Rescuing Ruby Red (The Red Petticoat Saloon)

by Maggie Ryan

  "I love you for caring so much, honey," Jeb said. "But, it's killing me to hear you so upset. Please, calm down and we can talk about what needs to be done."

  "Hell," Tanner said, lifting the ring of keys from its hook.

  "Don't," Jeb said.

  "Sorry, boss, but I can't take this anymore." He slid the key into the lock and when the door opened, he turned to Rebekah. "I can't let him out but I can let you in if you…" He didn't have to finish his sentence as she ran into the cell and threw her arms around Jeb. She didn't even flinch when the key turned again, locking them both behind bars. Instead, she turned and managed a small smile.

  "Thank you, Deputy Tanner. Now, could you please get Jeb his supper?"

  "Red, I don't think…"

  "I promised you pie and you are going to get pie!"

  "I will if you promise to think about everything that happened at the laundry. Despite what you think, Miss McTavish, I don't believe the sheriff did this, but until the Mayor returns and gives his approval, I'm afraid Jeb will have to remain behind bars." He turned to where Gabriel stood with Jewel in his arms. "If you'll come with me…"

  "I've got a better idea," Gabriel said, taking Jewel's hand and moving towards the desk. He reached inside his coat and Tanner's hand moved to his gun belt at the sight of a gun emerging, but he didn't draw as Gabriel held it with two fingers before gently putting it on the top of the desk. Tanner just shook his head when Jewel laid a smaller gun beside it and the couple walked into the adjoining cell.

  "Lock us in," Gabriel said.

  "You don't need to do this," Jeb said.

  "I know, but between us, I'm hoping we can help Ruby remember more details. My gut is telling me that the answer lies with her."

  Tanner locked them in and was again moving to the door when it opened to admit Nettie and Della.

  "Laws, you planning on starvin' that poor man?" Nettie said and then looked at the adjacent cell. "You gonna lock up the whole town?" Nettie asked, shaking her head.

  The tension in the room lightened as Tanner chuckled. "No, ma'am. Those three locked themselves up."

  "Hmph, just know that I'm gonna need a much better bed when it's my turn."

  Tanner again shook his head. "I did mean to get the sheriff some dinner."

  "Then I guess you can have some pie too," Nettie said, motioning to the covered plate that Della was holding. Within minutes, both Jeb and Zeke were digging into slices of thimbleberry pie and Rebekah was able to give a small smile.

  Nettie and Della left with Nettie's promise to make sure the sheriff didn't wither away while in jail. Jeb thanked her and then the group got down to business.

  "Did you recognize either of the men, Miss McTavish?" Tanner asked.

  "I've never seen the one who grabbed me but his partner looked a little familiar."

  "Why do you think they were partners, Red?"

  "What?"

  "You just said his partner. Earlier you said two men."

  "Oh, when the second man came in, he asked the first one if he'd got it…" She paused and then sat up straight. "Wait, when I got to the laundry, the first man was behind the counter. He shouldn't have been back there. He said he was looking for… no, he didn't finish because I suggested he was looking for his laundry." She moaned. "I shouldn't have suggested that."

  "Are you sure you've never seen him at the laundry before?" Gabriel asked from where he sat with Jewel on his lap."

  "No. I worked outside doing the wash. Mr. March took care of the customers. You know, taking their items and accepting payment when they returned to pick up their laundry."

  "You are doing well, Red," Jeb said. "Is there anything that you can remember to describe the men?"

  "Jeb, I don't know them, I'm sorry."

  "You don't have to apologize, honey," Jeb said, pulling her back against his chest.

  "Try closing your eyes," Jewel suggested. "Don't think, just relax." Rebekah sighed but nodded, shutting her eyes.

  "Now, the first man. What was he wearing? Were his clothes dirty like the men who mine or clean like a man who works in town or even dusty from working on a farm or ranch?"

  "Dirty, but it had been raining so I don't know if they were because he'd been out in the weather or if he was a miner. Wait, his nails were really dirty too."

  "You said he grabbed you. How tall was he?" Gabriel asked.

  "He was taller than me but not as big as you or Jeb. He wasn't as hard either."

