The next
morning Brett woke in a haze of pain. He was extremely thirsty and could hardly
walk when Rocky had untied him so that he could relieve himself. He was wobbly
and stumbled and the man pushed him along. He barely was able to unfasten his
britches to care for his needs and Rocky gave him an evil grin. “Not so high
and mighty now are ya, Dead Eye?”
The Deputy
chose to ignore the man.
The outlaw
waited until he was finished and had straightened up to slap him and yell, “Ya
answer me ya bastard!”
Brett looked
at the man through the haze of pain and croaked. “No…I ain’t.”
The man
laughed at the young man and said, “Hope ya enjoy ya last day here on this side
of the ground, tomorrow ya’ll be buried under it.”
The Deputy
said, “Yeah, I know.”
Rocky tied
him up, made him beg once more for a sip of water and gave him a piece of
jerky, then left him to see to his own needs and breakfast.
When the
outlaws had eaten, Rocky looked at Pock “Ya take the watch at the tree and let
us know if the Sheriff comes today to put money in it.”
The other
man replied, “Yeah Boss, I’ll be the look out this mornin’.”
The man
settled himself to keep watch on the huge oak tree to see when or if the
Sheriff of Diamond Springs would show up with the ransom.
<<<<>>>>
As the rays
of the morning sun broke through the trees Jalen Brooks awoke. There was a
smell of coffee in the air and bacon frying. He was glad they had chosen their
campsite carefully so it couldn’t be detected by the outlaws downwind from them
as he sat up and looked around and then rubbed his face and eyes that felt
gritty from sleep.
Jack grinned
at the young man. “Sleep well?” He teased.
The Sheriff
gave him a crooked little grin and said, “Yeah, better than I’d expected.”
The older
man nodded. “Good, you need to be well rested to deal with those outlaws
today.”
The young
lawman smiled. “Yes, and it’s goin’ to be a good day.”
Once the men
had breakfasted they dismantled the camp, making sure the fire was out good and
packed up their gear. They kept their horses tethered there so they could
continue to graze and headed out on foot. As they neared the site where Jalen
was to put the money in the tree they fanned out in a circle around it, keeping
low and watching for the others to arrive once the lookout gave the signal.
Jack
Hillyard had his rifle at the ready as he watched Jalen approach the tree with
the leather bag of money, scanning the outlying trees and bushes for any sign
of a firearm so his boy wouldn’t be gunned down in cold blood.
The Sheriff
carefully approached the tree, being sure to hold the heavy leather bag in full
sight as he walked up to it and with two hands lifted the ransom into the
hollow. He then stepped back from the tree, hid in the brush and waited.
<<<<>>>>
Pock was
keeping watch on the tree. He saw the young Sheriff approach it, placing what
looked like a heavy leather bag in the hollow and step away disappearing into
the woods. He gave the signal of a whippoorwill to the men waiting in camp.
Rocky,
hearing the call grinned at Catfoot and Slick and said softly, “Well I’ll be…I
didn’t think he’d be able to raise the money.”
The outlaw
untied Brett from the tree jerking him to his feet. Tying the Deputy’s hands
behind him quickly and shackling his feet with ropes, he growled, “Come on Dead
Eye, yar ‘bout ta meet ya doom. Yar dumb Sheriff brought the money, now we’ll
be able ta get rid ‘o the both of ya!” He pushed Brett along in front of him,
his pistol to the young man’s head “Don’t do anythin’ stupid or ya’ll be deader
than a door nail.” He growled.
Pock kept
his rifle trained on where the Sheriff had disappeared into the surrounding
woods and heard his companions coming up behind.
As Pock
stepped into the clearing Jalen stepped out and showed himself. “You’re under
arrest!” He called, his gun pointing at Pock and then saw Rocky step out with
Brett and swore to himself.
<<<<>>>>
Rocky shoved
Brett out in front of him, gun still to his head. “If ya want yar Deputy alive
Sheriff, toss yar pistol on over here.”
The young
lawman watched the others carefully. He had Pock’s weapon trained on him and
knew there was no way he wanted to jeopardize Brett, but kept his own pistol.
