Chapter 10
Timberland stepped out of the bathhouse and set on his way to see Parker at the Double Horn Saloon. He had been staying out of sight since hearing that John Pinkerton and Matt Carter were in Sweetwater with their goons. Parker had run into them twice already, the second time was not so nice and he received a broken nose and busted face for not giving out the information they were looking for. For days now, Timberland had been hiding up in the mountains, but like anyone else, he had to come to town to get things done on a business end. Good thing about it was that he could move around the place like a ghost or drift in and out of Indian Territory with no issues; he had friends in many places.
He strolled down the walkway to the saloon, giving a tip of his hat while he headed inside. The usual amounts of people were there playing cards, drinking and socializing. He saw Parker in the back at a table enjoying a game of poker. He had just folded when Timberland came up and sat down next to him.
"Parker."
"Timberland, come out of hiding?"
Smirking at his friend, Timberland sat back in the chair and raised a hand to the bartender for a drink then glanced around. "How is the face? Looks like it improved the look of your mug there."
Parker just laughed while he anted in for the next deal of poker. "Doing alright, damn them for doing that though. I did not tell them much, only what they already knew." He gave a shrug to Timberland and they sat back to enjoy a good drink and a game of poker.
XXX
Matt and John were leaning on the posts outside the hotel of Sweetwater, discussing the information they had been getting, plus the telegram they had received about Mr. Darcy-Cassidy's arrival. They were expecting him to arrive in town anytime. John could care less if the bastard came or not, hell, he could have brought the whole British armada with him and his opinion of the man wouldn't change. If it were his choice on the matter, he would side with the daughter on this one since her father was such a prick. Unfortunately, he was being paid to find her and bring him to her, unless a higher bidder changed his mind.
XXX
Patrick Darcy-Cassidy sat on the train in a private booth with Henry Winthrop, contemplating on various circumstances. He knew once he found his wretched bitch of a daughter and niece he would summon his family to come to him. For now, this was a preliminary side trip to see what had been so important for her to stay here longer than most places she had traveled to. The scenery looked very open and expansive, he had not seen this much land in some time. It was very eye catching. He could pose various opportunities to his own whims out here, perhaps it would not be a bad idea to set roots somewhere new and make a bigger name for himself. It would not be long before he would be in Sweetwater, a few more hours at the least. Now was a good time as any to go over what he and Henry would be doing there. He knew one thing, it would be very clear to anyone that he was set on getting what he wanted, no matter who crossed his path to stop him.
XXX
A week had passed since Anna's attack and Zobelle's men were still causing small levels of strife in town. Two days ago, they had busted up Hollister's General Store because he would not give them protection money. They also shot him dog to prove they were serious.
Clay and the boys had had enough of his shit and with the town prepping for the spring gathering, he was set to go to have a talk with Zobelle. Clay slid on his suit jacket and headed out of the saloon with the rest of the boys. Tig had been on exiled out of town for nearly a week now and today was his first day back. He had come to the saloon to drop off some packages for Clay, with the mission of having a drink and getting some pussy while he was there. He was so close to achieving his goals but was steered away to go with Clay.
The Morrow clan walked down the walkway and crossed over to the other side of the street to head to the Cigar shop. Clay nodded at Tig, Opie, Juice and Jax who took position to stand outside when he walked inside.
"Might have trouble." Navic said in a low voice as movement outside caught his eye. He stared across the street from the store's window and motioned with his hand for Anna to come to him. She stood beside him and watched as Tig and Jax stared intently toward the open door of the smoke shop. Juice and Opie had their heads on a swivel, watching the both sides of the street. All the men looked very serious and on alert.
She frowned and signed What are they doing?
"Mr. Morrow went inside by himself. Perhaps he is speaking to Zobelle." Navic replied. Anna started for the front door but Navic grabbed her hand. "Where are you going?"
I want to watch. Anna replied.
"You watch from inside. If bullets start flying, we need to be out of the way." Navic cautioned. Anna crossed her arms and reluctantly stayed next to him.
Clay looked around the shop and breathed in the smell of the cigars. A wide smile came across his face as he stepped up and looked at June Stahl-Weston at the register. He recognized the woman; she was married to Edward Stahl, Charming's former mayor until his untimely death. No one really knew what happened to him, some just summed it up to an accident on the farm, unfortunately she had been the only one there when he died.
"June, where is Zobelle?" Clay picked up a cigar, brought it up to his nose, and took in the smell of it while he watched her cautiously. He stood there in his clean grey suit, freshly shaven and pocketing the cigar while she went to go get him from the back. He muttered under his breath about her being a cunt. But he smiled brightly when Zobelle came out from the back.
The two men just looked at each other and exchanged predatory stares of dominance. "Afternoon, Ethan."
"Clay, what brings you by?" Ethan stepped over to wipe down a counter with a towel but his attention never left his vistor.
Giving a slight shrug, Clay began to walk around casually, just looking about the place. "It seems we need to do a little talking you and I." He smiled broadly, or wolfishly as some might call it.
