Smokin Guns

Joe

"Well gentlemen it's been a fun night for me, but I got to go get some rest. I rented the house beside the school if anything should happen, although I sleep lightly.. Nice to meet you Aiken, See you for breakfast, John?" Smiling, I paid for my second drink and stood from the stool.

It had been on long day and I needed some rest. Still had a bunch of things to do, including exercising Thunder in the morning. "Good night." I moved out of the saloon and down the street, my mind lost in thought.

Of all the strange things, how did it come to be like this? I was going to get wrinkles before my time with this constantly trouble on my mind. I had no idea where Nick got his strange ideas, but I'd steer clear of him for awhile. Stopping on the porch to my new residence I glanced around wondering where Dirk took himself off too?

Checking to make sure I had the keys in my pocket, I stepped inside and lit a candle on the small table. Turning and barring the door I sat my hat on the table and unstrapped the gun belt.
Moving back into the bedroom, I had to remember to buy a quilt from one of the local ladies if possible. Falling onto the bed, I was quickly asleep.
 
Rest came easily for me, another habit honed on the wrong trail...like everything you learned to take it where you can find it.

I was awake and dressed before daybreak and to my mount in his stall, both of us eager to be away from the crowding that came with a town, and enjoying the feel of the wind as we hit the trail...Miles passed and I steered the gelding to the north, finding the river and a wide expanse of sandy shore I swung from the saddle then pulled my camp gear out of the bedroll.

A small smokeless fire burned under the blackened pot as I tended to the pair of pistols, cleaning each carefully before reloading them and dropping them in the matched holsters I pulled from the saddlebags. It was peaceful, the sun rising, the sound of the shallow river flowing over the rocks, the chatter of a bird scolding another in the bushes nearby...Peaceful until I drew the pistols and turned, relying on my memory and the brief glance I had allowed myself of the ancient log in the water.

Ten shots broke the quiet of the morning, the rolling din sending the birds into flight and my mount snorting and rolling his eyes in protest over his meal being interrupted. I snorted as well, contempt in the sound as I critically judged my performance and found it to be...lacking.

"Keep that up and you're going to disappoint a lot of people, most of all yourself" I announced to myself in another age old routine...reloading each Colt and sliding them into their homes and turning back to the fire and the boiling water. A handful of ground bean and the lid securely in place, then a quick spinning turn and I drew again, disturbing the peace and getting another look of disapproval from my horse.

"Better...you'd only be lamed for life" I chuckled in disdain, collecting the center fire brass for later reloading and replacing it again. Warm barrels slid into supple leather and I knelt, adding cooler water to settle the grounds before moving the pot over to a flat rock.

A third draw and ten more shells, then a break to enjoy the cup of coffee I craved and a thin strip of pemmican, then back to the serious business of staying alive.

Seven more rounds, seventy shells more added to the pile as I twisted and turned, increasing the speed and accuracy of each round until my hands blurred with each draw, my face and shoulders covered with sweat despite the cool of the new morning. It was enough...Shrugging mentally I knew the downfall of over confidence and the adage of "it don't shoot back"...yet the ten small patterns gave me enough confidence I would at least hit what I aimed at.

Another cup of coffee and I cleaned the first gun, keeping the second loaded in the event I had attracted anything...or anyone, then did the same to the second after the first was reloaded.

It was a routine...one I accepted as a part of my life, necessary to keep the skill I possessed with a sidearm sharp...and myself alive.

"What do you think, horse?" I questioned the now calm animal as I tightened its cinch strap and grinned as it fought, trying to swell its belly as I pressed a knee into it and pulled. "Who would be dead...the log...or me?"

A grunt and a nip from the geldings teeth were the only reply and I laughed, the sound carrying over the water as I surveyed the cleared camp and smothered fire, enjoying the cup of strong brew...Small things an outlaw learned to enjoy...the taste of coffee...a good smoke while you basked in the sensations after being with a warm woman.... and the next breath you took that assured oneself you were still...alive.
 
His brows arching a bit, he nodded at the bartender, his lips curving into a smile.

"That would be great... women and all."

He couldn't help but grin a bit, and he shifted the pack against his hip.

"Might I see the room, when you get a chance?"
 
