Lovell's Prize

by Randy D. Smith

  Bass and Lovell ran to the street to see a boy pointing toward the back of the Elephant Stable.

  "They went in there. Two of them! Carrying guns!" the boy yelled.

  Lovell waved the boy to cover and started for the door. "I'm going in before they get those horses gathered."

  "No, wait for help," Bass said. "They can't go anywhere."

  "Get to the front before they can ride out," Lovell said as he opened the door. He went to the granary wall and hesitated, allowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness. During those brief seconds he realized how vulnerable he was. He heard a number of people gathering at the front and the back of the barn. He listened for stirrings but could hear nothing. "You might as well give it up, Chauncy. There's no where to go." He listened again and heard nothing. He remained against the wall and waited.

  "Don't shoot," Manion yelled from an empty stable. "I'm coming out. Don't shoot."

  "Throw that gun out before you show yourself or I'll put one in you," Lovell ordered.

  "Sure, sure. Here it is," Manion said, before tossing his revolver into the open and slowly stepping out from behind the stall.

  "Where's Chauncy?" Lovell asked without moving.

  "I don't know. In here someplace."

  Lovell walked forward and motioned. "Get over here, right now."

  As he did, Lightfoot stepped from behind the barn door and leveled his revolver at Lovell's back.

  A shot sounded from the door and Lightfoot dropped to his knees. Lovell turned and fired another round into Lightfoot's chest. He spun and shot Manion in the throat. Both men fell to the floor dead.

  Bass Reeves stepped through the door, his revolver still smoking in his hand.

  "I thought I told you to go to the front?" Lovell asked.

  Reeves smiled. "Bet you're glad I didn't."

  Lovell smiled and nodded.

  Reeves kicked Lightfoot's body for a reaction. "He's dead. You know who he was?"

  Lovell nodded as he checked Manion. "Chauncy Lightfoot. He's the one who beat me near Black Fork."

  Reeves stood and shook his head. "Bushwhackers. They're all the same."

  "This pair won't be bushwhacking anyone else."

  "We still on for that chicken dinner?" Reeves asked with a smile.

  "Yes, sir, I believe we are. I might be a little later than planned."

  As they left the barn, Bonny ran from the alley. She grinned broadly when she saw Lovell was safe. "This happen to you often?" she teased as she gave him a hug.

  Lovell grinned. "I hope it's the last time."

  She stepped back, studied his features, and tears began to well in her eyes. "I wish..." She hesitated, unwilling to say the words.

  Lovell recognized her uneasiness. He nodded. "Let's go see Amelia."

  Her smile was one of resignation, disappointment, relief, and awareness. She shook her head quickly, maintained her façade, and spoke softly. "No, I think you need to see her alone."

  Lovell nodded and started up the street.

  She remained behind and alone, oblivious of the curious crowd gathering around the stable. She watched until he was out of sight. He did not look back.

  END