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Guns and Dreamers
Chapter Five: Closing In
Scott A. Gese
Chapter 5
Closing in
It was a miserable sun scorched July afternoon and shade was in short supply. The streets were all but empty of both man and beast. The stranger went unnoticed as he rode into town. He was tall, stocky and in need of a shave. He was a man on a mission that took him straight to Sheriff Mason's office. Finding him in, he closed the door and latched it. Mason stood up with his hand on his gun as the door closed.
“No need for that, Sheriff. My name is Dan Danner, I'm a U.S. Marshal and I'm here on official business.” The marshal flashed his badge at Sheriff Mason and took a seat across the desk.
Without saying a word, Sheriff Mason walked back over to the door and opened it, then walked back to his desk and sat down. “It's a might humid here today, marshal. I'm trying to catch a breeze. What can I do for you?”
“I'm here to serve a warrant and take into custody a man by the name of Mac Shepard.”
Sheriff Mason almost fell back in his chair when he heard the name. “Mac Shepard? What on earth is he being charged with?”
“Cattle Rustling,” replied the marshal. “He was involved in setting up the theft, and directly involved in the purchase and sale of some 200 head last fall.”
Sheriff Mason grabbed his chin and began to stroke it as he thought back when he and Miles had this very conversation. “Well if that don't beat all. I guess Miles was right after all.”
“Miles, who’s Miles?” questioned Marshal Danner.
“That would be Miles Hanley, a local rancher. He suspected Mac all along, but I had no proof. My hands were tied.”
“Well I have the proof,” replied Danner, his voice revealing a bit of cockiness.
“How so?” questioned the sheriff.
Marshal Danner continued. “Seems the two men who actually did the rustling got into a drunken brawl over a woman up in Abilene. Seems one of the men shot the other, but before the man died he decided to get even with his killer. He spilled the beans on a rustling job the two men did for a man named Mac Shepard in Fort Scott. Said there was a train ready and waiting for them. They loaded the cattle and the train went on its way. They got their money and did the same.”
“That's interesting,” replied Mason. “Miles said he heard a train. I figured he was hearing something off in the distance. Did your investigation follow up on the train? I'd be curious to know how that was possible.”
“It did,” replied Danner. The stationmaster had no record of a train in the area. But that doesn't rule it out. It only means we don't have all the facts yet, and who knows, we may not get them all. What we do have is a deathbed confession with witnesses and that's about all I need.”
“One more question. Was there any mention of a kid named Jason?” quizzed Mason.
“Yes, there was,” answered Danner. “I questioned the man who did the shooting. I admit I had to rough him up a bit, but he finally came clean. Seems they picked up a kid named Jason along the trail. He agreed to give them a hand. Apparently the kid had no clue the cattle were stolen. I pushed pretty hard to get him to tell me the truth about the kid. It makes no sense to me that he wouldn't have known, but he insisted that they never filled him in and the kid had no clue. My guess is he was protecting him for some unknown reason. In any case, I'm not after the kid, just Mac Shepard.”
“So what's your plan?” asked Mason.
Danner shrugged. “Right now, I'm hungry and tired. I'm going to get a bath and a shave, then I'm getting myself some supper. I'll meet you back here in the morning. We'll ride out to Max Shepard's place. I'll serve the warrant and make the arrest. I'll need you to back me up in case he or his men give us any trouble.”
Sheriff Mason shifted in his chair. “If you're thinking there might be gunplay, I doubt if that'll be the case. Mac Shepard doesn't seem the type.”
Danner leaned across the desk and looked Mason square in the eye. He was direct and to the point. “Don't underestimate what a man will do when his life is on the line. Most men would rather take their chances with a bullet, when the alternative is swinging from the end of a rope. I don't expect Shepard to be any different, and you shouldn't either. You're backing me up, so expect it.” And with that, Danner pulled himself erect. “I'll be here in the morning, around seven o'clock. Be ready to go.”
Sheriff Mason didn't bother to get out of his chair as Danner walked out in search of a bath and a shave. Mason didn't like the fact that Danner was giving the orders in his office.
****
The following morning Marshal Danner was up early. A good breakfast was always the first thing on his agenda and this morning was no different. He had easily found the local cafe and was waiting at the door when it opened. The smell of fresh brewed coffee filled the room as he took a seat at the counter. Today was an official business day, which meant his badge was pinned to the outside of his vest.
