Tired Gun

Six years ago Sam Court was a happy man, marshall in a small Kansas town. Then his wife died in childbirth and something in him died as well. He rode away from everything, leaving his infant son to be brought up by his wife's parents. Now it is six years later and Sam is riding back home to die, pursued by a ruthless man whose brother Sam killed in a fair fight. Sam is exhausted physically, emotionally, and spiritually, ready to give up everything, even life. He just wants to see his son before he dies. But in response to his father-in-law's fearful request, Sam agrees not to talk to the boy or to let the boy know who his father is. Others do that for him, though, and his son goes into his arms. The town, still cowardly after all this time, both embraces Sam and urges him to leave before it is too late. But Sam is too tired to run. He is comforted by a former "lady of the evening" who is now the town's leading dressmaker. In the end, three people stand with Sam as he faces and defeats his enemy. Sam has come home, to stay, and he is offered his old job as marshall. I've read a couple or three of Patten's books and all have good plots and plenty of action. Good and evil are not clearcut but a little blurred, as they often are in real life. Recommended for all western fans, especially those who are fans of L'Amour and Brand.