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  "Thank you. I think I'm going to lie down for a while. I'm very tired."

  "Yes, ma'am," Nix said. He opened the door for her.

  She cut her eyes back to Lovell. "Thank you."

  He nodded and watched her go back into the house.

  "How long have you been a marshal, Don?" Nix asked as they went to the horses.

  "This is my eighth year."

  "I've been in law enforcement for twenty years. This is the worst part of the job. It's a hell of a note to have to tell a woman her man is gone. At least she doesn't have any kids to support."

  "I just wish I had been more forceful about handcuffing Camden. I should have gone by the book, no matter what."

  Nix mounted. "Yes, you should have. And C. W. should have known better, as well. It was C. W.'s choice to take pity on the man. No good deed goes unpunished. We all need to remember that."

  Lovell swung into his saddle. "Yeah, you can bet I'll keep that in mind in the future." He thought of going to his room and getting some rest. He was tired—very, very tired.

  Chapter 16

  He heard a soft knocking and recognized it as Bonny's. He rose from his chair and opened the door to his cottage. She smiled sweetly.

  "Well, are you going to ask me in?"

  "Sure, how are you doing?"

  "I'm doing as well as can be expected. I heard that one of the marshals with you was killed."

  "Yes, C. W. Thompson. Did you know him?"

  "No," she said as she sat in the chair. She looked at him and smiled. "I missed you."

  He smiled. "I heard John moved back into the house."

  "Yes, for the time being."

  He sat on the davenport across from her. "Are you two going to try to get back together?"

  She looked at him like she had just asked a question and was expecting an answer. "Would it matter to you?"

  "I want whatever is best for you," he answered.

  "Always the diplomat," she said with a disappointed smile. "Have you missed me?"

  He hesitated. He didn't know what to say. Yes, he missed her but he didn't want to interfere if she was attempting to reconcile with her husband. "I always miss the company of a good friend."

  She took hold of his hand and gently squeezed it. "I was hoping that by now, we'd be more than that. I look forward so, to seeing you when you're gone."

  He looked down at the floor, uncomfortable with her overtures. He loved her. She was beautiful, easy going and fun. He was guilty for being involved in an affair with a married woman, especially a woman who had so much and who would receive so little from him. He wanted her to go home for the right reasons and he wanted her to stay for all the wrong reasons. He wanted to take her in his arms and make love to her. He wanted to feel her tremble as they made love. He wanted to hold her in his arms as they rested in bed and talked together as they had done several times before. And, he was torn with doubt. He wanted her and yet wasn't certain whether she was using him. Right now she had it all—a comfortable home and financial stability from John and a love affair with him when it was convenient. When he was gone she could go back to her husband and the security he represented. If she was using him then he couldn't get too close. He couldn't get drawn in any more. He thought of how Betsy had led Halderman on, only to go back to him. Was he in Halderman's shoes? If it was only a game for her then he needed to end it. He didn't like cuckolding any man, including himself.

  However, if she was serious and could live with him and what he had to offer? No woman had excited him quite like she did…except maybe Betsy when they were involved. Yet, Betsy had used him. How could this woman be any different? How could an adulteress ever be trustworthy? How long until she threw him over for another, just like Betsy had?

  Now that John Blake had moved back into the house, he was more certain that she only wanted the affair. His feelings for her grew stronger every day and he was afraid that she was only using him until a better offer came along…just like she was doing to John.

  "What are your plans with John?" he asked.

  "I don't know what to do. He says he loves me yet nothing changes. I don't know if I can make it on my own. He gives me everything yet he shares nothing. I am a possession. I want a good friend and lover…like you. He tells me that I am unreasonable to expect that from a relationship. Is it unreasonable to want that, Don?"

