Chapter Thirty-Five
Jim's Wedding
The next day Jim wasted no time in getting a license and informing Smitty and Rusty about the wedding, it was to be on Christmas day. They had both agreed that it was so romantic and there was no reason to wait any longer.
Rusty looked at him and smiled. "I had no idea things had progressed that far, you should have told me."
"Most everyone in town knew, doc. It wasn't a secret that she was my girl."
Rusty chuckled. "Well, I'm extremely happy for you. You say you will be married on Christmas Day, that's tomorrow."
"Yes, I know. I want you and Vivien and Smitty to be there. Just a real simple ceremony at the church." Jim insisted.
"Alright, I'll be there." Rusty promised.
"Oh, how was the dumplings?"
Rusty's brows drew together, "Fine Jim, just fine."
"Did you want to tell me something?" Jim asked seeing his perplexed face and wondering what was on his mind.
"No…not now. Later. I mean a man doesn't get married every day Jim. This is very big…."
Jim chuckled. "I guess it is."
"I'm surprised you aren't having a bigger wedding, since you are the town Sheriff." Rusty exclaimed.
Jim bowed his head for a minute. "Rusty, I know what Ruby is. I love her anyway. But the town doesn't necessarily agree with me on that. So a small quiet ceremony is all we need. Less trouble, and more fun."
Rusty grabbed his shoulder and hand, "We will be there Jim, with bells on."
"We're having it at the little Baptist church down the road. I was baptized there and Ruby and I go there every Sunday. The preacher knows us and I think he'll be very pleased."
Rusty smiled again. "I guess you know I'm pretty wild about Vivien too. We plan to marry later in the year. And of course you and Ruby and Smitty are invited."
"I kind of thought that was the way the wind blew. That's wonderful Rusty. I'm proud for you. I guess she's staying in Melville then."
"Yes, we are going to work together, after all the town is getting bigger now. Lots of people moving out this way. The town is big enough for the two of us. It is pretty exciting, I have to admit."
Jim shook hands again and he left, feeling younger than he felt in years. Finally Ruby would be his, and his life would have more meaning and purpose now. He needed that. Even if he didn't remain the Sheriff, he needed that.
By nightfall everyone knew that Ruby and he would be married the next day. Christmas day.
The church bells rang and at exactly ten o'clock he watched as Ruby came down the aisle in a beautiful off white dress. He'd never seen her look lovelier.
He had dressed in a dark blue suit, with a white shirt and a tie that matched the suit. He'd bathed and washed his hair and knew he looked better than he'd ever looked. But nothing prepared him for the loveliness of his bride.
His Ruby. They had shared so much through the years together. They knew each other so well. He couldn't be happier.
She looked nervous, but when she saw Jim's shining face, he knew she began to relax. Smitty was the best man and Rusty and Vivien their witnesses.
The ceremony was short but when the preacher said he could kiss his bride, Jim grabbed Ruby and didn't turn loose until she was breathless.
Mary Sue had come along too, and her and Smitty walked out behind Jim and Ruby.
"What a beautiful bride you make, Ruby." Mary Sue grabbed her and hugged her. "I hope you will be happy for the rest of your life."
Ruby gushed with happiness, and Jim was so proud he could almost pop.
But instead of rushing off, Rusty insisted they stop off at the saloon and celebrate with one drink.
Reluctantly Jim agreed. He only had one thing on his mind today, and it wasn't drinking.
Yet as he entered the saloon a big round of cheers went up and half the town congratulated them on getting married.
Someone outside tied cans to the back of the buggy they rented.
Inside several drinks went up around the room.
It was mid-day before they left for the small cottage that Jim had bought for Ruby. She was shocked when she realized he had bought and paid for it.
"I wanted to start us off right, honey. The ring, well, it isn't much, but it is gold. But the house…I thought you deserved it. Have I told you how much I love you?"
"No…not enough…" she laughed.
"I'm really better in action, than in talking…" he laughed and carried her to the bedroom, his boot kicking the door closed
Chapter Thirty-Six
Tying it Up
It was a week later before Jim went back to the office. He was going through his paperwork when Rusty rushed in.
