The Soldier of Circle T (reserved for Perplexia)

[ERedBoyd]

Year: 1866
Location: 3 miles outside of Cody Wyoming near the Shoshone River.

Captain Truman Cooper of the country formally known as the Confederate States of America slid off the back of his Palomino named Trigger and landed at the edge of the Shoshone River with a thud. The tall bearded man wore a button down shirt, faded old pants, and a pair of faded boots that sported very thin souls in the bottom. The soles were so thin it was not much different than the moccasins he had stuffed in one of his saddle bags. He glanced along the rocky shore of the river and spotted a shallow path around a bend in the river and decided then and there that would be the path he would take to get to the other side to get to carry on with his journey.

He led his horse over to river and let him drink as much as the horse could while he dropped to his own knees and drank near him as well till he was plum full of the clear crystal water. He reached up and pulled out the two canteens he kept on the horse as well and poured out the contents of both, washed them out and filled them back up with the water. This was much better tasting water compared to that pond he had stumbled across earlier this morning.

Truman rummaged through one of the three saddle bags for a piece of tack and chewed on the devilishly hard bread he had grown so accustomed too during the war and just looked out at the river and tried to enjoy the beauty of the scene around him. He was on his way northwest to Bozeman, Montana and still had best he could figure about 3 or 4 more days of hard riding to get to his destination. His uncle owned a cattle ranch up that way and had sent him a letter during the war that once the fighting was done, to come up and help him work the cattle. It was an offer he was only too grateful to have. There weren't many jobs in the north or the west for former Confederate soldiers.

He watched as his horse as he gently grazed on the loose grass nearby and so wasn't fully aware of what was around him till the threat he faced was nearly right up on him. He heard a rock get kicked as his first indicator of someone near him and he immediately reached for his Colt Model 1860!

"Hold it!" A gravelly voice barked from behind him and he froze!

He turned and found three men standing behind him about 20 feet away, all three holding revolvers of their own aimed at him. The man who had spoken was a tall very lean man with a ragged face, dark and missing teeth, wearing an old union soldier's uniform. The second was a younger kid no more than 15 or 16 looking equally ragged and lean. The final man was a heavier man sporting two revolvers aimed at him. Unlike the other two, he was clean and well groomed, his thick handlebar mustaches and thin eyebrows his only hair on his face and head. Slowly, Truman turned around keeping his hands very clear as to not to encourage any of the men to shoot. He said, "You... guys wouldn't happen to know a quick way to Bozeman would ya? Just passing through, not wanting to cause any trouble.

"That bread?" The first gunman said as he pointed his knobbly finger towards his tack and Truman said, "Sure is. Got some more in my bag if you want a piece."

"I think we will be taken all of it... Toss your piece to the ground..." The first gunman said.

"Well... I don't think I am going to be doing that. See, if I do, then I would be unarmed and you could kill me... I am willing to share some of my food, but ..."

BAM!!!

A rock exploded near Truman's leg as his eyes shifted towards the clean cut man who had just put his revolver back into the holster. That had to be one of the fastest draws he had ever seen. Truman hesitated a moment and said, "Okay... you proved your point... Here..." He walked to his horse, eased his saddlebag off that held most of his dried meat and tack and said, "Take what you want.... Here you go..."

As he went to gently toss the bag to the two men, he shifted gears and flung it at full speed towards the clean cut man and then before the bag was a third of the way to the clean cut man, he had drawn and fired three times! The first shot caught the first gunman in the throat sending him flailing back blood showering red everywhere! The second shot caught the younger boy in the chest right at the heart throwing him back as well! The third shot clipped the handlebar gunman in the side but not before he had pulled his own gun and shot Truman in the shoulder as well!!

Truman leapt up onto his horse and kicked his horse to speed racing across the river firing round after round behind him!!!

15 minutes later, he sat quietly on his horse as he walked cantered along... his shirt, vest, and pants covered in his own blood. He had long since lost the third gunman... hadn't seen him he had fallen back from his own injury.... He knew what blood loss did to the body after a while and he knew he was in a LOT of trouble at this point, but there was not much he could do but keep riding. He knew that clean cut guy was dangerous and wasn't sure what he was paired off with the filthy drifters, but he knew that that guy was dangerous, real dangerous.

He turned a clearing and found himself staring off at a distance farmhouse sitting just on the horizon and he quickly turned his horse to the house... and kicked him forward. Unfortunately, he lost his grip along the way and screamed out in shock as he fell off the horse and into the field of grass. Darkness took him into that blissful pain free realm.

 

[Perplexia]

Antionette Pope had been born into a privileged lifestyle. Having been born in Virginia almost twenty years ago to a banker and his wife. A sweet girl by nature, with a thirst for knowledge and a feisty spirit that put of most suitors. They seemed to prefer a meek woman with no opinion, that knew her place. Her mother had installed a sense of independence that her father walked the line on. But the woman in his life were his world, so whatever objection, he kept it to himself. When she turned 15, her world went upside down. Her mother who had been the most important woman in the world to her, got sick and passed after a tragically long period of watching her struggle with the illness. Her father sought doctor after doctor trying to save his gem, and when that failed he spiraled into a world of darkness and chaos.

