Clouds rolled in from the west, looming overhead with the dark gloominess that always foretold a coming rain shower. A breeze blew through the streets of town, rolling tumbleweeds across peoples' paths and causing the manager of the General Store to cough at the dust blowing into his shop.
JD Dunne stepped out of the boarding house and looked up at the sky, putting his hat atop his head before walking up the boardwalk to the saloon. He knew most of his friends would be there, enjoying their breakfast and planning out the day's patrol routine. He also knew that Buck would find some excuse to give him some advice, but he didn't mind. Even though JD could tell that Buck sometimes made up his words of "wisdom," some of what Buck said had been extremely helpful to the young man during his time out West. He knew if it hadn't been for Buck, he would probably be dead today.
JD greeted the people he passed, giving them his trademark smile and tipping his hat at them. He had been through a lot with these people. JD felt like this whole town was his family. He certainly didn't have any real family to speak of.
JD saw Buck, Ezra, Nathan, and Josiah sitting around one table, quietly eating their breakfast. There was no sign of Chris or Vin, so JD strode over to their table, knowing they would make room for one more.
"Mornin', fellas," JD said as he pulled a chair over.
The men greeted JD as Buck and Ezra shifted their chairs for him. He sat down and gestured to Inez to bring him some breakfast. Then he turned back to the men around the table. "So what's our plan for today?"
"The usual. Chris started the day's patrol. You'll take over at one o'clock. That's about it," Buck answered.
JD nodded and moved back as Inez set a plate down in front of him. He thanked her and grabbed his fork to start eating the steaming hot food.
"You might wanna slow down there," Buck said.
Oh god, here it comes, JD thought.
"Eatin' too fast can give you liplock."
JD swallowed his food and looked at Buck, puzzled . "What?"
"Liplock!" Buck leaned closer to him. "Then when you're alone with a girl you can't kiss her ‘cause you're lips are locked from eating."
JD snorted, nearly choking himself. "Buck, that is the worst yet."
Buck leaned back in his chair. "Well, if you don't believe me…"
"I don't," JD said.
"Looks like JD finally learned to stop listening to you, Buck," Josiah remarked.
"I hope not. There's still a lot he needs to learn."
JD shook his head and tried to hide the smile that was threatening to show itself by filling his mouth with food.
Ezra wiped his mouth and threw his napkin on the table.
"Something wrong, Ezra?" JD asked, his mouth full.
"No," Ezra answered. "I was just remembering when my mother took this saloon out from under me. If she had never shown her face here and competed with me, why, I could be a wealthy man right now. Look at the people who patronize this place daily."
"Don't start that again," Nathan said.
"Oh, there's no need to worry about that. I will not attempt to purchase it back. I was merely lamenting the loss of my potential fortune."
"Ezra, that was months ago. You should realize that things happen for a reason. What you need is a distraction to get your mind off of it," Josiah said.
"What kind of distraction do you have in mind?" Ezra asked, looking at Josiah with an interested expression.
"Why don't you help me in the church? I can always use some help."
Ezra was about to protest, but when he saw the looks on everyone's faces, he decided to surprise them all.
"That sounds fine. I'll meet you in the church in two hours." He flashed a grin at them and left the table, leaving them with stunned expressions.
+ + + + + + +
JD paced along the boardwalk, keeping his eyes open for any sign of trouble. The town was enjoying an unusually long period of calm, given that most of the outlaws in the area didn't wish to go up against the Magnificent Seven. JD stood up straighter as he walked, proud of the fact that he was part of the group that had become so famous. He nodded at a couple of ladies who passed by him and decided to seat himself in the chair outside of the jail. When he reached the jail, he rested his rifle against the wall and sat down. As soon as he did so, the 1:30 stage entered the street and soon came to a stop in front of the Clarion Newspaper office.
JD watched apathetically as the passengers stepped down from the stage. A fairly large woman stepped off first, grumbling about the uncomfortable conditions of today's public transportation. Following her was a lean, considerably shorter man who JD guessed was her husband from the way the man patted her on the shoulder and tried to console her. JD nearly laughed at the unlikely pairing of those two.
Next, a tall, well-dressed woman stepped down from the stage and frowned at the dreary gray sky. She shook her head and opened the parasol she carried, as if the rain were already coming down. She had a long nose and thin lips which made her look extremely strict and unfriendly. She turned back to the stage and yelled out something in French, and then a younger well-dressed woman stepped out of the stage.
JD sat forward in his chair and opened his mouth in surprise. He watched as the young lady followed the taller woman to the back of the stage and took their two traveling cases from the stage driver. She wore a cream-colored dress with bits of lavender showing here and there. A small hat sat atop her dark blond hair, which was tied up and revealed a small, pretty face. She had big blue eyes and a small nose that turned upward slightly. Her mouth was in the shape of a Cupid's bow, and her complexion looked like a smooth pale porcelain. She thanked the driver and followed the woman, who JD assumed was her mother, to the hotel.
The young woman studied the surroundings intently, and for a moment her eyes rested on JD, who was still staring at her as she walked away. She slowed down and gave him a small smile, then hurried to catch up with her mother, who was practically racing to the hotel.
JD smiled back and kept smiling even after she disappeared inside the hotel. The stage pulled out and left the town before long, and JD still sat in his seat, staring at the hotel doors, hoping for another glimpse of the girl. Finally, he shook his head to bring back his senses and stood up, continuing on his patrol. But every once in a while, he would turn to look at the hotel doors, smiling to himself. This day was turning out better than he had expected.
+ + + + + + +
"Are you sure you know how to handle it?" Josiah asked.
He and Ezra were inside the church, putting in new glass in a couple of windows that faced the street. Ezra stood by a window, holding a hammer and looking at it strangely.
"Of course I can handle this. I am not entirely uneducated in areas of labor," Ezra insisted.
"Okay," Josiah said, half-smiling.
"Now, I just need to drive this nail into this board using this utensil…very simple. A child could do it," Ezra mumbled to himself. He held a nail and swung the hammer back and then forward, aiming for the nail's head.
"OOOWWWW!!" Ezra howled in pain. He dropped the nail and hammer on the floor and hopped back from the window, holding his thumb. His face was scrunched in a look of agony as he moaned in pain.
