Cara was already out the door. “I’ll get Chase!”
Sophie yelled, “Get Delbert too!”
The spinsters drew closer and knelt beside the barely breathing July. Rachel placed her hand on his forehead. “Get some cotton, Olivia, he’s bleeding bad.”
Olivia couldn’t think. All she could see was the torn and bleeding flesh.
Daisy yelled, “Olivia! Move, girl! We have to staunch this blood!”
Olivia moved.
By the time Delbert and Chase arrived, the fabric the women had placed over the wound was saturated and useless. Delbert knelt quickly, saying, “You ladies move back, I need to get this vest off.”
The sharp blade of Chase’s knife made short work of Neil’s leather vest. Delbert looked grim. “He’s been back shot. I need to lay him somewhere so I can see if the bullets are lodged in the wound.”
“Use my bedroom.”
“Thanks. If we try and take him all the way to my place, I’m scared he’ll bleed to death on the way.”
There was so much blood that Olivia felt like swooning. Her heart in her throat, she watched Delbert, Chase, and the just-arrived Asa gingerly carry Neil into the back and place him on her bed. Once he was situated, the men closed the door, and Olivia began to pray.
It didn’t take long for the news to spread, and soon most of the seven hundred people in town for the festivities were standing in front of Olivia’s shop hoping to get a look at anybody connected to the whirlwind surrounding the infamous and popular Neil July.
Inside, Olivia was pacing and saying to the women, “I know he’s wanted by the law, but who would shoot him in the back!”
That was the question of the hour. The code in the west was that only a coward shot a man in the back. A few moments later, Olivia’s question was answered as Armstead Malloy burst into the shop. “Where’s Jefferson?”
The women observed him with malevolent looks. Olivia replied, “The sheriff is occupied at the moment.”
He grinned proudly. “I know. I came to stake my claim on the July reward money.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “You did this?!”
He puffed out his chest like a bantam rooster. “If you’re meaning did I shoot July, I sure did. Saw him ride by. Lucky I had my Winchester with me.”
Sophie asked pointedly, “Was your aim that bad, or did you intend to shoot him in the back?”
Malloy flinched like he’d been slapped, then, recovering his swagger, he said, “Warrant said dead or alive. It doesn’t say how to bring him in—just bring him in.”
Sophie said, “So you bushwhacked him.”
When Malloy didn’t reply, Daisy said in disapproving tones, “Mr. Malloy, you have a lot to learn about living out here. Only a coward shoots a man in the back.”
He appeared uncomfortable for a moment, then looked away.
Sybil Whitfield added, “I hope the money you collect will compensate for the damage this will do to your reputation.”
Malloy sniffed. “He’s an outlaw, ladies. You’re acting as if July is someone of value.”
Olivia had had enough. “Get out of my shop.”
“I need to see the sheriff.”
“Some other time, and don’t worry, I’ll let him know you were responsible. By this time tomorrow, everyone in the three-state area will probably know. I hope you enjoy the notoriety it brings.” The fire in her eyes must have made an impression, because he turned on his heel and exited.
She snapped, “Nasty little man!”
Rachel said sagely, “Nasty little bushwhacker.”
Olivia agreed on the truer description.
As one hour turned into two and the men still hadn’t come out of the bedroom, Olivia was actively fighting her fear that Neil might die. Where had he come from? She thought he’d left the area weeks ago. She could still hear his plea for help, and the memory of his bloody, bullet-torn back would stay with her for a long time. Armstead Malloy needed a whip taken to him for such a cowardly act. No one deserved to be back shot—no one—yet Delbert Johnson was in there fighting to save Neil’s life. She was sure he would do all he could, but would it be enough?
Three hours after Doc Johnson’s arrival, he came out of the bedroom followed by Chase and Asa. All had blood on their shirts, and Olivia held her breath as she waited for Delbert’s prognosis.