Rarely had she ever seen him take a drink, never had he partook in anything risky where he could lose money such as cards and other games of chance. Yet with the loss of his wife, he went down a path to never return from. As he lay dying from heartache and over indulgence of opium. He apologized to her saying he couldn't live without her mother. He had smiled with the knowledge he'd see her soon.

The lawyer for her fathers estate explained that although in the end her father had been out of sorts, he had set up a trust in her name with the provision that only she would have access. However even though her spouse couldn't touch the trust, in order for her to access it, she must be married. Her father knew that Ani (as he called her) would never marry if she had the freedom to do as she pleased. Everything else had been left to her mother, in the event she had passed the proceeds would go into her trust.

Ani had always had a fascination with dime novels, and had always wanted to experience it. Through her church she had been placed on a list of women seeking husbands and willing to travel out west to be a ranchers wife. It would be hard work, cooking, cleaning, taking care of livestock, amongst other things. She had received several letters and corresponded with a few until she had to pick one. Jacob Pope had been the most intelligent and communicative. He like her had been born in the east, and took himself out west to build his ranch. Their political alignment was the same, as was their religious outlook. The man put on the greatest foot forward out of all of them.

What she hadn't counted on was the deception of being a well mannered gentleman. In the beginning of their marriage he had kept the façade of who he truly was. But as a year passed his true personality came through. He was rough, abusive and was determined that she would become a silent woman that would bend to his will. When he joined the Yankees in the civil war, she was actually relieved to see him go. In the three years he was gone the ranch flourished under her management. It was quickly becoming one of the most sought after places for produce and meat.

Ani had just sent her ranch hand George off to town for supplies. She sat in the rocker enjoying the little Empire she had created in her husbands absence. Unfortunately the last she heard from him he was still alive. The war was over and he'd be coming home soon. It was then she saw a horse in the distance riding quickly toward the ranch. It's rider seemed slumped over, the man yelled and fell off. The horse stopped and circled around him. Ani knew her 5'5 frame wouldn't be able to carry him, or lift him up on his horse. Quickly she made her way to the barn and pulled out her best working horse Charley. Charley was a Belgian draft horse, that her husband had won in a poker game. He had never been able to get the horse to pull a cart, much less a plow. He had wanted to shoot the horse at one point. Ani had talked him out of it, using her feminine wiles to seduce the pig. It was one of her least favorite things, having relations with that man. She had bought a tonic from an alchemist to keep her from getting pregnant. The last thing she wanted was a child with the monster.

Taking Charley out to where the man fell pulling a cart behind him. She approached cautiously with her gun. His uniform told he was the enemy. Yet she wouldn't feel right about letting him die simply because he chose the wrong side. Pushing him with her foot he didn't move. Reaching down she took his guns from their holsters. and put them in the front of the wagon. Putting down the buckboard, she managed to talk him awake enough to walk with her assistance to the back of the wagon. Lord have mercy he was heavy. Bending him over the end of the wagon, she lifted his legs and pushed him in. With caution she approached the horse who pawned nervously at the ground. "easy there boy" she cooed reaching out her hand and getting closer. The horse responded and calmly walked the rest of the way to her. "there we go, how about we get you some food and water, been a long ride huh doll." taking the reins she hooked the palomino to the end of the wagon and drove Charley to the far back barn no one used anymore.

First she settled the horse in, getting it in a stall with fresh hay, food and water. Then she went to the task of getting the enemy out of the cart. This time she had to drag him in. Grabbing some rope she tied his wrists and his feet. Checked him for other weapons, and found a knife strapped to his thigh. Pulling off his boots she looked for anything hidden, before putting them back on. Putting him flat on his back she cut his shirt open to reveal and find the wound. "you're lucky" she told the sleeping man, "I happen to know a thing or two about medical treatments. I guess all that reading i did paid off. You stay here I will be right back and get you fixed up.". Ani took Charley and the cart back to their barn and brushed him down. "Such a good boy" she told the horse petting and nuzzling him.

With hot water, wood for a fire, clean cloth, and whiskey, she went back to the old barn. Setting up she made a little fire in a stone circle just outside the barn. Inside she poured whisky over his wound. That woke him up. "easy mr. I'm gonna fix you up and you'll be on your way when you heal hear me?" Walking out to the fire she cauterized the knife and came back in. "open" she put a piece of smooth wood between his teeth. "bite down this will hurt.". Using her finger she felt for the bullet, finding it she took the knife and carefully pulled it out. "okay almost done. Doesn't look like it did any damage, just gonna be painful an stiff. Going back to the fire she heated it up. "Bite" she commanded and stuck the knife to the open wound cauterizing it closed. Giving it a moment to heal she poured whisky over it again and then wrapped him up. "I'll get you a blanket and different clothes. I'll bring you food and drink. For now I'm keeping you tied up. I'm sure you can understand. Keep quiet, no one can know you're here."

