High Gun at Surlock (2006) Read online

  ‘It don’t change the fact you cared enough to make the ride,’ Kyler replied. ‘I sure do look forward to our having a dance together tomorrow night.’

  ‘Mike will be there, Mr Gunman. You so much as look at me wrong and I’ll have him finish what he started!’

  ‘I reckon one dance with you would make another beating worthwhile.’

  She jerked the reins of her horse loose from the hitching-rail and swung aboard like a Comanche warrior.

  ‘You’re impossible!’ she yelled down at him. ‘You’re the most impossible man I ever met!’

  Before he could offer another word, she dug in her heels and dashed away on her horse. She rode out of sight within seconds and Kyler smiled at her hasty retreat.

  ‘By jingo! I do believe I’ve finally broke through the ice with that there gal.’

  Charles Huxton escorted Alma to the coach. He grimaced at the fact Jeff Yates was the man up on the driver’s seat.

  ‘I’ll be expecting some positive changes, Charles,’ she said. Then meaningfully, she added: ‘Thirty days.’

  ‘I’ll be in touch,’ was Huxton’s reply.

  Alma climbed aboard and shut the stage door.

  ‘I should have waited for your Concord to be in service,’ she complained, taking a seat next to the window. ‘I’m going to be stiff for a week after riding in this bucket of busted springs.’

  ‘I’m sorry about the delay,’ Huxton sympathized.

  ‘Just see to it some of that red ink starts to disappear,’ she warned. ‘I’m serious about cutting off funding and writing this off as a bad investment.’

  ‘Don’t worry, Alma.’ Huxton displayed his best smile. ‘You’ll soon see the returns I promised.’

  She didn’t speak again. Jeff received the mail sack from the store clerk and placed it under the driver’s seat. Then he took up the reins and got the team under way.

  Huxton waited at the walk until the stage was well down the street before he was able to take a normal breath.

  ‘Talk about a walking heart attack,’ Strap said, having come to stand at his side. ‘Your brother must be one tough son to handle her.’

  ‘Yeah,’ Huxton grunted, thinking David had probably learned to master a mere two words since his marriage to Alma – yes, dear!

  ‘What’s the plan, boss?’ Strap asked. ‘The boys want to get even for that little stunt what got them strapped over the back of their horses.’

  ‘It’s a dire situation, Strap, but we’ll hold off doing anything until after the dance. I have one card left to play. If it gets trumped, then we’ll do this the hard way.’

  ‘Whatever you say, Mr Huxton. You got anything for the new driver? He sure ain’t been getting enough work to earn his keep lately.’

  ‘I’ve been holding him back to drive the new stage. He’s the kind of man I want on that run.’

  ‘So we wait,’ Strap said.

  Huxton gave a nod. ‘For the present. If my plan doesn’t work out at the dance, we’ll open the gate and run the Yates operation out of business.’

  ‘You only have to give the word, boss.’

  Huxton didn’t speak to him again. He needed to get his best suit cleaned and have his boots polished. He would speak to Jessie. If she refused to see the logic in his offer it would be too bad … for her and her brothers.

  With the town torn between support for the two freighting outfits the dance was a carefully planned affair. In order to mix the single folks and cross the line between each faction the mayor had thought up an idea to promote mingling.

  ‘Gather round, all you single gents!’ he called out, bringing a silence to the crowd. ‘It’s time we raised some money for our new school,’ with a smirk, ‘and you unattached men can best afford to chip in.’

  Almost everyone had shown up for the festivities. Kyler wandered over to where he could see and hear what the game was about. The mayor pointed to the nearby wall.

  ‘If you look here you will see we’ve got a number of different-colored ribbons spaced along the wall of the barn, one for each of the single girls here tonight. Then he smiled. ‘I’m going to auction off a matching ribbon for each of those on the wall.’

  ‘Why would we want to buy a ribbon?’ one man asked.

  ‘The girls are standing outside, behind the side door,’ the mayor explained. ‘Each of them has a ribbon pinned to her dress. You bid on the ribbon of your choice and you purchase the first and last dance with the girl who holds that ribbon.’

  ‘How do I know who is holding which ribbon?’ another fellow enquired.

