Jessie raised her brows in surprise. “How do you know this?” she asked.
“Because I murdered his little brother, Wilbur McNally. My first name is really Claire.”
Jessie gasped in shock. “What? When was this?”
“I married Will when I was sixteen. A year later, I was pregnant with our child…that was the first time he hit me. I lost the baby not long after that. He hit me some more because it was my fault that I lost it.” She shook her head, dredging up old memories that she’d buried deep down. “After two more years of him hitting me, almost daily, I’d had enough.”
“What did you do?” Jessie questioned.
“I scrapped together loose coins whenever I could, hiding them under a floorboard in the house. He had an old pistol that he said didn’t shoot straight. He laughed one day and gave it to me in case someone came up when he wasn’t there, saying I’d be dead anyway. Well, it just so happens that that pistol did shoot straight. I waited for him to wander in drunk one night, ready to slap me around good. I stood in front of the door and as he walked in, I shot him right between the eyes.” She glanced at Jessie, who had a stunned look on her face, and sighed, “He’s here because he wants revenge.”
“You were just a kid,” Jessie said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“I murdered him in cold blood.”
“You were being beaten. That’s self defense.”
“It doesn’t matter in his eyes, or the justice for that matter. I had no right to kill him,” she said softly. “It took him five years to finally find me.”
“How did you wind up here?” Jessie asked, still trying to wrap her head around what she was hearing.
“We lived about a half days ride from Dodge City in a place called Rosewood Pass, in a one room adobe. The gang was spread out around the pass in the surrounding adobe huts. Will told me when they’d first arrived, there was a small Indian settlement there. The gang cleared out the Indians and made it their home. My family is in Dodge City. That’s where I met Will. He promised a life full of riches and happiness, so I ran off with him and got married. I had no idea he was an outlaw, until it was too late. Anyway, when I shot him, I took his horse and rode into Dodge City. From there, I sold a few furs and some silver pots. That got me a train ticket out west. I went to Tombstone for a bit, where I worked in a restaurant. That’s where I met Cornelius Fray, not long after. He was kind and gentle. We were soon married and moved here two years ago to start a life together. We opened the store, and six months later, Corny was killed, right out front, as you know.” She paused. “I despise gangs. They’ve taken so much from me. I’m pretty sure Will’s beatings are the reason Corny and I never had a child.” She wiped away a stray tear. “Outlaws are nothing but woman beaters, thieves, and murderers. They should all be shot dead,” she spat, brushing away a few more tears. “I should’ve never stopped running. I knew Jasper would find me one day.”
“You’re done running,” Jessie said, heading for the door.
“Jessie, no! Please, don’t go out there,” she begged, but it was too late, she’d already stepped out into the street.
Jessie stepped off the sidewalk, just as Jasper was coming up on the theatre and the General Trade, with his gang.
“Do I know you?” he said, staring up and down at the person in front of him.
“You’re not welcome here,” she said. “You’ve already broken several laws as it is.”
“A woman…wait a minute…” he stammered at the law officer being female, then was taken aback as recognition set in. “Well, well, well, look at what we got here, boys, if it isn’t Jessie ‘La Diabla’ Henry…wearing a badge, no less,” he laughed. “I heard you were dead,” he added shaking his head.
“Wait until the Eldorado Gang finds out their fearless leader traded them for a badge!”
“I already told you, I don’t want any trouble,” she said calmly.
“Are you serious?” he laughed again, looking at his brother, Cecil. “Tell me they didn’t make one of the deadliest outlaws in the south, a town marshal!”
Jessie moved her hand to her pistol, knowing she was outnumbered. There was no way she could draw on him, but she wasn’t sure she had a choice. “You’re right. I am the Town Marshal, and I’ve already told you, we don’t want any trouble.”
“This town is harboring someone who belongs to me. Stay out of this, La Diabla. I have no beef with you.”
“You just created beef with me by coming into my town, causing a ruckus. I hear you shot a man, too.”
