Frank stored his packed up possessions in the livery storeroom and then walked over to the cafe for a cup of coffee and perhaps a bite to eat. Angle took one look at Frank's expression and brought two cups and the coffeepot over to his table and joined him.
She touched his hand. "I'm sorry, Frank."
"I have to think it was for the best, Angie. Better than her starving to death. It was just her time to follow the light."
"That's beautiful, Frank. Follow the light. Frank? How is her son taking it?"
"He's all right. He's tougher than he looks."
"And you?"
"Getting ready to pull out. Just as soon as Jerry is on his feet."
"That quick?"
"Yes. I have things to do."
"I don't have to ask what those things are. Is that what Mrs. Browning would want?"
"It's what I want."
She lowered her eyes from his cold stare. She struggled to suppress a shiver. Looking into his eyes that day was like looking into a cold, musty grave. Years back, Angie had surprised a big puma feasting on a fresh kill. The puma did not attack, but the eyes were the same as Frank's -- cold and deadly. Angie backed away quickly and left the puma alone to eat.
Frank drank his coffee, declined the offer of food, and walked over to Willis's General Store. There he bought bacon, beans, flour, and coffee. He bought a new jacket for the trail, for his old one was patched and worn. He took everything back to the office. There, he sat and waited.
* * * *
Frank did not return to the funeral parlor to view Vivian's body. He respected her wish that he not have that image in his brain.
The next morning, Jerry came limping into the office about ten o'clock.
"You supposed to be up, Jer?"
"Doc said it was all right long as I don't try to run any foot races. Mrs. Browning's body is being loaded into the wagon now, Frank, for transport to the rails."
"I know."
"You're not going over there?"
"No." Frank stood up. "You ready to be sworn in, Jer?"
"I reckon so, Frank. If that's what you want."
"Wait here." Frank walked over to the bank and got Mayor Jenkins. Ten minutes later, Frank had handed in his badge, and Jerry had been sworn in.
Frank shook hands with Jerry and the mayor and walked out of the office. He did not look back.
A half an hour later, he was on the trail. He didn't know where the Pine and Vanbergen gangs had gone, but he would find them. All of them. One at a time.