The Night of the Red Dune Death

[Paradox Eyes]

THE NIGHT OF THE RED DUNE DEATH

Chapter 1

Flowers. Jasmine? Honeysuckle? …No… A spice…

Ginger? Vanilla? Yes…vanilla. Just a hint, a sweet comforting hint.

He opened his eyes. This act, in and of itself was perplexing. He did not remember standing up, much less closing his eyes as he did so. And…he certainly did not remember this place. As if he could have…

His eyes traveled across the landscape. He looked down. Yes, those were his black boots, his legs, standing in the midst of this. This sea of red sand, in this expanse of purple sky. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing else. Endless dunes held in place by limitless purple sky. Well not exactly purple, he thought. More like lavender.

It was then that he realized…it was all too perfect. Perfectly smooth dunes. Not a track, not a mark to be seen. Perfect slopes and a perfect sky with no deviation in cloud or hue. The temperature was mild, pleasantly comfortable. Perfect? And that scent, just enough to be perfectly relaxing. But it wasn’t. It wasn’t right.

Where am I? He struggled to remember.

The memories seemed overly laden with dust and he could not find them.. He broke out of his stance and took two steps. The dust of his stilled memory shook loose and the kaleidoscope inside his head began flashing. The images came in short bursts and he clasped his hand to his side in agony, remembering how the bullet had torn through his flesh. He dropped his head downward to see. He pulled his hand away but there was no blood this time. And again, he touched his hand to his head. But when he pulled it away there was nothing, no blood, no pain, only the dusty memory in the flickering light of his mind.

This isn’t right. None of this is right. He stepped forward again. Step by step he moved onward.

He walked through the red sand world. Normally walking in loose sand would have been difficult, tiring, overworking the leg muscles. But he moved easily. That comfortable, swinging stride he normally assumed, moved him efficiently through the sand, up a rather large dune. Once he achieved the highest point, he surveyed the newly acquired vista. More lavender sky and empty, endless red sand greeted him.

No…wait…an object revealed itself in the distance. It looked like some kind of log, with something white sitting on it. He headed toward it, quickening his gait. He concentrated, trying to identify the image. A person dressed in white was seated there, more specifically, a woman.

His impatient walk finally brought him close enough to clearly see her. She didn’t exactly watch his approach, she only glanced his way occasionally as if to check his progress. She seemed content to wait, as if waiting was second nature to her. He approached and stopped about ten feet from her. She was a vision of loveliness sitting there in her white satin and lace. Her sash, gloves and parasol matched the lavender sky. And when she turned her delicate face toward him, sparkling ice blue eyes met green eyes with an intelligent directness.

“Hello Mr. West,” she said. “It is James West, isn’t it? May I call you James?”

“It is,” he answered cautiously. “Where am I? Where is this place?”

“Do you like it?” She asked the question with an amused expression. “I did it myself!”

He studied her. She sat calmly against the log, studying him in return. He could sense no threat. His eyes narrowed. “Did what?” he asked.

“Why this of course!” She gracefully waived her lace gloved hand across the expanse. “I selected the color scheme and the arrangement, all of it. Do you like it?”

He looked at her like she was crazy.

She returned the look with a harsh one of her own. How could Artemus spend so much time with someone so dense?

She softened up a bit. Considering his recent trauma, she decided she should be gentle with him and give him some time.

“Just think of it as a place where you can relax and gather your thoughts.” She said this encouragingly.

“Gather my thoughts about what?”

“You tell me…” She waited for the enormity of it all to sink in. His stubbornness was apparently limitless.

She continued, exhibiting a loss of patience. “You know James, I’ve been thinking about you lately. You have a certain arrogance. A certain overconfidence that would leave one wondering. I personally find you incredibly arrogant. What Artemus Gordon sees in you as a friend, I simply cannot fathom. I don’t think you appreciate him enough. I don’t you understand how highly he regards you. He’d be much better off partnered with someone like Jeremy Pike. Jeremy is sweet. He has a much better sense of humor. He’s more of a realist. He’s very expressive with his thoughts and feelings.”

He looked at her hard, wondering what Artie or Jeremy for that matter, had to do with any of this. He shot her a patronizing smile and tilted his head. “Well, when you become President, you can reassign him.”

“There it is again! That haughty air of manly authority that you assume when dealing with a strong woman. You really could use a lesson in humility James.”

“And ah…you’re the one who is going to teach me that lesson?”

She looked off into the distance momentarily, considering her choice of words. Then with eyes narrowing, she sent a chilling look his way. “I don’t believe I have to. You seem to have arranged for that lesson yourself. You should have looked before you leapt this time James. You should have listened to Artemus.”

She stood up, watching him still, one eyebrow raised meaningfully.

He turned and looked more fully around him once again. When his gaze returned to the log, to the spot where she had stood, she had simply vanished.

That was totally unexpected and just a bit worrisome.

He maintained his composure though and continued to survey the endless landscape, trying to make some sense of it all. How did I get here? How long have I been here? It had to have been quite some time…at least long enough for the injuries to heal. The puzzle pieces of his memory began to organize themselves.

…Gunfire. Pain. Screaming metal torn asunder. Disbelief as all around him churned and shattered in upheaval. Blood, his own blood. Artie’s eyes. He could clearly see Artie’s face in his mind now. The fear that was written there as he tried to reconcile himself to the fact that he’d have to leave his wounded partner behind.

“You promised you’d get the dinner bill tomorrow night Jim. Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook over this!” Artemus had forced a grin in an effort to ease them both. Those had been the words but not the meaning. Artie had been afraid; terrified that he, Jim, would die here if he left him. But he had no choice…

Suddenly, just as she had disappeared, she reappeared, as if from out of nowhere.

“I went to check on Artemus,” she said. “They’re making good time. No one is following them. They should arrive safely. I thought you might like to know.”

This is a dream, a hallucination…it has to be. He fought the onslaught of seeming truth that threatened to overwhelm him. The memories became clearer and they were relentless now. He fought them silently, but it was a losing battle, not one he could win with strength and cunning. He weighed the odds of what this place might be and what she might be against his own sense of reality, against his beliefs and the all too clear memories that were still arriving in waves. A touch of nausea came steeped in panic. He realized he couldn’t sense his own heartbeat anymore.

She looked at him now, with soft, patient concern once again.

His spirit still clung by a thread to the hope that he was imagining this. He pulled in one last long breath and returned her gaze with a submission he’d never felt before.

“Am I dead?” He asked her. He waited for an answer he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear.

It was then that she smiled.

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[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 2

FOUR DAYS EARLIER:

Her ice blue eyes glowed with a crystalline happiness. “These past two days in your company have been heavenly!” She purred at her dinner companion.

“Martyna my pet, your lovely lips stole those words straight from my own heart! Artemus Gordon reached across the table and picking up her hand, he kissed it gallantly.

She retrieved her hand from his, blushing with excitement. “Oh!” She exclaimed, “I just love it when you call me that!”

He finished a sip of his champagne and daubed the corner of his mouth with his napkin. “What? You mean “Martyna?” He asked playfully. “That is your name, isn’t it?”

“Of course it’s my name, my given name. No silly, I meant “Pet”. She smiled. “I’ve been called that by many people in my life. Sometimes I think of it as my real name. And I adore the sound of it when you say it!”

He leaned in close to her, brown eyes melting into blue. “Then “Pet” you shall be!” He whispered.

Their waiter arrived with the entrees and the moment was interrupted. She had an irresistible urge to permanently envision the hapless interloper as a waddling penguin, but she was determined to be a lady this evening and so, resisted.

“Artemus! You simply must finish that story you were telling me earlier about you and your partner and that awful man, Armando Galiano, who kidnapped you! Did your partner really believe you were dead?” She nibbled a morsel of pheasant.

Artie smiled at the memory. “He certainly did! In fact, he rode into Mexico alone to hunt down the assassin.”

“To avenge you?”

“Yes, I afraid so…he found the pistolero, Sanchez. Subsequently they fought. Sanchez was killed.”

“Good.” She stated as a matter of fact. “I admire that kind of loyalty.” Her eyes then grew larger and more eager. “How did he react when he found you alive?”

“Oh…” Artie put his fork down and chuckled. “You should have seen the look on his face when I miraculously appeared! Jim had discovered that Senor Galiano was behind the Pistoleros. Myself and Major Roper were being held captive at Galiano’s home. We managed to free ourselves just as Jim arrived at the hacienda. Well Pet…you see…Jim handles himself quite well in a fight! Three, four, even five men are hardly a problem for him. But just as he nearly had everything under control, Galiano appeared at the top of the stairs and was aiming his gun at Jim. I was forced to shoot Galiano. That’s when Jim looked up and saw me.”

“And then…,” she asked, spellbound. “Do go on Artemus!”

Artemus waived his hand, grinning. “Well there’s not much more to tell. He had the most incredible, stricken, almost endearing look on his face and the only words he could manage to utter were, Thanks Artie.”

“Thanks Artie!?? That’s all he could say??”

Artemus sipped from his goblet and bounced his head up and down smiling. “That’s exactly what I said to him! Then I said, I‘ve just come back from the grave, risen like Lazarus and that’s all you can say? Thanks Artie? He just stood there, utterly dumfounded and said it again! I can honestly say, I’ve never seen Jim in such a state before. It was priceless!!”

“Priceless? I think that’s awful!” Pet was dead serious. “I thought you said the two of you were like brothers!”

Artemus was caught off guard by the sudden change in Pet. “We are. We’ve worked together for years. We’re the best of friends. What’s wrong Pet?”

“That certainly doesn’t sound like brotherly caring to me! He should have been overjoyed to find you alive! And he should have shown it and had much more to say about it!! He certainly should have had more to say then just “Thanks Artie.”

“Now Pet…he was happy to see me. Jim’s just not a very demonstrative person, that’s all.”

“Artemus Gordon, I have been listening to some of the most intriguing and terrifying adventures you two have been involved in and it just seems to me that James West takes you for granted. You create all those marvelous gadgets and explosives. You are always there to back him up and how just many times have you saved his hide in the nick of time, hmm?” She was just warming up. She had been discreetly observing the two men over the last several months and Jim West was a bit too cool and self confident for her tastes. “Does he ever sit you down and tell you how much he appreciates those things? Does he ever think about how much you put your life on the line for him? Does he ever make a point of telling you how much he appreciates you?? Or is it just a simple dry “Thanks Artie” here and there?”

“Pet! It’s not like that!” Artemus stopped her. He was fully prepared to defend Jim. “James and I are very close. He does appreciate what I do for him. And I know he appreciates me as a partner. Just because the man doesn’t orate flowery speeches of heartfelt gratitude doesn’t mean he’s not grateful. You just need to meet him and get to know him. He’s a very sincere, loyal partner and friend. You won’t meet a more honorable man anywhere. I trust him with my life!”

“Well, I just think he could show it and speak it a little more.” Pet relinquished and softened her approach. She certainly didn’t want to put a damper on their wonderful evening by arguing over Jim West. “You are right of course Artemus. I should get to know him before I judge him!”

“I just know the two of you are going get along splendidly!” He was positive of it. He could easily see that she was as sensitive and intelligent as she was beautiful.

“Hummph!” Pet thought. “Not until he learns to treat my Artemus with more caring and respect! I’m going to have to engage in a serious talk with that man!”

“You’ll see,” Artie continued. “The ladies just love Jim!! In fact, I’m not going to leave the two of you alone together or he just might try to steal you away from me.” He picked up her hand once more and kissed it again. Then winking, he gave her his best smile and his warmest “you’re mine and mine alone” look. She thought she’d faint dead away from joy in that moment!

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

They enjoyed the rest of their meal, talking about their lives. Pet told Artemus as much as she dared about her real life as it had once been. She didn’t want to frighten the man with the whole truth. There’d be plenty of time for that later…much later.

They were finishing their desserts when the Maitre d’ brought a small crystal tray with an envelope lying on it. “Monsieur Gordon? Please, pardon my intrusion sir. This envelope was just delivered for you. I am told it is of the utmost urgency that you receive it immediately.”

Artemus gave the envelope a puzzled look and took it from the tray. “Thank you very much Maxime.” The Maitre d’ left and Pet exclaimed. “What is it Artemus, not trouble of some kind I hope?”

His graceful fingers quickly popped the wax seal on the envelope and pulled the note out. It was from Colonel Richmond. He read it, a growing look of concern edged it’s way into his features. Finally he looked up at Pet.

“I’m so sorry my dear, but I must cut our evening short. I have orders to leave on my new assignment immediately.”

“But where are you going Artemus? I thought you were waiting here in Reno for Mr. West to meet up with you.” Pet already knew what the note said. She had her ways and she was quick with them.

“Well, my dear, our plans have changed. I’m meeting him elsewhere and I have to go now.”

Pet mustered her very best look of pouting disappointment.

“Jim is waiting for me.” Artemus gave her a penitent look. “Pet…I’m so sorry about this. I just hate to say goodbye and run, but I don’t have a choice. You do understand don’t you? And I promise, when we’re able to get together again, I will make it up to you!”

“Will you be in much danger?” She tried hard to keep the hopeful anticipation out of her voice.

He gave her a gentle reassuring smile and said, “No, not at all, it’s just a routine assignment on a very tight timetable. Don’t you worry your sweet little heart about me! I’ll take care of the bill as I leave and there will be a cab waiting for you. Enjoy the last of the champagne for me my love!” He leaned down and kissed her goodbye.

She pulled herself around in her seat and watched him go. And as she did, she noticed a man observing them from another table. She studied him for a moment, sensing a malevolent darkness about his person. Although he wore a very fine dress suit, his foot attire was the most striking thing about him. Black tooled boots with sharp toes shielded in bright shiny silver tips. He watched Artemus leave then suddenly his attention turned toward her. Their eyes met and he gave her a wolfish leer. She returned it with an expression of utter disgust and repulsion. Then she turned back toward her own table and nearly jumped.

“Mother! What are you doing here? And where is Miguelito?” She held her champagne glass close and spoke discreetly, so no one nearby would notice she was talking to an empty chair.

Lucette sat across from her now, in Artemus’ chair. She stared stone faced at Pet, tapping one long fingernail on the linen tablecloth. “Your son is with Uncle Herve in New Orleans having a wonderful time.” She leaned forward and admonished her daughter. “Pet! What are you doing, meddling with mortals? How many times have I told you not to involve yourself with them?”

“I’m not meddling with him mother! I’m just enjoying his company.”

“Why?”

“Why not? I think he’s wonderful and I want him to feel comfortable with me…just in case…something ever…happens to him. His work is very dangerous you know!”

Lucette rolled her eyes. “He could also live to be a very old man! With a wife, children, grandchildren! Are you going to follow him around the rest of his life?”

“Oh mother, I don’t think I’ll have to.” The words came breathlessly and her eyes glittered.

“What are you saying?” Lucette inquired with a serious tone in her voice.

“Mother. I can feel it in my very being. Something bad is coming.” A small hint of a smile pulled at her lips. She glanced back toward the table where the dark observant man had been sitting, but he was gone now. Looking back at her mother, she whispered low and prophetically.

“Something terrible is going to happen.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 3

The carriage quickly moved along the dusty side street, carrying it’s preoccupied passenger closer to the rail siding where the train awaited his arrival. His eyes captured every sight, every nuance of the city’s early evening character in this part of town. There could be eyes watching in return, but they would be unnoticeable, discreetly hidden.

He carefully reorganized the parts of the plan in his mind, shifting them, altering their course with the precision of a chess master. They had to be prepared. They had to anticipate trouble at any moment. An important life depended on it.

The carriage stopped. Artemus Gordon stepped out and paid the driver. He bid him a good evening and watched him drive away, making sure that he stood openly in the dimming light where he could be seen and recognized. Then with one last careful look around, he climbed the steps to the platform and entered the varnish car.

“Artemus! You’re back early from your dinner date.” Jeremy Pike stood, sherry glass in hand. Seated on the gold sofa was a uniformed soldier. The two men watched as Artemus removed his top hat and cape.

“Yes. I received a communiqué at the restaurant. I cut the evening short.”

Artie stepped toward them and Jeremy made introductions. “Lieutenant Barker, may I present my associate, Artemus Gordon. Artemus, this is Lieutenant Jed Barker.” The lieutenant stood up, a flat leather valise clasped firmly under his left arm. The two men shook hands and exchanged greetings.

“Artemus, the Lieutenant was sent here by Colonel Richmond. He’s here to deliver a message. For your eyes only.” Jeremy stated.

“Yes…I know…” Artemus now studied the man carefully. Yes he’d work just fine. They were about the same height and build. They shared the same brown eyes and dark hair. And with similar facial features, no one would be the wiser at a distance. The Lieutenant opened the valise and handed a folded letter to Artemus. It was heavily sealed with embossed wax. Artemus took the letter and tossed it on the table. He tilted his head and continued to study the Lieutenant.

Jeremy’s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at the letter. “Aren’t you going read that Artemus?”

Smiling now, Artie answered, “There’s nothing in it Jeremy, the delivery is the Lieutenant himself! Last minute change in plans!”

“Ahhh….what now?” Jeremy smiled as he awaited the newest update.

Artie stood back. “I believe the Colonel gave you a special instruction Lieutenant. Would you mind demonstrating for me?”

Lt. Barker obediently moved across the length of the varnish car. He had a very distinct limp, favoring his right leg, obviously a problem with his knee. “Old war wound,” he stated as a matter of fact. Then he winked at the two gentleman.

“Let me guess…you’ve been faking that the entire time since you left the Colonel to come here.” Jeremy queried the Lieutenant.

“Yes Sir! My…uh “special” instruction.”

“And the reason co-insides with the change in plans. Let’s have it!” Jeremy looked from one to the other.

Artemus noted that the shades were all drawn. He began. “I’m leaving tonight to join Jim. The Colonel contacted me at the restaurant. I’ve just come from a short meeting with him. The lieutenant is taking my place here. Literally. He and I are going to exchange identities. While I slip away, “Artemus Gordon” and Jeremy Pike will remain here to await the arrival of James West and his charge.

“I take it that arrival will never take place now. We just sit here…as decoys.” Jeremy interjected.

Artemus continued. “Every plan that has been explored so far, has had the transfer to this train taking place here in Reno. It’s the perfect spot for our assassins to make their move. Someone is desperate to prevent that treaty from being signed. The threats keep coming. They’re waiting for something and we believe what they are waiting for is the perfect opportunity. We’re going to provide them with it. It seems our unknowns want the deed done before San Francisco is reached. Simply put, we’ll accommodate them…here. Hopefully the distraction will keep them here, maybe even force them to show their hand when the wait becomes too long. Keep your eyes open gentlemen. Meanwhile, Jim West and I will bypass this stop. As soon as you receive word from us, bring the train to meet us in San Francisco.”

Jeremy nodded and then smiling, looked at the Lieutenant. “I hope you like card games Lieutenant. We’re going to have quite a bit of time to kill.”

Artie motioned the Lieutenant to follow him. “Come along Mr. Gordon, you and I have some rearranging of personas to complete.” Jeremy watched the two men head down the hallway as he pulled in a long breath and let it out slowly. In a game of cat and mouse, he never cared much for being the mouse.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

A short time later, the two men reappeared. Artie limped into the parlor, smartly dressed in uniform and carrying the leather valise under his arm. Lieutenant Jed Barker strolled along behind, one thumb hooked in his vest pocket, his evening dress jacket removed and his white ruffled dress shirt comfortably unbuttoned at the neck.

Jeremy Pike looked from one the other. They definitely could have passed for brothers, but that limp was distracting enough to prevent a casual observer from noticing.

“I’ll leave you to it gentleman.” Artemus pulled the Lieutenants hat on and headed toward the door. The other two men followed him out on to the platform.

As he limped away, Jeremy called after him. “Thank you so much Lieutenant! Give our regards to the Colonel!” Artie wordlessly raised his gloved hand in an acknowledging wave and mounted the soldier’s waiting horse. Quickly reining the animal around, he galloped off down the street.

Smiling, Jeremy turned to his new cohort and said loudly enough for anyone nearby to hear, “Come on Artemus, I’ll show you a new slight of hand card trick I just learned.” They disappeared back into the varnish car.

Nearby, two sets of eyes and ears in the now dark evening turned toward each other. A sudden match light ignited, finding it’s way to the tip of a cigar clenched between shadowy teeth. After several strong pulls and puffs, harshly whispered words seethed out, finding their way along the cigar and into the night air. “ Now you listen to me. I don’t care if you have to blow that train to kingdom come. When West returns and gets that murderer on board…kill em all!”

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[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 4

Early the next morning, a hunched and timid looking man in a size too large tweed suit boarded a passenger train headed east. He mostly kept his bespectacled eyes averted, casting only quick birdlike glances toward his fellow passengers. He clutched his oversized travel case close to him, as if he were protecting his own child. He, the travel case and the second occupant of the seat were crowded in a most uncomfortable manner. His seat companion finally addressed him.

“Sir!” A tired and rather irritated voice exclaimed. “Could you please remove that excessively large case and place it on the floor or elsewhere?!”

The birdlike coffee dark eyes darted up and down the passenger’s portly frame before answering. “No sir! I am a traveling businessman and salesman by trade. Wilburton Petrie Glassengame is my name.” Gently patting the large case, he explained. “These are my sample wares; the finest lead crystal money can buy! I will not place them anywhere that might damage them!” His voice rose high. And squeaking, he continued. “No sir! Here they are in the safety of my grasp and here they will stay! The harmonics of this mechanical abomination of travel are nearly vibrating the teeth from my head! I will not allow it to work it’s destruction on my crystal! No sir!”

“Hrmmph!” His seat companion regarded him with as much disgust as befitted a tawdry salesman. And rolling his eyes as he turned away, giving up on further discourse.

Other nearby passengers, having heard and seen the exchange smiled and twittered. The strange looking salesman with tuffs of hair all askew and poking out from under his derby hat shot them all withering looks through his thick lenses. With his pencil thin mustache riding atop a quivering upper lip, he hunkered back into his seat, clutching his case even tighter. One by one the passengers forgot about him and settled in for the long ride.

