Completed 30 January 2002
This is an Old West story which directly follows Sins of the Past
Spoilers: Sins of the Past, Once Day Out West, Witness
" ... So, you're telling me that Tanner found this body, thought it was Eli Joe, and brought it in to cash in the bounty."
"That's right, Sheriff."
"I gotta tell ya, son, that's a pretty wild story."
"But true," Chris told him.
"You know that for a fact?"
"I know Vin Tanner. And I know he would never kill a man he didn't have to, not even for a bounty. "
"So all you got is Tanner's word on that." The man was understandably skeptical. Chris probably would have thought it outlandish too, if he didn't know Vin so well.
"No, actually we also have those two prisoners, both of whom rode with Eli Joe," Judge Travis offered. "He often bragged to his men about killing Jess Kincaid and pinning the murder on Vin Tanner. We have statements from both that he bragged about framing Vin Tanner."
"And where is this Eli Joe?"
"Dead," Chris declared. "Killed by me when he tried to kill Vin. Look, I realize this sounds a bit farfetched. But Eli Joe had Yates impersonate a U.S. Marshall in order to get to Vin. He and some of his men dragged Tanner out of town, supposedly to bring him here. Only, once they got out of town, they headed in the opposite direction from Texas. They met up with Eli Joe and then they tried to hang Vin from the nearest tree."
"And this didn't happen because ... "
"Because I followed them. I didn't plan on seeing Vin hang for a murder he didn't commit. When those men started to put a noose around his neck, I was able to help him get away. After we got back to Four Corners, we met up with the rest of my men and planned on hunting Eli Joe down and bringing him to justice. But he'd split from his gang and ridden into town. He tried to kill Tanner again and I ended up having to shoot him to avoid that."
"Why would he come looking for Tanner?"
"Apparently, he'd heard that Vin was one of the peacekeepers in the town. He knew that Vin was partnered up with me and five others and figured it was only a matter of time before Tanner went after him again. Eli Joe decided to strike first."
"Seven peacekeepers? Y'all are part of that group I keep hearing so much about? And you're telling me, Vin Tanner, a man with a bounty on his head, is a lawman in your town?"
"We don't all wear any badges, but we do keep the peace there." Chris didn't feel it was necessary to mention that he and Buck had only been officially deputized a few days.
"Y'all have quite a reputation."
"It's well deserved, Sheriff," Travis said. "I hired these men when Four Corners was being over-run by the, how was it Mary called it ... ?"
"The bad element," Larabee supplied.
"Ah, yes. Chris and the others cleaned up that town. The people in Four Corners know what kind of men they are and none of them believe that Vin could have killed that man."
"People change. It's possible that he did murder that man, and just got tired of all the killing."
"Will you at least talk to him; talk to Yates and Granger, and read the statements we got from the other prisoners?"
"Of course. I have to admit, it took a lot of guts to come back here and turn himself in. Have to admire the man for that."
"I understand the circuit judge will be here next week," Travis stated.
"That's right. Should be here Monday."
"Good. That will give us some time to prepare a proper defense. We'd like to talk to some of the townspeople. See if there is anyone here who might know anything about the murder."
"Well, I've only been here myself for about a year. But feel free to ask around. I know that Walter at the livery has been here for a long time. And Mr. Dixon, the banker, has been here about five years."
"Fine, we'll start with them ... "
"Sheriff!" The trio turned as a man hurried through the door, getting the attention of everyone in the room. Michaels sighed in exasperation.
"What is it, George?"
"Betty just told me that she saw a man in town that she thinks killed a local farmer here a few years ago." Larabee and Travis exchanged glances, the movement not going unnoticed by the sheriff. "She says that he rode into town this morning with five other men."
"What are you talking about, George?"
"It happened before you got here. Sheriff Butler was still in charge then. I hope you have him locked up in the jail. That man killed Jess Kincaid and ran from justice!"
"He ran from a lynching party," Chris growled.
"He killed a good man!" George yelled.
