Terrell Tolliver and Hank Frobisher hadn’t been all that far from the gang’s hideout when they had had their encounter with Allie Summer. So within a week, they were back at the cabin. It was about mid-June.
“Sid’s dead,” Terrell said to his brother. “We ran into Allie Summer.” He was flexing a shoulder that was still healing but coming along nicely. “We almost had her.”
“What do you mean almost?” Trent replied, hands on his hips. “Why didn’t you put her six feet underground?”
Terrell, being the second oldest, wasn’t quite as intimidated by Trent as everybody else. “Don’t underestimate her, Trent. I’ll admit, I did. And Sid paid the price. She’s smart, she’s confident, she’s as quick as a cat, she’s dangerous, and she’s deadly.”
“She’s a woman,” Trent said, furious, his eyes blazing.
“I don’t care what she is,” Terrell said, a little irritated himself. “You go brace her, Trent. And I guarantee that if you aren’t careful, she’ll have you sliced to ribbons in three seconds flat.”
Trent cursed, then turned away, disgusted. “I’ve got to do everything myself.” he said. He took a deep breath and said, “All right, let’s get ready and go. We’ll hit River Bend first and take care of that Atkins woman. That will be the easiest. Then we’ll find Conners and your dangerous Allie Summer, Terrell”—the sarcasm was evident in his voice—“and we’ll finish them off, too. I’m not going to rest until Tolliver blood is avenged.”
Hank Frobisher, who was a little too stupid to be intimidated by anybody, said, “But, boss, if’n we start killin’ folks in this territory, we’ll be wanted here, too.”
“I know that, you addle-brained moron. So what do you suggest? Go to River Bend, find that Atkins woman, and say to her, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, we can’t kill you in Montana. Would you go to Wyoming, please?’”
Hank, who had no idea what “addle-brained” or “moron” meant, replied, “I don’t rightly think she’d go, boss.” Some of the other men around smiled at Hank’s simplicity.
Trent sighed. “Hank, leave the thinking to me, will you? You shoot when I tell you to. That’s all you need to do.”
“Ok, boss. I’m sure you know what you’re doin’.”
“Thank you,” Trent replied. “We’ll leave tomorrow.”
“Don’t you want to wait for Gus, Trent?” Terrell asked. “I’d like to give this shoulder a few days of rest, too.”
"No, I don’t want to wait for Gus. It might be a month before he gets back. Or he might run into your dangerous Allie Summer and not come back at all. Wouldn’t that be awful?” Trent sneered. “We’re leaving tomorrow,” he repeated. “There are six of us. That’s enough. You can recoup on the way.” Along with Trent and Terrell, the six would include Hank Frobisher, Duck Soupe, Ricky Sata, and Ed Monger, an old gang member who had showed up a few days prior. He was lightning quick with a gun and almost as good with a knife.
“I’d like to try out Conners,” Monger said. “He’s supposed to be the fastest in the territory. I’d like to show folks that he’s not.”
“Well, we’ll see that you get the chance,” Trent said. “I don’t know where he is, but I’ve heard he hangs around River Bend some, so maybe we’ll find him in that area, too. And Ranger HQ is not all that far from there. Maybe we won’t have to travel too far.”
Terrell was hoping that Trent had sense enough not to tackle Allie Summer in Port Station. But, like Gus Ferrara, he was getting a little concerned about the sanity of his older brother. He’s snapped since Twain, Top, and Tristy were killed…
But Terrell didn’t know what to do about it. And besides, he wanted to see Kelly Atkins, Rob Conners, and Allie Summer dead, just as much as Trent did. He didn’t like the plan, though. He thought they ought to kill Kelly Atkins last since she probably would be the easiest. If they killed her first, then the law would be hot on their trail and it would be that much more difficult to find Allie Summer and Rob Conners. But he didn’t think it wise to argue the matter with Trent. Maybe on the way to River Bend…
“Do you know where to find that woman who killed Top?” Trent asked Terrell.
“Gus said they met some fellows at the River Bend Saloon. Hardy something. Had a funny last name. Anyway, that’s a good place to start.”
“Ok. We ride tomorrow. That will get us in River Bend in a few days. We’ll take care of Kelly Atkins and then find Conners and that Ranger. I don’t intend to stop until all of them are in their graves…”
That was no idle threat coming from Trent Tolliver.