With that she plugged the whisky leaving it in the stall with him after giving him a good swig. Putting out the fire she headed back up to the house. Ani packed up some beef stew, bread, a cup, spoon, and blanket and headed to the old barn. "eat" she commanded feeding him like an infant and wiping his face. "tell me your story" she commanded as she fed him bread and drink.

 

[ERedBoyd]

To be perfectly honest, the next hour or so after falling off his horse had been mostly a haze to him. He recalled a woman there trying to help him into a wagon before the haze took him once again. He recalled staring up at the bright open sky as the wagon jarred back and forth as she carried him somewhere. Dark haze filled his eyes and mind again as he found his mind wandering back to that horrible bloody day during the Battle of Antietam!

Trigger had carried him to the far eastern flank of the armies in hopes of getting behind enemy lines to gather a troop assessment of what his boys would have to face. The Generals knew what was coming but the more information he could collect the better. He rode alongside his best friend in the world, Captain Travis Lambert and had been since the beginning of the war.

The two had spotted a couple of union soldiers who looked to have wandered off to find a place to take a dump most likely, even held pieces of a torn up union newspaper for toilet paper. He doubted either of them could even read as both of them took a squat a few feet apart from each other facing away so they could keep an eye on the other's back. It was too bad Truman had approached from the side.

Neither of them had a chance as they spotted the two Confederate scouts with their pants literally at their ankles! They had scrambled for their guns but he and Travis had leapt from their horses and knocked them into the briars in a fight to the death! He remembered feeling the long bowie knife in his hand as he buried it into the Union officer's chest, staring him in the eyes numb to the sight of death once more taking a life.

As the union man fell still, Travis muttered, "Damn son, you are as cold as my wife's coochie after a night of drinking. Good thing I held on to this one..."

Truman noted that Travis's knife was pressed to the union soldier's neck and he glanced about once more before leaning in and saying, "How many union are there? Answer me boy!"

"Sir, I don't know suh. I don't I swear!" The young man said trembling and keeping his hands clear where they could be seen.

"How old are you boy?" Travis asked softly.

"17 suh. I just enlisted. Please! Don't kill me." The boy begged softly glancing back and between teh two Rebs

Pain seared him back to reality as he felt a piece of wood shoved into his mouth and a blade being pressed into his shoulder burning him with an intense heat! Cooking flesh filled his nose, his flesh. He wanted to fight, to get away but found his arms and legs bound as he kicked and fought, unsure what was happening to him at the moment. Blackness took him once more.

"You didn't have to kill the boy, Truman." Travis said as they rode away from the ambush of the two union troops.

"He would have told his people about us. Had to kill him." Truman said softly as they rode back south along the Eastern flank to his own forces.

"He was a kid Truman. Not even a man yet. I know you ain't got no love for them, but what you did back there was wrong. Dead wrong." Travis said as he glanced about looking for the game trail that would take them out to safety.

The taste of whiskey filled his mouth as he found himself waking up once more. His eyes shifted a bit and confirmed he was indeed tied and bound. Movement drew his eyes to a woman coming over to him, holding a bowl of stew, bread and some drink.

"Eat" she had commanded him to do. He hesitated though as he looked up at her. She was absolutely stunning to his eyes. His heart raced just a bit quicker when he locked eyes on her. He opened his mouth slowly and let her pour a little of the stew. He knew she was not going to kill him. You don't heal and feed a person just to kill them and perhaps she would honor her word and let him go shortly. He swallowed the stew and she fed him some bread.

"Tell me your story" She had told him after a few bites and a swig of cold water. He looked up into her inquisitive eyes and saw a fire in them. She looked like a woman who expected people just to do what she commanded. He took another bite of the stew which was the best thing he had eaten in at least a week, considering most of his meals had been dried meat and tack bread.

He finally said with a weak, strained voice, "Just... passin' through to Bozeman. I got ... ambushed by some drifters. Thank you for fixin me up ma'am. I ... don't mean to inconvenience you and mean no harm. If you untie me, I will just get back on Trigger and ...be about my way."

 

[Perplexia]

Ani looked over to his horse in the next stall that seemed happier than a lark to be chomping down on probably his first good meal in a while. "I don't think your horse would agree with that idea. I've seen to him, he's in the next stall eating his first hearty meal in what a week or two?, he's underweight, and with the condition of his hooves and shoes you're very lucky he hasn't gone lame." Feeding him some more stew she continued.

"Now, if you wish to continue your journey on foot, and risk dying from infection or the elements I have no qualms about letting it happen. But you are not going to risk that horses well being, have I made myself clear?." The look upon her face was dead serious. She had set her mind, and there was no amount of arguing that would change it.

"As for an inconvenience, there is right and there is wrong. Regardless of your allegiance, letting you bleed to death in my field, and then having to bury you would have been more of a hardship. Now if you are truly grateful, you'll do as your told, and keep quiet until I can get back out to you. Especially since my husband is do to return anytime. As a Yankee, he'd feel it was his duty to hang you up rather than turn you over to the authorities. Then he would more than likely beat me, or hang me up just to be rid of me." It was not a reunion she was looking forward to. It wasn't so much fear of her husband that registered on her face, but more of an intolerance of having to suffer his presence once again.

