Author's note: I will post one or two chapters to this story every day (or other day) until it is completely posted. The story is fully written, just thought it might nice to have a serial story over a period of days.
The Night of Perdition's Bullet
"Him the Almighty/Power hurl'd headlong flaming from the ethereal sky, with hideous ruin and combustion down to bottomless perdition there to dwell." John Milton PARDISE LOSTCHAPTER 1.
"Il est magnifique! Simplement Mag - ni - fique!!" An absolute superlative work of art Henri!" Artemus Gordon's graceful right hand cut and swept through the air, emphasizing his excited praise. "Henri, you have truly exceeded all expectations. I could not be more pleased…it's just beautiful…exactly as I envisioned it! Perfect! Just perfect!"
In his left hand, a gleaming silver pistol with gold inlay in the grip hungrily caught the morning light and sent it dancing along it's polished form. Intricate engraved images swept artfully through the golden fields. On the right side grip, a small panorama of the San Francisco cityscape and a sailing ship on the Pacific waters. On the left side grip, a picture of Washington's capitol building and an image of the train "The Wanderer", it's tracks sweeping gracefully through the forefront of the design. Below these images, a tiny plaque shaped area with an inscription that read simply, "To J.W. Best Friend, Best Regards, A.G.". Intricate cursive scroll work enhanced the borders of the grip inlays.
"Oui Monsieur Gordon, this time I believe I have outdone even myself!" Henri's heavy French accent only embellished the pride in his voice.
"I tell you Henri, James is going to be speechless when I give this to him."
"And ah…when will that momentous occasion take place Monsieur?" Henri inquired.
"Today," Artemus answered brightly. "Well, actually, tonight. Today, July 2nd, is James' birthday. He'll be riding back from Sacramento as we speak. He should be arriving sometime this afternoon."
The day was already beginning to heat up as the past week had been wretchedly hot here in San Francisco. It was shaping up to be a long simmering wait for the birthday boy to get back.
"Colonel Richmond and I are taking him to dinner this evening. Then back to the train for drinks and the presentation of your "work of art"!"
Artemus handled the gun deftly as he spoke, smiling as he felt it's weight and perfect balance. James was going to be so surprised! Artemus couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he laid eyes on this gun.
It had to be almost ten months since Artemus Gordon was introduced to Henri Kovall. A gunsmith worthy of the highest praise, he had been told. For generations, Henri's family had designed, forged and created hand held weapons of enviable quality and beauty for the elite European classes. Henri, himself drawn to the making of firearms as a young man, had perfected his skills to achieve a notable level of artistic form and function. His abilities were paralleled by few. Artemus was instantly taken with the older man as he told stories of his family in the old country and their love for metallurgy and of their love for the art of weaponry. It was after one of their extensive conversations, that Artemus had decided to commission Henri to create a one of a kind pistol as a gift for James West.
Artemus, a talented sketch artist himself, had designed the images for the grips. He and Henri had discussed at length the particulars of the weapon itself. He had planned to present it as a Christmas gift, but changed his mind in favor of Jim's birthday. Now with the piece finished and Jim's birthday at hand, the timing was perfect.
Artemus and James, friends since the war, had worked together for several years now. Artemus regarded him not only as the perfect partner and friend, but had grown to think fondly of him as the younger brother he had never had. And on today, Jim's birthday, he was inclined to dote lavishly on his younger "brother". He wanted to convey how much he respected and had cherished their friendship over the years. He hoped this particular gift would speak this in volumes for a long time to come.
"And now, Monsieur Gordon, the crowning touch!" Henri held his hand aloft, caressing between his forefinger and thumb, a single gleaming bullet. Not just any bullet, but a bullet of purest gold. The morning sunlight caught on the small polished icon.
"This, my friend…is not just…a bullet. It is a moment frozen in time, a kiss from the fates, granting long life and good luck to the master of this pistol for all time to come. In my family, this is a very old and very cherished tradition. When we make the gun, we also make the first bullet. Poured in purest gold, a single bullet for the new owner to fire, to christen his weapon. It will bring him much good luck…oui? Much like when you break the bottle of champagne against the new ship to bless her journeys."
"Now you shall give this golden bullet to your friend to christen his weapon. A single first shot. Then he will be blessed with long life, much luck and good friends!" He winked at Artemis on the last word, displaying a toothy grin.
Artemus took the bullet from Henri with his long graceful fingers, allowing it to roll into the waiting cup of his palm. He smiled as he looked down at it and then closed his hand around it. Picking up the pistol once more he placed the now warmed bullet into the gun's chamber where it would bide it's time until the right moment. Hidden now, a special, precious birthday wish, silent, sleeping, waiting to be awakened by the hammer's command.
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It was still morning, but Henri insisted they enjoy a small brandy and at the same time volunteering his wife Aleza to wrap the gift. The gun now lay boxed, swaddled inside in a velvet cocoon.
"My wife is an artist herself with the trappings of foil and ribbon. You must allow her to do this for you Monsieur Gordon. You will not be disappointed!"
