A small western town is harboring an awful secret. It’s supposed to be a short stop along the way for former outlaw Brody Ray Byrne, who is determined to start anew. But fate has different plans for the wayward Irish immigrant…
“Devil’s Bliss,” was the disturbing name etched into the wooden sign Brody Ray Byrne passed riding into the isolated town. Conspicuous by its absence was the customary “Welcome” greeting. Even more curious, no population count. Such oddities actually managed to give the former outlaw a foreboding, eerie feeling – like he was willingly entering a haunted place that no one dared set foot in without divine, angelic protection. Upping the ante of his uneasiness was the paltry presence of people. More dried-out tumbleweed was on the dusty, nearly empty street than residents or travelers.
Still, it had all the familiar settings of an up-and-coming mining camp – hotels, saloons, laundry, a corral, theater, a livery stable, an apothecary, general store, courthouse, sheriff’s office and jail. But, not a single church. In a remote community like this one, particularly one that had a long bad luck streak with gold, that was quite unusual. After all, this far away from cultured civilization, folks needed their regular doses of faith.
But, Brody wasn’t there to hear the gospel or sermons. He had only one thing in mind and it had nothing whatsoever to do with any religion. He wasn’t even remotely interested in gambling, entertainment, or the company of women. No. He followed a totally different agenda and this town was integral to his well-thought-out plan.
Born in Dundalk, Ireland in 1857, just eight years after the end of the Great Potato Famine, his family emigrated briefly to England, then to America when he was six years old. His father and mother both found work, but no prosperity. In 1867, his mother died from typhus days after her thirtieth birthday, leaving his father to raise him and his younger sister. Sadly, his sibling would succumb to scarlet fever at the age of seven and his father only lived a short while longer, killed in an accident while dynamiting rock for the railroad. That left young Brody on his own when he was fifteen – a perfect age for nefarious characters to recruit to help carry out all sorts of dirty deeds.
By the time he was seventeen, he’d been involved in a number of stagecoach robberies, some cattle and horse thievery, and even bank heists. Although he spent a lot of free time practicing his quickdraw and wasted plenty of ammunition target shooting, he never fired his gun during any of the gang’s capers. Still, he didn’t want to get caught unprepared or off-guard, so he routinely rehearsed all kinds of possible scenarios. When he was nineteen, he joined the notorious Vesper Gang.
A ruthless and raucous bunch, with a taste for living life on the edge, he wound up riding with more than mere robbers. Of the five in the crew, three killed more than a dozen, including widows and orphans. The coterie wasn’t afraid to target anything of value, especially when gold and silver were involved. But, their ambitiousness would ultimately prove to be their downfall.
After three years of riding with the party, Brody found himself in a very precarious predicament. Trapped by a Texas Ranger, seven hired guns, and two local lawmen, the ring desperately tried to escape capture or death during a botched bank robbery. Severely outmanned and outgunned, they had no other choice but to split up. That left Brody attending to the mortal wounds of the unfortunate Texas Ranger while his fellow criminal cohorts rode off.
Although, thanks to that poor dying lawman, he now had legitimate credentials. Armed with an official Colt double-action .41 caliber revolver, a badge, and a signature western hat, it was the perfect disguise. Luckily, he had a vest and tie hidden away that completed the appropriate clothing ensemble. He actually looked like the real deal when he caught a glimpse of himself in a mirror days after the bungled bank hold-up. Still, he’d have to act the part and that wasn’t going to be easy.
After all, he’d spent years living a lawless, unsophisticated life on the run – his most formative years shaped by felons with no real regard for their fellow man. As a result, he lacked many common polite characteristics, and worse still, he only held a modicum of empathy. This made his disposition brash with a near-permanent dour look, set aside occasionally for a cruel chuckle or snide remark.
If his plan was going to work, he needed to adopt a completely different facade – a casual, somewhat cheerful persona that would allow him to blend in seamlessly with regular, everyday, law-abiding folks. With some careful practice, he got down a routine good enough to pass off as genuine. Yet, he was still prone to slip into rapid de-evolution, so he had to stay mindful of the task at hand. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be his own warped nature that would challenge him, but also the inquisitiveness of people he interacted with.
With this very real possibility looming large, he needed a bit more time to refine his impersonation of an everyday, run-of-the-mill Joe Public figure. Any hope of him passing as a savvy, experienced lawman hinged on his ability to stay self-aware in just about any situation. Otherwise, the gig would most definitely be up in no time at all.
That meant conducting himself in a way that he was unaccustomed to. Impolite and repulsive habits and gestures would easily undermine his act, so he had to stay disciplined – no belching, spitting, cursing, blowing snot out of his nose, or grabbing at his own crotch. Additionally, no cowboy slang or horse rustling talk. He didn’t have to sound highly educated, but normal and well adjusted. Moreover, no stuffing chewing tobacco between his lip and gums, and definitely refraining from getting wild on whiskey. He’d have to stay clear and level-headed for this to work.