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Half way into the next day the train groaned with the sounds of the brakes as it rolled to a stop at the salesman’s destination. Steam spat and bellowed from the locomotives lower sides, momentarily obliterating all surrounding sounds of the busy city. The platform and boardwalk were bustling with activity. Wilburton Glassengame disembarked, looking about himself with all the wonderment of a child in a toy store. Then, taking a bracing deep breath, he hailed a nearby baggage handler. “Good day to you sir! May I…” The young man apparently did not hear him. In a much louder, high pitched voice, he tried again. “I say my good fellow! Could you please tell me…”

This time the young man looked up, squinting at the odd and twitching gentleman before him. “Huh?” He replied.

Wilburton licked his lips and began again. “I say, could you please direct me to a location where a businessman such as myself might acquire an appropriate mode of transportation?”

The young man stared, blinking several times and said, “What?”

Wilburton tried again, loudly enunciating each squeaking word. “Uh…could…you… please…tell me… where…I might rent a horse and carriage?”

“Oh! Sure Mister. Hanes Livery, over on the next street. It’s not far, you can walk there.”

“Thank you, thank you very much.” Wilburton nodded and bowed, his head continued bobbling as he backed away. Then clutching his sales case, he turned and walked into the station building. The young man shook his head as he watched the strange man disappear. Sometimes working here was better than going to the circus.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w


The crystal salesman’s rented carriage came to a stop about a mile outside of town. Wilburton took in the sight that awaited his attentions. A private train, parked there on a rail siding, sat in open flat terrain. There were no signs of activity, no persons walking about and the shades in the last car had been drawn. The only sounds were the gentle puffing of the waiting locomotive and the occasional loud birdcalls in the nearby scrub. Wilburton assessed the train’s appearance. The wood tender’s sides pretty much said it all. Emblazoned in the dark green paint was the telling title of the train’s purpose; “COLLINGER CATTLE COMPANY”. Coupled behind were a cattle car, for transporting prized breeding stock he assumed, what appeared to be a baggage car and bringing up the tail end, a private varnish car. Yes indeed, it was every bit a wealthy cattle baron’s mode of private transportation.

Wilburton licked his lips again while he surreptitiously glanced about. Before getting out of the carriage, he fastened the reins in such a way that they would not hinder the horse, should it decide to wander back to town. Then carefully removing his oversize case, he strode toward the varnish car with a new purpose in his walk.

He climbed up on the platform, raising his knuckles to address the door, but it opened first. “Hi ya Artie! Glad you could make it!”

“James!” He answered, grinning. “You’re looking well. Mind if I come in?” Jim pulled the door back with him allowing his partner to enter. The air inside the car was quite murky with cigar smoke. An authoritative voice boomed and cut through it like a knife.

“GORDON!! What in Sam Blazes is that get up supposed to be?”

Artemus Gordon smiled widely and addressed the owner of the voice. “Mr. President! Good to see you again sir! How are you?”

The cigar in Grant’s teeth whipped up and down. “How the hell do you think I am?! I’m being held prisoner by my own Secret Service. On a blasted cattle train no less!!”

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Pet was bored. Artemus had slipped away yesterday morning. She didn’t see much sense in hanging around here until he returned. Events were in motion now and waiting was all she could do. It was the code of her kind, never to interfere in the natural chain of events. Even last year when those two crusty old brothers in the mountains near Crow Flats had first brought Artemus Gordon to Pet’s mother, they did not use their powers to alter his life course. Her mother, Lucette, had used only her mortal talents in the treatment of Artemus’ injury. He was strong, he had survived because he wanted to, because he was meant to.

Pet sighed, hopefully this time, his luck in this realm would run out. She smiled, toying with the possibilities. If that happened, she was going to employ whatever means she could to keep him with her in her realm.

“Time to leave for a while,” she mused. Besides, she needed to spend some time with her family anyway. Things would happen soon enough and she knew she would sense them when they did. She kept a connection with the object of her affections at all times now. She laughed. Silly mortals, they’d probably think she was some kind of guardian angel if they really knew what she could do. Seriously though, they couldn’t be further from the truth. She wanted one thing and one thing only, Artemus Gordon…dead. After all, how else were they going to spend the rest of eternity together?

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[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 5

The two hands who had been ordered to watch the train and it’s occupants were growing impatient. Reno was a lively enough place, but having to perch here in hiding day and night, watching the backside of a still train, was getting old fast. The elder of the pair spoke up. “Those two ain’t hardly come up for air the last couple of days.”

“Yep,” his compatriot agreed. “If’n they didn’t come out every now and then to take a smoke, you’d never know there was anybody in there.”

Soft footsteps behind startled them and they both whirled around, guns drawn. “Are you two paying attention?!” One of the visitors growled. “I could have snuck up and put a bullet in both of you!”

“Yes, we been payin’ attention!” The older one spat with disgust. “Been watching those agents and that train like hawks. Ain’t much happening though.”

The second visitor eyed them and the scene. “How do you know they’re still in there?” As he said this, he lightly dusted his suit lapels, more out of fastidious habit than need.

“Well Sir…” The older one answered for them. “They come out kind of regular like on the platform, to smoke cigars and take some air. They jus’ seem ta be waitin’ like us.”

The younger of the two hands said nothing. He just stared blatantly at the two visitors. They were an odd pair, those brothers, identical twins he supposed from the look of them. But they were as different as night and day. Marcus Hayden was the neat and tidy one, always groomed, impeccably dressed. You hardly ever saw him in anything other than an immaculate, perfectly tailored suit. He was the driving force of the two. The other one, Mathias Hayden, was always in need of a shave, dressed in worn ranch attire and his leather vest having long since seen cleaner days. His gun belt, openly and obviously displayed, hung at the ready. As different as they appeared, they shared something other the same face, something that made them seem even odder. They both wore the same tooled black leather boots with heavy engraved silver tips on the toes. Those four tips, polished until they shone like the sun, drew a persons attention straight down. Unless you got to know them personally, you’d probably never remember the one face with two men, but you’d certainly never forget those boots.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Artemus pulled off the derby and wig. Peeling the mustache away, he spoke discreetly to Jim. “The old man been a little testy, has he?”

Jim watched the President pace away from them. “You could say that Artie,” he answered with a bit of a grin. “He’s been pretty humorless the last few days to put it lightly. Everything go alright with Jeremy and the Wanderer?”

“Splendidly! Jeremy and ‘Artemus Gordon’ are probably playing cards as we speak. They’re just patiently waiting for a President who will never arrive at the designated time and place. Are we all set here?” Artemus asked as Grant turned and paced back again.

“We’re set to go, and right on schedule.” Jim replied. “The new route will take us along a track through the mountains that will bypass Reno. Once we get past that point and if we get past that area without being noticed, we should be fairly inconspicuous until we reach San Francisco.”

President Grant stopped short and barked at Jim. “Well Mr. West? Is this cattle barge ever going to get moving? I have a treaty to attend to!”

“Right away Sir!” West assured him and drew the speaking tube from the wall. He addressed the engineer and returned the device to it’s cabinet. “The train will under way momentarily Sir.”

“Hrmmmph,” came the acknowledgment. Then Grant turned his irritated attentions back on Artemus. “What in blazes is in that case Gordon?”

“Oh…” Artemus intoned musically. “Just a few things Jim and I might have use for. He laid the case flat on the table and clicked the latches open. Then flipping the top back, a layer of molded velveteen displayed an array of crystal goblets. “Wilburton Petrie Glasengame at your service gents! Here we have a one of a kind selection of the finest crystal to ever grace the tables of kings and bluebloods…”

“Stow it Gordon!” The President snapped. “What’s really in there?”

Jim smirked and shot Artie an “I told you so look.”

Artemus removed the upper layer of the display. There, quietly hidden in the depths of the large case, lay his best arsenal of small gadgets, most of them explosive in nature, deadly and otherwise.

“Great thundering heavens!” The President yelled. “And just what is all that for?! I’m going to sign a treaty, not go on a conquest of the entire Pacific coast!”

Artemus did his best to calm him. “I’m sorry Sir, but in light of the rash of threats on your life recently over this treaty situation, we can’t be too careful or too prepared for trouble.”

“Artie is right Sir.” James chimed in. Over the last three months, we’ve received nine anonymous threats. The last one, five days ago, makes ten. The Secret Service has worked non-stop trying to find the connection between this treaty and the person or persons who want it stopped. Every lead has turned up nothing. The hand printed notes just mysteriously appear at various government buildings. Always with the same printing and always the same paper. Plain common stock, available anywhere, no watermarks.”

“And…” Artemus continued. “They all say pretty much the same thing. If President Grant attempts to attend that treaty conference, he will be assassinated. I know we can’t keep you from your duties Sir, but we must do everything possible to keep you out of harms way.”

Grant addressed his two agents. “Gentleman, this situation is ridiculous! I can’t continue to sneak around in my own homeland just because some lunatic sees fit to make threats. I survived an entire Civil War. I’m not about to take up hiding in the shadows now! Once we reach San Francisco and I conclude my business there, there will be no more of this hide and seek game. Understood gentlemen? Oh and one more thing…” He chomped hard on his cigar and further eyed the contents of the case. “Don’t think for one moment that you are putting me in one of those!” He stabbed a pointed finger at the heavily padded, bullet proof vest, of which there happened to be three.

“Sir, please! It’s only for part of the journey and then when we reach San Francisco.” Artemus implored him.

“NO! Confound it! Do whatever it is you two do…but you are not putting the President of the United States in a straightjacket! Bullet proof or not!”

James and Artemus looked at each other in exasperation. “Yes Sir,” they answered in unison.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

The four men stood in the shadows, eyeing the train. Jeremy Pike and his partner appeared, stepping out onto the platform. “Artemus Gordon” stretched, then straightening his vest, he chatted quietly with Jeremy. “Do you think we’re being watched?”

“You can depend on it my friend.” Jeremy answered. “I can almost feel it.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Marcus Hayden raised a spy glass to his eye. “Damn it!” He suddenly growled.

“What? What is it Marcus?” Mathias queried of his brother.

“That is not Artemus Gordon!” He spat.

“What are you talking about? We’ve been watching him ever since he left the restaurant. He spoke with that Colonel outside on the walk for a few minutes, then came straight here. Nobody has come or gone except that soldier who visited the train that same night. It’s got to be him!” Mathias insisted.

“What soldier?” Hayden barked.

“Just some soldier who delivered something to Pike I expect. After Gordon got back, he left. He walked with a bad limp. He was probably just a courier.”

“You fools!! You let Gordon get away! He traded places with that soldier!

“Are you sure that’s not Gordon?” Mathias took the glass and looked for himself.

“Of course I’m sure, I sat in the restaurant the entire time, watching him!”

Marcus Hayden retrieved the spy glass and jammed it back inside his jacket. “This means that the President is taking another route. You find me that route! Do you hear me! Find it now!!! That murdering scum is going to pay for what he did! We’ve waited long enough for our revenge. You find him! Now!!

Mathias Hayden watched his angry brother storm off.

1861 was still like yesterday in Marcus Hayden’s mind, but the real passage of years had only served to increase the intensity of his hatred. Grant’s campaigns on his home ground had been at a terrible cost. He had never forgotten and he’d burn first in the fires of hell before he’d forget.

Mathias Hayden lost himself in mindful thought, searching through his knowledge of the territory and it’s passages. He himself owned a ranch near this very city, further to the south. It was a titillating game of life and death they were playing. Luckily, they had a lot of players stationed across the land, eyes and ideas to help them bring their quarry to ground. His eyes scanned the mountains beyond the city. He knew track had been laid through a pass in that region to get supplies to the mines. Perhaps the answers lay…up there.

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[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 6

The loose rock and pebbles scattered as the mule’s hooves dug in on the steep trail. “Whoa, easy girl!” The trapper tightened his grip on the pack animal’s lead rope. He visually checked the loads. Everything looked secure. A voice called from behind, “Burke, stop worrying that mule, she’s sure footed as a mountain goat.”

Burke looked back at his trapping partner. “Yeah? Well, when she topples over, and takes all our prize pelts down the mountain with her, then what’er ya gonna say? Huh?”

The lean black haired man smiled. “That would be the will of the mountain spirits.” He stated simply.

“Bah!” Burke bantered back. “Red Joe, I don’t know how you Indians ever keep track of all your pesky spirits. Everywhere you turn, there’s another one a lurking, and ya can’t see any of em!”

Red Joe laughed loudly. It was unusual for this quiet introspective man to be so amused. His friend Burke fiercely preserved his own great ignorance of the more spiritual world around them. This tickled Red Joe. He could just imagine the spirits rolling their eyes in the white man’s fashion as Burke passed by.

His own eyes searched the landscape around them. Trapping was good this year. The weather had held in spite of the cold and the pelts were top grade. They were headed toward town to sell their bounty. The mule not only carried the best of the quality pelts on her back but she also dutifully pulled the loaded travois behind her. Burke, the mule and Red Joe made their way single file down the steep grade. It was mid afternoon and they would stop once they found a good camp site. Tomorrow they would finish the journey into the city of Reno.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

“There!” Mathias dropped his forefinger on the worn map. “We make our play there. Got a telegraph reply a while ago. Yesterday one of our men caught sight of a private train here.” The finger skimmed across the mapped territories and halted. “ The way I figure…” The finger now followed the barred lines, indicating railroads, back to the spot he started at. Then he repeated himself. “The way I figure…is that they are going to try to bypass Reno with another train. I think they let it be known that he was coming through Reno all along just to throw us off the scent.”

“So the old dog thinks he’s on to us does he?” Marcus snorted in contempt. “He’s grown fat and lazy in that fancy office. He’s about to learn his well deserved lesson from real soldiers! Soldiers who have stayed lean and at the ready.” He wrapped his arm around his twin’s shoulders. “His day of atonement is at hand brother.”

Mathias nodded his agreement. Then directing his attention to the two hands who always accompanied him, he barked out orders. “Raif take the kid and get that Gatling gun and those explosives up to that mountain pass. “He, he, heh,” the laugh dripped with evil and glee sparked in his eyes. “Boys, we got ourselves a train to catch!”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

It took some fast talking and a lot of persuasion on the agent’s parts but the President finally consented to wear the vest. But only until they passed Reno. It was either that or West and Gordon insisted that he be sequestered in the small stateroom that had no windows and no opportunity for a sniper’s bullet. The President, having developed a taste for the minimal creature comforts of the varnish car, opted to wear the vest. That way he could remain in the more spacious car and in the human company, irritating as it was, of his two escorts. Artemus sported his vest as well and James promised he’d put his on as soon as he finished with the report he was writing.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Red Joe and Burke went about setting up camp in the small clearing, surrounded by the glorious mountain terrain. The campfire wood was burning nicely, promising perfect coals to prepare a later meal. Red Joe suddenly stopped preparing the coffee pot and walked to the nearby outcropping of rocks. He placed his hands on the rock, he sniffed the air and cocked his head.

Burke looked over at him. “Red Joe, what the devil you doing?”

Red Joe was a man of few words. “Train coming.”

“Train? I don’t hear no train.” Burke lifted his eyes and ears. “How you know there’s a train coming?”

“The rocks and the winds speak to me.”

“Ya know, sometimes you give me the heebie-jeebies with that stuff! Besides we can’t be more than a quarter of mile from that old track that runs through the pass. Although…” Burke pulled his hat off and scratched his head. “Don’t many supply trains come through there this time of year.”

“Not a supply train. Different.”

“Yeah?” Burke squinted at Red Joe. “Passenger train? Them spirits of yers…they tell you what them folks are having for dinner tonight?”

Red Joe took his hands off the rock and grimaced in puzzlement at Burke. “No.”

Burke pulled his hat back on. “Well, that’s too bad.” He said. “I was hoping they could tell you what I’m having for dinner tonight. It’s your turn to cook!”

They shared a laugh and went back to finish setting up camp.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

“You know what Jim?” Artemus sighed with boredom.

“What Artie?” Jim examined his fanned card hand and considered his chances.

“This card game isn’t much fun when there’s no stakes.” They both cast a glance at Grant. The President was seated on the maroon velvet sofa, penciling notes for his next speech.

Jim smiled. “Think of it as a test I’m giving you Artie. A test…” He leaned in close stretching across the table with a wicked gleam in his eyes. “A test of your card playing abilities. All of them…!”

Artemus leaned forward until their noses were inches apart and their eyes locked. “My abilities don’t need testing James.”

“Yes they do Artie!”

“NO! They don’t!” His right hand flashed out and without breaking eye contact he slapped it down on Jim’s left hand as it was discreetly sliding an ace out from under the telegraph box. “You’re cheating!” He barked with a malevolent grin.

“Not cheating!” Jim chirped. “Testing! You passed the test Artie!” He grinned back.

“You cheat, you forfeit, I win! You are buying dinner tomorrow night!” Artemus firmly issued the proclamation.

“Hey! No one said anything about betting dinner!”

Artemus stood up, crossing his arms. “It’s the price you pay for cheating.”

“Alright Artie, I’ll buy dinner tomorrow night.”

Artemus raised a doubtful eyebrow at him.

Jim placed his hand across his heart. “I promise!”

The President sighed and reached for his brandy glass but it was empty. A quick glance at the decanter told him he was out of luck. His hand then absent mindedly reached to scratch an offending itch. His fingers thudded up against the cumbersome vest. “Confound it Gordon!” He roared. “This damn vest is itching me to perdition!” He glared at them both. “And why isn’t West wearing his?! If I have to suffer this abomination of clothing then ALL of us do!!”

Artemus chastised his partner. “Jim I told you to put the vest on two hours ago. Now go put it on.”

“I will Artie. As soon as I’m finished here.” He collected the cards and chips to put them away.

Aremus took the cards from him and dropped them back on the table. “NOW Jim! Before he gets any ideas about taking his off!”

Jim grinned and gave Artie a fake salute. “Whatever you say Mr. Gordon SIR!” He turned and walked toward the hall to the staterooms.

As he passed the President, he inquired. “Is there anything I can get for you Sir?

Grant stood up, stretching and rearranging himself. “As a matter of fact Mr. West, there is. My brandy decanter seems to have gone dry.”

Jim smiled and reached for the decanter. “I’ll take care of that right away Sir.”

Jim West hadn’t taken more than four steps in the direction of the galley when the glass windows began to pop and explode in fans of crystalline shards. In less than an instant, his mind recognized the patterning of the bullet fire. Gatling gun! He whirled around.

“Everyone GET DOWN!!” He hurled himself at the President.

The shouted warning had barely left his lips when the deafening roar overtook the manmade shell around them. The once comfortable and well appointed interior lurched and bucked, furniture and décor no longer serving the commands of gravity. The structure heaved and screamed with the tearing of metal and wood. In an instant the world became a raging hailstorm of broken glass and debris.

w-----w----w-----w-----w

Red Joe poured himself a cup of coffee. While Burke had introduced him to a wide variety of white mans vices, this was the one he took unto himself with enjoyment. Burke sat across the fire from him, rolling another vice up in a small white paper. He licked the paper to seal it, tapped it to settle the tobacco and stuck it between his lips. Then reaching down, he picked up a fiery twig from the red hot coal bed. It was in that precise moment his heart nearly stopped. A great thundering roar belched through the mountains and the earth trembled and shook with a bone jarring violence.

Burke leapt to his feet. If ever a man could find faith in the wink of an eye, this wink was his. “GOD ALMIGHTY!!” He yelled. “Earthquake?!!”

Red Joe sat perfectly still. His tin coffee cup suspended inches from his face. Not a drop had spilled in his steady hands. His answer came in the manner that it often did, a world of meaning in a single word. He blew a cooling breath across the surface of the hot liquid before he answered.

“Train.” He said.


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[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 7

“Unnghhh….ooawwhhhh...oouw.” The muffled groans emanated from under the wreckage of piled furniture. His mind registered the sounds as his own and he moved in reply. It was then that he comprehended the overbearing weight upon him. He could feel the heavy velvet pushing his face into the gravel like broken glass on the floor. Except, it wasn’t the floor. His face lay jammed against the window frame below him. His heart lurched in panic as the reality of the varnish car laying on its side knifed through his mind. He groaned once more and pushed upward. The maroon sofa gave way and he yelped at the pain in his bruised limbs. His left hand automatically found the cuts on his cheek. Shaking his head to clear it and pulling himself around, he looked through the dim scene. One lone surviving wall sconce, now directly overhead, cast an eerie flickering light through the nightmarish shell. Relief forced the frozen breath from him as he caught sight of his two companions. Jim, who was upright, now dropped down on his knees next to a very much alive President Grant.

“Sir! Are you hurt?!” Jim asked. He leaned over the man and gripped his shoulder.

“No…no, I…I’m fine…nothing broken, I’m sure. Just cuts and bruises.” The President was seated on the upper wall, the ceiling having taken its place. He leaned back against the patterned section of ceiling tiles, breathing heavily while he looked around. “What the hell happened?” He asked. “Artemus? Artemus?!!” he called out.

“Here Sir!” Artemus finished shoving the broken sofa to one side and staggered to his feet. He made his way gingerly through the wreckage. He settled down on his haunches, searching the faces of his companions. Jim looked back at his partner, blinking his eyes slowly and breathing in deeply in thankful relief. All three were cut and bruised and Artemus noted that Jim carried his left arm tightly against his side. But otherwise, miraculously, they were alive and whole.

“Artie,” Jim commanded. “Check the exits, I’ll stay with the President.” He squatted in front of Grant, gun drawn and ready to defend if need be.

“I’m on it Jim.” He patted his partner’s shoulder once and scrambled for the now horizontal hall, his own gun in hand.

West kept a watchful eye out. “Someone went to a lot of trouble Sir. That blast probably took out half the mountainside along with the train. I’m beginning to think this is about more than stopping you from signing a treaty. If I didn’t know better, I’d say this was personal.”

Grant shook his head slowly in agreement. “I’ve acquired my share of foes in my time Mr. West, but truly, I can’t recall anyone that would go to this extreme for a past grievance.”