Chris slammed his hand on the table and stood up. "All he did was bring in a dead body that he found on the road. A body he thought was a wanted man. And y'all planned to hang him without a trial!"
"Chris, calm down. This isn't helping." Travis put a hand on Larabee's arm. "Vin still has to stand trial in this town. Don't antagonize the folks who will potentially be on his jury."
Larabee looked around at the other patrons in the hotel restaurant, noting that everyone was listening to the conversation. He nodded and sat down, glaring at the mouthy George.
"George, Vin Tanner turned himself in," the Sheriff remarked.
"I don't care if he was dragged in behind a 20-horse team! He deserves to be hung. And if you won't see to it, there are still a lot of folks in town who considered Jess Kincaid a friend."
Chris started to rise again, but was stopped when Michaels stood up. "Are you threatening to kill a man who is in my protective custody, Mr. Harper?" he asked loudly.
"I'll do what I have to do to see justice done."
"Mr. Harper, you listen up, and you listen good," Michaels said, poking a finger into Harper's chest. "That man in jail will get a fair trial in this town. I will not put up with talk about hanging a man before he gets his day in front of a judge."
The sheriff looked around at the others in the room. "The rest of you hear this too. The first person who tries to take the law into his own hands will be dealt with — by me — and if that means that I have to shoot you, than so be it! Vin Tanner is under my protection and will remain alive and healthy until a judge decides whether or not he's guilty. Is that clear?" Quiet murmuring was heard, accompanied by slow nods from several of those present. Others looked away from the Sheriff's glare. "Mr. Harper, is that clear?"
"Very clear, but you had better not let him get away, like last time."
"He's here of his own accord, Harper," Chris reminded the irate citizen.
"I just hope I'm on the jury," Harper spat back. "I can't wait to see him hang." Harper turned and stomped away.
"George!" Michaels called before he got to the door.
"What!"
"Pass the word around. There will not be a lynching while I'm still Sheriff of this town. I won't tolerate anyone interfering with my duties. If you or anyone else wants to speak at the trial, let me know and I'll be sure to inform Judge Miller."
Harper left without saying more, slamming the door back on its hinges as he went.
"Thank you, Sheriff Michaels," Travis said.
"Sorry about that gentlemen. George Harper is the owner of the local mercantile and apparently was a good friend of Jess Kincaid's. I'd best get back over to the jail. If George decides to stir up trouble, I'd rather be close by so I can do my job. My deputy will be back later this afternoon. He grew up in Tascosa and may remember the murder. I'll talk to him when he gets back and see what he knows."
"Would you mind if Buck keeps you company?" Chris asked. "At least until your deputy gets back."
"Not at all. I'll let him know what happened here. I don't think there will be trouble, but I don't want to take any chances. Mr. Larabee, I meant what I said. I will not allow a lynching in my town."
"We appreciate that, Sheriff. And you might as well call me Chris. I have a feeling we'll be spending a lot of time together 'til this trial is over."
"Okay, Chris. My name is Bo. I'll see you later. Maybe I'll get back to the jail in time to hear what happened with Rosalita." The others chuckled.
"If he tries to tell you about the Belton twins, don't believe a word of it," Chris said.
Michaels laughed and headed out, leaving Chris and Travis sitting at the table.
"So, you think this rancher might know something about the killing, Ezra?" Chris studied the cards in his hand before he tossed them down in disgust. "Fold."
"I was unable to determine that, Mr. Larabee. Mr. Gregory indicated that he was here at the time of the incident and remembered hearing about an arrest. He knew Mr. Kincaid. But whether he has any information pertinent to the case is unknown. I felt that asking more would be pushing the limits of casual curiosity."
"Probably right. I'll make sure Gregory is one of the folks we visit tomorrow," Chris assured him, taking a sip of his beer. "We can ask him some of those questions you couldn't without giving too much away."
Chris still wanted Ezra to stay in the background. After Harper's reaction, he hoped that the gambler would hear about it if any plans were made by town vigilantes to again try to take the law into their own hands. He'd been told of everything they'd learned while in town and like the others was elated that the evidence was starting to build a strong case for his friend. Hopefully the judge would see it the same way.