None of this would come naturally or be easy. He would also need to stay cognizant of his actions, tone, and language anytime he was interacting with people. Even in the company of drifters, he had to play the part, particularly when provoked or otherwise agitated. But, that meant resisting knee-jerk reactions and that would be the most difficult challenge of all.
Brody figured the best way to hone his charade was to practice along the way into town, followed by a trial by fire immersion. If he could manage to keep up the masquerade for a couple of hours, he could wear the veneer for a few more. That would flow into an entire day and hopefully, throughout the evening. In a matter of days, he could carry the guise almost to the point it’d seem like second nature.
After all, it wasn’t like the Texas Rangers were strangers to such transitions. Contrary to conventional wisdom, these individuals weren’t always the best citizens. Not every one of them came from a military or law and order background. Quite a few were little more than farmers and ranchers. But, a substantial number were nothing short of outlaws themselves who saw an opportunity to make a decent living. Plus, enjoy much well-deserved retribution.
Revenge is always a huge motivator. It certainly was back in 1823 when rancher Stephen F. Austin created his own force to protect the residents of his colony – people who weren’t supplied adequate protection by the Mexican government of the day and were also living under constant threat from Indian tribes. Those tribes previously raided camps, unleashing savage destruction.
So, it should come as no surprise when Austin put out a request for protection from “errant thieves united with Indians,” the corps recruited a sizable number. The men who joined up became the first Rangers. Not only did they help defend the colony at large, but their own families and land within. Austin’s idea caught on during the existence of Mexican Texas, an era that ran between 1821 and 1836.
It was that latter year, 1836, when the territory declared its independence from Mexico and became the Republic of Texas, that its new provisional government authorized and sanctioned its own Ranger force to patrol the frontier, while also providing protection to settlers from Indian tribes.
But, not all who joined the Ranger corps were settlers. Some took advantage of the lawlessness that prevailed in many areas of the territory. And, when the state became sovereign from Mexico, that offered the perfect opportunity to get away with a life of crime. Brody Ray Byrne knew this history well – as did almost all of his contemporaries. So, when he learned a train full of gold would be making a stop in an obscure town, he couldn’t pass up the chance to steal it. Although, he would greatly underestimate the other challenges that lay ahead when he rode into the town of Devil’s Bliss.
“Hey, Mister! Hey Mister! Is your horse a Texas Ranger too?”
“What’s that you’re askin’ young fellow?”
“I heard that horses are sworn in…just like you!”
“Oh, I’m not right sure about that. Why do you ask?”
“When I grow up, I’m gonna be me a real Texas Ranger!”
“Is that so?”
“Sure is…though my Ma ain’t happy about it. She wants me to be a businessman or a rancher…especially after my Pa died.”
“Sorry to hear that, kid. Now, you run along, I’ve got Ranger work to do.”
“Real Ranger work? Can I come with you?”
“Well, I don’t think Ranger work is safe for kids.”
“Don’t worry, Mister. I can take care of myself…I promise I won’t get in your way!”
“Now, kid, be reasonable. I can’t let you tag along…this is only for adults, ya see?”
“I’m almost an adult, I’ll turn fifteen in less than three years!”
“Is that right? Well, kid, that still makes you way too young. Sorry, kid, but it’s just not going to happen. Go ahead and go home.”
“Name’s William, Mister. What’s yours?”
“Uh…uhm…it’s…it’s uh…Ranger White…Ranger Thadeous White.”
“Pleased to meet you, Ranger White. How long have you been a Ranger?”
Nothing made Brody feel more insecure, uncomfortable, or unsure than children. Not only did he lack any semblance of experience with kids, but he also didn’t have any desire to break that streak – particularly now when he was preoccupied with a gold heist. While he may be a thief, he didn’t relish the idea of being a bad influence. Risking exposing a child to his intentions in any way just wasn’t acceptable.
All of this ran through his head as the kid stood right in front of him, waiting for a reply. Seconds seemed to last forever as he struggled to think of a way to get free of the conversation. If he said the wrong thing, that could very well lead to a continuation and there wasn’t any time for such distractions. So, he conjured up a clever excuse.
“Well, son. I’d like to chat with you a little more. But, I really do need to attend to my Ranger work. Can’t have you come along because you’ve not been deputized and that would make it against the law!”
“Oh…I…uh…I see. Could you swear me in then?”
Brody didn’t expect such quick wits from a child. Although, it did make him chuckle a little. “Sorry to say, I can’t do that, young fellow. You see, this isn’t my jurisdiction…local sheriff would have to do that.”
“You mean Clyde?”
“I suppose…haven’t met him yet.”
“That’s no problem, I’ll introduce you!”
“Well, that’s mighty nice of you William. But, as I said before, I’ve got some Ranger business to attend to – perhaps another time.”
With that, Brody hastily made his way across the street. He left in such a hurry, that he forgot to loop his horse’s reins around the hitching post. The encounter caused him so much bewilderment, that he walked right past the train station and into the local barbershop. When the proprietor asked if he needed a haircut, he could only nod. But, a fresh shave and haircut would help to more aptly complete his disguise. Brody rather enjoyed the treatments and it gave him time to let down his guard and think. Although, that peacefulness wouldn’t last long.