"In a few days, if you prove that you can do as you're told, to keep us both from harm, I'll release your binds and let you start moving around. When I'm sure your horse is fit, you may leave in the night. But until then you and Trigger are my patents" Leaving the bowl next to him, and putting a pot of water on the fire. She was silent for bit, then returned with the water and cloth. "First is first. We are getting you out of these clothes, and get you washed. No need to be shy, but it will aid you in feeling better quicker. Also help none of that grim from infecting your wound. If it were to get gangrene, in the spot it's in. I couldn't remove enough to save you." Taking the knife she cut off his shirt and gave him a good but gentle wash down. Pulling the blanket up she wrapped him in a semi cocoon. Giving him enough room to get the food with his bound hands and bring to his mouth.

Getting up she gathered the things that she brought with her and headed back to the main house. As soon as she sat down on the porch, she was able to see a rider approaching, behind him was a horse with a body over its back. When it got closer she recognized Jeb Turner, one of her husbands low life friends. The horse she recognized first, Hemlock, it registered with her, the body would be her husbands. Gather all the energy she could she put on the concerned horrified wife face, realizing her poor loving husband was dead. George was on his way down the road from town with supplies, and was quick to help Jeb get Jacob off the horse and take him into the house for Ani to clean his body and prepare his body for burial.

She sent George out to take care of Hemlock while she gave Jeb a bowl of stew an some bread, with water. When he asked for somethin stronger she apologized, but that was all she had. In truth she had a couple unopened bottles. But she didn't want him to get drunk and beg to stay. "Thank you for bringing Jacob home Jeb." She said giving him leave as she cleared away his dishes. "Don't ye worry Anibelle", Ani cringed every time he miss remembered her name. "We'll find that confederate bastard that jumped us. Killed poor Tommy too. Lucky just winged me." "Best get to the doc to have him take a look."

Eventually Jeb got up and was on his way, leaving her and her dead husband alone. Goin to the bedroom she changed for appearance sake to a black mourning dress, pulled out one of Jacobs work shirts. Taking it out with a jacket to the barn.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Once Truman's host left for the house, he had had every intention on just sitting there and letting her do what it was that she thought she had to do. Sleep did sound mighty good at the moment and so he settled in with his pained shoulder, the blankets and those cursed ropes on his wrists.

However, things changed when heard the sounds of horses. He manage to inch his way over to a crack between the planks of the barn and peeked out. His eyes widened when he saw that gunman that had shot him standing with one boot on the porch of the woman's house and another on the dirt path. His eyes shifted to her and the conversation they were having. They were too far away to hear exactly what was being said but when he saw the body laying over the horse, his stomach sank. Was the man he had killed at the creek related to the woman who had him bound?

He twisted his wrists in the ropes and felt blood trickling from his flesh. He was feeling increasingly more sick in his stomach as the gunman helped pull the wrapped up body and carry it inside. It had to be her husband she was talking about earlier. It had to be. This was not good.

His eyes shifted about looking for a way to escape and his eyes set on a small hatchet hanging on the wall. He kicked the blankets off him desperate to stay as quite as he could, reached down with his bound hands and untied his ankles, then pulled himself carefully to his feet and headed to the hatchet. Reaching up, he pulled it off the wall and wedged it between two stall planks and quickly went to work slicing through the ropes as fast as his injured body could go. He felt blood oozing from his shoulder still as he worked but strand by strand, the ropes cut away.

A huge sigh of relief hit him when the last of the rope cut away and he quickly grabbed the hatchet and headed back to the peephole looking to the cabin. He saw no one at all so he walked back so he slid over to where she had tossed his saddlebags and guns. He quickly holstered his weapons and carried his saddlebags over to Trigger. She had been right though, his girl was bony and looking half starved.

He made a gut decision at that instant and he petted her mane softly saying, "I can get the rest of the way on my own girl. You have been a good girl, Trigger Thank you..."

Truman glanced about once more and made his decision. He didn't mean to cause her any more trouble so he slipped to the back of the barn and peeked out. It was hidden from the house. Going without his horse was going to add several more days... maybe even weeks to his trip but he would still make it.

As he went to open the door, he heard that Gunman come out once more and he froze, the back door to the barn just barely open and a hand on his sidearm ready to shoot, providing he could get his shoulder to work right and she was right again, because his shoulder hurt like hell. He listened as the man got onto his horse and headed in the opposite direction towards the front of the property.

He kept his eye on the house and listened as her front door closed once more with the lady going back inside. It occurred to him that he didn't even know her name... just 'the lady'. Her face would be something he would not forget anytime soon. He gave himself a long count of 10, then slipped out of the back of the barn, his saddlebags slung on his left shoulder to keep his right arm freed up to shoot.

