Anything Could Happen

[Scarlet Angel]

“I’ve seen that. Deny medical attention to the enemy.  The outlaws are lucky you are a lady who stands by your convictions.  From the looks of the men I saw when I rode in they are a hard group.” Greg paused for a moment and smiled remembering the orders given the men before they left the fort. “We were briefed before we left the fort this morning once we reached the Southern Starr to STAY on the road to the main house and NOT to show disrespect to anybody there.  I wondered why until I saw some of the men, old hard soldiers, I’m guessing with little tolerance of the Union Army, others cowboys loyal to the brand. At times it is difficult to live among the soldiers and their ideas of how I should do things, what order folks should be treated in and who shouldn’t be treated at all. Do you ever get any of that?” He asked curiously.

[Elegant Ella]

"Just from Andrews," replied Ella.  "I threatened to let him wait for treatment until he got back to the fort, so that the doctor there would just cut off his leg instead of treating the wound.  That made him settle down and be polite for about 5 minutes.  I do use the vigor with which patients complain about waiting as a way to identify the ones who can safely wait longer." 

She paused, thinking, then continued.  "Since you are likely to get an earful from Andrews, I might as well tell you more of the story.  The outlaws who ambushed the patrol with the horses had earlier captured two Indian boys who were away from the tribe learning to hunt, in the care of their uncle.  They killed the uncle and gravely injured the older boy, then dumped all three of them with the patrol, after shooting both boys in the leg the same as the troopers.  The younger boy is the son of Miss Valentine's adopted brother, and she is fond of him and his cousin.   Actually, if the boys had not been there, Scarlet would probably have summoned medical care from the fort for the troopers instead of fetching me.  But medical care from the fort would have included people whose first reaction to wounded Indians would be to finish them off."

Greg interrupted, "Not me."

"Not you.  And Fields probably would not finish them off if he thought he would be able to use them to find the tribe's home ground.  I puzzled over why the boys were captured and dumped with the patrol, and over why the patrol was wounded instead of murdered.  I think the goals were to convince the Army that Indians were responsible for the attack on the patrol and to arrange for a relief patrol to run into a party of Indians out hunting for the boys.  That would probably guarantee the beginning of a new Indian war in this area!"

She sighed, "Back to Andrews.  During the night out in the field, the older boy was fevered from his wounds, and Andrews objected to the noise.   I told him he was doomed to suffer what he could not pity, which seemed to give him bad dreams.  Unless that set of gestures and chant from Grammy really did work as a hex.  Andrews has been claiming to be suffering great pain, but I think it is intended as an excuse not to assist the others in the chores I have been assigning.  If he doesn't know I'm in earshot, he talks big and brave."

[Scarlet Angel]

“Fields and Andrews are quite the pair.” Greg sighed. “Suggestions to the mind sometimes are very powerful; I will not discount the chant either. Folks believe in prayers of all kinds. I think if a person believes in good they must believe in evil, it’s up to the individual what form it takes, how they interpret it. Andrews for instance once got kicked by a horse. Nothing broken, nothing fatal. Bad bruise and I’m sure it was very uncomfortable. To hear him you’d have thought he was marching on a broken leg. I didn’t know what to do for him and I got tired of hearing him say what a rotten doctor I was. I’ll admit it wasn’t nice but I brewed coffee with things I found around the fort stables. I told him it would taste awful but it was a very strong pain killer he shouldn’t drink it more than twice a day. Amazing how good he felt.” Greg chuckled mischievously.

[Scarlet Angel]

Jimmy was handing the lead line to the string of horses he and Scarlet rounded up when he noticed one of the ranch hands and one of the soldiers bringing back the man he’d called Capt’n.

Capt’n was what Jimmy would consider a coward and a lair but he’d been fairly harmless and quiet since being stuffed in the marshal’s cell. But now there was something different, the man’s eyes had changed. They were darting back and forth, he knew he was in trouble, eyes of a desperate man. It was the way he looked at Marshal Ross and Rebecca then back to Rebecca and to the weapons of the men who were escorting him that set Jimmy's nerves on end.

