The Bounty Hunters'

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

I arrived at the cave and started what I came to do.

I dug several graves and buried the holes full of rocks all except one. Placing David inside, I said a few words over his grave and finished it up. I didn't mark them, just left them as they were.

Walking into the ccave, I gathered everything I could carry and tied it onto Thunder. Including all the money taken in the recent robbery from Tumbleweed. I glanced around the cave, there was alot of things still scattered inside. Saddles, gun's, clothes and more personal items. I would leave these here for Mark to find later.

Moving out of the cave, I lead Thunder away from it and tied his reins. Going back I wiped the sand clean of foot prints and the hoof marks.

Climbing up on Thunder, I rode for Tumbleweed. I had some explaining to do to Keith and Chester, and I needed to check in on Richard.
It was dusk by the time I got back into town, silent too. Kinda of creepy.
Dismounting before the Doc's office, I knocked and waited to see if he was in or at home.

 

[Shoty98]

Red

I stepped from the tub, fully clean and refreshed. As I dried myself and dressed, the smell of venison and potatoes filled my senses. It wan't long before Rex and I were sitting down to a delightful meal and sharing pleasantries about what we each had been doing since the last time our paths had crossed. There was a long silence

"Do you think he will live, Rex?" I asked softly, not sure if I really wanted him to voice his opinion, afraid he would tell me that Mark wouldn't live and that he was just making him confortable in his last hours.

"Yes Red I think he will live, the next couple of days will be the worst of it. If he can make it through them he will heal completely." The matter-of-fact tone in his voice was reassuring to me. "Red I will have to go hunting in the woods tomorrow for some more herbs that he will need. I need you to stay close by him and keep checking to make sure he hasn't come down with fever." I swallowed hard remembering what fever could do "What do I do if he begins to show signs of fever. I have never done this before Rex."

"It is simple Red, just fetch a pail of water from the stream, it is very cool. If he begins to heat up, use the water and the cloths to cool him off." With that he gathered the dishes from the table and began to wash them. He stopped for a moment and poured some tea into a cup "Here Red take this and get him to drink it, it will help with the pain and help him to sleep tonight." "Thank you Rex." I took the cup from him and wandered into the room where MarK was, settling myself down on the edge of the bed I held his head up and urged him to drink. Once he had it all down I set the cup aside and pulled up a chair. Night had fallen and all was dark, the only light flickered from a candle on the night stand, casting shadows across the room. At some point I had fallen asleep, Mark's hand firmly grasped between my own.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

At the moment, the Doc passes them in his buggy.

"Now where is he off to I wonder?" He says to Chester as he makes for the stables. A few minutes later, he and Chester are riding out of town, hot on the heels of the elusive doctor.

"You sure this is a good idea?" Asks Chester as they follow the man, staying out of sight so that they can see where he is heading.

"The Doc's hiding something, I jest know it." Is all Keith can say. It doesn't take them very long to realise that the Doc is heading back to his home.

"Now I wonder why he has to get back to his place for?" Keith asks, as they finally dismount, watching the Doc enter his house from cover. "Well, let's find out."

Dipping his hat, Keith strides down to the man's house, steps on to his porch and bangs on the door. A few moments, the Doc opens the door.

"Keith?" For a brief moment, his face shows shock. "What are you doing here?"

"Was riding by." Says Keith casually, "And noticed you were home. Jest wondered if there was a problem since normally yore in town this time of day."

"No problem, Keith." But the man's face looks lighter than normal. More pale. "Just forgot something and had to come back and get it."

Keith nods and then smells the air.

"Say, Doc? Is that coffee you got? I wouldn't say no for a cup if you don't mind." Keith doesn't give the Doc a chance to object as he strides into the house with Chester following.

"Keith, I am in a hurry." Doc protests.

"Surely a quick cup won't cause any problem." Keith asks, innocently.

The Doc simply nods and follows them in.

"Say, Doc. Have you cut yerself?" Keith asks, picking up a blood soaked towel that has been hastily thrown on the floor.

"Well..." The Doc's face turns white as from within the house comes a deep moan of a man in pain.

