by Alison Bruce
Birke coughed. "Gotta keep up your heroic status. Right, Landers?"
She winced. "Right."
"Okay, hero," Jase said with a snort, "I'll help you limp to your cot. Birke, pour yourself a coffee and sit for a minute."
Holding back a curse or two, he helped Marly up and assisted her into their living quarters, kicking the door shut behind him.
"What happened?" he demanded once she was on the bed.
"Someone thought I should make a speech from a chair top. When I jumped back down, I landed badly. I think I'll be fine by tomorrow."
"And Birke?"
"You sent him to look out for me. He did. After dinner at The Oasis, he took me out drinking with the boys. Except that he kept switching glasses on me so that out of every beer bought for me, I drank maybe a quarter and he had the rest. He was pretty slick about it too."
"Do you think he...?"
Marly shrugged. "You sent him to look out for me and he did. I also think he takes a perverse pleasure in sending me up." She caught his eye and held it. "Reminds me a little of you."
"Get undressed. I wanna look at that leg before bed."
Out in the office, Birke had poured two cups of coffee and was flipping through the stack of wanted posters when Jase entered.
"The rancheros will respect him more now," Birke said.
"I trust Landers. And I trust you or I wouldn't have given you the job."
Birke sniggered. "If that was a job, I was well paid. Got a good dinner and Landers is good company."
"Well, I have another job to offer you. How would you like to be marshal of Fortuna? After the hearin', Landers and I have to move on. I'd be happy to recommend you for the position."
"Not me. No way. It's been an interesting experience, but too much responsibility for me."
"Sleep on it."
Later, Jase locked up and went to check on Marly. She was already asleep―in his bed. He kissed her lightly on the forehead, then crawled between the covers of the cot.
Word had spread that Fortuna's interim marshal was presiding over a hearing for McKinley and Tyson after Sunday services. As a result, the church was filled to capacity. A half hour later, it was standing room only in the hotel restaurant, which served as the courtroom.
Waiting for the hearing to begin, spectators were able to order coffee, fresh biscuits and jam. Though the ownership of the place had not yet been officially transferred, changes in the restaurant fare were already evident.
At eleven o'clock, Marly and Birke escorted the prisoners to a reserved table. With his Texas Rangers' star prominent, Jase entered from the kitchen and took his place at the bar.
"Attention everyone!" he called out. "Listen up!"
Silence fell over the room.
"I am now actin' in judiciary capacity of the Texas Rangers. Since both prisoners have pled guilty to the charges against them, this is just a hearin', not a trial. The purpose is to make an official record of their statements before sentencin'. Troy Riley will be takin' notes. If you have a question, get my attention. I don't wanna make this more formal than it needs to be, but remember this is a court of law."
At least, he sure hoped it was.
McKinley testified that Parker and Tyson had involved him in chasing down the marshal and his deputy.
"But I never dealt directly with Mr. Baker and I don't know what orders were given."
Tyson confirmed that McKinley hadn't been told anything more. He made it sound like an insult.
"Neither me or Parker was told that Locke intended to kill the marshal or that Baker intended to kill the deputy," he said. "The idea was to put a scare into 'em. That's all."
His actions, and the others, were sanctioned by Gabriel Baker.
"I only knew of Locke's contract to ambush Strothers after the fact," he insisted. "Though I have no love for either the marshal or his deputy, I swear I'm not the kind to dry-gulch a man."
In the course of the hearing, evidence against Baker and Locke was presented and Jase knew they had Locke dead to rights if they ever got their hands on him. The evidence against Baker was more circumstantial. It hardly mattered anymore. Whether or not he ordered Strothers' death, he had been killed while trying to murder Marly and Jase.
There was nothing to connect McKinley or Tyson with either Strothers' murder or the willful attempt to murder Jase and Marly. On the other hand, neither was exactly innocent either.
"Is everyone satisfied with the proceedings so far?" Jase asked.
There was a murmur of assent.
"All right then. Troy, take a break."