Jimmy shoved the rope at the mounted soldier and stepped back. “Chuck!” He yelled at the ranch hand just as Capt’n went for the solider’s side arm. The soldier grabbed the gun keeping it holstered. Capt’n spun and grabbed Chuck’s sidearm, pulling the hammer back and firing as he unholstered it, sending the bullet into Chuck’s thigh.

Jimmy had his pistol unholstered by the time the first shot was fired. “Ross!” He yelled hoping if Ross saw Jimmy’s gun sweeping them he would push Rebecca out of the way and away from Capt’n.

His actions did just as Jimmy’d hoped. Tensleep looked at him. It was reflex when he saw the pistol crossing Rebecca’s path. He grabbed her “Look out.” He said moving her behind him going for his own pistol.

The soldier’s pistol had just cleared it’s holster when the sound of the second gunshot shattered the air. Capt’n’s body collapsed to the ground. The soldier looked down at the body. It lay lifeless, a small stream of blood down the side of his face, a single shot through the man’s temple. He looked in the direction where the gunshot had come from. Half the soldiers that had been mounted had dove from their horses. The man who had fired stared at the fallen man with the cold eyes the soldier had seen in killers, waiting for what the soldier was not sure.

“He’s dead Sir.” The soldier said holstering his own weapon.

Jimmy straightened up and holstered his own gun. Once his gun was holstered everybody who had drawn followed suit.

Someone called for Ella but she had already reached the door to the infirmary followed closely by the Army doctor.

[Scarlet Angel]

Jimmy walked over to Chuck. The soldier stood looking at the dead body.

“You never gave him a chance.” The soldier said in disbelief.

Jimmy looked at the boy; musta skipped that age he thought to himself.

“I was a soldier once son. My instructor taught me if I was going to draw my gun I better have the balls to kill the man I’m aiming at because I could bet he would kill me.”

The solider looked back down to the body.

“Disparate mans worse than a wounded animal.” Jimmy said waiting for Ella to come over and look at the wounded man.

[Elegant Ella]

"It actually is a good pain killer and strengthening tonic.  Adding honey and licorice root improves...", Ella's recitation of Grammy's recipe for a foul-tasting tonic for malingerers was interrupted by the sound of a gunshot from outside.  Mentally inventorying her pockets, she headed for the sound.  The second shot got Greg moving to follow. 

The call for her found her passing through the infirmary door.  The blood on Capt'n temple and the shake of Jimmy's head told her to check on Chuck first. 

His leg was bleeding in spurts.  Ella put one hand on the pressure point while pulling scissors out with the other.  "Greg, cut his pant leg away from the wound," she said, handing him the scissors.  Greg complied, and looked for the exit wound as well. 

"Bullet went all the way through, missed the bone," he reported.

"We'll carry him into the surgery while I keep pressure on.  Jimmy, grab two more helpers," ordered Ella. 

Greg commanded, "Simmons, Wilson, come here."  Two of the dismounted soldiers helped pick up Chuck and the parade headed into the infirmary.  Greg had noticed earlier that the doorways seemed wider than normal, and he understood why when four people carrying a man were able to go through them with little hindrance. 

Ella called out before they entered the building.  "Sean, lay an clean oilcloth on the table." 

By the time they got through both doors, Sean had the oilcloth spread out. 

They laid Chunk down.  "Sean, come press here where my hand is.  You have to press hard!"  She turned to Jimmy and the soldiers, "Thank you for carrying him, now get out!"

There was one spurt during the change, then the bleeding eased again.  Chuck was still conscious, which was going to make the repair more difficult.  Ella opened a cupboard and pulled out packets of gauze, waxed linen packages and glass bottles. 

"Chuck, breathe deeply now.  I'm taking care of you," said Ella soothingly while she held a gauze mask over his nose and mouth and dripped chloroform onto it.   When Chuck was asleep and posed to expose both wounds, she poured carbolic acid into a basin and washed her hands carefully.  "Greg, I would appreciate your assistance," she said. 

He scrubbed his hands as well, "I thought you use herbal disinfectants instead of carbolic acid." 

"On wounds, I do.  But for cleaning my hands before surgery, carbolic acid does seem better," she replied.

The waxed linen packages were opened to reveal surgical tools.

They worked well together.  Ella dealt with the entry wound with the nicked artery, which Greg cleaned and stitched the exit wound. 