  "I don't know. I just don't know." Of course he felt otherwise but he didn't want faithlessly to encourage her. It was not unreasonable to expect a woman to be both a friend and a lover. Why would it be any different for her…and yet, he was in no position to offer her anything but those two things. And how long would it be before he left her in the same situation that C. W. had left Amelia Thompson. He was not a young man and it could be him sprawled in the dirt from a shotgun blast on any given assignment. She needed a younger man in a better profession with more of a future or she needed to go back to John. Either choice would be better. She was used to the best and he would never be able to provide it.

  "Well, I know," she said as she stood and began removing her dress. "I want you and I'm tired of waiting."

  He watched her go into the bedroom and slip from her clothing. Her slender, willowy frame, long fine thighs, and small, slightly uplifted breasts entranced him. He smiled and watched her react with her flirtatious smile. He stepped to her and helped her remove her under garments.

  * * * *

  Lovell had stepped into the courthouse and started toward Nix's office when he met Amelia Thompson carrying papers down the hall. He smiled and removed his hat. "Are you working here now, Mrs. Thompson?"

  She smiled sweetly. "Yes, I've been hired to help with the records. Judge Parker heard about me and offered me the job. I needed it badly. I think Marshal Nix told him of my situation."

  "I'm glad you were able to find the work. I know that Evett was concerned about your welfare."

  "Yes, I didn't know what I was going to do." She paused. "Thank you for all you did when C. W. was killed. I really appreciate you helping me with the horse and all."

  "My pleasure. I wish I could have stayed longer but I had to be on duty."

  She seemed suddenly absorbed in her thoughts. "It's only been three months since C. W. died but it seems like another lifetime ago."

  Lovell smiled. "Has it been that long? I've been so occupied that I didn't realize."

  An emaciated, small framed man in a black suit, with white hair and white goatee, came down the stairs and passed them without speaking. His dark eyes were lifeless and cold. Amelia watched him then turned to Lovell. "Do you know who that strange little man is?"

  Lovell smiled. "I thought everyone knew George Maledon."

  "Is that George Maledon? I had heard so much about him but I've never seen him before."

  "He stays to himself. Most people are uncomfortable around a hangman, especially this one. He's hung seventeen men while he's been with Parker."

  "Strange. So many people respect and admire the judge, yet his hangman makes them uncomfortable. Both men really do the same thing. One sentences them to death and the other puts them to death. Odd how they are viewed so differently."

  "I guess you could place us marshals in the same category. We bring them in, in the first place."

  She smiled. "But we don't place you in the same category."

  "Well, you've never been in the territory. I get exactly the same looks as you gave him when I ride into a town showing the badge. We are often viewed with suspicion and fear."

  "Some of you are. Not you, however. I've heard nothing but good about you and Pete Syle and Heck Thomas. They say you are good marshals who enforce the law without abusing it. There's that black marshal as well…Bass Reeves. I've heard a lot of good things about him."

  "Well, thank you, ma'am. I appreciate the compliment, especially to be included with those men. It's good to hear some positive comments once in a while."

  "Why do you suppose Mr. Maledon is here?"

  "There
are two men due to hang and I imagine Trace Nodine will join them. The judge is due to sentence him next week. Maledon doesn't waste much time. I guess he's here to figure out their dimensions."

  "Dimensions?"

  "Their height and weight and any unusual aspects to their builds. The judge wants condemned men to be hung correctly. He's very particular. There are often five or six hundred people present for a hanging and he wants the sentenced man to die quickly of a broken neck. It would be a disaster to have a prisoner choke hung or come apart at one of Parker's executions."

  She seemed sickened. "Have you seen it often?"

  "No, I've never attended a hanging. Never really had an interest in it before now. I will be there for Nodine's hanging. That's one execution I would like to see."

  "He must be a very bad man."

  "He is, Mrs. Thompson." Images of Leah Walsh and her children flashed through his mind. "He is."

  She started toward her office. "Thank you, I need to be getting on with my work."

  Lovell hesitated, but decided to be bold. "Mrs. Thompson, excuse me for being forward. The harvest celebration is this Sunday and I will be in town. Would you be interested in going to it with me? There is a dance and I love to dance. I really need a partner."