Ethan raised a brow slightly while he paused in what he was doing. "Oh? Talk about what?"
"Oh let's see…" Clay picked up a box of cigars with one hand and motioned with his free hand to the air. "There is a lot going on here in town, not many are very happy with what your men are doing." He began examining the cigars while he spoke. "You know, with the beatings, stealing, fights, broken jaws, and so on."
Ethan smiled slightly. "I am afraid I do not know what you are talking about. My men have nothing to do with any of that sort. They are good men."
Clay frowned and purposely dropped the box to the floor and gave an 'oops' look. "Well I do believe your 'good' men are having a bout of angst." He walked over to the left wall while he looked around at the items. "Especially when they go and attack two elder women in their home, busting out their windows, warning them of 'times to come'." He knocked over a couple more boxes of cigars.
Ethan stepped out from behind the counter while June peeked from behind the curtain in the back. The boys out front glanced over their shoulder after hearing the noises from inside. About that time, a group of Ethan's men came walking towards them. Though they did not make a move but they sure as hell did not like seeing Clay's men there at the cigar shop.
"Now wait a minute Clay, you have no proof any thing happened to those old women. "
Reaching out, Clay knocked a humidor off the shelf and continued walking casually around the shop. "Let's see…what else have they pulled lately? Broke Hal's jaw and took a few horses without paying." More items were dropped to the floor. "Then we've got an attack on an Indian behind Carter's and an assault on one of the Indian's friends, a woman, on that very same day."
Ethan gritted his teeth while he tightened his grip around the towel. "My boys stated that Indian provoked them, as did the woman, she is no saint."
"So you're not denying it?" Clay smirked some while he lit the cigar he had stuffed away. He took a few puffs to get it going and continued trashing the cigar shop. "Not to mention almost raping a woman in an alley, I believe one of your boys caught a bullet for that little stunt. I can continue..." He dropped a glass figurine onto the floor with a crash and looked at Zobelle innocently. "How far are you going to take this, until the entire town is running for their lives? Hate to tell you this but I don't plan on letting you continue on your little escapades. I'm only going to tell you this once…simmer down."
"Go to hell, Clay." Zobelle said matter of factly.
When they saw the main players of Zobelle's outfit hurrying toward the cigar shop from Carter's Hardware, Anna and Navic shared a look of worry. Her heart began to pound as she saw Ash and Tanner and she suddenly wondered what Tig was thinking. She had not seen Tig in a week. Kipp and Juice had been rotating keeping eyes on her and the others at the store and they had not spoken much about the tension with Zobelle's outfit, which was fine by her; she didn't wish to rehash the events of that night.
She did wonder if Tig thought of her though…was he thinking of her now as he faced off with Ash and Tanner? And she wondered if her attackers would be quick to seek revenge for the bullet holes and embarrassment Tig had given to them in the alley all those nights ago. She jumped slightly as Navic put his hand on her shoulder and gave a light squeeze.
Navic's free hand involuntary clenched into a fist at the sight of his attackers and he made up his mind that he would be running across the street and jumping into any brawl that started between the crews. He whispered to Anna, "If they clash, I am going to help. You stay inside no matter what happens." She started to protest but the shockingly firm look he gave to her made her pause and then reconsider.
Tsking as he walked to the door, Clay looked to Ethan. "Think twice about your next move, elections are coming up in a few months." He walked out the door leaving the place trashed. He stood in the doorway and took a long, satisfying drag from the cigar. He blew a plume of smoke into the air and looked to his men before leading them away. He gave Zobelle's boys a grin with a tip of his hat as he walked.
The Morrow clan smirked at Weston, Tanner, Ash and the others there. The men gave some chuckles as they moved off behind Clay, almost daring the others to do something and instigate a fight.
Weston rushed inside the store and looked with disgust at the place. June came out from the back, gasping at the mess as well. He walked over to his wife, making sure she was alright before he went to his boss to see what needed to be done.
Ethan looked at Weston and the boys, he was livid. "Clean this place up, NOW!" Turning around, he walked to the back to think and get them out of his sight. He slammed the door to his office and slumped into his chair with a hand over his face, angry and trying to clear his head for his next move.
As soon as she saw most of the Zobelle crew push past Clay's men and head inside the cigar shop, Anna figured any fight had been avoided. She opened the door to the store and stepped outside. Navic didn't try to stop her and instead followed her and stood beside her on the front porch of the store. Clay was the first to acknowledge them and tipped his hat to them. The others followed Clay's gaze and nodded at Anna and Navic. Jax walked beside his stepfather and asked about the confrontation; Op listened intently as Juice and Tig fell behind, mainly because they were looking at Anna.
Anna caught Juice's eye and signed to him, he grinned and signed back a response. She shook her head with a smile. Tig was watching the exchange and asked, "What's she sayin'?"
A small laugh came from Juice. "She told us to be careful. I told her we hadn't done anything yet…but we would."
"Damn straight we're gonna do something." Tig seethed.
