Hardcase Law

by Neil Webb

  ‘Oh, Frank, this is what I’ve been dreading!’ Her face was pale, her eyes wide and filled with tears. She clutched at his hand through the bars. ‘I’ve been pleading with the sheriff to free you, but he won’t even listen. After all you’ve done for this town!’

  ‘No need to call me Frank any longer,’ Latimer said. ‘There’s no one else to fool now. My real name is Link.’

  He smiled sadly. ‘I knew this had to come one day. I’ve had a good run. Nearly twenty years along the owl-hoot trail. What an existence it’s been! Now I shall probably spend the rest of my life in jail.’

  Aggie looked round at the door leading to the office. It was closed. She drew a small double-barrelled Derringer from her pocket and held it out. Latimer took the weapon quickly and dropped it into his coat pocket. He bared his teeth in a wolfish grin.

  ‘I wouldn’t dream of doing this ordinarily,’ Aggie said softly. ‘But you’ve risked your life for this County. You wouldn’t be in here now if you hadn’t stopped off to help us all. Don’t kill anyone with that thing, please. In here, I mean. But if it will help you persuade them to let you go then use it.’

  ‘It will get me out of here,’ he said. ‘Then I’m going after Rand. Can you check on my horse for me? I left it outside the jail. I expect it’s been taken to the livery barn. If you can get the mount saddled and hitched to the last rail on this side of the street on the west side of the town, I’ll be able to make a run for it. Can you do that?’

  ‘I’ll do it. And if I can’t get your horse I’ll bring mine. When do you plan on leaving?’

  ‘I must know my horse is in place first. You could sneak around to the back of the jail and wave to me through the window when you’ve done it. Will you do that?’

  ‘Yes. I’d better go now. Be careful when you make your try.’

  She departed, and Latimer sat down and leaned his back against the bars that partitioned his cell from the next. Relief swelled in his breast. He put his hand into his pocket and caressed the small weapon she had given him. This made everything alright. His quick mind leaped over many possibilities of escape. But he decided to wait until Barr came into the cell block, and he would ensure that the deputy had the cell keys on him before making his bid for freedom.

  The minutes seemed to drag then. Small flutters of impatience tremored through him. But his nerves were steady and his brain unflurried. He would get out, kill Rand, then ride away from this uneasy range. The rest of Rand’s gunmen would disperse once their leader was gone. Of that Latimer was sure.

  A noise in the darkness at the back of the jail attracted him. He stood up and walked to the rear end of the cell, opposite the window. The darkness outside seemed to part as the white blur of a face came close to the window. Latimer’s eyes widened with swift awareness when he saw that the face out there was not Aggie’s but a stubble male countenance whose eyes were filled with the lust to kill.

  A big, blue-steeled Colt was thrust almost into his face, and Latimer threw himself sideways as the weapon belched orange flame. The heavy report of the six-gun crashed out. The flash nearly blinded him. The heavy slug screeched past his head so close it almost burned him. He landed heavily on his left shoulder, his eyes never leaving the window. The gun came through the broken pane of glass and the muzzle was depressed to point at him. He could see the knuckle of the trigger finger whitening as the trigger was squeezed. Sweat broke out on his forehead. He rolled desperately as the gun crashed and roared. He hunched himself into a corner and lay still, and his mind instinctively counted the shots that rocked the jail. The biting smell of gunpowder filled his nostrils.

  Four shots thundered in the close confines of the cell. Latimer heard the first two bullets smack the floor at his side and buzz away angrily in ricochet. The third shot burned his left shoulder, struck the floor, then zoomed oft at a tangent. He felt its numbing bite in his right leg. Pain flooded him. Then the fourth bullet punched through his left shoulder with a meaty thud. His senses swam and his head bumped against the bars set into the hard ground.

  He was dimly aware of running feet outside the window. The door between the cell block and the office was flung open and Barr’s hoarse voice could be heard shouting incoherently. Latimer forced himself to his knees. His right leg was afire with ripples of agony. His left shoulder was burning with pain. Barr vanished from the doorway, and seconds later, Latimer heard the deputy’s voice rasping at the back of the jail.