Artemus made his way carefully into the lopsided space. Upon reaching the crushed front end of the car, he quickly assessed the situation through a small opening that had once been a window. The locomotive and wood tender had been totally destroyed in the explosions. The livestock car lay twisted and mangled beyond recognition. The baggage car wasn’t in much better shape. The entire front of the varnish car, now crushed and impassable, allowed only sparse light through the torn hole. He quickly turned around and crawled back out the way he came. Once back in the parlor space, he moved as fast as he could to the back door, speaking as he passed Jim and the President. “Everything up front is totally destroyed, the front of this car is crushed, no exit!”

Artemus then looked through the rear window across the space where the platform steps had been. It had broken loose but remained close, offering cover to dive behind if needed. Artemus cautiously stuck his head out to look over the terrain on the side of the car where the first shots had penetrated. He slid out through the window and crept to the corner of the car.

Two gun shots rang out. Artemus jerked back as the bullets hit the section of metal railing near him. He ducked back inside, searching. “The case Jim! Do you see it?”
Jim’s eyes searched around them in the shadows. “Over here Artie,” he nodded toward the pile below the heat stove, which hung above at a crazy angle. Artemus grabbed the case from the debris and hurried back to the window, picking up a rifle from a cabinet at his feet.

“How many Artie, did you see them?” Jim called to him.

“I don’t know…at least two for sure.”

Artemus opened the case and extracted a couple of the explosive gun darts he’d designed. He loaded the first one into the rifle. He then eased himself back through the window and slowly peeked around the corner of the car. There on the side of the mountain, the sunlight caught something shiny. He pulled in a breath and in one fluid movement swung out from the wall, aimed and fired. The explosion threw up a huge plume of rock and dirt and the scream that echoed with it told him his aim had been true. Repeated gunfire came in answer. Two more guns up there he surmised and since the Gatling gun had not come back into play, he guessed his dart had taken it out. He loaded the second dart. This time he shot it in the general area of the last one, while he carefully stayed back to observe the response. There…! Movement! Again he stepped out and aimed. He fired and the shadow dropped. A single gun now answered and the return shots tore into the car wall. Try as he might he could not locate the remaining gunman’s position but he was fairly certain the man would not do anything rash soon. He climbed back into the car.

“Jim, I think we’ve got one more out there, but I can’t be sure. We need to get a plan in place.” Artemus offered his hand to Grant, pulling him onto his feet. “You sure you’re alright Sir?”

“Yes, I’m fine. Let’s take a look at our situation men. West?” He turned around as Jim pulled himself to his feet. James took a shaky step, his face ashen.

Artemus’ face tightened in concern. “Jim? Are you alright? JIM!!”

Jim’s legs buckled under him and he pitched forward, falling. Grant and Artemus caught him, easing him back down onto the ‘floor’. “Jim? What is it? What’s wrong? Talk to me.” Artemus implored. Then he saw the blood.

He gently pulled Jim’s left arm away from his side. Jim caught his breath, fighting the urge to cry out. “I’m alright.” he gasped.

Artemus unbuttoned his vest and shirt muttering in a no nonsense tone. “Sure you are. And great Aunt Maude is in the galley baking cookies for us!”

Jim struggled to sit up. “I like her cookies Artie.” He tried to smile, playing along.

“Stay down and lie still, would ya?!” Artemus bit his lip as he looked at the bullet wound.

“I’ll watch him Artemus. Go find something to pack that wound and bandage him up with.” The President gave Jim a commanding look that needed no words.

“Sir, you and Artemus have to get out of here!” Jim gritted his teeth, speaking with intensity. “We’re not that far from Reno. You could make it on foot. But you have to go now! Before they figure out what’s going on, before they discover you’re still alive.”

“Easy son, we will. Let’s just get you fixed up first.” But Grant knew…knew if they tried to take him with them, he’d bleed to death on the way. The wound was bad.

Artemus returned with towels and a sheet. While he tried to staunch the bleeding, Grant tore the sheet in strips.

“Artie, you’ve got to get the President out of here. Now!” Jim panted the words out. “Before they find out he’s alive. You’ve got to go now! Someone has to stay behind and cover you. That’ll be me.”

“Jim I am NOT leaving you here like this!!” He barked back at his partner. Artemus felt the President’s eye’s boring into him. He looked at Grant. The President gave a slight and silent shake of his head. The realization hit him….hard.

He looked back at Jim, his face now sickened with the truth of the matter. He quickly pulled himself together. “Hey…You promised you’d get the dinner bill tomorrow night Jim. Don’t think I’m letting you off the hook over this!” He pulled his face into a brief smile and continued to wrap the bandaging around Jim’s torso while the President supported the injured agent.

Grant took control. “We’ll get you into position James. But don’t do anything unwarranted. Try not to move about too much. As soon as we reach the city, we will send troops and a doctor back. You think you can hold out?”

“Yes Sir, it’s not as bad as it looks.” He said it with confidence.

“Alright then,” Grant said. He and Artemus helped Jim up and walked him to the end of the car. They quickly placed all the firearms and explosives within his reach. Once settled at the window he had a clear view of the mountain terrain on both sides. Luckily there was brush and tree growth further down the slope that would help hide the two men as they left. Artemus and Grant made ready to leave.

Artemus looked out and stepped through the window, stopping to face Jim on his way. He grabbed Jims arm momentarily. “Don’t you do anything stupid, you hear me! I’ll be back with help. You stay put Jim!”

“Don’t worry Artie. I have enough ammo to hold them off indefinitely” He tried to make it sound like casual business. “I’ll be here. I promise!”

Artemus gave his friend one last look, brown eyes meeting green…words unspoken… Then he reached for the President’s arm to help him through. Grant grasped Jim’s shoulder as he stepped out. “Stay sharp soldier. We’ll get help back to you. You can depend on it!”

“Yes Sir,” Jim answered. “Now go!” He watched them stealthily trot down the incline, keeping the car between them and the line of view from the mountain. They disappeared into the underbrush. Then he turned eagle eyes on the upper terrain, biding his time, waiting for the assassin’s next move.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

The mule grunted and exhaled as the cinch pulled up tight. Burke worked as quickly as he could, reattaching the travois to the saddle. “We best hurry Red Joe. If there’s anybody still alive down there, they’ll be glad of any help we can give em.”

“Agreed.” Red Joe answered. He threw the last of the coffee into the fire pit and then kicked dirt into it as well. They were back on the trail again in minutes, hurrying as time and daylight dwindled away.

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[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 8

Pet watched her son Miguelito running and jumping with the other children in the midst of the Mardi Gras celebration. The New Orleans celebration was a good place for him to practice his corporeal form among the mortals, and even if he did tell tall tales of being a ghost from long ago. Here was a place where no one would think a thing of it! She smiled. He was free to enjoy himself here.

Lucette still grumbled about Pet’s latest obsession. “You’ve got to stop chasing after that mortal Pet! It isn’t right. Not for you. Not for him!”

“Oh motherrrr…!” Pet rolled her eyes. “You’ll see. Once he comes to us, he’ll love it in our realm. He’s very intelligent and he has a wonderfully open mind! He’ll fit right in!”

“Bahh!” Lucette snorted.

“You’ll grow to like hi…” Suddenly Pet stopped. Her sentence hung endless in the air. She looked toward the dark distance, reaching, strengthening her connection with him. She felt his abrupt shock and terror.. “It is time.” she said.

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Mathias Hayden pulled his rifle up. Missed again! Whoever was left in that train car had been quick on his feet and apparently loaded for war. In that regard he had underestimated them. The return shots and explosives had done their work with deadly accuracy. The Gatling gun was ruined. Raif lay torn and bleeding. And as for the kid, rest his soul, he lay dead at the foot of a shear drop.

Mathias made his way back to where Raif lay wounded and shivering in the dropping temperature. He lowered on one knee, speaking to his hired hand. “Raif? You hang on ya hear? I’m going down there to take care of that one we missed. Soon as I’m finished, I’ll come back for you.”

Raif nodded in dulled acknowledgment. A numbness had begun to overtake him.

Mathias watched the train below. He’d have to approach from the blind side, the crushed end of the car. He was certain the man inside would stay toward the open end where exit was possible if needed. He picked up a couple of sticks of dynamite and made his way painstakingly along the rocks, careful to avoid being seen.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Jim waited in the chilled air, forcing himself to ignore the pain in his side. Keeping still helped to keep it to a tolerable level. The surviving wall sconce had long since burned out and his ability to see within the shadowy varnish car had diminished. But he kept an alert vigil on the outer world, listening and watching all around him with anticipation.

Mathias studied the hiding place of his intended prey. He surmised correctly that the best place keep watch and defend was the rear of the car. The crushed front would be a waste of time, no one was going to enter or exit there. His eyes traveled upward. The top of the car was now a row of windows, all of them broken out. If he could quietly climb up there, he might gain surprise entry through one of them.

He mulled the idea over for a few moments. It would be a simple thing to toss the dynamite through one those windows and end it quickly. But Mathias clung stubbornly to his idea of soldiering principals and meeting your opponent on the field of combat was one of them. With his men down, it had become personal. He’d kill the Yankee dog with his own hand, not hit, run and hide. That was no way for a true soldier by his reckoning. He had another idea for the dynamite.

w------w-----w------w-----w

Artemus and President Grant hurried down the pathless mountain side. Artemus guessed that perhaps they might be less than ten miles from the edge of Reno. The hurried pace was continually halted and slowed by under brush and drop offs and having to pick their way down along the craggy terrain. The desperate minutes were sure to evolve into painful hours.

The President halted, holding his hand up and panting. “I’m sorry Gordon, but I need to catch my breath and all that brandy has summoned the call of nature. A moment please…”

“Of course Sir, take your time, I’ll keep watch behind us.” Artemus turned back toward the way they had come, eyes searching upward. He could just barely make out the fading plumes of smoke from the wreckage site.

w-----w------w-----w-----w

Suddenly Pet popped up near the train. She of course did not allow herself to be seen or heard. “Artemus!” She said softly, completely absorbed with him, not even wondering if anyone else was here. Even she, who had witnessed much devastation in her lifetime and after, was momentarily appalled at the sight. Men could be such cruel creatures when they hunted each other. And such passion in their hunts! Her gaze traveled over the smoking debris and piles of torn metal. She knew instantly that he was not here. She turned her face downward along the mountain side. “However did you manage to survive this? Clever boy, Artemus! But, it’s not over yet is it?” She vanished and went after him.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Mathias climbed up quietly, making sure his boots made no sound against the metal and wood. He crept along the edge of the windows toward the open area of the parlor. He carefully lowered his head down in for a look. No bodies were to be seen in the dim light but he could tell nothing was moving among the silent piles of wreckage below. His gaze traveled to the rear. There…! Seated against the window frame at the end of the car, a solitary figure kept watch. Mathias smiled. He’d take this one out, find the body of the President and report back to Marcus that their years old vow had been fulfilled and their family’s honor avenged. It was about time. Now they could get back to the business of living. He removed a stick of dynamite from his coat and lit it.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Pet reappeared next to Artemus. Again, she was not to be seen or heard. “There you are!” She said and she reached out to touch the cuts on his face. He did not feel her touch. He leaned up against a tree and sighed heavily.

“Why didn’t you put the damn vest on Jim?” He mumbled miserably, leaning his face against the cold bark. He blinked slowly. “Why didn’t you put it on when I asked you to? You’d be here now.”

Pet looked at him questioningly. “Jim? Where IS Jim?” She asked of unhearing ears. “He’s not dead, is he? Oh Artemus, you poor dear! I’m so sorry. It should have been you! It was supposed to be you! She sighed with frustration and poked at his vest. “You are just far too lucky and clever in these matters, aren’t you?”

The President walked up behind him. “He’s strong Gordon. He has a good chance of surviving if we can get a doctor back up there soon.”

“Yes Sir, I keep telling myself that.” He steeled his resolve and turned back.

“Wait a minute!” Pet exclaimed. “You left him up there injured?! You left your best friend behind? Alone? Possibly dying?” Then it dawned on her. “Oh Artemus, you had to…because of the President. You had to choose your duty over Jim.”

They began to travel downward again. Pet scrambled along. “You know my love, I don’t think I’ve ever admired you more. The fortitude and strength of character you must have to put your duty first like that.” She wished she could tell him in person how proud she was of him.

A distant explosion stopped them all in their tracks. Artemus whirled around, his face sick with guilt and fear. A single gunshot accompanied it.

Pet looked at him and felt his anguish. She desperately wanted to comfort him, even if he couldn’t know it. “Artemus, I’ll go watch over him for you.” She offered.

The President grabbed him by the arm. “I may be older than I was when I led soldiers into battle, but I can still run son. Let’s go!!” They picked up their pace on the downward journey, crashing through the underbrush.

Pet watched Artemus disappear from her sight. “I’ll go watch over Jim for you dear.” She called after him. “Just until you can come back with help.” She was about to leave when she added. “Just so you know, I can’t keep him here if it’s not meant to be. I can’t choose between life and death for him. That is his choice to make. But at least he won’t be alone, I’ll see to that. It’s all I can promise you my love.” And with that she disappeared.

w-----w------w------w-----w

Mathias tossed the dynamite into the clearing just beyond the end of the car. It’s detonation making Jim coil in readiness, focusing all his attention outward. The roar obscured the sound of Mathias landing on his feet in the wreckage of the parlor space.

Jim knew in an instant he’d been had. His senses told him there was someone behind him and he painfully twisted around, drawing his gun upward. But his injury slowed him, he wasn’t fast enough. Not this time.

Hayden’s bullet struck him in his temple, slamming his head back against the frame. His gun slipped from his hand. He slumped downward, his face coming to rest on the bits and pieces of the wreckage strewn surface. His green eyes still stared forward, and he could still acknowledge the feel of his warm blood as the rivulets found their way down along the bridge of his nose to the cold wall below. Ruff hands grappled him, pulling at his clothing and gun belt. One lone shining silver boot tip stood before his eyes collecting the last of the day’s light. Reflections danced and shimmered there, growing and diffusing.

His eyes focused on the light. It grew brighter as all around it grew darker. Further and further away it moved, until it appeared to be at the end of a great dark tunnel. Now a singular bright light, compelling him to follow it. He felt so much lighter now, and he rose up, glancing back momentarily at himself lying there. An odd sensation flowed through him but it all felt so natural and the light still drew him, beckoning him nearer and nearer. He moved toward it, its bright warmth welcoming him. He wanted it…until he wanted nothing else…wanted the comfort and peacefulness it offered…

“James? …Are you certain that’s what you want? You know you can’t change your mind once you go there….”

Soft and lilting, the voice was an unexpected distraction. Coming from nowhere and yet…everywhere. He slowly turned…he turned away from the light, searching ... Then a warm velvet darkness cocooned itself around him, until everything that had once been, was no more.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 9

His eyes opened at the approaching sounds. A scraping noise and low voices drew near. He heard horses blowing their nostrils in the crisp air. The graying sky above him was blocked out by two strange faces now peering down at him. Raif tried to speak but his own mouth and tongue lay still. The faces blurred in and out with the words that were exchanged.

“What the devil got a hold of him way up here?”

“Explosion. Could have been dynamite or nitro glycerin, handled badly.”

“I think he’s still breathing. Maybe we should try to take him with us.”

“Uh huh…if he lives.”

“Come on Red Joe, help me get him on the travois. Then let’s go on down to the train wreck.” They carefully wrapped the moaning man in blankets and strapped him on the bed of pelts.

“Burke?”

“What?”

“There is evil waiting.”

“Then you best tell them spirits of yers, to be watching our backsides.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Mathias examined the rattlesnake pistol. It suited his fancy and it would nicely compliment his boots he thought. Kicking rubble aside, he searched for more bodies. Where the hell were they? Above all, where was the President? Had he somehow escaped? He lit a match in the darkening car. Shadows on the surfaces moved and shivered in the flickering light. He found a broken candle and lit it. Holding it before him he checked the rest of the car. Realizing that the subject of their great hunt had eluded him, he spat angrily on the broken glass beneath his feet. A strange prickling aroused the hairs on his neck. He whirled around, gun in hand. Burke stood frozen and wide eyed just inside the door.

“WHO are you?” Mathias growled.

“I…I…I come to see if you folks needed some help.” Burke croaked out the words, his eyes never leaving the gun. “I’m a trapper.” He quickly added. “Just come down from the mountain.”

“Well you got some pretty poor timing trapper.” Burke said in a menacing tone. “Cause now all you’re going be is a dead man.” He cocked the hammer and aimed.

Burke sucked in his breath. Funny thing was…the gunman did the same thing, only his head jerked back at the same time and the gun let loose from his grip. Then Burke watched a kind of slow motion picture as Mathias toppled forward revealing the carved bone handle of a large bowie knife protruding from his back.

Red Joe dropped silently into the car interior from the window above.

“Dang Red Joe! That buzzard was gonna shoot me dead!”

“Red Joe jerked his knife free. “I know.” He calmly looked around. “Is anyone else in here?”

“Just that body by the rear window.” Burke nodded his head toward Jim West’s crumpled form.

The two stood in silence, the world outside had become muffled with the now falling snow. Burkes voice intruded into that silence momentarily. “Maybe we should bury them. You know, temporary like, so their folks can come for them if they want. I hate to leave a man for the wolves, even if he is dead.”

Red Joe nodded. Whatever Burke wanted. They were of his people. He went to get a spade from the saddle and check to see if their passenger was still breathing.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Guided now by the lights of the city in the distance, Artemus and the President gave little thought to anything except their destination. Sore, exhausted; often limping they refused to stop until finally they found a road heading into the city. Panting hard, they scrambled up the last few feet of an embankment to the road surface. The relative flatness of the road was an enormous relief after the terrain they had just traveled. Gasping for breath in the cold twilight, they paused momentarily. “The train siding is on this side town Sir.” Artemus spoke. “We should be able to get to it easily enough. Jeremy Pike will still be there. We can contact Colonel Richmond the minute we arrive and we’ll get you to safety.

“Yes, yes….” Grant stopped to cough and wheeze. “Let’s get on with it, shall we!”

w-----w-----w------w-----w

Marcus Hayden waited in his hotel room. Mathias had not returned yet nor had he sent word of any needed change in plans. Marcus smiled. His twin brother was a crafty one. If a dirty job needed doing, Mathias was your man, he could plan it, execute it and walk away with no one the wiser. Finally their moment of retribution had come. They had been patient, letting the years wash away any trail that might lead to them. Using the scheduled treaty conference as a cover had been brilliant. Marcus congratulated himself for that idea. Let them search through a plethora of political radicals who had a stake in the pros and cons of a foreign treaty. No one would trace the assassination to Grants murderous eradication of the Haden family at the battle ground near Fort Donelson.

How those years had tormented Marcus. Tormented him until he could think of and plan for nothing else. His ailing father, mother, older sister and baby brother would be able to rest at last. Grant’s death would set their souls free.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

The spade scooped up the cold loose earth. Burke threw it on the last and fourth patch. Red Joe dragged another piece of wreckage over and Burke helped him lift it onto the freshly disturbed ground in hopes of deterring wild animals. Four shallow graves they dug. Two for the unfortunate engineers. And two for the dead men remaining. Wrapped in blankets they took from the wreckage, the bodies were placed in the ground and covered.

Lastly for all, they placed at each head of the graves a post to which they attached items from each man’s person. They carefully secured their one survivor deep in the pelts of the travois to try to keep him warm and buffered from the ruff journey ahead.

“If this one don’t live, we’ll just bury him on the way down the mountain.” Burke informed his partner.

Red Joe was barely listening. He stood staring at Burke’s feet. “You stole his boots?!”

“I ain’t stealing em! It’s the fee I charged him for doing him a kindness in his finality. He should be thankful we didn’t leave him for the wolves and coyotes to gnaw his bones. And he tried to shoot me!! Besides, I’m leaving his gun rig and wallet. Hell, I didn’t even look in it. That’s how respectful I am.

“But you are stealing his boots!”

“Well, he ain’t got a need for ‘em no more and I give him mine!”

“Those boots have been touched by evil spirits.

“Don’t start with me on them spirits of yours!”

“The mule will bolt when she sees those toes.” Red Joe chided at Burke.

“Aww hell! If she didn’t fall down that dang mountain trail, she sure isn’t gonna get bothered by a couple ounces of silver. Let’s go!”

“They bother me.” Red Joe said quietly as Burke walked away. Then mounting their horses, they led the mule away from the site.

Snow fell heavier now, it’s large flakes swirled and tossed about on the breezy gusts. The shadows of men and horses faded in its curtains as they disappeared into the snowy dusk. Behind them the train took on a ghostly white appearance and the four graves lay blanketed. The lonely telltale items on the posts took the vigil, awaiting discovery and reclamation. On the third post, a black tooled leather gun belt with a rattlesnake handled pistol moved ever so slightly at the touches of the icy wind. The wallet that accompanied it contained a polished federal badge, but there was no light left for it to offer back in reflection.

w------w------w------w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 10

Temptation could be such an overwhelming state! She had him at the greatest disadvantage he’d probably ever know and it would be so much fun to toy with him. But then she remembered Artemus and how terribly fond of this man he was. She would simply have to contain herself. But it wouldn’t hurt to explore a few issues, now would it?

Her smile abated. “Do you believe you are dead? What are you thinking right now?” She asked.

Jim glared at her, trying to figure her out. Still confused, still trying to make sense of this. “What I think…,” he spoke with a forced self-possession. “Is that you are a very good trickster or a very good hypnotist, and that you brought me here for a specific reason. What is it?”

She snorted girlishly. “Wrong! Try again!”

Jim tilted his head, half smiling. She was playing with him! He put on his best poker face. “Do you expect me to believe that you’re some kind of ‘angel’ sent to escort me to heaven’s door?”

Chuckling, she slowly shook her head in the negative. “Father occasionally said I was heaven sent. But mother never quite fell for it. No…I’m not an angel. I’m a….”

“Ghost? An apparition constructed by my mind?” He continued to play her word game.

“I was going to say “Bruja”. But ghost will do if you like, although I‘m not awfully fond of that word and all it implies.”

