by Joel Baker
Jesse watched Boss control Teddy's movements. As long as Teddy remained motionless, the jaws allowed air to pass into Teddy's lungs. If Teddy moved in the slightest, raised a finger, blinked an eye, the jaws tightened. Boss's golden eyes looked up at Jesse. They seemed to ask a question.
"Paul, I want you to go with Franklin up to the shack and let your mom and sister out of the cave." Jesse said.
"Will do," Paul said.
"Franklin, how are you doing?" Jesse asked.
"Fine, Jesse." Franklin said.
"Good. Next time we're in a fight with an oak tree, you make sure to bring that knife of yours," Jesse smiled.
"Wasn't my finest hour, was it?" Franklin said, shaking his head.
"Hey,” Jesse said. “Everybody did just fine. Mark, Cole? You guys did great. But we got some cleaning up to do. Paul, give me the gun."
Paul walked to his dad and handed him the gun from under the porch. Jesse checked to make sure the safety was still off and that no rounds had been fired.
"Franklin,” Jesse said. “You and Paul go up to the cave now. Remember to take your time on the way. Tell Hattie and Sarah that I got a scratch, and I need them to come fix me up. We need some time, so walk slowly."
"Sure Jesse," Franklin said.
He and Paul meandered toward the West Ridge and the lop-sided shack. He watched as the two figures grew smaller as they crossed the fields. When they were some distance away, Jesse walked over to what was left of Calvin. He looked down at the headless torso and moved the right arm over by the torso with the toe of his boot.
"That was for my Dad."
He walked over to the still form of Clarence and knelt down. Clarence stopped moving his head from side to side, and looked up at Jesse.
"Clarence, how are you doing?" Jesse asked.
Clarence started to bawl. He began moving his head back and forth again.
"Clarence, listen to me,” Jesse said, in a quiet, calm voice. “I want you to focus. I want you to look in my eyes.”
Clarence lay still and looked up at him. Jesse smiled and put the cold barrel of the pistol on Clarence's forehead.
"Good,” Jesse said. “Clarence I want you to know Calvin's standing before Jesus at this very minute. You and Calvin were always so close. I thought it only right that you go stand with him. This is for my mother, Clarence."
Jesse pulled the trigger. He got slowly to his feet, staggered and regained his balance. He walked over and knelt by Teddy across from where Boss lay. Jesse picked up Teddy’s glasses and placed them gently back on him. He noticed the dark stain spreading slowly down Teddy's legs.
"Teddy, I'm worried,” Jesse said. “Besides the fact you just peed your pants, you got an even worse problem. See Teddy, I can't get these dogs to do anything, unless they want to. Right now Boss appears to want to end your miserable life. The worst part is that I can't think of a single reason why he shouldn't."
Boss's golden eyes never left Jesse for second. They followed his every movement. Jesse looked at Boss and knew this massive dog was the dark shadow that had saved his life. He nodded his head ever so slightly. Boss bit down. He heard the snap and crunch of broken bone and torn cartilage. Jesse thought it was a lot like the sound a dead rabbit made.
Little Teddy's mouth and eyes both opened as wide as a fish, as he died. His arms and legs flailed, twitched, and then lay still. His eyes rolled back in his head as the look of surprise became a fixture. Boss released Teddy's neck, stood and walked over to Jesse. He looked at him, with a look of concern.
"Drag the bodies over under the oak tree and cover them with a tarp, Cole,” Jesse said. “The women will be here shortly.”
Jesse toppled forward as he fainted.
Chapter 22
Jesse swam toward the surface of consciousness. He broke surface and discovered he was heavily bandaged. Sunlight streamed through the windows. Boss was lying on a stack of blankets on the floor next to his bed. Hattie sat next to Boss, gently stroking his head.
"Hey," Jesse said. "Can I get some attention around here?"
Hattie jumped.
"Lord!” Hattie said. “You scared the heck out me! Sarah, Jesse's awake!"
Sarah came into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. She looked concerned and took a hold of Jesse's hand.
"How're you feeling, Honey?" Sarah asked.
"Like I've been beat with a baseball bat,” Jesse said. “How long have I been asleep?"
