Sins of the Father (6 page)

“Yeah,” replied Pattie, “now if you can just convince your boss about that.”
“Well, I never claimed to be no miracle worker.”

ESS HAD A NICE LONG NAP
. He got up, washed his face with some fresh cold water, and dried his face with a nice clean white towel. He headed down to the Blue Diamond Gambling House to see if he could find Gabby Hunt or Willie Hodges. When he walked into the Blue Diamond, he noticed the same man who had turned around at the bar earlier, standing at one end of the bar with his two pals he had been with earlier. The Blue Diamond was noisy and rowdy, men all over the place engaged in all sorts of gambling. Whores were walking around offering their services to the men. The room was heavy with smoke. Jess walked up to the bar and ordered a beer. Jonathan brought him a beer and sat it down in front of Jess. Jonathan had to almost yell for Jess to hear him over the noise in the place.

“That’s Gabby Hunt and Willie Hodges over at that table there. They are the two I told you about earlier.”

Jonathan motioned for Jess to come closer as if he had something to say that he didn’t want others to hear. Jess moved his ear closer to Jonathan.

Jonathan spoke just loud enough for Jess to hear. “That man at the end of the bar was asking about you after you left today. I just thought that you should know.”

“Thank you. I did notice him today and I appreciate you telling me,” replied Jess.
“He knows who you are,” said Jonathan.
“That tells me all I need to know,” replied Jess. “Thanks again.”
Jess walked over to the table where Hodges and Hunt were sitting, playing a game of stud poker. “Which two of you are Hodges and Hunt?”
There were six men at the table and they all looked up at Jess. Two of them raised their hands like kids in a classroom not sure if they were in trouble or not.
“Can I speak with both of you men for a moment?” asked Jess.
“We’re kind of busy right now and on a winning streak,” replied Hodges.
“It’ll only take five minutes and I’ll put twenty dollars towards each of your pots if you’ll oblige me.”
“Well, now you’re talking,” said Hunt. “With my luck tonight, I’ll turn that twenty into a hundred.”
The three of them walked over to a table in the corner trying to get away from the noise. Jess motioned for Jonathan to bring over drinks for them and Jonathan brought over two shots of brandy.
“So, what can we do for you?” Hodges asked.
“I understand you two played in a high-stakes poker game with a man by the name of Eddie Sloan recently.”
“Yeah, that son of a bitch took all our money and we know he had to be cheating, but no one could catch him. He is one slick player and that’s a fact,” replied Hunt. “Willie here got into an argument with him about it, but it didn’t seem to matter to Sloan one bit.”
“He shot a man during one of our breaks. I mean, the man challenged him so he didn’t start the fight. It was just the way he handled that was kind of unusual,” added Hodges.
“What do you mean?”
“He didn’t seem concerned at all about the gunfight. He acted more like a man who was picking out a new hat or something, not like a man about to shoot it out with another man. He was very cool and after he killed the man, he acted like it was something he did every day, like it was nothing. He sat back down at the game like it never happened.”
“Did he say anything about where he was heading next?”
“He said something about how he was going to use the eleven thousand he collected here to play in another high-stakes poker game out in Missouri somewhere. I don’t think he said what city, but it most likely would be one of the larger cities like St. Louis.”
“Thanks men. I really appreciate the information. Here is the twenty each I promised for your pots.”
Jess handed them the money and they thanked him and went straight back to their game. Jess sat at the table and thought about it for a minute. He had missed his father by only a few days again. Now he would have to head to Missouri and see if he could catch up with him there or get another lead on him. It was getting frustrating but he would never give up. Jonathan showed up at the table with a fresh beer.
“That man that I told you was asking about you wanted to buy you a beer,” said Jonathan, as he sat the beer down.
Jess looked over at the man who tipped his hat toward Jess. Jess had already figured this man for a gunslinger, and the fact that he was here again tonight had certainly alerted Jess the moment he stepped in the door tonight. He would have normally accepted the drink as a friendly gesture, but Jess knew a confrontation was coming and there was no reason to put it off.
“Tell the man, no thanks. I’ll pay for my own beer.”
“I figured that’s what you were going to say.”
