Two Wrongs

By Dallas Releford

Jess McCain, an agent for the Overland Stage Company is disgruntled when his boss, Clint Randall pulls him off an important assignment and sends him to Junction City, Colorado to help a young woman rancher, Lisa Kidd who is having trouble with outlaws who want to take her ranch and aren’t hesitant to kill her and her father to get it. The Overland Company is the last stage and freight line to avoid Wells Fargo’s aggressive acquisition efforts. The Overland Company has a stage depot on Kidd property and the Kidd Family raises horses for them. Aware that if the Kidd Ranch fails, the Overland Company might also be in trouble, Jess accepts the assignment.
On his way to the Kidd Ranch, Jess helps a young man who has been attacked by outlaws. His name is Jim Sparks, a guard and hired hand working for the Overland Company. Jess discovers that the wagon was loaded with gold from a nearby goldmine and that the outlaws have been attacking the freight line repeatedly. With the driver dead, they head for the Kidd Ranch.
Jim Sparks and Jess McCain (who is working undercover as Tom Hardy) arrive at the Kidd Ranch in time to fend off another outlaw attack. Jess (Tom) meets Lisa Kidd and is immediately impressed with her beauty and captivated by her independent spirit and relentless courage. She tells him that Simon Moore has been trying to buy the ranch and that the outlaws have become more daring since Moore made the offer. Tom masquerades as a land developer hoping to find out who is behind the outlaws viciousness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dallas Releford
• Release date: Feb 8, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465724991

Book preview

Two Wrongs

By:

DALLAS RELEFORD

Published by

Dallas Releford at Smashwords.com

Two Wrongs

Copyright (C) 2011 Dallas Releford

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This book is a work of fiction. References to real people, places, events, organizations, areas, or locations are intended to provide a feeling of authenticity and are used in a fictitious manner. All other characters, dialogue and incidents are drawn from the author’s imagination and shouldn’t be accepted as real.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without explicit permission from the author or publisher except in brief quotations used in an article or in a similar way.

Smashwords Edition, License notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. The ebook may not be re-sold or given to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Dedication

I would like to thank my wife Sharon for her understanding while I was writing this book. She passed away on August 18, 2010. She is dearly missed.

I would also like to thank my agent and typist, Harriet Smith and Martin Smith, my advisor and typist. Their hard work and dedication has made this book much better than it would have been without them.

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Graphics, book cover and artwork by

Dallas Releford

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TWO WRONGS

(Western)

Chapter 1

Dallas Releford

Jess McCain walked briskly down Market Street as the early morning sun cast shadows of build-ings and trees onto San Francisco streets. Dressed in a tailored gray suit and a gray wide-brimmed Stetson, he smiled at a couple of beautiful women as they walked hurriedly by staring at him suspiciously. Pausing for a moment, he watched them cross the street. Pulling a gold watch from a vest pocket, he flipped it open and groaned. His boss, Clint Randall had requested his presence this morning in the office at the Overland Stage Company at precisely nine o’clock. The Overland Company building was two blocks away. It was nine o’clock. He’d be lucky if he made the meeting in twenty minutes and Randall most certainly wouldn’t like that, not at all.

Reeling from lack of sleep, he quickly step-ped aside almost tripping off the sidewalk while avoiding a collision with a tall bald headed man twice his size. It wouldn’t pay to get into a brawl now. The man looked as if he’d just stumbled out of a bar and was looking for somebody to take his frustration out on. Jess wasn’t about to become his punching bag.

Jess had been in Denver three days ago when he received Randall’s urgent telegram ordering him back to the home office in San Francisco. Now, here he was, tired, angry with his boss for bringing him out here when he just about had the case solved in Denver and wondering what it was all about. Leaving Steve Grady, an accountant who sometimes helped him as an investigator, with cases to complete the investigation wasn’t something he had wanted to do, except Randall had left him little choice. The only thing he could do now was find out what was urgent enough to take him off a major case and leave an amateur investigator on the job. Sometimes, he wondered if Randall wasn’t an alcoholic or maybe a little crazy. He most certainly didn’t seem to have the Overland Stage Company’s best interests in mind.

The train ride west had been long and tiresome. Arriving yesterday, he’d checked into a hotel and had immediately fallen asleep. Even eight hours rest hadn’t alleviated the soreness and the pain in his joints. Only a good woman and a bottle of whiskey could come close to fixing his problem. Then maybe he would sleep for another eight hours. Even though Jess wasn’t an aggressive drinker, he did consider having a drink when he felt down a necessity.

