Servin' Justice - Volume 3 - The Healing Process

By L.C. Crossley

Everyone carries with them pain, scars, and sorrows of some kind. Some are physical, some mental and emotional, and some deep within the soul. The challenge, then, is to find a way to deal with what life has dealt out, a way to heal. Some people struggle in an effort to do so on their own, but it is difficult. In fact, it is almost impossible. But accepting the support and help of others makes the way much easier. Those living at the Shylowe Ranch came to understand these things most clearly. Though difficult for such strong-willed and prideful men, once Josh Hollister and Slim Shylowe finally broke down their walls of defense and allowed others ‘in’ to help, true healing began. By struggling and working together, everyone at the ranch is able to help each other overcome some physical challenges, painful wounds, and heal some long-standing emotional scars as well. This healing support was extended to friends, improving their lives as well.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781329142602

Book preview

Servin' Justice - Volume 3 - The Healing Process

Servin' Justice

Volume 3

The Healing Process

by L.C. Crossley

Some things in life can’t be changed or simply ignored.  They must be accepted, tolerated, and endured.

*****

Sometimes you must take a risk.  You have to open yourself to possible injury, both physical and emotional, in order to face your trials and truly heal.

Copyright 2015 by L.C. Crossley

All rights reserved.  This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

This is a work of fiction.  The characters, names, incidents, places, and dialogue are products of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real.  Any resemblance to actual events, locals, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

First Printing:  2015

ISBN

978-1-329-14260-2

L.C. Crossley

P.O. Box 898

Basin, WY  82410

Chapter 1

Josh Hollister rode into the yard dressed in his usual dark apparel.  The Chandler boy recognized him right away, which brought a huge smile to his lightly freckled face.  Nick ran wildly to the house, his light brown hair flying, calling out to Dottie Nielson, He’s back, Aunt Dottie!  Josh is back home!  His arrival back at the Shylowe Ranch was a relief for those who had remained at home.  The time that he and Slim were gone was longer than expected, and the telegrams were far too brief to alleviate concerns, as the men had hoped they would.  Josh found things going along just fine at the ranch, although there were several chores which had to be caught up.  Both Dottie Nielson and Nick Chandler were glad to finally have more details on what had transpired down in Colorado.  And hearing of the progress in Slim Shylowe's recovery helped to diminish some of their worry.  Although he left out the more graphic details, Dottie managed to glean from Josh's expressions that there was much more to the incident than he had revealed.  Later that evening, she cornered him.  Now Joshua, she began determinedly, I know there was a lot more that happened down in Springville than you told us at supper this evening.  With the two of you, I know a situation such as that couldn't be so simple, she finished with a warm smile.

Josh sat down at the table and chuckled to himself.  Dottie Nielson was a mystery.  He had never met anyone quite like her.  Although she was somewhat short in stature, she had a confidence which conveyed a powerful presence. Her efficiency and dignity were enhanced by her striking white hair, gentle eyes and pleasant smile.  She was a woman who seemed to truly understand people more than most folks could, and often more than a person seemed to understand himself.  It was as if she could see right through you at times, which could be a bit unnerving.  I should have known better than to try and put something over on you, Dottie, he said with a shake of the head.  You just won't let anything get by you, will ya, he added with an admiring smile.

"Well, you were more than just a couple of days late, Dottie reminded him. And it's not like either one of you be gone longer than you say you will; at least not without good reason.  Your telegrams certainly didn't reassure me very much, either."

Josh Hollister ran his fingers through his dark wavy hair, as he momentarily considered his reply.  You see, it was like this. ….  He went ahead and gave a full accounting this time, knowing it was the only thing that would satisfy her.  So, that's how things stand.  Slim will be back in a week or so, and that Sloan fella is being held for trial.  So there's nothing to be concerned about.  I guess we are going to have to wait until next spring to get us that new bull we were talking about, though.  That’s one less worry for the winter, I suppose.

Dottie went to town alone on Saturday for supplies, as the Chandler boy wanted to stay and help Josh finish catching up on chores around the place.  It was around noon when they rode in from checking fence in the south pasture.  Okay Tiger, I want you to put the horses in their stalls, and give them some grain and water.  They worked pretty hard this morning, Josh said as he started removing the tack.  Nick nodded.  Give 'em a good brushing, too, he added as he put the saddles on the racks.  I'll go 'n rustle us up something to eat, he called over his shoulder.  Nick worked very diligently to care for the horses.  Slim had taught him several years ago how important it was to take care of your mount properly.