  ‘You aren’t supposed to know which girl belongs to which ribbon,’ the mayor answered. ‘That’s the whole idea.’

  There came mumbling and talking between some of the men. The mayor let them discuss it for a moment before raising his hands for silence.

  ‘I don’t have to remind you fellows – those who can count, anyway,’ he added with a grin. ‘But we have only eleven single girls here tonight, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-three. And there are …’ he looked out over the group of eligible men and gave a negative shake of his head, ‘well, not near enough girls to go round,’ he finished. ‘That’s why we are having this here auction.’

  Kyler looked at the row of ribbons. There were a number of plain-colored ribbons and several with mixed colors. The odds of picking the right ribbon to win the first and last dance with Jessie was eleven to one.

  ‘You best have brought some money,’ a voice spoke at his side. He discovered Big Mike standing next to him. ‘Might take a fair price to buy the last ribbon or two.’

  ‘Could be,’ Kyler agreed. ‘Must be forty or fifty single cowboys, teamsters, miners and farmers here tonight, and only eleven girls.’

  ‘I’m glad to see you didn’t suffer any lasting effects from our bout.’ Mike displayed an odd sort of grin. ‘I knew you weren’t yellow – except for the bruises that ain’t quite healed. Yep,’ he shook his head, ‘you’re kind of a pink and yellow mix.’

  ‘I’d have figured black and blue was more my color.’

  ‘Trust me,’ Mike said quietly, a serious set to his eyes, ‘you’re pink and yellow.’

  Kyler did not reply and Mike moved away. The mayor held up the bucket, ready to start the bidding. Kyler wondered why Mike would tell him to bid on the pink and yellow ribbon. Did he have an ally in the Yates family?

  ‘First ribbon is green,’ the mayor called out. ‘Let’s start the bidding at one dollar. That isn’t much of a price for the first and last dance with a beautiful girl. Come on, boys! It’s for a good cause.’

  The bidding began. The green ribbon went for three dollars. The white followed for four. After the blue and orange sold for five each, the bidding became more intense. Four gone and only seven left. Each represented a man’s chance to have the first and last dance with a young lady. The red ribbon went for six dollars and Kyler decided it was going to be costly to purchase one of the final ribbons.

  ‘Here’s a mixed-color ribbon,’ the mayor said, lifting up the next strip. ‘It’s pink and yellow. How much am I bid for this one?’

  ‘Five dollars!’ a man started the bid.

  Kyler stayed out until it reached six-fifty. Then he bid seven. Another bid came in higher and he bid eight. After another two bids, Kyler declared:

  ‘I’ll bid ten dollars!’

  ‘All right!’ the mayor was almost giddy. ‘This is more like it! We’ll have the new schoolhouse raised in no time!’ Then he looked out over the crowd. ‘Any more bids on the pink-and-yellow ribbon?’ After a moment, he called out, ‘Sold! For ten dollars!’

  Kyler went forward and exchanged the money for the piece of ribbon. He sure hoped he hadn’t paid so much money to dance with Toothless Beda, one of the less attractive girls around town.

  The bidding went on for the remainder of the ribbons. The last one sold for eighteen dollars! Kyler felt lucky to have gotten his ribbon before the frantic bidding-war had erupted for the last coupl
e girls.

  The mayor displayed the empty bucket. ‘The musicians are ready to play,’ he called out. ‘Each girl will now come forward to stand by her ribbon.’

  Kyler held his breath, as the girls came through the side door. One by one, they moved over to stand in front of their own colors. As Jessie took her place, he smiled and experienced a sense of elation. He moved with the other men holding ribbons, walking over to his dance partner.

  Jessie blushed and pulled a face at his approach.

  ‘Y-you bought my ribbon?’ She was incredulous. ‘But how did you…?’

  ‘I believe I have the first dance, Miss Yates,’ he answered, handing her the ribbon to prove his claim. ‘More important, also the last dance.’

  Jessie’s complexion darkened. ‘Who told you my colors?’ she demanded to know. ‘I’m going to skin someone alive!’ She swept the room with her gaze until she located her brother.

  ‘Hard to be angry with Big Mike,’ Kyler said. ‘He bought Toothless Beda’s ribbon.’

