Warning: Offensive language is in this chapter and this arc overall. This story is rated T for a reason.
Hex sat at the bar as he looked around the saloon. Besides the bar there were multiple chairs and tables around the room. Entertainment was provided mainly by a short man with mousy hair who played on a piano that was out of tune. This saloon being also a whore house had the girls walking around trying to attract customers. Hex hadn't been up to date on recent laws on prostitution especially in the Oklahoma Territory but something told him that even if it was illegal, this whorehouse would exist regardless. Out in the West, it was what sold not what was legal that mattered. He remembered seeing a church on the other side of town when he parked his horse. He wondered how many people here were churchgoers hidden among the saloon regulars.
"What's your name sweetheart?" a slutty voice asked behind him. Hex turned around to find himself facing a young but curvy woman in a red corset and pink feathers that contrasted her blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Nobody," Hex said sarcastically and turned away. She was pretty but now was not the time to fulfill the needs of the flesh. Hex just wanted a drink and find a way to get to a place where his name wasn't known.
"Really? Never met a man named 'Nobody,'" the girl said and sat on the stool next to him. She was really working today. "You seem troubled. I can help you with that."
"Not interested darlin'," Hex muttered and adjusted his coat to hide the distinguishable scar on his left cheek.
"Leave him alone Trixie, he doesn't want it," the bartender growled to the whore who got up and walked away. He was a big man over six feet tall and broad shouldered. He also had a broken nose and was bald.
"What can I get ya fella?" the bartender asked.
"You're best bottle of whiskey. Leave the bottle," Hex muttered.
"Ya sure? I seen men my size nearly get killed drinkin' too many shots of it."
"You'd be surprise what'd you live through," Hex muttered.
"Uh-huh. Well one bottle of whiskey to Mr.…?"
"Smith," Hex muttered. It was cliché but the bartender got the signal.
"Right. One for Mr. Smith."
The bartender left and Jonah looked at the saloon. It was a pretty decent size crowd for the time of the day. Most of the customers were smoking or playing cards. Some were complaining about the bad music coming from the piano. A few were laughing drunkenly and occasionally smacking the ass of any of the girls who walked near enough. And then of course were the whores' clients who huddled over in the corner eagerly waiting to be taken up to one of the rooms upstairs. But then unexpectedly, the whole saloon froze still. Even the piano playing ceased. All eyes were in Jonah's direction and for a second, Jonah thought everyone was looking at him. The outlaw unconsciously reached for one of his Colt pistols but stopped when he heard footsteps behind him. Someone was coming down the stairs.
That someone walked up to the bar right next to Hex who quickly cowered down to try to hide his face. The newcomer was a big man, but nowhere near the size of the bartender. He wore a white suit that was inexplicably clean and stood out in the otherwise dimly lit saloon. His hair was long and neatly tied in a ponytail. He had a nicely trimmed beard, just as dark as his hair. He had a haughty look to his face and looked at the bartender.
"Uh…hello Mistah, I mean Mayor, er...Judge Savage…I mean your Honor..." the bartender said nervously while shaking with sweat. Hex caught some of the patrons snickering at the big bartender's fear of the other man.
"Hello Doc," Judge Savage said looking around. "You might want to have a talk to Madame Lorraine a bit. The customer service here has seemed to be slipping a bit lately."
Doc was sweating even more.
"Well…ya see Judge…your Honor…I'm just in charge of the drinks. She's in charge of what goes on upstairs…"
Judge Savage laughed.
"You let a woman boss you around, what kind of man are you?"
Half the bar joined Savage and laughed along as well at the bartender's expense. The other half just sat quietly and pretend to not care what was going on. When the laughter died down, Judge Savage looked at Doc the bartender again.
"Well I'm just giving some advice. You know I care about this town?"
"Yes, yes Judge Savage…" Doc said nervously.
"Good. Well have a good day," Judge Savage taunted and left the saloon. As soon as his footsteps got fainter, life resumed in the saloon. The piano kept playing and the patrons kept talking. Some were still laughing at the taunts that Judge Savage had directed at Doc. Those who were close enough to Doc weren't though. The bartender was red with anger.
"What ya'll lookin' at?" Doc demanded which wiped the smirks off the faces of the men near him.
Doc angrily walked over to Hex and dropped a bottle with a glass.
"Enjoy," Doc muttered.
Hex ignored the glass and began drinking straight from the bottle. He didn't really notice that a group of shady looking men at the table nearby him were whispering excitedly and looking at him. Out of the corner of his eye, Hex detected movement and noticed one of them was approaching him.
"Where yar from stranger?" the man asked Hex. He was missing most his teeth and had long hair. However it was very thin and sticky looking, like a spider's webs.
"Hell," Hex muttered sarcastically and began to drink. He was tempted to reach down and pull out his colt but not yet. He was low on bullets.
The man laughed, showing his few remaining yellow teeth with black stains.
