Santa Fe by Harvey Stanbrough

Author:Harvey Stanbrough
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: StoneThread Publishing
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Wes said, “Again, I’m sorry, Governor. I know that’s an almighty disappointing thing to hear after you rode all this way to get my help. And me sayin’ it won’t happen again—I mean it, of course, but when things are actually happenin’ and I see people bein’ hurt—”

The governor held up one hand. “Ranger Crowley, you didn’t do anything wrong. And you certainly aren’t in any trouble.”

“I’m not?”

The governor shook his head. “No sir. Quite the contrary. I rode all the way down here from Santa Fe in person to ask for your help because of what I heard about your first trip through the Territory. And frankly, I’m only more eager now that we’ve talked.”

Wes downed about a third of his drink, then very carefully set his glass on the table and looked up at the governor. “So you still want me to help?”

“Yes sir. Actually, I was going to ask you to sign on as the marshal of Santa Fe.”

“The marshal of Santa Fe? Oh, well, all due respect, Governor—”

“But I’ve changed my mind.”

“Oh. Well, good.” Wes nodded. “That’s good then. ‘Cause the thing is, I’m a Texas Ranger. I really don’t know anything at all about—”

“I want to hire you as the sheriff instead, pending your official appointment as a deputy US marshal. You’ll have a much wider jurisdiction as a sheriff.” The governor put up one hand. “Though I understand you carry your jurisdiction with you.” He chuckled. “By the way, that’s one of the most amazing and motivating things I’ve ever heard with regard to law enforcement. Of course, you will still have Santa Fe too, but I don’t mind if you hire someone to handle that for you while you’re watching over everything else.”

Wes had sat back in his chair as the governor talked, but he was thoroughly surprised. He glanced around to see whether anyone else was listening, then leaned forward, frowned, and quieted his voice. “Governor, sir, again, all due respect and all that, I’m a Texas Ranger. I don’t know the first thing about bein’ a town marshal or a sheriff or a deputy US marshal. I don’t know anything other than Rangerin’. I mean, it’s all I’ve ever done. But even settin’ all of that to one side, I can’t just up and walk out on the captain and Company D.”

“I have to admit, I admire your loyalty. And the captain would be the first to say how lucky he is to have you in Company D.”

“Well, I appreciate that, really, but I don’t think the captain will—”

The governor raised his glass as if to make a toast. “And I’m damned lucky he’s already agreed to lend you to me for awhile.”

Wes sat back in his chair, a frown on his face. “I’m sorry?”

“I asked the captain by telegram to give you a leave of absence from Company D for a period of not less than 6 months and not more than one year. He agreed. After that time, if you want, you can return to Company D and resume your duties as a Texas Ranger.

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