Juice quickened his pace but Tig kept his eyes on Anna as he slowly started to walk ahead. She bit her lip as she felt butterflies flutter in her stomach. She felt like she should say something instead of just staring back at him so she signed the only thing she knew he would understand, Thank you. The sign was quick and subtle, just a slight movement from her fingertips to her chin and out. The somewhat neutral expression on his face didn't change much but she knew he understood because he gave a strong nod to her before catching up to his crew.
XXX
Parker folded his last hand while Timberland glanced over the table to the other man sitting there and then placed his bet. He was stoic, with no expression and just waited for Kelso to make his move. Silence seemed to tick between them until he showed his hand. Timberland fanned his cards on the table and beat him with a large straight. Timberland just shrugged and took up the winnings and stood from his seat. So many have tried but barely a handful could beat him in a game of cards. He stuck his winnings in his pocket and left the saloon with Parker next to him. They glanced around outside of the saloon before they headed off to get something to eat.
Matt saw them walk out of the saloon, he had been eating an apple while his partner went to the station to get Darcy and Winthrop. He smirked knowing Parker's face hurt and he was the one who had made it hurt. He tossed the apple core onto the ground and walk towards the hotel while Timberland and Parker took to the Sweetwater Café for food.
Matt kept his eye on them as two of his own hired hands came up to stand next to him. They would quietly keep watch on Timberland until their boss and guests arrived in a while. Timberland was the man they really wanted to speak to, this time there is no hiding.
XXX
Chibs had been over at the Widow James taking care of her grandchildren. He and Tara were both there tending to two of the boys who had gotten into poison ivy and the granddaughter who delivered a healthy baby girl. Their day had rather busy with house calls. Tara did well with taking care of the young ones while Chibs spent his time working with tending to ailments.
"Chibs?"
"Yeah?" He stood packing away his things while Tara gathered up the towels to dispose in the laundry.
"Will you be taking Grace to the dance?"
He looked over at her when she held the towel absently before putting it in the basket. "Been thinkin' about it, why do you ask?"
She shrugged slightly while she walked over. She took off her apron and folded it up to place in the satchel that she carried. "Oh, just curious."
His brow raised slightly. "Out with is, lass." He clasped his doctor's bag closed, his hand rested on the top while he looked at her, waiting.
"Go with Bonnie Thompson. She is expecting you to ask her out to the spring dance." Tara looked to him then stepped over, placing her hands on his.
He chuckled, surprised to hear that news. "Why would I want to do that? Bonnie is sweet on Jasper and every other man in town. "
Glancing down at her hands, she squeezed his then looked back up to him. "I know, just well…I don't like Grace. She isn't ladylike at all and she comes off as a bit of a bitch to be blunt. You can surely find someone else to sway your heart, Chibs. I'd rather see you schlepping around with whores than be with her."
He started laughing a little then patted her hands. He looked to her as he leaned in. "That is the pot calling the kettle black, Tara. The way you screw with Jax when he is chasing your tail then you go runnin' to Hale? Before you go spouting your opinion of others, remember who the fuck you are. Gemma puts up with you because you are courting her only son and you're off flirting with the damn deputy." He walked to the door and stood with it opened for a moment. He looked to her with a hard expression. "Another thing, hun… cross Grace's path, I am sure she will take you down a notch or two. Next time you advise me on what woman I should court and be with, think twice about it. "
She dipped her head, knowing she had crossed the line but she grabbed her things and walked out the door with him.
"If you do not want to work with me you can go straight to Hunter for all I care, Tara. The attitude you put off is to holier than thou… get off the fucking pedestal."
He was good and pissed and did not wait for her and walked ahead of her. Tara blinked, shocked with what he said. She bit her bottom lip then continued behind him.
XXX
Clay and the others walked back into the saloon after the Zobelle confrontation and took their own routes to do their own things. Juice took up behind the bar, Jax found a spot to sit down, Clay went to find Otto, and Opie leaned along the bar while Tig headed for upstairs to find his favorite whore.
Shelby was waiting for Tig at the bottom of the stairs. He smirked when he saw her. A second later, she jumped him, wrapping her legs around his waist. He carried her up the stairs with no problem as she hung on; kissing him along the neck.
"Where the hell have you been? I've missed you." Shelby breathed into his ear.
"Been busy, doll. But I'm here now and ready to tear your ass up."
Shelby laughed. "Good! It's been damn near two weeks since someone hit my spot." Tig was Shelby's favorite customer, the only man she didn't mind fucking. She actually enjoyed the hell out of being with him, even if he could get rough from time to time. She took pride in being his go-to girl.
They rounded the top of the stairs and Tig's eyes landed on a younger woman lounging on a sofa. He glanced at her as he carried Shelby past and then looked back over his shoulder at the woman with the long blonde wavy hair. "Who's she?" He turned around, still holding Shelby so she could see who he was talking about.
"Some new girl, name's Hattie." Shelby answered; annoyed that he would even notice the girl.
