Colorado Springs.
This morning I sat in the saloon and saw Adder walk in. “Morning Taurus. Came back to buy me a drink again? You’re so sweet!” I winked at him.
“Nah, I came to win a drink back!” he laughed.
“Bring it on pardner,” I chuckled.
We played a game of Poker and talked about a man named Kerbe had replied to his ad for a deputy needed. We talked about how today was the day the Black brothers had promised to come back. I asked what his plan was and he said, “Take cover, shoot fast, hope I live.” We talked about how Logan would be there but how he wasn’t sure about Jake and Chels.
Cricket came into the saloon and I introduced her to Adder. She told me she had been out exploring so she hadn’t been around town much. I told her I had moved to town a week ago and that I was a lawyer now. We talked about people that we missed from Amiville. Cricket mentioned having a date with a man she didn’t know the name of and I was surprised about it. Cricket left and then Chels came in and watched us play.
I asked Chels if she would be there later for when our visitors were coming.
“Do you think they will even show?”
“I think they will,” Adder nodded. “I reckon those boys will show, dunno how many friends they’ll have though”
“Yeah I have the feeling they’re not the type to make idle threats,” I agreed.
We heard shouting in Spanish outside and I muttered, “The least they could do was shout in English....”
We continued to play and then Adder told me to hurry up and lose cause he was getting thirsty. The game went on though in spite of us calling all in and the game continuing. In the end, after 42 rounds, I won the game.
“Coffee and whiskey for me,” I winked at him as we went over to the bar and he put some coins behind the bar for drinks.
“Tequila for me, please!” Santos laughed, coming into the saloon.
“Is that your morning pick me up Trin?” Chels asked.
“You bet, Chels. Helps me wake up in more ways than one,” I nodded and took the whiskey as Chels laughed and Santos moved on.
A couple of hours later, I went for a ride and talked to a man named Brent who was heading off to the mine. We talked about how one either had to work or steal money and he said he didn’t hesitate shooting someone in cold blood.
I rode over to Kansas and called out if it was safe to approach. When he invited me in I found out his name was “Old Man”. He said that his village was gone and and that his people were wiped out from white man’s pox. I went to one of the teepees and rested for a while.
An hour later I walked out of the teepee and found Hawk by the fire with some people. “Haaahe Trin, How are you this sun?” Hawk asked.
“Hawk, good to see you. Hello again, Sir. I was just resting in the tent there, Hawk.”
Hawk nodded and pointed to the village. “Seem spirit comes to village. How are things in paleskin village Trin?”
“In Colorado Springs? Boring as heck, Hawk. I’m getting restless.”
“I have seen that seems no one goes there,” he nodded.
“It’s a passing through kind of town. But I thought there’d be more... passers.”
Deedee ran over then and I smiled. “Hello there Deedee. Remember me? I’m Trin. We met a while ago,” I said as she hid behind Hawk. “Remember, I’m a friend of Hawk’s.”
“Haáahe,” Deedee waved as Hawk leaned down to hug her.
“Tell me there’s something going on that needs to be investigated... I’m afraid I’m going to lose my skills as a detective if I don’t work soon.”
Unfortunately there wasn’t much to report or talk about so I said then, “Well folks I should be heading home. It appears we may be having some visitors in our village soon... Hawk... I don’t know if you remember Lebron and Liam Black? They have threatened to come to Colorado Springs this afternoon or evening...”
“Hmm, this is not good, always cause troubles.”
“We don’t know when they’re coming, but they said they would take two thousand coins or they would take our town.”
“Offer 2000 pieces of lead,” Old Man suggested.
“Two thousand coins dipped in poison that be good,” Deedee put in and I chuckled.
“Is easy to say many things, doing those things is different,” Hawk nodded.
“Two thousand seems an awful small number...” I noted.
“If give them two thousand every time want something will be back,” Deedee said.
“You’re right, DD,” I nodded to the child.
“You’re right, DD,” Hawk agreed.
“That’s why we need to take them down now. Who knows how many friends they’ll have with them. We may need help..”