"So, how is Mr. Tanner faring?" Ezra asked as he dealt another hand.
"Ready to climb the walls," Buck said with a smile.
"I can imagine. For a man like Mr. Tanner, who relishes his time in the open air, being enclosed in a jail cell must feel like being suffocated. I only hope that our investigation produces the evidence which exonerates him."
"Every little bit helps, Ezra. And we never know what could make the difference. So keep your ears open."
The men played for another thirty minutes before calling it a night. Ezra promised to contact them or the sheriff if he learned anything.
Chris and Judge Travis met Michaels in front of the jail. It had been two days since they'd arrived in Tascosa and they'd had little luck in finding anyone who might be able to help Vin. But the word had gotten around town that Tanner was back to stand trial and the curiosity had prodded some to walk by the jail and try to get a look inside.
Deputy Horace Biggles was young, about JD's age and eager to help the Sheriff. Biggles had been born and raised in the area and remembered the excitement when Jess Kincaid had been killed. His pa had been part of the posse that had searched for Tanner.
But Horace was in awe of Chris Larabee. So much in awe that he was willing to help however he could. That morning they had planned to hit some of the ranches and farms of folks that Biggles knew had been living in the area when the murder happened.
Horace and Buck were saddling the horses while the others waited for Ezra to arrive so they could see if he'd gotten any useful information since his arrival. They stood on the boardwalk in front of the jail. Their conversation was interrupted by the squeak of a board and footsteps. They looked up to see a tall, red haired man a grim look on his face.
"Sam, good morning."
"Morning, Bo. Got something I need to talk to you about."
"Sure, why don't we step inside."
"Actually, Bo, if these are the men who came in with that Tanner fella, this'll probably interest them as well."
"Okay. Chris Larabee, Judge Travis, this is Sam Hunter. He's our local undertaker."
"Nice to meet you," Chris said shaking the man's hand. "We went by your place yesterday. Saw a note on the door that you were out of town."
"My sister's husband has been ill. I went out for a few days to help with the heavy chores around their ranch. Just got back this morning and ran into Horace in the livery. He told me what's been going on."
"So, what's up Sam?" Michaels asked.
"You might not know this, but I was here when Jess Kincaid was killed, so it was me that got his body ready for burial. I noticed something that I mentioned to Sheriff Butler, but he didn't seem to think it was important."
"What was it, Sam?"
"He looked like Jess had been in a fight. He had bruises on his face and stomach, and his knuckles were scraped up. Sheriff Butler always said that that Tanner fella just shot him down with no warning. But it looked like Jess put up a fight."
Michaels looked up at Larabee. "The statement from that one prisoner, he mentioned that Eli Joe told him he'd fought with Kincaid."
Chris smiled. "Yeah, he did."
"Sam," the sheriff turned back to the undertaker. "I'll need you to stay in town. You may have to testify."
"I'll be here," the man assured him before he walked away.
Larabee smiled. This wasn't definite proof of Vin's innocence, but little tidbits kept falling into place. He only hoped it was enough.
"Good Morning, Mr. Gregory."
"Morning, Horace. What brings you out here?"
"This is Deputy Larabee and Deputy Wilmington, from Four Corners. I don't know if you've heard, but there's gonna be a trial in a few days for the man accused of killing Jess Kincaid."
"I heard about it while I was in town couple of days ago. They say that the boy who did it turned himself in."
"Well, Mr. Gregory, Vin Tanner did turned himself in, but there's some who think he might not'a done the killin'. That's why these men are here. They're doing some askin' around about that time and I'm takin' 'em around to all the folks I know was livin' here then. Would it be okay if they ask ya some questions?"
"I reckon that'd be alright. Might as well come inside and have some coffee while we talk," he said as he stepped up onto the porch and opened the door. "Martha will want to hear about it anyway."
The others dismounted and followed him into the small house, where his wife gave them each a cup of coffee and some muffins. Once she put the coffeepot back on the stove and sat down next to her husband, Chris began.