Joe Meadows

Rising early, I made quick work of washing up and changing. Breakfast would have to wait a little longer considering this place was empty save a few articles of clothing.

Hefting the saddle, I strode out the back door and placed it on the coral around the little barn. Entering I whistled gently and watched as Thunder came from behind the wall quickly.

"Hey boy..." I held out a sugar cube to him and stroked his nose gently. "Ready for a ride are we?" His head rearing up a little, he knew what was going to happen. Smiling as he nudged my shoulder, I turned and walked out into the coral with a large black beast on my backside pushing.

"Settle down now! I'm goin'.. Pushy as all the other males I know.." Chuckling, I felt freer than I had in a long time. That energy pulsating into my blood with the thought of riding. One of the few things I did truely enjoy..

Saddling him up and getting the bridle onto his head, he kept trying to nip at me. "Grumpy are we?" I patted his flank and tightened the belt under him as I pressed into his stomach.

"Alright, we're set." Placing my hat on my head, I grabbed the winchester and slid it into the rifle bag, grabbed the reins and mounted quickly. Slinging my leg over his back, he was already moving.

"Shit, forgot the damned gate!" Muttering under my breath, I didn't get a chance to do much as his muscles bunched, Thunder lept and cleared the fence easily. Bouncing in the saddle, I glared at the beast a moment feeling the sting in my bottom.

"Remind me to make that higher.." Nudging him along, I trotted him down the road, heading into open terrain. Waving to the preacher's wife on my way by, I could feel the urge to run as did Thunder, it took alot to keep him under control. I wondered if there were mares in the area? He was antsy as hell this morning.
 
I showed Aiken the room on the second floor and then went and closed up shop for the night.

The next morning, I awoke and got dressed, the smell of fresh food and coffee in the air. I went downstairs and greeted the women as I sat down and had some eggs and bacon. Deciding that the saloon would be fine without me for an hour, I took my rifle and went to the gunsmith's shop.

"Howdy Cap," I said to him as I entered the shop, "how're things goin'?"
 
mona

"Well you got the next to the last one right i will admit ... but with shooting like that... i think the town is safe but am I is the question? " Oh she snickered looking to him from her own mount she sat starring down to him and her horse. " But that last ones always a good one to ya know. Howdy Sheriff you where sure easy enough to find with all that noise this morning a lot different then the noise you where making the other night in my bed."

Mona sat that horse like she had been riding all her life in fact she had with her own heritage she was good at it. She straddled that beast bareback dressed in the tightest leathers he had ever seen a soul paint in. but she was wearing them all right. Along with a stark white blouse with the first few buttons undone, with her long red hair tucked up under her hat. even so there was no mistaking her for a boy by any means." just came out for a ride, kind of dull last night and you stood me up for lunch... I was talking to that new kid Akin and next i knew you all left on me."

She shrugged as she then jumped down from that horse and tied the mare up to a tree walking towards Dirk. A hand slide up over his chest feeling her way against those taunt muscles as she leaned in and kissed his lips softly lingering there a moment as she pressed up against him tighter. So how was your first day as a law man Dirk. And by the way, I know your a busy man Dirk but ...I hope you can spare a little time for me ya know. I did rather enjoy our night together the other night and you, if memory serves me well and it always does, You seemed to enjoy your self very well." She moved on in closer her lips touching his as she spoke the heated breath felt to his own lips as she waited fro his answer.
 
Joe

The ride was invigorating, both Thunder and I raced across the open lands, smiling. Did horses smile? Well I believed so.

Laughing, I had lost my hat somewhere along the hard wild ride, but didn't care much, the town was now coming into view. Patting his neck as he began to slow down, we trotted into town and stopped at the house once more. Climbing down, I walked Thunder into the barn and cleaned him up.

Feeding him and making sure there was enough water in for him, I headed up the street to the saloon for my own breakfast. Rubbing Thunder down always worked up a good appetite and there were wonderful smells coming from the building I could pick up a ways down.

Walking inside, I slung a leg over the stool at the bar and called out "Good morning!" I needed some food and then off to the jail to see what Dirk was doin' this early.
 
