A Town Called Sunrise

Just When Things Seemed Settled

Surprisingly, most of the people attending the jubilee were not disturbed by the danger taking place at the end of town. A large crowd was making use of the dance stand, and another was listening to Blue belt out The Yellow Rose of Texas. Many had joined in, and the music and the singing drowned out most of the shooting.

A mob of newly wealthy miners pushed and shoved around the kissing booth, ignoring the order of arrival, and the dunking pool was busy with those not strong enough to stand their ground. Reverend Pew was raking in the cash at the horseshoe pits, his hands clutched in prayerful thanks with each ringer.

Colt walked Daisy to her table, making uncomfortable small talk, leaving still uncertain, and went to the jail, his mind dancing with the grief her threat could give him. She wouldn't do that. Not Daisy. Not to him. She was pulling his leg again. He pushed through his office door and stopped cold. Arley Rudman stood behind Colt's desk, a six gun aimed right at Colt.

"Pretty leaky cell, Sheriff."

"So it would seem. What's your plan now, Rudman, both your boys are dead and Casey registered his claim."

"Don't count on it bein' over." He came around the desk and waved Colt toward the cells. "Leave the gun on the desk and drop the belt."

"My deputy's outside. You don't want to get into a shoot-out with all those folks out there."

"Why not, they ain't armed." Rudman leered. "Get inside and set yourself down on that cot." He gave Colt a shove and pulled the cell door shut, locking it. "Think I'll take this with me," he grinned, holding up the key. "See if you can find another way out."

Colt watched him slide out the door, and shook his head. Ah Jeremy, never leave the key in sight. He took his own from his pocket and undid the cell door. Walking to the window, he hoped Rudman actually got away. He didn't want gun play with all those kids running around. His day would come.

He strapped his belt back on and refilled the gun that Rudman had emptied then went outside. Walking up the middle of the street, laughing and friendly pushing, Jeremy, Waites, and Casey called to him to join them at the saloon.

"Couple of things first, fellas." Colt stepped down onto the road and steered them to one side away from the crowds. "First, You are no longer a Deputy, Mr. Casey. I thank you. Sunrise thanks you for your service today. Second, You are quite safe to travel home again, Mr. Waites. Obviously there's no need to bother you any more." He steered the two men toward the saloon. "We'll see you there shortly."

Jeremy looked puzzled. "What's up, Colt?"

"Rudman got away. Escaped from his cell."

The way he said it, Jeremy rubbed a hand over his neck, looking sheepish. "I left the key--"

"Past sins. Don't fret about it. We might have bigger trouble. Rudman said it wasn't over before he skedaddled."

"You saw him?"

"He had the drop on me when I went in. Stuck me in a cell."

"And you had your key." Jeremy kicked viciously at the ground.

"Told you, don't fret. It's done. Right now I'm worried about Casey going alone back to his claim."

There were shouts from the saloon and a lot of arm waving, as the two men and Blue sought their attention.

"A drink'd go good about now. Let's go." Colt slapped his deputy on the back and they pushed through the crowd to the saloon.

******

Hetta stood defiantly as landsman drank his medicine. Arley sprawled in a chair watching. His report had set is boss off on a tirade that ended with him coughing and sputtering in Hetta's strong grip.

"All of it, Landy. Every last drop." She shoved his hand holding the glass toward his mouth.

"Devil's fire, woman! Don't you be giving me orders." He coughed again and angrily drained the glass, shoving back at her.

"And no cigars," she warned, taking her leave.

"One day, so help me . . ." Baron stared at Arley. "What the devil happened?"

"I told you everything. I don't know exactly what happened at the livery, I was in jail."

"Both dead?"

"Yep. Bowie musta tried to get Casey. He was tryna do what you wanted."

"And the other one?"

"No great loss, but I'll need new help if you still want me to go after the prospector."

Landsman had another brief coughing spell, then looking down the hall where Hetta went, he stood and poured a small glass of brandy.

"Unless you have anyone in mind, I'll send for boys that'll do the job."

"So you want the old man finished?"

"Give him an option of signing it over. If he won't . . ."

"I hope that's for Mr. Rudman." Hetta came into the room, arms crossed.

"How about you just mind your own business, woman." He raised the glass and took it all in one swallow, choking and coughing again.

"Don't know why you're spendin' so much time fussin' over that old man's claim. You won't be 'round to enjoy it." She snatched the glass away and sat him back down, patting his back until the coughing ended.

He looked up, wide-eyed."What do you know about that?" He gasped, clearing his throat.

"Oh, Landy - all these years and you don't think I know everything you do? Since the first day you hired me and my mama, I've knowed what you've been up to. I've never approved, but it warn't none of my business. You was my business. Lookin' after you."

She sighed, took the glass and left the room. Arley stood, looking down at Landsman.

"Send for your boys. I'll be in the bunkhouse gettin' rested."

Baron watched him leave, speechless. His head swimming with Hetta's words. Since she was a young child and her mama came to work for him, not once did he consider them anything but hired help. Even when her mama died, he didn't change. Hetta was older and able to do the work, so he let her.

He sat for a long time just letting the day end and the room darken. When it became too dark to see, he called for her.

"Get some light in here, woman!"

"You just get yourself in here for dinner." He heard her voice snap back, and he struggled out of the chair and down the hall.

******

Two days later three riders came through the gates of the Bar-L, and rode up to the main house. Baron Landsman came out onto the verandah and greeted them, beckoning them inside.