The waitress gave him a courteous smile as she placed a cup of hot coffee on the counter. Marshal Danner liked the service already.
The door opened and in walked Andrew Crocker who proceeded to sit down right next to the lawman. He couldn't help but notice the badge. “Good morning, Marshal. My name is Andrew, Reverend Andrew Crocker. What brings you to town this morning? Are you on official business, or just taking in the sights?”
“Official business,” replied the marshal as he took a sip of his coffee. Ignoring Andrew and looking toward the waitress, he commented. “Good coffee ma'am. I'd like to order some hot cakes and bacon.”
Andrew Crocker continued his inquiry. “Might I ask what your official business might be?”
“I don't believe you’re an official of this town.” replied Danner.
“I was the pastor in this town for many years and these good people were my flock. I still care deeply for them and if one of them is in trouble, I may want to be there to minister in any way I can.”
“Maybe you should leave the ministering to the new preacher, and the questioning to the town officials,” replied Danner sharply.
Andrew’s eyes narrowed, and he was smiling; the warmth failing to reach his eyes. “I'm still a man of God and I do have my ear to the ground, or should I say to the heavens, so to speak. My guess is Mac Shepard might be involved in your official duties, but that's only a guess.”
Surprised at the comment, Danner questioned Andrew. “And what do you know of Mac Shepard?”
“I know Mac Shepard has his weaknesses like most of the men in this town. I'm not his judge. If the laws of man see fit to bind him, so be it. God and the courts will deal fairly with him.” Andrew took a sip from the coffee the waitress had given him.
“You have a sound ear and a bit of wisdom about you Mr. Crocker. I recommend you not say a word about this conversation,” suggested Danner.
The waitress placed a plate of hotcakes and bacon in front of Danner and he quickly took a big bite. He could feel the preacher’s eyes on him.
Andrew pried a little deeper. “Since we've established the subject of this conversation to be Mac Shepard, might I inquire as to what his charge might be?”
“No,” replied Danner bluntly, as he easily shoved a whole strip of bacon into his mouth.
Andrew didn't let up. “Well then, I would venture to guess it has something to do with cattle rustling.”
Danner almost choked on the bacon he was chewing. “How in the hell do you know that?” he loudly demanded.
“I not only know their weaknesses, I also know their sins.” Andrew Crocker took another gulp of his coffee, got up and stepped toward the door. He looked toward the waitress and pointed toward Danner. “He'll pay.”
Danner looked surprised as he held his hands out palms up in a dumbfounded gesture.
“Don't worry about it, marshal. His coffee is always on the house,” stated the waitress. She stepped into the kitchen and told the cook to stall Danner and that she would only be a minute. She took off her apron and stepped out the back door.
The Doctor’s office was only a block away. The waitress raced down the street as fast as she dared, but not so fast as to bring attention to herself. She was glad to find the door unlocked. She quickly entered and found Dr. Dunn getting ready for the day as he had just arrived. “Where's Sarah?” She hastily asked.
“Sarah's out at her brother's today,” he replied. Discerning a sense of urgency in her voice, he asked, “May I help you?”
“You have to get an urgent message to her,” the waitress implored. “There's a marshal in town. He's on his way to Mac's place to arrest him for cattle rustling.”
Ben was surprised to here this. “Surely you must be mistaken. Mac's not a cattle rustler.”
The waitress continued. “Listen Dr. Dunn. Sarah and Mac are my friends. I hope you're right and this is all one big mistake, but this is what I know. There's a marshal sitting in the cafe right now who plans to arrest Mac for cattle rustling. Someone needs to warn him.”
“All right,” replied Ben. “I'll take care of it. I'll ride out there and give Mac a heads up. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Thank you, Dr. Dunn. I really do appreciate it.”
The waitress left the office and headed back to the cafe. “Good morning again,” she said to Andrew Crocker as she whizzed passed him.
Andrew just smiled. He knew exactly what she was up to.
The waitress returned through the back door of the cafe just as the marshal was finishing his second piece of fresh apple pie.
“Did you make this pie, ma'am?” he inquired.
“Why, yes I did, Marshal. Do you like it?”
“Best pie I ever ate.” Danner stated as he washed down the last bite with a swig of hot coffee. “What's your secret?”
