Heartbreak Pass

By Renee Novak

Jimmy finally reached the outskirts of Devil’s Bluff. He’d rode hard for two days, and all he wanted was a bath, a hot meal, and a soft bed, not necessarily in that order.

"Stay with the Scott’s," Teaspoon had told him. "Douglas is a good man. Already told him you was comin’."

He made his way through the town, ignoring the looks the townspeople were giving the rugged stranger. That’s when he saw her. She was dressed in a red and black lace dress. Black ringlets spilled past the middle of her back, a red lace ribbon held some of it up from her face. Jimmy stared at her, not intentionally, but he did, until her eyes met his.

"Afternoon, ma’am," he said with a tip of his hat.

She blinked slowly. "Sir," she said with a polite smile.

Jimmy didn’t want her to leave. "Maybe you can help me."

"I’ll try."

"I’m lookin’ for the home of Douglas Scott. Are you familiar with it?"

The woman smiled. "Yes," she replied. "It’s the white house on the left, just past the end of town."

He couldn’t help but return her contagious smile. "Thank you."

"Anytime," she replied and walked into the General Store.

Jimmy watched her leave, and took off for the house. There was something about that girl, not just the fact that she was beautiful, but there was something underneath it. Something that attracted him to her. While he rode, he wondered if he’d ever see her again.

Chapter 2

"Cynthia," Mrs. Scott yelled from the base of the steps. "Supper!"

"Comin’ Ma," she shouted back. She’d just gotten back from town and now wouldn’t have time to change out of her dress. "Great! Now I’m stuck in this all night!" she said looking into the mirror. After a quick once over, she joined her parents for supper.

Jimmy stood as she entered the room, amazed by his luck.

"Evenin’ ma’am," he said oblivious to the shocked look on her father’s face.

"Mister Hickock, this is my daughter, Cynthia," Douglas formally introduced them.

"So, that’s your name!" Jimmy said, a grin playing at his lips.

Douglas looked from Jimmy to Cynthia. He cringed as he saw their eyes meet. There was a fire between them that he’d never seen in Cynthia’s eyes. He wouldn’t allow it. She wouldn’t fall for the troublemaker.

"Cynthia," he said, his voice strong and firm. "Would you care to explain how my daughter knows Mister Hickock here?"

For the first time, Cynthia realized she was still standing, staring into the eyes of the stranger. "Um, I gave Mister Hickock directions to the house, daddy," she explained taking her seat.

Jimmy tried to use his best table manners through dinner. He felt he had to prove himself to both Douglas and Cynthia. It was a feeling that he hated. Somehow, her beauty flustered him. Silently he wondered if this was what Cody felt in the presence of a beautiful woman. Probably not!
Finally, after dinner, he retired for the evening. Grateful for his full stomach he lay down and let the image of Cynthia Scott fill his dreams.

Chapter 3

Under the cover of the clouds, he rode towards Devil’s Bluff. Back to the arms of Cynthia, whether she wanted him to be, or not.

"Whad’dya think, Jake," his companion began. "Ya think she’ll take you back?"
Jake smiled wickedly. "She has no choice," he answered. "At least I won’t let her father give her

one!"

The two laughed, urging their horses onward.

He knew she’d give him trouble, but Jake was prepared for the fight. He’d have her one way or another.

Chapter 4

Jimmy awoke to the morning sun. He’d slept late, something he hadn’t been able to do in some time. It felt good to finally get a good nights sleep. The house was silent and he assumed he was alone.. Quietly, he dressed and descended the stairs to the kitchen.

"Oh," he said, startled to find Cynthia in the kitchen. "Sorry to bother ya."

She turned around, "It’s no bother," she replied.

Jimmy couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was dressed in black pants, shirt and boots. She’d pulled her ebony hair back, securing it with a single strand of leather.

"Mister Hickock," she said, a grin playing across her lips. "You look as if you’ve never seen a woman in pants before."

"No," he replied. "I have…"

"Then why are you starin’ at me?"

He felt his cheeks getting hotter and cursed himself. "I’m sorry," he said, wishing he could think of something to say like Cody would’ve. "I didn’t mean to offend…"

"Offend, mister Hickock?" Cynthia asked. "You flatter me."

"Jimmy," he corrected her. His brown eyes nervously glanced around. "Call me Jimmy."

"Okay, Jimmy," she said his name with a smile. "Can I get you some breakfast?"

"That’d be nice."