“Thanks for the shave and cut…mighty obliged Mister.”
“Oh, you can just call me Henry.”
“Well, thanks, Henry.”
“No problem, Ranger. Glad to see a sturdy lawman around here. Not sure if you’re aware, but it’s been a bit crazy of late and it’s more than Clyde can handle – God bless him, anyway. We really need help.”
“Does everyone call the local sheriff by his first name in this town?”
“We’re all pretty informal in this community. But, folks have got to be close-knit in a place of this sort…safety in numbers and like-mindedness kind of thing. It’s a real shame, but the town lives up to its namesake.”
“What kind of name is Devil’s Bliss?”
“I’m not right-sure about that, Ranger. Some folks say it’s because of the blazing hot weather. Others say it’s the only place on earth where Satan truly derives his joy. Even the injuns, they abandoned it many years ago.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, indeed. You see, them injuns, they never did own the land, but they damn sure possessed it. I’ve never seen so many good men turn bad in my life as I do right here. Something gets into them – something causes them to lose their minds.”
Brody would soon learn firsthand that what the barber said was actually a double entendre – the comment about the Indians possessing the land. As he grabbed his coat off the rack while the barber brushed his neck and shirt, a stranger came through the shop door, with a leather messenger bag hanging from his shoulder.
He asked for a restaurant and hotel recommendation. After the barber answered, the stranger inquired if either man had heard of the Vesper Gang. Brody just shook his head “no” and immediately excused himself as the stranger introduced himself as Oscar Gelt, a newspaper journalist who was trying to track down the last surviving member of the clan. It was a revelation to Byrne – he didn’t know that all the others were dead. And, the fact there was somebody trying to find him was nothing short of unsettling, making it all the more necessary to pull a fast escape – even though he was curious about Gelt’s motivations.
“Can I help you, Ranger?”
“Perhaps. I’m looking for the train station manager.”
“You’re talking to him, Mister. Now, how can I be of service?”
“Well, you’re expecting a train with a load of gold, right?”
“Yes sir, Ranger, I am.”
“In that case, here are some documents you need to see. One’s a Chain of Custody and the other, an Order of Protection.”
Both looked official but were forgeries. It was a trick Brody learned riding with the Vesper Gang. They’d supply a bank or stagecoach with fake papers in order to gain close access. It was a clever way to take virtually unlimited control of their target and what’s more, it put their victims at ease, luring them into a false sense of security.
As the station manager read over the documents, Brody took notice of as many details about the place as he could. He needed to be familiar with the layout, just in case. It was due diligence he’d done several times before and it usually proved worthwhile. After all, things don’t always go as planned and he needed to be able to make adjustments in seconds flat.
“What’s the other document you’re holding, Ranger?”
“Oh, that’s a transport pass for my horse. He’ll be put on the train when it comes into the station…we’ve got more official business in another town.”
“Certainly. I’ll make all the necessary arrangements for you, Ranger.”
“That’s mighty kind of you, thanks!”
Brody’s plan was all coming together. Now, he’d be in charge of guarding the gold on the train. During the ride, he could easily load the bars into a saddle bag and replace them with fakes, then straddle the sack of the real gold right over his horse. Once loaded up and passing a prime spot, he’d open the door of the luggage car and push a bunch of passengers’ bags out. Others would surely tumble out, given the rough ride. That would cause the conductor to stop the train, giving him a timely distraction and a prime opportunity to ride off with the gold and nobody would know what happened for hours or days.
With such a haul, he could easily live a comfortable life and get into a legitimate business – maybe a ranch of his own or another endeavor. Whatever he’d ultimately settle on, he’d leave the outlaw life behind for good. No more running. No more looking over his shoulder constantly. No more worrying about being hunted down and shot or hung. The outlaw life wasn’t one he chose, it was one he was forced into and now, he had the opportunity to get out forever. But, he’d have to rob in order to be free and his past was still very much alive to others – particularly to people like Oscar Gelt.
Gelt was a seasoned newspaper reporter and an individual who yearned to be a novelist. If he could gain enough notoriety for breaking one of the biggest stories of the day, surely folks would buy his first book. And, the Vesper Gang was so infamous, so feared and despised, their undoing and fall were just too tantalizing to the public. Moreover, tracking down the only remaining member, Brody Bryne, would no doubt lead to much-deserved justice. That outcome would boost Gelt’s reputation, something he could capitalize on.
But, Oscar needed to find Brody first. He managed to stay on the outlaw’s trail after the botched bank robbery and now was confident he’d find the surviving gang member. With a little convincing, Gelt could worm an interview out of Bryne, something he could wow editors and readers with, much to his delight. Still, there was a long way to go from where he presently stood.
“Good day to you, Sir.”
