WILD WILD WEST

[Moneytalks]

Vixen thoroughly enjoyed listening to Leg's and Lucky talk about old times with John. The more she heard the more she liked. They seemed to talk for ages. Despite working in a Saloon herself, Vixen wasn't used to drinking. Hardly ever touched the stuff but with Lucky insisting it was on the house and Legs and John clearly had a strong stomach for the stuff she found herself drinking with them almost drink for drink.

Finally she had to blink carefully as the room started to look a little blurry. She looked carefully at Lucky and she could swear she saw two of him. She hiccuped and covered her mouth with her hand giggling. "Ooops!" She laughed. Legs looked at her carefully, "hey hon, you okay there?" Vixen laughed again and nodded emphatically the movement proved to much for her however and she slipped off the bar stool and almost fell over. John was quick to grab her before she fell. She giggled again and pointed randomly. "Heeyyyy!" She said smiling, "the room is moving!"

Legs and Lucky laughed shaking their heads. Lucky raised a brow at John, "looks like the lil' lady can't hold her drink son!" He smiled his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Vixen pouted and threw a glare over at that remark.
"I'll have you know Siiiirrr..." she stammered, "I am NOT drunk!"
"Noooo course you ain't honey..." Lucky laughed
Vixen nodded in agreement and fell even heavier into Johns embrace. He manouved her limp body so that he could hold her closely lifting her up so she wouldn't fall to the floor. He looked down at her flushed face in surprise and had to admit, she looked kinda cute all groggy like that. She smiled at him and giggle, "you're so SEXY Johnny Cook!"

He eyes widened at this precise comment. Legs laughed heartily and nudged John's arm like a conspirator, "oh yes Johnny, you surely are MOST sexy!" She laughed at the blush that infused his face. "Yes he is!" Vixen said loudly, "a very very sexy man!" She moaned as the room clearly spun for her again. She sagged into his arms completely and John lifted her up carrying her. She smiled up at him, "my sexy Johnny!" she crooned up at him.

Just then the Saloon door swung open and Jake stood there. He stalked over to John and glared at him and then at Vixen. "What the hell is goin on here then?" He growled. John looked at him in surprise. "Listen boy," Jake hissed, "that there lady works for me and was due up on my stage 30 minutes ago! What the hell have ya done to her?"

"Jakey?" Vixen murmered, "Jakey would you shut-up my head hurts!" Vixen pouted. Jake looked down at her in surprise.
"Vixen? Are you drunk?" Vixen snuggled deeper into Johns arms and ignored the question all together. John just shrugged his shoulders. Legs piped up, "John, you can lay her down in my room if ya like and I'm sure there is a spare room next door for you too if ya like, unless you plan on going home to sleep?"

John shook his head, "here would be fine Legs, lead the way"
Jake watched them go upstairs and stared at Lucky in frustration. Lucky just grinned and said, "son, looks like you'll need to make other arrangements for yer entertainment... better yet... why don't ya just send your crowd over here?" He laughed as Jake stormed off back to his own Saloon.

[Edited by Moneytalks on 07-25-2000 at 08:15 AM]

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She was still laughing when she and Morgan headed upstairs for their talk. "Morgan, you always knew how to make everyone laugh. Thank you, I needed that. I just didn't realize how much John's coming back affected me." she smiled at her friend and giggled when she heard some woman babbling who was clearly drunk.

"Don't laugh honey. I remember a time when you came to Lucky's and got so drunk you couldn't even stand up straight. You should have seen yourself, you wanted Lucky to give you a job so you could show John Cook that you didn't need him. You should thank your stars I was there that night, or you would have ended up in some strange cowboys bed."

Laura sobered. "You're right. I hurt so much the next morning, and you nursed me back from my hangover. But you know what, the hangover was nothing compared to what I felt when John didn't come back to me. And now that he's back I don't know what to do. I still love him, but I don't want to hurt Lewis. He doesn't deserve that. What do you think Morgan?"

"What I think, is that we should discuss this in private, not out in the hall where anyone could..." the door across from them opened and out stepped John and Legs. They could a woman mumbling in her sleep.

Laura's eyes got big and her mouth formed a large O, her eyes locked on John.

 

[Darb]

ooc: LOL,,,great scene money!!!

ic:
With the overly-exuberant Vixen in his arms, John followed Legs through the crowd of roughnecks to the stairs. The men hardly seemed notice them as they were laughing so hard at Morgan's show. They threesome made there way up the stairs and down the hall.
"Here's my room John, you can lay her down on the bed." said Legs motioning with her finger.
"Johnny Cook is that your gun, *hiccup*, or are you just happy to be holding me?"aske Vixen blinking her eyes at his and laughing at the same time.
"Miss Vixen, I'm always happy to be with you, but that I'm afraid is my gun."replied John flashing his sexy smile down at the drunken beauty.
"Oh Darn,"said Vixen as John laid her down on Legs' bed.
John began to stand up and take Vixens arms around from his neck when she suddenly pulled him on top of her with surprising strength.
"Miss Vixen"said John surprised"I.."
he didn't have time to finish as she crushed his mouth with hers. She tried to gain entrance into his mouth with her tongue but John clamped his mouth shut, and began to laugh at the whole scene.
"Why are you laughing Johnny?" asked Vixen as he pulled away from her embrace.
"Miss Vixen, this is not the way I envisioned me kissing you for the first time. I'm not even sure you'll remember this in the morning" John replied looking down at her.
She smiled coyly and then her eyes closed.
"Well, John, it looks like some things never change" Legs said with a sarcastic tone, "every woman I knew always wanted to do that, but you were so wrapped up in Laura.."
she trailed off.
"That's nonsense, Legs,"replied John shyly, " come on I've got to ask Lucky some more questions now that she's asleep"
with that the two headed back down to the bar where Morgan was finishing up her show