And so, they sipped their brandies and conversed until Aleza reappeared, now carrying a beautiful silver foil and ribbon wrapped gift. Artemus thanked her profusely. Kissing Aleza's hand, he thanked them both again and bid them adieu. He then stepped out of the shop and into the blistering heat of the July sun.
The morning was giving way to high noon as Artemus strolled down the sidewalk past various merchants shops. His eyes surveying the wares presented in the windows. He did not notice the rapidly approaching frilly mauve parasol, spread full against the sun. At the same time it blocked the view of the person who wielded it. At the last moment he turned his head and quickly hopped aside to avoid the inevitable collision.
As fate would have it, the young lady suddenly swung the parasol aside in the same direction. It smacked Artemus soundly, causing him to lose his grip on the gift he was carrying. He lunged quickly and caught it before it landed in the gutter.
"OH!…Oh dear!…I am so sorry sir! How horribly clumsy and derelict of me!" The young lady seemed genuinely mortified at the physical faux pas. She was blushing profusely and her large blue eyes seemed on the verge of repentant tears. "I do hope I didn't hurt you or your lovely package. Your wife or lady friend would never forgive either of us if you brought her a wrecked gift."
Artemus' eyes glowed as he beheld her beautiful face. He was instantly smitten. "No such danger my dear. There's no harm done and even if there was, it's a birthday gift for a gentleman friend, and he is very forgiving in the matter of foil gift wrapping."
Allow me to introduce myself. "My name is Artemus Gordon and I must say, I consider it most fortuitous that your errant parasol has allowed me the honor of meeting such a beautiful and charming young lady!"
She blushed again, this time lowering her eyes demurely. She held out her delicately gloved hand and said, "My name is Helena LaFloy. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Mr. Gordon"
Artemus smiled his most charming smile, brown eyes sparkling. He then turned on the charm as much as he dared and mentally crossed his fingers. "Do my ears deceive me? Did you say Helen of Troy? Even if I didn't hear it, my eyes know exactly what they see, and your lovely face could indeed launch a thousand ships and more…" He then placed his free hand over his heart and gave a slight bow. "Your husband is an enviable and extraordinarily lucky man!"
"Why…thank you sir." She laughed softly. "However, I am not married."
He blinked his eyes slowly and smiled. ("Thank you!! His inner young man exclaimed to the heavens above.) "Then the luck is all mine dear lady," Artemus gushed! Would you consider joining me for lunch? I know a lovely little restaurant down the street a bit. I was just headed there."
"Oh…I would very much like to accept, but I am afraid I already have a luncheon engagement with some old family friends." She gave him a wistful look of disappointment.
"Well then,…perhaps…dinner?" He asked hopefully.
She smiled with encouragement. "I'd love to…but…you see…I came to San Francisco on holiday with my friend Sabina and I couldn't possibly leave her all alone at the hotel, while I go off to enjoy a dinner date."
"Sabina". Artemus let the name roll off his tongue. "What a delightful name. Very pretty indeed."
"Oh, Sabina is a delightful person! She's also so beautiful that she…uh…what's that quaint saying the cowboys use? Oh yes…she leaves me in the dust! That girl can turn every man's head simultaneously when she steps out onto the sidewalk! Anyway, I couldn't possibly leave her by herself, she doesn't know a soul here."
"Then, that settles it," Artemus said excitedly! "You and your lovely friend must join me and my partner for dinner this evening. It's his birthday and we're joining another gentleman and his wife. It's going to be a wonderful evening…dinner…dancing and I promise you that your friend Sabina will not be disappointed with my friend James. He's gentlemanly, handsome, charming and the young ladies eyes light up like diamonds when they meet him!!" He gave her his most sincere and genteel smile. "Please say that you and your lovely friend will join us!"
"Well, Mr. Gordon…"
"Call me Artemus, please."
"Well, …Artemus…it certainly is tempting…" She hesitated briefly…then smiling sweetly, she accepted. "Very well, we shall join you. But, I insist that we meet you at the restaurant. I don't believe it's proper, ladylike or wise to simply allow ourselves to picked up the hotel by two gentilmen we aren't yet acquainted with."
"Of course! I understand entirely!" Artemus complied happily. The European cuisine at this restaurant is wonderful! Just let me write down the address for you. I'm certain you and your friend Sabina will both love it! Shall we say seven o'clock?" He quickly pulled a note pad and pencil from his jacket. Then handing her the note, he made his farewell. "Until then my dear." He kissed her hand. "I shall count the minutes as an eternity until I see your fair countenance again!" He looked meaningfully into her eyes, gracing her with his warmest smile. The pink rose in her cheeks again as she happily returned his gaze. Her hand lingered in his momentarily and then smiling sweetly, she parted company from him. Artemus watched her until she disappeared from his sight, then turning with a blissful grin on his face, he headed off in search of lunch.
Helena continued on the walkway along the shops. As she passed a workman resting on a bench outside one of the stores, she caught his eye and winked deliberately, her mouth now pulled into a small sardonic smile. The man's return nod was almost imperceptible and as she passed he glanced across the street at a non nondescript cowhand loitering there. He coolly and deliberately nodded his head down once, and back up again. The cowhand reciprocated in like, then stepping off the walk, he mounted the horse tied there and cantered off down the street.
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