The Marshal's Choice: Legends of the Landrun, #3

By Judge Rodriguez and Alanna Rodriguez

After discovering the truth of his family, US Marshal John Cardwell, former Marshal of Denver, struggles in the face of temptation to stay true to his faith and duty, yet hold true to his heart. Can he hold it together in The Marshal's Choice?

Join us in this, the third and final installment of the Marshal's Legend of the Landrun.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Landrun Publishing
• Release date: Nov 16, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393503835

Judge Rodriguez

Judge Rodriguez was born and raised in Little Axe, Oklahoma. The son of U.S. Air Force Veterans, he followed the military legacy of his family and served his own tenure in the U.S.A.F.  Alanna Radle Rodriguez was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma. The great-great granddaughter of one of the first pioneers to settle in Indian Territory/Oklahoma, her roots run deep. Judge and Alanna met in a reenactment group and have a combined forty-nine years of reenactment and living history experience. They both love the history of their home state, thoroughly enjoy doing research and relish working at the 1889 Territorial Schoolhouse in Edmond. They currently live near Edmond. The Marshal of Denver is the first installment of a long line of co-authored books written together in the Legends of the Landrun Series.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Liz Bakker looks out at the busy street below, her thoughts are turbulent. She hears the door to Judge Logan’s office open and Fawn asks, Can I get you anything, ma’am?

Liz turns and looks at her adopted brother’s fiancé. She’s not used to being called ma’am. She’s been a slave for so long, any sign of respect is more than a little odd. She has to consider if she should answer Fawn for a moment. No, I’m fine for right now, thank you.

Fawn nods, then looks uncertain for a little while, then closes the door. She gives Liz a serious look and finally says, I don’t think we’ve been formally introduced. And since ...

Liz smiles as she nods. Since we’re basically family, we may as well get to know each other, right?

Fawn nods. I’m Fawn in the morning dew. She steps forward, hand extended.

Liz smirks as she takes the young woman’s hand. And soon, you’re going to be Fawn Jacobs. Well, I’m Liz Bakker, David’s mother.

Fawn nods. Josh has told me all about you. It’s still hard to believe just about a week ago, I was looking at life-long spinsterhood. And, that with joy. Now, I‘m about to be wife AND mother. God DOES work in mysterious ways.

Liz looks at her levelly. The young woman is beautiful and seemingly intelligent. It’s just too bad she’s placing her faith in a being that couldn’t care less about her.

Trying to keep her tone from being too sarcastic, Liz says, You seem to be adjusting to the idea of being married fairly well. Have you guys figured out a date yet?

Fawn gives her a curious look. You don’t approve of us, do you?

More than a little surprised at the girl’s astute observation, Liz explains, It’s not my place to approve or not. As long as you both make each other happy, that’s all that’s needed or matters.

The young Cheyenne woman looks at her sadly. Hasn’t a man ever made you happy? Weren’t you married when you were living among the Cherokee?

Trying to keep her temper under control, Liz shakes her head forcefully. Spotted Falcon was never my husband. He was my owner. I was a slave to the tribe for the biggest part of thirty years.

Fawn gasps at Liz. Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t know! My own experience at the hands of a man was only a few months, but it was pure hell. I can’t imagine it going on for decades, or even just for years!

Liz sighs. You have to hand it to the girl, she’s good at finding commonalities with people. No wonder Josh fell for her so hard, so fast. Well, now that I’m free, I don’t want to be reminded of it.

Fawn nods, but looks like she’s burning with questions.

Liz sighs. She’s not going to stop until I answer her. Alright, what it is?

The young Cheyenne woman looks away, embarrassed. I’m that obvious?

Liz chuckles. Open book. Now, ask your questions.

In a tiny voice, she asks, What was Josh like, growing up?

Liz has to fight to keep from laughing in the girl’s face. Here she was, thinking she was going to get blamed for something, or be confronted. She smiles. Oh, the stories I can tell! She sits down in the chair and spends the next three hours telling stories from the orphanage with the two newest marshals.

