Sins of the Father (9 page)

“Jess, it’s about time you came back here for a visit. Did you find your father?”
“No, and don’t call him my father, call him Eddie Sloan. From what I’ve learned about him, I wouldn’t want him for a father.”
“I hear you, and I will do as you ask.”
“I’m on his trail again, though. He’s on a train heading for St. Louis right now. It seems like every time I catch up to him, he’s gone and I have to start all over again. I figured I might as well stop by for one night and visit since I was going close by Black Creek anyway.”
“Well, I’m sure glad you did. Jim, Sara and Andy will be mighty glad to see you.”
“I trust you have taken good care of Gray?”
“He’s out back sunning himself as we speak.”
Jess looked out back and saw Gray. “He does look mighty happy.”
“He should be. He gets the best feed and plenty of rest. I ride him once in a while, like you asked.”
“You’re a good man, and a good friend, Tony.”
“Hey, I got good news for you.”
“I need some good news for a change. What is it?”
“Old Andy finally got LeAnn married off to a young man here in town. He’s the new preacher who showed up about a year or so ago.”
“A preacher?”
“Yeah, they fell in love the minute they laid eyes on each other. Andy is in his glory. He’s hired himself a new cook and she is pretty good at it.”
“I’ll make sure to stop and congratulate Andy after I stop and see Jim and Sara.”
Jess walked over to Smythe’s General Store. He walked in on Jim stocking shelves, as usual. “I see that you are still doing a good business, Jim.”
Jim turned around and almost fell off the footstool. “Why, I’ll be damned. It’s about time you came back home. Sara, come out and see who has come back home for a visit.”
Sara came out and a wide smile came over her. “Jess, I’m so glad to see you again,” she said, as she gave him a strong hug. “Come on into the kitchen for some coffee and a bite to eat.”
“I won’t argue with you about that.”
The three of them went into the kitchen. Jim poured Jess a cup of coffee and then one for himself and Sara. Sara cut three pieces of chocolate cake that she had baked the morning before. It was rich and heavy, just the way Jess liked it.
“So, how have you two been?” asked Jess.
“Things have been pretty quiet since you cleaned up the town. Cal Hardin bought out the Carter spread and he bought out the new hardware store, too. He’s been good to the townsfolk, too. He helped build a new schoolhouse and he got us a good man for our sheriff. We’ve got a new mayor and town council too, and everyone is working together to make Black Creek a nice little town.”
“I’m glad to hear all that. How about the other general store that Hardin bought? Is it hurting your business very much?”
Sara spoke up before Jim could answer. “Not at all, Jess. He’s carrying different merchandise than what we carry. He came over to meet with us, he made a list of the things we carry, and he assured us that he would carry different things. He sells a lot of woman’s clothing and things that we can’t afford to stock. He’s been really nice about the whole thing. He speaks very highly about you, too. He said he wouldn’t do anything to hurt any of your friends.”
“I guess there really are some good men in the world after all,” said Jess.
“Seems like it,” replied Jim.
“Well,” said Sara, “how long are you planning to stay?”
“Actually, I was on my way to St. Louis, but I decided to stop by on my way and stay overnight.”
“What’s in St. Louis, Jess?” Sara asked.
“Eddie Sloan is on a train heading there. I almost caught up with him in Abilene but just missed him again. That seems to happen most of the time so I might as well stay overnight and visit. If he ain’t in St. Louis when I get there, I’ll get another lead and follow him wherever he goes.”
“Well, we’re glad to have you stay, even if it is for one night.”
“Thanks, Sara. I’m going to go over to Andy’s to see him. I assume I can stay in the room upstairs?”
“You don’t even have to ask about that. It’s always available to you.”
Jess walked out and headed over to Andy’s Saloon. He walked in and Andy was behind the bar with his back to Jess, trying to put some bottles of whiskey on a shelf that was almost out of reach.
“You old cuss, how are you?” asked Jess.