“A Witch!?” Now it was Jim’s turn to snort in amusement. “Well, you’re certainly the prettiest witch I’ve ever met.”

“Have you met many?” She asked with a perky interest.

He answered dryly. “In my line of work, more then I care to count.” He had reacquired his reasoning and was determined that this was all due to some type of drugging or other artificial means of manipulation.

“Do you have a name?” Jim asked her.

The smile returned. “I have neglected my manners. She held out her hand. Martyna. Martyna Petirrojo. But everyone calls me Pet.”

Normally James West would have gallantly taken that hand and kissed it lightly or at least bowed in a genteel way. But he was far too wary of her now. Instead he opted for pleasant conversation. “Robin redbreast.” He said. Your name, it’s Spanish.

“Yes. My father was of Spanish decent. My mother, French.”

“Were you a robin in your last life?” He asked with a boyish smile. “You’re much prettier than your namesake.”

She cast a cynical look his way. “You’re trying to use your charms on me! It won’t work you know. You don‘t have any affect on me. Only Artemus does.”

Pet now changed tactics. “You should have listened to him you know. If you had, you wouldn’t be lying in that wreckage, bleeding to death.” She could see in his eyes that he was taken aback. “Yes. That’s right, you are not dead…yet. But if Artemus doesn’t bring help back soon…you certainly will be.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Never had night fallen so heavily. Never had the outside lights of the Wanderer been so welcome to his eyes. Grabbing the President’s arm, Artemus ushered him hurriedly across the open areas and over the adjoining railroad tracks. After climbing up onto the platform, he pounded on the locked door and they all but burst through it the minute it cracked open.

Jeremy Pike jerked his gun away at the sight of the two disheveled men. “Mr. President! Artemus! What happened? How did you get here? Are you injured?” He took the President’s other arm and helped lead him to the gold sofa. Grant was panting hard.

“Jeremy!” Artemus gasped. “Wire Richmond! Tell him to bring troops and a doctor! The President is going to need an armed escort! We need to get him away from the city before anyone discovers he’s here.”

The President looked up at the lieutenant. “Arm yourself man and go stand watch at the front of the car!”

“Yes Sir, right away Mr. President!” Lieutenant. Barker scrambled down the hallway.

Jeremy Pike was already at the telegraph, furiously tapping as Artemus escorted Grant to one of the staterooms. He returned a short time later, after seeing to it that the President was made comfortable.

“The Colonel’s on his way. He’ll be here momentarily.” Jeremy said. “What the heck happened out there? You were on another train. Where’s Jim?” He could see that Artemus was in a frenzied hurry. He watched him pull the map section down on the sideboard, revealing the array of weapons there. He grabbed a rifle and another gun. As he shoved the ammo into the rifle, he spoke.

“They attacked the train Jeremy. They blew it up in the pass.” His voice caught. “The President and I escaped. We made it out, but Jim…Jim is badly hurt, he’s been shot. I’m going back for him!”

They heard horses outside and Jeremy went to the rear door. He opened it and Colonel Richmond, along with another man carrying a black bag hurried in. “Where’s the President?” He demanded.

“Down the hall.” Artemus indicated with a jerk of his head. “He’s fine Colonel, but have the doctor check him over.” He gave the Colonel a chilled look. “When he’s finished with the President, I’m taking him back up the mountain with me!” He checked the extra pistol and proceeded to pull ammo from the drawer.

“What…?” The Colonel started to question but Jeremy cut him off.

“Colonel, the train was attacked, blown up. Jim is still up there. He’s injured. Artemus is going back for him.” Jeremy handed a damp towel to Artemus to clean the bloody cuts on his face.

Richmond harshly returned Artemus’ look. “You’ll do no such thing! You are to remain at the President’s side and get him safely to San Francisco. That is a direct order Mr. Gordon!”

“Sir!” Artemus protested. “Jim…I have to go back for him. I have to!”

“Stand down Gordon.” Richmond ordered. “There’s nothing you can do for him that we can’t.” He turned to Jeremy Pike. “Mr. Pike, there are twenty soldiers outside. I want fourteen of them dispersed through this train! You will take six of them and the doctor and go after West. Understood?”

“Yes Sir!” He quickly headed outside to get the men organized.

Richmond turned back to Artemus. “I understand how you feel. But the President comes first. You have a sworn duty to him. We’ll see to Jim. You have my word. Now get this train ready to move out!”

“Yes Colonel.” Artemus answered with a heaviness to his voice.

w-----w-----w------w-----w

“You keep alluding to Artemus Gordon. Just what does he have to do with any of this?” Jim asked her.

“Why absolutely everything!” She replied, her eyes sparkling, delighting in the subject matter. “I love him!”

“You what?!! How do you even know Artemus Gordon?”

She laughed softly. “Does the name ‘Lone Tree Pass’ mean anything to you James?” For the second time she caught him off guard. She could see it in his face. She began to walk around him, forcing him to turn with her.

“Why should that name have any meaning?” He asked casually.

She hesitated, her eyes narrowed. “You know perfectly well James. You just refuse to believe…”

“Are you trying to tell me that you were there?”

“That’s exactly what I’m telling you. Those two perfectly horrid prospectors brought Artemus to us. They gave him over to us…to my mother and I. We took care of him.”

Jims face took on a look of disbelief and suspicion. “There was nothing in that pass but a burnt out foundation and ghost story to go with it. And I don’t believe in ghosts. Artemus took care of himself!”

“Not exactly. He was dying. That’s why they brought him there. So his spirit would not be alone. Believe me James, he was not alone.”

He grimaced at her as she continued. “Such a wonderful man, such a vibrant inquisitive spirit. Such depth of feeling. I wanted him to stay. I thought certain he would. I could make him so happy if only…” She looked at him sadly. “He was stronger then we thought. His will to live, in spite of the fever…he rallied. Mother knew you were coming. She said we had to turn him over to you. That he belonged with you. Her look took on a kind of fierceness now. “He should have stayed with me. It’s meant to be! It should be him dying in that wreckage, not you!!

“You’re insane.” He hissed at her.

He couldn’t have chosen a more wrong set of words. Her eyes simmered and flashed with anger. He felt the rumbling in the earth beneath his feet first. His eyes grew wide and then the sounds echoed…from behind him.

He whirled about, coming face to face with them. They bore down upon him with the fury of a roaring tornado. With steaming nostrils flared wide, deep rattling heaving grunts wrenched from their lungs with every pounding hoof beat. And there were hundreds of those hooves. They stormed at him, plowing him down among the pistons that were their legs. Endless were their number now and they struck at him until he could hear his own bones shatter in the melee of thunder and dust.

As quickly as it began, it also ended. He held his arms protectively across his face. After a moment he breathed in deeply and ventured to move them. He was lying on his back under the bright hot sun. A shadow passed in between his face and it brightness. Mischievous blue eyes now hovered there, partnered once again with her sweet smile.

“I am sorry James, but pummeling you with wild horses seemed the only way to get your full attention! Do NOT insult me again sir!” She reached down with a lace covered hand and helped him back onto his feet. “Now then, does this look familiar…??” She looked about, still smiling.

w-----w------w------w------w

Artemus stood on the platform, his face set grim, watching mountains he could no longer see, disappear from his minds eye. His own inner words haunted him. This shouldn’t have happened this way. I should have… Why didn’t I…

Armed with lanterns and firepower, Jeremy Pike the doctor and the half dozen soldiers rode quickly into the darkness. The train’s smoke stack puffed and bellowed as it pulled away from the siding and the city.

The deepening night promised an uneasy journey for both the horses of flesh and iron.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 11

Looking as it did last summer, the burnt out foundation lay still untouched. Standing like a lone sentinel, the dead tree remained unchanged as well. Its bone like limbs etched dark across the clear blue sky. Other than the unsettling rustling of leaves that seemed to constantly emanate from the barren tree, the mountain pass was eerily desolate and empty. The memory of finding Artie still alive settled over him.

“This is my home.” She said.

Then everything changed. The tree grew lush and full, with leaves dancing gently in the breeze. The cabin like house now stood intact with colorful gardens spreading outward and into the nearby rocks.

“This is how it was before the men from the flats came. Before they brought their fear and anger here. This is how it is in my realm still.”

She looked at him, searching for understanding in the gray green eyes. He would not reward her with words. But she saw the seeds of comprehension take root and it was enough….

“So when Artemus was brought here, we allowed him to see our realm, so he would feel comfortable. “Did he speak of it to you?”

Jim West answered quietly. “No. He was burning up with fever. He spoke only nonsense.”

She tilted her head and continued. “But you knew James. Didn’t you? You knew when Lewis returned the coin to you.”

“Lewis?”

“My son’s pet crow.”

He looked at her in wide eyed wonder. He hadn’t ever mentioned it to anyone. Not to the doctor that day and not to Artemus. Not ever. He still had the damaged gold coin, tucked away in a drawer in his quarters on the Wanderer.

“Take me back to the train.” He said. If he could have felt his heart, he was certain that it would pounding hard by now.

“Why would you want to go back there to wait?” She asked quizzically. “Artemus will be a long time returning. It’s cold and you’ll be in pain if you regain consciousness.”

“Just take me back there now. It’s where I belong.” He made it clear that it wasn’t up for discussion. “Now.” He repeated.

“Oh fine!” Pet huffed. She turned to step away and then turned back again. “You are imperiously stubborn James!”

In the wink of an eye they stood at the wreckage site. The large snowflakes were still falling and they caught the currents and sailed in soft whirls around the two shadows. The moon must have been full because although it couldn’t be seen, there was a soft light to the late evening land. The silhouettes of train and rocks and trees stood in crisp clarity in spite of the snow.

Pet, in corporeal form now, strode toward the train prattling at Jim as she went. “Have it your way James! Suffer if that’s what you want! I only came up here because I promised Artemus I’d keep an eye on you.” She climbed in through the rear window, tugging her long skirt behind her and dragging snow along into the car. “Ugh!” She groaned. “I hate snow!” She winked and now stood dressed in riding trousers and a fringed jacket that matched the one Artemus wore occasionally. “That’s better! What a mess in here!” Her eyes searched the space. She made the wall sconce re-light. “Where are you James? You should be right here.” She stared down at the now frozen pool of blood on the paneling below the window. “Where did you go? Did you crawl deeper in the car?” She stepped over broken furniture. “James?”

She turned around expecting him to have followed her. “James? Where are you?” She made her way back to the window and climbed out. She walked the short distance to where he stood. “James?” He did not answer. She looked downward to where his gaze was locked.

If he had looked at her he would have seen the same astonished shock on her face as was on his own. Pet stood beside him, staring incredulously at the four graves, momentarily speechless. Finally she turned her face toward his and spoke.

“You DIED?!! You’re dead?” She shook her head. “No! That’s not possible. You can’t be dead! You’re still here!”

Jim ignored her. He stepped up to the third grave and reached for his gun belt. His hand went right through it as if it wasn’t there at all. Only now he realized with certainty that it was himself who wasn’t there. He held his hands up before him as if he’d never seen them before. Then he finally looked at Pet.

“James? Do you have unfinished business here? And I don’t mean your assignment with the President. I mean something more profound. Is there a loved one you just can’t leave or something else?” She asked him in all seriousness.

“No.” He answered quietly. “No.”

“Then I don’t understand why you are still here. Maybe you’re in denial. You are a very stubborn man. Just go into the light James. I promise you, it’s alright. It’s where you need to go. I probably shouldn’t have interrupted you the first time. I’m sorry if I’ve made it difficult.”

“I don’t see any light.” He answered.

“Well, of course you do! Everyone does. Just relax James and let it happen. Just go into the light…” She held her hands out palms down and swept them forward. “Just go! Shooo! You can’t stay here!”

“Pet. I don’t see any light.”

She furrowed her brow and thought for a moment. “Say…” She crossed her arms and tapped her toe impatiently. “You’re not planning on haunting Artemus are you?! Because seriously James, I don’t think that arena is big enough for both of us!”

“No! I am not planning on haunting Artie! What did you do to me? Is this some kind of drug. Is this all this in my mind?”

“No James. You are not drugged. This is real, at least as real as it gets…after you pass over. It’s just that you shouldn’t be able to stay here in this realm unless you’re one of us or we help you stay. Or…your ties to your life are so strong you cannot break them.”

“But you brought me here.”

“No. I only opened the door. You came in of your own choice.”

A distant whinny made them stop and look toward the downward side of the train.

“Someone is coming.” Pet announced. And in doing so, she changed back into her spirit self. She and Jim walked across the tracks together, watching and waiting.

Soon six uniformed soldiers approached, followed by two riders in plain clothing.

“Artie?” Jim began to move toward them. Then recognizing Jeremy Pike, he called out. “Jeremy!! He reached up to grab Jeremy’s arm but his hand went right through again.

“Jeremy!” He continued anyway. “Is the President alright? Did he and Artemus make it back alright? Jeremy!!”

“He can’t hear you James.” Pet intervened. “He can’t hear you or see you.”

The soldiers, some with guns drawn, dispersed around the wreckage and dismounted. Only eerie silence greeted the group. They began their search and assessment of the area.
Jeremy and one Doctor Pierson approached cautiously. “James?!” Jeremy called out. “James! It’s Jeremy Pike.” He led the way to the back of the rolled over varnish car. The lantern he carried lit the way as they climbed into the interior. Jim and Pet followed them. The two men and their unseen companions looked about the interior.

“Are you certain the President and Mr. Gordon said they left him inside the train Mr. Pike?” The doctor inquired.

“That’s what they both told me before I left Doc. Jim?” Pike called out again.

“I’m right here Jeremy.” Jim West stood in front of him but Jeremy’s eyes could not see him.

“Mr. Pike!” Lieutenant Barker leaned into the car. “Mr. Pike, you’d better come out here!”

“What is it Lieutenant?” Jeremy stepped forward and passed right through Jim West.

“This way.” The Lieutenant led them to the other side of the train tracks.

Jeremy caught his breath at the sight of the four graves. Then his eyes settled on the post with the black gun belt. One of the soldiers pulled the wallet loose and handed it to him. Jeremy looked at it in the light of the lantern and then sadly back at the grave. “Awww Jim. No…” He whispered. He stepped closer to the grave, reaching for the gun belt and pulled it loose. “Jim…” His fingers gently dragged across the rattlesnake grip of the pistol. “This is Jim West’s gun alright.” He said huskily. “And the identification doesn’t leave much question does it gentlemen?”

Lieutenant Barker spoke. “There are four graves. Two for the engineers, one is Mr. West, but who is in the fourth?”

Excited voices up on the mountainside drew their attention.

“Up here! Over this way!” The lanterns waved in the darkness, causing the snowfall to glitter all around them.

Jeremy Pike and Doctor Pierson trudged up to the spot where three of the soldiers had gathered. There in the light of the lanterns, they turned over the body of the young man who had accompanied Raif.

“Well Mr. Pike, looks like we just found our first solid lead in this case.”

“Yes, but who is he?” Jeremy and the doctor knelt in the snow examining the dead man. “He’s got no identification on him.” Jeremy said as he checked all pockets.

“He died of a gunshot to the lung.” The doctor added.

One of the remaining soldiers rapidly approached. “We also found the remnants of a Gatling gun Sir. We’re collecting what we can before the snow completely buries the scene.”

“Thank you Private, tell the others to do their best.” Jeremy continued speaking with the doctor and the Lieutenant. “Artemus Gordon said that he believed he had hit one or two of them. We know of two for certain now, but who buried the bodies? It hardly makes sense that the assassins would waste that kind of time. And why leave this one?”

Lieutenant Barker continued with his own theory. “Maybe someone else came through. Maybe they heard the blasts and came to investigate. There are men who make their living in these mountains; hunters, miners…trappers. Could be coincidence that someone happened along and decided to bury them out of decency.”

“I suppose you could be right Lieutenant. But until we figure out who this one is and who else is buried down there, we have no clear evidence. But this is one heck of a start.”

Jim had been listening to the exchange. “Who are they Pet?”

“How would I know?” She snipped back at him. “I wasn’t part of this!”

“Are you sure of that?” Jim asked suspiciously.

“Are you accusing me?!! How dare you! I have better things to do than blow up trains! Her eyes blazed at him and then she looked over the scene and raised one eyebrow. “Although…it does look like fun!”

Jim shot her a look of pure loathing.

“Oh I was just kidding. You know…you just tossed off your mortal coil, you could lighten up little!”

“It’s ‘shuffled’ off,” he coldly corrected her. Pet rolled her eyes as he turned and walked away from her to rejoin Jeremy.

“Gentlemen.” Doctor Pierson interrupted them. “I’m no expert on the weather but I’ve lived here all my life and I believe we should get off this mountain as soon as possible. There is definitely a snowstorm in progress.”

The men looked around them. The snow was falling fast and heavy. “He’s right,” Lieutenant Barker replied. “It could get bad. We should take the men back. We’ll have to send up a detail to retrieve the bodies when the storm passes.

“Very well Lieutenant.” Jeremy answered. Let’s take what we have so far and move out.

The men made their way back down to the train and the horses. Jeremy remained at the grave site for a few moments with Jim standing beside him. “I’m sorry we didn’t get here sooner old friend. I’ll miss you Jim.”

“Thanks Jeremy.” Jim said quietly. “I wish I could stay and help you solve this. I wish there was some way I could speak to you. I…”

Pet came up beside them. He turned on her, furious now. “You!! Put me back!! Put me back where I belong!”

“No.” She said. “Bringing you back from the dead is not within my power and I don’t care how many crazy stories you’ve heard or read. That is not a power we possess! You need to move on James.” She saw resignation finally creep into his eyes. “It’s your time.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 12


“There.” She pointed a graceful finger at the grave. “I think if you just slip back into your body, your sense of things will realign and you’ll be able to move on. Good bye James.”

He stood looking at her silently. Everything he was rose up inside of him one last time and he still refused to believe this was real. “Even if I could, I don’t know how.” He said belligerently.

“Of course you do! It’s as simple and natural as breathing was in your mortal life. You just do it! You just follow your connection.”

He stared down at the grave. “No, I don’t and I don‘t feel any connection.”

Pet’s brow furrowed in disbelief. She studied him for a moment. “Who is in that grave?” She pointed to the first one.

“One of the engineers.” He answered.

“How do you know that?”

“I remember the hat and red neckerchief.” He watched the items shiver in the wind.

“And that one?” She pointed to the next grave.

“The other engineer.”

“How do you know that?”

He gave her a scornful look. “Because some one scratched ‘engineer’ on the post.”

“But you also ‘know’ it, don’t you?”

He didn’t answer.

She pointed to the last grave. “Who is that?”

“I don’t know him.”

She pointed to his grave. “Who is in this grave James?”

He didn’t answer.

“WHO is in this grave James?!! Say it!!”

“The muscles tightened in his face as he concentrated. “I don’t know…I don’t know him!!”

Pet’s eyes grew wide as saucers as she sensed the truth of his words and she returned his gaze in astonishment. “How can that be…unless….unless….”

“Unless what?” He demanded.

“Unless, that truly isn’t you and you’re still here because... Because you are still alive somewhere.” She looked around searching. “Where are you?” She turned her face back to him. “Where are you James? Where did you go?”

“You’re asking me?! You’re the one who knows all, sees all!”

“Someone must have taken you! But where?”

“Can’t you tell?” He asked. “You’re a bruja, find me!!”

Now it was her turn to feel a little lost. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because. Don’t you understand? Everything you are…your ‘soul’, your ‘spirit’, your ‘karma’ …whatever you want to call it, is standing right here in front of me. Your body…is just organic matter. And in case you haven’t noticed, the entire planet is covered with it. I could no more pick out your pile than I could find President Grants first dog. There isn’t anything there to connect to!”

“Then you have to tell them!!”

“What?!!”

“You have to go get Jeremy and tell him I’m alive. Tell him to look for me. Tell them! Before they leave!”

“Are you crazy?! I’m not going to ‘appear’ to them! Look…this is your problem. I’m not interfering. I only promised Artemus I’d watch over you until help came. I’ve fulfilled that promise. I didn’t sign up to change events and I won’t. I’m sorry James, but you’re on your own now!” And with that, she vanished.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

The group of men, headed back down the mountain, their lanterns dimmed by the snowfall. Jim West went after them. He couldn’t feel the cold or the snowflakes as they touched his cheeks and his legs did not tire. It was almost like viewing everything from behind a glass window he thought, in a room that let everything in and nothing out.

w-----w-----w------w-----w

The treaty conference moved along smoothly and without further incident. In the slower times when the President did not require his spot on attentions, he fretted. He vacillated between complete confidence that Jim was fine and recuperating and the darkest of fears that maybe this time, he wasn’t. And if Jim wasn’t alright, it was that very blame that Artemus Gordon would take upon himself.

Over and over in his mind he retraced the journey. Over and over he settled on the one detail that would have made all the difference in the outcome. That damn bullet proof vest. Why didn’t he make Jim put it on when he first told him to. He always watched out for his partner when he was too focused elsewhere. Artemus was the one who took charge of the smallest details. If he had pushed Jim just a tiny bit more, he would have had the vest on when the attack came. It didn’t make any difference to him that Jim was stubborn in these matters, he worked with and around that every day. His hindsight was torturously clear and sharp and those sharp edges cut into him with worry and self recrimination.

Leaving Jim to get the President to safety wasn’t the issue. Getting themselves killed was a frequent risk in this job and they both took it in stride. But they had both learned to minimize that risk by depending on each other. It was just that this time Artemus felt that he’d let Jim down in the worst way.

To make matters worse, every wire he’d sent back to Reno had not been answered. Reports of trouble along the wires had been reported and there was nothing he could do but wait until they were repaired or he was able to return. Finally that moment arrived.

A day and a half later, the President’s business was concluded and the security of another alternate method of transportation back to Washington was arranged. Artemus saw him off. The President had thanked him profusely and wished him well on the return journey. “Give my thanks and regards to James.” He had clasped Artemus hand firmly, expressing confidence. “God speed Artemus.” Less than an hour later, the Wanderer was headed back to Reno.