[Edited by Darb on 07-25-2000 at 08:49 AM]

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She watched John's retreating back. Luckily he hadn't spotted her. Morgan had other ideas. "Were gonna see exactly what that boy thinks of you. Come on honey." She pulled Laura into her dressing room and started painting her face and rearranging her hair. When she was finished she pulled Laura to her wardrobe and bullied her into the sexiest dress she had ever seen. It was scarlett red with a low square neck that showed off more of Laura's bust than it conceled.

"Now, I want you to go downstairs and get onto that stage and sing that song all the cowboys love."

Laura looked at her friend like she was nuts. "I can't do that. Not only would I embarass myself, I would embarass Lewis and I absolutely refuse to do that."

Morgan started pushing her out the door. "MORGAN I SAID NO!"

But Morgan wasn't listening.

 

[Darb]

Legs and John made their way back to the bar to find Lucky serving up the shots to a very dirty roughneck that had come in. He was dusty from head to toe, and his language wasn't much better.
"Come on you fucking old bastard, keep that goddammn whiskey coming!" Lucky seemed a little flustered with the whole situation.
"Lucky, is everything ok here?"John asked standing just to the side of the roughneck.
"What the hell are staring at you fucking prick!?" the roughneck glared at John.
"Excuse me, sir,"replied John,"but I believe I asked the bartender not you, so if you don't mind, I believe he has a tongue and understood my question."
The roughneck gave a long hard glance at John, worked up a large wad of spit from his chaw and spit it on John's boots.
Then turned and threw back another shot.
"John, it's ok," said Lucky nervously from behind the bar "let him be"
John stared at the roughneck, looked at Lucky and said"I'll be sittin' right over yonder if ya need me Lucky."
Lucky gave him a nod and John and Legs made their way to a table near the back of the room.
They took their seats only to hear several loud whistles and cheers come from the front of the room near the stage.
"And now gentleman, for your viewing and listening pleasure, The Gold Digger Saloon, proudly presents the lovely, the talented, the well endowed (wink) Laura!"
The buxom blonde stepped back and the curtain began to rise showing Laura standing there kind of awkwardly in a very revealing, sexy red dress. The cat calls were coming from everywhere. Laura stood there and the longer she stood the more confident she became. John had NEVER seen her like this before. He felt an urge in his pants and had to shift his position at the sight of his former lover.
"This is going to be quite interesting" he said to Legs.

 

[poohlive]

Lewis shot up in bed, his whole body covered in sweat. HE breathed deeply, already forgetting the nightmare. It was about... eyes, someone watching him. No, it was gone, already forgotten, but still scary. Lewis looked outside, it was still pitch black, he could have sworn it would have been daylight by now.
Lewis rose from his bed, still a bit sleepy. He put on shirt, following up by his pants, and left the house.
After nightmares it was good to get a little drink, just to calm the stomach.
Lewis opened a cabinet, there was some flour, and cofee, but no liquor. Lewis thought back to the last time he had to have a drink after a nightmare, but couldn't remember. Ever since Laura had entered his life, nightmares just left the picture. Why was tonight so different?
Well, where is he going to get a drink. Suddenly, the Gold Digger Saloon came to mind, they were usually open this late, he could pop in, get a drink, and pop out. No fuss, no muss.
Lewis left the house, and got on one of the horses. He sprinted out to the saloon, knowing the sooner he got in there, the sooner he could leave.
Before he knew it, Lewis saw the lights of the bar in the distance. Then he was right there. Lewis hitched up the horse to a post outside, and walked in. There was some hooting and hollering upstage, but Lewis didn't bother with that, he just wanted to get a drink, and leave.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he heard a voice from the center stage.
"... the well endowed, Laura!"
Lewis looked up, and saw his fiance, in the sexiest dress she has ever worn. His jaw dropped. All the guys were gawking at her, and by the looks of it, she liked it.
Lewis felt something come up from him. He couldn't stop it, maybe if he left, forgot about it. But no, it was too late, it was already out of his mouth.
"WHAT THE HELL!!!!!"

 

[Moneytalks]

OOC: Thanx Darb honey! [winks]

IC: Vixen slept soundly. She looked peaceful. Her carefully done head of curls had started to come undone and her long silky dark tresses loosened to frame her face on the pillow. She muttered something as she slept and suddenly her warm brown eyes opened wide as she screamed herself awake. She sat bolt upright on the bed and almost screamed again when she didn't recognise where she was. Her head was pounding horribly.

She groaned and cursed harshly in a very unlady like manner. Her mouth felt like sandpaper and she could hear the muffled sounds of numerous voices floating in from downstairs. She squinted looking around her at the small room she was in. Where was she? She wondered. She tried to concentrate and remember what happened and then groaned at the effort. Carefully she swung her legs of the bed and looked down at her ruffled clothing. She cringed. She slept in her clothes? She shook her head and instantly regretted it.

