A Wild Road to Redemption – Extended Epilogue

A year after being sentenced, John was a free man. In fact, while serving his time under ‘house arrest’ at the boarding house, John had actually lost track of when his sentence had ended. 

He continued to report into the jail daily. He’d make a pot of coffee, get fresh water for any of the prisoners in the cells, and sit with Sheriff Spruce, making small talk. Eventually, the sheriff would tell him John was done for the day, and he’d see him the following day.

One day, as John was pouring the sheriff a fresh cup of coffee, the sheriff remarked, “Man, I’m sure gonna miss this, John.”

“You mean, when my time’s served?” John asked as he sat down next to the sheriff.

“No, I mean when you realize that your time has already been served.” The sheriff sipped his brew, pretending not to notice the puzzled expression on John’s face. Finally, Sheriff Spruce burst out laughing. “You know, your time was up last Friday.”

“I didn’t know!” John laughed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Hell, I just thought you liked my company. Besides, I can’t make coffee as good as yours!”

Since John really did enjoy the sheriff’s company, he stayed to finish his coffee, and their conversation was punctuated every two minutes by uncontrollable laughter. When John returned home, he told Myra the news.

“I’m a free man!” he heralded, hugging her tightly.

“I thought you knew that,” she said. “Everyone else knew. How come you didn’t?”

Myra prepared a big meal that night, and they talked about the future.

“What are you going to do now that you’re a free man?” Emily teased. “Kick up your heels and see the world, I imagine.”

“There isn’t anywhere else in the world I’d rather be than right here!” John said, leaning over to kiss her cheek.

“I told you two, not at my dinner table!” Myra scolded. “Poor Eli, having to witness such goings-on at his age.”

“I’m almost twelve,” Eli pointed out. “Seein’ two people rubbin’ noses don’t bother me. Cows do it. Horses do it. It’s everywhere!”

“And soon, even you’ll do it.” John smiled. “You know, I don’t mind that I lost that house. I did at first, but I was never sure how that was going to work, anyway. I mean, if Emily came to live with me, then poor Myra would be here all alone, and that wasn’t right. So I’m glad to be here with my two favorite gals, and my best buddy, Eli.”

“At least they took it back before we did all that roof work,” Eli observed.

“So, what are you going to do now that you’re a free man?” Myra asked.

“For work? Well, Hiram told me he’d welcome me back, but he couldn’t even ask the head office while I was doing my time. It’s still not for sure, but I know he needs the help. I’ll go see him tomorrow and let him know my shackles have been removed.”

“You’ll be trading in one set for another, if you’re lucky.” Myra winked. Emily blushed and waved her mother away with her napkin.

“She brought up a good point,” John said. “Emily, I’ve been wanting to ask you almost since I met you, but I had to wait until the time was right—and I wasn’t incarcerated—but I’d like to ask you now.”

The others looked on quietly as John got on one knee and took Emily’s hand.

“Emily, would you… would you give me that recipe for your fried chicken?”

Emily looked aghast as the others howled with laughter and clapped their hands. She raised her foot and pushed John sprawling onto the floor. After he recovered, he crawled back to Emily and grabbed for her hand, but she pushed him away. Finally, he succeeded, and all the mischief disappeared from his face.

“Emily Byrd, I love you so much, and I want to love you forever. Will you marry me?”

Emily looked askance for just a moment, waiting to see if another zinger was coming her way, and then she smiled unreservedly and held out her arms. “Of course, I will!” she cried, as they embraced.

Myra teared up, and when she looked at Eli, he turned away, denying the pull of her emotional gravity.

“Congratulations, Miss Emily,” he said. “Congratulations, John. Miss Myra almost got me with those tears of hers!”

“I can tell,” John grinned. “Good thing you resisted.”

“So, are you gonna be my mom?” Eli asked. When Emily nodded, he jumped up and pushed John aside for a hug. Soon, John was the only one at the table with dry eyes, although he came close to joining them.

“And I’m going to have a son!” Myra exclaimed, hugging John.

“I wish I were a bit more worthy,” John said.

“Well, you can’t be,” Myra replied, curly. “I wouldn’t have you any other way! And a grandson to boot! Now we can hug all the time!” she declared, smothering Eli grandma-style.

Emily looked up at John, and softly admitted, “I wouldn’t have you any other way, either, John Whitmore.”

***

The day after John’s testimony in Dallas, Judge Ethan Horbride pronounced his sentence: Lester Oates and Chester Oates were to be executed by hanging. Cheering erupted in the courtroom, though a collective moaning was heard when the judge set the execution date for the following month.

“Why wait all that time?” someone in the courtroom shouted. “We can get this over with in five minutes!”

The judge explained that time would be provided for the guilty party to consult with their attorney, and though he saw no grounds for a legal challenge to the sentence, their rights had to be respected.