"Mmmm." Tig replied. He gave the blonde one last look as he pushed open a bedroom door with his back. She smiled slightly at him. Something about her was grabbing his attention.
Once inside the bedroom, Tig dropped Shelby onto her feet and she was all over him, kissing him, untucking his shirt, pulling at his belt buckle. He laughed. "Damn woman, you're rarin' to go!" He kissed her and let his mind drift as he hands wandered over her. A lot had happened since the last time he was here…a lot of drama, with Zobelle's crew, the ranch…with Anna. He needed a release. Shelby had his shirt off and he threw her down on the bed, climbing on top of her. Things were heating up but his mind kept wandering back to the blonde sitting just outside.
"What color are her eyes?" He whispered.
"What?"
"The blonde outside, what color are her eyes?"
"Who cares? Green, blue, I don't know!. But what the hell does that have to do with anything?"
He pushed off Shelby and cocked his head, frowning. "Go get her for me, I want her."
"But I'm right here, baby. Why do you need her?" Shelby asked, her heart pounding.
He shrugged. "I want what I want…and right now, I want her. So go get her." He stood up and looked at Shelby, who didn't move from the bed. "Don't start pouting and shit…I'll get you next time…now go." Shelby sat up with her arms crossed and glared at him. He rolled his head around in frustration, muttering "Goddamn women." He thought whores were supposed to compliant, giving no trouble. Perhaps he had been with Shelby too long, she had gotten too comfortable with him. Hell maybe he had fucked the compliance out of her. He smiled at that thought as he walked to the door and opened it, sticking his head out. He locked eyes with Hattie. "Hey you…" He made a come here gesture with his hand. She smiled and walked over. He nodded her inside the room.
Shelby had finally made it to the door and shot daggers at both of them. She looked at Hattie, "You don't know what the hell you're getting into…don't come crying to me when you can't handle him and he hurts you." She looked at Tig as she walked into the hallway. "You're an asshole."
"Common knowledge, darlin'." Tig replied with a smirk. As he shut the door, he called after her, "Next time, Shelby!"
Finally alone, he looked Hattie over from head to toe, taking her blonde hair, green eyes, and small frame. He nodded as if happy with his pick. He walked to her and ran his hand along her face. "You don't say much."
"Don't have much to say." Hattie shrugged, still staring at him. She felt a little weird being with him. When she first got here, she had gotten the run down of how things worked and a back story on pretty much all the men in town. She knew a lot about Tig Trager, what he was capable of and that he was Shelby's customer. Hattie knew she was going to catch serious hell from that woman when all this was said and done. She just hoped she didn't catch too much hell from Tig himself. He seemed to be behaving himself so far, caressing the back of her neck as his other hand wandered along her still clothed body, like he was just getting used to her. She cocked an eyebrow and whispered in his ear, "Are you going to hurt me?"
The whisper sent chills down his spine and he ducked his head from her slightly. What the hell? He blinked in confusion and said quietly to her, "Do that again...whisper like that."
Hattie frowned but complied, whispering, "I said, are you going to hurt me?"
Tig narrowed his eyes so that her features were a blur and her blonde hair was partially visible. It suddenly clicked in his head while Shelby hadn't done it for him tonight. It was goddamn obvious really. He hadn't wanted her, he didn't really want Hattie either…he wanted someone else. But he couldn't have her so this new girl was going to have to do for now. That's why she had gotten his attention. He swallowed hard and whispered back to her. "No…not going to hurt you."
"Do you want me to talk? You said I was quiet." Hattie whispered as she ran her hands over his bare chest.
"No…just be quiet." He replied and kissed her. With a kiss like that, Hattie thought being with Tig might not be so bad after all.
XXX
Patrick Darcy-Cassidy stepped off the train from New York with Henry following behind. Two of their servants got off to fetch their luggage. John stood waiting for them and hoped deep down that this was a wake up call for them, leaving the comforts of their lavished homes to the outdoors of the Wild West.
"Mr. Darcy-Cassidy, Mr. Winthrop, glad to see you have made it here in one piece."
Patrick looked to John, he regarded him for a moment then looked around. "This is Sweetwater?"
"No sir, this is Laramie. Sweetwater is northwest of here." He walked over to the stage coach while they placed the luggage on top and back.
"Take me there now. " Both Cassidy and Winthrop got into the stage while the servants sat on the top with the driver. John Pinkerton sat in the back with them while they took to Sweetwater. He had filled them in on what he knew so far and who knew of his daughter.
XXX
Her hands slid into the water, pulling up a pan full of dirt, submerged to her hips in water. Grace and several other miners were panning in the river what had been washed from the mountain face. Never one to stand back and let others to do the job, she often found herself getting dirty to earn a good keep. She had been talking to a couple of the Russians who were hired by her to work at the claim. Her language skills were moderate at best but she understood them.
She smiled as she listened to them talk of their families; she looked over to see Viktor show how tall his youngest was and his friend Boris laughed heartedly over the conversation. She brought up the pan that shined with gold and soon the conversation turned to what she panned up. Looking at the find, a big smile rose on her face while she showed the others there. She received a few claps on the shoulder and added the gold to the rest in a box that housed loose flecks, nuggets and rocks.