He trusted his men were probably not far away, but at the moment, the outlaws
believed they had the upper hand and he wanted them to think that, become
overconfident and make a mistake he could take advantage of.
Pock, seeing
Rocky holding the Sheriff’s attention with his pistol held to the Deputy’s head, keeping
his rifle pointed at Jalen, went over and pulled the heavy leather bag out of
the hollow in the tree. Opening it with his free hand, he peeked quickly
inside, not taking his eyes off his quarry for more than an instant. “It’s all
here boss, just like you asked.” He reported.
Rocky
nodded. “Good.”
Jalen
frowned. “You got your money, release the Deputy!”
Catfoot and
Slick had slipped around behind the lawman.
Jalen
sensing the men behind him frowned. “What the hell is this…You got what you
want…release my Deputy now!”
Rocky
laughed evilly. “Ya ain’t got all the cards Sheriff.” He cocked the pistol he
still held to Brett’s head. “Do as I say now…, toss yar pistol over here, or
I’ll pull the trigger!”
Jalen prayed
that the rest of his men were in position. He hated seeing the pain in his
lover’s eyes and tossed his pistol on the ground over toward Rocky’s feet.
Pock, having
brought the bag with the money to Rocky, setting it down near him, his rifle
still trained on the Sheriff went over to pick it up.
The two men
behind Jalen grabbed him just as he tossed the pistol.
<<<<>>>>
Jack and the
others had taken up their positions, melting into the trees when they saw the
other men approaching their positions so they wouldn’t be seen.
The newly
sworn in Deputy had a grim expression when he saw the double cross. He sensed a
couple of his men moving forward, but held up his hand to keep them still. “Not
yet…on my signal.” He said quietly to Bertram, who was closest to him.
Bert nodded
and let the others know Jack’s intent as well.
All tensed
at the ready.
Once Jack
saw that Jalen was disarmed and caught by two of the men and the third one was
bending down he saw Brett become a sudden dead weight, shifting Rocky’s
position of the gun and he gave the signal to move in.
<<<<>>>>
Brett was in
a painful haze. He tried to concentrate. He didn’t want to die and he didn’t
want Jalen to get hurt or to die either. He knew the evil of these men and when
he saw his chance went completely limp just as Pock bent down to retrieve the
Sheriff’s pistol. Then all hell broke loose.
<<<<>>>>
Jack gave
the signal and the seven men converged on the outlaws.
Jalen began
to struggle, pulling away from Catfoot and Slick when rage engulfed him as he
saw Brett go limp. He turned and was able to land a right hook to Slick’s jaw.
Jack and
Bert took Rocky, as their Deputy hit the ground. He struggled with the outlaw’s
gun which went off, but fortunately didn’t hit anyone. The banker continued to
help the other man wrestle Rocky to the ground.
Dan grabbed
Pock, who had been attempting to go to the main outlaw’s aid. He ducked as the
man swung around, trying to connect the rifle barrel with the other man’s head.
Cole grabbed
the rifle as it swung and jerked it out of the outlaw’s hand, protecting his
partner while Hugo tackled the man and wrestled him to the ground.
The saddlery
owner grabbed up the Sheriff’s pistol and then helped Jalen fight off the two
men attacking him, pulling Catfoot off the Sheriff’s back and threw a
roundhouse punch to the man’s jaw and relieved him of his pistol as he hit the
ground. He watched as Jalen wrestled Slick back down. When he came up with his
pistol, he jumped on the man. As he fell and his gun went off, again not
hitting anyone, the saddler relieved the man of his weapon, twisting his gun
hand until he let go.
Max grabbed Catfoot
as he again got to his feet, attempting to jump on the Sheriff and wrestled him
to the ground once more.
Dan made
sure Slick stayed on the ground as the lawman went over to help Bertram and
Jack with Rocky, landing an upper cut to the man’s jaw and laying him out flat,
knocking him out cold for the moment.
Jim helped
Brett, pulling him away from the action, making sure the young man was safe and
then joined the others in the fight.
Jack helped
wherever he was needed, making certain all the enemy had been disarmed and
subdued.