"Okay, Doc. " Keith says, moving towards the source of the moan. "What's going on?"...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

ooc: Tib, Reality here, can I bop your character upside the head?? The Doc doesn't KNOW who he is tending...

IC:
Doc wasn't at his office, which meant he was at home. Mounting back up on Thunder, I rode for the doc's place. Upon arriving at Docs I caught sight of Chester and Keith. Nosey as always. shaking my head I dismounted and walked up the porch.
"Howdy Boys, Doc. Keith, chester, I need to speak with you a moment.. Excuse us Doc.."
The doc walked back inside and shut the door. "On my horse is the money the Dalton's stole from the bank in town.. and a shit load more than that.. Up the canyon a ways you'll find their graves and a few casings. Someone met up with them and whiped their asses out. Ambush I guess.. " I glanced around to make sure no one was eaves dropping on the conversation.
"Red headed out with Johnny for a break from all of this.. It's wasn't pretty. The coyotes had a nice meal out of two of them.. David Dalton, well let's just say he was in a few pieces.. I need you to take the money and turn it in. Offical like and all that, Since I have no bodies I can't claim the reward money, but I still can grin knowing they're roastin' in hell right about now." I turned to glance at the both of them, "You should check out the Dupree ranch too while you are at it.. This stinks of Dupree.." I walked up into the doc's house and opened the door.
"How goes your patient Doc? Leo healing up alright?" I sat down at the table, sipping a cup of coffee he set before me.
"Oh um, Yeah I guess so.."
"I'll let Dupree know his man is here and not dead later when I ride out there to settle and old score.." I knew they were listening at the door, "Why don't you two come in and have a cup of coffee instead of hovering over there?" I turned to glance at Keith and Chester.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

(OOC: Whoops! Sorry, Sweet. Just one thing though, Keith and Chester are in Doc's house )

"We already are." Replies Keith, a big grin on his face as Joe realises that he was already inside the house.

The tension gone, the four of them sit round the table drinking coffee.

"Sorry for the misunderstanding, Doc. But you understand, it is my job to make sure that you were alright and you should have told me in town that you had a wounded man here. Even if you didn't know who he was."...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

ooc: *shaking head* boy we're a fine pair heh? lol

IC:

Sipping the drink, I glanced at keith. "Well it looks like my job is finally done. Even though I didn't make enough to start that stud farm, I guess I have enough in the bank to at least get started and go from there.. Excuse me a moment boys.." I rose from the chair and made my way back to the bedroom Richard was in.
He was alert and watching me closely. Shutting the door behind me, i walked over and sat beside the bed.
"Well Leo.." Indicating he wasn't to argue with the name I had given him. "I hoped this taught you a lesson and not to work for snakes like Dupree.. By the way Johnny is alright and with Red, they'll be returning in a few days. Perhaps that will give you time to get things settled and proper like.." He knew what I meant with those words. Only I and Red knew who exactly he was, and if he played his cards right he would stay alive and be a good citizen to Tumbleweed.
He reached out, gripping my hand in his, "Thank you, more than anyone else has ever done for me. Johnny is alright?"
"It's hard to say he is with a healer right now and Red, working on taking down that nasty fever.."
"Well, I will see about getting to him.."
"You just rest leo, he will be here in due time.." I rose from the chair, looking down at him, "Straighten up and fly right, and you cant go wrong." He smiled at me and nodded. Groaning a little he closed his eyes and dosed back off to sleep.
I walked back out into the main room, Thanking Doc for caring for Leo and the wonderful Coffee.
"I've got to get this gold into town and reports filled out on the deaths of the Dalton gang.. Who knows maybe I will still be able to collect some of the reward?" I shrugged and moved back outside. Climbing up onto Thunder's back, I clicked my tongue a few times to get him moving.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

Watching Joe ride off, Keith decides to leave.

"Thanks for the coffee, Doc. You'd better get to your emergency."
Keith gets up and leaves with Chester behind him.

For the rest of the day, Keith is quiet as replays ponders Joe's comment about starting a stud farm.

"You okay, Keith." Chester asks.

