Smokin Guns

[Sweetp4u]

Joe Meadows

Smirking, I leaned over and took my shot, sinking one easily enough. He certainly didn't mince words, I chuckled and stood away from the table, "Why I am flattered Mr. Mayor... You would call me in privately to tell me to behave?"

I smiled as sweet and innocent as I could, trying not to chuckle too much. "I dont get into trouble on purpose, and I certainly do not go looking for it...." I let it remain unsaid but clearly there. If it came to me, I'd take care of it.

"I plan on being a nice upstanding citizen.. Behaved and very unrowdy Sir.." I moved from infront of him, letting him move to the table.

"I am just relaxing between jobs. Pervatory looked like a nice place to get some rest and relaxation." I wondered how long I'd be lectured before I was free to go? He reminded me of a deputy I once knew, whom always seemed to think he knew what was best for me. It was sweet and down right annoying.

"Oh, and thanks for the welcoming Nick. I am Josephine Meadows, most call me Joe." I held out my hand to shake his as he shot again.

 

[poohlive]

"So long as we understand each other," He shook her hand, baffling through the introductions. She seemed to have done her homework, and knew as much of him as he did about her.
"I just wanted to get things straight away, and pretend I'll be giving you any special treatment."
Two balls went into their aformentioned corners.
"You seem like a lovely person, and good at your work. As good as any man ever in your position. Still alive too. That is a feat in and of itself."
A red into the side, as the cue lined itself up for the final shot.
"8 in the far corner there," the cue dipped into the place he was mentioning. It went in with little resistance, as he watched with a smile the cue ball following it into the same hole.
It dropped.
"Huh... scratch. What do you know?" He took it out, letting it roll along the corners of his hands. Things are not always what they seem, or attempt to be.
"Well, I hope your stay here is long and pleasent, and feel free to talk to me if anything is bothering you," He went to the coathanger, where an overcoat and small derby hat awaited him, "Please, let me walk you to your place, it is the gentlemanly thing to do."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Yes, that is a scratch Nick." Chuckling as I walked towards the door. "And I am sure we understand each other perfectly." He would put my ass in the jail if he had to. Smiling, I walked outside, trying hard not to give him a hard time about his 'fatherly' behavior. He sure as hell wasn't old enough to be my father but he seemed to act like one. Perhaps he had children? I didn't think so, but I hadn't been here long.

"I am staying at the Inn, which I am sure you already knew." The short distance didn't take much time and before I went in I turned towards him and asked him what had been on my mind the most since my arrival.

"How in the world did this place get named Pervatory? And when do the new wanted posters arrive?" I wasn't sure if I wanted to know the answer to the first one. Glancing around, I wondered what there was to do in this little dust ball of a town? Other than drink and whore?

"And if I can bother you with one last question.. Is there any swimming holes or something near by?" Jobs would be pointless at this time. For a woman there was married and whoring, about all there was and neither appealed to me but I did need something to occupy my time with.

 

[poohlive]

Nick yawned against the starry sky, trying to keep himself up for a little bit longer. Sleep beckoned him back at his quaint ranch just outside of town, and he would like to go and relinquish that.
"Pervatory... named for an old tombstone that was one of the first in the graveyard out by the corrals. It dates almost as far back as the Lousiana Purchase, and someone wrote may he rest well in Pervatory."
Nick shrugged his shoulders, "They weren't that good of spellers back then. I am almost sure the person meant to write Purgatory. It stuck though, and people called this place Pervatory from then on. Not much for stories, or water for that matter. I know there's a crick about a day's ride south, where the kids like to play during the summer, but nothing that I know of closer. Might want to ask the bar keep. He's been here longer than I have, and has a nose for those such places."
He leaned into the doorway, getting really close to her, his hand on the doorknob. Her heated breath taking his away for just a moment's time. Close enough to kiss, if they both bothered to reach out and grasp for their lovers.
"Being as your on vacation, I don't think posters would bother you much some. Goodnight Joe."
He closed the door, on both of their faces. He jumped from it himself, cutting off from her sight as the wooden portal now guarded between them.
"Goodnight," He repeated to the empty hallway. Lingering for just a moment, he went downstairs to where his horse was, and rode back to his ranch for some rest.