"Name's Cletus. I'm from 'round here. And I'll tell ya, we don't take too kindly to strangers. Ya got a name?"
"None of your goddamn business," Hex muttered, ignoring how his heart rate was picking up. It was time to get out. He quickly pulled out some money he had acquired and slapped it on the bar. He turned to leave to find two large men had snuck up behind him to block his way.
"Ya not goin' anywheres stranger. Or should I say Jonah Hex?"
When the word "Jonah Hex" garbled out of Cletus's mouth, the saloon went silent again. Many were now staring at Hex and the three men surrounding him. There was a lot of murmuring permeating through the silence.
"Hard for a man like yar to hide, even in Desert Star. Especially when yar picture's on the door."
"There's a ten grand bounty on that scum's head!" a patron shouted excitedly.
"He's ours!" Cletus warned as he and his two thugs cracked their knuckles threateningly.
Hex sighed. He made a mistake. Now it was time to fix it.
Taking another swig from the bottle he slammed it on the bar with one hand.
SMASH!
With the other hand he punched Cletus square in the face.
BAM!
Many gasped as Cletus fell backward. Some even chuckled when he knocked over a couple of stools. The two gorillas behind Hex grabbed his arms immediately to restrain him.
"That was stupid," Cletus said angrily as he staggered to his feet while Hex struggled to try to get himself free from the grips of his captors.
Cletus grinned.
"That's gonna cost ya," he said angrily and took a wild punch. Hex saw it coming a mile away and twisted his arm to pull the thug gripping his left arm to get in the way of the punch. Cletus's fist impacted right in the big man's elbow.
"Nnnngh!"
The goon cried in pain and clutched his elbow angrily before glaring at Cletus.
"It was an accident Abner," Cletus said nervously.
Abner growled and with his other arm punched Cletus.
BAM!
CRASH!
Cletus went flying back into a table, ruining the poker game that was being played there. The occupants began to get to their feet and scrambled to try to steal each other's chips with pushing and shoving. Hex took the opportunity and stomped on the other goon's boot hard.
"Argh!"
The goon muttered in pain and Hex broke free and slammed him on the bar.
WHAM!
"Hey, I counted two Ace of Clubs! Ya been cheatin'" one of the patrons who was picking up the ruined poker game accused another. Before Hex knew it, a fight had broken out in the saloon.
BAM! WHAM!
"YAARRRGHH!"
WHAM!
Patrons were hitting each other blindly. Some were strangling people they didn't even know. The whores were running around screaming. The piano began to play a faster tune to go along with the brawl. Doc was pulling a shot gun and yelling everyone to be quiet. Hex smiled and began to walk out to see his way blocked by four patrons.
"There he is!" one shouted and they charged at him.
Hex ducked the first punch and aimed a good one in the gut.
BAM!
He quickly struck and backed away. The best way to get out of the brawl was to hit anyone who got in his way but be fast enough to avoid getting locked in an all out fist fight with anyone. Hex decided he would have a better time trying the back door.
Sheriff O'Hara gritted his teeth as he led the drunk into his cell.
"Imma, Imma alright sheriff…" the drunk slurred. "I…just…need…another…drink…
"It's gonna take you a whole damn day to sober up Bill," the sheriff muttered. "You know the routine. I lock you in here when you've had too much to prevent you from hurting yourself."
The sheriff then sighed as he looked around at the rest of the empty cells in the jail.
"Besides, better these were actually put to use," the sheriff muttered bitterly. When Savage became mayor, an influx of shady people came in, but none of them seemed to last in jail for long. Now with Savage as judge, the cells were almost empty at all times. Sometimes the sheriff was tempted to use the empty cells to make a little money to rent out as cheap hotel rooms to those passing through the town.
"Hmmmm..."
A snore from Bill on the bed in his cell brought the sheriff out of his thoughts. Sighing, the sheriff tiptoed out of the jail and headed out back into town. He was getting old. Being fifty-five years old no one would blame him for retiring soon. The mayor kept trying to convince him to anyways. But the sheriff refused. He took an oath to uphold the law and if the mayor wanted him out, he would have to try harder. Not even his money and cronies in the local and territorial government could blatantly violate a position chosen by the citizens of Desert Star.
Wayne exited out of the barber shop in his new work clothes. The other town clothes that the tailor had made for him were wrapped up in a parcel Wayne carried under his arm. He was feeling his hair along the back of his head. It was a lot shorter now which would make his head sweat less. He still kept it long enough that it cascaded down his neck. He also had his beard trimmed neatly instead of letting it grow long and wild. One of the reasons why he wanted his hair and beard cut was seeing Hades earlier today made him realized he was starting to look like him with his dark hair and beard growing.
"What the hell ya done with Johnny?" Jimmie teased. "Ole' Frank did a good job cuttin' yar hair I see."
"You know you didn't have to pay for that or for these," Wayne said indicating his new clothes he wore and carried.
