Alex Faraday paced as he awaited the results of the election. Even though he and Cook were the favorites, he was nervous about the pending results. A few minutes later, he heard riders approaching.
“Clive, somebody’s here!” Alex shouted as he leaned out of a large side window.
Alex saw Cook rush from the stables, holding his sore stomach.
An anxious Alex was already coming out the front door. He looked intently at Web. “Well, for God’s sake man, say something!”
“It was a sweep Alex, you both won!” Web Norton replied.
Butch Canady dismounted and tied down; he appeared disinterested.
“I dare say that’s the best news I’ve heard in some time,” Alex replied. “And I’m sorry, is this gentleman Mr. Canady?”
“Oh yes, sorry Alex, in all the excitement I forgot to introduce you,” Web replied.
“It’s certainly a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Canady. Welcome to the ranch,” Alex said graciously, extending his right hand to the gunman.
“Good to meet you Alex,” Canady said quietly, he gripped Faraday’s outstretched hand for a quick shake. “Hope I can help out around here.”
“Well I’m sure you can, Mr. Canady. We have a lot of things to get done and your services will be a big part of that.” Alex grinned at the notorious gunman. “Now, will you all join me in my study for a touch of brandy?” The Englishman gestured toward the study.
Nervous conversation filled the room, as Clive clumsily poured each man a snifter. Alex leaned back and stuffed some Scottish Blend tobacco into his Aldo Velani pipe. He turned slightly to his left and struck a match on the stone fireplace just behind his chair. He lit up and began to explain his plan to take over the gambling and prostitution in Logan’s Crossing. “Gentlemen, we have a wonderful opportunity here to all become very wealthy men. We now have two of the five County Commissioner positions. And since the Commission rules by majority vote, all we have to do is convince one of the other Commissioners to see things our way and we’ll have this town in the palm of our hand.” He smiled smugly, proud of how he had duped the local people into voting for he and Cook.
“How do the other Commissioners feel about things?” Norton asked.
“Well, Tom Baldwin is the current President of the Commission and he’s a pretty straight arrow, I don’t see much hope with him. Of the other two Commissioners, Jed Orton and Bill Hancock, I believe Orton is our best bet. His mine burned out a couple of years ago. He tried a couple of other veins, but they didn’t produce much. I’m sure he’s very short of cash. I think with the right proposal, Jed would be happy to side with us. Bill Hancock is pretty well off; he would be difficult to buy.”
“Sounds like a cozy little plan Faraday, but what if Orton can’t be bought?” Butch Canady asked. His dark eyes narrowed as he sipped the brandy.
“Well Mr. Canady, that’s where you come in. Your job will be to convince Jed to see it our way.”
“And what if he still doesn’t want to cooperate, what then?” Canady pushed on.
“Well then, I guess we’ll just have to eliminate him,” Alex said coldly. “Then there will be a special election and we’ll run Web here to fill his spot. Web’s lived around here all of his life, he would win easily.”
A hush came over the room. The men looked intently at their boss.
“No problem Alex, but the sheriff isn’t going to take Jed’s death sittin down. And he’s got a horse in this race, Web tells me the pretty owner of the Barbee’s his lady friend.”
“You are correct, Mr. Canady. Sheriff Stoudenmire is a very substantial adversary indeed. He knocked Clive senseless the other day with just two punches.”
Clive’s large face and bald head turned bright red.
“And yes, there is a strong bond between he and Miss Thompson,” Alex continued. “That’s all the more reason I hired you Butch. And just so there is no misunderstanding, Mr. Stoudenmire is part of your responsibility. I’m sure Clive wouldn’t mind giving you a hand if the circumstances called for it,” Faraday said. Clive nodded in the affirmative.
Canady frowned a little as he replied, “You should of told me Stoudenmire was the sheriff before I came here. He’s one bad hombre, most people that mess with him end up dead.” Canady fidgeted with the diamond cluster ring on his left hand.
“I hired you to do a job Mr. Canady and I’m paying you very well. Whether you like it or not, Sheriff Stoudenmire is part of your job. Can you handle this or not?” Faraday was looking carefully at the gunman.
Canady paused for a moment and then spoke up. “I’m in alright Faraday, but my price just went up to a hundred a week plus expenses.”
“What?” Faraday exclaimed.
“You heard me Faraday, take it or leave it.”
“Alright, alright, we’ve got a deal,” Faraday said reluctantly. “It’s too damn late to find anyone else, but you’d better get the job done.”