[1stSgt Fritz King]

One minute they were sleeping soundly in each other's arms.  At the shot, Fritz sat bolt upright, the short-barreled Colt leveled at the door, hammer back.  Scarlet rolled out of the bed, covering the window with one of Travis's pistols.  Fritz moved to the door, opening it a crack.  The second shot made him turn to the window.

"It's out here!" Scarlet called.  Fritz lowered the hammer and tossed the pistol on the bed.  He grabbed the Henry from the rack and opened the door.

"Darlin...Trousers!!!"   

[Scarlet Angel]

“Second one sounded like Jimmy’s.” She said reaching for her own clothes.

Fritz ducked out onto the balcony in time to see Jimmy holstering his pistol and the soldiers who had drawn theirs doing the same as they looked from the hiding places they had taken.

Scarlet was next to him when they heard Ella being called for. They could see Johnny headed over from the corrals.

"He looks real mad." Scarlet said watching Johnny for a moment then going back inside.

Fritz didn't miss the look of relief on her face and he looked at her questioningly.

"For a moment...well the hands and the soldiers have not provoked one another in a long time. For a moment I wondered if that had started up again when I first looked out there." She half smiled at Fritz as she pulled on her boots.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Fritz lowered the hammer on his Henry and replaced it in the rack.  Scarlet wore that lopsided grin he adored. 

"As much as I like to see you 'turn the other cheek,' I really think you should put your pants on now."

Fritz smiled.  "Yes ma'am!"  He did as he was bid, and slipped the sack coat on over his bare chest.

"Maybe the uniform will help cool things down."  Fritz slung the gunbelt over his shoulder, and the couple headed downstairs.


 

[Scarlet Angel]

Jimmy was coming out of the door of the infirmary by the time Scarlet and Fritz got there.

“Who is Ella tending to?” Scarlet asked him.

“Chuck. He was still conscious but I don’t know.” Jimmy replied knowing she was going to ask how he was.

Scarlet looked over her shoulder. Johnny was talking to Becca and Tensleep. She looked back to Jimmy “What..?”

“Got sloppy, to relaxed. He’s better than that Scarlet.” Jimmy replied.

“No wonder dad looks so mad.” She said softly.

“Well you know how Johnny gets when his men screw up like that.”

Scarlet looked at him, Jimmy was talking to her but he was watching the soldiers.

“You ok?” she asked.

“Yeah…they just look unnerved and it makes me nervous. I don’t think the one who was involved ever seen a man shot before….great here we go.” Jimmy spat seeing the soldier coming his way.

Realization that the man was indeed dead had finally sunk in. “You could have hit me.”

The soldier in charge of the small unit was following closely behind. “Private Sanders return to your horse.”   

Jimmy shot the man a cold glare. “I don’t miss.” He growled.

“Sanders!”

“I could be the one lying there dead.” Sanders replied.

“Ya could.” Jimmy replied catching Scarlet’s look. He knew exactly what she was thinking. Don’t do it was what she was thinking. She knew his temperament all to well. “but I wasn’t aimin for you.”

“Sanders.” The other solder repeated nervously looking towards Fritz.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Trooper," Fritz said, his voice barely a whisper, "get back to your mount."

Sanders was running on adrenaline; not using his head.  "He coulda kilt me!"

"I don't think you heard me," Fritz said, his voice a little louder.  "Get back to your mount NOW."

He didn't recognize the man as one who rode with the patrol.  Probably a replacement.  The older trooper took two paces back.

"And who the hell are you?"

Fritz closed the gap and backhanded him hard.  The boy was on his ass, blood flowed from his split lip.

"I'm First Sergeant King, formerly of I Company, Second Federal Cavalry.  I've served in the Army longer than you've been alive.  I fought indians on the plains while you were learning to walk.  I fought in every major engagement in the Civil War.  I've killed more men than I care to remember.  I'd like to forget the faces of the friends I've buried, but I can't.  And I've only truly loved one woman."

He looked to Scarlet a moment, but only one.

"I was breveted twice for gallantry.  I led my troopers in the Grand March.  I met Abraham Lincoln.  I've drank bourbon with Ulyses Grant.  I've served with Phil Sheridan and William Tecumsah Sherman.  And I am your SUPERIOR!!!"

