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Kid was amazed as they neared the growing community of Fort Smith. There were buildings every where. Coaches and horses crowded the roads in and out of town. The people even seemed different than what Kid was used to, they seemed clean and proper, and the women were beautiful.
"Boy, I could sure get used to a place like this." Kid smiled and tipped his hat to a group of women on the walkway.
"Look, Sheriff's office." Jimmy pointed out as they past what had to be the largest law building that Kid had ever seen. There had to be at least three offices and maybe a dozen cells by the look of it. Jimmy reined his palomino around to the front of the Sheriff's office; Kid was quick behind him.
A grizzled man that in a lot of ways reminded Jimmy of Teaspoon, stepped out from the building's doorway.
Jimmy glanced down noticing the Marshal badge on the man's vest, "Marshal Mackenzie?"
"That's me." The man spat a brownish glob just missing his left boot. "How can I help ya?"
"We're friends of Teaspoon Hunter, just come in from Sweetwater." Kid was quick to answer.
"Kansas, so that's where ol’ Teaspoons been at. Well any friend of Teaspoon Hunter is a friend of mine. Come in boys." He led them inside the building.
A lanky man not too much older than Jimmy sat at a desk in the corner of the room. Marshal Mackenzie introduced him. "Boys, this is Sheriff Ben Tucker. You need anything and I can't be found this man will help you out."
Sheriff Tucker stood, extending his hand. Jimmy firmly shook it. "James Hickcock."
"Folks just call me Kid." Kid explained.
"So boys tell me, what brings you down to Texas?" Mackenzie queried.
"Actually we'd like to know about that Express rider." Kid decided to be blunt. "We're Express riders too and Teaspoon figured maybe we could come down and check out the situation make sure it's an isolated event."
Mackenzie worked his brow into a furrow. "Teaspoon a law man up there?"
“He’s our station master.” Jimmy clarified.
“...And Thatcher was one of his boys.” Tobias Mackenzie reasoned aloud.
"No." Kid corrected. "Rock creek is our next nearest station."
"I see." Mackenzie smiled. "Teaspoon is a smart man. Wants to make sure no trouble is headed his way. That's good." He motioned for them to follow him as he headed towards the door. "Well seein' as though it's almost supper hour and my wife Claire is the best cook in all of this territory, why don't you boys come have your dinner at my place. I got cots and a room to spare if you'd like to stay on the night."
"Well if your sure it's no hassle, a home cooked meal would sit real good right now. Anything would after eatin’ Jimmy's camp food." Kid chuckled. Jimmy smiled.
"Good." Mackenzie said. "Then it's all agreed."
"We would still like to bunk in the hotel if you don't mind." Jimmy added.
"Sure, but as long as you’re in town the offer is open." Mackenzie grinned. "Hey which hotel you staying at? I can maybe see if I can line you up a good room."
"Don't know yet." Jimmy cut in. "You've been more than hospitable already. If we need something don't worry we'll ask."
Mackenzie turned to Jimmy. "You know Hickcock, you remind me a lot of a young Teaspoon Hunter."
"Thank you...I think." Jimmy smiled.
Kid watched as they passed two hotels, a theater, a grocer, newspaper office, dress shop, two liveries, a blacksmith, and several private residences. "This is quite a town you've got here."
"It sure is. We pride ourselves as being one of the fastest growing yet still civilized communities in the whole west. We don't have the gaming and whoring that places like Tombstone or Silver City have. Good family community. It really is a shame when something like that Express rider's murder hits us." Mackenzie's face soured briefly. "Here we are." He said, after passing a few more houses and a tack shop.
The three story white house was breathtaking. Kid found himself wondering if a city Marshal gets a better wage than rural one. Or maybe it was true what they say; ‘Everything’s big in Texas.’
A sturdy, aged, yet still surprisingly beautiful dark haired woman came out from the house as they approached.
"I see we have company, good thing I made lots of food." She smiled. When she smiled, it reminded Jimmy of his aunt that he had not seen since he was a child. It made him feel good.
The inside of the house was as beautiful if not more, than the outside. The walls were painted a peachy orange and spiraling mahogany staircase lead to the upper floors from the front entry. They followed Mackenzie as he lead them through the front hallway to the dinning room. Mrs. Mackenzie had already set out a basket of buns and a tray cookies. As they sat down she came into the room holding a china teapot.
