The others shouted and the tension built.
Jim let the mayor through the door and then shut and locked it.
Jim checked the mayor for hidden weapons, and then stared down at the little man with the big mustache and bold words.
"You can see them now."
"Good." The mayor touted as he strolled to the jail door.
Jim opened it and let the mayor walk through.
The mayor seemed surprised almost shocked that the two men were there in the jail, just as Jim had said.
"So you arrested them both. Are they both in on this together?" The mayor asked as though he'd figured it all out for himself.
"They aren't in on anything. They are innocent." Jim said staunchly. "I know they are innocent. They are here because of you and that crowd out there. The crowd of up-standing citizens that insist they need to hang them without a shred of evidence."
"Then why did you arrest them if you don't think they are guilty?" The mayor eyed them both, and then looked at Jim.
"So you and your friends out there wouldn't try to hang them. They are under my protection, they are my prisoners."
"Are you telling me you don't believe they did it?"
"I am."
"Anyone with half a brain would know that the doc or Fred could have easily done it. They both know how to saw into bones. They both know how to drain blood. Who else could have done such a thing?"
Jim firmed his lips. "I have a suspect, but I have to find the proof. I need time to do that, mayor. I expect you to give me that time."
The mayor rocked on his heels. "It's a waste of time. They did it."
"Where is your proof mayor?"
"We don't need any proof to know they are the only ones capable of doing such a thing. Besides, you would never have arrested them unless you suspicions them yourself."
"Mayor, I want a week to finish my investigation. I want you to promise me you won't rally any more hanging parties for at least a week."
"And if you don't find what you are looking for in that time, what then?"
"Then I will hold them over for trial. The circuit judge will be through here in a month." Jim promised. "But they will have a trail and they will be set free, as there is no evidence to prove they did anything."
They stared each other down. The tension in the room was a like a tender about to be ignited.
Rusty and Fred held their breath while the two faced off on each other.
"One week. Then I expect your report and I also expect you to see them to trial." The mayor began to relent.
Jim nodded. "As soon as the circuit judge comes through."
As the mayor shot Rusty and Fred a knowing sneer, he started to leave but Jim's words stopped him.
"Hanging without benefit of trial is a federal offense. All prisoners have a right to trial. Remember that. I won't tolerate your bully tactics again. I'll prosecute every one of you if you try storming this jail again. Understand that. If I have to I will kill you before you come into this jailhouse again. And I won't blink an eye to do it. For seven years I have been Sheriff here. I've kept the peace. I've done my job. I intend to do this job. Mark my words mayor. You come at me again with torches and guns and you'll be met with the same, is that understood. I won't put up with a lynch mob in my town. Justice will be done, on both sides of the fence. Is that clear."
"Are you threatening me?" The mayor frowned, his brows going together, as he stared at Jim. Obviously the man was used to being relented to. Jim stood his ground.
"No, I'm promising you." Jim said without batting an eye.
Smitty stood watching the gunless showdown between the two men. It grew very quiet in the room, the sound of silence echoed for long embittering moments. The two men glared each other down.
The mayor swallowed hard. Sweat began to pepper his forehead. His grimace grew to a twitch. The power of his position seemed suddenly useless here.
As though his decision to stand down cost him his next election, he shrugged with exasperation.
"Good day Sheriff."
Jim nodded, his expression still tight and menacing.
"I'll have your badge if you don't settle this soon." The mayor seemed to have to have the last word.
"No sir. You'll get my badge when I'm through, if you still want it. But until then, stay out of my business, Mayor."
The mayor walked out the front door, his shoulders thrown back, a sneer on his face, and he closed the door behind him.
As the crowd gathered around him, the mayor uttered something and they all began to scatter. The mayor looked back at Jim through the window, his glaring glance had no effect.
The night grew quiet again. But the tension in the air never let up. A gauntlet had been thrown down. Now it was up to Jim to fulfill his promise to find the real killer. His job was on the line, that was for certain.
Smitty closed the door to the cells and joined Jim. "He sure throws his weight around, doesn't he?"
"He has a mighty voice, but a little body." Jim commented, his anger still festering as he tried to relax and let go of the tension.
"You did good, Jim. He knows he was in the wrong. He knows they can't lynch those boys without some proof. He's bluffing you, if you let him."
"Don't worry Smitty. If there is one thing I know it's the law. Right from wrong. And most the citizens of this town know it too, they just need a reminder. But that little pip-squeak mayor needs to learn that he doesn't control the law in this town."
"He already knows or he wouldn't have left here empty handed." Smitty remarked.
Jim sighed, leaned back in his chair and pushed his hat back from his forehead.
"Smitty, we got to work fast. I want you to go out to Saul Evans place in the morning. I want you to talk to him about outlying places out there that a man could butcher in private. Check them out. See what you find. Let me know as soon as you find anything. If Elmer is guilty, he's using some shack, old slaughterhouse, or a rancher's leant-to to work his deed. You find that, and we're on our way to catching him. Even if Elmer didn't do it, it could still be the killing place."
"Alright, I will do it. Are you staying here?"