  Aggie came running into the cell. Her eyes were wide, her face ashen. Latimer heaved himself to his feet. His right leg buckled under his weight and he threw himself upon the bunk. Stabs of pure agony lanced through him. His senses swam and the cell seemed to swing and tilt.

  ‘Link, Link, are you hit bad?’ Aggie cried.

  ‘I’ll be alright,’ he said faintly. ‘He was too excited to aim straight. He should have taken his time. One bullet ought to have been enough.’

  Sheriff Walsh came through from the office and handed the cell keys to Aggie. The old lawman’s Colt was in his right hand.

  ‘Open that door quickly, Aggie. Did you see who it was Latimer?’

  ‘I saw him, but I didn’t recognize him.’ Latimer hung his head as faintness tried to overpower him. ‘But I’ll know him again alright.’

  Aggie unlocked the cell door and rushed in to him. She held him upright and began removing his shirt. Latimer clung to her as weakness spread inside him like a cloudburst. There was a buzzing in his ears, and Aggie’s voice seemed far away.

  ‘I’ve sent Barr for the doctor,’ Walsh said. ‘I don’t know what this place is coming to — three shootings in the jail in two days. Is he hit bad, Aggie?’

  ‘It doesn’t look like it,’ she replied as she stripped the blood-soaked shirt off Latimer. There’s a nasty flesh wound here, and a burn across his shoulder blade. It doesn’t look fatal. Oh, thank God, he’ll be alright!’

  ‘I’ve also got a slug in the right leg,’ Latimer said. ‘I can feel the blood running.’ He lifted his head and grinned at the sheriff. ‘You should take more care of the men you disarm and lock up. You can lose prisoners this way.’

  The doctor came in with Barr, and Latimer suffered several painful moments under the medical man’s swift and firm ministrations. He sighed with relief when the doctor rolled down his sleeves and fastened his bag.

  ‘You’ll have to keep off that leg for a day or two,’ the doctor told Latimer. ‘And the shoulder will be painful for some time, but it will mend. They don’t come any luckier than you, mister.’

  ‘It’s about time I had some luck,’ Latimer retorted. ‘Thanks, doc, I feel better already.’

  ‘Take this sedative and then get a good night’s sleep. You’ll feel like a new man in the morning.’ Latimer drank the liquid concoction, then turned to the sheriff.

  ‘It looks as if you don’t trust me,’ he said. ‘Or is Barr afraid he won’t get the reward money? You should have turned me loose to go for Rand. But as you won’t do that you can put me in the corner cell there where I’ll be safe from these sharpshooters. I don’t mind being shot at when I’ve got a gun in my hand. But this sitting-bird stuff isn’t good for my nerves.’

  The sheriff unlocked another cell and the doctor and Aggie helped Latimer out of his exposed position. His right leg was now a field of red pain, and his shoulder ached and throbbed. Latimer closed his eyes and felt his strength run out of him. Blackness swelled up to engulf him, but he fought it off. Aggie bent to wrap a blanket around him.

  ‘Forget my escape for tonight,’ he muttered. ‘But come and see me in the morning.’

  ‘I shall be here early,’ she promised. ‘Leave everything to me. Try and sleep now.’ She leaned over and kissed his forehead.

  Latimer heard no more. He had passed easily into oblivion.

  Latimer lay with a fever for two days. He was barely conscious during that time, and delirium gripped him while he hovered between wakeful sanity and hazy nightmare. He had visions of Aggie bending over h
im with soft hands and concern on her face; of Barr standing at the door and looking into the cell. The doctor came and went, and he was dosed with a variety of concoctions and medicines.

  On the morning of the third day he opened his eyes to cold reality. Aggie was with him in the cell, and a quick glance showed him that the door was open. He felt weak and helpless. His right leg was stiff and sore. He moved slightly, and pain thrashed through his tightly bandaged left shoulder. Aggie’s cool hand came down and touched his forehead. He stirred and looked up at her, forcing a wan smile.

  ‘Well, I’m back with the living again, eh?’ he joked feebly. ‘How long has it been?’

  ‘Three days. How do you feel?’

  ‘Weak and tired. And I’m hungry.’

  ‘I’ll see what I can get you. Just stay quiet while I’m gone.’

