. If he lives it's because of Slim."
 "Get the morphine," Johnny ordered.
 Daisy was gone only a few seconds. She brought a small bottle. Her hand slightly trembled as she poured the morphine into a spoon.
 "Why you so nervous?" Johnny questioned.
 "Maybe because you're standing there with a gun while your own brother may be dying
because you shot him."
 "You won't let up, will you, lady?"
 "Johnny!" Franny commanded, nearing her brother.  "Pay her no mind."
 Jess drank the liquor in one gulp. Almost immediately his eyes closed. And all heard the deep breathing.


CHAPTER EIGHT

 Clay pushed Slim through the door then entered the cabin. "Horses are ready. Stage should be arriving..." He opened his pocket watch. "...in the next few minutes if it's on time." He smiled at Slim. "Now I know they're probably got at least one guard on that stage. So when the stage comes in, you're going out there like you always do. Only I'm going with you."
 "Don't you think they're going wonder why you're here?" Slim asked.
 "Nope. 'Cause you're going introduce me as your new hand. Then as soon as that guard puts his shotgun down, we'll make our move. And just so you know," Clay moved so close to Slim that Slim had to consciously will himself not to move away, "Johnny boy will be hiding behind the barn, keeping you in view with his rifle pointed right at you. And Johnny is a
good shot. Why you already know that from him shooting his own brother."

 For a quick second, guilt raced across Johnny's face. Slim saw it.
 "How 's Jess?" Slim asked.
 "He's sleeping," Daisy informed. "I gave him morphine."
 Slim looked taken back. "He was hurting that much?"
 Daisy replied, "He asked me for some." She took hold of Slim's hand and held it tight.
"Now don't you worry. You did a good job with that bullet."
 They all heard the sound of the approaching stage. Clay smiled as if seeing a pretty girl.
Clay motioned to Slim to follow him to the bedroom. Clay glanced at Jess laying on the bed. His body was motionless, his breathing deep, his eyes closed.
 "Looks like he's out for awhile," Clay observed.
 "She gave him some morphine. 'Spect he'll be asleep for quite a spell," Johnny informed.
 "His wound bled again," Daisy informed as she stood in the bedroom doorway. "I'm worried he's lost too much blood."
 Johnny's eyes moved quickly to Jess but Clay's eyes were cold as he said,  "Ma'am, if you want this one to live, you'll stay in this bedroom and keep quiet."
 Daisy only nodded as she moved to stand beside Jess's bed..
 "Honey," Clay neared Franny, "you keep her in this room. And your brother..."
 "He can't hurt anyone, Clay. He's past out. I'm worried about him."
 "Oh, he'll be all right, honey" Clay mumbled as his eyes moved to Jess. "Best he's out of this. Won't give me cause to hurt him."
 "You promised me that no one would get hurt," Franny said.
 Clay possessively kissed her lips. "Won't be long until you and me are in Mexico living the good life."  His gaze left her and turned to Slim.
" Let's go, Sherman," Clay pushed Slim so hard that Slim bit his lip to hold back his cry of pain. Johnny slipped out the back door.
 Franny's moved restlessly. "What are you staring at?"
 Daisy said, "Nothing.  Nothing at all."
 "I..." Franny frowned. "I'm going to get some coffee. I'm warning you. Don't you try anything."
 "I assure you that I don't want Slim or Jess shot. I'll behave."
 Franny left the room, looking satisfied.
 "Daisy?" Jess's voice was so low that at first Daisy wasn't sure Jess had spoken.
 "Jess, you're awake! I worried with losing so much blood-"
 "I was faking being out. That's why I told you to pretend to give me morphine. They had to think I took it.  I wanted them to let down their guard as far as I was concerned. By the way what you gave me tasted awful."
 "I didn't think what I put together would taste too good but you have to admit it sure look like medicine."
 "We ain't got much time. Daisy, help me up."
 "I will not! You're in no shape...
 "Daisy, this isn't a time to coddle me."
 Coddle! Jess Harper, you've been shot and twice your wound has bled."
 "Either you help me or so help me I'll crawl, but I'm going to get up..."
 "Then what are you going to do? You're too weak..."
 "I have to help Slim. They'll kill him and the others for sure. Now help me up."
 Jess used Daisy shoulder to steady himself. As he stood pain shot through him almost doubling him over. But he quickly straighten.
 "Daisy, call Franny in here."
 "What are you going to do?"
 "Just call her!"
 Daisy went to the door. "Franny, could you come here a moment?
Uhm...something's wrong with Jess."
 Franny raced to the room. "Is he all right? Is he..."
 Jess grabbed her from behind. His hand went across her mouth. "Now you listen to me. Quit fighting and listen." He jerked her hard. "You're my sister and I love you. But I ain't going let Clay Taylor harm these people." Once more he jerked her hard. "Quit it, Franny. And listen."
 But she fought back, twisting her body, pushing against Jess until he was forced to let go of her. She slipped out of Jess's embrace, moving away several feet away from him. She opened her mouth to scream.
 "You scream and Jess is dead!" Daisy warned.
 Her mouth closed as Jess stood there staring at her.
 "Franny, if you want me shot, then you yell out when I go outside."
 "You can't go out there!"
 "It's up to you, Franny."
 "Don't ask me to choose between my brother and my..."
 "Lover?" Jess asked angrily. "But you're going to have to."
 Emotions played across Franny's face. Finally she whispered, "I won't yell, Jess. I promise. I can't have Clay kill you. I love you."
 Jess smiled as he touched her face. "I love you too Franny girl."
 Franny sat down on the bed as if she was a very old woman. "Jess, please be careful. Being my brother won't stop Clay from killing you."
 Daisy followed Jess out to the living room.
 "Jess, they have all the guns. They searched the cabin when they arrived. They even found the one you keep hidden inside your boot."
 "I bet they didn't find one gun." Jess walked to the fireplace. He removed two bricks.
 "Why what's that gun doing there?" Daisy's face puckered with surprise.

