Summary: It’s the heat of summer. Use “Liberty Valance”, “Sgt. Pepper” as your OC Inspiration.
Rating: G, Word Count: 1852
Little Joe was excited when he finished his latest book and thought he would try to get his father and brothers to read it. “This one is a really good one. It’s about a lawyer who goes up against a gunman and wins. The people are so impressed with his courage that they elect him to the Senate and he does a whole bunch of good things for the state.”
“Now, why would I want to read the book, Little Joe? You told me the whole plot and the ending.” His father was not convinced.
“No, I really didn’t. Most of it is about what led up to it and how he finally walked out there to face him. It’s so realistic, it’s like being there.”
Slightly interested, Adam had a question. “What’s the title of the book?”
“It’s called The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. Liberty Valance is the gunman. It’s supposed to be a true story.”
Quiet until then, Hoss stated a simple fact. “I met the man who killed Liberty Valance.”
Now that got Little Joe’s attention. “You met the man who got to be Senator?”
“Nope, I met the man who really shot Liberty. It was when I rode in that Army patrol scouting with Sergeant Pepper. We met an old rancher along the way who helped us out. He knew that territory out there like the back of his hand and rode with us for a bit. At night, around the campfire, he talked some. He told the story you got in that book, but he told it different.”
“Aw, c’mon, Hoss, if he shot Liberty Valance, he would have been the hero not the guy they elected Senator.”
“No, not the way he said he did it. He knew how fast Liberty was and how many men he’d killed. He knew no good man could beat him. He went in an alley and shot him when he faced off against your hero there. You know how wild gunfights can be. Bullets are flying everywhere. He fired right after the first shot. Then he left and never went back there. Spent his life away from towns and people.”
Little Joe was shocked. “He murdered him?”
“Some would see it that way.”
Ben saw it that way. “It was illegal and immoral no matter what he was trying to accomplish.”
Adam was more philosophical about it. “A lot of good came from that one bad act. How many more would have been hurt and how many would not have been helped if Liberty had been allowed to continue?”
“That’s not the point, son. There are rules, and mankind lives under those rules because we do better, all of us, when rules are followed.”
Little Joe had a question too. “Pa, what would you do if it was one of us facing Liberty Valance in that street?”
Adam’s long trip to Cheyenne left him dusty, weary, and hungry. After a bath and a rest he headed in search of food. A small café sufficed and afterward he felt more like a night on the town.
Down the street music and shouting drew his attention. A man in front of a building shouted, “Sergeant Pepper’s Wild West Show. Sharp Shooters, Trick Ropers, and the prettiest gals this side of the Rockies. Tonight’s Feature – Liberty Valance.”
Adam frowned at the thought that the gunfighter Liberty Valance would be in Cheyenne, much less be a part of a show. Keeping a wary eye as he bought a ticket. Inside, he watched the shooters and ropers. Then the lights dimmed as dramatic music played.
“Gentlemen hold onto your hats. Making her debut tonight, Miss…Liberty…Valance!”
As the lights rose, a young lady, dressed in a long red dress slit almost to her waist, entered the stage. Adam noted her slightly darker skin but it didn’t seem to matter to the rest of the men. They went wild. Her performance was dazzling and seductive. Every man felt like she was performing only for him.
After the show, Adam left after the throng of men exited. Passing an alley, he heard a woman and man arguing. Adam loosened his pistol and headed that way. The man was gone and the lady was sitting on a crate crying.
“Um, are you alright, Miss?”
She looked up, startled, but relaxed as Adam held his hat in his hand and gave her a smile.
“Yes. Just a disagreement with the Sergeant. Um, Sergeant Pepper – he runs the show.”
“Okay, well, I better go then.”
“Wait. You were in the front row tonight?
“Yes.”
“You didn’t respond like the other men. Why?”
“Your performance was most enjoyable. You have a lot of talent.”
“But…”
“I was only there because of your name. I was concerned that the real Liberty Valance would be here, and cause trouble.”
She sighed. “I know. You see, my last name really is Valance. I was born into slavery. My father was the master’s son. I was freed when the war ended. I chose the name Liberty for its meaning but my manager made me use the full name to draw the crowds.
Adam sat down by her. “That’s rather foolish.”
Her head popped up, and lovely smile lit her brown eyes. “Yes, and I’m trying to convince him to change it. Thank you, Mister –?”
“Cartwright. Adam Cartwright.”
She rose, wrapping her cloak around her slim body. “I’m heading back to my room. Would you mind walking me there?”
Adam slipped his hat on and offered his arm.