“Good day to you too, Mister. How about a shave and haircut today? The gentleman who just left, the Ranger, he enjoyed the service and experience.”
“Yes, yes, that sounds good to me – thank you. Tell me, how long have you been in town?”
“Since the beginning. Came out to prospect gold some years ago, and retired from the barber business. But, things didn’t work out that way. So now, I just fall back on my natural talent – making folks look their best.”
“I see. That Ranger whose hair you just cut – is he a regular or traveling through?”
“Passing through, I guess, Mister…uh…Mister…”
“Oh, forgive me. I’m Oscar Gelt. I’m a newspaper reporter and I’m working on a story about the Vesper Gang.”
“Well, Mr. Gelt, I’m Henry.”
“Pleased to meet you. Now, about the Vesper Gang.”
“Vesper? I heard tell those boys were gunned down.”
“Well, word travels fast but I’m afraid it’s not all true. Two died in a shootout with the law. Two others managed to get away from the scene, even though they suffered mortal wounds. But, one fellow rode off free as a bird. I’m trying to track him down – his name is Brody Ray Bryne.”
Gelt would spend the rest of his afternoon going from place to place, asking questions of the locals. He prompted cooperation by telling everyone he spoke with about the gang’s cruelty – bad dudes who shot women and children alike. But, no one knew anything. As the hours passed, Oscar began to realize if Brody was in town, he would probably stay anonymous. So, he changed his approach the very next day.
“Ranger White!”
“Hello, William. How are you doing today?”
“I’m all right. Tell me, have you met Sheriff Clyde yet?”
“No, not yet. But, I haven’t got time right now. Maybe later or another day, perhaps?”
“Actually, he’s right over there…I’ll introduce you real quick-like.”
Brody knew he couldn’t keep making excuses. Plus, meeting the town sheriff would give the former outlaw the opportunity to size the lawman up. At the very least, Bryne would know Clyde’s face and his overall disposition.
“Sheriff Clyde, this is Ranger White. He’s in town to…to uhm…”
“I’m here on official business, Sheriff. There’s a train coming into town that’s transporting gold.”
“I see. Glad there’s ample protection.”
The Ranger Corps had gained a reputation for being a trustworthy group. And, many people heard heroic tales about the men who wore the badge. They were generally treated like celebrities and given wholehearted welcomings when they came into new towns.
Clyde was a retired lawman himself. After spending a few years in the Army, he became a deputy in one of the toughest mining camps in the territory. He tangled with a number of bad actors in the past but in the last several years, he had seen plenty of trouble – and that took its toll. Although there were problems in town, he discovered almost nothing couldn’t be resolved with a cool head and a fair mind. The locals respected Clyde and it was this bond that acted as a deterrent most of the time.
Still, there were instances where things went badly. Regardless, no one else would step up and take over the sheriff’s duties, despite the fact it was abundantly clear he could no longer stand up to a real threat. And such a threat was headed into town – two men after the same thing as Brody. Unfortunately, the sheriff would have to meet even more danger face-to-face.
Meanwhile, Oscar Gelt went over his notes. He knew Bryne was part of the botched bank robbery – witnesses placed him at the scene. He also knew Brody got away because there was no trace of the outlaw when it was all over. Additionally, he personally saw the bodies of “Deadly” Dagon Vesper – the gang’s leader, and Roscoe “Blades” Brazelton – a ruthless member who preferred stabbing his victims to death. Both men gained scandalous reputations in towns like Caldwell.
As for the remaining two of the five – “Blind” Nash Boland, who was rumored to put another man’s eyes out by striking him in the face with a broken glass beer mug, and “Sneaky” Pete Pritchard, who earned his nickname for card cheating – they fled the bank robbery gone bad but both probably fell prey to hungry wolves, coyotes, and vultures after being shot and running off.
That left Bryne as the only one with the inside scoop. The only person who could tell firsthand accounts of the gang’s crimes. Gelt had tracked down just about every caper the five pulled off and he wrote about most of them. But, the real story was in how they came together and their ultimate demise. That information would make Oscar’s name famous – the reporter who would expose what actually happened and how they carried out their plans.
If Gelt had any chance of finding out what really went on, he’d need to speak with Brody. Such an interview could very well reveal irresistible details – the kind that sold papers and elevated his standing in the world of journalism. All of this hinged on finding the outlaw before anyone else did. In this day and age, a man like Bryne created a lot of enemies and they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot him dead on the spot.
As Oscar poured over his notes, something occurred to him. Brody Ray would need money to stay on the run. And, since the outlaw didn’t have any other affiliates, it was highly likely he’d seek out an easy score. A way to grab some cash without help and without attracting a lot of attention. After all, Bryne wouldn’t know who to trust and wouldn’t want to share what he stole, not to mention, avoid turning the whole thing into a mess.
Maybe the Texas Ranger, who was new to the town of Devil’s Bliss, would have something to go on. Perhaps the lawman had really crossed paths with the Vesper Gang. Or, had a lead or at least a hunch on the whereabouts of Brody Ray. Now that Oscar’s trail had seemingly gone cold, any information or advice could be helpful. So, that meant it was time to track down the Ranger and ask a few questions.