Josiah walked over to Ezra, his brow furrowed. "What happened?"
Ezra attempted to collect himself and masked the pain he was feeling. "I… accidentally…struck my thumb instead of…the nail."
Josiah chuckled. "It happens to the best of us, Ezra." He patted him on the shoulder and returned to his work by the altar, sweeping the dust from the floor.
Ezra inspected his throbbing thumb and frowned at the bright red color it was becoming. He knew before long it would swell and make shuffling cards much more difficult. He shook his head in disappointment and picked up the hammer and nail from the floor, intending to set them on the table next to the window and find something less dangerous to do.
As Ezra set the tools on the table, he glanced out the window and frowned.
"Josiah, come here," he said.
Josiah came up to him curiously. "What is it?"
Ezra pointed out the window. "Look out there. What is he doing?"
Josiah looked out the window and saw JD walking from one side of the hotel to the other, keeping his eyes on the hotel doors. Josiah tilted his head, wondering why JD was so interested in the hotel.
"Do you suppose he saw someone go in there?" Josiah asked.
Ezra shrugged. "It is hard to say from this angle. However, I hardly call that proper patrolling."
Josiah gestured for Ezra to follow him and the two men went outside and approached JD.
"How's the patrol going, son?" Josiah asked.
JD turned around, startled. They had come to him when his back was turned. He looked at them for a moment, not knowing what to tell them. He couldn't just tell them he was waiting to see a pretty girl.
"Well?" Ezra prompted.
"I was…uh…" JD paused. "I was just checking to make sure everything was okay at the hotel. Everything looks fine. Guess I'll be moving on to the bank now." He turned abruptly, quickening his step as he walked toward the bank.
"Hold up, JD," Ezra said as he hurried after him.
Josiah stepped up beside JD and looked down at him. "You were checking the hotel for a long time. You sure there's nothing we could help you with?"
"Mr. Sanchez, perhaps we had better return to the hotel and ask the inhabitants if there is anything to be concerned about," Ezra said, smiling.
Josiah got the picture and continued with the joke. "Yes, we should. We wouldn't want any people to get hurt or anything."
JD turned to them. "No! There's nothing wrong! Like I said, I was just checking it out. Go back to whatever you were doing."
"I don't know," Ezra said skeptically. "I think there is something we should know about."
"I'll go check it out," Josiah said, and took a few steps toward the hotel.
"Wait!" JD exclaimed, grabbing Josiah's arm. "There's nothing wrong. I was just…I wanted to see if someone was in there."
"Oh? Who?" Ezra asked, his eyebrows raised with interest.
Josiah looked at JD, a curious glint in his eye.
"Well…" JD shifted on his feet nervously. "There was this girl that stepped off the stage…"
"Oh," Josiah and Ezra said in unison. "A girl."
"…and I saw her go into the hotel and I was just wanting to…see if she was in the lobby." JD saw their mischievous grins and frowned at them. "What business is it of yours anyway?" He stormed off toward the bank, leaving Ezra and Josiah to laugh at his expense.
They returned to the church, chuckling at JD. "He's spending too much time with Buck," Josiah joked as they stepped back inside the church.
+ + + + + + +
Marie DuBois and her daughter Chantal unpacked their belongings in their hotel room and Marie ordered a bath to be drawn. She sat on the rocking chair next to the window and removed her shoes, groaning with discomfort.
"These shoes are not fit to be worn by cows," Marie complained.
Chantal removed her hat and gloves and set them on the bed. She smiled warmly, attempting to cheer her mother up. "Isn't this a nice town, Mama?"
"Nice?! I would hardly use that word to describe this revolting place. It would figure that the stage running to San Francisco would be a week late, and that we are forced to stay in such a trite community. I knew we should not have come to America. But no, your father insisted we come live with him until he is finished with his business. Now look where we are." Marie brought a hand to her forehead and closed her eyes.
"Mama, you do carry on so," Chantal chastised teasingly. She walked to the window and looked down into the street, intrigued with the many differences between this town and Paris, her home. Her father had left Paris five years before, intent on mining for gold. He had purchased some land and before he knew it, gold was being mined from it and bringing in a healthy sum for him. He refused to leave until every inch of his land was checked for gold, and there was no telling when they would be finished. So he had finally sent for his wife and daughter, and Marie had been complaining ever since.
Chantal was a young girl of only seventeen and had quite a few Parisian boys pining away for her. They were none too happy to know that she was leaving for America, but she couldn't have been more thrilled. Deep down, she was an adventurer, which her mother said she inherited from her father. She was eager to try new things and see new places, and was not interested in getting married just yet. She held a positive outlook for both herself and her mother, and was glad they would be staying in a little town such as this one.
A knock came on the door and a voice called from the other side, "Your bath is ready, ma'am."
"Thank god!" Marie exclaimed. She stood up and walked to the door, then turned to her daughter. "I will return shortly. When I return, we will try to see if this town has anything resembling a restaurant." With that, she whisked out of the room and down the hall to the private bathing room.
Chantal shook her head with amusement. Her eyes scanned the street and rested on JD. She remembered seeing him when she stepped off the stage. Knowing her mother wouldn't return for a while, she grabbed her hat and gloves, put them on, and raced downstairs.
Seconds later she found herself standing on the boardwalk. She squinted up at the dark sky and then scanned the street, finally seeing JD with his back to her. She smiled and began walking toward him.
"Excuse me," Chantal said.
JD turned abruptly and his eyes rested on her, the girl he had been hoping to catch a glimpse of since the moment he saw her. And now, here she was, talking to him. He could've jumped with joy right there in the street.
"Hello," he said.
"I was wondering if maybe your town has a cafe?" Chantal inquired.
JD was in a trance. She had such a beautiful French accent; he could listen to her for hours and never be tired of it. He shook his head and stepped back to reality.
"Uh…yeah. We have one restaurant right there," he answered, pointing.
Chantal turned to eye the restaurant, and then turned back to JD. "What is your name, monsieur?"
"JD…JD Dunne."
Chantal smiled. "I am Chantal DuBois."