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

It became obvious as time went by my talk with the Mayor would have to wait. Looking towards the lone male in the room, the owner of the bar lifted his head and as if reading my thoughts nodded towards the steps.

"Second floor, last room to the west, but knock...she's hell with a song and her pistol" The grin that followed told me there was no latent jealousy and I followed his directions, seeing light under the bottom of the door and moving to it to knock.

Hand raised the words came to me again and I grinned, stepping to the side and then letting my knuckles graze the wooden surface.

"Encore?" I called out, thinking it might be a sleepless night my first in town and knowing if it were, I wouldn't regret it one bit...

 

[Gray Lord]

'Cap' Marcus Oliver

The crowd was fairly large tonight and getting rowdy, and right on cue, one of the girls yelled out. A drunk cowboy had her by the hand, and in an instant, John had his Winchester up and aimed at the mans head.

“Let go of her now or your head will be painted across the wall,” John yelled at the cowboy.

The cowboy, having a flash of sanity, released the girls’ hand, and sat back down.

Marcus chuckled to himself as he moved around to the end of the bar, with his back to the wall, just in case. He would rather have to shoot his way out of a corner than catch it from behind. He didn’t really expect trouble, but it always paid to be cautious. He could just slide down the wall if any shooting started, not that he was a coward, but why kill a man for being drunk. He’d save any killing he had to do for those that deserved it.
He watched the tall girl, the one with the brown hair, that dressed like a man. He could tell she was a woman, she had a nice set of matching Colts on her feminine hips. “A potential customer,” he mused. They looked well taken care of, but guns that were used tended to wear also. “She might take a fancy to the holsters.” He thought, referring to the new, black leather tooled twin holsters he had in stock. “They’d look nice on her hips,” he smiled to himself. “Probably give her a fraction of a second faster draw too.” He’d give her a couple more days in town, if she stuck around, and if she didn’t come in the shop, he’d catch her on the street.
He keep his eye on the other stranger also. The man with the star on his chest. Except it wasn't there any more. Marcus saw him palm it and slip it in his pocket. Nobody else probably saw it, but Marcus' eye was trained by years of fighting both the "Rebs" and the Sioux. Marcus had seen many a lawman in his day, but this one just didn’t carry himself right. But, who was he to say what lawmen looked like nowadays. He was more interested in the mans gun anyway, rather than who, or what he was. None of his business who he was.

“John, an other beer please,” he yelled over the din, laying an other coin on the bar. It was about time for Mona’s show, he smiled to himself. She reminded him of Sarah, a little, without the red hair, same color eyes though. “Sweet Sarah,” he thought to himself, “too bad the Colonel found out.”

“Hi Cappy,” Dixie cooed, as she flowed around the end of the bar. “Want me to play with your…..guns?” she added laying against him, exposing her cleavage, and gently stroking his dark beard.

“Ah Dixie,” he said, pulling her tighter to him. “I know you’re sweet as sugar, but you know I never buy used merchandise, bad for business.”

“Yeah my business,” she said, smiling up at him.

“You know what they say,” he said, smiling back. “Too many rounds through the bore and it starts to get loose.”

Just then, the saloon became a cacophony of hoots and hollers, catcalls and whistle, as Mona stepped on stage.

“Well…,” Dixie signed, “I may’s well take a break. No takers while she’s on stage.” She released Marcus and started around the bar. Marcus slapped her on the fanny as she walked away.

Marcus watched Mona as he finished his beer. She was nice but not his style. He sat his mug down and slipped around the walls of the saloon and through the swinging doors. Glancing down both side of the dirt street before stepping into it. He was looking forward to a comfortable sleep in his soft bed. “Coming through Hell,” he said, as he stepped up on the boardwalk and into the front door of his shop.