"Ooooohhhh!" She moaned. She saw a jug and basin in one corner of the room and judged the distance it would take to reach it. Taking a deep breath she pushed herself up from the bed and staggered clutching at the chest of drawers nearest her as her world started to spin crazily followed by spinning spots which added to the momentum. She shut her eyes and took deep breaths trying to calm herself before she opened them again. She looked at the basin and with steely determination pushed herself towards it. With a sigh of relief she reached it and with shaking hands she poured the cold water into the basin. Gritting her teeth she splashed the water on her face. Bleary eyes she looked up into the mirror hanging before her and groaned anew. She looked awful she thought. Her hair was all over the place and her carefully applied makeup was ruined. She continued to wash her face despite the pounding in her head until all the make-up was washed away. She looked up and looked at herself blankly. Without make-up she looked so young, she thought. Sighing she began to undo her hair completely. She spied a brush and made good use of it. The bristles hurt her scalp but she welcomed the pain as it was far better than concentrating on the pounding in her skull.

Finally she finished and her long silky dark hair fell across her shoulders and down her back in soft waves. Her dress looked like it had been slept in but there wasn't anything she could do about that. Finally she realised she had to find out where the hell she was. She walked carefully to the bedroom door and opened it. She peeped out into the hallway and realised she didn't recognise it either. She shivered as she realised it was dark outside. She spied a shawl and wraped it around herself. She couldn't have looked more different from when she arrived if she tried but she didn't realise the pretty picture she made as she slowly made her way down the stairs making good use of the banister to keep herself from falling.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn checked his pocket watch again. John should have come to the office by now. Dicky was getting restless.
"Lynn go out and find John Cook and bring him to the jail," the sheriff snorted. "I'll be here waiting."
"I'll find him Dicky," the deputy replied. He headed out to the towns main street and heard a commotion from the saloon. He walked right into Jake McCloud.

"Bourgeois your short this month. Where's my money."
"I've paid all I can McCloud. I'm got a family to raise." Lynn angered reached for his gun.
"Go ahead. Shoot me, you know you won't get away with it. Then who'll care for those kids." Lynn let his hand fall and stood nose to nose with Jake. "Get out of my way," Jake said as he charge past the deputy.
"I'll kill him one day," Said Lynn as he watched the man storm off.

He entered the saloon and stopped. He couldn't believe it. He saw Laura in a hole new light. Then he saw Lewis.
He quickly went up behind John, tapped his shoulder and said, "Get over to the sheriff's office, now John. Please go easy." John looked Lynn in the eyes, then down to his hand holding his colt.

 

[Moneytalks]

It was at that precise moment when John was trying to decide how serious Lynn was that Vixen lost her balance and fell down the remaining few stairs. She lay crumpled on the floor not far from the bar. Lucky shouted out in surprise and Lewis was the first one to reach her. There was a vicious looking cut along her forehead and it was bleeding heavily. Lewis looked down at the pale now unconsious face and didn't recognise her. The sweet face with the dark silky hair looked so young he wondered who she was.

"Vixen!" John cried out as he rushed over kneeling beside Lewis and the unconsious woman. Lewis looked at him in stunned disbelief and then down at the woman in his arms. Vixen? This was that tramp who worked at Jake's Saloon? He couldn't believe it. Vixen's arm fell limply to her side and this brought Lewis out of his daze. "Hey, grab some sort of bandage so we can stop this bleeding quickly!" He ordered. John jumped up and ran behind the bar to where he knew Lucky kept his first aid kit. He hunkered down beside Lewis who still held Vixen in his arms. Quickly John found a bandage and managed to wrap it around the girls head. The blood seeped through immediately making the cloth red. Lewis managed to stand and pick her up in his arms. She was very light.

Lynn stepped up and got John's attention. "Looks like Lewis has her John, she'll be taken to the doc, you cain't do much more for her. The sheriff is waiting." John nodded and followed Lynn out of the Saloon. Legs rushed over to Lewis with a blanket and used it to cover Vixen. "I sent word to the doc already Lewis, he's expectin' ya..." Lewis nodded and walked quickly outside, finding his way down to the doc's office. His mind was in turmoil. That man was John? Was that the reason behind Laura's strange mood. He gritted his teeth, suddenly recalling her daring outfit and how she had looked standing on that stage. Damn! He thought to himself what the hell was going on.

He heard Vixen moan softly. He held her tighter to him so she wouldn't fall. Finally they reached the doc's office and he placed her carefully down on the bed there. Doc Halloway inspected the cut after carefully cleaning it up. "Looks like she lost a bit of blood, but the cut isn't as bad as it looked... " he told Lewis as he carefully applied a special sticking plaster and then used clean bandages to wrap up her head again. She looked frighteningly pale. The doc used smelling salts under her nose and she coughed and spluttered and winced as she came to. She looked dazed. Doc smiled kindly at her, "well there little miss, you gave us all quite a scare, you should be careful in future when coming down stairs." She looked at him incomprehendingly. "Lewis here brought you in, I'm sure he'll get you get home safely." They helped her to a sitting position and she moaned in pain reaching up to touch her head. She seemed startled by the bandages. Doc looked to Lewis, "make sure she comes back in tomorrow to get those bandages changed and here is something for the pain." Lewis almost protested realising that doc had mistaken him for her boyfriend or something but the doc was tired and was shooing them out the door. Vixen leaned heavily against Lewis' side and he wrapped a protective arm about her as he lead her towards Jake's Saloon, thinking it was no place for an injured Lady to be.

