Justice and the Heart: Just a Notion Part 2

By Amos Walker

The McKee family saga continues while Walker tries to find a way to rid himself of the rage and torment of losing Beth. He had done his best to keep her from harm only to lose her anyway. Many a man suffered Walker's brand of justice while he tried to rid himself of the pain and loneliness . . . then he met Charlotte.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469193045

Amos Walker

Amos Walker grew up in small town USA during the 50's and 60's the 8th child in a very poor family of 10 children. By the time Amos was born, followed quickly by his two younger Brothers his parents were pretty much worn out with raising children. So Amos and his younger brothers were pretty much left to fend for themselves. There never seemed to be enough food to go around so the three boys learned early to hunt wild game and rob the neighbors fruit trees in order to eat. Amos worked hard all his life starting at the age of 11. He was successful in his own business for several years and suffered many hardships throughout, but never lost the joy of the little things in life. For years Amos has been interested in writing and this last year finally seen his work in print. He writes for the sheer enjoyment and feels the need to get his stories "Out There"

Book preview

Justice

and The

Heart

Just a Notion Part 2

Amos Walker

Copyright © 2012 by Amos Walker.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

1

From the bluffs where Walker sat on his horse, he could look around and survey the ranch in the valley below. The main ranch house was almost complete and soon everyone would have a place to sleep in out of the weather.

It was a beautiful place for a ranch, just like Martin had said it would be. Off in the distance you could see the sparkling waters of the river, the mustangs in the compound, and the cattle that dotted the valley.

As he sat taking it all in, Walker wished his father was alive to see all of this. He wished that he could see how well his family was faring, especially his new grandson, John Walker.

Walker turned his horse to head down to the ranch house when he saw Beth riding towards him. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was a wonder to see on horse back. She always rode fast with her dark hair loose and blowing wildly in the wind.

For a moment Walker thought she was going to run right over him but she reined up hard on the horse causing it to kick up a huge amount of dust as it came to a stop.

Walker watched as she tossed her hair away from her face. There was a light sheen of perspiration across her face that reminded him of the times they had stolen away from the ranch to be alone.

Mind if I join you? Beth asked breathlessly. If I’m not interrupt'n you, she laughed.

No interruption, just think'n. What brings you here this time of day? he asked.

She dismounted and walked to the edge of the bluff that overlooked the valley. The purple shadows from the setting sun were starting to grow long and the view was breath taking.

You go'n to get down and be sociable, she asked?

Yes ma’am, I guess I will, he replied.

They talked about the ranch and everything else except how they wanted each other again.

Walker could see a bank of black clouds gaining ground on their perch.

We better get back before dark. With the clouds mov'n in that won’t be long now, he suggested.

It's not what he wanted but past experience taught him when to run for cover.

You’re right, we had better make tracks. This sure is a beautiful place to think.

Beth turned quickly and before he could move she put her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the cheek and moved her lips toward his mouth.

You need someth'n else to think about? She turned him loose, got on her horse and raced away.

Walker stood there for a while looking at her back as she rode away. That’s how it’s always been between the two of them. She would sear him with her eyes; a light touch or brush up against him needlessly then she would hightail it knowing she had lit the fire.

2

That evening after they were finished eating, Walker, Martin, and Sam were discussing the ranch needs as they sat at the table. They would often plan the next day’s chores and which ranch hands were the best for those chores. Usually, everyone around the table would sit and listen, throwing in a comment now and then. The three men shared the responsibility of running the ranch but everyone knew that Walker was the glue that held it all together.

There’s a meadow two miles southwest of the ranch where we could get winter hay for the horses. We’ll need a line shack over in that direction to house a lineman and to store hay. Martin, I would like you to find a site for the shack and it would be nice to have water close by, Walker said.

I know just the place. There are plenty ‘nough trees for the logs that we’ll need. replied Martin.

With the business of ranching done, Walker turned to his Mother and asked, Jim and Rochelle do'n alright?

Just fine, John Walker is do'n well too, she replied.

He turned back to everyone and said, Thanks, everybody.

He headed for the door that led out to the porch. Everyone knew that he would sit outside until the last traces of the sun were gone.

He chanced a quick glance in Beth’s direction thinking maybe she would follow him and was caught in her fiery dark eyes. He didn’t miss the slight twitch of a smile when she turned and went the other way. Oh yes, she knew what she was doing to him.

