Righteous Kill

by G. Michael Hopf

  “That’s enough,” Maggie said.

  “I’m sorry to hear it,” Billy said. “I’m sure you told the sheriff here.”

  Alice cut Amherst a harsh look and replied, “I did.”

  “And you sent out a posse to look for these men, of course?” Billy asked.

  “Well, I was investigating the merits of the case and was close to—”

  “You didn’t send men out to look for them?” Billy asked, shocked upon hearing the sheriff’s incompetence.

  “It’s a long story, one I’ll share with you when you come into town,” Amherst replied.

  “No, Sheriff, please enlighten the nice marshal now,” Alice blurted out.

  “Alice, watch your tongue,” Maggie barked.

  “No, I won’t,” Alice said. “Men attacked us and now Martha is dead.”

  “Who’s Martha?” Billy asked.

  “She’s my sister and died from an injury inflicted on her that night,” Alice answered.

  Hearing the news of the girl’s death, Billy scowled and said, “Sheriff, we can discuss this later, and I need this young woman here to help describe those men ’cause they could be the same.”

  “Did one of the men have a wound on his arm?” Alice blurted out.

  “I’ll ask the questions,” Amherst snapped. He was growing agitated with Alice.

  “A wound?” Billy asked.

  “The tall man, he attacked me, and I managed to stab him with a knitting needle in his left forearm, right about here,” Alice said, pointing at a spot on her forearm to illustrate.

  Billy thought hard and remembered the tall man had his sleeves rolled up because it had been hot that late morning. He even recalled him talking about the heat. He pressed his eyes closed and tried to recall. He could see the man in the saddle, his snarled facial expression and jet-black hair that jutted out from underneath the brim. He recalled seeing his right arm pulled back and his left arm resting on the horn of the saddle. He thought hard about the left arm and…”Yes. He had a bandage on his left forearm.”

  “It’s them. I knew it, I knew those men would do further harm!” Alice squealed with delight, knowing that she now had a chance to finally catch or at least begin pursuit of the men who were to blame for what had happened to her family. “And that man in question is Joseph Paul King.”

  Amherst’s anger reached an apex. He turned towards Alice and hollered, “You damn little…” He bit his lip and continued, “How dare you stand here and embarrass me in front of the marshal? How dare you act pompous when your mother, your—”

  “Sheriff, that’s enough!” Billy snapped.

  “Marshal, you need to know,” Amherst replied to Billy.

  “I don’t need to know anything from you that I already haven’t seen. You, sir, are not a cordial or polite man. You stand here and demean these women. They have suffered at the hands of the very men who killed my partner and wounded me, yet because of your incompetence, you didn’t pursue. You, sir, don’t deserve to wear the badge, because it represents the law, and the law is impartial in whom it serves.”

  Amherst’s nostrils flared and his face flushed red. “I won’t stand here and be berated by a harlot’s daughter and a marshal who isn’t older than my own son.”

  “Me or my age isn’t the problem here, you are. You were even given a name yet did nothing?” Billy fired back.

  With his fists clenched, Amherst screamed, “I won’t stand here and suffer these indignities.” He snatched his hat from the table near him and marched out of the bedroom.

  Maggie glared at Alice then followed Amherst out. “Oh, Sheriff, please don’t go.”

  Finding humor and justice in the exchange, Anne gave Alice and Billy a wink and said, “Bravo to you two. I’ve never liked that crusty old son of a bitch anyhow.”

  “Grandma, your language.” Alice blushed.

  Anne patted Alice’s shoulder and said, “Good job, honey, good job.” She slowly walked from the room and into the hall.

  With only Alice and Billy left in the room, Billy grew nervous. He cleared his throat and said, “I’ve met other lawmen like him and I find them despicable. Much of what happened to me could have been averted had he done his job. I pray that no one else fell victim to those men.”

  “Thank you for defending me,” Alice said as she fidgeted with a strand of hair that fell near her cheek.

  “What he was doing to you was wrong. It’s important for men to stand up for women. My father taught me that. I’m not saying women aren’t capable, I’m merely stating that it’s a man’s duty to honor and revere women.”

