Zooey Pinkerton- a Daughter's Right

by Heather McAlendin

  “I know your father had some problems but I had no clue the gambling was that bad. I'm sorry...he was a decent man.”

  “I was going to confront him about it at dinner, but I never got the chance. It all happened so fast!”

  Zooey's eyes were red and swollen from crying. Joshua was at a total loss at how to comfort the young woman. “At least you’re alright. It may be a lot to ask right now, but do you know how many men Brennan had with him?”

  After wiping her face with her sleeve, Zooey nodded. “There was another man in the house with a gun. I'm pretty sure I heard more outside when I was leaving but I don't really know how many. I should have shot that bastard when I had the chance!”

  “If you had, I think more people would have gotten killed, including you.”

  “Can you do anything Josh? Can we find this guy? Do you know who he works for?”

  “Whoa now!” Joshua said. He walked over to a cabinet and pulled out a stack of papers. “We can't go rushing out there not know how many men Brennan has and what they've done so far. I'll send a scout in the morning to get a better idea. And there is no “we.” I'm glad you came directly to me, Zooey, but you have to leave this up to the law now.”

  Zooey was incensed that Joshua would even think of not including her in this. “Leave it up to you and the law? This man murdered my father. Regardless of what Pops may or may not have done, he didn't deserve to die. I'm his only family Josh. It's my job to see that this scum gets brought down!”

  Joshua placed a stack of papers in front of Zooey and pointed at them. “Take a look at this. Tom Brennan is a wanted man in many states. His crimes run from extortion to murder and kidnapping. He has a price on his head and I promise I'll serve it to him!”

  After a quick glance, Zooey felt ill. “How is it possible that a man like this has escaped the law for so long? Why hasn't anyone found him?”

  Joshua shrugged. “I think he has an insider on the payroll. Every time we get close, he disappears. So far, nobody really knows who the big boss is either. There are rumours, but no one will step forward. Everyone is afraid of these guys. They are dangerous people, Zooey, and your father had no business getting involved with them.”

  “Doesn't bring Pops back to life now does it?” Zooey answered, bitterly disappointed in the Sheriffs attitude. “Pops is dead. I'm his daughter. I can go after the bounty can't I?”

  Joshua's black eyes opened wide in surprise and then narrowed. “Now don't get any ideas. The most seasoned bounty hunter hasn’t gotten to this guy; you certainly won’t!” Although he chastised Zooey verbally, inwardly he was impressed with the young woman's bravado. She seemed to have more gumption than half the men he knew. She looked fragile and petite in her oversized coat, but fire shone in her eyes - one that Joshua had not seen in any woman for a very long time.

  “I can shoot with the best, bring down a calf, and break a wild horse. Don't presume to think you know what I can and can't do, Joshua Duncan!” Zooey stood up and brought out the spare pistol she had tucked into the waistband of her jeans.

  “Zooey! Put that down and calm yourself! I don't doubt how tough you can be. I've seen how your father trained you on that ranch. Tom Brennan is more than just an ordinary man or even an ordinary criminal. He's a hit man and kills for a living. For tonight, let's get you a room at Charlie's and we can talk about what to do in the morning. Let me get some men out to the ranch and go from there. Does that sound alright?”

  Zooey tucked the gun into the pocket of her coat and nodded. She knew the likelihood of catching up with Brennan tonight was slim. If anything he'd probably left the ranch by now. “Okay, Josh. But I want to go out there with you tomorrow. I need to talk to some of the men out there and make sure Marta is alright.”

  “Fine,” Joshua sighed. “If it's safe, we will head out there together. Now come on and I'll walk you over to Charlie's. It's late. I won't be getting any sleep, but you need to. Your father would want you to take care of yourself.”

  Josh pulled on his long, dark riding coat, and opened the door for Zooey. The night air was fresh and cool after the rain. He sighed. In a few hours it would be daybreak and he had a lot of work to do. The walk to Charlie's Saloon was short and despite the late hours, the lights inside were blazing.

  “Well hello there, Sheriff Duncan. Long time no see. Have you missed me?”

