Miss Addie’s Boys

Terri Sutro

The stage rumbled along the snowy path. For the two men inside, it was less a spine jangling experience and more a few moments of peace and safety. For at least inside the coach, Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry didn’t have to worry about posse’s, unfriendly bounty hunters or lawmen all seeking to put the two outlaws behind the bars of the Wyoming Territorial Prison. And this time the end of the ride meant a job.

Lom Trevors Sheriff of Porterville, Wyoming, their friend and once upon a long time ago companion in outlawing, had gotten word to them as he usually did. Lom had been trying to stay in closer contact with his two young friends. He knew how stretched their patience was.

It had been over a year since the Governor of the Wyoming Territory agreed to a provisional amnesty deal for the two men. It should have been finalized by now. But the political winds were still blowing in favor of the men who owned the banks and railroads. And they had no interest in hurrying final amnesty for the two men who had proven to be their biggest nemeses.

So the routine continued. The two outlaws would telegraph Trevors from whatever town they found themselves in. They’d ask same question each time. Any word?

Trevors would do what he could to encourage them that it would happen soon. To just be patient a little longer.

This time, however, he also asked them to do him a favor. They were working a small job for a friend in Denver when the message reached them. Lom’s telegram was brief. A friend had a problem and needed his help. He couldn’t go himself and anyway that wouldn’t have helped. He said he’d sent a packet that would explain everything and contain the funds they would need to get to the job. It said to be ready that there wasn’t much time.

So once again they sold their horses and gear and waited. The thin packet arrived a few days later. It contained a hundred dollars and two train tickets to Santa Fe. A cryptic note from Lom instructed them that from Santa Fe, they were to take the stage to Esperanza Nueva, Arizona.

Neither man had heard of it. There was nothing else in the envelope. They sent another telegraph to Lom asking for more information, but there had been no reply. They sent one more message before they left for New Mexico figuring that there would be more information waiting for them when they got to Santa Fe. But again, there was nothing.

At the stage depot in Santa Fe, they found that only one stage went to the small town. And by some twist of fate, it was leaving immediately. Either they took it now or, they waited another week. Maybe longer depending on the weather.

They both knew jobs were scarce, so was money. So, when it came time to either board the stage or wait, they listened to the coach driver yell that those that was going should get on board as he wasn’t interested in waiting. They shrugged a resigned why not and boarded the stage with bedrolls and saddlebags slung over their shoulders headed for one more short-term job.

They’d been traveling for five days now. They’d moved from the bigger, somewhat more comfortable coach they’d started out on to the smaller one that would take them the final four days. The driver pushed the team of horses as hard as he could, but the weather had grown progressively worse. It has been slow, arduous going.

Heyes moved the tarp aside and peeked out of the window of the coach. He watched the big puffy flakes fall outside and wondered how he was going to get himself and his cousin through the next month. The holiday season had never been easy for the two men. Two many memories and too little hope combined to cast a pall over them.

Heyes, the eldest of the two men, always took it upon himself to be responsible for the gloominess. As though the things that had happened to them, past, present and even future, were entirely his fault.

Some years were better than others. When they’d been outlawing they drowned the time in train or bank jobs or in too much hard whiskey and women. The winter holidays at Devil’s Hole weren’t much. But the place was home and the men almost a family. They’d all made do.

After they’d agreed to the terms of the amnesty deal, most holiday’s had been strained and difficult. No family except each other, little money and no real place to call their own. Hardest of all were the memories neither wanted to talk about and the dreams neither wanted to share for fear they’d never come true.

This particular stretch of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas was the hardest. Everywhere they went they found memories of their childhoods in the faces of families laughing and being together. Each face reminding them of the families they’d lost and the emptiness of their lives. They mainly tried to make the time better for the other, but in truth they were both relieved when the holidays were finally over.

Neither man talked about the amnesty much anymore. They were both at the point of knowing in their hearts that it wasn’t going to happen. They both wanted to believe, but it was just getting too hard.

Heyes reached for the pocket watch he always carried. He closed his eyes wearily realizing it was no longer in his vest pocket. He’d been forced to sell it when just before they had arrived in Denver. He’d parted with it painfully. It had been his father’s. The last and only memory he’d allowed himself. Found hidden under his father’s lifeless body by a little boy forced out of childhood on a farm in Lawrence, Kansas so long ago.

He’d held it in his hand for a long time before he went into the Emporium and finally parted with it. He watched the shopkeeper shine it up and put it in the glass enclosed case. He’d had a fleeting desire to take it back. But what good was a watch when there was no money for food or a room. So he turned his back on it and returned to the hotel, telling his cousin he’d been unlucky in a poker game and lost the watch.

Kid had looked at him strangely, but hadn’t questioned him.

Heyes, relieved that he didn’t have to lie anymore let it go. It didn’t make any sense to pour salt on an already open wound that the holidays were for the younger man. They’d done without before, but for some reason this time was different.

He’d always meant to go back for the watch as soon as they’d made some money. But the job in Denver had taken them out of town almost immediately. Then Lom’s telegram came. There just hadn’t been a reason to go back to Denver. At least one that Heyes felt like explaining to his partner.

Christmas. Heyes let his deep brown eyes close wearily and took a deep breath.

The holidays had come soon after they’d made the decision to go straight. The two men had been excited with what the future held and full of hope that the freedom they sought would come quickly. They’d found work with a large family and shared the time with them. They’d both enjoyed that. Being with family, their hearts full of hope that the next time Christmas came around, they’d be free. Maybe even with someplace of their own. Maybe even a family.

But this would be the second Thanksgiving and Christmas that they were using the alias’ Lom gave them and nothing had changed. Except maybe the hope had faded. It had been a hard year. Especially the last few months.

They’d found a town with a small saloon, a smaller hotel and a sheriff they didn’t know. They’d played some poker and made small talk with the waitress in the hotel. They kept to themselves as much as possible. They both relaxed some. No one seemed to take special notice of them. It had been nice to have a warm hotel room to call home, rather than a make shift shelter where the freezing rain and snow could find them. They’d even talked about looking for work that would allow them to stay for a while.