She trudged to the bank of the river, dried off and then headed towards the main tent in camp where she had her station. She checked on many of her workers along the way, making sure they were doing well. She took a seat in her tent and threw a towel over her face and sighed. She sunk down in the chair, feet out in front of her while she let her arms go limp. Grace was close enough to sleep when a clear of a throat roused her from the nap.
Glancing over to the opening of her tent stood a very tall man. She removed the towel from her head too get a better look. She did not recognize him and she finally stood up to meet him. He bowed his head and stepped back. She looked him over, he over towered her, standing close to seven foot tall.
He looked like he had been scrounging for days, weeks even and was in rough condition. His clothes were tattered; he wore no shoes and had a week or two worth of a wiry beard. His shirt was full of holes and his overalls were hanging on by one strap over his shoulder. The pants of the overalls had a rip all the way up to his hip. They were still wearable but seen better days for sure. His build was full of muscles from hard labor and his dark skin held the deepest brown she had ever seen. Grace was not sure if he was afraid of her or showing respect, he held his felt hat in his hand while she looked him over.
Neither one of them spoke at all until she raised a fine brow to him. "Can I help you?"
He squeezed his hat lightly while he looked up squinting one eye thinking on what he wished to say. She could see he had a busted lip right in the middle and there was discoloration of his skin on the chin and forehead. He had looked to her for a second then glanced down again. "My name is Bluebell Moses, but people call me Blue, ma'am. I come up over yonder from Denver, worked the train up north a while back, now I am traveling and looking for work. Been trying to finds me a place but nobody is hiring any black folk around here. 'Cept for Joshua Pennington over in Double Springs, worked for him tending his horses and cleaning his livery. "
She listened to him talk, resting her hand on one hip. Grace smiled softly, regarding him. "Cleaning the livery and tending horses. Hmm. Where are you from, Blue? Originally."
He looked down again, seeming to get nervous. He wiggled his toes and his large callused hand slid over his long dread locked head. "Biloxi, ma'am then lived in Baton Rouge. After that been traveling with the railroad outfit until it was dispersed up in Denver."
"I see. Can you handle a axe, clean up rock, gold, move carts in and out of the mines? You able to do heavy lifting and lots of day light hours of work?" She looked up at him for a moment while she continued to study and regard the man.
"Yes, ma'am, I can. I have no problem with lots of work. I am right fit to do what ever you want. Just asking for a place to sleep and some food if that is ok. I can work to earn my keep."
She gave him a light nod and headed into the tent again. She rummaged through a drawer and when she came back she held out a sign and a map to the camp, with a list of names on the back. "Alright then, Blue, I am Grace Cassidy. Call me what you like, whatever is most comfortable for you. This is your do not disturb sign or lock or what ever…its how you wish to let others know that your tent is occupied. If you are alright with living in a tent that is?"
"Its just fine, ma'am." He smiled to her and took the items.
"Follow this map to where the camp ground is." She made a motion to where empty tents weree. "Find a man named Pin Shu, he is a short stout Asian man with long hair. He can get you situated. On the back of this map is a list of names, my name and other foremen that operate different tasks here. They will have a list of things to be done, go to who you feel you can help or thinks suits you. Work starts pretty much at the break of dawn. "
He nodded along as he listened to her and looked over the items. "Thank you, Ma'am… very much. You won't be disappointed."
She smiled to him while she pointed to a couple other things on the map. "In the camp area there is a mess hall for food and a small tent for provisions. If you need clothes or anything else head to Charming, Double Springs, or which ever small towns fall around here. I am going to go visit and find Mr. Pennington to get your references soon."
He dug into a pocket and handed her a piece of paper. "This here is his address. He is a nice man."
"Thank you. Come by here at the end of the week, usually Saturday. " She pointed to tent not to far to the left. "They will give you your week's pay, either currency you wish. If you have any issues come see me or any of those men on the list."
He smiled to her then nodded and left to do as directed. She watched him. That is one huge black man! She grabbed the towel on her shoulder and went inside the tent to finish her midday nap.
XXX
Mud caked his boots when he stepped off the stagecoach and Patrick Darcy-Cassidy made a face as if he found it demeaning for him to step in dirt. They followed John to the hotel and he and Henry got settled into their rooms. It was not long until they came back downstairs to meet up with Pinkerton and his hands. Matt Carter greeted them as he came back to the hotel and he and John took some time to relay all of their information to the new arrivals.
Patrick gazed out the window at the town. It busy with people moving everywhere and cramped, with a tent or building slammed into every space. He wondered what attracted Cicely Grace here in the first place, it sure as hell was not the popularity of this place or was it? He absently turned his cigar between his fingers while he listened to the detectives talk. Sometimes he felt like his eyes were going to roll back into his head from how boring he found their tones.
"And just exactly why am I here then if she is not here?"
Matt looked to him then John spoke. "We know who can tell us where she is now."