“Well if I told you it wouldn't be a secret now, would it?” she teased.
“I guess you're right about that,” replied Danner. “I'd love it if my wife could bake a pie like this.” Danner pulled some money from his pocket to pay his bill.
“But just for you,” the waitress continued. “I'm going to tell you my secret. In fact, I'll write it down just for your wife. It has to do with...”
She stalled Danner for another twenty minutes.
As the waitress delayed the marshal, Miles Hanley, who happened to be in town, crossed paths with Andrew; who had taken a seat in an empty chair in front of the barbershop.
“I never did thank you for those words you gave me, Andrew,” said Miles as he sat down next to the man and leaned the back of his chair against the wall. “I'm hoping they did the trick.”
“There's no trick involved,” replied Andrew as he kept his focus on the cafe down the street. “I'm sure Mac dwelled on those words, and as the Good Book says, He who dwelleth upon the word of the Lord will receive the desires of his heart. What he's been thinking about for the past few months is coming into being for him.”
“Well however it is, I hope it worked,” answered Miles. “You seem to have a knack for judging people.”
Andrew turned his attention off the cafe and on to Miles. “I judge no man. I merely plant the seeds.”
“Well you would have made one hell of a farmer,” chided Miles.
“I'm a shepherd,” Andrew replied, clearly unhappy with the comment.
“You also got a way with words. Once Mac is arrested, his ranch will be left unattended. What words can you give me that'll help me get my hands on it?”
Clearly unhappy, Andrew looked at Miles with intensity and pointed a stern finger at him. “Thou shalt not covet, and if those words won't work for you, try these...go to hell.” Andrew got up and angrily walked away leaving Miles to wonder what he had said to cause the retired parson to get so upset.
****
Benjamin Dunn closed the office and saddled up his horse. He always kept it hitched behind the office for those times when he needed it quickly. This was one of those times. He rode like the wind out to Mac's place. There was an eeriness about this ride. It reminded him of the night he left Virginia with a mob of angry vigilantes on his heels.
He reached the ranch in record time, but there was already another horse out front. Was he too late? Sarah heard him coming and met him at the door. “Ben, what are you doing here? Is everything alright? What's going on?”
Without giving Ben a chance to reply she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him through the doorway. “I'm so glad you're here, look what the cat drug in.”
As Ben was pulled into the house he saw Jason sitting at the kitchen table. “Well I'll be darned,” he exclaimed. Jason stood up and the two shook hands. “You look a little older, Jason.”
“I've grown some,” he replied.
“So Ben, why are you here?” Inquired Sarah.
“Is Mac here?” he asked.
“No, “she replied. “He left for Mound City this morning. You're starting to worry me, Ben. What's going on?”
“Sarah, I'm afraid I have some distressing news. There's a marshal in town and word is he's on his way here to arrest Mac for rustling cattle.”
“Rustling cattle? There must be some mistake? Mac is no cattle rustler. He owns all of his cows. He didn't take them from anyone. I'm sure he can explain, right?”
“I'm not sure what the truth is, Sarah. I'm just going by what I've been told.”
Sarah turned to Jason. Her eyes fixed on his. “Jason, do you know anything about this?”
Jason dropped his head. He couldn't hold her gaze. “These cows are his, but it's not my place to explain the past deeds of my father,” he replied. “But I will warn him.”
Sarah just stood there looking at Jason in disbelief. “What do you mean, past deeds?”
Jason grabbed his hat. “I need a few supplies.” He went to the pantry and took whatever was available and stuffed them into a bag. He gave Sarah a hug.
“You didn't answer my question,” the woman scolded. She knew it would be pointless to push him.
“I'll be back,” Jason stated assuredly as he again skirted the question. He shook Ben's hand. “Thanks for the warning.” He left the house and mounted up.
“He took the old road,” shouted Sarah. “It's safer.”
After Jason rode off, Sarah broke down and began to weep. Ben held her close.
****
The lawman carefully folded the piece of paper and put it in his breast pocket. “My wife's a good cook. I know she'll enjoy giving this recipe a try.” Danner got up to leave. “Well, you've kept me longer than I planned, so I've really got to get out of here.” The marshal paid his bill and hurried out the door. The pie was good, but now he was wondering if he should have eaten that second piece. He walked over to the sheriff’s office.