"Nonsense! Ya've been alotta help to me and my family. Least I could do!"
"Hey Mistah Saunders!" a voice happily called.
Wayne looked to see a man of African race with a straw hat and stained suspenders reeking of hay walking by.
"Hey Sam!" Jimmie said cheerfully and shook his hand. "Hey Johnny this nigga here's Sam…"
"What?" Wayne asked. Something about that word that Jimmie said didn't sound right.
"Sam. He's the nigga that takes care of the stables. He's yar guy ya go to when dealin' with horses," Jimmie explained.
Wayne decided even though he didn't feel comfortable with Jimmie's vocabulary it was better to not say anything.
"How do you do?" Wayne asked politely. "I'm John Wayne."
"Fine Mistah Wayne! Damn horse kicked me in the knee today! Been hobblin' all around!"
"What do we got here?" asked a suspicious grisly voice.
Jimmie turned around and laughed.
"Sheriff!" he cried and shook the hand of a middle-aged man with a thick white walrus mustache. The man wore a blue coat with a wide tan hat. He was also a good deal shorter than Wayne.
"Just takin' my new field hand shoppin'!" Jimmie said proudly while indicating to an unsure Wayne.
"You got a new field hand?" the sheriff said, while looking at Wayne with distrust.
"Relax Sheriff!" Jimmie assured. "He's clean! Some robbahs beat him up and stole everythin'! Offered him to help out on the farm!"
Jimmie then looked at Wayne.
"John Wayne, I like ya to meet Sheriff O'Hara. One of the few honest people who still stick up to Savage…"
"Judge Savage now," the sheriff corrected bitterly.
"I refuse!" Jimmie complained. "I got my rights from the Constitution ya know! I can call him whatever I want, that no good stinkin', rotten, fu…"
"Speak of the devil," the sheriff muttered looking in another direction. "Here he comes."
Wayne and Jimmie looked into the direction the sheriff was looking at.
A slightly big man was exiting what looked like a saloon based on the sudden uptake of noise as he left. He was in white clothes that shined so bright it seemed unearthly. He had a short beard and long hair tied back in a ponytail. But that wasn't not what Wayne was staring at. It was the man's eyes that had wandered to make eye contact with Wayne's own eyes. Wayne was looking into the eyes of a murderer. He had once again came across Lord Vandal!
For a fraction of a second Wayne and Lord Vandal stared at each other. It was as if time had stopped itself. The two foes, despite slight changes to their appearances, knew each other by the eyes. Wayne knew those evil eyes and how they hungrily scanned everything too well. The American couldn't help but clench his fists during the stare down. Lord Vandal was the first to blink and then began to walk over to the group.
"Damn I gotta go…" Sam complained and hobbled off.
Wayne was racking his mind. Lord Vandal was probably going to attack him. He needed to think of a plan. Lord Vandal was armed but he wasn't. Plus there was Jimmie and the sheriff right next to him. He needed to consider collateral damage. Then there was the fact Lord Vandal was immortal. And he hadn't figured how he would be able to explain whatever plan he had to Jimmie or risk exposing himself as a time traveling amnesiac…
"Hello Sherriff," Lord Vandal said politely before looking at Jimmie. "And Mister Saunders…"
"It's Jimmie you goddamn carpet baggah!" Jimmie swore.
Lord Vandal laughed.
"May I recommend you try one of Doc's liquors? You seem to be on edge."
"No thanks to ya! Yar so-called government workahs keep harassin' my farm!"
Wayne grabbed Jimmie by the shoulder and squeezed rather tightly. So Lord Vandal was this infamous Mister Savage. Wayne did recall calling him a savage at one point. But Jimmie wasn't helping right now. Savage was up to something and Wayne wanted to know what it was.
"Hello your Honor," the sheriff said through gritted teeth.
"May I ask why you two fine gentlemen are in the company of a stranger? As a mayor and judge of this city, I like to meet every new face."
Wayne narrowed his eyes before reluctantly extending his hand. Both Judge Savage and he knew the other didn't want their secrets exposed yet. He'll play along for now.
"Wayne," he muttered. "John Wayne."
"John?" Judge Savage asked. "I thought you would be a Thomas or a Bartholomew…"
Wayne's eyes flashed angrily. Judge Savage seemed to take pleasure in that.
"Ya want somethin'?" Jimmie interrupted, looking for a fight.
"Actually yes. I did hear rumors that you were hiring a field hand now. If you are really having that much trouble on the farm and don't want to sell, I can lend some men to help you out on the field…"
"Like hell I would!" Jimmie complained.
CRASH!
"WHOA!"
A man was thrown out of the street screaming from the saloon Judge Savage had just exited.
BANG!
BAM! WHAM! BAM!
"ARRRGHH!"
The sound of a riot happening inside the bar was heard, growing louder by the second.
Judge Savage sighed.
"Don't you have a job to do Sheriff?"
