Nathanial

by J. B. Richard

  “Thanks. I needed to hear it rationalized.”

  As a lawman, Nolan was levelheaded. As a father, he could be excitable at times. Not often, but this was a direct threat against his family. And before talking to Prescott, he felt all twisted up inside. He was now breathing easier. The judge would be the one to know if the Fletchers had a genuine case.

  “Not a problem.” Prescott touched the brim of his hat. “Enjoy the rest of your day.” He began to turn, looped an arm with his wife’s, then stopped. “If the Fletchers come before me and present their evidence—and it sounds like they will—I don’t want to mislead you. An investigation is not entirely out of question, but from what you’ve told me, I don’t foresee a trial unless they have proof that hasn’t been unveiled.”

  Nolan had thought hard about that too. He bid the judge good day.

  As the sun began to fade, they bought the kids popcorn, and as a friendly group, including Tate, they headed for the pond behind the Huckabee home. It would be the perfect spot to watch the fireworks.

  Kate laid out a blanket, as did the Huckabees. Tate being there reminded Nolan that one member of his family was missing. Jesse was probably still at the Shorts’, eating his fill, maybe drinking too much, and probably staring into Kristy’s eyes all moonstruck. She was just as hopelessly in love.

  Nolan suspected that the special thing Jesse had to do today was pop the big question. The young couple had been courting seriously for a spell, too long in Nolan’s mind. What was the boy waiting for? Something had to have him stalled. It wasn’t cold feet, because his mouth flapped like a duck’s ass when it came to that girl of his. Sometimes Nolan got sick of hearing it.

  If he had to guess, the trouble was Mrs. Short. She’d never taken to Jesse, and frankly, it pissed Nolan off. His son was a fine man. Shorty could see that. And the rest of the family liked Jesse. That woman was just trying to hold on to her daughter. Grown children were meant to be set free, to make their own choices, to cut out a life of their own. Forcing her ideals on her daughter wasn’t right, and from what Jesse had told him, that was exactly what Mrs. Short was doing.

  Hopefully, she wouldn’t spoil any part of Jesse and Kristy’s day, even if they didn’t get engaged. Nolan just hoped Jesse was using that brain of his while at Shorty’s place. An engagement or even spending an entire day together—picnicking, socializing, having laughs—would be reason to celebrate, and he didn’t want them to commemorate in the way that a young couple might. He had caught the two getting frisky in the barn loft just a week before this trip. Kristy had gone home in tears, probably figuring he planned to tell her folks, which he had no intention of doing. Kristy and Jesse were old enough to be married and coupling came with the territory, yet they weren’t officially engaged. So Nolan had given Jesse some stern fatherly advice. Shotgun weddings were not a good thing. He was to get a ring on that girl’s finger.

  Nolan wanted it to be a surprise, a wedding gift. He and Kate planned on giving the young couple a plot of land on the ranch to build a home.

  “Pa, when will the fireworks start?” Nate scanned the blackening sky.

  “Reckon after dark.”

  A few minutes later, the boy asked again, then again, and kept pestering, and for the hundredth time in twenty minutes, Nolan said he didn’t know.

  “Keep watching the sky.” Nolan ruffled the boy’s hair.

  Nate squeezed his tiny bottom between Nolan and Kate. Elizabeth was asleep on her mother’s lap. Nolan slipped an arm around her shoulders. He was a happy man.

  His little boy jumped near out of his skin at the first boom lighting up the dark sky with red, blue, and yellow sparkles. Nathanial pressed against Nolan’s side. Maybe he was a little afraid. His eyes were wide and stuck on the bright, colorful lights making their magic sprinkles, illuminating the black. More booms filled their ears. The display of fireworks was like nothing Nolan had ever seen, and the children were all in awe. To his surprise, Elizabeth slept as lights flashed and the thunder shook the air. An entire field filled with people sitting on their blankets stared into the sky. Then after the grand finale, applause, hoots, and whistles rose off the ground from every direction.

  Kate with Elizabeth and Nolan carrying Nate, they collected the blanket and followed behind the Huckabees toward the house.

  After tucking the kids into their rooms, Kate changed into her night clothing. “Nate was asleep before his head touched the pillow. Do you believe Elizabeth slept through all that noise?” She slipped into bed, wrapping her arms around Nolan. “I’m pretty tired myself.” She kissed his face, then looked at the paper in his hands. “Why don’t you throw that thing away? I don’t need any reminders.”