Soon afterwards…
Kelly Kramer was happy. She hadn’t been in River Bend 24 hours and she already loved it. It’s so beautiful… Clearwater Valley, as noted already, was indeed a lovely place, and this time of year, it was even more beautiful with the green fields, colorful flowers, bright sunshine, yet snow-capped peaks in the distance. The air even seemed fresher to Kelly, though much of that probably had to do with her discontent with Upton.
And River Bend itself was appealing to Kelly. Upton had been in a lovely valley, too, but was largely a dying town. Oh, it would probably hold on for another generation, but the railroad couldn’t get there because of the terrain, so chances were good that Upton wouldn’t survive. And though the railroad didn’t run directly into River Bend, it was close enough to be convenient, and there was talk of trying to build a spur into the town over the North Pass. Regardless of that, Kelly saw a place that was much different from her former home.
River Bend wasn’t big—there may have been 1,000 people in the whole of Clearwater Valley, and there may not have been—but it was growing and had shops and stores that Upton didn’t have. The morning following her arrival, Kelly was simply walking Main Street, taking it all in. A clothing store caught her eye and she went in and saw fashions that she had never dreamed about. They were a little pricey, but if I can get a good enough job…A curious thing happened to her while she was looking through the skirts and blouses. A sales clerk named Nancy came up behind her.
“Is there something I can help you with, Miss Atkins? We just received these new fashions this week.”
Kelly Kramer turned around and Nancy got a startled look on her face and went, “Oh. I’m sorry. You aren’t who I thought you were, though you certainly bear a strong resemblance to a young lady who lives in River Bend.”
Kelly smiled, remembering that was exactly what Rob Conners had said and why she had gotten to know him in the first place. “Yes, I’ve been told that. I was also told that her name is Kelly. That’s my name, too. Kelly Kramer.”
“Well, that might become very confusing then, if you plan on staying a while,” the clerk said with a smile. “Are you new in town?”
“Yes. Up until recently, I lived in Upton, but I…wanted to move from there. Rob Conners—do you know Rob Conners?—he came through Upton and suggested that River Bend might be a nice place.” That isn’t exactly what Rob told her, but it was close enough for Kelly’s purposes.
“Oh, yes, we all know Rob Conners,” Nancy said. She was middle-aged, wispy, with round glasses and a long, thin face. “I’ve never met Mr. Conners myself, but he is well-respected in River Bend. Is he coming back here?”
“I…think so,” Kelly said. “I’m not sure.”
“Well, if he recommended River Bend, then that’s certainly a plus for our town. And if he recommended you, then that speaks highly of you as well.”
Rob hadn’t really “recommended” Kelly for anything, but again, what this clerk didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her. Kelly redirected the conversation. “You certainly have some lovely things in your shop,” she said, motioning to the dresses and other female folderol on display. “I just arrived in town yesterday, so I’m sort of looking around. I need to…find a job and a place to stay. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Hmm,” Nancy murmured, patting her lips with her index finger and looking Kelly up and down. “Mrs. Bowden has a boarding house on Chatworth Lane that isn’t too expensive. Not the nicest in town, but it should be all right until you get your feet on the ground. Go down to the next street, D Street, and turn right. Chatworth Lane is three blocks down. Mrs. Bowden is on the corner. She has a sign, you can’t miss it. As far as a job goes…” More thinking and lip tapping…. “River Bend is growing so you shouldn’t have trouble finding something, but the only thing I know about at the moment is the Gold Dust Café’. The waitress there quit a couple of days ago to have a baby and I don’t think they’ve replaced her yet. But you’d better hurry, because I’m sure they need someone. Have you ever done that sort of work?”
“Oh, yes,” Kelly said, “that’s what I was doing in Upton.” She was thrilled. It was work she was used to, so she’d feel comfortable. It wasn’t necessarily what she wanted to do long term—a husband and a family were eventual hopes—but this job would tide her over for awhile. “Is the Gold Dust a nice place?”
“It’s one of the most popular in town,” the clerk replied. “You’ll stay busy and get lots of tips.”
“That sounds like just what I need,” Kelly said with a laugh. “Where is it…?
Nancy told her—it was about a three block walk—and Kelly thanked her. “I’m sure I’ll be back in as soon as I can get settled.”
“Well, I hope to see you soon, dear,” Nancy said. “And don’t be surprised if you are mistaken again for Kelly Atkins.”
