the chest of money master - cort

8/14/2019 The Chest of Money Master - Cort

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Title: The Chest of MoneyAuthor: TaffeyRating: PGCharacter: Cort The Quick and the DeadDisclaimer: The following story has been written with no intention of claiming ownership

or solicitation, nor does the author claim the movie character(s) as his/her own. Themovie character(s) have been borrowed solely out of a love of the particular movie and isnot intended for any other purpose but amusement and entertainment.

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Cort rolled over, groaning. He commenced cursing several men to ascending forms ofdamnation. It didnt matter that most of them were already dead.

He didnt know where he was. The last chain of events Cort remembered was taking abath, eating a meal, and being led to a bed.

The door opened; Mattie Silk poked her head in.

Hello Sunshine! She looked tired, but clean and neat as always. Youve been dead tothe world a long time. Doc said to let you be. Just make sure you got flopped over fromtime to time. But you flopped on your own.

Yeah, Im a good flopper, he said dryly.

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You want something to eat?

Cort nodded. Where am I?

You dont remember? Well, your girlfriend managed to blow up most of Herods house.The back is still half upalthough you cant tell from the street.

Are you saying this is Herods bed?

Mattie nodded and laughed at the look on his face.

Dont worry, honey, I changed the sheets.

Thank you for that.

What are you going to do? Mattie asked. Next, I mean. Cort shrugged. You arentgoing to wear that---

No. The last thing these people want to see is one of Herods ex-compadres trying torun things. That badge isnt seeing the light of day.

Are you staying in Redemption? Seems most everyone is leaving.

Im heading out.

Where to?

Cort looked over his shoulder at her. Why are you so interested?

I cant stay here. I have some money saved. She began braiding the fringe of hergreen shawl. I want to go to San Francisco. I just dont want to travel alone. Hecould hear the hesitation in her voice.

Ive never been to San Francisco.

Youdont mind? she asked relieved.

I have nowhere else to go. She smiled softly. Lost souls are what they were. Whatare you going to do when you get there?

I dont know. The thought of whoring again made her stomach hurt; but what elsecould she do? Leaving Redemption had been her only reason to get out of bed each day.Who knew it wouldnt change her life all that much. I dont have much money.

I can fix that.

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Mattie frowned. Has the Lord suddenly provided you with money?

Cort caught her jest and smiled. In a manner of speaking, he has. Who do you trust inthis town?

Matties red eyebrows arched several inches over her green eyes. Trust? Doc, I guess.Horace is a good man.

Bring them here at six tonight. Wake me then. Cort lay down facing the door andwas snoring before Matties brain could form a question.

At 6 oclock sharp, Mattie, Doc, and Horace entered Corts room.

Cort? she whispered. He jumped to a sitting position, momentarily forgetting wherehe was. Its us.

Right. Sorry, he mumbled, trying to pull his mind from the fog. He stood up and puton a shirt Mattie had left on the bed. He turned to face Doc. What are your plans?

Uh, not many, Im afraid. His pale blue eyes were sad.

What about you?

Horace smiled. Im enjoying a good run at the bar right now. But most people arefixing to leave. Guess Ill have to go, too. I dont know how far Ill get, or really whereIm going. He shrugged hopelessly.

Cort nodded. What Im about to tell you stays in this room. He looked from oneperson to the other. It can not be discussed with anyone. Even your daughter, Horace.Cort, still a bit shaky, began buttoning the white shirt. If you all had more money wouldit make your decisions easier?

Doc Watson and Horace looked at each other--then at Mattie, who only shrugged.

W-well, Horace stammered cautiously. I-I guess it would.

Doc stepped forward. Whats on your mind, Cort?

Has anyone thought about what happened to the contest money?

Your girlfriend blew it up, Mattie said sarcastically.

Cort frowned. Girlfriend?

Horaces shoulders slumped.

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I saw the top of that chest lying on the saloon floor. It was filled with more holes thanthose fancy lace curtains in Herods windows.

Cort sat on the bed and put on a new pair of socks.

Horace, you were present when Herod counted that money.

Yes, I was. One thousand 100 dollar bills, four hundred 50 dollar bills, and one hundredfifty 20 dollar bills.

Mattie smiled. You always were good with numbers, Horace.

Any of you see a $100 bill in the street? Cort asked. Doc looked at Horace, whoturned to Mattie. They all shook their heads.

Mattie, your girls get any $50 bills?

Heck, NO!

Cort searched the floor for his shoes. Mattie pointed to the foot of the bed where a newpair of boots stood.

Horace, any twenties pass by you? The bartenders mouth hung wide open. Didntthink so. Cort stood up and faced them. Dont you think if that money was scatteredall over town someone would have seen something bigger than a dollar bill?

Doc rubbed his chin. Corts got a point.

Maybe it all got blown to bits, Mattie said.