"Does it even matter anymore?" the sheriff muttered and loaded his large rifle he was carrying. "Jimmie you mind helping me break this shindig up?"
"Sure! Just don't let Wayne get too close. He don't like to use guns!"
"Don't like what?" the sheriff asked, turning around in surprise. "What are you French or something?"
"I can still help," Wayne asserted, making sure to show his size. "You don't always need to shoot everything."
"Fair enough, let's go," the sheriff barked as Jimmie pulled out a pistol.
"See you around," Judge Savage said wickedly while the group rushed over to the saloon.
"Alright break it up!" the sheriff barked as they got close.
BANG! BANG!
Random gun shots exited the saloon causing the trio to duck for cover.
"Hot Daaaamnnn!" Jimmie complained.
"Now you wish you had guns?" the sheriff complained to Wayne. Before Wayne could say anything someone else was thrown out of the saloon.
"FFFUUUUUCCCCKKK!"
WHAM!
The man tried to get to his feet. Wayne couldn't help notice the stench on the man.
"Cletus!" the sheriff barked, looking at the man who was dazed and rubbing his head. "What the hell did ya do?"
"I didn't do nothin' I swear!"
"Like hell," the sheriff muttered.
"I swear! It's dat goddamn Jonah Hex who started all this! I was just tryin' to do my civic duties and that coward started a brawl!"
Wayne couldn't help but feel that the name Jonah Hex was familiar. He also noticed that outside the saloon there was a Wanted poster featuring this Jonah Hex on the wall. Wayne thought the drawing of the man with a disfigured face looked familiar as well.
"Jesus," the sheriff muttered while pulling his hat down tight. "Just what we need."
He then shot two heavy rounds in the air.
BANG! BANG!
"BREAK IT UP! BREAK IT UP!"
Jimmie got up to follow him.
"Ya best stay 'ere," Jimmie suggested.
Wayne however wasn't paying attention. If this Jonah Hex was about to be arrested and start a fight, that meant he was probably trying to create a diversion to escape through the back door. In a few seconds he was already behind the saloon which had a small stable. Two horses were neighing a little nervously from the sounds of the fighting in the saloon. Wayne noticed hanging on one of the fence posts was a long black whip.
Wayne eyed it for a second before he heard someone huffing.
Peter was taking notes from the book as Reverend Stiles was pouring the collection money into a safe.
"That should cover the Miller family getting back to their feet," he said with satisfaction before looking at Peter. "You know I didn't expect you until nightfall. Your father didn't have to drop you off."
"I tried telling him that," Peter complained. "But he never wants me to help on the farm. All he wants me to do is get an education because apparently I'm not man enough to help him."
"You know that's not true," the reverend countered. "Your father loves you very much."
BANG! BANG!
Peter turned around signaling he didn't want to talk when he heard the faint sound of gunfire and shouting.
"What the?" the Reverend asked and with difficulty due to his age and stiff joints hobbled to look out of the church window. "There's a brawl out in the saloon."
"A brawl?" Peter asked and immediately began running out of the church. He was bored and wanted to see what was going on. He also wanted to see if he could help out the sheriff.
"Peter get back here!" the reverend shouted when he saw Peter rush out of the church.
Wayne watched as he saw coming out of the back door was a man in a gray shirt and pants with a greasy bandanna while carrying a grey hat. He was even uglier than the drawing. His right side of his jaw had such a deep and nasty long cut that bone was visible. His right eye was also a different color and shape than his other eye and Wayne wasn't sure if he was blind in that right eye or not.
This definitely was Hex.
Hex was huffing and puffing before stopping dead in his tracks to see Wayne blocking his way. Wayne immediately stood tall and lifted his fists up to show he was willing to fight.
"Stop," he ordered.
"Oh please," Hex muttered in a deep voice. "I just wanna get the hell outta here."
"You're a wanted man," Wayne countered. "I can't let you walk away."
"You're unarmed you idiot!" Hex shouted indicating to Wayne's lack of holsters while showing his twin holsters on his hips with two shiny pistols in each one.
"Don't make me use these on you!" Hex complained.
Wayne raised an eyebrow as if to challenge Hex.
Hex hesitated for a second.
BANG! BANG!
The sound of the sheriff's shotgun blowing holes in the saloon's roof motivated him back into action. Hex quickly with his right hand went to pull out his pistol. Wayne shot his right hand to pull the black whip on the fence post and flicked it at Hex.
SNAP!
"ARGH!"
By the time Hex was able to bring his gun up, the whip had already struck his hand, making him unintentionally drop the gun and howl in surprise and pain. Wayne began charging at him still holding the whip.
Hex made to draw his other gun but Wayne was already too close and had jumped in the air and kicked Hex in the face.
BAM!
"Ooomph!"
Hex grunted and fell to the ground. He angrily looked at Wayne standing over him and rolled over, tripping Wayne on his feet. Hex immediately got up and tried to run.
SNAP!