Before long,
all the outlaws had been captured and tied up.
<<<<>>>>
Jalen seeing
everyone secured gave them all a steely look from those bright emerald green
eyes that now sparked with fire. He went up to the outlaw who had been holding
his gun to Brett and said, in a rock-hard voice, “You’re all under arrest!
One false move and this’ll be your last day on earth. My men have orders to
fire on and kill anyone who moves!”
The young
Sheriff had his pistol at the ready now and didn’t let his eyes drift from the
leader of the gang for an instant.
Jack quirked
an eyebrow at the statement as Jalen had said no such thing, but let the young
lawman play his hand.
“Get these
no counts goin’ and take ‘em to our camp.”
Max, Hugo,
Bertram, Jim, Dan and Cole took charge of the prisoners. There were enough of
them to take care of the four men.
Once the
outlaws were dealt with, James Duncan secured the leather bag with the money,
making it his personal responsibility to see that it was returned to Diamond
Springs safely.
Jalen said,
“Jack and I are goin’ to see to Brett.” The other six men acknowledged him and
began to get the prisoners ready to transport.
The Sheriff
strode angrily over to where Brett was now lying on the ground.
Jack had no
trouble keeping up with the younger man. As they approached Brett, he said
quietly, “Take it easy Jalen, you don’t want to scare him.”
The young
lawman, slowed down and hearing the older man’s words stopped and took several
deep breaths to calm himself before he went to Brett to see the damages.
<<<<>>>>
The posse
got busy and marched the outlaws to their camp.
Rocky
grumbled. “Shoulda known that sneaky Sheriff woulda had a plan. Ya can’t even
trust the law.”
Pock glared
at the man. “Ya said it’d be easy pickin’s! Not that we’d end up the ones bein’
captured!”
Catfoot said
angrily. “I shoulda known better’n ta listen to ya…ya always did get us inta
trouble!”
Slick
sighed. It had been such a good idea he and Rocky had, he wondered how it went
so wrong.
Hugo said in
a gruff voice, “Stop your grumbling. You’re only getting what you deserve!”
Cole opened
his mouth to say something, but Dan placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him,
knowing anything that would come out of his partner’s mouth at the moment
wouldn’t help the situation.
When they
reached camp, they sat the four men on the ground tied to each other as well as
having their hands and feet tied. The six men guarded the four prisoners until
the other two lawmen should return with Brett.
<<<<>>>>
When Jalen
approached his Deputy, he was frightened at what he saw. The younger man was
bruised almost beyond recognition. He was fearful that Brett was already dead.
He felt for a pulse and sighed with relief when he realized life blood still
pumped through him. He squatted down and touched his partner. “It’s me Brett.
Jack’s with me and we’re gonna take good care of you. We’re gonna take you
home. You’re gonna be all right now.” He said quietly.
The young
Deputy slit open his bruised eyes, blue shining through. “’Kay.” He whispered,
then they closed once more.
The young
lawman turned him and began to carefully cut the ropes that bound his hands
behind his back and Jack helped him by cutting the ropes that shackled the
young man’s feet. They were both concerned when all the response they had
received moving him was the flicker of the injured man’s eyes and some low
moans and groans.
<<<<>>>>
Brett
thought he heard Jalen’s voice through the buzzing in his head. He thought he
must have been dreaming because he couldn’t be here. He felt gentle hands and
fingers touching him. He heard himself groan and then being laid flat on the
ground and then a low moan, not recognizing it was him making that noise.
<<<<>>>>
Jalen and
Jack gently stretched out the young Deputy and examined him for any broken
bones. He was pretty bruised up and the Sheriff couldn’t tell if there were any
cracked or broken ribs or not. His green eyes blazed with fury as he saw the
condition of his lover and partner. He wanted to just shoot the four men who
had done this dead on the spot. He voiced this thought to his newly sworn in
Deputy.
“I know it’s
how you feel Jalen, but it won’t make you any better than them. You’re a
Sheriff and sworn to uphold the law. Besides, you’re not a cold blooded
killer.” He reminded him.