Josh washed up and went inside the house.  After hanging up his gun on the rack by the front door, he went back into the kitchen to see what he could come up with for a meal.  He put some biscuits on their plates and started heating up the stew left from yesterday.  Hearing footsteps coming up to the back door, he called out, Be sure and wash your hands, Nick.  You know how particular Dottie is about those things.  Our food will be ready in just a few minutes.  As the door opened, Josh turned to scold the boy for not stopping to wash.  Now listen, Ni...  Josh’s words stopped immediately, for he was looking down the barrel of a colt .45.

My, my, my, Maverick, that apron does look good on ya.  I'd say it suits ya, too, that's fer sure .... considerin' you ain't got the guts to be a real man.  The voice was cold and cynical.  It matched the man's appearance.  He was taller than Josh, with a pox-scarred face which had a jagged scar just under his left eye that had been made by a knife.  Those eyes were dark and angry.  His unkempt brunette hair hung almost shoulder length.

The man's penetrating stare was met inch for inch by Josh Hollister's angry glare.  Well, if it isn't 'Dog-face' Dana, he responded coolly.  When did they let you out from under your rock? he questioned with apparent distaste.

"Nobody LET me out, Maverick.  As a matter o' fact, I earned my way out .... on good behavior, no less," he stated with a laugh, showing his stained yellow teeth.

Yeah, I'll bet, Josh sneered with obvious doubt.  "What drew you up this way, Dana?  I know it wasn't to renew an old friendship, being as we never were overly fond of each other."

Just about a week er two ago, I got wind of one o' my acquaintances needin' the use o' my special talent.  See, I met Slade way down in El Paso once.  We struck up ....

I should have figured that somebody like Slade had a connection in there somewhere.  You're two of a kind.  Although Slade's a sight prettier than you are, Josh taunted scornfully.

Yer talkin' mighty bold for a man who's in yer fix, Dana threatened, stepping forward.  Even if he hadn't offered me the money and put me on yer trail, I'd a found you sooner or later.  See, I owe you a great deal, Mav, for yer help in gittin' me put in Yuma.  All o' the boys do!  Only some 'o them never made it out to pass along their appreciation, he finished with a snarl, angrily waving his gun.  Now git on outside.  I don't b'lieve in makin' a mess in the house.  My ma taught me better then that.  No tricks, neither, he cautioned, his eyes narrowing with that warning.

They headed out the front door. As he passed by, Dana picked up Josh's gun-belt that was hanging on the rack just inside the door.  After they got out into the yard, Josh turned to face the man.  An intense resentment flashed in his eyes when he saw his own gun slung over Dana's shoulder.  That is about the only odds that would give you a chance against me, he stated brazenly, giving a nod toward his weapon.  Go ahead, Dana.  Let's get this over with.  You don't want to wait too long, or the odds might change, Josh challenged, his body tense with mixed emotions.

At that moment, Nick Chandler came walking out of the barn, heading toward the house.  Dana had his back to the building, so didn't see the boy.  Josh tried to signal Nick to go back, but it didn't work.  Instead of darting back inside the barn, the Chandler boy started running toward them.  NO! Josh called out.  Get back in the barn, Tiger!

Dana drew the extra gun.  While keeping an eye on his quarry, he waved the pistol and ordered the boy to come on around over beside Josh.  Nick skirted fearfully past the man and ran to Josh's side.  I .... I'm sorry, Josh, he stammered in a timid voice.  I .... I didn't mean to cause trouble.  I just ....

Josh Hollister calmly placed a hand on the boy's shoulder.  Looking down into those fear-filled brown eyes, he smiled reassuringly.  Aw, this is nothing you did, Nick, he said gently.  This trouble is all my doing, from a long ways back.  Looking up at his opponent once again, the face and mood instantly changed.  Say Dana, he called out in a harsh voice, his eyes steady and penetrating, why don’t you let the boy go.  You don't need to take anything out on him.  He's got no part in any of this, 'Dog-face'.

Yeah?  Well, I don't want no witnesses, Maverick.  I like to leave things free and clear, if ya know what I mean.  That's the only way to survive in my business.  You should know that, Mav, he challenged.

Surprise came to Nick's face when he heard that strange name used in reference to Josh Hollister.  Listen Dana, you may have been a lot o’ things before, but you were never a child killer! Josh reminded him in low but menacing tones.  For a moment, both men were silent, as they recalled that shared experience.  A palpable tension in filled the air.

