Justice Served

part 4

Ben dressed her in his shirt and carried her back to the fire. She had fallen asleep in his arms. Her weariness wasn’t just due to the physical labor of killing and his attentions. Her mind had just made a discovery it wasn’t sure it wanted to know about.

He just laid her on his pallet and covered her before taking his place at her back.

Andy noticed the change of wardrobe. There was something else different he just couldn’t put a finger on it now. Solomon sat up rubbing his eyes. "What happen?"

Never turning from Justice, Ben spoke softly. "It’s done."

Andy poked the big man. "Go to sleep Sol."

The next morning Ben took them past the Pinkerton campsite. The carnage Justice had left behind was in the full light of day. She sat in the saddle unmoved by it. Andy looked around almost in awe. He couldn’t believe that this little waif of a woman could do this. One of the men lay on eyes wide one hand reaching for the gaping hole in his neck. The other obviously had no idea even what had transpired other than his death.

Even Wade seemed a bit taken aback by the scene. He hadn’t expected it to be so clean. She was nature born to this. Solomon was the only one to speak as they left the gruesome sight. "Holy shit, Justice!"

She shrugged then followed Ben. He took them down trails he knew all too well. Last time he’d been here there were twelve men at his back. Now he had two men and Justice. He could rely on Justice.  He could hear the pounding of horse’s hooves on the road below. "Might as well get started. Justice, Andy take the high."

Weeks later the band had found a rhythm and had been "working" in earnest.  It was time for a small respite. Ben wondered if that little burg he hung out in was still friendly. They tolerated his presence as long as the boys didn’t misbehave too badly.

He and Andy worked to open the trunk containing the latest bankroll. Justice picked up a satchel. She was quiet as usual. She had fallen into her roll with the crew and at Ben’s side. He wondered if she had come to terms with who and what she was.

She sat against a log and began to sort though the papers. Andy asked looking as if he could read the marks. "What’s that?"

"Information." The couple of guards that had survived seemed to squirm. Ben had never considered the documents as having a value. Perhaps he was wrong. Justice moved to sit close to one of the men. A sandy haired fellow just barely turned into a man. "Sol, take his friend here someplace else."

The big man looked to the boss, who nodded. Once the other man was removed all of her attention was focused on her prisoner.  He was young, scared, and very nervous to have this woman near him. Justice smiled sweetly setting the paperwork in her lap. "It’s a hot day don’t you think?"

She slid her coat from her shoulders and opened her collar unbuttoning another button. "They call me Justice."

Not sure about this he tried to scoot over from her, but she closed the space their legs touching. When she put a hand on his knee he stuttered. "I…I know who you are."

"You do? Then I am at a disadvantage." Trailing light fingers up his thigh. Ben hid his smirk as the man glanced at him a bit fearfully. But he was a man and well Justice was woman. Ben knew the poor kid didn’t have a chance; her silken skin would win out.

"Jacob, my name is Jacob. They say your Ben Wade’s girl."

"Is that what they say?" She stole a glance at the man in question and winked. She leaned over just right, and when his eyes drifted to her buttons. "Tell me Jacob are these real?"

Shaking his head and licking his lips Jacob answered. "I hope so." She wiggled the papers. "Oh, I was told to give those to Mr. Butterfield. No one else."

Sitting back she went through the papers carefully. "Is this today’s date?"

Jacob couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He watched her nibble her finger as she flipped through the small stack. "No, Miss Justice I got them last night."

An odd smile crossed her lips and she gave Jacob a small kiss. "Thank you Jacob."

He was a bit breathless as she stood. "You are welcome Miss Justice."

She took the two documents she wanted then tossed the rest back in the broken wagon. "Look at this. There is a shipment of gold and cash coming in on the train."

Ben read the entry she pointed out. Sure enough in four days time there would be a very nice bit of loot on the rails. "Robbing a train is different than a stage coach Justice."

"I thought you wanted a challenge?" He kind of glared at her. Why did he tell her that?

Changing the subject for now. "Now look what you done to that poor boy there."

Jacob was gazing at Justice waiting to see if she would come back. She smiled and waved. He grinned back. "And just how many pretty little bar maids did you turn on their heads then disappear out the window?"

Ben chuckled, "Maybe I should have named you Succubus."