 

[DeliciousMaiden]

Sweet Charity (Reverend's daughter)

Charity pulled her cape about her trim little figure and rushed on down the street.
Papa was gonna be mighty angry at her for staying out ‘til this hour. If he had trusted anyone in this dive of a town, he’d have got together a search party for her way before now. She sighed and paused, her eyes on the saloon opposite.

Papa had told her to be back before dark. He had also told her over and over about the evils of strong drink and the need to stay away from men after they had partaken of a drop or two. She walked on slowly, keeping to the shadows. She had heard too, but of course not from her papa, that there were women, certain types of women, who frequented such sinful places. For what purpose, Charity could not imagine.

All Charity did know was that there was always a lot of noise coming from that place and generally folk seemed to be enjoying themselves. What could be the harm of that? But papa was right. Often there were shots fired, often there were shouts and cries. What caused that when everyone seemed to be having a fine old time Charity did not understand either?

She sighed heavily and continued on her way.
She was in real trouble.Papa would not be impressed.
Even though she was doin’ the Lord’s work and visiting sick old Mrs Heggity who lived at the edge of town, he had expressly forbidden her to walk along this street during the hours of darkness.

Just at that moment a man walked out of the building opposite and began to make his way along the street. Charity froze and watched him, paralysed by fear. As the man continued to pass by she realised with relief that it was only Captain Oliver, a man who had once been in the military. Papa had bought a shotgun from him only last month. At least she had nothing to fear from a man of honour such as he. She let out a sigh of relief, yet felt it best not to draw attention to her appearance. She remained still, watching as he passed by.

 

[kamalw1]

After the place had emptied, I went upstairs to the top floor. Reaching the end of the hallway, I opened the door to my bedroom, and saw Erica laying on the bed, underneath the sheets. I smiled at her as I walked across the room. I took off my clothes and lay them in a pile on a chair that sat in front of a small desk. I then waled over and lifted the sheets, revealing Erica's nude form. The sight of her voluptous body sent blood rushing to my nether regions. I climbed into bed next to her, knowin this was going to be a good night.

 

[Funloving62]

Mona

She turned as the knock at the door drew her attention from the dressing mirror and she heard his words ,"Encore?" . She chuckled softly as she made her way to the door opening it slowly .She stared back to the man from down stairs the stranger , she was dressed in her robe and a whiskey in her hand. " Well now, I'm glad you enjoyed the show Dirk. Hope you got things settled with the mayor so I might gain all your attention tonight. Come in"

She stepped to the side and shut the door watching him move on inside and to a window to look out. men always seemed to be looking out windows like they where expectiong trouble or was it they wanted to make sure no one saw then enter her room? She downed the shoot in her hand and moved over beside him her hand to his shoulder.
"Can I get your something to drink Dirk?" Nodding to the full bottle of whiskey she had left on the table beside where he stood. He didn't really say much, more of a nod of his head. Her hand slipped down his shoulder around tracing his back to slowly lower to the table lifting that bottle and pulling the cork. Pouring two shoot she again moved closer, that soft sultry sway of those hips shifted under that robe as if they had a mind of their own. Yet with Mona that was her, that was the way she moved the way she was ,she grinned as she handed Dirk his whiskey.

A finger shelifted to slow let graze the side of his cheek along the jaw line, the touch feathery soft as she deepened those emerald orbs to linger to him in a way that no words where needed ,they could be read. Again those hips worked there magic as she turned and walked to the bed lowering down to the edge to sit. One long and slender leg lifted to cross over the other as she sat back and grinned back to him, watching the man. The robe split at the thigh down, granting a most pleasant view of those silk stockings and what was under them .
" So I do believe we had a deal didn't we Dirk. So who are you and what brought you into Pervatory tonight, and my bedroom?" She couldn't help that last part , t was her nature and the truth. she reached up and pulled the pins from her hair as it tumbled down over her back to frame her face. she shook it out causing that robe opening slightly to revel just a hint of those Voluptuous swells beneath it , as she tilted her head to the side and patted the bed beside her waiting for him to join her and start explaining...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Listening as we walked, the Inn owner said nothing about Nick escorting me upstairs? It was obvious people trusted him, or I scared the owner. Either case, I didn't pay much attention as I was listening to him talk.