Nick could see a slight change in the strange man's face.  Okay boy, yer free ta go.  You git yerself on into the house, he relented in slightly softer tones, nodding over toward the porch.

Nick looked up warily at Josh.  Again, Josh had a warm, reassuring smile on his face for the boy.  However, the look in his eyes didn't match.  Now don't you worry about this.  Go on, Nick, he urged softly.  "And you see that you STAY in there," he ordered firmly.

Now git yerself on in there and lock the door, boy, Dana ordered.  "Don't you come back out fer nothin'.  No matter what you hear, boy .... no matter what goes on, don't you even stick yer nose out o' that door!" Dana warned with steely eyes.

Nick moved away from Josh very slowly at first.  But Josh .... he pled.  Josh Hollister waved him away.  Breaking into a run, the Chandler boy bounded inside the house and slammed the door behind him.

"Alright Maverick, now yer gonna pay yer dues," Dana growled, as hatred seemed to shadow his face.

Josh glared at him angrily.  "If you recall, 'Dog-face', I did pay my dues.  More than most of you, as a matter of fact," he quipped tersely.

That was yer own doin’, as I recall.  You didn't cooperate too much with our fine warden, he responded with a sneer.  Besides that, it don't make up for the boys.  You still owe fer that!  My only problem is deciding just how much suffering comes along with this.  Suddenly 'Dog-face' Dana seemed to be in a hateful trance. 

Josh had seen this mannerism before.  It was part of the man's character.  Josh knew he wasn't spieling out idle threats; Dana never had.  But Josh refused to give the gunman the satisfaction of reading his final thoughts and feelings.  Holding a cold, challenging look on his face, he casually responded, Whatever makes you happy, 'Dog-face'.  I can ....

Y .... you drop them g .... guns, mister, a hesitant voice demanded as the door creaked open and the Chandler boy slowly stepped out on the porch.  He had a gun cocked and aimed at Dana.  The pistol was quite wobbly, even though Nick was using both hands to steady it.

Josh's head jerked in that direction as soon as the boy's voice pierced the air.  Nick!  You put that up! he demanded, seemingly quite angry.

But Josh, he's gonna shoot ya, the boy sadly insisted.

Josh's voice softened as he grasped just how difficult this experience was for Nick.  It's okay, Tiger.  It will be alright, he tried to assure.  "Listen Tiger, that's my old piece, the one I gave up when I decided to stay.  That was part of the deal I made with Slim.  It is not to enter the picture any more, no matter what.  Now you un-cock that gun very carefully, Nick.  The boy carefully did as he was told.  Besides, it wouldn't do you any good to fire it; there's no bullet in there.  So just go put it back, Nick. ….  Now I want you to go back inside, and stay there."  The Chandler boy’s head hung in distress as he turned around and went back inside.  Josh noticed a momentary hint of fear on Dana's face when he mentioned that it was his old gun.  'Dog-face' knew all too well about the fast, smooth action of that pistol.  And in the hands of a nervous boy, it could even be more dangerous than it was in the swift, steady hand of its owner.

Good thing you did that, Maverick.  Wouldn't wanna have to harm the boy, Dana stated after Nick was back inside.  There was just a slight quiver in the man's voice.  The fear he felt was deep. 

Believe me, 'Dog-face', that's not why I did it.  He'd a gotcha .... most likely on the first shot.  He's becoming pretty fair with a gun.  He can hit what he's aiming at more often than not, Josh retorted with disdain.

Dana looked perplexed.  Josh's actions didn't make any sense at all.  Don't expect no reprieve from me in return, Mav.  You still owe for the rest o' the gang, he remarked, reminding himself, as well as Josh, of his objective.

Oh I don't expect any special consideration from you Dana, believe me.  I know you, all too well, Josh replied, his eyes steady and cold.

Dana's eyes narrowed as he brought up the barrel of his pistol.  "I will make it easy on ya, though.  Right through the heart."

Now that's real charitable of you, Dana, Josh responded with a slight chuckle as he braced himself for the end.  Who would have believed you had it in ya, he added crisply, as he narrowed his eyes.

