Cowboy Homecoming

by Louise M. Gouge

  Tolley heaved a quiet sigh of relief.

  “What’s this?” Jed Purvis hollered over Molly’s ruckus as he pointed his gun at Laurie.

  “Aw, don’t shoot nobody.” Jud set a hand on Jed’s gun and lowered it. “Leastways not yet. Besides, we might find a use for that pretty little gal.”

  Fighting nausea at his evil suggestion, Tolley nodded to Laurie before going into his planned tirade. “I told you to stay in town. What’s the matter with you?”

  “And I told you—” she jumped from the saddle and marched to him, using Thor to shield her actions “—I was coming for Molly.” Throwing one arm around his neck, she slipped a gun into his jacket pocket, but the handle stuck out.

  “Hey, what’s going on over there?” Heep Skinner peered around Thor, looking meaner than a rattlesnake.

  “Lovers’ quarrel.” Tolley shrugged his entire torso, causing the gun to slip from sight. Or so he hoped.

  “I’m taking Molly.” Laurie held out her arms to the little girl, who clung to Adam instead. Laurie’s courage didn’t surprise Tolley, but his admiration for her soared.

  “Look, Purvis, let Adam and Molly go.” Tolley lifted a hand in appeal. “I’ll be your hostage, even help you find the trail through the hills to New Mexico Territory.”

  “I ain’t lettin’ ’em go.” Jud scowled. “Leastways not till we’re clean through New Mexico and all the way south of the border to old Mexico. What if we get caught afore we cross the border? I ain’t riskin’ their pa tellin’ lies on me in court.”

  Jed nudged his twin. “Let the brat go. I ain’t gonna listen to that caterwauling all the way to Mexico.”

  Adam knelt and gripped Molly’s arms. “Go with Miss Laurie, you hear?”

  “Nooo!” Molly flung her arms around his neck.

  He peeled her off and gave her a gentle shake. “You mind me right now.”

  She gulped back her tears and gave Laurie a solemn glance. “Yes, Adam.” Sniffing loudly, and much in need of a handkerchief, she made her way to Laurie, stumbling over rocks as she went.

  Tolley pulled his bandanna from his pocket and held it out to her. “Here you go, sprout.” As she took it, he eyed Laurie and tilted his head toward town. “Go. Now.”

  Without a word, she mounted her horse and snatched Molly up in front of her. At her command, the mare spun around and took off at a gallop.

  “Hiya!” Tolley slapped Thor’s haunch. The stallion remembered his training and sped after Laurie. “Adam, down!” As the younger man obeyed, Tolley also flattened himself on the ground, pulling the gun from his pocket just as warning shots rang out from below the ridge. Dust rocketed into the air, and the coffeepot that was on the fire flew across the ground.

  Their diversion with Laurie and Molly worked, giving the posse time to get close enough to end this situation. The confused outlaws couldn’t seem to figure out which way to shoot. Jud aimed at Tolley, but his gun wouldn’t fire. Jed and Heep got off a few shots, but the bullets found no targets. The posse was on them before they could gather their wits, if they ever had any. In two short minutes, the three men were kneeling on the ground, hands behind their heads, with five guns trained on them and five good men daring them to give them an excuse to shoot.

  After clapping handcuffs around their wrists, Sheriff Lawson sent up an ear-piercing whistle. The two other deputies rode around from the other side of the ridge, bringing the posse’s horses. Tolley and Adam saddled the outlaws’ horses and soon the group rode back to town. Laurie awaited them across Cat Creek, where Molly insisted upon riding with Adam while the outlaw twins were forced to share a mount.

  They arrived in Esperanza just as the church’s new bell began to ring, calling them all to worship.

  * * *

  After Laurie made sure the Starlings were reunited, she rode over to the church. If she hurried, she could still play the opening hymn despite her slightly disheveled appearance. Inside, the two older Northam brothers had already begun to address the congregation about the events of the morning. Once they sat down, Micah stood on the podium to offer a prayer of thanksgiving, after which he added his own commentary.

  “Sheriff Lawson has the three men locked up, and their trial will take place a week from tomorrow, Lord willing and the judge finishes his current trial in time. Let us continue to pray this is the last of the Hardison-Purvis gang. They’ve given Esperanza entirely too much trouble.”