Wayne flipped the whip and caught Hex by the ankle causing the outlaw to trip. Hex however wasn't so easily winded and glared as he grabbed the whip wrapped around the ankle and tugged with surprising speed and force it flew out of Wayne's hand. However Wayne wasn't one to be discouraged and immediately charged at Hex who managed to free his ankle from the whip. He punched Hex right in the jaw.
WHAM!
"F-NNAAARRGGH!"
Hex growled and with sudden berserker rage charged at Wayne, tackling him. He then straddled Wayne and began punching the American in the face.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Wayne cocked his hips up before slamming them down suddenly, knocking Hex off-balance and flipping him over. Hex responded with a hasty uppercut right square at Wayne's chin from his back.
WHAM!
"Nnnngh!"
Grunting Wayne clenched his teeth before grabbing Hex's wrist that was trying to make contact with his face and began to twist it back.
"YYARGH!"
Hex yelled in pain before his other hand grabbed dirt from the ground and threw it in Wayne's face.
"Ahh!"
Covering his eyes Wayne let go of Hex who got up to his feet. Hex knew how to fight dirty. Hex was looking to run away when Wayne grunted and pulled him by the collar, slamming down on his back hard.
BAM!
Hex despite being winded tried to sit up but Wayne wrapped an arm around Hex's throat.
"ERRRGH! NGGGGH!"
Hex struggled and gasped for breath but the hold was too tight. Within a minute Hex stopped struggling as blood stopped flowing to his head and passed out. Wayne slowly got to his feet, breathing heavily.
"Oh my God. You killed him!" someone shouted.
Wayne looked around to see half the town had come out to watch the fight that had just occurred. Husbands, wives, children were all over the place staring at Wayne with shock and awe. Peter was up in front of the crowd.
"No, I just choked him out. He's unconscious," Wayne assured as he knelt down and felt Hex's weak pulse.
"What's goin' on over 'ere? Holy Shit!" Jimmie shouted as he came around the saloon with the sheriff following him.
Jimmie and the sheriff looked at Hex's unconscious body and Wayne with amazement.
"How did ya…"
"Oh uh just choked him out. He'll be alright when he comes to," Wayne explained, trying to sound as casual as possible.
"I saw him disarm Hex with just a whip!" a random townsman cried.
A lot of people affirmed that account while others murmured in interest.
The sheriff looked at Wayne with a mixture of awe and disbelief on his face.
"Is that true?"
"Well I…"
"He also beat da shit out of him!" another one cried.
Wayne realized he had drawn too much attention to himself. What happened to staying low?
The sheriff meanwhile, sensing that it would be better if he moved the unconscious wanted man beckoned to Sam to help him pick up Hex.
"Let's get him outta here before he wakes up," the sheriff ordered and with Sam he began to drag Hex away.
"Now just a minute! I caught him! I want that bounty!" Cletus complained.
"And he almost got away because of you," the sheriff retorted.
Meanwhile the town began to scatter like rats as someone in white began to walk towards the uncomfortable Wayne.
"Well Mr. Wayne, I guess you deserve our gratitude for protecting our home from a dangerous man. Mind if I invite you to my office for a drink?"
Wayne was about to say no or go to hell but realized this would give him some one on one time with Judge Savage. It would allow him to figure out what the man was up to this time.
"Of course I would be glad too," Wayne said through gritted teeth as he made to follow the man in white. He stopped on the way to talk to Jimmie.
"I'll be back," he assured. "I promise."
Jimmie nodded although he had a worried look on his face. Wayne could here Peter going up to Jimmie.
"Pa, you should have seen it! He was awesome!"
Unnoticed to any of the men, someone else was watching them from up high in one of the rooms on the upper floor to the salon. Madame Lorraine stood grinning as her long brunette messy hair cascaded down her shoulders. She had to admit, that stranger made her feel something what many of her clients failed to make her feel. He was stirring something inside her and he didn't even have to touch her.
"Now who is that?" she mused with interest.
"What do you like to drink?" Judge Savage asked as he and Wayne entered a room in the building that housed his office. It was a big building that could have been mistaken for a house. It was lavishly decorated. Wayne had an idea where all the development money Judge Savage taxed out of his citizens went to.
"Do you want a drink?" the Judge asked again.
Wayne just glared back at him and said nothing.
"I'll take that as a no then," the Judge said before indicating to a seat. "You can sit down if you like."
"I prefer standing," Wayne responded coolly.
"Fair enough," Savage muttered and began to pour himself a dark drink that had a strong scent to it.
"What are you planning this time?" Wayne demanded.
"Going right for the throat as always. That's what I like about you my friend. You never cared for ceremony."
Wayne narrowed his eyes.
"I'm here to warn you. Whatever you are doing stop or I will take you down again."
Judge Savage laughed at the threat.
"I doubt it. I'm judge, jury, mayor, and the law of this town. I'm the reason why this town's economy hasn't been thrown to the dogs."