All that changed very late one night as they made their way back to the hotel after a long night of poker.

A local cattleman had a money belt full of proceeds from a sale. A genial man, he’d accepted both his winning and losing graciously. The atmosphere had been friendly and the whiskey plentiful. Both men were weaving happily as them stumbled across the street and headed for their room.

There had been no warning. No furtive glances signaling recognition. No call out. No challenge in the daylight. Just an explosion that knocked Kid to the ground. And a second one that chased Heyes as he dropped down next to his partner. Kid squirmed on the ground, trying to get to his gun.

“Kid? Kid you all right?” Heyes whispered frantically as he drew his gun and returned fire.

“Yea, who was it…could you see him?” Kid had his gun out now and was trying to sit up.

Heyes shook his head. “Come on, let’s get out of the street.” He helped Kid up and supported him as they dashed for the water trough. Two more shots rang out as they dove for cover.

The deputy on duty rushed out, gun in hand. “What’s goin’ on” He turned this way and that in the street, his eyes still not adjusted to the dark. “You there, come on out.” He pointed his gun at the two outlaws, slowly rising to their feet, guns held in front of them. “Drop them guns.”

They obeyed silently.

Heyes staggered as Kid faltered against him. “My partner’s hurt…”

“We’ll see ‘bout that.” The lawman started towards the two, but turned suddenly at a movement in the street. He fired as the man raised his gun.

The man fell back onto the ground, silent, his gun still clutched in his hand.

The deputy grimaced and turned back to Heyes and Kid. “All right, come on out.”

Heyes draped Kid’s arm around his shoulder holding onto it with one hand. His other arm supporting the man around the waist he guided him forward. “Look, we were just walking to the hotel when that guy shot at us. My friend’s hurt and needs a doctor.”

“Anyone see anything?” The deputy questioned any of the people who had come out to see what the disturbance.

“I can, Deputy.” The cattleman stepped forward. “They were playing poker with me. We left the Silver Palace at the same time and I heard the single shot from that man.” He pointed to the body.

“All right them, Mr. Everett. Good enough for me. Someone show these boys to the Doc’s office. Rest of you, take this one…say, anyone know him?” He looked around to the shaking of heads and sighed. “Take him over to the undertaker and we’ll sort out the rest of it in the morning.

Some of the men took charge of the body and started towards the end of the main street of town.

“Come on boys. Feel bad this happened.” Donald Everett took a position on Kid’s other side and together with Heyes they headed towards the doctor’s office.

By morning things were calm again. The two men were still at the doctor’s office when the Sheriff came by. He had eyed them carefully as Heyes spun out the reason they needed to leave so quickly. He nodded thoughtfully as Heyes detailed the important job waiting for them. He knew there was more, but the lawman had no real reason to keep the two men. The witnesses had been clear as to who should bear the blame in the shooting. And Donald Everett took time to reiterate what he’d seen.

The Sheriff took the paper they wrote out for him, shook their hands and hoped that their word was good. He intended on sending a telegram to Sheriff Trevors of Porterville just to make sure, but for now there was little he could do to hold them. Begrudgingly, the Sheriff told them they could leave.

By mid morning, Heyes had them packed and headed out of town. They’d ridden out as quickly as they dared, Kid clenching his jaw against the nausea and pain. The bullet had dug a deep path through Kid’s side. Not as serious as some of the injuries he’s sustained, the bullet had gone clear through. But he’d lost a lot of blood. He needed rest, not running.

They’d stopped more frequently than Heyes would have liked. But he knew Kid well enough to know the younger man would never admit to needing rest. And he’d fight through the pain regardless of how bad it got. Heyes grew increasingly worried as he changed bandages, continuing to see the angry redness that surrounded the wound grow. He knew that meant infection.

He slowed up, stopping for nearly a full day telling Kid the rabbit he’d killed and cooked hadn’t set with him. Both men knew what he was doing. But Heyes carried out the charade and Kid was too tired to fight with him. The next day Heyes gave Kid a small dose of laudanum for the pain. Risky, but necessary and they started out again.

Another small town had given them respite, for a night. Heyes, even more of a restless sleeper now, had risen before dawn. He pushed the curtain aside, watching the sun make it’s first foray over the horizon. He took an exhausted breath and turned back to his cousin, still asleep. Sorry Kid. He whispered, turning back to the sun. And the men. He sucked in air as he saw them gathering across the street. “Kid. Kid, we got company. Come on, Kid ya gotta wake up.” He gently shook his partner and hastily stuffed arms and legs into his clothes.

“Sleep…I gotta sleep Heyes…you go…” Kid closed his eyes again.

“Sleep later. Come on Kid…” He finally got the man out of bed, dressed and down the back stairs. Back on horseback, they’d once again gotten away. Yea, gotten away. Only to find eight or ten someones behind them.

Heyes tried to joke about this posse at least not having a Apache.

Kid tried to laugh.

Both knew exactly what the other was doing.

Finally, it became obvious they couldn’t outrun the men. They skidded off onto a rocky trail. It was rough riding, with tight switchbacks and thorny brush. Kid could barely stay in the saddle. They reached a flat space and could see buildings in the distance. Heyes knew what he had to do. If he could draw their pursuers, maybe Kid could get to town and hide or get a train somewhere safer.

They argued over the plan. Finally Heyes took the reins and led Kid’s horse towards the trail leading to those buildings. He smiled his quicksilver smile and told him not to get into any trouble. He forced the reins into Kid’s hands and slapped the horse’s flank, just hard enough to get him moving.

They both knew the plan. If separated, they’d get to a telegraph and wire Lom where they were. Heyes watched Kid propelling along the trail, weaving from side to side. He said a silent prayer that his cousin could stay astride and get somewhere safe. Then he got moving.

