Summary:  Is it too much to ask for the law to experience a Silent Night at Christmastime?
Rating:  G  (2,795 words)

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Bonanza
~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~
* Day 14 *

 

 

You Can’t Keep an Old Lawman Down

 

Roy pulled the collar of his jacket up to his chin to keep his face warm as he made his rounds. The law didn’t hibernate in winter and his presence about town gave businessmen and bankers peace of mind at a time of year when families were spending and shopkeepers were depositing.

 

The late afternoon sun was fading as the banker locked his door and headed for home. Roy nodded to the man and continued on his way.

 

A trickle of snow from the roof of the Mercantile turned into a stream. The sheriff craned his neck and saw a boy-sized figure. “Get down from there!” he hollered as he crossed the street.

 

“I’m findin’ a spot to wait for Santa!” yelled Tommy, one of the boys from the orphanage.

 

“Santa ain’t comin’ for a few days yet. Besides, you know the danger that exists in the event of an accident! You fall off that roof and break your fool neck you won’t never see another Christmas.”

 

Roy noted a ladder leaning against the building and grabbed it to hold it steady. “Come on!”

 

A small face peeked over the edge of the roof, sending more snow to the ground. Before the lawman could speak again a body hurtled past and landed a foot from him.

 

Tommy got up and dusted snow off of his thin coat and out of his hair.

 

“Get on back to the orphanage where it’s warm.”

 

Roy shook his head as the boy did as told. He marveled that a child could hit the ground from the roof and bounce up, right as rain.

 

He continued his rounds, his stomach rumbling as his nose followed the aroma of roast beef wafting from the International House. He stepped in and noted a patron behind a newspaper. Curious, he approached the diner.

 

The paper lowered and a bearded man raised an eyebrow.

 

“Thought you weren’t due back ‘til next week,” said Roy.

 

“Cattleman’s meeting ended so everyone could get home for Christmas,” said Adam. “Figured I might as well use the time in San Francisco to grow out a beard to keep my face warm.”

 

Roy’s mustache twitched as the man smiled in amusement.

 

“You figurin’ on staying in town for the night or head on home?”

 

Adam drained his coffee cup and said, “I have a room. Pa’s not expecting me so I figured I’d stay. The Christmas dance is tomorrow night so I won’t have to make the ride home then back.”

 

“Smart man,” said Roy.

 

Lily, one of the waitresses, came over to the table and refilled Adam’s cup. “You gonna want to order?” she asked the sheriff.

 

“Full plate, Lily. Have it delivered to my office.”

 

She nodded and headed for the kitchen.

 

“You won’t join me?” asked Adam.

 

Roy shook his head. “Finished my rounds so I’ll head on back and get caught up on paperwork.”

 

“See you around,” said Adam as he returned to the news.

 

The sheriff headed out and checked a few doors on his way back to the office. Satisfied that all was well on his watch, he entered his office and stoked up the fire in the potbellied stove before taking a seat in the creaky chair.

 

His head jerked up at the sound of the door opening. Expecting it to be his dinner, he was surprised to see a stranger.

 

“Can I help you, mister?”

 

The man licked his lips nervously as he looked around the room. “Anyone back there?” he asked, jerking his head towards the cells.

 

Roy looked over that way then back to the man. “No.” He noted how the man visibly relaxed.

 

“I have an item of great personal value. I’d like for you to hold it since the bank’s closed.” He reached into his valise and pulled out a thick wallet.

 

Roy whistled at the sight.

 

“Made a good business deal in St. Louis. Worried about the stage getting held up all the way here.”

 

“Where you headed to, mister . . . ?

 

“Morgan. Evan Morgan” He extended his hand in greeting. “San Francisco is home. Got a few days yet of traveling. And worrying.” He cleared his throat. “I’d hoped to store this in the bank’s safe. Do you suppose the bank would open up for me?”

 

Roy pulled a drawer open and said, “No need. You can leave it here.” He anticipated the question and said, “This one locks.”

 

“I think it’d be safer in one of the cells,” said Morgan.

 

“Not if I have to use ‘em.”

 

“You got a point.” Morgan handed the wallet over to the sheriff. He watched as the lawman locked the drawer.

 

“The International House has rooms and hot meals,” said Roy. “You come on back in the morning and you can pick this up.”

 

Morgan blew out his cheeks, relief on his face. “Haven’t gotten much sleep while carrying that. A soft bed sure would be nice.” He paused at the doorway, “Thank you, Sheriff.”

 

Roy merely nodded.

 

A boy carrying a napkin-covered plate entered the office as Morgan was leaving. Roy gave the boy a nickel after the plate was set on the desk. The lawman tucked into mashed potatoes and roast beef after the boy left.

 

It was with a full belly that the sheriff made his rounds for the evening. Music and voices drifted out of the Silver Dollar and the Bucket of Blood. It was the time of year for good will toward men and Roy hoped saloon patrons were feeling kindly towards one another.