Jonathan took the beer back to the bar and served it to someone else. He walked over to the man who had sent the drink to Jess and gave him Jess’ message. The man looked over at Jess and tipped his hat again, but he did not come over to Jess’ table right away. He stayed at the bar talking with his two friends and had two more shots. Jess figured he was either getting up enough courage, or maybe deciding whether or not it was worth dying for a reputation. The answer to the question mattered little to Jess. He simply waited to see what decision the man would make.
Finally, the man walked over to Jess’ table and stood about five feet from the table. “You too damn good to have a drink on me?”
Jess looked up at him. “And you are?”
“Name’s Max Hall, heard of me before?”
“Can’t say that I have. I’d ask, but I already know what you want.”
“Figured as much. I hear you’re the fastest, but I think I’m faster.”
“And let me guess, you picked today to prove it, right?”
“Like you said, you already knew that.”
“Yes, I did say that, didn’t I?”
“Yep.”
“Well, I suppose I can’t talk you out of this, can I?”
“Not a chance. I’ve been waiting for over a year to come across your trail and I ain’t waiting any longer.”
“Where do you want to do this?”
“The middle of the street would do just fine.”
“I always figure a man deserves to pick the place he wants to die.”
Jess followed Max out into the street. He knew that Max’s two friends were following close behind. He wasn’t sure whether or not they would involve themselves in the matter but he would be ready just in case. Max’s two pals positioned themselves about ten feet apart just outside the door to the Blue Diamond. Jess walked into the middle of the street and Max walked about fifty feet away and turned to face Jess.
“So, how many men have you killed so far?”
“I’ve actually lost count, not that I was trying to keep track of it.”
“So, if I outdraw you, I’ll have one hell of a reputation, won’t I?”
“I suppose so, but it
is
overrated.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Having that kind of reputation just means that every young gunslinger trying to build a reputation will be hunting you down for the rest of your natural life. They will never stop coming at you and eventually, you will get older and slower and one of them will take you down.”
“Yeah, but I’ll bet I’ll take a lot of them with me before that happens.”
“Then, I’m probably doing you a favor today.”
“How do you figure?”
“I’m going to shorten the process and end your misery today and get it over with.”
“Mighty sure of yourself, I’ll give you that.”
“Are your two friends going to be involved in this?”
“I guess that’s your problem to worry about now, ain’t it?”
“It’s no problem, I’ll deal with it. Go ahead; make your play because this warm little conversation is definitely over with.”
Max went for his gun. He never had a chance and the surprised look on his face told you that, but Jess never got to see it. He had turned instantly to see both of Max’s friends going for their pistols. Jess fanned his next two shots, hitting both of them square in the chest. One went down immediately, but the other was still standing and trying to raise his hand to get off a shot. Jess was about to put another round into him when the sound of a rifle cracked and the man went down. Jess spun around to his right only to see Sheriff McCoy walking towards him, holding a rifle, smoke still lingering at the end of the barrel. Jess relaxed a little due to the fact that the rifle barrel was not pointed at him.
At the sound of the first shot, the Blue Diamond went totally silent. Then, when the shooting was over, dozens of men came out and stood on the boardwalk to see what had happened.
“Easy, Jess. I saw it and I know it wasn’t your call. I don’t tolerate any unfair fights in my town.”
“Thanks, Sheriff, but I had it under control.”
“I know, but I have a reputation to uphold just like you.”
“I understand, Sheriff, and thanks for seeing things right.”
“You’re pretty damn fast with that smoke wagon of yours. I’ve never seen anyone that fast before. How would you like a job as my deputy?”
Jess smiled at the sheriff. “No thanks, Sheriff, I have more important work to do in life.”
I kind of thought so, but I just had to ask.”

he boy from the telegraph office was on a dead run towards Sheriff Steele’s office. He had a piece of paper folded up and clenched in his right hand. He ran inside the sheriff’s office and stood in front of Steele’s desk.

Steele leaned forward in his chair. “Son, if that’s the message I’m hoping for, I have a shiny new one dollar coin for you.” The boy smiled but said nothing as he handed the folded piece of paper to Steele. Steele opened the folded paper and read the message aloud.

Steele smiled as he tossed a silver dollar to the boy who took it and ran back out as fast as he had come in.

Steele headed over to Jed’s Saloon where he knew his two deputies were having lunch. He sat the message down on the table and Buck and Tex both read it as Jed brought Steele a cup of coffee.