"Yeah!" Says Keith, "I think I have just come to a decision."...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Catherine Dupree

I had been riding around all damned day looking for my husband, but couldn't find him. Arriving back at the ranch, Marie ran out to inform me he was home and injured badly.
My heart stopped beating a second and I ran inside as fast as I could.
"Vincent!!!" I called out, running into the living room where he was laying on the couch. Kneeling at his side I asked him in a very scared voice, "What happened?"
He looked at me, his eyes dull and almost lifeless..
"I tried to...*cough*.. take out the Daltons.. And ended up shot.." He tried to chuckle as if it was funny and failed. Instead coughing up blood. I felt the world tip under me, knowing the inevitable was happening.
"No! no you can't leave us!" I cried out, tears falling down my face. He reached up cupping my face in his big worn hand.
"Shhhh Caty.. I am surprised I didn't die sooner.." His voice wheezing from inability to breath.
"Shhh dont speak.. we'll get the doc you'll be ok!"
"No.. It's to late for that Caty.. But it's time I set some things right in my life.. Before. *gasp* I meet my maker and have to account for all this.." He broke off coughing again, my head shaking trying to understand what he meant by making up for the things in his life?
"Listen.. Don't argue my love.." I nodded slowly, trying to stop the flowing tears.
"I did things.. stole from people.. took their lands.. took lives to achieve this ranch.. I own most of the state through bad dealings.. I am not proud of what I did..I only wish I could make it right.. There is that Bounty Hunter, Red is her nick name? I wronged her greatly, I know now who she is... I guess I always knew but was too chicken shit to face up to it.. The orignial deeds are in the safe.. Give the property back to the original owners.. And if you cant find them, give it to Red.. Sell this Ranch and leave here.. You and my son need to move back to Boston.. There is a house there and with all the money i have in the bank you will be set for life.." he broke off again, wheezing and coughing more blood.
"I love you, and in my own way building this empire was to prove that love.. I know now it was the wrong way to do it. Funny.. A bad guy like me feeling remorse for the things I done.. didn't think I would see this day...." He broke off, fighting for air as I clutched his hand in mine.
"No Vincent.. Don't leave me.. I love you.." I placed my head down on his chest, as his sightless eyes started up at the ceiling. He was gone... leaving me and my son to carry out his last orders. I couldn't believe all he told me, I could not believe the man I married sunk so low in life to be damned forever?!
"Marie.. Pack everything, get the ranch hands to help..."
I moved towards the safe in the corner of the room. Pulling out the money and putting it into a sewing bag I dumped out. Taking the deeds in my hand I glanced down at the stack.
Pulling out half, I wrote down on each one who they would go to. Piss on finding these people. I had no desire to remain here for that long.
"I am going into town. See that Vincent is loaded into the wagon and covered up.."
The hands carried out my orders and I drove into town. Numb and unfeeling of everything around me. I just went through the motions.
I stopped by Doc's place, getting the undertaker to help me put Vincent into a casket, he promised to bury him for me. Though he had a look of distaste on his face about the whole thing, I paid him well to see it done.
By now my heart had turned to ice, no longer caring as I thought about his words. He had killed innocent people to rule this state.. And I was married to him!?
I went to the notary in the bank and signed over half the property to Red Sloan and Josephine Meadows.
"See that Red gets half the land. The ranch and other half of the land goes to Josephine. Take half the money out of my deposit box and let me sign it over to Red for her suffering at the hands of my husband..."
"Mrs. Dupree.. Are you alright? Are you certain Vincent would want this done? perhaps we should talk to him?"
"Need I remind you Mr Durken that We own this land your bank sits on? Dont give me any gruff, just do it and now!" I glared at him, daring him to argue with me.
"Or shall I send Vincent in here to take care of business in a very unnice manner?"
"N-No ma'am that won't be nessecary.." He gulped down and did her bidding.
Once complete, I walked back outside and into the wagon. Everything was settled as far as I was concerned. The lawyer would see all was carried out for a hefty fee and silence over this whole matter.
I drove to what was once home and looked at the place for the last time. Everything was loaded into the other wagon i wished to take with me, and The ranch hands relieved of their duty with a full pay check. Turning from the old ranch house, I smiled at my son and hugged him to my side. Nick drove for me and Marie and old Cooter were in the second wagon.
"We'll take the train from Denver to Boston, and a new life.." My son asked where Daddy was and I told him he went to sing with the angels. A lie, but it eased me a little that his son wouldnt know what a monster he had been in life......

