Smokin Guns

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Holding out my hand, I shook his and smiled, "Pleasure to meet you John Logan and here would be alright with me. I don't have long, I barely managed to get a little time out of that politician to fix the rental." I smiled, noticing the new comer at the end of the bar I gave him a little nod in recognition. Brave man to walk in here, many were afraid of natives.

Standing up from the bar, I motioned the near empty room. "Where shall we sit?" Interesting, I needed to get to know the residents in this small town if I was going to be acting deputy, damn Nick for putting me into this situation. Knowing people meant caring, meant being stuck with strings to a single place. Sighing, I tried to keep a smile when I felt like cursing.

"And aren't all politicians sneaky John?" I moved towards a table in the corner and sat down.

 

[kamalw1]

"Yeah, they are," I said to her, sitting down opposite her at the table. "Now, what would you like to eat? We have stew, steak, and chicken."

I waited for her to answer and then motioned over to one of my girls and asked her to bring our orders. I then leaned closer to Joe and said, "Look Joe, since you are now the deputy of this town, I feel like I should tell you something. I have been in this town a long time, since I left the cavalry and started this here saloon. You will find that most of the people here are decent and honest, as long as you are the same to them. Cross them, and you may be in trouble. Respect them, and they will respect you in return, woman or not. These people could be your best allies or your worst enemies, it's up to you."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Thanks for the warning John, but I am aware of how small towns work." I smiled as sweetly as possible. " I haven't been a bounty hunter for these past few years without learning how to woe people into trusting me to get information. And chicken sounds heavenly, thank you. So sit and tell me what brought you here John." He was not annoying me, infact he seemed kind of too nice to be running a saloon? But to each their own, his girls looked happy, I was content with it.

 

[kamalw1]

"Well, I served in the cavalry for ten years. Before that I lived on my family ranch. That's how I learned I was a natural with a rifle. After the cavalry, I had saved up enough money to open a saloon. Since Pervatory was relatively new at the time, and I knew the area, I settled down here. Over the years, I have expanded the business to include women and information. Since you are the deputy, and I kinda like you, I'll supply the info for free," I said to her, a smirk on my face. "Now, tell me a little about yourself. How did a woman get into bounty hunting in the first place?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

I eyed John and then the plates as they arrived fully laddened down will steaming food. "Thank you." I spoke to the waitress/saloon girl who delivered them.

I glanced down again and wondered what to tell? There really wasn't much to it, so may as well just spit out the truth.

"We moved into a new territory as soon as it opened up, having come from Boston. My husband and I." I met his gaze, noticing him look at my ringless hand.

"We had a nice settlement going near a Fort in the mid-west prarie lands mostly, flat, but healthy for farming. Anyway we had some visitors one night, who didn't like us living on their land. My Husband was shot several times and died. I had never been out here and watched helplessly as they did what they wanted, including burning down my home." I sipped more coffee before continuing on.

"I got tired of being helpless. I met up with a china man working on the railroad who gave me lessons in self defense their way. He also taught me how to shoot the eye out of a rattle snake and leave it alive to lie in pain. And you know how it is John. Two jobs for women who aren't married...Whorin' or service work. I chose a path not taken by women but there were no options. I couldn't even work as a school marm being unmarried, although I had more education in the city than the whole town did. So here I am." I smiled before cutting into the chicken.

"Life is hard and we make do, right?" I had nothing more to say on the matter, but I knew he had questions, they all did when I told what happened, but then again he might not pry.

 

[kamalw1]

I sat there, eating and listening to her tale. "Well," I said to her, "everyone has their reasons fo' what they do in life. I have been told that I surround myself in women to replace the one that I lost some years ago, but that's a story for another day."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Watching him a moment, I thought over what he had said and nothing came to mind really. Nothing can comfort that.

"Well .. I am sorry you lost someone special John." Pulling out my pocket watch I knew I had only a little time left.

"I guess we should move on to something less depressing?" I offered with a smile. "I do have to get my guns cleaned, my horse moved and my things as well. Since I am going to be staying here for awhile, reguardless of deputy or not, I have a new rental to clean up and fix. The roof leaks, thank god it doesn't rain often this time of year." I ate some of my lunch and complimented the food. It was rather good actually. Better than the grub I normally had on the trail.

Pushing back my plate, I had to get myself going for supplies and such not. "Thanks for the lunch John, I am sure I will see you soon enough? Course I won't be dressed as nicely." I grinned a little, "Gun don't go with the dress and all."

Rising from the chair, I shook his hand and grinned, "perhaps again we can have lunch some time? I'm sure I'll be here often handling the rowdy ones. And thanks for the advice, I definately don't need more enemies at this point."