He tied a bushy branch to his saddle and re-mounted. He tested the length, just long enough to drag along side. Then he took off at a zig zag pace up a trail into the mountains. He fervently hoped that the feeble deception, the rocky trail and the noise of his horse’s hooves on the trail would draw the posse.

He smiled a grim smile when he heard them behind him. He urged his horse on as faster than he dared. Kid might be safe, but now to make sure he didn’t get himself caught.

Kid regained control of his horse as he approached the town. He steadied his breathing and his balance in the saddle. No one was behind him. He had a sick feeling Heyes wasn’t faring as well. He glanced down at his side. Fresh blood seeped through the bandages and his shirt. It hurt like blazes. He felt dizzy and held on to the saddle horn with white knuckled fists. He needed to get the injury tended to. And he would. Just as soon as he knew Heyes was all right. He closed his eyes for a moment and let everything settle inside him. When his eyes opened he was ready. With one look at the mountains ahead, he took off at a gallop backtracking his way to where he’d left Heyes.

*****

Heyes luck had run out almost immediately. He rounded a bend just a bit too sharply. His horse slid and fell, throwing Heyes off. He hadn’t been down long; just long enough for the group to catch up.

The posse hadn’t been gentle with Heyes. Angry that they’d been tricked, they felt justified in taking that anger out on the one man they did have. They found the blood that had trickled to the ground as Kid had ridden away. Leaving two men behind to guard Heyes, the rest rode towards town and the rest of their reward money.

*****

Kid knew they were coming. He dodged their path by taking a less direct trail. He ignored his body’s cries for rest and for nourishment. It took him most of two long days to get to the camp. He crept closer noting the two men who sat close to the warmth of the fire. He also saw Heyes, bound and gagged, lying on his side too far away from the fire to feel any of its heat. His knees were drawn to his chest and he wasn’t moving. In just that one glance, all the pain and exhaustion Kid was feeling were replaced with anger and fear that he was too late. .

He drew his gun and pulled his coat tighter around him. No sense letting the men know exactly how badly he was hurt. Catching them by surprise he quickly disarmed them and tied them together.

“Heyes…” He knelt down and gently turned his partner’s body. He could feel the man shaking and felt the cold in his hands as he cut the bonds. “Heyes…it’s me, can you open your eyes?” He cut the final ties on Heyes’ legs. He frowned in concern. “Heyes…”

“Bbbb…’bout ttt…time you got here.” Heyes eyes fluttered open. His voice stuttered with the cold but his eyes were focused and alert.

Kid shook his head. “Well I was a little slowed down…can you ride, don’t think we should take advantage of these fella’s hospitality too much longer.” He helped Heyes up and draped a blanket around him.

Heyes knelt back down next to the fire and studied the two men who had been his captors. “I can ride…you leavin’ them next to this nice fire?” He held his hands out, feeling the chill drain from his hands.

“Heyes, we don’t got time for games…” Kid lead Heyes’ horse towards him.

“But we had such a…nice time together, I’d really like to repay them somehow.” Heyes rose, his eyes darkening as he watched the men squirm.

Kid caught a look at his partner in the light of the fire. His face was bruised and the way he was breathing left no doubt of the damage done to his ribs. “Heyes…” He held onto the horse fighting the dizziness that pushed itself to the surface again.

Heyes looked carefully at his partner. “Oh God Kid, I’m sorry…I thought…never mind. Let’s get outta here. I don’t much like the company.” He joined his partner and much slower than either man was used to, they mounted their horses.

“Thought you might need this.” Kid handed Heyes back his gun.

Heyes grinned and nodded.

“You got lucky tonight boys. Now we’re gonna take your horses and leave. ‘Spect your friends will be back soon. Remember how lucky you were. Shame to spoil that.” Kid tipped his hat to them and the men rode off.

*****

They’d made their way back to the town at the end of the trail, watching the posse ride out. It might have been funny. Except they didn’t have the energy to laugh. As soon as they reached the town, they’d sold the horses and gear and found the first train headed anywhere. They’d gotten off early at a water stop, walked to the next town and boarded a stage coach. It didn’t matter where it went.

There hadn’t been time for either to properly heal. They inched their way towards full health, not really able to just stop somewhere. They’d kept moving. Through a series of increasingly smaller towns. This time of year jobs had been few and far between. The pay meager. Heyes had parlayed some of their earnings in poker games, but one thing happened, then something else and there just never seemed to be money.

What there was, was a growing emptiness borne out of too much running and the fear that amnesty was just a foolish dream or a very clever way for the Governor of the Wyoming Territory to solve the problem of Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry. It all threatened to overwhelm the slender thread of hope they both hung on to.

They talked for a while about going to San Francisco. But that took money they didn’t have. They knew friends like Soapy Saunders or Silky O’Sullivan would welcome them. But for once the idea of greeting their friends with empty pockets was something they couldn’t face. They just couldn’t impose on their friends again.

Both men felt empty. The emotions that swirled in their minds made them testy with each other and anyone else that they came across.

Kid had been taking this particular holiday season harder than those before. His voice turned bitter as the two men sat alone in the saloon the night Lom’s telegram arrived. He poured Heyes another glass of beer and talked about how the Thanksgiving celebrations were just beginning and that he guessed that meant they’d be leaving soon. It was a harsh reminder that neither man had a place or people other than each other.

Heyes at first thought it was just Kid joking around. But his cousin’s eyes were an icy blue. He didn’t know what to say.

Now, with Thanksgiving only a few days away, they both just wanted it to be over. The holidays. The dream of amnesty. It didn’t seem to matter which.

When the young boy delivered the thin envelope containing Lom’s telegram, they exchanged glances.

“Just open it Heyes.” Kid shoved his glass away, slopping beer on the table. “We been here too long anyway.”

*****

Sadly grateful for this small job, they didn’t talk about it. The need to take it hung unspoken in the air between them. Heyes handed Kid half the money. They both stuffed it in their pockets and boarded the train in silence.

*****

The coach shuddered through a hole on the trail and jerked Heyes back to reality.

