"Um, well, I'm not sure how I'm gonna tell you this," he said sheepishly. "I whispered to Josie why I needed the wine, but I guess I wasn't whisperin' quiet enough. One of the other girls heard me. She stood up on a table and announced our weddin' to the entire saloon. They've promised to stay away from the church, but they're gonna spread the word, and they're plannin' a big party for tomorrow night. Sorry."
"Why are you sorry? That's wonderful. I can't wait to meet everyone."
"I've been wantin' to cook you a special dinner since you arrived," Ruby declared. "Come here first, then go on over. I might even join you for a little while."
"That's too much trouble," Violet protested. "A celebration in the morning and dinner in the evening."
"If you're lucky you only get married once, and I'm tickled that I can contribute to your special day. I'm not going to take no for an answer."
"Looks like it's gonna be a heck of a weddin' day," Cooper said with a grin, "but it don't matter to me. As long as I end the day at home with my new bride, that's all I care about."
CHAPTER TWENTY
In spite of the pending nuptials, both Violet and Cooper slept better than they had in a very long time. After years of fearing the evil detective, Violet could breathe again. Cooper had not only seen his house become a warm, comfortable home, he'd found in Violet something he never thought he'd have. A woman he loved. When they woke in the morning, though he was aching to take her into his arms, he felt a strange need to wait until after their wedding. To his delight and surprise Violet had the same inkling.
"I don't know why it should matter," she said as she snuggled against him, "but it does."
"Yeah, it's a strange thing. I guess it's the way the Good Lord wants it to be, but I'm not sorry we've been together."
"Oh, my goodness, neither am I," she said vehemently. "I'll never forget that time at Ruby's. Do you think she knew?"
"I don't think she misses much so I'm guessin' she did."
"She's such a lovely lady."
"Yep, and speakin' of lovely ladies, are you about ready to get hitched?"
"So ready and so happy."
"Then we'd better get outta this bed."
"Yes, we'd better. Ruby will be here shortly. I hung my dress last night, so I hope the wrinkles will be out."
"You gotta special dress?"
"It's never been worn. Earl bought it for me. We were supposed to be attending a dinner party. I didn't have the heart to leave it behind. I know he'll be looking down on us and giving us his blessing."
"You'd look beautiful wearin' a potato sack."
"I don't think so."
"I do, and I'm not sure I can hold out much longer so I'm gettin up. You feel so good it should be against the law."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Though Violet and Cooper were deliriously happy, the same couldn't be said for Detective Frank Connelly. Waking up on the cold hard floor of his cell, his head pounding and every muscle in his body aching, he tried to remember how he'd ended up there. His last recall was drinking with the sheriff, arguing, then the world spinning so fast he'd toppled over.
"You're finally awake."
Slowing sitting up, he turned his head and saw an unkempt cowboy in the adjacent cell.
"Yeah. What's it to you?"
"Just bein' neighborly."
"I'm not in the mood," Frank snarled, reaching out to the cot for support to get to his feet, but as he did he spied a folded piece of paper with his name scrawled across it. "What the fuck is that?"
"The kid brought it in last night."
Still on his knees Frank picked up, and with bleary eyes he read the short sharp telegram.
RETURN IMMEDIATELY. CAPTAIN GRAYSON
Blind fury coursed through his veins.
"Goddamned Doyle," he grunted, then frowned from both a sharp stabbing pain in his head, and an unexpected moment of clarity. "No, no, no! Doyle wouldn't dare cross me. It couldn't have been him. The sheriff. It has to be. I'll bet that goddamned Violet Parker sang him some tale. I'll kill them both."
"Not this mornin' you won't," his fellow prisoner declared.
"Well obviously! I'm locked up in this fucking cell."
"You sure cuss a lot."
"Like I said before, what's it to you."
"I wasn't talkin' about you bein' stuck in here."
"Then what?"
"The sheriff's gettin' married. I heard them talkin' last night. That Violet Parker you just mentioned, that's who he's marryin'."
