STAN BARSTOW SAT IN THE FOYER of the office of the federal judge for the territory. The door to the judge’s office opened and a man motioned for him to enter. The man Stan thought to be the judge rose from a chair behind a large desk.
“Marshal Barstow, welcome.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I’m Judge Abramson.”
“Nice to meet you, Judge.”
“The gentleman standing next to you is Mr. Robert Rawley.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Rawley.”
“Same here, Marshal.”
Please sit, gentlemen,” the judge said. “How was your trip, Marshal?”
“Pleasurable, sir, on a day like this.”
Both other men nodded in agreement.
The judge leaned forward. “Marshal, I asked you to come for a very important reason. I’m sure you’re aware of the corruption in the government of the territory and the crime that is going on here.”
“I hear things from time to time about the corruption. I’m well aware of the crime problem.”
“Well, it’s been of much concern to me and to Washington. The president received a message from a friend in Kentville who alleges serious crimes on the part of the governor. The United States Attorney General asked me for a recommendation for a man the president could appoint as the US Marshal for the territory. I sent him your name.”
Stan sat stunned for a moment. “Well, I’m honored, sir, but there’s already a US Marshal for the territory.”
“Yes, there is and he is a good man also, but he’s decided to resign and move to Oregon.”
“Okay, why me?”
“You have a reputation of being a fair and tough lawman. I’ve read some of your reports and I’m impressed with your investigative skills. I believe you’re the man for the job. Mr. Rawley is a Deputy Attorney General. He came here to fill you in on your responsibilities and what’s expected of you, if you decide to accept the appointment.”
Stan turned to Rawley. “I’m interested, but I’d like to hear what you have to say before I make up my mind.”
“Smart man. If you decide to take the job, in addition to the normal duties of a US Marshal, we want you investigate and bring down the governor and his cronies.”
“That’s a pretty tall order.”
“We know. We’ll create a special fund to make sure you have the resources necessary to do the job. You’ll be able to hire deputies and pay them a higher rate than deputy marshal’s currently make as long as they’re focused on this matter. We also have resources through the judge here to help you with obtaining any documentation you may need. In other words, we’ll support you any way we can.”
“I really don’t want to stop being the Lowell Town Marshal.”
“You can keep your position as the Lowell Town Marshal, if you like, as long as it doesn’t interfere with your primary mission.”
Stan rose from his seat and walked to a window and studied the outside for a minute, then turned and faced the two officials. “This kind of investigation could put my family in danger.”
Rawley put his hand to his chin. “Hmm, we didn’t think about that.” He was quiet for a few minutes as he thought through the question. “I’ll take care of it. If there’s danger to your family bring them here to Ft. Hurley. We’ll put them under federal protection and the Army will take care of them until I can make arrangements to temporarily move them out of the territory.”
“How much does the job pay?”
“Ninety dollars a month,” Rawley answered.
Stan looked down at his hands for a moment. “All right, I’ll accept the appointment.”
Rawley looked relieved. “Good. The president already took the liberty to submit your name to congress and they approved your appointment.”
The judge came from behind his desk with a bible. “Marshal, please stand and raise your right hand.”
Black Feather rode toward the Lee ranch house. “Hello, the ranch!”
Sean came out with his Winchester, but when he saw Black Feather he set it inside. “Uncle, it’s good to see you!”
Black Feather eased his horse forward and dismounted. The two embraced. “It is good to see you too, Sean.”
Gale came out of the house. Concern etched deep lines across her forehead.
“Hello, sister.” Black Feather came up on the porch and gave her a hug. “Jasper is well. I brought you a letter.”
Gale took the letter and returned Black Feather’s hug. “Please come in and have some coffee.”
“That sounds good.”
After the family was settled around the table, Black Feather related the events since Jasper left to bring justice to those who murdered his pa, brothers and Claire Dolan.
“His task is nearly done. He believes there are only five men left, including the leader, Bart Moore.”
“Has he killed all of them?”
“No, not all. Some will be judged by white man’s justice. We judged others.”
Gale chose not to inquire further into Black Feather’s statement.
A slight smile crossed Black Feather’s face. “Jasper told me all that has happened. He will find the others and do what is right according to natural law.”
Gale put her hand on Black Feather’s, tears welling in her eyes. “You’re a good brother and know my husband well.”
Black Feather rose. “Thank you for the coffee. I must get back to the clan and be ready if Fire Haw...uh, Jasper needs me.”
“It’s all right to use his clan name here, Black Feather,” Gale said. “We’re proud of it.”
Black Feather stood silent for a moment. “Sister, it is nearing time for Sean to go on his first vision quest.”
Sean stood up. “I’m ready, Uncle!”
Gale looked at her oldest son. “We know you’re ready, Sean, but you’ll have to wait ‘til your father comes back so the work will get done.”
“I know, Ma, but you’ll let me go then?”
“Yes, Sean.”
The boy’s face broke out in a large grin.
Black Feather put his hand on Gale’s shoulder. “It is also time for you, sister.”
She put her hand on his. “Thank you, brother, but I’m not sure Rain Water would approve.”
“She has told me many times she asks the spirits to bring you to us. She would be your guide on your quest.”
“Rain Water would be my guide?”
“She is a holy woman and a healer. She knows your fire and your love for Fire Hawk. She would be honored to be your guide.”
Gale took a deep breath. “I’ll consider it, brother. I’ll consider it.”
Black Feather patted her shoulder, nodded to the children and left.
The kerosene lamp flickered across the paper that Gale unfolded. The children’s soft breathing drifted out from their bedrooms. The rooms Jasper had just finished expanding a few weeks ago. She yearned for him, but the scrap of paper connected her to him for now, so Gale read:
My Love,
As I write this letter a full moon is glowing, our moon. I miss you so terribly and I want this action to be over, but these men must be brought to justice. If I do not do it their deeds will be forgotten and such deeds must never be, but I seem to be getting confused over what is the right thing to do with such men. I saw three of them punished in a horrible way and I was revolted by the spectacle. Part of me thought two of them deserved it, but I did not think the other did because he showed remorse. Is that a reason to let a man live after he’s participated in brutal murders? I am searching for the answer.
It seems when I am away from you I feel like I am drifting without an anchor. You are my anchor and the center of my life.
I will be home as soon as I possibly can. Kiss the children for me.
Your loving husband,
Jasper
A tear splashed on to the paper. Oh, how I love that man. She smiled and she laid her head on her pillow, the letter held against her heart.