Jasper ignored her and pulled his pistol, shooting it into the air. “You have until dusk to come out, Claire!” he shouted. “Or I’ll go door to door and drag you out by your pretty, long hair!”
“And if she doesn’t?” Jessie said.
“I’ll burn this town to the ground,” he yelled, kicking his horse to make it run as he fired his gun in the air. His two brothers rode in a circle, shooting their guns in the air, before following him out of town.
“What the hell was all that?” Bert asked, running over to her.
Jessie ignored him as she turned back towards the store and went in search of Ellie.
“You’re an outlaw?” Ellie cried, pushing her away when Jessie tried to hold her. “Is it true? What is La Diabla?”
“Ellie?” Jessie sighed.
“Answer me!” Ellie growled.
“She-devil or female devil,” Jessie muttered.
“So, it’s true?”
“Yes,” Jessie stated. “I led a gang. I did a lot of bad things. I won’t deny it, but Ellie, I’ve changed my ways. I turned my life around.”
“How could you lie to me?” Ellie cried.
“I never meant to hurt you,” Jessie said, taking a step towards her.
“Get away from me!” Ellie screamed.
Jessie hung her head and walked out of the store.
TWENTY-FOUR
Several town folk had heard the exchange between the marshal and the outlaw, and it didn’t take long for word to begin to spread like wildfire.
“What was that all about? Is it true?” Bert asked as Jessie walked into the Marshal’s Office.
She had no time to answer as the mayor rode up on his horse. “We need to talk,” he said, tying it to the post after he’d climbed down. “Bert, you can wait outside.”
“Look me in the eye and tell me you haven’t made a fool of me,” he growled.
“Have I ever crossed you? Have I ever disobeyed the laws here? No,” she asked and answered herself. “I have a past. I won’t deny it. It made me who and what I am today.”
“I’m in shock,” he mumbled. “I mean…I knew you weren’t exactly a law abiding citizen when you came to town, but knowing you’re a gang-leading outlaw...I feel like I’ve been deceived. Hell, the whole town does.” He shook his head.
“If you want my badge, ask for it. But I’m telling you this…I’m going to stop the McNally brothers.”
“I don’t even know why they’re here, and who the hell is this Claire they’re looking for?”
“It’s Ellie, but that’s her story to tell. I only just found out myself. I’m not going to let them hurt her, or anyone else, whether it’s still my job or not, doesn’t matter.”
“I guess you both have secrets,” he said.
“Mayor, everyone has a past. Some are just much deeper than others,” she replied, knowing that stopping the gang and keeping them from destroying the town or hurting anyone else, was the only way she could prove her worth. She pushed the door open and walked out into the street. Several business owners and town folk were out on the sidewalks, gossiping and looking her way.
“I was once Jessie ‘La Diabla’ Henry, leader of the Eldorado Gang,” she said loudly. “I made a lot of bad decisions, and did some horrible acts, but that’s not who I am anymore. I am Boone Creek Town Marshal, Jessie Henry, now. Those of you who have to come to know me, know I am not dangerou
s. But those men who were just here, they’re more than dangerous…and they’re coming back. This is my home, my town, and I’m not going to let any gang, no matter who it is, come into Boone Creek and threaten the good people who live here. I took an oath to uphold the law and keep the peace here, and that’s what I plan to do. Anyone who wishes to join me, can find me in the saloon.”
***
A few patrons were scattered around the Rustler’s Den when Jessie walked in, taking a seat at the bar. “Whiskey,” she said, nodding to Elmer.
“For the record, I don’t care,” he muttered, sliding the glass over to her. “I’d rather have an ex-outlaw running the law of the town than some two-bit sissy.”
“Thanks,” she sighed, taking a long swallow of the burning liquor.
“I knew there was something about you the day you walked in here like it was nothing, after having just shot a man to death. Don’t get me wrong, he deserved it,” Elmer said. “I don’t think it was your intention to become the marshal and mislead everyone.”