"Are you from France?" he asked, then silently rebuked himself. Of course she's from France, you idiot, he thought.
"Yes," Chantal answered. "This is my first time in America and so far I love it."
"Good," JD answered simply. His eyes searched the street, expecting to see one of his friends grinning at him. Thankfully, none of them were around. He relaxed slightly and offered Chantal his arm. "Could I escort you to the restaurant?"
"Oui," Chantal answered with a smile. "I thought you would never offer."
JD escorted Chantal down the street to the restaurant. He kept turning his head to smile at her, not knowing what to say to her. As they neared the restaurant, JD spotted Casey standing in the distance. Even from so far away, he could see the anger in her eyes as she glared at him. He shook his head at her in a gesture that meant, It's not what you think. Casey obviously didn't understand, because she turned on her heel and huffed off in the opposite direction.
Chantal had seen the entire exchange and smiled in amusement. "She is your girlfriend, no?"
"Huh?" JD's attention was taken off of Casey and brought back to Chantal. "Oh, well…not really. I mean, kinda, but…"
Chantal laughed softly. "No need to explain. I understand. Isn't this the restaurant?"
JD looked at the doors and nodded. "Yeah. Would you like me to sit with you?" He decided it was no use trying to chase after Casey. Once she got an idea in her head, there was no taking it out. He could only wait for her to cool down.
"I would like that very much," Chantal answered.
JD held the door open and Chantal walked inside, JD following behind. He gestured to a table in the corner and they walked toward it. Chantal stood beside one of the chairs and smiled at JD. He smiled back until he realized she was waiting for him to pull out her chair.
"Oh!" JD jumped for the chair and pulled it out. When Chantal had seated herself, he stepped around the table to sit himself down.
"Merci," Chantal said as she took her napkin off the table and draped it across her lap.
A waiter stepped over to their table and handed them menus.
"Just coffee for me, please," JD told him.
"I will wait to order," Chantal said.
The waiter nodded and left their table, retreating into the kitchen to get a cup of coffee.
"So, JD, what is it you do?" Chantal asked.
"I'm sorta the sheriff here," JD answered. He realized his bad manners and quickly took his hat off of his head.
"Sort of?" Chantal giggled. "Don't you know for certain?"
JD laughed nervously. "Oh, no, it's just…Well, I was officially the sheriff for about two days. But Judge Travis-he's the circuit judge around here-he hired me and six others to protect the town and so now we're all sheriffs in a way."
Chantal nodded. "I see. I imagine it is quite dangerous to be a lawman here."
JD shrugged, feeling more confident by the minute. "Nah, not all that much."
"In Paris, we hear stories of gunfights in the streets and even men being hanged for no reason in the middle of town." Chantal laughed. "I suppose the stories are a bit exaggerated."
"There are gunfights in the streets," JD answered. "But not all that many. And sometimes a lynching party will form to hang an innocent man. But you don't need to worry about anything like that. Me and the boys will make sure you're safe."
Chantal smiled at him. He was a handsome young man, and so much different than the boys at home. She guessed that JD was only a few years older than she, which made his status in the town that much more remarkable. She wondered how he had become a lawman at such a young age, but she dared not ask. She had been brought up not to stick her nose in other people's business. That was hard for someone with a natural curiosity of other people.
The waiter set down a steaming cup of coffee in front of JD and then left again. JD sipped his coffee and then set his cup down and looked out the window. He looked back at Chantal and asked her, "Are you here with your mother?"
Chantal nodded. "Oui. There was supposed to be a stage headed for San Francisco here, but it was delayed. It should be here in about a week, so until then, we will have to stay here."
JD sat forward. "Really? San Francisco?"
"My father is there. I have heard it is a beautiful city."
JD nodded. "I have too. I would really love to go there someday."
"Well, you shall have to come visit me then," Chantal said, smiling.
JD smiled back. He hadn't known her long, but he could already tell he liked her. All thoughts of Casey disappeared from his mind.
+ + + + + + +
JD stood outside the saloon the next day, squinting through the rain toward the hotel. He doubted Chantal would come outside on such a wet, dreary day, but he wanted to see her again.
His eyes lit up when he saw her emerge from the hotel and begin walking up the boardwalk. She looked just as pretty as she did the previous day. Her dress was dark blue silk, with black hemming. She wore a bonnet atop her head and carried a parasol in one of her hands.
Buck slid up beside JD and followed the young man's gaze. He arched his eyebrows and let out a sigh.
"Now that is a pretty little philly," Buck breathed.
JD regarded Buck with anger in his eyes. "Don't even think about it, Buck. She's too young for you."
Buck looked at JD, offended. "Now don't get so huffy with me, kid. Just ‘cause I appreciate a young lady's looks don't mean I'm gonna get intimate with her."
"Well, she wouldn't go for your type anyway," JD said, looking back to Chantal.
"Easy there, JD. Looks like I'm gonna have to set you straight…"
"I can do without your ‘advice,' Buck," JD snapped. He immediately regretted his harshness. He knew Buck was only trying to help, but the somber day had him in a dark mood.
Buck took a few steps toward JD and glared down at him. "One, there's no crime in looking at a woman. Two, I wasn't planning on starting anything with her. And three, how the hell do you know what type she goes for?"
JD rolled his eyes and turned away, walking down the boardwalk. Buck thought he knew everything about women…it really annoyed JD.
+ + + + + + +
Buck, Ezra, Chris, and Josiah sat in the saloon around one table, playing a game of poker. Each man studied their hand, deciding which cards to throw out.
"Anyone know what's going on with JD?" Chris asked, keeping his eyes on his cards.
"He has been acting strange ever since his patrol yesterday," Ezra remarked.
Buck threw down two cards and said, "I imagine it has something to do with that pretty little flower that's in town."
Chris looked up at Buck curiously.
"He did mention to Ezra and I that he saw a girl get off the stage," Josiah said.
Ezra looked over to Buck as well after dealing him two more cards. "You've seen this…mystery girl?"
Buck nodded. "She's a looker, that's a fact. And in my expert opinion, he's got it bad for her."
The men smiled at the thought; JD with a case of puppy love.