He shivered in the chill and pulled his worn trail coat closer around him. He glanced at Curry on the seat across from him. His arms crossed, hat tilted down over his face, he seemed to be dozing. Well at least he was resting. He closed his eyes against the headache that along with broken ribs and labored breathing had been his constant companions ever since the beating he’d taken at the hands of the posse.

The coach stopped suddenly. “Hey, you fellas in there!” The stomping on the roof of the coach and the shout from the driver startled Kid awake.

Heyes signaled it was ok. “Yea, what!” He shouted back, sticking his head out from behind the canvas tarp that covered the window.

“End of the line. Just made it to town. Weather’s gettin’ too bad to travel.”

Heyes looked at Kid and shrugged. “Guess this is where we get off.”

Kid yawned and stretched. “Good a place as any.” He swung the door open and stepped out looking around. The wound he’d received had healed. Mostly. But he still favored his side. Reaching up he accepted the bags the coach driver tossed down and handed Heyes the ones belonging to him, grimacing only slightly as the falling bag forced him to move a bit too suddenly.

“Uh, where exactly are we?” Heyes called out, his words drowned out by the coach clattering off. He grinned. “Guess it’ll be a surprise. And I guess we won’t be making that job Lom has for us.” He looked around. The streets were quiet, not many people out in this weather.

“Yea, I love surprises.” Kid’s scowled. “Maybe this where we were supposed to be Heyes.” He looked around but saw no signs identifying the name of the town where they’d been dropped off. “I sure hope so. Think we can spend some of the money Lom sent? A hotel room and a good meal would sure be nice.” He shielded his face from the increasing snow flurries and tried to find the Sheriff’s office. Frowning as the flakes hit him. “Ya know Heyes, maybe the Wyoming Territorial Prison wouldn’t be so bad. I mean it’s not snowing in there.”

Heyes laughed. “Now Kid, you’re just tired. And hungry. Let’s get settled and you’ll feel better. There’s the hotel.” He pointed at a neatly painted two story building on the opposite side of the street. Slapping the younger man on the back he stepped off the boardwalk. The cold air felt good and he took a deep breath, only to find his ribs didn’t want that kind of exercise. His face reddened as the coughing fit bent him double.

They didn’t see her stride quickly towards them. A woman’s shrill voice accosted them.

“Well there you are. I must say I wasn’t sure you’d come. But, well here you are. Well come along, the ranch is a good hour out of town and this storm isn’t getting any better.”

“Ma’am?” Heyes turned towards her.

“Yes, that’s right. We can get acquainted once we’re home. Now come along.” She shooed both men towards a sturdy, black carriage and started walking quickly herself.

“Miss Addie, everything all right?” The deep voice of a man came from the open door of the building the three had been standing in front of. The one with no markings identifying it.

Kid closed his eyes. Well he found the Sheriff’s Office all right.

“Why of course Sheriff…Jackson.” Her voice softened. “Just fine. I’m looking forward to seeing you and Rosalind at dinner on Thursday. We’ll just be going along now.” The woman took another step.

“Aren’t you gonna introduce me Miss Addie?” He turned inquisitively towards the two men.

The woman’s breathing quickened and she turned. “Why of course. How foolish of me. These…these are my sons, Patrick and Michael.” The eyes she turned on Heyes and Curry begged them to agree.

The men exchanged quick glances, imperceptibly asking and answering, what the hell is going on and I don’t know, but let’s play it out.

“Uh, nice to meet you Sheriff?” Heyes extended his hand tentatively.

The lawman nodded. “Well it’s a pleasure to finally meet you two.” He grabbed Heyes’ hand and pumped it enthusiastically. “Let me see. Patrick, right.”

Heyes blinked. “Patrick…” It came out as almost a question, but the look on the woman’s face told him he had that was correct. “Patrick…yes, that’s right.” He smiled, then frowned, not sure what last name he was supposed to use.

“Then that would make you Michael Donnelly.” He squinted at the man. “Looks to be the spitting image of your father. That picture you have on your piano, Miss Addie.” He reached out his hand in greeting to Kid.

Kid met it even more hesitantly than Heyes, sure that as soon as the hand was extended handcuffs would be slapped on. But all that happened was a firm hand shake.

“Lookin’ forward to your good cooking, Miss Addie. Boys, glad you could make it home for the holidays. Always better with family.” The man strode off.

Heyes and Kid turned to the woman.

She hadn’t moved since the Sheriff’s arrival and now stood biting her lip, a look of angry determination mixing with just a slight trembling. “Thank you.” Quickly she caught herself. “I mean, let’s go. Your money’s at the house.” She walked to the carriage and quickly climbed up onto the front seat.

“Heyes? You got any idea….” Kid started.

“Nope. But my guess is she’s in some trouble.” Heyes twitched a snowflake from his nose.

“Yea, trouble. Just what we don’t need.” Kid looked towards the carriage.

She sat stiffly in the seat, looking straight ahead.

“Yea, but Kid, the Sheriff has seen us. Probably wouldn’t look good for us to just leave. Anyway, the with the storm coming in, we couldn’t go anywhere.” Heyes shrugged.

Kid sighed. “Yea, ok Heyes. But we’re not stayin’. We’ll just go out to her place, see what’s what and as soon as the storm clears we leave.”

They hurriedly crossed the street and climbed into the carriage, Kid taking the front seat and Heyes stretching out in the back with their bags. “Ma’am.” His voice was clipped, polite but curt as he shifted next to her.

“Where abouts are we ma’am.” Heyes on the other hand was good cheer himself in the back.

“Esperanza Nueva. Where were you expecting to be? You are from Lom Trevors aren’t you?” A fearful look crossed her face.

“Well what d’ya know about that, Thaddeus. Yes ma’am. Lom sent us. Said you had a job for us.” Heyes leaned forward trying to see her face.

She evaded his glance. “I’ll explain it to you when we get home. I hope you’ll find a way to act the parts you’re being paid to play. It’s only a few weeks. And the money is good.” She waved her hand at Kid to get started.