In minutes, she’d fixed him eggs, bacon and muffins.

"So, you don’t always dress like a girl?" As soon as he asked the question, he wished he hadn’t. It made him feel like Cody!

"No," she replied. If she was offended, she didn’t show it. "The dresses are too much. My dad makes me."

He almost laughed. "He makes you dress up? I know women that would give their right arm to dress up like you."

She shook her head. "They can have it! I’m not the frilly type."

Jimmy went to reply, but was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Hello, Cynthia," Jake said. "It’s been a long time."

Cynthia wished she hadn’t opened the door. "What do you want?" she asked, trying not to sound frightened.

"You know what I want…"

Jimmy came up behind Cynthia. "There a problem here?"

Jake looked him over, the same time Jimmy looked at him. Jake was taller than Jimmy, and better built. Jimmy was sure he could take him. Jake didn't look like the fast draw type.

"Who’s he?" Jake asked, his eyes never leaving Jimmy.

"I’m a guest, and I can answer my own questions," he answered. "You wanna know ‘bout me, ask me not the lady."

Cynthia shifted uneasily. "What do you want?" she asked again.

Jake smiled, trying to be charming. It didn’t work. "Your hand, my dear."

"We’ve been through this before, Jake. I told you no," she said. "Now I’m asking you politely, please leave."

He persisted. "You will marry me Cynthia."

Her brown eyes narrowed. "Over my dead body…"

"That can be arranged," Jake said, grabbing hold of her arm.

Jimmy pulled his gun and cocked it in one fluid motion. "Let her go."

Jake laughed.

"This is nothin’ to laugh about," Jimmy said, his brown eyes locked on to Jake’s. "Now let her go."

After a moment, he released Cynthia. "This isn’t over!" He said. "And, I don’t know who you are, but I’d watch your back."

"Better watch your own," Jimmy returned the threat.

Cynthia shut the door behind him.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah," she lied. "Thanks for your help."

"Why don’cha sit down," Jimmy suggested. "It’ll help."

Cynthia was the last person to take orders from a man, but she listened to Jimmy.

"You wanna talk about it?" he asked, joining her at the table.

She ran a slender hand through the hair she’d now freed. "He’s a friend of my father who doesn’t understand the word no."

"Sounds like he’s done this before."

She nodded. "He just doesn’t get it."

"Can’t your father do somethin’?"

Her eyes clouded. "He wants me to marry him."
Jimmy didn’t know what to say. "No woman should be forced to marry someone, especially not someone like him."

Cynthia looked at the man in front of her. She had to leave, before she spilled her heart out to the man with the soft brown eyes. She wanted to tell him everything, about how she was trapped here. How there was nothing in this backwards little town for her, and how she felt herself falling in love with him the instant she saw him in town. "I’ve got work to do," she said instead.

Jimmy stood, taken off guard. "Of course," he replied, hoping he hadn’t said something to insult her.

He watched her as she went up the stairs. There was something about her that pulled him in. It wasn’t just because she was pretty. He found himself wanting to find out everything about Cynthia Scott. Her favorite perfume, what flowers she liked. What was her favorite color? He shook his head, trying to get her out of it. He’d watch her while he was here, no one would hurt her while he was around.

Chapter 5

Jake sauntered up to the bar, his blond hair half hidden by his Stetson, along side him, his black haired friend.

"So, whad’dya gonna do bout Cindy’s new friend?"

Jake looked at the half-breed, wondering how long it’d take him to die. "Whad’dya think I’m gonna do?" he asked swallowing the whiskey that was placed in front of him.

The man shrugged. "I don’t know."

"It’s like this, Ben," Jake began. "He stops me from getting what’s mine, I’ll kill him."

Ben shook his head. "We already left one body behind," he whispered. "Why would you wanna leave another?"

Jake downed another shot. "You don’t like it, leave," he threatened. "Just watch your back."
Ben looked into Jake’s eyes, recognizing the shadow that had found it’s way from his soul. This wasn’t the first time he’d been this way. Every time he thought about Cynthia, he got worked up. It was like she was a prize for him to win, at any cost.

"Don’t worry ‘bout me," Ben assured. "I ain’t your problem."

Jake slapped the man in the back. "Yer right," he agreed, adding, "Ya never better become my problem…"

Ben left him to the comfort of the whiskey bottle. A little voice inside him said to be wary of the stranger with the gunfighter’s eyes. His little voice was never wrong. He’d leave Jake a note tonight, telling him he’d meet him in Saint Joe. There was something about the stranger that he wanted no part of.