  ‘Hey, wait a minute! What’s been happening during these three day? Has Rand been arrested yet? Has Stott done anything?’

  ‘Rand is still at large. The sheriff couldn’t raise a posse to ride out to KS. People say Stott bought this upon himself, so he’s got to help himself. He’s still in town waiting for a new crew to show up.’

  ‘I’d like to see Stott,’ Latimer said. ‘Would you get word to him?’

  ‘I’ll go tell him. Then I’ll get you some food. You’ll feel stronger when you’ve eaten. A fever always leaves a man feeling weak.’

  Aggie went out. Latimer grunted in pain when he moved. But he thrust his legs off the bunk and sat up. A painful throbbing commenced in his leg. He felt shaky all over. His knees were trembling. He toppled against the bars and his shoulder was fired with pain. He sat down again and dropped his head to his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. A step in the passage caused him to look up. Barr stood at the cell door.

  ‘Feeling better?’ the deputy asked.

  ‘I don’t really know right now,’ Latimer replied shortly. ‘Anyone turned up from Dry Ford County yet?’

  ‘No. We haven’t even had an acknowledgement yet. I don’t understand that. But the sheriff sent the wire.’

  ‘How’s the sheriff?’

  ‘Worried. Rand has set himself up on KS.’

  ‘Someone will have to go and get him.’ Latimer shook his head gravely.

  ‘I’m not going alone.’ Barr grinned fiercely then. ‘I’m not a Link Latimer.’ He shook his head. ‘You’ve certainly set up a reputation in this County, and that’s ruined the job of deputy sheriff. There’s too much to live up to now.’

  A voice called from the sheriff’s office and Barr turned away. Latimer relaxed on the bunk. He noted that the door of his cell was not locked, and shook his head wryly. If he felt stronger he would have attempted a break. But he knew it was foolish to try. He was weaker than a sick steer, and could not walk a dozen steps. He lay back on the bunk with a deep sigh and allowed his eyes to close. Weakness flowed through him, chasing after his strength. He could feel his pulses hammering.

  ‘Are you awake, Latimer?’

  He opened his eyes to see Stott standing at the door of the cell, and forced himself into a sitting position again.

  ‘Come on in,’ he invited. ‘The door’s not locked. That shows you what the sheriff thinks of my health. Any word of Glory yet?’

  ‘No.’ Stott came into the cell and sat heavily upon the foot of the bunk. The rancher’s breath wheezed in his throat. ‘I’m hoping for a new crew to turn up. I’ve let it be known that I’m hiring. When they do come, I’m taking them out to my ranch.’

  ‘Is that so?’ Latimer studied Stott, noting the blue-steeled sixgun in the open holster at the fat rancher’s hip. ‘Are you prepared to fight then?’

  ‘By God I am!’ the rancher exploded. ‘That’s why I’ve come to see you. I want you to do me a favour. I know,’ he added quickly, ‘that I brought all this upon my own head. But I’m not thinking of myself any more. I want to protect my daughter’s future, if she’s still alive.’

  ‘What can I do for you? But before you speak, bear in mind that I’m a prisoner, and likely to stay one for at least fifteen years.’

  ‘I want to name you in my will as Glory’s guardian. If anything happens to me, and it’s likely to when I go after Rand, I want my ranch to come to you for the five years it will take Glory to reach twenty-one. My daughter has admitted to me that she is in love with you, and despite the fact that you are an outlaw, you’re one of the whitest men I’ve known. Rand would force Glory to marry him or sign the ranch over the minute I cashed in. But you’ve been his stumbling block ever since you came into this County.’

  Latimer shook his head in astonishment. ‘But, Stott, I’m all set for a fifteen year stretch in the State Pen. I would do anything to help, but it’s got to be within my power. I did ask the sheriff to let me go get Rand. But he wouldn’t listen. I’m going to be off the range for a long, long time. So what can I do?’

  ‘I’m going to take care of everything. You won’t be in here a week. When I’ve got a crew together I’m going to spring you out of here. Rand will get the blame for it. I’ll spread the word that his crew broke you out to lynch you. There will be a fuss, I know, but it will soon die down, and there are many places on KS where you can hide in comfort. Then I’ll go after Rand. If I’m not killed then all will be well, but if I am I want to die easy in the knowledge that Glory will have you to look after her.’

