Smokin Guns

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

The afternoon quickly faded into evening, an assortment of farmers, ranchers and towns people filing thru the Saloon to wet thier whistles, then leave. I didn't know the names, nor faces of any but each type was clear to me...instinct telling me i wouldn't have to worry about them accept for the rare occasion of too much to drink and escorting them to the hoosegow.

Dark hair and lean, eyes alert...another man walked into the Saloon and to the bar, keeping to himself yet not missing anything that happened in the place. Surprisingly enough the reception he received was mild, no insults...few harsh glares as he spoke...and his face reflected it as well. Reflected the surprise as Mona glided from the stage and to his elbow...making it a point to welcome him.

I nodded, perhaps Texas was the melting pot...the war and the decimation of it's men making it in some ways...more tolerant of the men that existed, regardless of the color of skin...

I rose as he turned to John and spoke, the tail end of the words coming to me and spurring a growing interest in me.

"I could use a beer, John" I suggested as I moved to the bar next to the new man, making it a point to remove the star from the vest I wore and to the shirt underneath...as if to say the day was near done for me in the official capacity...Still I had learned to limit the "snake eye"...too much and you might wake...dead?

"I've heard your tribe is known for it's ability to find tracks" I tossed out as I waited for the beer. "And once your word is given a man can trust you to the end. Qualities I find quite admirable and...useful if it's true?"

I kept a pleasant face...If he was as good a tracker as I hoped...it would prove invaluable...and useful.

"My name is Dirk Lane" I offered along with my right hand, my left free and not pinned between the bar...if needed as well.

 

[La Mirage]

Patience Cathcart

Startled awake by knocking at the door, it took Patience a moment to realize where she was and why she was so cold.

"Miss? It's Mollie. You said to come back in two hours?"

"Come in, Mollie!" She chuckled, stepping from the tub and wrapping herself in a towel. Patience had used her first bath to wash and the second to soak, though by the looks of her she'd overdone the soak. "Not a minute too soon. I'm as wrinkled as the dried apples my mam used to put up for winter."

The chambermaid had a slew of girls in tow; some carrying her freshly ironed dresses and others with empty buckets to cart away the bath water.

"They look fresh as the day they were made. You're a treasure." Finished drying, Patience let the towel drop to the floor. Unashamed of her nakedness, she walked over to the table where she had set her reticule and pulled out a few coins. "For you and the others, Mollie -- but I'd like you to stay a moment longer."

"It's my job, Miss." Mollie held out her hand and quickly averted her eyes. A blush crawled over her face, but not before she noticed that this one was no henna-dyed redhead. Indeed the red of the hair on her head extended to other areas of this striking woman's body as well.

The other girls were stealing curious glances at this latest arrival in their small town, but Mollie shooed them on. "Ye've got plenty other chores to keep you busy. Now get!" Not wanting to incur her wrath, for Mollie was known to ride rough-shod on the girls who worked under her, they scurried as quickly as they could after dumping the bathwater out the window onto the street below.

Once they were gone, Mollie turned to Patience who had chosen an emerald green gown to wear from among the rainbow array of dresses she owned. "Let me help you with that while you ask me what it is you're needin' to know."

"Mostly I'd like to know who's who in Pervatory and where I'm most likely to meet up with the ones that matter." Patience considered the bits of gossip that Mollie imparted as she finished dressing and let the girl help her with her hair.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Paying for the purchases and going about the day as was planned, I quickly fixed the roof, packed and unpacked my things and moved Thunder to the new home.

Evening was coming and I had some time to waste before going back to the saloon, So I quickly bathed and changed. It would be a few days until the new holsters were ready but my guns were clean and that was enough for me.

Changing back into a clean pair of breeches and shirt, I fastened my belt, pulled my hair back out of the way and headed out the door. A good drink would be nice right about now and I could get together with Dirk and figure out what he wanted to do.

The saloon was still quiet for the most part but filling up quickly. I noticed the stage had come through and a few passengers stayed behind. Perhaps settlers were moving in? Not bothering with Thunder to go just a little ways down the road, I walked through the doors and over to the bar. "Hey John! Can I get a drink please." Sitting down on the stool beside Dirk I glanced down at my hands, already a few bruises from missing that damned nail. Ignoring it I turned and looked from Dirk to the new comer and back.

Grinnin' brightly I wondered if he would be irritated with me quickly or not. I might enjoy this job after all, not every day a bounty hunter and criminal were in the same boat. Damned Nick.

"Well head chief.. What's on the agenda? Oh and I got the stuff to your office, did you see it?" I kept out mentioning the keys I had in my breast pocket for the moment.