Chapter 6

Cynthia pulled up her hair, trying to get some relief from the sweltering heat. Her eyes fell upon a photo of a young man, not more than twenty.

Lovingly she picked up the photo. "Chris, I really miss you," she sighed. "Jake has come back, once again to claim me," she whispered, her voice a mix of annoyance and fear. "Daddy won’t do anything to stop him. Hell, if it was up to him, I’d have married him all ready."

She stared at the picture. Her father was up to something. He and Jake would talk in whispers and when she walked into the room, they’d stop. At one point, she’d overheard something about guns and Indians, but that was impossible. Her father was a respectable man. He ran the bank, and at one time, ran for mayor. He was a very prominent person in Devil’s Bluff. He couldn’t be mixed up in something like that.

Jimmy stood in the doorway, two glasses of lemonade in his hands. "Um," he said, taking Cynthia away from her photo. "I hope I’m not botherin’ ya."

Cynthia put down the photo. "No, come in."

Jimmy joined her, siting on the edge of the bed. "You were kinda quiet at supper."

She sipped the lemonade, grateful for the cool drink.

"Did ya ever…never mind."

Jimmy gave her a smile. "What?"

She played with the glass, staring at the ice. "Nothin’, it’s stupid."

"Nothin’ you could possibly say could ever be stupid."

Cynthia looked up, surprised by his words. "That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me."

"Well, that’s a shame," he replied.

She blushed. "You’ll laugh."

Jimmy took her hand in his. "I won’t. I promise."

She sighed. "Did ya ever wanna just run away? Just get out of the life you’re in?"

"More than you can imagine." He replied, feeling a little sorry for himself.

"My mom teaches, my dad has the bank and all his civic things, and here I sit." She stood up and looked out the window. "Trapped."

Her voice was so sad. He wanted to take her away from this, if that’s what would make her happy.

"My life isn’t very exciting either," he tried to console her. "Except for when I go on my runs."

She didn’t say anything.

"Can I ask you something?"

She looked back at him. "Sure."

Jimmy picked up the photo. "Who’s this?"

"My brother," she answered, taking the photo from him. "He died a few years back."

"Oh, I’m sorry," he said the words he’d heard so many people say. "You must miss him."

"I do. He was my savior!" Cynthia replied, her brown eyes clouded with sadness. "Forgive me, Jimmy, but I’m tired."

He’d done it. Now he knew what Cody felt like. Somehow, he’d insulted her, instead of winning her over. "Sure," he replied standing up. Before he walked out the door, he turned back to her. "Would you like to do somethin’ tomorrow? I’m not due back in Sweetwater till the day after."

Cynthia faked surprise. "Why, Mister Hickock, we’ve only just met…"

Flustered, Jimmy replied. "I’m sorry if I offended you…"

"I’ll fix us a picnic," Cynthia replied, smiling.
"If you don’t wanna, I understand…" Jimmy said, not hearing her acceptance.

"Jimmy," Cynthia said with a giggle. "I said yes."

"Really?"

She couldn’t help herself. Here was a grown man, with eyes that could make many a woman’s heart flutter, and a smile that would melt butter, stammering over an acceptance. He was very sweet, and she hadn’t had any sweetness in her life in some time.

"Yes," she repeated. "I’ll fix us a picnic lunch."

"Great!"

Turning to leave, he almost knocked over a pitcher that was on her nightstand. Cynthia watched him, knowing he was cursing himself for being so clumsy.

"Well, Chris," she said to the face smiling up at her from the photo. "Looks like your lil sister’s gonna have herself a good time tomorrow."

Chapter 7

Ben kept a look out, while Jake and Douglas talked in hushed voices near the barn. Cynthia saw them gathering and sat near her window. She could hear them plain, as day, but they couldn’t see her. She was going to find out what her father was doing once and for all.

"I want you to leave tonight, right now," Douglas ordered. "He’s from the Pony Express in Sweetwater."

"He delivers mail?" Jake laughed.

"He’s all ready seen you," Douglas reminded. "The last thing I need is a nosy rider findin’ out my business. Especially one of Teaspoon Hunter’s boys."

"Ain’t got nothin’ to worry bout," Jake affirmed, lighting up a cigarette.

"I want you to stop him from getting’ close to Cynthia…"

"She still think you’re the great father you told her you were?"

