Jeb laid the letter aside when he heard the jingle of livery. Sound traveled far at night. Out here folks had to be hospitable because neighbors were all a person had in times of need. Folks just didn't call after dark unless there was trouble. Picking up his shotgun, Jeb went to the door, prying at the bar that secured it. The pounding continued along with the raised voice,<br/><br/>""Jeb...Jeb Williams....This is Decker Malloy, I am an employee of Mr. Malloy, I am sure you've heard of me....I don't want NO trouble Jeb...I want to ask you some questions and have a look round your house...You come to the door unarmed and let us do our job and there won't be NO trouble..JEB YOU HEAR ME, WE KNOW YOUR INSIDE...JUST DO AS TOLD YA, OR ELSE ALL MY MEN ARE GONNA SHOOT YER HOUSE UP, WE GOT YER PLACE SURROUNDED SO DON'T DO NOTHING STUPID!"<br/><br/>He recognized the name, one of the Damned and he knew that they were trouble. Swinging the door open, he greeted them<br/><br/>"Good evening gentlemen. What can I do for you?"<br/><br/>Decker tried to bully past him, but Jeb was a large man, not easily moved.<br/><br/>"We need to search your house.It seems like you helped that naked man today and he has some of Mr. Amsterdam's property."<br/><br/>Using his voice of quiet authority,<br/>"I can understand your concern, sir,but my household is abed and your contingent would interrupt that. A compromise might be in order. You come inside and search for your man, who on my honor,I can assure you is not here. Have your men set up a perimeter."<br/><br/>Decker narrowed his eyes at him,<br/>"Me and Philip will come in."<br/><br/>Jeb glanced at the young cowboy standing behind Decker with the drawn gun. The kid was so green  that he was about to shoot Decker on accident.<br/><br/>Jeb stood aside to allow the two inside and firmly shut the door in the face of another who tried to slid in with them. He accompanied Decker who was headed in the direction of the family sleeping quarters where Maddie was seeking visions of sugar plums and Eva would be writing in her journal.<br/><br/>Waves of controlled violence rippled from Decker as he slammed open wardrobe doors and behind settees. Nothing, not even a dust bunny. He tipped over a flower vase that held dried grasses and strode on as the water dripped to the stone floor. Jeb did not say a word, but silently gathered the deep shit this situation could turn out to be.<br/><br/>The men stepped into the courtyard and Decker turned to him,<br/><br/>"How did you know that feller?"<br/><br/>"I didn't know him. I saw a man in need and merely carried him into Mrs. Lila's establishment." Jeb answered stiffly. " That is the end of my involvement."<br/><br/>Decker pushed past him and entered little Maddie's room where Decker leaned down and looked under the bed. The child stirred and murmured, "Pa?"<br/><br/>Jeb stepped over and pulled the coverlet to her chin,patting her. He hitched his thumb at Decker for them to leave. As they were stepping toward the door, Eva appeared in the opening.