“Hey, kid! Hey kid!”
“What is it, Mister?”
“Name’s Oscar Gelt. I’m a newspaper reporter and I’m trying to find the Ranger who recently rode into town. You wouldn’t happen to know where he went, would you?”
“Sure. I just introduced Ranger White to Sheriff Clyde. He’s got some business with the railroad.”
“Thanks, kid.”
“William.”
“Okay, thank you, William, I’m much obliged.”
“No problem, Mr. Gelt.”
Oscar had some experience with the Ranger corps. In all of his years of reporting, talking to lawmen was a bit routine. So, he developed ways to get information without having to be too aggressive or put himself in a position of distrust. Plus, he had a card to play – lawmen of the day rather enjoyed the attention and publicity. It gave them notoriety and the chance to prove their fidelity to justice. In fact, it was Gelt’s experience that men who wore a badge and avoided and/or derided reporters were almost always corrupt.
“Ranger White?”
“Yes?”
“I’m Oscar Gelt. Do you have a moment to speak with me?”
“I suppose.”
“I’m a newspaper reporter and I’m trying to track down an outlaw by the name of Brody Ray Bryne – he was with the Vesper Gang.”
“Sure, I’ve heard of them boys…but, I’ve never crossed paths.”
“And I’m sure that’s quite all right by you – you’ve probably had more than your fill of dealing with outlaws.”
“Mr. Gelt, I can’t disagree with you there. Outlaws have brought me nothing but trouble. But, then again, I suppose that’s the price I pay for wearing a badge.”
Brody did his best to remain friendly, though he really didn’t like someone snooping around into his old life. It felt surreal speaking in such terms, referring to his former gang members in the third person. Just as Gelt began to ask a follow-up question, little William burst through the door.
“Ranger White! It’s Sheriff Clyde…he’s in real trouble! He needs your help right away!”
“Now wait, wait there a moment young fellow, what’s going on?”
“Sheriff Clyde, he’s gonna get hurt, maybe even killed!”
Brody found himself in an untenable predicament. He couldn’t simply ignore the boy’s pleas for help. But, at the same time, he had no idea what he would get himself into. Any hesitation might bring his bravery into question or worse yet, give away his true intentions and his true identity. Reluctantly, he agreed, “Okay William, you show me where Sheriff Clyde is.”
The boy hastily ran down the street, around a corner, with Brody and Oscar following right behind. Sure enough, Clyde was in trouble – a lot of it. He stood between two men, both with their pistols drawn, pointed right at him. Clyde held his gun right beside his holster, visibly shaking from the tense confrontation.
“Put your guns down!” Clyde demanded as an eerie silence fell, his voice trembling.
Suddenly, a shot rang out. Clyde ducked behind a wall, his blood streaking across the wooden planks, as he fired back at the shooter, hitting his assailant right in the gut. The other gunman squeezed off another shot at the sheriff, but it ricocheted off the wall Clyde hid behind.
As the wounded gunman fell to the ground, his partner shot at the sheriff again. But, before he could fire a third time, a bullet struck him right in the side, causing the other assailant to spin around and fall down.
Brody stood nearby the second gunman, with his pistol drawn, pointed in the same direction. He quickly holstered his gun and ran to the aid of the sheriff, but it was too late – Clyde succumbed to his injury. All Bryne could do was crouch down, take the sheriff’s hat off his head, place it over his lifeless face, and cross his arms over his motionless chest.
The crowd that had gathered to witness the spectacle slowly began to disperse as Oscar looked on in disbelief, placing his own hat over his heart and bowing his head in respect. “He seemed like a good and decent man, Ranger.”
“I barely knew him, Mr. Gelt. Still, I’d have to agree.”
Just as quick as the confrontation began, it ended just as fast. Now, three men lay dead in the street of Devil’s Bliss, without any apparent explanation. It perplexed Brody, who had been in his fair share of scrapes before. Nothing about the gunfight made immediate sense to him. More perturbing was the reaction of the townspeople, who all seemed way too accustomed to such inexplicable carnage.
Bryne noticed the two men didn’t have any of the markings of outlaws, no familiar signs of being horse rustlers, robbers, or villains of any kind. Similarly, neither appeared to be drunken vagrants. In fact, they were dressed like regular folks. Plus, the way they held their pistols certainly meant they weren’t at all accustomed to pointing their guns at other people.
“Hey, kid! William!”
“Yeah, Ranger?”
“What just happened?”
“I couldn’t tell you that, Ranger…I wish I could.”
“Well, who were those two men?”
“Just a couple of miners. They’ve been prospecting on the outskirts of town. I think they were close to striking it rich…just like my Pa.”
“Folks here seem like they’ve seen this sort of thing happen before – maybe more than once? Is that right, William?”