"Hello again." I nodded to the stranger and then gave my attention to John as the drink was delivered. "Thanks."

 

[poohlive]

"So, I heard you laid down the law with that cute little bounty hunter this morning."
Nick furrowed his brow a moment, pausing on the deal just long enough to stare at Rick over there, with a smug smile on his face.
"And who told you that?"
The cards finished making it to their appropriate hands, each looking on their hands with mild happiness or sadness.
"All around town, you know how things get spread. You really let her have it."
An accompany of catcalls erupted with that, Nick only looked down at the two pair he held in his hand. Let them be distracted, he could take their money as they fish for secrets.
"And she invited you to dinner?"
Nick rose the call, putting a quarter into the pot, "Good lord. Is nothing secret here?"
"So, it's true. She must really like you."
Shaking his head, "I think it's quiet the opposite. When we parted company, I am pretty sure she was halfway to biting my head off."
"Oh, she left unsatisfied? Nick, that is not like you at all."
The geese ran again with laughter, in which Nick feigned interest long enough to raise the pot once more. A pretty penny was already in there, and he intended to get it.
"To tell you the truth, I don't even think she likes guys. She could be one of those lesbian women. Dressing up like a man, you know?"
"I think somebody's intimidated. Is her gun bigger than yours Nick?"
Dropping his cards, he took the money from them, a red flush coming into his face.
"I don't care, ok? Let's just play."
"Nick doesn't care about a woman creaming to get at him? Something wrong Nick, you don't like it if she wears the pants in the family."
"All right, guys. All right. Let's get off of this for a bit."
They made a few more jokes, but eventually it turned back to the game. Nick couldn't help but hear the accusations run throughout his mind, tossing here and there. As hard as he tried to get it out of his mind, he couldn't.
What in the hell was going on?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Hearing the snickers and laughter behind me, I turned towards the sounds and seen a poker game in progress.

"Well excuse me Sherrif, I have some fun to have." Taking off my hat, I moved across the room and up towards the table. Nick looked a little peeked around the collar but could be from just winning the pot.

"Mind if I join ya?" I met the eyes of the laughing men around the table and wondered what the joke was?

 

[LongWalkHome]

Dirk

''See ya Joe" I replied and turned, looking at the stolid face of the newcomer and still having no answer. Shrugging I rose and thanked John for his hospitality, then moved to the batwings and glanced back. Somewhere inside the room I could feel eyes tracking me and it made me uneasy, the step out to the walk and the fresher air came as a relief and lessened the burden.

The sun was slowly setting as I moved towards the far end of the town and the lone building...the jail...my new home.

"First time I'll ever be sleeping in the jail...and have the keys to it" I chuckled as I pulled the door open and admired the blacksmiths work and the new lock.

It would be an early morning for me, I intended to rise and ride my mount to a quiet place and complete my usual...practice, then return to find a quiet cafe for breakfast....

"Good Night, Pervatory"

 

[kamalw1]

The night was turning into a lively one. Joe was joining the mayor and his fellas for a game of poker. This ought to be interestin', I thought to myself. I continued serving drinks and keeping an eye out for trouble from any rowdy drinkers.

 

[poohlive]

Nick gave out a low groan, causing a few of the people aside him to burst out laughing.
"No, I..." but of course, his rejection was drowned out by everyone else's complete acceptance to let her in. Trent gave up his spot, moving onto the show that was already beginning and a fresh drink.
Lamenting, and not wanting to care too much, he put in his money and waited for the cards to be dealt out.
"So, Nick hasn't been able to stop talking about you," Rick nodded, trying to stop from snickering at the reddened stare Nick gave him from across the table, "New woman in town, deputy, and dinner? I even heard you beat him at a game of pool."
The group let out awe and wonderment at that. Nick ground his teeth as he looked at his cards with a pathetic earnest.
"Guys, are we playing or are we playing?"
Rick called, giving out a laugh, "You tell me Nick."
He ignored that, "You're call Joe."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Brow cocking slightly I picked up my cards and turned to glance at the gentleman speaking to me.

"He hasn't eh?" Turning back to the hand, I had a three of a kind but low. Two pair would have been better, but perhaps my luck would change?

"See you and raise." Tossing in I turned my attention back to the man snickering. Covering my cards carefully I kept my gaze trained on him.

"Actually Nick was beating me until he scratched the 8 ball. You're next." I said to the next man in line to bet. "and just how did ya'll find out about a simple little dinner?" I raised my brow at the guy again and waited for him to bet and spill the beans. A slight smile threatened to spill out from their bantering.