 

[The_high_king]

Chester

"You reached a decision huh? now there is something a sheriff would say, if you get my drift, wink wink, nudge nudge". I started to laugh then caught Keith's glare. My laughed slowed down, and crawled to a halt. My face straightened, then I faced forward as if nothing happened. I then sipped some coffee, trying not to make any eye contact with Keith.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

"I reckon so." Keith says, ignoring Chester's jab. It is now evening and the two of them are back at the Sheriff's office.

Chester looks at him as if asking "Well? Aintcha gonna me?"

"I've being askin' myself. 'Do I like what I'm doin'?' and I realise that I miss bein' out on the open range, the wranglin', to be my own man again."

He pauses and looks at Chester.

"Don't get me wrong, pardner. I do like being the Deputy Marshall but it ain't what I wanna do. I 'pose I already thought that I would always be a cowpoke, mebbe meet a gal.." Keith thinks for Joe for a moment, "..and mebbe even have myself a ranch someday."

Keith gets up, Chester not saying a word.

"Anyways, I have decided to tell the Marshall when he finally gits here and leave town."...

 

[The_high_king]

Chester

I almost choked on my coffee when I heard what Keith said. Still recovering from the shock, I said, "holy shit Keith! Is my hearing alright, or did I just hear you get soft for a moment". I still couldn't believe it! I geuss it could be possible, ever since he met Joe, but even she coulnd't soften him up... or could she?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Riding into town, I pulled up infront of the Inn and walked inside.
"Elijah any messages for me?"
'Yes actually, there is a man in the dining room waiting for you from Denver and another. Dupree's lawyer is waiting for you."
"Oh really? Wonder what Dupree wants with me? Thanks Elijah." I smiled warmly and he returned the grin as I walked into the dining room.
I spotted the out-of-towner instantly. "Are you looking for me Sir?"
"Depends are you Josephine Meadows? Owner of the Saloon?"
"Yes thats me."
"Well have a seat.."
I sat down and ordered a glass of water for now.
"Well what can I help you with Sir?"
"I have here the money for the insurance on the building. I wanted to hand deliver this instead of sending it via wire or stage. Never know with bandits around these parts.."
"Well that was kind of you."
"Not a problem, I will be leaving in the morning if you have any more questions let me know. And I would be pleased to start another policy with you before I leave if you like?"
"This insruance thing is all new to me, still doesnt make sense.." He cut me off, "Well it's simple. You send us money every months and we put it into a bank and it incures interest. Incase anything ever happens, the money is taken out and handed over for repairs and such. If anything is left over, it stays in there. If you need more we front the money."
"Well Let me think about it and talk to my partner. See you in the morning, I have a lawyer still to meet with.."
I got up without another word, laughing at this guy. Pay him money, pfffffft.
Shaking my head, I pocketed the envelope and sat down facing Dupree's lawyer.
"Now what can I do for you?"
"I have some documents.. Shouldn't we go elsewhere?"
"No this is fine and I am tired, so spit it out."
"Well it is here by stated on this day in june...."
I sat baffled.
"she left it all to me and Red?"
"Yes ma'am...."
"everything?!"
"Yeeeeeeeessss.. Should I repeat it all again?"
"Oh no.. no thats ok.. Where do I sign?"
"Here and Here.." He pointed it out and I signed the papers.
"I will send Red to you once she returns.. Tell Catherine I am sorry for her loss."
"Why? She isn't and frankly neither am I.." He rose from his chair and tipped his hat, "Good evening Miss. Meadows."
I watched with stunned eyes at the deeds in my hand and the bank balance.
"YES!!!!!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOO!!" I jumped up and down and laughed loudly, scaring the shit out half the patrons there.
"Life is fuckin great!" I ran outside and jumped again, this was perfect!
"Come on Thunder, let's get this money to the bank and to the Sheriff's office and report all this and start a new life!"
Arriving at the bank, I filled out a report on the temporary deposit box in care of the sheriff of Tumbleweed.
Walking outside, I walked across the street to the office, wondering if Keith made it in yet?
Unsure of where he was, I went back to the Inn and ordered myself some dinner.

