Robbery at Holliday Creek (5)

Conditioned Response

Whispering sounds bubbled up from Ted’s deep sleep and burst on the surface of his consciousness. His eyes flicked open, every muscle tense; disoriented. He lay on his side facing a wall. The whispers were mostly giggles. He wasn’t on the trail; this was home, and the noise… His little brothers.

     Ted lay there a second longer like a coiled spring. He slowly took a long deep breath, then exploded with a half twist onto his knees both arms outstretched.  “YEE OW.”

    Two little boys screamed and jumped, and fell over themselves laughing as they tried to get down from the sleeping loft. Ted sat down, swinging his long legs over the edge of the loft, and chuckling at Zeb, eight, and Luke, nine, as they scrambled across the cabin.

     The loft was smaller than he remembered—nearly hit my head on the beam with that little exercise. Besides, the boys were bigger and the loft wasn’t that much space any more.

     Ted eyed the inside of the cabin. Better fix me a sleeping place in the barn.

     Mattie turned away from the stove at the sound of screaming. “Zeb and Luke, get on with your chores.  We’re headed into town today. If you expect those new shoes, best not make me wait on you.” 

Close of the Frontier circa 1895

     The boys cheered and charged the door. “Now don’t you excite that hen house. Remember; gentle.” Then she smiled wryly at her oldest. “Are you coming with us?” 

     Ted dropped from the loft and pulled on his trousers. “I thought I would. Marty said he could use some help.” He reached for his boots. 

      The excitement of going to town built over breakfast. By the time the family arrived at the general store everyone was on his own high. Mattie looked forward to seeing the new flour sack materials in stock; the boys to their shoes; Marty to depositing money in the bank. And Ted was just swept up in the good clean feeling of reward for hard work. 

That lasted until Marty started talking about the plans to fence the homestead and plant wheat. He and Ted moved along the boardwalk. They just passed the barber shop, when a shout from behind startled them both, “HEY… Skilly!”

     Ted wheeled around in a half crouch, his right hand fumbled at his side. Marty turned quickly, but was more surprised by Ted’s reaction than by the man in the barber’s cape.