 

[Jonas]

Lynn kept a hand on John's shoulder to steady his progress toward the sheriffs office.
"John, why did you come back here. I know it wasn't to see old friends again. You could have went to prison for what you did son. You can't just shot the sheriff." John shook of the deputies hand.
"Are you planning to arrest me Lynn?" John stopped and faced the deputy. The two old friends stared each other down for a moment. First John and then Lynn began to laugh breaking the tension.
"No John your not under arrest. That's why you still have your pistol. Dicky wants some answers, and perhaps an apology. You could have killed him. So tell me, how the hell are ya."

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen stopped and Lewis looked down at her questioningly. She looked up at him and he saw from her expression that she was still in a bit of pain.

Her smile held the little bit of spark that was her trade-mark though. She blushed, "I must look a dreadful sight!" She laughed and instantly regretted it holding a hand to her throbbing temple. He looked down at her in surprise. Only a woman would think of a thing like that after having fallen down the stairs and almost killing herself he thought.

He smiled in amusement back down at her. "No, you look real pretty Ms... " He paused, it just didn't seem right to call her Vixen. Vixen noticed his hesitation and helped him out, "call me Lucinda, Lucinda Malone, thats what my momma named me and I suppose since you saved my life, you can call me that too." He smiled, "Lucinda..." He liked that name, "Lucinda," he said again, "I didn't save your life, but I'm sure glad I was able to get you out of there, wasn't no place for a real Lady to be."

Vixen blushed hottly, "I'm no Lady Mr. Sutherland," she looked away and he almost thought he saw a saddness in her eyes. "Mr. Sutherland, would... " she started, "I know you're engaged and all, and I really don't mean any offense, but... I know you have a large ranch out of town."
Lewis nodded in the affirmative. "Could, could I bother you for a room there for a couple of days?... I'll pay you honest I would, it's just, I don't feel up to staying at the Saloon feeling like I do." She blushed hottly clearly embarrassed for having asked. "No, actually forget I said anything," she mumbled starting forward again.

Lewis held her arm and didn't move forcing her to stop in her tracks and look back at him. "Ms Malone, I'm sure seeing as I have a cook and several employees that no one would dare say I had any ulterior motive if that's why you've taken back the request."
She looked at him carefully, "no... I... it's not you..." she lowered her head, "I guess I never really thought about it before, but... I guess I have a reputation, wouldn't matter that you had good intentions, I'd manage to smug up your good name for sure."
Lewis frowned at this admition. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Well hell, I'm a big boy, and you're a sick woman, it would be just completely ungentlemanly for me to send you back to that saloon when you need to be recuperating."
Vixen's eyes brightened at his kind words, but she shook her head. "No, thats okay Lewis, you've been more than kind enough to me... "

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She stood in shock on the stage. She understand what had come over her. John had been staring at her and then Lewis had come in, but he had taken Vixen to the doc's place. She would have to deal with him later. Right now, she needed to talk to John. She needed to know what had happened and why he had come back. She bounded off the stage, forgetting that she was in a very seductive red dress, and marched to the sheriff's office. She put her hand on the door, but had to take a minute to steady her nerves. She was ready, but stopped when she heard the sheriff and John talking. She didn't want to interupt, but she couldn't go home, not yet, so she stood there listening to a conversation she never should have heard.

 

[poohlive]

She shook her head. "No, thats okay Lewis, you've been more than kind enough to me... "
Lewis put his foot down, so to speak, "Lucinda, you are going to rest up, and get better at my house. Now, I don't want to hear another word about it."
He said this matter of factly, ending the arguement. Gosh, she was so small, and petite, and now falling down those stairs, the poor girl.
Lewis walked her back to his horse, still hitched up at the Gold Digger Saloon. He wondered if Laura was still inside. A small pain entered his gut, Laura, why was she up there, why.
Lewis forced that thought out of his mind, he had more important things to consider, like gettin Lucinda to a nice warm bed.
"All right," he picked her up, knowing she couldn't get on the horse herself. She let out a little scream suprised at how strong he was. Lewis set her on the front of the horse, sidesaddled. There wasn't a saddle on the horse, however, Lewis didn't know he was bringing home company.
Lewis quickly mounted, holding Lucinda tightly in his arms, so she wouldn't fall off. If anyone would have seen, they might have mistake them for a couple.
"So, what do you like for breakfast?" Garret tried to break the silence, as the horse slowly galloped home.
"Most anything I imagined," she replied sleepily. He could smell alcohol on her breath, poor girl. She was figthing to keep her eyes open.
"Don't worry, Mary makes the best breakfast in the west, she can whip you up just about anything," he could tell she was already gone.
Lewis galloped home in silence, trying not to think about anything in particular, especially not Laura. He was sure she had a good explanation, sure of it. Yet every time he tried to rationalize it, he kept seeing her, on stage, with that scimpy outfit, and she was liking it, don't it beat all she was liking it.
Lewis shook his head, trying to get the thoughts out of his mind. Lucinda moved in her sleep, putting her head on his shoulders. Lewis silently thanked her. If she hadn't fallen when she did, the awkwardness might not have ever been over. She had gotten him out of that situation, the least he could do is give her comfortable room and board for a few days. Lewis got back to his house. He carefully took Lucinda off the horse, making sure not to wake her.
Lewis carried her nside. Lewis headed towards his bed, knowing it was the biggest and softest. He slid her between the covers, and pulled the blankets up to her neck. She looked very peaceful, but still a little pale.
Lewis left the room quietly. He went to his favorite chair, looking at the dying embers in the fire place. He tried not to think, but his mind wouldn't turn off. Then, hours later, as the first rays of light were coming over the horizon, Lewis finally closed his eyes, and went to sleep.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