It’s hard to imagine, but, this sweet, albeit naive, young woman was a man’s slave, just only a few months ago.

Liz hasn’t heard all of the gory details. Honestly, she doesn’t want to, for fear of bringing back memories of Spotted Falcon.

Fawn seems to have an understanding of people that impresses Liz, more than she would care to admit. Her wit is razor sharp and, Liz has to admit to herself, she’s already starting to like the young woman.

Almost as much as she does Joey. Now that the young deputy marshal is no longer trying to get Liz to either admit the existence of her God, or her anger in that same non-existent being, Liz has been enjoying their conversations.

It’s close to five o’clock in the evening when the marshals return from their day giving their reports at the courthouse.

The two women are still chatting in Judge Logan’s office when they arrive, with her son and daughter-in-law, as well as the judge himself.

Hearing the front door open makes Fawn jump up and exclaim, Oh, no! I was going to cook a special supper for Josh!

Liz pats her hand. It’s alright, dear. You have time. He’s so smitten with you, you could give him burned toast and he’d relish the flavor.

Fawn grunts in frustration and turns. Thank you for the chat. I hope we can do it, again, soon. Then she rushes downstairs to meet her fiancé.

Liz chuckles at her new-found friend. She sighs and rises to resume looking out the window.

She hears the door creak and without turning or hearing his voice, knows that it’s Johnny who just entered. Feeling a growing warmth at feeling his gaze on her, she has to work to keep her tone flat as she says, Hello, Johnny. Court went well, I take it?

She hears her love chuckle. How did you know it was me?

She crosses her arms and turns to confront him. I can always feel it when you’re close. Does that surprise you?

He shakes his head. Nope. Not at all. We read our reports. So, it looks like we might be able to leave for Norman tomorrow on the morning train. I would like for you to go with us, if you’re of a mind to.

She can’t believe she’s hearing this. And where else would I go? It’s not like I have a lot of money, or any choice? She squares her shoulders. So, please tell me, where might I be able to go?

Johnny sighs and mutters something about courtesy. He gives her a hard look. Look, Liz, I was just trying to ask nicely if you wanted to come along. I don’t know where you’d go, if you didn’t come along. It was just courtesy. 

And poor courtesy at that. She sighs at the father of her son. She can’t admit it to him, but being in his presence really IS soothing the wounds of her heart. And seeing him, mature, with a beard, his dark brown trousers, brown vest and muslin shirt, is enough to send her heart aflutter. Now, if she could just get him to give in to her, all would be well with the world.

She sachets up to him and gives him a lingeringly deep kiss, the kind of kiss she knows drives him absolutely crazy. Why should she be the only one to suffer?

John’s thinking shuts down the instant Liz sauntered over to him. The kiss lasts long enough and is passionate enough that Liz melts into him, he falls back against the door and just goes with it. His hands move of their own accord as he wraps his arms around her and pulls her tightly against him.

After several long minutes, Liz pushes herself back to break off the contact and stands there breathlessly, apparently trying to figure out what to do next.

John takes a slow, deep breath as he pulls her tightly to him, relishing in the contact. She stands there snuggled up to him for several moments, before finally muttering, I’m hungry. Is supper going to be soon?

John can’t help it. He laughs in spite of himself.

In the dining room , Liz is seated at the right hand of Johnny. Across the table from the couple is Josh and Fawn. To the right of Liz, sits her son and daughter-in-law.

Across from them sits the head maid and the butler. Liz is surprised to see that Joey is nowhere to be found. She resolves to ask John, later.

Judge Logan comes in from the other room where he was writing something down, to spread his arms in benediction and prays a blessing over the meal. Everyone, except Liz, bows their head and prays along.

Once the prayer is done and most people mutter Amen, the clattering of dishes and conversation at the table is lively.

Halfway through the dinner, Liz asks Josh how it feels to be getting married soon. His nervous laugh makes everyone but Fawn at the table laugh.