10 minutes later, he was already regretting the decision. His shoulder throbbed horribly and he hadn't even made it out of the back field yet. His pace was very slow and labored but he could see a thicket of trees about a mile away and if he got there, he should be good to go.

 

[Perplexia]

Ani reached the barn to find the confederate gone. It didn't take her a moment to figure out he's the one that Jacob, Jeb and young TJ had come upon. She no more trusted Jebs word as far as she could throw him. As for Jacob and Tj, well they got what was coming to them. If she were completely honest, she'd wished a million times Jacob would get himself killed in the war. He was her husband, and in public she would play the part of the grieving widow. But the solider had done her a favor. The ranch would be hers to sell, she could return to the east, or travel till her heart was content.

Setting down the clothes, she walked out back to see the solider walking at the pace of a snail. "Why is it you men never listen when a woman gives you instructions?" she yelled. "I reckon you got a good fifteen minutes left of light, that is if you don't fall in one of them gopher holes and break your leg. Just so ya know, i won't be comin to get you till morning if you do. You won't freeze to death, but you'll wish you had. Oh, if you do make it to the woods by some miracle. If you don't bleed to death first, the mountain lions, wolves, or bears will make a fine meal out of you. I left you a shirt and jacket in the barn, I'll be out in the morning with some work boots, pants and breakfast."

Shaking her head she turned around and walked back into the barn, saw to Triggers comfort and then went out the front back to the house. Grabbing a bucket she went back out and pumped some water and brought it back in to prepare Jacobs body for viewing. She had formed many acquaintances around town since he'd been gone. The impression she had gathered quickly when she took over the ranch is that most people didn't like him. Yet she knew of respect for her they'd come out and pay their respects. So she should at least have to pay the widow for a while.

Ani went about the task of cutting off his clothes, going through his pockets, and giving his body a quick bath before dressing him up in his fancy clothes. Taking candles she placed them around his body and lit them in proper morning fashion. For the first time since she had married him, she slept soundly knowing he wasn't coming back. Morning came early and she was up making eggs, sausage and toast for the ranch hands. Taking it out to the table outside their barracks she rang the cow bell. Moments later George and a four others were coming out and taking their seat.

"I'm sure you all are aware that Mr. Pope has met his maker. This afternoon will be his service. Today will be a day of mourning out of respect after the feedings are done, stalls are mucked, and the coop and pig pen have been cleaned. I expect that you will all be on your best behaviors, show up bathed and dressed the best you can. After everyone has left you're free to your own. Not one excuse for not being able to do your work tomorrow." "yes M'aam" was almost a unison response. After which their chatter began. "George, i want you to head in town and have the doc come over to complete the death certificate, an let the parson know we'll need him for the service." "Yes M'aam" "oh and see if Mr Wells is free, I found a horse wandering in need of a new shoeing and hoof fixin. I want to keep him under wraps for the moment." "yes Maam".

It wasn't unusual to keep a new animal away from the rest to ensure they weren't carrying anything. Ani made her way back into the house and gathered up some pants, work boots shirts and night dress', putting his hot meal in a tin, she carried her bundle out to the old barn. "Well, I see you managed not to fall in a gopher hole." Ani sat down the bundle and handed him his food. "I'll be back at lunch to check your wound and rewrap it. Stay in the barn, I'll be having people over to bury my husband today."

 

[ERedBoyd]

"Why is it you men never listen when a woman gives you instructions? I reckon you got a good fifteen minutes left of light, that is if you don't fall in one of them gopher holes and break your leg. Just so ya know, i won't be comin to get you till morning if you do. You won't freeze to death, but you'll wish you had. Oh, if you do make it to the woods by some miracle. If you don't bleed to death first, the mountain lions, wolves, or bears will make a fine meal out of you. I left you a shirt and jacket in the barn, I'll be out in the morning with some work boots, pants and breakfast."

Truman had to admit that she was making really good points. However, on one hand there was the danger he was putting on her by just being there. That gunman with the quick draw was a man he would have to reckon with if he kept near. He didn't know the story to the woman or how the gunman or the others really were tied together, but he figured the body that was carried in was a husband or possibly a brother or maybe a son, though he doubted the latter very much for she seemed way too young to have a child that old.

He turned back to look at her as she was heading back to the house and heading inside. He had to admit the woman was a taskmaster for sure. Hard and demanding for sure but there was something else about her, something soft and motherly almost. She could have left him to die even finished him off yet she had chosen to heal him up. He finally took one last look out towards the woods and something else caught his eye. A pack of wolves or possibly coyote skirting along the edge of the treeline clearly on the hunt for something. They hadn't spotted him yet so he dropped to a knee and sat perfectly still and waited.

The hard man didn't move again till the coyote were well out of sight. He got back up and faced the reality that if there were wolves out there, he might be able to fend them off for a short time, but doubted with this bad shoulder he would last very long. Finally he muttered, "Cursed woman...." He turned back around and headed back to the barn.