Walker took his horses to the gate and turned them loose. He was leaning on the fence railing with his arms drooped over the top. It was dark now but he wasn’t ready to call it a day yet.

Mind if I join you?

Walker new that voice. He turned around to see Beth in the dim light of the night.

Welcome the company, he said.

Beth put her arms around him and gave him a kiss on the lips. Holding her lips close to his with her hot breath still on his lips, she asked, I can leave if you like?

His answer was to tighten his arms around her and press his lips over hers again.

It had rained hard during the night and the morning air carried the aroma of wet grass and animals. The sun was trying to come through the clouds as Martin and Sam approached Walker. Walker was already waiting on the porch.

Martin, if you need more help get'n the hay and a line shack ready, the next time you go to Hillsdale try to find some help, Walker said.

We’ll see. Sam and his crew should be done soon enough with the house to help. Martin said.

Sam, how long you think? asked Walker.

Week maybe. I can turn some of the help loose in a couple of days. That good? said Martin.

Real good, Walker answered.

Martin, if you don’t mind, I think I’ll make that trip to Hillsdale for you, Walker said.

Fine by me, Martin said, When do you want to leave?

Tomorrow morn'n.

I’ll make a list of supplies we need and I’ll get one from Mary and Sally. You’ll probably need two wagons. That shipment of oats we ordered should be in. I’ll send Tom and Culver to take care of the teams and wagons, Martin said.

We leave at first light. Sam, if you have time check out the teams and wagons for me today. Walker said.

You bet, Walker.

The next morning Frank joined the three other men preparing to leave for Hillsdale.

Sam told me to ride along. He said he wanted everyone back as soon as possible. He said I was no good with a hammer and I'd be better used to help y'all, he ended grinning from ear to ear.

Walker groaned, Sam…..

They moved fast considering they had the two wagons but it was still going to be a long trip. It would take about ten days. They did not stop until it was time to make camp early in the evening. All were ready for coffee, bacon and some time to stretch their legs.

As they sat around the fire after supper, they enjoyed a contest of who was the best with women and guns. This had been the routine for most of the traveling done to and from the ranch.

When a winner was declared, Walker said It’s time we got some sleep. We’ll be riding hard again tomorrow. I’ll stand watch, Walker said.

Let’s take turns. There are enough of us. It would be just two hours each, since there are four of us. That way no one gets too tired, Frank offered.

I’ll take the last watch, said Walker.

They weren’t expecting trouble but one never knows when some stranger might come out of the night feel'n ornery.

Walker had coffee and bacon ready before day light. He went around camp and rousted everyone at sunrise.

Rise and shine boys. It’s gonna be a beautiful day, he foretold.

Ah, you woke me up in the middle of good dream, grumbled Culver.

Damn good thing I came along when I did. Breakfast is ready, quipped Walker.

He can’t even get the women in his dreams, Frank said continuing the contest from the previous night. The other three men enjoyed a good laugh at Culver’s expense.

Ah shut-up, Culver grumbled.

They had an early start and again rode all day only stopping in the early evening. Every rabbit along the trail ride was fated to become supper by way of Walker’s bow and arrows. This became their daily routine for the entire trip.

The men were chewing on their portion of rabbit when Walker said, I guess I’m get'n spoiled with Mary and Sally’s cook’n. We get to Hillsdale we’re gonna find some place to eat some home cook’n.

They're the best! Since com'n to the ranch, it’s the first time in my life I had all the good eat'n I wanted, informed Culver.

They were nearing the end of the last day out when they heard gunfire over the knoll to their left.

All the riders reined their horses to a hard stop and waited for the next shot.

Stay here, Walker ordered.

He kneed his horse into a full gallop toward the gunfire. As he crested the knoll, he could see a stage coach being chased by several masked gunmen.

Walker turned and motioned for his men to join him then rode as hard as he could to head off the gunmen. As soon as he got close enough he brought up his rifle and started firing. The gunmen didn’t waste time returning a volley of fire of their own. Walker could see that no one on the stage was shoot’n back. The horses were all the driver could handle while trying to outrun the gunmen. The return volley didn’t persuade him to slow his pace. He kept riding toward and kept firing at the masked riders while angling between the gunmen and the stage. He figured there were nearly twelve gunmen to start but he had whittled them down by four. The remaining riders had not yet been discouraged. Walker took careful aim and took another one out. The last of the gunmen apparently had to think about Walker’s crack shot aim and veered off in a different direction. Walker turned catching sight of Frank trying to catch the stage.