The boy was practically crabwalking away.  Fear was plain in his eyes.

Fritz towered over the boy.  "Private Sanders, get on your feet.  NOW TROOPER!!!"

Sanders sprung up like a jack-in-the-box.

"The manual states you'll walk your mount for thirty minutes, then water him.  Have you done that?"

"N-n-no Sergeant!"

"Then get to it."

Sanders was about to run. 

"Before you go son, apologize to the man for your outburst."

Sanders turned to Jimmy.  "I'm sorry sir."

Jimmy smiled.  "Accepted."

Sanders pleaded, "Can I go now Sergeant?"

Fritz smiled.  "Dismissed."
       

[Scarlet Angel]

The older soldier turned to Jimmy. “I’m sorry Lieu…Mr. Bradbury.”

Jimmy looked at the man. “Do me a favor.”

“Yes Sir?”

“Somebody train that boy so he makes your age.” 

The soldier smiled “Yes Sir.” He gave Jimmy a sharp salute. He then turned to Fritz. “Permission to return to my horse Sir.”

Scarlet stepped close to Jimmy and lowered her voice.  When they were finished talking Jimmy went back towards the corrals while Scarlet waited for Fritz to finish talking to the soldiers.

She smiled softly at him as he approached, he knew her well enough to see the slight concern in her eyes behind the smile.

“If you’re done I’d like to talk to you about something, if not it can wait.” She said.

[1stSgt Fritz King]

He wanted to explain to her.  He hoped she’d understand.  The boy had lost his head.  He’d forgotten who and what he was.  It was a common thing for a young man fresh in uniform to think like a civilian.  He WASN’T.  He was a soldier now.  Fritz had just reminded him.  He saw Sander’s right hand creeping towards his flap holster.  If his hand had finished its journey, Jimmy would have killed him.  Discipline in the service was sometimes harsh, but life was harsher still.

He saw the smile, but the look in Scarlet’s eyes made him pause.  He put his hat in his hands and said, “Yes dear…?”   

[Scarlet Angel]

His “yes dear” caught her a bit off guard perhaps this was bad timing but it was the first time all five of the men that rode for her had been around at the same time. Johnny was going to be uptight for days and she didn’t want any other problems wandering into his sites or her men to become careless because they had something else on their minds.

“You’re sure, because it can wait?” She asked looking across the grounds where a couple of the hands had gone to get back to work after the excitement.

“No, it can’t.”  He replied.

“Walk with me Sugar.” Scarlet said heading towards the corrals where others were bringing in some of the horses that were for sale or had been sold. She walked slow enough the two men ahead of them wouldn’t hear their conversation.

“I’ve tried to show you everything that goes on around here, but there’s something I seem to have failed to tell you and I apologize.” Scarlet said.

Fritz took a deep breath waiting for her to say something about what had happened with Sanders.

“The men Fritz. I’ve introduced you to some of them and you’ve introduced yourself when I have not been there. What I never thought to tell you is not all of them work for Dad.”

“I’m not sure I’m following. They all seem to work well together” he said his mind shifting from the incident with Sanders, she didn’t seem to be giving that a second thought.

“When Travis died most of the men that worked for him went to work for Bo or my father, which was fine by me. At the time I was glad I wouldn’t have to worry about the business side of a ranch. But there were five of them who didn’t want to go to work for somebody else. They told me they were loyal to Travis  as well as me and the fact he was gone didn’t change their feelings if I would have them. They’ve kept things together when I wasn’t around.  Bo let them continue to live out at the old place when I wouldn’t live there; it was always there home too. I told them I would always make sure they had a roof over their heads and food in their stomach.” Scarlet stopped near one of the corrals. “This is terrible to say, but I’m glad Chuck is not one of the men that work for me, because I’d be sitting in my father’s office trying to explain why my men were sloppy and explaining what I was going to do about it.”

One of the horses came over for attention. Scarlet ran her hand along the horse’s ears.

“These are some of the horses the men care for. Those five there are sold to Mr. Whirly.” She said pointing to four mares and a gelding in one of the other corrals.