Kelly Kramer laughed and said, “That’s happened twice now already…”
And it would happen again….
Kelly wasn’t going to waste any time. She made a beeline for the Gold Dust, hoping to get the job. She’d check on the boarding house afterwards. She had stayed in the River Bend Hotel the night before; it had been a little pricey and she didn’t want to spend another night there, if she could help it. Kelly had very little money left, and without a job, she’d quickly be in financial straits. So, the first priority was to find employment.
But something interesting happened on the way to the Gold Dust Café’. One of the town grocers was in the same block as the restaurant, a few doors down, and Kelly would have to pass it on her way. As she neared it, she saw a young woman come out the door with a man trailing her. The woman was carrying a paper sack full of groceries and the man had two such bags. As Kelly neared, the sack which the woman was carrying split at the bottom and a bunch of apples came tumbling out, bouncing and scattering everywhere.
“Oh, Elmo,” the young lady said, “Why don’t you get some bags that won’t break? That’s the second time that’s happened to me this month.” As Kelly watched, a dog ran up, grabbed an apple that had fallen off the sidewalk, and ran off with it. The lady yelled, “Come back here!” Then realizing the futility of that gesture, said, “Stupid mutt. That’s Tommy Worthington’s dog. He’d better keep him on a leash or I’m going to shoot him.”
The grocer had set down the other two sacks and was scrambling to pick up the apples. “I’m sorry, Miss Atkins. The last batch of paper bags the wholesaler sent me seem to be very bad. Hopefully, the next shipment will be better.”
Kelly Kramer had walked up and when she heard Elmo the grocer say “Miss Atkins,” she immediately looked at the young woman in distress, who was also trying to scoop up apples and muttering to herself under her breath. Kelly noticed that the woman was…well, young, dark-headed, slender…sort of resembled her…I wonder… she doesn’t look that much like me…. But then, nobody thinks anybody else looks like they do.
Kelly K knelt down to help pick up the apples. The other lady glanced at her and didn’t pay a whole lot of mind, she just said, “Thank you.” Elmo the grocer, however, stopped and stared at Kelly Kramer. When he did so, the other lady—Kelly Atkins, of course—also stopped and looked.
“Land o’ Goshen,” Elmo murmured, looking from Kelly K to Kelly A and then back to Kelly K. “There’s two of you.”
The two Kellys examined each other for a few moments, and yes, there was some resemblance, but again, not that either one thought it was that close. But after a few moments, the simultaneous thought went through each woman’s head—you know, she DOES kinda look like me…
Elmo spoke to Kelly Atkins. “Kelly, is this your sister? No, of course, Fred and Annie didn’t have but you….Your cousin?...She looks just like you.”
Kelly A laughed. “No, Elmo, I don’t know this lady. And she doesn’t resemble me that much…”
Everybody stood up with an armful of apples. “I don’t think so, either,” Kelly K said with a smile. “But I know who you are.”
Kelly A blinked a couple of times. “You do? How?” Then she spoke to the grocer. “Elmo, go get a bag for these apples, please.”
“Yes, Miss Atkins,” Elmo said. “I’m sorry about the loss. I’ll give you a few extras….” And, glancing back and forth at the two Kellys one more time, the short, balding grocery man went back into his store, muttering and shaking his head.
The conversation between the two Kellys resumed, after the two ladies had moved aside to let a couple of pedestrian walk by—pedestrians who did a double-take upon looking at Kelly and Kelly.
“You’re Kelly Atkins,” Kelly K said. “Elmo is the third person who’s told me I look like you.” She scrunched up her face a little, examining the other Kelly. Yes, same height, build, weight, hair color…her eyes are green, though… Then she shook her head. “No, you are a lot prettier than I am.”
Kelly Atkins chuckled a little. “I don’t know about that.” She’s very pretty…
“Who else told you that you look like me? I don’t know you. Are you new in town?”
“Yes, I arrived on the stage yesterday evening. I lived in Upton all my life—that’s quite a ways west of here—but I have no family there anymore and wanted to move.” She smiled. “A friend of yours came through and suggested River Bend. He was the first who said I bore a resemblance to you. The lady down at Barton’s Clothing Store said the same thing.”
“Who’s the friend you mentioned?” Kelly A had no idea who it could have been.
“Rob Conners.”