Horace found his voice. Not all those bills. A piece of something would havesurvived.

Doc walked to the window. And we would have known about it. Can you imagine theruckus if someone found part of a $100 bill?

Horace stepped closer to Cort.

But Herods men stayed in my saloon guarding that chest every night after I closed up.

How well did you know Herod?

Too well, Doc answered bitterly.

Do you think hed keep $123,000 in a saloon while he slept across the street?

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Now you can go. She felt his happiness and swallowed hard.

Horace, kneeling on the floor, stared at the money and began rocking back and forth.

Do-do you know what th-this means? Mattie shook her head. Mary dont have to

whore. She wiped her damp face and smiled. She can go to school.

To the best school, Horace.

She can be something cept the child of a barkeep.

Dont you knock that barkeep, Mattie scolded. Youve tried your best. Shes stillclean. Not many fathers as good and concerned as youve been.

Oh my! I cant believe it! My Mary can have a nice man and a good life. Its all Iveever wanted for her.

Remember what I said, Cort warned. You cant tell anyone about this.

Docs face darkened. Say, how are we going to get out of town with all that money?We cant just stuff it in our pockets.

I can help with that, Mattie brightened. We all have overcoats, dont we? With thisrain, well need to be wearing them.

Thatll get us two more pockets, but---

No, Doc, we arent using the pockets. The lining.

Horace smiled. Sew it in the lining! Good idea!

It will be heavy, Mattie admitted. Well have to just practice walking with the coatsbefore we head out. Its the only way.

Are we going by horse? Doc asked. Cort nodded.

Its the least suspicious way. Once were a few towns from here, we can get on a trainor stagecoach and go our separate ways.

Mattie, still holding Docs arm, turned to Horace.

Where are you heading to now that youre a rich man?

Well, Im still not sure. I dont guess money can fix a mans indecision.

You got any family back East? Wasnt your wife from Boston?

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Yes, she was. I reckon it wouldnt hurt to telegraph them. Boston would be the perfectplace for Mary. I cant imagine someone in that family wouldnt want to see her. Andwe could afford our own place and not be a burden. Mattie, you do have a head full ofgood ideas.

Doc looked out the window again. I guess wed best get back to our lives here beforesomeone comes looking for us. Should we meet again?

Cort sat on the bed. Yes. When it gets dark, sneak over here with your coats. Mattiewill work on them as quickly as she can. Im staying out of sight; let them think Ive lefttown.

Horace and Doc nodded excitedly and headed for the door. Mattie followed them.

Ill be back in an hour or so with food. Youll be all right till then?

Yes. Thanks for your help. Im sorry about Fee. Mattie looked down at her greenslippers.

Kid was good to me and I liked him a lot. But I dont guess we loved each other. Illmiss him though. Which reminds me--he told me if anything happened to him and hisgun shop was in danger, which guns to hustle out of there.

Cort jumped to his feet, his heart beating wildly.

Did you get the Schofields?

I think. There was a Peacemaker and two Colts in a case and two smaller guns in a niceleather holster.

Thats them. Can I buy them off you?

Dont be ridiculous! You can have them. I dont know anything about guns. I justknow they were worth something.

Exactly. So Ill pay for them. And the Peacemaker.

Cort, I dont need the money. Had I known you were lying here on top of a fortune, Iwouldnt have bothered trying to save them.

Ill accept the clothes and boots and thank you for them. But not the guns.

Mattie shrugged. All right. I kind of look at it as added security since youll beprotecting me.

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Im going to sleep while I can. Wake me when you return..

When she got back on the street she saw a group of men fighting over a hat. Suddenlyone of them pulled out a gun and began shooting the others. She ran as fast as she couldto her room over the saloon. It wouldnt be long before everyone in town went crazy.

She found her black slicker and began to sew furiously.

Around 8 p.m. Doc made his way to Herods to check on Cort. He had his oilskin coatwith him. When he got there, Mattie was working on Horaces coat. He saw a smallerone on the bed and assumed it was Marys. Cort was sitting at the other end of the bedeating dinner.

How you feeling Cort?

Anxious. Too many people getting liquored up and bored. It wont be long beforesomeone finds their way here.

I got pockets sewn in my coat and Corts. Horaces is almost done. She showed Docthe neat rows of compartments just large enough to hold bills. They circled the loweredge of the garment. I should get to Marys tonight. Tomorrow morning Ill work onyours.

Cort wiped his mouth with a napkin.

Well have the rest of the day to walk around here and get used to the weight and feel ofthe money. I suggest we leave Redemption tomorrow after dark.

Sounds real good to me. Doc inhaled deeply. Cant believe after all these years thatIll be leaving this God forsaken hole.

In the saloon, Horace was packing their few belongings in a valise and trying to explainthings to Mary without letting on about the money.

Papa, how can we go to Boston without money?

