Summary: Joana leaves New York City to experience the West. She has no idea what adventures lie ahead of her when she meets up with Heyes and Curry!
Category: Alias Smith and Jones
Genre: Western
Rating: G
Word Count: 9,034
“Heyes, I hope no one else climbs aboard.” Kid sighed. “I just want a quiet, peaceable ride.” The two men were the sole passengers in the stagecoach.
Heyes looked out the window. “I don’t see anyone waiting around, Kid, so maybe we’re in luck.”
“Good. I need the rest after that last job.” Kid said, stretching out his legs and putting his hat over his face.
“At least it paid well.” Heyes answered, patting the wad tucked in his vest pocket. “Enough to get us a room and a few poker games.”
“And a few good meals,” Kid mumbled.
Heyes smiled, folded his arms, and closed his eyes.
Then they heard the coach door swing open.
*****
Joana thought she would never get used to the dust. New York City had its own dirt and smells, but somehow western dust really got into you and all over you. Stepping onto the boardwalk from the hotel, she looked out at the stagecoach with a sigh. It really was the best way to travel, but it was so uncomfortable. Well, she wanted to experience the west.
She stepped gingerly onto the street – trying not to kick up the dirt – and gazed up at the early morning sun. It seemed to burn hotter out here. Good thing she was able to travel light – just her shoulder bag and one travel case. As she walked slowly to the coach, she made a quick mental check list. A canteen of water (it was so dry here), a small pillow (after her first stage coach ride her back side ached all the next day), her jewelry and valuables snug in a small velvet bag tied to her belt and tucked inside her skirt (she had read about stage coach hold ups), her journal and pencils, and a good book to read; Mark Twain’s Life on the Mississippi. Just in case the other passengers turned out to be dull.
She put her traveling case down as the driver swung open the door and, offering his arm, hefted her up to the coach. She froze in the awkward position of bending over half stepping in as her eyes fell upon the passengers; two of the most handsome men she had seen. With a cough and an embarrassed smile, she continued her movement until she was sitting opposite them.
“Morning, ma’am.” She looked up at the soft voice and marveled at the bluest eyes she had ever seen. What a fine looking man. As if that wasn’t enough, his companion took her breath away, with his dark hair and mesmerizing, brown eyes.
“Are you all right ma’am?” asked Heyes solicitously. Collecting her wits, she smiled and nodded.
“I’m fine, thank you.” But her heart started to beat a little bit faster.
Heyes and the Kid exchanged smiles; this could be an enjoyable ride after all.
Joana busied herself pulling the pillow from her bag and sitting upon it, eliciting chuckles from the two men.
“I haven’t quite gotten used to these stagecoach rides,” she shrugged with a smile.
“They can be kinda rough at times.” The blond haired man agreed kindly.
*****
The driver called all aboard, and she felt the carriage tilt as he climbed up into his seat on top. There was the thump of her baggage dropped on the roof, then a slap of reins and the coach jolted into movement.
“I’m Joana Bart.” She reached out her hand towards the dark haired man.
“I’m Joshua Smith,” His voice was warm as he embraced her hand. Good, firm handshake, she thought, and oh what a smile. “And this is Thaddeus Jones,” he nodded, indicating his companion. His grip was firm as well, and she found herself once again swimming in those blue eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She looked away and unconsciously tucked a lose strand of hair under her hat. “Do you know how long the ride will be?”
“About six hours, ma’am.” Kid answered.
“That is if we’re not held up or otherwise delayed,” Heyes added, earning a sidelong look from Kid.
“Held up?” Joana’s eyes opened wide as her mouth grew dry. “Does that happen often?”
“It happened to us a few times,” Heyes said casually.
“But it probably won’t happen today,” Kid added comfortingly.
“If anything happens, we’ll make sure you’re safe.” Heyes added.
“I wouldn’t worry too much, ma’am,” Kid emphasized. Her attention swung from Heyes to Curry as they spoke in turn; she was sure they were teasing her.
“I’ve read about hold ups, and I’m not sure I want to experience one.” She smiled daintily at Heyes. “But what a relief to know you’re here to protect me.”
Still smiling she turned to the window. She had a feeling she wouldn’t be reading her book on this trip. The vast desert swam past the window. What beautiful country she mused, wild and natural. Turning back to her companions, she asked, “What do you do?”
“Do?” Heyes repeated.
“For a living.”
“As little as possible.” Kid answered.
She tilted her head at them. “Such as? You must survive somehow. Are you cowboys? Or gamblers?” She nodded at the gun belts each man wore. “Have you actually had to use those?”
“Why all the questions?” Heyes asked with a thin smile. He didn’t like strangers, even pretty ones, asking questions. And while he kept his voice light, his eyes penetrated hers with such intensity it stopped her breath.
“I…I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude.” She looked out the window again, hoping she hadn’t offended them. They didn’t impress her as men who would be thin skinned about anything, but she had much to learn about the west. She listened to the pounding horses’ hooves mirror her own pounding heart; she was intensely aware of the men sitting across from her. No one spoke for several minutes.
“You’re not from around here, are you?” Heyes broke the silence.
“Is it obvious?” she smiled. “I’m from New York City.”
“You’re a long way from home.” the Kid noted.
“That I am,” In many ways, she thought.
“What’re you doing way out here?” Heyes asked. “And traveling alone?”
Joana thought about what made her finally come out west. “I used to write for my father’s newspaper.” She looked down at her hands. It seemed so long ago.
“I guess that’s where the curiosity comes from,” Heyes smiled, his uneasiness slightly assuaged.
“Yes, I suppose it does. My father passed away…murdered, and the paper closed. With the money he left me, I decided to travel.”
“I’m sorry about your pa,” Kid said.
“Thank you, Thaddeus.”