Marcus Oliver

“Mornin John,” Marcus said, greeting John. “Things are going great. I’ve made some good sales the last couple of days. Seems our new Sheriff is good for my business. What can I do for you? Ya lookin to replace that Winchester ya got behind the bar,……I got some new ones in, here in the case.
 
Jack Trapper

Sliding off the sweat stained grulla I moved thru the batwings and into the cool gloom of the salloon. The smell of coffee and food made my stomach lurch and me remeber it had been many hard riding days since a hot meal or a cup of coffee. Knocking the dust off my chaps the action drew the glare of a man I assumed to be the owner and i shrugged then grinned knowing the action took ten years off my dirt stained face.

"Sorry folks. Too many weeks on the trail and I've already forgot my manners. Maybe a hot meal and a pot of coffee would refresh them as well as me?"

The man behind the counter shrugged and jerked his head towards the open tables and I followed the motion. A seat against the wall and I was set to study the occupants and the much needed food.
 
Joe

One of John's girls came up with my plate as the doors opened and in walked a talking dust ball. Turning in my seat I watched as the new comer moved into the saloon and asked for something to eat.

Hmm... Smiling, I picked up my plate and mug of coffee and moved to his table. "Mind if I sit?" The little hairs prickling on my neck as I eyed the stranger. Trail dust.. Layers of it. Guns, his hands always near them.. Gun fighter. Possibly wanted?

Not waiting for an invite I sat down, "Deputy Meadows, call me Joe if you like. How long are you in town stranger?" I was pulling this new role off quite nicely, gloating wouldn't do me much good, Nick wasn't around anyway.
 
Jack

"Long enough for a meal and a hot bath then some grub at your mercantile Deputy Meadows" I told her and used my own food and coffee arriving as the excuse not to offer her my name.
Pouring my mug full I did the same for her from my pot and lifted the cloth off the plate to whistle in appreciation.

"They sure know how to make a meal and the ladies as well"

Her well formed figure hadn't been missed by my eye. Neither had the star or the comfortable way she wore the irons on those rounded hips or the way she looked at me with appraising eyes.

"pardon me for speaking out but how long has pervatory had a deputy? last i heard there was no law in town at all?"
 
Joe

Smiling, I sat back a moment and nodded my head. "John serves the best grub I've tasted in awhile.. As for me? Well I was just thrown into this position last night. Passing through town and some how ended up a deputy.. New Sheriff in town as well. Pervatory is moving up in the world I guess." I chuckled and picked up my cup of coffee, blowing on it gently before trying to drink it.

"Passing through eh? Well there are some bandits in the area, a troublesome bunch, be careful out there." I didn't feel the need to announce I was a bounty hunter or anything else as personal goes, he didn't appear to want to know nor stay here longer than what was needed.

.. I almost asked him his name once again but blew it off, it was of no consquence to know him, as long as he wasn't trouble?

"The mayor is looking for some decent people to clean up his town... Don't ask me why he picked me of all people, you wouldn't believe me anyway." Laughing I fell silent as Emily returned to the table, "Anything else?" She didn't know how to address me, but it didn't matter. "Nah thanks Em."
 
Jack

Time to dangle the bait.

"I'm here as an advance cattle buyer Miss Meadows. The price of cattle in Texas is as low as it will ever get and by driving it to the North a man can get rich quickly if he lives to spend it"

The food was good and the comapny was even better as I watched the way her breasts strained the shirt as she lifted her cup to drink.

"I'll around the countryside making offers to the folks who have them critters to sell offering top dollar in this country and paying them in gold. I'd be downright aprreciative if you'd spread the word to the good people of pervatory?"

My cover and those of the men who were with me was now out on the table. The law had no reason to disbelieve me and I continued to eat with vigor. Draining my own cup I used the chance to study the pretty woman with the hard eyes in front of me.

"I know a lady like you has little free time and probably a dozen suitors at your door. But if you ever tire of them and find a free moment I'd be honored to go for a buggy ride and a picnik?"

What better way to keep track of the town and it's law then to be admiring the better looking part of it over a meal?

"Give my regards to the Sheriff and think about my offer?"

Rising I tossed a gold doble coin to the tables surface and nodded then teased in good humour

"Or is your boss another good lookin lady such as yourself and I should look her up myself?"
 