A days ride away wasn't much of a swim hole to talk about. The only form of entertainment then would be the saloon or the church... I needed a shot of whiskey. I would go stir crazy in this place inside of a week, I could see it happening. Thank god I had Thunder with me, at least he would help me escape the boredom.

A smile curved my lips softly as I thought about Thunder. Almost felt like I was flying when he ran across the open plains.
"What? Sorry.." I hadn't been listening.

"Being as you're on vacation, I don't think posters would bother you much some. Goodnight Joe." He spoke before he shut the door. I hadn't noticed til that moment how close he was standing and that if I didn't step back some the door might hit me. Jumping back a little, I said "Good night, Nick." Through the closed door.

A crease started between my eyes as I studied the door. "Now what was that all about?" He was definately different from others I had met, but then again most in this small town were as well. It looked like I'd be here awhile unless I dipped into my savings, which I did not want to do unless I had too, so I would be sitting for the time being.

Moving over to my bags, I started to pull out clean clothes and hang them up in the provided warderobe, something to occupy my inactive brain. The last item in the bag was an actual dress, nothing special but proper attire if I needed it. Looking around this place, I didn't have to worry much about dressing up.

Pulling out my cleaning kit and taking apart my colts, I sat and cleaned them as I thought over what would entertain me for awhile? Who was the new arrival? And I'd have to challenge Nick again to a game of pool, making sure he didn't cheat. Laughing softly to myself, I was entertained for the moment.

Later...

Crawling into bed, the door was locked, windows sealed and my babies under my pillow... Old force of habit. Resting but not unhearing as was the usual I fell into a semi-relaxing sleep.

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

Everything about the woman screamed loudly..."SEX". Or was it just me? No, I decided recalling the performance on the stage and how the throng of men responded to her. It definately wasn't just me...

"You're right" I admitted and turned from the window, wondering at the figure of the shy woman below and how she skittered like a mouse away from the man who had been identifed as the gunsmith in John's bar.

"My real name is Dirk Lane, but tomorrow I'm going to introduce myself as Dirk Langtree and tell the Mayor his latest candidate for Sherriff is out of the running. As for being in your bedroom? I never turn down an offer from a beautiful and erotic woman, the chances to be with such a lovely lady as yourself are rare and far between"

I sat beside her in the proffered place, taking the glass and letting the smooth, amber fluid slide down my throat before continuing, licking the single drop I missed off my lips.

"You didn't just invite me up here to talk, did you..." It wasn't a question, and years on the trail had taught me not to waste too much time or lose the opportunities given you...

Placing the glass on the nightstand beside me I did the same with hers as she drained it, then slid my hand behind her long neck and leaned forward to press my lips to hers.

 

[Funloving62]

Mona

"You didn't just invite me up here to talk, did you..."

Those words rang out clear in that room. Well he did come up on his own she had not invited him to her bedroom persay,she had said he would meet with him after his talk to the mayor but now that she had him in her room it only added to the excitement. The sheriff ... was this man now trying to be the sheriff of the town? It always paid to be in good with the sheriff, she thought to herself. Then she saw him down that drink and set both his and hers now down on to the table beside them, his hands so big and strong slide along the contours of her neck pulling her closer till his lips fell over hers. She returned the kiss a smile lifting again his own her eyes locked to his while her hands lifted to rest against his chest. She felt the kiss part as he grinned looking into her eyes, then she lowered back onto the bed the hint of a sparkle there as she ran her hand down his chest, her finger hooking into his buttons opening his shirt as she laid back.

"Now Dirk why is this sherif out of the running? Do you plan on taking over the position yourself? I do believe you would be good at the job in fact I am sure you would be good in many positions as well."

She chuckled as he moved back over top of her, his fingers running over the swells beneath her robe as it parted for his enjoyment even more now from her leaning back like that. Mona was many things but shy was not one of them and all knew it. Her fingers worked the buttons lose so that his shirt hung open in front of her, Fingers traced over solid flesh under that shirt as her eyes burned as hot as her hair. She gazed back to him till she closed her eyes feeling him press a kiss over her again, a more demanding lustful kiss. his lips slide over hers taking what he wanted as she offered no resistance what so ever even parting her lips to let his tongue gain entrance as her fingers lifted to run thought his hair.