 “Those they are bringing in are some that are to his taste, he has the option to buy.” She said pointing at the incoming herd.

 “All together there are fifty-three horses, including Lucky, Gypsy and her foal that are mine, that’s not counting the ones I am partners on, hence some the different brands or configurations you see.”

She paused for a moment watching the nearing herd.

 “They are good men Fritz and I trust them with my life, yours too. But something is going on. I’ve asked and they deny there is any problem. But for the last week or better they’ve been….uptight or something I can’t figure out. We’ve talked more than once about things changing for them after you and I are married. I’ve told them they have no need to be concerned about their jobs or they way things are being done. Ain’t broke don’t fix it right.”

As the horses came in closer Fritz recognized the men that always seemed to be hanging around Scarlet when she was working with the stock, what she was telling him would explain why.

 One of the men he recognized as handing him the reins of a half broke horse when he first came to the Southern Starr, Robert was the man’s name. It had been a test of Fritz’s ability along with his personality and Fritz knew it, unfortunately he had realized after the horse had started to buck with him.  Robert had given him a hand out of the dirt and smiled when Fritz asked if he could have another go at riding the horse.

Zeke also rode with them, Fritz had worked a lot next to Zeke and considered him a friend.

“Like many of the men here those men were soldiers at one time, disciplined ones. They were also taught to judge a man by his actions not by his clothes or his accent. I know you’re not ignorant to the fact some of the men had issues with a Yankee soldier coming to live among them. Those men didn’t, although I know they tested you a time or two” She grinned lopsidedly at him “although you never mentioned it…. So I’m not sure why there is tension now. Zeke likes you. By the way he is our right hand man. He’s never not told me anything, in fact there have been times he’s told me more than I really wanted to know.” She laughed softly. “I’ve asked the men, I’ve asked Bo and Jimmyif they knew of anything I should perhaps be aware of that might be going on?”

She watched the two men run to drop the corral boards for the incoming horses then looked back at Fritz.

“Now I’m asking you.  Do you know of anything I should perhaps be aware of that might be going on?”

[1stSgt Fritz King]

Was there something going on?  That was a loaded question.  Fritz hadn’t known about the hands.  He wrongly assumed they were Johnny’s men.  And Rose hadn’t said anything about Scarlet’s agreement with her men.  When he went out to clean the place, it looked like it hadn’t been inhabited in years.  Men weren’t necessarily as clean as women, but most couldn’t live like pigs, either. 

So now, he had another problem.  He would have to find a place for the hands to live.  Fritz wondered if Johnny had another place on or near the spread that he could buy, or a place he could rent until they could afford to build another house on the property.

“There IS something going on,” Fritz replied.  Did he see sadness in her eyes?

“Fritz quickly took her hands.  “But, it’s nothing dangerous or illegal.  I can’t tell you what it is darling…you’ll know it soon enough.  Do you trust me?”

Scarlet smiled.  “You know I do.”

“Then don’t worry,” he replied.  “The men will be taken care of.  I guarantee it.”

He hoped he could pull a miracle out of his pocket. 

[Elegant Ella]

Once surgery was done and Chuck's wounds were bandaged, Ella left Sean to watch for him to wake up, while she and Greg got his men loaded into the wagon for the trip back to the fort. 

Ella noticed that Jimmy was very watchful during the loading process.  He was keeping a close eye on two soldiers in particular, one of whom was openly radiating hostility.   Well, she could ask later.  Jimmy might answer or he might not. 

"I expect that Sean is going to be a fine medical corpsman by the time you return him to me," said Greg. 

"Thomas also shows promise in that area," replied Ella.  "William was willing enough to do chores, but the sight of blood or wounds bothered him too much.  Andrews is fit for light duty, even if he would rather take a couple weeks of vacation in your infirmary.  John is weak, but out of danger unless fever sets in.  I'll come to the fort with the last four, in two weeks or so.  It has been a pleasure to meet you."  She extended her right hand for a handshake, but he raised it to his lips.  She blushed, but did not snatch her hand back.

"The pleasure is mine.  I look forward to your visit to the fort," he replied, releasing her hand and stepping back. 

[Scarlet Angel]

“Very well I’ll stop asking then.” Scarlet said squeezing his hands then kissing him softly.