"No, I'm riding back to Cross Timbers to question some of the townspeople about Elmer and Sadie. If I feel I've gotten on the wrong track, I'll join you and then we'll head back here. But I don't think I’m wrong. Elmer has more than one thing against him. He's slow witted, he's a butcher, and he's neat as a pin. But motive isn't there yet. I've got to learn more about him and his sister."
"You think those people are gonna tell you anything. She feeds the community. Why would they turn on her?"
Jim nodded. "I expect their loyalty. But I'm not going to be attacking her or her business. It isn't Sadie I'm after. It's Elmer. I think Sadie is as much victim as anyone in this. And once I find out what Elmer might gain from it all, I have my motive."
"How you gonna tie him directly to the murders though?"
"I'm not sure. But I do think I'm on the right track."
Smitty nodded as he hung up his hat. "Well, the sooner you get the evidence, the sooner everything will go back to normal around here."
"Yeah, and I can't wait for that…" Jim smiled, closing his eyes and blotting out everything but the warm kisses he shared with Ruby.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Hideouts
Smitty enjoyed getting out of the office for a while. He liked riding in the early morning cool breeze. The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping and nothing seemed out of place. If he let himself he could almost forget why he was going to see Saul.
His job didn't permit much time for socializing, but every chance he got, he would offer to ride out for Jim.
He knew Saul Evans pretty well and loved Mrs. Evans cooking so much it was pure pleasurable to make this trip. He refused to consider the real reason he was riding out here this morning. He didn't want to think about the murders any longer, or who did them. He wanted the peace that surrounded him to n
ever end.
As he neared the ranch he slowed his horse, June Bug and sauntered into the yard quietly. Mr. Evans was splitting wood, and he could hear the sound of the axe hitting the wood like a loon calling sadly, it echoed.
"June Bug, you rest easy boy, I'll be back directly." Smitty said, his smile encompassing the nice lay of the land before him. Saul had a nice spread with a beautiful view of the valley from the house.
He went around to the side of the house where Saul was working. He'd been here many times and Saul was either splitting wood for the missus or out on the property with his cattle and men.
"Saul, how are you doin'?" Smitty asked as Saul stopped in midair with the axe.
"Why Smitty, you ole dog. How are you?" Saul smiled and grabbed Smitty's arm to shake his hand.
"I forgot what a ride it is out here. But it's a beautiful morning isn't it?"
"Yep, it is. Gotta enjoy it while it lasts, we don't get much fall weather. What brings you all the way out here, Smitty?" Saul never wasted time when his curiosity got the best of him.
Smitty pushed the dirt with the edge of his boot and glanced up at him, eyeing him evenly now.
"Jim sent me out. I've got a few questions he wants answered if you can…." Smitty began.
"Sure, sure, let's go inside and have some coffee and we can talk there." Saul insisted grabbing a load of firewood to stack on the porch.
Smitty never turned down coffee, and was pleased to sit at the table as Mrs. Evans brought two steaming hot cups to them.
"Good to see you Smitty, it's been a while." She smiled at him.
"Yes ma'am. Too long."
"Okay Smitty, rear back and tell me what's on your mind. How can I help you and Jim?" Saul asked knowing Smitty had more than the beautiful weather on his mind.
Smitty knew Saul well enough that he didn't have to stammer about why he was there. "Jim figures he might have stumbled on the fella that has been doin' all the killin'. But he's got to have proof and fast. You see the town is in an uproar. They are bent on lynching the doc and Fred Myers for the deed. Jim don’t' think they did it. But he's got to have proof. So that's why I'm here."
"How can I help?" Saul's face turned serious.
"It's possible the killer has been usin' some out buildings around these parts as his killin' place. Especially if the killer ain't from around here. So I'm to check all the old buildings around here where he might be workin' from. The killer don't kill at the ranches. He kills somewhere else and brings the bodies back to hang on the crosses in the cornfields. It would have to be a place that he could ride to in a short time and ride back."
Saul scratched his chin, as though thinking. "Well now, hadn't never thought of that. I guess it's possible. Now let's see. There are a couple three places of old abandoned lean-tos and out buildings that could be used for such a thing. Nobody would expect to find anything in them. There's the old Catchem place, nobody has lived there in a long spell. Catchem couldn't make a go of ranchin' way back when the Indians were still givin' us trouble. So he lit out for the east. They got an old broken down barn, and a lean-to out back of that."
Mrs. Evans came to sit at the table with them. "Oh yes and then there's that old place that stands alone, it's like a lean-to now. It's just passed the Turner property. If a body worked outside, it might be just right for such a thing…"
Smitty smiled and nodded. "I aim to check all these places out, just as fast as I can. How many you reckon there are?"
"Not over a half a dozen, all within ridin' distance." Saul nodded.
"Can you draw me a map so as I can find these places?" Smitty asked.
"I can do better than that. I'll take you to them."
"Oh…well, I hadn't thought of that. Ain't you got work to do?"
"Nothing as important as catching the one that did this to old Cal. It really upset me and the Missus that he was kilt. I mean, there just weren't no finer man than Cal. And I feel I owe it to him, since I didn't check on him regular enough. I'd be happy to help find his killer, Smitty. And don't fret I got plenty of hands to do the chores about here while I’m showin' you." Saul announced.
