Chase Williams - Best Call it Home

It was the rattlin' of a coming buck board that opened Chase's grey eyes. Hans Larsson guided it, the black over brown quarter horse from Reds leading the red, paint peelin' buck board.

There were a second man on a wide backed grey close behind 'em that Chase didn't know. He stood, settin' his cradled Winchester against the side of the house where he slept n stepped out so he could easy be seen. The skies in the east were just startin' to color.

The big blonde man smiled.

"Figured you be sittin' the porch."

Chase returned the smile.

"Not hardly."

The buck board came to a slow stop. The grey riding man sided Hans Larsson.

"Jake Trumbull, I'd like you to meet Mr. Chase Williams."

The wide, powerful looking man touched the edge of his flat brimmed, grey hat.

"Chase, this is good friend of mine, Mr. Jake Trumbull."

Both men took their time sizing each other up, Chase breakin' the quiet first.

"Any friend to you Hans is a welcomed to be a friend to me."

Chase moved deliberate towards the horse ridin' man as he stepped down. Hands were shook n cautious acceptance shared.

"What brings you two way out here just as the sun is gettin' up."

Hans tied the buck boards reins to the long-handled brake on his left before steppin' down.

"Jake here brought Evie home last evenin' from her visit to the T slash P, spotted the lamp light me n Cull were playin' chess under and stopped by."

The other two men were still makin' up their minds.

"And."

"He's here to help Chase. The three of us know Jack Jenkins pretty well; Jake here better than me n Cullen. We talked quite a while last night and figured we'd share our thoughts with you..."

The big Swede slow smiled.

"... After all, You are the Sheriff."

Chase Williams grunted.

"Circumstance made me that, but I'm thinkin' the three of you talked about that too."

He took note that Jake near smiled. Hans Larsson actually did.

"You'll make a fine addition to our town Mr. Williams."

Chase's grey eyes met Jakes dark ones.

"I'd like to finish what Big Tom started Mr. Willams. Maybe make this town what he always believed it could be."

Hans quick agreed.

"Amen to that."

The plank house door opened; Penelope Burden stepped out with a low backed chair in her hands.

"I just set coffee to boil. Michael is gatherin' two more chairs so you men can sit the porch. Fried cakes will be ready in the shake of a does tail."

She stepped back in and Michael appeared with one of those chairs. Chase deep sighed.

"I guess that means you gentleman have been invited to breakfast."...

*

Long shadows had shortened from the new morning sun... A pot n a half of coffee was drank n close to three dozen fried cakes ate. A quiet argument was heard from inside about who was to serve the third round of those fired cakes... (Cheryl careful stepping out with 'em on the tin plate and Suzanne with the coffee pot close behind). A lighter chat were shared after the men took note young Cheryl doted on Jake Trumbull... After the three men ate more then their fill: they stood, shook hands and called out to Mrs. Penelope Burden. It had been decided that Chase would do the askin' of Miss Penny. He stood an uneasy tall when the lady of the house appeared.

"First off I..."

He quick looked to the other two men.

"... We want to thank you for that coffee n those fried cakes."

The stone-faced woman bit back her smile, though a touch of color tinted her hollowed cheeks under appreciative eyes.

Chase took a deep breath.

"Penny, I'd like you n yours to join the Larsson's at their home for a day or two. Me n Jake here are gonna pay a visit to Jack Jenkins. We ain't expectin' trouble, but it'd be a load off my mind if you were there instead of out here alone with your young 'uns."

His brow wrinkled as he held her eyes.

"I'd take as a favor if you would."

The widow had heard bits n pieces of the low conversation on her porch. The men were expecting trouble, and they were going to ready if there were. She looked at the other two men before meeting those asking grey eyes.

"We'll be ready as soon as you're set to go."...

*

Martha and Evelyn Larsson had already done what had to be even before the morning sun peeked through their homes second floor windows above the General Store. Hans had spoken to his wife when he returned from the Gunsmiths.

'Jake Trumbull stopped by Cullen's place after bringin' Evie home. We kicked around a few ideas to end this trouble with Jenkins: one way or the other. We'll be ridin' out to the Burden place before day light to speak with Chase.'...

She'd bit her tongue to quiet her concerns as she listened, then decided the glass was half full. This time was comin' and she knew it: better to face it now with Chase at their side. Besides that, Martha was pleased to have the family possibly come enjoying the little ones as she did n looked forward to sharing some time with a woman she truly liked.

Evelyn on the other hand was as agitated as a she-bear lookin' for her missing cubs, frettin' about this, that n the other.

"What about this one Mama."

"That's the second time you tried on that same dress young lady."

"Ohhh..."

Evelyn threw up her hands as she stormed back to her room.

Martha Larsson soft smiled as she fiddled with the tea set that had been in her family for years, placing it on the top shelf inside the china cabinet. The Burden girls were to young for such things. She listened as her Evie searched her room, knowin' exactly what her daughter was going through. She looked at the silver framed daguerreotype of her n Hans taken on their wedding day, soft sighed and wondered if Evelyn might fit into the dress that had been packed away so long ago.

"What about this one Mama."

It was the first one that she'd tried on over an hour ago.

"I always liked you in that shade of green..."

Then slow shook her head.

"... That n the light blue scarf to cover what your showin' by leaving those top buttons open you keep forgettin' to close."

Sky blue eyes narrowed before Evelyn went back to her room once again...