Jalen grit
his teeth. He knew Jack was right, but it didn’t help him to release the fury
he was feeling at someone he loved being treated this way. He did hear in the
back of his mind an echoing voice that sounded distinctly like Dallas and he
smiled grimly and shook his head. “Yes, Jack I know and I don’t plan to do it.
You’re right, it’s just how I feel.”
The older
man squeezed his shoulder and said quietly, “Let me tell you son the feeling is
mutual.”
The Sheriff
remembered seeing horses at the outlaw’s camp. He and Jack went there and found
five horses. They gathered them up, packed up the place, gathered the saddle
bags of the outlaws, made sure the fire was out completely and then brought
everything to where Brett lay. They created a travois, gently got the young
Deputy onto it and began their trek back to their own camp.
<<<<>>>>
Brett had
felt himself being moved around and had slit open one eye and thought he saw a
hazy figure that looked like Jalen, but then had passed out with another groan.
He had
visions of when he first rode into Diamond Springs and when he met up with
Jalen, the times they had spent together and how frightened he had been when
his lover had been shot by Hawk. A myriad of images and thoughts continued to
play in his head and he had a fleeting thought wondering if this was what it
was like when you died.
<<<<>>>>
Jack led the
horse that was pulling the travois while Jalen had strung the other four horses
together and led them, keeping an eye on Brett the entire time. It wasn’t too
far to their camp and when they arrived Cole came running up. “Is he
okay?”
Dan was
right behind his partner and putting both hands on the young man’s shoulders
said quietly, “He’ll be all right.”
Jalen
watched as Cole approached with his partner and said softly, “He’ll mend. We
need to get some food and water into him though.”
The saddler
nodded and Jack unhooked the travois so Brett was again lying on the ground.
Jim had readied medical supplies and got a tin cup and filled it with cool
water and handed it to the Sheriff and then warmed up some of the leftover stew
from the night before. They had re-lit the fire, warming some water in case it
was needed to treat any wounds when the Sheriff arrived. He drained off the
liquid putting it into another cup for Jalen when he was ready.
The Sheriff
shook his Deputy gently. “Brett, wake up I need to give you some water.” He
told him.
The young
man’s blue eyes flickered and he opened them a little as they were puffy and
bruised.
Jalen
propped up Brett and put the cups to his lips, only allowing him small sips of
water and then broth at a time. Whenever the young lawman took one of the cups
away his partner whimpered.
The Sheriff
shot the outlaws a dark look, but put his attention on helping Brett. When
Jalen was satisfied that the young man had had enough, he didn’t want to make
him sick, he turned and glared at the other men.
Jack stood
and said, “Let’s get the prisoners up on their horses and head back to town.”
The Sheriff
agreed and tended to his young Deputy. He had taken a soft cloth and
dipping it into the hot water gently wiped away the worst of the blood on
Brett’s face.
Dan, Hearing
Jack telling the others to get ready to leave, doused the fire and packed up
the medical supplies.
The
posse got the outlaws settled on their mounts and led them to Diamond Springs.
The newly
sworn in Deputy hooked the travois to the horse that had been pulling it and he
and Jalen mounted their own horses, with Jack leading the animal that had Brett
and carefully brought their injured young Deputy to town.
<<<<>>>>
As the posse
rode into Diamond Springs with the prisoners the people peeked out from the
shop windows and doors and were relieved to see them riding in with men tied to
their horses and heading for the jail.
Dan and
Bertram took charge of getting the prisoners locked up with the help of Cole
and Hugo. Jim and Max went to alert Doc Mac that the Sheriff and Jack weren’t
too far behind and that Brett would need medical attention.
The doctor
got his office ready for when the young Deputy arrived.
<<<<>>>>
Brett could
tell they were moving and whenever he was jounced let out a groan or a soft
moan. Jack was ahead of him and Jalen rode behind to keep an eye on his
partner.
The young
Deputy cracked an eye open for a few moments and saw the Sheriff riding behind
him and the trees sliding by, but then he would fall back into the stupor he
had been in most of the morning.
Jalen had a
worried look on his face, but stayed calm.