Joe

Brow cocking slightly, I lowered my eyes and set my cup down. Rising from the table myself, I put on my best 'tollerating' smile. Men still could not get used to a woman wearing breeches and packing colts on her hips instead of babies.

"The folks will be glad I am certain to make some extra money these days... I will let everyone know.. " I put a few coins onto the table to pay for my meal and stretched a little as I stood up.

"As for ladies and guns, I am the only female packin' one out in the open." A slight little smile and a twinkle in the eye, I wondered what he thought of that one?

Sticking the tooth pick back into my mouth, I left the rest unanswered, he didn't need an answer right now. Suitors? I hadn't been here long enough to aquire that hasle.

"The Sherrif is a big guy, Lang. You can't miss him when ya see him. Keep your nose clean while in town, alright? And there is plenty of entertainment here in the saloon if ya get bored. Only don't bring your fire arms in with you. I am setting up some rules today as my first active duty.. this aught to go over real well.." I muttered as I turned and walked a few feet from the new comer.

"Oh, your name? Mr.?? I can't really tell people about the cattle offer if I don't know who to send them to." I turned back towards him, still having a friendly smile on my face. He was an interesting looking fellow.. Definately didn't seem to be a cow poke, but money was hard these days.
 
"Naw, Cap, I ain't lookin' to replace this ole thing. She has gotten me out of some tough spots. I just need you to clean it fo' me, and I'll need some shells for it too." I made sure the gun was empty and placed it in his hands. "I'll be back in about an hour for her. Take care of it, Cap," I said with a smile, knowing he was a great gunsmith.

I then left his shop and walked back to the saloon. As soon as I walked in, I saw the stranger sittin' with Joe. I gave her a puzzled look as I walked behind the counter and pulled out the box with my Smith & Wesson .45 and the ammo that went with it. Without my Winchester, I would need somethin' to take care of the rowdy folk. I loaded the gun and placed it under the counter.
 
Camilia Segrave

IC:

The dust was whipping past her face, dusting it lightly and irritating her sensitive skin. Her little pert nose wrinkled up in distaste for the umpteenth time this morning, "This beast stinks!"

"Sorry Ma'am." Came the reply of the hulking brute behind her on the horse.

"Well?!" She stormed at him, shifting in her seat, again for the umpteenth time and nearly being dumped off the horse. If on purpose or accident the man wouldn't confess. Not even if his nails were ripped off at this point, she was an annoying little package.

"What would you like me to do Ma'am?" His drawl soft, quiet yet deep and showing signs of wear.

"Can't you stop this mule and wash it?! Oh no!" She squealed in dismay, her gloved hands brushing at her skirts, "Filthy beast!" His body shivering slightly as the sound raked unpleasantly down his spine and caused his ears to beg for mercy.

"I am sorry Ma'am, but Pervatory is right over that next rise.. if you'd just sit still." He muttered something under his breath and her eyes swung to his.

"Well if you hadn't been rude and tussled me up out of my clean bed and hauled me across this gawd forsaken land!" He rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, "Here she goes again.." He thought.

"DON'T YOU LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!" She stormed, raising her hand and slapping him smartly across the face. His hands grasped the reins tightly into a fist, his temper now beyond redemption, she had pushed it! Yanking on the reins the horse reared up and down went Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes on her hind parts.

She squealed as she fell, she cursed once she landed and she quickly jumped up to kick his horse. Yanking on the reins, he moved the animal out of her range.

"Are you going to behave, or should I leave ya here?" He asked, sorely tempted to beat this woman into some form of decent behavior.

A tear slid down her cheek as she fumed hotly at him, "No wonder you are not married, you do not know how to treat a lady... why...OH MY GAWD! YOU RIPPED MY DRESS!" She fumed, reaching down and grabbing the hem of her skirt, hiking it clean up to her face and revealing more leg than was proper.

"You Bafoon!" She hurtled at his head. "Return me at home right this instant!" She stamped her foot. "Alright, this is how it's gonna be..." He jumped down, his hand holding a rope tightly.

~Half hour later~

He rode with a smile on his face, enjoying the quietness of the midmorning day, the birds singing and the air clearing as they rode along.