She always liked the dangerous type the mysterious man. So Dirk seemed to be just that all the better for her she thought to her self. Yet she couldn't help but wonder why the name changed what was he hiding?Well depending on just how close they would get if she would find out or not?And she did wish to get close.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Waking up early wasn't a favorite of mine but I managed it with little grumbling. I had some things to do today, first off finding out if there were any incoming bounties to hunt or if I should wire for some money and rent a house... Which meant I had to go to the bank and find out if anyone rented homes around here. I did notice a vacated home near the school house. It would work if it was available.

Bathing and dressing in an actual dress, I stepped out into the bright morning light and tried to not take anyone's notice.

 

[kamalw1]

The morning sun shone through my window. I cursed to myself at the decision to have my bedroom window facing the east, as I did every morning. I felt Erica's warm body nestled up against mine and smiled, remembering the fun we had. Erica was always good at what she did. As I slowly got up out of bed, she woke up and greeted me good morning. I responded and asked if she would be cooking breakfast. One of the perks to bein surrounded by all these women was that they never failed to take care of the meals for all of us. We both got up and began dressing. I went out on the balcony to take in the morning air. As I did, I saw the woman named Joe walking down the street in a dress. I had to remember to talk business with her the next time I saw her. I went back into the room and got out my razor to shave before breakfast.

 

[poohlive]

The morning mail had been strewn out at the front of his office's dorrstep. He picked it all up, several packages, papers, official letters of decree and the like, getting it all into his already stuffed and disheveled office.
Sitting down at the desk, aware of the crick in his neck and the sleep still crowding around his eyes. Life had to go on, and with an unfortunate side effect, he had to be there every god damned morning to make sure it did.
He opened a few of the letters, making note of their importance or lack thereof. Certain things that applied to him, even more that didn't. they were redoing the county lines, to fit in more of the so called injun country to the north of them. Some of the cavalry might be coming through the town in the next few days, to abhor the new lines and keep order. He was thrilled at that, more pompous windbags to gripe and mourn. It would mean business for the town, so he only complained in his Mayor's chair, and nowhere else.
A bunch of letters for the sheriff, and some new wanted posters. He sighed at this, dropping them into a box. It was quite a large box, filled to the brim with letters and papers and official documents. All of it waiting for an official man which they had never got. the last sheriff hadn't been here for over 5 months. Since then, they've had a few marshal's make their way in here from time to time, but nothing more. He supposed he was the makeshift sheriff until a replacement finally decided to arrive.
Whenever those damned beaurocrat's would get off their asses and look at his request.
Until then the papers slept at the foot of his desk, unaltered for the longest time, waiting for someone who might or might not come.
He needed coffee, more importantly he needed a good breakfast. Deciding his job as mayor was done, at least until after lunch (what a grueling day) he went over to the tavern to see if they had cooked up anything good yet.
"Hello?" He called, stepping in, "Do I smell something delicious?"

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

Tousled sheets, a long leg, red hair flowing over the goosedown pillow and not completely covering the face that earlier had been filled with so much passion as it moved underneath me....

I dressed and moved silently, closing the door behind me and moving downstairs, tired but not completely fatigued...ready for that hot cup of coffee and the morning.

It didn't take directions to smell the fresh bread, the enticing aroma of coffee and bacon wafting towards me and I followed it with a grin...

"And if there's enough left over when he's done shove some my way?"

The figure was familiar and i thanked my luck...the Mayor who I had missed last night...

"Mind if I pull up a chair and join you?"

 

[Gray Lord]

Marcus Oliver

Marcus woke to the sound of Hell whining, just like every morning. The dog was better than a bugler. He wiggled down in the comfort of his big bed. He did miss the Army, but not this part of it anyway. The dog whined again, and Marcus flipped the covers back and rolled out. He sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed the dogs head.