  A hearty round of amens filled the room.

  Micah nodded to Laurie, signaling she could begin the opening hymn. Tired and shaky, she still managed without too many mistakes. As she held the chord at the end of each verse, she glanced out across the room, wondering where Tolley was. This would be a good time for him to make an appearance so everyone would know he was the main hero in the outlaws’ capture and saving the Starling children. He’d been utterly selfless, risking his life, even offering himself in their place. If the people of this town didn’t appreciate how such courage made up for all of his past mistakes, then they weren’t worthy of him.

  As the hymn ended, the church doors opened, and Tolley entered, Mrs. Foster on his arm. Laurie’s eyes stung. Even after his trying morning, he’d thought of his dear landlady, who never liked to miss church services. Forget about how the people of Esperanza regarded him. In that moment, Laurie didn’t think friend was a strong enough word to describe her feelings for that brave, selfless man.

  Chapter Fourteen

  With the church being almost full, Tolley had to find a pew near the back where he and Mrs. Foster could sit together. She was still a bit shaky, so he wanted to stay close by her. A few people nodded silent greetings to his companion. One or two appeared to include him in their smiles, but he wouldn’t count on it meaning anything. Across the aisle, Nate and Rand acknowledged him with brotherly grins they hadn’t sent his way in a long time. Or so it seemed. While their acceptance made him feel pretty good, Laurie’s smile, clearly aimed at him as she stepped down from the organ bench, sent warmth and joy surging through his chest.

  Reverend Thomas preached a sermon on making the most of the talents the Lord gave a person, which set Tolley to thinking about his future. Although he had a pretty good head for the law, he still preferred working on the ranch. Besides, nobody in town wanted his legal services. On the other hand, unless the Colonel woke up and let him go back to Four Stones, ranching wasn’t in his future, either. His only certainty was Laurie’s friendship.

  After the sermon, the minister made some announcements, ending with one that perked up Tolley’s ears. “The first crop of berries in Raspberry Gulch should be ripe in about two weeks. Grace and I want to invite all of the young unmarried adults to camp out with us on Greenie Mountain so we can bring back enough berries for anyone who wants them. We’ll have a ladies’ tent and a gentlemen’s tent for sleeping, and we’ll be along as chaperones, so you can be sure propriety will be observed.”

  He went on to describe his plans for the event, but Tolley’s mind cut away in a new direction. What would happen if he skipped courtship and straight-out proposed marriage to Laurie? If, as he suspected, her feelings for him had grown to at least a little more than friendship through their shared adventure in rescuing Molly, maybe she would be willing to marry him. His own feelings for her had deepened considerably after her display of courage. His relief that she’d come through the situation safely was palpable. If he chose a nice location for the proposal, say Raspberry Gulch during the raspberry picking, she might be more receptive to the idea of living in the San Luis Valley instead of Denver. He couldn’t keep from grinning at the idea.

  The minister dismissed the congregation, and everyone got up to leave.

  “Good work, Northam.” Mayor Jones clapped Tolley on the shoulder. “You men did a good job bringing in those outlaws.”

  Before Tolley could answer, the
mayor stepped over to Nate and Rand to say the same thing. Several others commented on the rescue, but the two men whose approval meant the most hadn’t come to church today. The Colonel, of course. And George Eberly.

  Dinner at the boardinghouse included the usual roast beef, a tender and probably expensive cut. Tolley had forgotten to check Mrs. Foster’s books to see how the boarders’ rent, including his own, could manage such fine fare every day. Before he could ask Laurie about it, she excused herself to take a basket of food to the Starlings. Mrs. Runyan and Mr. Parsley fussed about her leaving right after she served them dessert, forsaking her post as hostess. Seemed to him those two people had to work pretty hard to find things to complain about. Seemed to him they wanted more than they were paying for, but he must be sure before saying anything. Otherwise, they might abandon Mrs. Foster for some other abode and leave her struggling to make ends meet.

  Laurie returned late in the afternoon and sat at the piano, idly playing a soft tune Tolley didn’t recognize.