  Zooey turned to see a curvy, voluptuous blond woman in a short red dress, smiling from her seat atop the piano. Her cheeks were heavily rouged and her eyes ringed with kohl pencil. She looked like a cat ready to pounce on its prey.

  “Evening, Miss Sweet. Sorry but I'm not here to see you. Where's the old man?”

  “Charlie? He's in here somewhere. I'm disappointed, Josh. I thought one day you might come around and say hello. Who's the little girl?”

  Sarah Sweet had worked at Charlie's saloon for the last year. Originally from a small town across state, she had hoped that by singing and dancing she would entice a rich man. So far, she'd only run into drunken ranch hands and louts; no one with any prospects. Charlie was happy to give her a room as long as she brought in the patrons…who were more than happy to watch as she swung her dress back and forth, giving them a peek of her legs as she warbled show tunes.

  “My name is Zooey Pinkerton and I'm far from a little girl.”

  “No reason to get sassy, sister! You must be Andrew's little girl. He spends a lot of money in this place you know!”

  “Well he won't any more. He's dead.” For some reason, Zooey got immense satisfaction from the shock in the older woman's eyes as it sunk it that one of her biggest tippers was never coming back.

  “How'd it happen?” Sarah smirked.

  “Sarah, back off now. Go find Charlie.”

  “Yes sir!” Sarah mock saluted to the pair as she hurried off.

  “Sorry about that.”

  “Not your fault, Josh. Some people have no class. I know Pops wasn't perfect, but...” Zooey suddenly collapsed in the sheriff’s arms, sobbing. A wave of anger, fear, and grief came flooding out. Joshua stood there, uncomfortably holding her against his chest, telling her it would be okay.

  Zooey's body heaved with emotion. She felt alone, more alone than ever. It wasn’t until she heard the sound of someone clearing their throat that she came back to reality.

  “Sorry there, Sherrif and I'm sorry, Zooey. I heard about your father. Damn shame.” Charlie Marks, the owner of Charlie's Saloon, stood with hat in hand and a grim expression on his weathered face. His salt and pepper hair was flattened against his skull and his pale eyes were watery from years of hard living and drinking. His one proud accomplishment was owning and operating the bar and boarding house.

  “Evening Charlie. Well, almost morning now, I guess. I need a room for Zooey if you have one. She needs somewhere to stay until we get all this sorted out.”

  “She can't say here!” Sarah chimed in as she walked up behind the old man.

  Frosty eyes stared her into silence as Charlie placed the hat back on his head. “That is not up to you! You work here and I’m still the boss if I remember correctly! Show is over, Sarah...”

  “But....”

  “No buts! If you want to keep your job, you’ll do as you’re told! Now get going!”

  Sarah stamped her high-heeled foot before walking away.

  “Damn, meddling woman,” Charlie moaned. “Good thing she keeps patrons happy. Otherwise, I'd have kicked her out long ago.” He turned to face Zooey and smiled. “You can stay here as long as you need too. I got to know Andrew pretty well over the last twenty years. He was good for business.”

  Zooey cringed. She knew her father loved his ranch…but he had obviously loved booze and gambling just as much. It was hard for her to accept that his vices had led to his untimely death.

  “Thank you, Charlie. That’s very kind of you. I promise I won't be here long. As soon as I catch Tom Brennan, I'll be back and running the ranch for Pops.”

  “Brennan?” Ch
arlie raised an eyebrow and looked at Joshua. “Don't get messed up with him. He's not someone to be trifled with.”

  Zooey placed on hand on her hip and shook her head. “Neither am I. I've lost both my parents and he thinks he's taking the ranch now, too. I won't allow it.”

  Joshua placed a hand on Zooey's shoulder. “What you need to do right now is get some sleep. I'll let Charlie get you settled. I'll be back in a couple of hours and let you know what I find out.”

  “Listen to the Sheriff now, Zooey. Come on and I'll give you the best room I've got. No renters right now except Sarah, so you’ll have lots of peace and quiet.”

  “I guess,” Zooey yawned. “Thanks, Josh. Promise you'll come back later?”

  “You have my word as a lawman and your friend.”

  Zooey nodded and turned to follow Charlie to the room she’d call home. For now, at least.