The next morning, Truman lay in the hay, using the blanket to keep him warm with his new clothes on. The woman's voice drew him from his slumber though as she seemed to be talking to a bunch of fellas about the day. He eased over to the spot where there was a gap in the wood panels and listened. So one of the men he had killed was named Mr. Pope and apparently was the husband of the woman.

He heard about the funeral arrangements and how they men were supposed to be cleaned up and got to thinking, if she knew it had been him that had made her a widow, perhaps she might decide finish him be damned the healing touch she had given him. Few people would think healing up the killer of their loved one as proper punishment for their hardship and pain. No... he had to take his chances with the coyotes and gopher holes. Trigger would be poor payment for her loss but it was all he could do for her at the time. Once he got to Bozeman and got a little coin, he would send her some money to help offset the costs though he doubted that would help much either.

He turned to pick up his saddle bag and walked over to his horse and patted her on the mane saying, "Well girl, be good to her. Thank you once again..."

Truman turned to leave when he heard her once again.

"Well, I see you managed not to fall in a gopher hole. I'll be back at lunch to check your wound and rewrap it. Stay in the barn, I'll be having people over to bury my husband today."

He froze in his tracks and turned to look at her, expecting a shotgun or pistol in her hand. If she only knew he was her husband's killer, she would surely kill him. Rather than a weapon, she brought food and clothes to him. He felt his hand ease, not realizing it had been resting on his gun. He eyed her a moment and nodded his head saying, "Umm... Thank you for this..." He raised his good hand that held the items. The boots and shirt were most likely from her now deceased husband.

Truman watched her turn to walk away and he said, "I... I am sorry for your loss Miss. If you don't mind me asking, how did it happen?"

 

[Perplexia]

"I... I am sorry for your loss Miss. If you don't mind me asking, how did it happen?"

Okay, so they were going to have this conversation now.

"Take a seat, and if you don't mind put your guns out of reach. Just as a cautionary thing you understand. As you can see I didn't bring mine with me, despite that I knew you were unbound."
She waited for a moment and pulled a stool from the corner and took a seat smoothing out her long black mourning dress. "Given how quick you bolted after my visitors arrived last night, and after I'm sure you heard the conversation I had with my hands you were ready to run for it again this morning, and given that i know my food isn't that bad." she let out a light laugh to lighten the room up before continuing her speech.

"The way Jeb tells it, him, my husband and young TJ were ambushed by a group of low down scoundrels out to rob them, However, Jeb has been lying through his teeth since as long as I've known him. A whore gave him a black eye, he claimed a horse kicked him. He ain't one to ever admit someone got the best of him. Now given that he's also a bully and a prick, to put it lightly, always getting into some kind of trouble, always been one to try and take advantage of any situation or any ones bad luck, I'm more likely to believe the three of them ambushed you. So yes, I know you killed my husband, but...before you go bolting again hear me out." She gave him a moment to take in what she said.

"What I told you about my husband beating me if he found you, that would be only the start of it. I know i should be a grieving widow. But there's only so much a woman should take from a man, and it wasn't much longer after I married him I'd reached that point. Now, I understand the ways of the South and the ways of the West and North aren't that much different. A woman is meant to be seen, not heard. Their sole purpose is to cook, clean, mend and be a bit more useful then a breeding cow. I accepted those terms when I married him, but the rest that came with it i did not. I'm only telling you this so you understand why I don't have a gun at your head. The way I see it, we both did each other a favor that needs not be mentioned again."

She gave him a moment to let that sink in. "While you're on the mend, I'll tend to your wound, and keep you fed and clothed. If you decided you want work, and prove you can take commands from a woman and earn your keep, then we'll come up with a story for ya. I wouldn't worry none about Jeb recognizing you, a cut, shave and different clothes he might pause. But with my story he won't give it second thought. If you decide to go, that's up to you. I have someone comin tomorrow to see to Triggers feet. With a couple of weeks rest, she'll be fat n sassy and able to ride again. You're a free man mr..." She paused realizing she didn't know his name. "I just ask you stay out of sight till you're able to work or leave."

 

[ERedBoyd]

Truman listened with a calm reserve as she explained her situation. She knew he had killed her husband, but if he were to believe her story, there was no love lost there anyways. He could only assume it was the taller guy who had made the first move on him at the river had been her husband. I find this hard to believe though as the guy was scum, pond scum of the lowest sort. How could a guy like even get in the same barn as a woman like this?

When she finished, he said, "I had stopped at the river to fill my canteens and give Trigger a rest. He walked up behind me. It was him, some young kid and that fella who brought the body to you. I shop your husband and the boy, clipped your friend. Your friend is the one that did this to me..." He pointed to his shoulder and then said, "I didn't want to hurt no one, just get a drink of water, fill the canteens and move on. I am ... sorry for your loss Miss."

He looked down at the food in the tin and said, "Thank you for this too... and the mendin. I really don't want to cause you no issues at all and as soon as I am able to ride again, I will get out of your hair ma'am. I am afraid I ain't got no money at the moment, a few coppers and a few pieces of silver in one of my bags. It ain't much but it's yours."