*

Olympia was quiet when Hans guided the buck board into town, Penelope Burden sitting with him in front and Suzanne between 'em. Michael stood behind his mother, a protective hand on the back of the bench seat she rode on. Chase sat Sugar maybe fifteen feet back sided by Jake Trumbull who had Cheryl nestled in front of him.

They looked like they ridden that way together all their lives.

Evelyn had spotted the coming buck board first while helping her mother and hurried out to greet them, leaving Martha shaking her head. She froze when she saw the little girl, Jake's arm around her holding her safe. Memories came flooding back.

Then she saw Chase Williams...

The tears fell freely as she hurried to the man that found her under that evergreen tree... Allowed her a life most girls could only dream of... The man that she secretly loved all her remembering life.

Chase pulled up short at the sight of the long, red-haired young woman that was running hard toward 'im. He knew... Couldn't believe... And quick stepped off Sugar. He no more than found his footing when she threw herself into his arms crying.

"Eeeasy now."

There was no easy left inside the jumbled up young woman. She clung to the man that had saved her all those years ago... The same man that always kept a watchful eye on her in the following years... Then pushed away... And slapped her hero hard across his shave needin' cheek.

"You left without saying a word Chase Williams..."

An emerald-green sleeved arm ran over both cheeks as she stepped back.

"... Y-you never even said goodbye."

In two strides the tall man was wrapping her tight in his arms.

"I'm sorry Miss Evie..."

He tucked her sobbing face under his chin.

"... I am so-so sorry."

Cheryl turned into Jake Trumbull filling her hands with his calico shirt n started to cry. The big man looked down at her and swallowed her up in his arms as the big grey they sat slow turned away guided by its riders' knees.

"It's ok Peanut. Folks have different ways of showing their hurt. They'll be just fine..."

The little girl truly believed the gravel voiced man was right and pressed tighter against him as his hand cradled the back of her head.

"Everything is goin' to be just fine."...

*

Hans Larsson tried again, offering to ride with his two friends to the Double Cross: and again, he were told no. They all had agreed earlier that he'd stay in Olympia, him and Cullen at the Store in case they figured Jenkins wrong...

The ride to the Double Cross was more then an hour: another five minutes when they passed through the heavy wooden gates with the ranch's name showing high above 'em.

The two men said little during the ride. They had their plan n there was no reason to rehash it again. A loud bell was announcing their arrival just as the two-story home came into full view. Both took note of the several cowboys that were heading up to the white house trimmed in blue; two from the barn and one from the opposite direction. A fetching brown-haired woman, clothes basket balanced on her hip, was also moving from the house's clothesline. A not to tall heavy man was slow standing, a pipe in his hand.

"That's Jenkin's on the porch. The young woman is his housekeeper."

The two riders kept a ten-foot distance between them. Myron Jenkins stepped out through the front door joining his father on the porch, his Navy Colt hung a touch low. Both riders pulled up some twenty feet from the two-step porch, Jake Trumbull touching the edge of his flat brimmed hat.

"Afternoon, Jack."

Muddy brown eyes moved from Jake to Chase. Chase stared back at the ranch owner with the same contempt that were lookin' at him.

"Mr. Jenkins."

Jack Jenkins looked back to Jake.

"You got sand Trumbull..."

He jerked his thumb back at Chase.

"... Bringing this man here."

"Look Jack, I think things have gotten out of line."

Jack Jenkins bristled.

"Outta Line!"

The heavy man stepped closer to the edge of the trim matching blue floored porch n pointed the stem of his pipe at Jake Trumbull.

"I sent a man with a fair offer to that widow Burden. Now I got two dead and one missing."

Chase Williams words were low... Direct.

"You sent three. The two dead braced me in Larsson's store."

"That's not the way I heard it."

"Then you heard it wrong."

Chase's eyes swept Myron and the two cowboys that came from the barn. He was familiar with one, but didn't reveal that fact. The pipe was brought to thin lips under a curl ended mustache and bit down on hard.

"I got four guns here and a rifle trained on you from the barns loft."

Chase didn't blink.

"And you'll be the first one dropped if I get so much as an inklin' shootin' is gonna start."

The color slow filled the heavy man's face.

Jake Trumbull bit off his words hard.

"That's enough."

The big grey bobbed its head.

"More killing ain't the answer Jack. You, me n Big Tom were friends... Good friends. We welcomed Hans and his, same as we welcomed the others when they came. Then Tom was killed and you lost your Dorothy. Things changed. I didn't like it. It's my way of thinking you didn't like it either. I'd like to see it go back to the way it were... Today... Not tomorrow. Not next week. Today."

Jack Jenkins shook his head.

"I can't do that Jake. To much water under the bridge now."

Jake Trumbull hard stared at the man standing the porch.

"I'm sorry to hear that Jack. I truly am."

The quiet only grew. The air got heavier. Jake Trumbull finally rolled his shoulders.

"I'm putting a hundred head on the Burden place. Her and me are partners now along with T slash P. She won't be selling her land to you or anybody else. Think on that Jack. We have more than eighteen men, most been riding for us a lotta years. Me and young Tom want no trouble, but you know me. We won't shy away from it either."

Myron looked at his father. The heavy man removed his pipe.

"I'll be asking you to leave now Jake. You..."

He looked at Chase.

"... And this man are not welcome here."

Jake Trumbull slow shook his head.

"No body wins a war Jack."

Jack Jenkins stood tall.

"You got one minute Jake... For old times' sake."

The two men on horseback backed up some, slow turned n started to move away.

Jack looked at his son, then at his men before calling out to the leavin' men.