  “Something troubling you?” He sat in the chair beside the piano where Laurie usually sat when giving lessons.

  Her eyes got all red and watery. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked.

  “Mr. Starling had a setback, probably because of the kidnapping.” She wiped away a tear rolling down her cheek. “He promised to hang on until the trial, but I think he’s resigned to letting go after that.”

  The lump in Tolley’s chest lodged there for the rest of the day. The sheriff had enough evidence against Purvis to send him to the gallows, but Bob Starling’s testimony would clinch it. As for defending the outlaws, Tolley wouldn’t do it, especially not after they threatened to shoot sweet little Molly because she cried.

  On Monday morning, he visited the Starlings to see if Adam felt like working on the bathroom floor.

  “Sure thing.” Adam spoke in his usual cheerful manner, but dark circles under his eyes bespoke worry and sleepless nights. “I’ll be over right after dinner, if it’s all right with you. I’m working in the livery stable this morning.”

  “Sure thing.” Tolley echoed Adam’s words, adding a tight smile.

  How did this young man manage? Considering all he and his family suffered, seemed he should have a sour disposition, yet he didn’t. Tolley remembered his own lifelong bitterness before Reverend Harris took him under his wing. Why had he been bitter? Because of a father whose approval he could never win? If memory served him, Nate struggled with that, too. Only Rand and Rosamond escaped the Colonel’s constant criticism. Yet Tolley always had plenty to eat. Always had money in his pocket and in the bank because the Colonel shared the ranch profits with his children, the “four” in Four Stones Ranch. With so many blessings, how could he have felt sorry for himself?

  He stopped by his office to ask Effie Bean whether anyone had sought his services. No one had, but the entire office gleamed, and Effie had gone a long way toward completing matching wool sweaters for her two children. Tolley stepped back outside to go next door and deliver some bad news to Purvis and his gang. As he walked under his shingle, he wondered if he might as well take it down before it, or he, became a laughingstock to the town.

  “Morning, Sheriff, Deputy.” Like Adam, both men bore the signs of lost sleep. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, he said, “How are the prisoners?” The inside door stood wide-open, probably so the lawmen could hear any escape plans the outlaws might devise.

  “Sufficiently uncomfortable to suit me.” Lawson sat at his desk, the usual pile of wanted posters in front of him.

  Seated across the room whittling on a wooden spoon, Justice Gareau snorted out a laugh.

  “Then I’ll be happy to add to their discomfort.” Tolley grinned, daring to feel a bit of camaraderie with the two lawmen after yesterday’s rescue. “I’ve decided not to defend Purvis. Either one. Or that Skinner fella.”

  “You got a reason?”

  “Because I know they’re guilty, and I won’t pretend otherwise just to keep them from hanging.”

  Justice nodded his approval.

  “I suppose I’ll have to get ’em a lawyer from Alamosa.” The sheriff scratched his chin. “You want to tell ’em, or shall I?”

  “I will.” Tolley would gladly let the lawman do it, but since he’d offered to represent Jud Purvis, he should be the one to unrepresent him.

  Justice gave him another approving nod, as did the sheriff.

  When Tolley entered the cell area, all three prisoners stood and gripped the bars of their cells. Viewing the twins side by side, he could see their remarkable resemblance, right down to their dark eyes and wiry brown mustaches. Too bad they were equally evil on the inside, too.

  “Howdy, Northam. Boys, this here’s my lawyer.” Jud’s sniveling, ingratiating demeanor sickened Tolley. He acted as though yesterday’s confrontation hadn’t even happened. Did he truly believe Tolley would defend him now? “If you ask real nice, he might just—”

  “No, I’m not your lawyer.”

  “What?” Jud’s jaw dropped, and his face took on a wounded look. “Why, you promised—”

  “Purvis, do you really think I’d try to keep you from hanging when you kidnapped a child and threatened to harm her? When you pointed a gun at me and pulled the trigger?” Tolley felt his old anger rising up. Before he said something he’d regret, he turned to go. “I’m done here, Sheriff.”

  A string of curses followed him out the door. The last thing Tolley heard was Sheriff Lawson warning the outlaws not to use that kind of language in his jailhouse or they’d live to regret it.