Kelly Atkins’ eyes got big and her mouth dropped open. “You saw Rob? Where? How is he? Do you know where he’s going? What’s he doing? I haven’t heard from him…” Then she realized she might be making a bit of a fool of herself so she trailed off.
Fortunately, Elmo came out right then with a canvas sack. There were some extra apples in it, and the two Kellys added what they were holding. “Sorry again about the sack, Miss Atkins. I’m trying to get rid of that bad bunch.”
“Well, thanks. It’s not your fault.” Elmo put Kelly’s groceries in her wagon, which she had parked right in front of the store. He then went back inside the store, once again sizing up the two Kellys and shaking his head.
Once Elmo had gone into the shop, Kelly Kramer said, “Rob’s doing fine. He, uh, helped me out of a bit of a jam...” Boy, did he ever…
“Rob’s always doing that,” Kelly A said, “even if he has to risk his own life. I hope it wasn’t that serious.”
Kelly K didn’t want to go into it. “Well, maybe I can tell you about it sometime. I really want to go to the Gold Dust Café right now. The lady down at the clothing store said they might be needing a waitress and I’ve got to find a job if I’m going to stay here.”
“Oh, ok,” Kelly A said. “I don’t want to keep you. Thank you for helping with the apples. The Gold Dust is right down there.” She pointed. “I didn’t know they were looking, so I don’t know if they’ve hired anybody or not.” She then hesitated, and asked, “Did Rob…say what he was going to do?”
Kelly Kramer smiled and shook her head. “No, not exactly, but he did mention that he was heading in this direction. I think he’s coming to River Bend, but I’m not sure. He mentioned you a couple of times, and I got the impression he was quite fond of you.”
“Oh? What did he say?” Kelly A tried to rein in a rising feeling of excitement.
Kelly K made a face. “Can we talk later? I’d really like to get to the café…”
Kelly A—this is confusing, folks—was a little disappointed, but said, “I’m sorry, I know you need to go. Where are you staying?”
“I’m going to try to get a room at Mrs. Bowden’s. That’s what the lady at the clothing shop suggested.”
“Ok,” Kelly A said, “I’m sure we’ll see each other again. Rob’s a…good friend. In fact, everybody in River Bend thinks of the world of him, so anything you can tell us would be welcome news. As long as it’s good, of course.”
“Well, I don’t know anything bad. I’ll see you soon and we’ll talk,” Kelly K said. She wanted to leave.
“All right,” Kelly K replied. “And thanks again. Oh, can you tell me your name?”
And Kelly K had a hard time not laughing. “My name is Kelly. Kelly Kramer.”
“Really??” And when Kelly K nodded her head, for the second time, Kelly Atkins’ eyes bugged out and her jaw dropped. And then they both giggled.
And then the thought went through the two girls’ heads—again, simultaneously—that they might have a lot of fun with their mutual names and resemblance.
But then again, they might not.
Kelly Atkins watched for a few moments as Kelly Kramer hurried off towards the Gold Dust. But Kelly A wasn’t really looking at her namesake. She saw Rob… Kelly sighed and turned to board her wagon. She said he might come back here…do I want him to?...he’ll just leave again… Over the past few weeks, since the weather had warmed up, a lot of social activities had started up again and Kelly was—not surprisingly—drawing a lot of attention from the resident, single male population. A couple of them had sort of interested her and so she hadn’t thought too much about Rob Conners. And regardless of who Evan Dryer really was and what he had done, he had gotten pretty deeply inside Kelly and her attempts at being angry at him weren’t quite as successful as she would have hoped. Oh, now that she knew what kind of man Evan Dryer—Nicholas Backstrom—had been, the whole episode disgusted her, especially at herself. But knowing something in the mind and having the heart agree isn’t always easy, and “Evan Dryer” as a Platonic idea hadn’t yet left her.
And now that she had heard something definite about Rob Conners, she was fully aware that he hadn’t left her, either.
At least he’s alive…I wonder if he’ll come…I wonder what he said about me…I wish she hadn’t left…maybe I can go by the Gold Dust and see her sometime…we can talk when she’s not working…she seems nice enough…I wonder if Rob liked her…She made a face, then a sharp pain went through her…he left River Bend even though I was here…Kelly said he might come back…but he knows she’s here…he’ll come back to see her, not me…
Just then, as she was riding the wagon down the street, someone shouted at her, “Hello, Kelly!”