The streets were crowded, so he hastened his pace knowing he was going to be late. It seemed as if everyone was in his way as he maneuvered through endless bodies. The Overland Company offices were located next to the bank, a fitting location for a once prestigious business that was slowly sinking because of competition from the railroad. Jess wondered how many more years it would be until he’d have to find another job. The building itself was constructed from fine brick and had white window frames. Jess noticed that the windows were always clean and clear as crystal. Randall made sure the landlord kept the building in tiptop shape. Nothing else would do. Jess sighed and braced himself for another confrontation with the boss and for another long day he’d just as soon sleep through.

The doorman held the door open for him as he approached. Morning, Mr. McCain. Late again?

You know me, Frank. I’ll be late for my wedding, if I ever have one. Leaving Frank to scratch his chin and ponder the meaning of his words, he entered the building and walked down the hallway to the first door on the left. On the door a large sign with gold letters read: Overland Stage Company: Clint Randall, President. Walking through the door he studied Jane Norton, the receptionist as he approached her. She was as gorgeous as she had been the last time he saw her. He didn’t think she ever aged.

When she noticed him, a wry smile appeared on her lovely face. If you had arrived an hour ago, we could have had breakfast. Now, don’t you see what you miss by being late at the office all the time? Where have you been, Jess, or do I want to know?

Jess stood in front of the desk with a sly grin on his face. Jane Norton was the jealous type. Her long blond hair was bundled up behind her head with a blue ribbon holding it in place. Her azure blue eyes sparkled. He could never decide on the exact color of her eyes. When she was angry, he could swear that he saw a little red in them. A dimple on her cheek—that only appeared when she was smiling—appealed to him. That’s why he tried to keep her smiling, as much and as often as he could. She was less dangerous when she was happy.

Pointing his finger accusingly at her, he shook his head in disapproval. You know the boss frowns on employees dating. I’ve been out of town on a special assignment. At least, I thought it was special until the boss called me back here for a meeting. Maybe we can have lunch the next time I’m in town. I have a funny feeling that I’m not going to be here very long. Not even long enough to take a beautiful woman like you out to dinner.

You always promise, Jess and you never keep your word. Next time though, I’m going to use this if you don’t keep your word. Opening a desk drawer Jane pulled a Colt .45 and waved the barrel of the gun at him. Get the message?

Jess always made sure the weapon was unloaded every time he caught her back turned. Even from where he was standing, he could see that the cylinder was empty. She was just joking anyway and they both knew it. Still, where guns were concerned, accidents could happen.

Jess casually placed his hat, which he had been holding all this time, over the gun barrel and left it there. Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek. You’re a little stern with me, aren’t you? Before she could respond, he turned and walked over to Randall’s office. He glanced back over his shoulder. She was still holding the gun with the hat covering it. Her eyes were filled with fury and her smile had vanished from her face. Her temper was often elevated to a level where she could be dangerous. That was why he chose to retreat to the safety of Randall’s office until she’d had time to think it over.

Jess knocked and without waiting for an answer or an invitation to enter he turned the knob and walked into the office.

About time you got here. Randall’s voice boomed and Jess knew right away that he was in one of his occasional bad moods. You’ll be late for your funeral, Jess. Just wait and see.

Nothing much had changed in the office since the last time Jess was in town. Two built-in bookcases held numerous law volumes and several vases on varnished tables by the windows were filled with flowers. Randall loved roses and had a rose garden in the back of the office building. Randall collected guns and a large glass case displayed several old flintlock pistols as well as other weapons including a gun Randall claimed once belonged to Daniel Boone. Nobody had ever disputed his word although nobody had attested to it either. After glancing around the room, making sure that everything was in its place, he studied Randall with cold eyes and an unsmiling face. He’d always detested the man and swore every morning he was going to find another job, except he never had. Jobs were about as easy to find as a diamond mine in the west. Randall was not an unpleasant man and most of the time it was when things didn’t go his way that he was extremely impolite. Randall had never told Jess how old he was and Jess had never had the courage to ask him. However, he thought that Randall’s age might have something to do with his inability to hold his temper. Jess always thought he was about fifty because a few streaks of gray had been appearing for the last five years on both sides of his well-groomed black hair. A little gray was showing in his moustache too. Randall’s gray eyes always looked a little bloodshot and that was his reason for thinking Randall drank a little too much. He’d seen him coming out of saloons and bars occasionally, however it wasn’t unusual for most men to have a few drinks. Nonetheless, what Randall did was his own business even though Jess thought he was a wimpy dresser. His custom tailored suits seemed a little too expensive for Jess’s tastes. Jess had few doubts about where all the money was going. He most certainly wasn’t getting paid enough.