It was past eight o'clock when the marshal darkened the sheriff’s door. “Sorry I'm late. The cafe down the street serves a good breakfast, and their pie is first rate.”
“Oh, I know about the pie,” replied the sheriff. “More than once I've indulged myself with a second piece. Especially the apple. It's usually a bad idea, at least for me. But it's so damn good, I can't help myself. I end up having to do some quick-steppin', if you know what I mean. Are you ready to go?”
“Will be in just a minute,” replied Danner. His discomfort level was growing by the minute. “I need to step out back first.”
The sheriff chuckled. “You must have had the apple.”
“Twice,” replied Danner as he headed out the back door. When he had finished with his emergency situation he pulled the recipe from his pocket and threw it down the hole.
As soon as the two men were ready, they saddled up and headed toward Mac Shepard's place. The ride was slow. Danner had to make one more ‘Apple Pie’ stop along the way. Sheriff Mason was in no hurry. He was anything but anxious about what they were about to do. He actually liked Mac and his sister, Sarah. Mac would stand trial and if he was found guilty he would more than likely hang. And with Sarah about to be wed to Dr. Dunn, it would make for a truly unhappy wedding.
As they approached the ranch, Marshal Danner laid out the plan. “Sheriff, I'll serve the warrant alone. I'll need you to stay mounted with the horses. If Mac should try to run, I'll need you to head him off. Don't let him get to a horse. I really don't want to have to chase him.”
Sheriff Mason easily agreed. He really didn't want to be involved in this any more than he had to. He didn't relish the thought of looking Mac or Sarah in the face when the arrest was being made.
As they approached, they could see one horse out front. “Don't let anyone get to that horse,” ordered Danner.
They stopped just outside the front gate. The marshal made one last check. He had his badge, gun and paperwork. He dismounted, took a deep breath and walked up to the front door. He knocked loudly.
Dr. Dunn opened the front door.
“Mac Shepard?” asked the marshal in an official tone.
“No, my name is Ben Dunn.”
“Is Mac Shepard in the house or here on the ranch somewhere?”
“No,” replied Ben.
“My name is Marshal Dan Danner and I'm looking for Mac Shepard. May I ask you to please step outside? I'd like the sheriff here to identify you, if you don't mind.” He pointed toward the sheriff.
“No, not at all,” replied Ben as he stepped outside.
The marshal called out to the sheriff. “Sheriff Mason, can you please identify this man for me?”
Sheriff Mason called back. “That's not Mac, that's Dr. Ben Dunn.”
Marshal Danner then asked Ben, “Can you tell me where I can find Mac Shepard.”
“What's this all about, marshal?” asked Ben.
“This is official business. I have an arrest warrant for Mac Shepard,” he replied.
Ben acted surprised. “Arrest warrant? What on earth for?”
Marshal Danner ignored the question. “Do you know where I can locate Mr. Shepard?”
“He's gone on business and won't be back for a couple of days,” replied Ben.
“And where did he go,” asked the marshal with a note of skepticism.
“Mound City,” replied Ben.
“Are you the only one here?” asked the Marshal.
“No, my fiancée is here, as well as two hired hands. Do you need the sheriff to identify them as well? The men are out right now and won't be back until suppertime.”
“May I have your word that Mac Shepard is not on the ranch?” questioned the marshal.
“You have my word,” replied Ben.
The marshal turned toward Sheriff Mason. “Sheriff Mason, would you say that Mr. Dunn here is a man of his word?”
“Absolutely,” replied the sheriff. “I have no doubt about it.”
The lawman turned back toward Ben. “In that case, I'll be on my way. Please don't plan to leave until I have a chance to serve this warrant.”
“I can't do that.” Protested Ben. “I have a business to attend to in town. Besides, it would be extremely inappropriate for me to stay here alone with my fiancée.”
“Well, then you'll need to be escorted back to town. Come with me and we'll talk this out with the sheriff.”
The two men walked out to Sheriff Mason. “Sheriff Mason, I need you to stay here and keep an eye on the house. I'll go back to town and send a deputy out to relieve you. If Mr. Dunn is ready to go back to town now, he can come with me, otherwise he'll need to come in with you once the deputy arrives.”
“I'll wait for the deputy,” replied Ben.
“Fair enough,” replied the marshal as he mounted his horse. “I'll send a deputy as soon as I get to town.” The lawman turned his horse toward town and headed down the road.