“Hungry ya big galoot?” he said, as the dog banged his tail against the chest of drawers.

He slipped his tall black boots on over his long underwear, without putting socks on and headed for the back door, the dog on his heels. He opened the door and the dog shot out.

“Stay away from Mrs. Fowlers chickens too. Get a deer or a cow or something,” he said to the running dog. He scratched his head and his crotch at the same time as he headed for the privy. Once back in his room he washed his face and ran his fingers across his teeth. He brushed his hair, and beard, noticing it was time for trim. He decided he head down to the barbershop after breakfast. He slipped his boots back off and got a clean pair a black trousers out of the Ardmore and tossed them on the bed, along with a clean white linen shirt. He buttoned the braces to the trouser and slipped them on along with a pair of socks, putting his boots back on. Tucking the shirt into the trousers, he strapped his holster on, grabbed his hat, and walked down to the hotel restaurant.

“Good morning Mrs. Fowler,” he said sweetly, to the portly woman serving breakfast to the guests. “Got any eggs this morning?” he asked.

“Morning Captain Oliver,” she answered. “Yes sir, I got a few left. Sure wish they shoot them dang coyotes been killing my chickens though,” she said, pouring him a cup of coffee. “You’re usual this morning?”

“Yes ma’am,” he replied, lifting the cup to his mouth.

After breakfast, he crossed the street and went into the two-man barbershop. “Morning Chet, Morning David. Any news today? Just trim em both up a little please,” he said to Chet as his sat in the chair. He smiled as he sat there, listening to the two old codgers argue about whose piece of news was right or wrong. Chet splashed some lavender water on his face when he was finished. “Thanks for the news boys,” he said as he flipped Chet two bits for the shave and the haircut. He left the barbershop and walked up the boardwalk to the Red Skirt saloon, getting a cup of coffee from the morning bartender. He carried it back across the street to his shop and sat in the wooden chair to watch the town come alive.

About an hour later, Hell came walking up the boardwalk, the chicken feathers still stuck to his mouth. Marcus quickly grabbed the feathers tossing them in the breeze. Shaking his head, he leaned against the wooden post to wait for the stage to arrive.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

It took little time at the bank to get money wire sent and an agreement signed as well by the bank owner for the rental of that lovely little home.

He wasn't interested in selling it to an unmarried woman, but if things went well for two months without any incidents (as he called them) happening, the house could then be purchased by me.

I didn't really give a hoot about it, I had a place to stay away from everyone until the wanted posters came in. Leaving the bank an hour later, I figured I could get something to eat at the Inn before moving my things and Thunder.

Smiling as I walked briskly across the small town, I had something to occupy my time for the time being. Now to get some food and find out who to see about wanted posters.

 

[Funloving62]

Mona

A long stretch under those covers then brought a smile to her lips. She rolled over pulling the sheets along with her ,a hand running over the empty spot that was filled with that hunk of a man Dirk Lane, or sheriff Langtree, she smiled to herself. Mona could keep a secret any that knew her knew that well enough, why if any knew who old man Archers son was or how many times Hank Andrews snuck over to the lady Edward's house during the day the shit would really hit the fan. Amazing what Mona was able to get out of fokes when they wanted something , at least the men foke. The glint of something caught her eyes as she rolled out of bed his pocket watch. He left it on the dressing table. she grinned with a nod

"Hmm, now did he leave this on purpose for another visit , na... a man like that didn't need an excuse."

She chuckled to herself and pulled on the black stocking rolling them up her supple thighs attaching the garter . She threw on a fancy green dress, low cut of course and stood to the mirror looking at her self fussing with that long hair of hers. A women's crowning glory her mama always told her. Fixing it just how she wanted with two wisps of curl hanging against her shoulder trailing down to end at her breast she nodded then moved over to the windows throwing open the sash and standing back as the light from the early afternoon light rushed into her window . Mona never got up till at least noon but this morning she was up and ready to go a bit earlier it seemed. Lifting a Leg up on the window sill she ran her hand up her stocking rolling the wrinkles from the hoes up along her thighs as she smiled seeing Chet and Dave across the street enjoying the view from the barber shop. A quick wink and a wave and she was on her way.