  Jessie attempted to hold on to her ire, but her expression gave way to mirth.

  ‘Poor Mike,’ she whispered. ‘Beda has always had a crush on him.’

  ‘All she needs is a trip to a good dentist, so she can get a set of phoney chompers.’

  The music started and Kyler did not waste any time. He led Jessie to the floor and began to dance. It was a slow tune, so they had time to get their rhythm together. As they began to move around the dance area, Mike and Beda came in close.

  ‘I’d better be able to see daylight betwixt the two of you,’ Mike warned.

  Jessie glared at him. ‘Consider yourself lucky to see anything but stars, you traitor!’

  Mike pretended innocence. ‘What are you talking about?’

  She exploded. ‘You’re the only one who knew my colors!’

  He showed a curious smile.

  ‘I figured I was doing you both a favor,’ he said.

  Before Jessie could respond Mike turned in the opposite direction with Beda and they were quickly out of earshot.

  After a few steps and turns, Jessie uttered a sigh.

  ‘I can’t believe Mike told you.’

  ‘I reckon he knows true love’s blossom when he sees it.’

  ‘It’s strictly one-sided. You’re still one of Huxton’s dirty, leering! gunmen.’

  Kyler smiled. ‘Yeah, but other than that, I’m a right nice fellow.’

  ‘Hah!’ she fired back. ‘What kind of nice fellow steals a woman’s clothes?’

  ‘I left you the saddle blanket.’

  ‘It was rough and coarse and caused an itch for the rest of the day.’

  ‘Winning seems real important to you, Miss Yates,’ he explained patiently. ‘I had to prove to you I was capable of winning too.’

  ‘By cheating! The same as with buying my ribbon!’

  ‘If I could have afforded it, I would have bought each and every ribbon tonight,’ he told her firmly. ‘Then I would have let the other ten girls choose their own partner for the first and last dance. You’re the only one I wanted.’

  ‘Why? Because you think I’m a challenge? A victory to be won?’

  He stared into her eyes, searching, delving deep beyond the outer fringes. They continued to move in rhythm, but the sound of music was lost. Jessie could have lowered her lids to shield her inner feelings and stop the intrusive exploration. However, she allowed the intimacy, until the boldness of the act caused a flush to color her cheeks.

  After the lengthy perusal Kyler offered her an agreeable smile.

  ‘I admit you’re a challenge, but that isn’t why I want to court you. I like what I see in you, Jessie, both inside and out.’

  ‘Like trying to see me at the pool, during my bath?’

  ‘No, ma’am,’ he replied at once. ‘I sure didn’t expect to catch you taking a dip in the creek. That was a complete accident.’

  ‘There are other girls around,’ Jessie changed the subject. ‘Why not try and court one of them?’

  ‘They don’t cause a stir in my gut the way you do.’

  ‘Oh, fine.’ She was sarcastic. ‘I make you queasy. I guess we do have something in common after all.’

  ‘I reckon mine is a love-sickness,’ he said, attempting to counter her remark. ‘You maybe need to buy yourself some stomach bitters.’

  The first tune ended. Most of the couples parted company. The last dance was promised to the man holding the girl’s ribbon, but she was free to dance with whomever she chose until that time.

  Jessie stood with Kyler, poised as if still dancing to the music, each of them looking at the other.

  ‘Miss Yates?’ A voice broke their timeless stare. ‘May I have the next dance?’

  Kyler was more than a little surprised to see Huxton standing there. Jessie displayed a curious frown, but she was gracious.

  ‘Of course, Mr Huxton,’ she replied.

  Kyler felt the light of the world growing dark. Standing there with Jessie in his arms seemed the most natural thing in the world. When she turned to join the interloper he felt his heart slipping away. Nevertheless, he took a step back.

  ‘You don’t mind, do you, Dane?’

  ‘The price of being a gentleman is sometimes high,’ he replied. Then he looked at Jessie again. ‘Thank you for the pleasure of the dance, Miss Yates.’

  ‘You still have claim to the last dance,’ she said.

  The music started and Huxton spun away with Jessie. Kyler watched, both curious and crestfallen.