 

[La Mirage]

Patience Cathcart

Well if this didn't take all Patience thought, indignant at her legs' refusal to support her meager weight. She'd made quite an entrance in Pervatory, and not a very dignified one at that. At least she hadn't landed in a puddle of mud.

The driver, assuming that she'd be staying in a public house, had carried her to the hotel for safe-keeping before leaving her standing wobbly-kneed to register. Looking at her hands while signing the book, Patience shook her head. "I wonder how many baths it'll take to get the dust and grime off?"

"Ma'am?"

Patience blushed, not having meant to speak out loud. But since she had... "I'd like a bath. And maybe another one after that." Realizing she must be quite a sight, she snatched up her key and quickly headed for her room before scaring away the other folks staying here.

Patience tipped the boys who had carted her trunks up ahead of her and slammed the door behind them and was already undressing before she'd even turned the key in the lock. Forget having this dress laundered. She had plenty more -- plain and fancy. This one deserved nothing better than a hot burning fire.

Finally down to her chemise and pantaloons, she opened the door a crack and dropped her other clothing into the hall. "Just in time!" Patience greeted three chambermaids staggering along with buckets of steaming water for her bath. She was looking forward to this little piece of heaven in a dust bowl.

 

[kamalw1]

I listened as Joe complained about the condition of her new rental. "Well, there is a decent carpenter in town that may be able to fix it up for ya." We stood and shook hands after the lunch. "You don't have to thank mefor te advice, it was my pleasure being in the company of a lady as fine as yourself." With that, I watched he walk out of the saloon, a sway in her hips. As I walked back to the bar, I could see some of my girls looking at me with slightly jealous looks in their eyes.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

((Apologies for taking so long to reply))


As the bar tender welcomed him into the Saloon, one of few who did it seemed, he gave the man a small smile and nodded to him, and made his way silently to the bar. Lowering himself onto a bar stool, he rested his forearms on the bartop and turned his head just slightly in the direction of the on-going conversation, listening without trying to be obvious about it.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Take care John and I will see you again I'm sure.. And remember, this gal is a bounty hunter before she's a deputy.." I chuckled as I moved towards the exit.

"I'm off to repair a roof ...." I waved as I moved out the doors and stood in the shade of the covered porch. Glancing around, I knew the hardware store would be my first stop then the Inn.

Moving slowly down the boardwalk, I entered the quiet merchantile and began hunting for hammer, nails and shingles.

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

Walking into the bar I stepped to the side, a habit of survival picked up too long ago...it was quiet yet, I decided, John was behind the bar making talk with several people, the tables were nearly empty save for a pair of his girls who were eating.

Just as well as my eyes adjusted and I looked over each face, none from my past coming to mind...I'd have to spend some time going over those wanted posters...

"Is the coffee still hot and black, John?" I called out and seated myself...my mouth watering for a beer...but deciding against it.

I had chosen a corner table, one from which I could see the entire room...and protect my back as well, another habit...Was I looking at this the wrong way? Perhaps I still remembered too fresh the feel of being...hunted?

Grunting I chastised myself again, knowing if I were to catch the outlaw I wanted...I'd still have to think like him. One of the ladies moved to serve me and I lifted a hand, thanking her as I rose and instead finding a fresh cup to fill, then returning to the table.

Noon...First day on the job you could say...and already I was tense from waiting...and knew it would only get worse.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

Turning away from the bar as he heard someone else enter, Aiken studied the man with silent, dark eyes as he found himself a seat with his back to the wall. His eyes caught a glint of sunlight, and found the badge he wore. An officer of the law. No wonder he sat like that.

With a nod to the man, Aiken turned back to the bar, and waited for the attention of the Saloon keeper. He needed to find a place to stay, and he needed something to put some moisture into his throat. Not necessarily in that order.

 

[kamalw1]

I saw the Injun waiting for me when I got back to the bar. I walked over to him and said, "You look like you could use a drink. Choose your poison."

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

His brows lifted when the 'tender approached him, and he frowned slightly and dipped a hand into his pack, fishing for a few coins. Finding them, he set the down on the bar top and lifted his dark eyes back to the man behind the bar.

"I'll take anything cold, and wet. And a lot of it. Please."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Having bought nails and a hammer as well as borrowed a ladder; I got my things moved, how little there was, and made my way to the gun shop.

Having changed into my normal attire, It was breeches and shirts once again, and my twin babies. I needed to get them cleaned up properly and some fresh ammo as well. Thunder was the last item on my list, I had to move my baby to the house. Luckily there was a small barn out back, large enough for one stallion to be comfortable. I would need him handy and not in the general stables.