“Yes maybe many, of course men like these maybe not have any friends,” Hawk chuckled.
“I’m sure they’ll have people with them,” I looked over at him.
“Need doctor in Kansas, sick horse!” Zerena shouted then from the next town over.
“Chief already had the feast with cherokee?” Deedee asked Hawk.
“No, feast is two suns from now,” Hawk shook his head then heard the shout. “Hmm some need help for horse it seems. Do not know anything of medicine though.”
“I should talk to White Arrow, she might not like it if trouble follows me back to Chippawa,” Old Man said.
“I should head home... Can I send you a wire if we need help?”
“I watch for smoke signal,” he promised and we said goodbye.
Colorado Springs.
I wandered around town and wondered what Adder was up to. I saw the group outside the sheriff’s office and looked over at Adder who was standing amongst them.
“Hello,” one of the men smiled and I realized it was the Black brothers in front of us.
“Long time no see boys,” Adder nodded to them and I stood behind him.
“This fella says he only shoots lawmen,” Lebron pointed at a man I didn’t recognize.
“They’re back sooner than I thought they’d be,” I whispered to Adder.
“Last time I saw him, a lawman was shooting him!” Adder laughed.
“Yes but you knew we were coming today, didn’t you?” Lebron nodded to Adder.
“Aye, that I did,” Adder said and I thought to myself it was a good thing I wasn’t a lawman. “You boys got my reply I assume?”
“Just wanted to say howdy and let you know we’re in town until we get what we came for,” Lebron said and I remembered the last time she saw the black brothers and tries to not show my fear.
“Did you see any reply?” Lebron looked at Liam.
“I didn’t see any,” he shook his head.
“I only came to ask if you and I have unfinished Sheriff?” The other man asked.
“This is... Erhm... This is our little brother... His name is... His name is Poo Poo Black,” Lebron pointed to him.
“Shame,” Adder shrugged and chuckled. “I seem to remember it being rather witty.”
“Where did you send it?” Lebron asked and I chuckled, remembering what the message said.
“Well maybe you can tell us what ya said,” Liam suggested.
“Oh theres a fourth one of you? Jobs only a quarter done then,” Adder said.
“As seen today came alone” the younger brother said. “The other day I kidnap sheriff.”
“You did?” Lebron asked.
“Yes.”
“How come?” Liam asked.
“All by yourself?” Lebron asked.
“With two members of my band.”
“You play in a band Poo Poo?” Lebron wondered.
“What do ya play?” Liam asked.
“If we have nothing pending today will leave me alone,” the younger brother said.
“You kidnapped no one. You got shot down by Callaghan. Pretty quickly I might add,” Adder put in.
“Sheriff you say?” he looked at Adder.
Lebron chuckled and pointed to him. “Yes, he is our younger brother Poo Poo, he got the name because of his exotic color.”
“You can go, for now. I have bigger fish to fry,” Adder told them.
“Thought so,” the brother said.
“Our brother looks nothing like us,” Liam said.
Lebron laughed a bit and looked at Adder. “We won’t mind if you take him down, we’ll just stand and enjoy the show.”
“The sheriff afraid. Well sheriff, we are at peace for now. Attend to your important stuff,” the brother said.
“Come on poo poo show your stuff,” Liam dared.
Adder glared at him and I put my hand on my weapon, just in case.
“Guys, be good,” the brother smiled.
“Wait Poo Poo, you go show that Sheriff you aren’t afraid,” Lebron encouraged.
“Here you have to brave Colorado Sheriff of east,” he taunted. “Bye bye.”
“You want to be our brother don’t ya..go do it,” Liam prodded.
“I have brothers and... sheriff, nice day,” the little brother laughed and the three of them walked down the street.
Well that was anti-climactic, I thought to myself. I looked over and saw Logan walk over as Adder shrugged. “Next time.”
We saw Logan walk over and greeted him. “Good afternoon sheriff,” Logan nodded, glancing at the two across the street as one of the brothers had left.