The men exchanged glances. Well they’d found the job all right. But what exactly the job was…. “We’ll sure try ma’am.” Heyes said jauntily as the wagon lumbered down the center of town.

*****

The house sat back from the road, almost shy about it’s size and appearance. It was a once green Queen Ann home with two large turrets on either side of the main part of the house and gingerbread trim everywhere. It sat on a wide expanse of land, the emptiness softened by the fluttering of snowflakes that dusted the trees and shrubs. There was a large barn and additional outbuildings clustered in the distance. And good sized corrals had been fenced in behind the house. And as though standing guard, two stone lions had been placed on either side of the steps leading to the porch.

As the carriage approached, the men could see cracks in some of the windows and faded and peeling paint. They remarked later, it looked tired. And just a bit lost.

The ride to the house had only taken less than the hour the woman had indicated. It just seemed longer, the silence emanating from the woman like a shield.

Kid had taken the reins before they left town and expertly guided the carriage slowly and steadily forward following the woman’s curtly given directions. He was comfortable concentrating on getting them to the woman’s house and didn’t feel impelled to talk.

Heyes gave up when two sets of eyes met his attempt at conversation with something less than interest. He pulled his thinning trail coat closer around him and sat back, losing himself in his own thoughts.

*****

She climbed down as soon as the carriage stopped, hastily gathering the few packages from the back seat and waking hurriedly to the door.

Kid had almost gotten to her side in time to help her, but she brushed by him. “I suppose I’ll just put the horses up.” He called out, just a bit too sharply. He wished he hadn’t put such an edge to the words when he saw her face.

“Oh, of course. Yes, just over there. There should be hay and oats…” The words lingered, unfinished. “Thank you. Just come in when you’re done.” Her voice at the end could barely be heard and she quickly entered the house.

Heyes watched Kid watch the women and waited. The blue eyes finally focused on the brown ones. Heyes smiled gently. “I don’t know Kid. But this is the job Lom told us about. And we did get paid.”

“Heyes we’re supposed to be her kin. Her sons. How’re we gonna pretend to be that.” He looked quickly at the house then back at Heyes. “And the Sheriff seems mighty friendly. Comin’ to dinner. You wanna be caught in a lie like that with the law sittin’ across from ya?” He started unhitching the horses. “I don’t like it Heyes.”

Heyes took a breath and watched the frosty exhale. “I know Kid. But we’re here. And we’re both tired. Let’s just give it a couple of days and see what happens. I got a feeling the lady isn’t telling anyone the whole truth about why she bought a couple of sons.” He hopped down from the seat and slapped his cousin on the shoulder. “You need some help?”

Kid shook his head. “Nah, you go on in. No sense both of us freezing.” He watched Heyes frown. Then added... “I’ll be along.”

Heyes nodded and reached for their gear. “OK, but don’t blame me if you don’t get to pick which bed is yours.” He smiled and started for the house.

“Heyes!” Kid yelled after him. “I always get the top bunk.” Smiling, he led the horses towards the barn.

Heyes watched the man for a moment. Maybe this would be all right.

*****

“Ma’am?” Heyes entered the house and stopped just inside the door. He didn’t see the woman, although he heard movement from the back of the house. He stepped further in, noting the shiny dark wood of the floors and the bright colored area rugs. The curtains were of white lace, tied back with bright calico bows.

Not getting an answer he dropped the gear on the floor by the staircase and wandered through the parlor towards the direction of the noise. “Ma’am?” He repeated himself as he walked through the dining room into the kitchen. The table and sideboards were also in dark wood, so polished he was sure he saw his reflection in the table. Linen runners in cream broke the darkness. A bowl of fruit sat on the center of the table and Heyes had to stop for a moment, the apples and oranges looked so inviting.

“Ma’am.” He said for a third time as he entered the kitchen and found her. She’d traded her heavy coat for an apron and was bustling around the large kitchen arranging pots on the woodstove. She was comfortable here and it showed in her face and in the way her body relaxed. “Would you like some coffee? I just put it on, it won’t be but a moment.” She finally turned to him. “I expect you’ll be wanting an explanation for all this.”

Heyes took a deep breath enjoying the smell of the freshly ground beans. “Yes ma’am, if that’s all right. Lom, Sheriff Trevors didn’t tell us much. Other than you had a job for us.”

“I met Sheriff Trevors many years ago. He’s a good man and has always been very kind to me. I…maybe we should wait for your friend.” She opened the stove and put a large pan full of roast and vegetables in. “I could show you where you’ll be staying….” The tentativeness had returned to her voice.

Heyes didn’t miss the change. “Thaddeus will be along in a minute. He’s just finishin’ up with the horses. Might be easier if you told us both at the same time. By the way, my name’s Joshua Smith and my friend’s is Thaddeus Jones.” He smiled at her and accepted the cup of coffee she held out to him. “Although, I guess we’ll be usin’ something different for a while.” He smiled. “Patrick and Michael?”

“Yes, yes, just for a while. You and your friend seem like nice boys. I’m sorry I was so abrupt with you in town…I know I can trust you…Lom said you could help me…I hope that’s the case.” She blushed, and looked away. She’d said too much. They were here to do a job, no need to tell them everything. But this one’s eyes invited conversation. She’d have to watch that. “Well, your room is upstairs. There’s only one, but it’s quite large with two beds. You and Mr. Jones should be quite comfortable.” She didn’t look at him as she went past.

He cocked his head slightly and followed her up the stairs, gathering their gear as they got to the entryway. He could see Kid approaching and hesitated for a moment.

She stopped and turned to see what the delay was. She saw Heyes watch Kid walking up the gravel path. She saw the concern cross his face as Kid stopped for a minute to take a breath. How like….

He turned as he felt her eyes on him. “Sorry ma’am. Just waitin’ for my partner. You go on up, we’ll be right behind you.” He smiled wondering what it was he saw in her eyes. Sadness or a curiosity. He wasn’t sure which.