“Huh?” Andy turned around to see who was talking. “Why, I’ll be damned. “It’s about time ya came around to visit. Where the hell have ya been the last few years?”
“All over the country, chasing my tail around in a big circle.”
“Did ya find Eddie Sloan yet?”
“No, he keeps one step ahead of me all the time. Every time I think I’m going to catch up with him, he moves again. He is one slick fellow, I’ll give him that.”
“He ain’t headed here, is he?” asked Andy, with a worried look on his face.
“No, he’s headed for St. Louis for a high stakes poker game. Why the worrisome look?”
“I ain’t had my place shot up for a while and I’d kinda like to keep it that way. Anytime you come around, trouble seems to follow right behind.”
“Yeah, that does seem to be the case, doesn’t it?”
“Yep, it sure does. Hey, did ya hear the good news?”
“Are you talking about getting LeAnn married off?”
“Hell, yes. It’s been so much quieter around here since she gone off and married that new preacher, Elmer Nevans. They live in a room up above the church. I got me a new cook and a damn good one, too. You know the best part?”
“What?”
“She does what she’s told and don’t talk back none.”
“I’m real glad to hear it, especially the part about LeAnn getting married. That’s one thing less I have to worry about. Andy, since you have this great cook, how about I have supper with Jim and Sara here tonight? Why don’t you and Tony join us, too?”
“Damn if that don’t sound mighty nice. I’ll have her whip up something real nice.”
“Who is the new sheriff?”
“Albert Eaves is his name. He went to work for Hardin after you left and when Hardin found out that he had been a sheriff before, Hardin told the town council if they would hire Eaves on as sheriff, he would pay the wages for the sheriff for the first year. He’s been a pretty good sheriff so far. Ain’t nobody tested him yet though, if ya know what I mean?”
“Well, I suppose I should go and announce my presence in town.”
“He’ll be glad to finally meet ya. We all been talkin’ ‘bout ya.”
“Okay, then. I’ll see you back here for supper, say about six?”
“I’ll have a table ready for ya.”
Jess walked out and headed for the sheriff’s office. Albert Eaves was sitting behind a small desk, reading the newspaper when Jess walked into his office.
“Good afternoon, Sheriff Eaves, I’m Jess Williams,” Jess said, as he extended his hand out.
Eaves jumped up and shook hands with Jess. Eaves had a big smile. “I’m glad to finally meet the man everyone has told me about since taking this job. What brings you back to Black Creek? Thinking about settling down again?”
“Not me, Sheriff. I’m just here for an overnight stay to visit with some old friends. Just figured I should let you know I was in town.”
“Hell, I knew that before your horses were stabled. Everyone noticed you the moment you rode into town.”
“I get that a lot.”
“I bet you do. Well, if you need anything, let me know. I hope your stay will be a good and uneventful one.”
“I know exactly what you mean. Sheriff, do you have any wanted posters? I figured I might as well check as long as I’m here.”
“Let me look. I know I’ve got a few of them.” Eaves looked around his desk shuffling papers from one pile to the next. “Here’s one. A three hundred dollar bounty for robbing a bank.” He shuffled some more papers. “Here’s another one. A five hundred dollar bounty for cattle rustling. That’s all I have at the moment. You want them?”
“No. I only chase the worst of them.”
“I heard that about you.”
“Thanks again, Sheriff. I’m going to head to the telegraph office to check for any messages.”
Jess shook hands with the sheriff again and walked to the telegraph office to see if he had any messages. He always did that when he hit any town. The telegraph operator informed him that there were no messages for a Jess Williams and Jess tossed him a dollar for his efforts and the operator thanked him. Jess told the operator that if any message came in before he left town to have someone deliver it to him. The operator said that he would do that. Then, he went back to Jim and Sara’s and took a nice afternoon nap.
Jess woke, and headed for the livery to check on his horses and tell Tony about supper. Tony was pounding metal when Jess arrived. “Tony, I’m having supper over at Andy’s at six with Andy, Jim and Sara and I would like you to join us.”