  She gave him an inquisitive look. "I thought you were seeing Sadie Crawford."

  Lovell smiled. He hadn't thought of Sadie in months. "No, I haven't seen Sadie in a long time. It's odd that you should have heard that."

  "I heard it long ago when I first came to Fort Smith. Some of the ladies were talking about the marshals and your relationship with Sadie was mentioned. Someone pointed you out at a church picnic over a year ago and told me who the two of you were. I got the impression it was pretty serious."

  "People talk. There were some folks in town who had us married and setting up house, at least on the gossip circuit, but I don't see Sadie anymore."

  She smiled. "What time?"

  "The picnic begins at noon. How about I call on you around eleven?"

  "Alright, I'll look forward to it."

  "Thank you," Lovell said with a sense of relief. "I'll look forward to it as well."

  He turned toward Nix's office. Suddenly the day seemed much brighter. He hadn't been out with a lady for quite some time. There was the affair with Bonny but he had to be discreet and didn't dare be seen with her in Fort Smith. He missed the company of a woman for various social affairs and he missed dancing. Amelia Thompson could be very convenient. She was a very attractive woman with a solid reputation and a likable personality—just the sort he could take to such occasions without the Fort Smith scandalmongers taking interest. It would only be for fun's sake. It would be an easy relationship with no pressure; just the sort of thing he needed.

  He whistled as he approached Evett Nix's office. He knocked and stepped through the door.

  Evett Nix sat at his desk holding a letter. There was a sick expression on his face.

  Lovell hesitated realizing that whatever was in the letter was not good. "I can come back later if it's a bad time."

  Nix leaned back in his chair and sighed. "No, come in, Don. I need to talk to someone."

  "What is it?"

  Nix looked hard into his eyes. "Pete Syle is dead."

  Lovell felt his knees weaken, his stomach sicken. "What happened?"

  "He was up in Harper gathering some more information for the trial of Yancy Parks. The judge decided to try Parks and Yates in a separate trial from Nodine for fear of all three of them getting off. There was a drunk causing some trouble at a bar. The city marshal was out of town so Pete went in to settle him down. Pete was talking to him—just talking and the guy suddenly pulls a small revolver from his coat and shoots him twice in the chest. I guess he was dead before he hit the floor. The drunk was a tailor. A tailor for Christ's sake! Why would he shoot a man like Pete Syle?"

  Lovell found a chair and sat. "Has anyone told his wife?"

  "No, I just got the letter. No one knows except you."

  "We seem to be burying a lot of marshals here of late…but…Pete Syle, I can't believe it. He was the best man I ever worked with."

  Nix stood and went to the window. "I need to notify Judge Parker. This is going to be a blow to him. His family and Pete's are pretty close."

  "Perhaps he'll want to tell Pete's wife."

  Nix turned and gave Lovell a hard, sick look. "I'll tell you one thing. I sure as hell don't want to do it."

  Chapter 17

  It was going to be a fine day for a picnic and Lovell needed it. He stepped from his cottage and started down the street toward Amelia Thompson's place. He stopped and gazed at his new home, purchased with reward money from several arrests. It was the first home he had owned in several years. Even if it was just a simple single bedroom cottage, it was his and it was reassuring to be able to have a place to return to other than a hotel room. Other marshals had offered to live with him and share expenses but Lovell had declined. Bonny was one reason but he also liked the idea of having a place that was totally his, with no commitments or obligations to anyone else. Lovell was particular about housekeeping, as well, and wasn't about to have to clean up after a roommate.

  It was four blocks to Amelia's home and another four blocks to the park; too short a distance for a buggy. As he walked along he thought of how Fort Smith had grown since he had first arrived. Several square blocks of small homes and cottages had been constructed north of Main Street to make room for the families moving in. The business district had expanded beyond Main Street and was now three blocks wide and expanding to four. Fort Smith had nearly eight thousand people. Eight thousand people in one town. He couldn't believe that he would ever live in such a city.

