by Edward Gates
“He looks kinda familiar. What’d you say his name was?” Miss Kate asked, still looking out the window.
“I didn’t say, but if you need to know …”
“Oh, for God’s sake! Is that Texas Jack?” She looked wide-eyed at Charlie and back at Jack. “It is. I don’t believe this.” She gave a slight chuckle and called to one of the young ladies who had greeted Charlie. “Go find Emma and Constance and bring them here.”
“Emma’s with a client right now, ma’am.”
“Well, then, fetch Constance for me.” The girl hurried off to other parts of the house. Miss Kate turned back to Charlie.
“I take it you know Texas Jack Cable?”
Miss Kate laughed. “I haven’t seen him in over five years, right before he went off to war. We just assumed he was dead. He used to come here every time he got into town. All the girls loved him. He’d bring ‘em little gifts and things. There’s only two girls left here that knew him back then.”
“Constance and Emma, I guess?”
Miss Kate nodded. “Constance was Jack’s favorite. They had a very special relationship. She’ll be thrilled to see him.”
Charlie’s smile vanished. “Well, he may not be so thrilled to see her. Like I told you, he’s very sensitive about the way he looks. I don’t want him scared off. I just want him cleaned up.”
A lovely woman of medium height and build entered the room. She was elegantly dressed, as were all the ladies of the house. Her brown hair appeared to be hastily wound and pinned in a bun on top of her head. A single red silk rose adorned the bun. She smiled at Charlie when she entered and then assumed a ladylike, well-rehearsed, demure pose next to Miss Kate.
Kate pointed to the window. “Take a look outside at that fella sitting on the steps. See if you know him.”
Constance peered out the window for a moment with no reaction. She slowly shook her head, looked at Charlie then to Miss Kate.
“Look again,” Miss Kate suggested.
She studied him for a good long time. Suddenly her pensive expression exploded into delight. “Oh, my! Is that Jack?” She turned away from the window and started for the front door.
Miss Kate grabbed her. “Hold on a minute, Connie. There’s some things you need to know first.” She called to one of the young greeters. “Bonnie? Come on back in here. I have a job for you.” Miss Kate turned to Charlie and smiled. “I have an idea on how we can do this, Deputy.”
The four sat in the parlor and devised a plan to slowly and delicately bring Jack inside the home without running away. When they finished, Miss Kate smiled at Charlie. “Now, watch my girls work.”
Charlie went to the window and stood next to Constance. She was fingering a small stone medallion she wore on a gold chain around her neck. He found out later it was one of those small gifts Jack had brought her right before he went off to war.
Bonnie went out on the porch and sat in one of the rockers. She greeted Jack and began a generic conversation. She was a master of small talk. In just a few moments, she had Jack relaxed and engaged in conversation. At that point the other greeter walked out on the porch and sat on another rocker. Charlie could see Jack’s face go rigid and his shoulders tensed with the appearance of the second girl. But, very shortly, the three were engulfed in a jovial conversation.
“Okay, Constance, your turn. Remember, he’ll be surprised to see you so just take it slow,” Miss Kate warned.
“He may want to run away when he sees you,” Charlie added. “He won’t want you to see him like he is. You’re going to have to calm that fear in him.” He paused. “You can’t be put off by his appearance. You think you can do that?”
Constance raised her head, smiled and nodded to Charlie. He smiled back. She headed for the door. Miss Kate joined him at the window and they watched as Constance walked out onto the porch. She was supposed to join the other girls and sit in one of the rockers, but when she saw Jack she stopped and stared at him. Jack stood and stared back.
“Jack?” Constance asked. “Is that really you, Jack?” she said with enough sugar in her voice to melt the most hardened heart. Jack stood motionless, staring at her with his mouth agape. She took a step toward him, but he backed away. Charlie watched him turn and start down the walkway.