When their attorney arrived the following week to discuss their hopes for an appeal, the brothers decided on a different course of action, and managed to threaten the attorney’s life with a weapon Chester had fashioned from a tin cup.

“You let us out of here now, or I’ll slit this lawyer’s throat!” Chester shouted.

The deputies weren’t immediately moved to respond. They looked at each other, choosing to wait and see what happened.

“I know,” Lester intervened, “a good lawyer is a dead lawyer, and I won’t argue about that. But if this man’s blood is spilled in this cell, there’ll be holy hell to be paid. You don’t think other lawyers would get upset about that? You two will lose your jobs, at the least, and probably be charged with aiding and abetting. The one thing lawyers are good at is complicating people’s lives, and yours are about to become much more complicated unless you open this door.”

The deputies looked at each other again, and this time, they unlocked the cell. “We need horses!” Chester cried out. “Take us to the stable!”

Lester managed to slip a pistol from a deputy’s holster. “You heard the man. We’re ridin’ outta here, and we’re taking him with us!”

One deputy escorted the men to the stable, while the other raced back to inform Sheriff Stanhope of the escape. Within minutes of the departure of the brothers and their captive, they were pursued by not only the Dallas County Sheriff deputies, but scores of citizens who mounted up as the news of the escape spread like brush fire.

When they got close enough, the deputies opened fire. The lawyer was the first to be hit, and he and his horse collapsed in the midst of the pursuers. The attorney survived, but he decided that day to give up his profession for the quieter life of a lettuce farmer.

Next, Chester’s horse was shot from under him, and he executed a spectacular series of flips and somersaults before crucifying himself on a 12-foot Saguaro. Soon after, Lester gave up when his horse was surrounded by the posse. Sheriff Stanhope knew there would be no denying the citizens’ fury, and he did not attempt to assert his authority as the crowd tore off Lester’s clothing and dragged him naked to the nearest Mesquite tree. After looping the rope on a high branch, they dragged Lester’s bare body along its jagged trunk. Three men held the rope until his body went limp.

And then, they went back for Chester. They gathered around him, finding much amusement in his pain, and relayed anecdotes about those who had suffered because of the Oates brothers’ very existence. Then, one man put a bullet through his skull, and Chester Oates—like Lester Oates—existed no more.

***

John did get his job back at the Western Union office, thanks to Hiram’s tireless lobbing efforts. With letters of recommendation from Sheriff Spruce and Reverend Brown, the head office chose to make an exception of their policy of not employing felons. Hiram was relieved.

“I don’t know how many more years I can give to this job,” he confided to John. “And humpin’ those mail sacks with my bad foot has put a strain on the rest of my body. Soon as I save up just a bit more, you can have the whole kit and caboodle, if I have any say about it.”

Now that John was gainfully employed, he and Emily set their wedding date for October 1st. They didn’t want to get married during monsoon season, and figured the rains would have ended by then. John went to see Reverend Brown to discuss the ceremony.

“Of course, I’d like to be baptized before then,” John told the preacher.

“Are you sure, John? The last time we spoke about this, you were gonna get back to me in a few days. It’s been almost two years!”

They laughed, but John could tell the preacher wanted a firm commitment. “Yeah, I’m sure. I’ve had a lot of time to think about everything. They say a cat has nine lives, and maybe I got some cat in me ‘cause I’ve sure been given a lot of chances and a lot of breaks. In fact, knowing about my past, I wouldn’t hold it against you if you decided not to marry us in your church. Some folks might wonder about a church that would let someone like me be part of its congregation.”

“Well, those aren’t the kind of people I’d want in my congregation,” Reverend Brown declared. “You and I are going to wash away all those sins, John. I know you’ve faced up to the things you’ve done. You did the right thing, telling the truth and getting all that trouble-making behind you. And now, you’re going to start life all over again. We’re going to get your soul clean, and keep it that way, right?”

“Yes, sir,” John said.

“You know, John, I wasn’t always a preacher. I used to be a lumberjack, and we were a rowdy bunch. Yeah, I went across this country, from New York to Michigan to Washington, clearing forests without a care in the world. I lived day-to-day and drank myself to sleep most nights. It’s just the way we were—probably something like you experienced as a soldier, you and your mates against the world. That’s how we felt, too.

“One night, I almost killed a man. We were all drunk. The pot couldn’t have been more than a couple of dollars, but I thought the man was cheatin’ me, and I was ready to risk everything for that pot and some principle I wouldn’t have given two shits about if I’d been sober. But they broke us up, and the next day, I just walked away. I knew that wasn’t the life for me anymore.

“My point is that none of us are perfect, John. Emily’s probably as close as a human gets,” he chuckled. “But life isn’t laid out like a map. It’s messy, and we screw up. So, don’t beat yourself up about what others might think. If you want to be a part of this church, then you are a part of it, just as much as I am. Don’t ever think otherwise, you hear?”