“No.” Jessie shook her head. “I came here to leave my old life behind, but a job was asked of me, a job I knew I could do. At first, I looked at it as a penance for a life of crime, but this town…the people…everything grew on me. I’d finally found a place that felt like home.” She handed him the empty glass and sighed, “Otis was right, the mayor should’ve never made me the town marshal.”
“You’re wrong. That old drunk is full of shit. Making you the town marshal was the best decision Mayor Montgomery has ever made. He probably won’t admit, but I guarantee you he’d do it all over again tomorrow if he had to. You’ve done a fine job as our town marshal, and you’ve made some friends along the way, and fell in love. There’s certainly nothing wrong with any of that.”
“Yeah, well the whole town hates me.”
“I don’t,” Bert said, walking into the saloon. “You had your reasons for not telling anyone about your past. Do I think you should’ve been upfront about it, yes, but there’s nothing you can do about that now. The town is being threatened and you’re the only one who can stop it. You’re the town marshal. I stand with you as your deputy…and your friend.”
“We are with you, too, Marshal Henry,” another man said. He had two more men behind him.
Jessie hadn’t seen any of them enter the saloon after Bert. She stared for a second, unsure of what to stay, as no words were coming to her.
“See,” Elmer mumbled. “You’ve made an impression on this town, outlaw or not, they’re ready to stand behind you.”
Jessie nodded and took a long look at each of the men. “The McNally brothers gang is out for blood. I can’t guarantee you won’t get hurt, or worse,” she stated.
“I don’t care, as long as it helps save this town from those vicious bastards!” one man yelled.
“I’m with him,” another said.
“We’re here to help you, Marshal. Whatever you need us to do, you just say it,” the first guy added.
Jessie looked at Bert, shaking her head in surprise. “I guess we’d better find the mayor so he can deputize them,” she said, rounding up the small group and leading them out of the saloon.
***
Mayor Montgomery was out in the street, not far from the saloon, dealing with a handful of complaining town folk. Some were calling for his resignation for appointing an outlaw as the town marshal. Others, including Otis, wanted her relieved of duty as the town marshal, and thrown out of town.
“Lock her up!” Otis yelled as he stumbled around. “I knew she was bad news. I tried to tell you.”
“Oh, give it a rest, Otis!” the mayor said. “In fact, all of you, just shut up for a minute.” He turned to Jessie and the men. “What’s going on?”
“I need you to temporarily deputize these men. They’ve offered to join me in going after the McNally brothers,” she replied.
“I don’t think that’s a wise idea,” he said.
“It’s not over. They’re coming back tonight, and they’ll keep coming back until they get what they want.”
“They’re obviously after you. You probably crossed them,” Otis uttered.
“No.” Jessie shook her head. “I’m not who they’re looking for, but I’m prepared to give my life trying to stop them from getting it.” She looked at Mayor Montgomery. “Let me finish this…my way. Then, if you want, I’ll resign and leave Boone Creek…for good.”
“All right, but you’re not taking any of our town folk with you. I won’t allow you to put them in harm’s way.”
“We’re not asking for your permission,” one of the men said.
“Nope. I don’t need to be no deputy to help save my town,” another stated.
Jessie rested her hands on her gun belt and pinned the mayor with a stare.
“Fine,” he huffed. “You gentlemen are all willing to put your lives on the line for an outlaw who is going after another outlaw?”
“No, we’re standing behind our town marshal when she needs help defending the place we all call home!” the third man exclaimed.
“I don’t have badges for you, but Bert can be your witness, just the same,” the mayor said. “Hold up your right hands and repeat after me,” he continued, deputizing the three men to assist with law matters pertaining to the McNally brothers gang only. “This temporary authorization will expire in twenty-four hours time,” he finished.
“We won’t need twenty-four hours,” Jessie uttered. “Let’s meet in the Marshal’s Office in twenty minutes,” she said to the group, before walking away with Bert at her side. “I want you to stay behind, when we go.”