"I knew it," he hissed. "She spun her web and that idiot sheriff walked right into it. Where? Tell me where?"
"They said at the church, and as far as I know there's only one. It's just past McTavish's Boardin' house on that lane just outside town. You know, mister, you don't look too good."
"I feel fucking worse."
"The kid'll be bringin' us a cuppa coffee any minute now. That'll help."
"The only thing that's gonna help me is grabbin' that she-devil and haulin' her ass outta this hellhole, and believe me that's exactly what I'm gonna do!"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ruby stared in absolute awe at the beautiful young woman standing in front of her. The dress was the most exquisite thing she'd ever seen. Cream lace from the hem to the high collar was layered over shiny satin, a band at the waist accentuated Violet's svelte figure, and pearl buttons traveled up the center of the bodice, flattering her porcelain complexion. After Ruby had curled Violet's hair around her head with hairpins, Violet had produced a tortoiseshell comb with pearls across the edge. Set off to the side, it was the perfect compliment for both the hairstyle and the elegant dress.
"I swear, I've never seen a woman look more beautiful," Ruby murmured, feeling the threat of joyous tears.
"There's one more thing I want to wear," Violet said, opening her bag and withdrawing the diamond watch.
"Land sakes."
"I might not be here today were it not for the man who gave this to me. He restored my faith in people. I want to wear it in memory of him. I didn't love him as I love Cooper, but I'll always cherish him. I know he's looking down from heaven overjoyed that I've found happiness."
"That's mighty sweet, and I'll just bet he is."
Cooper, dressed in his one fine suit, had been waiting anxiously in the living room, and as Violet walked in he felt a wave of emotion so deep he almost staggered.
"You—you—you are a vision," he breathed. "You look like an angel sent from heaven. What have I done to deserve this?"
"Cooper, stop, you're going to make me weep."
"Why?"
"The way you're looking at me. No-one has ever looked at me like that."
"That's because…" he said softly, walking up to her and locking her emerald green eyes, "no-one could ever love you as much as I do."
"I don't deserve someone so honest and good."
"Darlin', I wasn't always, remember? You deserve every stitch of happiness I can offer, and I'm gonna do my best to put a smile on your face every single day."
A knock on the door broke the moment. It was Al arriving in his supply wagon to give them a ride to the church. Ruby, unable to stop her tears at the moving scene, wiped her face and hurried past them to open the door.
"OH, MY!"
"Ruby? What's the matter?" Cooper asked, taking Violet's hand and walking quickly across the room.
"Howdy, Sheriff," Al said, stepping inside to greet him. "The wife and I got to thinkin', and, well…this is our weddin' gift."
Stepping aside he gestured them to move on to the porch, and as they did they found Al's wagon covered with pink ribbons and garlands of flowers.
"It's just perfect!" Violet beamed. "Al, how wonderful. Thank you."
"We'd best get a move on. Millicent is already at the church with Charlie."
The happy group walked down the path to the gaily adorned wagon, and happily settled into the front seat. The shopkeeper drove his horse forward, but when they turned at the end of
the block, both sides of Main Street were lined with people.
"What did you say about a quiet wedding?" Violet laughed as they passed the cheering townsfolk. "They love you so much."
"I never expected anything like this'," he said, amazed by the crowd "I reckon I'm the luckiest man alive right now. Dang, this is unbelievable."
"You deserve it, Sheriff," Ruby declared. "You've made this place safe and happy."
The wagon continued to roll down Main Street, but as they reached the outskirts of town, they turned down the lane by the trees, passed McTavish's Boarding House, and finally reached the church.
"I'm so glad the rain held off," Violet remarked as Al pulled his horse to a stop.
"Another thing to be grateful for," Cooper replied, taking her hand and helping her climb down. "I'm gonna be sayin' thank you a lot in my prayers tonight."
With Al and Ruby walking ahead of them, they moved up the path and through the heavy oak doors. Entering the church and seeing the waiting preacher, Violet thought her heart would burst from happiness, but when she looked up at Cooper he was wearing a worried frown.
