I should have figured it would be Billington who barged first through the door.  “What do you think you’re doing, Forrest?” he shouted.
“Well, right now I’m sitting behind Marshal Gold’s desk and going through some wanted posters,” I said with a smile.
“You know what I mean!  The Council appointed a new marshal, you had no call to take such action!”
“You had no call to give another Charlie’s badge!” I came right back at him.
“The Council voted and we gave the position of Marshal of Durango to Billy Denton.”
“And what happens to Charlie?” I asked.  “He has served this town faithfully for over a year now.  You don’t just throw him out in the cold.”
He sort of stuttered.  “It don’t make any difference.  He’s almost dead.”
That got me up out of the chair and I raised and slammed the Greener down on the desk.  “Did Doc Jones say he was goin’ to die?”  Billington didn’t answer.  “Did he?”
He was searching for words, and maybe a little courage.  “Well, no, but it doesn’t make any difference.  We hired someone else,” he looked at me and when he saw the daggers coming out of my eyes, he dropped his head.  
“So you wonderful town leaders are goin’ to let a man down, a man who has helped keep you, your families, and your businesses safe.  You’re despicable!”  I was a little more than irate.
About that time came another council member and that seemed to bolster Billington’s courage.  “Tell him Foster, tell him we appointed Billy Denton as new town marshal.”
“Well,” then he looked at me and didn’t want to continue.  “Well, we need a marshal.”
“That’s fine,” I replied, “Hire a deputy, but Charlie is still marshal.”
“Truth is Miles,” said Foster.  “We can’t afford to pay two town marshals.”
I glared at him, “Nonsense!  But you won’t have to, I’ll help Charlie and it won’t cause this town a dime.”
Billington wasn’t going to let it go.  “We’ve already given the position to Denton,” he was red-faced now.  “Plus the Council would never agree to you being marshal.  We don’t like the way you do things!”
“You mean, you don’t like the way I do things.”  I looked at Foster.  “Do you have a problem with me Wilson Foster?”  Turning my gaze back to Billington.  “The problem with you is that I messed up things with your friend Judge Wray.  Shame we couldn’t come up with evidence against you.”
I thought he was going to croak or at least have a minor stroke.  “Nevertheless,” he said.  “Denton is our new marshal.  You will not sit behind that desk!”
“If Denton is marshal, then Charlie still gets paid and his job back when he is better.”
“I told you we can’t afford to pay two marshals,” he sputtered.
“Then I think we need to call a town meeting and let the people of Durango have a say in this,” I paused looking at him.  “And bring along the books to show that two cannot be afforded.”
“Alright, alright, Denton will be acting marshal.  Give him his badge back.”
“Is that right Foster?” And I got a nod from him.  “Badge is on the floor in the back.  You go get it.”
I sat back down and started going through the wanted posters again.  “You are not to stay here!” fumed Billington.
Looking up I smiled and said, “I have a legal right to be here; plus just doin’ my job checkin’ these posters.

 I quit holding Charlie down.  “What d’ya think Doc?” I asked.  “He don’t look so good.”
“Don’t know, he’s lost an awful amount of blood,” he answered stroking his chin.  “He might make it, especially if he doesn’t lose any more blood, but honestly, I just don’t know.  Why don’t you let Marta in?”
Marta rushed through the doorway when I motioned to her.  I grabbed her and held her, whispering, “Marta, it doesn’t look good.”  Then let her go.
She fell to her knees and grabbed Charlie’s hand.  “She’s been through a lot recently,” I thought.  “Her injuries, Lucas’ injuries and sickness, Eliana dying, caring for Molly and now Charlie.”
“Lord,” I whispered, “She needs help.”
“Come on, Miles, let’s go in the other room.  You need to talk with McClendon, and there isn’t anything we can do here right now.”
I looked at McClendon, “What happened?”
“Marshal Gold was in the store with a few other customers.  There were two men, one toward the front of the store, and the other lingering toward the back.  I never thought much of it, until they pulled guns and ordered me to empty the till.  That’s when the Marshal took action.  He drew, and when he did the man in front of the store fired at him, Charlie returned fire, but the man from the back had walked up.  We didn’t know they were together and shot Charlie from the back.”