Mary, dear, I have some put away.

Its not enough or Mr. Herod would have taken it.

He didnt know about it. Horace sighed. Listen to me, child. No more arguing. Weare going on a trip. We are wearing our overcoats and you are not to question any of it.Do you understand?

Papa, are you okay?

Horace gripped his daughters shoulders and kissed her on the cheek.

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Mary, I am very okay. When we are on our way to Boston, Ill tell you everything.But for now, you must trust me. Do whatever it is Cort and Mattie tell you to do.

If thats what you want. Mary smiled. She had never seen her father so happy.

The next evening Cort, Mattie, Doc Watson, Horace and Mary rode out of town, theirovercoats strapped to their horses. Most of the men still in Redemption were drunk andpaid no attention to the five riders.

They rode through the next two towns stopping only to water their horses and replenishtheir supplies.

By the time they reached Irvings Pike, they were ready for a good meal, warm bath, andlong nights sleep. None of them wanted to look at a horse for awhile.

They checked into the same hotelDoc, Horace, and Mary in one room, Cort and Mattiein the one next door. Cort knew theyd all be on edge as long as they were traveling withso much money.

The next morning, after breakfast, Mattie took Mary shopping. The men went back toCorts room to discuss how they would proceed. He had been to the telegraph officegetting information.

Doc, theres a stage leaving at noon for Dawson. The clerk says you can catch a train toDenver from Dawson. Once in Denver, there are several train and stage offices. Itshouldnt be a problem finding one to take you into Wyoming.

I cant believe it, Doc whispered. I never let myself think it. Yet here I am daysaway from Redemption.

Horace smiled and nodded. And well never have to go back again.

Cort had only spent a week there; he couldnt imagine being under Herods thumb allthose years.

Horace, theres a stage that leaves here at eight tomorrow morning. I wrote down thenext two towns you need to catch stagecoaches in. Eventually, youll reach Missouri. Iknow theres a train station there. You shouldnt have any trouble reaching Boston.

Thank you, Cort. I cant tell you what this means to me. You didnt have to share thatmoney.

And just how do you suppose Id ride out of Redemption with all those bills?

Horace laughed. Anyone that got that close to Herod isnt stupid. Youd have found a

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way.

Mary and Mattie Silk returned to the hotel. When Horace saw his daughter wearing afrilly blue dress and hat, his eyes filled with tears. He embraced Mary tightly.

What is it Papa?

You look so much like your mother did when I first met her. So alive. So happy.

+++++++

When Doc Watson left on the noon stage, everyone felt the losseven Cort. In a veryshort space of time the five had become friends.

Saying good-bye to Horace and Mary the next morning was even harder. Mattie and Cortstood in the street watching the stagecoach roll out of town.

Now what? Mattie asked, discreetly wiping her eyes.

According to the stage office, a coach leaves for California in about two days. Or wecan ride out tomorrow and meet it in one of the stop-over towns.

Lets ride tomorrow. Sitting still for two more days in this town will send crawlies upmy spine.

Cort half smiled as he looked skyward.

Fixing to rain tomorrow.

And look at us all prepared with our slickers.

Part 2

In the morning, Cort and Mattie left Irvings Pike. After a damp, rainy ride that lasted afew hours, they stopped in Johnsontown and decided to stay overnight. They enjoyeddinner at the hotels restaurant, then had a drink in Matties room.

Think we can relax some now? she asked.

You were the one with the crawlies.

Mattie laughed. Well, my spine feels like resting now.

I doubt anyone will be coming after us. Herod, his men, and Horace were the only oneswho actually saw the contest money. The people in town have no concept of what$123,000 would look like. If anyone does figure it out, theyd probably search whats left

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of Herods house and assume all the money was destroyed.

When your girlfriend blew up the town, Mattie added. Cort looked mildly annoyed,but ignored her wide grin. Cort, you ever have a girlfriend?

It depends on what your idea of a girlfriend is.

Shoot! Someone you court, take to dances, and want to marry some day.

No. It was obvious he was done with the subject, so Mattie moved on.

Youve been to a lot of saloons. Where was the best?

Tombstone. But that was a long time ago.

Im gonna build me the best dang saloon the West has ever seen, she declared

triumphantly.

Youve got the money to do it.

Yes, I do.

Youll need a story.

Story?

How did you come upon such wealth?

Im a whore!

Cort looked at her sideways.

How old are you? he asked.

Twenty-two. Cort frowned. Oh, all right, twenty-eight.

Youre twenty-eight and youve done enough whoring to earn you $30,000?

Just joshing, Cort. Ive already thought it out. My rich husband died suddenly--.

Poisoned, huh?

It was Matties turn to frown.

Hush! He passed away and I inherited. Simple as that.

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And your rich husband was from?

Paris.

So you speak French?

Mattie signed impatiently.