  Amelia came to the door wearing a simple blue gingham dress and carrying a shawl for the early Fall evening chill. As they walked to the park she slipped her arm through his and they walked along arm in arm. It was a simple, almost thoughtless, move on her part but something unusual for Lovell. He wasn't used to a woman who seemed to enjoy the casual touch of another. Here was a woman who liked to hold hands and would squeeze his hand as she talked. He liked it. It was comforting and tranquil.

  The park was filled with community members talking and visiting. Several married and single marshals were present, as well as court service people. Amelia and Lovell mingled easily among them, moving from one person to the next. Isaac Parker and his wife were present and Lovell spent several minutes visiting with them.

  Joe Crow had kegs of beer opened for purchase and Lovell bought a pale for their meal. He settled with Amelia and they ate at a table constructed from saw horses and planks under the shade of silver maple trees. Several couples joined them and they spent most of the afternoon talking and joking. Amelia had an easy way about her and people were drawn to her friendly manner and good-natured humor. It was very different from what Lovell was used to. He was used to isolation and loneliness, both professionally and personally. He had convinced himself that he liked it that way but this social scene was very appealing for him. He knew it was her doing. Without her he would have holed up with some single marshals and spent his time listening to them talk of duties and assignments. But with Amelia there was women's talk, conversations of children, clothing, and simple household projects. Lovell listened with fascination. Compared to his realm such things seemed so trivial and yet for these women it was their lives. No wonder he had trouble dealing with women. They lived in a totally different world.

  During the course of the day he saw John Black and Bonny. They moved among the others as a couple as though nothing was unusual about their relationship. Lovell saw her glance at him once but they went on. When Lovell returned to Joe Crow's stand for a second pale of beer, John Black stepped beside him and shook his hand.

  "How's that Schofield working out for you?" he asked in a friendly manner.

  "It's a good gun, John. The balance is different from the Colt and I have some difficulty with the small hammer spur but I'll
never be a quick draw man again. It seems like a solid, well-made revolver."

  "Well, if you aren't happy, I'd be glad to take it in trade for some new Peacemakers I have in stock."

  "No, I think I'll stay with the Army surplus Schofield. I really like the tip-up cartridge ejection system on it."

  John nodded and smiled. "I see you have a new lady friend. Who is she?"

  "Amelia Thompson. She's C. W.'s widow."

  "Yes, that was unfortunate. I didn't know C. W. was married. She's a very pretty woman. You make a nice looking couple." He paused. "Too bad about Pete Syle. He was a highly respected man."

  "Yes, he was. How are you and Bonny?" Lovell asked casually but Black's response was critical to what he planned to do in the future.

  "We are trying to work things out. There are good days and bad days. Perhaps in time we can make things work."

  "Perhaps." Lovell was uncomfortable. He needed to move on. "Well, I need to get back to my lady."

  "Before you go, I want to talk privately with you about something," Black said.

  Lovell tensed. He hoped Black was not going to confront him about Bonny in a public place. "Yes?"

  "Do you marshals ever take on private investigation jobs?"

  "On occasion. Why?"

  Black took him by the arm and walked him to a more private location. "I was wondering what it would cost me to have you watch Bonny for a while."

  "Watch Bonny?" Lovell's guts turned as he realized what Black was proposing.

  "I believe she's having an affair. I can't put my finger on it but there are times that she is gone and comes back late, when it seems she is preoccupied with someone else. Her and I haven't been very active lately, if you know what I mean. I think she is seeing someone else."

  "And, what would you do if she was?"

  "What do you mean by that?"

  "John, what if she is having an affair? What would you do about it?"

  John thought for a moment. "Confront her with it. I need something more than just my suspicions. If she is an adulteress, I would have that in court to use as a bargaining chip if I need it."