Noah Landers, Justice Prevails

By Terry W. Heaton

Noah Landers, Justice Prevails is the second installment of the series. It picks up the action where book 1, Noah Landers, Welcome Home, ends.

Noah had no idea why he was being called to the capital. With the ranch's calves still missing, he didn't need to be traipsing all over the state. He was still trying to repair the damages done to his ranch and the reputation thereof. The ranch's missing calves still had to be found or accounted for one way or another. He just didn't have time to be questioned by the governor about the problems he had faced regarding regaining possession of his ranch.

But after a visit to the governor, he found himself with a new job that he didn't want. Even though he was the right man for the job, he still didn't want it. Now he found that more was demanded of his time. Before all was said and done, he would have to solve one of the biggest mysteries plaguing the area and solve a murder to prevent an unjust hanging.

Noah found that love and work were hard things to combine. But when his love was threatened, he found that he was up to the task, with help from his love. The family increased as death depleted it. Then a mysterious message took him on a mission to right another wrong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887931975

Book preview

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Noah Landers, Justice Prevails

Terry W. Heaton

Copyright © 2023 Terry W. Heaton

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-210-1 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-197-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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About the Author

Terry W. Heaton was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He moved his family west when his boys were still young. They took up residence in a small town in Central, Utah—five minutes to the west and it was all mountains; five minutes to the east and it was the desert. He spent many years working and talking with cowboys of all types—from an old man that had worked as stunt rider and extra on John Wayne movies to young men working a daily job to support a ranch.

In the late '80s, he returned to Ohio for family reasons though he would have preferred to stay where he was. He wrote his first stories in Ohio while he was still young—sci-fi and detective stories came first. The westerns were started in the early '80s.

1

Noah unfolded the telegram that Mr. Koontz handed him. It was a request for his presence at the statehouse. Noah, however, did not take it as a request since the governor had offered a couple of marshals to escort him if needed.

Noah looked up to see Mr. Koontz still standing there.

I was bidden to send your answer immediately.

Yes, I bet you were. Tell him I am coming, keep it short. You got any idea what it's all about?

No, but there's been talk up and down the wire. It's hard to ignore it all. I'm guessing that news of your previous escapade has reached his ears. Can't say where it will lead.

Guess I'll have to head back to the ranch to let them know I'll be gone for a while…just when I was getting comfortable too. You know when the next stage comes through headed for the capital?

I don't think there is one with a direct run to the capital. You'll probably have to switch stages at some point. I can check with the stage station if you'd like. It's no problem, keeps me out of that chair for a while.

No, thanks, Lij. I'll just ride. Dapple has been sniffing the wind lately, and he wants to get out anyway.

All right, Noah, I'll let them know. Safe travels.

Thanks, see you when I get back.

Noah's jaunt to the capital was uneventful, and he made good time. There's no sense in having the governor send out marshals looking for him. It had been a while since he had been in a big city such as this, and he felt cramped. Still, he would wander about to see how the city folk got along while living on top of one another. He saw more people on his walk from the livery stables to the hotel than he had in the last year.

After checking into a room, he got a bath. Then dressed in his suit, he headed for the statehouse. He threaded his way through the throngs of pedestrians, not making very good time. It was a good thing that he didn't have an exact appointment time, or he would be late.

Ah, there was the shop that Del requested he visit for him. Del had given him a list and a handful of money, and Noah had consented to make the stop. That boy was spending all his money on that girl, and Noah couldn't blame him one bit. Sarah Bennett had become a lovely young lady and was devoted to making Del happy.

The statehouse was coming up; time to get back to the present and whatever was at hand. He mounted the steps to the front of the building and followed another man in the door. He stopped inside and looked around, trying to figure out what he was supposed to do. The man that entered before him had approached a small desk in the center of the foyer and was conversing with the person there. He figured that would be a good place to start. When the man stepped away, Noah approached.

May I help you, sir? the receptionist asked.

Yes, I suppose you can. I have come to see the governor.

Of course, you have. Why don't you have a seat over there with the last fourteen people that made the same request. When the governor's secretary has a chance to see you, he will decide if you can see the governor.

I don't think you understand. I'm not here because I want to be. I'm here because he sent for me. Noah took the telegram from his pocket and handed it to the man.

The man took a quick glance at the telegram and beckoned a boy over. The boy hurried to him; the man whispered instructions, and the lad hurried off.

It will be just a moment, sir. I wouldn't bother setting down.

Soon a man came walking toward the desk, and the receptionist pointed out Noah.

Mr. Landers? I am Mr. Smith, secretary to Governor Bond. If you would come with me please.

Noah followed, and the man continued to talk, The governor will be pleased that you arrived so soon. He has much to discuss with you.

