Always

by Jessie Rose Case

  She rode with over a hundred men. She had chosen to wear traditional Indian buckskin leggings, with an over tunic, that day. Her hair was half braded and it was covered by her Stetson. She was an exotic mix of Indian and western and in the morning air the ride was uneventful and shortly before noon, they rode in.

  On Red Wolfs signal. On the edges of town, with the towns folk already coming out to see them. Every man in the troop, released his rifle, held it high in salute and rested the butt on their thighs. It was a magnificent sight and in amongst them all, rode Elizabeth with her strawberry blond hair blowing in the wind.

  Brownsville, came alive with excitement. Every man woman and child came out to see the Towns benefactor. People stared in ore. More than a few nervous at seeing so many Indians. Elizabeth gave the signal for the wagons to go to the store and get provisions as she continued on to Brenner’s place. Those riding point took up their positions forward of the pleasure house. The rest of the braves led by Black Dog surrounded them at the rear. The hands took up positions along main street down to the mail depot.

  Mr. Brenner came out to meet her and looked around nervously.

  “Ms. Trelawney, how lovely to see you, please come in, I have looked forward to having you visit,” he told her. Elizabeth dismounted, carrying her whip. Carl and Red Wolf came with her. Both still carrying their rifles. As Elizabeth walked through the pleasure house, several men and women made way for her. And Brenner showed them into his office at the rear of the premises.

  “Please sit down.” He told them, but only Elizabeth took a seat. Carl and Red Wolf stood behind her. Mr. Brenner looked decidedly worried.

  “Thank you Mr. Brenner, but, I’m afraid this is not a social call,” she told him. “It would seem we have a small problem, one, I’m afraid that cannot be ignored.” She continued.

  “Indeed. In what way?” He told her talking his own seat. Elizabeth removed her gloves and placed them on his desk.

  “Several of your men were overheard talking about your good fortune with Ms. Trelawney as your banker and how they would like to have such a lovely package for themselves.” Carl told him.

  Mr. Brenner frowned, he looked surprised. “My men or my customers?” He questioned.

  “Your men.” Carl told him. There was silence in the room. Mr. Brenner opened the drawer of his desk and took out his gun. He checked it was loaded and got up from his chair. The dandy was gone. The street fighter stood before her. It suited him better, thought Elizabeth. Picking up her gloves and followed him with Carl and Red Wolf out to the main Saloon. Mr. Brenner came into the bar and called to his man behind the bar.

  “Steve, I want to see every man we employ now.”

  Elizabeth stood flanked by Carl and Red Wolf by the bar. Mr. Brenner stood in the centre of the room with his back to Elizabeth and faced the men coming in and down from the rooms. Several of them looked surely and uneasy. Steve his barman nodded to Brenner to indicate they all were present.

  “I understand that some of you.” Brenner stated as he started pacing up and down and waving his arm to indicate each and every one of them.

  “Think, that I’ve been luckier than I should have been in my business dealings with Ms. Trelawney here, and in fact, that they, think they deserve a bit of it.” Brenner stated, his anger rolled off him. “Now, not only do I feel that I have been betrayed, I feel sure Ms. Trelawney here has been insulted. We can all clearly see from outside, the length, reach and strength, of Ms. Trelawney and her family.”

  Mr Brenner indicated Carl and Red Wolf. “And what they intend to do, to rectify this situation. So, I want to know, who made the mistake of involving themselves in my business.” He bellowed.

  The silence was deafening. Mr. Brenner raised his gun.

  “I’m not a patient man. I will shoot each and every man here unless I get some answers.” He told them. No one moved. “You have 5 seconds and then I’m going to shoot Danny here, when I’m finished with him, I’m going to shoot the man next to him, then the next, and the next, until I get either an answer or I get the men I want.”

  Mr. Brenner started counting “1,2,3….. He raised and cocked his gun and was about to pull the trigger when Danny cried out.