"Cooper? Is something wrong?"
"Not a thing darlin', I just felt a chill," he said softly. "Must be the damp in the air."
But Cooper had lied.
Something was telling him to stay alert, and as they reached the altar, while Violet was speaking with the preacher, Cooper took Charlie aside.
"Connelly is still locked up, right? You checked before you left?"
"Sure did, Sheriff. He looked like death. I reckon he had one helluva hangover, and that telegram sure put him outta sorts."
"But he was locked up. You're sure!"
"Yep. I'm sure."
"Gentlemen," the preacher called, "are you ready?"
Cooper wanted to tell himself he was imagining things, but he knew to ignore his warning instinct was foolish at best, and at worst, could prove disastrous.
"I sure am," Cooper replied, looking over at the preacher, "but I just need a quick word with my beautiful bride. I promise it'll only take a second. Darlin' could you come here for a minute?"
As she moved across to join him, her pulse ticked up. There was] a problem after all.
"Violet, I'm gonna say somethin' and I don't want you to react. Just keep smilin'."
"Okay."
"That goes for you too, Charlie."
"Sure, Sheriff."
"I've got a bad feelin'," he said quietly "I think Connelly might be lurkin'."
"No, no, don't say that," Violet urgently whispered.
"Keep smilin' darlin, in case he's watchin', and I didn't wanna say it, but we've gotta be ready. Charlie, if anything happens you protect Violet. Don't worry about Connelly or me. Your job is to get her outta here if you have to. I could be wrong. It could be the brewin' storm or just plain nerves, but it's best to be ready in case."
"Sure, Sheriff, you can depend on me."
"I know I can. Violet? Are you okay?"
"Sure I am, but if that devil shows up in God's house on my wedding day he'll be sorry," she said, trying to sound braver than she felt. "Besides, you're here. I know you won't let anything happen to me—to us!"
"You got that right, and it could be I'm pickin' up on somethin' that has nothin' to do with him, but we've gotta stay alert in case. Now let's get wed. I can't wait to call you my wife."
As they started towards the altar, Violet knew he wouldn't have said anything unless he felt danger lurking, but she wasn't feeling panicky.
"That's strange" she murmured. "I guess it's gonna be okay."
"What's that?" Cooper asked as they neared the preacher.
"It's going to be absolutely fine," she said, looking up at him. "Cooper, I can feel it, but you need to stay relaxed. I have no idea why I said that, but, uh, yeah, you need to take a breath."
Her green eyes were blazing into his, and he did as she said, then smiled, and turned to face the preacher.
"Friends, we're gathered in this holy place to witness the joining of these two souls in holy matrimony. If there is anyone here who knows of any reason they should not wed, speak now or forever hold your peace."
"I'VE GOT A REASON! SHE'S COMIN' BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO WITH ME! TURN AROUND SHERIFF. I'VE GOT A GUN AIMED AT—"
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Cooper had moved with such speed no-one realized he'd spun and drawn his gun until after the shot had been fired. By the time Violet jerked her head around, Connelly was clutching his arm and crumbling to the floor, and Cooper had holstered his revolver.
"Go cuff him, Charlie," he ordered as he pulled Violet into his arms.
"One minute he was talking, and the next—" Violet said breathlessly. "Cooper, how did you do that?"
"Practice. Ruby, are you all right?"
"I believe I am, Sheriff, though I might have a spot of brandy when we get back to my house."
"Faster than a rattler's strike," Al muttered as he comforted his wife.
"Preacher, what about you?" Cooper asked. "I sure am sorry."
"I'm a bit stunned, but yes, I'm fine. I didn't even see you move."
"Neither did he," Cooper muttered gravely, "and it's just as well."
"You got him in the arm," Charlie exclaimed as he hurriedly returned carrying Connelly's pistol. "I don't think it's life-threatenin'."
"That's what I was aimin' for. Glad to see I hit my mark."
"Whatta ya want me to do with him?"
"Take him out to the wagon and make sure he can't get away."
"Sheriff, I swear that cell was locked."