  “I didn’t take what you said as an insult, and I truly am grateful,” Alice said. “Can I get you anything? Are you hungry or thirsty?”

  “I could use a glass of water and my clothes.”

  “Your clothes?”

  “Yes, if I’m going to hunt those men down, it would help if I’m dressed,” Billy quipped.

  “Your clothes were destroyed. My ma had them burned, but shouldn’t you be resting?”

  “No, I need to go looking for Al and the other men right away. I need to also get a telegram to Coeur d’Alene and tell them what’s happened. I’ll need some support.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked.

  “I’m positive,” Billy said. No matter how bad he’d been hurt. The longer he didn’t do anything, the harder it would be to catch Al and the others.

  “You look about the size of my pa. I’m sure you can use some of his.”

  “Thank you,” Billy said, sitting up taller in the bed. He swung the sheet off him and went to swing his legs out of the bed, then realized awkwardly that she was standing there staring at him.

  Alice watched then realized she was gawking at him. “I’m sorry, forgive me. I’ll be right back,” Alice said and sped for the door. She exited the room, closing the door behind her.

  Alone, Billy looked around the room. Next to him was a small nightstand with an oil lamp in the center. On the wall nearest the door was a dresser. Sitting atop it was a stack of books, the spines facing away, making it difficult for Billy to read the titles. In the corner a child-sized rocking chair stood, a porcelain doll in the seat. He then realized that the room was probably Alice’s sister’s. He looked for his boots and gun belt but didn’t see them. A desire burned in him to find the men responsible and slay them where they stood. He knew he still had a responsibility to find Al and bring him to the border, but right now his main concern was finding the men who had killed Hemsworth, and end their lives. He put his feet on the cool floor and stood. The pain in his side burned, but it wasn’t as bad as the first time he felt the wound. He wasn’t sure how bad his injuries were, but upon Alice’s return, he’d find out.

  Tapping at the door told him she was there. “Come in.”

  The door opened and in came not only Alice but Maggie.

  Maggie marched up to Billy, hands planted on her hips, and said firmly, “Those clothes were my husband’s. I expect you to wear and appreciate them. Those trousers were his favorite.”

  “I will, ma’am,” Billy said, almost wanting to laugh at Maggie’s odd behavior. He inhaled and could smell whiskey.

  “Alice here tells me you’re going to go find those men,” Maggie said.

  “Yes, ma’am, right away,” Billy said. “First I’m going to head into town, meet the sheriff, who I expect will give me a chilly reception, but nevertheless he’ll be forced to help me. I will do my best to garner any clues from the dead man’s belongings, and from there I’ll ride out to where we were ambushed to see if I can find anything of value.”

  “Hmm, you seem like a smart man, thorough, I like it,” Maggie said, sizing Billy up and down. She stepped forward, bent down and reached for him.

  “What are you doing?” Billy asked, recoiling from her initial touch.

  “Boy, I’m just checking your bandages. You do know you were damn lucky those bullets passed through you without causing any real damage.”

&nb
sp; Giving in, he allowed her to examine the bandages. He felt awkward as Alice watched intently from behind her mother, especially when his shirt was off.

  “Still looks good. You know the doc was impressed with the work I did on you,” Maggie said.

  “Ma’am, thank you for taking care of me. I don’t think I would’ve made it,” Billy said.

  “You need to thank my ma. She was the one who made this happen. If it were up to me, I would’ve sent you packing,” Maggie said.

  “Ma, don’t say that,” Alice said.

  “You know it’s true. I don’t much like men, can’t trust them,” Maggie said.

  “Well, ma’am, I can understand why after all you’ve been through,” Billy said.

  Finished, Maggie stood back up and said, “You look good, no infection, but you’ll need to keep it clean.”

  “I’ll do my best,” Billy said.

  “Alice, give him the clothes,” Maggie ordered.

  “Ma’am, where are my boots and gun belt?” Billy asked.

  “In the trunk at the foot of the bed,” Maggie answered, pointing to it.

  He looked around the bed and saw it. “Good, thank you.”