Patrick's left eye twitched with all this run around. "Then why in the fuck are we standing here? Let's go find this all seeing guru shall we?" The distaste and sarcasm drooled from his lips and with a swirl of his hand he walked to the door. He waited for the two to lead him and Henry to find the answers.
John and Matt looked to each other thinking pretty much the same thing, that man is a total dick. But they took the lead to find Timberland and Parker. Henry glanced around the place, stepping away from people as if they were diseased; he held his gloved finger to his nose for a moment to adjust to the smell, which was really just fresh air and camp life. He was from New York, so all of that was new to him.
The newcomes followed the detectives while they hunted their prey. The men Pinkerton had hired as muscle flanked the left, right and the back of them. Most of the miners and town people stayed clear of them, knowing they were not ones to mess with.
XXX
A long while later, Tig bounded down the stairs with a smile on his face. Clay watched his friend as Tig sat down at the table. "All better now?"
"Yep." Tig replied as Clay poured him a shot of whiskey.
Jax grinned. "Shelby treat you right?"
"I got what I needed." Tig said vaguely.
"Are you sure?" Jax asked with a laugh. "You two were awfully quiet. Usually you shake the rafters of this place when you go at it. Dry spell of a week, I would have expected more noise."
Tig shrugged and lied. "Hard for her to scream with a belt in her mouth."
Clay shook his head. "You are a crazy son of a bitch, you know that?"
"Absolutely." Tig replied with a forced grin.
XXX
Timberland sat down with the plate of potatoes, cut glazed carrots, and a slice of steak. He set his hat down on the chair by him as Parker took a seat with him. He took a whiff of his plate and smiled. He always had liked the Sweetwater Café's meals; home grown and cooked to perfection.
"How is the claim going up there?" Parker asked.
Shrugging a little bit, Timber land took a bite. "Not bad, not bad, one hell of a profit and I tell ya, I don't need to look for anymore claims after this one. " He grinned ear to ear and took another bite while Parker laughed a bit.
The meal filled them up, Parker could have gone for seconds but he did not want to sbloat, he wanted to go see Lizzy at The Star. She was his favorite and he had grown fond of her over the years. Timberland adjusted his hat while he smirked.
"Thinking of Lizzy aren't you?"
Parker nodded while the two headed off to that direction. When they got there, Parker went straight for her and Timberland headed to the bar then the poker table for a good game of Texas Hold 'em.
It was not long before Patrick and the others came into The Star. They looked around while Matt pointed out Timberland over at a table playing a game of cards. Patrick Darcy-Cassidy stared at him for a long moment, narrowing his brow to a squint. He walked straight to where the man was. A smug ass arrogant smirk rested on his face as Patrick placed a hand on Timberland's shoulder. "Markus Timberland?"
Timberland had been given a heads up by one of the men at the table with a simple gesture, though he understood it. He didn't look up until the dapper looking man touched him. He simply turned his head and looked at the hand then to who it was connected to. "Yep." He grabbed some money and threw it into the pool at the middle of the table, playing his hand and ignoring the men around him. .
Patrick watched him a moment, stunned that the man had the balls to act like he was no one of importance.; how dare he. Timberland shrugged his hand off his shoulder as he straightened his bills and folded them up. He stood while tipping his hat to the table in thanks then turned to face the man. He gave him a quick glance and then headed to get a drink. Patrick Darcy-Cassidy stepped up next to him when he got to the bar.
"I have a few questions for you. " Patrick toyed with his pocket watch and checked the time then watched Timberland take a drink of whiskey.
Timberland was silent and took his time, taking a drink or two, looking to the glass, then motioning for another and then slowly and quietly set the glass down. He hung his hand over the glass, fingertip pushing it forward for a refill. "And that would be what Mr...?"
Patrick Darcy smiled broadly, he found himself amused with the man. Not because he found him funny but because he was deliberately pissing him off. "Patrick Darcy-Cassidy." He rested his elbow on the bar and clasped his fingers together and faced the man next to him. "Word here tells me you know where Cicely Darcy-Cassidy is and why."
Timberland recollected on the question while he took a shot of whiskey then set it down. "I can't recollect on where she is. I've heard of her, mighty striking gal she is if I say so. Though she would question if I was blind or not. She's a lady who does not think of herself in that manner." He reached over and poured himself another shot. "Why...you would have to ask her that." He gave a wicked smile to her father then took a drink. He smacked the daper man on the shoulder before pushing away from the bar and walking off. He had enough of the bastard already.
XXX
Blue had taken the tour with Pin Shu around the camp. With a motion of his hand he walked the perimeter around a tent then pointed to Blue "Yours." Pin nodded back and gave a short bow then headed off to go tend to the rest of the camp.
The area was not a large place, but it was spacious enough to move around with ease and it was his. Blue smiled widely and actually giggled. With a slow circle, he looked it over for a moment and hugged the things he had in his hand; Blue was in paradise. The tent had a bunk, chair and small table and a wood floor.