 

[Shoty98]

Red

I was pulled from a heartbreaking dream, to find myself sitting on the floor beside the bed, legs netly tucked beneath me and head resting on the bed. The reason for which I had awoke finally registered when another sharp stabbing pain shot through my hand and up my arm. Slowly my glossy sleepfilled eyes wandered up to look at my hand, afraid slightly at the sight I might find. To my surprise I found white knuckles of a man's hand as he gripped my so tightly it was near lifeless. It came back to me at that moment where I was and who I was with.

I jumped up and settled myself down on the edge of the bed, enhaling a long soft breath and looking over his candle-lit features. I shook from my head the scene from the hotsprings when we met. How was it I could have such feelings for a man I hardly knew? I wasn't sure and was utterly confused by it as well. Leaning forward I gently brushed away the hair from his forehead and spoke softly "Mark, your safe now....do not worry..."

"Frankie?" he spoke in a raspy voice, his eyes still closed "Have I died.....what happened?....." I knew he was getting closer to conciousnesswhen his voice began to clear. I pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him "Mark, I am not Frankie, and you have not died. You were shot by Dupree and his...." my words stopped there when his eyes abruptly snapped open... "Richard?....David?.../where?...Are they alive.." He looked at me, intensly, waiting for his vision to clear. When it finally did he looked shocked. Quickly I relayed what I knew of what had happened the night before, I soon recognised the questioning look upon his face and new what he was about to ask.

"Joe and I saved you and brought you here, because I seemed to have taken a liking to you, and couldn't bare the thought of you being devoured by coyotes." The last part of it came out with a chuckling tone, ment to lighten the mood. I watched as a frown crept over his face and his brows furrowed "What about your feelings for the Father? I saw you....at the hotsprings....k-kiss...." My head shot back and laughter filled the room, then my sparkling gaze met his once more "That....was most assuredly a misunderstanding. I do not even understand enough to explain it to anyone."

His eyes lit up with an understanding look. Releasing his hand I leaned forward and caressed his face in my hands "Now, that the mood seems to be lightened and you seem to be stronger there is something we need to talk about." I paused there for a moment waiting to see if he would refuse, when he didn't I continued feeling a little awkward about what I was about to say, it should surely be the other way around. "I know that I don't have alot to offer you, certainly nothing that your life of crime has offered. But I am certain, that if you are willing to give up the outlaw life, I can give you one full of things completely different. I know what needs to be done, whichever way you decide and that decision is yours."

My lips pressed to his, then reluctantly pulled away "Take all the time you need" I whispered softly before righting myself. Feeling like I should give him a few minutes alone I went to the kitchen and started reheating the tea Rex had made. While it heated, a war raged on inside of me, my mind prepared for the worst and what I would have to do and my heart prepared for the best. I was brought about by the whistle of the kettle and Mark's voice. Everything was gathered and I was sitting at his side once more. He looked up at me with a look of desperation, he drew in a breath to steady himself and began to speak

"I have quite a decision here R-R, a Emily. Keep my life of showdowns and shootouts, robbing banks, hiding out in caves and sleeping on the ground. Or take up a life of honest hard work beside a beautiful woman, who will lay beside me and fill my life with a joy I have never felt. I must say I don't know which to choose." At that moment my heart fell in the pit of my stomach, at least that is until I looked at Mark and saw the smile that began to turn up the edges of his lips.
"You are a turkey mister!" I chuckled at him "If you have chosen what I think you have. I will no longer call you Mark.....but Johnny. I am sure by now that your brother now has a new name as well. I must warn you that if you ever decide to go back I wil shoot you before you can do so. After all we can not have a Mark Dalton ghost running loose can we?" As that was spoken my hand moved to my revolver and his firmly grasped over the top of it. "That won't be necessary, I assure you." He said softly with a smile.

The two of them stayed curled together, sleep taking them under until Rex would return and wake them....

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

"Holy shit, Keith!" Chester finally spurts out, "Is my hearing alright, or did I just hear you get soft for a moment?"