Walker always traveled with a relief horse tethered to his saddle and was now bringing this horse along side. He quickly went from one saddle to the other all the while in forward motion. Together, Walker and Frank caught the stage team, one on each side, bringing it to a halt. The stage coach driver had been wounded and was hanging on the best he could.

Hold’em Frank! Walker ordered.

He jumped from his horse and opened the stage door to check the passengers. There lay one man and one woman dead. The dead woman was being held by a sobbing young girl. There were two other men cowering together opposite the girl.

Walker barked at the men, You two run out of ammunition?

No, we…we don’t believe in shoot’n and…and… kill’n, they stuttered.

Walker reached inside, grabbed the nearest man, dragged him out and threw him on the ground. He reached in, went after the other and threw him on top of the first.

Don’t you try to get up or I’ll kill you myself, Walker growled.

He helped the sobbing girl down from the coach. He gathered up the dead woman and laid her gently on the ground next to the girl. It was obvious that the dead woman was the girl’s Mother.

Walker asked Frank, Where’s Tom and Culver?

They’re com'n in right now, Frank replied.

Walker turned to the stage driver asking, What’s this stage do’n out here? This is not your route.

The road was blocked by a land slide so we came around this way.

Walker looked around studying the less traveled trail. There were trees and large rocks close to the trail where men and horses could hide. The land slide must have been a setup. There had been rain but not enough in these parts to set off a natural land slide.

As the wagons neared the stage Culver yelled, Walker, Tom’s been hit! It looks bad!

Walker ran to Tom’s wagon and helped Tom to the ground. Tom had taken one in the upper arm. He had already lost a lot of blood and the bullet had done plenty of damage. Walker took Tom’s and his own kerchief and bound the arm as best he could. He put Tom in the back of the wagon making him as comfortable as possible.

Frank, take the dead and put them in the other wagon and put the girl and the driver in the coach. You’ll have to drive the wagon. barked Walker.

Walker went to the two men on the ground asking, Can you drive this coach?

They both looked away as they said, No.

Walker jerked the nearest man to his feet saying, You’re about to get your first lesson. Haul your ass up there.

He turned to the other who was still on the ground too afraid to move.

Grab that shotgun and get up beside him! he barked.

Mister, he whined we don’t believe in kill'n.

Walker grabbed the man's leg and twisted it violently causing the downed man to flip onto his round belly. He then pulled his bowie knife and put his foot in the middle of his back and grabbed the man by the hair.

How do you feel about die’n? Cause if you don’t get up there, I’ll scalp you here and now! ground out between clenched jaws.

Just to prove it Walker slowly drew his blade across the man’s forehead causing a thin line of blood to appear. The man flinched and began begging for his life.

Ok, Mister, I’ll take the shot gun! he cried.

Walker’s ranch hands had watched everything that had transpired, knowing that if the man had not done as Walker had said the man would have truly been relieved of his hair, dead and forgotten within seconds.

Frank, if the bastards don’t do right, kill’em, ordered Walker.

Darn right I will boss, approved Frank.

Culver take Tom straight to the doc in town. Don’t worry about the stage stop, Walker said while mounting his horse.

Got it, Culver said.

Walker headed in the direction the gunmen had gone all the while reloading his guns. As soon as he finished, he nudged his horse into a hard run. Trailing them was easy, the gunmen weren’t trying to cover their trail. They just wanted to get as far away as possible and quick!

The gunmen had slowed the pace to give their horses a break. When they heard the single horse approaching, they quickly decided they could take the single rider and then get on their way. As Walker came into view, he was already firing like a madman. The gunmen’s spines curled at the look on the madman’s face and the volley of bullets coming at them. They turned their mounts and raced away while throwing fire over their shoulders.

Walker was gaining ground when his horse caught a bullet and almost went down. He pulled his horse to a stop and saw that it had been hit in the brisket. It was bad enough to slow him down. Walker considered the horse worth more than the gunmen and decided there would come another day.

He turned his horse back toward the stage but