Jess pulled an expensive padded leather chair in front of Randall’s desk and sat down. If I can help it, Clint, I won’t be at my funeral for a long time. I plan on living a long and prosperous life. His smile faded when Clint Randall failed to remove the scowl from his weathered face. Well, aren’t you going to ask how I am after traveling for three days?

How are you? Randall took a cigar from a cherry box on his desk and pushed the box across the smooth surface toward Jess. When did you get into town? Randall was a stickler for cleanness and he kept the tables and desk dust free.

Late yesterday. Jess took a cigar and accepted a light from Randall. Slept most of the afternoon and some of the night. At thirty-three years old, his face was smooth and unwrinkled even though he spent most of his time out in both cold and heat. His short blond hair was combed neatly and Jess liked to keep it that way. Most of the women he knew expected him to be at his best. His sharp blue eyes studied the cigar as he rolled it around between his fingers and then held it up to his nose. Fine tobacco.

You actually slept all that time without a girl?

Blowing swirling masses of blue smoke into the room, most of it toward the ceiling with his head held back, he waited until the smoke had thinned a little before responding. Without a girl or even a nightcap. Isn’t that just marvelous? And, I didn’t even feel a yearning for either one. Maybe I’m finally getting old.

I thought maybe you might be thinking about finding a good woman and settling down, however, I guess you are probably right. You are just getting old.

I’m thirty-three next month. I’ll make up for lost time after this assignment. Jane and me are going out to dinner.

Randall puffed on the cigar and blew rings of smoke. She really is a good woman, Jess. Don’t wait too long. You’ve been saying that for years, yet you never do anything about it.

She’s getting serious, even pulled a Colt on me while ago. Next time, she might actually have it loaded. You don’t mess with women who have serious intentions. You either go out with them or you run away. Since I don’t like to run from anything, I’m quite certain that I’m going out with her. Now, Clint, why am I here?

You just got back from Colorado, Denver specifically. Have you ever been to Junction City?

Not recently. What is there that concerns us?

Randall put his cigar in an elaborate ashtray with a horse’s head on the side of it and stared at McCain. The Overland Stage Company has a ranch near Junction City in the central part of the state. Jess, we raise horses there. Lisa Kidd and her father Matthew Kidd run it. They also own some of the land in the area. In fact, we leased the land where the way station is located from them a few years back. We raise horses for our operation and send them to way stations all along our line where they are needed. Raising our own horses saves us a lot of money that can be used elsewhere, such as paying your salary to keep us out of trouble.

So, what’s raising horses in Colorado go to do with the investigative branch of the Overland Stage Company?

Randall’s face turned solemn and Jess knew that his boss had bad news for him or at least news that would take him out on another life threatening assignment. Those were the only kind of jobs he ever got. That was why he liked working for the Overland Stage Company. As their chief investigator, he was always finding all the excitement he wanted and usually managed to meet a few beautiful women along the way.

We’re one of the last independent stage companies in the West, Jess. Wells Fargo has been using the rails increasingly and just about everything else that will move to deliver services to their customers. We can’t compete with a big company like them so we take what little business we can get and hope to keep our heads above water. Wells Fargo has offered to buy us out several times and we have refused. Now, they are using the railroad and don’t really need us. Perhaps we should have joined them, but it’s too late to heal the wound now. The bullet is too deep. It’s only a matter of time until we falter. The railroad has driven many of our competitors under and that fate probably awaits us, eventually. We’re certain that we’re next in line to go.

What makes you believe that?

Clint Randall leaned forward and picked up the smoking cigar. After a couple of puffs he knocked ashes from it into the ashtray. We are almost certain that the Southern Pacific wants the ranch and are willing to do almost anything to get it. One of our business partners leaked information to us. According to her, the Southern Pacific has hired two gunmen to kill Lisa and her father. Someone tried to buy the ranch and the Kidd family wouldn’t sell. His name is Simon Moore. He’s one of the most dangerous gunfighters in the west. Your job is to locate the gunmen and somehow get rid of them, legally, of course. You must protect the Kidd family and keep that ranch intact. We need to find out if the railroad is trying to take the ranch and why they want it. Moore might be able to provide you with some of those answers, if you talk to him just right.

I know what you mean. Jess would like nothing better than to ask him a few questions. I don’t understand why losing that ranch would bring down the Overland Stage Company. Can’t we just buy our own ranch or get horses from somewhere else?

We could. However, this may be one of many such attacks on our company. As I’m sure you have heard, the railroad fights dirty. We’re a small company and cannot afford a long court battle with them. Randall paused and then replied, Yep, they fight dirty.