  “It wasn’t me Mr. Brenner it was Bert, Jean and Cole.” As the last name came out of his mouth, a shot was fired. Cole had shot him to keep him quiet, all hell broke loose. Both Bert and Jean went for their guns.

  Carl and Red Wolf discharged their rifles and Elizabeth caught Jean around the body with the whip. Distracting him as Mr. Brenner shot him. It was over in less than 2 minutes.

  All three men were dead, as was Danny sadly. The Sheriff came running in as the firing stopped. He took one look around, realised he was too late and went back outside.

  “Any man involving themselves in my business and that includes ideas about Ms. Trelawney here, will answer to me, her men and her family and should any man still feel the need to try, let me spell it out for you, you’re a dead man.” Brenner told them. He turned to Elizabeth.

  “Ms. Trelawney, my apologies, it will not happen again.” He told her bowing.

  Elizabeth recoiled her whip and approached him. As she did, Carl and Red Wolf followed her. Elizabeth extended her hand and shook his.

  “My Thanks Mr. Brenner, please give my invitation to the ladies to join me one Sunday, you are most welcome too of course. The man Danny, I would like to compensate his family. Make arrangements please. Should they be here and need work, send them to me. It’s been a pleasure. My compliments, good day.” She told him and left the saloon.

  The Sheriff was waiting for her.

  “Sheriff, my apologies for the disturbance, I would have come to see you first, but our numbers here made that hard to do, I feel my point has been made. Please apologise to the towns folk for any disturbance, as soon as our goods are ready, we will be leaving.” She told him.

  “Is everything ok Elizabeth?” he asked her.

  “I’m sure everything’s fine now Sheriff. Just some gentleman who I understand, felt I was easy pickings, something they could own. I’m sure Mr. Brenner can fill you in.”

  Elizabeth walked to the edge of the sidewalk and signed to the men to disperse. Several took up posts along the main street. Black Dog and his men, including Blue, stayed with her. Elizabeth turned and spoke to Red Wolf.

  “I’m going to the Bank to see Mr. Bell, could you check to see if there is any new stock or mail from back East.” Red Wolf nodded heading off.

  “Carl, could you go see Caroline and her family. Extend my apologies for the disturbance today and ask them if they would come join us on Sunday?” she asked him.

  “You going to be ok on your own?” he asked her.

  Elizabeth shook her head. “Carl, when am I ever alone?” She indicated Black Dog.

  “Fair enough.” He told her and walked down the street towards the home of Caroline and her family.

  Elizabeth crossed the street and walked into the Bank. As she did, she noticed two things. Mr. Bell was rushing back inside, having been pulled from his office by the commotion and there was the most handsome oriental gentleman not much older than herself sitting in the reception area.

  Mr. Bell appeared to have left his office mid-way in conference with another oriental looking gentleman who was in his late 50’s she guessed, wearing silk robes. Elizabeth thought how wonderful the fabric looked, a far better quality than she had seen before. She walked in and settled herself in the outer office with the younger man.

  “Good morning.” She told him. Rather surprised he looked up.

  “Good morning.” He replied and both of them could overhear the conversation going on in the main office.

  It wasn’t particularly private, and Mr. Bell was using his position to full effect. “I’m sorry, Mr. Chan, I cannot lend you money without collateral, and we don’t lend money to foreigners around here.”

  Elizabeth held her temper. Mr. Bell was a snob and she hated that. ‘That man would hav
e to go’, she thought. Her companion became embarrassed and she felt for him. Mr. Chan tried again and put his proposal again to Mr. Bell stressing the business opportunities and the profit to be made for the town and for his family. Elizabeth listened with interest. His reasoning was sound. Before Mr. Chan came out she’d made up her mind. Mr. Bell was huffing and puffing, trying to get rid of Mr. Chan. As he practically forcedly removed him to the outer office, Elizabeth stood.

  “Ms Trelawney, sorry to have kept you waiting.” Mr. Bell fell over himself in greeting her, Elizabeth felt compete distaste. She cut him off. “Ah, Mr. Bell, I see you have already met Mr. Chan, we’re business partners you know.” Both Mr. Bell and Mr. Chan looked at her surprised.