Ask and ye shall receive, a challenge he wanted, a challenge he was given. The quartet sat waiting for the train. Solomon looked at his watch. "It’s late."

Ben looked at Justice, "When they say 3:10 they really mean 3:15." She only gave him a grin the only one really understanding his joke. A slight rumble began down the tracks.

Andy stood in the saddle. "There she is!"

Once the engine and passenger cars were pasted they rode down to pace the train. Justice eyed a large side door with a lock. All the others were open. "There."

Ben pulled the Hand of God and fired twice. The lock fell away from the door. Andy rode forward and pulled the door open. A Pinkerton stood waiting both barrels ready. Andy ducked just in time. "Shit!"

Justice returned the fire and the rifle fell from the man’s hands as he fell under the horses. Andy pulled a quarter stick of dynamite. Justice grabbed his arm before he could light the match. "That will blow the money up to you idiot!"

He gave her a disappointed expression then rode close enough to jump in the car. Solomon took the reigns of Andy’s horse and led it out of the way. Justice stayed by the door her horse frothing. "Hurry up Patton!"

"There’s a big safe! I can’t get it open, hell I’ll blow it!"

Justice jumped into the car rolling and hitting the far wall. She grabbed the small stick of explosives and examined the safe’s hinges.  "Help me push it over."

They pushed the metal box door up. Justice tore open the dynamite and poured some of the powder mix on each of the hinges. They stood way back as Andy tossed the match. It was a small flare and pop but the hinges were undone. The two of them couldn’t get the warm metal bent enough to get inside.

Ben rode up. "What’s the hold up?"

Justice started tossing the two bags of gold nuggets of the train. "Safe door is stuck."

Wade dropped back and sent Solomon. The big man rocked the car as he landed. Andy took the opportunity to grab onto Justice as they wobbled. "Damn man you trying to derail us!"

Justice elbowed him in the gut then shoved him out the door. He went rolling into the dirt. She thought with any luck she thought Patton would break his neck.

Sol saw the problem right away. He walked over and tugged twice on the broken door before it came free. Justice grabbed a mail sack, dumping the correspondence and small packages. Once they tossed the stacks of cash in and threw it out Sol grabbed her hand and they followed.

Ben rode over with the horses as Andy reached out to give her a hand up. She took it, looked at him and shook her head. "Damn."

He grinned knowing exactly what she meant. "You know you’d miss my charming company."

Snorting she mounted. "As much as I would miss The Clap." Sol and Ben enjoyed the chuckle at his expense.

As Ben promised they rode into the itty bitty town of Gales. Their first stop was Potter’s Wardrobe. Ben knocked on the door and a man opened the door and ushered them in. He immediately checked Ben’s measurements then nodding to himself went to the back.

He brought out a new suit of clothing, along with three shirts. Ben examined the goods and approved. "Now Harold I want you to take care of Justice. She needs something more appropriate don’t you think?"

The man walked over and appraised the woman who was wearing men’s baggy clothing. "Come here and undress."

Justice walked over and did as she was asked. Harold raised an eyebrow. "Don’t worry miss I will have your things ready in a few hours. Mr. Wade pays me well for ….rush orders."

She stood in the shirt only and the tailor told her to remove it. She looked to Ben who just shrugged. The boys promised not to look. "Liars."  With a sigh she took off the shirt and stood nude before them. Harold coughed then quickly took the measurements he needed. While she redressed Ben dismissed the boys with a strict warning about behavior.

Next stop Ben took Justice to the bath house. Upon entering there were several girls waiting in the parlor. They chattered softly until he entered then stood trying to gain his attentions. An older woman stepped out from behind a counter. "Mr. Wade, welcome back." She glanced at the dirty woman standing beside him. "For two?"

Ben tipped his hat to the lovely older woman. "That would be nice, Mrs. Campbell."

The woman turned to the gathered crowed and rolled her eyes. The fuss this man causes her every visit. "Tisha and Virginia will see to you." The ladies mentioned quickly moved to lead him on. Justice just stepped back and grinned.

They took them to a room with a half filled tub. Tisha began to fill the tub with hot water. Virginia laid out towels and soap for them. She gave a sideways glance at Justice. Ben leaned over and whispered in the girl’s ear. "Put some of that scented oil in the water."

Smiling the girl went to the cabinet, "rose, lily, or lavender?"