Doc began to speak, “When Charlie took the first shot, he sorta twisted and then fired.  That twist might have saved his life.  The other man was right behind him and fired point blank.  As Charlie was twisting, instead of going into his lower back the shot hit his ribs, breaking a couple, but glancing off and coming out.  That’s why there was so much blood loss; entry and exit wounds in the same proximity.”
“Charlie hit the first man, but I don’t know how bad.  Then they ran from the store, the man who shot Charlie in the back helping the other man out.”
“Did they get on horses?” I asked.
McClendon looked down.  “I didn’t think to look.”
I put my hand on his shoulder.  “Don’t worry about it.  There may have been witnesses outside.
Looking at Doc, I said, “From the looks of it, even if Charlie pulls through, he’s gonna be bed-ridden for a while.  So you’re sayin’ that the bullet in his side hit ribs and came out?  What were you diggin’ for in his chest?”
“The first bullet hit him in the left side, close to the heart, but the ribs stopped it as well.  That’s why I had such a hard time getting it out.  It broke a rib and was imbedded.  I had to dig it out and was worried that a rib my break completely apart and go into his heart.”
“McClendon, shut your store down for the rest of the day,” I ordered.  “I want to look around.”
“Doc, let me know if there’s any change.  He’s gonna make it.  Prayers are goin’ up for him.  I’m goin’ down to Charlie’s office and then talk to folk.”  He nodded and I walked out.
I went straight to his office and began to rummage around on his desk.  I don’t know what I was looking for, or if I was looking for anything, just something to do so I could think.  I hadn’t been there thirty minutes when a man barged in and yelled, “What are you doing in my desk?”
Needless to say I was stunned.  “Your desk!  This desk belongs to Charlie Gold and I’m just straightenin’ it up for him.”
“Not any more, City Council must made me marshal.”
I don’t get angry much, but it seethed up in me.  I grabbed him by the collar and ripped the badge off his shirt, taking part of the shirt with it and flung it into the back.  “You go tell them to come and see me!”  I saw his fingers working.  I released him and pick up the Greener and pointed it at him.  “Git!”
With that I sat down behind the desk.  I figured it would take maybe twenty minutes for one of the councilmen to show up.  I was wrong, two of them came within fifteen minutes.
“Forrest!  What do you think you’re doing?”
I smiled…

We had hired someone to work in the place of Eliana.  She was some relative of Marta’s, cousin, aunt, I’m wasn’t quite sure.  One thing for certain, Anahi was a good cook.  She stepped right in and took over in the kitchen.  About the only thing Molly did much anymore was make pies and biscuits.
Being that the case I was able to get her out for a ride one morning.  It was Colorado Day, and there would be some celebrating taking place and entertainment later in the day.  Molly had already baked several pies and we were planning on having samples of chili for a donation to the church and school that was being built.
It was a grand morning and we rode south up over the hill toward New Mexico.  Two-Bits was fat, and needed some work.  I don’t know if she was not just plain lazy from not being ridden much over the winter and spring.  I had Star for Hawk had been with me the past couple of times out.  Amazing the difference going south, away from the mountains.  The land becomes more arid and since we were away from the river there was little in the way of anything green.
We laughed and chatted, and enjoyed the time together.  She made fun of me calling me the “Secret Marshal” now that I was with that government organization the Secret Service.  For sure it was a secret for I had not heard of it before.
Stopping for a while on the top of the hill we dismounted and stood gazing down at the little town down in the valley.  “Miles,” she asked, “Where were you when Colorado gained statehood?”
I didn’t have to think about it.  “I was working near Gunnison.  It was a good job.  I was just getting over the news of the 7th Cavalry and Custer being massacred.  I served with them during the War.”
She must of sensed my drifting away for a moment and didn’t interrupt for several minutes as I remembered that day and some of the experiences I had with some of those men.
“Miles.  Miles,” tugging at my arm.  “Time we were leaving.  I need to be back for the noon meal and there is still some work to be done.”
Mounting up we rode at a trot back toward Durango.  By-passing the town we rode up to our little place and were just dismounting when I heard, “Marshal Forrest.”  It was little Henry running up the hill.