Douglas looked at the ground, not out of shame, but because he was beginning to lose his temper. Something he couldn’t afford to do. He needed Jake, and Jake knew it. "She believes what she must."

"So, she doesn’t know you trade money for guns and supply those red skins with them…"

"That’s enough!" Douglas scolded. "You will leave now, and take care of our problem before he reaches home, is that clear?"

Jake thought for a moment. "Not a problem, boss," he assured him. "There is one little detail we have left to discuss though."

"What?"

"Cynthia," he simply said.

Douglas was obviously confused. "What about her? She knows nothing about this…"

Jake laughed, sending a chill down Cynthia’s back. "I don’t care if she knows all about your little business, Douglas. I want her to be my wife."

Cynthia closed her eyes, willing her father to say no, to shoot him, to do anything but agree to it. She wouldn’t become his wife. Jake had told her on more than one unpleasant occasion what he’d do to her if she were. If he ever loved her at all, he’d tell him to leave.

"Your wife?" Douglas asked.

"Yep, and after that, you’ll stay out of our lives."

Douglas exhaled, cigarette smoke lingering in the humid air like clouds around his head. He thought for only an instant before smiling. "Deal."

Cynthia stopped a scream from escaping. Tears filled her brown eyes. She’d never become his wife, no matter what her father said. She knew what she had to do, and began packing.

Chapter 8

Jimmy was up and ready for his picnic, but his nerves weren’t. It confounded him. He could handle himself in any situation, dangerous or otherwise, until it came to women. They were Cody’s department, and if he was here right now, Jimmy knew he’d be getting a good ribbing. He stayed in his room until it was time for him to meet Cynthia downstairs. He’d been trying to think of clever things to say to her, but none came to him.

"Good mornin’ Mister Scott," Jimmy greeted. "It sure is a beautiful day, isn’t it?"

"Aaah, Mister Hickock," he replied. "I’m afraid that Cynthia has gone to Colorado Springs…"

Jimmy’ brow furrowed. "She did?"

The older man took a long drag from his cigarette. "Yep took the first stage this mornin’."

Something wasn’t right. Why would she plan to have a picnic with him, then leave town, unexplained? There was something in Douglas’ eyes, as if he was hiding something. What was going on?

"Guess you’ll be leavin’. Even got your horse ready for ya."

He was being thrown out. Jimmy had never been thrown out of anyplace…well not for being a guest, anyway.

"Thank you for your hospitality," he replied with a tip of his hat.

As he walked to the tree, where his horse was tied, he noticed two sets of hoof prints leading towards town. If Cynthia did take the first stage, she wasn’t alone. Had Jake gone with her? Was everything she’d told him about her and Jake a lie? Somehow, that didn’t surprise him. Most of the women who liked him had something to hide, why not Cynthia? Why would she be any different?

Chapter 9

Jimmy was almost home. He kept telling himself that his leaving was for the better. What did he have to offer? Certainly wasn’t his charm, Cody had all that. He wasn’t the most handsome of men, that was Buck’s downfall. Lord knows, he wasn’t the smartest of most sensitive person. Lou was by far the smartest person he knew, and Kid cornered the market on sensitivity.

"Well, Hickock," he said softly, bringing the horse to a stop. He could see the way station from where he was. "Looks like you’re the hardened tough guy. Live alone…die alone."

Jimmy was too absorbed in his own thoughts to hear the man coming from behind him, but he felt the bullet. Pain seared through his body, as he fell to the dusty ground. He heard another shot, but slipped into darkness before he could feel the pain.

Chapter 10

Cody ran from the bunkhouse after hearing the shots, his rifle in hand.

"Heard it too, huh?" Buck asked coming up behind him.

"Yeah," Cody replied, then spotted a rider on the horizon. "We expectin’ anyone?"

"Not that I know of."

The two took cover behind the trees, awaiting the rider. Cody trained his rifle on the image, never blinking.

"Cody, he’s got Jimmy," Buck whispered.

"That ain’t no he, Buck," Cody corrected.

Buck looked again. Cody was right, the woman was almost directly in front of them. "All right, we’re gonna take this really easy, Cody," he instructed. "Jimmy doesn’t look too good."

Carefully, the two came out into the open.

"Okay," Cody said. "You’ve gone far enough."

"Please, you’ve gotta help him," the woman cried.

"Kid," Buck shouted. "We could use you out here."

Cody kept his gun trained on the woman while Buck removed Jimmy from the horse.