  “And your horse, he died right where he fell, I’m sorry. It looked like a fine creature,” Maggie said.

  “Can I borrow a horse?” Billy asked, this time locking eyes with Alice.

  Alice blushed and said, “Of course.”

  Seeing the two stare at each other, Maggie cleared her throat and said, “Alice, come, let’s let the marshal get dressed.”

  “Yes, Ma,” Alice said sheepishly, tearing her gaze away from Billy.

  “This is a nice room. Was this your daughter’s room?” Billy asked Maggie.

  “It was,” Alice answered instead.

  A painful look hit Maggie. “My poor little dove, taken way too early.” She lowered her head and took in a deep breath. “Marshal, promise me you’ll find those men.”

  “I promise,” Billy said.

  “And promise me you’ll put a bullet in them,” Maggie said.

  “I promise,” Billy said.

  “And one more thing, promise me before you kill them that they know,” she said, pausing as she began to choke on her own words.

  Alice went to her mother and embraced her.

  “I’m fine, I’m fine,” she said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You let them know that their deaths are not payment enough for what they did; that they’ll burn in the eternal fires of hell. Can you tell them that?”

  Unsure if he could remember all she’d said but not one to tell a grieving mother no, he said, “I promise they’ll know.”

  “Good, thank you,” Maggie said. She wiped a couple more tears then hastily rushed out of the room. “Come, Alice.”

  “Coming, Ma,” Alice said, waiting for Maggie to disappear. When she thought she was gone and out of earshot, Alice turned to Billy and whispered, “Take me with you.”

  “What?”

  “Please take me with you. I want to help you. I want to be the one to avenge my sister,” Alice said.

  “No, that’s not going to happen.”

  “Please,” Alice begged.

  “I can understand your anger, I really can, but you’re a girl and those men, they’re dangerous.”

  “I can help. I know this county like the back of my hand,” she declared.

  “Not going to happen. I’m grateful for everything you did, but you’re not going to ride with me.”

  Distraught, she lowered her gaze and said, “Please, I can be of help.”

  “No, I’m a lawman, you’re not; this is what I do. Again, I’m more than grateful for what you’ve done.”

  “I’ll leave you to get dressed. I hope that you’ll reconsider,” Alice said, turned and left Billy alone in the room.

  SIX MILES SOUTHWEST OF GREAT FALLS, MONTANA

  Adam woke to find Joseph curled up on the floor, snoring. The dim light coming from the window above Joseph told him that it was morning. He glanced over to Al to see he had rolled onto his other side; it was evident that he was alive.

  A shadow in the window above Joseph caught Adam’s attention. He stared until he spotted who he suspected it was, his brother, Clive.

  Clive was four years older than Adam and had been out on a hunting trip. He had planned to return that morning and, like clockwork, here he was.

  Adam had kept that information from Joseph. He was six but had been educated on the art of deception from his father, and knew that if he was to survive, his brother was his only chance.

  Clive’s suspicious and curious mind had him peek in the window versus just walking in the door upon seeing the strange horses hitched outside. When he caught sight of Adam tied up on the floor, he was shocked but was ready to help out his brother in any way he could.

  Motioning with his head, Adam signaled for Clive not to enter.

  The two brothers were close, and Clive picked up from Adam’s head movements that he wanted him to go get help. Unsure if that was wise, he held up his rifle and pointed, signaling that he could come inside and start shooting.

  Adam shook his head and mouthed the word sheriff.

  Clive nodded, turned and sprinted towards town.

  Joseph opened his eyes and looked at Adam. He noticed he was staring at the window and shot up. He craned his head back, pulled the drape to the side, and peered outside to see nothing but a small dirt lot and the trees beyond. “What were you looking at?”

  “Nothing,” Adam replied.

  “Tell me, boy, was someone there?” Joseph said, getting to his feet.

  “No, sir, I just woke is all,” Adam lied.

  Joseph turned back and said, “If you’re lyin’, I’ll hurt you, do you understand?”

  Adam nodded.

  Joseph stumbled over to Al and knelt down. He saw beads of sweat on his brow. He felt his forehead and said, “Damn, he’s burning up.”