"Good, you're here." He said almost breathlessly.
Jim wasn't used to seeing him so early, so he offered him some coffee and reared back in his chair.
"So…what brings you here so early?"
Rusty fingered the cup for a minute, then stammered a bit before spitting it out.
"Look," he began and Smitty came in.
Rusty continued. "I didn't want to disturb your time with you new bride. But I've waited as long as I could to tell you."
"Tell me what?" Jim asked still looking through some wanted posters.
"About the dumplings."
Jim glanced up and smiled. "You already told me they were good."
"No…Jim…Smitty…I found something in the dumplings." Rusty proclaimed.
Jim twisted his head, "Something in them? What?"
"A bone…a finger bone, a human finger bone." Rusty finally spit it out.
Jim raised up and stared at Rusty. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. Vivien and I spent some time making sure, Jim. It was from a human."
Jim jumped up, Smitty came closer. "You don't mean it?"
"'Fraid so…" Rusty said.
"How long have you known about it?"
"Since that first day…"
Jim frowned, "I don't understand, why did you wait so long to tell me?"
"Jim," Rusty seemed frustrated, as he ran a hand on the back of his neck. "You just got married, on your honeymoon, I couldn't spoil that for you…"
Jim nodded, "Oh…yeah…I guess you are right. But Rusty, can you prove it?"
"Well, yes, there is an identical picture of it in my medical books. And I studied it under a microscope."
Jim glanced at Smitty. "We got some proof at last…man, this is the best news…"
Smitty stood almost paralyzed. "A human finger."
"Well actually, it was a thumb."
"In the dumplings?" Smitty asked his eyes getting bigger.
"That's right."
Smitty grabbed his mouth and went out back for a second. When he returned he was green around the mouth.
"Get our horses, Smitty, we're headed to Cross Timbers. Rusty, will you stop by and tell my wife so she won't worry?"
"Of course…"
"Thanks….thank you so much Rusty. You've solved this for us. Now I can do my job." Jim announced.
Rusty nodded. "Be careful Jim…"
"Don't you worry. We will be." Jim promised.
In less than an hour they were mounted and headed toward Cross Timbers, one last time, they hoped.
Even though the weather was a mess they both seemed resigned to putting an end to this case for good.
The trip was long and cold and miserable but neither of them seemed to mind this time. Their objectives kept them pushing onward.
As they neared the small community, they glanced at each other.
"It's got to be done Smitty." Jim saw the sad look on Smitty's face.
"I know…"
The rode in quietly. The town was unusually quiet and there were no horses at the Haven.
They hobbled them and went inside.
Sadie was sitting in the middle of the dining room, sipping hot coffee when they marched in with a purpose.
"Miss Sadie…"
"Oh boys, I
guess you ain't heard."
The way she said that, with such a sadness about her both men squatted beside her. "Heard what?"
"I ain't cookin' no more. I closed the Haven." Sadie announced sadly.
"You don’t' mean it?" Smitty heard himself say.
"Yep, it's closed boys. I'm sorry…" She began and wiped her eyes once more.
"What happened?" Jim asked concern lacing his voice too.
"Elmer…" She said dully.
"What about him?" Smitty asked his eyes rounding on her.
"He's gone and left me…" She said and cried once more. This time she whimpered against Smitty's shoulder.
"Where'd he go?" Jim asked.
She raised her head and stared unseeing at him. "I don't know. He didn't say. He left me this letter…." She pulled the tattered paper from her pocket.
Jim read it and stared at her again. "When did he leave?"
"The day after the two of you left. I never heard him go. It was the middle of the night. I miss him so. No one's gonna bring me meat now. I can't cook for the town. I can barely cook for myself. If I hadn't canned so much I'd starve myself." Sadie cried out.
Smitty petted her gently. "Don't cry Miss Sadie…we are so sorry for your loss."
"Do you have any idea where he might have headed?"
She shook her head. "He's never been out much. And he may get lost, or kilt or no telling what. We've never been apart more than a day or two in our lives. I can't believe he left me like this. What does he have to get right with God about?"
Smitty glanced at Jim and shook his head slowly.