"Some would beg to differ. You seem to be using this town for something, what is it?"
"If you believe I have another plan for world domination then you're quite mistaken my friend. Although I have tried world conquest quite a few times again since we last met, I have taken an indefinite break from it. Would you believe that I'm simply just on an extended vacation?"
Again Wayne gave the silent treatment as a response.
"Well frankly, I don't care what you believe. I'm here to talk," Judge Savage said as he took a sip from his glass.
"If you're asking me to join you again then you wasted your time."
"I already know you're too idealistic like those fools whostill believe in the 'American Dream.' I just want to give you a friendly warning."
"There's nothing ever friendly about you," Wayne countered.
Savage chuckled and took another swig before clearing his throat.
"Well now that the gloves are off I guess I should get to the point. I'm only giving you one warning to stay out of my way," Judge Savage said bluntly. "This is my town now. I'm not trying to take over the federal government or the world. I just want to run my little town. If you get in the way, well things will get ugly and messy."
"As messy as they are right now? You're just a criminal and have turned this town into your own base of operations."
"As far as the law around here is concerned, I'm both the mayor and the judge."
"Well how would you like it if I told them about your past? I noticed you seemed very keen on not letting your secret get out to the public when we ran into each other earlier today."
"You wouldn't dare because no one would believe you and even if they did, you would have to explain your past as well. I'm calling your bluff."
Wayne frowned and turned around.
"We're done here," Wayne he muttered as he was about to reach the door.
"Oh Mister Wayne," Savage called as he walked out. Wayne stopped and looked back over his shoulder.
"You may not be afraid of death and think you have nothing to lose, but what about the Saunders family? Would you want something bad happening to them if things were to get messy around here?"
Wayne didn't say anything but looked straight forward again and angrily exited the building. He then began to make his way to the road Jimmie and him traveled down earlier, not noticing someone across town outside the church was watching him.
"I think the Lord has answered our prayers," the reverend mused.
Wayne sat at the table as he finished dinner. Anna was already clearing the table while William Jefferson and Little Polly followed her around. Jimmie, Wayne, and J.J. were still sitting at the table still. J.J. and Jimmie were both looking at Wayne who was trying to avoid making eye contact with them. He wasn't in the mood to talk about what Savage said.
"J.J. why don't you go help yar ma in the kitchen?" Jimmie suggested.
J.J. slid off the chair before giving the customary suspicious look at Wayne as he walked into the kitchen.
"So what did Mistah Savage want with ya?"
"Nothing," Wayne lied.
"Ya that's some bullshit," Jimmie retorted. "Savage never calls people in his office even to make threats. Sonnabitch thinks he's above all us regular folk. He only calls people in there if it's somethin' important. What did he want?"
Wayne sighed. He had to think of a more convincing lie.
"He wanted to hire me…"
"What? First he wants my land now he wants my field hand? Goddamn lying…"
"Don't worry I shot him down," Wayne said quickly. Jimmie had a habit of grabbing his rifle and shooting at random rodents outside whenever he got really worked up. Problem was that Jimmie was a terrible shot like his wife said, so Wayne always worried that one of his bad shots would accidentally hurt someone.
"Well good," Jimmie said as he calmed down a little. "I knew I was a good judge of charactah. Any lesser man would've taken the job 'cause I can't pay anyone a fraction what he pays. Tell me what the look on his face was when ya turned him down?"
Before Wayne could answer there was a knock on the door. Before Jimmie could say anything Wayne jerked up.
"I'll get it," he barked. It sounded like an order rather than a statement. Wayne slowly approached the door, trying to think how to react if it was the worst case scenario. Savage's warning was ringing in his head still. Cautiously he extended a hand and slowly opened the door to see a young man standing there.
"Peter?" Wayne asked, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Hey Mr. Wayne," Peter greeted back politely as he stepped in.
"Pete, what the hell ya doin' back here?"
"I'm sorry Pa; Reverend Stiles wanted to come up here."
"Oh Jesus, I'm a mess right now," Anna complained and went deeper into the kitchen to hide the stained apron she was wearing.
An elderly man stepped into the house after Peter. The old man was almost as tall and big as Wayne except he was hunched over. He wore a black brimmed hat which he took off upon entering. He had receding thin white hair which with numerous wrinkles on his face and a small white moustache and goatee. His eyes however were a vibrant brown that seemed to gleam through the glasses he wore. He wore a black coat that reached to the floor which he then took off to hang on the door, revealing he was wearing a preacher collar under the coat. Wayne couldn't help but notice his hands were shaking slightly and seemed to be a little stiff. What was even more surprising was even the reverend had a holster belt with a pistol in it. Wayne thought being a preacher the man would be a pacifist but even a man of the cloth in this town was armed.