Liz leans over and whispers to Johnny. Remember when we were first engaged?

Johnny immediately stops laughing and clears his throat, blushing.

Seeing his blush, Liz laughs all the harder.

The judge clears his throat meaningfully and looks at the marshals. So, even hough I can’t order the civilians to go home, I think it high time you fellas look at starting your duties, now that you‘ve delivered and read your reports in court.

Josh sighs. So, does this mean I’m not going to be able to have some time off for the wedding?

Judge Logan levels an even look at the marshal. Well, since you’ve got your heart set on it, I guess I can manage to give you some time as a furlough. He leans back in his chair. I believe you have earned some time off. The question is, how long do you believe you need?

Josh takes a few moments to consider the request. I think a week would be good. We need to make arrangements, plus, there’s some people in Denver I would like to invite. He looks at Fawn. Is there anyone you would like to see there as well, dear?

She nods and says quietly, We need to talk about that, in private, please.

Josh nods and grins. Yes, dear. He turns back to look at the judge. So, I think a week will work best, if that’s alright with you?

Judge Logan sighs and shakes his head. I don’t think you understand, marshal. You have the opportunity for a furlough as you request. I take it, your request is meant for three weeks. It is approved. I recommend using your time wisely.

Liz looks over at Fawn. The young Cheyenne woman seems to be in shock. Liz looks over at Josh. Don’t you think you ought to ask Fawn first?

Josh turns and looks at Fawn. Yeah. I think that’s something we need to chat about.

Fawn frowns and huffs in annoyance. Yes, that we will. Thank you for being so understanding and releasing me from your service, your honor.

Logan smiles at her. Of course! Though, I have to ask. Will I be invited to the wedding?

Fawn smiles. Of course!

That night as the group is leaving the judge’s house to go back to the hotel for the final time, Liz asks Johnny about the whereabouts of the missing deputy and he responds, Blackwolf wanted to check on Sean. Expected to deliver him tomorrow, so it was figured he’d need to be checked on.

Liz nods and looks at Josh. So, why isn’t Fawn staying with you? I mean, you two ARE getting married after all, aren’t you?

Josh nods, then shrugs. We decided to wait until the wedding night. He leans back and folds his arms. Yeah, we’ve both had other partners in bed, but it’s only going to be a little while longer before what we share can be pure.

Liz shakes her head and looks out at the passing buildings, her thoughts once again in turmoil.

Once the group arrives at the hotel, John’s not surprised to see Joey sitting at the table, dressed in her men’s clothing, watching as the group walks in.

She looks up at John and asks simply, Was I right?

John recalls the conversation earlier that day in the courthouse. She said she’d been expecting Logan was going to send her to Norman to deliver Sean to his punishment the next day.

He looks at his niece and grins. He also gave Josh a furlough, to get himself hitched.

Her eyebrows raise in surprise. Oh, really? That’s a surprise. How long?

John grins at his brother as he walks up. Yeah, Josh, how long IS your furlough?

Josh gives his brother a sour look. Oh, stop teasing, John. Tell her what you know. I’ve had a long enough day as it is. I’m going to bed.

John shakes his head at his brother. One would think that he’s had a long couple of days, or something. It’s not like he got engaged yesterday, or anything.

Joey chuckles. Oh, Uncle, you have a gift for understatement. So, do you think the judge bought my excuse tonight?

John nods. Yeah. I’m pretty sure your secret is safe. Josh says your pa never referred to you as daughter, just as his kid. How’s Sean doing?

She nods. I was pretty sure that was the case. Sean is well enough. At best, he’s depressed. At worst, I doubt we’ll ever get him back to what he was before Richard killed his parents. If you want my honest opinion, Brigit may not ever be able to bring him back from this darkness.

John nods. Well, we still have to try. He’s too good a man to give up on.

She sighs, disconsolate. Hello, Liz, are you having a good enough night?