“How’d it happen?” Heyes asked softly.
“He was chasing a story. There were arrests, my father was a hero, but it came at a price.” Joana smiled sadly. “ I decided I wasn’t willing to pay that price.”
“So, you came out west.” Heyes said. Joana nodded.
“How do you like it?” Kid asked.
“I love it.” She breathed. “It’s beautiful, and wild. Much more than anything I’ve read. The sky seems to stretch forever, there’s so much open space…” The two men smiled at her enthusiasm.
“I do get a bit excited. You must be accustomed to it, but it’s all new to me. New York is cramped and crowded, noisy and dirty.”
“I’ve never been out that way, but I hear it’s a fine city.” Heyes said.
“Oh, it is, in many ways. You meet the most interesting people from all over the world. There are wonderful concert halls, and museums. The streets are full of energy, and we have buildings that reach up ten stories.”
“That’s a lot of stairs to climb,” Kid said.
“Oh no, they have these elevators, they run on steam. You step in, push a button, and it whisks you to the floor you want to go to.”
“Imagine that.” Heyes grinned at Kid.
“But out here, it’s quiet and peaceful.” She thought for a moment. “I would say the city is man’s creation, but this is God’s country.”
“That’s a nice way of putting it, ma’am.” Kid said.
“Please, call me Joana.”
“So, Joana, you’re a writer?” Heyes asked.
“Yes, I wrote for the paper. And now I’m writing about my travels. Maybe I could write about you.”
“Us?” Heyes deadpanned.
“Why not? You both seem like fine examples of western men.”
Heyes and Curry shared an inscrutable look.
“Well, I’m not sure that’s the case,” Kid said, “we…”
Suddenly there was a loud crack; the coach lurched violently and Joana was thrown from her seat onto Heyes and Curry. The horses screamed, followed by explosive cussing from the driver. The coach shuddered then jerked to a stop, tilting heavily to the side.
“Oh, I’m sorry!” Joana cried, completely embarrassed and struggling to get up delicately.
“Here, let me help you,” Heyes said, taking hold of her arm. His hands were strong, but gentle. The Kid securely embraced her from the other side and together they guided her back to her seat. The coach was severely slanted, and she slid along the seat away from the door.
Heyes grabbed the window frame and pulled himself to the door, pushing it open and carefully climbing out. Kid slid his arm securely around Joana’s waist and ushered her up to the door. Next thing she knew Heyes’s strong hands gripped her firmly about the waist and swung her safely onto solid ground. At least it should have been solid; Joana felt a bit weak kneed and short of breath. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so manhandled, and certainly not by two men such as these. She was trying to collect herself as Curry nimbly jumped out, holding her pillow and bag.
“Thank you.” She breathed, accepting her belongings from Kid and looking anywhere but at the two men who were making her cheeks very warm.
“Broken wheel,” the driver said. “Sorry folks. We’re gonna be here a while.”
******
After scribbling a quick page in her journal, Joana stretched out her arms and legs, rolled her head, and wiggled for a more comfortable spot on the rock she sat upon. It could be worse, she mused as she watched Heyes and Curry unload the bags from atop the stage. A smile crept upon her face as she admired their movements, smooth and strong. That’s one thing very different in the west, she pondered thoughtfully: the men. Here they were generally stronger, leaner, more masculine. She supposed it was because survival was more physically demanding in this untamed land. The contact between men and woman certainly differed greatly from the city. She couldn’t remember the last time a man’s hands had been on her person; especially as she had experienced so far this day. And her companions were the most impressive men she had yet come across in her few weeks in this part of the country. They were polite and kind, and they exuded confidence. She was sure she was safe with them. And somehow, she felt more like a woman around them.
Heyes and Curry walked over to her and she watched, enjoying every supple move.
“What’s the good news?” Joana asked as they stopped before her.
“The wheel can’t be fixed,” Heyes frowned. “Cooper’s thinking of riding off to get help.”
“The driver,” Kid added at Joana’s puzzled look.
“Oh. He’s riding six hours away?”
“No, there’s a small town closer by.” Kid assured her.
“There are four horses,” Joana pointed out. “Can’t we all ride together?”
Heyes shook his head. “Three.”
“Three?” A gunshot exploded into the air as Cooper put the animal out of its misery.
“One of the horses broke a leg when the wheel cracked.” Kid said quietly.
“Oh,” Joana faltered. Her insides tightened sickly at the thought of the poor beast having to be put down.
“Do you know how to ride?” Heyes asked.
“I’ve ridden a few times.” Joana admitted, “but not for a long period of time, and not out here.”
“You’d have to ride with one of us anyways.” Kid said.
“Will that be okay?” she asked. At the quizzical looks from her companions, she continued. “Can the horse carry two people?”
“You can’t weigh enough to worry a horse,” Heyes smiled, “even with one of us.” He turned to his friend. “So, Thaddeus, who’ll do the honors?”
With a grin, Curry gestured to Heyes, who reached into his pocket, pulled out a coin, and flipped it high in the air. Joana watched with interest.
“Call it.” The coin sparked in the sunlight.
“Heads.”
Heyes slapped the coin down, then lifted his hand to reveal tails. “I guess you’re riding with me,” he grinned, offering his arm to Joana.
“Do you do that often?” Joana asked, standing up and slipping her arm in with his.
“Do what?” Kid asked.
“Flipping a coin to make decisions?”
“We’ve been known to.” Heyes answered, leading her towards the horses. “It’s the fairest way to decide.”
“It should be,” the Kid added under his breath.
*****
Joana was very glad that she was not riding her own horse; she had never ridden without a saddle. At first she was nervous; but Heyes reassured her. She just had to hold on and she’d be all right. She tentatively put her arms around him; but once the horse started moving she was more concerned about safety than appearances and gripped him more tightly.
