Posted February 8, 2021 / Barnabas Pike / Aftermath...

Pike returned to the jail after helping load the dead animal on a large wagon. The saddle and accouterments went the owner of the wagon, plus two dollars cash. A hefty price to pay for the carcass removal, yet it couldn’t be left in the street.

Fresh dirt had been thrown over the blood stains in the street and the undertaker removed the bodies. Already people were donating to John Olson’s widow. It appeared that everyone who had been inside were unharmed, for that he was grateful. Having John Olson’s death to deal with was enough.

“My good sir! Would you please unlock this door and allow a man to leave?” The shouting voice would be that of perennial drunk, one Dutton Peabody Esquire. Once a prominent attorney, according to him. Currently leading imbiber in Kalispell, and frequent guest of the Marshal’s office. But he had spent the necessary time to sober up, not that one could actually tell the difference.

Pronto walked to the cell block, took the keys from the hook and went to the only closed door. They had locked him in during the excitement. “How’s the head Dutton? Tied on a good’un last night, you did.”

“Well son, if it’s worth doing, by God, it’s worth doing right.” Came the response. As if Pike expected anything less. “You know boy, I was that close to an appointment to the Supreme Court of these United States. Unfortunately the War of the Rebellion interrupted that appointment. Found myself under the command of our current President, Ulysses S. Grant.”

“When’s the last time you ate, Dutton?” Pike asked, ignoring the boast he had heard more than once. “‘Mon out, I’m takin’ ya up tto the Lickskillet and get some solid food in you. Can’t live on that firewater. Much as you believe you can.” Then he half turned and asked, “When’s the last time you saw the Doc, either one of ‘em?”

Dutton Peabody had come to Kalispell in one of the wagons from the disaster, though that did not cause his drinking, it just helped continue it. “I have not seen either in some time, perhaps the winter, I don’t know. And yes, I will accept your invitation to break bread. Only because Missus Blakesly is the kindest, most beautiful, woman in this God forsaken town.”

“Great. Let’s get a move on before her dinner fare runs out!” Pike urged, reluctantly.

Posted February 12, 2021 / Barnabas Pike / Aftermath...

With Dutton Peabody in tow, the jail and office doors locked, Pronto Pike, sworn Deputy of Kalispell Montana escorted his former prisoner up to the Lickskillet Cafe to have dinner after a long day. With Speed out on the trail of the last of the bank robbers he was in charge of the law in town.

It seemed funny to see the town marshal badge laying on the desk, but Speed had no jurisdiction past the town limits. So, he was acting as a concerned citizen in the matter, knowing no one in Kalispell would mind the methods used to bring in the last one.

He opened the door and stepped inside, then led Peabody to a vacant table and sat him down. Then he looked for Emeline but dd not see her, perhaps the ordeal of the robbery was a bit much for her. He did , however see Clara walking toward them.

May not be the best of conditions, but he would take them! Peabody, of course, looked a fright, but he was well known in town , as were his habits. They also knew his wild claims, verbatim, of who he had been in his glory days before the war.

Posted February 12, 2021 / Clara Redmond-Lutz

Clara spotted the deputy enter the place accompanied by a disheveled man..oh, yes, the town drunk. How sad that drink brought a man to that state. One more argument to stay away from the evils of alcohol. She headed over there as Pike seated the derelict.

"Hello Deputy, are you here to order something or do you wish to talk to Miss Emeline?" she greeted him.

"She was pretty shook up by the events of the day so I suggested she go upstairs and I would see to the place til closing. I am certain she would not mind you going up."

Posted February 12 and 13th 2021 / Barnabas Pike

Clara spotted the deputy enter the place accompanied by a disheveled man..oh, yes, the town drunk. How sad that drink brought a man to that state. One more argument to stay away from the evils of alcohol. She headed over there as Pike seated the derelict.

"Hello Deputy, are you here to order something or do you wish to talk to Miss Emeline?" she greeted him.

“Yes, on both accounts. Mister Peabody will be eating as well, whatever today’s special is, and coffee, hot coffee.” Pike said.

"She was pretty shook up by the events of the day so I suggested she go upstairs and I would see to the place til closing. I am certain she would not mind you going up."

“Well then, hold my special till I get back down. I won’t keep her too long, just to see how she”s doing.” He looked to Dutton, “Best behavior Dutton, absolute best, or she has my permission to hit you with s skillet!”

“Never have I ever molested a woman by hand or verbiage, you may rely on that. Just not something I would do. I was a jurist in the fine state of Virginia before the secession. Bound for the Supreme Court of the United States, had the states remained United, but no, that could not happen and I, a loyal Unionist, was denied the position due to the state in which I resided for fear I, Dutton Peabody Esquire, would think to take up arms against the Union. Preposterous! I shall remain a model of decorum.”

"Well, see that you don't. I'll be back directly." The Deputy stated, then turned and crossed the room, mounting the staircase and climbed, taking two steps at a time. As he suspected the door was closed, so he rapped gently, "Em? It's me, Barnabas." He didn't just open the door, no he would wait in the event she might not be fully dressed.

Funny thing, he thought, that had never stopped him before, but this was far different than any other time with any other female. This was the woman he would marry in just a few weeks, or was it days. At the moment, he was not too sure of anything, but the bank robbers that survived were locked away, and the woman he loved was safe.

Posted February 13, 2021 / Clara Redmond-Lutz

"Well then, hold my special till I get back down. I won’t keep her too long, just to see how she”s doing.”

"I think she will appreciate the gesture," Clara nodded in approval.

The deputy looked to Dutton, “Best behavior Dutton, absolute best, or she has my permission to hit you with s skillet!”

"Oh I am confident that will not be necessary, we frown on belting customers with skillets," Clara assured both men.

“Never have I ever molested a woman by hand or verbiage, you may rely on that. Just not something I would do. I was a jurist in the fine state of Virginia before the secession. Bound for the Supreme Court of the United States, had the states remained United, but no, that could not happen and I, a loyal Unionist, was denied the position due to the state in which I resided for fear I, Dutton Peabody Esquire, would think to take up arms against the Union. Preposterous! I shall remain a model of decorum.”

Clara no more believed he just missed out on the Supreme Court appointment than she believed in Santa Claus but politely listened to the man go on until he paused.

"The nation could have used a man of your caliber in the Supreme Court, Mr. Peabody, a tragedy. Now what would you like to order?" Clara got down to it as Deputy Pike headed up the stairs.

The End