She plopped the pocket watch in a safe place between her cleavage, it would give her, an excuse to get to see Dirk again to day. That man sure seemed to know what he was doing quite well last night she grinned thinking about it .She hoped those hands where as fast on the trigger as it was on her last night. Maybe they would get a decent sherrif out of this deal then if it was.

A chuckle fell against those painted lips as she moved on out the door and down to the kitchen. She walked behind John and swatted his ass grabbing a handful with a chuckle.

" see old Erica hasn't lost her touch on ya now did she?"

Mona laughed as she kissed his cheek and leaned against the door frame looking out over those that had gathered. " They do come in here during the daylight hours to ha?"

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

Unabashed I poured a cup of the coffee that was brewing and moved to his table, my hand sliding into the inner pocket of my vest and pulling out the papers and badge...

"I came to return these to you and give you a warning. Then offer you a solution to the problems your town is facing"

The badge hit the table and spun on it, the blood stained envelope falling beside it as the metal caught the mornings sunlight and reflected off of it until it too dropped to the surface.

This time without being asked I pulled a chair back and sat on it, my holster free and clear of the table as I sipped the strong brew with my left hand. I had placed myself in a tight situation, in the center of attention in the small group of people and the Mayors. In a few minutes I would find out if it was worth it...or if I needed to steal a horse after the smoke cleared...

"Are you interested?"

 

[kamalw1]

People were coming in for breakfast and to hear the latest news. As I stood in the kitchen, Mona came by and patted my ass. I heard what she said and responded, "Yeah, she's good, but she still doesn't compare to the great Mona." We looed over the gathering crowd when the stranger sat with the Mayor. Watching his movements, it finally occured to me what he was here for. Leaning in closer to Mona, I asked her, "What were you able to find out about that man?"

 

[poohlive]

Nick gave a bit of a laugh, looking at the new stranger come down the stairs.
"WHooooeee!," One of the bouys called out, "It's a wonder the man can still stand."
Nick, who had been informed of the apparent sleeping arrangements last night, laughed out loud at that, "Nah, he can stand, look, he's limping though. She must have made him work for it."
"She makes them all work for it."
Nick couldn't disagree with that, letting the man sit with him as soon as he moved over.
"Problems and solutions, eh? How long you been practicing this speech partner?"
He gave a knowing smile, spitting on the badge and using his shirttail to wipe away the blood.
"I told you last night, Dirk. I'm not the mayor when I'm in here, I'm just a guy, like any other. Don't make this a congressional medal of honor acceptance speech. You got something to say be up front about it boy. Nothing like honesty in a man to show his true colors."
He raised his cup of coffee to that, and a few of them toasted him, all with small guilty smirks hanging from the corner of their mouths. Honesty only went so far, anyone knew that. A lie could get you a mile, and inch only a foot... but that foot is yours, the mile? Taken back in a second if it's found out.
"What can I do for you today?"

 

[Funloving62]

Mona

She grabbed a cup of coffee and leaned against John watching the events unfold herself. She Nodded with a knowing smile back to him when he spoke about last night. A Hand slowly running over her breast tracing downwards agaist her hips, smoothing out that clinging gown of her and drawing attention as well her way.A wink given to Rich as he made that comment about walking straight.

"Ahhh Rich what's the matter , still pouting that I would let you up to my room the other night. " She winked back to Rich bumping the door frame setting off the bell over head to ring while every one laughed, except Old Rich. It wasn't just any one she let up in to her room, a few yes but they had to earn it. Or catch her attention enough for her to wish it so.

She heard John ask her about last night and if she learned anything she was careful in her answer as she knew Dirk was unfolding his plans as they spoke now. Mona nodded slowly her eyes linked to Dirk's but for only a second he was all business now and she knew it he had to be to pull this off. She would bide her time to see what was to come out of this one. She leaned back to John giving him a nice view of one of her best assets as she whispered to him and a Wink to Nick as she saw him look her way once.