“I’d be more than happy to oblige you. I like the new cooking over there.”
Tony looked past Jess at the same time that Jess heard it. Jess turned around to see who the rider coming into town was. The minute Jess laid eyes on the man, he knew it meant trouble. The man’s name was Bill Langsten, but Jess didn’t know that yet. What he did know is that the man had the unmistakable look of a gunslinger. The rider looked at Jess as he slowly rode past and headed for Andy’s Saloon. He locked eyes with Jess only for a moment but that was all that was needed.
“Look’s like trouble to me,” said Tony.
“You are quite right about that.”
“Does he look familiar to you?”
“Nope. I’ve never laid eyes on him before, but I’m betting I’m going to meet him before long.”
“Do you think he knows who you are?”
“I don’t know if he knows who I am, but I’m certain that he knows what I am, and that’s all the reason a man like that needs. Let’s hope he’s just passing through.”
“I knew it was too quiet around here.”
Jess went back to Smythe’s General Store and picked up the supplies he had asked Jim to gather for him. He took them over to the livery and loaded his saddlebags with the supplies. Then they all met over at Andy’s for supper. Andy had a nice tablecloth for the table.
Tony was the last to arrive at the table. “Well, ain’t this fancy, a tablecloth and all,” Tony said, somewhat sarcastically, the comment meant for Andy.
“Don’t you git smart with me or you’ll git no supper,” retorted Andy.
“A smart man knows when to shut his yap,” replied Tony.
Tony and Andy were on one side of the large table with Jim and Sara sitting across from them. The one end of the table was empty and Jess had done that on purpose. The empty end was closest to the bar and the other end, where Jess was seated, allowed him a full view of the bar, including Langston, who was still bellied up to the bar. Langsten would glance over at Jess once in a while but Jess did not look directly at Langsten, he simply kept him within his peripheral vision. Andy’s new cook, Marianne Beals, began bringing large plates of food to the table. She brought fried chicken, steaks, boiled potatoes, carrots and fresh baked rolls. It was all delicious.
They all sat there and ate for over an hour, making small talk about nothing in general. Jess was enjoying the company of good friends and he decided that he needed to do this more often. He did, however, keep an eye on Langsten though, not letting his guard down, even at a time like this.
“Well, that was one mighty fine meal, Andy,” said Jim.
“You’ll get no argument from me on that one,” Tony said, holding his rock hard stomach, as if to keep it from bursting.
“I’m glad you all enjoyed it,” said Jess. “We have to do this more often.”
“That would be nice,” added Sara. “You should make it a habit to stop back in town once in a while and do this. I have really enjoyed myself tonight. Now, I have to go and finish up some paperwork at the store. Jim,” Sara said, as she stood up, “why don’t you stay here and have a drink with these three while I do that.”
All four men stood up in respect when Sara did. Jim had a wide smile. “I’ll be delighted to stay and have a drink with my friends here. You sure you can handle all that paperwork by yourself?”
“You’d just get in the way, like always,” Sara said, as she turned to leave. “Jess, I’ll have your room ready for you for tonight.”
“Thank you, Sara. I enjoyed myself tonight,” replied Jess. Jess ordered a fine bottle of brandy for the four of them. They sat there and enjoyed the bottle and talking about all sorts of things. Langsten never made a move or even acted like he would. Jess thought that odd, and he hoped that Langsten would ride out without incident. Jess and Jim walked back to the store, Andy went back to work, and Tony went back to his place and went to sleep. Not one of the four slept comfortably.

ESS WOKE TO THE SMELL OF
eggs and bacon frying. He quickly got dressed, headed downstairs, and had a huge breakfast. He hugged Sara and shook hands with Jim and walked over to the livery. Tony, knowing Jess, had already saddled up Gray and Sharps and had them ready for Jess before he got there.