The door opened and Kid stepped in. Looking around, he didn’t miss any detail of the house. “Ma’am. Horses are all taken care of.”

Heyes grinned. He was always amazed at how Kid could enter a room and in less than a minute have every detail committed to memory. He always found it comforting when they’d cased a bank and returned to the Hole to work out the details. With Kid there it was like having a drawing of the building inside and out.

“Thank you Mr. Jones. I was just going to show Mr. Smith to your room. If you’ll both just follow me.” She turned and took some more steps.

“You all right?” Heyes asked quietly as Kid reached for some of the gear.

“Fine. Just tired that’s all.” His eyes told a different story. Tired, yes, but a weariness that was more than just physical. He grabbed the saddlebags and started after the woman.

Heyes hesitated just a moment before following them up. One thing at a time Heyes. Kid’s gonna be fine. Everything’s gonna be fine. And if I say that enough it’s gonna be the truth.

*****

When they stopped climbing, they faced a wide hallway that led to the two halves of the house. More rugs dotted the hardwood. They could see the wood to the right was worn slightly. To the left, it appeared new.

She turned left and led them to their room. She opened the door and stood back. “You’ll be staying here. I hope it’s all right. The fire’s been laid and the linen’s fresh.” She didn’t go in, but stood at the doorway.

They walked in silently. It was bigger than they were used to, the stone fireplace on one wall waiting to be lit, the windows on the other wall frosting up in the cold, the colorful quilts on the matching brass beds lending a warmth and friendliness to the room.

“Is it all right?” She asked, peeking in.

“Yes ma’am, it’s just fine.” Heyes turned back.

“Better than we’ve had in some time, ma’am.” Kid added quietly.

“Well supper will be ready in a little while. I’ll leave you to unpack. The washroom is that door we passed down the hall. There’s water for a bath if you want and I’ve put out towels for you.” She didn’t seem to know what else to say and just sort of stopped. “Is there anything else you might need?”

“No ma’am. We’ll be fine. Don’t trouble yourself about us. We’re used to taking care of ourselves.” Heyes smiled at the woman.

She returned a tentative smile and closed the door as she left.

Kid dropped the bags on the bed closest the door. “Did she say anything?”

Heyes stretched out on the other bed, thought a moment then sat up and took off his dusty and damp coat and boots. He lay back down and crossed his arms behind his head. “Not much. I don’t think she wants to talk much.” He sat up. “Kinda like someone else I could mention.”

Kid frowned and took off his coat. He looked around for someplace to put it, finally selecting the hooks on the wall by the door. Fashioned out of branches, well worn by other coats hung there over the years. “Wonder if there’s time for a bath before supper.” He ignored Heyes’ comment.

Heyes just chuckled. “G’on, I’ll get cleaned up later. I think I’m just gonna take a nap. The lady just put supper on ‘fore we came up so there’s time. Save some water for me.”

Kid nodded and took his boots off. He walked slowly out of the room and opened the door he hoped was the washroom. The large porcelain tub sat in an alcove across from a small wood-burning stove. His eyes widened. A number of large buckets stood under a hand pump. He followed the attachment on the pump down the wall, through the floor. Frowning, he tentatively picked up a bucket and held it under the pump.

“Well what d’ya know.” He smiled as he pumped bucket after bucket of what he discovered was very hot water directly from the pump. In a very short time the tub was full and steaming. He stripped his clothes off quickly and sank into the water determined to relax. The hot water stung the still sore gash on his side. The wound had closed, but would take a while to be completely healed. He washed quickly, sliding down to scrub his hair and face, then settled back with a contented sigh to just enjoy the quiet warmth.

Heyes heard the click of the door close and lay there for a moment just enjoying the quiet. Finally he forced himself to get up and light the fire, waiting for it to catch. He removed his gun belt before he lay back down. A bath would be nice. Wash some of the past few weeks off. Sure hope this job works out. For both of them. Kid seemed close to the end of his patience with the whole amnesty deal. Kid. He had to get Kid to talk. Funny, it was usually Kid who was trying to make him do the same. Kid always knew when something was eatin’ at him. And he always was bound and determined to get it out of him. Heyes grinned to himself as he settled on the bed on top of the covers. He couldn’t remember feeling this tired. That beating…. He winced with the memory. His eyes fluttered closed. Should’a taken a bath first. I’ll just close my eyes for a minute… The feather bed was firm and comfortable and the room warm. A faint aroma of dinner floated past him making him smile happily at the prospect of a real meal. He gave in to the tiredness and drifted off.

*****

Kid stepped out of the tub and wrapped himself in one of the thick towels stacked nearby. He arched his back and rolled his head to stretch his neck and shoulder muscles. It was warm and steamy in the room and for the first time in months he felt some of the knots his muscles were tied in relaxing. He reached for a second towel to dry himself, then changed his mind. Unwrapping himself from the first towel he vigorously towel his hair leaving it a mass of tousled blond curls. He finished drying himself and looked at the heap of clothing. Shaking his head he wished he’d thought to bring his other set. The clean ones. Making a decision, he wrapped himself in the towel again and cautiously opened the door. Seeing no one he ran back to the bedroom.

He started to say something then saw Heyes deep in sleep. He laughed silently and picked up his saddlebag. He walked silently to his partner and drew a quilt over him, making sure he was well covered.

Just as silently he returned to the washroom and dressed. He looked at the tub, still full of now cold water. He looked from the tub to the window and shook his head. Nah, can’t just throw it out. He saw the stopper, but he wasn’t sure what would happen if he removed it. Guess it’s gonna have’ta wait a bit. Sighing, he gathered his clothes and walked downstairs. He was drawn to voice. She was singing.

She seemed startled as he entered the kitchen. “Oh, I didn’t hear you.”

“Sorry ma’am. Don’t stop on my account. It was pretty. What was it you were singin’?” He sat in the chair she motioned towards, still holding his dirty clothes.