Noah was led to a door with a brass plaque that informed all that this was the office of Governor Louis Bond. They walked through the door, and Noah found himself in an outer office. Across the room was a door with a Private sign on it.

The man walked right to the door and tapped lightly before opening it. Mr. Landers is here, Your Honor.

So soon? That's wonderful. Send him right in.

Mr. Smith stepped aside to allow Noah entrance. Your Honor, this is Mr. Landers. Mr. Landers, His Honor Governor Bond. He closed the door as he left the room.

Sit down man, we have much to discuss. I know some of my detractors call me a windbag, and I'm not above using one hundred words when ten will do. But I want to be as succinct with you as possible. I want you to work for me.

I beg your pardon? You want me to work for you? Sir, I already have an enormous undertaking running my ranch. I just can't walk away from that and move to the capital. Besides, what can I do that so many around you are not already doing?

That's just it. All of these people are around me, not out there. He waved a hand at the expanse outside the window. Let me start fresh. He opened a drawer and removed several sheets of paper. I have a stack of telegrams here, some from private individuals and more from banks all around, one from as far off as El Paso telling me of your honesty and integrity. I checked up on you. At Noah's stare he amended the statement, Well, not like that. I just meant that your name was dropped a time or two in front of certain people, and your character was never in question. I heard many good things about you, Mr. Landers. He stopped and took a breath. "See, I told you I was windy.

"What this boils down to, Mr. Landers, is that I would like to make you a marshal for the state. You would answer only to me. I know you've attended some law school at one time or another, and as a captain in the Union Army, you have commanded men and led them into battle and led, by all accounts, from the front of the foray. You have displayed constraint when others may have done something rash, also the ability to act fast when it was called for.

In fact, it seems that the marshal's office picked up some prisoners at your request for some kind of issue in your neck of the woods. All three confessed to their crimes, and each one commented on the fact that you treated them as fairly as possible, under the circumstances, and did your best to help their injured comrades. That speaks highly of you.

Sir, Noah began. I'm not sure—

Nonsense, Mr. Landers, he interrupted, you are the perfect man for the job. You are diligent, methodical, and compassionate, just the traits needed by a state marshal. I've no doubt that you would make an excellent marshal. I'll even agree to let you keep your office right there in—He consulted a paper—Clayton City if you wish.

I don't know what to say.

Just raise your right hand and say, ‘I will,' and sign this form. I'll even let you read the oath that you're swearing to. He pushed a sheaf of papers across the desk.

Noah looked over the paperwork and looked up at the governor. I don't suppose you'll let me say no, will you?

"Not a chance, Marshal Landers. Sign right there by the X."

Noah signed his name, and Governor Bond stood and stuck out his hand. Noah glanced down at it and took it firmly. The governor's other hand produced a badge, the word Marshal arched across the top, a large star centered under it.

You may need these sometime in the future. He slid a small box across to Noah.

Noah opened the box and found several deputy marshal's badges inside. He looked up at Governor Bond.

Well, you never know when you might have to swear in a posse, and yes, you have the authority to retain one or two full-time deputies if the need arises. I'd suggest you get one right away. You'll have a lot of territory to cover. You don't have to ride all over, looking for anything to do. Enough will happen without combing the brush looking for something. Your salary is $60 a month and up to two deputies that would each make $45 a month. Just send me their names and the date they start working. As I said, your office will be in Clayton City, so you will be able to continue to keep an eye on your ranch also. Any more questions, marshal?

I have to build an office in town, including cells?

You won't need but a couple of cells of your own. You can commandeer the cells of the town's sheriff if you need more. Chances are you'll never use them. Any ‘suspects' that you bring in will be picked up in short order and transferred to larger jails here in the city. And you won't be building the office. Word was sent to start construction when you entered that door. You were so right when you said I wouldn't take no for an answer.

Noah looked at the governor, shook his head, and rolled his eyes.

Good luck, marshal. You may have an assignment by the time you get home. If not, it will probably be forthcoming soon. Good day. Governor Bond tugged on a cord hanging above his head.

Noah turned to reach for the door, and it opened before he touched it. Mr. Smith stood to the side.

Good luck, Marshal Landers, he said. Do you remember the way out?

Noah stepped through the door and nodded to the secretary. Thank you. I'll manage.

2

Noah left the statehouse and went to the store for what Del had requested. He was still a bit stunned, and the weight of the badge hanging on his vest was a reminder of what he had gotten himself into. He entered the store and was approached by a young lady.

May I help you, marshal?

He gave a start and looked down at the exposed badge on his chest. He recovered quickly. Yes, miss, I have a list here. Did you by any chance receive an order placed by a Del Winters or a Miss Sarah Bennett?