"Let’s get him inside," Kid said helping Buck.

Cody helped the woman from the horse and led her, by gunpoint into the house.

"What happened?" Rachel asked, opening the door.

"That’s what we’d like to know," Cody answered.

"My father…" she answered.

"Who are you?" Buck interrupted, after putting Jimmy down.

"My name is Cynthia Scott," she answered.

"Scott…" Cody pondered, looking to Kid for help.

"Teaspoon’s friend in Devil’s Bluff," he reminded him.

"Who shot Jimmy?" Lou almost shouted. There were tears in her eyes, and she cursed herself for getting so emotional in front of the stranger.

Cynthia looked at the ground. "Jake did…"

"Who’s Jake?" Cody inquired.

As if on cue, the door burst open. Jake entered, his gun drawn. His left sleeve was red with blood.

"Lemme guess," Cody said. "You’re Jake! This just keeps getting better and better!"

"I just came for the girl," he explained. "Don’t want no harm to come…"

"Somehow, I don’t believe that," Cody said. "Why don’t you put your gun down and we’ll think about it?"

Jake’s attention turned to Cynthia. "Your aim is a little off," he said. "Now let’s go."

Cynthia shook her head. "No, I’m not leavin’ until I know Jimmy’s okay…"

Jake grabbed her arm. "It doesn’t matter," he growled, pulling her towards him.

"You’re hurting me, Jake," she winced.

He didn’t care who heard him. "I’ll hurt you more than this if you don’t cooperate."

Cynthia looked into his eyes. "My father will hear of this," she said, knowing that he all ready knew what was taking place. She hated him for it, and if she ever got out of this, she’d tell anyone who’d listen. If she could get Jake to admit that her father wanted him to kill Jimmy, then maybe they’d believe her, and Jake would go to jail. The best option for everyone.

Jake laughed. "Honey, he’s the one that had me kill the nosy little rider boy you think is gonna protect you!"

No one moved, except for Lou and Rachel, as they tended to Jimmy. The bullet went cleanly through his shoulder. He’d be fine. The tension in the room was thick, causing everyone to be on edge.

"Look," Cody said. "Why don’t you let the girl go, an we’ll forget all bout this."

Jake turned his gun on Cody, causing Kid and Buck to draw their own.

Cody grinned, causing his blue eyes to sparkle. He was actually enjoying this. "Not a good idea," he said. "Seems your outnumbered."

Jake never stood down. "Cindy’s comin’ with me…"

"Look," Jimmy said standing. "Cynthia’s old enough to make her own decisions…"

With Jake distracted, Cody grabbed his gun, while Buck swept Cynthia out of the way.

"Never underestimate us little nosy rider boys," Cody warned with a brilliant smile.

Chapter 11

Teaspoon brought Jake to the jail to await his trial. He confessed to what Douglas had been up to. He also told him of how Douglas hired him to kill Cynthia’s brother. Instead, Chris paid Jake to free him, and promised that he’d go to Colorado Springs, never to be heard from again.

"Well, Jimmy," Cynthia said as the stage waited. "It was nice knowing you."

Jimmy looked into her gray eyes, and found himself mesmerized. He was going to miss her, but she’d be better off. He didn’t have anything to offer her other than himself, and she deserved better. At least he thought so.

"It was nice to know you too."

Cynthia leaned and kissed him. It wasn’t the first time he’d been kissed, not by a long shot, but the way she kissed him, he knew she felt the same way about him. His world stood still, no one existed other than Cynthia and him. Eventhough he wanted to stay that way forever, he regretfully pulled away.

"I will write you from Colorado," she said smiling, as she got into the coach.

Slowly, the coach pulled away, leaving Jimmy in the middle of the road. Silently, he wondered if she was the one for him.

"Hey, Jimmy," Cody called from atop his horse.

"Yeah."

"C’mon, we gotta go."

The coach had become a tiny dot on the horizon. He took one last look, then took off with Cody.

"Y’know," Cody started in. "She was lookin’ at me when I was holdin’ the gun on Jake. Probably was gonna use you to get to me."

"You’re right, Cody," Jimmy laughed. "You’re right."

That night, and every night there after, he dreamed of Cynthia Scott. The way she smelled, her laugh, the way he saw tears in her eyes when she got on board the stage. She may have left Sweetwater empty handed, but she carried something more precious with her to Colorado.

She carried Jimmy’s heart.

The end