Keith laughs as the two of them leave the Sherrif's office and make for the Inn.

"No, Chester. You have heard me right. Now that my mind is made up, I'm fixing to leave as soon as possible." Keith stops in the middle of the street. "I was wonderin' if you ever considered going back on the range. I could always do with a pardner. Someone to watch my back. It would be like old times."...

 

[The_high_king]

Chester

Considering my 'night life', I quickly said, "I doubt I could settle down on one of em' farms Keith. I'm not that type of person. Maybe it would suit a different person, but not me. No sirree bob". I then thought about Red, and the possibility that... nah, not in a million years. Not that I didn't like her, I just didn't think it was possible.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

"Fair enough." Keith says as they enter the Inn. "Anyway, I don't know about you but I could eat a horse."

Subconsciously, Keith scans the room and there she is, eating her meal. She looks up...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

I caught his eyes across the room as I was finishing up my meal. Smiling, I motioned him with my eyes to come over and join me.

 

[The_high_king]

Chester

I found a seat at the far end of the inn. I called out, and said, "waitress, I feel like steak tonight. Well done steak, and a glass of water", and the waitress was off. As I sat there waiting for my food, I turned my head to see what Keith, and Joe were up to.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

Leaving Chester, Keith moses up to Joe's table.

"Wal, howdy ma'am, " he says, lifting his hat, "Would you care for some company?"...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

Smiling, I nodded and answered, "Yes, please join me? I do have some things to talk to you about.." I let the serving woman remove my plate and bring me a nice big piece of cake.
"You look like you've been thinking tonight, all serious in those eyes. Care to tell me whats on your mind Keith?" I sat studying him a moment, wondering if I dared to push further than I would normally go for?



The Marshall

"Send this wire to Tumbleweed."
"Yes sir."
He turned and walked back out, climbing into the stage heading east. He had a mind to visit the capital, and take in some relaxation now that all this mess was complete. No more Dupree threatening the state with his lies and no more Dalton gang. His cliente could buy the property He wanted with no hassels now or fear of trouble makers.

The wire:

Attention City of Tumbleweed, Colorado. It is here by appointed that the local Deputy Chester ______ (insert name I forgot it) Is now acting Sheriff, as of this day in June, 1889. Pay is to be standard pay of all acting Sheriff's with a twenty five cent bonus each month for each arrest that is an honest broken law.
Marshall Black.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

"It's that obvious?" He asks as he slides into the seat opposite hers.

She nods with a smile.

So he tells her of his plans, that he is going to resign tomorrow (it's too late now) and go back to what he loves the most, ranching...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

I smiled at him, listening to his story.
"That sounds really nice Keith.." I didn't really think I was fitting into his plans, but I wasn't expecting anything anyways.
"I have officially retired as Bounty Hunter, and Tomorrow I move into the Dupree Ranch and make it my own." I chuckled at his surprised look.
"Vincent passed away yesterday I guess or this morning, and catherine is returning to Boston to be with her parents. So the ranch was given to me. And half the lands they held. Red was given the other half. Looks like I am starting up my stud ranch... Settling down finally." I grinned broadly, and sipped my drink.
"So here's a toast to happy endings and new beginnings.." I toasted his glass and drank down my lemonaid.

 

[Tibxo]

Keith

"So here's a toast to happy endings and new beginnings."

Keith gulps down his glass, hoping that the whiskey will wash away his disappointment. It doesn't. Putting the glass down, a waitress comes over and takes his order. After she has gone, he looks long and hard at Joe.

"So!" he says finally, "Is this it? You to have your stud ranch, me to go back onto the range?"...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Joe

"Well, Actually you could always come work for me Keith? I will need some handy men around for herding and so forth..You interested?" I smiled, my mind working furiously over time here, wondering if he was going to take that offer or not and if he could read my mind just yet?

 

[The_high_king]

Chester

"My God!", I thought. "He really is going over to the soft side. Hes going to be Joe's hubby, and bring cattle in, and stuff", I thought. I saddened me too see my partner deputy just drop everything like this. But this was his choice, and not mine. I had no right to interfere in his life. Although, he was going to be dearly missed.