"A few hours,” Sarah said. “It's late afternoon. Can you sit up?"
Jesse sat up and felt dizzy, but his head soon cleared. He actually felt pretty good except he was weak and famished. Sarah helped him out onto the front porch. Jesse sat in a chair and looked around. A tarp covered a pile sitting in the shade under the oak tree.
Someone had pulled the old wagon out front and was replacing the broken floorboards. They'd removed the left rear wheel and the axle rested on a stump of wood. Jesse could hear the rhythmic ring of hammer on metal coming from the forge shed. He stood and walked carefully down the steps and over to the wagon as Mark and Cole came around the main house.
"Dad, how are you feeling?" Mark asked.
"Better than I deserve,” Jesse said. “How's the wagon coming?"
"Should have it ready to roll by tomorrow," Mark said.
"Where are Franklin and Paul?" Jesse asked.
"They're out in the forge shed making all that noise,” Mark said.
Jesse straightened and assessed his condition.
I really don't feel too bad, he thought. Sore mostly. Next time we definitely need a better plan.
He walked out to where Paul was manning the crank on the forge, and Franklin was driving a rim back on the wagon wheel. Franklin finished and spotted Jesse standing in the door.
"Paul,” Franklin said. “You can stop turning that crank now, I got the rim back on. Hey, Jesse, about time you got back up and around."
"Maybe Calvin was right,” Jesse said with a smile. “You do sometimes seem a might uppity."
"You talking big for a man bandaged up like a mummy,” Franklin said. “While you were laying around, I been fixing this wagon. Thought you might want to go to Linden with what's left of the Haskins brothers. If not, you give me the word and I'll gladly dig a hole in the pig pen."
"No,” Jesse said. “You're doing the right thing. Closest thing we've got for law is Jasper Thiggs. We'll take them to Linden and see what Jasper wants to do about it. I'll be ready tomorrow. Will the wagon be ready?"
"Count on it,” Franklin said.
"Where'd you get the rim?" Jesse asked.
"I went into town,” Franklin said. “I got one from some junk from behind my old place. I met some folks along the way, Jesse. Told them we took care of the Haskins. Hope you don't mind."
"I don't mind,” Jesse said. “It was bound to get out in a day or two anyway. Paul, help me up to the house.”
Paul came over and Jesse put his arm around him, pretending to need more help than he really needed.
"I remember everything until you and Franklin left for the shack, Paul. How did it go?" Jesse asked.
"Mom and Hattie were mad as heck,” Paul said. “They hated being in that cave and not knowing what was going on. Once they saw you though, they got busy taking care of you and Boss. Mom's real good with a needle and thread. She sewed you both right up."
"Paul,” Jesse said. “You did a man's job yesterday, and I wanted to tell you how proud I was of you."
"Gees, Dad,” Paul said. “All I did was dive for the porch. You guys did all the work."
"You did what I asked you to do, Paul,” Jesse said. “I’m proud of you.”
Jesse and Paul walked into the kitchen. Lunch was ready and Jesse ate a full plate of ham and potatoes with white gravy. Just as Jesse finished, Sarah came into the kitchen, a worried look on her face.
"Jesse,” Sarah said. There's a bunch of people walking down the East Ridge road towards the house."
Jesse sent Paul ru
nning for Cole and Mark. Jesse walked out on the front porch and sat down in the rocking chair. Boss limped out of the bedroom and followed him out onto the porch. Jesse loaded shells into his shotgun and laid it on the floor by his chair.
As they drew nearer, Jesse saw the group was made up of three men, four women, and about six children ranging in age from two to twelve. Sarah came out on the porch and helped Jesse to his feet as the group entered the shade of the old oak tree and stopped in front of the porch. Jesse noticed that they all stood within the faint lines drawn in the dirt.
"Howdy neighbors," Jesse said.
The oldest man in the group stepped forward, stopped in front of the porch steps, and looked up into Jesse's face.
"My name's Bud Collins, Mr.?"
"Colter. Jesse Colter."
"Well, Mr. Colter,” Bud said. “We heard rumors there was a bit of a ruckus out this way this morning. We also heard you took care of it, but was hurt in the process.”