“Yeah, I was beginning to worry we wouldn’t hear from him,” added Tex.
“At least it gives us a chance to get through this,” replied Steele.
“Great, now we have probably a thirty percent chance instead of a ten percent chance,” said Tex, sarcastically. “Sheriff, why don’t you send for that young man, Jess Williams?”
“I won’t do that until we absolutely have to. I thought I made that clear to the both of you.”
“You did, but we need all the help we can get and from what I heard about that kid, he’s exactly what we need here,” replied Tex.
“Hey, you don’t kill a rabbit with a cannon and that’s exactly what that kid is,” said Steele.
“You’re the boss, Sheriff; I’m just bringing it up for discussion.”
“We have help on the way. Let’s hope for the best, and when Reedy gets here, we’ll let Madden out of jail. When he sees a U.S. marshal’s badge in his face, he might think twice about continuing this war with Thornton.”
“I hope you’re right, boss,” Buck said, skeptically.
Steele ordered some lunch and felt more comfortable that help was on the way. What he didn’t know was that more trouble was on the way at the same time. Quentin Unger and Gregory Timmons had arrived at the Madden ranch and were awaiting Madden’s return, and the order to go to town and kill Sheriff Steele.

RANK
R
EEDY ARRIVED THE
next day in the late afternoon. He brought two of his best deputies with him, Torrey Abel and Hal Banks.” Both were seasoned lawmen and tough as nails. Sheriff Steele met them on the front steps of the sheriff’s office.

“Frank Reedy, you are a sight for sorry eyes, I thought you’d never show up,” Steele said, as he grabbed Reedy’s hand and shook it.

“Damn good to see you too, Mark. I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner but we were chasing some bank robbers and we were out on the trail for a few days before hitting a town. As soon as I got the message, I grabbed my two best men and headed straight here. Let me introduce them. This is Torrey Abel and Hal Banks. Steele shook hands with both men.

“Why don’t we go get something to eat over at the saloon and I can tell you all about it,” suggested Steele.