"Mr. Gregory, I understand you lived in the area at the time of the killing. Did you know Mr. Kincaid?"
"I knew him enough to say hello. We were never friends though. When he first moved here we invited him to supper. I like to get to know my neighbors; it keeps things from getting outta hand if any problems crop up. Anyways, he refused. Said he just wanted to be left alone."
"Did that strike you as odd?"
"To each their own. He never caused no trouble, so I figured he had a right to keep to hisself if'n he wanted."
"What do you remember about the killing?" Buck asked.
"Not much. We were in the middle of brandin' then. Some of the hands came back from town and said that a bounty hunter had brought in Kincaid's body and tried to claim it was a murderer he'd been trackin'."
"Did you ever see anyone with Kincaid?"
"Just some of the men from town once in a while when I'd go in fer supplies. I know he was friends with Mr. Harper and the old guy that used ta run the livery."
"That was Mr. Greensly," Horace added. "He died last year." Chris nodded.
"What about out near his place?"
"No, like I said the man kept to hisself. The few times I was ever out that way he was always alone."
"Do you remember the time around when he was killed? You said you were doing branding. Did you have reason to go near his place during that time?"
"I went there one morning to try and find a calf that'd taken off on me. I remember after hearing that he'd been killed, that I was glad I hadn't gone back and maybe got in the way and been killed myself."
"See anything unusual? Anyone in the area you hadn't see before? More people on the road? Anything like that?"
"Nothin' like that. But I remember hearing some shots the morning of the killing. I mentioned it to Butler, but he said it was probably the kid who shot Kincaid."
"About what time was that?" Chris asked.
"Woulda been early, about sunrise, if I recollect. We were just finishing up breakfast, remember Martha?" he asked, looking at his wife.
"Yes, I remember you saying it was probably someone scaring off a coyote," she replied. "When we heard that poor man had been killed, we figured the shots we heard were important."
"Well, thank you both. You've given us some good information. We appreciate the time you've given us. I'm sorry we interrupted your work."
"Mr. Larabee, can I ask you a question?"
"Certainly, Mrs. Gregory."
"Just what is your interest in all this? You're not from around here, are you?"
"No ma'am, we're not. Vin Tanner is a close friend of ours and we happen to think he didn't kill Jess Kincaid. We're trying to help him prove it."
"I see. Well, I never met your friend, but if he didn't kill Mr. Kincaid, who do you think did it?"
"We have information on who probably killed him. But Sheriff Michaels asked us not to say anything, since anyone we talk to might be called in to testify. But I'm sure once this is all over, everything will be explained."
"Well, I hope for your friend's sake, you can prove who really killed Mr. Kincaid then."
"Thank you, Ma'am. I hope so too." The men said goodbye and rode off to the next ranch. For the most part, they got the same story. At the end of the day, they didn't have much more than they'd started with. The Judge and Ezra had spent the day talking to people in town, but hadn't learned anything more substantial. Judge Fuller was due in the next day and the men hoped the evidence they had would be enough to convince him and a jury to free Tanner from both jail and the bounty.
It was early morning, the sun just peeking over the horizon. Larabee stepped out of the hotel onto the boardwalk. He headed for the jail, hoping to speak with Vin and update him on the information they had. He wished he could have talked to his friend away from Yates and Granger. But the best he could do was go there early in the morning when the two outlaws were still asleep. He knew Tanner would be awake. The tracker was normally an early riser anyway, and being caged in a cell meant his sleep was restless at best.
Sheriff Michaels was pouring coffee into three cups as Chris walked in the door. Michaels turned from the stove and handed two of the cups to Larabee, taking his own and sitting back behind his desk. Chris smiled. It had become a morning ritual for the men since they'd arrived in Tascosa
Chris carried a cup over to Tanner. "How ya doin', Vin?" he asked quietly.
"Okay. Gettin' antsy. But the Sheriff says the trial should start tomorrow."
"Yeah, Judge Fuller is supposed to be on today's stage."