"News travels fast around here,” Jesse said. “We did have a little excitement out here now that you mention it. But as for getting hurt, well, we're all just fine."
The old man stared at Jesse's bandaged face and shoulder, and looked confused.
"Oh, you're probably wondering why I'm all bandaged up like this,” Jesse said. “See I’m learning to use a straight razor and, well long story short, I sneezed and slipped a little. I really don’t like using a straight razor.”
"Those straight razors can be a might tricky, till you get used to them," Bud said, smiling back.
"As for problems, Bud,” Jesse said. “I do have few under that tarp right over there. Feel free to take a look, but I'd keep the women and children back if I were you."
Bud walked over and lifted one corner of the tarp and peeked under. He dropped the tarp and walked back over to the porch.
"Mr. Colter,” Bud said. “Let me be the first to welcome you to Eagle Rock. I speak for everyone when I express our gratitude for the work you did this morning."
"Call me Jesse. Glad we could take care of it, Bud."
"The women here thought you and your family could use some food,” Bud said. “So we brought some covered dishes over just in case."
"Well, that's much appreciated,” Jesse said. “But only if you all agree to stay and help us eat it."
Introductions were made and people gathered in front of the porch. Bud and Franklin chased some curious youngsters away from the tarp a few times. The women carried dishes of food into the house after each had introduced herself to Sarah. Many greeted Hattie like old friends.
Lily took the little girls out to see the chickens, and generally took charge of the group. The men gathered around Jesse and Boss on the front porch. They all commented on how Boss was the biggest dog they'd ever seen, but were curious as to how Boss got hurt in the same razor accident. Pipes were lit and everyone gathered around the rocking chair and talked about weather, livestock, horses, and crops. Everything except what was under the tarp by the old oak tree.
Chapter 23
The next morning Jesse slept in. When he was up and dressed, Jesse slowly walked out front and found the Haskin boys laid out in the back of the wagon. They were covered with the tarp. He went into the kitchen and found Franklin and Hattie with three of the dogs. Boss wasn’t one of them.
“Morning. Have you seen Boss?” Jesse asked.
“Morning, Jesse,” Franklin said. “I saw him out by the creek a little while ago.”
Jesse went out the back door and walked towards the creek. The beautiful sunlit morning and blue haze of the valley struck Jesse. He was glad when he found Boss lying in the creek soaking his injured side in the cool clear water.
“You think that will help, boy?” Jesse said.
Boss looked up at Jesse and laid his head back in the water. He lapped some water and closed his eyes again. Jesse thought what the heck, stripped naked, and waded into the creek. The water was bone-jarring cold.
Jesse sat, then laid flat in the fast-running water and let the creek do its work. After several minutes, Jesse climbed out of the creek and dried off as best he could, and pulled his pants on. He took the bandages off his face and shoulder. When he looked towards the house, Sarah was walking towards him through the tall grass. Jesse appreciated her beauty and grace.
“I brought you a small mirror,” Sarah said. “I thought you might want to see what kind of a seamstress I am.”
“I was kind of curious to know how bad my face’s going to be,” Jesse said. “I just hope I don’t look like a quilt or something.”
He took the mirror and examined his face closely.
“You got to be kidding!” Jesse said. “Are you going to be able to look at me across the table and finish dinner?”
“Just for the next thirty or forty years,” Sarah said. “Besides, once it heals, I think you’ll just have a little white line.”
Sarah sat for a minute before continuing.
“Jesse, I was so frightened sitting in that cave,” Sarah said. “If anything had happened to you or the boys I don’t know what I would have done.”
She started to cry softly and Jesse took her in his arms.
“Sweetheart, don’t cry,” Jesse said. “I had to know you were safe. I don’t think I could have focused if I had to worry about you. Especially in your condition.”
“I know Jesse, but I’ll never do it again,” Sarah said. “You teach me to shoot or whatever you have to do. I’ll never be anywhere but by your side from now on.”
Jesse and Sarah sat on the edge of creek holding each other’s hand. They watched Boss lay in the cool clear water. After a while Hattie and Franklin walked out to the bank of the creek next to them. Hattie took off her shoes rolled up her pant legs and waded into the creek by Boss. She rubbed his head and talked softly to him. Boss looked up into Hattie’s eyes.