That sounds familiar. Wait just a moment please. She hurried away and returned shortly with a list of her own. She consulted her list and then held out her hand. May I?

Of course. Noah passed over the note he was carrying. Can what's on there be carried in saddle bags?

The girl looked up in distaste and muttered, If you must.

Perhaps you could recommend a better method? Noah asked.

The girl nodded and strode away. Noah fidgeted as he was left standing in a room full of women's wear.

The girl reappeared and beckoned with a finger. This way please. She walked away and Noah followed.

Noah was certain that she was just trying to lead him through an assortment of the most personal items a woman could ever need. He vowed to get even with Del for this one.

The girl finally came to a stop at a table near the back wall and pointed out another girl packing items into a large satchel. She was being very careful to not cause any more wrinkles than was absolutely unavoidable.

The remainder of the items ordered will be sent via the stage line. They will be packaged to arrive clean and in perfect condition. Those items will, of course, be paid for before sending them out.

I believe they sent along enough money to cover it all. Please give me the total and I will see.

The girl produced the bill and Noah counted out the cash. He received $2.20 in change.

How much for the bag she's packing it all into?

Nothing. Please tell Miss Bennett that we are glad to have been able to fulfill her needs and look forward to dealing with her again. So very few women know exactly what they want and know how to get it.

I guess that comes from being the previous owner of a large ranch and bossing people around all day. But don't tell her I said that if you deal with her again. Noah grinned, and the girl's smile was finally genuine.

I'm sure I shall have forgotten that by then, marshal. Here you go, all packed and ready for a long ride. And please tell her congratulations from all of us.

Um, sure thing, Noah agreed. For what?

You don't know what she ordered?

Nope, they gave me the list and asked for me to stop by for the items. I didn't read the list. It was none of my business.

You must be a very fine marshal. Anyone that respects privacy is hard to come by. And you, used to getting answers and solutions to problems, make it even more impressive. Are you sure you didn't take just one little peek at the list?

No, miss, not even one little peek. He smiled and turned to go.

Marshal? If you'd prefer, you can go right out this door here instead of walking back through the…merchandise.

Thank you, that's very kind of you.

Noah exited the rear of the building and worked his way back to his hotel. He'd spend just one night in the big city and then back to the open country.

3

Well, Dapple, I don't know about you, but I'm glad to be shut of all those people. There's so many of them, they have to stack the houses one atop the other. I don't recall seeing a single blade of grass while I was there. And the way you're eyeballing the side of the road, my guess is you didn't either. But don't worry, we're taking our time on the way back. I'll find you a nice place to spend the night, and you can munch all you'd like.

Dapple flicked his ears and nickered a bit. He was used to having Noah talk to him when they were alone, and he kind of liked it.

As Noah promised, they took their time, and it was on the fifth day when they could see the town off in the distance.

They entered town from the south, the livery stables and barn were off on the left about thirty yards from the main road. They would walk past a cheap saloon and bawdy house on his right; on his left would be a few ramshackle houses, the undertaker, and the saddlemaker followed by the church. On the right, a few more shacks then the South Side Saloon. Next to that was the blacksmith, and on the far side of it was an empty lot where Smithy held horses to be shod. Across a narrow alley, the sheriff's office occupied the next lot. The hardware store was on the left, directly across Main Street from the sheriff's office. A six-foot-wide alley was on the other side of the sheriff's office; past that a few small enterprises occupied the south end of the next block, and the bank took up the rest of it. Ace Madden had his establishment, Ace's Full, across a larger twelve-foot alley north of the bank; the town folk called this one Middle Street. The general store was on the other side of Main Street, beyond a few small establishments including the café run by Ron Jones and the post office and the North End saloon. Grant Kelsey's bakery was at the end of the street just past the general store. The hotel was on the right, past Ace's Full, then a couple smaller buildings between it and the stage station. Then at the end of the street on the same side was the telegraph office and the Koontz Rooming House.

Noah pulled up at the sheriff's office and dropped from the saddle. He was stamping his feet to shake out the kinks and get the blood flowing when Sheriff Carl Belzer came out the door.

Ants? I think you missed one. He pointed at the ground at Noah's feet.

Hey, Carl. How's things going? Noah greeted his friend.

Not too bad. Not much peace and quiet with all that hammering goin' on though.

Yeah, what's that all about? The town getting a new store? Ain't hardly enough folks here abouts for what's already here.

Nope, no store. There's a crew puttin' up a building at the far end of town across the street from the telegraph office. I asked 'em what they were building, but they didn't want to talk about it. Funny thing about it is that it looks like they were installing bars in the rear section like it was going to be a jail or something.

Probably the new marshal's office.

Marshal's office? What in the world do we need one of those for? We ain't got no marshal.