“Hey now. Don’tcha know if ya ain’t gonna share yer not supposed ta tease us.” Robert said as he rode towards them.

 The horse trotted up next to them and slid to a stop.

“Didn’t realize you would like to hold his hands Robert.” Scarlet teased.

“No ma’am but perhaps I will get to dance with you at the wedding.” He said stepping off the stocky bay horse. “Care ta give ‘er a try?” He said holding the reins towards Fritz.

Fritz eyed the animal for a short moment. It was the same stocky animal Robert had handed him the reins to last time. Who would have guessed a horse that short and heavily muscled could buck the way she had.

Scarlet gave Robert a disapproving look.

“Ah she’s come a long way since last time, ain’t bucked with me for six months ‘er better now. I would take the chance of ya gettin’ hurt this close to the wedding. I swear on mama’s picture.” Robert smiled.

“I’d feel better if ya sweared on that picture of Gloria that’s hanging behind yer mama.”

 “What do you know about Gloria?” He asked.

Scarlet grinned. “I know she has been hanging over your bed since I forbid a picture of a naked woman hangin’ over mine.”

“Miss Scarlet I am shocked.” He turned slightly red.

“I know a lot more about her too..even met the lady once.”

“Ah gheez. Alright I swear on Gloria this horse ain’t bucked with me in put near six months. I been werkin’ real hard with ‘er, call her Dixie. Sides what you would do to me I’m certain would hurt twice as much as what she’d do to…” He wasn’t sure what to call Fritz now that he was going to be his boss. “the Sergeant here.” He held the reins up again. Care to try her Sir?“

Zeke rode up “Three of ‘em slipped past who’s gonna help me?” He looked at Fritz.

Fritz had seen the three horses “slip past” Zeke most likely let them. He took the rein and swung up onto the bay’s back.

They rode quietly for some time. Fritz knew something was on Zeke’s mind.

Zeke finally spoke up. “I’m just gonna call you Fritz, it’s what I’m used to unless you’d prefer us call you Boss or Mr. King. The men ain’t to sure on that. Everybody has their own preferences. I just gotta know what you prefer. That’s not the only thing we been wondering either. We been kinda wondering since you bought the ranch if you have your own hands you’re going to bring in.” Zeke was pretty sure Scarlet would put up a big fuss if  Fritz wanted to dismiss them but he’d seen the Boss bring in his own men to run things and the men that had been there get demoted at other ranches..

 

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet watched Fritz and Zeke ride off then walked back towards the infirmary. She arrived in time to see the Dr. kiss Ella’s hand then bidding her a farewell.

Scarlet stepped onto the porch as the army pulled out. “I trust you had a nice visit, with a little excitement thrown in.”

Ella looked at her.

“With the shooting ‘n all. Is he a decent doctor?” Scarlet asked.

[Elegant Ella]

"He seems to be a good doctor.  He's aware of new ideas coming from Europe, and willing to look seriously at old ideas like what you learned from the tribe and I learned from my grandmother," replied Ella.  "I enjoyed talking to him.  I'll go visit him at the fort when the other patients are ready to be discharged, and see the books and journals he was offering to lend."

"He's also good-looking," she continued, looking after the departing visitors.  She shook herself a little.  "Now that there are fewer patients, I can get back to work on Becca's wedding dress.  I wonder if it is still on the table in the sewing room with the needle stuck in the hem where I left it.  T.J.'s wife is supposed to arrive tomorrow.  I expect that she will want to feel useful, and having another housewife working will help get everything ready for the wedding."

[Scarlet Angel]

Scarlet had noticed that the doctor was easy to look at and smiled at Ella’s comment about him. “I think you impressed him. I knew you would when he started asking me about medicine. I remember seeing the books in his office….he has quite the collection.”

“I’ve never met T.J’s family, Jimmy does speak well of them though and from what he says I think you are right saying she will want to feel useful. Mom has a whole list of stuff  to be done and I know she will begin the cakes soon. Some of the girls from the Ace will be out the day before the wedding to help us put the finishing touches on the rose garden and decorations. Mrs. Whirly will be coming with her husband; she is a very good cook and has offered to help in the kitchen or wherever she can. I think we will be having many women showing up to help.” Scarlet grinned “and I think I’m starting to get nervous even though I keep telling myself I’m not.” 