  "Hard?" This time the question came from Deputy Tanner.

  "I mean, he wasn't soft but he pulled me against him and his chest didn't feel like a rock. And he smelled really bad. His breath was… was horrible and his teeth, they were all yellow and stained."

  "Very good. What color was his hair? Did he have a beard or a mustache?" Jewel asked.

  "Brown but it might have been lighter. It was greasy. He didn't have a real beard but his face was scratchy—you know, like he hadn't shaved in a while." She jerked upright again, her eyes flying open. "Oh, the other man… the one who came in. He had a beard. It was blondish-red."

  "That's great…"

  "Jeb, you know him!"

  "What?"

  "He was the man in the cell that night. Remember, you asked me if I wanted to be put in a cell like him. When you pointed, I looked and I saw his beard lifting when he exhaled. If he isn't the same man, he must be related. I didn't see his eyes or hear him talk because he was sleeping…"

  "Maybe he wasn't sleeping," Tanner suggested. "That would explain quite a lot."

  "Yes!" Rebekah exclaimed. "Remember, you told Mr. March that he should put his money in the bank."

  "So the man knew there was money at the laundry," Jeb said, nodding his head.

  "Yes, and even if we didn't see him open his eyes, he might have. If he saw you wrap up the money, then he saw the handkerchief."

  Gabriel picked up the theory. "And when he saw you again and if he saw you drop the knife and cover it up…"

  "He could have picked them up and then used the knife and left the handkerchief in Mr. March's hand hoping that Jeb would be blamed!" Rebekah said, turning to look at the deputy. "Can't you see? It all makes sense. They robbed and… and killed Mr. March."

  "I saw two men leaving town late last night," Jeb said. "I had been down by the livery but saw them when I was walking back. Damn, I thought they had to be customers of your gems even though the saloon had closed."

  "Maybe they were," Rebekah said, practically bouncing on his lap. "The man without the beard said he'd come-come find me at the saloon." She shivered and felt Jeb's arms wrap tighter around her.

  "It all makes sense, but we need to find them," Tanner said.

  "Don't you have his name? I mean, he was locked up?"

  "Look at the record," Jeb said.

  They watched as Tanner pulled a book from the desk drawer and ran his finger down a page. "Peterson. No first name."

  "Damn it," Jeb cursed. "That was all I managed to get out of him. He was so drunk I barely understood that."

  "Shit," Tanner said, closing the book. "Since he'd been thrown into jail just to sleep it off, I'd already released him before your shift the next day."

  "But that's still something, right?" Rebekah said, not ready to give up.

  "Yes, honey, that's something. We can start with your descriptions and his name. Someone is bound to know of him or his partner."

  "We'll check with the girls and Charlie to make sure none of them recognize either man," Gabriel said.

  "That will help. And, when the mayor gets back, I'm sure he'll agree that Jeb is innocent. Then, once free, we can begin visiting the mines and see if anyone knows them." Tanner stood and again lifted the keys from the hook. "It's getting late so we will start tomorrow." He unlocked the cell and Gabriel and Jewel exited, thanking him.

  "I'm staying here," Rebekah said.

  "You most certainly are not," Jeb countered.

  "I am!"

  "Red, you need your slee
p." When she opened her mouth to protest, he lifted his finger and tapped it against her lips. "And, young lady, there is that spanking you've got coming."

  "What?"

  "You didn't seriously think you'd get away with lying did you?"

  "I didn't lie…"

  "You did when you failed to tell me about the knife in your pocket or come clean when Gabriel asked you what happened at the laundry."

  She wanted to argue but knew that if she'd done either, Jeb would not be locked up in his own jail cell. "Fine, I agree that I deserve to be punished, but I'm still staying."

  "Fine, then get yourself over my knees right now."

  "Now? But… but there are people here!"

  "Yes, there are. And, Red, even if Gabriel and Jewel leave, Deputy Tanner will still be here."

  "You wouldn't!"

  "Oh, little one, believe me I would."

  Rebekah hesitated and when his gaze didn't change, she realized he would. "Fine, I'll go, but I'm coming back in the morning."