“If he survives the night, it’ll be a miracle. I got the bullets, but he’s lost a serious amount of blood. If anyone has a way of contacting his kin, it should be done.”
Olivia bit her lip to keep the emotions from showing on her face.
Cara said to her husband, “Chase, Malloy shot him.”
Chase turned sharply. “Malloy?”
She nodded. “He came by earlier to stake his claim on the reward money. Those are his words.”
“You bushwhack a man, then you come in bragging about it? He’s one of a kind.”
Delbert shook his head in sorrow and amazement. “I’m going to spend the night here just in case I’m needed. Miss Olivia, you’re welcome to stay at my place.”
“No, I’ve another bedroom, and I’d prefer to stay. You may need someone to cook, wash linen—”
He eyed her. “I appreciate the offer, but you’re an unmarried woman. It won’t do to have the gossips trashing your reputation.”
“Doctor, Neil July came here after being shot—my reputation is already being run through the mill. I’ll stay unless the sheriff thinks it might be dangerous.”
Chase shook his head. “July couldn’t hurt a fly in the shape he’s in, but it’ll look better if I stayed around, too.” He then turned to his wife. “You and Branch will be all right?”
She nodded.
Olivia silently blessed them both.
A short while later, Olivia’s women friends decided to leave but vowed to stop by in the morning. There was still an August First celebration to oversee—Neil July or no Neil July, and they vowed to make certain the programs went smoothly. Olivia gave them all a strong hug, then saw them to the door.
Outside, the street was still filled with people. Many were holding lit torches so they could see in the thick Kansas darkness.
One of the farmers yelled out, “How’s July doing, Miss Olivia?”
She knew the truth was best. “Not good. He was back shot.”
A buzz of disbelief went through the crowd.
She added, “Armstead Malloy is claiming to be the bushwhacker.”
More disbelief and a distinct grumble of disapproval could be heard.
“I’m asking that you all leave so Mr. July can have some peace. We’ll know more in the morning.”
To her surprise, the people dispersed without protest, and a grateful Olivia went back inside.
Chase met her at the door. “I’m going to talk to Malloy. I’ll be back soon as I can.”
She nodded, then went to join Doc Johnson’s death watch.
Neil was floating through a lush green land he thought might be Florida. Although he’d never been there, his ancestral spirit assured him that this was indeed the homeland of the Seminole Nation. He saw orange trees and houses on stilts. There were children laughing and playing amidst the tropical forest, and women weaving vessels from the tall, fragrant grasses that grew in abundance. He saw men wearing the traditional colorful feathered turbans and ear ornaments working together to clear a portion of the forest so it could be turned into a productive field. One of the men was his grandfather, the old chief July. When he saw Neil approaching, he said, “Neil, my son.”
“Greetings, abuelo.”
Neil’s grandfather looked healthy and strong. The other men stopped working and were viewing Neil with interest. Some of their faces were familiar: John Horse, the revered leader of the Black Seminoles, and Wild Cat, son of Seminole Chief Phillip. In 1849, Chiefs Wild Cat and John Horse led the Seminoles on the Great Trek, a nine-month walk from Indian Territory to Mexico. Standing beside John Horse was Adam Paine, a Seminole scout who’d had the
Medal of Honor bestowed upon him for bravery, only to be murdered by a Texas sheriff who shot Paine at such close range that Paine’s clothing caught fire. So, am I dead, too?
Before Neil could figure that out, or try and put names to the other faces, his grandfather asked, “Why are you here, Neil?”
“I’m not sure, abuelo.”
His grandfather stated gravely, “It is not time for you to join us.”
Neil didn’t understand.
“Go back, Neil.”
The men turned away and resumed their work, then Neil felt himself fading back into darkness.
Olivia awakened in her spare room, and it took her a moment to remember where she was. Neil’s plight came back in a rush, so she got up and hurriedly grabbed a blouse and skirt. She prayed he’d survived the night.
Delbert was in the kitchen pouring alcohol on some of Olivia’s stoutest thread when she entered. “How is he?”