"Hey Sheriff... You killed those two men... You fuckin' bury 'em."

He half smiled.

"Town will be needing a graveyard anyway."...

*

The two riders' easy rode up to and then past the name bearing gates, both refusn' to let Jack think he'd run 'em off in fear: then set their horses to a steady canter. Nothing was said, each man left with their own thoughts. About halfway to town, Jake reined into a trot. Chase slowed Sugar so they could ride next to each other. Again keepin' the same ten feet apart.

"Jack'll come at us hard when he does. He'll wait until things die back some; keep an eye on things."

Chase stayed quiet.

"Won't be the T slash P. He knows he'd have to kill me, the Peterson boys and most every man that rides for me... Won't be in Olympia, that would bring the U. S. Marshals... He'll wanna see how serious I am about the Burden place. Then..."

He pushed the front of his flat brimmed grey hat up, so it rested on the back of his head.

Chase chuckled.

"You look like a man that's going to a church social while we're here thinkin' of the best way to fight this thing."

Jake scoffed.

"I was hoping to hear what you're thinking."

Chase nodded.

"Fair enough. From what you n Hans said, he wants to be boss over this whole damned territory... At least Olympia and all that he sees. I've known men like him most my life. I've learned the only way to stop 'em is makin' the cost to do that is to damn high."...

*

It was Michael watching out the second-floor window that saw the two riders near town.

"They're comin' Mama."

The two older women had been talking about everything but the possible coming trouble. Evie sat at the table trying to answer all the questions that Cheryl asked as she sat in her lap playing with the ends of her hair.

Martha stood n put on her apron.

"Suzanne, why don't you run on downstairs to the store n let Mr. Larsson know that dinner will be on the table in an hour. Maybe you can help him close up when he's ready."

Penelope Burden stood joining her friend.

"Cheryl, you'll stay here with me n let Evie get ready to meet her man."

Evelyn smiled at Penny as the very young girl slipped out of her lap.

"I want to welcome Mr. Jake."

Penny looked at her friend n then back at her hard standing, chin out daughter.

"That'll be fine if Miss Evie wants to take you down with her when she goes."

Evelyn Larsson knelt to look at her newfound best friend.

"You'll have to sit quiet until Mr. Jake comes inside; Agreed."

The wide smiling girl quick nodded her head...

*

Hans Larsson turned from his cyphering when he heard the tinklin' of the doors bell. Cheryl was up before the sound ended, dashin' across the store to wrap her arms around the wide man's hips. Jake Trumbell gathered her up n set her straddling his hip opposite his pistol.

"Good-gracious Peanut, I wasn't gone that long."

She clung to him like it been a month.

"I missed you."

Jake chuckled, met Hans asking blue eyes n offered a 'we can talk later' look.

"Chase asked that you have your Missus send a shirt, socks n britches to the Barber n Bath; claims she knows the sizes."

Evelyn Larsson appeared from the storeroom.

"Already been gathered and done. Is he there now."

Jake looked at Hans, his questioning eyes narrowing.

"Not yet, he's explainin' to Red over at the livery how important that mustang he's leaving in his care is to him."

He looked back at Evelyn.

"Shouldn't take long, that man has a quick way of makin' his point."

He took note of the sly smile that crossed Evelyn's face.

"You two go on upstairs Papa. I'll lock up and take these clothes over to Mr. Williams."

Hans smiled, shrugged his shoulders and motioned for Jake to follow. Evelyn drew the half curtains over both windows, turned the open sign to closed and watched from the corner until she saw Chase leave the Livery: waited a good ten minutes and made her way to the Barber n Bath. Joe Stiles started to speak to the past pretty red head as she quick held her finger to her lips. Bold as a strutting rooster the young woman stepped through the tightly drawn curtains into the bath area.

"I have the things you asked for Mr. Williams."

Chase quick sunk up to his neck, the top of his knees poking out of the water of the tub he was bathing in.

"Evelyn Martha Larsson!"

She tilted her head.

"Yes."

Then pouting under teasing eyes.

"Where would you like me to put them Mr. Williams."

She was sure it was the first time she ever saw his face color near red.

"How about I put 'em there on that chair holding that towel right next to you..."

She walked over and laid the clothes down.

"... I added some new cotton drawers seeing summers coming... Drummer told Papa it was the coming thing."

She turned towards the curtains to leave, then peeked over her shoulder.

"Supper will be set by the time you get that face shaved and hair cut."

And she was gone.

The owner of the shop was rattling his head, keepin' his laughter low as he could. After collecting his self, he looked at the young woman n smiled.

"I'll send the things he was wearing after the Missus washes 'em up good Miss Larsson."

"That shirt he was wearing belongs in the rag bin. Mrs. Stiles can figure if any of the rest of it is worth saving."

"Yes Ma'am."

The young woman paused at the door, its knob in her hand.

"Please leave that hair just past his collar Mr. Stiles, I want the new Sheriff to look a certain way when he comes calling on me."...

*

Supper was shared on a crowded table: Martha n Penny serving green beans, fresh biscuits n gravy and the biggest ham Penny n hers had ever seen. Cheryl stood in front of Jake, her shoulders barely coming above the tables edge. Talk was light as Miss Penny asked for the third time what happened at the Barber n Bath. Evelyn made the story a little bigger each time she told it. Martha kept an eye on Chase as he weren't saying a thing sitting there in the new clothes that Evelyn had picked out. Suzanne took note of the mustache that Chase kept.

"You sure look different with your hair cut and all shaved up..."