Truman took a bite of his meal and added, "I don't know no problem taken orders from anyone, so long as those orders is sensible. So if'ns you don't mind, I will go ahead clean up and get rid of the beard." He set the tin down and reached for one of his saddle bags. He saw her tense up slightly and he said, "I am just going for my razor. I will use this cup and a little soap and clean my beard off."

It was how he had to do it in the war... when he got to shave at all. In the last year, he didn't even bother shaving. Truman pulled out a straight razor and a small piece of soap that was nearing the end of his life and started to pull himself up to head to the trough to get some water...

~~~~~

"Is this new shooter going to be a problem?" The robust Mayor and Banker of Cody Wyoming, Gavin Roosevelt asked as he stared into the mirror next to his wash basin and splashed a little water on his face.

Jeb Turner stood nearby, a cigar in his mouth with a bright cherry on the tip and nodded, "Got the bastard in the shoulder. Had to have bled out by now."

Gavin dried off his face and turned to Jeb saying, "So you didn't confirm he was dead. You just guess he is... is that right?" He reached to each sleeve and rolled them down before buttoning up the cuff links on his cuffs.

Jeb looked a little uncomfortable with that implication and said, "The man is dead. I will go back and see for myself."

"You do that. Now I got a visitation to get to." Gavin said as he slid his coat back on and then grabbed his top hat and said, "How do I look?"

"Like the Mayor of the town... with a top hat on." Jeb said sarcastically.

"They are the new thing. Listen, before I go, one more thing... we lost two today. Our numbers can't take that kind of hit. How is recruiting going?" He said as he headed out of his room to the sitting room which led out to a stairwell along the outside of the bank, where his residence was.

"I picked up 4 guys. Solid. Brings the numbers up to 10 now." Jeb said as he followed Gavin.

"Good. I want double that by the end of the month.... Sheriff..." Gavin said as he patted the shiny new attachment on his coat that was a golden star with the word Sheriff on it.

"I will see it done." Jeb said as the two men got on their horses. Four more gunmen sat on horses outside the house, two with Deputy badges on and two without. He looked to the two men without the badges saying, "Vance, Coy, you go with the Mayor. Keep an eye on things. Lee, Tom..." He looked to the two deputies and said, "You two come with me. We got a little hunting to do."

The 6 men broke into 2 groups of three and headed in different directions...

 

[Perplexia]

"It's kind of you to say, that you're sorry for my loss. I suppose the correct thing would be to say thank you. As for Jeb, the one you winged being my friend. I don't trust that snake any further than I can spit. You can keep your coin, if you feel the need to repay me you're welcome to do it with work. Or not, that is completely up to you." She watched as he shaved. "Much better, no one will recognize you once you get that hair trimmed. The smart thing would be to burn the clothes you came in with, anything that could be recognized. As for Trigger, I'll say I found her wandering, that's what I've already told the farrier. Now if you'll forgive me I must go play the part of the grieving widow and keep the wolves at bay" Taking a deep breath and exhaling it, she went ahead exited the barn closing the door behind her.

Straightening her dress she went back in the house and put on her hat with the black mourning veil and prepared herself for the act of her life. Grabbing her white handkerchief and her black fan, she waited amusing herself with the idea stabbing her dead husband with a knife. It wasn't long before the carriages and riders began coming down the dirt road. "You were a jackass of a husband, and a dimwit when it came to business. I'm glad you're dead." With that she opened the door to their house and stepped on the porch with her veil down and fanning herself.

The amount of times she heard "oh you poor dear" or "Oh he was such a good man", made her want to vomit. She fanned her face, nodded and whimpered her thanks as people walked in and made their way around the table saying their goodbyes and dropping their grief food upon her counter. The coffin maker went in after the last viewer went in and with help of his assistant placed her husband in his box and nailed it shut. With a few men who volunteered to carry him. They made their way out to the edge of the woods and deposited his body into the grave the hands had dug earlier. The priest said his ceremony, she feigned her grief, and they made their way back to the house where the hands had brought out and put the food and plates on the table they had lined up.

Other than a few brief encounters with the Sheriff and Jeb, she'd managed to avoid them for most of the day. It was hard to tell which wanted to corner her the most. Eventually the Sheriff seemed to win out. "I'm so sorry for your loss you sweet lass" he started. "Such a rough break, losing him to the war, then by a ruffian so close to being returned to your loveable arms, and with no heirs to run this place." "yes, i shall be grieving his loss for a very long time.." she feigned the weeping. "please excuse me, i must start saying my thank you and goodbyes. Let me start with you.. "thank you so much for coming, and paying your respects to my dear sweet husband." she feigned tears again, using her kerchief to pat her eyes under her veil. "please have a safe journey home" she adding inflex in her voice as she said home, as if she were going to start crying again. With that she turned excusing herself. Nothing that a man hated more than an over emotional weeping woman.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Mayor Roosevelt hung back talking with a number of the constituents of the town of Cody during this entire wake. He knew that he was not the most popular guy in town as he held liens on nearly every business. He flat out owned Smith's General Store, the local paper, the train station, the post office, and 3 of the 4 saloons. He had partial ownership of the blacksmith shop, the carpentry shop, the He also held the liens on nearly every property within 50 miles of the town, including this lovely place. He had recently taken purchase of the Cooper Ranch as well which he was just getting moved into which bordered the Pope farm as well.

He had brought a wife with him from New York when he first came out and she quickly decided New York had been better and divorced him back before he had actually made his fortune by buying into the bank with his remaining funds. It was through that purchase that had gotten him where he was now and he was one of the wealthiest men in the entire region. He had all he could ever want... except love. Sure he had women, a number of them, but love... that was different.

While the wake was taking place, he had been very watchful of Mrs. Pope, or rather Miss Pope now. It was clear she hadn't liked her husband at all. The stolen glares, the eyes narrowing, the fake tears, the feigned weaknesses. He knew she had done all that for spite. She was an actress. A very cunning actress. He saw her glance up at him as he sat there looking down at the body and as she walked up to him he said, "The fool got what he had coming to him."

His eyes locked on her for her reaction and got what he hoped to see.