 

[poohlive]

"Can we just play?"
Rick nodded, agreeing with him, but going on nontheless.
"It's not that big of a town. I heard it from Jarred. He runs the old corral yonder. Says Nick is quite a ladies man, although the way I see it, it must be the other way around."
Nick pounded his fist against the table, chips jumping and cards bounced once before shifting back to the wood.
"Let's get back to the cards."
"Yeah, Nick. Ok, it's all right."
Nick called, uninterested in the game anymore. Rick, who looked like he had one too many to drink already, snickered at something he had just thought.
"Someone's on his period. You'll have to straighten him out when you get home sweety."
Nick rose from the table, "Goodnight gentleman."
"Ohhh, no. Come back."
"We'll behave. We promise."
Nick already had his coat on, stepping outside where the cold air agaisnt his warm face felt a bit better. He sat down for a bit, his hands in his face, trying to get his breath under control.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Well I am out gentle..... guys." I eyed them each with a cold stare.

"Your friend sittin' outside right now is a might upset, remember next time not to spread viscous rumors about, alright?" Rising from the table, I ignored their snickers and comments.

"John, two please?" I paid John for the drinks, flashing him a wink before I stepped outside the saloon and nudged Nick's shoulder.

"Thought you might need this." I said nothing more, wondering if I had made a mistake with an innocent gesture for dinner?

"About dinner... Don't worry about it." Handing him his drink I stepped back.

 

[kamalw1]

I shook my head at what was going on at the table. Sometimes those guys took it too far. I have thought about just shooting them, but the law is the law. I gave Joe the drinks and watched as she exited the saloon.

 

[poohlive]

"I just want to thank you," Nick rose a toas to her, "You have single handedly made me the laughing stock of this town. I thought you might try to get me back for that little deputy stunt, I didn't know it would be like this though."
He chugged the entire drink, laughing a bit as he coughed on the final few drops that refused to go down the right pipe.
"You win. But then, you knew you always would, didn't you?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Stepping back a moment, I eyed him up and down, thuroughly insulted for those comments.

"Excuse me?" My temper sparked instantly as I stepped forward nearly nose to nose with the guy.

"I did nothing but invite you to have a friendly dinner with me since I know no one else in this town as of yet. I spread no rumors, nor do I spend my time with pathetic attempts to get back for some small little thing as callin' me 'sweet cheeks'."

Inhaling a deep breath I stepped back away from Nick, "I will leave you to yourself." I stood there a moment more, not sure if I wanted to punch him, shake my head in dismay or just leave town all together.

 

[poohlive]

"Friendly dinner? Oh please," he dropped the glass, letting it bounce to the floor.
"What do you want from me? Huh? You've done nothing but try to undermine me and scorn me since you got here, and then dinner? What do you think was going to happen? People just accept that was your intention and get on with it..."
He looked back inside, dismayed at this already.
"They think I'm your bitch. I'm some lap dog you have already weened and will follow any command. I have commanded respect from this town since I've been here, and in one day, you've turned me into a sex slave to your wims. You must be proud of yourself."

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

Aiken's eyes turned to those of the bartender as he offered him a position in the bar, his brows raising.

"Really? You don't think it would cause problems if-"

He was inturrepted by the dropping of a glass, and turned towards the sound. Two people were arguing outside... and one of which was, apparently, a woman. Frowning, he rose slowly from his bar stool and began making his way towards the door.

His steps silent, the soft leather of his shoes allowing him to feel the features of the floor, he paused just outside the door, hesitating.. and then stepped out, his eyes looking to the woman, and he spoke almost quietly to her...

"Did you need some help, m'am?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

First shock cross my face, I felt it and then mirth. My face twisted a little as my lips pressed hard together. My eyes water, I couldn;t hold it in, I busted up laughing in seconds of that statement.

"Oh gawwwwwwwwd!" I gasped for air, my hands on my thighs as I bent a little, my arm moving up to my ribs as I howled with laughter.

"I'm s-sorry..." his face noticably turning redder and redder. "I'm...r-r-really so-sorry! Oh!" I sucked in a deep breath between chuckles, now leaning against the building to collect myself.

That had to have been the funniest thing I had ever heard in my entire life! No, it definately was! I had never heard anything so far fetched, so damned ludacris before now!

Covering my sides tighter, I righted myself to see him seething at me. "I am sorry N-Nick.." Sucking in a deeply breath I let it out slowly, "ooooooo weeeeeeee.. Ok.. Ok I am fine now.." A slight chuckle but I quickly stopped it as best I could.

"S-Sex ... TOY?!" I laughed outright again but quickly shut my mouth as I could. "No, really.." chuckles, "I didn't even think that was.. p-possible.." Chuckles again. Tears were running down the corner of my eyes and streaking my cheeks, my face red from supressed laughter, which I wasn't successfully holding back..