Suddenly, Web Norton jumped in the conversation, “I’m gettin’ kind of worried Boss.”
“Worried, Web? About what?”
“Camp Wilson’s been hangin’ round with Stoudenmire a lot lately. He’s been deputized once or twice. He’s young and fearless and good with a gun.”
“Okay Web, so what?”
“Well.... I’ll tell you what! Stoudenmire’s also got Morgan and Malone when he gets better. Those are four darn tough men. Clive and Web are plenty good enough, but I think we’re gonna need another gun,” Web said somberly.
“Ummm...I see what you mean my friend. It’s a point well taken. The only problem is, this is all getting just a might expensive,” Alex replied.
“I understand Boss. But I think I might be able to get us a gun pretty cheap. Maybe for a few hundred dollars of bail money,” Norton had a sly look on his face.
“Well that sounds promising, go on.”
The brandy snifter plopped on the end table; Web smacked his lips and continued. “Stoudenmire just arrested Zing Fuller today for the shooting of Deputy Malone. The sheriff shot and killed the other fella in a showdown near the river. He’s the one who shot Deputy Malone. They ain’t got much on Fuller; bail should be low. We could offer to pay Fuller’s bail if he joins up with us. Then we’d just offer board and room and a chance for his freedom when his hearing rolls around. He’s got nowhere to go, he’d probably take it.”
“An interesting idea Norton, do you think Stoudenmire would go along with it?”
“The sheriff’s department is broke after building that new jail. They could probably use the cash. Besides, if we get the judge to set a low bail, Stoudenmire doesn’t have any choice in the matter.”
“That is interesting. What’s the story on Fuller?” Faraday asked as he downed the last sip of brandy and poured himself another.
“I know a little about him,” Canady chimed in as he lifted a crinkled cigarette out of his shirt pocket, lit up and waved the smoke away from his eyes. “Luke Short hired him as an enforcer at his saloon in Dodge. He’s tough and good with a gun. Not one to trifle with. I’d try and get ‘em if I were you.”
“Alright, let’s give it a shot,” Faraday said. “Clive, why don’t you, Web and Butch ride into town tomorrow and find out what the situation is with Fuller. If he’s in, you can go up to three hundred on bail. Any more than that, and we will do with what we got.”
“Okay Boss,” Web replied.
“Well, that’s enough conversation for one evening. Gentlemen, why don’t we all retire?” The handsome Brit led the group toward the lavish dining room.
* * *
Back in town, Jon and Camp were finishing dinner at the Barbee as darkness settled in over the desert town.
The cool beer flowed into Jon’s dry mouth. He gently sat the empty mug on the table and sat back. He reached inside his leather vest and pulled out a fresh cigar. He struck a match on his belt buckle and took a long, hard drag off the yellow-blue flame. He squinted a little through the smoke and spoke to Camp. “Things are heating up around here Camp. Faraday’s going to move fast now that he and Cook have been elected. We’ve got to stop ‘em dead in their tracks.”
Camp chewed his last bite and pushed his plate forward. “Good grub tonight,” he said as he nervously played with the gold ring on his shooting hand. “I agree Jon, things seem to be movin’ awful fast around here. What do you think they’re gonna do?”
“I think they’re going after Jed Orton first, and sooner rather than later. He’s had some tough times lately. His mine went bust last year. He tried a couple of smaller veins on the short side of the mountain and they dried up pretty quick. They’ll play on Jed’s troubles and try to bribe him. Jed’s had a checkered past, a little gambling here and there. He got involved in some rustling down El Paso way a few years ago. He’s been trying to go straight ever since he came to town, but it’s been a struggle for him. I’m afraid he’s an easy target. Back when things were going good at the mine, he bought a little chicken farm just outside of town. It’s not much, but it keeps him going.”
“What about Tom Baldwin and Bill Hancock?” Camp asked.
“Baldwin’s a dead end for them, he’s too honest. Hancock’s got plenty of cash, otherwise I don’t know much about him. He’s new to town.” Jon’s eyes squinted, the smoke curled around his fingers as he punched out the cigar in the metal ash tray. “We’ve got a little time before sundown. Orton’s place is just outside of town a couple of miles. Let’s ride out and have a heart to heart before Canady gets to him.”
“Sounds good, Boss.” Camp gulped down his beer and banged the glass mug on the hard oak table top.
Jon grabbed his hat and stood up. He weaved his way between the tables and out the front door. Camp was close behind him..
