Bailey Jordan, AKA Heroine Extraordinaire

By Jennifer Joseph and Darrel Day

The third in a series that will span six books, Bailey Jordan continues to ride the prairie. A United State Marshal, Bailey is on the hunt for the Hale Brother's responsible for the death of a judge. Judge Carson was a good man and a good friend. This journey will take Bailey far from her beloved Ben, where she will find herself surrounded by danger and excitement. Will she finally see Burt Larson tried, convicted and hung till he is dead? Follow her on this journey to see what life has in store for this beautiful woman, Bailey Jordan, AKA Heroin Extraordinaire

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Joseph
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005720148

Book preview

Bailey Jordan, AKA, Heroine Extraordinaire

Written by Jennifer Joseph

Co-writer Darrel Day

Copyright May 2021

Acknowledgement Page

I would like to start by giving a huge Thank You to Darrel Day, who helped write the Bailey Jordan series. Without his collaboration and help, there would not be a Bailey Jordan series.

And to Deb, James and Ryan, I say thank you for your encouragement to follow my dream to write and publish my books.

Prologue

Time sometimes slips away when you are riding the prairie. Minutes become hours and hours, quickly become days. The wide-open spaces never close in around you while you ride from sunup to sundown. Changes in your surroundings, daylight to darkness, bring on new sounds and sometimes, old thoughts. The daytime squawking of prairie chickens and the cry of the eagle are exchanged for distant calls of coyotes and lowing of Buffalo moving unseen across the plains at night. And there is always one more change when the sun gives way to the evening sky.

Bailey Jordan, AKA U.S. Marshal, knew the feeling all too well. She tugged at the collar of her long jacket, trying to ward off the chill she knew was going to last until sunrise. She shivered as the cold slipped through whatever tiny opening in her jacket it could find. She shivered again but this time, the coldness was not from the night air. The bitter sting of the cool breeze was only matched by her thoughts as she traveled across the prairie with only Doc, the dog that adopted her as his owner, to talk to. She silently longed for the warmth and comfort of Ben’s arms wrapped tightly around her. She missed his voice in her ear and the feel of his breath on her neck. In the deep abyss of sky, void of stars or moonlight, for the first time, in a very long time, Bailey hated the dark. She no longer needed it to hide her eyes from others.

She had finally fed justice to the last murderer of her family, in the form of apprehension. Burt Larson’s reign of hatred and cruelty had been put to rest. His capture had nearly been more costly than Bailey could have imagined. The lives of too many people she loved had been taken far too close to heaven’s gates for her. She wondered if her determination to find and see Burt hang, had clouded her thoughts beyond what she should have allowed.

She thought about Percy Gifford, the writer who had made himself a wanted man. Where would he show himself again? Would he write the story of Burt and himself? Did he truly realize he was now wanted for not only murdering a bartender and an Indian Chief, but for the attempted murder of Daisy and Adam? If caught, he would surely hang from a rope for his crimes.

Her mind was overwhelmed by all that had happened in what now seemed like a short time. Bailey, the daughter of a cheating father and a weak mother, had once thought she had found her forever. Matt had somewhat tamed the wanderer inside of Bailey. Her baby boy, Xander, had completed her world. And then, her world came crashing down in a single night. Everything Bailey had dreamed of doing; all she had dreamed of life being, changed in her life forever.

From married to widowed; from widowed to bounty hunter and now, a U.S. Marshal, Bailey Jordan was no longer sure exactly who she was. What she did know was she was very much in love with a man she had left behind. Ben Wellmark had left his mark etched deeply inside of her heart. She wondered how much longer she could ride the lonely prairie and not feel Ben’s warm arms holding her tightly.

Bailey Jordan, AKA, U.S. Marshal, knew, one day her heart and her mind would need to make a choice. For now, her love for Ben was equally matched with her desire to ride and breathe in the beauty of the prairie and mountains. They were as therapeutic as they were magnificent. She prayed she would know when that time arrived. For now, she was Bailey Jordan, U.S. Marshal, in search of men who gunned down a judge in cold blood. She would see this assignment through to the end.

Chapter 1

Bailey had ridden for nearly six days now. She had crossed over unseen territorial lines, taking in all that Mother Nature had to offer. She listened to the sounds of coyotes, owls, buffalo and even the whispers of the wind. The third day of riding, she set Doc on the ground beside her. Slowly, he stood and wagged his tail. Bailey walked next to Hanta, watching to see how Doc would do walking. He had a slight limp but had no trouble keeping pace with Bailey.