Chris threw down a few cards and frowned. "I thought he and Casey were a couple."
Ezra raised his eyebrows as he dealt Chris more cards. "Well…seems we have a love triangle in our midst."
"A love what?!" Buck asked.
Ezra looked at Buck dubiously. He couldn't believe Buck didn't know the concept of a love triangle. "You know, a love triangle. When one party is involved with two lovers."
Buck waved a hand at Ezra. "Oh, that. I didn't know there was a term for that."
Josiah shook his head. "I hate to say it, but I think our young JD is about to find himself in a big mess."
+ + + + + + +
"Casey!" JD pounded on her door. "Casey, open up!"
"No!" Casey yelled from the other side. "Why don't you just go to your girlfriend!"
"My girlfriend?!" JD exclaimed. "Chantal's not my girlfriend…"
"Go away!"
JD pounded on the door again. "Casey, would you let me in? Let me explain!"
"I never want to set eyes on you again!" Casey shouted.
JD heard her footsteps stomping away from the door and threw his arms in the air. "I give up!" he muttered. He lifted his collar against the rain and went back to his horse. JD couldn't understand how Buck could handle so many women. JD didn't even really have a woman, yet he was having women troubles. Being a man is definitely not easy, JD thought as he rode back to town.
+ + + + + + +
JD walked over to the table in the saloon where Buck sat and cleared his throat. "Buck?" he said quietly.
Buck turned around in his seat and raised his eyebrows. "Yeah?"
"Can I sit down?"
Buck gestured to the chair next to him. "Of course."
JD sat down and took his hat off. He kept his eyes on his hat as he mindlessly fingered it, not saying a word.
Buck studied JD's face and could tell something was troubling him. He smiled and tilted his head. "Did you wanna talk about something or just sit here?"
JD was about to defend himself against Buck's teasing, but decided against it. Instead he just looked into Buck's eyes and said, "I need your help."
Buck sat back in his chair in mock surprise. "You're actually asking for my help?"
JD nodded.
"Well…that's a new one," Buck muttered. He smiled and then turned serious. "You know I'll do whatever I can to help you out, JD."
JD nodded. "I know." JD took a deep breath and looked back at his hat. "I'm having women troubles."
Buck nodded. "Every man does."
JD sighed in exasperation. "Casey thinks Chantal and I are a couple and she won't talk with me. She won't even let me explain! All I did was walk with Chantal over to the restaurant and Casey thinks I'm having some…torrid affair!"
Buck snorted and tried to quiet his laughter. He found the thought of JD having a "torrid affair" really humorous.
JD frowned as he looked back at Buck's face. "What's so funny?"
Buck wiped the smile off his face and cleared his throat. "Nothing. Go on."
"Well, I do like Chantal. I can't deny that, but…I've only talked with her once and it's doubtful we'll ever talk again. And you know I like Casey, and now…" JD sighed again. "I don't know what to do, Buck."
Buck leaned back in his chair, tipping the chair back so that it rested only on its back legs. He creased his brow for a moment and then nodded, as if he had found the solution to JD's problem.
"I've had a similar problem. And let me tell you right now, if a woman thinks you're flirtin' around with another woman…well, there's nothing you can tell her that will convince her otherwise. A woman gets an idea like that in her head, there's no takin' it out."
"You're sayin' Casey will believe I'm seeing Chantal no matter what I tell her?!" JD exclaimed.
Buck nodded. "Yep. You just have to wait ‘til Casey cools down, which won't be ‘til long after your little French bunny has left town. Oh, she'll stay right furious with you even after Chantal leaves, but after a while, she'll forget the whole ordeal and come around."
JD dropped his head into his hands. "I can't wait that long, Buck. I need to do something to let Casey know I'm not courting Chantal."
Buck dropped his chair down and patted JD on his shoulder. "If you think of something, let me know. But I'd wager you won't be able to fix this for a while yet."
Buck stood up and reached into his coat pocket. He threw a couple coins down on the table and grabbed his hat, then turned to leave the saloon. He felt sorry for JD, but he knew every man had to deal with these kinds of things at one time or another. And Lord knows, Buck had known more than his share of women troubles.
+ + + + + + +
Marie and Chantal sat in the restaurant, looking over their menus. They had been in town for two days, and Marie had only been from the hotel to the restaurant and back again. She had no interest in sight-seeing in what she called a "municipality not fit for a rat."
Marie threw her menu down on the table and sighed deeply. "Does this town not serve real food?"
Chantal looked over her menu and smiled. "Mama, you should make the best of this situation. It is not all that bad."
"Make the best of this?" Marie scoffed, gesturing at their surroundings. "I have eaten in better restaurants in Poland! I see nothing here that could possibly interest me."
"They have some very nice dresses in their General Store. Perhaps after dinner, we could go shopping," Chantal suggested.
"I am sure I will find nothing of quality in this backwoods town. If I want to buy a dress, I shall return to France." Marie silenced her tirade as the waiter stepped up to their table. "You may order if you wish, Chantal. I have lost my appetite."
Chantal shook her head and looked back at the menu. "I shall try the turkey and mashed potatoes, si vous plait."
The waiter nodded and took her menu. He turned to Marie. "Are you sure you don't want somethin'?"
Marie thrust her menu at him. "I am positive."
The waiter nodded and retreated to the kitchen.
Chantal folded her gloved hands on the table and kept her eyes downcast. Her mother had a way of always finding the worst in everything.
At that moment, JD walked into the restaurant, his suit practically soaking wet. The rain had just begun to come down in torrents outside, leaving nothing and no one who dared to venture outside dry. JD shivered and removed his hat from his head. He scanned the room, looking for an empty table, when his eyes rested on Chantal and her mother. He took a step toward them, but halted. Chantal's mother intimidated him, and at this moment she looked none too happy. JD didn't want to risk stepping into another potential storm.
Hoping not to be noticed by Chantal, who had her back to the door, JD quietly slipped by them and then realized the only available table was the one directly beside them. He sighed and stepped over the table. As he pulled out a chair, Chantal turned her gaze upon him.
"Monsieur Dunne!" she exclaimed.
Marie frowned and regarded JD hostilely.