  Latimer sighed. He hung his head weakly.

  ‘I’ll do anything you wish, Stott. But don’t get yourself into trouble with the law on my account. I was all set to break out of here the night I was shot. I’ll wait now until I’m well again before I make another try. They won’t get me to prison.’

  ‘I’ll go fetch the lawyer then. We’ll get this done legally. I’ll have ten thousand dollars paid into your bank account for your trouble. If you do go to prison you’ll need something to come out to. I’ll be seeing you. So long.’

  Latimer eased himself flat again. He winced as he touched his wounded shoulder. He closed his eyes and began to fall into slumber. He wondered where Rand was holding Glory. Like Stott said — there were many places on KS. But what would happen if Rand was killed before Glory was freed?

  Aggie returned, and had to coax Latimer to eat. When he got the smell of the food he realized how hungry he was, and felt strength return to his body after he had eaten. Then he lay back while Aggie removed the tray.

  ‘You can pour me another cup of that coffee before you go,’ he said. ‘The fever has dried me right out.’

  Later, Stott returned with a lawyer. Some sort of a legal document had been drawn up, and Latimer signed it without knowing much of what it was about. Barr came in and witnessed the deal, and Stott and the lawyer departed again. Latimer sighed and drifted into a dreamless sleep, only to be awakened an hour later by the doctor.

  ‘Well,’ pronounced the medical man. ‘You’re on the mend. Those wounds are clean, and that’s something. Keep off that leg. I’ll look in on you again tomorrow.’

  The doctor left and Latimer went back to sleep. He remained asleep for the rest of the day, unaware of Aggie’s many visits and gentle ministrations as he lay helpless. The lamp was burning in the passage when he opened his eyes again, and he realized immediately that he felt very much stronger.

  He lay for several minutes, testing his shoulder and leg and wincing at the pain. Hunger gripped him. He sighed. It was quiet in the jail. For the first time in many years he felt at peace within. This was, he thought, the first time he did not have the alertness of the lone rider inside him; and something else was gone from his mind, but it was quite a time before he realized what it was — the sense of urgency, the frustrating knowledge that he was living outside the law and had to keep on moving in order to retain his freedom.

  Latimer sighed deeply and relaxed. He stretched gingerly, careful not to disturb his wounds. So this feeling of well-being, he mused, was what every honest man knew as a matter of course. He wondered how long he would have to spend in prison before hi
s crimes were fully repaid. How long before this mental peacefulness was really his?

  Aggie looked into the cell. When she saw he was awake she hurried away, to return within minutes with a tray of food. While she sat at his side he ate, and watched her face. She was so good and capable. His hard expression softened. She was the first person in many a long year to show him kindness. Was it a spontaneous generosity or did she feel that she owed him something because he had helped and risked his life for her?

  ‘You’re looking much better,’ she told him happily. ‘The doctor said you’d be up and about in a day or two.’

  ‘That’s a joke.’ He laughed harshly. ‘I’m not going anywhere except, when I’m fit again, on a long ride to Dry Ford County. They want me in Maddock Creek for several jobs I did. And they want me in half a dozen States for a dozen different crimes. I’ll be lucky if I get out of jail inside of twenty years.’

  ‘I’ve been talking to Kenton Stott. He’s not a bad sort of a man when you get to know him. He says he can get you out of here.’ Aggie sounded confident. ‘I do believe he could put things right. He has a lot of influential friends in politics.’

  ‘Stott is going to get himself killed by Rand, and that’s all,’ Latimer said. ‘He’s trying hard to make amends for the mistakes he’s made, and I admire him for that. But Rand is too good for him. They should turn me loose. I’d soon settle Rand.’

  ‘Stott told me of the arrangement he’s made with you, Link.’ Aggie’s face showed her concern. ‘He said Glory is in love with you. Are you in love with her?’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ he replied slowly. ‘I feel something for her. Perhaps it is attraction, because she told me when I met her that she’d been in love with my picture for three years. I think I’m in love with you, Aggie. I’m not one of those rambling Romeos. I’ve never had much to do with women in my wild life. There was a Cantina woman or two, but nothing deep and worthwhile.’