She smiled under dancing eyes.

"... I'm glad you saved your mustache though."

Chase said nothing, Evelyn agreed...

Food was eaten until all three men pushed away from the table, handing out compliments like they'd never eaten before. The ladies lingered as the men went downstairs to finally talk private in the cooler evening air.

Jake had to promise Cheryl he'd say good night when it was time.

Hans handed out some pretty good cigars to be enjoyed together as they sat the front of Larssons General Store. Weren't two minutes before Cullen O'Conner joined them.

Pleasantries were shared. First order of business was to rag on Chase some about his new look n how pretty he were in his powder blue shirt. When things quieted a bit n the smell of cigar smoke lingered in the air, Jake spoke about the day's happenings. In the thoughtful silence after, Hans stood to light the hooded lantern above them.

"I don't think that's a good idea my friend."

Hans looked to Jake. Then it was Chase that answered his asking look.

"We make a pretty good target sittin' out here in the dark like we are. We all have to think more 'bout what's been started. Jack Jenkins made his thinkin' clear this afternoon."

Hans slow settled back in his chair.

"I'm agreein' that Jack will think this through for a day or two, maybe longer... But the man's been stood up to... Feels like he's bein' pushed."

Jake studied his cigar, the other two men leaned forward a bit; listening close.

"Jake'll be doin' what he said he were gonna do. The T slash P will do what he asks. That leaves this town. Cullen, you need to keep a close eye, same as Hans... Maybe find a man or two that's had the same belly full of Jack Jenkins as you have... Make quiet plans how you can work together."

Jake Trumbull then stood and nodded his head.

"You were right about Chase Hans..."

He extended his hand to the new sheriff.

"... I'll be riding home, fillin' in young Tom n let 'im think he's making some of the decisions that's got to be made. Those cattle will be at the Burdens place late evening tomorrow or first thing the day after."

He looked at Hans Larsson.

"I'd like the widow n hers to stay here in town for a few days: give my men time to set things right at her place."

Hans nodded in agreement.

"Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have to say good night to Peanut."

It was Chase that chuckled. Cullen looked at Hans who was smilin' too.

Jake gave a long look to Chase.

"You go ahead n do what you have to. I'll be having four of my best staying with those cattle until this mess is handled... And be back here as soon as I can."...

*

After the men broke up, Chase headed to the jail to get a little shut eye. He was gob smacked at what he found after takin' the lantern that hung outside the door n lightin' it inside.

A new coffee pot sat the small Franklin stove with two tin cups; the floor was hard swept, and the worn wooden desk n the beat-up swivel chair had a soft shine. Movin' toward the back he saw the jail had three cells, the farthest a made-up cot n fair sized pillow.

Leanin' against the frame of that open cell door he only had thought of only one thing.

Evelyn Larsson.

The young woman was as pretty as any fancy painting or ferrotype he'd ever seen. Her long fiery red hair, sky blue eyes n china white skin...

He rattled his head.

The only thing she saw in him was a long ago past; little girl dreams his Shannon told him when she took to followin' 'im around that last summer...

But her way in the Barbershop n Bath gave 'im pause. The soft words that came quiet through the closed curtains about his hair and 'when he comes callin'. The way she told that story at the dinner table; always peekin' at 'im as she told it. That smile when she looked to 'im full in the eye.

Now who was dreamin'...

Then came the sound of the heavy wooden door openin'. Chase turned hard, filling his hand with his Colt when Evelyn peeked around its edge.

"Those pants are to long. I brought you another pair to put on why I make 'em right."

The gun was holstered well before he covered the short distance to the door.

"You can't be here this late Evie. Folks will talk... N what about Hans n Martha."

There was that smile, near laughing this time.

"It was Mama that took note of those jeans. Pappa said cuffed britches were for boys to grow into."

She wore a long dark green mantle with the caplet down, her hair spilling over its shoulders with a medium sized wicker basket in her hands. The basket was set on the desk as she turned.

"Are you going to just stand there or close that door so we can do what needs to done."

She turned her attentions to the basket as Chase neared.

"I've got fresh ground coffee..."

She looked up at him over her shoulder.

"... No sugar because I know you don't favor it... Left over ham for whenever... Needle n thread."

She paused; a touch of color tinting her cheeks as she turned back to the basket and her doings.

"Papa sent some of Cullen's special flavored homemade liquor..."

She shook her head.

"... Put it in a fancy brown bottle. He said it isn't proper for the Sheriff to be drinking from a jar in his desk."

Evelyn Larsson didn't resist when she was turned gently by her shoulders and softly closed her eyes when Chase offered her her first real kiss. It was short, then he turned his face and kissed her again... Longer this time... And then again. His large hands were under her cloak, against the thin cotton dress she wore, holding her by the waist. She was lightheaded, wondering if all that practice she did on her arm was good enough...

Somehow, it didn't matter. She pressed against him, her hands reaching behind his neck, the still lingering scent of lilac water and cigar smoke joining the many other senses and feelings in her fast-spinning mind. He eased her closer still, bringing her to her tip toes, swallowing her up in the moment and his arms.

It felt natural to part her lips when he tender tried to slip his tongue inside her mouth. The heat she felt deep inside took to flames as he gentle searched her mouth. their tongue doing a fancy dance.

Evelyn Larsson was trembling when he eased her back on her heels, moved his hands to cradle her face. Her chest felt like she'd run a mile. She searched those grey eyes, seeing near the same concern they always had when she had need of his help... Or attentions. But this time there was something more: a deep affection... Something she never saw before. She burrowed close against him again. He wrapped her up in his arms. Her words were touched with the same tears that gathered in her eyes.