John asked Eli if he’d like to be baptized with him. “You don’t have to so it when I do. If you want to wait, or not get baptized at all, that’s fine. But if you did want to, we could do it as partners.”

Eli smiled. “Baptism partners?”

 

“Why, sure,” John replied. “Why not?”

“It might be a good idea,” Eli said. “Because when you’re baptized, it’s like you’re telling the whole world that you’ve changed, right? That you’ve decided to change and become a better person?”

“That sounds right to me,” John said, and though he thought of it as more of a personal choice, John saw the sense in Eli’s viewpoint.

“And plus, if we do it together, then each of us can keep the other one from ducking out!”

“There’s truth in that, too!” John laughed. He felt closer to Eli than anyone, as a father figure and a partner, but also by seeing in Eli an image of John’s younger self. Going through the baptism ceremony together would add yet another dimension to their relationship.

John and Eli were baptized in late July, at the height of the monsoons. Creeks were overflowing with fresh rainwater, allowing for full body immersion. Eli went first, then John. John sputtered as he emerged, and even with the water streaming in his eyes, he could see Emily’s eyes wet with tears. He was glad when a smile broke out across her face.

“There’s just something about seeing a grown man accept the Lord,” Myra commiserated later, dabbing her eyes. “A man seems almost childlike in his trust and acceptance. It’s so humbling.”

John tried to understand what she was saying, but he decided that you probably had to have been there, watching it, to know what she meant. Still, he knew that they’d all been affected by the ceremony, and it brought the four of them closer together.

John and Emily were married in October, right on schedule. Emily looked lovelier than ever, wearing her mother’s wedding dress. The church was packed. Everyone in the town knew Emily, and almost everyone thought the world of her.

There were a few exceptions, of course, because it was in the nature of some folks to be just as contrary as they could be, and though no one could say a bad word about Emily, they sure could hold forth on the man she chose to marry.

One of John’s regrets was the black mark he’d made on Emily’s reputation, which was one reason why he’d struggled with revealing his background to her, before he was forced into doing so. Everyone in town liked the story about the young widower, attending to his son despite the sorrow in his life. And to have a man like that courting the town’s beloved schoolteacher was the closest thing to a fairy tale most of the citizens expected to experience in real life.

But once it was known that John was a common criminal who’d lied about his past to insinuate himself in the community, some in town thought that the only decent thing Emily could do was to cut herself completely free from John Whitmore. Bad enough to have fallen under the sway of his charm and lies; she needed to cut her losses to salvage what was left of her reputation.

To her credit, Emily had done no such thing. Any distance she’d put between herself and John was based upon her own principles, and not anyone else’s. No doubt, she did give some thought to her position in the community, and there might have been some discussion between her and the schoolmaster regarding this, but she’d never acknowledged any of this to John. Emily was her own person, and she made up her own mind. Even if John had not benefited from her choice, he still would have admired her courage.

Shortly after John and Emily were married, she suggested that they adopt Eli. “That boy has so much goodness and intelligence that the only way he won’t succeed is if the adults fail him,” she said. “I won’t let that happen. He needs stability and parents who will nurture him. Personally, I can’t think of two better people to provide that than us!”

John was delighted that she felt that way. He’d never doubted her affection for Eli, but to go that extra step and want to make it legal made an impression on John. “I’ve thought about that, too. His mother has never shown any interest in contacting him, but one day, it could happen. And we wouldn’t have a leg to stand on, legally.”

“Exactly,” Emily agreed. “It could be years from now. One day, she feels a pang of guilt, and the next thing you know, she’s at our door, telling him to pack his things. We need to head her off at the pass!” The certainty temporarily faded from her face. “Is that what they say? ‘Head them off at the pass?’”

“That’s just perfect,” John assured her.

Eli was tickled, too. They sat down with him, told him of their intentions, and asked if this was what he wanted. To their relief, Eli was elated.

“I know you’re my mom and dad,” he said. “But this way everyone will know it, right? And we’ll all have the same last name?”

Eli was very pleased at the prospect of belonging somewhere, to someone, and soon he’d have the papers to prove it to anyone who had any doubts.

Public notices were published in newspapers where Eli’s mother had been rumored to live, but there was never any response. After awaiting the required time, the adoption was finalized, and Eli Duncan officially became Eli Whitmore. When they received the certificate of his legal name change, Eli asked to have it framed, so they did. It was a prized possession on his bedroom wall, like a trophy that he never tired of admiring.

Soon after the adoption went through, Emily announced that there would be another addition to the Whitmore name: she was pregnant!

Everyone was beside themselves from the news. Myra stood ready to create new dresses and alter old ones to accommodate Emily’s figure as she bloomed. And this was a first for both John and Emily. They knew the child would be special, and they knew it would be loved. Out of respect for Eli’s feelings, they tried to contain themselves somewhat when discussing their expectations, but Eli told them there was no need to hinder their enthusiasm.

