The day after the votes were counted John Newsome closed his shop. Theodore Howell won in a landslide. He was a gracious winner for he went to all the saloons that had drinks on the house, then went over to Solly’s and purchased several boxes of cigars which he handed out in the barrio. He even came over to the diner telling Molly to give free coffee to everyone who dined. Of course, he didn’t know or care to know that coffee came with every dinner. But he wasn’t buying votes, he purchased for those who voted for him and those against–he was just celebrating.
I didn’t think Tipton, Volder and their crowd was voting against Howell or for Newsome. I think they were upset that the Mexicans were allowed to vote. It was my job to see that every citizen had the opportunity. Tipton was sitting in his cell when I came in. “Lucas, let him out,” I ordered.
“Who won?” he inquired as he stepped from the cell. I informed him that Theodore Howell by a landslide. He cocked his head, then shrugged his shoulders. With a smile he said, “I tell you, marshal. I’ve done more shopping in Howell’s shop than in Newsome’s, that’s for sure.” I had to laugh.
His gun and holster were hanging on a peg on the wall. I handed it to him. “You can go,” then paused to look at him. I didn’t see any animosity. “Just don’t cause me any grief.”
Buckling the holster on, he nodded at me. As he left he gave a little wave to Lucas.
Lucas waved back, then asked, “Why did you release him? He did wrong.”
“Lucas, he did wrong and he spent a night in jail for it. I’m not sure if he learned his lesson or not, but it would cost the country three weeks worth of meals to keep him jailed. Judge Broomfield won’t be in for another three weeks, and this time of year he could be delayed,” I explained to him. “It would have cost the county probably more than the fine that the Judge would impose.”
I left the jail with the purpose of going by Newsome’s. I wonder if he was in the store or if he stayed at home. It was a defeat, that’s all. But then, I thought of Jewelene. It might actually be harder on her pride than John’s, plus the fact that he has to listen to her squabbling. When I arrived the lights were out and door locked. He must be at home. If he didn’t open up tomorrow I’d go to his residence to see him. We didn’t agree on some things about how to handle the town, but he was a good man.
Come to think of it, I hadn’t been to Wilson’s in over a week. I should go visit him. He was so active with his store and being on the city council; it must be hard for him to sit at home all day and not get out. Once in a while he would allow Elizabeth or Darnelle to wheel him down to the store so he could sit there. Now with the weather getting cooler and snow looming at any time he didn’t get out. I wanted to invite him and Elizabeth to the Thanksgiving get-together. I’d find something for him to do.
Everyday more miners were coming into town for the winter. Maybe I should suggest to Howell that they should appoint a town marshal with the town getting so many jobless. As soon as the passes close and the train can’t run the mines will have their big layoff. They would keep a partial crew through the winter. I think possibly the Silver Lake Mine had the right idea. They keep their crew, worked them every other week, that way the miners got some pay. They also allowed them to stay in the quarters owned by the company free of charge.
I went to my table when I entered the diner setting the Greener behind me against the wall. I started to the counter for a cup when Molly had already beat me to it and was bringing it to me. Not only was the cup full of coffee, she had a smile on her face. “Mind, if I join you, Mister?” she asked, inviting herself.
Quickly I pulled out the chair for her. “Don’t mind if I do, I always enjoy the pleasure of having a beautiful woman sit beside me. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
She didn’t say anything, just smiled then leaned over to kiss me on the cheek.
“You know,” I said, shaking my head while watching her sip from my coffee cup. “I’m always amazed that the good Lord gave you to me.”
She laughed, “Yes, it is a wonder,” then drank the rest of my coffee. “I’ll pour you another one.”
“Did you happen to see John Newsome? I heard he didn’t open the store today,” she probed. “Do you think he is all right?”
This time, before she could grab my cup I took a long draught almost burning my mouth. “Molly, do you realize that this is the first time that the city council has no one on it left from the first council?”
“Hmmm,” I heard her. “It that…