Troy laid down his pen as Jase walked around to the front of the bar and leaned against it. There was a small rise in ambient noise that immediately ceased when he started speaking.
"I've been givin' this a lot of thought. Investigatin' his death, I've discovered that Strothers wasn't exactly a model lawman. He abused his power and behaved in a manner unbefittin' an officer and a gentleman. I am not sayin' that was an excuse for killin' him, but he didn't endear himself to this town and his actions might have invited a little resentment." He glanced at Marly. "That resentment seemed to spill over to Deputy Landers and me."
There were murmurs of agreement. A few people protested that Jase and Landers were welcome in Fortuna.
Jase held up his hand. "What these two gentlemen here did was wrong, not just illegal. That doesn't mean they are bad men. You folks know better than me whether these are good men who made a mistake or bad men that need to learn from their mistake the hard way. So..." He returned to his place behind the bar and nodded to Troy, who picked up his pen and dipped it in ink.
"It is the judgment of this court," Jase said, "that Thomas Tyson and Jed McKinley be sentenced to one year imprisonment for assaultin' officers of the law. This sentence will be suspended if, and only if, a five hundred dollar bond is posted by a member, or members, of the community. That's five hundred dollars each, to be paid to the school fund and worked off by the prisoners."
Egan stood. "I'll post the bond for both men."
Jase turned to Tyson and McKinley. "Remember, you're not off the hook. You're on parole until your bond is repaid. If you leave town, renege on the bond or engage in any illegal activity, you'll be hunted down as criminals."
And hanged, he finished in his mind.
The decision was well received. Tyson was known to be a dangerous man and few cared what happened to him, but Jed McKinley was generally liked, even if he was wet behind the ears.
Troy Riley finished off his notes, gathered them into a neat pile and handed them to Jase. While Marly directed some of the spectators to help put the tables back where they belonged, Jase skimmed over Troy's notes.
"You've done a good job," he remarked. "Seems like you got everything. And in clear print too. I reckon you've got a fair notion about how things are handled. Ever thought of pinning on this badge when we go?"
Troy took a deep breath and let it out slow. "I can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind. You and Landers have given the law a good name around Fortuna. But no thanks, all the same."
He looked over at Winters, who was engaged in an animated discussion with Mr. Pervis and his sister-in-law, the proprietor of Quinton's General Store.
"Mr. Winters has put a lot of time and trouble into training me," he said. "What I know of legal procedure, I know because of him. It may not be as exciting, but I plan to be a banker."
"I know you'll do well, whatever you put your hand to, Troy." Jase held out his hand. "Good luck."
"And to you, Ranger."
Jase looked over at Marly. She was navigating the crowded room with three mugs of steaming coffee in her hands.
"Here," she said, setting a mug on the bar.
"Thanks. I need it."
He could have used a stiff shot of whiskey too.
Chapter 18
Marly put the other two mugs down on a table. Hank claimed one of them. She pushed the other in front of Jed McKinley. He was still re
covering from his wound and looked pale and thin. He had his bad arm propped on the table for support.
He reached for the coffee with his good hand and raised it to his lips. "No salt?"
Marly grinned. "No salt."
He gave her a puzzled look. "You been awful pleasant, considering."
She found a chair and pulled it up to the table. "It's nothing."
"You got Quaker blood?" he prodded.
Hank looked as if the question had also crossed his mind.
"I don't think so," Marly said. "The way I look at it, you acted foolish and you paid for it. And you'll continue paying for it 'til you take care of that bond. That's good enough for me."
Jed smiled crookedly. "Well, at least I got a regular job now."
Tyson wasn't quite as stoic. He glared across the room at Marly and McKinley, as though he were trying to decide which one he hated more.
"Give it a rest," Birke advised him. "You got better than you deserved. You try anything and you're likely to find yourself buying a six-by-three plot of land."
"Don't count on it."
Birke scowled. "But I do. You know the marshal can outdraw you. And I suspect Landers can too. If not, I promised Marshal Strachan I'd keep the boy out of trouble. I reckon that includes keeping him alive."
Marly observed the two men.