 "Slim made me put up my gun that I used to..." Jess stopped talking.
 "To gunsling with?" Daisy finished.
 "You knew?"
 Daisy nodded. "Slim told me all about how you two came to be friends."
 "I was hoping he'd keep my past a secret from you." Jess pulled the gun from the hole carved in the bricks. "His Pa used to hide money in here." Jess touched the gun as if it was a woman. It's hammer had been filed. He checked. The gun had been loaded with bullets when he put it up. It was still loaded. So no one had touched this weapon before now.  "I never thought I'd use this again."
 Daisy touched his arm as if she was his own mother clinging to him.
"Jess, be careful."
 Jess patted Daisy's hand. "I want you to stay down."
 Franny entered the living room. Jess glanced at Franny. "Sis, I want you both to stay down."
 Daisy took hold of Franny's hand. She smiled at her. "We'll be fine, Jess."
 Franny nodded. "Take care, little brother."
 Jess then cautiously left the cabin through the back door.

CHAPTER NINE

Johnny kept his gun aimed. His target was Slim. He was so intense watching what was taking place in the yard by the cabin that he never heard Jess approach. Before Johnny knew it, Jess had a gun touching his back.
 Jess kept his voice low, "Put the gun down, kid."
 "Jess, you wouldn't shoot me. I'm family," Johnny said, his rifle still pointed at Slim.
 "Don't make me face that decision," Jess said, his voice almost pleading. "Put the rifle down."
 Johnny's finger tighten on the trigger.  "I got Sherman in my sights. Having that gun in my back makes me nervous. Would hate to shoot Sherman just 'cause I got nervous."
 Johnny smiled as he felt Jess's gun leave his back. But he lost his smile as Jess moved in front of Johnny's gun.
 "Johnny, you may be a robber but you ain't a murderer. I know you."
 "You know me? You ain't even seen me for seven years. I was only a boy when you left. Now I'm a man."
 "Then act like one! Put the gun down."
 "And if I don't?"
 "Then you're have to kill me. Because I ain't moving."
 Johnny's face went ashen.
 "What's it going to be, kid? Do you give me the gun or do you shoot me again?" Jess demanded.
 "I don't want to go to jail," Johnny said.
 "Decide Johnny."
 Johnny lowered the rifle. Jess grabbed it out of his hand. He slid his peacemaker into his holster. Jess moved forward, his body leaning against the barn. He was breathing harder and the rifle was feeling heavier with each breath that he took. Carefully he aimed the weapon at
Clay's chest. He could see Clay glancing more and more at the barn. He knew Clay was wondering why Johnny wasn't shooting. Suddenly Clay went for his own gun, Jess shot. His first shot hit Clay in the chest. But Clay was still able to fire. The guard's leg was hit from Clay's bullet. Jess fired two more shots rapidly. Clay Taylor was dead, laying on the ground in his own blood. Jess watched s Franny tore out of the cabin. She knelt by Clay. He couldn't believe that she sat there in the dirt crying for Clay Taylor.
 It was several minutes before Slim found Jess. Jess was leaning against the barn breathing hard.. "Easy pard," Slim mumbled as he studied Jess's wound. "Jess, your wound's bleeding bad again. We got to get you in the house."
 Jess fought to stay conscious. His eyes blinked rapidly.
 "Sherman?"
 Slim glanced over his shoulder. Johnny had been no where in sight. Slim had looked for him. But now Johnny stood there. He was wearing a gun holster, packing a colt.
 "It's over," Slim said as he faced Johnny.
 "No, it ain't over," Johnny argued.
 "Sure it is. Clay is dead. The guard and driver are inside. You can't get near that stage..." So give it up, boy."
