Summary:\u00a0 Is it too much to ask for the law to experience a Silent Night at Christmastime?
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (2,795 words)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Bonanza <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You Can\u2019t Keep an Old Lawman Down<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy pulled the collar of his jacket up to his chin to keep his face warm as he made his rounds. The law didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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. \u201cGet down from there!\u201d he hollered as he crossed the street.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m findin\u2019 a spot to wait for Santa!\u201d yelled Tommy, one of the boys from the orphanage.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSanta ain\u2019t comin\u2019 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\u2019t never see another Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy noted a ladder leaning against the building and grabbed it to hold it steady. \u201cCome on!\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tommy got up and dusted snow off of his thin coat and out of his hair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGet on back to the orphanage where it\u2019s warm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The paper lowered and a bearded man raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThought you weren\u2019t due back \u2018til next week,\u201d said Roy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCattleman\u2019s meeting ended so everyone could get home for Christmas,\u201d said Adam. \u201cFigured I might as well use the time in San Francisco to grow out a beard to keep my face warm.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy\u2019s mustache twitched as the man smiled in amusement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou figurin\u2019 on staying in town for the night or head on home?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam drained his coffee cup and said, \u201cI have a room. Pa\u2019s not expecting me so I figured I\u2019d stay. The Christmas dance is tomorrow night so I won\u2019t have to make the ride home then back.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSmart man,\u201d said Roy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lily, one of the waitresses, came over to the table and refilled Adam\u2019s cup. \u201cYou gonna want to order?\u201d she asked the sheriff.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFull plate, Lily. Have it delivered to my office.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She nodded and headed for the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou won\u2019t join me?\u201d asked Adam.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy shook his head. \u201cFinished my rounds so I\u2019ll head on back and get caught up on paperwork.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSee you around,\u201d said Adam as he returned to the news.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n His head jerked up at the sound of the door opening. Expecting it to be his dinner, he was surprised to see a stranger.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cCan I help you, mister?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The man licked his lips nervously as he looked around the room. \u201cAnyone back there?\u201d he asked, jerking his head towards the cells.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy looked over that way then back to the man. \u201cNo.\u201d He noted how the man visibly relaxed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI have an item of great personal value. I\u2019d like for you to hold it since the bank\u2019s closed.\u201d He reached into his valise and pulled out a thick wallet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy whistled at the sight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMade a good business deal in St. Louis. Worried about the stage getting held up all the way here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere you headed to, mister . . . ?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorgan. Evan Morgan\u201d He extended his hand in greeting. \u201cSan Francisco is home. Got a few days yet of traveling. And worrying.\u201d He cleared his throat. \u201cI\u2019d hoped to store this in the bank\u2019s safe. Do you suppose the bank would open up for me?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy pulled a drawer open and said, \u201cNo need. You can leave it here.\u201d He anticipated the question and said, \u201cThis one locks.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019d be safer in one of the cells,\u201d said Morgan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNot if I have to use \u2018em.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou got a point.\u201d Morgan handed the wallet over to the sheriff. He watched as the lawman locked the drawer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThe International House has rooms and hot meals,\u201d said Roy. \u201cYou come on back in the morning and you can pick this up.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Morgan blew out his cheeks, relief on his face. \u201cHaven\u2019t gotten much sleep while carrying that. A soft bed sure would be nice.\u201d He paused at the doorway, \u201cThank you, Sheriff.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy merely nodded.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy returned to his office and turned down the lamp before going to bed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the morning, Roy was on his fourth cup of coffee when Morgan entered his office.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve come for my . . . item,\u201d Morgan said in a low voice as if afraid of being overheard.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy unlocked the drawer and pulled out the wallet. Morgan set it in his valise and Roy noted the man didn\u2019t leave it at the top or dig to set it on the bottom.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cStage ought to be arrivin\u2019 in ten minutes. You\u2019re welcome to wait in here.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThank you. I believe I\u2019ll do that.\u201d<\/p>\n While Morgan waited, Adam entered the office. \u201cThought I\u2019d see if you need a hand.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t believe I\u2019m in need of your housekeeping talents,\u201d Roy answered with a gleam in his eye.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam chuckled and scratched an itch on his cheek.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t believe we\u2019ve met,\u201d 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. \u201cForgive me but you seem familiar.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Morgan took the proffered hand and introduced himself. \u201cJust a stranger in town waiting for the stage. Heading to San Francisco.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve come from there,\u201d said Adam. \u201cLots of snow in the mountains so I hope you\u2019re not in a hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At Morgan\u2019s crestfallen face, Adam hastily added, \u201cI\u2019m sure there won\u2019t be any delays and the stage will keep its schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam touched the brim of his hat as he said, \u201cPleasure to meet you,\u201d to Morgan. He added, \u201cI\u2019ll be over at the International House if you change your mind, Roy.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019s office. The sheriff then helped Crusty, the driver, get up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cThink I busted my leg,\u201d Crusty said as he nearly collapsed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhat am I to do?\u201d asked Morgan from behind the sheriff.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust go wait in my office. I\u2019ll be back in a shake of a lamb\u2019s tail.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll help you get him to the doc\u2019s,\u201d said Adam, draping Crusty\u2019s arm across his shoulders.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy returned to his office after a few minutes. \u201cLooks like you ain\u2019t goin\u2019 to \u2018Frisco today. I suggest you put your wallet in the safe over at the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI . . . I think I\u2019ll feel my item is safer in your desk. No one would think of robbing the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Roy locked the drawer tight, he said, \u201cChristmas dance is tonight. There\u2019ll be lots of pretty gals there that\u2019ll take your mind off your troubles.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI thank you but I believe I\u2019ll stay in,\u201d answered Morgan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy watched the man until he entered the Mercantile before turning his attention to the wrecked coach.