John does a half turn as Liz walks up to him and puts one arm around his midsection, then worms her way under his other arm.

She smiles at the young deputy. Yeah, it’s good enough. How’s your young Irishman?

Joey laughs. Oh, trust me! He’s not MY Irishman. He’s already been claimed by another. And I don’t honestly know how well he’s doing from one moment to the next. I really can’t tell you.

Liz nods. Well, is he riding down in the passenger car with us tomorrow? Or is he riding down in a different one?

Joey’s eyebrow raises. You mean will he be riding in the car with the rest of us, or as a prisoner in a transport car? Liz nods. Joey shakes her head. With everyone else. There’s no need to make him feel any worse than he already does.

Liz nods uncertainly, but chooses to let it go. She gives John a smoldering look for a moment, then says, I’m going to bed.

John gulps at the obvious invitation, unsure if he’ll continue having the strength to tell her no. His mouth waters and he has to fight the temptation to follow after her. He tips his hat and says a quiet, Good night, Liz. Sleep well.

The look she gives him is filled with disgust as she scoffs at him and stalks off toward her room.

Joey looks at him with appreciation. Not that I have any experience in relationships, but what you’re doing is commendable. You know that she’s still in love with you after all these years, right?

John’s thoughts are all over the place. He can’t seem to get things in the right order. He shakes his head. I pray that she is. Having to raise David basically alone sure changed a lot in the woman I loved back then.

Joey gives him a serious look. Are you still in love with HER?

John smirks. More so now, than before, that I know what it means to truly love someone. I just wish she hadn’t lost her faith.

She shakes her head. Josh may have had the rights of it. Her faith may have been in the religion of your combined childhood, not in the relationship with Christ.

John nods. Well, until she gains the relationship, I can’t really bring myself to accept her as wife or partner in life.

Do you resent that limitation? her voice is intent.

Though I don’t fully understand the reason for it, I know there’s a lot of things I just have to take as a matter of faith.

Joey shrugs. Well, there’s some scripture that talks about an unequal load. Either way, I’ll continue to pray for your strength to hold out. I can barely imagine your struggle in this.

John nods his thanks. I can always use more prayers. Now, I think it about time I seek my own bed and lock my door.

She chuckles. Good night, Uncle. May His peace reside in you and allow you your rest.

As John walks into his room, he makes sure to lock the door. The last time he slept without doing that, he almost gave in to the temptation that is the mother of his son. He doesn’t relish pushing his boundaries like that again.

He removes his boots, kneels by the side of his bed and prays for not only continued strength, but understanding and patience in dealing with Liz’s sexual advances.

Chapter 2

Mom.

Liz stares deeply into Johnny’s eyes and loses herself helplessly in their mysteries.

Mom, you need to wake up.

Johnny leans in to give her a kiss, the kind of kiss that reaches to the deepest parts of her soul.

Mom, if you don’t wake up now, we’re gonna miss our train!

Liz relishes in the feeling of having her lover all to herself. She feels someone shaking her shoulder.

Mom! Please wake up!

Regretfully, Liz lets go of the wonderful dream she was having and slowly opens her eyes, to see her son standing over her. Her eyes narrow in aggravation. What? she demands flatly.

I’m sorry, mom, but we have no time whatsoever. We only have fifteen minutes before the train leaves the station.

She sighs. Why can’t I just enjoy things for a little while? She nods. How long will it take us to get to the train station and do you have my ticket?

About two minutes, once we leave the hotel and yeah, it’s right here. He holds up the ticket to emphasize his point.

She looks at him incredulously. How late is it?

About a quarter to eight of the clock. Is your stuff ready to go?

She nods over toward the part of the room, where two carpet bags are heaped together. It’s hard to believe all my worldly possessions fit into two medium-sized carpet bags and a single set of saddle bags. She snorts in self derision. I don’t even own the saddle bags, those are Johnny’s. She can’t help but sigh. So little to show for her life of hardship and pain.