"Tea?" She asked.
"Yes please." Kid answered.
"Thanks." Jimmy said as she set the dainty cup in front of him.
"Claire I'd like you to meet Jimmy Hickock and what did you say your name was?" Mackenzie looked at Kid.
"Well most people just call me Kid." Kid answered, taking a sip of tea.
"And Kid. They came all the way from Nebraska Territory. They work as Express riders for an old friend of mine Teaspoon Hunter. Me and Teaspoon we were Rangers together."
"You’ve certainly come a ways." She smiled. "Did you know that poor boy who was killed?"
Mackenzie scowled at his wife. Kid figured that he was afraid she would offend them.
"No. We're not from the Rock creek outlet. Sweetwater." Kid clarified.
Jimmy took a cookie from the tray. " So why is it that everyone is sure that this rider's death is an isolated incident." He bit into the cookie, oatmeal. His aunt used to make him oatmeal cookies, they had become his favorite by the time he was a young man. He grabbed another.
"Well this Thatcher boy. There's a lot of weird things about him that we can't figure out."
This caught both Kid and Jimmy’s attentions, maybe they would finally find some answers for the questions swimming around in their heads.
"Weird things?" Kid asked.
Mrs. Mackenzie took the tray of cookies and the buns and set them aside as she began to bring out bowls and plates of delightful smelling food. She set a bowl of turnips right in front of Jimmy. He hated turnips. He chewed on the last bit of cookie in his mouth.
"Well we went to look at the room, where the boy was killed, and we couldn't find his mailbag. But nothing else seemed out of place." He watched as Hickcock and the boy called Kid tried to piece things together in their heads. "I had heard of a few cases where Express riders would take on jobs on the side and run documents from the north to the south or from the south to the north. Makes good money and the army gets a good way to smuggle their plans through." Mackenzie stopped and picked up the ladle from a huge bowl of potatoes and scooped a few blobs onto his plate. "You boys ever try pheasant? It's the best really. Even if you have tried it you've never tried Claire's. The whole city talks about her pheasant." Mackenzie pushed the tray of cut up roasted bird towards Kid. Mrs. Mackenzie blushed. She was a great cook but she never got used to getting so many compliments.
Kid grabbed a leg and smiled. "Sure smells delicious."
"What effect could these documents have?" Jimmy asked, offering Kid the bowl of turnips so they would not have to sit by him anymore. Kid refused.
"Well it's rumored that such documents contain names and locations. Names of people stationed in the south that are sympathizers of the northern cause and northern sympathizers to the southern cause. It's enough that if one side found out who both their traders and allies are they could strongly shift the power of the war to their side."
"You mean avert the war?" Kid asked, almost losing his mouth full of corn.
"Hypothetically, yes that's an entirely possible outcome." He looked almost surprised when he answered.
"So you think Thatcher was a carrier of war documents?" Jimmy asked.
"It's likely. Either that or somebody didn’t like the news they were sent." He chuckled. "You know the old adage, 'shooting the barer of bad news' or something like that."
"If it was war documents, couldn't they have taken them without killing Thatcher? " Kid used a bit of bread on his fork to slop up the gravy and meat juices from his plate.
"Would you give up a package without a fight?" Mackenzie directed the question at both Kid and Jimmy. He knew that they were sworn to protect and deliver the mail. He knew that the express had started hiring gunfighters. It wasn't just a boy on a horse with a mailbag anymore; it was men, proficient at gunplay, riding the mail. The times had changed since Russell, Majors & Waddell's early visions of the Pony Express. Both Jimmy and Kid knew that fighting had become just as much their job as bringing the mail through it's route. The impending war had affected just about all aspects of life and the whole country seemed to be in uproar because of it.
“’Suppose not.” Jimmy said thoughtfully, scooping up the last piece of bread from the basket on the table.
“So what hotel was it?” Jimmy swallowed the food in his mouth, washing it back with cold milk.
“Hotel?” Toby Mackenzie scowled in thought.
“Thatcher’s room.” Jimmy set the empty glass down.
“Oh!” Mackenzie realized. “That would be the Long Horn,” The Marshal thought for a moment. “You have my full cooperation if you’d like to have a look around. But as for lodging, I could recommend a lot better. That there Long Horn has a saloon attached to it. One of the only in town. Right on the outskirts is the only place that kind of activity is tolerated. We’re a civilized community now.” He seemed proud. No doubt he was at least part of the reason the town had cleaned it’s act up.