A few months later the traveling show found its way to Carson City. Adam noted her name had not changed. He attended the show with his brothers then met her by the stage door.
“Hello, Adam.”
“Would you like an escort to your room, Miss Valance?”
She smiled and took his arm. Rounding a corner, a shot rang out.
Adam pushed Liberty to the ground and drew his gun.
A drunken man waived his gun at Adam. “I’m gonna kill Liberty Valance.”
He aimed, but Hoss’ gun stuck him in the back. “That ain’t Liberty Valance, you fool. He’s my brother.”
Joe disarmed him and the brothers took the man to the Sheriff.
Standing up, Liberty shared a look with Adam. “I warned the Sergeant this would happen.”
Adam frowned as they continued to her room. It had been too close, and all because of a name. “Maybe now he’ll listen.”
Taps
Adam sat bolt upright, jolted from his sleep by a dream, a dreaded memory. Beads of perspiration turned into rivulets on his temples as the scene replayed in his mind.
Too severely injured to ride, Adam, along with other Union soldiers in a similar state, were piled in a wagon. The ones still able to sit up stared out over the battlefield which was littered with death and destruction. A hasty retreat was necessary, but Sergeant Pepper insisted that his fallen comrades get a final tribute. He lifted his battered bugle and sent the mournful strains of “Taps” echoing out over the ravine below. Adam squeezed his eyes tight trying to prevent the tears that left trails on his grime-covered face. The words of the song had been a stark contradiction to the images before his eyes.
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Liberty Valance had been with Ben on the ship. He had visited at times when Ben would settle for a while. Ben kept in touch and would keep Liberty updated on where he was. Liberty had visited Ben after Marie passed. Adam had tagged along with Liberty whenever he’d visit.
Liberty had moved to San Francisco and worked at the ports. Adam came to visit Liberty, but he had seemed distracted.
“What’s wrong, Liberty?” Adam asked at dinner.
Liberty sighed.
“I’m not sure, Adam. Something has been going on at work that I can’t put my finger on.”
“Tell me about it.”
“I’ve been getting threatening letters.”
“From whom?”
“I don’t know. I don’t recognize the handwriting,” Liberty said.
“Do you still have them?”
“Yes.”
“May I see them?”
“Yeah. Let me get them.”
Liberty got up to find them. A few moments later, he came back with a few envelopes in his hand.
“Here they are.”
Adam looked at them. They had threatened him.
“Why would they say this? They want you dead.”
“I told you, Adam, I don’t know.”
“Mind if I follow you around work? Perhaps I can find out who it is?”
“Sure.” Liberty said.
Adam followed Liberty around the next few days. He had noticed a man following or watching them. Adam went
up and confronted him.
“What’s your name?” Adam asked.
“Sergeant Pepper.”
“Are you a sergeant for an army or something?”
“No, that’s my real first name.”
“All right. Why are you watching Liberty Valance?”
“What makes you think I am?” Pepper asked belligerently.
“Because I saw you. Now, why were you watching him?” Adam asked angrily.
“None of your business,” Pepper said and walked away.
Later that evening, Adam and Liberty were at a saloon talking.
“Liberty, I believe Sergeant Pepper is the one who’s been sending you those notes,” Adam said.
“What?” Liberty asked in surprise.
“I talked to him today. He said it was none of my business.”
“Adam, he’s right. It is none of your business,” Liberty said.
Adam looked surprised.
“Why is he going after you?”
“I think you need to go home and keep an eye on your father.”
“What does my father have to do with you two?” Adam asked leaning in closer.
Liberty sighed.
“Sergeant and I and a few others gambled. It was prohibited. Your father caught us and threatened to tell the captain. I begged him not to and that we would stop and we did. At least, I did. Your father never told. Someone else did. Sargent thinks it was your father. I found out it was another sailor who had overheard Ben and I talking. I tried telling Sargent Pepper that when he threatened to kill your father. He thinks it’s now me that told.”
Adam sat in surprise.
A loud ruckus was going on outside.
“Valance, get out here and fight me like a man!” An angry voice shouted.
Adam and Liberty looked out the window.
“Sergeant Pepper. I guess I’d better get it over with.”
“Don’t,” Adam said almost pleading.
“I have to.”
Liberty walked out with his gun drawn.
“’Bout time, Valance. I told you I’d get you,” Pepper said.
Pepper and Valance shot at the same time. Both fell dead. Adam went to Liberty and leaned over the body of his father’s friend Liberty Valance. He and others took care of the bodies. Afterward, he sent a wire to his father about his friend.
A Note from the Brandsters. This was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site. Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.