OOC: i hope no one minds if i put my two cents in this story but help me along here ok?
Ic:
Revolver: i rode on into town on my pure bred black stallion heero. i looked around this quite little place an wondered if it needed some of the 'services' he could provide. i checked my colt single action army ot make sure it was fully loaded and half cocked but the safety was still on " you can never be too careful" i said to myselfi decided to hit one of the better saloons in town.. called the gold diggers saloon. i have been told an old contact of mine, Lynn Bourgeois, is in some serious debt. i owe him a few and have quite a bit of cash now from when i used to mine gold so i figger i'l look that one up when i get a chance.i walked into the gold diggers saloon and stepped up to the bar the bartender walked on up to me and said
"Howdy stranger , never seen you around here before. whats your name son?"
i told him
"Revolver, Revolver drekka. nice to meet you mr....?"
"just call me Lucky simpson mr.Revolver, what can i get ya?"
i smiled at this lucky guy.
"gimme a double whisky please, i have just had one helluva trip.."

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen sighed softly. Slowly coming out from her deep sleep. She stretched like a little kitten enjoying the sensation of the warm sunshine on her face. She stretched out and felt clean cotton sheets against her skin. She frowned. She slipped her hands under the covers and found herself still fully clothed.

She sat up in the bed abruptly and instantly regretted it. Her head throbbed something horrible. She sat holding her head in her hands willing the pain to subside. Slowly she opened her eyes again and looked around the large unfamiliar room. It was simply furnished, there weren't any frills here. Definitely a masculine feel to it she decided. As she let her mind wonder she realised that she didn't feel afraid here. She smiled to herself and the events of the previous night filtered through her mind. She blushed hotly. Remembering herself asking Lewis to let her stay here. She moaned to herself. "God, he must think I'm some... hopless hussy!" She covered her face truely mortified at the thought. She slipped out of the large bed and padded over to the window. She gasped in delight at the view. "My goodness!" She thought to herself, "this place is sooo beautiful!" She hadn't step foot out of the town since she had arrived last year and she didn't realise that the country could be so stunning. Green pastures rolled gently into the distance and she saw the dark green of the forest to the right. She looked down and was suprised to see a beautifully manicured garden full of rose bushes and other heavily scented flowers. She pushed open the window and instantly the fresh scent floated in on a cool breeze. She took a deep breath.

She realised suddenly, that she really didn't want to leave. She heard a knock on the door and turned to see a short old lady enter the room. The woman smiled politely at her and frowned as she saw Vixen's rumpled clothing. She shook her head and tsked. Vixen blushed thinking she must look a terrible sight. "I'll have some clothes brought up they'll be ready for you once you've bathed." She said briskly taking Vixen's hand and pulling her to another doorway. A bathing room. Already a steamed tub of water was waiting for her. She smelt lavander on the steam. She smiled happily pulling off her clothing quickly much to the approval of the kind old Lady. "My name is Sarah Ferguson Miss, I'll leave you to soak, there are plenty of towels"
"Thank you Sarah," Vixen sighed blissfully as she sank into the water and let the heat ease her aching body. Sarah picked up Vixen's crumpled clothing and left her to soak. Vixen must have been more tired than she realised. She dozed off again and only woke when she heard the polite knock. She awoke startled and stepped out of the bath grabbing a towel about herself. "Sarah?" she asked.
"No Miss, my name is Janet, I've brought you some clothes, Mrs Ferguson asked me to check they fit right."
"Okay!" Vixen dryed herself quickly and wrapped another towel around her hair turban like. She stepped out to see a rather plain looking young girl approximately her size. The dress laid out was simple. A deep blue with pretty white lace at the cuffs and around the flatteringly cut neck line. The style looked old but the material was of a good quality. She eagerly went to slip it on and looked startled when Janet moved to button it up for her. She wasn't used to maids. The dress fit quite well. Janet handed her a silk sash to tie around her waist as the previous owner was a bit fuller around the waist. She then knelt down and quickly pinned up the hem so Vixen wouldn't trip on it. "Thank you Janet," Vixen smiled kindly, "it's a lovely dress." Janet smiled. Vixen undid the towel from her head and sat before the mirror to do up her hair. "Miss.. could I?.. You have such beautiful hair, I'd love to try a new style I've been working on."
"Of course Janet, if you like... and please call me Vixen, everyone else does."
"Vixen Miss?"
Vixen blushed, "or Lucinda if you prefer"
"Oh, Lucinda is a beautiful name Miss.." she laughed at Vixen's pout, "Lucinda"
"Good then please show me this new style of yours"
Janet brushed out Vixen's hair gently and began to smooth the hair from her face. Vixen looked at the angry cut in her forehead. The plaster had fallen off and now a ugly bruise was forming around it. Janet then parted the back into several strands and plaited each seperately before carefuly aranging it into a sophisticaated knot at the back of Vixen's neck. The effect was truely elegant. Vixen was impressed, "wow you made me look like a real Lady Janet!" Vixen said surprised by her image.
"Lucinda, you already are a lady!" Janet laughed at Vixen's comment, "will you be wanting lunch now Miss?"
"Lunch? What time is it?" Vixen looked startled
"It's almost 3 in the afternoon Lucinda"
"3? I usually have morning tea now..."
"Morning tea?"
Vixen giggled at Janet's shocked expression.
"Well looks like I'll have to get used to regular peoples hours here!" Vixen laughed then moaned as her head started pounding again. Janet looked concerned at Vixen's suddenly pale face. Vixen quickly reassured her she was alright and would be down soon. She waited until Janet left and finally allowed herself to rest her head in her hands. The pain was awful. It throbbed and pierced her mind relentlessly. She moaned softly to herself fighting the sudden need she had to vomit from the intensity of it. She was just thankful she was sitting down.