Both men were momentarily distracted as Duchess came trotting in from the north pasture, sending a covey of birds fluttering up in the air.  The dog stopped near them, looking from one man to the other.  Then suddenly, with an uncharacteristic fierceness, she jumped Dana, knocking him down.  Shots fired wildly in the air as he went down, dropping both pistols.  Josh quickly dashed over to attack the man, while Dana was fighting off the dog.  A yelp verified that the knife Dana had drawn found its mark.  That sound drew the Chandler boy out of the house at a run.  Duchess? he questioned fearfully as he came out.  Oh Duchess! he cried as he ran and knelt by her still body.

Josh and Dana were tumbling around the yard in a life and death struggle.  Although there was a variance in size, they seemed fairly evenly matched in strength.  Finally the gunslinger ended up straddled on top of Josh.  The man's deep anger and hatred was apparent, and it seemed to give him an edge.  He was about to overpower Josh.  Dana's knife slowly inched down towards his opponent's chest.  But the adrenalin surging in Josh's veins made up for this difference, enabling him to make a big lurch.  They flipped, and the knife finally struck.  It was in the assailant however, not in its intended victim.

Struggling up off 'Dog-face', Josh staggered over to Nick, breathing hard as he knelt by his side.  Carefully he picked up the dog and carried her into the house.  After checking the wound, Josh assured the boy that she would be fine.  Listen Tiger, her thick coat helped keep the knife from going in too far.  Her shoulder will be stiff for a while, but soon enough she'll be running off like always, he added, trying to lift Nick's spirit.  I'm not calling her lazy or worthless any more, that's for sure, he added with a wink.  Josh Hollister was astonished that Duchess had come to his defense.  Until that moment, she had ignored him completely; not showing any dislike, but not showing any interest, either.  After bandaging her up, Josh laid the dog on a blanket he had taken from his own bunk.  Then he placed a plate of stew on the floor beside her, and a bowl of water.  Scratching behind her ears, Josh talked in soothing tones, and finally coaxed Duchess to eat a little.  That was the most emotion or tenderness he had allowed to be seen by anyone since he had come to the ranch.  One more wall from the past began to crumble away.

Chapter 2

After he and Nick had their meal, Josh saddled their horses; then they headed to Laramie with 'Dog-face' Dana draped over the back of his own mount.  He took Dana in to the sheriff, while Nick found Dottie at the general store.  That's how it went down, Ned.  You can ask Nick, if you like.  He'll tell you the same thing, Josh Hollister finished somewhat defensively, as he concluded his explanation.

I believe you, Josh.  This confrontation is not an issue.  I have no problem with your report.  I'd heard about a month ago that Dana had gotten out of prison.  I'm not surprised to hear he'd gotten mixed up with trouble already.  I'll notify those who should know.  Thanks, Josh, Ned Munson uttered solemnly, while offering his hand.  As Josh turned to go, the sheriff placed a hand on his shoulder and added. "I'm glad you made it through okay, Josh.  I've heard reports on Dana.  I understand he's not one you want to tangle with.

Josh nodded.  Yeah Ned, I know, he replied with a pensive look.  All too well, he added with a shake of the head.  Ned chuckled and nodded.  He understood exactly what that meant.

Josh drove Dottie home in the buckboard, with his and Nick's mounts tied on the back.  Despite Josh's efforts to keep it quiet, Nick had the morning's episode all detailed to Dottie before they were half a mile out of town.

Oh my word, Dottie Nielson gasped.  It was evident by her tone of voice that the event upset her.  I'm so glad that everything turned out the way it did.  Are you positive that you are alright, Joshua? she questioned again, looking him over carefully.

Yeah Dottie, I’m okay.  All I got out o’ this is a scrape or two, he reassured her.  There's nothing for you to be worrying about.  It's all over with, and Nick is safe.  Duchess will recover soon enough.  So .... he finished with a shrug.

But he .... you .... she stammered, feeling quite anxious over the incident, as she contemplated the possibility of a different outcome.

Now Dottie, I'm fine, really.  I've face men like him before.  Until recently, it used to be a regular part of life for me, he admitted somewhat solemnly.  You never need worry about me.  I learned how to handle such encounters long ago.  Momentarily a very forlorn look come to his face.  His eyes seemed distant and lonely, looking somewhat haunted, and almost cold.  For the next mile or so, all was silent.

Nick had watched this change come over Josh Hollister, and it upset him a little.  He had only told Dottie about the event because he was so excited about the outcome of the whole experience.  You knew that man, didn't ya, Josh, the boy finally stated, somewhat glumly.  That statement seemed to bring Josh back to the present, and he nodded in response.  Was you partners? he queried innocently.