Kid rode beside them, and the driver a ways ahead. They didn’t talk much as they rode. I’ll have to write all about this, Joana smiled. She was grateful to have a legitimate reason to hold Heyes so tightly. It felt good embracing him, he felt strong, solid, against her. And he knew how to ride. Even without a saddle, he seemed to move as though he were part of the horse.
“Do you think we’ll meet up with anyone?” Joana asked.
“It’s unlikely,” the Kid answered.
“But it’s always a good idea to keep watch.” Heyes added.
She looked out at the flat, dry landscape spotted with Joshua trees and briefly wondered if that was how he got his name. There was something almost hypnotic about the quiet land stretching away in all directions. It was as though they were the only people in this vast, desert world.
Kid, Heyes and the driver spoke briefly about the nearest town. They had been riding for less than an hour when she spotted several buildings in the distance.
“How’re you doing back there?” Heyes asked her.
“Just fine.” She was glad he couldn’t see her face, she blushed. But she wished she had taken out her pillow.
“We’ll have you on your feet soon,” Heyes promised.
From what she had seen of the west, you could hardly call it a town. There were a few small, crude wooden buildings; a stable, a saloon, and a few scattered shanties. The hotel was the only two storied building, but it was shabby and neglected. Joana saw several faces appear in windows as they rode along the one street, otherwise she might have thought the town was deserted.
“Are we going to be safe here?” Joana asked a little nervously.
“We’ll be fine.” Heyes assured her.
They pulled up to the hotel and as Heyes slipped off the horse, Joana heard pounding hooves from a rider heading away from town.
“Joana,” Heyes said. She looked down at him then he reached up and helped her dismount.
“Who do you suppose that was?” She asked, pointing in the direction the rider had gone.
“No idea.” Heyes said, squinting to see only the dust from the horse and rider. He turned back to Joana. “We’ll get you a room so you can wash up and rest.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
The Kid pulled up beside them, followed by the driver. While Kid dismounted, the driver remained on his horse.
“Miss, your bag.” The driver said, holding out her travel case.
“Thank you for carrying it.”
“More than welcome.” He turned to Heyes. “I’ll ride ahead to the next station and let them know what happened. I’ll be back tomorrow with another stage.”
“Thanks.” They watched as he turned and broke into a gallop out of town, then the three of them went into the hotel.
It was dingy inside. A short, thin man stood behind the hotel desk, whisps of hair combed over his balding head, which looked too large for his bony shoulders. His eyes were big and jumpy, as though he couldn’t look at one thing for too long.
“Whatcha folks doing here?” he asked in a scratchy voice.
“Our stage broke down, “Heyes said, pointing vaguely in the direction from which they came. “So here we are.”
“How long you plan on staying?” He asked in a lower voice. Heyes and Kid looked at each other.
“Just the one night,” Kid answered. “Two rooms, and a bath for the lady. Can you do that?”
“Sure, sure.” He mumbled, turning around and picking two dusty keys from the wall hooks. “Rooms 21 and 22, just up the stairs.”
“Thank you.” Heyes smiled and took the keys from him. The trio walked up the stairs to Joana’s room.
“We’ll stop by later to see how you’re doing.” Heyes said, opening her door for her and handing her the key.
“And for dinner,” Kid added.
*****
When the bath arrived, she washed quickly but thoroughly. The town might be dismal, but she couldn’t wait to dine with her companions. Thankfully, she had packed a few nice dresses, and she chose the simple lilac dress with white trimming. It looked good against her pale skin and dark hair, which she left free and flowing down her back. She quickly scribbled a page in her journal, then descended the stairs to the lobby. Heyes and Curry were there, and she was pleased to see the delighted expressions on their faces when they saw her. It was nice to be admired by two handsome men!
They offered their arms, which she took willingly, and escorted her into the small dining room. An old woman swathed in black sat at one table, a black shawl obscuring her face, and two scruffy cowboys stood at the bar.
A young girl came to the table to take their order. Her dark hair was pulled back into a large bun with a few strands loose alongside her face. She licked her lips nervously before announcing the fare. Joana tried to engage her and asked about the town, but the girl averted her eyes and barely nodded at Joana’s attempts at conversation. Once she got their order she scurried back into the kitchen.
“They must not get a lot of strangers passing through here,” Kid said with feeling towards the girl.
“Is that why she was so nervous?” Joana asked. “Is it odd for a town to be this small?”
“You sure do ask a lot of questions.” Heyes grinned.
“That’s how you find things out,” she said coquettishly.
“It’s not unusual,” Kid answered. “There’s a lot of small towns scattered throughout the west.”
“Oh. Now then, I believe our previous conversation ended with my asking to write about you,” Joana smiled. “And I do have questions for you.”
“We’re not that interesting,” Heyes said.
“I beg to differ! People back east love reading about the west, and the people who live here. You’re both strong, handsome men who look like you’ve been raised right up from the land.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” Kid grinned.
“We do love it out here, that’s why we go from place to place, getting work where we can.” Heyes said. “I guess it’s the freedom we enjoy.”
“Kinda not being tied down,” the Kid added.
“Don’t you want to find a good woman and settle down?” Joana tried to keep her voice casual.
“I suppose one day.” Heyes grinned. “But right now, this is the life for us.”
“Would you mind if I traveled with you for a while?” Joana suddenly suggested. “I’d like to see what you see, and I have a feeling it will be quite an experience.”
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather settle down in some nice town for a while and see the west from there?” Kid asked.
“Absolutely not!” Joana said, getting excited about the idea.
“It can be dangerous traveling around, especially for a pretty lady like you.” Heyes added. Joana tried to fight the heat rising in her cheeks. They sure had a way of sliding in the compliments.