Ben looked Justice in the eye and grinned. "Lilly, I think."

Justice shook her head. "Ass." The girls shocked, glanced at her then quickly away. Ben chuckled as he tossed his hat and coat on a chair and walked over to her.

"Pay no mind girls; Justice is just a rose with thorns." Her hat and coat joined his and Ben set about undressing his rose. The girls tried not to watch and Justice noticed the looks coming from Virginia were not friendly. Tisha finished filling the tub and hurried out. Virginia continued to dawdle until it was evident she wasn’t wanted.

The woman snuffed and left the two. Ben sat with Justice nude in his lap. She toyed with the back of his hair. "Why are you doing this?"

"What?"

"Dressing me up, bathing me to smell sweet for you."

"Does there have to be a reason Justice? You can’t tell me you’re comfortable in those rags. You need something you can work in. I guess I am doing that for me since I like the money, but the bath is for you. I thought girls like to be all clean and sweet smelling."

"I don’t remember." She wasn’t sure what his game was but Ben Wade always had a game. He just held her curled a strand of her hair around his finger. It was a rare tender moment. She gave into it snuggling her face into his neck, his beard scratching her nose.

He suddenly stood and set her into the water then took off his shirt. Picking up the soap he lathered his hands. Virginia came back in with a bottle and two glasses. She quickly set them down and exited muttering. 

"I don’t think she approves." He whispered in her ear. Justice grinned and lay back in the tub. The warm water did feel good. His hands rubbing soap down her arms felt better. Neither spoke as he scrubbed her hands giving attention to each finger. She closed her eyes as his hands moved to her neck and shoulders massaging as he washed away the grime. Sighing she reached up to rest a hand on his but he placed it instead on the side of the tub.

"I thought you were going to join me." She felt more than heard his soft chuckle.

"I kind of like this." His hands slid from her shoulders down her chest. Not an inch of her was untouched. Not even between her toes went unwashed. After washing her hair he washed certain other parts again.

This was her moment. How long had it been since she had been fussed over. He felt it was time to let her feel like a woman again. He had no doubt she would return the favors later. His Justice had a voracious appetite. Of course sooner or later it would come to cause problems with the boys.

Justice sat breathless from his relentless touch. The water was cooling but she didn’t want to loose this moment. Not just because of what he was doing to her, because she felt cared for. She couldn’t remember the last time she was able to sit in a bath, never had she been bathed.  She was clean and fresh ready to live again.

After the bath house they got a room at the inn. Sitting and watching the dancing flames, Ben warm at her back she came to terms with what she was. It was time to stop being scared of it. After the plantation she wondered if it would happen again. If she would snap and slaughter those she loved. Dan solved that issue by tossing her in the street then dying. There was nothing left to love. Now Justice understood it was a choice. She hadn’t been insane when she killed those soldiers; she had chosen to exact her vengeance.

She felt good even with her hair damp and cool on his skin, she felt good. He looked into the dancing flames and thought about his own choices. Why had he come back here? Why didn’t he cut her loose? He watched her eyes flutter closed and a sigh escape. What made her content in his presence when others trembled? He leaned back against the lush sofa behind him and watched her sleep.

Their respite didn’t last long as the tailor knocked on the door. Ben opened it and the man came bustling in with clothing. It was a nice dark suit of cloths only cut for her curves. There were the customary two sets of trousers and three shirts to accompany the coat.

Justice stood and wrapped the blanket around her as she fingered the material and traced the fine stitching. She slipped on the camisole and stepped into the clothing carefully dressing. She seemed to relish in the way the fabric slid on her skin. When she turned around Ben felt his breath catch at the sight. A wicked little grin crossed her lips as she turned and pointed at her gun belt.

Ben returned the grin and obliged picking up the weapon he reached around her and settled the belt on her hips. She looked mighty fine. "You look ready to go to work." Before he could say more Solomon and Andy came in.

"Now ain’t that a sight. You think that tailor could make me look that good?"

Andy jabbed the big man in the ribs. "Sol there ain’t that much cloth."

Before Solomon could retaliate Ben shooed them out and paid Potter for his services. He turned back to Justice. "Let’s see what those fancy duds look like coming off."

It was almost dawn when there was a frantic pounding on the door. Ben stalked over and jerked the door open. Andy stood almost in a panic. "What’s gone on Patton?"