He arrived just as night was falling again. The familiarity of it all gave him a chill. He knew Jeremy Pike would be at the hotel and he wasted no time in heading there. He entered the hotel and greeted the desk manager.

“I’m looking for a Jeremy Pike or James West. Could you direct to the rooms.” He asked.

The man at the desk checked his ledger. His eyes carefully scanning the names, he shook his head and answered. “I’ve got a Jeremy Pike in room eight but I don’t see any James West.”

“Thank you. That’s fine. I’ll be back shortly to arrange for a room for myself.” He turned and ran up the stairs. Reaching room eight, he knocked on the door.

The door cracked open and Jeremy Pike’s bright eyes greeted him. “Artemus, you’re back! Come in, come in!”

He pulled the door open for him to enter. Jim West sat unseen in the chair in the corner. He stood up smiling. “Artie! You’re here!”

Artie stepped into the room. The first thing his eyes lighted on was the black gun belt on the bureau. It’s familiar image instantly caused him to relax and he breathed a sigh of relief. “Where is Jim Jeremy? Is he still in the hospital or at the fort infirmary? How is he??”

Jeremy’s mouth went dry. He hated this. He swallowed and spoke softly. “Artie…Jim didn’t make it. I’m sorry.”

He looked into Jeremy’s face. He heard the words clearly enough. He understood them clearly enough. They weren’t entirely surprising or unexpected. They weren’t shocking. The possibility had loomed large every step of the way. But they were terribly, terribly unwanted.

He felt as though he had spent the last two days holding onto a taunt rope to keep a huge weight from toppling into the abyss. He’d held on so tightly only to find in the end that the hope was no longer needed. It no longer served a purpose. He let go. He suddenly felt very old and exhausted. He slowly walked over to the chair in the other corner and sat down.

“Let me get you a drink.” Jeremy said. “I think we could both use one.”

Jim stood, looking down at his partner. Artemus rubbed his hands upward across his face and into his hair, holding his head for a moment.

Jeremy spoke as he picked up the decanter and arranged the glasses. “By the time we arrived there, someone else had been there. The bodies were already in temporary graves. We searched the area for evidence. We did find the body of one of the gunmen on the mountainside. The Sheriff is checking with every means he can think of to find someone who can identify him. We brought back the pieces of the Gatling gun that could be found. The snow was coming down pretty heavily up there. We couldn’t stay long. The data bureau is looking for possible sources for the Gatling gun. We’re still waiting for their answer.” He hesitated. “Jim and the others are still up there. A detail from the fort will be sent to retrieve the bodies when the weather breaks.”

Artemus pulled his head up, a flicker of hopefulness in his eyes. “Maybe it’s not him?”

The graves were marked with the personal affects. The two engineers, Jim and a fourth we don’t know yet.” The look in Jeremy’s eyes confirmed the finality. We will find who was behind this Artemus. We will find them.”

Jeremy handed a whiskey to Artemus. Then holding his own glass out, he toasted. “To Jim West.”

“To Jim.” Artemus clinked his glass against Jeremy’s and took a swallow of the burning liquid. His eyes stared forlornly down at the carpet. “I shouldn’t have left him like that. I should have been able to do something more.”

“Artemus, it wouldn’t have mattered who was in your place. All of us, even Jim, would have done the same thing. You did the only thing you could have. You did your duty. You didn’t have a choice.”

Jim spoke. “It’s alright Artie, we’ll get this figured out. You’ll be fine.”

“Tell that to my conscience would ya?” Artie swallowed the rest of the whiskey. He then stood up, glass in hand. He walked over to the bureau and reached for Jim’s wallet. He stared at the badge for a moment and then tucked it into his jacket.

Jeremy studied Artemus. He was quiet, too quiet.

Artie looked up at his image in the mirror above the bureau. In a sudden rush of anger, he hurled the glass into it. The mirror shattered, sending shards everywhere.

Jim looked at the broken glass and then at Artie. “Thanks pal. But that’s not helpful.”

Then Artemus strode to the door, yanking it open. He stormed down the stairs. Jeremy rushed after him calling. “Artemus wait! Artie!!”

Artie stopped and turned around only for a moment. “Tell the manager I’ll pay for that,” he said quietly.

He continued down the stairway and across the lobby for the door. All he wanted right now was a saloon and the cold unknowing company of strangers.

w----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 13

Marcus Hayden gulped another whiskey down. He was beyond anger now. The hatred in him had turned to a dark all consuming life force. The men he sent to find his brother had returned with the worst possible news. Grant had survived and so had one of his agents. They had escaped undetected. Mathias was missing and presumed dead, along with the men who had been with him.

Marcus’ hateful need for revenge had now escalated by the value of one twin brother. It now longer knew any limits. He was ready to kill anyone and everyone who got in his way.

w-----w------w------w------w

Jim walked beside Artie, his face set grim. Suddenly Pet popped up and walked with them.

“What are you doing here?” Jim growled at her.

“I’m here for Artemus! He needs me.”

Jim stopped and so did she. “Well…unless you’re planning to tell him that I’m still alive and that he needs to look for me…I think your work here is done. Go away!”

He stepped past her and caught up with Artemus.

She quickly rejoined them. “Where is he going?” She asked.

“Saloon.”

“He’s going to get drunk?”

“Maybe…probably... Mostly he’ll think. I’ve known Artemus to do some of his finest thinking with a whiskey glass.” A tiny smile briefly tugged at his face.

“I’m coming too.” She said.

“No you’re not!” Jim snapped. “Leave him alone!”

“Don’t be impertinent James! I do what I please!”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Marcus Hayden stared with simmering eyes into his whiskey glass and only when the saloon door swung open violently did he look up.

Artemus Gordon walked purposely to the bar and found himself a spot at the end where he could be alone. “Whiskey.” He barked. “And keep it coming!”

Marcus watched the agent settle in. Well of all the devils luck! He thought. He’d know Artemus Gordon anywhere. For the past two days the agent’s face had burned in his hate filled mind, right at the top of the list along with Grants. In fact, he reckoned, right now he had the number one spot, because Grant would never have escaped if it weren’t for this man’s tricks. He settled in to wait for Gordon. Sooner or later he’d leave and Marcus was content to wait awhile.

w-----w------w-----w-----w

Some hours later Artemus set down another empty whisky glass and positioned it in the row of empties. There were eight of them, not counting the ones the barkeeper had already taken away. They stood in line like a tiny firing squad, only they had failed to put him out of his misery. Once again he went over the details in his mind. They had been right in their deductions that Reno would be the location for the assassination attempt. But at what point had the mysterious “they” figured out about the switch? Was it someone who knew him? Recognized that he had left a doppelganger in his place on board the Wanderer? They must have been on top of things from the beginning to plan ahead for the attack in the pass. That meant someone had been watching a long time and was prepared to alter plans as quickly as they did. But why? And why was no further attempt made to stop the treaty conference. After all that was the point, wasn’t it? Except that now he knew it wasn’t. It had all been a ruse to cover someone’s tracks. Someone they wouldn’t otherwise suspect. Jim had been right when he told the President that he thought it was personal.

The young man’s body found at the site would hopefully point him in the right direction. And there was still another unknown body to exhumed and brought back…along with Jims. He winced and his throat tightened. He motioned to the barkeeper for another.

Jim stood on one side of him, Pet at his other elbow. Jim watched him down another swallow. “Take it easy Artie.” Jim said. “I know you feel bad, but I think you’ve had enough don’t you? We still have a case to solve.”

Pet rolled her eyes and heaved a big sigh. “I don’t know which one of you is more pathetic. Him for thinking he should drown himself in a bottle over the likes of you. Or you, standing there conversing with him when you know perfectly well he can’t hear you!”

Jim shot another annoyed look her way. “Don’t you have someone else you can haunt?”

“Don’t try my patience again James!” She snapped back. “Wild horses couldn’t drag me away!” She added mischievously.

Artemus set the half empty glass down. He’d had enough. He tossed a few bills on the bar. Nodding to the barkeeper, he turned to leave. He was a bit unsteady but he knew he could still find his way back to the hotel. A good nights sleep was what he needed now. Tomorrow and for however many days or weeks it took, he’d leave no stone unturned until he found Jim’s murderers. Pet and Jim followed him out the door, continuing with brief spats over him.

The darkened city streets were cold and Artemus pulled his jacket collar up around his ears. He made his way along the empty walk, past the now silent, locked shops. Lost in thought, he did not notice the shadowy form step from the alleyway and tread quietly behind him. The silver toes of the man’s boots caught the soft light of the street lamps.

Suddenly aware of the stranger’s presence, Jim and Pet simultaneously stopped and turned around.

“Who is he?” Jim asked.

“I don’t know.” Pet answered. “But I do recognize him. He’s the man who was seated in the restaurant when Artemus and I were dining. The same night, Artemus received word to meet you. That man watched him leave, then he left too.”

Marcus Hayden silently pulled a gun from his jacket as he continued toward them, closing the distance.

Jim instinctively yelled, “Artie, behind you!” He jumped in front of the man, swinging at him, but his fist passed right through him.

“Pet! Stop him!” Jim ordered.

But Pet only grinned with delight. “Artemus will be here soon,” she whispered.

“You stop him! Pet, do you hear me? Don’t let him do this! Stop this!” Jim was angry and frantic.

“No,” she answered, still smiling serenely.

“Stop him now Pet! Or I swear…I swear I’ll have unfinished business… with you! I’ll convince Artie to never have anything to do with you again. He’ll believe what I tell him. You know he will! Now stop this!”

Marcus paced faster and silently, lifting the gun, aiming it for the back of Artemus’ head.

“I cannot interfere James.”

“You already have! Stop this!”

Pet considered his words. If Artemus came now and found Jim here with her and in such a state…he’d be angry too…with her. If the two met in this realm, James West was likely to say some ugly things, that Artemus would believe.

She gritted her teeth stubbornly against the words but she spat them out anyway. “Alright! Alright! But don’t you EVER ask this of me again!”

Instantly she changed into corporeal form. Then she did the only thing a lady of culture and breeding could do in this time, place and circumstance.

She SCREAMED!!

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 14


The scream that echoed along the cold dark street was enough to make a man’s blood freeze. Both Hayden and Artemus felt its chill all the way down to their souls and they both whirled around simultaneously.

In spite of the alcohol, the sudden adrenalin pushed Artie into fight mode and he swung hard, knocking the gun from Hayden’s hand. The two men grappled with each other, Hayden’s hands around Artie’s throat. Artemus managed to tear one hand away and his fist connected with Hayden’s face. Hayden went down but only for a moment. He roared in his anger and coming back up, he flung himself furiously at Artemus, driving his fists into the agent’s stomach. Finally he swung a powerful blow, catching Artemus in the jaw. Artemus was driven backward against the alley wall where he collapsed with the breath knocked out of him.

Hayden, fully aware that a witness was watching it all, turned his face away and staggered quickly into the darkness. Running as fast as he could, he disappeared at the end of the long alley.

Jim hesitated only briefly at Artie’s side and gave chase. But in his current state of existence, he was not accustomed to what he could and could not do. He lost the attacker by the time he reached the far end of the alley. All was quiet again in the darkness and no movement or sight was left to lead him on. He turned and headed back to Artie.

Pet was kneeling beside him, fussing over him. “Artemus! Darling are you hurt?! That horrible man…he was going to kill you!”

Artie gaped at her in utter surprise. “Pet?! What are you doing here?”

“I…” She was a quick thinker when need be. “I was enjoying a late visit with acquaintances and…well…I insisted on walking back to the hotel.”

“Alone?! At night?!” He asked in shock.

“It wasn’t far and the streets are usually quiet this time of night. I thought a short brisk walk would be good for me before retiring. I know dear. It wasn’t very sensible was it? I shouldn’t be so independent.” Ugh! She thought. I can’t believe I just said that.

“Oh Artemus, your lip is bleeding.” She changed the subject. “Are you badly hurt?” She daubed at the blood with her handkerchief. “Why was that awful man following you?”

Jim dropped down beside him. “Is he alright?” He asked Pet, but she ignored him.

“I’m fine.” Artemus told Pet. Jim could see he was ruffed up and bruised but otherwise fine. “I don’t know who that was, but I’m going to find out, you can bet on it.” He pulled himself back up onto his feet. He considered her presence for a moment. “Pet, sweetheart, you saved my life.” He pulled her into his arms.

“So I did, it seems.” Her cheek now rested on his shoulder and she cast a sardonic look at Jim. “I HATE YOU!!!” She mouthed the silent words at him.

He smiled patronizingly at her in return.

She pulled back, looking into Artemus’ liquid brown eyes. He leaned in to kiss her, and she to him, their lips nearly touching…

Jim grimaced.

“Artemus!”

They all quickly turned their faces toward the street. Jeremy Pike hurried out of a carriage parked there. Oh perfect. Thought Pet, clenching her teeth. Could this alley get any more crowded?

“Jeremy?!” Artemus exclaimed.

“Artemus, are you alright?” Jeremy looked at him in concern. The alley, though shadowy, still allowed enough light from the street lamp for him to recognize his fellow agent. “I went to the train to look for you, but you weren’t there. I thought I’d try to find you. The sheriff…he was able to locate someone who could identify our young mystery man.” His eyes had adjusted to the low light and he could see the bruises on Arties face. “What happened to you?”

“I think another one of our mystery men recognized me.” Artemus answered. “If Pet had not shown up when she did…” He let the sentence trail off. He brushed some of the dirt from his clothing.

“Ahem…” Pet interjected.

Artie started. “Oh Pet, I’m sorry. Jeremy allow me to introduce my companion, Miss Martyna Petirrojo. Pet, my associate, Mr. Jeremy Pike.”

“How do you do my dear!” Jeremy smiled widely and took her hand, casting an appreciative glance over her. “And to think I was concerned about Mr. Gordon this evening!” He winked at Artie. “I think Jim would have approved!”

“NO, he wouldn’t have!” Jim barked into Jeremy’s ear.

“Why thank you Mr. Pike! It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Artemus has spoken so highly of you in our conversations. But what did you mean by ‘would have approved’? Where is Mr. West?” She asked in all innocence.

Jeremy looked at Artemus sadly. Artie spoke. “Jim is dead Pet. I didn’t have an opportunity to tell you.”

“Oh Artemus! I’m so very sorry! Something went wrong on your assignment?”

“Yes. We’ll talk about it later. Alright?”

“Of course.”

“Tell them!” Jim demanded. “Tell them I’m still alive.”

“Come on you two, let’s get you out of here. I have a carriage.” Jeremy led the way.

Pet shot a disdainful look back toward the alley at Jim. Then looping her arm through Artie’s, they all walked out and climbed into the carriage. The three engaged in conversation.

“Aremus, there’s something I must tell you both.”

“It’s about time!” Jim said as he settled in next to Jeremy.

“That man in the alleyway. I recognized him. He was in the restaurant the night you left to meet James West.”

“Do you know him?” Jeremy asked.

“No, but he was watching Artemus as he left.” She looked at Artie. “I think he followed you.”

Artemus thought for a moment. He couldn’t recall anyone else from that evening. He smiled slightly. He’d been totally absorbed with his beautiful companion.

“Tell them about me Pet! Tell them I’m still alive!” Jim insisted again.

“Of course, I couldn’t possibly know what he was up to. Or comment on what happened.” She emphasized the words for Jim.

Jeremy gave her an odd look but Artemus was too tired to notice.

“We’ll check with the restaurant. If he made a reservation, maybe we can get a name.”

“One more thing,” Pet added. “He wearing unusual boots. The toes were covered in silver. He had them on in the alley too.”

Jeremy exchanged looks with Artemus. He was impressed with Artie’s new girlfriend.

The carriage arrived at the hotel. “Here we are my dear.” Artemus climbed out and turned offering a hand to help Pet out, but she didn’t move.

“This isn’t my hotel Artemus. Mine is on the next street over.” She fibbed.

“Well let me accompany you…” He started to climb back in but Pet stopped him. “No Artemus, you’re exhausted. And if you don’t mind my observation, I think you’ve been tipping a few too many, haven’t you? I can’t say that I blame you, it’s perfectly alright. I’m so sorry about what happened to Jim.” She smiled reassuringly. “You need your rest dear. It’s only a short way, I’ll be fine.”

“Thank you.” Artie smiled at her a little sheepishly. “If you’re certain…” She nodded. He leaned in and kissed her goodnight, promising he‘d see her tomorrow. Then he paid the driver and ordered him to see her safely inside her hotel.

“Let me guess.” Jim said. “You don’t have a hotel room.”

“I will as soon as I get there. After all, a lady should have a place to receive her gentleman callers. Don’t you agree James?” She smiled smugly.

He shook his head. “I’m not done with you yet. And leave Artie alone!” Then he got out and followed Artemus into his hotel.

“We’ll just see about that, won’t we James?” She answered quietly after him. “You don’t have much time left.”

w-----w------w------w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 15


Artie’s hammered eyelids opened unwillingly. The headache just wouldn’t let him sleep anymore. He rolled over and sat up swinging his legs off the bed. He groaned and massaged his hung over head in his hands. “Ahwoughhh! I shoulda just let him shoot me.” He mumbled.

Jim sat in the nearby chair. He smiled and leaned forward, while looking suspiciously around the room. “Trust me pal, that definitely wouldn’t work out for you right now.”

He’d spent the night in the chair observing Artemus’ restless sleep. Artie had tossed and turned, twitching and jerking with his dreams. Jim could tell he was distressed by them. The clock ticked the moments away as he thought long and hard about the power of the mind over the body. If a man’s dreams could affect the body so strongly in an unconscious state, then what else could the mind do if you learned to control that power. Pet and her kind had obviously learned to harness it, to manipulate it and bring it into the waking world with them and in the end, take it with them beyond the grave. How extensive that power was, he didn’t know or understand. Arties words came back to him, words he had spoken in his delirium as they rode away from Lone Tree Pass last summer.
Artie had mumbled about a boy and a spell. “The boy took that coin you shot through. He made a spell with it…straight and true.” Why did he need the coin? Jim wondered. “It worked just fine. See? You came.”

Jim turned the question over in his mind. Was it because it was a connection that was needed; not just a connection, but one he believed in. Straight and true. And maybe that was the key he concluded, the power came from the strength of the belief, the unbreakable faith that it exists and can be used. And once you experience it and know it, it becomes a part of you, always growing and expanding… Perhaps like belief in voodoo, only stronger, more powerful... His train of thought stopped when Artie woke up.

Artemus got himself moving. After washing up and getting dressed he felt a little better. He buckled on his holster and headed downstairs to meet Jeremy for breakfast.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Marcus Hayden examined the bruises on his face. “Yankee killer.” He cursed. “You’ve gotten away for the last time.” He armed himself and left to gather his remaining men. There was no longer any need for subterfuge. This was still war and now the last of his family was dead. If achieving his goal meant joining them, then he had no qualms about it as long as he took at least one more of his family’s murderers with him. And with any luck, he’d live long enough to get Grant too.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

The two agents sat talking in low voices, their unseen companion listening intently. Their breakfast plates were now empty and pushed aside. Jeremy sipped his coffee and continued. “The Sheriff said his name is Barrett Willows. Seems one of the hands over at the livery was able to recognize him as one of a group of three men who recently stopped there. The blacksmith recognized him too. He thought he overheard one of them mention a ranch down near Washoe City. The Sheriff here checked with the Marshall in Washoe. He fits the description alright. And no one in the town has seen Willows in weeks. In fact the Washoe City Marshall said he hadn’t seen Willows, his boss or the ranch foreman in about that long as well.

Artemus set his own coffee cup down. “I think our best bet is go check that ranch out.” He stared thoughtfully down at the table, fingering the pattern of the checkered tablecloth. “Any word on the other bodies?” He asked quietly.

“The commander at the fort is planning to take some men up there tomorrow or the next day to exhume them.”

“The sooner the better.” Jim said. “I hate to interrupt the investigation but you need to know I’m not there. Let’s just say I’d really appreciate it if you could help me out sooner, rather then later.” He looked hopefully at his two friends.

Jeremy and Artemus got up to leave. “I’ll catch up with you at the Livery Jeremy. I need to make a stop on the way.” Artemus threw some coins on the table.

Jeremy flashed Artie a smile. “She certainly is a beauty! Give her my regards. Oh…and you might want to try the new restaurant near her hotel for dinner tonight. The food there is excellent!”

“Thanks Jeremy, I’ll give Miss Petirrojo your best.” He dropped his hat on his head and walked out, turning in the direction of Pet’s hotel. She was the one person left in this whole mess that could still put a smile on his face.

Jim followed him only as far as the walkway. “I’ll see you later Artie. I have a theory I need to check out. And Artie? Don’t let that witch get her hooks into you!” He grinned and headed off in the opposite direction concentrating as hard as he could. Suddenly the boarded walk and the shops around him disappeared into a misty haze.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

The two horses kicked up quite a bit of sand and dust as the riders reigned them in. Their eyes surveyed the valley below.

“Nice looking ranch.” Jeremy observed. “Mr. Mathias Hayden does alright for himself.”

“Hopefully we’ll find someone who can shed some light on all of this.” Artemus answered grimly. He kicked the big chestnut horse into a quick gait down the sloping road.

Riding up to the main house, they dismounted and stepped up onto the porch. Jeremy knocked. The door opened and an old Spanish woman addressed them. “Si Senores?”

“We’re looking for a Mr. Mathias Hayden.” Artemus addressed her. “The Marshall in Washoe informed us that this is his ranch. Is he around?”

“No. He iss no here today.” She answered hesitantly. “Chu can speeek with hees ranch hand, Senior Dominic.” She pointed to the barns.

“Thank you ma’am…gracias.” Jeremy tipped his hat to her.

They stepped off the porch and walked toward the barns, glancing carefully around them as they went. They found a tall slender middle aged man saddling a horse near the corral. He looked at them pensively as they approached. “Good day to you gentlemen. What can I do for you?” He asked.

They both pulled out their badges. “We’re looking for a Mr. Dominic.” Artemus announced. “My name is Artemus Gordon and this is my associate Mr. Jeremy Pike.