Entering I heard a dog whine and glanced down. "Hey there buddy." Smiling, I knelt down and scratched behind his ears. "You don't bite do you?" I patted his head and moved towards the counter, "HELLO? Anyone here?"

 

[kamalw1]

"Well, stranger, this here's a desert. You'll be lucky if you get cold water from a tap," I said, chuckling. I then poured some whiskey into a glass and placed it in front of him. "So, are you in town for business, or pleasure?"

 

[Gray Lord]

Marcus Oliver

Marcus stepped out of the back room at hearing the “Hello.”

“Yes he does bite,” he said, smiling at the Bounty Hunter. “But only bad guys….or gals,” he added. “I see you still have both your hands. That must mean something. What can I do for you? I notice your Pistols the other day,… in the saloon. You wouldn’t be interested in a new holster for them, would you?”

He reached under the counter and pulled out the tooled black leather holsters. He paused for a second, looking down at her narrow hips. “They were made for a man, but I can have them custom fit for you. They’re good workmanship, and with care should last a lifetime.” He glanced at her face and added, “Well a normal lifetime anyway. No offense meant.”

He noticed that Hell had moved over and sat beside her, trying to put his head under her hand. “I’ll be damned,” he said, “never seen him do that before. Anyway, what can I do for you, the holsters maybe?” He said, smiling at her.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Smiling, I glanced up and met the owner. "Hey." Moving towards the counter, I glanced around his stock seeing what he had to offer me in gun wise.

Glancing down as he pulled up the new gun belt, I did smile then. It was a beaut. "Well, it would have to be fitted for smaller hips, but I like it.. Actually I came in to find some cleaning supplies .." Absentmindedly I stroked the dog's ear. "But I do like the gun belt.. And I will need a rifle." Looking down at the dog's panting face I grinned, "I think he likes this attention." Pulling out one of my colts with my free hand, I laid it on the counter. "These needs cleaned up and ammo of course. Since the nice mayor gave me a new deputy position, I will be needing things now." Turning my attention back to the owner I smiled and extended my hand, "I am Joe Meadows.. Josephine actually, but not one calls me that."

 

[Funloving62]

Mona

She walked on top the stage dressed and ready for tonight, she wanted to check out the music for tonight as she leaned over reading the notes left by the piano player of last night. That dress seemed to fit like a second skin and boy did she know how to work what was under that skintight dress. The neckline clung to those voluptuous bosoms as they where hefted up by that bodice under that dress, she could barely breath but she sure would get use it. A little pain for a lot of pleasure she always use to be told. It seemed to work.

She looked up seeing a few she knew, a wink shouted back out to Dirk as she saw him sitting there watching her. Her hips did seem to move a bit more freely now as that sway a lot more pronounced, but her eyes they caste a shadow to the strange. She knew right away what he was, but who was another question. Having Indian in her background herself she wanted to be extra nice to this one.

"Well, now the whiskeys not so cold but then again being hot, And sweet is not so awful bad now is it Mister."

She did moved over to the stranger. " I'm Mona ... if this here sidewinder gives ya any trouble you call on old Mona ... and by the way. John ... first drinks on the house, it goes with the free lunch in celebration to the new sheriff in town remember."

She laughed knowing she would have to be especially sweet to Joe tonight now. It was not every day he coughed up a free meal and drinks to boot. She smiled and rubbed the mans shoulder lightly and whispered a native greeting to the man under her breath very softly so no one heard but she got her meaning across. That red hair and green eyes held back most go her heritage, but that dark bronze color she hid behind that pancake makeup didn't, part of the reason no one every saw her without it on, always painted up lips and face tricks of the trade some might say but more out of keeping her own secrets for her.

"I didn't catch the name either...So what ya doing in town stranger... Looking for work or just passing though?"

Mona wasn't sudden all the time, she had her ways but at the moment she wanted to see one of her own be treated well. She smiled all sweet and nice as she stood at the mans side at the bar. Then winked gain back to Dirk remembering his promise to have lunch with her today.

 

[Gray Lord]

Marcus Oliver

“It’s a pleasure…Josephine,” Marcus said, smiling, laying the gun belt down, and taking her hand. “Call me ‘Cap’, please. I’ve heard about your new position the…nice Mayor gave you,” he added releasing her hand and picking up the colt. “Very nice,” he said as he inspected the gun. Pulling the hammer back a fraction to release the internal catch, and spinning the cylinder, listening to the sound. “Used, but no slop, well taken care of. You can tell a lot about a person, by the way they take care of their guns.” He smiled at her. “I can clean them both right now, if you’d like, take your belt off and lay it up here,” he indicated the top of the counter. “Rifles are over there in the case, pick ya one out,” he nodded with his head to the case. “Here’s a box of ammo, the range is out the back door.” Indicating with his thumb.