He sat down his things and sat on the bed. It groaned under his weight. He stood back up to sit on the chair instead. The same sound was heard and he looked around to find a place to sit. He knew if he sat on the bed or chair any longer, they would break. He sighed and headed outside.
When he came out of his tent, he encounter a group of small children They took off running and giggling when they were caught spying on the 'giant man'. He smiled while he went off to go find the bathhouse; a good bath and a shaving was well needed.
Many of the patrons of the camp looked at him when he walked through the area. They whispered to one another but were just curious more than anything. Some gave a soft bow of their head as he passed. He towered over most people in the camp and smiled in greeting to them. By the time he got to the bathhouse, he had been given a towel and soap. It did not take him long to bathe, when he finished he searched out a small man with scissors and watched him trim a beard on one of the miners.
Waiting patiently, Blue stepped to the man when he was free and motioned to the chair. "Mayhaps I can have a shave and cut?"
The small man looked at him then nodded. "Pay now or later?"
Blue thought this over then raised his brow as he answered, not sure if it was the right answer. "Later when I get my first pay?"
The man nodded then opened his chair for him. Blue smiled to him when he took a seat, he filled the chair completely. He was always uncertain of the strength of chairs. He settled back and relaxed, letting the man take care of the shave and cut."If it be ok, I would like all of it off, beard and hair."
"You got it, mister." The man spoken while he sharpened the razor and began to get prepped. After he trimmed off all of his hair, the man lathered him up with cream to finish with the shave. He finished, took the white towel off him and handed him a mirror. "This what you want?"
Blue took the mirror and looked at his reflection. He ran his hand over his bald head and gave a smile.. "Yes, thank you, sir."
The man smiled and picked up a paper and pencil. "Welcome...what's your name mister, so I can keep a tab?"
"Oh, Blue, Blue is my name." He stood up then extended his hand out to him. "Thank you again, mister."
Penciling down his name and a quarter for what he owed he looked at the hand then shook the massive paw. "Anytime, just come back when you got money. "
Blue agreed then headed back to his tent. He slid his hand over his freshly shaven head, feeling a lot better now that he was clean and free of that greasy hair. He usually did not mind it but it was a chore to keep it tamed down. When he got back to his tent, he found himself face to face with a couple oriental ladies, they gave a small nod to him with a bow of greeting.
"We bring you welcome gift. I am Ling Ling, this is my sister, Nin." They held out a roll of blankets, a basin and pitcher, then at their feet a box of necessities for living, pots, pans, soap, tea, rice, a mirror, lanterns, fuel, shaving kit, clothes line, wooden stakes, tarp, and towels. Nin motioned to them while he stood there stunned, he had never been given anything like this ever in his life. The gesture surprised him and he was at a loss for words.
"I can't, Misses. I thank you for all this but I have nothing for you."
They smiled pleasantly and insisted while they shook there heads. "You take, welcome gifts from camp. "
With a slow nod he reluctantly accepted. "Shoo... this is mighty nice of everyone. Thank you. " He knew he looked mighty intimidating to them but he was really a gentle giant, if a butterfly landed on his nose he would be in awe. They giggled sofly and waved goodbye. Blue stood outside of his tent for a moment, he picked up the box of things and carried each item inside, he was quickly realizing how the camp worked.
Everyone there had a part, they worked and took care of one another. It was a family unit, no matter who you were, he saw that each took a part in treating each like family. He had seen people act like that before, like with gypsies and those that traveled in close units. It had been that way when he worked the railroad, those he worked with stuck close together.
He took to arranging his tent and moved the bed out of the way, placing the mattress down on the floor, where it was better and more comfortable. He set a lantern down and looked around his little place. It was a start for him for sure.
XXX
Matt Carter stepped in front of Timberland when he went to walk out of the Saloon, blocking his path. The other patrons in the bar seemed to get up and get out of the way. Timberland stood there and adjusted his hat then ran his fingers over the brim. He assessed the situation, seven to one, he was clearly out numbered. Timberland moved to the left, only to be blocked by Matt again.
He was getting annoyed with the childish act. He cocked his head while he made motion. "Make up your mind, left or right, or get the fuck out of my way, boy."
"Or what?" Matt countered while he did neither moved or obliged to his request. "You going to attack me?"
Timberland just looked at him while he slipped his thumbs over his belt with a stance that indicated he was not fooling around nor one to mess with. "Nope, might have to put you back in the womb so you can come out right though."
Matt was about to say something in return but Timberland just pushed him aside with his left side. He was either walking through or over him, which ever happened first. Just when he got to the door of the saloon, he felt a the butt of a gun hit him in the back. Matt had raised the rifle of the gun and slammed it in his back deciding the old man was not leaving the saloon on his own feet.
Timberland stumbled forward and then turned and swung, decking Matt right in the face. His fist connected to Matt's nose with a crunching sound, breaking the instantly began to seep out of his nose when Matt staggered back into a table. People scattered away like tumbleweeds when the physical blows ensued.