The boy only nodded in agreement. Even at this young age, he was clearly becoming desensitized to this kind of random violence. Brody could see himself in the child. After all, they had a lot in common. The realization prompted Bryne to repeat his question, but the boy did nothing more than shrug his shoulders and nod again.
“You said your Pa died. Could you tell me about that?”
William reluctantly answered, explaining his father was also a prospector and he was killed by a claim jumper. Then, before Brody could reply, the boy hit him with a very unsettling suggestion, “Say, Ranger White, why don’t you take Clyde’s place? You could be the new town sheriff!”
Bryne could only think about how ridiculous the proposition was. Sure, it came from a child, but a kid that was under a totally false impression of who the man standing next to him actually was. Still, it caught the attention of the few people who were in the immediate vicinity, including the town barber, who had just stepped back outside his shop.
“Doesn’t sound like such a bad idea, Ranger.”
“Well, I do appreciate the votes of confidence, fellows. But, I’m a Ranger. Besides, there’s got to be somebody in this town who’d be a good fit.”
The deflection proved to be enough to get the two to capitulate for a brief moment.
“Men like that don’t grow on trees, Ranger – you ought to know that. Maybe it’s something you should consider.”
“No thanks, Henry. I’m fixed where I am now.”
“Too bad. Not a lot of men ‘round here are willing to step up. But, I suppose if I were in your shoes, I’d feel the same way.”
Brody nodded and then sent the boy home. “Now, son, it’s time you get back to your mother…make sure she’s all right.”
William didn’t hesitate to obey and quickly ran off.
“He’s a good boy, Ranger…got a good heart.”
“Certainly seems that way, Henry. I guess it’s really none of my business – but when I asked him about his Pa dyin’, he wasn’t all that descriptive.”
“Oh no, Ranger, he wouldn’t be. Everyone in town knows what happened. It’s probably why he wants to be a Ranger like you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I don’t know what he told you, but…”
“He said his Pa was killed in a claim jump.”
“That’s true – at least in part. It’s probably what his mother told him…he’s just repeating her version of events. You see, his Pa was killed in a claim jump. But, his dad wasn’t the victim.”
“You mean…”
“Afraid so. Truth is, nobody knows what got into him – he was a good and decent man. One day, he just went off the rails.”
“Is that what you meant when you said something about never seein’ so many good men turn bad?”
“Yeah. Nowhere else but right here.”
“The boy said something about the two men that got in a scrape with the sheriff, they were just miners, too.”
“As far as I know, that’s right, Ranger.”
“Was the boy’s Pa…was he killed in the same situation?”
“Sure was. Like I said before, I’ve never seen so many good men go bad as I do right here. It’s exactly why I gave up my quest for gold. Something happens to anyone that goes after that treasure here in this town. I didn’t want to get killed tryin’ to strike it rich – gold’s not much use to a dead man.”
“Yep. Too many men died with their fortunes in their hands, Gentlemen. Now, please tell me that one of you witnessed the whole thing.”
Oscar Gelt had an uncanny knack for sniffing down a good story for the newspaper. But in this case, he wouldn’t get the information he sought.
“Ranger, this here is Oscar Gelt. He’s a newspaper reporter….you two passed by one another the other day in my shop.”
“Hello, Mister Gelt, pleased to meet you.”
“Pleased to meet you as well, Ranger…uh…Ranger…”
“Ranger Thadeous White.”
“Hmmm. Don’t recall seein’ your name on the official Corps documents back at the newspaper. Ya know, we try to keep those records up to date.”
“Don’t fret it. I don’t expect you’d recall every single name.”
“Still, you kind of look familiar to me. What did you say your name was again?”
“Thadeous White.”
“Well, can’t say that’s familiar to me, Ranger. But all the same, you do look vaguely familiar.”
“I wouldn’t put too much stock in that notion, Mr. Gelt – a lot of folks tell me I’ve got a familiar face. I guess it’s just one of those coincidences.”
“Yes, a coincidence, perhaps.”
“Well now, back to business. Did either of you gentlemen see the gunfight?”
“No, Mr. Gelt, can’t say I did. I was tending to a customer when I heard the shots. It was all over by the time I stepped out of my barbershop.”
“Same here. The boy came and got me – wanted me to intervene and help the sheriff. Unfortunately, I got there too late…all three men were dead when I came ‘round the corner.”
“Too bad. Maybe I can catch someone else who witnessed it.”
“Indeed. I’ve got Ranger business to get back to. I bid you Gentlemen a good day.”
Brody gave the two men a courtesy nod goodbye and promptly left. Just as he walked out of sight, two strange men rode into town and the look on Gelt’s face went from perplexed to alarmed.
“You know those cowboys, Mr. Gelt?”
“Yeah, Henry. I sure do. And you better hope and pray neither one is coming into your shop.”
“Sounds like you know them pretty well.”
“Well, I don’t personally know I either one. But, I am quite aware of their reputations. That’s Blind Nash Boland on the right and Sneaky Pete Pritchard on the left.”
“I thought them boys was dead.”
“Mee too, Henry, me too.”