He and Camp mounted up and rode toward the edge of town. Jon heard a shout. He glanced over and saw Camp pull up suddenly and stop at the livery stable. He pulled up and watched as Camp ran over to the stable door, reached inside and yanked his six guns off a peg. He strapped on, tied down, and jumped back on his mount.
Jon shouted at Camp, “Good idea, Camp! You never know what we’re going to run into out there. One thing’s for sure, Faraday and Canady aren’t going to let some little chicken farmer stand in their way. They’d kill him in a minute. Let’s ride; the sun’s running out on us!”
Babe leaped forward, the race was on to Jed Orton’s. The two lawmen charged out of town toward the setting sun. A few miles down the road, Jon suddenly pulled up.
“Whoa! Whoa!” Jon had reached a fork in the road. Camp pulled up next to him.
“What’s up Jon, did you forget how to get there?” Camp joked.
“Take a look at this, smart aleck,” Jon said. Camp quickly dismounted and walked over to where Jon was standing. “We’ve got some fresh tracks coming from Jed’s place. Looks like somebody may have beaten us to the punch. The tracks take the west fork toward Faraday’s compound. That snake Canady may have already visited Jed.”
“Nothing we can do about it now, Jon,” Camp retorted.
“Yea, let’s ride on in. It’s startin’ to get dark already.” The two riders once again hurried on toward the commissioner’s farm.
White feathers flew in the air as startled chickens scurried to move away from the fast approaching riders. They could see Jed throwing scratch on the ground in the bantam chicken yard as the chicks raced to get into the coop, safely away from the thundering hoofs. Jed, a large heavyset man with a red pock-marked face and furrowed brow, dropped the metal feed bucket over a fence post and walked over to greet Jon and Camp.
“Welcome, Gents,” Jed said as Jon and Camp found a couple of empty posts and tied up. They walked over and shook hands.
“Howdy Jed, good to see you again,” Jon said warmly.
“Jed.” Camp nodded and tipped his hat to the chicken farmer.
“You boys are just in time. I was just gonna clean out the laying hens’ coop. I could use some help.” Jed kind of smiled at the two visitors.
“Oh, well ah, no thanks Jed,” Jon said, surprised by the levity from the big man. “We’d love to, but it’s starting to get dark and we need to be heading back to town shortly.”
“Okay Sheriff, I’ll let you off the hook this time.” Jed’s belly jiggled as he laughed.
Jon went on. “The sun is setting fast Jed, so I won’t beat around the bush. I’m sure you know that Alex Faraday and Clive Cook have been elected as the new members of the County Commission.” Jon waited for his reaction.
Jed looked stoic as he calmly replied. “Yes, I know, they’re very popular around here, but I really don’t know much about them. One of their hired hands stopped by to see me just a little while ago. Said his name was Butch. He said Faraday was counting on my vote and then he rode off.” The whole fence shook as Jed slammed the small gate shut and hooked the latch.
“I’d say hired gun’s a better description,” Jon said evenly. “He’s a real bad actor from the Kansas Territory named Butch Canady. Some say he’s killed as many as fifteen men.”
“Seemed friendly enough, but I guess you never know. Oh and, you don’t mind if I keep on feeding, do you? I got some hungry layin’ hens,” Jed said. The hens raced over as he dumped the scratch into the metal feeding trays.
“No, go right ahead Jed. I’m going to want my eggs and bacon at Auggie’s in the morning.” Jon laughed as he explained about Faraday and Cook. “Up Denver way, the two scoundrels tried to take over all the gambling houses by getting Cook elected Sheriff. Once Cook got elected, they went around shutting down all of the saloons, except for Faraday’s. The saloon owners screamed bloody murder and the town council fired Cook and sent him packing. They landed here. Looks like they might be wantin’ to do the same thing here they tried to do in Denver.”
“And they need my vote, right?”
“Right!”
“They think I’m desperate. They think they can bribe me, right?” The chickens scurried about as the remaining scratch sprayed into the pen from Jed’s bucket.
“Right. I’m afraid you’re right Jed,” Jon replied.
Jed got real quiet for a minute as if deep in thought and then he spoke. “Jon, it’s no secret that I’ve had some tough times lately. My vein went bust last year and I lost it all, the whole kit and caboodle. It really set me back on my heels. I’ve been stayin’ afloat by providing eggs for Auggie’s and broilers for the Barbee. The money ain’t very good, but it keeps me goin’ until I find a good vein. And I know, I’ve had my share of troubles along the way. But you listen close Jon!” Jed’s eyes were welling up a little. “I ain’t no cheat and I ain’t no crook,” he said passionately. The bucket rattled as he hooked it on the side of the feed barrel and popped on the round wooden lid. “Those boys are barkin’ up the wrong tree with me.”