  "I'll be here," Jeb said, giving her a smile. "Now, if you folks would give us a moment?" The three turned around and Jeb bent down and kissed her until she was breathless. When he released her, he said, "Thank you for caring so much."

  "I'll always care," Rebekah said, bending forward and kissing him again. He helped her off his lap.

  "You can turn around and let her out," Jeb said and Tanner did.

  Rebekah reluctantly stepped from the cell and turned back. "I-I really want to stay even if you spank me in front of the whole town."

  "I know, honey, but I need to know you are in your own bed. I'll be fine. Please, do this for me."

  She nodded, blinking back tears as he said, "I love you, Red."

  "I love you, too, Jeb."

  She did climb into her own bed only to turn onto her side, her arms wrapped around a pillow as she sobbed into another. The man she loved with her entire soul was sleeping on a hard cot, a prisoner of his own jail and no matter what he or anyone said, it was all her fault. Her door opened and Jewel climbed into the bed behind her and drew her into her arms.

  "Cry, sweetheart, because I know how much you are hurting. But, then dry your tears because I promise, nobody will stop until Jeb is the one holding you."

  Chapter Ten

  Rebekah woke to find Jewel still asleep, her arm curled around her waist as if wanting Rebekah to know that someone was close to share her pain. Gratitude and love flowed through her for the woman's concern. With people like those she now thought of as family, she had no doubt that they'd stop at nothing to help Jeb. Her heart ached at the thought of him spending the night alone, in a cold cell without the comfort she had been given. She needed to make sure he knew he wasn't alone. Gently pushing back the covers, she was easing from the bed when Jewel woke.

  "How are you? Never mind, that was a stupid question."

  "Thank you for being here," Rebekah said, reaching for her clothing. "I'm better than Jeb. I want to go with Miss Nettie and take him some breakfast. I-I'll be back to do my chores."

  Jewel shook her head as she began to make up the bed. "Don't be silly. Until this is over, you just take care of that man of yours."

  Rebekah threw her arms around Jewel. "Thank you. I don't know what I'd… we'd do without you and Mr. Gabe."

  "Well, you won't have to find out," Jewel assured her. "I'll go change and then Gabe and I want to talk to everyone. We'll come over to the jail to let you and Jeb know what we find out."

  They left the room together, Jewel heading towards her own room and Rebekah going to the kitchen. She found Nettie already putting the finishing touches on breakfast. "Can I help?"

  "You can get the plates and silverware," Nettie said, pouring syrup into a small bottle. "Get three sets. I know you'll want to eat with your sheriff and I figure it can't hurt to feed Deputy Tanner as well."

  Rebekah gathered the items and put them into the same basket they'd used for their picnic. That wonderful day had only been a few hours earlier and yet she felt as if it were a lifetime ago. She wiped her eyes with one of the napkins.

  "Don't cry, child," Nettie said, pulling her into her chest. "I know you are hurting but it won't help if Mr. Jeb sees your eyes all red and swollen. You gotta put on a happy face."

  "I'll try," Rebekah promised, watching as a huge stack of flapjacks, several strips of bacon, slabs of ham and a covered bowl of scrambled eggs were tucked into the basket. A bottle of milk was added. She slipped a handful of thimbleberries into her pockets to share with Jeb.

  "You can carry the basket and I'll bring the coffee pot," Nettie said, wrapping the pot in a towel.

  As they left the kitchen, they found the residents of The Red Petticoat lined up in the foyer. "Tell the sheriff we'll be visiting," Amy said, giving Rebekah a hug.

  "Yes, you tell him that we aren't going to let him down," Dottie said.

  "Tell him I'm praying for him," Della added softly with her own hug. "If he can catch you, he can catch whoever did this terrible thing."

  Rebekah nodded, fighting back tears as Opal added her own promise to help. Charlie was the last to hug her. "When this is over, I'm gonna play a song that will have you and your man dancing."

  "I'll look forward to that," Rebekah said. Gabriel pushed open the door to allow them through. The two women walked down the street together, the sun still low on the horizon.

  "It doesn't seem right that the birds are singing," Rebekah said as a pair flew by them to land on the branch of a tree.