“I know you love me,” he said, patiently, as if he were counseling his junior. “And you always will. Nothing will change that. But this is someone you’ve created together! A baby. And that’s a whole other thing. So, enjoy. I won’t get annoyed. I’m happy to see you happy.”

“You couldn’t ask for a better big brother,” John said, and Emily agreed.

The only dissonance came from Emily’s employer, who told her that he’d requested the Board of Education search for a replacement. “Someone needs to teach the children while you’re away,” he’d told her. “You chose to be a mother. We need to find a replacement.”

The teacher, an older lady by the name of Muttschlager, arrived in time to co-teach with Emily for a few weeks before Emily had to stay at home.

“Don’t worry about it,” John told her. “You’ll be busy enough caring for the young one. We’ll get by okay,” he added, though he did have some apprehension about the loss of her income.

Emily gave birth to a healthy girl, named Elizabeth Myra Whitmore. John and Eli were both so taken with the baby that Myra had to boot them out the door to go to work and school, respectively. They rushed home each day to hear about the latest belch or gurgle Lizzy had produced, and spent hours sprawled across Emily’s bed, in awe of the vision of motherhood before them.

Eli would relay the grumblings at school about Miss Muttschlager. No one liked her, though Eli felt sorry for her. She couldn’t keep up with the different demands of the various grade levels, and she frequently lost her temper and yelled at the students. Everyone missed Miss Emily. At least Eli would still receive her personal tutoring once she had the time again.

One day, Eli came in from school and told Emily everyone wanted to see the baby. Some of the students were outside. Could she bring the baby out on the porch?

Emily was only too happy to see her students again, and to show off her two-week-old baby girl. She had expected to see one or two students when she opened the door, but the entire class was gathered about the steps. They applauded when she stepped out on the porch.

Emily sat on the swing and answered their questions, but soon the attention turned toward them and how they were faring in class. The students left no doubt that they were not happy with Emily’s replacement, rattling off a litany of complaints. Emily encouraged them to give her a chance. With time, she assured them, Miss Muttschlager would feel more at ease and going to class would become more enjoyable. But Emily had a feeling she hadn’t quite convinced them.

Eli raced through the door one morning only an hour after he’d left for school.

“Sssh, you’ll wake Lizzy!” Emily whispered. “Why are you back so soon?”

“Because no one showed up to class!” he whispered back. “We’re on strike! No one is going into her classroom. We’ll keep up on our reading, but no more school. I was the only one who went today, but I don’t want to be the only one there. I’d be like a scrape, or whatever they’re called.”

“A scab,” Emily corrected. “I’m not sure if I approve of this, but if you keep up with your studies and can tend to Lizzy so I can get a nap once in a while, you can stay home. We’ll see how long it lasts.”

After a week, Maggie O’Hara, the school board president, appeared at the door, with Headmaster Smith in tow. She asked if they could have a word with Emily.

“This has just gotten out of hand,” Maggie said. “This new teacher isn’t working out. We need you to come back.”

Mr. Smith interrupted. “I can’t afford to pay two teachers, can I?”

Maggie stared back at him with zero empathy. “Well, it looks like you’ll have to, won’t you? Maybe we can defray some of the extra cost by appropriating some of your salary, hmmm?” She turned back to Emily. “Please think about it. Oh, and, of course, I believe a raise would be in order. Let me know, won’t you?”

It didn’t take long for Emily to decide. Myra couldn’t wait to get her hands on the little one on a regular basis, so caring for Lizzy wouldn’t be a problem. But it was a family decision, so Emily waited until the family was seated around the dining table to discuss it.

“I sure would’ve like to have seen that jackass headmaster’s face when Molly gave him his comeuppance!” John laughed.

“It was exquisite,” Emily assured him. “The nerve! You men make us pregnant, and then you take our jobs away from us. That’s involuntary servitude, if you ask me!”

“Well, it just goes to show,” Myra contributed, “that these geniuses in charge of education need a little educating themselves. They think if something gets broken, they can just replace it with a new one!”

“I’m not broken,” Emily pointed out.

“Of course not, dear,” Myra said. “It’s the arrogance that’s galling, and it’s not just the men, mind you. Women, too. They act like they’re descended from royalty! Isn’t that why we all came here in the first place?”

“I came for the beer,” John offered, which got a cheap laugh from Eli.

“So, no one objects if I go back to work?” Emily polled the table. “Everyone’s willing to pitch in and help out? Mom can’t do it alone, you know.”

The vote was unanimous in favor of Emily going back to the job she loved. Eli and the other students would love to have her back, and John could once again lay claim to being married to the smartest, nicest schoolteacher in town.

And Myra? Myra couldn’t wait to get her hands on that little baby!

THE END

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