Vin nodded and took a sip of coffee. He looked behind him out the small window high in the wall of his cell. Turning back around he locked eyes with Larabee. "I just want this over with, Chris. The walls are closin' in. Makes me wish I'da stayed outside of town 'til the Judge got here."
"I know, Vin. It won't be long now. You just gotta hang on a few more days." Larabee reached a hand in between the bars and squeezed Vin's shoulder. "And I'll be here whenever you need me. And if you want, I can send Ezra over to play some poker with ya, keep your mind off things."
"I don't have no money to lose," Tanner teased.
"I'm sure he'll take an IOU." Both men laughed at the thought of their gambler friend playing poker just for fun.
Michaels silently watched the two men. Over the last few days he'd been able to talk quite a bit with both Larabee and Tanner. He liked both men, as well as Wilmington and Judge Travis. He'd seen the respect these men had for each other. Buck had told him the story about how the seven peacekeepers had been hired by the Judge during the Lucas James situation. He knew that there was another man in town with them that the Sheriff hadn't met yet. He envied Tanner these friendships. And he wondered again about the man's guilt. But he still had a job to do, so he couldn't just release him. But he could offer him a small bit of comfort.
He nodded to himself and checked his timepiece. Standing up, he grabbed the keys from the hook by his desk. He walked over and unlocked Tanner's cell. Gesturing to the jailed man he started to walk toward the door. Vin and Chris exchanged puzzled glances, then Larabee just shrugged his shoulders. He set his cup down and followed the Sheriff.
Tanner almost cautiously stepped out of the cell and followed the two men. They stopped on the boardwalk in front of the jail.
"Restaurant should be open by now," Michaels commented. "I imagine it'd be a bit more comfortable to eat at a table then in that jail cell."
Vin smiled. "I 'preciate it, Sheriff. Just the chance to get out of the cell for a while is good. Thanks."
"Just promise me you won't try to take off. I'd hate to have to shoot you, but I do have a job to do."
"Don't worry, Sheriff. I'm done runnin'. Good or bad, no matter what happens at the trial ... I'm done runnin'."
"I'm glad to hear it, son. That'll carry a lot of weight with the Judge, too."
"C'mon, Cowboy, I'm starved," Chris said, slapping Vin on the back as he stepped down off the boardwalk to walk across the street to the hotel restaurant, the other two right behind him.
Buck and Travis joined them a few minutes later, both happy to see Vin outside the jail, even if only for a short time. They took the opportunity to tell him everything they'd learned in the time they'd been there, able to go into a bit more detail than they could while he was in the jail. Travis hadn't wanted to say much where Yates and Granger could overhear. They were able to have a long, leisurely breakfast.
"What is he doing out of jail, Sheriff?" a voice yelled across the room. The men turned to see George Harper and three other men coming toward them. Vin started to get up, but was stopped by Larabee's hand on his arm.
"Morning, George," Michaels greeted the angry man.
"I asked you a question, Sheriff. This man is a murderer," he spat. "Why, hell, you don't even have chains on him!"
"George, Mr. Tanner is meeting with his lawyer. He does have that right."
"He could meet in the jail, where that scum should be!"
"You trying to tell me how to do my job again, Mr. Harper?" the Sheriff asked as he stood up. "As you can see, the prisoner is still here, he hasn't try to run and he will be returned to a cell shortly. Now why don't you and your friends run along and let me do the job you elected me to do."
"Hmph. We'll see if you get elected next time. I think maybe we need a new Sheriff if this is the way you do things." The other men with Harper nodded their heads in agreement.
"Feel free to put your name on the ballot, Mr. Harper. I'm sure the people of this town would love to have a man in charge who is ready to convict folks without a trial."
"With someone else in charge maybe men like this wouldn't be able to kill in the first place," said one of the others. "Or break into people homes and steal them blind."
"No man can prevent every single crime that happens, Mr. Finkle. It's just me and Horace keeping the law in this town. We're only two men. We can't be everywhere. I understand that you are still upset that we didn't catch the thief that broke into your house last month. But that's no reason to condemn a man to hang before you've heard all the evidence."