  Elizabeth extended her hand to Mr. Chan. “I’m so sorry Mr. Chan for keeping you waiting. I was having such a lovely conversation our here I clearly forgot to come in. Shall we all go back into Mr. Bells office and secure your loan.” She told him innocently. Mr. Chan, not quite sure what was going on, but hearing the words ‘loan’, followed Elizabeth back in.

  As Elizabeth took a seat. She addressed Mr. Bell. “Mr. Chan has a number of business interests that I’m keen to invest in.” She told him. “As the Double T stands collateral for the Bank, I wish the bank to back Mr. Chan. Half what he is looking for and the Double T will take the other half.” Mr. Chan suddenly understood. Elizabeth turned to Mr. Chan. “I am sure Mr. Chan, you would prefer me to be a silent partner?” She asked him and Mr. Chan nodded in gratitude. “And.” She said turning back to Mr. Bell. “Mr. Chan will need premises, buy it under the Double T, with the option of Mr. Chan buying it from me at an appropriate rate.” She told him.

  Both men were again showing surprise. “There is Mr. Chan, one condition.” She told him. Mr. Chan looked at her with an expression of ‘here it comes’. Elizabeth smiled. “There are to be no opiates Mr. Chan. None. Unless it’s for proven medical reasons and only dispensed if the Doctor approves it.” She told him. Elizabeth had seen its effects first hand back East. She didn’t want it here.

  Mr. Chan, spoke to her for the first time.

  “Madam, I have never traded in opiates, I have no intension of doing so now.” He told her.

  Elizabeth smiled. “Good. Then we are agreed.” She told him smiling and extended her hand. “The interest Ms. Trelawney?” Mr. Chan asked before taking her hand.

  “The Bank will charge the standard rate the other business are getting, there is a non-negotiable 15% levy on all net profit that goes back into the Town and I am sure that you, will arrange a rate for my part that is reasonable.” She told him. “Please keep me informed of your progress. I do so love those fabrics.” Elizabeth stood.

  “Oh and Mr. Bell, I wanted an update on how the other business’ are doing. Perhaps you could arrange to come out and see me next week.” She told him.

  “Mr. Chan.” Elizabeth extended her hand again. “It’s been a pleasure, should you wish to see me, you will find me at the Double T. Please feel free to call any time.”

  Mr. Chan took her hand. “I cannot thank you enough.” He told her emotionally. “Yes you can, thrive and do well for both our families.”

  As she walked passed his companion he stood in the hallway. Elizabeth smiled at him and he stared back. Elizabeth thought he had lovely eyes, she inclined her head as if to say your welcome, turned and left.

  As she did so, Black Dog walked up to her followed by Blue. He spoke quickly to her. Elizabeth signed the order to leave and mounted her pony. They rode for the store, from the window of the Bank, one oriental young man, took in every movement. Women here, hold a different place, he thought.

  There had been a problem at the store. Elizabeth dismounted and went in. Carl had walked in behind her going up to the counter.

  “Is there a problem here.” she asked.

  “Oh Ms. Trelawney, I’m sorry they have disturbed you, one of the settlers got a bit loud with the hands loading your wagons, thought they were being short changed, they did.” Mrs. Jenkins told her.

  Elizebeth looked surprised. “Why would they think that?” She asked.

  “They wanted to get moving. We were holding them up. Thought we were taking some of their goods.” Kincade told her.

  Elizabeth looked around her. “Are they still here?” He nodded. Some settlers were standing in the back corner.

  Elizabeth went over holding out her hand to what she assumed was the wife, then the husband. They had two small children with them. They looked half starved and exhausted.

  “I’m sorry for any misunderstanding. Please take what you need. Mr. Jenkins will put it on my account for the inconvenience.”

  “Really?” The little girl asked. Elizabeth bent down. “Yes indeed. What would you like?” She looked at her mother who nodded.

  “A sweet.” Elizabeth stood looking at both parents.