 Johnny pointed the gun straight at Slim's heart. "Every time I got something, it's taken away from me. Our home. Jess."
 "Johnny, put down the gun," Jess mumbled. "Don't be a fool."
 "I aint' going to jail," Johnny said.
 "Then ride out of here," Jess ordered. "Ride while you can."
 "Jess!" Slim started to argue.
 "He's my brother, Slim. I'm the only one he's hurt. Let him go."
 "Jess, you know I can't do that."
 Johnny bounced on his heels as he pointed his gun at Slim as if he was a teacher pointing with a ruler. "I told you, Jess, he ain't family."
 Jess pushed himself away from the barn. He slowly neared Slim. "Slim, I'm asking.-"
 Slim was thoughtful for a long time. Finally he gave one brisk nod.
 "Thanks, Slim," Jess said in a weak voice. Jess once more used the barn for support.  "Get out of here, Johnny. Ride to Mexico. Start over again. Change your name."
 Johnny raised his gun. "I got one thing to do before I ride. I'm going to kill you, Sherman."
 Alarm raced across Slim's face. "Why?"
 "I had it all planned. Me and Jess get a ranch in Mexico. That stage money would pay for it. But he wouldn't do it."
 "You blaming me 'cause Jess won't be a wanted man?"
 Johnny pulled back the hammer.
 "Johnny!"
 Johnny turned with lightning speed.
 Jess had his gun pointed at Johnny. "Don't make me do this, boy," Jessbegged. "Don't make me kill-"
 "Who?" Johnny taunted. He turned and aimed the gun at Slim. "You decide, Jess. Me or Sherman. Your family or him. You got three seconds.
One-"
 "No, Johnny! Ride out!" Jess pleaded.
 "Two."
 "Johnny, please! I've never begged in my life but please-"
 Johnny pulled back the hammer on his gun.
 Jess screamed with anger, "You coward, facing a man that doesn't have a gun."
 Johnny slowly turned and looked at Jess. He put his gun in his holster. He backed away but he kept his hand close to his gun.
 Jess sighed with relief as he put his gun in his holster.
 Johnny said,  "I always wondered which of us is the fastest draw. I know how fast you are. Franny said I was as fast as you. I'm betting I'm faster."
 For a moment confusion marred Jess's features then realization set in.
"I won't go against you," Jess swore.
 "You thinking you'd lose? Of course you are in an awful poor way right now. But Franny use to say you could fast draw anyone no matter how bad you felt."
 "I ain't going against you, Johnny. I ain't going fast draw my own brother."
 Johnny glanced at Slim. He pointed at him. "All right. I'm glad to hear blood is thicker than water. I weren't sure when it came down to killing Sherman. So Sherman I guess you lose."
Johnny suddenly went for his gun as he spun on his heels facing Slim.
 Jess and Johnny fired almost at the same time. It was a close contest. But Jess was a split second faster. Johnny had lost his aim when the bullet struck him, twirling him. The bullet Johnny fired miss Slim only by a small fraction of an inch. Johnny was dead before he hit the
ground.  He lay in a pool of his own blood.
 Jess's whole body trembled. Jess dropped his gun. It fell near Johnny's outstretch arm. "Johnny?" Jess yelled. "Johnny?"
 Slim neared Jess. "He's dead, Jess."
 "I killed him. I killed my own brother." Jess's anguish showed on his face.
 "You saved my life."
 "I made a choice, Slim," Jess's voice cracked with guilt. "He was going to shoot you down."
 "Slim?" Mike peeked from the loft. "Can I come down now? Is it safe?"
 Slim saw the tears fall from Jess's eyes as Jess's face became streaked. "No, stay up there.
I'll get you in a few minutes." Slim moved to Jess. "Let me help you into the house."
 Jess wiped his arm across his face but his tears wouldn't stop. Without a word, Slim half carried as Jess half leaned and the two men went into the cabin.