“I’ll be safe with you. You said as much in the stagecoach.” Kid glanced at Heyes, challenging him to get out of this one.
“We’re used to traveling alone. You never know when we have to get up and go at a moment’s notice.”
“I pack light.” There was a moment of silence as Joana and Heyes locked eyes, then they broke into laughter. “All right,” she surrendered. “But I have a feeling traveling with you would be very interesting.”
The girl came back with their food and wine and quickly served them, then hurried away. They didn’t notice her furtive glances towards the old woman at the other table. Joana, Heyes and Curry clinked glasses over a happy toast, then commenced eating.
“Joshua, Thaddeus,” Joana said quietly, “don’t look around yet. Those two boys at the bar keep watching us. Do you know them?”
“I don’t believe so,” Heyes said, glancing at them sideways.
“Uh, don’t look familiar to me,” Kid added.
“It’s odd the way they keep looking over here. Or is there a western explanation for their behavior?” Joana asked.
“Like I said, they probably don’t get a lot of strangers this way.” Kid suggested.
“They’re jealous cause we’re having dinner with the prettiest girl in town.” Heyes smiled.
“Yes, that must be it.” Joana agreed dryly. She let the matter drop, but there was something about those two cowboys that put her on alert. They were rough looking, but didn’t impress her as particularly menacing. They were simply too interested in Joana and her friends.
*****
“Thank you for dinner,” Joana said later at the door of her room. “You didn’t have to pay. I have money.”
“Can’t let a lady pay for her meal,” Kid smiled, his blue eyes dancing. Would she ever be able to look into those eyes without tingling?
“It’s been a long day. Thank you both for everything. “
“It was our pleasure,” Heyes smiled so warmly her knees almost buckled. “Get a good night’s rest and we’ll see you in the morning.”
“For breakfast,” Kid added.
They waited while she opened her door and closed it behind her, walking away once they heard the lock click into place.
“She’s sweet, ain’t she,” Heyes grinned.
“She sure is,” Kid grinned back at him, then grew serious. “Do you know them two boys?” He asked as they reached their room.
“Never saw them before. But Joana was right, they were a bit too interested in us.” Heyes said.
“Do you think they recognized us?”
“Let’s hope not. Good thing we’re leaving tomorrow.”
*****
Breakfast was a relaxing affair. Joana, Heyes and Curry were the only ones in the dining room. They were served again by the young girl, who was just as quick and silent as the night before.
“What shall we do now?” Joana asked as they rose from the table and strolled into the hotel lobby. It was late morning, but the stage wouldn’t arrive for several hours.
“Thaddeus and I are going to the saloon.” Heyes said.
“I’ll come with you.” Joana said. The two men shared an amused look.
“Ladies out here,” Heyes smiled, “generally don’t go into saloons.”
“We’ll be back before the stage arrives,” Kid assured her. “You may want to stay in your room until then.”
“You’ll be safe there.” Heyes added. Joana frowned as the two men turned on their heels and walked out of the hotel.
*****
“Heyes, this place gives me the creeps.” Kid said as they walked down the boardwalk toward the saloon. There was no one in sight.
“It is kinda strange, isn’t it.” Heyes said, looking around.
“And if we run into those boys?” Kid asked.
“We’ll just have to work it out when the time comes.”
The saloon was little more than a room with a makeshift bar and two tables, but they did serve beer and whiskey. The bartender was a short, round man with gray hair and a scowl on his face.
“How ya doing?” Heyes smiled, receiving a grunt in return. “Uh, a couple of beers, please.”
He silently lumbered about filling the request. Once the glasses hit the bar he turned his back and sat on a barrel behind the bar.
“I’ve been in unfriendly towns before,” Kid murmured, “but this beats all.”
“I do get the feeling they don’t want us here,” Heyes agreed. “Good thing Joana didn’t insist on coming along.”
Both men chuckled.
“Can you imagine her trailing us for a week?” Heyes shook his head.
“It might not be so bad,” Kid grinned.
“Yeah, until we run into someone who recognizes us.” Heyes said. “That would give her something to write about.”
“She is cute, though.” Kid said. They continued to talk about other things, and just as they were working on a second round, the inevitable occurred.
“Heyes,” Kid said, as he was facing the entrance and saw them come in. “Don’t look now, but those boys are here.”
“What’re they doing?” Heyes asked, as they were at his back.
“Just looking at us.”
“Maybe it’s time to go back to the hotel.” Heyes motioned to the man who served them. “How much we owe ya?”
“Two bits,” he mumbled. No one looks you in the eye around here, Heyes thought. He reached into his shirt pocket and then grinned at Kid, who rolled his eyes and pulled out two coins from his vest pocket and tossed them on the bar. They drained their glasses then turned and headed for the door.
“What’s your hurry.” one of the cowboys said.
“We got a stage coming.” Kid said.
“Ain’t no stage coming here.” The other one said.
“Got time for a hand?” the first cowboy asked, holding up a deck of cards.
Heyes and Curry shared a look. They might just learn something.
“Maybe a quick one,” Heyes said as they pulled back chairs and sat at the table.
“Five card draw.”
“Works for me.” Heyes responded.
“I’m Booker,” the taller of the two cowboys said. Short scraggly black hair poked out under a worn black hat; he had dark cold eyes and a hook nose. “This here’s Skeet,” he nodded at the other cowboy who was dealing the cards. Skeet had a narrow, hard sculpted face, squinty eyes and a thin cigar sticking out of his slash of a mouth.
“We been watching you,” Booker said as he picked up his cards.
“We noticed you watching us.” Heyes said, picking up his hand.
“Any particular reason?” the Kid asked in that soft voice that made wiser men take notice.
“We figure we know you.” Skeet said. “Ante up.”
