For the Love of a Woman

There are time's in a man's life when he must do what he's gotta do, and hang the consequences. No matter how scared or worried he is, once he’s made a decision he’s gotta ride with it. So I rode, all the way into town, with a fretful mind that was in turmoil by the time I reached the sheriff’s office.

Emmett said nothing when I heaved the sack onto his desk. 

‘It’s the money from the bank robbery. It’s all there. Ain’t been touched.’

A solemn nod from Emmett choked a quiet hope that returning the money would make everything right. In the long silence that followed, I got a bad dose of the miseries. 

When I could stand it no more, I asked him how he knew.

‘I didn’t, not for sure, until now. Abner Keogh told me the robber’s horse was a chestnut Morgan, same as yours. And when little things started dropping into place, I just played a hunch.’

‘With that wanted poster?’

‘It's not official. Mister Lassiter at the newspaper office made it up for me, using the face of the nude painting at the saloon.’

I gotta hand it to Emmett; he’s a smart fella. I told him Housty was real sorry for what she did and I tried making excuses, but he cut me short. Then he just sat there, gazing into nowhere.

‘So what you gonna do?’ I asked, once I’d stewed awhile. 

‘The bank will be glad to have the money back, that goes without saying, but the law in this town will be in big trouble if she isn’t punished. Justice must be seen to be done.’

‘You can’t put Housty in jail?’ 

‘I can give her bail till the circuit judge comes by. Your wages should cover it. Taking everything into consideration, I’m guessing she’ll get a short sentence, suspended, most likely.’

Emmett’s words took an almighty weight off my shoulders. I was ready to celebrate with a cigarette and some coffee but as I headed for the stove, he cut me short again.

‘What are you doing?’

‘Thought I’d make us some coffee?’

‘Don’t bother. I’ll make my own.’

‘Well, is there anything else you want me to do?’

‘Yeah, put your badge on the desk and get out before I charge you as an accessory.’