" His name is Dirk ... Dirk Langtree. He's about to become our new sheriff I do believe. At least that's what he is talking to Nick about now I think." She knew the difference in names but felt it wasn't time to reveal all she knew besides its always good to have ace in the whole in here any way.

" He will be good for the job.... I don't think there is a position that man could not handle "she smirked with a soft chuckle ." And he had fast on the draw i found that out last night my own way, know that all to well from last night" A knowing grin touched those lips as she looked to John pressing a kiss to his lips before moving back into the itched for some real food this time.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

I asked the Inn keeper where the sherrif's office was and got a blank look before he chuckled at me.

"The mayor handles all that missy." He spoke with a soft accent I couldn't quite place.

"Well where is he this time of morning?" I asked, trying to remain sweet as possible.

"He'd be at the saloon missy." He smirked a little as my brows shot up.

"This early?" My teeth sank into my bottom corner of my mouth, trying to think of when it would be possible to get that man out of that building? "Thanks." I mumbled half in thought as I turned from the counter. I couldn't go to the saloon looking like this, could I? Oh hell with it, he knew who the hell I was. Pants or skirt! And I couldn't stand sitting still for the next two weeks. Already been a few days and I was going nuts aimlessly roaming.

Decided and determined, I walked over to the saloon and glanced inside. Yup... Morning gathering.

Pushing open the doors with less flamboyance than before, I stepped inside, found Nick and wove my way over towards him and his laughing cronies.

Stopping next to the table, I waited for someone to acknowledge my presence before speaking. That didn't take long...

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

Nodding at the blunt talk I wasn't set back, in fact had hoped for it as a sign Nick was at least half honest in what mattered.

"I took the badge and paperwork off your latest recruit after he died. He was fast with a gun but not fast enough and died not knowing who killed him or why."

The room grew quiet, the entrance of the bounty hunter breaking it temporarily but not reviving the normal murmur that existed.

"With your newest Sherriff dead before he could even step into his office you need a replacement. One that can beat the outlaws at thier own game and walk away alive. I want that job and will give you three reasons why you'll give it to me without conditions"

Nicks coffee cup went from the table to his lips, then back again in a calm manner, no hurry or shake to the motions and I reflected on that. He would be a steady hand, his draw slower than some but once he cleared leather he'd hit his target...or die trying.

"Go on"

"The only person that would beat an outlaw is another outlaw, one who understands how they operate and like them has no conciense. I'm not wanted in this state...But the young lady over there can vouch for my misdeeds and my ability to beat the law."

Not bothering to see who was interested I watched the one person that mattered, the one person I needed to convince...or kill.

"The man that killed your sherriff was from a bunch that recently lost thier own leader, the roughest and fastest gun left among them trying to prove his worthiness as the new leader and using the badge as an example. I can beat that man or any among them and they know it, and once they come to your town they'll more than likely turn tale and run once I've killed thier new leader."

OK, I had his interest and maybe with the bounty hunters help a good enough reference...But he still wasn't convinced...I could see that in his eyes.

"My name in most states is Dirk Lane, I changed it early on when I chose the wilder side of the road and my brother chose the other, it was ironic when we finally met because we were both gunning for the same man...only I beat him to that man by a day. And when I met my brother it wasn't to gloat...but to promise I'd find the man that shot him...and then bury him. He was going to a new job and this was the last chore in his old before he went, but instead he found an early grave. His name was Dale Langtree and he was headed...here."

He had a reason now. One most people could relate to and believe, a valid one in most books as well....revenge.

"When that bunch shows up I'll be waiting for them. On the right side of that badge if you choose...or not and I'll have my face on another wanted poster. But either way I'll be waiting to serve my own brand of justice...with or without your help."

It had become a little more blunt then I wanted it to, but the mesaage was there, he could deny me the job...but couldn't arrest me for WANTING to kill someone, nor stop me from staying in town until the outlaws showed up. I had enough money in my bankroll to last several months, even losing occasionally at the tables and couldn't be called a vagrant, enough to last me until they arrived and the promise was kept.