“Ah, well, “Heyes said, dropping a coin in the pot, “we got the kind of faces that people seem to think they know.”
“Ain’t talking about your faces,” Booker said.
“Excuse me?” Kid asked.
“Your guns,” Skeet said. “Only one kinda man wears a gun the way you do.”
“Rest easy boys,” Kid said. “We just wear ‘em to be on the safe side.”
“Safe side,” Booker chuckled.
“Whatcha doing in our town?” Skeet asked, moving a card in his hand.
“As my friend said earlier,” Heyes began, “we got a stage coming for us today.”
“I said no stage stops here.”
“Well, there’s one coming today.” Kid said. “The stage we were on yesterday broke a wheel. They’re sending another one for us.”
“Uh huh.” Booker said.
“Card?” Skeet asked.
“Two,” Heyes answered. Kid took one. Booker took none.
“Raise a dollar,” Booker said.
“I’m done,” Kid said, throwing his hand down. Heyes met his bid and called.
“Flush.” Heyes looked up at Booker, his stone face, his challenging eyes, and smiled. “You got me beat.” He threw his cards on the table.
“Well Thaddeus, we best be getting back to the hotel.”
“See you fellas,” Kid nodded as he and Heyes pushed back their chairs and rose. The two cowboys said nothing but kept their eyes on them as they turned and left the saloon.
“I can’t wait to get out of this town.”
“I know, Kid, the sooner that stage gets here the better I’ll feel.”
*****
Joana couldn’t help but feel annoyed that they left her on her own. But then again it gave her time to write and do some sketching. She entered her room and picked up her journal and pencils, then stopped. Why should she hide in here? She couldn’t see the harm of sitting outside the hotel in the sunshine while she wrote. She left her room and went downstairs. No one was around. She stepped out of the hotel and sat down on a bench by the lobby window.
She was writing her first page when a shadow fell upon her. She looked up to see the old woman from the dining room the night before. She stood tiny and slightly bent over, swathed in black as the night before. The lacy black shawl was again draped around her face.
“Oh, uh, hello.” Joana said, closing her journal.
“I’m sorry my dear,” the woman’s gravelly voice had a slight Spanish accent. “I did not mean to startle you.”
“It’s all right. I got caught up in my writing,” she said, holding up her book.
“I see. And what have you been writing?”
“Mostly how beautiful the country is.” The woman was silhouetted in shadow with the sun behind her.
“Would you accompany this old woman for a cup of tea?” she asked.
“Certainly.” The woman held out her arm; Joanna was surprised at the strength of her grip. Together they slowly walked into the dining room. The girl appeared suddenly with two cups of tea and vanished again.
“You must excuse Isabella,” the old woman said as they sat at the table. “We are not used to visitors.”
“I understand.” Joana said, looking down at her cup and dunking her tea bag.
“What brings you to our little town?” Something made the hair stand up on the back of her neck; Joana looked up and met the woman’s steady black eyes.
“The stage we were on yesterday broke down,” Joana began.
“Oh, poor thing. That must have been dreadful for you.” The words were kind, but the voice held no warmth.
“It wasn’t too bad. The driver is returning for us today.”
“Then we won’t have your company for long.”
“That’s right,” Joana confirmed, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. “It should only be another few hours.”
“That is good. This is no place for young girl like you.” The woman struggled to her feet.
“Good travels.” She slowly shuffled from the dining room. Joana looked at the woman’s cup, she had not touched her tea.
She took out her journal and started to sketch the woman, though the shawl hid most of her features. As her pencil scratched against paper, she wondered about her visit. “She obviously wanted to know about us,” Joana mused, “and it’s obvious she doesn’t want us here.” Joana finished her sketch and held it at arm’s length. It wasn’t bad. It had a disquieting edge to it, which is how the woman made her feel.
She closed her journal then left the dining room. As she approached the lobby, she heard low voices in conversation.
“This is not good time, we have strangers here.”
“Just wanna drop off the loot from yesterday’s job.”
“We talk later. Come to house tonight.”
Joana leaned closer to hear better, and the floor creaked. She quickly coughed and strode into the lobby. She smiled and nodded at the woman and her companion, a large, harsh looking man. He wore an enormous sombrero; his face was rough cut as rock and just as hard. He was heavy set with two gun belts. His clothes were rumpled and dusty as though he had ridden a long, hard time. The man hid a large canvas bag behind him, but not before Joana saw it.
”Excuse me,” Joana said then hurried up the stairs, feeling their eyes burning on her. As she got to her room, she could hear them whispering heatedly, but she quickly entered and closed the door behind her, clicking the lock into place.
With her heart pounding, she scribbled what she saw and heard in her journal and did a quick sketch of the man. Then she left her room and stopped at the door of her friends’ room. Her knocking covered the sound of her dropping her journal on the floor, which she kicked under the door into their room.
“Joshua? Thaddeus? Are you in?” She turned and saw the man and woman at the bottom of the stairs watching her. She shrugged and went back into her room.
She did a quick sweep to ensure she left nothing behind, praying that Heyes and Curry would arrive. She was about to go to the saloon to find them when there were footfalls on the steps. A moment later there was a knock at the door. She took a deep breath, went to the door, and opened it. There was the woman, standing tall, nothing old about her now – and the man, with gun drawn.
The woman smiled frightfully. “We have something for you to write.”
*****
“Heyes, ain’t it about time to get Joana?” the Kid asked later in their room.
“Probably.” Heyes sat up on the bed, stood and stretched
They grabbed their saddle bags and headed for the door. Kid felt his foot hit something that went skidding across the floor.
“What’s that?”
Heyes bent down and picked up the book. “It’s Joana’s journal,” he said, puzzled.
“What’s it doing here?”