The man studied the badges and swallowed. “I’m Dominic. What’s the trouble?”

“We’d like to ask you some questions if you don’t mind.”

“What about?”

“Mathias Hayden and Barrett Willows.” Artemus answered.

“Mr. Hayden isn’t here. He took Barry Willows along with him. They left several weeks ago to go look at some breeding stock on the Texas border. What’s this all about?”

“Anyone else go with them?” Jeremy asked.

“Raif Johnson, ranch foreman. Why?” He answered coolly and kept his attention on the saddling.

“Do you have any ideas as to why Mr. Hayden or any of his associates would want to assassinate the President of the United States?” Artemus asked point blank. Sometimes the sudden response in the eyes and face said more then words. He watched the mans face expectantly.

Dominics stopped and turned to them, brow furrowed and his eyes wide. “What?!!”

They could both see that the question was totally unexpected and caught him off guard.

“I think you heard the question clearly enough.” Jeremy continued. “Mr. Hayden or any of his men here ever voice opinions that President Grant should die or be removed from office?”

Dominic’s face still set with shock studied theirs in return. “No.” He finally answered. “I suppose if anyone should have hard feelings for Grant, it could be Mr. Hayden or any number the men of the south who came away from the war. There were a lot of men who lived through the battles with General Grant and yet lost everything. But I’ve never heard Mr. Hayden speak a word against him.”

Artemus pressed him. “When you say everything, what exactly are you referring to. What was it that was everything to Hayden?”

“I was referring to his family. They all died...everyone except his twin brother. The family was in the Fort Donelson vicinity. They didn’t leave during the fighting. I’ve been told they hid in the cellar and the home was hit with Union artillery. His mother, an ailing father, a younger brother and sister…they all died. Trapped inside while it burned to the ground. Mr. Hayden, he don’t talk much about it, or the war, like a lot of ex soldiers don’t.

“Where’s his twin brother these days?” Jeremy asked.

“Still lives in Tennessee as far as I know, Dover I think.”

“They communicate regularly?”

“I suppose so…they get together for visits from time to time.”

“What do you know about the two men that left with him? Artemus queried.

“Raif Johnson is our ranch foreman. Born and raised here. He never fought in the war. Neither did the kid. Willows that is. Mr. Hayden thinks highly of both of them though. I’ve never heard either of them mention the President.”

“Did you know Barrett Willows is dead?”

Dominic looked at the ground. “Word travels fast around here Mr. Gordon. The Marshall was out here yesterday, asking questions. He told me they had a body over in Reno that he figured was Barry’s.”

“You hear any word from Mr. Hayden or Raif Johnson within the last few days?”

“No sir. I haven’t and that’s the God’s honest truth.”

“You’re certain of that?” Artemus asked again.

Dominic looked them both in the eyes. “Yes,” he confirmed.

“Thank you Mr. Dominic. If we have any further questions, we’ll be in touch.” Jeremy nodded to the man.

Dominic watched the two agents ride off. He knew the boss had a mean streak in him, but kill the President?! Somehow he couldn’t see him dream that up by himself. Dominic tightened the saddlebag ties. Maybe it was that fancy brother of Mr. Hayden’s. I never did quite trust him, Dominic thought as he mounted up and headed out to the range. He hoped Hayden would return soon. And what the heck did the heck did Barry Willows get himself into?

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 16


Happily she was amusing herself with the local newspaper and some catalogs in her room when Jim popped up in front of her. “James!!” She cocked a surprised eye at him. “However did you manage that?!”

“I’ve been testing my wings so to speak,” he said facetiously. “This getting to and from places here…it’s not as hard as it looks.” He gave her a smug smile.

“So! You’re starting to figure things out!” She said. “Well, well, well…I’m very impressed. You know there are lost souls out there, who in the expanse of a millennium, would not be able to work out what you have in such a short time?” She chuckled. “You’re a lot smarter than I gave you credit for. But why come back to me?”

“I want you to…” Suddenly he didn’t feel so good. Not that he felt much of anything at all since he arrived here. He held his hands up in front of him as they appeared to fade. He looked down at his body, it too was fading in and out. In a moment he seemed to become whole again and he staggered. “Wha…what’s happening to me?” He asked her with a troubled look on his face.

“What a shame! It’s all going to be a waste.” Pet said, smiling curiously. “You know it too, don’t you? You feel yourself getting weaker, thinner, fading…” She stood quietly for a moment while he looked at her questioningly. “You’re dying James. Your physical body that is. Actually, I’m surprised you lasted this long, but you take good care of that body don’t you? You know it won’t be able to hang on forever without you.” She walked over the dresser and primped in the mirror. Then turning back around she added. “Unless Artemus or someone finds you soon and you’re able to get back…you WILL be lost!”

“You could help me. It’s not too late.” He suggested.

“I’ve already told you. I will not interfere in what is meant to be.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Marcus Hayden watched the street below his hotel window. He had calmed himself somewhat since last night. He had met with the few men still with him here in Reno. Their number was ample enough if needed. But he would take care of Gordon personally. That was a promise to himself that he intended to keep. He’d wait another day, see if anything grew out of their encounter in the alleyway. He had ears listening in various locations, ready to report any news of his prey’s movements. Patience was a virtue he told himself, especially in war.

w-----w-----w-----w----w

“What kind of human being were you when you lived?” He asked her bitterly. How can you say you love Artemus when you know what he’d want, but you ignore it. When you know how he’d feel…if he knew you just stood by and let me die. If he knew the truth about you…” He gave her a disapproving look. “That’s not love Pet. That’s you…being selfish.”

“Her eyes blazed with fury. How dare you accuse ME of being selfish! You! You are the most arrogant, conceited, selfish man I’ve ever met! You think nothing of using Artemus for your own purposes. ‘Best agent in the Secret Service’…Indeed! Only because you stood on Artemus’ back to attain that lofty spot! And you’re not even grateful! You can barely thank the man properly even when he saves your life!”

“What are you talking about?” Jim barked back.

“You know very well what I’m talking about! Look at everything he does for you and he DOES do it for YOU! The disguises, the gadgets, the timing, making certain you survive your own thickheaded recklessness in one piece. You think I don’t know how little you appreciate it?!”

“Is that what Artemus told you?! He asked incredulously.

“It’s what I SEE!!

“Then you see WRONG!!” He blazed back. “And STAY away from him!”

“GET OUT!” She hissed. “Get out of my sight!” She blinked and he vanished.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

James West looked all around him. Sharp jagged snowy mountain peaks surrounded him. He turned and saw that he was at the edge of a small village of sorts. The inhabitants were heavily dressed in furs and skins, their faces buried deep in the oversized hoods.

Smoke rolled upward from campfires. The huts were covered in skins as well. He walked among the people there, studying the faces he could see, trying to place their unfamiliar features. Then it dawned on him, she had sent him to outer Mongolia or someplace just as far and obscure. His jaw tightened. He’d had enough of her tricks. He closed his eyes and disappeared.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

“You can forget about tossing me around the planet.” He spoke to the back of her head. “I’ll always come back.”

She twisted around and she was not happy. “Maybe you need another lesson in paying attention.” She snarled. The room disappeared now and they were back in the red dune desert. She snapped her fingers and the now familiar rumble of the earth began.

“Forget it Pet.” James said as the horses bore down behind him again. “I don’t believe in your stampeding herds anymore.” The mob evaporated and they stood alone with each other again in her hotel room.

She was so furious now, she could have broken every rule. If it were not for the respect she had for Artemus, she would have too. She fought to control herself. There were always options. She calmed down. Serene and quiet again. She looked at him with the tiniest bit of distress in her lovely face. “We shouldn’t fight like this James. Not now…not anymore.” Her gaze turned vacant and distant as if she were watching something beyond him, beyond this room. Her eyes became demure and saddened.

She waited several moments before she commented again, as if they’d come to the end of something. She finally focused back on him and spoke. “There’s something you need to see…”

She reached out and gently took his hand, leading him out into the hallway and down the stairs to the street. A buckboard with horses galloping came down the street at a frantic pace.

Jim instantly recognized the driver. “Artie!”

He ran to meet him as Artie pulled the horses to a stop in front of the local doctor’s office. Artemus jumped from the seat and ran into the building yelling for the doctor.

“Artie, what’s happened?” Jim asked, following him. “Where is Jeremy? Artemus! Where’s Jeremy?”

Artie and the doctor ran to the back of the buckboard. Jim caught his breath. “No… not Jeremy…” Jim put his hands on the sideboard and leaned over to see. The doctor yelled for some of the onlookers to assist. “Help us get him inside! Be careful! Hold his head carefully!!

Jim looked down at the injured man and stood gaping in shock…at his own body. He winced and recoiled at the sight. He was limp and bloodied far beyond what he had expected.

His face was blackened and swollen from the head wound, gory with blood both dried and fresh. His white collar and blue jacket stained forever scarlet. The bloody bandages around his midriff soaked as well. He could remember the pain so clearly now and yet it was all so surreal. He followed them inside where he was gently placed on a bed.

The doctor tore at his clothing and the bandaging the President and Artemus had wrapped him with. Artie hovered close, opposite the doctor, his hands grasping Jim’s wrist and arm. “Jim! Hang on!” He pleaded. “Hang on…Jim, don’t you die on me! Jim? Doc?!”

The doctor’s fingers gently pulled his eyelids open. He felt for a pulse in the neck. Then quickly putting the stethoscope in his ears, he held his breath and pressed the chest piece over Jim’s heart, searching. Artie raised his pooled eyes to the doctor. The doctor finally straightened up and removing the stethoscope he exhaled. “I’m sorry Mr. Gordon. There’s nothing I can do.” Jim felt stricken and dizzy. He backed up against the wall to steady himself.

Pet stood near the bed, staring at the scene. Artemus was sobbing quietly and James stood frozen, watching him. Finally Jim stepped forward, placing an unfelt hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Artie”, he said softly. “Please don’t…it’s alright. I’m fine. I’m alright. It’s not what I expected…but I’m fine. I’ll be fine here.” A lone tear trickled down his cheek.

Pet looked upward, rolling her eyes. “Is that a tear I see? Oh don’t tell me…the late great James West has finally been humbled! “Annnd…” She intoned sarcastically. “By his unappreciated partner’s grief no less! Good heavens! You ARE pathetic!”

Jim’s anger finally got the better of him. “Pet! Why don’t you just SHUT UP for once!” He was in no mood to bandy words with her anymore.

Her eyes flashed fire and ice. “Don’t you be rude to me Sir! You are the one at a disadvantage here!”

His own anger was on the rise and he replied with a fiery eyed volley of his own.
“You know…I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to HIT a woman as much as I do right now!”

“You DO and I’ll turn you into a loathsome WARTHOG the minute we find that side of beef you call home!! So you mind your place and your manners!!”

His eyes opened wide in surprise. “What did you say?! The minute we find it?!” He looked at his corpse and back to her.

She pursed her lips and pulled in her cheeks, eyes darting side to side in the discovery of her faux pas. Then she recovered. “Well! Will wonders never cease.” She said dryly. “Not only have you discovered humility…you’re beginning to see the light!” She laughed.

“You LIED! I’m not dead!”

“I did no such thing! You ASSUMED! Besides, you still could be any minute, so don’t get so full of yourself again.”

She sashayed out the room as it disappeared around them. Artie and the ‘corpse’ were gone. “When I speak, I tell the truth. It’s when I don’t say anything that you should be careful of what you believe.”

“You tricked me.” He was still irritated.

“For your own good dear! For Artemus’ good. You’ll be a much better friend to him now, won’t you?”

“I wasn’t aware that he’d been complaining.”

“He wasn’t. I was!”

Jim sighed. “Do you ever mind your own business?”

She smiled benevolently at him now. “Not since I met Artemus!”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 17

She admired her corporeal image once more in the mirror. The decollete gown with its small off the shoulder puffed sleeves was remarkably stunning. Pearl and blue diamond drop earrings perfectly accented the soft colored silk taffeta of her evening gown. The light sky and violet two tone weave glowed in shadows of perfect periwinkle blue, with a matching silk overskirt pulled up into a fashionable bustle with a large satin bow and pleated trim. Cascades of tiny delicate velvet flowers in soft hues completed the gown’s trimming. Her hair was flawlessly coiffed with a few carefully selected strands that fell in loose soft curls to accent her face.

Jim watched her from the corner chair. He wasn’t quite as angry with her as he‘d been earlier, after that ugly stunt with his fake corpse. “You look lovely.” He finally said. “That gown is breathtaking. Artie will be pleased.”

Surprised, she looked him in the eye, searching for signs of the next forthcoming verbal barb. But he just looked tired instead. “Why thank you James! That’s very sweet of you to say.”

“It wasn’t that hard.” He added. “What time is he picking us for dinner?” He produced a comical smile.

“I knew it!” She said with disgust. “You’re going to ruin my evening with him. Aren’t you?”

He huffed a sigh. “Not if you promise to tell him about me.”

“I can’t do that James.”

“Tell me again, why?”

“Aside from the fact that we do not interfere with the natural chain of events? Well… because…he’ll think I’m crazy!” Jim looked at her as if to say and your point? “If I start babbling about you still being alive, he’ll want to know how and why I came to that conclusion. I can’t tell him I’ve been talking to you and that you’ve been following us around the whole time! And I certainly can’t tell him the truth about me! Not here, not like this!”

“Why not?” He stood up now.

“Oh sure!” She snapped back and started rambling sarcastically. “Oh Artemus my love! Did I mention that I’m a Bruja, you know…a witch? And Jim’s spirit…he’s right here with me! He says hello. Oh, and by the way…I’ve been dead for nearly a generation! He’ll declare me INSANE! And worse, even if he did believe me, how much longer do you think he’d willingly spend time in my company? Not a chance James! You should go look for your body yourself! Why don’t you just do that this evening…mmmh?”

“Aren’t you worried that I’ll survive and tell him about you myself?”

“You won’t.” She answered. “And do you know why James?” She walked up to him, face to face, wrapping her fingers in his jacket lapels.

“Because you’ll turn me into a warthog if I do?” He answered smiling at her.

“No silly! I’ll do that anyway if you keep annoying me. No…you won’t tell him for the same reason I won’t. He’ll think you’ve lost your mind. You forget dear. You have a nasty bullet wound to the head. There’s no telling how badly it scrambled your brains. If you start telling Artemus that his lady love, whom by the way you’ve never met, is a supernatural being with strange powers and that you’ve been wandering with me in some nether realm… Well, he might just start thinking that you’ve suffered irreparable brain damage. And so will your employers. Particularly when you start going on about everything that’s happened to you. But it doesn’t matter to me! Go ahead James.” She dared him with a smug smile. “Tell them!”

She’d make a good poker player he thought. That is, if she’d stop peeking at the cards.

“Do you really want me to die? Do you want to take the chance that I might stay here? I think I might be able to manage that now.” He called her bluff. “And if Artie shows up here…it’ll just be the three of us. Artie and me and you tagging along…butting in.” He raised the ante.

Her eyes narrowed. “Grrrrrhh.” She gritted her teeth. “You can be so rude sometimes James!” She inhaled deeply. “You know, you may just have to face the fact that it’s your time. That it’s over for you.”

“I deal with that possibility frequently. I never believe it’s over and I never will, until it is.”

“Then allow me time to give it some careful thought.” She finally assented in exasperation.

There came a knock at the door. “That will be Artemus!” She announced excitedly. Then she shook a warning finger at Jim. “You behave yourself!!”

“Me?” He answered with eyes twinkling and pointing to himself. “I’m always a perfect gentleman!”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

“Well?” The cigar was burning as usual, but not nearly as intensely as the eyes. Both smoldered in the dark shadows of the evening.

The watcher answered his employer in a low voice as they stood next to a post across the street from the restaurant. “He’s in there alright, dining with that same woman. The one he’s been seeing, the one that saw you in the alley last night. We gonna have to do her too?”

“I’m afraid so. I do hate untidy ends.”

“You want ‘em both killed tonight?

“NO! Gordon is mine. I’ll tend to him tomorrow. You make sure you know where to find the woman. When Gordon’s not around to save her pretty skin, do it and make sure you don‘t leave a trail! Then you clean up and get out of here. You know where to meet when it’s over.”

“Sure boss. I’ll take care of it.”

“Marcus Hayden left the watcher standing there. He walked, enjoying his evening smoke, then he disappeared around the corner.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

“And that’s when Jim was killed?” Pet looked into Artemus’ eyes as he recounted the fateful journey with the President.

“No.” He continued. “The President, myself and Jim included, survived the explosions and the wreckage. But Jim had been shot. The Gatling gun, he’d been hit. He just didn’t let on about it right away. The wound was too serious to try and bring him with us. I had to leave him behind Pet.”

“Because you needed to get the President to safety.”

He swallowed hard and nodded his head, starring down at his dinner plate.

She sat, wondering what to say…he was so terribly sad now.

“Tell him Pet. Tell him I’m still alive.” Jim spoke from her side.

She gritted her teeth and glanced momentarily his way while Artemus was looking down. “You…have you been back up there since it happened?” She asked. “Are you certain he didn’t survive? Maybe he was able to make it out on his own.”

Artemus gazed back up at her, shaking his head. “Mr. Pike took a doctor and several soldiers up there immediately, but all they found were four graves. Jim’s among them. They were all marked with the men’s personal effects.”

“Who buried them?!” This was something she didn’t know and she pressed him gently.

“There was no indication of who did it.” He answered. “And the snowfall became so heavy…even if there was a trail or other evidence, it was gone.”

“I see…so there’s no reason to conduct another search for him?” She asked for James edification.

“No. The fort is sending a detail up there within the next couple of days to bring the bodies back. We’re pretty certain who was behind it though. I’m going to find them Pet. I won’t let this go until I do.”

“Who is it?” She asked as Jim’s voice joined with hers in the question.

“Without giving names, I can tell you this. From what we’ve been able to discover from connections to the one dead body that was brought back, it’s two ex-confederate soldiers, brothers, maybe more, with an axe to grind. Revenge Pet. It was done for revenge.”

“Revenge for what?” She asked. Both she and Jim were listening intently.

Artemus continued. “From the information we’ve garnered so far, these brothers lost their entire family during the Union campaigns at Fort Donelson and Fort Henry. Apparently when then General Grant led the campaigns, this family refused to evacuate the area and took refuge in the cellar of their home. The home was destroyed by artillery fire and burned to the ground with everyone inside. Mother, father, a sister and a brother. The only survivors were these brothers, twins. And they were both soldiers at the time and were there during those campaigns. They may have even witnessed it. Our people have been able to locate witnesses who knew the brothers swore an oath of revenge on Grant at the time.

Pet spoke in return. “Their hatred must have consumed them, to have driven them to such extremes. To plan and attack your train that way, to destroy an entire train in such a manner and James…you also lost James. But you did save the President’s life Artemus! I’m so proud of you! Darling, that makes you a hero as far I’m concerned!”

“I don’t feel like one Pet. I shouldn’t have left Jim like that. There has to have been something else, something more I should have done.” He fell into a desolate silence, lightly pushing food around on his plate with the fork.

“Pet! TELL him! I don’t care what or how. Just tell him!!” Jim was adamant now.

“HUSH!” Her eyes grew wide as she realized she’d said it out loud.

Artie lifted his head in surprise. “What did you say?”

“I…said…MUSH. My vegetables…they’re mushy. I prefer them more crisp.” She quickly covered her error.

“Well, we’ll just see to that.” Artemus brightened up at the change of subject. “Waiter…oh waiter!” He waived to the nearest one.

“Oh no darling, it’s fine! You don’t need…” She reached out to bring his arm back down but he insisted. She took advantage of the interruption. “Well, in that case, I believe I will take a moment to powder my nose. I’ll be right back.” She smiled, blushing lightly. Artie quickly got up and pulled her chair for her. “I’ll only be a moment,” she said.

When she arrived in the small hallway away from the dinning area, she let loose on Jim. “Are you trying to drive me INSANE? Stop it James! Stop this right now!! You‘re making me crazy!”

The door to the ladies powder room opened and two rather refined looking women stepped out into the midst of her singular shrilling.

Pet’s face went crimson. “Uh…hello. Hah ha, you ladies must think me quite mad.” She stuttered and composed herself while their eyebrows raised higher. “I…I’m…an actress!” She stated warmly. Artemus had told her that one of his old girlfriends was an actress.

“Nice cover.” Jim said.

“Really dear?” One of them asked. “Which theater are you with?”

“The uh, Bay View in San Francisco! It doesn’t start for two more weeks. I was rehearsing a few lines in private. Silly of me to do it here wasn’t it?” She answered smoothly.

“What’s your play called?” The other asked.

“DEATH OF A SECRET AGENT.” Pet mewed.

“Sounds intriguing.” The older one commented.

“Oh it is!” Pet went on. “It’s about a government agent who get’s himself in the most outlandish situation. And just when he thinks he might make it out alive…something PROFOUNDLY TERRIBLE happens to him!”

“Oh bravo!!” The older one said. “We simply must come see it!”

“Please do!” Pet said smiling as the two walked away.

“Very amusing.” Jim said.

“Look!” Pet growled in exasperation. “I’ll make you a deal. If you go away and let me enjoy the evening with Artemus, and in case you hadn’t noticed, he could use a nice evening. If you leave us alone…” She sighed greatly. “I promise to do something first thing in the morning.”

“I’ll be back.” Jim warned her.

She watched him disappear. “I can’t wait.” She commented dryly.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 18


Her petite gloved knuckles wrapped lightly on the door. She knew very well that it was quite unseemly for a lady to call on a gentleman in his room this early in the morning, but a promise had been made. Distasteful as it was, she intended to keep it.

“Who is it?” His voice asked from the other side.

“Artemus darling. It’s Pet.” She answered.

The door crept open and those unmistakable brown eyes greeted her. “Pet! What’s wrong? Are you alright?” His unrestrained concern for her warmed her heart.