Matt hunched over holding his nose, and Timberland advanced onto him with a kick to the face making the man go to his knees. Timberland grabbed a hold of Matt as the others began to attack him. John hit him in the head with his gun, the other four started hitting him, beating him down to the ground.
Patrick Darcy-Cassidy cleaned his pocket watch with his handkerchief while he observed the beating. Henry came over to stand by him watching with amusement. His eyes glittered with humor.
Timberland kept swinging at who ever was next to him and he got a few licks, breaking noses, busting faces, but they over powered him. He fell to the ground and doubled over from several kicks to his stomach, one to the head knocked his hat off. He felt the heel of a boot kick his head, causing blood to seep into his eye. He reached out to grab anything and his hand was stepped on and broken. John brought the butt of the rifle down into his face breaking bone.
It happened like a pack of wild dogs attacking their prey. The patrons crowded in the back away from the attack, fearing for their own lives. They watched helplessly as the men attacked Markus Timberland. Patrick walked over to where they were and pulled John back while he looked down at Timberland pathetically."Last chance to tell me where she is." Though he could care less, he wanted to see if the man would relent to him.
Timberland rolled to his side in deep pain and coughed, spitting blood on Patrick's shoe, leaving a glob of bloody spit. Disgusted at seeing the mess on his shoe, he snarled down at him and kicked him in the face. Timberland's head hit the floor while Patrick walked away and used some man's pant leg to wipe his shoe clean. Dare he use his own for this purpose.
John and Matt both beat down on the old man a bit more. Parker came running out of a room upstairs, buckling his pants. He came to the stairs and skidded to a halt as he saw his friend on the floor in his own blood. The men stood around him land ooked up at the sound. Matt and John both smirked up at him with satisfied and arrogant expressions on their faces. They motioned to the door; walking over Timberland's body. They left the saloon with Henry and Patrick with them. Patrick dropped his Handkerchief on Markus's body as he passed, a deep hateful laugh escaped when he left the saloon.
XXX
Parker raced down the stairs, and fell to the floor next to Timberland. His hand shook as he reached out to touch his friend. "Oh god.. Lord Oh god Why.. " His hands began to tremble more as he reached down to his chest to feel if Timberland was still alive. Parker heard him groan softly.
Parker blinked and looked around,"GET THE DOC… SOMEONE NOW… DAMMIT NOW!" He focused his attention on Timberland, trying to smooth out his blood soaked hair but afraid to touch him because of the extensive damage done to him.
The bartender had ran out of the saloon to get the doctor. It felt like it took forever but a few minutes passed .The doctor blinked in shock at who it was and how much he had been beaten. He motioned quickly to get him on a stretcher and they took him to the doc's place for care.
Parker and two others carefully placed Timberland on a bed, being as gentle as possible. Parker stood with Timberland's hat in his hands, watching the doc undress and tend to him. He cleaned the wounds and inspected the amount of damage he had sustained from them. He gasped at the amount of injuries, especially along the face and head. The tenders, Lou and Kyle stood next to Parker and gave him their sincere apologies for not trying to stop them. Parker knew they would have if they could of. He gave a nod and sat patiently in a chair when they left.
The news of the attack spread quickly through town and some stood vigil outside the doc's place. Parker did not leave his side and his mind raced with all the possible outcomes to the situation. The doctor finally looked over at him.
"What? What is it doc?"
"I'd suggest contacting next of kin if he has any. He is took a hell of a heap of damage from them bastards." The doc spoke while he continued to stitch and dress his wounds.
Parker just swallowed slowly, the realization of losing his friend did not sit well. He tightened his grip on Markus's hat then stood. "Keep him alive doc, I need to go to Laramie to send word."
The doc nodded to Parker, he continued to do his best while Parker left to go deliver a message to Charming.
XXX
Parker spent his ride to Laramie dreading the telegram he had to send to Elroy, who was Timberland's next of kin, even if it was by marriage. But Timberland considered him family over anyone in the world.
Parker had no idea he had been followed by John Pinkerton so stood watching from a distance to see where he was going and what he was doing. John figured Parker would go send a message to someone and it would lead to where they needed to go. So far, his suspicions were right.
Parker sat with the telegrapher while he sent out the message to Elroy Jenkins of the dire need to come to Sweetwater. He handed off the words to the man, paid him and sat there until he was told it was ok and sent. With a grateful nod, he asked to have word sent to him if anything came back through for him. He found his way back to Sweetwater to the doc's and vowed not to leave Timberland's side.
XXX
John Pinkerton pushed off from where he stood and walked over to the telegrapher's place. He shut the door quietly behind him and began to have a intense conversation with the man. He had the poor man up against the wall with a gun to his head but he got what he wanted out of the clerk.
The clerk, fearing for his life, told him the full details of the message he had sent,but John was more interested in the destination. With a satisfied answer, he gave the man a twenty dollar gold piece then left to go back to Sweetwater to divulge the information to his current employer.
Hang in there...just one more chapter before the big Spring Dance! As always, thanks for reading and keep those reviews coming!
~Chez and BG