"I believe you, and don't worry, Charlie, we'll figure it out. Go take care of him and get back in here. I've got a woman to marry."
"Don't you wanna arrest him?"
"The only thing I wanna do right now is get wed to the woman I love. Go on now. Tie him up and hurry back here."
"Are you saying you want to continue?" the preacher asked. "Surely the wounded man must be seen to."
"I grazed him just enough so he'd drop his gun. A shot through the heart would have been too good for that monster. It's okay, he'll be fine."
"Violet, what about you," the preacher continued. "Are you still ready to continue?"
"I've never been more ready for anything in my life. I'm marrying my hero."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Following the short, romantic ceremony, everyone returned to Ruby's house except Charlie. He'd been tasked with fetching the doctor, and making sure Connelly was handcuffed, sedated, and being guarded by Patrick Doyle at McTavish's Boarding House until he could find out how the detective had escaped.
"I don't understand, Sheriff. Why don't you arrest him?" Charlie had asked. "Surely you have the right."
"I'll explain when you get to Ruby's," Cooper had promised, "but that Godless good-for-nothin' is goin back to San Francisco in the coach leavin' tomorrow afternoon, and his horse belongs to me now. After we finish our celebratin' at Ruby's, go to the livery and bring it back to my barn behind the office."
As the small happy group gathered in the parlor, the conversation moved from the dramatic events in the church to the couple's honeymoon.
"I'll take a few days away once I can arrange for a replacement," Cooper said happily, "but for the moment I'd like to spend some time decoratin' my house and makin' it just right for my beautiful bride."
"What a surprise!" Violet beamed "That will be so much fun."
"You folks might not see me on the street, but I'll be there if I'm needed, and Al, I reckon I'll be back and forth to your store quite a bit for curtains and such."
"I never thought I'd hear you say something like that," Al chuckled, "but I've got plenty to choose from."
"Is that the front door?" Ruby asked, rising to her feet. "It must be your deputy."
"He's not my deputy yet, but he might as well be," Cooper said proudly. "I'm gonna swear him in real soon."
"Connelly's back in his cell," Charlie exclaimed, walking into the room. "Can
you please tell me why you're sendin' him back to the city?"
"Yes, Sheriff, tell us," Ruby insisted. "From the smile on Violet's face it's obvious she knows. You must tell the rest of us."
"I'm happy to, but Charlie, if he's back behind bars you must have found out how he escaped."
"Darned if it wasn't those long arms of his. He reached through the bars, got hold of the broom I left against the wall, and was able to get the key off its hook."
"Best to move those keys inside the office," Cooper grimaced. "Is the other prisoner still there?"
"Yep, but none too happy that Connelly didn't help him."
"Okay, Sheriff," Ruby piped up. "It's time to tell us why you're letting that awful man go back to San Francisco."
"I could've shot him dead today," Cooper said gravely, "but that's too good for him."
"I kinda wondered about that," Al remarked. "I'm embarrassed to say I thought you'd missed."
"When I'm firin' a gun, the bullet goes where I tell it, and I want his victims to see him in prison for what he did to them, not for the stunt he pulled in the church. He victimized women and scared shopkeepers, and they need to see justice done."
"There's very little that would make them happier," Violet murmured. "They'll weep when it happens, every last one of them."
"But how can you be sure that will happen?" Ruby asked. "Snakes like him have a habit of wriggling out of things."
"You're right! Connelly is sly and nasty. There's no tellin' who he's got under his thumb at the station. I've made sure, when he gets arrested, there'll be no escapin' justice. What happened today was unexpected, but everything is already set up for his return. You all know I used to be a gunslinger. Henry Coburn, the brave man who turned my life around, is a State Senator now. I sent him an urgent telegram and he's makin' a special trip to Connelly's station house. When that dirtbag detective gets back he's gonna be marched into his office, and in front of the Captain and his victims, the senator is gonna personally order him to unlock a certain desk drawer. Do you wanna tell them what's in it, Violet?"
SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Justice. Page 16