  Huxton didn’t speak until he had guided Jessie to the far side of the barn. When he gazed down at her, Jessie knew he was interested in more than a dance.

  ‘You two seem to getting along rather well for being from rival camps,’ he began. ‘Maybe it is an inducement for you to trade sides?’

  ‘He happened to buy my ribbon,’ she said, dismissing his suggestion. ‘I was only allowing him his due.’

  ‘What do you know about him?’

  The question puzzled Jessie. ‘Why ask me? He works for you.’

  ‘I worry that his devotion to you could compromise the work he does for me.’

  She laughed at the idea.

  ‘Other than fight like two dogs with one bone between us, we’ve hardly said a civil word to each other.’

  ‘Then I can assume your brother hasn’t hired the man to be a spy for your camp?’

  She continued to scoff. ‘Where would we get the money to hire a gunman? We are barely able to stave off the bank! You and your bully-boys, by beating up our drivers, destroying our supplies and looting our wagons, have us nearly broke.’

  ‘I’m a man who gets what he wants, Miss Yates,’ Huxton said, not bothering to deny her accusations. ‘Perhaps there is a solution for us both.’

  ‘And what would that be?’ she asked.

  ‘A bonding union between you and me would bring our two companies together. We could unite the freight and stage runs under one company and both share in the good fortune.’

  Jessie was stunned. ‘You – are you suggesting marriage?’

  ‘I’m not a bad catch,’ he replied easily. ‘And I could provide you with a very nice existence. You would be a queen.’

  ‘You and your hired gunmen have pushed us to the brink of financial ruin, but we still have a breath of life left in us and I still have my dignity.’

  ‘I don’t want a fight with you and your family, Jessie. I would prefer we join forces and make a company we can run together.’

  ‘And if I refuse?’ she challenged. ‘I suppose you will have your men force my other brothers into a fight and kill them, the same as Cory!’

  ‘Strap and young Cory’s fight was between the two of them. It was not on my orders. I’m opposed to violence.’

  ‘You can’t expect me to be so naïve. You’ve several men working for you who do nothing but rob and harass our drivers.’

  Huxton flinched, but continued to guide her about in time to the music.

  �
��My, but you have a low opinion of me.’

  ‘It is well earned,’ Jessie retorted.

  ‘You’ve a feisty nature,’ he said with a smirk. ‘I do believe a man would have his hands full with you as his wife.’

  ‘It’s something you’ll never have to worry about.’

  He chuckled. ‘Take some time to think about my proposal.’

  ‘We’re not down to bartering me into slavery yet.’ She was again curt.

  Huxton regarded her with a long, hard stare. She felt her body temperature cool under the frosty gaze.

  ‘You might want to seriously think over my proposal, Miss Yates. I’m offering you and your family a chance for survival. A joint venture between your family’s company and my own would be an amicable solution.’

  She mustered her resolve.

  ‘The answer is no! Mr Huxton. I refuse to be bullied by you and your gunmen.’

  The music stopped to end the tune. Huxton bowed shortly.

  ‘Thank you for the dance, Miss Yates. I’m sorry we can’t find a peaceful solution to our situation.’

  Jessie did not reply, but watched the man thread his way through the throng of people. He quickly disappeared from sight.

  ‘What did the vulture want?’ Mike asked, having come to stand at her side.

  ‘He wants us to join his company in a partnership.’

  Mike raised his eyebrows in surprise.

  ‘Do what?’

  ‘Yes,’ Jessie said, ‘and I’m to be the topping for this cake of a deal. I only have to marry him to make the contract complete.’

  ‘I’m guessing you said no.’

  Jessie furrowed her brow.

  ‘Of course I said no!’

  ‘Strange, him offering up an arrangement,’ said Mike.

  ‘I’m not exactly the worst catch in the valley,’ she objected.

  ‘That isn’t my point, Jess,’ Mike replied. ‘If he is wanting to make a deal with us, he might be at the end of his rope.’

  ‘You think so?’

  ‘Huxton’s sister-in-law was in town for a couple of days. We don’t know the what or why of her visit, but Jeff overheard her tell him that he had “thirty days” right before she left on the stage. He thought it might only be about getting together again, but it could have had something to do with the fate of his freight business.’