"You just be sure he doesn't get away, Sheriff. His friends could break him out," Harper said.
"His friend came with him to get this settled, George. They have no reason to stage a jailbreak."
"You just keep an eye on all of them," Harper insisted. "Goodbye, George." Michaels pointed to the door for the storeowner to leave.
Harper glared at Tanner, then turned on his heels and walked away, following by his friends.
The Sheriff sighed as he watched them leave. The older woman who ran the hotel restaurant came over with a tray for the two prisoners still in the jail. Michaels nodded his thanks and she left.
"Mr. Tanner, we should be getting you back to the jail," Michaels reluctantly said.
Vin looked up from where he'd leaned back in his chair. He sighed and nodded. Finishing up the little bit of coffee left in his cup, he stood. "Judge, thanks for letting me know what's going on. No matter what happens, I know you'll do your best."
"I will, Vin, I promise you that."
"I'll walk back with you, Vin," Buck said. The two men and Sheriff Michaels left the hotel, walking slowly across the street to the jail. Climbing onto the steps to the boardwalk, Vin turned back around. He could feel the breeze coming down the street. He closed his eyes and raised his face. He allowed the warmth from the sun to and the slight breeze to calm his soul. After a full minute, he took a deep breath and opened his eyes again. Turning around, he faced Buck and the Sheriff, who had waited patiently for him to enter the jail.
"Ready, Vin?" Buck asked, his usual exuberant manner subdued.
"Yeah." Tanner stepped up to the door, then stopped and looked at Michaels. "Thanks, Sheriff. This meant a lot ta me."
"I know it wasn't much, but I understand the feeling of being closed in."
Vin nodded and stepped into the office and back to the cell, which Michaels closed and locked behind him. "I'll let you know when the Judge gets here." Then he walked over to the other cell and banged on the door. "Hey boys, wake up, breakfast is here," he called to Yates and Granger. He picked up the trays and slid them through the slot in the door.
Tanner moved over to the bunk and sat down, pulling his hat off and tossing it next to him. He pulled his feet up and leaned his forearms across his knees.
"You okay, Vin?"
"Yeah, Buck, I'm fine. It was nice to get out for a bit."
"Won't be too long, Vin and you'll be free. I got a good feelin' about this."
"Hope you're right, Buck. I'm glad y'all are with me."
"Wouldn't be anywhere else, pard." Buck watched as Vin closed his eyes and leaned back against the wall of the cell. The big man grabbed a chair and pulled it over close to the cell, wanting to stay close in case his friend wanted to talk.
Larabee and Judge Travis walked out of the hotel in time to hear the sounds of several horses riding in from the north of town. As they turned to look, they recognized JD Dunne and Josiah Sanchez. Behind them were two wagons and several more horses.
"Grandpa! Chris!" a young voice shouted. As the first wagon stopped, a young boy jumped from the back and ran toward the two men.
"Billy! What are all of you doing here?" Travis asked as he bent down to pick up his 6-year old grandson.
"We came to make sure Vin came back home with you!"
Chris nodded as his two fellow peacekeepers as they dismounted and joined them on the boardwalk.
"Josiah, JD, what's going on?"
"We couldn't stay away Chris," JD said. "This is just too important. Nathan wanted to come too, but Mrs. Arthur's baby will be coming soon and he didn't want to leave. A couple of the men in town said they'd help if any trouble comes up while we're gone." Larabee nodded his acceptance. He knew the rest of his men hadn't wanted to stay in Four Corners. He had been surprised they hadn't argued more before he and the others had left.
By now the rest of the group had joined them. Mary Travis, Nettie and Casey Wells, Mrs. Potter, Yosemite and several townspeople were gathered around.
"And the rest of you?" Travis asked.
"We're here for moral support," Mary offered. "When everyone heard what was going on, we decided we couldn't let Vin face it alone. Not after everything you men have done for our town."
"I'm not sure Vin's gonna like this, Mary," Chris told her. "You know that he wanted to face this himself. Hell, he didn't even want us along when he first decided to go after Eli Joe."