She looked, smiled, and waved. It was Dave Lee. He was a local architect, new in town, struggling a little to get started, but young, single, and handsome. And he seemed to have a crush on Kelly. She had danced with him a few times at the local bi-weekly shindig and they had talked occasionally at other social events. “Hi, Dave,” she yelled back, but didn’t stop. He’s nice…handsome…sweet…intelligent…level- headed…
But then, she sighed again…But he’s not Evan Dryer. Or Rob Conners…
Most folks, when it comes to love, have to settle for less than the Prince Charming or Cinderella of their dreams and fantasies. Kelly Atkins, if she ever wanted to get married—and she did—was about to come to the conclusion that that was what she was going to have to do.
Things couldn’t have worked out better for Kelly Kramer. She entered the Gold Dust Café about mid-morning so it wasn’t too crowded. She immediately saw an older woman moving among the tables, serving the few customers who were there, and her heart sank a little. She must be the new waitress… But, nothing ventured…
The woman/waitress glanced at Kelly and said, “You can have a seat anywhere. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
“Well, that’s not really why I came,” Kelly replied. “I heard that the Gold Dust was looking for a waitress and wanted to see if the job was still open.”
The woman stopped and looked at Kelly. “You got any experience? Not that that makes much difference, frankly.”
“Yes, I worked at a restaurant for several years. I just moved here and need to find a job.”
“You’re hired. 20 bucks a month, plus all the tips you can get. When can you start?”
The woman seemed so anxious that Kelly laughed. “Are you the owner?”
“No, I’m his wife, and believe me, you can have this job. What a pain.” Kelly laughed again.
“Can I wait until tomorrow?” she asked. “I haven’t even found a place to stay yet….”
They negotiated a little bit and Kelly agreed to begin that evening. The owners were Oscar and Sudsy Word—“Sudsy because I always have to do the dishes”—and Kelly liked the dry wit of the lady. Oscar seemed a bit of a grouch, but that could come from standing over a hot fire all day long cooking for somebody else.
“Has anybody told you that you look like another young lady in town, Kelly Atkins?” Sudsy asked her.
Kelly K rolled her eyes. “You’re the fourth person. I met her right before I came here. She seems like a nice lady.”
“The town sweetheart, but I’ll bet you’ll give her some competition.”
“Oh, I’m sure I won’t…”
Kelly left the Gold Dust, thrilled. Now, Mrs. Bowden’s boarding house…She had to stop a moment to remember where Chatworth Lane was. D Street, three blocks…oh, I hope she has something and it’s not too expensive… Kelly’s pay in Upton had been $10 dollars a month, plus tips, and sometimes that wasn’t much. But she had a cheap place and could eat one meal a day at the restaurant for free. So $20 and tips at a busy restaurant—and one free meal—sounded great. Provided, of course, lodging wasn’t too expensive.
She found Mrs. Bowden’s easily enough. It was a white, framed, claptrap house, two stories, with a porch. “Yes, I have a room available,” Mrs. Bowden told Kelly. “It’s $12 a month, plus meals. You’ll have to draw and heat your own bath water. No pets, and no cooking without my permission…”
It wasn’t the nicest place Kelly had ever seen; everything seemed old and faded. But it was clean enough and her room was all right. The price was a little high, but she wouldn’t have to worry about food, and that was a big relief. She got a look at a couple of the other tenants—two older men who got a good look at her as well, too good a look as far as Kelly was concerned, but she’d have to live with that.
Mrs. Bowden was a pleasant, cherubic-faced older lady with white hair and a few too many meals on her belly. “I’ll need the first month’s payment in advance, please.” Kelly had $20 left, so that just about wiped her out, but Sudsy had said she would get paid every week--$5—plus she’d start earning tips immediately. It was all going to work out ok.
Kelly was very, very happy with her new home. I love River Bend already…
Hopefully, nothing would change her mind.
July 1…
It was two days later, a Friday, when six hard-looking men rode into River Bend right after dusk.
“I’m hungry, Trent,” Hank Frobisher said. “Can we find a place to eat?”
“Yeah, we’ll eat, Hank, but not here on Main Street. The fewer the people who notice us, the better. I want to find that saloon and talk to that Hardy fellow. That’s priority one.”
“There’s a restaurant,” Hank said, hardly paying any attention. "At least it’s got a fork and a spoon on the sign. What does it say, Duck?”