Behind him across his real mule lay one tied up, gagged speechless and glaring Miss Segrave, bottom in the air and hair hanging down over the mule's side. He whistled a happy tune as he rode into Pervatory, dismounted and swatted her on her upturned cheeks. "Hang tight little lady, I'll go locate the law and be out of your pretty little hair in no time.." He chuckled as she swore under her gag, muffled and indistinct in nature.
 
Joe

Hearing the doors opened, I turned to see another dusty male enter the saloon. He mentioned looking for the sheriff.

"Excuse me a moment." walking over to the tall guy, "I am the acting deputy, what's the problem?" He pointed over his shoulder and moved outside. Following quietly behind him, i stepped out to see two legs kicking in the air and alot of white lacey underthings.

"Oh.. I see." I covered my mouth to keep from laughing at the picture this presented.

ooc: hope you dont mind me controlling him a little? If so I can edit it.
 
Camilia Segrave

ooc: It is fine.

IC:

The man walked over to the mule and untied the bundle which was still kicking and screaming under her gag.

"You sure you want this one? She's a hand full.." When the Deputy nodded her head, he kept untying the woman.

"She is wanted for questioning by the Mayor or Sheriff of Pervatory." He reached into his pocket and withdrew a wanted poster. "This here is Mrs. Segrave."

The deputy took the paper and he uprighted the howling spite fire in his arms. She struggled a moment, kicking him and cursing outright. "She's not too purdy when mad, hope you can handle this and don't mind I ride on? I'll be back next week to collect the reward.." He just wanted out of there. Silently he made a pact with himself to never ever hunt down a woman again, they were more trouble than an angry momma bob cat!

Assured the Deputy had the woman in hand, he climbed up on his horse and quickly rode off, leaving the struggling bundle of 'joy' in capable hands.

"UNHAND ME YOU TWIT!" The first thing she said when the gag was removed by one stunned Deputy.
 
Joe

Twit? Did this little tart just call me a twit?! Jerking her to me roughly, I ignored her indrawn breath and stumbling feet as I drug her along with me towards the saloon.

"The sheriff isn't in yet, so I figure you'll have to sit in the saloon until he returns." Ignoring her complaints I towed her into the saloon and sat her into a chair.

"Don't move or I will be forced to tie you up tighter than you already are." I would give only one warning before I did as promised. Sitting down on the other chair I pulled out the poster and read it. A small sum for bringing this woman in, I wondered what it is she was wanted for?
 
Camilia Segrave

"What! Where are you taking me! Get your dirty hands off me!" She cursed and screamed at the female deputy dragging her around like some bag of grain.
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!" She dug in her feet and gasped in outrage as she was shoved into a saloon.

"A SALOON! This hovel isn't fit for a lady! I demand to be moved elsewhere. NOW!" She glared at the woman. Who ever heard of a female deputy? Her eyes raked up and down the deputy in distaste and obvious dislike.

"I want to speak to the sheriff!" She was being ignored by everyone, even heard snickering somewhere in the back ground. Glaring at all the eyes on her, she was growing angrier.

"Do you always look like a man? Those britches do nothing for you." She would sling mud if she felt like it. Dusting off her gown she gaped at a whore parading by the bar.
"This is positively the most sinful establishment I had ever been unfortunate to be present in! Deputy!" She barked out, expecting to be listened to. "You have to do something, I can not sit here all day and night." She huffed, red with anger and upset. How degrading to be put into a saloon of all disgusting places!

She glanced around, lifting her feet a little from the floor. "My gown is going to be ruined worse than it is all ready, someone should at least sweep this floor." She muttered under her breath, a smile breaking over her features as the deputy made a noise. Good! She was getting to the she-male, suited her just fine!
 
I had just finished putting my gun back and was wiping down the counter when I saw Joe come into the saloon with a woman tied up and screaming like a mountain lion. All activity ceased for a moment as Joe put her down on a chair. As the woman continued screaming and complaining, I walked over to them and started wiping down the table. I looked at Joe and said with a wink, "Hey Joe, what is this, a new girl for my establishment? I could've jus' talked to her, you didn't have to tie her up like this."
 