Kid looked up from his almost empty plate. “How many hotels you got here?”
“’Bout a dozen or so I guess. There are a couple of real beauties too. Red River suites being the newest. Another good one is Chester Douglas’ new establishment Douglas Place.” Mackenzie scratched his chin.
“A dozen?” Kid tried hard not to spit his food out. “Sweetwater just opened up it’s second. And they aren’t even sure it will survive it’s first year.”
Marshal Tobias Mackenzie just smiled. “If you want I can bring you boys by the Long Horn after dinner.”
“Maybe in the morning.” Jimmy cut in quick before Kid had a chance to take him up on his offer.
“Yeah I think I can speak for both of us saying it’s been a long day in the saddle.” Kid agreed.
“Suit yourselves. Drop by my office in the morning then.” Mackenzie smiled.
“Actually,” Jimmy started, “we ought to be heading out now. Get ourselves set up for the night.”
“Certainly.” Mackenzie rose from the table as Jimmy and Kid stood.
“Thank you for the lovely meal.” Kid nodded at Mrs. Mackenzie.
“Ma’am.” Jimmy nodded to her.
“Anytime you’re in town and want a home cooked meal, you boys don’t be shy.” Claire smiled.
“Oh we won’t.” Kid quipped quickly, rubbing his contented stomach.
As they walked from the house Jimmy looked back over his shoulder to see Teaspoon’s friend, Marshal Tobias Mackenzie standing on the porch watching them leave.
“Nice couple.” Kid commented.
“Yeah.” Jimmy agreed, although he couldn’t help but feel something wasn’t right. “We’ll grab the horses from the Marshal’s office, and see if we can find a room.” He added.
“Yeah.” Kid lit up like an excited child, “Maybe one of them suites. I ain’t never stayed in a room called a suite before.”
“Me either Kid, and that ain’t gonna change today.” Jimmy was quick to clarify. “We might have to stay here a few days. Money only goes so far.”
“Yeah yeah, I know.” Kid consented. “Let it be said Jimmy Hickcock, you are no fun.” Kid playfully elbowed Jimmy.
“Here we are.” Jimmy said pointing out the big wooden false fronted building.
Kid’s horse Katy was happy to see him. She swung her big head around at him as they neared. He playfully patted her ears. Sundance, Jimmy’s palomino stallion looked up, then returned to swatting his tail at a few annoying flies.
Hearing a faint voice from inside the building Jimmy quietly stepped up onto the walkway and into the doorway. Kid started to follow, Jimmy motioned for him to stay back. As he got closer, Jimmy realized it was two voices and not one he had heard.
“Did you get it?” The first voice was brash and demanding.
“I looked everywhere!” The second voice pleaded. “It wasn’t in his room or his bag.”
“I can’t afford anymore screw ups. You will find that...” The brash voice stopped abruptly.
“What’s the matter?” The second man asked.
“Hold it. I see someone out there by those horses. Must be those Pony Express riders.”
“Pony Express!” The second man seemed worried.
“No concern. They will find what they came here for and they will go home. Simple.” The first man seemed very confident.
Jimmy decided he had heard enough and they had probably better get out of there. He made his way back down to where Kid was standing.
“What was that all about.” Kid asked.
“Nothing.” Jimmy answered.
Kid knew that when Jimmy said ‘nothing’ it usually was something, he would just need to give him a little space with it.
“Where are we going?” Kid asked as they veered onto the road heading out of town.
Jimmy’s eyes scanned the buildings and signs. Mackenzie was right the outskirts were much more unsavory than the rest of the community. Drunks wandered in the streets, saloons blared mixed noises of piano, laughter, and cursing. Kid found his palm resting on the butt of his gun as they rode.
“Here.” Jimmy announced, reining in sharply.
Kid read the sign aloud. “Long Horn.... Jimmy what are we doing here?” He slipped off Katy’s back.
“Thought maybe we’d take a look around. Besides we need a room don’t we.” Jimmy reasoned.
The two riders walked through the arched doorway and into the small lobby of the rundown hotel.
“Yeah?” The portly clerk looked up from his papers.
“Uh, we’d like a room please. A double.” Kid spoke up.