"You mentioned a guy named Butterfield a couple of times?" Ben nodded. "He’s here."

"Shit." Justice swore as she jumped from the bed and started to dress. "Where’s Solomon?" Andy shrugged and both she and Ben swore.

As they reached the lobby they could hear the inn keeper talking and another familiar voice. Butterfield was a cleaver pink. Carefully they went out the back and headed for the saloon.

Sure enough they found him sprawled across a table. Justice lifted his head. "Shit he’s soaked." Her foot hit a few of the bottles he’d emptied the night before. She grabbed a pitcher of water from the bar. As the barman protested. Dumping the contents on his slumbering head.

The big man sat up rubbed his eyes and looked at her like nothing had happened. Then proceeded to pass out again, until Ben slapped him across the face. Solomon snapped awake. "What the hell was that for?"

"I’m not lugging your big ass to the horses. Again. Get a move on."

With a sigh he rose and started for the back door. Justice was always surprised at how docile the man was. He could easily snap Wade in two yet he gets up and walks out the back. 

Once out back Justice looked him over again. "Sol, how’d you know to go out back?"

He shook his head. "I didn’t think you would be drowning me if there wasn’t someone after us."

A couple of coaches later the band needed to make a run for supplies. "There’s that little town over the ridge." Sol suggested.

Ben thought it over a bit. "That will do I suppose. We’ll head in after dark." He grabbed a bottle from the saddle bags, a blanket and took Justice into the night.

They both lay breathless in the moonlight. Ben knew he was probably crushing her but he couldn’t seem to move just yet. Besides she didn’t seem to mind. "Justice where did you learn how to do that?"

She laughed sending spasms through their sensitive still entwined bodies. "You did!"

"Oh that’s right." He rolled to the side and looked up at the full moon. She moved to lie against him and fingered with the back of his hair. He looked into her face and saw the contentment. Funny thing is he felt it too. She fit.

The next morning they rode hard and reached their destination. Ben dismounted and carefully looked around. No one was really paying them any mind. "Get the supplies and get back no lollygagging."

He watched the others head off and walked into a shop apply called The Gunroom. Inside was just that wall to wall guns. One of the finest displays he’d ever seen. Of course he was careful to keep his own piece concealed. Confident he stepped to the counter and requested the needed ammunition. He clerk eyed him suspiciously. "That’s a lot of munitions for one man."

Ben turned on the charm. "We have an Indian problem; my hands need something to load their guns with."

Snorting the clerk boxed the ammo. "You’re one of those new ranchers, then. You might want to look up Joe Tuttle he’s having the same problem. The bastards shot his dogs full of arrows."

Ben took his parcel and nodded. "I just might do that."

As he exited he saw a badge reflect the sun. Turning the opposite direction Ben stepped into the ally to be greeted by Justice. Would have been a pleasant sight had there not been a gun barrel pressed to her head. "Going somewhere Wade?"

The marshal’s voice came from behind him. Ben winked at Justice. "Perhaps you could recommend a decent hotel."

They were escorted to the jail where they were greeted by Andy. "Fancy meeting you two here."

Roughly they were shoved into a cell. Justice was pushed into the back wall. Ben turned on the man who was quick to click the hammer. "Take care with her, she’s with child!"

The young man apologized as he slammed the door shut. He looked a bit concerned as she took her time turning around and Ben fussed over her. Then he shivered at the thought of having Ben Wade as a father.

Andy scooted over to the bars with a shocked expression. "Is she alright, why didn’t you say something?"

Ben sat and urged her to lay back on the long bench her head in his lap. "Nothing to say Andy."

In a couple of hours the marshal returned. "Looks like the Pinkertons are going to come and escort straight to Yuma themselves. You two had best say your good byes. Especially considering what you done to them outside Bisbee. You’re gonna be lucky to make it to prison Wade."

Ben pulled the blanket the young deputy had given him around Justice. "I can’t take credit for those Marshal."

The man scoffed. "Then just who do you suggest could do all that. I saw the mess you made."

Andy started laughing. "Let’s just call it Justice served, for those damn pinks."

The marshal looked down at the pale woman. Butterfield had told him about her being brought to trial and acquitted on the murders of four union soldiers. With a snort he left them.

It was well into the night when Andy voiced what his companions were thinking. "You think Sol left us here to rot?"