"Reverend," Jimmie said after the initial surprise of his unannounced visit wore off. He got to his feet to shake the holy man's hand. "Would ya like somethin' to eat? Ma and the kids just cleaned up but if ya hungry I'm sure she can…"
"That will be alright, Jimmie," the reverend said politely and turned around to look at Wayne who looked uncomfortable as he shut the front door.
"You must be Mr. Wayne," he said as he offered a slightly shaking hand. "Peter has told me so much about you."
"Uh thanks…" Wayne murmured out as he took the old hand and shook it.
"Reverend not to be rude but I gotta ask why ya up in 'ere? Usually ya just drop off Pete and never come inside."
"Actually I came to speak to Mr. Wayne."
"Why?" Jimmie demanded, his tone indicating he wasn't going to be as forthcoming to the reverend's request without an answer.
"You want to speak to me?" Wayne asked, not exactly sure what was going on.
"Yes I do Mr. Wayne. I would prefer he spoke in private…"
"Well he's my field hand, anythin' ya gotta say to him, ya say to me!" Jimmie defended while pointing to himself.
"Very well," the reverend said patiently, not even showing the slightest bit of annoyance. "May I ask though that just the three of us talk then?"
"But Reverend…" Peter complained.
"Preachah's right Pete! Go take yar siblin's and play upstairs," Jimmie ordered. "Ma can handle the kitchen by herself."
"But Pa…"
"Damn it Pete! Don't talk back!" Jimmie snapped angrily.
Peter sighed and reluctantly walked to the kitchen grabbing his three siblings and taking them upstairs.
"And don't stomp!" Jimmie complained.
"Now Mr. Saunders and Mr. Wayne, may I take a seat?"
"Of course," Jimmie said while indicating to the one across from him. The reverend walked over and slowly sat down with the sound of creaking and involuntary groaning.
"Sorry about that. I guess I'm still a little stiff. Old age doesn't suit me."
Wayne took a seat at the end of the table so he could look at the reverend and Jimmie simultaneously.
"What do you want?" Wayne demanded.
The reverend sighed and took off his glasses.
"I guess I'll just get to the point. I saw you what you did at the saloon today. You really knew how to fight and you also have amazing reflexes. Hex is known for having one of the fastest hands in the West but you took him by surprise."
"Thanks," Wayne said uncomfortably.
"But that's not what impressed me. I saw how you grabbed the whip and disarmed that outlaw. Not many people can do that, let alone be that quick off the draw."
"He doesn't use guns!" Jimmie interjected before looking at Wayne. "Damn it Wayne! When yar gonna start usin' them? Ya coulda got killed!"
Wayne glared at both men.
"I think I've already made it clear, I don't use guns. I don't feel comfortable with them and frankly they aren't my style."
"I figured you would have issues with guns," the reverend stated. "No matter, that's not why I'm exactly here."
"Then what?"
"I saw you exited Judge Savage's building as well."
Jimmie spit on the ground when Savage's name was mentioned.
"I take it he wanted to hire you?" Reverend Stiles deduced.
"Yeah, sure…" Wayne lied. Like Savage said earlier, neither wanted their secret past to come out to the public.
"Well based on that killer look you had on your face when you walked out, I take it you turned him down?"
"Yes."
"Well I think that shows you have principles, morals, and…"
"With all due respect Reverend, I'm not a man of God."
"Oh dear me, no. I didn't come here to try to convince you to go to my church although I would like if you came. I was just pointing out it took some character to reject Judge Savage. Not many people can resist the temptations that he offers."
"So I don't want to be one of his stooges, what's that have to do with anything?" Wayne asked. He felt like he was becoming a false idol for the town based on misconceptions. Savage didn't ask to hire him but rather threatened him.
"I've been in this town for ten years when I became the new minister at the church. I've seen things go from bad to worse here. Savage comes in bringing not just his own sins but the sins of others as well. Decent families just trying to make a living are terrified and scared. Good working farms and businesses are constantly harassed. He brings not just corruption but criminals turning this town into a haven for outlaws. It's no wonder Jonah Hex ended up here in broad daylight. Tell me, Mr. Wayne does any of this bother you?"
Wayne didn't say anything even though everything the reverend listed did bother him a lot. The American's strong sense of justice was angry at what Savage had done to the town. At the same time a small part of Wayne wanted to be just left alone and lie low. Unfortunately the reverend must have been a telepath or an expert at reading body language because he was grinning with satisfaction as if Wayne had nonverbally given him the answer.
"So who cares if Johnny Wayne hates the town now? So do I!"
"Well that's the point of this meeting. Sheriff O'Hara is a decent man of the law. But there is only so much of what he can do, especially when Savage has connections in almost every level of every government. The law can't touch Savage. What this town needs is something else. This town doesn't need another member of the government or the law; this town needs just one man who believes in justice and has demonstrated a talent for fighting outlaws."
"Wait ya want Wayne to be the new sheriff?"
"No. Like I said, that badge is limited to what it can do. It still must uphold the law. I want Wayne to be something else. I want someone who can operate outside the law and go pass the roadblocks Savage has put in place to protect himself."