"I know. But we're here. If nothing else, we can act as character witnesses."
The Judge nodded his head. "I think she's right, Chris. We can let Vin know that they're here and if he's uncomfortable with it, we can ask that they not attend the trial. But we can use their testimony, so Judge Fuller gets an idea of what Vin has been doing since he left Tascosa."
Chris nodded. "Alright. I'll go tell him. But you folks gotta promise to abide by his wishes. If he don't want y'all crowded into the courtroom, you stay away. Especially you Miss Nettie. I know how you feel about him, but he'd feel awful if you had to be there and they find him guilty."
The old woman stepped forward and took hold of Chris' hand. "Vin Tanner and the rest of you men helped me and Casey through a very hard time when Guy Royal tried to take our land. He was there when I needed him. And I plan to be there for him. Now you go over there and tell him we're here. And tell him to expect a visit from me as soon as I've had a chance to clean up and eat some breakfast."
Her stern command allowed no refusal. "Yes, ma'am. I'll tell him. JD, Josiah, why don't y'all get settled and get some breakfast as well."
"Chris, can I go with you?" Billy asked climbing down from his grandfather's arms and walking with Chris as he started down the steps.
"No, Billy, I don't think that would be a good idea."
"Why not? I wanna be karaker witness too."
"And I bet you'd be a really good character witness too. But, well, Vin's locked up in jail right now. I think he'd been embarrassed to have everyone see him there."
"But I wouldn't laugh at him," the young boy promised.
Mary started forward, but stopped when JD crouched down next to her son. "Billy, remember when you got in trouble for taking that book when you shouldn't?" Billy nodded, not sure why JD was asking his question. "Well, remember how your mom punished you?" Billy nodded again and blushed. His mom had made him stand in the corner for most of the afternoon. JD had come over to bring Mary her mail and had seen Billy enduring his punishment. "Would you have liked all your friends and everyone else in town to come by and see you while you were standing in the corner?"
Billy shook his head and looked at the ground. He thought for just a moment, then turned back to Larabee. "Chris, will you tell Vin that we're all here and that if he wants, I'd like to take him fishing when we get back home."
Chris smiled and reached up to tousle the young boy's hair, sending a grateful look to JD. "I'd be pleased to pass on that message, Billy. And I'll bet that Vin would love to go fishing with you when we get back to Four Corners. I may even join you, if that's okay."
Satisfied, Billy nodded and moved to join his mother as the contingent from Four Corners entered the hotel. Chris turned to head to the jail.
"That was perfect, Brother Dunne," Josiah remarked to JD as they walked through the door. "Just what both Billy and Vin need to hear."
"I remember what it was like when I was a kid and getting punished. I always felt humiliated if anyone saw me. I couldn't let Vin go through that, especially when he's innocent."
Sanchez draped a hand over JD shoulder and the two men followed the others to the front desk to rent some rooms. "I'm starving. Let's go get some breakfast, son."
"Ms. Nettie, you shouldn'ta come here," Vin insisted for what seemed to be the hundredth time. "You don't need to be seeing this." He grabbed the bars and watched as she sat on the chair outside his cell. They'd been quietly arguing for over fifteen minutes.
Chris and Josiah sat on the other side of the room watching, softly chuckling while Vin tried to convince the feisty old woman that she should have stay in Four Corners. Sheriff Michaels and Orin Travis were seated at the Sheriff's desk.
"Vin Tanner, you listen to me. I remember a time when you and the rest of those boys helped me keep my land. You all could have been killed. But you helped me anyway."
"We were doing our job. That's what the Judge pays us to do."
"Well, consider yourself lucky then, young man. Because I came here for free."
"Ms. Nettie ... "
"No, Vin. I'm staying. I know this is hard for you, son. And I won't let you go through it alone. I owe it to your mother to see you through this, since she couldn't be here for you."