Jim firmed his lips, and then he reached over to kiss her cheek.
"Surely he'll be back."
"No…I don't think he will. And it's all my fault. I pushed him too hard. Always wanting him to get the meat. He had such a hard time of it too. He never said it, but every time he came back there was this sadness in him and the rage too. But it's me that run him off. And I'm not sure I can live without him." She cried.
"Don't take on so, Miss Sadie. You have a whole town of friends." Smitty explained.
Sadie shook her head. "They are all lost. Like sheep with no Sheppard. They've depended on me so long, they don't know how to make it on their own. They blame me for this, and I guess it's true."
"Maybe he'll come back someday…." Jim mumbled, not believing it himself.
Had Elmer gotten wind of them on his trail. Had he ran scared? Or had he simply had enough of being the bread winner like Sadie thought?
There were no clear cut answers and Jim knew he'd never catch up to him now. He was more than likely way out of his territory by now.
So this is how it would end…Jim felt many emotions crowding him, and he also felt bad for Sadie, an old woman left alone to fend for herself. What would the people of this town do now? Would it be a ghost town? Would Sadie survive.
"Miss Sadie," Jim began, his heart going out to the old woman. "If you've a mind, you could move into Melville."
The old woman looked at him, and touched his face. "You are a good lookin' man. Just like my Elmer. He was a good lookin' man. Don't you think he was?"
"Yes…of course…"
"He won't be back. And I won't leave here. Everyone may move away, but this is my home. I was born here. I don't know no other place on this earth. I'll die here."
"Why don't you let us help you…for a change?" Smitty offered.
"You are a kind one," she stroked his cheek and smiled. "Such a big heart. But no. I'll stay here, where I belong. And maybe you are right. Maybe he'll come back someday. God love him…" She cried such a sad whimper that both men had a hard time not joining her.
Jim backed off and looked at her. "We'll come visit you Miss Sadie. And when we come we'll bring some meat for you…"
She smiled…"Did the doc like my dumplin's?"
Jim nodded. "He sure did."
After consoling her for a while, they headed home with weary hearts.
"Jim, I guess it just weren't meant to be."
Jim glanced at him a moment. "No answers, no outcome. He's just disappeared."
"You think he knew we were on to him?" Smitty asked.
"I don't know. Maybe. Maybe not. But I know one thing for sure, Smitty."
"What that?"
"That old man will miss his sister as much as she misses him. They were the world to each other. That's so sad Smitty, all they had was each other, and now they don't. For him, I don't care. For her, I feel more than sad."
"Good day for a hanging, I wonder what he meant by that?"
"We may never know."
"You think he really was getting' right with God?"
"Let's hope so Smitty, let's hope so…"
The End
About the Author:
Rita Hestand has been writing for over forty years. She has a multitude of novels, short stories, and poetry for you to enjoy.
She's a mother, grandmother and even a great grandmother. She loves hanging out with her Grandkids.
You'll find all sorts of novels for your reading pleasure. Contemporary and historical romance, Western thrillers, children's books, and poetry.
Rita's Other Books
Better Off Without Her (Book One)
Good Day for a Hanging (Book Two)
Heaven Knows no Bounty (Book Three)
Bad Day for a Killing (Book Four)
The Ghost of Victor Frank (Book Five)
Beyond the Dream Catcher
Just One Kiss
Ask No Tomorrows
Ben's Woman
Last of the Dream Catchers
Always Remember
Jodi's Journey
Love Rules
Contemporary Series:
The Travers Brother's Series
The Amory's
The McKay's
Single novel contemporaries:
Nick's Baby
Pretend Mom
Strictly Business
Suspicions of the Heart
Wandering Heart
Love Rules
Always Remember
Jodi's Journey
Coming Soon
Heart of a Family
Last Bride, Last Man
Catching a Cowboy
Cinderella Nanny
Forever in Love
Ben's Woman
Heaven Knows No Bounty
Delivering the Bride
Daughter of Iniquity
A Rebel's Love
Marrying Maggie
Good Day for a Hanging (Book Two of the Western Serial Killers series) Page 22