“You want a room.” The clerk’s voice was surly. “Yeah I gots a double.” He walked to the wall and grabbed a key from one of the pegs. He dangled the key in front of them. “Three dollars and two bits for the night.”
“That’s an awful lot for a place like..” Kid looked around at the ripped brocade curtains, and peeling wall paint.
Jimmy snatched the key from the man, slapping a handful of coins on the counter.
“Room seven. Second door on yer left side. Pleasure doin’ business with yous!”
“Hey.” Kid called to Jimmy who had started down the hall. “There’s a register here.”
Jimmy came back to the desk where Kid was standing. Kid pointed at a name a few lines up. “There... Thatcher. Room thirteen.”
The clerk scowled. “That room is closed. Mayor’s got it that way till he gives me the word. I’ll be damned if they’d pay me anything for it. No siree.”
“Don’t look as though you’re that busy anyway.” Jimmy noted.
“Kid tipped his hat to the clerk.” Thanks.”
The clerk grumbled and returned to his paperwork.
“What’s the Mayor’s involvement in this?” Kid wondered aloud as Jimmy turned the key in the door lock.
“Dunno.” Jimmy wished he could put all the pieces together.
*******************
Teaspoon Hunter reined the black horse into the stable. “Woah fella.” He eased himself from the saddle.
“Hey Teaspoon.” Noah looked up from grooming his tawny stallion.
“Noah, sorry about..” Teaspoon started.
“I’m sorry too.” Noah cut in.
“You relieving Lou?” Teaspoon asked.
“Yeah she should be back in a few hours.” Noah grabbed a fresh saddle blanket from the pile.
“Ride safe.” Teaspoon nodded.
“Teaspoon!” Cody nearly bowled him over.
“Woah Cody, what’s on your mind?” Teaspoon startled.
“I was thinking...” Cody started. “The Rock creek station needs help.... I was thinking I could ride out there and get things under control. ‘Till they are back on their feet.”
Teaspoon cocked an eyebrow. “That’s not a bad idea.”
“Thanks!” Cody beamed. Suddenly his smile dropped, “What if McCanles returns?”
“You will do what you have to...” Teaspoon hoped it would not come to that.
“How should I decide who to hire as riders?” Cody’s head ran wild with a million questions.
“If anyone shows up, you hire the boy.” Teaspoon’s eyes twinkled with mirth, “How do you think I ended up with you bunch.”
Teaspoon chuckled as Cody hurried off, he could never quite understand that boy’s enthusiasm.
Cody went through his things to pack in his saddlebags. He smiled as his hand brushed the cover of the thin bound novel. “Finally.” He thought to himself. “I’ll have some peace.”
********************
Kid pushed the door of room thirteen open. He wondered why it wasn’t locked. Seeing as though it wasn’t, it couldn’t hurt to take a look around.
“Nothing here.” He called to Jimmy as he looked through the drawers of a dresser in the corner. The room was sparsely furnished, aside from the dresser there was a bed and a night table. Jimmy looked through the night table. He was really hoping to find what ever it was that everyone was looking for. He even pulled out the drawers and checked the bottoms of them. There was nothing there to be found.
The unmistakable click of a revolver being cocked startled Jimmy. He started to turn around.
“Don’t move!” The firm voice was to Jimmy’s surprise, female.
Kid obviously unaware that they had been caught, turned around. “Woah..”
“Who are you.” The woman demanded. She was beautiful. Her curly auburn hair was pulled back into a bun, with small ringlets tumbling down framing her fragile feminine face. Her brown eyes tried to hide her obvious fear.
“Wait... we can explain.” Kid came towards her. She eased the trigger forward a touch. Kid stopped. “We are Express riders from Nebraska Territory.” She looked at him, as if not sure wether to believe him. “I’m Kid and this here is Jimmy.”
She slowly lowered the gun. “Are you from Rock creek?”
“No.” Kid answered. “Sweetwater.”
“Rock creek is our nearest station.” Jimmy was quick to add.
“So you knew the rider who was killed?” She seemed almost surprised.
“Unfortunatley no.” Kid was truthful. “But I have friends at that station.” Sencing that she was on their side he added, “And we will find out who did this and why.”
Kid had sensed right. She lowered the gun. Kid and Jimmy both sighed a sigh of relief.
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