“You remember our friends, don’t you?” Adder asked.
“Aye, that I do...” Logan nodded.
“We’ll be in the saloon and you guys can come over when you’ve collected the little thing you owe us Sheriff,” Lebron said then.
“I owe you nothing,” Adder laughed.
Ida walked over as Lebron pointed to the buildings. “This town does...”
“Can any of you spare a coin, so we can buy a drink?” Liam asked.
“This town owes you nothing,” Adder said back.
“Till sun down Sheriff or you people out here might get hurt,” Lebron threatened.
“Wait, didn’t you used to have another brother?” Adder looked around.
“You best keep your mouth shut about him or I will drop you right here and now,” Lebron frowned and hissed.
“I suggest you boys go home,” Adder chuckled.
“Sounds like harassment against the law,” I whispered to Adder.
“Sun down Sherif... Sun Down!” Lebron yelled.
“You got quite a mouth on you,” Liam said and looked at Logan.
Lebron and Liam walked away and we watched them, then looked back at one another as Logan said, “I think I did a rather good job of controlling my mouth actually.”
“You both did. I’d love to drag them into a cell again though. Felt real good the last time.” I looked between them and asked, “Off to the saloon boys? Take more of your money Adder?”
“They just went to the saloon. I’ve no intention of hanging around them,” Adder rolled his eyes.
We decided to go to a shooting range nearby and practiced our shooting. An hour later I sat in front of my office watching people walk by.
I decided to walk around and saw people inside and so I walked in to find out what had happened.
“These dogs stop murderers,” the younger brother said.
“Sure. I reckon we can rustle up the same judge and rope that did for your brother,” Adder shrugged.
“You wont be left alive to get word to no judge Sheriff,” Lebron threatened and I looked over at Adder, wondering what I walked into.
“Levi said something like that too,” Adder chuckled.
“How’s Poo Poo doing?” Lebron looked at Liam.
“I think she killed him,” Liam said.
“Oh somehow I actually now wish you wont pay us,” Lebron hissed at Adder.
“Poo Poo...” Logan looked around the corner at the man in the bed and smirked.
“What a shame,” Lebron shrugged.
“Careful what you wish for,” Adder warned.
“What happened to brother number threeish?” I asked Logan in a whisper.
“We’ve got a man for you to show our good will,” Lebron said and pointed to the back room.
“Poo poo will be in a better place now” Liam said and looked at Logan. “Let me guess your ma bought those pants for you.”
Logan made a motion with his hands, drawing his index finger across his throat as he grinned, and I raised an eyebrow, as he looked down at his pants. “Are you talking about my pants?!”
“Uh oh,” Adder muttered.
“You want him?” Lebron looked at Adder and nodded to the bed in the back room.
“Yes...your Ma still dresses ya I see,” Liam said and Lebron laughed out loud.
“I’ll have you know that these sort of pants are worn by the most sophisticated men in New York... lawyers and politicians....” Logan told him. “And they’ll crack your skull open without a damned trial there. Fancy pants or not.”
“Makes no odds to me,” Adder shrugged.
“Are you a lawyer or politician?” Liam asked.
“Aww, I thought he was wanted for shooting at you guys?” Lebron said.
I heard the word ‘trial’ and looked at Logan hopefully as he said, “Maybe I am, maybe I ain’t but it’s of none of your concern you backward hillbilly.”
“Aye, but he’ll keep,” Adder shrugged.
“You look mighty backward there wearing those pants,” Liam chuckled.
“He’ll keep what?” Lebron flicked the rim of his hat.
“Fine one to talk, Mr Black. Your fly is undone,” Adder laughed at him.
Logan reached his hands out ready to grab the man by the throat but then stopped himself, narrowing his eyes. “You got a lot of nerve talking to me like that mister. I’ve tussled with many men for just looking at me the wrong way..”
“Is not,” Liam looked down.
“So you don’t want Poo Poo here?” Lebron sighed.
“Now ya know why they look at you funny...its the pants.”