David gets the bags for her and ushers her toward the door. Just outside, Rebekah presses a breakfast sandwich into her mother-in-law’s hands as they walk down the hall toward the exit.

Liz looks down at the sandwich, then smiles at her daughter-in-law. Thank you, dear. That’s very sweet of you.

Rebekah’s smile is thin. I’d figured you would be hungry. Especially since we can’t stop to eat.

Liz nods her thanks and takes a bite of the tasty breakfast. She glances at the concierge desk as they rush by and he just waves bye.

Outside, the early morning wind whips the ladies’ skirts around their legs as they rush toward the train station. As they get there, they hear the, All-aboard! and see that the locomotive is starting to move.

David gives a light curse as he looks at his wife, then mother.

After the briefest of glances at each other, all three run for the platform. As they get onto it, the last of the passenger cars is about to leave the station, making them have to run and jump onto it, before they miss their opportunity.

Once they get inside the car, however, Liz is shocked to see how full it really is. There must be at least fifty people in here, not including them. It’s almost standing room only.

The conductor walks through the car, calling for everyone’s tickets, then uses a single hole punch to punch each one after a close examination.

When he approaches the three late-comers, he looks closely at their tickets, then says, It looks like you three are in the first car, four down. I expect that the marshals are waiting for you.

David’s look of surprise almost makes Liz laugh out loud.

But of course the marshals would have their own car. I mean, why wouldn’t they?

The trio quickly make their way through to the indicated car, to find out, it’s basically the first class car that’s been commandeered for use by the marshals. Liz looks around at the lush accommodations and is completely shocked.

How can the marshals afford to pay for all this? she demands.

Joey looks up from her reading and snorts. Imminent Domain. We don’t have to pay for it. It’s part of us allowing them to run the railroad through Indian lands. We get to have free passage as long as we need it. I can tell the railroad I need the entire car without much trouble.

That explains why the other cars are so full. I’d hate to see how much this cost the railroad in having to refund the passengers’ fare. So how long is the trip to Norman? she asks as she sits down right next to Johnny, facing the young deputy marshal.

We’ll be getting there about one o’clock. We have a stop to make in Edmond and one in Oklahoma City. She looks at Sean with a clear look of concern on her face.

The young Irishman is sitting in a cushioned seat, cuffed hands in front of him, head hanging low. His head doesn’t sway with the train, so Liz knows that he’s awake, he’s just not responding to anything happening in his surroundings.

Liz takes Johnny’s arm and leans into him. She listens as Johnny and Joey discuss the possible issues in his new territory. With the warmth in the train car, the rocking and swaying motion of the train and considering her rude awakening earlier, without realizing it, Liz falls fast asleep against John.

When he feels Liz’s body slack against him as she passes out, John looks down at the beautiful enigma laying against him.

He looks up to see the look of amusement Joey gives the couple. He cocks his head at an angle and his beautiful young niece just grins.

Quietly, she says, You know she’s still madly in love with you, right? I mean completely, hopelessly in love with you.

To avoid waking Liz, John nods almost imperceptibly. Yeah, that’s what you said last night. But until she actually accepts The Gift of Grace, there’s not much that can be done about it. I can only love and show her what love in Christ is like.

Sitting behind John, with his back to his brother is Josh, with his fiancé laying down next to him. He half-turns his head and all but whispers to John, Are you sure you can handle being that close to her and not give in to her wiles?

John shrugs. But by the Grace of God. He brings his unencumbered hand up and gently strokes Liz’s hair. I know she has a lot of anger issues towards God. All I can do is continue to love her as she needs to be and deal with things as they come up.

John listens as Fawn mutters something in Cheyenne to her fiancé. Josh chuckles and says, She just told me to be quiet so she can go to sleep.

John chuckles and looks back at Joey. How long a ride is it to Edmond?

She grins. Just another fifteen minutes or so. Why? Need to stretch already?

John shakes his head. I expect the train coming to a stop will wake everyone from their naps.