“He’s alive, but for how long only the good Lord knows. I need to repair some of the stitches.”
“But you didn’t expect him to live through the night.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Then that’s a good sign.”
“Under normal circumstances, yes, but he has a long way to go. I wouldn’t get my hopes up too high were I you.”
Olivia nodded her understanding. “Where’s the sheriff?”
“I sent him home about an hour after I sent you to bed.”
The doc had shooed her off around 3 A.M. It was now six, which meant she’d gotten a whole three hours of sleep. She now understood why she felt so poorly and out of sorts. “When are you going to get some sleep?”
He shrugged. “I may leave for a few hours when Chase returns.”
“I’ll make us some fresh coffee, then. Are you hungry?”
“No, not really.”
Olivia didn’t press him. He had weariness stamped all over his face, and he didn’t need her nagging him to eat.
While making the coffee she asked, “Has he regained consciousness?”
“Not really. He’s been doing lots of mumbling—talking in his dreams, I’m assuming. Most of it is in Spanish.”
Olivia was surprised by that revelation. She’d had no idea Neil knew Spanish, but when she remembered him talking about living in Mexico, it all made sense.
By the time the spinsters arrived at seven-thirty, Olivia was more awake, washed and dressed for the day.
Daisy asked, “How’s he faring?”
“He’s still here.”
Rachel nodded. “The Seminole Nation fought the government almost two decades before their removal west. He comes from strong stock. Just keep praying.”
As Olivia moved through the day, Neil was constantly on her mind. Asa and Sophie sat with him most of the morning, while Delbert went home to get a few hours’ sleep. Olivia wanted to stop by and check on Neil, but the mayor was needed to open the choir competition. In the end she was glad to witness the event because of the inner strength she received from the holy music.
Everywhere she went for the rest of the afternoon, people stopped her to ask about Neil. She related all that she knew and was surprised by how many people claimed to be praying for his recovery.
Before heading home, Olivia walked over to the sheriff’s office. Chase looked as weary as she felt. “How’s our patient?” he asked.
“I haven’t had a chance to check on him, but I’m assuming he is still with us.”
“Someone would have let us know if he wasn’t. So you survived August First.”
Olivia sighed. The festivities were finally over for another year. “I’ll let you know tomorrow.”
“You did well, considering the circumstances.”
“I know. A lot of people are praying for him. One would think folks wouldn’t care one way or the other about an outlaw.”
“True, but Neil isn’t a run-of-the-mill outlaw. He and Shafts are larger than life out here. Folks admire them for their cleverness, their pranks, and their generosity.”
He must have seen the confusion on her face, because he explained, “Neil and Shafts have been known to drop off their loot at orphanages, schools, veterans’ homes. They’ve never killed anyone as far as I know, and folks respect that.”
Olivia did too. “Did you talk to Malloy?”
“Yep. He’s chomping at the bit for the reward money, but I told him he gets nothing until after the trial.”
“Trial?”
He nodded. “Once the marshal in Topeka gets wind of Neil being here, he’s going to want me to hold him until the trial.”
“How soon?”
“Depends on when the circuit judge can fit us in.”
She didn’t like the sound of that. “Will Malloy be brought up on charges of bushwhacking?”
“No, unfortunately. Neil’s the only one at risk here. The railroad and the army are going to lobby the judge for a long imprisonment. Neil’s been a thorn in their sides for years.”
“But Malloy goes scot free.”
“And is entitled to the reward.”
Olivia shook her head. She understood the army and the railroad’s position on Neil, but she didn’t think Malloy should be rewarded for his treachery. “Do you see any way out of this for Neil?”
“No.”
Olivia didn’t either. “Did you contact his brother?”
“I sent a wire to Wewoka in Indian Territory, one to Brackettville, Texas, and one to Nacimiento in Mexico in case some of his family is still there.”
“What do you think Two Shafts will do?”