CHAPTER TEN

 Franny stood outside the stagecoach.
 "I sure wish you would stay," Jess said.
 "I know you can't understand but I did love Clay."
 "No, I'll never understand that."
 "Then understand that I love you."
 Jess tightly hugged her. "Me too, Sis."
   Daisy and Slim approached the couple.
 "Now Franny, I want you to give you the first order for a dress," Daisy said as she pushed some money into Franny's hand.
 "Daisy, I'll make you a dress for free. All you've done for me," Franny replied, trying to hand back the money.
 "Nonsense. You keep that money."
 "But Jess already gave enough money to start two shops," Franny protested.
 "The money I gave you," Daisy clarified, "is for my dress. I want a blue one with ruffles."
 "Ruffles?" Slim teased, grimacing.
 "Lots of ruffles," Daisy stated.
 "Thank you. Thanks to all of you for not turning me over to the sheriff."
 "Live a good life," Daisy said as she squeezed Franny's hand. "And come visit us."
 "Goodbye Franny," Slim said then kissed her cheek.
 Daisy motioned to Slim and they moved away to give the brother and sister privacy.
 "I don't see why you can't start a dress shop in Laramie," Jess complained.
 "I want to start a whole new life. A whole new beginning. Besides Cheyenne isn't that far away. So I expect to hear from you a lot. I know you were never one to write but-"
 "But now that I found you I don't plan on losing you again," Jess promised as he pulled her to him. He hugged her tightly.
 "Write me."
 "Write. I plan on visiting you in a few weeks."
 "You get completely healed first," Franny lectured. "Goodbye, little brother." She kissed his cheek before getting on the stage. As the stage pulled out, Jess sat down on the porch of the cabin.
 Hours later, Daisy found Jess again sitting on the porch.  The cool evening air blew against his face. The sun was slowly sinking in the west painting the sky red and pink.
 "Jess?" Daisy sat beside him. "You didn't eat much supper."
 "Not too hungry I guess."
 Daisy studied the sky but in reality she was studying Jess out of the corner of her eye. "You've been quiet."
 "I reckon I don't have much to say."
 "I'm relieved. I thought maybe you were feeling guilty about killing Johnny."
 Jess hung his head.
 "You know when I first met you and Slim. I knew you were both fine decent boys."
 "I didn't use to be," Jess said bluntly. "I've had my share of wild times."
 "You weren't like Johnny,' Daisy said just as bluntly.
 "I've used a gun, Daisy. I've killed men."
 "But you're no killer."
 "I know you think Johnny was one but I wish you could have known him when he was a kid. He was a good kid. I should have kept looking for him," Jess said with sorrow. "It's my fault..."
 "No it isn't!" Daisy corrected. "Jess, that boy long ago turned his back on being decent. He had just as much chance as any person does to become respectful. But he chose to be an outlaw. But you chose another road to travel."
 "If it hadn't been for Slim, I probably would have gone down the hoot owl trail. I was heading that way when I met Slim."
 "You know you've helped Slim too."
 Jess glanced at her. "Me?"
 Daisy nodded. "It's true. Slim's told me about the times you've saved his bacon, I think the term is."
