She rode for Freedom

She put the horse in a gallop, usually rode at a slow trot, but this morning she felt a sense of freedom. A smile finally crept onto her face. No facade just the real her. The happy free woman. And yes after last night she was free. She had cried at the time, but this morning all the sorrow had faded.

He the sheriff had been a controlling man. An image of him soaked through her memories of him, as she rode. His dark hair- curly and soft to the touch. Now her nights would be her nights again. Allowing her to go on her early morning rides.

She worked at the local saloon, she took orders, danced in a snow , but she had never been available to the other men, everyone had known she was the sheriff's girl.

She wondered if she should wear black, to demonstrate mourning. They had never married, would it be expected.

She wanted just to proceed with her life, as if he had never happened. People would be watching her. The whole town was taking sides. She knew not to show anger. No one had yet mentioned an investigation into his killing. The gun could have belonged to anybody. The gun had no engraving or markings. It had been lying next to him when she entered his house.

They had planned to have a romantic evening. He had been in the shower. The killer must have been a coward, not worthy of taking power.

She dismounted the horse, it was time for her to slip into her role, but without him, her role would be different.

She lived alone in a house. It was sparcely furnished. She enjoyed reading and so had a few books. And of course she had her cook books

When she had come to town she had wanted to be a saloon cook. It had been ten years ago and she looked cuter. She was much younger. Matt the saloon manager had said maybe in time. But ten years later the men's club still reigned the saloons kitchen.

She made pies and desserts for friends. Nobody paid for them. People actually anticipated her deserts at Christmas.

Only two or three families in Weston had cooks working for them. She knew if she got married she would have plenty to cook for.

They had never talked marrage. She didn't really dwell on her future, but now she would be starting over.

The saloon was empty when she arrived, no more jeans, she now wore a lowcut dress. She did not feel sexy, she was just going through the motions. Jake the bartender said hello but continued stocking the bar.

By noon all the tables were full. All men of course. Nobody mentioned the sheriff. The men split into camps, they were forming alliances. The election would be in a few days. The town could not be without a sheriff.

The sign shop wathey vote s busy. She was curious. She wanted to see who had ordered signs, would they vote for a gunslinger, or a brain. It was hours before the first sign went up. Ted Bundy-a man with a rough exterior. Not that fast with a gun,not that smart, but physically strong.

Anna was disappointed. She looked over at his table. It was full. He had some support. Survival of the fittest would be his motto.

The second sign came about a hour later. Randy Brown, a youngster, smart and fast with a gun, but not known for his strength. He would follow the law.

Minutes later the third sign appeared. It was the current deputy. He was not much of a thinker, but he knew the job.

She could not imagine any of these men having had killed the sheriff. Maybe he hadn't been killed , for power. None of these men were cowards. It was hard to keep secrets in this small town. Her job was perfect for eavesdropping, but by the end of her shift she was clueless, about whose move for power had lead to the death of her sheriff.

Weeks later, Anna still hadn't started over, and the sheriff's murderer had not been apprehended. Randy Brown had replaced him but did not seem to eager to find the killer. Nothing here seemed worth staying in town for. Sh, e had heard of women run shops,and family cooks, to the east. Her current role seemed harder and harder to walk through. And than one morning she packed her cookbooks and a few clothes into a suitcase, and all her cash savings and jumped onto a stagecoach. She should have been scared but how could she be . She felt so free.