“Me? What for? I’m a trained law officer. These guys—”
“Are not about to become a father. At least, not that I know of.” She looked at him. “I could never face Molly, or your child, if something happened to you. Besides, when this is all over, you’re probably going to become the town marshal, so there’s no need to go out there and get yourself killed.”
“You’re the town marshal now, and you will be when this is over…because I’m going with you. This is my home, too. This is where my kid will grow up. I’d rather be a father who kept his oath as a deputy and helped stopped a gang, than one who stood by and did nothing.”
“Even if I order you to stay back?” she asked.
“I won’t disobey an order.”
“Good,” she replied, opening the door of the Marshal’s Office.
Bert removed his badge from his vest and handed it to her. “I don’t have to follow your orders if I’m no longer a law officer.”
“Damn it, Bert!” She shook her head and gave his badge back to him. “I’m not going to talk you out of this, am I?”
“No.”
Jessie crossed her arms. “You need to go talk with Molly. She may not even be aware of what’s going on.”
“She is. As a matter of fact, she’s with Ellie.”
Just the sound of her name made Jessie’s heart ache. “Fine. We have work to do.” She pulled a map of the town from her desk drawer. “If he’s threatening to come back at dusk, he can’t be far away,” she said, studying the terrain. “I’m thinking Pinewood Pass is our best option. The McNally brothers are more than likely out there in the valley with the vagrants. That’s the closest habitable area, unless they’re in the mining camp, but I doubt that.”
“I agree. Pinewood and Red Rock are too far away,” he said, looking at the area.
“We’ll sneak down the pass and wait at the base of Boone Mountain, using the tree line as cover. As soon as they come out of the valley and enter the pass, we’ll cut them off.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“When the new deputies arrive, bring them up to speed and meet me at the stables. I’m going to go get us some horses.”
***
The town’s people who knew what was going on, stood around the street and sidewalks, patiently awaiting…for what, they weren’t sur
e. All they knew was their town marshal led a small posse of men, including her deputy, out of town. Since they’d gone towards Pinewood Pass and left from the stable, which was nearby, most of the town folk had no idea they’d even gone, until the news began to spread.
TWENTY-FIVE
Armed with sawed-off, double-barrel shotguns, known as stage guns, the three interim deputies waited nervously near the horses inside the tree line. Bert and Jessie had moved closer to the edge to get a better view. Wait until they come up on us,” Jessie said, “And keep those horses quiet. Bert, you take the right flank, and I’ll take the left. We’ll go out in front of them, guns aimed high. If they draw, we shoot. Understand?”
Everyone mumbled the word yes, as they each kept their eyes peeled.
“It shouldn’t be long now. We’re about a half hour from dusk,” she added, spinning the wheel clip of her revolver, making sure it was fully loaded.
“I see something,” Bert whispered, looking through the monocular tube. “It’s…a horse. Wait, there are three of them.”
“Do you see the McNally brothers?”
“Yes. Sorry, they’re up on the horses, and heading this way.”
Jessie watched the group ride closer and closer. “Here we go,” she whispered.
“I know you’re out there somewhere, La Diabla,” Jasper called out. “Give me Claire, or I’ll kill everyone in that town, starting with you!”
“You’re under arrest by the Town of Boone Creek!” she yelled.
Jasper laughed and fired his pistol into the air.
“Now!” Jessie shouted, rushing out of the trees on foot with her pistol aimed at the men.
Jasper pointed his gun at her and Jessie pulled the trigger, hitting him square in the chest. He flipped backwards off his horse as blood began pouring from the bullet hole in the center of his tan shirt, just above the brown vest he was wearing.
Bert ran out of the trees just after Jessie shot Jasper. The two brothers opened fire on the wooded area at the same time. Jessie dove for Bert, knocking him to the ground as she pulled the trigger, hitting one of the brothers in the side of his head. The temporary deputies returned fire from their position, killing the third brother and his horse.
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