“Don’t know. We’ll have to ask her when we see her.” He slipped it into his pocket as they left their room.
Heyes knocked on her door, but there was no answer. “Joana?”
Curry also rapped on the door. “She’s gotta know the stage will be here soon.”
Heyes tried the knob and it turned in his gloved hand. Pushing the door open, they found the room vacant.
“Maybe she’s in the lobby, or outside.” Kid suggested. They went downstairs, no one was around.
Looking at each other with uneasiness, they stepped outside. Booker was leaning against the hitching post, watching them.
“You looking for your little lady friend?”
“As a matter of fact, we are.” Heyes smiled, but it was a cold smile.
“After you left the saloon, we seen her go by in a carriage.”
“What?” Kid asked with surprise.
“She left town. What’dya do to her?” he chuckled.
“Thanks.” Heyes said, and both men turned back into the hotel.
“Let’s go back to her room.”
“Heyes, she couldn’t have left.”
“I know, Kid, I have a hard time believing it myself.”
Hurrying up the steps, they reentered Joana’s room. Looking around they found the note they missed the first time.
“Sorry, had to leave. I couldn’t wait any longer to see my father. Joana.”
“Heyes, she’s in trouble.”
“I know, Kid.”
“What could’ve happened?”
“The book.” Heyes remembered suddenly, pulling it out of his pocket. He flipped through the pages with Kid looking over his arm. He stopped at a page where she sketched a remarkable likeness of them.
“Uh oh,” Kid said.
“We’ll deal with that later,” Heyes said, continuing to scan the book. He arrived at the last page where Joana had scribbled down the conversation she heard and sketched the man’s image.
“I may be crazy, but that looks like Two Gun Paco.”
“It sure does, Kid.” Heyes felt his heart sink. They had run into him briefly in Mexico and barely escaped. Paco had recognized them, and they were sure it would’ve been his pleasure to bring them in dead. He gave ruthlessness new meaning.
“Heyes we gotta do something.”
“Come on.”
Taking the note, they left the room and headed out of the hotel. Booker was still standing there and watched them go to the stables. No one was inside. They quickly took two saddles and put them on the horses they rode the day before.
“Where are we going?” Kid asked.
“Yesterday, when we pulled up, Joana pointed out someone riding away from town.” Heyes said. “I think it’s time to see where he went.”
They led the horses out of the stables and mounted.
“Going somewhere?” Booker asked.
“We figure we’d see some of this country before the stage arrives,” Heyes said with a smile. Booker just nodded as they walked their horses along the one street towards the end of town. Turning right and out of sight of Booker, they kicked their horses into action, galloping in the direction the rider took the day before. In the distance, they saw a house.
Upon arrival they quickly dismounted. As they reached the steps to the porch they saw the old woman in the doorway, swathed in black.
“Hello,” Heyes smiled. “We were wondering if you’d seen the young lady we dined with last night.”
“Ah yes,” she nodded. “The writer.” Heyes and Curry exchanged a quick glance.
“Yeah, that’s right.” Kid said.
“She borrowed carriage and left.”
“You saw her leave?” Heyes asked.
“Yes,” the woman pointed the direction. “She could not wait for stage.”
“Did she say why she was in such a hurry?” Heyes asked.
“Hmm, something about her father.” The woman shrugged.
“Well, thank you, kindly.” Kid said.
“You go after her?” the woman asked.
“No need.” Heyes said. “We’ll just wait for the stage.”
The woman watched them mount. As they rode off, Heyes looked back, she was still at the doorway watching. When they were far enough away from her sight, he turned his horse away from town.
“Where we going?” Kid asked.
“To get Joana,” Heyes replied.
“Now I know you don’t believe she rode off.”
“I don’t.” They rode in silence, each man lost in his own thoughts. Up ahead there was a rocky outcrop with a few hoodoos rising up.
“That looks like a good place,” Heyes said.
“Good place for what?”
“A good place to wait until night,” Heyes said.
*****
Darkness blanketed the land. Diamond stars studded the moonless sky, but Heyes and Curry weren’t paying attention. They rode quietly back to the woman’s house.
They stopped several yards away and tied the horses to some scrub brush. They cautiously approached the house on foot. Yellow light spilled into the darkness from two windows on the ground floor. Light filtered through a shuttered window on the floor above. Heyes and Curry edged to the first floor window and peered in. The woman and Two Gun Paco were within; a canvas bag lay on the floor and the table held stacks of money. They quietly moved to the other lit room and peeked in the window, Booker and Skeet were playing cards.
“What do you think?” Kid asked. “Is she here?”
“If she is, she’ll be upstairs,” Heyes said. They went to the other side of the house and slipped open a window into a dark room. Moving stealthily, they made their way to the door and quietly opened it a crack. They could hear the low hum of conversation.
Opening the door and slipping out, they took the stairs to the 2nd floor, avoiding the center of each step in the event it might creak. Light seeped from underneath a door. As they got closer, they could hear water splashing. Heyes nodded to Kid, then gripped the doorknob, and slowly turned.
*****
Joana was frightened. She shivered in her underclothes, but not from the cold. She could not believe that woman took her dress, and her belongings. Where did she think Joana would run to? The shutters were shut tight and the windows nailed shut. But worse than that, Paco was downstairs. When Joana could not produce her book, insisting it must have fallen out of her bag on the way here, the woman had encouraged Paco to hit her several times. She gently caressed her painful left cheek, which was already purpling.
It was obvious Paco thoroughly enjoyed hitting her. He scared her more than any undesirable she ever came across. He would have given the gangs in NY something to think about. He was a bear, and smelled of stale alcohol, with calloused hands and an insidious toothy grin. She felt filthy when he looked at her with that lascivious gleam in his eye. Joana had the feeling that eventually the woman would let him do whatever he wanted.