JD turned around and smiled at Chantal. "Hey. How are you?"
Chantal nodded. "I am tres bien. And you?"
"I'm all right."
"JD, this is my mother, Marie DuBois," Chantal said, gesturing to her mother. "Mama, this is one of this town's lawmen, JD Dunne."
Marie nodded and kept an icy glare on him. JD shifted nervously under her gaze.
"Um…good evening, Mrs. DuBois," JD quavered.
Marie grunted almost inaudibly and turned her attention to the window and the dark evening outside.
Chantal then gestured to the seat beside her. "Please, join us."
JD opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Finally he was able to muster a few words. "I…I don't know. I don't want to intrude…"
Chantal laughed. "You would not be intruding. I invited you! Now come, have a seat."
JD glanced over to Marie, who kept her head turned away, and then hesitantly sat down between the two women. He smiled uneasily at Chantal.
"So…are you enjoying yourself so far?" he asked.
"Oui," Chantal said, nodding. "I went to your General Store this afternoon and took a slight tour of the town. It is very nice."
Marie rolled her eyes and turned to JD. "I myself am quite bored with your town. If you are a lawman, then perhaps you know when the stage to San Francisco is expected to arrive exactly?"
JD shook his head. "I…I don't really know. I could wire the stage company and ask them."
"Fine." There was no hint of gratitude in Marie's voice. She gathered her gloves and handbag and stood from her chair. "Chantal, I am retiring to our room now. Please return when you are finished here." Marie fished some coins out of her purse and placed them next to Chantal, then hurried out of the restaurant with a rustling of silk.
Chantal sighed and looked at JD apologetically. "I apologize for my mother. She is not the most cheerful person in the world."
"Oh…that's all right. I guess anyone would be upset if their stage was delayed." JD finally felt at ease since he entered the restaurant.
Chantal laughed. "I suppose you're right, but…she did not want to come to America in the first place. She has not been happy with this move ever since she heard about it. I wish you had known her before; she is really a friendly person…when she's in France."
JD smiled and nodded.
The waiter came by and set down a plate of steaming food in front of Chantal. He got JD's order and then left again. As JD looked at Chantal, he couldn't help but be intrigued with her. She was so sophisticated and one of the nicest girls he had ever known. He secretly wished her stage would be delayed longer; he really wanted to get to know her better.
+ + + + + + +
JD and Chantal stepped out of the restaurant and into the cold, wet night after dinner. The hotel was situated across the street, which meant they would have to walk through the pouring rain. Chantal shivered as she opened her parasol.
"Are you cold?" JD asked her.
Chantal smiled. "A little. But it is not very far."
"No, let me…" JD took his coat off and wrapped it around her. They smiled at each other as JD rested his hands on her shoulders. He quickly released her and shoved his hands in his pockets. Then smiling, he extended his elbow toward her.
Chantal threaded her arm with his and they crossed the street. They stepped carefully, trying to avoid the quickly forming mud puddles. Soon they reached the front doors of the hotel, where a small amount of light filtered out from the lobby.
"Thank you for a lovely evening, JD," Chantal said. She closed her parasol and lowered it to the boardwalk. She then pulled JD's coat off and handed it to him. "And thank you for the use of your jacket."
JD took the coat from her and nodded. "You're welcome."
"Well, I should be getting inside," Chantal said. She leaned forward and pecked JD on the cheek. "I hope to see you again soon."
"Yeah…me too," JD said. He watched her walked inside and close the door behind her. He stood next to the door and peered in through the window, watching her climb the stairs. When he couldn't see her anymore, he turned away. He smiled sheepishly as he remembered the kiss she had given him. Then, almost as if in a trance, he made his way over to the boarding house for a night of sweet dreams.
+ + + + + + +
The next morning, the rain had cleared out, but the clouds remained. The town had a sense of calm over it and everything seemed quieter. Even the patrons of the saloon were less boisterous than usual.
JD entered the hotel late that morning and asked the front clerk what room Marie and Chantal were staying in. When the clerk told him, he climbed the stairs two at a time and knocked lightly on their door. He wasn't too anxious to see Marie again, but he hoped Chantal would answer the door.
Much to his chagrin, Marie opened the door and looked at him, expressionless.
"Yes? Can I help you?" she asked.
JD cleared his throat timidly. "I wired the stage company early this morning and I just got a reply. They say the stage to San Francisco should be here day after tomorrow." He held the telegram out to her.
She took the telegram from his hand and read it, as if not believing what he just told her. She nodded and gave him something resembling a small smile. "Merci beaucoup."
If I don't ask now, I never will, JD thought. "Uh…is Chantal in?"
Marie seemed surprised by his question. She shook her head and answered quietly, "No. She is bathing right now. I shall inform her you inquired as to her whereabouts." With that, she closed the door.
Inside the room, Marie reread the telegram. Thank god, she thought. She couldn't wait to get out of this town. True, she wasn't looking forward to going to San Francisco, but she was certain it would be much nicer than here.
"Who was that at the door, Mama?" Chantal asked. She was sitting at the vanity table, pinning up her hair. She looked at her mother through the mirror.
"It was that young man we saw at the restaurant last night," Marie said.
"JD?"
Marie nodded. "He brought good news. We will soon be departing from this slum. The stage should be here in two days."
Chantal looked at herself in the mirror, but she didn't really see herself. "He did not ask about me?" she asked, a note of disappointment in her voice.
Marie looked at her daughter's reflection. "No," she said simply.
Chantal slumped her shoulders forward and cast her eyes downward. Last night after she had gone to bed, she had laid awake, thinking about JD. She realized that she was quite fond of the young man. Silently, she berated herself. She knew her stay here was only temporary and most importantly, that JD already had a paramour, but none of that had stopped her from beginning to like him.
Marie saw Chantal's dejected look in the mirror and sat on the bed behind her. She didn't want her daughter's feelings to be hurt, which was the main reason she had lied about JD. A boy like that could bring nothing but trouble to her daughter.
"Chantal, do not be so discouraged. You know there are more than a dozen suitable young men back in Paris who have their eyes on you. Before long, we will be back there and you will not remember any of the American boys you met."