“I’ve heard of them two…bad dudes…Vesper Gang. Isn’t that right Mr. Gelt?”
“Sure is.”
Suddenly, it hit Oscar – he knew he’d seen the Ranger before – on a Wanted poster in the newsroom. His likeness ran many times on the printing press and here he was, right in the town of Devil’s Bliss. What’s more, the two other members who everyone presumed dead, were actually alive and they too, were in the same exact mining camp. Gelt just knew that couldn’t be a mere coincidence. There had to be a reason all three men were in the same place at the same time.
It also raised the question as to where Bryne got the Ranger’s badge. And why was this outlaw now pretending to be a lawman? What purpose would that subterfuge serve? What’s more, why were the three outlaws not together?
No answer was apparent. In fact, every subsequent question only confounded Gelt all the more. But, this did present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He could be on the precipice of one of the biggest stories of all time. But, it wasn’t enough to try and be in the right place at the right time.
In order to get the whole story and be a witness to whatever was going on, he’d have to figure out why the three men were suddenly in this obscure mining camp – there had to be a motivation powerful enough to get their collective attention. Gelt’s only chance at getting at the truth would be to go right to the source. So, he excused himself from the barbershop and hastily chased after the phony Ranger.
“Excuse me! Excuse me, Ranger White!”
“Mr. Gelt – I don’t mean to be rude, but I’ve got business to attend to.”
“Yes, I understand. But I’ve got a few questions.”
“I already told you, I didn’t see a thing.”
“Oh, I’m not interested in that. However, I am interested in why three former members of the Vesper Gang are right here in Devil’s Bliss…Brody Ray.”
Bryne was taken aback. He ushered the reporter off the street into an alley. “Listen, Mr. Gelt, I don’t know what you’re up to, but…”
“Look…I’m not here to cause you any trouble. I just want some information. Truthfully, I thought you’d make your way to old Mexico. Maybe even further out west or perhaps, up north. But, here, this place, it’s the last place I would ever think to find you or your colleagues.”
“Wait. What do you mean ‘colleagues’?”
“As I said before – former members of the Vesper Gang.”
“Mr. Gelt, there ain’t no others…I’m the only one who survived.”
“Apparently not. I just saw Blind Nash and Sneaky Pete ride into town.”
“You mean to tell me Blind Nash and Sneak Pete are here?”
“Yeah. I just spotted them. They were headed to the livery…probably to water and feed their horses.”
Brody didn’t have to guess as to why his former partners were in town. It was the same reason he was there – to steal the gold off the train. After all, it was a prime opportunity and one just too good to pass up. It was a large amount, this was the only stop for many, many miles, and better still, there wasn’t any real law enforcement presence in Devil’s Bliss. Moreover, they’d soon learn that their odds got even better with the very recent death of the town sheriff. Such a scenario would definitely mean danger to anyone who got in their way, whether intentionally or accidentally.
Then, there was another problem. If they were there to rob the train, that put Brody in a predicament. He couldn’t take the gold for himself and without a big score, he’d be right back where he started. It presented quite the conundrum and left Bryne without much choice. As he mulled the situation over in his head, he suddenly realized that he had a prime opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.
“Yeah, you’re right about those two boys, Mr. Gelt – they’re real mean dudes and they’ll kill anyone who gets in their way of stealing that gold.”
“What gold?”
“There’s a train scheduled to come into town and it’s carrying a whole heap of gold. In fact, I heard tell it would be more than enough to fix a man for the rest of his life. My guess is that’s what Blind Nash and Sneaky Pete are here for.”
“And, it’s not interesting to you, Brody Ray?”
“Can’t be tempted, Mr. Gelt. I’m tryin’ my best to leave the outlaw life behind for good. It’s why I’m wearin’ this here badge. Figured this would give me a fair chance.”
“No offense, Brody Ray, but do you expect me to actually believe that?”
“Not really. Although, I might catch a reward for protectin’ the train.”
“I see. So, a former outlaw with such a bad reputation is just going to change his ways just like that?”
“I haven’t got much choice in the matter if I want to stay alive, Mr. Gelt. But, I can’t rightfully do this all alone.”
“What does that mean, Brody Ray?”
“It means that I need your help. Be a mighty big story for you to tell, don’t ya reckon?”
Gelt couldn’t resist. It would indeed be the biggest story of his life. He couldn’t let the opportunity pass. “Yes, I can’t disagree with you there.”
“Glad we have an understanding. What I need from you is to warn the folks at the train station. Tell ‘em there’s two mean outlaws coming to rob the train and anyone who don’t want to get killed should leave and let the Ranger take care of them bad dudes. That way, if they do manage to make it to the station, there won’t be any unnecessary casualties.”
“What do you mean, ‘If they manage to make it to the station?’”
“I’ve got a plan…now, you go on ahead, Mr. Gelt.”
Just as Oscar walked away, Brody turned around and ran right into William, who was hiding nearby.
“Boy! What are you doin’ here?”
