Matagorda (1967) Read online

  “I never shot a woman,” Huddy said. “I never would.”

  “The reverse is not true, Mr. Huddy. This woman has never shot a man, but believe me, she certainly would. Also, I am somewhat nervous, and if I start shooting it is likely I will empty this gun into you.

  “You see, Mr. Huddy, I came west to marry Mr. Duvarney. I came out here because I love him and I want to bear children for him and to live out my life with him, so if you think I am going to let a man like you come between us with a bullet, you are wrong. I will kill you, Mr. Huddy, if you do not come away from that window, get on your horse, and ride right out of our lives.

  “Mady Coppinger told me you came from Alabama, Mr. Huddy. The only city in Alabama that I know is Mobile. It is very lovely at this time of year. Would you go now .

  . . please?”

  He looked at her, and then he looked at the gun. The hand that moved was only to lift his hat. “Your pleasure, ma’am,” he said, and walked from the room and down the back hall.

  She followed and stood by the door, watching him ride away, sitting very straight in the saddle.

  Tom Kittery stood with Tappan when she reached the street. “Mady is here,” she said.

  “I saw her,” Tom said. “I … I borrowed money and loaned it to her. She’s gone off to N’Orleans. I reckon I’ll find somebody else, somewhere on up the trail.”

  “You will, Tom. I’m sure of it.” Jessica turned to look up at Tap. “Come on, Tappan.

  Those cattle are waiting.”

  “And we’d better find a sky pilot,” Tap commented. “We might as well make it legal while we’re at it.”

  “Yes, that, too,” she said.

  “You’re forgettin’ somethin’, Major,” Spicer said. “What about Jackson Huddy?”

  “Oh, don’t worry about him,” Jessica said. “We had a talk and he decided to go back to Alabama. If you doubt it, look in the room up over the door. You’ll find his rifle and pistol there.”

  Tappan Duvarney looked at her quizzically. “You know, Jessica, that’s a story I would really like to hear.”

  “I’ll tell you … sometime.” She reached in her purse and took out the Colt. “Tappan, would you carry this for me? It is getting very heavy.”