"Promise you'll never leave me again... Please Chase... Promise."

He slow stroked her hair.

"I never left you Evie... You had no part in it."

He eased her away.

"I wasn't me anymore. There was something that changed deep inside n there was no way I could stay. Everywhere I looked..."

She placed her finger against his lips, reached up on tip toes n kissed him again...

*

Chase struggled with the right n wrong of it as he led the younger near woman back to her home. She was young n beautiful n had her whole life in front of her. He was a man that had drifted for so long he forgot what it was to have a place to call home or how to court a woman to see if they could share the rest of their life together. He wanted to love again; fact was he was closer to it at this very minute then he ever had been since losin' his Shannon. Evelyn was what, twelve, maybe thirteen years younger then 'im...

Her timid ask as she stood in the half open door brought him back to the here n now.

"A penny for your thoughts."

He felt the warm coming to his face when a shot rang out, breaking the glass of the half open door. He pushed her hard into the store.

"Stay down!'

Chase was crouched low, fast stepping as his eyes searched the direction of the sharp crack that broke the night; his Colt drawn n hammer cocked. When he saw a shadow move against the wall of the Barber n Bath just past the bank, he moved quick across the street and against the side of Doc Leaves. Then the sound of a horse pawing the ground n the creaking of leather as a man hurry stepped up n into his saddle. He stepped around the corner, raised the Colt to take aim and fired. The horse reared up in the half-moon light n twisted hard left as it tried stepping down, then stumbled. He heard the rider fall hard and a man's cry fill the air. He cautious moved forward as the horse struggled to right itself. The cry became a scream under the trampling of the panicked horse searching for its footing.

Chase made his way to the hard breathing man as his horse sped away.

"Who sent you."

"P-please... I was only trying to spook ya."

The man's whine turned to a scream as a booted foot found his broke, twisted leg.

"Who."

"I-it was a warnin' is all... I swear... You were never meant to be hurt."

"Once more... Who."

"Please..."

The Colts flash lit up the man's lower right arm. The man screamed again, clutching his shot through hand.

"Who gawd dammit."

"M-Myron... Myron Jenkins."

*

Tom Perkin's let Mary's fingers slip through his as she slid out of the same bed his father bought after his wife died giving birth to 'Twitch', his younger brother. As he looked to the white painted ceiling he thought about Big Tom; wondered how'd he'd done without a woman in his life all those years.

Since the first time he slipped his pecker inside Mary he knew he'd never be without one.

'It was after they buried Big Tom: Twitch had lit out right after the funeral saying he'd be back when he were ready. Miss Ester returned to her own room where she had mourned the days before the funeral and would for quite a spell after that. Jake Trumbull had come up with a case of some pretty decent whiskey and joined the men in the bunk house to have their own kind of wake, (there wasn't a sober man on the place for near two days). Mary and Tom sat the study together; the will, a bottle of Big Tom's personal whiskey and two crystal tumblers on the desk between 'em.

His ten-minute younger sister shed the black veiled hat n matching gloves before filling both glasses near the top n sat on the edge of the desk.

"It's just like Papa told us. The ranch is yours, everything east of Perkins Creek goes to Twitch if he wants to go his own way. Jack Trumbull gets one third of the cattle if he wants to go on his own, or he has to sell 'em to you n Twitch for fair market value. Miss Ester is to have five hundred dollars for each year she stayed after the death of our mother if she ever chooses to leave the T slash P."

She looked at her brother.

"That'd be over eight thousand dollars now Thomas J."

Tom tilted away from the desk in his father's special made high backed leather chair and stared at his sister.

"Convenient you forgot your ten-thousand-dollar dowery."

She reached for a drink, met her brother's eyes and smiled.

"You'd have to take a fair-sized mortgage on this place if I married."

She handed the drink to her brother and picked up the other, raised it up and spoke soft.

"Or we can get to what we been dancing around all these years."

Tom soft smiled as they each had a bit of the fine liquor.

"We'll both go to hell Little Sister."

She slid off the desks edge and moved around it to where her brother had leaned forward.

"Were both going anyway with all that we've done."

Her brother opened his arms so she could settle on his lap. She held his eyes for a long minute before letting her mouth cover his. It was as special as it had always been. The two just blended together like the grass and morning dew.

The only thing different this time there was no fear if they got caught; there was No one with enough power to strip them of what they had.

Mary slipped onto her feet, set her drink back on the huge desk n made a show of slow removing her clothes. The black dress, the three petticoats. The silk like chemise. Tom liked she only wore black garters n tight webbed stockings, the long light curled hair looking even lighter over the special gift he was finally going to have. No more wishing or wanting. He was going to bury every inch of his hard pecker deep inside of her tight little pussy.

Mary was so excited she could almost smell the wet on the inside of her thighs. Tommy had always made her feel special that way. She thought of the first time he actually touched her there; ran his fingers slow up n down before slipping one, then two inside when she was ready. It was so much better than when she did it herself alone in her room or down at the creek.

She moved closer to let him begin to touch her. Closing her eyes she thought of all the things they had shared over the years: the first time she saw his beautiful cock, touching it and months later putting it in her mouth. She trembled as she remembered how quickly he filled her mouth with his spend... She loved it... How his hot, salty cum felt deep inside her belly. She loved it almost as much as when she touched herself, making her slick swollen pussy rumble through her body like the thunder rolled over the pastures behind their home.