Finally he stood and walked up onto the bank and shook, sending water all over everybody. They laughed and ran, but returned to examine Boss’s injured side. Sarah and Hattie both thought it would heal nicely.
****
Franklin and Cole harnessed Fisher up to the wagon. They saddled Abby for Jesse to ride to Linden. They tied the three Haskin horses to the back of the wagon. After Jesse ate some biscuits and gravy, they mounted. Cole climbed up next to Franklin in the wagon. The rest of the family was standing in the yard saying goodbye, when a lone horseman rode down the East Ridge road. It was Bud Collins.
“Morning, everybody,” Bud said. “I heard you say you were going to take the Haskin boys to Linden today. If it’s all right with you, I thought I’d ride along. Thought maybe the sheriff should hear some of the things those three have done to the people around here.”
“I’d appreciate that Bud,” Jesse said.
Jesse looked down at Sarah.
“We better get going,” Jesse said. “It will be after dark before we get back, so I don’t want you to worry.”
Just as they were beginning to pull out, Franklin stopped the wagon.
“Looks like we got others that want to go along,” Franklin said.
Three dogs came running across the porch and jumped in the back of the wagon.
“Damn!” Bud said. “Sorry for swearing, Mrs. Colter. Jesse, I thought that one monster was the only dog you owned. These dogs are just as big.”
“That’s true, Bud,” Jesse said. “But they’re not really our dogs. They’re just friends of the family.”
The four men, six horses, three dogs, one wagon, and the Haskin brothers headed down the East Ridge road and turned towards Linden. They traveled on dirt roads except for the last three miles. Franklin had to drive the wagon down the shoulder because the sound of the steel rims on the pavement made the dogs uncomfortable and raised a racket. When they got to the outskirts of Linden, they decided to go directly into town.
They passed a dead stoplight still hanging over the street. Franklin pulled the wagon to a stop by the curb in front of the general store. He climb
ed down, and tied Fisher to the parking meter.
“Anybody got change for the meter?” Franklin asked.
Everybody was still laughing when Jasper and his son Luther walked out of a coffee shop a few doors down the street from where the Colters stood. Jasper walked up to Jesse by the wagon sitting outside the general store.
“Jasper, I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m Jesse Colter, from Eagle Rock. These two are my friends Franklin Pierce and Bud Collins. The boy is Cole.”
“Sure, I remember you,” Jasper said, frowning. “What the hell happened to your face, Jesse? Is that blood I see on your shirt?”
Jesse looked at his shoulder and sure enough he’d sprung a leak somewhere between Haven and Linden. Jesse undid a couple of buttons on his shirt and peered under. The stitches were in place, but blood was soaking through the bandages.
“Well, Jasper that’s why we came to see you,” Jesse said. “We had a little dust up down our way yesterday.”
“A little dust up you say?” Jasper said. “What does the other guy look like?”
“Take a look for yourself,” Jesse said. “They’re in the back of the wagon, under the tarp.”
“I will once you get those dogs out of there,” Jasper said, pointing to the dogs sitting in the back of the wagon.
“Cole, see if you can get those dogs to follow you across the street,” Jesse said.
Cole walked over to the back of the wagon and lowered the tailgate.
“Not sure it’s going to work, but here goes. Come here dogs!” Cole said.
The dogs looked at Cole patting his leg as he backed across the street, then back at Jesse. Jesse motioned with his head and the dogs jumped down and followed Cole. Jasper walked to the back of the wagon, lowered the tailgate and lifted the tarp by one corner. After a good look, Jasper let go of the tarp and raised the tailgate on the wagon.
“I recognize Clarence and Teddy,” Jasper said. “Judging by the size of the other one, I’m guessing Calvin. You want to tell me what happened to the Haskins?”
Between Bud and Jesse most of the story came out. Even Jesse didn’t know everything the Haskin brothers had done to the people of Eagle Rock. Jesse ended the story with the day the three brothers rode in and most of what transpired. Jasper listened patiently until Bud and Jesse finished.