Now hush, Nicholas, Dottie scolded in quiet tones.  You know very well that such questions are not polite.

Josh took in a deep breath and slowly let it out with a heavy sigh.  No Tiger, not really, he finally responded.  It seemed he hadn't heard Dottie, or at least felt that he should give the lad an answer.  Now, I've never lied to you, and I never will.  But I haven't told you everything, either.  See I .... well, my past is nothing to brag on.  Now Slim and Dottie, well, they figured that out right off, he began explaining.  Nick listened intently; Dottie did as well.  Dana had a part in that past.  We rode together for a spell.  In fact, he was with me when ....  Josh paused for a moment, while he weighed things in his mind.  He hadn't talked much about this to anyone.  He finally decided he could be a little more open.  Dottie Nielson had a way of drawing out a person's confidence and trust. 

Well, Nick, we were in the same gang when we got busted.  He was after me partly for what Slim and I were involved in at Springville .... but mostly because he, and most all the others in our gang figure I was responsible for them getting caught.  Josh paused for a moment, mulling things over in his mind.  Then he continued.  And in a way, I suppose that's probably true.  But I just couldn't allow Doogan to ....  Josh stopped and shook his head.  He decided he had revealed more than enough.  Taking a deep breath, he concluded, Anyway, that's all done and over-with .... it's in the past.

Oh, I certainly hope so, Dottie muttered, mostly to herself.  The Chandler boy’s eyes were open wide with disbelief, as he heard these sketchy details from the man at his side.  

For the remainder of the trip home, Josh Hollister was silent.  He seemed absorbed in memories as he drove along.  Dottie drew Nick's attention away from Josh by talk of mixing up a batch of oatmeal cookies.  She was able to purchase a small bag of raisins at the store today, and knew how much Nick loved that special treat.

As they pulled into the yard, Josh appeared to return to the present.  After helping Dottie down from the wagon, he began unloading the supplies.  When he entered the kitchen with his second armload, the Chandler boy confronted him, speaking in soft, yet disappointed tones.  Josh, you said you didn't lie.  Then lifting up the pearl-handled gun he'd held before, he clarified his point.  There is too bullets in here!  His voice became a shout with that statement.  How come you lied?  The voice was softer once again, as he began to choke up.  Dottie was about to scold the boy for his insolence, when Josh shook his head.  He felt that Nick had a right to behave that way.

Josh set the crate on the table, sat down in the nearest chair, and waved the boy over.  Come here Nick, and bring that piece with you.  His deep voice was soft, and filled with understanding.  Nick walked over, his head hung low.  Josh gently lifted the boy's chin as he carefully took the gun from his hands.  When their eyes met, he gave a wink of assurance.  Then, opening the firing cylinder, he emptied the cartridges into the boy's hand.  They numbered one short of matching the empty chambers.  See Tiger, he began, "I didn't lie.  I always leave the hammer on an empty chamber, just as a safety precaution.  That's only loaded on any gun when I'm ready to face a challenge.  Out of habit he picked up the bullets and began reloading the gun.  The action on this piece is just too smooth to ...."

But Josh, Nick began in protest, I still coulda ....

Josh nodded his head slowly.  Oh I know you could have, Nick, I know, he interrupted.  I have faith in you.  You are getting older, and are quite capable of handling a lot of things, he readily assured. But this ....  He paused and took a deep breath.  Letting out slowly, Josh continued.  Well, this is just something different, he stated with a shake of the head.  "And 'Dog-face' .... well, he's nobody to do-si-do with, Nick .... not even for someone like me.  He doesn't give time for thinking, or second guessing.  With him, there's no second chance.  I .... well I just didn't want you mixed up in that sort of mess, Tiger.  Believe me, that's the only reason I stopped you.  Besides, that's all in the past, now, he said as he stood up.  Patting the boy on the shoulder, Josh added, You're getting to be a fine young man.  I'm really proud of you, Nick, real proud."

With that comment, Nick Chandler beamed.  He was satisfied with the explanation, and accepted it willingly.  Dottie returned to putting the groceries away.  After Josh put the pearl-handled gun back in the mantle on the corner of the fireplace, both he and Nick went back outside and finished bringing in the supplies.

When things had settled down that night, Dottie noticed that same lonely, distant look had come back to Josh Hollister's eyes.  He went and sat