No sooner was he out of sight, Sarah burst out of the house and ran toward the sheriff. “Mac is no thief and you know it, he didn't steal anyone's cattle,” she cried out.
“Now calm down, Sarah. I'm not the one saying he is.” Suddenly, Sheriff Mason realized what Sarah had just said. “Say, wait a minute here. How in blazes did you know Mac was being charged with stealing cattle?”
“It's a small town, sheriff, you know that,” interjected Ben.
“It ain't that small,” replied Mason.
“Just the same, we know,” said Sarah.
“Does Mac know and is he here?” questioned Sheriff Mason with renewed concern.
“No, Mac doesn't know, and no, he's not here. I gave you my word on that,” replied Ben.
“Well then, can I get off this horse and get out of the sun?” asked the sheriff.
“Why, of course,” replied Sarah. “I'd invite you in, but under the circumstances...”
“That's quite alright,” replied the sheriff as he dismounted. “I have to stay here and keep an eye on things. I hope you understand.”
“Not really,” replied Sarah rudely. “You do what you have to do and I'll do the same.” She walked back to the house and slammed the front door behind her.
Ben stayed behind to talk with the sheriff. “Listen Joe, I understand you're only doing your job. You'll have to forgive Sarah. This is her brother being accused here. I need to get back to my office. When your deputy comes to replace you, don't leave without me.”
“I'll make sure of that,” replied the sheriff.
He moved into the shade of a nearby pine tree as Ben walked back toward the house.
As Ben walked in, he found Sarah sitting on the edge of a chair with her head in her hands. She looked up at Ben as he walked in the door. “What happens now?” she wondered out loud. “I hope Jason finds Mac, but then what? Will they come back here? If he does he'll be arrested. If Mac is guilty, he won't come back. Where will he go? What will he do? Will Jason stay with him? I don't know what to think!” Sarah was beside herself and once again she began to cry.
Ben did his best to console her. “Sarah, we don't have the answers to these questions. We just need to believe that Jason will find him and warn him. That's all we can hope for. After that, it's up to Mac to decide what he wants to do. It's not in our hands. All we can do is stay strong. There are things that need to be taken care of here. The hired hands will watch over the place for the next few days, after that, we'll just have to wait and see what happens. We'll keep things going here as long as we have to. Mac can take care of himself, whatever he decides to do.”
“How are we going to run this place. We both have jobs in town?” She stood up and began to pace the room. “We can't be in both places!”
Ben replied. “Sarah, If Mac doesn't return, let's hope Jason has enough sense to distance himself and return back here. He'll have to run the place. If that doesn't happen, I'll hire another hand to help out around here until we get a better picture of what we're up against. For now, the best thing we can do is not panic.”
Sarah began to calm down. Ben had a way of doing that to her. He was her rock and that was one of the things she loved about him. “What about for now?” she asked.
“For now, I need to head back to town” replied Ben. “I plan to do that when Joe's deputy shows up. Do you want to go back as well?”
“No,” Sarah replied. “I'll stay here for a few days. The hired hands still need to eat. And like you said, let's hope Jason has enough sense to come back. I'll need to be away from the office for a few days.”
“That sounds like a good plan, Sarah. I'll come out as often as I can.” Ben caught Sarah as she paced past him and gave her a reassuring hug. “I love you, Sarah McKinney.”
“I love you too, Ben Dunn.” Sarah held him close for a long minute.
****
The deputy had arrived. Sheriff Mason and Ben began a very long and quiet ride back to town. About a mile before they reached Fort Scott they met Marshal Danner on the road.
“Sheriff Mason. I appreciate all the help you've given me. I'm on my way to Mound City. I'm hoping I can intercept Mr. Shepard along the way. He won't be expecting the warrant so I'll have the element of surprise on my side. If he should happen to get by me, it'll be up to your deputy stationed at the ranch to make the arrest.”
“All my deputies understand their duties,” replied Mason.
“Very good,” replied Danner. “I'm on my way.” He passed by and continued toward Mound City. Marshal Danner was proving himself to be a very impatient man. Unaware of the old road, he took the new road, never suspecting he was on a wild goose chase.
“He should have just waited it out here,” grumbled Mason as the two men rode on. “Why hell, all he has is a name. He doesn't even know who he's looking for.”
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