That's not what I heard at the capital. It seems the governor has appointed a new marshal for this part of the state, Noah whispered like he was telling secrets.

Tarnation! They'll probably send some galoot that can't even get out the way of his own feet. Some out-of-work bum, probably the governor's relative, will be showing up here wanting to take over everything in town.

No, I don't think that's it. In fact, I can tell you for certain that the guy didn't even want the job in the first place but had it forced on him. He won't be interfering with any town business if he can possibly help it.

How is it you know all of this? What were you doing down there anyway?

You mean to tell me that Elijah didn't tell you about the telegram?

What telegram?

I was ordered to the capital by the governor.

What! What for?

Noah took his jacket off and draped it over his saddle. He turned back around with the badge clearly visible on his vest. He insisted that I work for him.

Well, I'll be a—

Careful, sheriff, the church is right over there. Why don't we walk on down to the building site and check it out? Noah made sure that his jacket would not fall off then looped the reins to the saddle horn. Follow, he told the horse.

Carl and Noah walked down the boardwalk toward the construction noise. Dapple walked down the street, staying right behind them. Carl kept glancing back.

That's weird how he does just what you tell him. I've never known a horse that understood me that well. You carry sugar cubes and apple cores in your pocket all the time?

Nope, I've got a mare in my pocket.

If he wasn't a gelding, I might believe that.

Shhh! He doesn't know. It's just mutual trust and understanding, that's all it takes, plus hundreds of battles fought together help a lot. He figures if no one's shooting at him, it's better than what's happened before. Besides, he thinks I'm his pet.

Carl laughed. It looks like it sometimes.

4

They approached the work crew, and several people were standing around watching them work.

Carl spoke up, If you people did any work yourselves, you wouldn't need to be hangin' around bothering these men trying to do theirs.

The crowd started to disperse, then one of the builders happened to glance up and see Noah standing there.

Howdy, marshal, we're almost done here.

The crowd stopped moving away and turned to see the marshal he referred to.

Have you done much inside yet? Noah asked.

Just the cells, the walls, and a potbelly stove so far.

Can I make a request or two? Noah asked.

Sure, marshal. The man came down from his ladder. What would you like?

Can we go inside?

Yes, sir, he opened the door as he answered.

Inside, Noah told the man where he wanted a desk and a cabinet, where he would like a small closet, and requested a bench under the front window with a seat that rose up for storage inside. He marked off on the wall where he wanted a rifle rack and pegs to hang holster belts and another where he could hang coats and hats. He'd had plenty of time to think about it on the ride back, and Dapple had agreed with everything he said.

Where do you want the safe? the man asked.

Safe? Why would I need a safe?

I don't rightly know, but we've installed a safe in every one of these we've built.

Then by all means, put the safe in that corner before you build the closet around it, Noah decided.

Yes, sir. Is that it, marshal?

I believe so. Carry on. Noah turned and went back out the door.

People were gathered all around the boardwalk out front. It looked like twice as many as there were before, and he could see more people coming down the street. They were all trying to talk at once and trying to get his attention. Noah dropped his chin to his chest and shook his head.

All right, everybody! Sheriff Belzer bellowed. Let's move on back and let Marshal Landers speak!

Noah looked askance at Carl, and he mouthed, Thanks a lot. He moved to the edge of the boardwalk and stopped, surveying the sea of faces all talking at once. He cleared his throat and raised his hands high in the air.

Everything went quiet.

I hope that all of your stores and shops were not vacated because of me. First let me state that I did not seek this position nor want it. The governor did not give me a yes-or-no choice, so here I am. Second I will not interfere with the sheriff's office. Sheriff Belzer is still your local law. Don't come running to this office about fights in the saloon, pilferers, or drunks. If there are any other questions, I think that one person should do the asking. I'm sure that any one of you knows what everyone wants to hear. Noah looked over the crowd. Mr. Larson, why don't you step closer and ask what you think everyone wants to know.

Ralph Larson worked his way to the front of the group.

First off, Marshal Landers, congratulations on your appointment. He clapped his hands, and the applause consumed the crowd. He raised his hand for silence and continued, I believe that most folks would like to know when you found yourself to be a marshal.

Five days ago. This building crew was sent in before I had accepted the position.

Then it was forced upon you, shall we say?

Noah nodded.

Will you be having deputies joining you?

Yes, I was instructed to get at least one, if not two, deputies right away. And before anyone asks, I already have people in mind for the job, so those of you out there with hands waving in the air can put them back down.

Will you be spending all of your time here in this office?

No, Mr. Larson, I will probably not be in this office very often. In fact, I'm not even sure why I need an office. But here it is nonetheless.

The questions continued for a