Chantal shook her head and stood up. "I am going for a walk, Mama. I will be back in time for lunch."
Marie stood up as well and watched as Chantal grabbed her gloves and handbag. "Chantal, I do not want you to associate with that young man."
Chantal looked up at her mother with a glint of anger in her eyes. "Yes, Mama. I know." She then turned and walked out of the room.
+ + + + + + +
JD sat in the saloon with a glass of milk sitting in front of him. He stared into his glass with his head in his hands.
Buck stepped over to him and smiled. "JD, you look lonelier'n a solitary cactus out in the desert. What's got you down?"
"Nothin'," JD answered quietly.
Buck nodded and raised his eyes as the saloon doors swung open. He smiled and tipped his hat at the lady at the door. He then turned his attention back to JD. "I have a feeling you're about to feel a mite better, kid."
JD frowned and looked up at Buck, wondering what on earth he meant. He followed Buck's gaze to the door and saw Chantal standing there. He rose from his seat as she made her way over.
"Good morning, JD. Monsieur," she greeted, looking at JD and then Buck.
Buck nodded once and then said, "I got some things to check into at the jail. I'll leave you two alone." He tipped his hat again and made his way out.
"Chantal, what are you doing here? The saloon ain't no place for a respectable lady like you," he said.
Chantal laughed. "I have been in worse establishments than this back home."
JD stepped over to the chair beside his and pulled it out for Chantal. She seated herself and he followed suit. "Can I get you anything? A cup of coffee?"
Chantal shook her head. "No, thank you." After a moment of silence, she said, "My mother said you came by with good news."
"Oh, that. I guess you'll be leaving sooner than you expected, huh?"
Chantal nodded slowly. "Yes."
JD frowned. "What's the matter? I thought you were anxious to go to San Francisco."
"Oh, I am. It's just…I would have liked to stay here longer and…oh, never mind. It is of no importance."
"What isn't?" JD asked, curious.
"Nothing." Chantal smiled warmly and said, "I changed my mind. I will have what you are having."
JD smiled. "Okay." He turned and yelled to the bar, "Inez! Another glass of milk!"
JD and Chantal were talking over their milk when Buck rushed into the saloon, breathless. He hurried over to JD and said, "JD, I think I'd better warn you…"
Before he could finish the sentence, Casey came into the saloon and looked at JD and Chantal with a mixture of surprise and anger in her eyes. She spun on her heel and stormed back out.
"Oh, great," JD muttered.
Buck shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry, kid. I tried to get here before her, but…"
JD shook his head. "It's all right, Buck. She hates me anyway."
Buck didn't move for a moment, wanting to offer some sort of solace to JD, but knowing nothing he said right now would matter. He went back outside and back to his business at the jail.
Chantal looked at JD pityingly. She reached over and laid her hand on top of his. "JD, I can talk to her if you like. Perhaps if I explain to her…"
JD shook his head. "No, it's my problem. I don't want to get you involved." He kept his eyes downcast until he realized Chantal's hand was still on top of his. He looked up at her and saw that she was looking at him warmly. He turned his hand around and grasped hers firmly.
They smiled at each other for what seemed like forever. Then JD said, "Would you like to go for a walk?"
Chantal nodded. "I would like that."
Without letting go of each other's hands, they stood up and walked out of the saloon and down the boardwalk.
+ + + + + + +
Vin rode into town, his hat pulled low over his eyes. He had been away from town for a few days, scouting around the territory. He was glad to be back in town; at least now he would have shelter from the next rain shower.
He pulled his horse to stop in front of the saloon and dismounted, unable to avoid stepping right in a puddle. He wrapped the reins around the hitching post and saw JD down the street with a young woman he had never seen before. He stepped up onto the boardwalk and Nathan came up from behind him.
"You're back," Nathan remarked.
Vin nodded. He jerked his chin in JD's direction and asked, "Who's JD with?"
Nathan followed Vin's gaze and smiled. "She came in on the stage about three days ago. JD's takin' a likin' to her, and it looks like she's takin' a likin' to him. Casey's none too happy about the whole thing."
"Seems I been gone longer'n I thought," Vin remarked, shaking his head.
Nathan laughed and patted Vin's shoulder. "Come on, I'll buy ya a drink."
The two men walked into the half-full saloon while down the street, JD was giving Chantal the full tour of the town.
"…and this is where I pulled a bandit down from his horse before he had a chance to draw his gun," he was explaining, gesturing to the spot with his hand.
Chantal raised her eyebrows. "You are a very brave man, no?"
JD blushed slightly and shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know that I'm brave. I just do what has to be done to protect the town and the people."
"I call that brave," she said, smiling up at him. "Not many people can say they have done the things you have. Most men would probably run away rather than risk their lives for others."
JD looked down at her kind face and smiled proudly. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
She nodded her head and looked out at the street. "Does it always rain so much here?" she asked as rain started to sprinkle down, causing ripples to form in the puddles that already dotted the street.
"Not this much. Usually the sun is shining," he answered. He stopped walking and turned to Chantal. "I guess I'd better get you back to the hotel before your mother starts to worry."
A look of dejected acceptance came over Chantal's face. "I suppose you are right. She will begin to wonder what is taking me so long."
JD nodded and began to lead her to the street, then stopped. He looked at her and said, "You don't have your parasol."
"A few raindrops will not hurt me, JD," Chantal answered with a little laugh. Then she tugged him out into the street and they ran across until they were safely under the overhang. They laughed for a moment.
"I wasn't prepared for that," JD said.
"You should expect the unexpected from me, Monsieur Dunne," she answered with one eyebrow raised, then laughed again.
JD tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at her, then shook his head and led her down the boardwalk to the hotel. "I will remember that, Miss DuBois."
When they reached the hotel doors, Chantal let go of JD's hand and turned to him. "Thank you for a lovely time, JD."
JD shrugged, finding himself speechless once again.
She smiled and leaned forward to lightly kiss his cheek, placing her hand on his shoulder. "I look forward to seeing you again," she whispered before she pulled away. She smiled at him before turning away and going inside the hotel.