“Jack,” Constance called out. “No. Wait.” She bolted off the porch and caught him halfway down the walk. Jack kept trying to turn away from Constance, but she finally reached out and grabbed his shoulders. He stood with his head bowed, looking at the ground. They were too far away for Charlie to hear the conversation. After a while, Constance guided Jack back to the porch where they both sat on the steps and talked. Tears streaked their cheeks. The two greeters came back inside and nodded to Miss Kate with a smile of success.
Miss Kate put her hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “Well, looks like we have your dilemma well in hand.”
“Looks like you do at that,” he agreed with a smile.
“We’ll get Jack taken care of. Don’t you worry about that.” Miss Kate stepped in a little closer to Charlie. “Now what can we do for you, Deputy?”
“First off, I’d be grateful if you called me Charlie instead of Deputy.” He looked at Miss Kate and smiled. “Once you get Jack inside and cleaned up, I guess I can find some time to relax here.”
Miss Kate laughed aloud and then called to Bonnie. When she appeared, Miss Kate pointed to the bundles of new clothes Charlie brought in with him. “Bonnie, take these bundles to Constance’s room for me. I’m going to show Charlie around the palace.” She slipped her arm through Charlie’s and guided him down the hallway.
61
Rejuvenated
Charlie sat in a rocker on the porch of Miss Kate’s Palace. Bonnie sat in the rocker next to him in almost constant chatter. It was pretty much a one-sided conversation that Charlie hardly listened to. He didn’t mind. He was relaxed and couldn’t erase the smile from his face. The sun was starting its descent in the western sky. Charlie was content to just sit and enjoy the waning afternoon. He was proud that his scheme to get Jack cleaned up and presentable worked so well. And it ended with some reciprocal benefits for himself.
The front door opened, and Texas Jack emerged with Constance on his arm. With his haircut, shave, the new clothes and now a bath, he looked like Charlie remembered him. Constance carefully pinned Jack’s left sleeve to his shoulder as Charlie stood to greet him. Jack smiled.
“You smell like roses, Jack.”
The old Ranger laughed. “It’s that damn French soap they got upstairs. But, I reckon it’s a far cry better than what I smelled like before.”
“You ready to go see Ben? I’m sure he’ll be glad to see you since you didn’t come back yesterday.”
Jack nodded and turned to give Constance a final hug. Charlie said goodbye to Bonnie just as Miss Kate stepped out on the porch.
“Don’t you two be strangers, now. Jack, you come back here and see Constance whenever you want. The door’s always open for you.” Miss Kate looked at Charlie and then back to Jack. “And bring that deputy along with you.” Then she laughed. Charlie smiled back at her before helping Jack limp down the stairs.
The two walked without a word. “You okay?” Charlie finally asked to break the silence. Jack looked at him and shook his head. “What’s wrong?”
Jack smiled. “You know you’re a horse’s ass, don’t you?”
Charlie chuckled. “Why’s that?”
“You sure you want to be a Ranger? It seems to me you’d make a better politician.” Jack paused. “That was some stunt you pulled… getting me cleaned up like that. Especially there. How’d you know I knew them gals at Miss Kate’s?”
“I didn’t,” Charlie answered. “I swear. I just asked about the swankiest place in town. I figured a prostitute had probably seen all sorts of men in all sorts of condition. I supposed they wouldn’t be put off by your appearance. A lady like that would help you bathe where a bathhouse attendant wouldn’t. I had no idea you’d been ther
e before. That was a stroke of luck.”
They walked for a while in silence. Then Charlie asked, “How are you feeling now?”
They stopped on the sidewalk outside of Kline’s Saloon. “I sorta feel alive again. I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, Charlie. You didn’t have to do any of this. Most folks wouldn’t have. What you said to me a couple of days ago, made a lot of sense. You’re a good man. I was right all along. You’ll make a good Ranger.”
Charlie didn’t answer. He smiled and nodded and put his hand on Jack’s shoulder and gave a slight squeeze. Together they walked into Ben’s saloon. It was late afternoon and the place was crowded. They made their way to the bar.
“Two beers, bartender.” Charlie called out to Ben.