“Marshal, you have to come quickly!  Marshal Gold has just been shot!” he said panting.
I looked at Molly.  “Go on down to the Diner.  Marta will want to be with Charlie.”  With that she took off at a run.
“Henry, you think you can take care of Two-Bits?” and I flipped him a quarter.  I mounted, “Rub her down good, and give her a drink.”  Then I gave Star a spur and galloped to town.  I figured Charlie would probably be at the Doc’s office.
I arrived at the same time that Marta came running across the street.  I grabbed her.  “Slow down, take it easy.  Let’s go in under control.”  But at the same time my insides were churning.
McClendon, from the mercantile, was there.  He stopped us in the front office and said that Doc didn’t want any interruptions until he was finished.  Marta started to run past us, and I grabbed her and directed her to a chair.
“Let Doc do his job.  You can see Charlie afterward.”
After a few minutes Doc yelled, “Miles?  You out there?”
I went to the edge of the door.  “What’d you need?”
“Get in here and hold him down.  He is thrusting around so much I’m afraid when I try to dig out the bullet I’ll do more damage.  He’s lost too much blood as it is.”
I moved on in.  “Hold him now; I’ve got to get this lead out.”
Doc was digging and I was holding.  He was right, there was a sight of blood.  In a few seconds, I didn’t have to hold Charlie anymore…

We had hired someone to work in the place of Eliana. She was some relative of Marta’s, cousin, aunt, I’m wasn’t quite sure. One thing for certain, Anahi was a good cook. She stepped right in and took over in the kitchen. About the only thing Molly did much anymore was make pies and biscuits.
Being that the case I was able to get her out for a ride one morning. It was Colorado Day, and there would be some celebrating taking place and entertainment later in the day. Molly had already baked several pies and we were planning on having samples of chili for a donation to the church and school that was being built.
It was a grand morning and we rode south up over the hill toward New Mexico. Two-Bits was fat, and needed some work. I don’t know if she was not just plain lazy from not being ridden much over the winter and spring. I had Star for Hawk had been with me the past couple of times out. Amazing the difference going south, away from the mountains. The land becomes more arid and since we were away from the river there was little in the way of anything green.
We laughed and chatted, and enjoyed the time together. She made fun of me calling me the “Secret Marshal” now that I was with that government organization the Secret Service. For sure it was a secret for I had not heard of it before.
Stopping for a while on the top of the hill we dismounted and stood gazing down at the little town down in the valley. “Miles,” she asked, “Where were you when Colorado gained statehood?”
I didn’t have to think about it. “I was working near Gunnison. It was a good job. I was just getting over the news of the 7th Cavalry and Custer being massacred. I served with them during the War.”
She must have sensed my drifting away for a moment and didn’t interrupt for several minutes as I remembered that day and some of the experiences I had with some of those men.
“Miles. Miles,” tugging at my arm. “Time we were leaving. I need to be back for the noon meal and there is still some work to be done.”
Mounting up we rode at a trot back toward Durango. By-passing the town we rode up to our little place and were just dismounting when I heard, “Marshal Forrest.” It was little Henry running up the hill.
“Marshal, you have to come quickly! Marshal Gold has just been shot!” he said panting.
I looked at Molly. “Go on down to the Diner. Marta will want to be with Charlie.” With that she took off at a run.
“Henry, you think you can take care of Two-Bits?” and I flipped him a quarter. I mounted, “Rub her down good, and give her a drink.” Then I gave Star a spur and galloped to town. I figured Charlie would probably be at the Doc’s office.
I arrived at the same time that Marta came running across the street. I grabbed her. “Slow down, take it easy. Let’s go in under control.” But at the same time my insides were churning.
McClendon, from the mercantile, was there. He stopped us in the front office and said that Doc didn’t want any interruptions until he was finished. Marta started to run past us, and I grabbed her and directed her to a chair.
“Let Doc do his job. You can see Charlie afterward.”
After a few minutes Doc yelled, “Miles? You out there?”
I went to the edge of the door. “What do you need?”
“Get in here and hold him down. He is thrusting around so much I’m afraid when I try to dig out the bullet I’ll do more damage. He’s lost too much blood as it. 