"That..thought never crossed my mind Nick." I sucked in a deeper breath and let it out slowly.. "I ahhh.. think I will.. yeah, go back in and get a drink.. You are ab-soooooo-lutely right.. I best stay away from you... Wouldn't want your friends thinking that obscene idea was even remotely accurate.. If it hadn't been so funny, I would be insulted right about now.. but I am sure you didn't really mean to insult me.. Good night Mayor." I shook my head, truely saddened with this whole ordeal on day one, but could not help but chuckle as I walked away.

Stopping when I heard the voice speaking I paused in my steps as I met the dark gaze of the native. "Thank you, I am alright. The Mayor is upset with me.." I turned and glanced at Nick before turning back to the new comer. "Would you like to get a drink? I need one.." Moving into the saloon, my mind a real mess now.

I didn't care what he had to say to me now, obviously I had no morals in their eyes.. So be it. It's not like I haven't been shunned before.... "Sex toy?" I muttered to myself as I sat at the bar, my shoulders shaking as I chuckled again. This was going to piss me off in the morning, I knew that now.. but for now it was funny.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

He nodded when he was told she didn't need any help, and was going to turn to leave... slowly, though, so he would be near if she did need something suddenly... when she spoke to him again. Pausing, his brows rose, and he gave a slight shrug, and a nod. Glancing at the man she was arguing with, his brow furrowed slightly and he turned, following her into the Saloon.. stealing a glance at her walking form as he did so. Finding himself back at the bar next to her, he dug his hand back into his pack, withdrawing a few coins.

"Allow me to buy you a drink, please... what will it be?"

 

[kamalw1]

Aiken stopped mid-sentence as we heard the glass break outside. He got up to go see what what going on and I just shook my head. The mayor and the new deputy, who just happened to be a woman, getting into an argument about God knows what. What else can happen today? , I thought to myself. After a moment, Aiken and Joe came back in and sat down at the bar. Joe seemed to be laughing at something, and I gave her a puzzled glance. "Everything alright, Deputy Joe?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Smiling, I gave a nod. "John, a whiskey please." Turning, I extended my hand to him and offered an introduction.

"Josephine Meadows, Joe for short." Shaking his hand, I smiled and thanked him for the drink. Still trying not to laugh over the conversation outside.

Sex toy?! It was an amusing idea however... Men! God They gossiped more than women did!

 

[kamalw1]

I gave Joe the drink and took the coins that were on the bar. I thenlooked at Aiken and said, "Gettin' back to business, I could use the help around here. Most people around here don't have problems with Injuns, and if they do, they are too drunk most of the time to do anything anyway. So whaddya say?"

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

Shaking the offered hand, he bowed his head to her.

"My name is Aiken Lightfoot... please, call me Aiken. It's a pleasure to meet you, Joe."

His eyes turned to the bartender then, and he grinned slightly at the man, feeling himself grow slowly more comfortable with his surroundings, and looked to Joe.

"What do you think.. should I take the job here?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Everything is fine John, aside from gossip mongers.." Tossing a glare for a moment at the wall.

"Pleasure to meet ya Aiken, welcome to Pervatory." I eyed John and Aiken as they spoken and smirked a little. "Working here won't be half bad actually.. I think John likes the perks.." I winked suggestively at John and smiled.

"Of course I wouldn't know anything about that.. I just come for the entertaining music and fine whiskey.." I downed my shot and slid the glass to John, "One more please.. Appears the Sherrif went to bed, so I get night shift." Sitting forward on the bar, I rested my elbows on the bar and tried to calm myself down a little.

"Be sure to let the 'guys' know John.. Nick turned me down." I chuckled again. "So you'll have to fill me in on what needs cleaning up around here, and the local troubles. AS for working here Aiken, if that is something you'd like to do, I am sure John will treat you fairly." I smiled at the two, I was in much better company now.

 

[Scuttle Buttin']

Nodding at Joe's words, Aiken turned back to the 'tender then, and nodded once more.

"If you'll hire me, I'll be happy to take the job."

That said, he offered his hand to the man, to shake.

"The only thing I need now is a place to stay..."

 

[kamalw1]

I took Aiken's hand and shook it. "Well, I have an extra room on the second floor that you can stay in, if you don't mind bein' surrounded by women," I said chuckling. I then looked at Joe. "Well, we don't have too much trouble in Pervatory, aside from the 'ccasional bank or stage coach robber. Most of our problems just come from drunken men takin' their fun too far, like some people you already may be aquainted with," I said with a wink.