As Jack and
the Sheriff rode into town he could see people waving at them from shop windows
and doors. They pulled up in front of Doc Macs and Dan and Cole along with Max
and Jim appeared magically at their side. Bertram and Hugo had told the others
to go as they could keep an eye on the prisoners as they were locked up tight
in the jail.
They had
already prepared a stretcher and with the help of Jalen and Jack got Bret
amidst flinches groans and moans of pain onto it and carried him into the
doctor’s office and into the examination room. They placed him stretcher and
all on the table.
Doc, looking
at all the men said, “I can’t have all of you in here…I’d like the Sheriff and
our stand in Deputy to stay. You others can either wait in the waiting room or
go on about your business.”
Cole opened
his mouth to object, but Dan placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “We
can come back and visit later, Doc needs to do what he has to and can’t have a
bunch of people in his way.”
The young
man protested, “But Dan… I’m his best friend!”
His older
partner said quietly, “I know that and right now being a good friend is to let
the doctor look at him and fix him up.”
Cole pouted, but
looking at Brett nodded and went with his partner.
Dan steered
Cole back to the Sheriff’s office. “We can be of more use guarding the
prisoners right now. Bert and Hugo need a break and I’m sure Jalen will come to
tell us what’s going on and will let us know how Brett is doing.”
The other
man sighed, going along with Dan.
<<<<>>>>
Doc Mac
examined Brett. He finally looked at the two men. “He is dehydrated and has
multiple bruises. I believe he has some cracked ribs. I can bind them for
comfort while he heals. He’s one sore young man, but no long-lasting damage I
can see right now. I’ll give him some laudanum for the pain immediately and
clean him up. It’s important to get fluids into him so I’ll have Mrs. Sanford
come to tend him. I’ll get some ice from the ice house and try to get the
swelling down, then hot packs will follow. Nancy is quite familiar with the
procedure so there will be nothing to worry about.”
Jalen
breathed a sigh of relief. “He’s goin’ to be all right Doc?”
Mac nodded.
“Yes, he’ll heal with time.”
Jack said,
“I can get the ice for you Doc Mac.”
Both Jalen
and Doc gave the livery owner a grateful look.
It wasn’t
long before Jack returned with the promised ice and the doctor began to make up
the cold packs.
When Doc saw
a boy on the boardwalk he gave him a Nickle to go fetch Mrs. Sanford and inform
her she was needed. Nancy came to the doctor’s office soon after being
summoned.
Once the
woman had arrived, Jalen said to Jack, “Let’s go see to the prisoners and then
I’m sure you have a livery to get back to.”
The older
man replied, “I can handle things, you should stay with Brett, I’ll stay at the
jail as long as I’m needed. Folks will know where to find me if they need
livery services.”
The Sheriff
opened his mouth to object, but closed it again when he saw Jack giving him
what he was beginning to call ‘the Dallas’ look “Yes Sir.” He told the older
man and Jack went to the office to take care of things there.
The young
lawman sat by his Deputy’s bedside and not for the first time was grateful for
the support of the citizens of Diamond Springs. The people here were like
family and for the second time in his life, realized what it was like to belong
to a loving caring family of people.
<<<<>>>>
Brett felt
gentle fingers and hands on him, but flinched when something very cold was
pressed to his face and other parts of his body. He moaned softly, but once the
cold penetrated and the burning sensations receded he fell into a restless
slumber.
The Laudanum
Doc Mac administered eased the pain and the young Deputy slipped into a deeper,
more restful sleep.
Jalen
remained at Brett’s side and finally at the urging of both Mrs. Sanford and Doc
Mac left the bedside to seek something to eat and rest himself.
When he came
to the jail Jack was still there. The prisoners had stopped their grumbling for
the most part and after having been fed, were resting on their cots.
The newly
sworn in Deputy looked up as the door opened. Dan and Cole had also remained
and smiled at their friend.
The Sheriff
said softly, so only the men in his office could hear, “He’s sleepin’
peacefully now.”
The three
men nodded. Jack said quietly, “You need to eat something and get some
rest.”
Jalen
replied softly, “I’m not hungry or tired.”