I think you are going to be just fine, my friend. We can rest from time to time until you are better. You are a one tough mutt.

They rode on until the day was turning to dusk. Although she was only a day away from Tucson, she was tired and needed to stop and rest for a time. She was certain Doc was not going to mind at all.

Bailey found a clearing set against the backdrop of a tall rocky knoll. Brush and cactus covered most of the ground. Starting a small fire, she set the saddle near enough to the fire that it would keep her warm without harming the saddle itself. Critters, drawn to the light and warmth scurried past her. For one rabbit, the scurrying simply was not quick enough. It would make a nice meal for Bailey and Doc. As they shared the rabbit, Bailey again spoke to Doc as if he might respond to her when she talked to him. His head cocked to one side was as close to a response as she was going to get.

We have seen a lot in the past few months, Doc. We have also damn near lost several loved ones recently, including you. Daisy and Parson will do fine. I am sure by now she is recovered. She is a tough gal and Parson is good to her. We will find a time to stop in and visit them when we are finished with this roundup. Adam will be completely back to his old self soon enough. Sometimes I wish he would choose a different profession. That isn’t going to happen though, is it boy?

Bailey was silent for a moment, as if waiting for Doc to agree with her. She smiled and tossed him another piece of rabbit. The food was good and the coffee, even better. She would be sure to thank Wade for the supplies he had slipped into her saddlebags while she was preparing to ride out the last time she saw him.

"We took Burt off the prairie and closed a door to many years of searching, Doc. I am fairly certain Sawyer Hale was not upset to see me go, although, he knows by now exactly where I am heading. We will find these two brothers of his and bring them to justice.

From the telegraph I received, I think we are going to be riding into new territory. There wasn’t much detail, and it didn’t tell me who the judge was they killed. The brothers were last seen leaving Tucson going in the direction of Sonora. We will need to make a connection before they cross into Mexico. I sent a message to my superiors, telling them I would be heading to Tucson. Hopefully, there will be another telegraph when we arrive there. We will ride to Tucson with the first light."

Bailey stoked the fire with wood before laying her head down on the saddle. She covered herself with a blanket, knowing the desert air would be cool. She thought about Ben and Adam and Daisy. She even thought a bit about Wade and the doctor. All of them had become more like family than just friends to her.

Doc curled up near the fire, facing outward, guarding his newfound friend. His wounds would heal soon enough. He lifted his head to smell the night air. His ears perked up at the sounds of the critters coming out in search of food. A simple low growl from deep inside Doc’s throat warded off anything wandering to closely to the fire. Doc’s dark fur made it nearly impossible for him to be seen by the wildlife. The snap of his jaws caught an unsuspecting mouse that had no idea danger was laying in front of it. Doc figured there was no reason to waste a catch. Two more times, opening and closing his mouth, had brought a quick end to the mouse.

Bailey, nearly asleep now, smiled as she listened to Doc enjoying his late evening snack. She knew he would not allow anything to approach her without a warning. Bailey Jordan slept peacefully under the beautifully star filled night of the Arizona Territory skies. She knew that morning was only a few hours away. She would want to be as fresh and alert as possible when she entered the town. She wasn’t certain what she might find in town. She fell fast asleep to the thoughts of Ben and Uncomphage.

Chapter 2

Tucson was quickly becoming a strong township. People from all walks of life found their way to the western territory. The streets were lined with hotels, some incorporated with saloons and gambling halls. Lawmen were scarce and their longevity in any given town was normally short-termed.

Railroad workers were making their way towards connecting all the major cities and townships, allowing for easier, quicker travel from place to place. Bailey Jordan rode into Tucson in the early morning. She took in the scenery and made a mental note of the people that stood outside, each watching her as much as she was taking them in. Bailey wanted only two things in Tucson. She needed supplies and to find the sheriff’s office. She stopped Hanta only long enough to ask where that might be.

Excuse me, ma’am, but could you direct me to the sheriff’s office, please?

The woman stared up at Bailey, shielding her eyes from the rising sun. She looked to be about Bailey’s age, though her eyes said she was much older.

We don’t have a sheriff at this time, marshal. He decided to find a place less ridden with outlaws. I heard tell they was sending us a new one. Would you be the one we are getting?

I am afraid not. I am here for a short time and then I will be riding out again. Is there anyone in the sheriff’s office at this time?

Nathan Barstrip is pretending to be our law here. He don’t have a star or anything like that but he is quick with a gun. I was just fixin’ to take him over some food, if you want to follow me.