I arrived at the same time that Marta came running across the street. I grabbed her. “Slow down, take it easy. Let’s go in under control.” But at the same time my insides were churning.
McClendon, from the mercantile, was there. He stopped us in the front office and said that Doc didn’t want any interruptions until he was finished. Marta started to run past us, and I grabbed her and directed her to a chair.
“Let Doc do his job. You can see Charlie afterward.”
After a few minutes Doc yelled, “Miles? You out there?”
I went to the edge of the door. “What’d you need?”
“Get in here and hold him down. He is thrusting around so much I’m afraid when I try to dig out the bullet I’ll do more damage. He’s lost too much blood as it is.”
I moved on in. “Hold him now; I’ve got to get this lead out.”
Doc was digging and I was holding. He was right, there was a sight of blood. In a few seconds, I didn’t have to hold Charlie anymore…. is.”
I moved on in. “Hold him now; I’ve got to get this lead out.”
Doc was digging and I was holding. He was right, there was a sight of blood. In a few seconds, I didn’t have to hold Charlie anymore….and I were sitting in the little living room of our little house. I had a small fire going to keep the coffee hot and the coals were glowing brightly now since the skies had turned from the brilliant orange of sundown to the darkness of night.
“Quite a week, wasn’t it?” I asked, but it was more of a statement. “What do you think? Should I join this agency that I’ve never heard of? I don’t even know if it a legitimate organization of the government. They may be part of the group that they say I’m supposed to be guarding against.”
“Miles.”
“What? Sorry, I didn’t mean for that to sound sharp.”
“Mister Covney, what did he tell you?”
***
After leaving the Wells Fargo office I had told Covney and Blasco that I would treat them to supper over at the diner. Marshal Gold had been helping us lately by bringing in fresh game for the kitchen, I really think it was to make eyes at Marta. Nevertheless, because of that we had plenty of food. Covney and I had the elk stew, and Blasco a large elk steak. Marta would come back now and then to make sure our coffee cups were kept full.
With supper behind us, and most of the customers leaving Molly came over to join us. I looked at her as Covney helped her sit down. He was a real gentleman. “Don’t look at me with those forlorn eyes Miles Forrest. There’s an apple pie in the kitchen, but it has to cool.”
I made some introductions and there was a little casual conversation.  Molly’s main concern was the time I would spend away from Durango. We had been over the fact with the dangers of my occupation in the past so that wasn’t brought up.
“On some of the trips you may be able to accompany him; trips, say to Denver, Leadville, and other large mining communities.”
“Speaking of Denver,” I joined in. “Do you know anything about the fellow who fired me, Myers was his name? Or that Pinkerton, Merker?
Covney and Blasco looked at each other. “Right now, let’s just say that Mr. Myers is a person of interest to the Secret Service,” said Covney.
Blasco joined in, “And Merker is no longer with the Pinkertons, though he still calls himself a Pinkerton Detective.”
I was getting ready to say something when Marta walked in with the pie. “One for you Mr. Covney, one for you Marshal Blasco, and one for you Senora,” then she turned away.
“Marta!” I exclaimed.
She turned and gave a coy look, “Oh, I almost forgot, and a piece for you too, Senor Miles.” She then laughed and went back to the kitchen.
Grabbing the coffee pot I made to refill all the cups. Hard to beat good coffee and a fresh piece of apple pie.
***
“So Miles, what are you going to do?” asked Molly bring me back to the present.
I didn’t reply at first, and then said, “Guess I’ll pray over it.”
“Phooey on you, Miles Forrest! You will take the position! Why the questions when you know what you’re supposed to do?”
Even in the darkness, with the glow of the fire, I could see her expression. “Molly, it seems like I end up not only arresting folk, but I end up being judge and executioner.”
“Tell me if I’m wrong, it goes Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges…am I not correct?” she didn’t give me time to answer. “God has called you to a very dangerous, but needful position in this country. There are wicked, evil men lurking about and somebody has to be there to protect the innocent. One of those somebody’s is you, Miles Forrest.” Then she got up from her chair, came to me and gave me a hug. “And He’s called me to be your wife, your support.”