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019t be an impediment to traffic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy made his rounds and noted the ladies taking decorations into the town hall for the dance. It\u2019d no doubt be a good time for all but he\u2019d instead stick to sheriffing, keeping Virginia City safe while others enjoyed themselves. Besides, he\u2019d never been much for dancing, even when his Mary was alive.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Folks would be trickling into town before too long and he hoped there\u2019d be no mischief as men passed time in the saloons until it was time for the dance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy removed his hat as he entered the International House for a bite of lunch. Out of habit, he scanned the room and didn\u2019t 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\u2019s table.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMind if I join you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam folded the paper and set it by his plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYour pa and brothers should be in town soon,\u201d said Roy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam merely nodded as he lifted his cup to his lips. After a swallow of coffee, he said, \u201cThat man . . . Morgan . . . in your office this morning. Seems like I\u2019ve seen him before. Can\u2019t place him though.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he just has one of those faces,\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The younger man shrugged a shoulder. \u201cCould be. What business did he have with you?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust asked that I protect something that means a lot to him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Annie, one of the waitresses, approached with a pot of coffee. \u201cWhat\u2019ll it be, sheriff?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cA steak and mashed potatoes. Tell Sally to run the steak over the flame real good \u2013 I don\u2019t want it mooing at me.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam burst into laughter and Annie couldn\u2019t help but join in. She made a note on a pad of paper before heading to the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As the two men chatted, a booming voice rang out. \u201cDon\u2019t see why you didn\u2019t come home for a hot meal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you, too, Pa. Got back late yesterday and I\u2019m travel weary. Figured it made more sense to spend the night here and pretty myself up for the dance.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben ran the back of his finger along his cheek. \u201cThe young ladies won\u2019t recognize you with that.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMeans more feminine attention for me,\u201d said Joe as he plopped down in the remaining chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy took in Hoss\u2019s 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\u2019s steak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss waved Annie over. \u201cBring me two of those,\u201d he said pointing at Roy\u2019s plate.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAnything for you, Joe?\u201d she asked, an eyebrow raised.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cApple pie and a coffee.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cJust a coffee for me,\u201d said Ben to Annie\u2019s back as she headed for the kitchen.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMust be hard to get a gal\u2019s attention with these three young bucks,\u201d said Roy through a mouthful of steak.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t know the half of it,\u201d said Ben as his sons chuckled in amusement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The men passed the time in conversation until Roy got up to make his afternoon rounds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou gents enjoy the dance,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy had finished his evening rounds a half hour before he\u2019d sat down in the warm cocoon of his office to nurse a cup of hot coffee spiked with a generous dash of whiskey.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Santa,\u201d a girl yelled and the street filled with shouting children.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy bounded out of his office, knowing Hoss wasn\u2019t 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\u2019s front door was wide open.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The sheriff ran into the building and groused under his breath that the owner hadn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m too old fer this,\u201d he muttered as he dared a look down. Adults were trickling out from the town hall to find out what had the children excited.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy clambered onto the snowy rooftop and gingerly made his way across. He held his arms out for balance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Child and adult voices yelled out helpful advice as Roy steeled his courage and continued on his way.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy yelped as pain exploded in his arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the lantern light, Roy saw Joe Cartwright stand up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh, to have the nimbleness of youth,\u201d the sheriff thought in the midst of agony.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe pulled a groaning Morgan to his feet and, with Hoss\u2019s help, hauled the man to the jail.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam and Ben maneuvered Roy to get him on his feet and over to the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n *<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the morning, Roy awoke on a settee in the doctor\u2019s office. Since only one hand could reach his face, he used it to rub the sleep out of his eyes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cGood to see you back with us,\u201d said Dr. Martin. \u201cThat arm will take a month or more to heal.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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\u2019s gaze dropped to the younger man\u2019s chest and Roy\u2019s eyebrows drew together at the gleam of the deputy badge against the yellow coat.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou deputized me last night,\u201d said Adam. \u201cYou don\u2019t remember?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSurely couldn\u2019t have been legal if Doc gave me something for the pain, but I ain\u2019t gonna argue against it.\u201d Roy tried to sit up but groaned at the protest from his casted arm.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cMorgan\u2019s in a cell. I remembered why he\u2019d 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.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure hope he don\u2019t plan on bustin\u2019 outta my jail.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cNo chance of that,\u201d said Dr. Martin. \u201cMorgan broke his leg. It\u2019s a miracle Joe didn\u2019t have a scratch or even a bruise.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBoy\u2019s as agile as a cat,\u201d said Adam. \u201cHe\u2019s long been an expert at sliding off our roof to sneak into town.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy laughed then clutched his shoulder.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cSure hate to keep you from family at Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cPa understands,\u201d said Adam. \u201cConsider this our present to you. Besides, Hoss will relieve me in a few days so you\u2019ll have to deputize him.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWell, Hoss surely can\u2019t clean an office as good as you,\u201d Roy said with a wink.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam chuckled then headed out to make the rounds.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou feel up to a bite of breakfast?\u201d the doctor asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Roy nodded. Once alone, he let out a breath and thanked the Lord for delivering him safely from the roof \u2013 or at least keeping the rest of his body unbroken \u2013 and for friends like the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The End<\/p>\n <\/p>\n My prompt was:\u00a0Know(ing) the danger that exists in the event of an accident<\/em>. My assigned character was Roy Coffee and, by special request from our wonderful Advent Calendar organizer, Adam co-stars.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Link to the Bonanza Brand Advent Calendar \u2013 Day 15 – Leaning on the Taffrail – BettyHT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
\n~*~*~ Advent Calendar ~*~*~
\n* Day 14 *<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n