JD stood with a sheepish grin on his face, not moving. Then he turned around to face the street and found Casey standing just off the boardwalk, glaring at him, her hands on her hips.
"Oh no," JD muttered.
+ + + + + + +
"Casey, would you wait up for just one second!" JD shouted as he followed her down the street toward the livery stable. After she had spun away, he knew he had to talk to her at this moment in case he didn't get another chance. He was finding it difficult to keep up with her.
She didn't turn around or even acknowledge that he was behind her. JD threw his hands in the air, but wasn't going to give up.
"Casey, it's not what you think it is!"
Finally, she stopped and spun around to face him, causing JD to almost collide into her. She raised her eyebrows. "I'm not stupid, JD. I know what a kiss means. It ain't somethin' two people who consider themselves strangers do. It's somethin' two lovers do!"
"Lovers?!" JD exclaimed. "She ain't my lover, Casey."
"Well, then you're acting mighty friendly with travelers nowadays, JD," Casey retorted.
"What?" JD shook his head, wondering how on earth he ever found himself in this situation. He held up his hands. "Listen, she's just my friend. She just arrived in America and she's gonna leave for San Francisco soon. Is it so bad to be nice to her?"
"Oh," Casey grunted. "Why don't you just…go to France!" She spun around again and began walking again.
"Go to France?" JD repeated. "Why would I want to do that?" He followed behind and soon they were both standing in the livery. "Why would I want to go to France?" he asked again.
Casey shrugged roughly. "I don't know. To find another girlfriend."
JD was confused. What was she talking about? If he weren't so worried about losing Casey, he would have laughed out loud at what she was saying.
"I don't need to go to France to find a girlfriend," he answered, then wished he had said it a different way.
Casey turned to face him again. "Is that right? Well, that's fine. You just leave me alone, JD Dunne!" With that, she swung herself into her saddle and kicked her horse into a gallop, nearly trampling JD in the process.
"I'm never gonna learn," JD muttered to himself, walking slowly out the livery doors.
+ + + + + + +
Ezra stood in the middle of the church, looking around himself at the church. He had to admit to himself, the place was coming along wonderfully. Josiah was indeed a capable carpenter.
"How do you do it, Josiah?" he asked.
Josiah turned from the table he was working over and looked at Ezra over his shoulder. "Do what?"
Ezra gestured to the room around him. "Take something so destitute and transform it into something so invaluable."
Josiah straightened up and shrugged his shoulders. "Just hard work and dedication."
Ezra nodded. Hard work and dedication. Two concepts never taught to him as a child. For a moment, he felt a tinge of sorrow at all the things he had lost because he had never exerted hard work and dedication. Then he pushed all those thoughts out of his head and turned to the doors. He looked outside and frowned.
"What is he doing now?" he muttered.
"Who?" Josiah asked. When Ezra didn't answer, he walked over to the door and saw JD walking down the middle of the street, seemingly oblivious to the rain that now fell harder than before. Water dripped from the brim of his bowler hat and his clothes were close to soaking wet.
Josiah went outside and led JD to the church, then closed the doors behind them. JD sat down in the last pew and took off his hat.
"What's the matter, son?" asked Josiah.
JD shook his head. "I've ruined everything, and I haven't even done anything!"
Josiah and Ezra exchanged glances and nodded. They were of the same mindframe; JD was still having those women troubles. For a moment Josiah wondered if they should call Buck in here to help, then decided against it.
JD sighed in frustration; he was beginning to think there was no way out of this mess; once you had women troubles, maybe you were stuck with them forever.
+ + + + + + +
The following day, Marie set to the task of packing all the belongings she didn't immediately need. Despite the fact that the stage wasn't coming until the following morning, Marie didn't want to waste any time. She planned to be the first person on the stage the next day and didn't intend to wait for the last minute before getting everything together.
Chantal had left the hotel in the early evening, against her mother's wishes. She had been forced to remain in the hotel room all morning and afternoon, and she thought she would go stir crazy if she were cooped up another minute.
Chantal kept herself on the boardwalk, not wishing to venture out in the light sprinkles that were now falling from the sky. The soft light that filtered out from windows gave her a sense of security; it was better than walking in pitch blackness.
From across the street, piano music and loud laughter fell onto the street from the saloon. Chantal wondered if JD were inside, but she didn't have the nerve to go find out. It wouldn't do any good, she told herself. He had a girlfriend and didn't need her messing up his life.
Chantal crossed an alley and stepped up to the next boardwalk. She kept her eyes on the street and on the boardwalk in front of her, listening to the soft pitter-patter of the rain on the overhang and the noises from the saloon.
"What's a pretty little thing doin' out so late?"
Chantal swirled around at the sound of the low voice that had come from behind her and saw a man coming up to her. She had a sudden bad feeling in the pit of her stomach. Her heart was racing with fear and she looked out to the street, hoping for someone to pass by.
"You think you should be out alone?" the man asked, walking until he was close enough to touch her. He had a malicious smile, which revealed tobacco-stained teeth, as well as a few missing teeth. Other than that, the light that was afforded her didn't tell her much else about this man.
"I-I'm fine, thank you. I should be…getting back to the hotel now." She tried to walk past him, but he reached out with a big callused hand and grabbed her upper arm.
"You don't need to be goin' so soon," he snarled.
She opened her mouth to cry for help, but he jerked her body toward him, causing her to close her mouth quickly.
"You don't need to shout out to anybody," he said. "I ain't gonna hurt ya, am I?"
She shook her head quickly and gulped.
"That's right. You and me, we're gonna have ourselves some fun." He licked his lips in a most disgusting manner.
At that moment, Chris stepped out of the saloon and pulled his hat onto his head. He scanned the street, as was his habit, for any sign of danger. Across the street aways, he saw the young girl JD had been keeping company with, standing with a man. He squinted and noted that the man held a firm grip on her, and that her face held fear and discomfort. He straightened up and made his way nonchalantly down the boardwalk, trying to keep himself in shadows.
JD stepped out of the restaurant at the moment Chris was passing by. "Hey, Chris," he greeted.
Chris stopped and looked at JD with warning in his eyes. He shook his head and looked back across the street.