[Edited by Moneytalks on 07-26-2000 at 07:07 AM]

 

[Darb]

ooc: this post is still in the early morning hours of the story...sorry

ic:
John looked at Lynn and laughed,"I sure wish things hadn't gone down the way they did Lynn."
"Let's let by-gones be by-gones!" Lynn said slapping them on the back.
Lynn opened the door to the sheriff's office and Dicky sat waiting behind his desk.
John's smile quickly left his face as the memory of Dicky killing his father shot quickly through his mind.
"John", Dicky said nodding his head.
"Dicky" John said back returning the nod.
"You look well, son" Dicky said looking John over," I must say I never thought I'd see you around here again after what happened."
"Well, Dicky, I never thought I'd be back either."John replied.
"Sit down John, there's something I need to tell you." Dicky motioned his hand to the chair on the other side of his desk. John and Lynn both took a seat and removed their hats and sidearms.
"John, that Sunday morning...well I wish I could have it back. I would do things completely differently."Dicky said in a shaky voice.
"Sheriff, don't worry about that. You were doing you're job. I didn't know what was going on. All I knew was that I saw you shoot my dad, and in that moment all I wanted to do was kill you. I thank God to this day that my hand jumped and I didn't kill you." John said looking into the sheriff's eyes. Dicky ran his fingers over his neck across the scar.
"Well, I'll certainly never forget that day." dicky responded

"John, why are you here? I mean, not that you can't be, but there has to be a pretty good reason for you to come back. there's still a lot of folks upset with you because of your dad. I don't know if you know this but those injuns he was in dealins with raided our town about a month after that incident and killed six people with the guns your dad gave to them."
"I...didn't know that sheriff. I'm sorry. I'm not my father. The things he did were terrible, and I shouldn't be punished for his crimes."
"You're not going to be, John, but some people have a different opinion about that, ya know, like father like son kind of thing!" the sheriff said.
"Sheriff, I'm not here to cause any trouble, in fact I'm hoping that my being here will clear up a lot this crap."
"So John, why are you here?" Lynn interjected.
"Well boys, while I was in mexico about a year ago, I ran into a Injun named Sakudo, who come to find out was from the cherokee tribe that my father was in dealins with. He didn't know who I was, and after a few drinks he was really starting to let his tongue loose. I certainly became very interested when he said my fathers name. It seems that he had been banished from his tribe because he impregnated a rival tribe members daughter. Anyway, he said that the medicine-man in his tribe had received a potion from the spirit world. This potion, he called, the Liquid of Life.
I knew what he was talking about, because that day before you and Lynn barged in I saw the chief take the potion from a bag. I didn't know what it was then, but now I do, and that's why I'm back." John said
"Liquid of Life, John that sounds like an old-wives tale" Dicky said laughing.
"No sir it's not! This Liquid of Life, if you drink just a drop of it, they say that nothing could harm you. No matter what happens you will never die, and that's just the beginning of the power that comes on you."
Dicky and Lynn started laughing so hard they almost fell out of their chairs.
"Really, John, why are you here?"asked the sheriff.
"I'm not asking you to believe me sheriff, and I don't care if you do, but the answer to some of my questions about this thing is in this town somewhere. As soon as I find it, I'll be on my way and out of here forever."
"You're serious aren't you?"Lynn asked
"Lynn, you've known me for a long time, I've never been more serious about anything in my entire life. If what they say about this potion is true than I want to make sure I'm the one who finds it and destroys it before someone else can get it and use it for God knows what!"
"Destroy it?" Lynn asked surprised.
"Lynn, the way I see it is like this. IF God wanted us to live forever and have crazy powers he would have made us like that, but he didn't, so anything that's different from that I figure it to be of the Devil. It made my pa, a God fearing man, do some of the most evil things I could think of for it. I figure, the way I can avenge my pa's death is to find this potion and destroy it so know one else is pulled into its awesome trap."
"Well john, whether I believe you or not, I hope that you find the peace you're looking for."the sheriff said
"Thank you sheriff, if that's all?" john asked
the sheriff nodded that it was so John stood, grabbed his hat and his gun and headed for the door. He turned before he left.
"Lynn, come by Lucky's later tomorrow, I got something I want to show you, that I think will really perk your interest!"
"Sure, John, I'll see ya tomorrow."
John headed out the door back towards Lucky's place to find a bed.