What had she ever done to deserve such animosity? Or such devotion?
"Don't come between me and Landers, Birke," Tyson growled, "or I'll shoot you too."
Birke squared his shoulders. "Then you better kill me with the first shot, Tom, 'cause you won't get a second."
Tyson spat.
Birke sidestepped and the gob ran down the wall behind him.
"You'll clean that, Tom Tyson, or do another night in jail."
"You can't―"
"Yes, I can. Marshal ain't taken that deputy's star back yet and you're on a short lead."
Jase made a beeline for Birke once Tyson had gone for a rag.
"You handled that well, Birke. Like you got experience in this area."
Birke shrugged. "Got experience in most areas, one time or another."
"You know, I think I'm gonna let you hold on to that badge. Least until a new marshal is appointed. Unless you change your mind about takin' the job yourself."
"Aw, shit."
Jase leaned against a clean stretch of wall. "Thought you'd say that."
The Oasis had been specially prepared for the evening and it was a sight that Marly thought she'd never forget. Everything that could be polished was mirror bright. Every bit of glass was crystal clear. The ladies wore their best gowns, without any gaudy embellishment, and many with lace collars that made their necklines more demure.
Señora Consuela de Vegas graced the lower rooms in her fine silk and jet beads. Fred wore a formal black suit, tailor-made, with a pristine white starched shirt and silk cravat. He continued to serve Miss Jezebel, but he could have as easily been a lord as a butler.
Jezebel graced the event by wearing one of her most spectacular gowns. Satin threads and glass beads formed peacock feathers encircling the enormous hooped skirt of blue satin. With her bare shoulders draped in a lace shawl, her costume was as appropriate for an antebellum ballroom as a bordello.
All the prominent citizens of Fortuna were present in their finery. Winters had even persuaded his wife to attend. Her puritanical upbringing showed in the tightness of her polite smiles.
"Stop being a prig and enjoy yourself," Marly overheard the woman's sister, Mrs. Lily Quinton, say. "New England is miles and years behind us."
Then the indomitable lady dragged her hapless daughter off to corner Matt Egan.
Amabelle and Kate bore down on Marly, who was listening to Nels Penrod tell her about a colt he had helped his brother foal last spring.
"Nels," Amabelle interrupted, "I think you better watch Lloyd and Ruthie. They've been trying to convince the bartender that they're allowed to drink beer."
"Oh, lord!"
Nels was responsible for his adolescent twin cousins, though he was only a few years older. He said something unintelligible to Marly, then hurried off to rescue the bartender.
"They won't be sitting for supper yet," Kate said.
Amabelle smiled. "Let's go for a walk, Deputy Landers."
The young ladies each took one of Marly's arms, giving her no choice but to accompany them outside. They escorted her to a private stretch of veranda, overlooking the flower garden. Only then did they let go of Marly's arms and face her.
"You should have told us," they said in unison.
"Told you what?"
"That you aren't a boy," Amabelle snapped. "Matt told me after the shooting. He was afraid I was getting too attached to you."
Marly tried to think of something to say.
"I told him I knew all along," Amabelle said. "I wasn't going to let him know I was fooled. Besides, if you were a boy, you'd be too young for me. I haven't met the man I'm going to give my heart to. To be fair, I did think you made a sweet boy and I am grateful for all you did about Gabe―even killing him."
Kate gasped. "Amabelle!"
"That does not excuse you from not telling us," Amabelle said. "It's possible you might not have trusted me, but you were conspiring with Kate. Yes, she told me! Surely you could trust her?"
Marly chewed her bottom lip. "It's not a question of trust. I never wanted to lie to either of you. It's not just me I'm protecting. What would it do to Marshal Strachan, a Texas Ranger, if it got around? Besides―and I don't expect you to understand this―I prefer being a boy. I'm more comfortable."
Kate and Amabelle exchanged glances.
"I'll believe you're more comfortable," Kate said. "And you are good at it. I think we should forgive Marly, Amabelle."