Duck Soupe responded, “Gold Dust Café. Looks like there’s lot of people there, Hank.” And, indeed there were several horses hitched to the rails along the street in front of the restaurant.
Trent looked over at Hank. “I’ll say where we eat, Hank,” his voice hard, “and it won’t be on this street. Got it?”
“Ok, ok, boss, I unnerstand. I’d just like to have a good meal fer a change.”
“I won’t let you starve,” Trent replied. “I wonder where this River Bend Saloon is…Rick, sidle up to that fellow over there and ask him.”
Trent motioned towards a man who was just about to mount his horse. Tolliver and the others rode by while Rick approached the man.
“Howdy,” Rick said. “Can you tell me where the River Bend Saloon is?”
The man looked Rick up and down and apparently didn’t especially like what he saw. “I don’t know much about the saloons in town, but it’s probably down C Street.” He pointed. “Two blocks that way. Area called the Hot Spot. Not exactly where the church-going people hang out, if you get my drift.”
“Well, I’m a preacher,” Rick replied, “and I think I need to go where the sinners are. Much obliged.” And he turned and caught up with companions. “C Street,” he told Trent.
The boss just nodded…
They found the “.ive. Be.. Salloon” without too much trouble. To no one’s surprise, Hank spoke first. “Oh, boy, there’s a Mescan place right next door. You mind if I go in there an’ eat, Trent? Ain’t had no beaner food in a coon’s age.”
“Nah, go on, Hank. You aren’t going to shut up until you get something. We’ll be here in the saloon, or if we leave, I’ll send Rick or Duck after you.”
“I’m kinda hungry, too, Trent,” Duck said.
Terrell spoke up for the first time since the gang had arrived in River Bend. “Let’s all go eat, Trent. It’s a little early for the saloon crowd anyway. If that Hardy guy is a sot like Gus said he was, he’ll be there awhile.”
Trent didn’t like it, but he could see the sense in it. “All right. I guess I could eat something, too.”
So they ate at Pancho’s and ignored las cucarachas running up and down the walls. One crawled onto Hank’s food and he thumped it across the table, just past Rick’s ear, and onto the floor.
“Aw, you shoulda let him alone, Hank. He wouldn’tna eaten much,” Duck said with a chuckle.
“Well, you feed him some of your vittles, then.”
Ed Monger, the other member of the gang, hadn’t said a word all day. Terrell had never especially liked him because he never knew what Monger was thinking. But he was good with a gun. But then he spoke up. “If one of those things runs across my plate, I’ll shoot him.”
“Awful little creature to waste a bullet on, Ed,” Hank said.
“I meant the owner of the restaurant.” And Terrell figured he would do it, too.
But Trent spoke up. “No shooting unless and until I say so.” That was the final word.
The River Bend Saloon was open and already doing a lively business by the time the Tolliver gang arrived. They all went up to the bar and, five of them—Trent excepted—ordered a drink. The oldest Tolliver had one thing on his mind.
He spoke to the bartender. “I’m looking for a man named Hardy something-or-other. Anybody here with that name?”
“Hardy Nippo?”
Trent looked at Terrell. The younger brother nodded. “Yeah, that’s him.”
The barkeep pointed.
Trent looked. Hardy was sitting at a table with four other men, a near-empty whiskey bottle in front of them. Trent pulled a disgusted face, but said “Thanks,” to the barkeep and walked over to where Hardy was sitting.
“You Hardy Nippo?” he asked.
Hardy looked Trent up and down. “Depends on who’s asking. If you’re the law, I ain’t. If you got a bottle, I am.” And he looked at his tablemates and laughed. They joined in his merriment.
Trent wanted to kick the man’s teeth in, but he realized he needed him. Or at least, Nippo could make Trent’s job in River Bend easier. As long as the guy is sober… So he pulled up a chair, grabbed the bottle and poured Hardy another drink, and said, “My name is Trent Tolliver. Maybe you’ve heard of me.”
Hardy had picked up the refilled shot glass and had put it to his lips. He started to take a sip, but almost choked. “You…you’re Trent Tolliver?”
Trent just smiled and nodded. A smile, incidentally, that didn’t come anywhere near his eyes.
Hardy and the others around the table sobered up immediately. There was nothing like meeting the head of the most notorious gang in the territory to help cleanse the blood. “Yessir, Mr. Tolliver,” Hardy stumbled. “I, uh, we’ve been ‘specting you. At your service, whatever we can do.”