He opened the door more fully. She found herself unable to take her eyes off of him. He’d obviously just gotten up. His thick waves of dark hair were ever so tussled, fresh from sleep. His face, unshaven, portrayed an earthy untamed quality. He stood there, shirt hastily thrown on, barely one or two buttons closed, exposing his chest. She could feel herself going flush from the mere presence of this irresistible man. She stared openly at him. In her minds eye, she showered that chest with kisses, nuzzling upward all the way to those lips… How could such a mere mortal have this much effect on her?

“Pet?”

Her corporeal heart was pounding and her stomach quivered. She actually felt faint. And worse, she could barely remember why she was here. Then it came back to her. “Oh yes.” She smiled. “I’m just fine.” She answered breathlessly, patting at a stray strand of hair. “Artemus I know it’s terribly early, but I wanted to catch you before you left for the day. Do you suppose you could join me for breakfast and then a morning walk? There’s something I need to speak with you about.” There…she was committed now.

“Of course! If you don’t mind joining Mr. Pike for breakfast. He’s expecting me. But afterwards, you and I, we’ll have that walk!” His smile was better than the morning sun.

“That will be fine. I’ll meet you downstairs in the dinning room.” She really wanted to charm her way into his room and into his arms. It was all she could do to resist the attempt. With her luck, James West would show up at the worst moment. That possibility had put a damper on last evening too. Uggghhh! She thought. That man has simply got to go! One way or another!

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

She lifted the china cup to her lips and sipped the coffee while she waited.

“Well?” The voice of Jim West suddenly asked.

She looked about the room, there were only a few people present, either engrossed in the morning newspaper or each other. She answered quietly. “Artemus and I will be going for a walk after breakfast, I’ll talk to him then.”

“Do you want me to come along?”

“Certainly not!” She hissed. “There are still some things I can do by myself James!”

“Just see to it that you do.” He seemed to suffer another fading seizure. His face was troubled again. “He needs to hurry.”

She put her cup down. She suddenly felt a pinch of concern for him. No. She told herself. He’s nothing but trouble. Let him die and be rid of him. Artemus will get over it. Except he hadn’t died yet. You had to admire the way he hung on. This was the morning of the fifth day since it happened. He’s incredibly strong, she mused. Oh well, she hadn’t interfered any further than to allow him to come here. Let nature take it’s course, she thought. Either some twist of fate will save him…or not.

“Good morning Ms. Petirrojo!” Jeremy Pike now stood before her, breaking her reverie.

“Mr. Pike! Good morning! How delightful to see you again.” She greeted him with a warm smile. “Artemus will be along in a moment. I hope you don’t mind my joining you gentlemen.”

“Not at all, I’d much rather look at your beautiful face first thing in the morning, than Mr. Gordons!” He laughed and pulled up a chair.

“Thank you, you’re too kind! How is the investigation going?” She asked conversationally.

“We gaining ground.” He answered and then added. “They’ll be going up to retrieve the bodies from the wreckage site soon. I’m taking Artemus with me to a meeting with Colonel Richmond later this morning.”

“Will you be going back to the wreckage site as well?”

“No, there’s nothing more we can do there. Artemus really doesn’t need to go back up there anyway. This has all been hard enough on him.” Jeremy looked at her. “I should thank you for being there for him, I think you’ve really helped him get through this.”

“It’s nothing really. We were acquainted before any of this happened.” She answered.

“All the same, he’s really going to miss Jim. We all are.”

Jim looked at him somberly. “Thanks Jeremy but I’m hoping we can rectify that soon.” He looked meaningfully back at Pet.

She swallowed. That was the problem with a corporeal body, it felt things, things she didn’t normally consider. And right now, she was feeling a little guilty.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

“Breakfast was wonderful,” she exclaimed as they walked along the shops. She looped her arm in his and snuggled close in the crisp morning air. “Mr. Pike is such a warm and gracious man. So friendly! I feel like I’ve known him always.” Jeremy had been particularly accepting of Pet’s presence in Artemus’ life. She almost hated to see him leave to go back to the train after breakfast.

“Yes he is,” Artemus agreed. He graced her with a quick smile. “What did you want to talk to me about Pet?”

She watched his gaze shift away, toward the mountains. “I wanted to talk to you about Jim.”

“What about him?” Artemus asked somberly.

“Artemus.” She hesitated. In spite of having planned this conversation, she was still not sure how to approach it. “I…do you…believe that some people can see things that others can’t? Things that are going to happen or happen somewhere else, but they have visions of those things?”

“You mean like fortune tellers?” He asked distractedly. She could see his mind really wasn’t with here with her this morning.

“Well yes and no. I mean like psychics or just ordinary people who have visions or dream things that are real.”

He gave her a curious look. “Pet, what are you trying to say? What is all this talk of seeing things and visions?”

She swallowed hard. “I…I’m a bruh…buh…” She looked into those brown eyes and it just wasn’t going to happen. “Believer.” She sputtered out.

He smiled. “Believer in what?”

“Visions and dreams. I have them sometimes.” There. That was better.

“And what have you been dreaming?” He thought she was being rather amusing now and he stopped walking and looked at her.

There wasn’t any comfortable way to say it so she just said it. “Jim is still alive. You need to look for him. He speaks to me. He wants you to look for him!”

He raised his hand up to stop her. “Pet. NO! Jim is buried on that mountain. In fact they’re going to exhume the bodies today and bring them back either tonight or early tomorrow.”

“But Artemus…” That will be too late, she thought.

He stopped her again. “Pet, I’m sorry. I must have talked about him so much that now he’s stuck in your mind too. The dreams aren’t real Pet. But maybe I made him so real to you that you’re starting to miss him too. You never even got a chance to meet him.” His face turned sad and serious. “There’s something I wanted to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“I need you to…would you accompany me to the funeral? I really don’t want to go alone. You could say good bye to him too. The dreams would stop. He’ll be at rest then. We can both let him go.”

She couldn’t believe it, but she thought her eyes were starting to tear up. “I…I…Of course I’ll go with you. I’d be honored.”

He picked her hand up and kissed it sweetly while gazing into her eyes, his own rimmed with tears. “Thank you,” he whispered.

She raised an eyebrow. Oh good grief! Now what am I going to do? She thought.

w------w------w-----w-----w

They continued along the board walk until they came to a tobacco shop. Artemus stopped for a moment and seemed undecided. Pet coaxed him. “Is there something you need to pick up here?”

“Well if you don’t mind Pet, I’d only be a few moments.” He wanted to send President Grant some of his favorite cigars and pick something up for Jeremy as well. He felt badly about his behavior in Jeremy’s room that first night back. He wanted to thank Jeremy for his support and understanding.

“Of course dear. Go ahead, I’ll just sit on this lovely bench and take in the morning sun! Take your time, I’m quite content to wait.” She smiled lovingly at him.

“Thank you my love! I won’t be long.” Artemus headed into the shop.

She sat watching the passers by. Nothing was more fascinating than watching mortals engaging in the day to day business of life. Now there’s an interesting pair walking down the street, she thought as she watched the two men clamber up onto the boardwalk and head her way.

The tall slender one with shinning jet black hair flowing out from under his hat was an Indian, maybe Piute she guessed. His companion, shorter and stouter looking, with hat pushed back, revealed a rounder jolly face. They were quite a contrast. The Piute was a somber, serious looking sort. He walked quietly, not saying a word. While his companion jabbered non-stop. Their dress was typical of men who inhabited the far reaches of civilization. Their obvious friendship seemed as well worn and comfortable as their clothing. But the one detail that did not fit and actually caused her to stare rather rudely was the shorter one’s choice of boots. She’d seen those boots before, but never these two men. She suddenly glanced up at their faces again as they passed by. The shorter one nodded his head, smiling and tipped his hat but the tall one stumbled and stared back with questioning eyes that bordered on shock. Pet dropped her eyes immediately but still carefully observed them in her peripheral vision, as they moved down along the walk. She hadn’t met one of “them” in a long, long time. She wondered how long it would take him to turn around and come back. With a look of chagrin she playfully began to count. One….two….three…four….

Red Joe and Burke headed down the sidewalk toward the saloon. They’d get a bite to eat for breakfast and Burke could get a morning drink as was his want when they were in town. Passing by the tobacco shop, the lady seated there watched their progress. Her eyes traveled down to the silver tipped boots, and she starred openly.

They passed her, but Red Joe hesitated, stopped unsteadily and turned back to her momentarily. “Come on Red Joe!” Burke grabbed his arm. “I got a powerful thirst this morning. You can eyeball the fancy ladies later.” Red Joe continued to walk with Burke, but when they reached the saloon he declined to go in.

“Burke. I need to do something. I will join you in a while.”

“Suit yourself.” Burke pushed through the door of the saloon.

Red Joe began a slow walk back, the memories of his childhood now accompanied him. His grand mothers voice, in the low firelight of the old evenings, visited his mind. She had spent hours telling him stories of his people. She told of gifted medicine men and those who could see into the spirit world without the use of the sacred medicine plants. She spoke of spirits who walked among the living children of the earth. He had heard others speak of such beings but had never seen one himself. She had told him many times that he too had this special gift. But until this moment he had only believed this to be the rambling dreams of a doting grandmother.

He carefully approached the woman seated on the bench. She lifted her heard and slowly turned her icy blue eyes to him. In that moment his skin prickled from his head to his feet and his blood ran cold as the distant mountain streams.

She smiled. “Hello Red Joe,” she whispered.

w------w------w-----w----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 19

Burke allowed the saloon doors to swing shut behind him and then he made his way to a comfortable spot at the bar. “Whiskey.” He ordered. The barkeeper neatly poured a drink for him. Hoisting the short glass to his lips, the two month old anticipation made his mouth water. He pulled the husky amber liquid in, savoring its welcoming heat filled bite. In that same moment the ice cold metal of a pistol barrel pressed firmly into his temple. Burke swallowed. The fire water burned all the way down to his soul.

“Nice boots.” The voice behind the pistol stated.

Burke swallowed again, but this time no whiskey made the journey. He carefully and slowly turned his head, the gun barrel moving with him. He surveyed the gun’s owner from head to floor, stopping to stare. Surprisingly there were now four silver toed boots on the barroom floor. He carefully raised his eyes again and smiling nervously, he spoke to the well dressed stranger. “Seems we have the same taste in boots.”

“My twin brother and I had the same taste in boots,” came the answer. “Maybe you can tell me where he is.”

Burke was a medium built man in his thirties, with dirty blonde hair that threatened to go gray early. In fact he was sure he could feel it going white now. He weighed his options and available prevarications. Making his choices carefully, he spoke. “That poor soul! God rest him! Was he your brother? I come across him, dead and stiff as a board, up on the mountain, inside a blowed up train. Him and another fella. I did him the only kindness I could. I buried him up there by the train, so’s the wolves wouldn’t feed on his bones. I reckoned at the time he’d be grateful enough to want me to have these here fancy boots.”

Burke watched Hayden’s eyes narrow with doubt. He continued. “Figured it’d be a shame to waste em. I give him mine in trade. But I can see how him being your twin brother n’ all would cause a mighty powerful brotherly bond. Maybe you’d just like these boots back as a remembrance and…I’d sure be happy to give em to you.”

Marcus Hayden motioned to his nearby men. Two rose up from one of the tables and joined them. “Take care of him.” Hayden ordered. “And bring me the boots.”

“Hey…now wait a minute, there’s no cause to….” The sharp pain of a gun in his ribs silenced Burke.

“Move!” One of the two men ordered. “Out the back way…”

w-----w------w------w-----w

Red Joe’s mouth had gone dry by the time he reached her. He forced the words out. “Why do you walk among us? Why do you come here?”

Pet had watched his approach, gently touching his mind…and in that moment she knew. She knew the truth of what had happened.

“Does your friend ‘see’ as well?” She asked.

“No.” Red Joe answered her. “Burke walks as a blind man in the world. Why do you appear to me…do you want something of me?” He questioned her boldly.

“Yes.” She answered simply. Pet’s mind was like a great loom, always weaving the yarns of discovery among the colors of possibility. “I have chosen you Red Joe. You will carry a message for me.”

Red Joe felt his heart jolt unexpectedly. He wasn’t sure if he should be very, very afraid or very, very honored. “What is it you ask of me Spirit?”

Pet raised an eyebrow. You will take a message to a man named Jeremy Pike. You will find this man on a private train parked on a siding at the edge of town. You will go to him immediately.”

“What am I to tell him?” Red Joe was growing a little concerned.

Her lips pulled back in amusement. “Why…the truth! You are going to tell him exactly what happened on the mountain. Why you were there, what you did and what you saw. BUT you WILL leave out one small detail.”

“What is that?” He asked.

She stood up now leaning close to him. The look in her eyes frightened him. “Do not betray me in this Red Joe. You will tell him everything except the details regarding how you switched the body of the man you found on the mountainside with the one from the train.”

“The man from the mountainside died by the time we reached the wreckage. The one inside still lived. But…I do not know if he survived. Why do you ask this?” Red Joe inquired.

“That doesn’t matter. I have my reasons. What matters is that you let Mr. Pike believe it was the man from the mountainside.”

“I will do as you ask Spirit.” He lowered his head in her presence.

“See to it that you do or I will find you and ….” She let him imagine the consequences.

She returned to her seat. She smiled up him again and in a playful voice said. “Go then, but before you do…go and find your friend. It seems he’s developed a bad habit of annoying killers.” She then leaned back and opened her parasol, blocking the sun and any remaining view of her messenger.

A moment later Artemus stepped out of the shop. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”

“Not at all.” Pet answered happily. “I was just amusing myself, watching the passers by.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Red Joe’s heart was pounding hard. The spirit woman eyes had put a deep fear into him. Best to do as she said and leave this place, never to return. He ran down the walk to the Saloon. Just as he was passing the alleyway next to it, movement caught his eye. He looked down the alley. There was Burke, walking with hands bound behind him, in his stocking feet at gun point toward the further end of the buildings. Red Joe shook his head and crept after them, staying hidden as he moved.

“I’ll go get the horses.” The one gunman said. “We’ll take him out of town where they won’t find him for a while. You wait here till I come back.”

“Alright, hurry up.” The other answered.

The man headed back down the alley to the street. As he passed a large pile of crates, he didn’t notice the hidden figure waiting there. In less than a breath, the man simply and silently disappeared.

Burke hopped from one foot to the other on the cold ground. “Now you boys don’t really want to do this…” He complained. “I ain’t nothing but a trapper, I kin just disappear back into the mountains. There’s nobody here for me to say a word to about it. He won’t know… It’s not like I killed his brother myself!”

“Shut your face! And quit all that jumping around or I’ll do you right here!” The man lifted his pistol up and cocked the hammer.

Burke’s eyes grew large but it wasn’t so much the gun that caused it. More likely it was the bowie knife slashing through the gunman’s throat that made his eyes bug. The man fell in a bloody heap at Red Joe’s feet. “I can’t leave you alone for five minutes, can I?” He spoke dryly to Burke.

“Dang it Red Joe!” Why does everybody want to shoot me?”

“I told you those boots were evil. Where are they?”

“They took em. They got a mean tempered boss man that said they were his twin brothers. Red Joe, we got to git outa here NOW! There’s another one coming back.”

“He’s not coming back.” Red Joe stated flatly. “We have to deliver a message. The spirits have commanded me to do this.” Red Joe cut the binding on Burkes hands before he cleaned his knife off.

Burke scrunched his face and looked at Red Joe. “You and them spirits git a little crazier every day, you know that? I’m surprised you ain’t down there on your knee hootin’ to em and hacking off his scalp.”

Red Joe looked down at the fallen man and back at Burke. “You told me I couldn’t do that anymore…it’s uncivilized.”

w-----w------w------w-----w

Jim sat quietly with Jeremy as he waited for Artemus to return. It was not a good morning. He tried not to exert him anymore then he had to now. The fading spells were more frequent and his weakening state of existence was all too clearly indicative that the end was near. He carefully observed Jeremy’s work, hoping for some clue that would lead him home, back to himself.

Jeremy Pike busied himself at the telegraph while Artemus was still out walking with his lady friend. He spent the time sending inquiries and receiving answers in an attempt to verify pieces of information he received from scattered sources.

He sat mumbling to himself and compiling the information for their meeting with Richmond. More than likely, it was Marcus Hayden behind all of this. He was probably the one who attacked Artemus. But where was Mathias Hayden? Was he the mystery man buried on the mountain?

James grew impatient. Finally, he could sit and wait no more. He left to go find Pet.

w-----w------w------w-----w

Artemus walked Pet to her hotel door. “I’ve really enjoyed our walk this morning. I think I may have needed it more than you know.” He said to her. “The only time I seem to relax at all the last few days is when I’m with you.” He leaned down and kissed her lightly. “Dinner again tonight?”

She beamed. “I’d love that Artemus! Where are you headed now? Back to the train to meet Jeremy?”

“Yes. I’ll see you later.” He winked at her and left her warming in the memory of his wonderful smile.

w-----w------w-----w-----w

“So what did he say? Did he believe you? Is he going to the grave site to verify I‘m not there?” Jim was starting to enjoy making her jump at his sudden interruptions in her stalking of Artemus.

“Uhmmm…not exactly.” She quickly stuttered, and blushed too! Damn this corporeal body!

“You did tell him?”

“Yes I told him. I told him you were still alive and that you needed him to look for you.”

“How did he react? What did he say?” Jim impatiently asked.

“He invited me to your funeral. He thinks I need closure.”

“He didn’t believe a word you said.”

“In a word…NO.”

“Pet, did you really try or are you lying? All I wanted, was for you to tell him the truth.”

“How dare you!! That’s it James! I’m done with you. You have insulted me for the last time!”

He suddenly swayed and faded again. He reached up to his head with his hands. His face contorted in concentration.

She was mad. There would be no sympathy this time. “You know you don’t have much time left. Look at yourself! Why don’t you just give in to it and go.”

“And leave Artie to you? Not a chance!”

She furrowed her brow. In spite of it all, it still bothered her that he couldn’t understand how much she cared for Artemus. “Why not? You know I’d take good care of him.”

“You want him DEAD!”

“Mmmph! That’s beside the point!”

“Stay away from him!”

“Or what?! You’ll make me?! Hah! You couldn’t keep a fly away from him right now!”

“I’ll find a way. I swear I will.”

She regarded him quietly for a moment. “You really are loyal to him aren’t you?” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “Would it kill you to tell him how much his friendship means to you once in a while?”

He just gave her a stony look and said nothing. A knocking at the hotel room door interrupted them. Pet answered it. A man in a gray shirt jacket stood holding a large bouquet of fresh flowers. “He held a card out in front of him and read from it. “Delivery for a Miss Martyna Petirrojo, room number three.”

“I am she!” Pet exclaimed excitedly, her eyes grew wide at the sight of the flowers.

“Where would you like them?” Hayden’s hired man inquired with a smooth smile.

“Right here.” She pointed to the small drum table. “Ooooh! How lovely they are! Thank you!” She picked up her bag and tipped him.

The man smiled and bowed. “Thank you. You have a lovely day ma’am.”

She closed the door and went to retrieve the card. “ To the Loveliest Flower of Them All. Love, Artemus.”

“Oh that darling man!” She exclaimed as she picked up the vase and repositioned it in the center of the table.

Jim eyed the card. “That isn’t Artie’s writing.” He told her.

“Well, he probably told the flower shop what to put on the card.” She answered.

“That’s not Artie’s style. He writes his own notes.” Jim said.

She buried her face in the flowers, taking in their scent. “Mmmmm…just let me add some water before we start arguing again James,” she snipped. She picked up the water pitcher and before she attempted to add any she reached two fingers into the vase to check the existing water level. The vase was bone dry. “That’s odd.” She said putting the pitcher back down. “It’s so heavy, I was certain there was water in it. She carefully pulled the bouquet out and peeked in. “Well! Of all the underhanded…!” She indignantly reached in and retrieved the object from the bottom.

“Pet! That’s a bomb!!”

She calmly turned her face to him. “I know James.” Then she blinked and it was gone.

KA-BOOOOM!!!!

They both hurried to the window overlooking the street.

Jim pulled back from the window, face twisted in disbelief and looked at Pet like he’d never seen her before. “You blew him up!! I thought you didn’t interfere in the natural chain of events!”

“That horrid man had every intention of blasting me and my lovely room to bits!! Really James! I believe that negates all the rules!”

“Where is Artie now?” Jim asked her.

“He went to the train to meet Jeremy. They have an appointment with Colonel Richmond.”

“Do your witch trick and tell me exactly where he is so we can catch up with him.”

“Why are we going to do that?” She was curious.

“Because…you’re going to convince him this time to go and look for me” He gave her a look of no nonsense.

“I already tried…he won’t go.”

“Then use your feminine wiles.”

“And just what do you mean by that?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Well…you’re supposed to be a woman aren’t you? Make him feel guilty.” He took her by the arm. “Come on…let’s go.”

Just as they were about to pass through the door, it was smashed open violently. Two men with guns rushed in. They looked around in consternation .

“Where’d she go? I know she didn’t leave this room.” The one growled.

Pet looked in dismay at the door. “Now what did they do that for? They could have just knocked. James? What do you suppose they want with me now?”

Jim looked at the men, worry shadowing his face. “Whatever it is, it‘s not good. We’d better find Artie NOW.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 20


Artemus decided to walk to the train siding. It would take longer but he needed the time to think. That was exactly what he hadn’t been doing a lot of. He’d allowed Pet to fill his thoughts as much as possible, so he wouldn’t have to think about…Jim. He looked at the distant mountain again. He still had a hard time reconciling his feelings about leaving him behind like that. Guilt. He was certain he’d drag that around with him to the end of his days. With Jim gone he wasn’t even sure about his own future. The job would certainly never be the same. No doubt they’d assign him a new partner. But he doubted he’d continue with the train. That whole business had been set up for James West to begin with and even though it was home for both of them, it too, would never be the same again.