“Thanks, Tony. I guess that gunslinger left town?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t see him leave. Andy came in a few minutes ago and told me that he left the saloon at closing time but that he didn’t actually see him leave town. Probably did though. He would’ve done something by now, don’t you think?”
“I would’ve thought so. Well, I’ve got to hit the trail. Thanks again for everything, Tony.”
Jess climbed up in the saddle and walked Gray towards the east end of town and that’s when it happened. Langsten walked out from the side of the last building going out of town. He walked out into the middle of the street and waited for Jess. Jess got to within fifty feet of Langsten, got off Gray, and handed the reins to Tony, who had seen what happened and had already walked over to Jess. Tony took the horses off to the side and tied them to a rail.
Jess’ hammer strap was already off and he noticed that the other man’s hammer strap was also off. They stared at each other for almost a minute before Jess spoke.
“What’s your name, Mister?”
“My name is Bill Langsten and I already know who you are. It took me a while to figure it out but that pistol and holster was a dead giveaway.”
“It usually is. Normally I would ask why, but I already know. You’re here for the reputation, aren’t you?”
“Fast on the draw and smart too,” said Langsten. “Yep, I aim to be the one who finally outdraws the famous Jess Williams.”
“I do have one question for you though. Why didn’t you make a move last night in the saloon?”
“I may be a gunslinger trying to make a name for myself, but that don’t make me rude. I saw you were having a nice supper with your friends, so I decided to let you finish it in peace. There is always time later for gunplay.”
“Mr. Langsten, you seem to be a nice enough fellow. Why don’t you just forget this and go on about your business. The reputation just ain’t worth dying for.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. Every gunslinger I know worth his salt would take a crack at you if they had the chance.”
“Okay, it’s your play. I’m ready when you are.”
Langsten continued to stare at Jess for almost another whole minute. Jess thought for a moment that Langsten was going to change his mind and ride out, but then Jess saw it. It was that revealing look that Jess had seen in every gunslinger’s eyes a fraction of a second before they went for their gun. Langsten had snaked his pistol almost out of the holster when Jess’ first slug hit him in the chest. Langsten stumbled backward a few steps and dropped his pistol in the dirt. He never looked at his wound even though he felt the warm blood running down his chest under his clean white shirt. He just kept starring at Jess until his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground on his knees and then fell face forward into the dirt. Jess shook his head, wondering again about the idea of a man dying just so he could claim he was faster than another man.
The gunfire had woken the town. Andy was running up the street with his scattergun and the sheriff was running out of his office, buckling his gun belt as he did so. The sheriff checked to see if Langsten had a pulse. There was none. He looked up at Jess, who had holstered his pistol but had not yet replaced the hammer strap. He didn’t know Sheriff Eaves that good and he would take no chances.
“It was his call, Sheriff,” said Jess, “I didn’t want any part of it. He forced my hand.”
“Jess is telling it right,” added Tony. “I saw the whole thing. Jess was riding out when that man walked out into the middle of the street and stopped Jess.”
Sheriff Eaves looked back and forth at Tony and Jess and then back down to Langston’s body. “I figured he might be trouble before he left town. I thought he rode out last night.”
Jim and Sara came running down the street. “Jess, are you all right?” asked Sara, as she gave him a hug.
“I’m fine, Sara. Sorry this had to happen but I tried to talk him out of it,” replied Jess.
“Well,” said the sheriff, “you might as well continue on your journey, Mr. Williams. “I don’t see where you have any wrongdoing in this matter. Tony, go fetch the undertaker.”
Just as Tony was going for the undertaker, a young man was running past him and towards Jess. “Mr. Williams…Mr. Williams…, I have a telegraph message for you.”
The young man handed Jess a piece of folded paper and Jess handed the young man a silver dollar. “Thanks, Mister,” he said, as he ran back to the telegraph office.
Jess unfolded the message and read it to himself. Sara, Jim, Tony, Andy and the sheriff watched the change over Jess’ face as he read it. They could tell it wasn’t anything good. The message was as follows…