"Alright, I'd appreciate it. I really wasn't looking forward to goin' by myself anyway. Don't know what I might find…" Smitty admitted.
"Then it's settled. Ma, get me my rifle and some shells and pack us up some vitals. We're gonna need 'em." Saul announced.
Mrs. Evans did as he said in a few minutes they were ready to travel. She'd packed her husband's favorite meal, fried potato patties to eat on with plenty of beef jerky and enough to make some coffee if need be.
Smitty followed Saul and it wasn't an hour before they reached the first place.
"No one's lived here for ages. It's a good place to start. Maybe we can tell if anyone's been around." Saul said as he looked at Smitty.
Smitty nodded, and stopped for a minute. "I'm glad you are with me, Saul. I gotta tell you this case gives me the willies…."
"That's okay Smitty. I think until we get it solved it's gonna play on everyone's mind." Saul admitted.
They explored the place from top to bottom.
"Looks like some stragglers have been here." Smitty announced seeing that food was out on the broken table and was molded."
"Yeah, that can't be that old. It would be eat up by the rats and birds by now…"
"Sure enough."
"So someone has at least stopped by, but there are no signs of the place being used as anything but shelter…" Smitty concluded.
"I reckon we should press on." Saul said after a short while.
Smitty nodded.
They traveled to an old abandoned building that looked to have been some kind of business at one time. Again they found very little. But there were signs of people passing through. There were horse tracks and empty cans laying around the yard.
Still, this wasn't the place, Smitty knew it. Like Jim he had a feel for things not being right, and so far, nothing was that far off the track. He knew when he stumbled onto something that he'd pick up on it, so they pressed on.
"Let's push on while we got some daylight."
Saul nodded.
The third place was nothing more than a lean-to. It was out in the open and probably was a small shelter for horses or cattle at one time.
But the place lint an eerie look about it. Smitty felt it the minute they stopped. The smell was strange too, and Smitty couldn't identify what it was. But it was unpleasant. The birds weren't hollering in the trees. Nothing moved much.
They walked around to where the lean-to opened and stopped.
There on the inside was two pulley's and hooks hanging from the roof. They were in working condition Smitty noted.
"Well now, looks as though someone has been busy around here. This stuff ain't rusted, but well oiled. Someone has been here. Who owns this property?"
"McCarthy owns it, but he ain't used it in several years. There was a land ownership dispute between him and Turner about who owned this particular land, so they both gave it up and it isn't used any more. It ain't even fenced. After years of bickering the two finally decided to just abandon this land as a permanent line to both their properties.
Smitty thought on that a moment.
"Did they settle peacefully."
"After a time they did. It's the only piece of land that no one claims in this area."
"So a stranger could move in, do his business without fear of being caught trespassing."
"Yep, 'cause they decided it don't belong to neither of them." Saul finished.
"Lookie here, this counter shines. Now why would a counter shine that ain't been used." Smitty glanced at Saul.
"You're right Smitty. This has got to be what you are lookin' for." Saul announced, a smile spreading over his face. "I'm glad we stopped."
"Me too. Let's see what else we can find…"
They prowled around, and found an old white porcelain tub with red stains.
"They drained the blood into here�
�"Smitty shook his head. "Oh God, we've found the right place, Saul."
"I think you're right." Saul nodded, neither of the men wanted to explore much further. Saul looked a little green around the mouth, and Smitty had to admit, he didn't feel as though he could keep the fine meal down he had for lunch.
"I can't believe it was that easy. If Jim hadn't thought it out, we'd have never known." Smitty shook his head.
"You gonna head back so you can tell him?"
"Yeah. I'll let him come out here and see for himself." Smitty nodded.
"You want to ride back to the ranch and spend the night then head out early morning?" Saul offered.
"Sounds good to me. I should get back, but Jim might not be there. He was headed for Cross Timbers when I left."
"Cross Timbers, what for?"
"That butcher you told him about."
"Elmer?" Saul scrunched up his nose. "But Elmer is harmless…"
"Maybe he is and maybe he isn't."
"Well I'd have never guessed it."
"That's why I'm out here now. He thinks if Elmer did it, then he would need a place he could kill and bleed the body. Someplace closer to the ranches around here. This is the ideal place, it's about half way between all the ranches around."
"That's a fact. But Elmer…?"
"He ain't sure. That's why he's off to Cross Timbers to find out more about him."
Saul thought about it a while. They rode in silence.
As they sat down to supper Saul was still wrestling with the idea that Elmer could have done it. "He seemed like such a good man. He spends his whole life helping his sister. And what they are doin' for that community there, well it's just unheard of."
"Yeah, we thought so too. He don't suspect Sadie."
"No, she wouldn't be in on something like this, and I honestly can't see Elmer…"
"When you think on it, can you imagine anyone you know doing the killing, and like it was done?"
"No, I can't."
Smitty nodded.
"You found a place, Smitty?" Mrs. Evans asked.
Good Day for a Hanging (Book Two of the Western Serial Killers series) Page 15