Joey nods and leans back in her seat, stretching her legs. I can’t sleep. Too much energy with everything that’s going on. Once we get Sean dealt with, I expect Uncle Josh and Fawn will want to make sure they plan their wedding. I’m excited about going back to Denver to see Pa. Think your family will want to go with you when we head out?

Unsure, John shakes his head. I can’t tell you that. Wish I could, but there’s just no way to be sure. I expect Liz and David will want to be in Norman for the wedding. In Cherokee, he asks, Are you planning on wearing a dress at this one, too? He remembers the striking figure she cut in her dress for his son’s wedding. Was that less than a year ago? It feels like a lifetime ago!

She shakes her head. In the same tongue, she quietly responds. Not unless I’m ordered to by the bride or groom. In truth, Joe Blackwolf is so much of who I am now, it’s hard to tell us apart. Even for me. There are times, I have to actively remember who Joey even is.

John nods, then turns his head sharply toward his soon-to-be-sister-in-law. She’s sound asleep against his brother. He breathes a sigh of relief, then looks at Joey. When were you planning on letting Fawn know the, uh, family secret?

She shrugs. Dunno. I expect, probably once we get to the Emerald Fields and things start to settle down a little bit. She grins widely. I’ll be glad to see Brigit again. I have so much to tell her.

Hearing something in her voice, John cocks his head again. What is it?

She takes a long look at him and her smile is grim. She’s the first female friend I’ve ever had. In fact, other than Liz, she’s my only female friend. And my friendship with Liz is only recent, too.

John looks down at Liz as she readjusts her position on the bench, to lay her head down on the top of his leg. He strokes her hair and the side of her face lovingly.

He looks back at Joey and grins at the curious look she gives him. What?

It’s oh, so obvious you’re still in love with her.

In spite of himself, John smiles. I just wish life wouldn’t get in the way.

Joey nods, then looks out the window as several farms pass by. We’ll be pulling in to Edmond station in the next couple of minutes. Those farms are on the outskirts of town.

He nods and gently strokes Liz’s hair. After a moment, he gently shakes her shoulder. She moans and re-settles on the bench. He sighs and shakes her shoulder a little more firmly this time.

She groans and wraps her arm around his leg. It only takes her a moment before she realizes what she just did and wakes up. She looks around a moment, then sits up. She rubs her face and leans toward John, wrapping his arms around him to give him a good squeeze.

She gives Joey a bleary-eyed look. How long was I out?

Joey smiles widely. More than an hour. It’ll be alright. I made sure John didn’t take advantage of you in that state.

Liz chuckles. Yeah, it’s just too bad that it was an open invitation, nonetheless. She sighs dramatically. Oh, well. Where are we and why are we stopped?

We’re in a little town called Edmond and we’re stopped for coal. She shrugs. Well, coal and water. We have one more stop to make down in Oklahoma City. Then we’ll be on our way to Norman.

Liz looks out the window at the train station. How long are we gonna be here?

Joey shrugs. I’d say, about half an hour. Wanna walk around and stretch your legs or something?

Liz nods and looks at John. Want to?

John shakes his head and stretches his legs out in front of him. Nope. I’m fine right here. I really have no interest in looking around. If you’ve seen one whistle stop, you’ve seen ‘em all.

Liz looks at him for a long moment, then sticks her tongue out at him. She turns to look at Joey. Well, I guess there goes that idea. A lady shouldn’t be walking around without some kind of escort. She huffs in irritation.

Joey’s eyebrows raise. And what am I? Chopped liver? I’ll walk around with you for a bit.

John almost laughs at Liz’s hopeful look. Oh, would you?

Joey nods and offers her hand to Liz, to help her up from the bench she’s on.

John grins at the site of two of the most important women in his life, leaving the marshal’s train car. As they leave, he calls out, Don’t be late getting back. You don’t wanna miss your only chance to get out to Norman today!

Liz turns to regard him once again, then sticks her tongue out once more, before turning and walking out of the car being accompanied by Joey’s laughter.