Dan raised
an eyebrow and glanced at Jack.
The older
man said In a stern voice, so that only Jalen and the other men could hear,
“You’ll be of no use to the town or the Deputy run down and not at your best.”
The young
lawman was taken aback at the sternness and the tone for a moment. He glanced at
Dan and Cole, then grinned for the first time since all this had begun. He
replied softly, “You’re right of course Jack. Anyone care to join me?”
Dan smiled
back, “Sure I could do with a bite.”
Cole said,
“I’ll stay here and keep Mr. Hillyard company.”
Jack looked
at the younger man and said, “You can just call me Mr. Jack.”
Cole smiled,
“All right Mr. Jack.”
The lawman
and his friend headed for the Diamond Café. As they walked Dan asked, “How are
you holding up?”
Jalen told
him, “As well as can be expected I suppose. I’m upset about Brett, but Doc Mac
said there will be no permanent damage and I’m glad of that, but he was beaten
pretty badly and I’m worried how all this will have affected him.”
Dan nodded.
“Yes, I’d be concerned too, but I’m pretty sure with a lot of love,
understanding and providing a secure safe environment for him for a while will
help him through. I understand talkin ’about the experience is helpful too.”
Jalen
quirked an eyebrow. “How do you know so much?”
The saddler
shrugged. “Seeing and talking to men who fought in the Civil War.” He told the
other man.
The young
lawman wanted to ask more, but refrained, seeing the look in his friend’s eyes.
He figured Dan would have been about fourteen by the end of the conflict and
wondered if his father had fought in it.
They walked
on to the café and they talked about when Judge Graham would come and the U.S.
Marshall to take the prisoners away.
Jalen said,
“It won’t be for a while, I think the Judge is due through here in about three
weeks and after that however long it will take the Marshall to come for
them.”
Dan wrinkled
his nose. “I hate the thought of having those four here for any length of
time.”
The younger
man replied, “Me too, but it can’t be helped I’m thinkin’ of not lettin’ Brett
come back to work until after they’re gone.”
The saddler
looked at the young Sheriff a moment “I’m not sure that would be the best
thing, talk to Doc Mac about it.”
The young
lawman looked at his friend. “You don’t?”
Dan said
quietly, “He’ll need to face them at the trial and it might be easier for him
if he’s been exposed to them before then, but I think Doc Mac can advise you
best.”
Jalen nodded
at his friend. “You may be right, but I’ll talk to Doc about it.”
The two men
walked to the café and had something to eat after which Dan made sure his
friend got back to the jail and into the back room and to bed for a rest.
<<<<>>>>
A few days
later Brett was allowed by Doc Mac to be up and around. His bruises were quite
colorful, but the swelling had gone down. His ribs were still tender, but he
felt a whole lot better. Jalen had been there when Doc Mac pronounced him able
to leave the office, but recommended he take it easy for a while.
The Deputy
had frowned slightly at this, but a look at his partner had him acknowledging
the man’s orders.
The Sheriff
pulled the doctor aside and asked about exposing the young man to the prisoners
at the jail and he advised Jalen it wouldn’t be harmful and could help Brett to
overcome some of what had happened to him. He said, “He can handle paperwork,
but no lifting anything heavy for the next six weeks until those cracked ribs
heal.”
The lawman
nodded “Yes Sir, I’ll make sure of it.”
“Good man.”
The doctor replied.
Jalen walked
with an arm around his partner over to the Sheriff’s office. “The prisoners are
not givin’ me hardly any problems Brett."
The younger
man stiffened for a moment at the mention of the outlaws.
His partner,
noticing this and seeing they were alone in the street at the moment, pulled
him into a gentle hug, cautious of his still being quite sore and said
reassuringly, “It’ll be all right. They can’t hurt you or anyone else where
they are right now.”
The younger
man snuggled into the hug and nodded.
Jalen
released him and the two walked into the jail.
Jack, who
had continued to stay at the Sheriff’s office and tending to the livery when he
was needed looked up as the two entered. “Good to see you up and around
Brett.”