“You were in River Bend when Top was killed,” Trent said, getting right to the point.
“Yessir, I sure was, Mr. Tolliver. Me and Top was becomin’ good friends. I seen the whole thing. He’d drawed down on that marshal who needed killin’, but then that woman, she had a rifle. I yelled at Top, but she shot him before Top could move.” He downed his drink in one gulp. “Awful thing, I tell you.”
“Top was going to kill the marshal?” Trent asked. incredulous. Gus hadn’t told him that.
“Yep. ‘Parently, they’d had a run-in a night or two before and the marshal—a big nigger fella—got the best of him. Top couldn’t let that go, so he was gonna plug him. Woulda got him, too, if that Atkins woman hadn’t shot him.”
Trent muttered to himself, but loud enough for Hardy to hear. “Idiot. He knew better than kill lawmen in this territory. Well, there’s nothing for it.” He turned back to Hardy. “You know this woman who killed Top?”
“Yep. Shore do. Kelly Atkins.” Hardy happened to glance out the window. “Matter of fact….”
Kelly Kramer was tired. She had been working since 7 o’clock that morning and the Gold Dust was, indeed, a very busy restaurant. Oscar and Sudsy would give her an hour off in the morning and an hour in the afternoon—if things weren’t too busy. Other than that, Kelly would work straight through from 7 AM to 8 PM. She’d get Monday off, but that was all. Well, the restaurant didn’t open until noon on Sunday, so she had that time free, too. “But you be here at 12 sharp, I don’t care if the preacher preaches too long or not,” Sudsy had said to her when Kelly mentioned that church might run a little over sometimes. “The sinners’ll be here at noon regardless of when the saints arrive.” And Kelly would do as told, since Oscar and Sudsy were paying her.
But the tips had been good the first two days and she thought she’d do ok financially. And the people were nice. She lost track of how many times she had been told that she resembled Kelly Atkins, and it started to irk her a bit. Maybe SHE looks like ME and not the other way around… But she understood that she was the outsider.
Be that as it may, she was exhausted when she got off work that night and wanted to get home. She thought she’d take a shortcut. If I take C Street, I can get to the boarding house coming down Chatworth from the other direction…I think that would be shorter… Anyway, she was going to try it. Nobody had yet warned her about the proliferation of ill-begotten humanity along C Street. It was a warning she needed.
So she headed down C Street, not especially afraid. And though the street wasn’t terribly well lit, it had enough light for Hardy Nippo to see her….
“There she goes right now,” Hardy said to Trent, pointing.
Trent looked and saw the woman walking along the boardwalk across the street. “Are you sure that’s her?” he asked.
“Positive,” Hardy responded. “Ever’body in town knows Kelly Atkins.” He looked around the table. “That’s Kelly Atkins, ain’t it, boys. Hard to miss her.”
All the men looked, and though some of the poorer eyesights weren’t absolutely sure it was Kelly A, they all assented. That was enough for a kill-crazed Trent Tolliver. He stood up and motioned to his men. “Let’s go, boys.” And when he spoke like that, not even the dense Hank Frobisher misunderstood.
Trent hurried out the door of the saloon. Kelly was a couple of doors down now, but Tolliver ran into the street and yelled at her. “Kelly Atkins!”
Of course, it wasn’t Kelly Atkins, but when somebody hears any part of their name, it’s only natural for them to respond. And Kelly Kramer turned and looked. And that only sealed Trent’s conviction of her identity.
Kelly had stopped. Trent pulled his gun and walked towards her. “You killed my brother, woman. Nobody kills a Tolliver…and lives…” And he raised his gun.
Kelly’s eyes got big. “No! I’m not....” But nothing she said was going to convince Trent Tolliver of her innocence.
He pulled the trigger.
Kelly grunted with the impact of the bullet hitting her chest, and slammed back against the wall of the building she had been standing in front of. She slowly slumped to the ground.
Trent Tolliver walked over to her and looked down. His men were behind him now. He nodded. “One down. Time to ride, men. That shot will bring the law.”
Within a minute, the Tolliver gang was outside the city limits of River Bend, riding hell-bent for leather. Hardy Nippo was standing, dazed, at the door of the .ive. Be.. Salloon, not really comprehending or believing what had just happened.