I’ve heard about them. In fact, most of the newspapers in the west are full of stories about their exploits in the business world. Jess sat up in his chair with a determined look on his face. We’ll fight dirtier.

It will be dangerous, Jess. You’re my best agent. That’s why I’m sending you. Jess almost laughed knowing Randall only had three agents. Randall always spoke as if he had an army when in truth he had two lawyers and Jess McCain. I’ll do what I can, Clint. When do I leave?

Tomorrow. Those gunmen are already there. Who knows what they have, or will do? If you could connect them to the Southern Pacific Railway in any way then we can always file charges against them in court.

Jess was one for few words, except when he was with a woman. He stood and snuffed the cigar out in the ashtray. The only time he smoked was when he visited Randall and enjoyed one of his expensive cigars. As they shook hands Jess said, See you. He was out of the office before Randall could remember something else he should do.

Jess had almost forgotten about Jane as he walked out of the office and closed the door behind him. She saw him as he walked toward her to retrieve his hat. Jess, the next time you pay us a visit, I’ll be waiting for you. She smiled and pointed toward the desk drawer reminding him that she meant every word. Her lips were tight and she looked directly at him with that warning look she sometimes used to intimidate him. She held his hat in her hand.

How can I break another promise to someone as beautiful as you are, Jane?

Jane pulled a pink rose from a vase on her desk and held it up to her nose and enjoyed its fragrance. She stared at Jess. You’ve already broken many promises, Jess. Now, if you sent me flowers that would make me feel a whole lot better. Why haven’t you ever brought me flowers, Jess? Am I not worthy of them?

I didn’t want to spoil you. I’m saving all the nice things until after we get married?"

Jane let an expression of disappointment shadow her face. So, go ahead and spoil me. I’d like that before or after we’re married. Are you going to wait until after the wedding before giving me an engagement ring?

Of course not. What kind of man do you think I am anyway? I will give you a ring after we have been out a few times. I’m an honorable man and you know it.

I’m trusting that you are exactly that, Jess. She put the rose in the vase and turned her head toward him. A smile erupted on her lips. I’m really looking forward to your next visit. Do you have any idea when that might be?

Taking his hat, he put it on and smiled. I’ll be back when my assignment is finished.

She watched him as he walked toward the door. I’m counting on it and don’t wait too long. Beautiful women like me don’t like to be kept waiting.

Jess McCain walked out of the lobby hoping that he could stay alive so he could return.

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Chapter 2

Jess McCain was up before dawn next morning. After a quick breakfast at a restaurant on Powell Street, he went to a nearby livery stable and got his horse. He called the stallion, Justice. With only his saddlebags, bedroll and enough food to sustain him for a few days, he rode toward the train station. Justice was an old hand at riding the rails.

The moment Jess McCain began an assignment, he immediately changed his name and Jess McCain vanished like a phantom into the night. Blending in with the rest of society as someone they wouldn’t suspect of being on the side of the law, he had found that he could be much more effective. Wearing a navy blue button down shirt, black vest and blue jeans, he had a Colt .45 strapped on his right hip and a Colt with a four inch barrel in a shoulder holster hidden under his jacket. A Winchester was carried in a scabbard on his saddle. Jess was as particular about his weapons as he was his women. He carried a single barrel sawed off shotgun slung over the horn of his saddle and a derringer in his hat.

Normally, his hair was black. Using peroxide he had lightened it and used a special dye to make it brown. Unable to change his blue eyes, he would let his facial hair grow to help alter his appearance. In a few hours, Jess McCain became Tom Hardy, a land speculator with a lot of money to spend.

The trip back to Denver was spent sleeping, eating and caring for his horse. Justice spent his time sleeping and eating—his favorite things to do—in a special boxcar reserved for animals, mostly horses. Tom thought it ironic because they were riding on a Wells Fargo train.

In Denver, he wasted little time, only stopping long enough to replenish his supplies. Knowing he had a long trip ahead of him, he bought a packhorse and loaded it with enough supplies to last for a week. The packhorse would slow him down, however, there wasn’t anything he could do about it. From Denver, he traveled west toward the Rocky Mountains and then headed south. The Overland Stage Line ran through the Kidd Ranch. All he had to do was follow the trail since Overland had a way station on the ranch near the main Ranch House.

Junction City was located on the west bank of the Gunnison River. The railroad tracks had missed the town by about fifty miles. The townspeople hated the railroad ever since the tracks were laid. They had begged the railroad to run a line through the town and the railroad executives ignored them. The Overland Stage Company was the only artery of lifeblood keeping the town alive. Their freight wagons and stage line brought supplies and passengers to the small town. The Kidd Ranch was located to the