 

Roy returned to his office and turned down the lamp before going to bed.

 

*

 

In the morning, Roy was on his fourth cup of coffee when Morgan entered his office.

 

“I’ve come for my . . . item,” Morgan said in a low voice as if afraid of being overheard.

 

Roy unlocked the drawer and pulled out the wallet. Morgan set it in his valise and Roy noted the man didn’t leave it at the top or dig to set it on the bottom.

 

“Stage ought to be arrivin’ in ten minutes. You’re welcome to wait in here.”

 

“Thank you. I believe I’ll do that.”

While Morgan waited, Adam entered the office. “Thought I’d see if you need a hand.”

 

“I don’t believe I’m in need of your housekeeping talents,” Roy answered with a gleam in his eye.

 

Adam chuckled and scratched an itch on his cheek.

 

“Don’t believe we’ve met,” he said to Morgan. Adam cocked his head and his brows drew together for a moment but then his face relaxed and he extended his hand. “Forgive me but you seem familiar.”

 

Morgan took the proffered hand and introduced himself. “Just a stranger in town waiting for the stage. Heading to San Francisco.”

 

“I’ve come from there,” said Adam. “Lots of snow in the mountains so I hope you’re not in a hurry.”

 

At Morgan’s crestfallen face, Adam hastily added, “I’m sure there won’t be any delays and the stage will keep its schedule.”

 

Adam touched the brim of his hat as he said, “Pleasure to meet you,” to Morgan. He added, “I’ll be over at the International House if you change your mind, Roy.”

 

A moment later there was a loud crash and shouting from the street. Roy leapt out of his chair and barreled through the door. The stage had lost a wheel and its driver. Adam had managed to grab the halter of one of the lead horses and quiet the team before they panicked. Roy helped the two passengers out of the coach and encouraged them to visit the doctor’s office. The sheriff then helped Crusty, the driver, get up.

 

“Think I busted my leg,” Crusty said as he nearly collapsed.

 

“What am I to do?” asked Morgan from behind the sheriff.

 

“Just go wait in my office. I’ll be back in a shake of a lamb’s tail.”

 

“I’ll help you get him to the doc’s,” said Adam, draping Crusty’s arm across his shoulders.

 

Roy returned to his office after a few minutes. “Looks like you ain’t goin’ to ‘Frisco today. I suggest you put your wallet in the safe over at the bank.”

 

“I . . . I think I’ll feel my item is safer in your desk. No one would think of robbing the sheriff’s office.

 

As Roy locked the drawer tight, he said, “Christmas dance is tonight. There’ll be lots of pretty gals there that’ll take your mind off your troubles.”

 

“I thank you but I believe I’ll stay in,” answered Morgan.

 

Roy watched the man until he entered the Mercantile before turning his attention to the wrecked coach.

 

Adam and a couple of boys got the horses unhitched and took them over to the livery. A few burly miners hauled the stage out of the street where it wouldn’t be an impediment to traffic.

 

Roy made his rounds and noted the ladies taking decorations into the town hall for the dance. It’d no doubt be a good time for all but he’d instead stick to sheriffing, keeping Virginia City safe while others enjoyed themselves. Besides, he’d never been much for dancing, even when his Mary was alive.

 

Folks would be trickling into town before too long and he hoped there’d be no mischief as men passed time in the saloons until it was time for the dance.

 

*

 

Roy removed his hat as he entered the International House for a bite of lunch. Out of habit, he scanned the room and didn’t note anyone, or anything, out of place. Since Adam was again sitting alone with only a newspaper for company, the sheriff went over to his friend’s table.

 

“Mind if I join you?”

 

Adam folded the paper and set it by his plate.

 

“Your pa and brothers should be in town soon,” said Roy.

 

Adam merely nodded as he lifted his cup to his lips. After a swallow of coffee, he said, “That man . . . Morgan . . . in your office this morning. Seems like I’ve seen him before. Can’t place him though.”

 

“Maybe he just has one of those faces,” Roy said.

 

The younger man shrugged a shoulder. “Could be. What business did he have with you?”

 

“Just asked that I protect something that means a lot to him.”

 

Annie, one of the waitresses, approached with a pot of coffee. “What’ll it be, sheriff?”

 

“A steak and mashed potatoes. Tell Sally to run the steak over the flame real good – I don’t want it mooing at me.”

 

Adam burst into laughter and Annie couldn’t help but join in. She made a note on a pad of paper before heading to the kitchen.

 

As the two men chatted, a booming voice rang out. “Don’t see why you didn’t come home for a hot meal.”

 

Adam rolled his eyes and pressed his lips together. Despite being a grown man, his father often seemed to think of him as a boy.

 

“Good to see you, too, Pa. Got back late yesterday and I’m travel weary. Figured it made more sense to spend the night here and pretty myself up for the dance.”

 

Ben ran the back of his finger along his cheek. “The young ladies won’t recognize you with that.”