The younger
man smiled carefully as his face still hurt. “Thanks, it’s good to be released
from Doc’s too.” He cast a furtive glance toward the jail cells which each held
two men.
Jalen put
his hand on the young man’s shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
The young
Deputy looked up at the older man and carefully sat in his usual chair. “Got
any paperwork that needs doin’?” He asked.
His partner
said, “Some filin’ if you feel up to it.”
Brett
replied, “I can do that.”
The Sheriff
indicated the stack of papers that sat neatly on his desk and Brett got up and
began to file them away.
The outlaws
seeing the young Deputy entering glanced at each other. He looked pretty bad
and if the judge saw him they’d be sent away for a very long time for sure.
They hoped he would look better by the time the circuit court judge arrived.
<<<<>>>>
Roland
Harrison, the town lawyer stopped in at the jail.
Jalen looked
up and smiled. “Come on in Roland.” He gestured to the prisoners. “There they
are.”
The attorney
shook his head looking at the sorry lot. He saw Brett and said, “Glad to see
you up and around Deputy.”
“Thanks Mr.
Harrison.” He replied.
Jalen said
to Brett, “Let’s go get a cup of coffee and a sweet roll at the Diamond Café
and leave Roland with the prisoners.”
The young
deputy nodded and eased himself out of the chair stiffly.
The two
lawmen left and the lawyer met with the prisoners.
Roland told
them he was not ethically able to defend them as he knew the victim of their
crime personally, but promised to get them an attorney who would come from
Denver and who could be objective with the case as he didn’t know the Deputy on
a personal level and didn’t live here.
The outlaws
grumbled, but agreed to the arrangement.
The attorney
said, “I’ll contact him as soon as we receive word that the circuit judge is
coming. He will come here and meet with you and then defend you in the court
proceedings.”
The men acknowledged
this and Roland went back to his office.
<<<<>>>>
As the weeks
passed by Brett healed. His bruises faded some. He had continued to have a wary
look about him. He jumped at sudden noises and at times snapped at the
Sheriff.
Jalen had
bit his tongue, holding back a scold or swat due to his Deputy and partner’s
recent trauma, but he was becoming concerned.
They were at
the house, tending to some much-neglected chores and the livery owner, Jack
Hillyard had agreed to guard the prisoners and handle things while they were
gone.
Jalen had
noticed that his partner startled easily and was quick to anger. They were
working in the barn, the younger man taking care of light tasks, leaving the
heavier ones to his partner as directed by the doctor. A broom that had been
propped up against a stall slipped and clattered to the ground.
Brett jumped
and whirled around. “Why the hell can’t you put things up right?!” He cried.
Jalen turned
to Brett with narrowed eyes, but then softened his expression, remembering
Dan’s words. His partner hadn’t said a word about what had happened to him at
the hands of the outlaws and he thought it was about time to talk. He went over
and hugged Brett as tight as he dared, mindful of his ribs. “I know you’ve been
strugglin’ havin’ nightmares and such. I think it’s time we talked about what
happened to you and what’s goin’ on inside.”
Brett at
first stiffened at the hug, but then found himself leaning into it. At the Sheriff’s
words, however the young Deputy tensed and tried to pull back. “I don’t wanna
talk about it.” He half whined.
The young
Sheriff said quietly, “I know you don’t, but you need to. I’m willin’ to
listen. We can’t go on this way. You’re hurtin’ bad inside and I want to help.”
Brett
sighed, hearing the determination in his partner’s voice.
Jalen
scooped up his young partner and sitting on a hay bale at the back of the barn
held him in his lap and encouraged him to share what he had gone through.
As they sat
together Brett hesitantly began to tell Jalen about what had happened to him,
his fears, thoughts and anger. When he hesitated, he was encouraged to
continue.
The two men
cried together and Jalen many times had to restrain his own temper as his
partner shouted out things angrily, releasing his pent-up feelings, shedding
more tears and whispered fears and humiliations.
They were
both exhausted from the emotional turmoil and the Sheriff carried his lover in
his arms, heading into the house and up to their room where they both fell into
a deep sleep.
TBC
No comments:
Post a Comment