[Elegant Ella]

"Nervous is normal," replied Ella.  "Even though you've been married before, and you know Fritz well enough to be pretty sure exactly what you are getting.  You are going to be the center of attention on your wedding day.  That's plenty of reason for nerves, right there!"

She turned toward the infirmary, "Before I get back to sewing, I need to get Chuck into a bed.  He is going to have to stay off that leg for several days or the stitches will tear and it will start bleeding again."

[1stSgt Fritz King]

"Zeke," Fritz said, "we've been through too much for formalities.  Call me Fritz.  And please tell the men to do the same."

"Okay."

"And as far as I'm concerned," Fritz continued, "you and the men work for Scarlet, not for me.  I've been a soldier all my life, Zeke.  It's all I've ever known."

"Cowboyin' ain't hard Fritz."

"Maybe...but I'm gonna ask you lots of questions."

Zeke chuckled.  "I reckon we both work for Scarlet now."

Fritz laughed.  "Yeah...I guess you're right!"

[Scarlet Angel]

“The Boss is tough but fair. It’s damn hard to keep a secret from her too.” Zeke said causing Fritz to laugh.  “I’ve seen her get on a horse and get right back off an’ say it’s just not gonna be a good day for ‘em. She picks up on folks she knows the same." Zeke continued "We been tryin’ to avoid her til I had a chance to talk to you. We were glad to hear she was finally coming home. She kinda brightens the place up and we all like her cookin’. We plan on painting the bunkhouse. Was the best looking building on the place til everything else got fixed up. The men will be happy to hear we don’t have to change bunks we’ve kind of had it set up the way we like it since there’s just the five of us. Yer always welcome to join us out there ya know for a drink or a game o’ cards.”

A look of relief crossed Fritz’s features as he figured out they must already have a place he mistook for some other kind of building.

“Fritz you’re always welcome at our campfire. I’m sorry if we ever made ya feel otherwise.”

“It’s not that.” Fritz said. “Where is the bunk house?” 

“Out on the other end of the barn…looks like a smaller version of the barn. We even used one of those divided stall doors. We can open the top and let the breeze in and keep most critters out.”

The three escaped horses stood under a tree. Zeke rode up next to one and put his lasso around the animals neck indicating Fritz do the same. Fritz didn’t say anything but he was now sure from the ease of catching the horses Zeke had let them go on purpose.   

[Scarlet Angel]

‘Becca shaded her eyes and looked at the sun. “I’ve got some business that needs takin’ care of.” She said to Tensleep then kissed him on the cheek. “If  I don’t see you before you leave for the party you have a good time. The girls been practicing a lot for the show this evening.” She started towards the barn then stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. “You are welcome to my room if you’re alone; girls got their own rooms to entertain in.” She smiled and continued on her way.

‘Becca didn’t bother to put a saddle on her horse, she slipped on his bridle, put a blanket on his back, lead him to a stump and climbed aboard. She kicked cloud in the direction she had seen Jimmy ride a few minutes before.

It was a short ride to the house Jimmy called home; his horse was in the corral. Rebecca rode Cloud into the small barn and put him in the stall. Rebecca looked around before she left the barn, nobody was to be seen. She chuckled to herself at the old habit.

She tapped on the door, waited until she heard him say “Come in ‘Becca.” Then went inside.

“Been along time since we met like this Hun.” She smiled flirtatiously. “It’s been so hard waiting.”

“I hope you can tell me it was worth all the wait and anticipation.” He returned her flirtatious smile.

“You’ve yet to disappoint me Jimmy.”     

"Well lets not keep you waiting any longer. Come on." He said walking to the bedroom.

[Scarlet Angel]

 Jimmy reached into the back of the closet and pulled out the rifle, opened the action and handed it to Rebecca.

“Oh Jimmy.” She exclaimed. “It’s. so much more than I expected.”

“You told me you wanted something real special ‘Becca. I still know a few people in the right places.” He half grinned.

“When I asked you to get a new rifle and engrave on it I never expected somethin’ like this…it’s almost like a fine piece o’ art er something that should be displayed in somebody’s home” she said turning the rifle over and looking at it closely.