Chapter 3

Joey gives Liz a long look before quietly asking, Why do you do that?

Do what?

Needle him so much.

Liz can’t help herself. She laughs. While we were together, a big part of our relationship was based on play. It’s easy to slip into that role, even thirty years later.

The young deputy just looks at her friend with a look of amazement. Both women go down toward the stairs leading off the platform.

As they reach the bottom, Liz looks over to see a young woman that appears to be staring at them. She clears her throat meaningfully at her friend. I think we have an admirer.

Joey glances toward the young woman and grins. It’s alright. I sorta know her. She leads the way over to the young woman, stopping directly in front of her and tips her hat. Hello, Miss McCormick. This is Liz Bakker, a friend of mine. Liz, this is Miss McCormick, the schoolmarm hereabouts in Edmond.

Both women curtsy to each other and the young teacher looks at Joey curiously. Marshal, it’s been a long while since you came through town. Is everything okay?

Joey grimaces. Yeah. Been on the trail for a couple of months. Whatcha doin’ at the train station, instead of the schoolhouse?

Well, school’s out for the summer, first of all. Secondly, I’m not the schoolmarm anymore and thirdly, I’m helping out Mr. Callihan, the postmaster here.

Wow. Why’d you leave the school? Joey’s voice is shocked.

I decided it was time to move on. Plus, any day now, my family is going to be coming down to take part in another landrun.

Joey’s eyebrows raise. Oh? Have they announced another one?

The young school teacher nods. Just last week. In the lands of the Shawnee. Something about being south and east of here.

Joey nods in confirmation. Oh, I knew it was coming, just didn’t expect them to do it this early, is all, though. Huh.

Liz looks at Joey curiously. Is that the area Johnny is being assigned to?

Joey nods at her and turns back to Miss McCormick. Do you know when they announced it for?

Sometime in late September, I think.

Joey looks completely stunned they would move that fast. Even though the first landrun was only three months after the Mann Act was signed, it was still being planned for almost a full year by the time it actually happened. She shakes her head in disbelief. I don’t envy John the job he’s about to have to go do.

Miss McCormick cocks her head. Is there a problem I should know about?

Joey shakes her head. Nope. I just don’t envy the marshal assigned to that area, with the task that lies ahead. I rather get the feeling that most of the coordinating between the Department of the Interior and the Army will be left up to him. Now, it makes more sense why Judge Logan chose those two to be the marshals for those areas. Suddenly, her eyes go wide. No! He couldn’t! She scoffs. Oh, no! Poor Josh! She groans.

Miss McCormick looks startled. Uh, Marshal Blackwolf? Are you alright?

Joey looks at the young woman with a wild look in her eyes, then snaps back to being the usual Joey that Liz is used to seeing. She nods. Yeah, I’ll be fine. She looks at Liz a moment, then says, I think we need to talk to your brother. I just realized something.

Liz nods and sticks out her hand to the young schoolteacher. It’s been a pleasure, Miss McCormick. I DO hope we get the chance to chat again.

The teacher shakes the older woman’s hand and smirks. I get the feeling there’s quite the story here. I DO hope to hear about it, someday. Good day, Marshal, Mrs....?

Bakker. It’s Miss, actually and you’re right. It IS quite the story. She smirks. Someday, you might be able to hear it. Unfortunately, that day isn’t today.

Liz and Joey turn and head back to the marshal’s car quickly. Just before they go inside, Liz smiles at the sight of a man with a large sack running toward the young teacher. I hope she gets the letter she’s looking for.

As they re-enter the car, Liz sees Josh in the same position as before, stroking his fiancé’s hair with her head down on his leg.

Joey sits down in front of him and quietly asks what his described duties are, and he responds with numerous duties. Joey asks if they told him they were gonna be doing any more landruns and he just shakes his head, saying, No.

The young deputy sighs and explains her thinking as Liz walks back over to where Johnny is sitting.