JD followed his gaze and saw Chantal with the man. His mouth fell open and he pulled his gun from its holster. He was about to call to Chantal when Chris put his hand out.
"No, JD. We have to do this quietly," he said.
JD nodded and followed Chris down the boardwalk. They hurried along, being careful to stay hidden. Chantal's captor was now leading her down the boardwalk toward the end of town. They had to work fast before something bad happened. When they had a chance, they ran across the street until they were hiding in an alleyway.
Chris pulled his gun and turned to JD. Whispering, he said, "When I give the signal, you sneak out there and grab her as fast as you can, then run. I'll take care of him. Got it?"
JD nodded and holstered his gun again, then got ready to charge out of the alley.
Chris checked his gun to make sure it had bullets and then waited. Chantal and her captor passed by them and then Chris, glancing at JD, nodded his head once.
JD darted out of the alley and grabbed Chantal's free arm, pulling her roughly out of the other man's grasp. He pulled her so that she was in front of him and led her out into the street. The man cursed loudly and pulled his gun, training it on JD. He was about to cock the hammer when he heard the click of another gun from behind him. He turned slowly and saw Chris standing not five feet away.
"Uh-uh." Chris shook his head and held out his other hand for the man's gun.
The man sighed heavily and handed his gun over and Chris gestured to the jail. The man began walking with Chris behind him.
"You don't even think about doing that and get away with it in our town," Chris said.
+ + + + + + +
"Are you all right?" JD asked. He had pulled Chantal into another alleyway, where they could be sure they were out of harm's way.
Chantal stifled a cry and nodded her head, then threw her arms around JD's neck.
JD was startled at first, and then slowly brought his arms around her waist, trying to comfort her.
"Merci beaucoup," she whispered. "If you hadn't come…"
"Shh," JD consoled her. "Don't even think about that. What matters is that we did come, and you weren't hurt." He pulled away and saw that a few tears had stained her cheeks. He smiled at her and wiped them away with his thumb.
She returned the smile and reached for her handkerchief inside her handbag. She dabbed at her eyes and nose and then gave a short laugh. "Such a way to spend my last night in your town."
JD shook his head. "It's all right. Nothing bad happened." Then, without thinking twice about it, he kissed her. It was more of a friendly gesture than one of romantic desire, though he was very fond of her. It lasted no longer than a second, and when he pulled away, she smiled shyly up at him.
"It's all right," he said again, nodding his head as if she had been the one who said it and not him.
She sniffed back her tears and nodded as well. "Oui. It is all right."
He took her hand in his own and squeezed it gently, then led her back to the hotel, thankful that he was able to save her from a horrible situation.
+ + + + + + +
The stage that was heading to San Francisco pulled into town late in the morning. Marie Dubois had been waiting for it since the sun had risen. She called out to Chantal in French and hurried to the stage, moving faster than she ever had before. Chantal followed behind, carrying their traveling cases. She handed them to the stage driver and stood beside her mother, waiting to climb inside. She scanned the street, but there was no sign of JD anywhere. She wondered if yesterday was the last she would ever see of him.
The rain had let up this day, and patches of blue sky were even visible. The sun was hidden behind a few large white clouds, but it looked as though travel conditions would be bearable. Chantal regretted that they should have to leave on the first nice day this town had seen in a while.
"You ladies goin' to San Francisco?" a well-dressed gentleman asked as he stepped up to the stage with a traveling case.
Marie turned to him haughtily. "Yes, we are."
He smiled pleasantly. "Then we shall be traveling companions."
Chantal returned his kind smile. "It will be a pleasure to be in your company, monsieur."
He tipped his hat at her. "The pleasure will be mine, miss."
The stage driver opened the door and Marie wasted no time on climbing inside. She seated herself and then leaned forward, looking at her daughter.
"Chantal," she called. "Come."
Chantal nodded and was about to climb into the stage when she heard her name called from up the street. She turned and saw JD running toward her. She smiled widely and stepped back from the stage, waiting for him.
Marie rolled her eyes and sat back in the stage as the gentleman climbed inside.
"Chantal," JD said breathlessly when he reached her. "I was hoping I wouldn't miss you."
"You are just in time," she answered. "We are about to depart."
JD held a package out to her with a smile. "I had Inez make you some food for the trip."
Chantal took the package. "Merci," she answered. "You did not have to go to such trouble."
JD waved a hand at her. "I wanted to. I hope you have a nice trip, Chantal."
She nodded and then produced a small slip of paper from the sleeve of her maroon dress. She held it out to him. "This is my address in San Francisco. I hope you will write to me occasionally."
JD took the paper and studied it. He looked back up to her and nodded. "I will. And you know where to reach me." He grinned.
Chantal nodded.
"Miss, you might wanna get in. We're just about to leave," the stage driver called down from his seat.
"Chantal, get in here this instant," Marie called.
"I guess I'd better go," Chantal said. She leaned forward and kissed JD's cheek lightly, then pulled away. "Thank you, JD, for everything."
JD nodded and helped her up into the stage. He closed the door behind her and held up his hand. "It was nice to meet you, Mrs. DuBois."
Marie grunted and turned her head the other way.
JD laughed and turned his attention to Chantal. "Take care of yourself, Chantal."
She nodded and smiled. "I will. Goodbye, JD. And good luck."
JD nodded. He needed all the good luck he could get, especially with Casey.
The stage driver yelled to the horses and the stagecoach lurched forward. Chantal leaned out the window and waved to JD and he waved back. He stood watching the stage leave, and didn't notice Buck slide up behind him.
"Your troubles are just beginnin'," he said.
JD turned and looked up at Buck with a frown. "What do you mean?"
Buck smiled. "Well, not only is Casey mad as a skinned rattler at you, but now, if you don't write to that pretty little French girl right away… Well, she'll be just as upset."
JD rolled his eyes. "Oh, Buck, what do you know?" He started to make his way toward the saloon, and Buck followed behind.
"I know more'n you is what I know," Buck said. "And I know what'll happen if she don't have a letter from you by the day after she arrives there. Why, once I knew this beautiful girl, she…"
JD laughed out loud and shook his head. Things were slowly getting back to normal, just the way he liked them.
The End