She walked to the wall case and picked out a rifle, and headed for the back door, grabbing the ammo as she went.

“Hang on just a minute,” Marcus said, laying the colt down and picking the new gun belt up. “Let’s get some quick measurements so we can have Jose rework the length.”

She stopped at the door, rifle in hand. Marcus took his pocketknife out and flipped the blade open. Kneeling in front of her, he wrapped the belt around her waste, over lapping the buckle and tongue. He marked the leather where it would have to be cut. Then placing his hand on her hip, he turned her sideways to mark the new position for the holster to hang. “That should do it,” he said, standing up. “Try the rifle, I should have these colts cleaned in about fifteen minutes or so. Take that mangy dog with you too, he seems to like you.”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Joe, please." I smiled and moved to the cabinet. Grabbing the first one that looked to be the right size for me, I slung it over my shoulder and headed towards his range. Until he stopped me...

Turning, I paused as he knelt and measured the gun belt to my hips. Turning this way and that, I never lost my grin as he hurried through his measuring.

"I'd like them to sit low on my hips as they should, not up high as some of the others like. I have longer arms.. I am sure you noticed.. Cap." I grinned as the dog moved along and followed me. He was a friendly little guy.. Well he wasn't little but he was cute. "I will be sure to entertain your dog.. What's his name?" Again I scratched his ears while waiting. Once he was done and moved back away, I left those soft ears and grabbed the box of shells.

"and thank you for seeing to my 45's, although I didn't think of having them cleaned for me.. Saves me time, I still have a roof to replace.." Walking out the door, I stepped over to the high wooden table/gun rest and loaded a shot into the rifle. Moving it to my shoulder, I looked down the barrel towards the target.

Peeking over the gun at the dog, I told him, "Sit." And watched as he complied. "Good boy!" Grinning, I fired a shot at the center.

"hmmmm." Maybe it was error? Again loading another shot into it, I slid the bolt back and aimed yet again. Aiming at the center again, it went pretty close to its mark.

"Either I'm rusty of this is shooting a little high and to the left... What do you think dog?" He barked in answer. "No help are you?" Good company, a rifle and a loyal animal who agrees with you... Chuckling I moved back inside the store.

"I like this one, the kick isn't too bad..You know us girls.. Don't like bruises.." I tried to appear serious but it was hard with his dog licking my fingertips. Reaching into my shirt pocket I pulled out a piece of dried beef and handed it to the slobbering dog and placed the rifle on the counter. "Ok I will take this, four boxes of ammo for it, four for my 45's and the gun belt.. I don't get to go shopping often, may as well spend my earnings.." I had a few thousand sitting in the bank here and more back at home thanks to Bounties.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

He smiled as the man behind the bar poured him a drink and placed it before him, and was about to hand him a few coins when he noticed the lady that had been on stage moments before, now at his side. His brows arched slightly, more out of surprise at the sudden, and even friendly, greeting than anything else.

Nodding to her, he turned slightly on the barstool to face her a bit more, his lips curved in a gentle, friendly smile.

"Mona... it is a pleasure to meet you this afternoon." He glanced at the bartender again, simply acknowledging him still, and turned his eyes back to Mona. Not that it was a hard thing to do.

"My name is Aiken..."

Lifting the glass, he drained a nice fraction of the Whiskey, shaking his head just slightly as the cool liquid slid down his throat, and he replaced the glass, rolling his shoulders in a shrug as he did so.

"I'm here for business, and pleasure, I think. Perhaps a new place to settle," he paused, glancing at Mona now, "if I may be accepted here."

It was then that Mona whispered the greeting in Native tongue, and Aiken arched a single brow, eyeing the woman for a moment. She didn't appear to be Native, but perhaps she'd had friends that were, or something of the sort. Either way, such a greeting, and whispered at that, was no less than interesting. He simply nodded to her then, unsure as of how to further reply, and spoke again.

"But for the current time, I do need a place to stay, until I decide if I will settle or move on."

 

[kamalw1]

I watched the exchange between Aiken and Mona with curiouosity. Mona whispered something into his ear that seemed to intrigue him. "Well, I said to him, there is an inn down the street to stay in, and there are people rentin' rooms and houses out around town, although they may have a problem with you bein' Injun and all." I looked him up and down, eyeing him. "And if you are lookin' to settle, I may be able to provide you with some work around here. I could always use an extra hand when it comes to keepin' the place safe and maintainin' the upkeep."

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

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