He still has his legs stretched out, but now his arms are crossed and his eyes are closed.

She stands there for several moments, just simply admiring what she sees. She doesn’t understand his inability to be with her in all honesty. She knows he loves her, just like she loves him. Why can’t he just give up his unreasoning devotion to an uncaring God and fulfill BOTH of their desires?

Without opening his eyes, he says, I know you’re there, love. Was there something you needed? Or were you just admiring the view? He smirks. If it’s the latter, I don’t mind. If you need something, just say it.

She can feel her eyes narrow at the statement. She sits next to him and says quietly in his ear, Oh, I need something alright. I’ve asked you for it, you just won’t give me what I need.

He turns his head to address her and opens his eyes. Liz sees the naked desire in his big, beautiful brown eyes. Quietly, he says, I can’t. Not ‘til you accept The Gift of Grace, and we’re officially married. Else, it wouldn’t be right.

She can’t believe what she’s hearing. Even now, he’s still insisting that she follow that farce. I hate you, she snarls.

He smirks. I know. I love you too, dear.

She slaps him on the face and gets up, to go sit by David and Rebekah.

The young doctor looks at his mother curiously. Trouble?

Ugh! It’s your father.

David’s eyebrows raise. Honestly, Mom, I don’t think I really want to know.

She can feel her gaze narrow at him, as well. Like father, like son. She huffs in annoyance as she crosses her arms and stares at him.

David meets her gaze with a look of unconcern. I think, however, we need to talk about what’s going to happen once you DO get to Denver.

Chapter 4

Cheek still stinging from the slap, John stares ahead. He takes a slow, deep breath and quietly mutters a prayer for strength, wisdom and patience. 

The entire car rocks as the train lurches forward. John braces himself against the armrest until the rocking motion of the train evens out. Then he reaches inside the saddlebags that he’s been keeping under the bench and removes the muslin-wrapped Bible from inside its depths.

Feeling like he has the freedom to do as he wants, he begins his reading in the second book of Peter. Once he’s able to delve into the devotionals, time passes quickly. Before he knows it, the train is coming to a stop. He looks out the window to see a somewhat familiar sight. It’s only been about a month to a month and a half since he was in Oklahoma City. He’s a bit surprised to see how much activity there is around the train station this time.

Last time he was here, the train station was almost sleepy. Granted, that was on the return train headed north. Most of the businesses had already been shut down for the day. Truth be told, there’s no way to be able to compare the activity this time to that one.

He stands up and turns around, glancing about. David is stretched out, with his wife leaned against him, asleep. His mother is laying down on the bench across from their son and daughter-in-law.

He looks at Sean, across the aisle from John’s family, still leaned over, cuffed hands clasped in front of him. The young Irishman appears to be asleep, but John doubts it. He feels sorry for his young friend. Being at this angle, for this long, the young prisoner has GOT to have a massive kink in his back.

He turns and looks at his brother and fiancé. Fawn is now awake and speaking with Josh and Joey. John’s not sure what the quietly respectful discussion is about, but it seems of the utmost importance.

He walks around, twisting and turning, stretching out his back, arms and legs.

Joey looks up from her discussion and snaps, WOULD you PLEASE sit down?

John smirks. Is my nervous energy making you twitchy or something, Deputy?

Her eyes narrow. What’s got you so worked up?

He turns his back once more and shrugs. Been stretched out so long, everything’s all stiffened up. Gotta work out some of the kinks is really all.

She huffs in annoyance. Okay, then what about working out the kinks somewhere else?

John laughs and sits back down. Actually, I think I’m good. Is it likely we’re going to be getting any food on this trip?

She shrugs. Sorta. There’s a food vendor that’ll come by soon.

John stretches back out, sincerely hoping he can have some kind of food before the two or so hour long trip to Norman.

Liz stares out the window as the train station in Norman slides into view. Compared to Oklahoma City and Guthrie, Norman seems to be...asleep, sparsely populated.

When Johnny woke her to have