"There... There... Just like that..."

Tommy was licking her special spot, his hands tight on her bottom. She held onto his shoulders and cried out when the thunder roared through her body.

She sagged back against the desk.

Tom was up and standing between her open thighs, his eyes never leaving hers as he tugged at his black wool pants. She wet her lips, wanting what was going to happen maybe even more than he did. Both had thrown caution to the wind...

He filled his hand, moved the end of his rock-hard cock through the light-colored hair covered gash that he'd waited so long for, found the past wet opening to her body and lunged forward. Both soft cried out, the wet heat enveloping his so very hard cock; him filling her like never before with a heat she'd only dreamed of. He stared down into his sister's hooded eyes. Listened to her short coming breath. And covered her mouth with his.

It was the first kiss of the rest of the life they would share. He started to ease back. Her nails bit into his bottom. She broke the kiss.

"G-give me a minute."

Mary Perkins was breathing shallow n quick. She bore down hard on his throbbing pecker.

"Oh Gawd."

She half smiled.

"Now fuck Me like you always wanted to."...'

*

It was late when Jake Trumbull rode past the house to the barn at the T / P. He was mildly surprised that Twitch was grooming his black on white mustang under a low lantern light.

"Just getting back."

Twitch didn't look up from the hard brushin' he was givin' 'Buckshot'.

"Not hardly. When I got back around dinner time, I went inside to get some. By the looks of things Tommy n Mary had some together time while the rest of us were out doin' what had to done."

He looked at the wide man n tossed him the hoof pick from his back pocket.

"I ate n made my way out here to take care of Buckshot... Couldn't stand watchin' 'em moonin' over each other like they were."

Jake grunted.

"You ain't been tending to that horse all this time."

Twitch leaned against the rails of a nearby stall.

"What are you doin' out this late."

Jake was striping the gear off his 'Silver'.

"There's trouble with the Double Cross and I waded into it."

Twitch chuckled.

"It's been comin' for a while Jake."

Jake swung his saddle onto the nearby saddle rack.

"True enough, but there's two dead already."...

For the next ten minutes Jake Trumbull shared what he knew, then what he thought for the next five. Twitch listened as they brushed Silver. When the older man finally grew quiet, Twitch offered his hand.

"I'd like to be part of whatever play you make Jake."

Jake took it.

"I thank you for that."

Twitch held that hand for a moment.

"The Burden place can handle at least a hundred fifty, maybe two hundred head. That'll put five men there."

The older man near smiled...

*

Chase Willims cut another three strands of barbed wire: that made four sections of missing fence several hundred yards behind the small, restless herd of cattle. Returning to Sugar, he dropped the wire cutters into one of his saddle bags n gathered a box of shells for his 1873 Winchester. After filling his entire gun belt, he put the box back n led Sugar some three hundred yards away from that hole n back towards the road leading to Olympia before reining her to a near dead tree.

Returning to the spot he chose earlier, he took a piece of jerky from his new dark red shirt pocket n bit into it to wait. By his way of thinking he had a good hour before the sun started to light the eastern sky. That meant the men in the bunk house between him and the other side of those cattle would be starting to move around in the next half hour or so.

He chambered a round for his first shot, adjusted the rear sight for what he figured was the distance to the two sets of windows of the bunk house n waited as he slow chewed the jerky.

It weren't as long as he figured when a match was struck and the soft glow of a table sat lantern grew brighter as whoever lit the wick n lowered the glass globe over it. He waited a count of ten, hoping another lantern would be lit n when it didn't happen, raised his weapon n stared firing. He wasn't sure if it were the first or second shot that broke the oil holding part of the lantern, but he clearly saw the fast-moving liquid flames spread.

The cattle had started moving away from him n toward the bunk house with the first shot and moved faster as Chase continued to fire.

The door quick opened, bathing the men starting to flee in the growing light behind them. Chase continued to fire every few long strides through the dust n sounds of the startled, hard moving cattle until his rifle was emptied. He wasn't tryin' to kill anyone, just give the men pause as he fast moved to where Sugar was tied. In less then three minutes from his first shot, Sugar was in a full gallop, her rider laid low on his saddle...

*

It was 'Red' Murphy tasked to take the bad broken n shot man back to the Double Cross first thing that morning. It was well known he was in the pocket of Jack Jenkin's, though by the look on his face, he weren't happy with his choosing.

"What if he shoots me or worse."

Hans Larsson spit.

"You chose sides a long time ago Red. You're a fair Smithie, but a poor choice of character."

Hans slapped the hip of the black over brown horse pulling the same red paint peeling buck board he used the day before. As the horse leapt forward, he called out to the unhappy driver.

"You make sure to tell that son of a bitch his boy damn near got my Evelyn killed."

He looked to the Gunsmith.

"I'll be askin' for that old blunderbuss you got hangin' on the wall Cullen. Martha can keep it upstairs: all she need is point that damn thing n pull the trigger."

Cullen hard looked at his best friend.

"You don't think Jack's damn fool enough to bring the fight here."

Hans stared hard back.

"You seen Chase since last night."

Cullen shook his head.

"Since he kissed Evie last night after the shootin' n promisin' her he'd be back as soon as he could... Neither have I."

Cullen puzzled on that for a few moments, then deep sighed.

"I'll bring it over directly."...

*

Michael couldn't remember when it were he had eggs And flap jacks n honey for breakfast. Suzanne ate near as much as he did. After picking at her food, Cheryl kept close to the window looking for Mr. Jake. Her mother shooed her back to the table more then once. Martha was pleased at having the little ones... And worried about her husband n Chase Williams.