  “It’s infected,” Adam said. “My ma says that if you have a fever after getting a bad cut, you have an infection.”

  Joseph rolled Al onto his back.

  Al grunted in pain and opened his eyes barely a slit. “I don’t feel good.”

  “It’s infected, that’s why,” Joseph said, peeling back the sticky bandages to reveal a swollen red wound.

  “How did it get infected so fast?” Al asked.

  Joseph stared at the wound. He didn’t need to see the exit wound to know it probably looked equally as bad. He sighed as he pondered what to do. He wasn’t knowledgeable about how to handle such things outside of just bandaging them up. “Boy, do you know how to treat wounds?”

  Looking bewildered, Adam replied, “No, sir.”

  “Of course, I’m stupid; you’re just a damn child,” Joseph grunted.

  Al pointed to the hot embers in the fire.

  “You want me to cauterize it?” Joseph asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” Al answered.

  “Very well,” Joseph said. He took the fire poker and placed it in the center of the simmering coals and waited. After a few minutes he pulled it out and saw that it was red. He put it back in and unbuckled his belt. He folded it over and said, “Bite down on this.” He placed the belt between Al’s teeth and removed the fiery hot poker.

  Al’s eyes watched the poker as it glided towards the wound on his abdomen.

  Joseph didn’t waste time; he set it directly on top of the wound and pressed down.

  Al groaned as he bit down on the belt, his eyes bulging.

  “Almost done,” Joseph said.

  The smell of burning flesh rose, forcing Joseph to turn his head away.

  Satisfied that he’d done enough, he put the poker back in the embers. He rolled Al onto his side and said, “I gotta do the back too.”

  The pain was excruciating, but Al was willing to suffer it if it helped.

  After waiting another few minutes, he removed the searing hot poker and pl
aced it on Al’s skin. An audible sizzle could be heard.

  Al’s body tensed. He whimpered, as the pain was proving to be difficult to handle.

  Feeling that he’d done what was necessary, Joseph pulled the poker off Al’s skin; however, when he pulled it away from Al’s skin, it took some of his flesh with it.

  Al shrieked.

  The scene before Adam was shocking. He’d never seen a wound cauterized.

  Unfamiliar with how to handle wounds, Joseph simply pulled the soiled bandage back up to cover the area. “All done.”

  Al spit out the belt. His breathing was elevated as if he’d just sprinted a hundred yards.

  “That should do it…right?” Joseph said, unsure of what he’d just done, and he hoped it fixed the issue. “You just lie there, okay.” Joseph crawled back to his spot under the window and gave Adam a smile. “That was something, wasn’t it?”

  Adam didn’t reply. He simply stared at Joseph.

  “Are you hungry?” Joseph asked.

  Adam nodded.

  Seeing the basket from the day before, Joseph pushed it towards Adam. Then he noticed Adam was still bound. “Ah, that’s a problem.” He got up and untied his arms. “Now eat.”

  Adam shifted through the basket and took out a piece of jerky. His stomach ached, but his appetite wasn’t really there. The smell of the dried meat made him feel nauseous. Unable to eat, he put it back, lowered his head, and began to cry.

  “What the hell you crying for?” Joseph asked.

  “I want my ma,” Adam moaned.

  “Well, boy, that ain’t gonna happen. Get over it,” Joseph snapped.

  “When will you let me go?” Adam asked.

  Joseph leaned forward and said, “Not sure, hell, I might even take you with us.”

  Adam lifted his head and cried out, “No, please don’t.”

  “Stop your crying and eat or I’ll give you a real reason to cry,” Joseph threatened.

  Pressing his eyes closed, Adam prayed that Clive would come back soon and with help.

  TWO MILES SOUTH OF GREAT FALLS, MONTANA

  The stairwell railing creaked each time Billy put his weight on it. When he reached the ground level, he looked around and wondered where everyone was. “Hello?”

  “Out front,” Anne called.

  Billy sauntered to the front door slowly and peeked outside to find Anne sitting in her rocker, smoking a pipe. “Good day, ma’am.”