“Time you boys were moving on,” Adder said then and I wondered what happened to the third brother and wandered back to the back room.
“What happened to him, Ida?” I asked.
“Shot wound in his back.”
“From what?” I asked and then looked at the man. “What’s your real name, Sir?”
“That man in there is Poopoo” Liam called back.
“I wasn’t asking you,” I called out to him.
“Can you talk with him later? He needs to relax a bit,” Ida insisted.
“He may not be here to talk to later, Ida. By the time he leaves the clinic I may never see him again.”
“Just wait ten minutes, please,” Ida said.
“I wasn’t talking to you ma’am!” Liam shouted.
“Great cause I wasn’t talking to you either,” I called to him. “Okay Ida, ten minutes,” I said and walked out to stand by Logan.
“Their skulls are thick...” Logan leaned over to Adder.
Adder spoke slowly and said, “You.... are .... not... getting.... any.... coins.”
“Very well, so be it... We’ll be outside and once you guys step out we’ll shoot at anyone carrying weapons,” Lebron shrugged.
“It’s cause of his checkered pants that ya speak so slow isn’t it?” Liam asked Adder.
“Nah its cos of your empty skull,” Adder said.
Lebron walked outside and drew his guns. I looked around and said, “I best stay here with what’s his face. Ya’ll are better with the guns than me.”
“Ready?” Adder asked Logan and Logan nodded, drawing his guns.
“Take ‘em down,” I smiled at the boys.
“Consider yourself deputized my friend,” Adder said to Logan and drew his pistol.
They walked outside and I asked Ida, “Can I talk to him yet?”
“No. Five more minutes.”
I sighed and sat in the chair, waiting as she continued to work on the man. I heard gunshots go off and a child ran into the clinic. “Please, can I hide?” she asked, a scared look on her face.
“Of course, come here... We’re safe in here.”
“They shoot everywhere,” she looked down.
“I know, sweetie. It’s not safe out there right now. That’s a very lovely dress you have on,” I said, trying to distract her.
“I was hiding in bush but came there to...” she started to cry.
I reached for her and said, “Come here, child. It’ll be okay... How old are you?”
“It’s so scary there outside. Why the shooting? I am just six,” she tried to smile a bit.
“Where’s your mommy and daddy?”
“I don’t have. They dead.”
“Oh sweetie, I’m sorry. What’s your name? Mine’s Trin.”
“I did not know them so I think it’s okay... I am Sarah.”
“Nice to meet you, Sarah.”
She looked around the corner and asked, “Somebody is sick?”
“I’m not sure what’s wrong with him. That’s why I’m waiting in here.”
Ida took an apple from the shelf and gave it to the girl. We looked out the window to see what was going on and heard someone shouting, “Teren! Are you there?” I lifted the girl up to see what was going on outside and then I saw Adder being dragged along the road. I swore under my breath as Lebron searched Adder for his keys and went to open the sheriff’s office.
“Stay here, Sarah,” I warned and she nodded. “Ida... There’s some people outside who want to see your patient,” I told her.
I walked outside and walked to my office, leaving my gun on the desk. I ran out onto the street, seeing the crowd, and then ran to the sheriff’s office where Logan and Adder were tied up. I pulled out a knife and untied them both. “Guys, what the heck happened? Talk to me guys... Are you okay?”
Logan slowly got to his feet, holding his hand to his arm as blood drips between his fingers.
“Sit... both of you...” I ordered. “I heard Lebron asking the doc to come... She’ll be here soon.”
Logan stumbled back and fell heavily on his bottom. “It hurts...” he whispered.
I leaned down and helped Logan and heard more shooting. Ida came in and I explained, “Ida... they’ve both been hit hard. I came and untied them... Gathered the black brothers would drag them here.”
“Oh Logan and Adder...” Ida shook her head.
“Howdy Ida,” Adder greeted her.
“Told them to sit,” I said.
“Fine, thanks Trin.”
“Do him...” Logan pointed at Adder.
“Where you hit?” Ida sked him.