Her man was short with her earlier: even shorter with Evie.

"For the third time, I DO Not know..."

He picked up his coffee

"... and when I do you two will be the first To know."

Coffee in one hand and his new gun belt n pistol in the other, he nodded at the now woke up widow Burden as he left down the stairs from their home. The three women looked to one n other as Michael came into the room from Evelyn's bedroom. Suzanne was a good minute behind...

*

Jack Jenkins was fit to be tied as he stood there in his boots, dark wool britches and night shirt tucked in 'em. He held his rifle in one hand as he shouted orders and pointed with the other. Somehow, they kept the fire away from barn. The bunk house was a smoldering pile of rubble. Two men that were able were searching for whatever they could find with pitchfork and shovel.

Myron, Mathew and Michael, all three of his sons were bare chested with gloved hands n smoke-stained skin did what they thought was best: Myron with the other two able bodied men calming horses to set their gear on 'em n then chase cattle... Mathew tending to the hurt with Sara close tearing a sheet to use as bandages n trying to soothe in her gentle way... Michael wide eyed, moving from here to there trying to help.

Three men were hurt, one with some bad burns: the others ranging from a broke arm to another with bleedin' hands. No one was sure how he got 'em and the man who had 'em just sat n stared off into the distance.

Jack started to quiet now as he was figuring on what he Had to do n what could wait; what cost, time and effort it would all take. He had seven men including his sons that were fit to start rebuilding, chase cattle and who knew what else to do.

He looked at his Sara, deep sighed and struggled to find a place sit. Some how, some way, it was Michael who thought to bring a missin' back chair to his father. After Jack set for a minute, he soft spoke to his youngest son.

"Fetch Myron over to see me, then get the wagon ready to go to town. It'll save time taking those that need doctoring to town n get 'em away from here."

Michael started to his brother, then pulled up short.

"P-Papa, a buck board's comin'."

"What the fuck now."

The words came out softer than he meant them to be.

Jack Jenkins was slow understanding he was a defeated man. He felt it deep down inside. No one seemed to take note. He struggled to his feet to see who it was comin' during his new hell; then sat back down hard when he saw it were Red Murphy.

"Yes Papa."

Myron was standing close as the buck board neared.

"Forget the cattle for now. They might take a day or two to gather n bring back here."

"M-Mr. Jenkins!"

Just the sound of that voice pissed off the ranch owner. He didn't even try to stand.

"Mr. Jenkins... Sir... I'll be needing to see you."

Myron stepped in front of his father.

"You can speak to me."

Red slow shook his head. He'd taken note of the damage on the ranch: The men movin' around, mostly in their long johns n some not even havin' boots... Them that were hurt... He smelled the lingerin' smoke of a large fire shortly after passin' through the gates... Then looked back at the Laudanum drugged man he was told to bring.

"I-I think I need to speak with your father."

Jack Jenkins put his hand on his son's shoulder to help him stand.

"You'll wait here... N send someone to fetch Michael. Will not be needin' that wagon I asked for. This son of a bitch will be heading back to town with my foot up his ass shortly. He can take the hurt to Doc Leaves"

The worn painted buck board pulled up as close as he dared. Jack moved slow to it.

"I-I'm terrible sorry Mr. Jenkins."

"Just get to it Red."

The truly frightened man didn't want to, but he did.

"Hans Larsson sent this hurt man back to you... And your son. H-he tried to bushwhack the new Sheriff last night... He damn near hit Miss Evelyn... Said the only reason he weren't strung up n hanging on your gate was that..."

He swallowed hard and lowered his voice.

"That Chase Williams wanted you to hear about it from his own mouth."

Jack Jenkins face reddened again.

"Hear What!"

"It w-were Myron that sent him to do what he did."...

*

Chase had circled back into town, stopped at Red's and set Sugar inside. After stripping of the animal's gear, he found some oats n beans to feed 'im.

"You be nice to Michael when I send him over to tend to you."

You'd think the horse understood him as he bobbed his head.

Folks took note of the new Sheriff as he made his way to Larssons, his rifle carried in his left hand. Hans greeted him on the porch.

"Good to see you, my friend. "

Chase nodded as he went inside.

"You might want to get whatever you have in the back for dressin' a cow hand n put it out here with the rest: maybe some personals they might need."

Hans stared and quiet nodded his agreement.

"The Burden's still upstairs."

"Finishin' their breakfast."

The stoic man called up the stairs.

"Michael, I need to see you."

Somehow the boy made it before Evelyn Larsson did, though she was in his arms before Chase could tell the boy what he wanted. As he held the young woman close, he tried to ask Michael to tend Sugar at the Livery between scattered, sloppy wet kisses. The wide smiling boy got the message n hurry left. Miss Penny was standing the top of the stairs holding Cheryl's hand. The little girl looked up to her Mama and explained how Mr. Jake was right; Things were going to be just fine. The widow looked down at her youngest n wide smiled...

*

There were no questions asked as Evie made Chase his breakfast, only her expressed happiness that he were back n safe. Chase asked Martha Larsson to grab him another shirt closer to the dark red one he taken the night before as she headed downstairs.

"That blue one Evie picked out won't look quite right for a man doin' his duties as Sheriff..."

He winked at the glare he got from the young woman toasting the bread as the eggs cooked n ham warmed.

"But it'll be fine for when I come callin'."