  "Child, life has a way of going on even in the worst of times. It's just the good Lord's way of promising that this too will pass and you'll come out stronger." When they reached the jail, she said, "Remember, no tears. Your sheriff will appreciate a sweet smile even more than my flapjacks."

  Pushing back her shoulders, Rebekah nodded and did manage a smile as Nettie opened the door and it only slipped a little at the sight of her love as he moved towards the bars.

  ***

  "Good morning, honey," he said. "You are a sight for sore eyes." In fact, he knew he'd never seen a more beautiful sight than the woman he loved.

  "How are you? I mean…"

  "I'm good, Red," he said, reaching through the bars to take her hands after she set the basket down. "You're all I need to be a whole lot better."

  "Hmph, then I guess you won't be needing these," Nettie said, waving the coffee pot and pointing to the basket.

  "Now, Miss Nettie, I'm sure you heard the way to a man's heart is through his stomach," Jeb said, glad to see Rebekah's smile become far more genuine.

  "I don't know… there's that saying that love conquers all…"

  "Ah yes, but conquering is better done on a stomach full of bacon and what I am praying are your famous flapjacks."

  Nettie shook her head even as she began to unpack the basket, a smile on her face.

  "Where's Deputy Tanner? We brought him breakfast too." Rebekah said.

  "He's out on his rounds," Jeb answered.

  "Let me get you some coffee," Rebekah said, bending down to kiss his knuckles before moving to help Nettie. By the time the door opened to admit the deputy, the woman had everything spread out on the desk and were filling plates.

  "Good morning, ladies. It sure smells good in here."

  "Good morning, Deputy," Rebekah said, pouring a second cup of coffee. "We wanted to make sure you had a good breakfast."

  "What she means is that we don't want you too weak to find the men who did this awful thing," Nettie said, placing a plate on the desk. "And, just so you know, when you do have them locked up where they belong, I won't be cookin' them no flapjacks!"

  "Totally understandable," Tanner said, as he got the key, went to the cell and opened the door. "You might as well come on out," he said, when Rebekah moved towards the open door.

  "That's not necessary. I'll go inside."

  "Please, ma'am, don't argue. Let's just enjoy the meal together." Rebekah smiled and nodded.

  "I'll dash back i
n if anyone starts to come in," Jeb promised as he stepped outside of the cell and pulled Rebekah into his arms.

  Tanner walked towards the door. "I'll latch the door and they'll have to knock. That'll give us a few seconds to make sure this looks like a jail and not some pot-luck supper."

  "You can lock it behind me," Nettie said.

  "You're not joining us?"

  "I've got a whole passel of people to feed, son. I'll be back with lunch if you haven't caught those outlaws by then."

  "Thanks, Nettie," Jeb said, moving from Rebekah to engulf the woman in his arms. "You are a good woman and a good friend."

  "Go eat… my famous flapjacks are better when they are hot," Nettie said, swiping at her cheek before leaving them.

  The deputy slid the latch into place and the three settled around the desk, Rebekah sitting on Jeb's lap while Tanner sat behind the desk. They didn't discuss the case until they'd finished eating and Rebekah poured the men the last of the coffee.

  "What's this?" she asked, picking up a sheet of paper that had been covered by the coffeepot.

  "I used your descriptions to draw the men we are after," Tanner said. "I want to post them around town and send them off to nearby towns as well."

  "Do they resemble the men you saw, Red?" Jeb asked, picking up a second sheet and handing it to her.

  "Not exactly, but, yes, they are pretty close."

  "I'm not really an artist," Tanner said, finishing his coffee and waving his hand. "I know they aren't as professional as those, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try."

  Rebekah turned to look behind her to see a line of posters hung on the wall. Standing, she walked closer. "I never saw these last night."

  "I just posted them the other day," Jeb explained. "Every sheriff and marshal gets a batch with the post." At her gasp, he moved to stand beside her. "What's the matter?"

  "This one… this is the man who grabbed me." She pointed at the next to last poster.

  "Are you sure?" Jeb asked.

  "Yes! Compare it to what Deputy Tanner drew and you can see for yourself."

  Jeb took the poster from the wall and laid it down beside the drawings.