 

“Means more feminine attention for me,” said Joe as he plopped down in the remaining chair.

 

Roy took in Hoss’s frown and was about to get up. The large man grabbed a chair and dragged it over to the cramped table. The frown turned into a beaming smile at the sight of Roy’s steak.

 

Hoss waved Annie over. “Bring me two of those,” he said pointing at Roy’s plate.

 

“Anything for you, Joe?” she asked, an eyebrow raised.

 

“Apple pie and a coffee.”

 

“Just a coffee for me,” said Ben to Annie’s back as she headed for the kitchen.

 

“Must be hard to get a gal’s attention with these three young bucks,” said Roy through a mouthful of steak.

 

“You don’t know the half of it,” said Ben as his sons chuckled in amusement.

 

The men passed the time in conversation until Roy got up to make his afternoon rounds.

 

“You gents enjoy the dance,” he said.

 

*

 

Roy had finished his evening rounds a half hour before he’d sat down in the warm cocoon of his office to nurse a cup of hot coffee spiked with a generous dash of whiskey.

 

“It’s Santa,” a girl yelled and the street filled with shouting children.

 

Roy bounded out of his office, knowing Hoss wasn’t dressing as Santa tonight to bring presents to the orphans. He joined the children and looked to where they were pointing. Snow drifted down from the roof of the Mercantile as a shadowy figure appeared to slip. The business’s front door was wide open.

 

The sheriff ran into the building and groused under his breath that the owner hadn’t put his sales money in the bank. Roy stumbled to the back door and out into the alley. He grabbed hold of the rickety ladder leaning against the building. He simultaneously cursed and uttered thanks that it was still in place. As he reached the uppermost rung, a cold gust blew his hat off.

 

“I’m too old fer this,” he muttered as he dared a look down. Adults were trickling out from the town hall to find out what had the children excited.

 

Roy clambered onto the snowy rooftop and gingerly made his way across. He held his arms out for balance.

 

Child and adult voices yelled out helpful advice as Roy steeled his courage and continued on his way.

 

The sheriff paused to draw in icy air and squinted as he tried to make out what looked to be two shadowy figures. Before he could make any sense of it his boot slipped against a slick shingle and he fell to the ground.

 

Roy yelped as pain exploded in his arm.

 

A woman screamed as a lump fell from the roof. It was followed by another person sliding down the roof then rolling when he landed to easily gain his feet.

 

In the lantern light, Roy saw Joe Cartwright stand up.

 

“Oh, to have the nimbleness of youth,” the sheriff thought in the midst of agony.

 

Joe pulled a groaning Morgan to his feet and, with Hoss’s help, hauled the man to the jail.

 

Adam and Ben maneuvered Roy to get him on his feet and over to the doctor’s office.

 

*

 

In the morning, Roy awoke on a settee in the doctor’s office. Since only one hand could reach his face, he used it to rub the sleep out of his eyes.

 

“Good to see you back with us,” said Dr. Martin. “That arm will take a month or more to heal.”

 

Roy snorted and then squinted. Adam stood at the foot of the settee, the beard gone but a mustache under his nose. The older man’s gaze dropped to the younger man’s chest and Roy’s eyebrows drew together at the gleam of the deputy badge against the yellow coat.

 

“You deputized me last night,” said Adam. “You don’t remember?”

 

“Surely couldn’t have been legal if Doc gave me something for the pain, but I ain’t gonna argue against it.” Roy tried to sit up but groaned at the protest from his casted arm.

 

“Morgan’s in a cell. I remembered why he’d seemed familiar. There was an article in the San Francisco paper about a series of business robberies in St. Louis. The article included a crude drawing of the suspected thief.”

 

“Sure hope he don’t plan on bustin’ outta my jail.”

 

“No chance of that,” said Dr. Martin. “Morgan broke his leg. It’s a miracle Joe didn’t have a scratch or even a bruise.”

 

“Boy’s as agile as a cat,” said Adam. “He’s long been an expert at sliding off our roof to sneak into town.”

 

Roy laughed then clutched his shoulder.

 

“Sure hate to keep you from family at Christmas.”

 

“Pa understands,” said Adam. “Consider this our present to you. Besides, Hoss will relieve me in a few days so you’ll have to deputize him.”

 

“Well, Hoss surely can’t clean an office as good as you,” Roy said with a wink.

 

Adam chuckled then headed out to make the rounds.

 

“You feel up to a bite of breakfast?” the doctor asked.

 

Roy nodded. Once alone, he let out a breath and thanked the Lord for delivering him safely from the roof – or at least keeping the rest of his body unbroken – and for friends like the Cartwrights.

 

The End

 

My prompt was: Know(ing) the danger that exists in the event of an accident. My assigned character was Roy Coffee and, by special request from our wonderful Advent Calendar organizer, Adam co-stars.

 

Link to the Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar – Day 15 – Leaning on the Taffrail – BettyHT