Joe

Ignoring the whining little piece of fluff and her comments, I turned to John and grinned.

"Yeah, you do need a knew whore dontcha?" I winked at him where she could not see what I was doing.

"Dirk better arrive soon or your gonna get a new play thang John." Moving to the bar I ignored the outrage I knew was coming and sat down.
"I didn't tie her, but if I had, I'd had gagged her as well.. Can I get a coffee please? I am not up for this crap this early..." I noticed the stranger was still hovering in the saloon as well.


ooc: Not sure if ya left or not rasscal??
 
Jack

It was amusing to say the least! The fluffy fashion dressed woman being dragged in by the Deputy and her attitude about the entire thing.

"I'm sure once you've answered the good Sherriff's questions you'll be free to go" I tried to soothe the enraged woman and grinning at her as I spoke. Maybe it wasn't the right thing to say? The woman did look familiar and as I approached she raised her head and glared. Then kicked me!

It was just as well. The pain I felt in my leg helped cover the astonishment I felt as seeing our old leaders "wife" and gave me something to say instead of gaping with open mouth.

"Lady I never seen ya before and was only trying ta help but if ya kick me one more time I'm gunna fergit yer a lady and in the custody of this here deputy!"

I backed up just in case. Knowing I couldn't shoot her if for the only reason of trying to find out what in the hell she was doing in Pervatory.

"Deputy? I forgot my manners again and came back to tell you my name and offer my card"

Stepping over to the well formed star toting woman i strayed too close again as I dug in my vest pocket and pulled out one of a few well used pastecards.

"My name is Ja.....OWWWW!" I began and was promptly kicked again then hobbled out of the womans deadly range. Handing the card to the gun packing curvaceous female I rubbed my twice offended shin and glowered at the other woman.

"Like it says on the calling card my name is Jack Smythe. That's Smythe with a "Y"."
 
Joe

Turning around I glared down at the annoyed woman and warned her with a growl, "I will take you up those stairs... tie you to a bed.. and let anyone in who wants in if you DO NOT stop it." I stared her down a moment before turning back to the new comer.

"Well Mr. Smythe, I will be sure to tell the others." taking the card from his hand, I put it into my breast pocket for safe keeping.

"JOHN!" I called out, having an idea instantly. "Can you send someone to the blacksmith to get the jail open?" I had cell keys, just no door key,

"I don't know where the hell the Sheriff is but I am tired of waiting." I glared at the seething woman who was thankfully quiet for the moment. What a damned MESS!

"Let's have a seat at the bar, out of range of mad feet shall we?" I moved towards the bar but sat angled to see the fluff ball. I'd shoot her if she even stood up, and I let my look at her portray that desire clearly.
 
Jack Smythe

Winking at the chastised woman in the chair I turned back to the deputy and tilted my hat in respect.

"I'll be off on my errands ma'am and will stop here this evening. Tell the people I'll have a letter of credit drawn up at the local bank and will pay top dollar"

What better way to get a good look at the bank then pose as a cattle buyer needing to make a deposit?

Whistling away I made my way to the mercantile and after teasing the pretty young thing behind the counter left an order for food and shells for the men that were waiting outside of town and the last three cases of the new fangled dynamite they had as well. Flustered and red faced the young woman took my coins with a promise the goods would be ready in less than an hour and on a wagon and cart I dickered over renting from her.

Still whistling I considered the news. The woman that had been dragged in was here for something and knowing her it wasn't anything small. The Sherriff was out of town and that gave me time to do what I needed and maybe even visit the sharp toed woman at the jail where the buxom Deputy had said she was going to go then leave town.

At the door of the bank I brushed off the trail dust and remembered the bath I had promised myself. It would have to wait things were shaping up too good to ignore and I needed to put plans in motion.

"I need to make a deposit in a new account" I announced loudly and grinned at the pretty yet startled lady behind the bars of her counter. It was something I had never done before. Usually the only words I told the person in her position was "this is a stickup and put all the money in the bags"

Times were changing and in order to make bigger money you had to put some out to seed.

"Can you handle the amount of ten thousand in gold?" I asked politely and smiled at the expected response. "I mean is it safe in this bank?"
 
Back
Top