Ben looked and saw Charlie. “Two beers coming up.” He cracked the corks off the bottles and brought them to where Charlie and Jack were standing. “Did you ever find…” He stopped when he saw Jack. “Holy… Is that you, Jack?” Jack let out a slight laugh and nodded. “Well I’ll be a suck-egg mule. I never woulda thought…” He set the bottles on the bar and shook Jack’s hand. “You look like a whole different man.”
“I feel like a whole different man,” Jack replied.
Charlie and Jack spent their beer reminiscing about the Rangers. Between customers, Ben joined the conversation.
When Charlie finished his beer, Jack asked, “You want another?”
“No, I don’t think so. I’ve got some things I have to do.”
“Like what?”
“Well, I have to find out who sponsored that bill in the state congress to get the Rangers back together. Then I need to put on my politician hat for a while to get him interested in us.”
Jack took another drink of beer. “Where you stayin’ tonight?”
“I can’t stay, Jack. Not now, anyway. I have some personal things I must take care of elsewhere. But I’ll be back in a couple days. Soon after that, I’ll be coming back for good.”
Jack looked at Charlie as if he wanted to say something but didn’t.
“You’re going to be fine, Jack. Don’t be afraid to try anything. I think you’ll be surprised at what you really can accomplish.”
The bar was getting more and more crowded and the room became darker as evening engulfed the town. Ben came down to where Charlie and Jack were standing.
“I’m going to have to leave for a few days, Ben.” Charlie looked at Jack and then back to the barman. “You think you can keep an eye on this fella while I’m gone?” He laughed.
Ben and Jack both chuckled. Ben nodded. “I sure can, Deputy. And thank you.” He shook Charlie’s hand, then turned to Jack. “You think you can watch the bar for me while I get these lanterns lit around here?”
Jack smiled and nodded. “Sure, I can.” He stepped confidently behind the bar and Charlie walked out unnoticed.
62
Farewell
Sunday mornings were always a quiet time in Fort Smith. But this second Sunday in July of 1863 seemed to be more solemn than ever. The devastating news from Gettysburg had left everyone numb. The quick little rebellion begun two years earlier did not turn out the way anyone expected. Six months at best, they all thought. Now, two years later, with hundreds of thousands of dead and wounded, as well as untold property damage, there were calls from citizens and state governments on both sides to end the fighting. President Lincoln wouldn’t hear of it. His goal was to reunite the nation at any cost. Then, toward the end of 1862, Lincoln added the notion to rid the country of slavery -- something that wasn’t too well received on either side.
Charlie sat at the desk in the sheriff’s office, weary of the Civil War and how it permeated the news and the lives of everyone. Even though he had no vested interest in the war and its outcome, the daily news was fatiguing. Being around the townspeople, he couldn’t help being drawn into their emotions. He found himself disappointed in Southern battle losses… even though he knew the outcome before they began. He rejoiced in Confederate successes as if he had no prior knowledge of the results. Living among these Southern people in this era made him feel as if he was one of them.
Charlie wondered why he was still here in 1863. Everything he desired was just a few years in his future. One quick jump and he would be away from all this. The only thing holding him here was his feeling of obligation toward Max. Max had helped him out when he needed it and given him a good start in this town. He obviously owed him for all that. But surely Max must consider that debt repaid… Then again, maybe not. Maybe a debt to Max could never be fully repaid.
There was nothing to be gained by remaining here. Besides, the longer he stayed in one place, the more opportunities presented themselves for him to interfere with history. This Sunday morning, he had made the decision to leave here for good as soon as possible. But he couldn’t just disappear. His departure would have to be well planned and well publicized. People would have to know he was leaving, so that when he did go there would be no concerns or questions.
Sheriff O’Shea always took his family to services on Sunday morning. He would come into the office later in the afternoon after the family’s Sunday meal. That’s when Charlie would begin his exit plan.
His first step would be to inform Sheriff O’Shea that he was leaving so he could get a replacement. Then, he’d pay a visit to Dave and see whether he would take Archie out to his ranch. He figured Dave would take better care of his horse than anyone else. Once that was done he’d have to see Max and let him know he was leaving Fort Smith. He knew this last visit with Max would be a hard one, one where Max would do his best to change his mind. Then, lastly, maybe he’d pay Lyla one more visit at The Row.