“My left shoulder,” he said.
“Ida what can I do?” I asked but then watched Logan get to his feet and stumble out the door.
“Logan!” I shouted and ran out after him.
“Logan what do you think you’re doing?” I asked, seeing the third brother standing there.
Logan held his arm, looking over his shoulder at me and said, “I’ve got to go do something...”
“Be careful. You’re hurt enough.”
I looked over at the crowd and a man walked towards me. “Teren, is it?” I asked the younger brother.
“Can we help you?” Red Viper asked.
Logan climbed up onto a nearby horse and hanged onto it as he rode away.
“Just need to talk to Teren.”
“You know her, Teren?” The Man asked.
“Tell me,” Teren said.
“Just want to see if he’s okay,” I said, looking around the circle and feeling less safe without any
weapons on me.
“Yes, I am fine,” he nodded.
“I’m glad to hear that. What happened?”
“Black brothers attacked me.”
I felt Red Viper behind me and tries to step back. “I thought you were one of them.”
“They brought me here after shooting...”
“Really?” I looked at him.
“Pretended not to collect reward.”
“And tried to get you to shoot the sheriffs?” I asked, shaking my head and pretending to be surprised.
“I think we should go to kill them,” Red said.
“You know where they hide?” The man asked.
“The Sheriff’s were brave,” Teren said.
“They’re good men. I’ve known them a long time,” I said and then nodded to The Man. “Yes... They
had a place in Louisiana last I heard.” I looked at The Man, thinking he looked attractive, and blushed at the thought, looking down. “I don’t know exactly where in Louisiana.. But if I were looking for the black brothers, that’s where I’d look.”
“Are my enemies and avenge me,” Teren said.
“Thank you for your information,” Red said to me.
“Well if they are there I’m sure we’ll find them,” The Man nodded.
“Whatever it takes to get them out of this town...” I said and looked at Teren. “Just to confirm... You’re not with them? It appeared you were when we first met you.”
“We’ve to go to Louisiana guys,” Red announced.
“No,” Teren shook his head. “They looked and then followed me to kill me.”
“Despres!” I exclaimed when I saw Jakob walk past and into the clinic. “If they ever get to a trial... Would you testify against them?” I asked Teren.
“I’ll head toward where she said they would be,” Kate said.
“We will judge,” Teren said and then laughed.
“Yeah,” Red said.
“Good to know. Where do you folks come from?” I asked them. “In case I need to find you for a trial?”
“Let’s go to Louisiana,” Red said. “You come guys? Bye!”
I looked at The Man and he went to the sheriff’s office to knock on the door. “Can I help you Sir?” I asked. “I’m a lawman of sorts... You could talk to me out here.”
“Could you let me in? I need to talk to the lawmen,” he said.
“Well in first place, I need to talk to Adder,” he said.
“He’s a bit preoccupied at the moment.”
“I know he is. I did it.”
I raised an eyebrow at him and stepped back.
“Don’t worry, I just wanna talk.”
I tried to decipher if he was being honest and then called, “Jake you in there?”
“Yes I am!” Jake yelled back.
“I’m out-numbered if I start a fight now, so why would you think I would start a fight?” the man
asked.
“Can you come outside a sec?”
“Just let me in,” he said.
“Can you come outside a sec? At least.”
Jake said, “Sure,” and walked outside.
“This fellow here just admitted to shooting Adder,” I told Jake.
“Can you let me in? I need to talk to him,” he said.
“And now he wants to talk to him,” I sighed.
“Oh?” Jake narrowed his eyes. “Alright Sir, but you would have to hand over your guns then.”
“No problem,” he said and handed in his guns.
“Thanks... come inside,” Jake opened the door and kept an eye on him as I walked in after them. He pointed to the table and chairs and said, “Please have a seat.”
Chelsea walked in and we greeted her as she took a seat.
“I wanna apologize for doing this to you...” the man said. “I took the wrong side. If there is any way I can help you guys wi getting those guys, I’ll be here.”