Did Joshua and Thaddeus find her journal? She hoped it didn’t slide under the bed when she kicked it into their room. At the very least the note she left should have given them a clue that something was wrong.
She was grateful the woman made her write a goodbye note. But would they know where to look for her?
*****
Heyes slowly opened the door; he and Kid stopped in surprise. Joana was in nothing more than her silk camisole and pantaloons, bending over a wash basin, splashing water on her face. The light from the single lantern rippled across her hair, her pale skin, the silk.
Joana stood and used a rag on the table to tenderly pat her battered face dry. Turning around she almost shouted in relief – there stood Joshua and Thaddeus! They just stood there. Looking at her.
Suddenly, realizing what she wasn’t wearing, her cheeks grew warm. With a frown she put her fists on her hips.
“Have you seen enough?”
“More’n enough,” Heyes mumbled with embarrassment, and strode over to her taking off his jacket and putting it around her shoulders.
“Um, where are your clothes?” Kid asked.
“The old woman took them.” Joana snapped irritably, then took a steady, deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m really happy to see you.
“Who did this to you?” Heyes asked sharply, taking her chin in his hand to inspect her bruised face.
“Some brute called Paco.” Heyes and Kid shared a disgusted look.
“You got my note? Do you have my journal?”
“Yes, and yes,” Heyes said.
“The woman was furious when she couldn’t find it. How did you know I was here?”
“The rider you pointed out yesterday,” Heyes said. “Where are your bags?”
“She took them too.” Joana moaned.
“Do you have anything of sentimental value in them?” Kid asked.
“Yes, but if it’s a question of getting my bags or getting out of here, I’ll go with getting out of here.”
“Maybe we can do both,” Heyes said thoughtfully.
“You coming up with a plan?” Kid asked.
“I think so.”
*****
“THUD”
The woman and Paco stared at the ceiling. Moments later Booker and Skeet came into the room.
“Booker, ask our guest to be quiet,” the woman said. Booker grinned and left the room as Skeet planted himself in a chair.
“Hey lady,” Booker called out as he reached the top of the stairs. “You make noise, you get company,” he chuckled. He swung open the door and saw her standing by the bed, with the wash basin on the floor, the wood darkening with the spreading water.
“I..I’m sorry,” Joana said, wide eyed. “I knocked it over.”
Booker eyed her hungrily, slowly walking towards her. “Well, ain’t no harm done.” He was about to reach for her when the door closed behind him. Spinning around, he saw Heyes, and Kid with a slow smile on his face, leaning easy against the wall, a gun in hand pointed right at him.
“You got a choice,” Kid said softly. “Quiet or dead.” Joana quickly took Booker’s gun from its holster.
“Mister, you ain’t getting out of this house alive.” Booker snarled.
“Wanna bet?” Heyes said. He grabbed the sheet from the bed and tied Booker up in it, then gagged his mouth with a pillowcase. He pushed him down on the floor on the far side of the bed.
“We leave now?” Joana whispered unnecessarily.
“Not yet.” Heyes said.
* * *
“What is funny?” the woman asked Skeet. She kept looking at the door expecting Booker to return when Skeet started to chuckle.
“Booker’s been up there awhile. Guess he’s enjoying himself.”
“He better not be,” Paco growled.
The woman frowned. “I go.” She swiftly left the room and climbed the stairs. Upon entering the room, she didn’t see Booker, only Joana.
“Where is he?” she demanded, standing at the open door. Joana just looked at her and didn’t answer.
The woman stormed over to her and slapped her. “I say, where is he?”
“He’s otherwise occupied,” Heyes said, closing the door. The woman spun around to look at Heyes, with Kid standing next to him.
“Paco!” she yelled. The Kid grabbed her and held his gun towards the door. Heyes told Joana to get to the other side of the bed as heavy footfalls pounded up the stairs.
The door burst open; Paco entered, both guns drawn, closely followed by Skeet. For an instant they stood there in the doorway, surveying the tableau.
“Just put the gun down and she won’t get hurt,” Kid said softly, holding the struggling woman tight against him with his gun in hand. Joana stood hugging herself on the other side of the bed.
“Shoot him Paco!” the woman yelled. Paco grinned. Slowly and deliberately, he turned his gun onto the woman.
“What the hell are you doing?” Skeet shouted, looking sideways at Paco while keeping his gun on Joana.
“Shoot him!” the woman screamed. But he pulled the trigger; the woman’s face contorted in shock and pain as she slowly slid onto the floor.
“She don’t mean nothing to me, Kid Curry.” Paco grinned, now holding the gun on him. “But that one,” he grinned, pointing his other gun at Joana, “that one is mine.”
“Kid Curry?” Skeete looked anew at the Kid. “You’re Kid Curry?” he asked again, fear in his voice. “Where’s Heyes?”
The door slammed shut behind them; Paco swung around and got a bullet in the belly from Heyes; Kid cocked his gun at Skeete, who immediately dropped his weapon. Paco stumbled towards Heyes, who shot him solidly again. The third bullet dropped him.
*****
“Where’ve you been?” Cooper demanded when he saw Heyes, Curry and Joana in the hotel dining room the next morning. “Got here yesterday and there was no sign of you. I waited hours for you..”
“Sorry about that,” Heyes said. “Come on, join us for breakfast and we’ll tell you all about it.”
Cooper nodded at Joana and sat down. The nervous young woman came scurrying over, took his order, then retreated into the kitchen.
“Thank you so much for not leaving,” Joana sighed. “I don’t know what we would have done.”
“Thought I’d spend the night rather than take the long ride back so late in the day. Glad I did.” Cooper said, pouring himself a cup of coffee from the pot on the table.
”So are we,” Heyes said.