  Nolan rolled to sit up at the edge of the bed, crumpling the letter in his hand. Then he pulled on his pants and boots.

  “Do you think they’ll follow us home since they have been keeping a close eye on our son? If they see us leave, they won’t want to lose sight of him.” Kate nearly choked on the words. This wasn’t an easy thing to think about. Gray Rock was their hometown, and Nate should feel safe there, be able to play with his friends and run around without worry of being harassed.

  Nolan stiffly shrugged. Who knew what that couple would do? He hadn’t expected any of what they’d done so far, but if it was a court battle they wanted, there wasn’t a judge in Gray Rock.

  “I think they’d have to stay in Birch Creek long enough to file paperwork with Judge Prescott. Unless they’ve already hired a lawyer.”

  “I don’t understand. Why now, after years, would they come trying to find him, especially if they had gotten a letter almost a decade ago? When he was a baby and needed someone, no kin had come forward to claim him, to take him in, to protect and care for him. I can’t believe Deloris didn’t know what kind of a woman her sister was. Did she think that was the best environment for him? No one in their right mind would think that a child living in a bar with a whore was okay. It makes me not believe them.” It didn’t need to be said. Kate was a mother bear. They wouldn’t give up their son without a helluva fight if it came to that.

  Nolan hoped it wouldn’t. Just handing Nate over would never be an option in either of their minds.

  “I’m glad Nathanial doesn’t seem worried,” she said.

  “Yes, but our son knows how to hide his feelings. Don’t forget he’s been taught how by Younger.”

  Nolan removed the photograph from his vest pocket. He stood, walking toward the door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  In short time, Nolan walked into the hotel. “What room are the Fletchers in?”

  The clerk looked at the badge on his shirt. “Eight.”

  Nolan tipped his hat, then walked up the stairs, stopping to stand squarely in front of the door centered with the brass number eight. His fist pounded the wood. Anyone inside was sure to be woken.

  The door opened.

  Nolan didn’t say a word. He hadn’t come to talk. He threw a quick, hard punch, hitting Lem Fletcher square in the nose, knocking him to the floor.

  The woman screamed. She quickly knelt beside her husband, fussing over his bleeding nose.

  Nolan tossed the wrinkled-up letter and tintype at the two of them. “Stay the hell away from my son.” Then he turned, walking down the stairs and out of the hotel.

  CHAPTER 16

  Nate hated to say good-bye. It felt as if they’d just gotten there, and now it was time to go home. He missed Deputy already, and Nate wasn’t even in the wagon yet. He was sure Pa might have to put an arm between Ma and Mrs. Huckabee, hugging and crying all over one another, and pull them apart. Nate understood, though. There was just something sad about packing up and leaving those you cared about. Instead, he thought of Jesse and giving him his new horse and balloon.

  Pa and the marshal shook hands. Then Tate did the same. It took a few minutes, but Pa finally got the women to separate, and Ma was helped up onto the wagon seat. Nate crawled up and plopped down in the middle. Then Pa stepped up
and took the reins. They all gave one more wave. Pa slapped leather to the team.

  Deputy ran beside the wagon until they reached the far edge of town. Nate turned forward once his friend was out of sight.

  He looked up at his father. “Pa, when’s the marshal gonna bring Deputy to our house to go huntin’?” Nate had heard their fathers discussing it.

  “Maybe in a few weeks.” Pa grinned.

  Nate supposed that would satisfy him. At least it wouldn’t be months until he saw his best friend again.

  The weather was perfect as the days passed and they drew closer to home. Ma hadn’t gotten sick once while bouncing along in the wagon over the rutted roads. Nate’s leg wasn’t stiff anymore, but his arm still ached if he tried to move it too much. He would remove the sling and slowly stretch out the stiffness every now and then.

  At night, Nate and Elizabeth slept under the canvas while Ma and Pa got to view the stars from their bedsheet on the ground. Tomorrow, they would be in Gray Rock, and that meant seeing Jesse. Nate had missed him a lot and wasn’t sure he would sleep a wink.

  The sun was overhead when Pa steered the wagon into Gray Rock. Nate took a deep breath of mountain breeze. Home was the best place ever.