Vin looked at Nettie and his eyes softened. She did remind him of his Ma, more so ever day. And he knew he would never be able to say no to her. So he didn't bother trying. He shook his head and smiled. "Thanks, Ms. Nettie."
She stood and stepped up to the bars. Laying a hand along his face, she smiled. "We'll get through this, Vin Tanner, and get you back home where you belong."
"Awww, ain't that sweet," Yates called from the next cell. "Big bad bounty hunter has mama looking out for him. She gonna shoot the judge when you're found guilty and drag you outta town with her?" Yates sat on the bunk, leaning against the wall.
Tanner turned, furious that Yates would talk about Nettie, but stopped when she grabbed his collar.
"Young man," Nettie said, as she released Vin's shirt and walked toward the other cell, "where are your manners."
"Ms. Nettie, don't get too close," Chris Larabee cautioned her.
"Yeah, Ms. Nettie, don't get too close." Yates sneered at her. "I might bite."
"Wipe that smile off your face, boy. You don't scare me." She looked at the two men in the cell. "You look like an intelligent man, Mr., Yates, is it?"
He nodded. "I've had some schooling."
"Ms. Nettie, what are you doing?" Vin asked.
"I'm just trying to figure out why Mr. Yates here started running with that Eli Joe character. It seems to me, he's smarter than that."
"Everybody needs to eat," Yates replied.
"You ever kill anyone, Mr. Yates?"
"What if I have?"
"That an admission?"
"I didn't say that."
"So you haven't killed?" Nettie stood with her arms crossed in front of her.
"I got no paper on me says I killed anybody. Not like your boy over there." Yates smiled and leaned back against the wall. "He's gonna hang for that farmer's murder. And Eli Joe is gonna meet him at the gates of hell, laughing all the way."
Vin clutched the bars between the cells as Chris and Josiah walked over to stand on either side of Nettie. "You know I didn't kill Kincaid," Vin snarled.
Yates continued, "Eli Joe was real proud of the fact that he framed you for that murder. He kept real close tabs on you. Ya see, he wanted to be sure he was around if anybody every brought you in. He planned on being here to watch you hang. But I guess that ain't gonna happen now, since your friend there done killed Eli Joe." He turned to Chris. "Yep, you sure helped out your buddy there, Larabee."
Chris glared at Yates, which caused the fake Marshall to lose his sneer. "Tell me something, Yates," he said. "How did you feel when Eli Joe ran out on you?"
"He didn't run out. We just decided to go our separate ways"
Chris smiled. "That so? Then why were you wearing Eli Joe's serape when we found you?" Chris rubbed a finger across his lower lip. "You know, Josiah, it seems to me that Eli did the same thing once before."
"Ah, yes, Brother Chris," Josiah. "I do believe it does sound somewhat familiar. The name Jess Kincaid comes to mind."
"Yes, that was it. Jess Kincaid was wearing Eli Joe's clothes when he died. Hmm, I wonder Brother Josiah, if that's not what Eli Joe had in store for Yates here." Chris looked over at Vin and winked.
"One big difference, Larabee," Yates said. "I ain't dead."
"Not yet." Chris smiled. "Shall we, Miss Nettie," he said as he placed a hand on her elbow and guided her away from the cells. "Vin, we'll see you later. The Judge and I have some things to discuss."
"Brother Vin, I will be by a bit later with your dinner," Josiah said.
Michaels watched as the three men left with Nettie Wells. He glanced over at Yates and Granger. Yates was glaring at Tanner, who smiled and settled back onto his bunk.
"You know, Yates, Eli Joe played us both for fool," Tanner said.
"How so?" Yates asked.
"He framed me by changing clothes with Jess Kincaid after he killed him. He probably thought I'd be mad enough to shoot him this time without checking. But that's now how I work, never has been, even when I was bounty hunting. The only time I brought a bounty in dead is when they fought me."
"So, what does that have to do with me?"
Vin smiled. "If I was the type of man who shot first ... you'd be dead now."
Bo Michaels watched as the two men talked. Something Tanner said got him thinking. When Horace relieved him an hour later, Michaels headed for the telegraph office.
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