  Four

  Sarah ducked inside her room and closed the door quietly. A large lump snored under the thin blankets on her bed. She quickly removed the blankets and poked the lump straight in the back.

  “What the hell?”

  “Shut up, you!” Sarah growled. “Charlie is heading up here with Pinkerton’s daughter. If they find out you’re here, our plans are done!”

  A large hand reached out from the darkness to grab Sarah around the neck. She was drawn into the big man's chest. “It's your squawking that will get me found out. I could snap your neck like a twig. Don't you ever forget that!”

  “Tommy, don't be like that,” Sarah squeaked, breathless from the hold he had on her. “Please baby!” Finally she felt the large hand loosen its grip on her tender flesh. Sarah took a deep breath and pasted on her infamous fake smile. “That's better, Tommy. Don't be mad. It's not my fault she's here. Thank that do-gooder lawman Duncan.”

  Tom Brennan sat up and grunted his disapproval. “I should have killed her when I had a chance. She's smart, I'll grant her that, but she's still a woman. I'll get her in the end. Besides, I have more important things to do right now. The Boss is coming to town to inspect his new property.”

  “Do I finally get a chance to meet him, Tommy? You promised I'd meet him one day.”

  A steely sideways glance made Sarah go quiet. Tom's wide shoulders shook with laughter. “It won't be today, honey. Besides you aren't my wife, so don't get any big ideas. As long as you do what you’re told, you'll get what you deserve.”

  Sarah's heart dropped. She had foolishly hoped that Tom would realize he couldn't live without her. She loved him “I deserve a lot, Tommy. I always do what you say.” She pouted and hung her head.

  Tom drew her in close, placing a loud, wet kiss on her lips. He ran a hand over her breast and pinched the flesh until her eyes watered. “Yes you do, because you know where your bread is buttered.”

  Without another word, Tom got dressed, pulled on his boots, and slid out the open window. “I'll be back soon. We'll have a good time later when I get back. I have some business to take care of.”

  Sarah watched as he jumped to the alley below. Her whole body stung from the rejection. She wiped away a tear and stripped the clothes from her body. She went through the motions of washing her face in the basin on her dresser and brushing her long blonde hair. She stopped and stared in the mirror on the wall and grimaced at the reflection. Sarah knew she was getting older. She looked tired. She supposed she should feel lucky to have attention from a man like Tom Brennan when he could have girls younger or prettier. “Maybe one day he'll realize how lucky he is,” she sighed. “I just have to get his respect.”

  As she said the words, a small spark of an idea began to form. It was an idea she hoped would finally get her into Tom' heart and not just his bed.

  Five

  Zooey looked around the room. It was large with icy white lace curtains and a bare wooden floor - save for a violet threadbare square of carpet lying next to the single bed. The bed had clean linen and a heavy, handmade quilt, folded up in the centre of the mattress. To finish off the décor, there was an old dresser with a cracked mirror in the corner.

  “There's a wash up table, some towels, and a basin in that closet if you like. Used to be my wife's room before she passed on. Hope it's alright for you, Zooey.”

  “It's fine, Charlie. Thank you again for this. I appreciate it.”

  Charlie tipped his hat and smiled. “My pleasure. I'll leave a pot of coffee and a bowl of grits outside the door. You try and get some sleep.” When Charlie finally left the room, she sighed heavily. Daybreak was only an hour away and the room was cast with dark grey shadows. Not bothering to light a lamp, Zooey kicked off her boots, hung up her coat, and made the bed. She stripped down to her undergarments and crawled in between the cool cotton sheets. All around her was silence. It made her feel more alone than ever. Her father was gone – and there was no escaping it now. Tears burned hot in the corner of her eyes. “I will repay you for what you've done, Tom Brennan,” she whispered. Eventually, exhaustion won out and she fell into a restless sleep.

  * * *

  It was well after high noon when Zooey woke up, stretched, and looked around the bedroom. Disoriented from sleep, she felt panic rise in her chest until she remember where she was and why she was there. “It's not a dream after all, “she sighed.

  The late afternoon sun cast an orange glow on the walls of the room. Reluctantly, Zooey pulled herself out of bed and gathered up her day old clothes. She washed and dressed quickly, wondering what Josh had discovered at the ranch.