 Jess grinned. "Yeah, I guess we've helped each other."
 "And isn't that what a family is all about. Caring and helping each other. Jess, you and Slim are brothers in a way."
 "Daisy's right," Slim stood in the door sipping coffee.  Jess glanced over his shoulder at him. Then Jess looked down at the ground.
 "Maybe you're blaming me for Johnny's death," Slim ask.
 Jess shook his head no. "Only myself, Slim."
 Daisy glanced at Slim. Worry showed clearly on her face.
 "I was going save this for your birthday but..." Slim handed Jess a paper.
 Jess read it. "Slim, you sure?"
 "It's not just my sweat that made this ranch successful. I couldn't have done it without your help," Slim said. "I want you to sign that paper so it's official. You own part of this ranch."
 Daisy smiled. "Hasn't that always been a dream of yours to own a ranch?"
 "My brother and I had that dream."
 "Well," Daisy replied, "your dream came true. Your brother and you own a ranch for Slim is as close to you as if he was your own brother."
 "You and Slim are brothers?" Mike peeked around Slim before racing to Jess.
 "Mike, you be careful. Jess is still healing," Daisy lectured.
 "Easy tiger," Jess said shielding his shoulder as Mike leaned into Jess.
 "You know I like this family," Mike said. "Even if we aren't related."
 "Well people who are related share looks. But you boys share something else," Daisy said with a twinkle in her eye.
 "What, Aunt Daisy?"
 "Well your love for pie."
 Both Slim and Jess laughed.
 "And you know why we're glad you're part of our family, Aunt Daisy?" Mike countered.
 "Tell me," Daisy insisted.
 "Because you're the only one around who can cook good pie."
 "She's the only one around here who can cook period," Jess added with a mischief in his eyes.
 "I think Jess becoming a partner warrants pie all around. Come help me serve it, Mike."
 As Mike and Daisy started into the kitchen, Jess started to rise.
 Slim rushed to him. "Here, let me help you."
 "You know, Slim, during the trouble, you never asked if I'd leave with Johnny."
 "I knew you wouldn't, Jess."
 "A few years back I might have considered it," Jess admitted.
 Slim said slowly, weighing each word, "A few years back you weren't the man I know today."
 Jess was thoughtful. "You know, Slim, if it hadn't been for you...well I don't think I could have a better brother than you."
 Slim lightly slapped on the back. "I feel the same, pard.."
 Daisy opened the door. "Come on, boys. Pie is on the table. And if you don't hurry, I can't guarantee Mike won't eat the entire pie."
 They sat at the table, eating in silence. When the pie was eaten,  Jess said, "You know, Slim, with this hurt arm, I don't think I'll be able to work for a long time so I guess you'll have to do the chores and-"
 "Hold it right there," Slim cut in, "I didn't notice you had any trouble using that arm to eat pie just now."
 Jess tried to look innocent as he replied, "Ate only to get my strength back."
 "I'd say the old Jess back," Slim said with a grin.
 Daisy laughed. "Yes, I'd say my family is back together again."

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