  “Where you folks heading?”

  The male rolled his hat in his hands. “Good farmland. We lost ours in the dust some ways from here. Hope to find work in the sheep lands west of here.”

  Elizabeth smiled. “If your looking for work, I have sheep that need another herdsman’s and the house could always do with more help. We have a school for the children. The pays fair ask anyone.”

  The woman burst out crying. The husband consoled her and the children moved in to comfort her.

  “We would, thank you kindly.”

  She gave him a nod. “Find your way to the Double T. Ask at the house for Jake. Mr. Jenkins?” she called out. “Two sweets each for the ladies here and give them what they need, put it on our account.” She nodded to Mr. Jenkins.

  Elizabeth looked at Carl then stepped outside. “I forget sometimes how hard life is outside our world. I need to do something about that.” She sighed. “I think I’ve had enough of town for the time being.” Red Wolf approached from the mail post. His men carried several packages.

  “I see we have mail,” she told him smiling. “Umm, your Aunt.” Red Wolf grumbled. Elizabeth smiled, it was welcome news indeed, she would look forward to hearing all the news from Boston. For the first time that day, Elizabeth felt like a young girl again. She looked at both her men. Carl and Red Wolf and felt fortunate.

  “Let’s go home.” Red Wolf signed, and the entire party mounted, and they started to ride for home.

  Elizabeth was glad when she finally spotted the Double T. She hadn’t liked all the attention today. As she reached the house and dismounted, she stood on the porch and addressed her men.

  “Thank you, all of you, the Double T, has never been in better hands. I know my father, honorary father and Ben, would thank you, each of you, as I do.”

  “Dinners on us.” She called out to cheers. Smiled and went inside.

  Carl and Red Wolf saw to the animals and men. Both in their own time, came in search of her. Elizabeth was sitting by the fire, she had refused dinner. Red Wolf came in first, carrying the parcels from her aunt.

  “Is it a special occasion?” he grumbled, lifting the packages and putting them on the side table. Elizabeth frowned then smiled.

  “O my, it’s my birthday in two weeks.” She told him. “21.” He sat in the chair opposite her. Without asking Elizabeth got up and made him a drink, and passed it to him, he took it without looking up at her. As he took the first sip, Carl came in to join them.

  Carl stood to one side feeling he had interrupted them. Elizabeth again got up and made him a drink, she held it out to him and indicated the chair between her and Red Wolf. Carl took it.

  All three sat in silence sipping their brandy.

  “Long day,” she said eventually. “I’m going up, thank you, both of you.” She rose from her chair, crossed the room and ascended the stairs to her room.

  Both men stayed awhile longer. Eventually a member of staff brought some food and they ate. Not a word was spoken. Once Carl had finished his food, and the last of his brandy he rose from his chair. “Red,” he nodded at him and left the house.

  Red
Wolf sat there wishing Elizabeth was with him. He did not wish to leave. What was the point of going back to the village, to his, he could hardly think the word, ‘wife’. They hated each other on sight. She saw him as a leg up and nothing more. He could hardly blame her. He didn’t want her and refused to lay with her.

  He was still sitting there when Elizabeth came down early next morning. The house staff had not yet arrived to start breakfast. The fire in the hearth was still going. Elizabeth descended the stairs, headed to the bathroom and then the kitchen in need of coffee. Her sleep had been broken. She wasn’t surprised to see him still here.

  She put the coffee pot on and walked back to him.

  “Been here all night?” she asked him quietly. She stood in front of the fire and added more wood to it. Red Wolf just stared into it.

  “Coffee?” she asked. He nodded in a resounded kind of way and she headed back into the kitchen. Coming back with coffee she handed him one. Then sat in the chair she’d used last night. Eventually she asked.

  “How did you know about Blue?”

  He looked up at her. “He came to me first, I told him to see you and he came back with your answer, you made him very happy.”

  “Did I?” she responded knowingly. “I think only time will tell that.” Taking a mouthful of coffee Red Wolf leaned back in his chair.