The Bear: The Rising

John Bear had been beaten hard. It took three weeks before he was even able to get around on crutches. He had two broken ribs, a broken wrist and a broken ankle. No hospital would take an Indian. Sean paid for a private physician to attend to John Bear. He sent two men from the ranch to keep an eye on Hadley. As soon as John Bear was able to get around he and his wife, Angelina moved in with her family in Chavez Ravine. He promised Hadley he would return to work when he recovered. After three weeks the sheriff was no closer to capturing John Bear’s assailants than he was to winning the White House. Sean knew Otis Grayson was behind John Bear’s beating, he just couldn’t prove it. Intimidation and violence were the methods Grayson used with the Chinese. An Indian was no different in Grayson’s eyes, a heathen impeding the white man’s path to progress. “The sheriff hasn’t done a damn thing. How long are we going to stand for this?” Thomas asked not bothering to hide his annoyed tone as he paced the floor. Sean, Thomas, Charlie, William McGrath and Hadley were seated in Sean’s library taking a whiskey with their cigars. Jenny sat in a stuffed chair behind her father sipping a glass of sherry. Ever since John Bear’s attack Sean insisted his inner circle come to the big house for dinner on Sundays. Jenny enjoyed playing hostess. She enjoyed the fact that Hadley was infatuated with her father and didn’t bother to hide the fact when the opportunity arose. Jenny relished the fact that Sean was gathering his forces. She loved being a part of his world. Sean glanced at William McGrath who was perusing a shelf of books and asked, “Are we any closer?” McGrath turned and looked at Sean. “Not unless John Bear can recall some detail he hasn’t told us about.” Thomas made a face. “This is crazy, having one of your cowboys follow me around day and night.” “It’s a precaution,” Sean replied matter-of-factly. Thomas frowned. “But for how long? The man looks like a hick and his presence impedes my ability to work. People need to have faith in someone handling their investments. Your cowboy sitting in my office doesn’t instill that faith.” Sean glanced over at McGrath who shrugged his shoulders. “We could use Gibbons back at the Oso Negro,” Charlie offered. “Fine. Billy can ride back to the ranch with you tonight, Charlie. The man watch-ing Olivia and Michael remains.” Charlie sipped his whiskey and gave a nod of agreement. Thomas waved his hand in the air. “I sincerely doubt the ruffians who attacked John Bear are brave enough to try anything with the wife of one of this city’s finest families.” He adjusted his sleeve cuffs. “Now if you all would excuse me.” Thomas bowed and exited the room. Hadley watched surprised as Sean quietly sipped his whiskey. As soon as the door closed Hadley stood up. “My god, Sean I know he’s your son–” Sean held up his hand cutting Hadley off. “Thomas is my burden, not yours.” The room was silent. “How is John Bear doing?” Sean asked. Hadley took a sip of her whiskey. “He is making progress.” “Do you need any more help at the farm?” Sean asked. Hadley shook her head. “No, thank you, Sean. The men you sent are a big help. In fact I don’t need them. After the Tribune ran the article suggesting fleas from ostriches were responsible for the influenza in Europe the crowds have disappeared.” “The council vote is still a few months off. Hang on. If we prevail Grayson and his cohorts won’t be interested in your land.” “That doesn’t solve my problem of dwindling customers,” Hadley replied. Sean puffed his cigar. A cloud of smoke rose above his head. “Please, have faith.” Hadley forced a smile and nodded her head. “Now if you and Charlie will please excuse us, I need to discuss some private matters with Mr. McGrath. Jenny, would you please get our guests some coffee, dear?” Jenny stood and smiled at her father. “Certainly.” Charlie chuckled. A year ago Mr. McGrath had been just another cowboy the other drovers called, “Willie.” The foreman shook Sean’s hand and thanked him for dinner. “Oh, by the way, what do you want to do with Jedediah’s old place? The taxes are due. We should sell off that old farm. It ain’t but a few acres.” Jedediah had gone off and joined the army before the canons barely cooled at Fort Sumter. Being a farmer had not agreed with the mountain man and Jedediah had foolishly gotten himself killed six months after joining up. He died along with hundreds of others on field in Pennsylvania that held little strategic value to either side. Bright Owl could not own the land their farm sat on. Sean purchased the property at public auction with the intent of giving it to Bright Owl. The day of the auction Bright Owl left the house Jedediah built for her and went back to her people. Sean had kept the farm in case Bright Owl returned. “It’s been awhile,” Charlie said quietly. Sean nodded his head and sighed. “Let’s hold it one more year, Charlie.” Charlie tipped his hat and exited the room. Hadley walked to the door and turned. “Thank you.” “It will work out,” Sean said. “It always does, one way or another,” Hadley replied and exited the room. “Call if you need anything,” Jennifer said and closed the door behind her. Sean puffed on his cigar and looked at McGrath. “What is the state of Hartford Oil? “The company has paid dividends to the early investors but is leaving some folks waiting.” “How long has this been going on?” “Three months.” “The Chin Tong took stock in lieu of cash. If Hartford Oil goes south Thomas will be on the hook for what he owes,” said Sean. “The company looks real. At least on paper,” McGrath offered. “That’s what frightens me. I know my son.” McGrath sipped his whiskey and remained silent. “What about John Bear’s assailants?” Sean asked. McGrath looked at his employer. “Frankie Dougherty and Danny Hagen did the deed. They’re both Fenians who hire themselves out.” “Who hired them?” “I haven’t been able to find that out, yet. The police chief is as useless as tits on a boar.” “Where are Hagen and Dougherty now?” “Long Beach. They run a joy house a few blocks from the pier.” “Smart. Close enough for the sailors to get to, but far enough away from the boardwalk and the tourists, so the cops pay them little heed. I will pay Mr. Daugherty and Mr. Hagen a visit.” McGrath gave Sean a surprised look. “They’re members of the brotherhood. They’re protected.” Sean exhaled a cloud of smoke. “Fuck the brotherhood. These bastards beat John Bear. That requires a response.” William McGrath fixed Sean with a sincere look. “It was never a question of my not going with you, Mr. McGrath. I merely wanted you to know what you’re up against.” Sean removed a Colt revolver from the drawer and set it on the desk. “I know what I’m up against, a couple of fuckin’ Paddies who are playing at being hard men.”