“Ride here and try to break him out. It’s what I’d do if it were my brother. The Twins have only been captured once. I’m sure Shafts wants that record to stand.”
“Will there be trouble?”
“More than likely. Shafts probably won’t come alone.”
Olivia felt a shiver of fear cross her skin.
Chase added, “I’m not so much worried about Shafts as I am about the bounty hunters who are going to come sniffing around.”
“Bounty hunters?”
“Yes, the lure of the money on Neil’s head is going to pull in every piece of horse riding trash from here to Texas.”
“But doesn’t the reward money belong to Malloy?”
“Only if he’s alive to collect it and only if Neil stays put. Which he probably won’t. The bounty hunters know there isn’t a jail that can hold either of the Twins for long, and when he escapes they aim to be right on his tail.”
Olivia found this more and more distressing.
“I told Malloy he might want to stop all his bragging and leave town until after the trial. Men who hunt other men for a living won’t think twice about plugging him to put him out of the picture.”
“What did he say?”
“He doesn’t believe I know what I’m talking about…so…” Chase shrugged, as if that were explanation enough.
“Do you really think we’re going to be overrun by bounty hunters?”
“Yep. If Neil lives, they’ll start riding in by week’s end.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Call on a deputy marshal friend I know down in Wewoka to come up and add his guns to mine. Name’s Dixon Wildhorse.”
“Will he come?”
“I’m hoping so. Waiting for him to wire me back.”
“Where do I go to resign as mayor?”
Chase chuckled. “Too late. In for a penny, in for a pound.”
“I know.” She felt like her head was spinning. “Well, I’m heading home. Maybe this won’t seem so overwhelming after I’ve had some dinner.” She headed to the door.
“Olivia.”
She turned back. “Yes?”
“As long as Neil is alive, he’s under arrest. If you aid him in escaping in any way, you’ll be facing a judge, too.”
She studied him. “I understand.”
“Just so you do.”
She nodded and took her leave.
Chapter 9
Delbert and the Two Spinsters were at Olivia’s house when she arrived. The doctor looked a lot less weary after having finally gotten some rest, and the spinsters, bless their hearts, had prepared a supper of roast chicken, corn, and collards. For Olivia, the combined forces of no sleep, the festivities, and Neil’s crisis had her so worn down that she wasn’t sure she could stay awake long enough to eat the meal. “How is he?”
Delbert replied glumly, “Nothing’s changed.”
It wasn’t good news, but in Olivia’s mind, it wasn’t bad news either. Neil was still breathing, and that in itself was a blessing. Although she dearly wanted to see him, she didn’t know how the doctor would react to such an improper request, so she kept the wish to herself and sat down to eat.
Neil was floating again, but unlike the lush green forest he’d visited before, his surroundings were harsh, the earth parched and cracked, reminding him of the mountainous regions of Texas. Up ahead he saw a woman cooking beans over a fire. She was dressed in red. It was his mother. When she looked up and saw him, surprise livened her face. “Neily, is that you?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“You are bleeding.”
For the first time, Neil noticed the blood pooling at his feet. A look behind him showed the trail of bloody footprints leading to the spot where he stood. The sight disturbed him, but he wondered why he didn’t feel any pain. “Where am I, Mama?”
“In my dreams, Neily.”
He tried to make sense of that but couldn’t.
His mother gave him a sad smile. “I will send your brother to fetch you home. Hang on to your soul.”
Neil had no idea what she meant by that, but being the good son that he was, he said, “Yes, Mama.”
And she was gone.
Neil stayed in dreamland for seven days. He hunted jaguar with the Great Chief Osceola, hiked the mountains of Texas with his father, and dined on peaches and rattlesnakes. Neil and his horse chased trains that always left them behind, and he saw Olivia’s face shimmering in a clear pool of water at the base of a waterfall. Through it all he could hear the sounds of hushed voices nearby, and he wondered if they were the voices of the Seminole gods.