Thank you for being so kind. I will do just that.

Bailey continued to look up and down the streets of Tucson. There was a little piece of the new country and the old set into place. You could buy a fancy dress or simple work clothing. There was a mercantile, saloons and all the gambling or dance halls you could ask for. Ladies of the night stood out on balconies, most looking as if their workday was coming to an end.

Hey new lady on the horse. I don’t mind making tired ladies feel welcome, if you are interested.

Bailey looked up at the women calling out to her. She looked as if she had been making offers from a balcony for a very long time. The west often aged a lady far beyond her actual years. It was sometimes deceiving as to how old or young they truly were. This one however, showed enough signs that Bailey suspected her to be much older than the other ladies that lined the balconies. Bailey smiled up at her and then pulled her vest back, displaying her badge for all to see.

I’m afraid I can’t take you up on your offer, young lady. It wouldn’t look good for either of us but, thank you for the kind offer.

The lady smiled and nodded before slipping backwards into her room. The other ladies followed suit after seeing Bailey’s badge.

Pay no mind to those ladies, ma’am. They make a livin’ sinning.

You can call me Bailey and as far as I am concerned, what they do for a living is between them and the good lord. I have done far too many things to ever pass judgement on anyone.

My name is Elizabeth Holloway, Bailey Jordan. Folks around here just call me Liza. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.

How is it you know my name, Liza?

Hellfire, Bailey Jordan, everyone knows your name. Mostly it is the young’uns who know you. The girls all want to grow up and be just like you. Course, their daddies ain’t fond of that but, most of the daddies, just wanna try you out.

Liza gasped as she covered her mouth with her hand.

Lordy, I sure hope I didn’t say something to offend you, Bailey.

You didn’t offend me at all, Liza. I have seen and heard more than I truly care to say out loud.

Well, here we are at the sheriff’s place. I’ll take his food inside and let him know you are here.

Bailey dismounted, leaving Hanta tethered to a pole. Doc, who had remained on the opposite side of the young lady and Bailey, moved to stand beside Bailey. He watched as she moved towards the office door. Starting to follow her, he stopped when Bailey put her hand out in front of her.

I need you to stay out here and watch Hanta for me. I have a lot of things in my saddlebags I don’t want to go missing. I won’t be inside for long, Doc.

Leaning down, Bailey dropped a piece of dried venison in front of Doc. She scratched him behind his ears before walking away. Doc gnawed on the meat as he watched Bailey open the door. She was surprised to find Liza sitting on the young man’s lap. As he looked up and saw her, he nearly tossed the girl to the floor.

Damn, Nathan, I was trying to tell you Bailey Jordan was about to come inside. You grabbed me so fast, I didn’t have time to say anything.

The young man stopped Liza from falling to the floor. He then began straightening his shirt and pants. Bailey muffled her laughter as she watched the couple try to compose themselves. Nathan knocked his knee against the corner of the desk, the sound telling Bailey it had been painful.

Damn it, Liza, you gotta get out of the way, sweetheart.

Bailey decided it was best if she spoke up.

Nathan, you don’t need to get riled up. I am not here as your replacement or your authority. I would however take a cup of that coffee you have on the burner, if you don’t mind.

Nathan turned to pour a cup of coffee for Bailey. He spilled some on his hand, causing him to nearly drop the whole pot. Bailey took the pot from him and poured her own cup.

If you are collected, young man, perhaps I could ask you a few questions.

Do you want Liza to leave us alone?

I think maybe she should stay. She seems to have a calming nature for you.

Thank you for that, Bailey. I’ll just sit and be silent and still.

Sipping her coffee, Bailey pulled out the telegram she had received.

Nathan, do you have a telegraph office here in Tucson?

Yes ma’am, we do. We have everything modern here in Tucson.

Perhaps I could get Liza to go there and ask if there is anything for Bailey Jordan. While she is away, you and I can talk a bit more about you being sheriff.

Liza did as she was asked, leaving Nathan and Bailey alone.

My first question for you, young man, is how old are you?

I turned nineteen a bit ago, but I have a lot of time with my pistol. I can outshoot anyone in this territory. I also have some education. My mama put me in a special school so I could learn quickly. I can read and do counting really well. The people here like me and even if I am young, they respect me. I help a lot of folks get their new homesteads set up.

You sound exactly like what this town needs, Nathan. Do you want to stay the sheriff here; I mean the real sworn in sheriff?

"More than anything, ‘cept maybe marryin’ Liza. Her daddy says she