  Where was Jesse? And as if he’d heard the wagon coming amid the others on the street, Jesse stepped out of the jailhouse, and he looked as tall and strong as when Nate had left. Nate jumped in front of Ma, got a toe up on the wagon lip, and before Pa could catch him, he took a flying leap into Jesse’s arms. Nate wasn’t wearing his sling and forgot about his sore arm until Jesse caught him and spun him around. He yelped, but at the same time, he was happy.

  Jesse lowered Nate to stand on the boardwalk. “What in tarnation?” He eyed the sling Ma thrust toward them.

  “It’s nothing.” Nate wanted to shrug it off but knew he’d get in trouble for that, so he snagged it but ignored the stern look to put it on. He didn’t care about his arm and wanted more than anything to give Jesse the appaloosa so he wouldn’t say he fell off that horse and give away the surprise too soon.

  “It don’t look like nothin’.” Jesse turned then as Pa had stepped down, came around the wagon, and patted Jesse’s shoulder. They were pleased to see one another. “Hello, sir. It’s good to have ya home, all of ya.” Jesse looked up at Ma who had stayed planted on the wagon seat with Elizabeth squirming to get down. “Ma, I’ve missed ya.” Some time ago, Jesse had taken to calling her ma. Her bright smile showed that she loved it.

  “We got a surprise for ya.” Nate grinned sheepishly.

  “My balloon.” Jesse winked.

  “It’s better than that. Now close your eyes.” Nate could hardly keep from bouncing. He was going to burst if he had to wait another minute to give Jesse his new horse.

  “Jesse’s a mite old for that. He doesn’t have to close his eyes. He ain’t a kid.” Pa rolled his eyes and headed toward the back of the wagon where the horse was tied.

  Nate put up both hands, keeping Jesse held back.

  “It’s not as fun if ya don’t close your eyes.” He begged a little.

  Jesse grinned, then gave in and closed his eyes. “Don’t ya run me into anything or I’ll box your ears.” He blindly held his hand out for Nate to lead him. Nate was careful and watched Jesse’s every step. Good thing they didn’t have to go far. This was taking too much time, and he didn’t want Jesse to peek and ruin it.

  Nate stopped within a short reach of the horse. “Surprise!”

  Jesse opened his eyes. Nate would have sworn that someone had punched the wind out of Jesse’s gut. His eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. Then hesitantly, as if the horse wasn’t real, he reached out and rubbed the appaloosa’s neck.

  “Are ya gonna cry?” Nate chuckled as he socked Jesse in the arm.

  “Got dirt in my eyes.” Jesse rapidly blinked.

  “Sure ya do, crybaby.” Nate looked over at Pa, who wore a broad grin.

  Jesse gave Nate a bump with his hip. It was one of the ways they spoke. That bump meant shut up, and Nate socking Jesse was him calling Jesse a girl. On the outside, Jesse was a tough man, hard as nails, but at times, he could be a big softy. Of course Nate enjoyed teasing him about that tender side. Brothers picked on one another, harmless, and Pa seemed to get a kick out of it.

  Jesse wiped his eyes. “I gotta surprise for y’all.” He cleared his throat, stood a little taller, and let out a deep breath. “I asked Kristy to marry me, and she said yes. We’re gonna have us a weddin’ come spring.”

  That big news brought Ma right down off the seat, hugging and kissing all over Jesse. She was a proud woman. Nate, though, was a little bit sad. He didn’t want Jesse to move out of the house. Jesse’s room was where Nate ended up if he had a bad dream. They had lots of good times together and Nate would miss that, but he put on a smile ‘cause Jesse was so happy. So were Ma and Pa. Pa was now shaking Jesse’s hand as though he were trying to rip it off.

  When all the excitement subsided, everyone but Jesse got into the wagon, and they headed home. Nate hung out the back flap. Ma and Pa couldn’t see him from the front. The closure was drawn shut. On the street, Jesse was changing his saddle over to the appaloosa and would soon be following. Nate was tired of riding in the cranky wagon and wanted to spend time with Jesse now that they were home, even if it was only two miles to the ranch. He would rather ride with Jesse on his new horse.

  Nate slipped out the flap, dropped to the dirt on his feet, and shot off toward Jesse. For sure, he’d catch hell later. When Nate skidded to a stop, huffing and puffing, next to Jesse, Jesse turned his gaze on the wagon as it rattled over the wooden bridge on its way out of town.