“Both me and my men could eat the ass end out of a skunk right about now,” replied Reedy.
The four of them walked over to Jed’s Saloon and sat at a table facing the front window. Jed was busy with stocking the shelves, so Pattie came out of the back with a pot of coffee and four cups, along with some cream and sugar. Sheriff Steele introduced Reedy and his two deputies to Pattie.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mr. Reedy. You didn’t have a U.S. marshal’s badge on the last time you were here. Here’s some hot coffee, men. Can I get you all something to eat?”
Frank Reedy sniffed the aroma coming from the kitchen. “Is that ham I smell back there?”
“You’ve got a good nose, Mr. Reedy. Yes, it is. I have two large hams cooking and a large pot of bean and ham soup going. Would you men like me to fix you some plates and some bowls of soup?”
“You were reading my mind, ma’am. Bring four servings and make them big.”
Pattie headed back into the kitchen and while she was getting the plates of food ready, she overheard Mark Steele explain all about the situation that he and the town was in. She had to make three trips to bring out all the food. “I’m sure glad you are here, Marshal Reedy. Mark here is going to need all the help he can get, but I’m not sure the three of you will be enough.”
“Between me and my deputies and the sheriff and his two deputies, that gives us six experienced lawmen, and all six are good gun handlers. I think we’ll be okay and if not, we can send for more help.”
“I’ll be praying for all of you,” Pattie said, as she headed back to the kitchen. They all dug in like starving animals.
“Sheriff, I gather she doesn’t seem to think we can handle it,” said Reedy.
“It won’t be easy. I’m hoping that U.S. marshal’s badge you’re wearing will be enough to slow Rance Madden down a little. By the way, what made you pin a badge back on again?”
“Reedy thought about it for a minute. “I suppose I kind of got tired of the bounty hunting business and not having a steady pay. Hell, that young friend of yours, Jess Williams, pretty much put some of us out of business.”
“Yeah, and I hear he’s still at it. Tough little hombre and not afraid of anything,” replied Steele.
“He needs to watch himself, though; I keep waiting for a wanted poster on him to come across my desk. I sure don’t want to have to go after that boy.”
“Why do you say that?” Steele asked.
“Well, he sure comes close to breaking the law sometimes. He shot Deeke Moore in the middle of the street when he was un-armed. On another occasion, he forced Randolph Jackson into a gunfight even though Jackson wanted to walk away. I mean, they all asked for trouble and he didn’t start any of it, but he’s coming closer and closer to crossing that line, if you know what I mean.”
“I think the thing that counts is that he hasn’t shot anyone who didn’t deserve to die,” replied Steele.
“I think that’s the only reason no one has sworn a warrant out on him yet. Well, let’s go and have a little talk with this Rance Madden fellow,” said Reedy. “Fine cooking,” he hollered to the kitchen as they left Jed’s Saloon.
They walked over to Sheriff Steele’s office and Rance Madden, who had been lying on the hard bed, sat up on the bed. Buck was sitting in a chair in the corner; Tex was doing rounds around town. Frank Reedy walked up to the cell.
“You must be Mr. Rance Madden?” asked Reedy.
“That’s right. Are you here to let me the hell out of here? Steele had no reason to lock me up, I didn’t break any laws, and he’s the one who should be behind these bars. “
“Shut the hell up and listen to me Madden, because I’m only going to say it once. I’m a U.S. marshal and I’m here to help the sheriff keep the peace here. I’ve heard all about your little war with Henry Thornton and I don’t particularly give two shits about your problem with water. I know the law and it’s on Thornton’s side. He was here first and you knew the water situation before you bought your spread and if you didn’t, that’s your fault, not Henry Thornton’s. Now, I’m letting you out of jail, but if you continue with the dispute you started, you are going to have the full weight of the U.S. marshal’s office rain down on you like hellfire. Do I make myself clear on the matter?”
Rance Madden was madder than hell but he stood up and looked over at Steele. “I’m not making any promises to any of you. Now let me out of here before I get me a lawyer and sue the Sheriff.”
Steele unlocked the cell door and handed Madden all of his stuff along with his gun and holster. “Consider yourself warned, for the last time, Madden.”
“Kiss my ass, Sheriff,” replied Madden, as he stormed out of the jail and headed for the livery.
Reedy looked at Steele. “I got a hunch we’re going to see that hunk of trouble again.”
“Yeah, he won’t stop. It’s just not within his nature to do so. We better get ready because I think trouble’s coming to town, and soon.”
Rance Madden headed straight for his ranch. One of his men grabbed the reins of his horse and as soon as Madden’s feet hit the ground he asked, “Did my new men show up yet?”
“Yes sir, they are in the bunkhouse right now. Do you want me to send them into the house?”
“Give me enough time to take a hot bath and get the cook to prepare a big meal. We’ve got plans to figure out and I want all the best men at the table.”
About an hour or so later, Rance Madden was sitting at a large dining table when Mike Winters walked into the large room with Quentin Unger, Gregory Timmons, Vernon Foster and Leonard Sands following behind him. “Boss, this here is Quentin Unger and this here is Gregory Timmons.”
Rance Madden stood up, shook hands with both men, and motioned for them to take a seat. “So, are you two as good as Winters told me?”
“Yes sir, Mr. Madden,” replied Quentin Unger, “Gregory and me have worked together for a long time now. We started out working on bounty hunting and still do some of that, but mostly we hire our guns out to whoever is paying the most. We have no problem with killing whoever you want killed, and that includes a sheriff.”
“Can we assume that the offer of one thousand dollars is still the price for killing the sheriff?” asked Gregory Timmons.
“Yes,” replied Madden, “but there is a new complication. Sheriff Steele sent for a U.S. marshal and he showed up today with two deputies.”
“Do you know who the U.S. marshal is?” asked Quentin.
“Said his name was Frank Reedy.”
Quentin looked over at his partner and then back to Madden. “Reedy is one tough hombre and not one to go messing around with. He doesn’t take any shit and he won’t hesitate to do whatever is necessary to get a job done. That does complicate things a little.”
“Does that mean that you won’t take the job?”
“No, but the price will have to be double,” said Quentin.
“I don’t care. I’ll pay you two thousand dollars each, I just want the son of a bitch dead,” replied Madden.
“What about Frank Reedy?”
Madden thought about it for a moment. “Take care of the sheriff first and if Frank Reedy becomes a problem, I’ll pay you to kill him and his deputies too.”
“Frank Reedy will cost you triple what you’re paying for a sheriff. Killing a U.S. marshal is big trouble. If we did that, we would have to leave the country and head for southern Mexico and hide out for quite a while and maybe never come back,” added Timmons.
“How are you going to go after Steele?” asked Madden.
Quentin looked over at his partner and never said a word. They had worked together long enough to have an unwritten language between the two of them.
“We’ll have to ambush him at night and ride straight out of town and fast. We’ll need two extra horses so we can switch back and forth. That should give us a lead on the posse that I’m sure Frank Reedy will put together within ten minutes of us killing Steele. You’ll have to pay us up front because we can’t stop back here to get paid.”
Madden stood up and shook hands again with both men. “I guess we have a deal. Mike, pick them out two of our best horses and I’ll have the money ready for you in a few minutes. I suppose you are going to do the deed tonight?”
“No sense putting off the inevitable is what I say,” replied Unger.