“You gonna tell me what happened?” Heyes looked at Joana and back to Cooper. But Kid spoke up.
“Well, Joana heard something she shouldn’t have and was held at gunpoint at a house not far from here.” Kid began. “We waited until dark to d get her and ran into some trouble. And here we are, safe and sound.”
Cooper looked at Kid blankly, then turned to Heyes.
“Ya see, it turns out this town is a safe haven for thieves, bank robbers, you name it.” Heyes said. “Joana overheard them talking about loot from a job, and they kidnapped her. We found where they were keeping her, and after disposing of her watch dogs, we brought her back here.”
“You don’t say,” Cooper said.
“That’s the gospel truth,” Kid said.
“Well, I’ll be.”
“Uh, Cooper, two of the men will be riding with us. Don’t worry,” Heyes anticipated, “they’re trussed up like thanksgiving turkeys. But you’ll need to send the sheriff back here. There are two dead in the house.”
“I see.” Cooper nodded. Joana shuddered and took a sip of coffee.
“And there’s some stolen loot that needs to be returned,” Kid added. “Maybe you can give that to the sheriff as well. Who knows, there may be a reward.”
“Why don’t you bring them in then?” Cooper asked.
“Oh, Cooper,” Heyes said. “It’s the least we can do for putting you out the way we did, making you wait.”
“I appreciate it fellas.” Cooper grinned. “And miss,” he added, turning to Joana, “I’m sure glad you’re all right.”
“So am I,” Joana smiled. She hadn’t thought that her journey out west would be quite so adventurous. Now that it was over, she was going to write one heck of a heart stopping story about it.
Once breakfast was over, Cooper brought the bags out to the stage. Heyes and Curry brought up Booker and Skeet from an empty room upstairs, their hands tied behind their back, and pushed them into the stagecoach.
Meanwhile Joana ventured into the kitchen. The young girl was washing dishes in the sink. She didn’t notice Joana until she stopped next to her.
“Oh!” she cried. “You shouldn’t be in here!”
“Miss,” Joana said. “Are you afraid of the woman in black?”
The young girl’s eyes grew large and fearful. She looked around the kitchen, then barely nodded.
“You don’t have to be afraid anymore. The woman is dead.”
The girl’s hand flew to her mouth as she stumbled back. “Dead?”
“Yes. She won’t ever bother you again.”
The young girl began to cry and threw her arms around Joana. She was surprised at the young girl’s response, then realized how painful it must have been for her to be under the woman’s thumb.
“Would you like to leave this place?” Joana asked.
“Oh, yes, yes please.” She looked up at Joana with tearful eyes. Still holding the young girl, Joana could feel her trembling.
“I’m Joana,” she said, stepping back and holding out her hand.
“I’m Isabella,” the girl said, smiling, and firmly shaking Joana’s hand.
“Well, get whatever things you have and meet us at the stage.”
“I’ll be right there!”
Joana breathed deeply, and happily, as she turned from the kitchen and went out to the street where Heyes and Curry were stuffing her two kidnappers into the coach. Then she stopped short. How many people fit in a stagecoach?
As it turned out, it held six, although it was a little tight. Kid sat between Booker and Skeet on one side, while Heyes, Joana and Isabella sat together on the other. Isabella was a little nervous being that close to the two outlaws, but Heyes and Kid assured her she’d be safe. She explained to them that Margarita, the woman in black, had adopted her many years ago. But rather than wanting a daughter, she was more of a servant working in the hotel. She was always afraid, if not of the outlaws and tough men that came to the hotel, then of Margarita, who often threatened her and sometimes hit her to keep her obedience. But now she was free!
As soon as the stage reached its original destination, Heyes and Kid were quick to get out of the coach with Joana and Isabella. A little too quick, Joana thought. The four of them walked towards the hotel where Joana and Isabella were going to get a room. Joana signed in and gave Isabella the key, asking the hotel man to provide her with a bath. Then she stepped outside where Heyes and Kid were waiting.
“So, I guess this is goodbye,” Joana sighed. “I’m going to miss you. How can I ever thank you for what you’ve done?”
“Don’t write about us,” Heyes smiled.
“You know, that was awfully generous of you to give Cooper the credit and the money for the sheriff.” Joana said thoughtfully. “It’s almost as if you didn’t want to see the sheriff, for some reason.”
“No, no,” Heyes laughed. “That’s not the case at all. We were just grateful.”
“Yeah, we were grateful.” Kid agreed.
Joana looked at them intently for a long moment, then smiled. “We’ll leave it at that, then.”
“We’d, uh, appreciate that,” Kid said sheepishly.
“And that drawing in your journal?” Heyes asked. “Could we have it? For old time’s sake.”
Joana smiled and dug into her bag for her book. She could always redo the drawing. “It’s the least I could do for saving my life.” She carefully tore out the offensive page and handed it to Heyes, who tucked it into his shirt pocket.
“You’ve given me so much to write. But if I do write about you, I’ll change enough characteristics so that no one will ever realize who I’m writing about.”
“You gonna write a book?” Kid asked.
“Probably a series of articles. Look for the byline Jo Bart.”
“We’ll look for it.” Heyes said. “What’re you going to do about Isabella?”
“She is a lovely young girl and has no one,” Joanna said thoughtfully. “And after the way that woman treated her, she needs some love and care. We’ll travel together and see how it goes. She may even turn out to be a journalist in the making!”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Heyes smiled.
“Goodbye. Thank you and good luck to both of you,” Joana said. She hugged Heyes, and then Kid, and watched them turn and walk away. She might just check the wanted posters at the sheriff’s office. Oh, not for any reward. Just to satisfy her own curiosity.
Joana turned and went back to the hotel.
***The End***
WomenWritersBlock 