"I think so." Amabelle smiled. "Whoever you are, Marly Landers, you've been a good friend to me. Thank you."
The girls took Marly's arms again as they went back into The Oasis. Just before letting her go, they gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Marly heard Bob Johnstone swear.
"Don't let the girls wind you up," Shea O'Brian said.
Marly raised a brow.
Maybe Shea was getting over Miss Amabelle like his sister hoped.
Soon, Marly and the other ladies were helping people find their seats. Jezebel offered a full course meal at a price most guests could afford. Egan and a few ranchers pitched in to cover the guests of honor and supply beer and champagne.
Knowing they wouldn't have to pay, Jase had offered to buy Birke's supper so he could attend. However, it turned out the man had a saving disposition and a streak of pride. He took care of his own expenses.
Before sitting down with the ranch owners and business proprietors, Birke leaned over to Marly. "I wish I'd stayed at the hotel."
She felt much the same.
The tables were arranged in a horseshoe with Jase and Marly at the head. Jezebel sat on Jase's other side. Amabelle had been placed next to Marly, but Egan changed places with his sister.
Since Mrs. Temple-Quinton had already finagled to put her daughter beside Egan, the lady took it as a personal slight. Miss Rose Quinton, on the other hand, was relieved. When Amabelle hurriedly invited Kate and Shea O'Brian to sit with them before the seats were taken, Rose was made happier still.
Seeing a hint of a blush touch Rose's cheek when Shea sat down, Amabelle seemed inspired to put someone else's romantic interests before her own. After making introductions, just as the soup was being served, she asked Shea to change places with her so she could talk to Kate more easily.
Marly watched Amabelle's machinations with approval.
"Mr. Landers," Egan announced in a loud voice, "I think I have just the thing to cheer you up."
"I didn't think I needed cheering up," she replied.
"I don't know 'bout that," Jezebel interjected. "You seem unnaturally quiet for such a mouthy kid."
"I know that the loss of your horse was a blow to you," Egan s
aid, reclaiming the conversation. "I would like to make it up to you. I'm offering you your pick from my stable."
"No, sir," Marly said. "I couldn't do that."
"Please. It would mean a lot to me."
"Go on, boy," Jezebel urged. "Horses ain't cheap, honey, and Matt here has some of the best breed stock in the district."
There was a murmur of agreement.
Marly looked to Jase for support as everyone started expressing their opinions on Egan's horseflesh and the propriety of Marly accepting such a generous offer.
"I reckon you're too late, Egan," Jase said. "I've already taken care of Landers' mount. You'll get to see her tomorrow."
Perking up, Marly asked, "Her?"
"Yep. O'Brian gave me a good price on a sorrel mare, perfect for your weight. You both got the same color mane."
Marly smiled with delight, while Egan frowned in disappointment.
Whether out of devilry or to divert, Jezebel turned the subject.
"What a darling couple Mr. Landers and Amabelle make," she remarked in a carrying voice that would do an actress proud. "He's a little skinny." She leaned across Jase to pinch Marly's arm. "I'm sure he'll fill out. You just wait, Miss Amabelle, the boy's gonna make a handsome man some day."
Amabelle blushed.
Her brother looked just plain uncomfortable.
Jase came to Marly's defense. "Stop teasin' 'em, Jez."
"Oh, it's okay," Marly said. "She only does it because she knows I'm supposed to be polite to older folk."
"Brat!"
There was a ripple of laughter from those close enough to hear the comment. Jezebel opened her mouth, no doubt to make a snappy retort, but was interrupted by the arrival of the first course.
Fred probably did it on purpose. His timing was never off.
Once dessert and coffee were served, Jezebel stood and called for quiet. She had a few words to say.
"Fortuna owes Marshal Strachan and Marly Landers for their efforts over the past few weeks. They solved the murder of the last marshal of Fortuna, kept the peace and repaired the damage Strothers had done during his tenure as marshal. So it is with great pleasure―that is, as great a pleasure as I could ever get from giving money away instead of making it―that I present Marshal Jason Strachan with fifty dollars in gold."