Ben sighed as he kissed the top of Justice. "He’s probably soaked in whiskey." He cradled Justice in his lap. The young deputy was watched them carefully. He would pay close attention to Justice. Ben grinned and nuzzled close to her ear. "Show time."

Justice pulled him into a deep kiss then winked. She sat up and smiled sweetly at the deputy. "Could I have some water?"

He quickly glanced around to see if there was anyone watching him, then poured a glass of water. He brought it to her his concern evident. "Are you okay Miss Justice? The marshal said no one was getting food or anything but considering your condition I’ll get you something to eat if your hungry."

She drank some of the water then grabbed the bars wobbling a bit. The young man seemed nervous but before he could call for help she dropped the glass and slid down the bars. Just as she wanted he reached through to gentle her fall. Grabbing a large piece of the glass. Justice looked him in the eye and stabbed the jagged shard deep into his throat.

Andy was on his feet finally getting the ruse. "Shit! Shit! Justice shit!"

Justice searched the dying man then stepped back out of the growing puddle. "No keys."

Ben swore then looked down at the bench. With a quick glance at the hinges he moved the bench under the bottom cross bar. He called her over and they both stood on the bench. The wooden bench creaked and groaned but the door did move. Twice more and it fell lifted from the hinges.

Justice moved carefully to retrieve their guns. Andy shouted at Ben, watching him follow the woman out the door. "You can’t just leave me here to hang!"

Ben turned back and shrugged. "My mama once told me I should leave nasty things where I found them."

As Justice wrapped her hand around the Hand of God she heard a soft click. Looking up at the sound she saw Solomon sitting in the corner. "What the hell, Sol?"

The big man grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Mr. Butterfield cut me a mighty fine deal. I get to keep all the goods we took plus a payoff from the pinks as well as a full pardon. All I had to do was help them catch Wade. You can come with me Justice. We can find a homestead. All you need is a new name. You’ve had three already what’s one more."

Justice leaned on the desk turning the gun under her hand. Smiling she slipped a finger in the trigger. "Go to hell Solomon." Before he could answer she pulled the trigger. The door flew open and Butterfield stormed in only to meet with a bullet. Ben took her hand. She tossed him the Hand of God and grabbed her own gun belt.

Ben was handing her the reigns of her horse when a small explosion filled the air. Justice looked up at him for a moment then her face contorted as she fell to the ground. Solomon stood in the door to the jail holding his gut laughing.

Ben emptied the last of his ammunition into the giant. Solomon’s laughter ceased as he fell to the ground hard enough to raise dust. Ben knelt down to scoop up Justice but there was blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.

"Justice." He started to scoop her up but she cried out.

Shaking her head she touched his face and smiled. He bent and kissed her tasting the copper covering her tongue. Justice pushed him away. "Go. I’ll say hello to Dan for ya." He just stared at her for a moment. "Go Wade."

He laid her down in the dirt and blood, pushed her hair back from her face. Catching a tear on his finger as he stood pressing it to his lips as he stepped over her dying body. Ben Wade mounted his horse and rode away.

Justice felt her life fading but had no regrets. He had looked down as he mounted and she saw his lips whisper, "I forgive you."

All the women in his life left him even her. As those words fell on her she realized she had loved him. In his own ways he had loved her.

Weeks later news of the event reached William Evans. He rode to the town to see the grave himself. He and his brother were all that was left of his family now. His mother was only going through the motions of life she didn’t really live anymore.

The marshal took him to the cemetery. "I’ll be damned!" He shouted as he looked around the back to the grave marker with fresh paint. William knelt grinning, he couldn’t help it. He knew his father and aunt were laughing at him. Lillian Evans had been painted over. The name now read Justice Rose Wade. A drawing of Justice gazing over the horizon was tacked underneath, and a huge bouquet of roses lay on the mound.

Will reached to pick one of the roses but quickly drew his hand back. They were full of thorns. He did take the drawing and saw writing on the back. Following the directions to a hollowed tree in the cemetery, he found his aunts saddle bag full of money. This time he didn’t scoff, she was right, dirty money spends the same.

Stopping at the grave one last time he saw another figure there. "Follow your father’s path William. It’s what Justice and Dan wanted for you."

"Thanks for the advice uncle." The figure snorted then walked away.