“Oh it was nothing. Just something I used to sing a long time ago.” She studied him. “Was the bath all right?”

“Yes ma’am. That’s the most amazin’ thing ma’am. The way you got it rigged up. It comes out hot. But, when you pull the stopper out….well where does the water go? Didn’t want to take a chance and flood the house.” He smiled curiously.

Her laughter was soft and at the end a bit wistful. “My husband. He was an inventor. One day he decided that it was too much effort to carry the water inside. There is a natural hot spring that runs throughout the property, you see. And he never did like the tub here in the kitchen. So he fixed it. Hot water. Inside the house. And when you just pull that little stopper out, the water drains right outside.”

Kid whistled softly. “That’s downright amazin’ ma’am. Your husband away?”

Her faced closed. “My husband died fifteen years ago.” She walked forward. “If those are dirty, I’ll wash them. Dinner won’t be ready for at least an hour.” She reached for the clothes he was holding.

“Oh no, ma’am. If you just tell me where I can do that. You shouldn’t…..” He didn’t get a chance to finish.

“It’s just some clothes. If you’ll tell your friend to bring his, I’ll do them both.” Her voice had returned to the curt, almost angry tone it had when they first met.

“Yes ma’am. He’s sleepin’ now. But I’ll let him know.” He rose. “Ma’am? I’m sure sorry ‘bout your husband. Must have been hard for you, raisin’ kids alone.” Kid knew he’d said the wrong thing as soon as his words reached her.

Her face stopped. “My children are gone.” Her voice was flat and empty. It didn’t welcome answer.

Kid froze. “I’m sorry ma’am….” Finally he backed out of the room cursing himself for being stupid. He’d assumed the room he and Heyes were belonged to her children. He sighed deeply. If her husband was dead…. Great. He’d hurt her feelings and stirred up things she obviously wanted to leave alone. But if her children were gone…did that mean dead too? And is that was the case, then why were they here? Pretending to be her kids. He rubbed his eyes. It was too much to think about on an empty stomach. He climbed the stairs hoping Heyes was awake.

*****

Tiptoeing into the bedroom, Kid relaxed as he saw Heyes stretch. He wanted to talk to his partner, but he knew how badly the man needed rest. He knew the signs in the other man and knew Heyes was only telling part of the truth when he said he felt fine. He knew the beating and treatment Heyes had received had left him weak. And he knew that Heyes gave himself the extra burden of making things ok for them both, especially during this time of year. Rest wasn’t something Heyes did very well. His mind seldom stopped working on something even if there wasn’t anything to work on.

Kid smiled to himself remembering many early mornings at the Hole when his threat to hog-tie him to his bed was the only thing that got Heyes to sleep. He shouldn’t shut Heyes out like he’d been doing. Wasn’t his fault that…. well anyway, it wasn’t. “Heyes? You awake?”

Heyes sat up slowly swinging his legs over the bed and stretching again. He struggled to keep his eyes open and shook his head to clear the fogginess. He yawned and finally focused on his cousin. “Yea Kid. Wide awake. Somethin’ smells wonderful.” He looked at the darkness outside. “How long did I sleep?” He got up on unsteady legs, steadying himself on the brass footboard.

“Little over an hour.” Kid watched his cousin. He was in worse condition than he thought. Heyes was pale, with dark shadows under his eyes.

“That long.” He looked at Kid, smiling. “How was the bath?”

Kid smiled like a little boy. “Heyes you won’t believe it. She’s got this contraption – why you can pump water up from the ground and it’s already hot. Oh, I gotta drain the water.” He walked quickly from the room leaving Heyes staring at his back in confusion.

“Kid?” He enjoyed seeing Kid happy, but had no idea what he was talking about. He quickly followed him down the hall to the washroom and watched incredulously as Kid rolled up his sleeve and reached into the tub of water. “What in the…what’re ya doin’?”

“You’ll see. Heyes, I never seen anything like it.” He pulled his hand out and grinned as the water drained out.

Heyes leapt forward. “You wanna flood the whole house?”

Kid held him back.

Heyes watched the water draining out of the tub, but it wasn’t going anywhere he could see. He frowned, then grinned. “It’s goin’ outside isn’t it?”

Kid nodded. “Her husband did it. He was some kind of inventor. He’s dead Heyes. Fifteen years. And she said she didn’t have no kids.” Kid’s smile faded. “What d’ya think it means?”

They both turned as the last of the water made a slurping sound as it disappeared.

Heyes chewed his lower lip for a moment. “Means we got a lot more questions to get answers to Kid. Means you got a bath and I didn’t. Means, I’m starvin’ and somethin’ smells wonderful.” Heyes slapped Kid on the back. “We’ll figure it out. Maybe she’ll feel like talkin’ over dinner.”

*****

Heyes brushed and straightened his clothes and splashed some water on his face. He felt a bit more rested and confident in his ability to make sense out of this job. He and Kid walked downstairs as the grandfather clock boomed out six chimes.

“Only 6. Seems later somehow.” Heyes looked at the carefully laid table as he and Kid entered the dining room.

“It gets darker earlier here.” She set a basket of fresh baked bread on the table. “Pastor we had once said it was God’s way of shooing everyone home to be with their family…” Something unspoken hung between them. But she brushed it away.

“Something sure smells good, ma’am.” Kid’s mouth was watering.

“Well I usually eat a bit later, but I thought perhaps after your trip you might be hungry. Sit, please. I’ll bring dinner out.” She motioned for them to sit near the head of the large table, then left the room.

“Heyes, something happened to that lady.” Kid sat and reached for some of the bread.

“I know. I wonder how she knows Lom.” Heyes passed Kid the butter and took a piece of the bread for himself.

“Well I hope it’s all right.” She set a platter between she and Heyes. The aroma of roast and potatoes filled the room. “Can I ask you to carve the roast Mr. Smith?”

Heyes jumped up. “Yes ma’am. And it’s Joshua ma’am. And Thaddeus. As long as we’re gonna be here, might as well get to know each other.” He smiled and tested the weight of the carving knife and fork.