His easy smile brought the same from both the Larsson women...

Penelope Burden had both her girls close as she sorted through material for them each to have a new dress. Seemed Jake Trumbull's words about a partnership she heard from Chase had given her reason to gather a few things the family sorely needed knowing she could pay for 'em...

Hans never did question Chase about the clothes; never asked where he'd been or what he might have done. He knew the younger man well. He could see the change... Near back to the old Chase he once knew. There'd be time talk if n when Chase wanted to...

*

It was just after noon when Mathew Jenkin's walked into the Larsson's general store n took off his hat as he walked to the long counter Hans stood behind. The big blue-eyed swede took note the middle Jenkins son were not wearing a gun.

"Afternoon Mr. Larsson."

"Mathew."

The young man laid a pair of fifty-dollar bills on the counter.

"My father is asking that you stay open until after dark this evening. I'll be bringing my men to town to replace their clothes n other personal things... Razors, shaving soap n such... He'd like 'em to have whatever they need. If what's on the counter don't cover it, add it to our account."

The young man looked to the floor n then back up.

"He... We want to apologize for what Myron had done. My father had nothin' to do with it. Any cost you have due to that foolishness will be paid for."

Hans extended his hand.

"Done n over with if that's what Jack wants."

The young man near smiled.

"It is... And now if you'll excuse me, I have to see the Miller's, Cullen O'Connor n Doc Leaves."

"Fair enough."

The young man was halfway to the door.

"Mathew..."

The young man turned.

"Can I ask why after dark."

Mathew Jenkin's shook his head.

"You haven't heard."

Hans Larsson shook his head.

"Someone set fire to the bunk house with my men still in it. They lost everything 'cept what they wore to bed. Most only have long johns left... Scattered thirty or so head of cattle that turned into maybe two hundred by the time things settled down." Hans dropped his head,

"I'm truly sorry to hear that Mathew... I truly am."

Hans didn't lift his smiling face until the bell quieted after the door closed behind Mathew Jenkins...

*

Michael Jenkins sat his father's own midnight black stallion as he neared the T / P

ranch house. He looped it loose at the railing before he went to the door n knocked, stepped back n waited.

Tom Perkins soon answered.

"Michael Jenkins... I didn't expect to see you."

The young man took off his hat.

"I'll be looking for Mr. Trumbull Sir."

Tom nodded.

"Follow that fence line over yonder. In about a ten-minute ride you'll see him, Twitch n maybe a half dozen of our men are gathering cattle to take to the Burden place."

"I thank you Sir."

Tom soft closed the door n looked at Mary half-dressed on the settee.

"Looks like all the hub bub with the Double Cross might be over... That was young Michael looking for Jake."

His shallow breathing sister laid back n opened her barely covered thighs wide.

"Damn all that... You just get over here and finish what you started."

Young Tom wide smiled.

"Yes Ma'am."...

It was closer to twenty minutes when Michael saw the wide man sitting his big grey horse, slowed 'Black' to a walk n moved closer. Jake Trumbull took notice n met him halfway.

"What can I do for you Michael."

He pointed east.

"P-Papa said you could cross our ranch to get to the Burden place. It should save you more than a half day."

Jake pushed the front of his hat up n smiled.

"Tell you father I sure thank 'im. My boys will mend any fences we have to cut."

Michael finally returned his smile.

"He knows that Mr. Trumbull... Asked if you might stop by for a drink... When you have time of course."

The big man nodded.

"Soon as we get this short drive done Michael."

Michael turned the Black stallion away, paused, then turned back.

"If you can use another hand Mr. Turmbull..."

"I'd appreciate that Michael... I surely would."

*

Chase Williams woke from a pretty long nap on the sofa at the Larsson place. Evie was sitting close, reading one of her fancy leather-bound books.

"Hello sleepy head."

Chase swept the end of the couch off where his boots had been.

"Where is everybody."

"Mostly down in the store, moving things around for later. Papa is as happy as a newborn colt that finally finds its legs."

He quiet stared at the young woman.

"Not sure why; He aint saying. I'm thinking it has something to do with Mathew Jenkins stopping by."

Chase was on his feet.

"Why didn't you wake me."

She soft smiled.

"No reason to according to Papa."

She closed her book.

"Papa went to see Doc Leaves. He loaned us his carriage so we can have a quiet picnic dinner over at Perkins Creek."

She got up and moved to him.

"Mama n Penny cooked it and packed it away for us. I have to say I've never seen two women making what they did as quiet as they were. You'd think you were something special."

She slipped her hands around his neck.

"Are you something special Mr. Chase Williams."

He eased her close n soft kissed her.

"We're something special Evie."...

*

Most folks smiled as they passed. One older woman waved at the sitting close couple. The way after they left the main road was no more then a near hid wagon path. Evie told 'im the way n he followed her directions. They set the clean, worn blanket between a pair of large evergreens and the quick running creek some thirty feet away. It was still warm, the sun making its lazy way down in the west.

Evelyn Larsson dropped to the edge of the blanket n undid the laces on her half boots, pulled off her socks n started for the creek. Chase was close behind, then took her hand. She led him to a slow running outside bend in the creek n waded in.

"Papa likes to fish behind that fallen tree."

He turned her to face him.

"And you."

She half smiled.

"I like to wade over here... Listen to the fast water falling over the rocks... Look out at the sky where..."

She never finished her words. Chase was lifting her into his arms. They shared a kiss. She curled the top of her feet behind his knees. He filled his hands with her bottom. She locked her arms around his neck...