When Sheriff O’Shea arrived, he tossed his bowler on the hat tree and sat in the chair in front of his desk. He wore a solemn expression just like the rest of the citizens of the town. They both sat in silence for a few moments.
“The news is bleak, Mister Turlock.”
Charlie nodded. “Yeah. I know. I believe this is the beginning of the end for the South.”
“Aye. I think ye might be right, there. It don’t look good at all.”
There was another moment before Charlie spoke. “I hate to bring this up now, when things look so bleak, but I wanted to tell you that I’m going to be leaving soon. Probably within a few days or so.”
“No, ye don’ say,” the sheriff answered, frowning.
“Yeah, I’m afraid so.” Charlie stood. “The troops are going to be abandoning the garrison here and it’ll just be a matter of weeks before the Union marches in here and takes over. I don’t think I want to be here for that.” Sheriff O’Shea just stared at Charlie. “You’ll do fine here,” Charlie added. “You have no Southern allegiance and you’re very good at playing politics. You’ll work well with the Union magistrate.”
“I don know what to say. Where will ye be goin’?”
“I’m heading to Texas. I’ve got some friends there and I think I need a new start.”
“Ye bin a right fine deputy, Charlie Turlock. Ye’ll be missed fer sure.”
Charlie smiled. “I appreciate that.”
“Ye told me when I took this job that ye’d be a-leavin’ soon. I thank you for stayin’ as long as ye did.” The sheriff went to his safe and removed a small bottle of whiskey. “We’ll toast to ye and yer future.” He pulled two glasses from his desk drawer and poured a shot of whiskey in each glass. He handed one to Charlie and picked up the other. “May the road be smooth before ye and yer adventures be ones of smiles.” Then the sheriff drank down his whiskey.
Usually, Charlie stayed away from the hard liquor. The swill that they tried to pass off as whiskey in the bars was locally made and contained things that should never be ingested. He was a little leery of the sheriff’s whiskey, but, not wanting to offend him, he took a small sip. Surprisingly, it was a true bourbon whiskey and very smooth. He now understood why he kept it in the safe. He shot back the remainder in the glass and set the empty glass down on t
he desk. “Thank you for the toast.”
“Ye be ridin’ that old bay all the way to Texas?”
Charlie thought about it, then shook his head. “No, I don’t believe so. Archie’s a good horse for running around this area, but he’s getting pretty old. He already made one trip across the country. I don’t think he’s up to another. I’ll probably take a coach to Dallas.” Charlie paused for a brief moment, then added, “A friend of mine’s got a ranch about six miles outside town. I was going to ask him to take on Archie.”
“Have ye talked to this fella yet?”
“No, not yet. I was going to go out there this afternoon.”
“Well, I’ll give ye forty dollars for the horse and yer rig.”
Charlie was a little surprised by the sheriff’s offer. “You want to buy my horse?” The sheriff nodded. “You have that beautiful black. What do you want with an old horse like Archie?”
“Me oldest boy’s comin’ of age. He’ll be a needin’ a horse. A nice gentle one like yers would be a good one to get him started.”
Charlie knew that the sheriff took impeccable care of his black gelding and that he would instill that same caring attitude in his son. “It sounds like a fair deal.” He shook the sheriff’s hand. “I’ll be using the horse for a few days before I go. After that, he’s yours.”
Charlie walked to the livery, happy he’d found a good place for his horse. He didn’t have to ask Dave to take him after all. Still, he needed to pay him a visit before he left. If it wasn’t for Dave and his tutorage, Charlie might not have survived his first year here. He had to see him, if for no other reason than to just say goodbye and thank him for all he’d done. He picked up Archie and rode out to Dave’s ranch.
Dave was happy to see him. “It’s good to see ya, boy. What brings you out here?”
“Come out to say goodbye,” Charlie said as he dismounted and tied the reins to the hitchrail.