~~~~~

Truman spent the majority of the day resting. Between his shoulder and his achy body from the fall, he really needed just to rest. He did get up for a spell and brush his horse down as well as the Clydesdale which he would have to find out how she got one day. He glanced about the property to see what kind of set up she had so he could figure out how he could help her out. She had a rather large batch of chickens, cows and goats, pretty much all the things one would expect to see on a farm.

He also kept an eye on the house to make sure no one wandered into the barn accidental-like. At one point it looked like a couple of men would make their way inside, only to be diverted by the local help.

As the last of the people left, he opened the back door to the barn and glanced out towards the woods once more. He really had seen a pack of coyotes and perhaps he could help kill them off for her as payment.

 

[Perplexia]

Ani reached back and slapped the mayor right across the face. "How dare you speak ill of my husband. Get out of my house, get off my land, don't you ever show your face here again." With that she stormed off in her best performance yet as onlookers watched in horror at the disrespect the Mayor had just shown to a grieving widow. Woman of the town glared at him as they went to console her. Some of the men advised him to leave, his presence wasn't desired here by anyone.

Eventually everyone left, and Ani sat on the porch attacking a bottle of whisky. She was emotionally and physically drained from having to maintain her performance all day. Getting up she gathered up some food for her barn guest and an extra blanket. Carefully she looked around and made her way into the barn. "I brought you some food and an extra blanket. Let me take a look at the wound and redress it. We need to be sure it doesn't get infected."

Ani helped him remove his shirt, and carefully removed the bandage. With some warm water she cleaned it, poured a little whisky over it to sterilize it, and then rebandaged it. Ani reminded him the farrier would be out tomorrow to look at trigger so he'd have to make himself scarce behind the barn.

"I'll be back in the morning with breakfast." she said wearily.

 

[ERedBoyd]

Truman lay there and let her tend to his wounds with barely a groan. The whiskey did hurt quite a bit as it cleaned the wound. That and it was a waste of good whiskey but you do what you have to do he reckoned.

He let his eyes study her for a long time as she worked with a very practiced hand. She had tended wounds before and it was very evident. As she gathered up a few things and he said, "I ... well... Thank you again. I keep finding myself saying that."

Truman studied her a bit as she turned and headed to the front, "Are you gonna be okay ma'am?"

She hesitated and glanced at him and nodded before heading inside.

He walked up to the barn door, opening it. He had no shirt on, just the wrapped bandages, his pants and boots. He had to admit, she was a beautiful woman for sure. Someone he wouldn't mind seeing out of a few of her clothes as well. He shook his head dismissively realizing that line of thought shouldn't ever leave his head. He gave her one last nod as she glanced back at him before slipping in her house and he returned to his little pile of hay and laid down. It wasn't long before he was asleep.

The sounds of agitated cattle along the grounds behind the barn first stirred him from his sleep. The cattle moo-ing and stomping around alerted him to trouble in the area. He pulled himself to his feet, slipped his shirt on and as carefully as he could, slid his holster and gun on.

He walked out to the back of the barn and could see a number of milk cows huddled together in a big tight circle with the calves in the middle. He could also see a number of smaller creatures circling and realized they were coyotes. He looked over at Trigger and said, "Up for a quick trip?"

10 minutes later, he rode his horse out the back of the barn and trotted him out towards the cattle, pulling his gun out. The cattle were still bundled together close and as he drew closer, noted the coyotes all looking to retreat once more. He aimed towards a couple of them and fired. He heard one scream out in pain and the others went from trotting away to flat out running.

He waited till the coyotes were out of view in the moon lit sky and then turned Trigger towards the woods once more and headed out a bit further to make sure they were gone. He found the one he had killed, passed it up and headed to the fence line. He saw a couple nearby on the other side of the fence and fired a couple more rounds sending them running once more before turning Trigger back and heading to the barn.

He noted an upstairs light was now and he imagined the butt-chewing he would get for his actions. Fortunately, nothing was broken in his wound so there was that.