  * * *

  “All finished?” On Friday evening, Laurie stood in the hallway outside the closed bathroom door. Beside her, Mrs. Foster beamed with anticipation.

  “All finished.” Tolley, along with Adam, grinned broadly as they prepared to show off the results of their labors.

  Even Mrs. Runyan and Mr. Parsley awaited the grand opening in the hallway. Although both tried to appear indifferent, the flicker of interest in their eyes gave them away.

  “Ta-da!” Tolley opened the door with a flourish and then bowed to Mrs. Foster. “My lady, your days of carrying water upstairs are over.” He stepped back to grant her admittance.

  “Oh, my.” Mrs. Foster stood at the doorway, hands clasped over her chest. “How very grand.” Her eyes bright with happy tears, she looked around the room.

  Laurie peeked over Mrs. Foster’s shoulder. “It’s beautiful. You’ve done a wonderful job, both of you.”

  Although she’d seen most of the construction, Tolley had kept her out for the past two days while the plumbers installed the fixtures. Now, seeing the completed room, she found it truly spectacular. Everything gleamed with newness. The white mosaic tiles on the floor, the white porcelain tub with bear-claw feet, the white pedestaled sink, even the flushing water closet, with its porcelain bowl and oak seat and water tank.

  “Mr. Starling.” Tolley bowed to Adam. “Would you be so kind as to demonstrate the facilities?”

  “Why, Mr. Northam.” Adam bowed back. “I do believe the honor should go to you.”

  The two were as comical as a vaudeville act. While Laurie and Mrs. Foster laughed at their performance, Tolley demonstrated how the water flowed into and out of each fixture.

  “Unfortunately, there remains the problem of heating the bathwater. Until Esperanza brings the proposed gas lighting and heat to its citizens, we’ll still have to boil the water here.” He waved a hand over the small woodstove and the box of wood beside it.

  “Humph.” Mr. Parsley crossed his arms over his chest. “Surely you don’t expect me to heat my own bathwater?”

  “Humph.” Mrs. Runyan stuck her head into the room. “I still say bathing in a tub is indecent.”

  “Well, then.” Laurie had heard enough. “You certainly aren’t required to use these modern
conveniences. I’ll deliver your pitcher of hot water each morning as usual so you can bathe the old-fashioned way.” She tempered her sarcasm with as sweet a tone as she could muster.

  “Humph,” Mrs. Runyan repeated before turning to march back to her room.

  Even Mrs. Foster couldn’t keep from snickering at the silly woman’s attitude.

  “My dears.” The lady’s gaze took in Tolley, Adam and Laurie. “How can I ever thank you? Imagine, a boardinghouse with a full bathroom for my boarders.”

  “And for you.” Laurie gave Mrs. Foster a hug as she sighed with satisfaction. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished with a little imagination.” She glanced at the men. “And a lot of hard work.”

  “Humph.” Mr. Parsley pulled out his watch and snapped it open. “Miss Eberly, it is five minutes past seven. Where is my supper?”

  “Coming right up.” Laurie caught Tolley’s attention and rolled her eyes before descending the back staircase. Adam went home for supper, but at least two people would appreciate her cooking tonight. Dear Mrs. Foster never complained about anything. And Tolley, like Pa did for Ma, always complimented whatever she prepared.

  In fact, this past week, Tolley complimented how she looked each morning, her patience with her piano students, the meals she prepared. A girl could get used to such remarks. She could get used to just about everything regarding Tolley. With every passing day, Denver dreams were fading, replaced by his handsome face and kind deeds. Would she be satisfied to stay in Esperanza to see what became of their friendship? Or would she always regret giving up the opportunity of a lifetime?

  * * *

  The following Monday, Judge Enos Hartley arrived in Esperanza to conduct the trial. Sheriff Lawson sent Deputy Gareau over to Alamosa to enlist the services of Ed Busey for the defense. With Busey’s reputation for clever maneuvering, Tolley wanted to observe how he tried to save the outlaws’ necks. Men crowded into the front room of the jailhouse, with others standing in the cell room and outside the building’s open front door. Nate and Rand arrived early so they could get good seats in the first row beside Tolley.