London.

Wheres your accent? Cort asked suspiciously.

Jumping junipers! Spain. Hows that?

Itll do. You can speak Spanish.

How do you know?

Last night you informed your pillow that it had gorgeous brown eyesin Spanish.

Oh, shoot! You arent supposed to listen to a girls dreams.

Well, if the girl would dream silently I wouldnt have to listen to them.

Mattie slapped his arm playfully.

You are a card. She yawned. I guess Im going to hit the sack early. I got usadjoining rooms this time. You can listen to yourself snore instead of me talking to mypillow.

++++++++++

The next morning Mattie was restless; so they rode on.

Eventually they reached California and booked passage on a train heading for SanFrancisco.

Cort could see the excitement on Matties face. There was anticipation in his heart. Heguessed it had something to do with the Schofields sitting on his hips and the $30,000resting in his coat lining.

The train ride was relaxing. Cort had always liked trainsaside from the robbingaspect. He and Mattie sat across from each other, a table between them. Cort noticedthat Matties appearance had changed over the weeks. Her eyes were brighter; the circleshad vanished. Even her red hair looked silkier and shinier. Cort thought about thesaloon girls back when he rode with Herod. He had always liked long hair. Mattie

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looked over at Cort and smiled.

Ive been thinking a lot these past few days, she began.

Ive enjoyed the quiet.

Oh, hush! Ive been talking to a few businessmen on this train--men who have been toSan Francisco. Theyve been telling me about the grand saloons and gambling halls.Aint a one of them run by a lady.

Until you come to town.

Thats right, cowboy! Im gonna create the ultimate gambling house. Its gonna haveglamour, elegance and girls. Cort frowned. For some reason, he had hoped Mattiewould steer away from that business. As if reading his mind, she continued withenthusiasm. No whoring! Im never going that way again. Now he was puzzled.

Then what are the women for?

Glamor. They will wear the finest dresses and sparkling fake jewels. They will bepretty and get paid well.

To do what?

Show a man a good time. Accompany him to the poker games--.

Rob him blind.

Encourage him to gamble, she corrected. Sweetly, of course.

Of course. All that sweetness can make a man hungry.

Cort, you and I do think alike. There will be a formal restaurant there as well.

For the further fleecing of unsuspecting gentlemen.

Mattie snorted. Therell be no fleecing. Lots of men travel alone. Theyd pay to have abeautiful girl keep them company.

And spend their money on.

Nobodys twisting their arms.

Sounds like a perfectly delightful plan. Remind me never to visit.

Thats too bad. I was going to offer you a job.

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Doing what?

I will need some kind of protection running a place like that.

I see.

Not a lot of protection; I expect only well-to-do men will be there.

You do?

Why would a no-good trouble-making drunk walk through my door?

Gambling, liquor, GIRLS.

Hmmmm. I guess once a varmint got in he wouldnt care how outclassed he was. She

began braiding the fringe of her shawl. I could always make everyone remove theirguns. That would be bad for business. Most rich men carry a hidden gun and wouldntwant to hand it over.

You only want rich clientele? Mattie nodded. Then make sure only men with fullpurses can come in. Mattie frowned.

Well, I wasnt planning on serving cheap meals.

Im talking about before they get to the food.

The drinks arent free either.

Before the bar.

How much more before can you get? Then her face lit up. At the door! If I chargea dollar--. Corts thumb went up. If I charge two dollars---. It went up again. Threedollars? Cort shrugged. I cant rob them before they get inside.

Wasnt robbing them your plan?

Three dollars seems fair.

You dont know rich men very well.

Pardon my lapse! My whoring days were in Redemption, not Boston.

The typical rich man in San Francisco has money from either gold or property. Theywerent born to it so they dont know how to be classy about it. They like everyone tonotice them and their money. Charging $5 at the door is just enough to make the wealthy

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curious. If they like what you serve up, theyll come back and gladly pay the doorprice.

How do you know so much about rich folk?

It wasnt so long ago I was robbing them. Besides, Ive been talking to some of thefools on this train, too. Trust me, if you winked at them, theyd drop silver dollars all theway to your door. Mattie laughed heartily. Cort liked the sound of it. He reckonedshe hadnt laughed much in a long time. How can you be sure your girls will keepthings professional?

Theyll get kicked out on their greedy fannies if I catch them showing the gentlemenmore than a good time. Cort raised his eyebrows skeptically. Honey, you dontunderstand women like I do. Aint hardly any woman not born to it that can wearextravagant gowns and flashy, fake jewelry.

So the threat of losing all that will keep them honorable. Good plan.

I know the odd one will stray. Thats okay; I can replace them. She had a good headon her shoulders, Cort thought as he settled down for an afternoon nap. Within minuteshe was sound asleep, the train whistle a faint noise in the distance.

TBC

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the chest of money master - cort

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