She looked at him and finally smiled. “Yes. I am sorry. I’ve been terribly sharp with you boys. And you’ve done nothing to deserve that. Please, my name is Addie. Addie Donnelly.” She looked first at Heyes then at Kid, hopefully. “Did Lom…Sheriff Trevors tell you anything about what I needed you to do?”

Heyes and Kid exchanged glances as Heyes stacked thick cuts of roast on the plates.

“No ma’am…Miss Addie. We’ve learned over the years to trust Lom. So when he sent us word of this job, well ma’am, maybe you could tell us what it is you want us to do.” He spoke gently to her.

“How was it you even knew it was us Miss Addie?” Heyes passed a heaping plate to Kid. “At the stage, I mean.” He passed a second plate to the woman, then finally prepared one for himself.

“Could we say a blessing first?” She suddenly reached for their hands.

“Well Thaddeus and me…course Miss Addie.” Heyes took the woman’s hand.

“Will you say it ma’am?” Kid took her other hand.

She nodded and thought for a moment. “Dear Father, thank you for this food to sustain us and your presence to nourish us…and for the company of friends who you have provided.” She smiled a bit hesitatingly.

“Thank you Miss Addie, that was real nice.” Kid released her hand and looked just a bit too desperately at the food in front of him.

Heyes chuckled.

“Well land sakes, start. No sense in lettin’ it get cold.” She laughed and picked up her own knife and fork.

“Yes ma’am. Thank you ma’am.” Kid breathed a sigh of relief and dug into the food.

The next hour passed quickly. Both men couldn’t bring themselves to ask the woman questions. They knew it was going to spoil the meal if they discussed business. And for at least right now, it felt good just making small talk and enjoying the plentiful amount of food Addie had prepared for them.

She chatted about the town and some of the events planned for the holidays. The men listened and talked about some of their travels. They laughed as Kid put his plate out to accept a third helping of roast.

The meal was devoured eagerly by the two men who hadn’t had this kind of dinner in a while. The woman nibbled at her food. She mainly watched them. She watched them tease one another. She watched the genuine affection pass between them. She watched their eyes. She’d had to make judgments about people in the past. She made a decision that she could trust them. She hoped she was right.

Finally, Kid pushed his chair back. “Miss Addie, that is the best meal Joshua and I have had in as long as I can remember. Thank you.”

“Yes ma’am, would you like Thaddeus to clean things up and let you rest a bit?” Heyes had a mischievous twinkle in his dark eyes. But the shadows didn’t seem so dark and his face had good color to it.

Kid glared at him and sighed. “Don’t mind Joshua, Miss Addie. He just never learned how to treat a lady proper.” With that he rose and started gathering plates.

“Oh no, you shouldn’t do that. It won’t take me but a minute…” She also rose, quickly to stop him.

Heyes laughed again. “It would be our pleasure Miss Addie. You just go on in the parlor and we’ll take care of this.”

She looked at the two of them. “Well, I am a bit tired…all right, but just put it all on the table. I’ll wash it up later. After dessert.”

“Dessert, ma’am?” Kid’s eyes opened wide.

She laughed at his reply. “Yes Thaddeus, I made an apple pie. I hope you like apple. Folks say my pies are quite good.” She was relaxing in their presence more than she was used to and more than she intended to.

“Yes ma’am. Why it’s my favorite. You go on now. Joshua and I will have this done in no time.”

She nodded gratefully and walked to the parlor.

Heyes grinned at Kid and picked up his stack of plates.

Kid shook his head. “Thaddeus will take care of this. Heyes, I swear, one of these days…”

The comfortable sparring was in full bloom before they got to the kitchen.

“Heyes your hands will not be permanently damaged from washing a few dishes…” Kid grumbled amiably.

Heyes looked mournfully at his fingers. “All that hot water…I’ll never be able to open a safe again…”

“We’re retired, remember. You shouldn’t even be thinkin’ about safes.” Kid stepped into the parlor and froze. He nudged his partner back into the dining room. “She’s sleepin’. Let’s give her a while.”

“I’ll make some coffee.” Heyes looked innocently at Kid.

Kid groaned. “And after that nice meal too.” He shook his head resignedly.

They’d just poured the coffee and sat down when she re-appeared. “Oh I’m so sorry. I just drifted off. You made coffee.”

“That’s all right isn’t it ma’am?” Heyes offered her a cup and she nodded.

“Of course, I just should have put it on. My it’s…” She swallowed the sip quickly.

“It’s all right Miss Addie. My partner’s coffee could seal off holes on a roof.” Kid had a long standing tolerance of Heyes’ coffee.

Heyes looked hurt. “My coffee’s just fine.” He took a sip and tried not to grimace. “It’s on the strong side, but…”

“I have just the thing to…help it along.” She went to the tall mahogany cabinet that stood against one of the walls and took out a cut crystal decanter. “My father said a spot of good Irish whiskey could make swamp water taste good.” She handed the bottle to Kid.

“Well it’s not swamp water, but…” Kid poured a bit in her cup, then in Heyes’, finally in his own.

Heyes just looked put upon.

“Would either of you be ready for that apple pie? We could have it in the parlor. It’s so much cozier in there.” At their vigorous nods, she continued. “It’s my turn. You two just make yourself to home. I’ll be right back.” She shooed them into the other room and went to the kitchen. It was spotless. Plates washed dried and put away. The pan she used for the roast, scrubbed and sitting on the cook stove.

She grasped the back of one of the sturdy pine chairs as tears filled her eyes. She listened to the softly garbled voices of her guests from the other room and wondered if she dared hope that any of this was going to turn out all right.

*****

They rose in unison as she entered the parlor.

Kid stepped quickly over to her to take the platter she carried. The smell of apples and cinnamon wafted over him. “Thanks Miss Addie. Is there something for Joshua too?” He laughed and set the heavily laden platter on the coffee table and sat down directly opposite it.