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:


She stood at her window and watched the town, wondering what she was supposed to do now. She had heard things last night that she knew she shouldn't have. She had bolted before they had discovered her there. She needed to talk to John. No, said a voice, you need to talk to Lewis. You probably embarassed him something fierce last night and you owe him an explanation. She ignored the thought.

Laura grabbed her wrapper and walked out of the house towards the sheriff's office. Maybe he would know where to find John. "Morning Sheriff."

He looked up from his paper work.

"Well, mornin' Ms. Laura, and what do we owe the honor of your visit this morning?"

"Well, I need to speak with John Cook. Do you know where I can find him? It's kind of important."

The sheriff studied her for a moment. "I have no idea where John is, but if I see him, I'll tell him you're looking for him."

"Thank you sheriff. Would you tell him to come out to the tree. He'll know what I'm talking about. If you see him that is."

"Sure thing Ms. Laura. You have a fine day."

"You too sheriff." Laura walked out, having the strange feeling the sheriff was lying to her, and he knew exactly where to find John. What was going on around here?

 

[Jonas]

Lynn limped out of the sheriff's office intending to head home. Passing the saloon he sees a familiar looking horse.
He, stops to take a closer look. On the saddle he finds the initials...."I'll be a horned toad. It can't be." He walked in the saloons door and confirmed his suspicion. No one in town knew of his past, his crimes. He had to preserve his life here. He walked up to the bar.
"Hello Revolver. It's been a while."

 

[poohlive]

Lewis leaned back, cricking his neck. It had been a long day on the farm, but there it was, the entire field was plowed.
Lewis unhitched the horse, putting it back in the barn. He dropped a few flakes of hay for the tired fellow, then went into the house.
He could tell b the sun it was three o'clock. That meant Sarah should have lunch ready by now. She had always made the best meals, that was the exact reason why he had hired her. Lewis wasn't the best cook in the world.
Even flies knew he wasn't the best cook in the world.
Lewis stepped inside, instantly he felt a cold rush of air. It must have been 20 degrees cooler inside. He breathed in the cold air, feeling much better.
Lewis walked into the dining room. There was only Hank, a hire hand on the farm. He must have finished early.
"Hank,"Lewis said, "get the horses hitched to the wagon as soon as lunch is finished. Vi..."Lewis stopped himself, remembering the beautiful name, "Lucinda has a date with a doctor."
Hank nodded in agreement. Lewis had a few errands to do in town as well, but more importantly, he had to go see Laura.
He wasn't as angry with her as he should have been. What she was doing last night. Yet, since Lucinda had calmed down the situation, he felt more better about it. He always felt more relaxed around, isn't that odd.
Lewis waited for lunch, and Lucinda.

 

[Roland Gilliad]

Revolver: i turned around at the familiar voice and smiled. good ol Lynn
"Yep it sure has old pal....hows life been treatin ya?I hear tell you lost quite a large bet a while back an are in some serious debt.I may be able to help ya.But nows not the time for business sit down lemme buy ya a drink and lets talk about old times" he skipped the drink but sat down and we started to talk about the old days in quiet voices.

[Edited by Roland Gilliad on 07-26-2000 at 09:32 PM]

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen slowly recovered from the pounding in her head. She looked up in the mirror and almost blanched. She looked sickly pale. She shivered slightly and took a deep breath. She wiped the sheen of sweat that wet her brow after the ordeal. Truth be told, this sudden pain in her head was scaring her something shocking. It far outweighed the bruising on her leg and arm from that fall down the stairs.

All she knew was that Lewis was just about the kindest man in the world and she didn't want him to worry. She pinched her cheeks to get a bit of colour back in them and then bit her lips to get the blood into them. She looked mildly better. She stood carefully and smoothed down the beautiful material of the dress they had lent her. She almost laughed, she really did look like a prim and proper little lady. She never imagined she could look like this. She sighed to herself. She wondered if her life had been different and she hadn't been forced to make her own way in life, whether or not she would be walking around town like Laura with all the respect and love she obviously had.

"Oh well girl, stop feeling sorry for y'self." She told herself harshly. She left the room and looked around. "Damn but this is a big house," she thought to herself. She stopped at the top of the stairs and hesitated, flash back memories of the night before causing her to grip the banister tightly. She took a deep breath and took a hesitant step forward. She almost laughed at herself for feeling so scared, she was drunk last night after all and she'd gone down a million stairs hadn't she?

Finally she found the dinning room by following her nose. The smell was heavenly. She peeked into the large room and was suddenly overcome by shyness. Would Lewis laugh at her in this getup? He'd clearly see she didn't usual dress like this. She saw him sitting there at the table and she felt her heart skip a beat. What was wrong with her she wondered? She smoothed down her skirt again for the hundredth time and pushed open to door and entered the room. She looked at Lewis briefly but was afraid to see his expression so she lowered her gaze quickly. "Umm..." she whispered, "s..sorry to keep you waiting.. Mr Sutherland"

 

[ShyGoddess]

Laura:

She paced under the old tree, waiting for John. She knew what he was looking for, and she knew where to find it. It wasn't her fault, it had been an accident. Those indians who had come that day, they had buried it in a cigar box near this very tree.

She had been there that day, crying her eyes out because John had let without an explaination, or even taking her with him. Luckily they hadn't spotted her or heard her muffled weeping. She had walked back to town and forgotten about them, but that had changed when she heard they were part of the reason the man she loved had left.