“Don’t be mad Brody Ray…I mean…I mean…uh Ranger!”
“You know, eavesdroppin’ ain’t something you should be doin’ young fellow.”
“Please, don’t be mad. I just wanted to…”
“I know kid, I know.”
“Do you really think them men are going to rob that train, Brody Ray?”
“I sure do. Gold’s got too much of an attraction for those two to resist. They’ll go after it, no matter how dangerous it is.”
“But, why would those men want to rob the train when there’s so much gold buried right out yonder?”
William had an excellent point – one that gave Brody a clever idea. “Tell me, William, how many people have died or been killed going after that gold on the outskirts of town?”
“Well, it came from a stagecoach robbery many years ago – more than a decade. I don’t know exactly how many have died goin’ after it…at least a dozen since I was born, maybe even eighteen or twenty.”
Brody realized that Henry was right – the Indians abandoned the land, but not before possessing it. Anyone who tried to dig up the gold met a cruel fate, even good men went bad going after it. The former outlaw could only imagine the profound effect it would have on rotten men.
“Are you really going to go after them two cowboys, Brody Ray?”
“As I told Mr. Gelt, I don’t have much of a choice, William.”
“You gonna’ shoot ‘em?”
“I ain’t ever shot no one, kid. Came close a few times, but I haven’t put a bullet in a man yet.”
“But, I’ve heard…”
“Don’t believe everything you hear, kid. Now, you get on home to your Ma. You stay held up with her and when it’s all over, I’ll come to get you…you understand?”
Brody patted the boy on his head and gave William his badge, deputizing the boy as an official Texas Ranger. “Here, you take this and remember the Ranger code is to protect folks. You go protect your mother.”
Excited, William ran down the street and around a corner, toward his house. Meanwhile, Brody wasted no time tracking down Blind Nash and Sneaky Pete.
“So, Brody Ray, looks like you managed to get away, too.”
“Yep. Glad you fellas did the same. But you two have an advantage, everyone thinks you boys are dead. I managed to shake a couple of folks off my trail. But, we’re gonna need a big score. That way, we can split up and go live high on the hog somewhere.”
“So, you know about the train, too, huh Brody Ray?”
“Oh yeah, I’ve heard about it.”
“Me a Sneaky Pete, we’re planning on setting fire to the station – be a huge distraction while we unload the gold.”
“I’ll do you one better, boys. There’s a huge clutch of gold buried right on the outskirts of town. It came from a big-time stagecoach robbery and it’s just waitin’ there to dig up.”
“I’ve already got everything arranged with the train. While you boys go dig up that gold on the outskirts of town, I’ll get the gold off the train. Then, we can meet up, split the loot, and live fat and happy lives anywhere we fancy.”
Blind Nash and Sneaky Pete nodded eagerly in agreement and headed for the outskirts of town where Brody told them to go. In no time at all, the two outlaws found the spot with the buried gold and began to dig it up. Bar after bar, they pulled out of the ground, causing them to celebrate heartily as they loaded up their saddlebags. As they packed the last bar away, a strange feeling came over both men, and before either knew what was going on, they were highly suspicious and paranoid of one another, both angrily drawing their pistols and shooting at each other.
Meanwhile, Brody was busy squaring his things away in the train station as the locomotive pulled into the station. He worked away for several minutes, free of any distractions and scrutiny because Gelt had successfully convinced everyone to leave. A short while later, as he led his horse onto the equestrian car, smoke began to bellow from a nearby room in the station house.
When he walked out of the car, there stood Blind Nash, holding a fiery torch. “You thought you could trick me, Brody Ray? Sneaky Pete even turned against me! Now, I’m goin’ take that gold – you best stand out of the way!”
Brody quickly sized up the situation as the fire began to engulf more and more of the station. He thought about how he could still carry out his plan. But, as he mulled over his options, he heard coughing come from a room right next to the platform. Then suddenly, a cry for help.
Bryne quickly made his way to the source, finding William hiding in a corner. “William, what are you doin’ here?”
“I came to help protect the gold! You made me a Ranger, Brody Ray!”
“Kid, you’ve got to get out of here boy before the whole place goes up in flames!”
Brody hastily grabbed the boy and carried him out of the room as the fire chased right behind them, the heat became unbearable. Suddenly, the fire scorched the path in front of them, trapping them with only a very narrow escape pathway left and it was quickly becoming engulfed in flames.
Now, Bryne was fast missing his only chance to hop aboard the train and get away with the gold. But, he couldn’t just leave William to fend for himself.
“Brody Ray! Brody Ray! Come out and face your fate!”
Blind Nash stood with his gun ready, cocked and loaded, pointed right at William. The flames grew closer and closer and there wasn’t any more time left. Brody pulled his gun, shot at Blind Nash, then immediately turned around, putting his body in between the outlaw and the boy – acting as a human shield.
The very next day, all the townspeople met in the courthouse and unanimously voted to change the town’s name from Devil’s Bliss to Salvation in honor of Brody Ray Byrne’s selfless sacrifice.