  He grinned, shook his head, and ruffled Nate’s hair. “Partner, I missed ya too, ya little rascal.”

  Jesse stepped up into the saddle, then gave Nate a hand, swinging him up behind. Jesse nudged the horse, and it took to his leading. They began to trot. A few minutes later, before even reaching the wooden bridge, he sank spurs, and the gelding cantered as smoothly as sipping buttermilk. Out ahead, the wagon was rolling at a dull pace.

  “Hold on,” Jesse said over his shoulder.

  Nate tightened his grip the best he could with one strong arm as Jesse kicked. The appaloosa took off a’hellin’. The rush of air almost tore off Jesse’s hat. He pushed it down, and Nate pressed into his back, keeping a tight hold around his waist. The fast horse thundered past the wagon. Nate didn’t dare to glance back. He’d probably hear it from Ma about how he could have gotten hurt and for sneaking out of the wagon. If Pa said anything, it would be what Ma wanted him to say, or if she was really mad, she’d make Pa give him a spanking. Pa knew how good of a rider Nate was, even if Jesse was at the reins, and he was an outstanding rider too. They went riding together nearly every day.

  Ma must have been glad just to be home, because Nate didn’t get a tongue-lashing when she got down off the wagon. Without being asked, he helped her carry stuff to the house while Pa and Jesse unhitched the team and stored the canvas. It was nigh to suppertime. With Ma in the kitchen, starting the meal, Nate went back out to see if he could help Pa and Jesse get the wagon and such put away.

  When he stepped inside the barn, Jesse had a pitchfork raised and was mid toss. Hay spilled into the stall where Pa’s bay stood lazily.

  “Shorty left on a cattle drive a few days after the picnic. I gave him my word that I’d look in on his family while he’s gone. I should be back by supper.”

  Pa nodded, although Nate could see the disappointment on his long face. They had just gotten home, excited to see Jesse and spend time with him, and he had to go. Although, Nate had heard Pa say many times how proud he was that Jesse took his duties seriously. He was a man of his word.

  “Can I go?” Nate pleaded with his blue eyes.

  It felt like such a long time since he’d seen his friends, Lenny and Norman Short. He was sure they would want to hear all about Birch Creek. Plus, Nate couldn’t wait to throw a leg over Buck and go for a ride in
the mountain air.

  “We could take the path past Blue Sky Lake and see how good your new horse is on the trails.” Waving a good run of the animals under Jesse’s nose as bait might just hook him into taking Nate. But he knew that probably wasn’t necessary. They were partners, and Jesse hardly ever said no to him.

  “Heck yeah, you can go. Sounds like fun.” Jesse ruffled Nate’s hair.

  “I’ll see you boys when ya get back.” Pa left the barn, heading for the house.

  A few minutes later, the horses were saddled, and soon after, Nate and Jesse were on their mounts, running up across the ridge side toward Blue Sky Lake. Near the top, they slowed their heavy-breathing animals, and Nate explained his accident. Shaking his head in displeasure, Jesse told Nate he would have tanned his hide had he been there. The rest of their ride toward the lake was filled with bits and pieces of their time spent in Birch Creek, and Jesse ate it all up.

  “So those city people, the man and the woman, the Fletchers … They just kept bothering ya?” By the stiff way Jesse was now sitting in the saddle, Nate could tell he didn’t like the sound of that, not in the least. He, like Pa, could sense trouble a mile away, but Nate figured he didn’t have anything to worry about anymore. The Fletchers were in Birch Creek or had returned to the city, wherever they lived, and Nate was safe at home in Gray Rock.

  “Yeah, they did. I thought Pa was gonna throttle ‘em a few times.” Nate chuckled.

  Jesse snickered too. “I’m surprised he didn’t. When it comes to family, it don’t pay to rile your pa.”

  Out ahead, the sound of water being splashed and voices carried on the cool mountain breeze. “Maybe some of my friends are at the lake.” Nate wanted to say hi. He nudged Buck and trotted ahead of Jesse’s appaloosa.

  At the water’s edge, Nate pulled up on the reins. There, ankle deep in the water and bent over a washboard with a full basket of linens waiting onshore, the thin woman from the old trapper shack was scrubbing away at a dirty shirt. Her kids, all five, were playing in the water, including the baby, which was being held by a young girl who was soaking the infant’s feet for a touch of coolness.