He sighed. There was still the funeral to arrange. Bringing Jim’s body back for Military honors…it would be their last trip on the train together. He was just now passing by the Saloon. He didn’t care if it was still morning. He needed a little something to sooth his troubled mind. He suddenly turned and pushed through the doors.

w-----w------w-----w-----w

Jeremy compiled all the data for their meeting with Colonel Richmond. Every indication said it was Marcus Hayden behind the assassination attempt. Witness accounts said he was the one hit hardest by the death of his family. Efforts to locate him in his hometown had been fruitless. Friends who were questioned hadn’t seen him in weeks. A cousin had stated that he believed Marcus had gone for an extended visit with his brother Mathias in Nevada, on his ranch near Washoe City.

Jeremy pulled out his watch. Artemus was running late. Maybe he should go look for him. Jeremy smiled. Nothing like a pretty lady could make a man lose track of time.

Just as he laid his pencil down, there was a knocking at the door. Jeremy grabbed his gun and made his way quickly to the end of the varnish car. He could see two shadows on the other side of the frosted glass. And…if he wasn’t mistaken, they were bickering. He opened the door just as one of them finished his sentence. “…and I don’t like this Red Joe, not one bit!!”

“Uhh…can I help you gentleman?” Jeremy interrupted them.

The two men immediately halted. After a silent moment Red Joe spoke. “I have come with a message for Jeremy Pike.”

“I’m Jeremy Pike. What is it you have to tell me?” He looked at the two curiously.

“First off, Mr. Pike, you have got to give yer word we don’t have to stay around after he tells you. We got business elsewhere and we aim to leave right fast.” Burke spoke nervously.

Jeremy looked down at the mans feet. He was in his stockings. “So fast you couldn’t stop to put your boots on? Somebody after you boys?”

Burke swallowed hard. “You might say that.” He agreed.

“We were on the mountain when the explosion took the train.” Red Joe stated.

Jeremy’s eyes grew large with surprise. “Why don’t you gents come in out of the cold for a few minutes and we’ll talk.”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Artemus walked across the barroom floor to the bar. “A whiskey please.” He leaned in against the bar on his elbows and rubbed his stressed face. He threw a coin on the surface in front of him as the barkeeper brought his glass. He had just wrapped his fingers around his glass when he felt the gun in his ribs. “You just ease away from the bar friend and come quietly with me.”

“And if I don’t?” He had not yet let go of the glass.

The voice whispered close to his ear now. “Let’s just say your pretty lady friend is going to have a real bad day if you don’t.”

Artemus stiffened. “Let her go Hayden. It’s me you want.”

“That little witch managed to get one of my men killed. I have a bone to pick with her too.”

“Where is she?” Artemus pleaded.

“Never mind. She’ll be joining us soon enough.”

“Artemus backed away slowly and allowed himself to be directed to the back of the saloon where they exited into the alley. Hayden took Artie’s gun and tossed it into a pile of rubbish. “Just keep moving,” he ordered.

They walked about twenty feet when they saw the body of one of Hayden’s other men, which Red Joe had left behind the crates earlier. “What the…”

Artemus instantly took advantage of the distraction and whirling about, he knocked the gun from Hayden’s hand and punched him in the ribs. Hayden went back against the crates crashing into the pile. He picked up a large chunk of wood and threw it at Artie. Artie ducked and Hayden hurled himself onto him pummeling him with his fists.

Artie brought his knees up under Hayden and pushed up, then kicked the man backwards. Hayden landed hard but close enough to his fallen gun that he was able to grab it and fire at Artemus. Artie dived for the wall and then zigzagged back along the alley to the rubbish pile. Hayden’s shots tore chunks out the wall in close proximity as he scrambled. He found his gun and returned fire.

Hayden made a mad dash for the end of the alley and disappeared around the corner of the building. Driven by fury now, Artemus ran after him. He had no intention of letting Jim’s murderer to get away this time.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Jeremy locked the varnish car door as the three of them exited. “Gents I can’t thank you enough for the information.” He reached inside his coat pocket, pulling out his wallet. Handing several bills to Burke he smiled and said, “Why don’t you get yourself some new boots on me?” Tipping his hat, he bid them good day and quickly mounted his waiting horse.

He had to find Artemus as soon as possible.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Jim and Pet found themselves on the sidewalk outside the tobacco shop. Jim looked inside and around on the street. “I don’t see him. Where is he?”

Pet smiled. “Oh he’s around somewhere. Isn’t it a glorious day! Just feel the sun and that brisk air! Oh….I’m sorry James. You can’t feel anything, can you?”

“Stop playing games Pet! Where is he?” Jim demanded. It was then that he heard the gunshots from way down the street.

Pet’s eyes glittered. “I told you he was around.”

Jim gave her a cold glare, then turned and ran toward the sounds.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Jeremy rode hard up the street as he headed back toward Pet’s hotel. He kept an eye out along the walkways too, just in case.

He reined his horse in as pedestrian traffic increased on the street. As the horse snorted and slowed, he heard the gun shots coming from near the Saloon.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

Hayden ran down another alley. His destination was an old warehouse complex back off the main streets. He and his men had been using them. He knew Gordon was following and he intended to lead the agent into a place that would give himself the winning advantage. Just to make sure, he backtracked long enough to take another shot at the pursuing agent.

Artemus ducked as the bullet tore into the wall near his head. Gritting his teeth he popped back out from the wall and aimed. But Hayden had disappeared again. He ran carefully along the wall to the next corner.

Artemus surveyed the large surrounding buildings. He could not see or hear any sign of Hayden. He looked down at the dust. Tracks. They led to the open door of an old warehouse. He looked up and around at the rooflines checking carefully before he ran across the small clearing to the opening.

Jim followed the sounds and soon enough he saw Artie disappear around the next corner. He hurried to join him and then shadowed his every move.

Artemus leaned up against the wall next to the open door. “Watch yourself Artie.” Jim said. Artie drew in a deep breath and dived in through the door, pointing the gun quickly and methodically around him, searching. He let his eyes adjust to the low light which streamed in from the cracks between the boards and a few small overhead windows.

He carefully and quietly made his way deeper into the building, listening, watching. The wood post next to his head exploded in splinters, as bullets slammed into it. A large chunk struck his face slicing deep. Artie dived behind some feed bags and emptied his gun in return. “Hayden!” He yelled out. “Give it up! We know who you are. We know why you tried to kill President Grant. There’ll be no place you can hide now. Give yourself up!”

“That bloodthirsty murderer killed my entire family!!” Hayden’s voice returned from the darkness.

“It was war Hayden. A lot of terrible things happened in that war. A lot of good people died and all we can do is grieve for them and move on! Let it rest Hayden.” Artemus tried to reason with him.

“And YOU! You killed my brother! And now I’m going to kill you!” Hayden snarled in a hate filled voice.

More bullets tore into the feed bags and the wood above Arties head. Artie leaned back closing his eyes for a second while he drew in a deep breath. “And you killed mine.” He whispered painfully. Artie reloaded his pistol, talking to himself as he did so. “I’m so sorry Jim. I shouldn’t have left you there.”

Jim looked at him sadly. “It’s going to be alright Artie.” He reached out and patted his friend’s shoulder. “But you’re going to have pay close attention pal, before we end up with a double funeral. I just can‘t help you right now.”

Artemus pushed the loaded barrel back in place. He readied himself, made his best calculation as to Hayden’s hiding place, aimed, fired and ran. He dropped down out of sight behind some wooden boxes. Hayden had not returned fire. Artie cautiously peeked out. He heard a door open and close at the far end of the darkened wall. And there on the floor he saw a hat lying in the dust with what appeared to be a piece of paper tucked in the band. He stuck his head out further listening, watching.

“Artie…don’t. It could be a trap.” Jim cautioned his partner.

Artemus carefully pulled himself around, gun at the ready and slowly stood up. He looked around cautiously and moved silently. He strained to hear anything. But there was no sound. He approached the hat. He continued to look around but there was nothing. He holstered his gun.

Jim was certain it was a trap. He searched upward in the darkness. Then he saw him. Up above in the rafters, silent, steady, aiming his gun at Artemus. “Artie NO! Above you!” Hayden must have used the door to make it sound like he exited and then quietly climbed up there.

Jim could now hear delighted laughter behind him. He knew she was there. He knew this was Pet wanted all along.

Artie hesitated, changed his mind and straightened back up. He felt them, the eyes above. As fast as Artemus Gordon was on the draw, he had never been as fast as Jim West.

“Artie look out!!” Jim grabbed for Artie’s gun. In that instant, in that split second…their hands became one and the gun flashed upward, true and deadly in its aim. The gunshot shattered the silence of the warehouse and Marcus Hayden fell heavily to the floor, dust hovering over him like a departing spirit.

Artemus stood stricken and shocked. His gun fell from his hand and he shook it as it if it were crawling with unseen things. He flexed his hand, opening and closing the fingers, shaking it again. He couldn’t take his eyes off his own hand.

“Artemus!!” A voice called. “Are you alright?” Jeremy Pike entered the warehouse and came running up to him now. He watched Artie shake his hand, while staring at it as if it didn’t belong to him. “Artemus? Is your hand hurt?”

Artie looked at him so strangely. “I…don’t know…it…it was like it wasn’t my hand that drew the gun.”

“Huh? Are you alright? What are you talking about?” Jeremy had been little concerned about Artemus’ frame of mind anyway these past few days.

“Jeremy…I swear…for a minute there…I thought it was Jim’s hand.” Jeremy’s eyes took on a sad, pitying look.

Jeremy picked up the gun and tried to hand it back to Artie, but the man was reticent to touch it. Jeremy slid the gun back in Artie’s holster and took him by the arm leading him back out of the warehouse. “Let’s get you out of here, you‘ve been through a lot lately.” He was still a little worried that Artie continued to stare at his hand like it was some strange unknown thing.

Jim looked at Artie, chagrined. “I’m sorry pal. I didn’t mean to shake you up like that.”

“And just what the devil did you DO?” Pet stormed at him. “HOW did you do that?”

“Jim smiled at her. “I don’t know. I just needed to and I did!”

“I told you! We’re not supposed to interfere!!” She yelled at him.

Jim was feeling pretty pleased with himself right now. He picked up her hand and kissed it, green eyes shining. “Pet my pretty, those are your rules. Not mine!”

“Ick! Keep your lips off of me! This is all your fault! He should have died!”

Jim turned and followed Jeremy and Artie outside, speaking as he went. “Not today sweetheart. Not today!”

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Chapter 21

“Are you going to be alright? Jeremy asked again. “Because we still need to check something else out.”

“What’s that Jeremy?” They stepped outside in single file now. Artemus ran his hands through his hair and gingerly touched the cut on his face.

“We may have a survivor from Hayden’s group that attacked the train. Two trappers who were up there near the scene at the time came to see me. They were the ones who buried the bodies.”

“There was a survivor?” Artemus’ tired eyes looked at Jeremy’s face, not daring to hope.

“Apparently they found one of the ambushers on the mountainside and brought him back with them. They didn’t know if he survived. He was pretty badly hurt they said. They left him with an old retired doctor just outside of town. A Doctor Joseph Perrin. We should go pay him a visit.”

Jim turned to Pet. “It’s me isn’t it? They brought me back with them!” He gave her a strange questioning look. “Why would they tell Jeremy I was one of the ambushers?”

Pet looked away from him. “I suppose they got confused.”

His eyes narrowed. “You knew! How long have you known?”

She gave him a bored look. “Since this morning, when I met one of the trappers.”

“You made him tell Jeremy didn’t you? But you made him change the story, why?”

“Not change it.” She answered. “Just leave out some details. Why? Because I knew if they suspected it was you, they’d go to you instead. Artemus would have never have left your side to hunt down Hayden. Jeremy Pike would have organized local law enforcement and handled it. I shouldn’t have bothered. Hayden decided to come after Artemus and it all would have worked out, except for you! You interfered!”

“You tried to orchestrate his death at Hayden’s hands!! What do you call that?!”

“Orchestrate it?! I did no such thing! He would have gone after Hayden anyway if you’d just have died like you supposed to!”

The two stood toe to toe glaring at each other. “Stay away from him.” Jim growled.

“No!”

They stared defiantly at each other for a long moment, then gave up and silently followed Jeremy and Artemus along the alleyways to the street.

w-----w-----w------w-----w

Jeremy slapped the reins, and the horses pulling the buckboard picked up speed. Two cavalrymen rode their horses behind. “If he’s still alive and can’t be moved, we’ll leave him under guard until he can be.” Jeremy said to Artemus. “Your hand feeling better now?”

Artemus stared back down at it. “Yeah. It’s fine now Jeremy.” The memory of that moment still gave him a chill.

James and Pet rode along in the back. “I suppose you’ll be happy to get back where you belong.” She remarked to him. She thought he looked terrible now, barely a shadow of what he’d been. The strain of the past few hours had all but finished him.

He nodded at her, saying nothing. He was hanging on, barely.

For a moment, she almost thought she’d miss him. Some of it had been fun, having someone to talk to, argue with, without having to pretend she was something she wasn’t. Best of all, he was Artemus’ friend and she now understood that friendship was much more than it appeared. She found him staring at her again like she was some kind of plague.

She rolled her eyes. “Alright!” She said. “I give you my absolute and honest word that I won’t do anything that will cause him to get killed! Better?”

A slight smile tugged at his lips. “Better.”

The buckboard turned down a drive lined with trees, their leaves long gone with winter sleep. They stopped at the house and Jeremy and Artemus jumped down. They walked up on the porch. Artemus knocked on the door. The two cavalrymen waited with the horses.

An older woman answered it. “Yes? May I help you?”

“We’re looking for a Doctor Perrin. Is he in?” Artemus inquired.

“Doctor Perrin is retired. If you need a doctor, you should go on into town.” She answered curtly.

“Actually ma’am, we’re Federal Marshalls and we’re looking for a man who may have been brought here about five days ago, by two trappers.” Jeremy told her as he displayed his badge.

“Who is it Beth?” A voice behind her called.

She called back. “It’s the law Joseph. They’re looking for that young man you’ve been taking care of.”

An older man appeared and took her place. “Come in gentlemen. How can we help you?”

“You have an injured man here who was brought to you for medical treatment?” Artemus asked.

“Why yes. He’s in bad shape though. Don’t know that I expect him to live. Took a bullet in the side and one to the head. Been in a coma the whole time. I’d say his chances are slim.”

“Where is he?” Jeremy asked.

“In that room there.” The doctor pointed to a door.

Jeremy looked at Artemus. “Why don’t you take the doctor’s statement and I’ll go have a look at our man.”

Artemus nodded and turned his attention to Doctor Perrin.

Jeremy opened the door and stepped inside the dimly lit room. The man lying on the bed did indeed look bad. His head was wrapped in bandages, the left side of his face swollen and badly bruised. Jeremy stepped closer and turned up the lamp. His jaw dropped.

“Artie!!” Jeremy burst back out the door. “Get in here now!”

“What? What is it” He hurried into the room with Jeremy.

Artemus stopped dead in his tracks with shock. “JIM!” He rushed to the bedside.

Doctor Perrin followed. “You boys know this man? Like I said, he’s in bad shape. He‘d lost a lot of blood by the time those two men got him this far. And his head, well, the bullet didn‘t enter the brain cavity but it cracked his skull pretty good. No telling how much damage it really did.”

Jeremy spoke up. “His name is James West. He’s one of our agents. We thought we’d lost him.”

Artemus swallowed hard. “Jim?” He leaned in close, touching his partner’s arm and taking in the appalling but welcome sight.

Pet and Jim stood at the edge of the scene. “Well, here you are. It’s time to go home.” She said to him.

He looked into her eyes. “Pet. I want to thank you, in spite of everything. It’s been very…interesting.” He leaned in and kissed her lightly, smiling.

“Ugh! I hope you don’t think that did anything for me!” She tried to look disgusted, but she still smiled.

“No. But it did something for me,” Jim said.

She raised a questioning eyebrow.

“It put a seal on a decision I’ve come to.”

“What’s that?” She asked.

“If anything ever does happen to Artie, at least I know he’ll be well looked after. That means a lot to me.”

Her eyes started to tear up and she smiled back happily at him. “You’d better go. They’re waiting for you.”

Still smiling at her, he stepped back away from her, fading from her sight as he went.

Jeremy and Artie stood on either side of the bed, looking down at their friend. “Are you sure there’s nothing more we can do for him? Maybe if we got him to the hospital…” Jeremy said hopefully.

“You move him, you’ll kill him in his weakened state.” The doctor answered. “I seriously don’t know how he’s survived this long like that. Although he was obviously in excellent physical condition before it happened.”

“Suddenly, inexplicably, Jim gasped loudly for air, coming up like a drowning man from the depths of water. He arched his back, then pulled up his head, panting. “Auuughh! My head” His left hand instinctively went to the bandages and he collapsed back on the pillow.

“Jim?! Jim…it’s me…Artie.” He tried to hold his friend from anymore movement.

Jim relaxed back on the pillow, struggling to focus his eyes. “Arh…Artie?” He whispered. “Cah…can you see me?”

Artemus smiled at him in relief. “Yeah, I can see you just fine Jim. You look like hell!”
Jeremy leaned in. “I’ll second that Jim, but you’re still a sight for sore eyes! Welcome back!!

“Well I’ll be…“ Doctor Perrin interrupted them. “Mr. West? I’m Doctor Perrin. How do you feel son?” He checked Jims eyes and felt his pulse.

“Everything hurts Doc. It’s feels wonderful.” He smiled at them all and closed his eyes to rest.

Artemus and Jeremy just looked at each other and shook their heads. Jeremy spoke. “He’s got more lives than a cat you know.”

“He strays worse too.” Artie quipped happily.

Pet looked over at Jim one last time. “And don’t come back!” She said, then still smiling, she vanished.

w-----w-----w-----w-----w

[Paradox Eyes]

Epilogue

ONE WEEK LATER.

He made his way carefully along the narrow hall to the parlor area of the varnish car. Artie was standing there buttoning his shirt. His vest and evening coat lay over the chair. He turned and saw Jim swaying in the doorway with a book under his arm.

“Hey! Just what are you doing wandering around?” He hurried over to take Jim’s arm. “You know the only reason the doctor let you come back here is because you promised to stay flat on your back for another week. Are you trying to get us both in trouble?”

“Artie. I can’t stay in that room anymore. I need a change of scenery. I promise I’ll just lie on the sofa and read a little.” Jim looked at Artie’s formal wear. “You going out with Pet again?”

“Don’t change the subject James! You promised you’d be there when I sent help back to the train wreckage too. Remember? Look at this!” He pointed to his temple. “You’re turning my hair grey!!”

Jim squinted at him. “That’s talcum powder Artie.”

“Oh.” Artie quickly brushed it away, then helped Jim over to the sofa. “Now sit down before you fall down.”

Jim looked up at him with a smirk.

“And yes, I’m going out with Pet again.”

“Artie, you’re not getting serious about her are you?”

“What kind of question is that? I haven’t known her that long. Why?”

“I just don’t think she’s the girl for you Artie.”

He looked at Jim in concern. “You feel OK? You’re awfully pale again. Maybe I should stay here with you, huh? I don‘t want to come back and find you in a heap on the floor. Pet would understand.”

“No Artie! And stop fussing over me like some wet nurse. I’m fine. I’m just going to relax out here, read a little poetry and nap. Alright?”

Artie just gave him a perturbed look and continued dressing.

“Artie?” Something in Jim’s tone made him stop and turn back toward him.

“What is it Jim?”

“Do you remember when we were in Crow Flats last summer?”

Artemus pulled on his ivory silk vest and buttoned it. “Sure Jim. Why do you ask?”

“Do you remember much about what happened up in Lone Tree Pass?”

“No…can’t say I do. I was pretty sick with fever. I recall you telling me that those two old coots took me up there. And then I carried on about brujas or witches taking care of me when you brought me back. Why??”

“It’s just that…” He chose his words carefully. “I’ve had similar…uh…dreams.”

Artie grinned. “You dreamed you were taken care of by witches?” He finished adjusting his silk bow tie.

“Just one.”

Artie started laughing. “I hope she was pretty!”

“It’s not funny Artie, it was disturbing.”

“Awww…come on Jim! Lighten up. That bullet to your skull did a number on you, that’s all. Between that and the pain medication I’m just thankful that’s all you‘re imagining. And while we’re on the subject of a cracked skull…WHAT in heavens name are you reading?” He snatched the book out of Jim’s hands. “The DOMESTICATION AND HUSBANDRY OF THE AFRICAN WARTHOG??! Making retirement plans James?”

Jim stared wide eyed at the altered book and snatched it back. He sighed. “I uh…it’s a joke. It was given to me by an old friend as a joke. I must have picked it up by mistake.”

Artie pulled his jacket on. “Well…enjoy your ‘poetry’ Jim. I’ll be back early. You REST!!” He jabbed a pointed finger in Jim’s direction.

“Don’t worry about me, stay out as long as you like. See you later Artie.” He watched Artie walk toward the door. “Oh…and Artie?”

Artie turned back around. “Yeah?”

“Thanks for everything. You’re really a good friend!”

Artie beamed at him and waved. Then he left for his date.

Jim waited till the door closed, then he scanned the space around him.

“VERY FUNNY Pet!!” He poked the book in the air. He looked at it again. It had now changed into a red leather bound volume. He took hold of the ribbon marker and flipped it open and read the only printed page in the book.


When asked “What is a friend?” Aristotle said “One soul inhabiting two bodies.”

“My best friend is the man who in wishing me well wishes it for my sake.”

“A friend is a second self.”

“In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. The young they keep out of mischief; to the old they are a comfort and aid in their weakness, and those in the prime of life they incite to noble deeds.”


Jim looked up from the book. “Now see…“he said to the empty space around him. “You CAN be nice once in a while!”

A shaft of late afternoon sunlight burst through the window and shimmered on the carpet. Jim looked down at it and could have sworn he heard laugher emanating from among the sparkling dust particles.

He grinned. “Enjoy your evening Pet!” Then he settled down to enjoy his now once again poetry book and a well earned nap.

The End.

[Paradox Eyes]

Authors Note: A BIG BIG Thank You to Artiespet who Beta read for me and of course who was the inspiration for the character of Pet the Bruja! Thank you very much ma'am!! ;D ;D
~Diane P.