  “I'd love to hog tie them all to a fence and leave them for the coyotes,” she whispered with venom in her voice. Despite everything, Zooey was ravenous. She hesitantly opened the bedroom door to see if Charlie had left anything. To her delight, a tray was sitting just outside the door with fresh coffee, bread, butter and a bowl of stew.

  “Thank goodness something is right today.” Zooey muttered as she took the lid off the stew bowl and spooned up a mouthful. The tiny morsels of meat, potatoes and thin gravy were not overly hearty but filled her empty stomach.

  A soft knock on the door came soon after.

  “You awake, Zooey?”

  “Come in, Josh.”

  Zooey pasted on a small smile as the Sheriff walked in, stone faced. Zooey could feel her stomach drop.

  “What's the news, Josh?”

  Joshua sighed. He closed the door and sat down next to her on the bed. “We found your father's body, Zooey. So you can properly bury him.” He paused. Zooey remained quiet even as a tear trickled down her cheek.

  “Pops deserves that,” she nodded. “Where did you find him?”

  “It doesn’t matter, Zooey, just be thankful we did so you can say goodbye.”

  Zooey put down her coffee cup and stood up. She walked toward the window and looked out, not wanting Josh to see the turmoil on her face. I have to be brave, she thought. I can't let the anger consume me.

  “I need to know what that bastard did to him. That way, when I find him, I can pay him back properly!”

  Joshua walked up behind Zooey and gingerly placed a hand on her shoulder. He could see her jaw clench, so he stepped back. He knew she wasn't looking for sympathy, just revenge.

  “It looks like they dragged his body around behind one of the horse for a bit. I'm sorry Zooey but you deserve to know”

  It was heartbreaking for the Sheriff to stand back and watch Zooey's shoulders heave with anger and grief. She cried, staring out the window at the afternoon sun. He jumped when suddenly she slammed a clenched fist against the wall. “Damn the indignity!”

  “Zooey, we will get this bastard and his men. Don't you worry about that.”

  Very slowly, Zooey turned around and revealed a look of cold fury. Joshua backed up and shook his head. “I know this is frustrating for you, Zooey...”

  “Frustrating? You think this is frustrating? My home is gone, my father is gone, and no one seems to know where this murderous outlaw is. This is more than frustrating. I will find this man and
make him beg for his life.”

  “If it helps any, from what we can see, the ranch is fine. No fires or looting from what my men have reported.”

  “Well, that's something,” she answered bitterly. “Has anyone seen Marta? Is she there? Is she alive?”

  “I don't know. There was no report about her. I didn't see her.”

  “And the horses?”

  “They seem to be alright for now. None have been moved or killed.”

  Zooey shuddered at the thought of her father's precious Palominos being hurt. “If Tom Brennan and his boss are smart, they'll realize they have gold in those horses. They damn well wouldn’t hurt them.”

  Joshua looked at Zooey's face. Even with those girlish pink cheeks and freckles, she looked aged and tired. She is much too young for so much heartache, Josh thought.

  As if reading his thoughts, Zooey looked up at him and smiled. “I'll be alright, Josh. As soon as I can drag that sorry outlaws’ carcass in front of the law, I'll feel even better.”

  “You’re not still considering that bounty are you?”

  Zooey clenched her teeth and nodded. “It's my right as Pop's only daughter. He has no son to get justice for him, so it's up to me. I'll do it, Josh. Just promise me when the time comes you won't stand in my way.”

  “Zooey, I...” Joshua knew from the look on her face that it wasn’t the time to convince her otherwise.

  “Sheriff! Sheriff Duncan? Hello?”

  Charlie Mark's voice was frantic. Joshua opened the door to see the man scurrying up the hall. “What's wrong, Charlie?”

  Charlie spied Zooey trying to peek around Joshua's broad shoulder. “Can we talk in private?”

  “Sure, alright.” Joshua turned to place a hand on Zooey's shoulder. “Don't go anywhere until I come back.”

  “What's wrong, Charlie? If this has to do with Pops or the ranch I should know about it!”