“I know, Jed. You’re an honest man.” Jon jumped down off of Babe and walked over and put his arm on the large man’s shoulder. “This isn’t going to be easy, partner; these men can play rough. But we’re here for you, any time.”
“Thank you Sheriff. I know what men like that can do if you cross them. And it ain’t pretty.”
“You let me worry about Canady, okay?” Jon said firmly. “And if he comes back to see you, just play along with him, don’t take any chances, alright?”
“Alright, Sheriff, but I’ll be okay,” Jed replied confidently.
“I know you will, just be careful. And if he threatens you, let me know right away. Okay?”
“Okay.”
Jed nodded at the sheriff as Jon mounted up. Darkness was gathering as he and Camp began their ride back to town. The moon was already rising in the eastern sky, making the path bright ahead.
“What do you think?” Jon hollered as he rode along beside Camp.
“There could be trouble with Jed!” Camp shouted, “Let’s talk about it at the Barbee.”
Jon nodded in the affirmative and let Camp pull ahead as the two raced toward town. Jon was worried about Jed Orton. He was afraid that he didn’t fully understand the danger he was in. He would have to keep a close eye on Commissioner Orton.
The bright winter moon shone brightly in the night sky as the two riders arrived in town. Laughing and voices could be heard inside the Barbee. The piano was playing and the kerosene lanterns shined brightly as big Jon pushed through the swinging doors of the popular saloon. Camp was close behind.
“Howdy Sheriff!”
“How you doin’ Jon?”
“Good to see you!”
Several patrons greeted Jon as he and Camp moved toward the end of the bar.
“Usual?” Sam asked.
“Sounds good,” Jon replied as he lifted up his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. Sam grabbed a bottle from under the bar and poured the two men a couple of shots of Early Times. The two men downed their shots and slammed the small glasses on the dark oak bar.
Sam slid a couple of draft beers down the bar in front of them. Jon pulled out a cigar, bit off the end and lit up. The smoke drifted upward as Jon made another failed attempt at smoke rings.
“Riding kind of late aren’t you boys?” the curious Sam asked.
“Yea, we’ve been out to Jed Orton’s place.”
“How’s Jed?” Sam asked
“He’s fine for now,” Jon replied. “Canady paid him a visit today.”
“Is that right?”
“Yea, they need his vote to run the county. Where’s Libby?”
“Her friend Sarah McLennan invited her out to their ranch for dinner. She said to tell you she’d see you tomorrow. She set the table in the corner of the room for you and Camp. She’s stayin’ at the McLennan’s tonight and coming back in the morning. And by the way, dinner’s on her tonight.”
“Well you can’t beat that! Camp, shall we retire to our favorite table?”
“Sounds good, Boss.”
Chairs scooted aside as the two lawmen made their way across the crowded saloon. There were several handshakes and greetings along the way. Jon moved around the back side and slid the oak chair out from under the table. He sat down with his back against the wall as usual. Sam was close behind.
“What are you havin’ fellas?” the friendly barkeep asked. “I got some real juicy pork chops and the grits are great tonight.”
“Sounds good to me Sam. How about you Camp?”
“You got any stewed tomatoes back there?’
“Sure do! Chops, grits, and stewed tomatoes comin’ up. I’ll bring ya a couple more beers.” Sam hurried off.
Camp picked a pre-rolled cigarette out of the front pocket on his white bib shirt, lit up and took a drag. His light blue eyes squinted as he looked through the smoke at Jon.
“Got a question for you Sheriff.”
“Fire away Partner.”
“Ed tells me that when he first met you in the buffalo camps, you weren’t packin’ heat. Is that right?”
“Sure is.”
“Why’d you start packin?”
“He didn’t tell you, huh?”
“Nope, when I asked him, he said it was a long story.”
“Well it sure enough is. You sure you want to hear it?” Jon said as he took a swig of beer.
“This is all I got planned tonight, so I’m game for anything,” Camp joked. Beer trickled down his chin as he set the empty mug on the oak table top. He swiped it away with his shirtsleeve. Sam arrived with two more beers.
“Well, here we go!” Jon said good-naturedly. He leaned back, took a long, hard drag off his Havana, smoke drifted to the ceiling as he began to tell his story. “It’s been a lot of years ago my young friend, but I remember it like it was yesterday.”