So, Laura had gone back and dug it up, and buried it where no one would find it. Under the roses in the church garden. No one really went there but her. Those indians had never come back into town, she didn't even know if they had come back to this tree.

She was praying that John would.

 

[Darb]

John woke late in the afternoon. It had been awhile since he had gotten a real good nights rest. He got dressed and shaved and then headed down stairs. Lucky had been kind enough to let him use one of the rooms upstairs. He came down the stairs to see John and a man he thought he had seen before sittin at the bar talking quietly letting out a laugh every now and then. John walked down to them and said good morning. John's eyes met with the strangers and he gave him a nod. They both just looked at each other trying to place where they knew each other from.
"Good morning to ya, John, ya get rested up?"
"Ya,Lynn, I feel much better. Hey listen, I need to run something by you later if you got the time"
"Ya, sure John, I'll be around." Lynn replied
John gave Lucky, Lynn and the stranger a nod and headed outside. He untied his horse and swung up on top.
John took a deep breath and then headed out to the tree.

 

[poohlive]

Two things went through his mind at once. First, she was the most beautiful person Lewis had ever seen, and second, she was up and walking by herself.
Lewis cursed himself for forgetting she was still hurt. He got up quickly, and went over to her. Lewis held her tight, making sure she wasn't going to fall. There was a warmth that elevated from her body, Lewis felt so peaceful next to her, almost as if he could hold her all da...
Lewis shook his head, what was he thinking, he was about to be married. Still, the thought wouldn't leave him.
"Come here," he said pointing toward a chair next to his, "Let me help you sit down."
"Please, my leg feels much better, you don't have to..." but it was too late, she was already sitting, Lewis took the chair next to hers.
"So, how was your sleep?" he asked.
"Fine," she said. He didn't realize it, but he was staring at her. He didn't even know he was doing it until he found out she was staring at him too.
Garret coughd, trying to break the tension, it didn't seem to work. Lewis just couldn't get over how lovely she looked. She looked nothing like the person who was always in the Gold Digger, she looked like a lady, like a woman, like a wife.
Lewis cursed himself again, what was going over him. He hoped lunch would calm some of this down.
"Lucinda, after lunch the doctor said he would like a check up of you, and I have a few errands to run in town. You don't mind, do you?"
"Sure, my leg has been acting up, and I would like to see Doc Halloway again."
Lewis nodded in agreement, finding himself staring at her again. Just then Sarah came in, carrying a big platter.
"Anyone want some lunch?" she asked, setting it down on the table.

 

[Moneytalks]

Vixen found herself sitting at the table with Lewis starring at her. She must look frightful she thought to herself, trying to lower her gaze but finding herself looking at him also. He looked so different here, at his own ranch. Everytime she saw him in town he seemed distant, here she could see a light in his eyes, he clearly loved this place.

She found herself blushing when Sarah walked in with a huge tray covered in freshly prepared food from the kitchen. Vixen hadn't realised how hungry she was. She hoped this was a good sign and prayed she wouldn't have one of those headaches in front of Lewis. She would be so embarrassed if she caused him anymore trouble she thought. She couldn't help but take little glances at him. He was so handsome, how come she never noticed before? She had to stop thinking these things she thought, he was engaged to be married to Laura. Laura was the most beautiful lady in town! With this sobering thought she managed to get though lunch finding she had just lost her appetite. She nibbled daintly at the food hoping no one would notice she wasn't actually eating much.

Lewis always the gentleman helped her to her feet when she had insisted she was full. He looked unconvinced but seemed to let it go at that. He found a shawl for her and helped her onto the buggy. He noticed her wince as her aching muscles moved to board it. He frowned to himself, but again said nothing.

Once in the buggy Vixen managed to relax, feeling the pain in her leg and arm ease as she sat enjoying the fresh air and the view of his property from this side of the house. "Your place here is so beautiful Lewis," she commented. She couldn't believe how much she just wanted to stay here. She wondered if now they were going back to town Lewis expected her to return to her own rooms a the Saloon on Main Steet. She didn't think she could face Jake, he'd be furious at her for missing her show. People like Jake didn't take kindly to being left stranded no matter what the reason. Vixen usually could handle him but with these headaches she was having she didn't think she could face him. Also the rooms there were always so smokey and smelled of bourbon, no matter how often she tried to air it out and keep it clean.

Finally they reached Doc Halloway's place and Lewis rather than helping her down picked her up and carried her in. Vixen protested and then laughed as Lewis told her to be still or he'd drop her right there. She wrapped her arms around him instead and Doc looked at her loving embrace with approval. Vixen blushed and hoped Lewis would put her down soon before she did something embarrassing. Thankfully he placed her on the examining table. "I've got some errands to run Lucinda, but I'll be back in about half an hour okay? I'm sure the Doc will be finished his examination by then won't ya Doc?"
"Sure sonny, don't you worry I'll take good care of yer lil' lady here."
Vixen almost said something realising Doc's misunderstanding but Lewis simply said,
"Thank you kindly Doc, I appreciate it."
Vixen was stunned but Lewis just tipped his hat to her and left the office.
"Now lil' lady, have you had any problems or symptoms I should know about?"
Vixen went on to tell him of the headaches and nautia her mind distracted from the insident for now.