I looked over at Jake and Chels and said, “Logan was shot too. He went off to take care of something before I could stop him.”
“Yep. I took Logan down too.”
I backed up a bit at that and said, “Son of a...”
“Get him out of here,” Adder ordered and I stood between the two marshals.
“Look, I know this must all seem weird and confusing, but I didn’t know what those guys did,” he said.
“You shot my two best friends!” I exclaimed.
Jake stood and listened to him and then nodded at Adder’s words. “Alright Mister... Let’s get you back outside,” he said and went to open the door.
“I thought you were attacking my friends,” he admitted.
“And now you just walk in here expecting us to forgive you?” I glared at him.
“But now I know it were the Black Brothers who attacked them.”
“You haven’t seen their posters everywhere in the western alliance?” I gawked. “Surely their faces are well enough noticeable.”
“Nope, I didn’t.”
“Outside, please,” Jake glared at the man and I shook my head, starting to pace in anger as Ida finished up working on Adder.
“The nerve of that guy...” I muttered.
“Well I said what I wanted to say. There’s nothing more I can do,” he said to Jake.
“Alright... That’s nice of ya,” Jake nodded and handed back his guns.
“It was a mistake,” he said and took his guns back.
“So I could understand...” Jake nodded.
“I think I owe him and Logan something. So if you ever have trouble with them again, you can let me know and I’ll be here.”
I looked over at Adder and turned my attention on him. “Are you gonna be okay?”
“Aye, I will be,” he nodded and I leaned down to hug him gently. “I’m worried about Logan.”
“I reckon ya do... Especially since it seems like the Sheriff wont accuse you for shootin’ law or drawin’ in town... You’d better go take a chat with Sheriff Logan too,” Jake nodded to the man.
I started to run at the man in anger and said, “You think you can just shoot my friends.. And come back and..”
“Calm down. It was a mistake. I’m gonna set this right.”
“You bring in the Black Brothers and I reckon you will set things straight...” Jake looked at him.
I looked from Jake to the man and said, “We don’t even know your name.”
“I’m Angelo,” he said and I tried to calm down, standing close to Jake and glaring at the man.
Jake sighed at me and looked at Angelo. “Alright... That would be mighty nice of ya.”
“Angelo...” I started.
“I think you’ll find Sheriff Logan in Colorado... Maybe you should let him know too?” Jake looked at Angelo.
“I think that will be a good idea. Can you lead me to him? I have no clue where to find him.”
I knew I was never going back to the place where Logan lived and looked at Jake and Chels.
“I’m not comin’ much over there, but if he isn’t at the Sheriff’s Office in Amiville, then try the Saloon,” Jake nodded.
“He shouldn’t be that hard to find over there,” Chels put in.
“Okay. I’ll see you guys again, with a present,” he grinned.
“This way,” Jake said and I watched them walk off, my heart racing between anger and being intrigued by the man. I sat down in a chair and tried to calm my breathing.
“You alright?” Chels looked at me.
“I uh... yeah...” I nodded.
“So the Black’s entered town as they said they would, are they still around?” Jake asked.
“I don’t know, they dumped us in the office and left,” Adder shrugged.
“They said they’d be back tomorrow,” I looked at Jake.
“How ya doing Sheriff?” Chels asked Adder.
“I’ll live I reckon”
“They’ll be back for the money tomorrow. Where were you two?” I asked Jake and Chels.
“I see, I guess we would have to be ready for them... And since that Angelo fella just offered to set things right, he could help ya if you want him to fight on your side?” Jake frowned.
“I’m sure he will,” I nodded.
“Busy day, huh Ida?” Jake looked over at Ida.
“Yes...” she nodded.
“Do you play Texas Hold Em Poker?” Jake smiled at Ida.
“I can’t play. I don’t understand it... all those cards...” Ida said.
Jake chuckled and handed her instructions for the game. “Read this and if you feel like givin’ it a shot we’ll play a nice game of cards in a half hour.”
We headed out to take a break before meeting at the saloon to play Poker.
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