“It’s got a twenty four inch barrel, twisted barrel, nickel plated receiver, I was really impressed with the fancy wood and checkered forend and cheek piece. I told them to send me something special for a special lady.” He said.   

“Well the fact that you engraved the butt plate and inlays give it special meaning, since you know us and all.” Rebecca turned the rifle again and read the inscription plate. “John Ross, September 10, 1874. Forever Rebecca Ross.” She smiled softly and closed her eyes for a moment.

“Is that ok?” He asked. She could hear the concern in his voice.

“It’s perfect Jimmy, never took you as one with much sentiment.” She said looking back at him.

Her look told him she was touched. “It’s something I though you would like, classy and sweet just like you.”

She blushed slightly causing him to laugh. “Dirty remarks never bring color to your cheeks; it’s the genuine compliments huh?” He said with a smile. “Ya ready for more?”

Becca’s eyes lit up. “’Course Hun I always like more.”

“Well ya got ta wait.”

“Wait?” She pouted.

“Yeah, Bo should be here any minute with the other part. I can show you something else while we’re waiting but you got to promise to keep it a secret.”

She laid the rifle on the bed. “Well those are the best kind.” She grinned.

Jimmy walked to the end of the room and pulled back the sheet that was covering the bed frame and headboard. “Rose and I been working on this for Scarlet and Fritz.”

“You are a man of many talents James.” She said looking at what would be a four poster bed. The posts were turned and engraved with a tiny vine of roses that seemed to climb to the top. The head board had the same tiny vine engraved in an oval, the entire thing stained in a dark oak color, except for the inside of the oval which was light. Painted inside the oval was a picture of Lucky from the shoulder up wearing the halter Scarlet often rode him with. The stallion had his neck arched and ears pitched forward his forehead against Strider who had the same pose.

“Rose painted the center didn’t she?” ‘Becca said looking close.

“Yes.” He replied.

“She’s always been good at pictures. Just look at the detail, right down to the U.S. on the bit and Concho. The two horses almost form a heart. How long have you been working on this?” She asked.

“Off ‘n on since we came home. Rose was sure they’d be married some day and this is what she wanted. Bo and I did the wood work Rose the painting.”

“You got good hands when you’re not using them to draw those pistols Jimmy.” She grinned and winked at him.

The walked back into the main part of the house when they heard the horse outside. Bo came through the door carrying the scabbard for the rifle.

“Think Marshal Ross will like this?” Bo said holding it up for Rebecca to see.

Carved into the scabbard was a scene of a cowboy in the mountains riding towards an Indian maiden mounted on a paint pony. J.B. Ross was worked into the grass.

Becca crossed the room, stood on her tip toes as she put her arm around Bo’s neck and pulled him down to her. She kissed him on the cheek. “If he loves it as half as much as I do I will be thrilled. What do I owe you two?”

“You already paid for the cost of the rifle.” Jimmy said.

“But not the engraving or the leather work.”

“I kinda like what you just gave Bo.” Jimmy said.

Rebecca walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. “And?” She asked.

Bo grinned. “One good deed from each of us as your wedding gift.”

“We’re all paid up.” Jimmy said.

Rebecca opened her mouth to protest.

Bo put the scabbard in her hands. “Just say thank you.”

“Scarlet always told me never to try and figure you two out, so I won’t.”

“Just say thank you and get on outta here ‘fore somebody finds your horse in my barn and starts thinkin’ the worst.” Jimmy said.

“We got a party to go to anyhow.” Bo said with a grin.

Rebecca went into the bedroom, picked up the rifle and slid it into the scabbard.

“Close the door behind ya ‘Becca.” She heard as the men went out. She knew Jimmy was headed back to the ranch to get a buckboard as he would stay at the Ace after the party and bring back T.J’s wife tomorrow.

She waited then slipped back out to the barn, mounted her horse, cradled rifle in her arms and rode towards the ranch Fritz had bought. Not only curious to see what the place looked like now it had been fixed up but she knew it would put time between her and the two men that just left and she’d be coming from a different direction. Besides she had an excuse if someone asked her where she’d been.