Wayne finally understood what the preacher was going with.
"You want me to be a vigilante?"
"If that's what you want to call it…"
"Absolutely not!" a voice called. Anna had stepped out of the kitchen revealing she had been eavesdropping. "Savage already gives us enough trouble as is! We don't need to give him more excuses!"
"But Mrs. Saunders," the reverend pleaded. "Savage has become so entrenched no one can take him down. The federal government is distracted by Reconstruction and those paying attention to Desert Star are paid to look the other way. Sometimes you need just a regular person to stand up for the right thing!"
"Easy for you to say!" Anna snapped. "You don't have kids to feed or take care of!"
"Anna!" Jimmie complained.
"No. I've had enough of this James! First you're too stubborn to move away and now you take in Wayne, a complete stranger, after I had my misgivings. Now look, first day in town he's already causing Savage to focus more of his attention on us. For Christ's Sake James! We have kids to look after!"
Jimmie sighed.
He looked at the reverend.
"I'm 'fraid she's right, Reverend. Savage already gives us enough trouble. Sendin' our field hand to go play posse and what not on Savage's men and operations is too risky…"
"You're such a hypocrite!" another voice called. Everyone looked over to see Peter walking out glaring at his father angrily. Eavesdropping must have run in the Saunders family.
"Pete…"
"No, don't you Pete me Pa!" Peter snapped. "You go on about freedom and right to property and how you're sticking up to Savage. However the first sign that things might get worse you retreat! It's people like you that allow Savage to exist!"
Jimmie stood up and slapped Peter across the face.
BAM!
"Aw!" Peter cried.
"Jimmie!" Wayne complained.
"Mr. Saunders!" the reverend protested.
"You listen to me son! I'm yar father and I busted my ass day in and day out workin' on so many fields so ya and yar siblin's could have food to eat! I saved 'nough money so we could buy a freakin' farm of our own so I can afford to give ya a bettah education so ya can have a bettah life than me and goddamnit I will not be talked to like that!"
"James," Anna said softly in contrast to her angry mood earlier. That seemed to calm Jimmie down.
"Ya should go Reverend," Jimmie said. It wasn't a suggestion.
"Yes I think I should," the reverend agreed and got up to slowly walk out. He then looked over his shoulder. "It appears I wasted your time and I apologize for that. Is Peter still coming with me?"
"Yes I am!" Peter said venomously, not even making eye contact with his father or letting anyone have the chance to say anything. Peter followed the reverend out of the house and slammed the front door.
Jimmie sighed sadly and sat back down.
"I'm sorry ya had to see that," he apologized to Wayne.
"I just always thought better of Reverend Stiles," Anna said with a disapproving tone. "He comes here to try to organize an illegal posse. The town's already violent as it is."
Wayne sighed and got up.
"I'm afraid the reverend's right."
Both Anna and Jimmie looked at him with shock.
"You see how Savage walks over you and this town. No one says anything and the few who do are marginalized. Sometimes you need to do what's right, even if that means taking risks and doing something unorthodox."
"No offense Mister Wayne, you haven't been here long. You don't understand what Savage is capable of doing," Anna warned. "If you had your own family to look after, you would understand."
That seemed to hurt a lot. Wayne felt that stung deep and he wasn't exactly sure why. She was right though. He had no family so it was easy for him to risk his life. Now he understood why Jimmie had refused to help. Actually openly fighting against Savage was risky. But still Wayne couldn't in good conscience do nothing. He had to do something.
Sighing he bowed his head in defeat.
"You're right, which is why I just realized I need to leave your farm."
"What?" Jimmie asked.
"If I join this posse, Savage might use you to get to me. I can't put your family at risk."
"Even if you leave you might still put us at risk!" Anna shouted. "You think Savage will care you don't work here anymore? If you join that posse, you will put all of us at risk!"
"Anna…"
"I promise you I won't let him harm your family in any way," Wayne proclaimed, in a less angry and calm voice in contrast to Anna's rising voice.
"Your promises mean nothing! And you can't even hold a gun! How are you going to protect us?"
"Anna…"
"No! I've had enough! I won't risk the lives of our children anymore! I want him out of here! He wants to go be an idiot and risk our lives, fine!"
The woman then with a huff turned and angrily stomped away.
Jimmie sighed.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Wayne said sadly. "I understand."
Still, Anna disowning Wayne hurt the American a lot. He had been living with them for about two weeks and they had become something like a family to him.
"She's right. I'm sorry Johnny but I can't keep ya 'round here. Got my kids and wife to look after. Can't afford Savage comin' here lookin' for ya."
"Understood. I'll head to town right now."
Jimmie stood up and offered his hand.
"I guess...good-bye…"
Wayne sadly shook it.
"She's right though, there may be a chance they might come for you."
"As long as ya keep Savage busy, I doubt he'll be lookin' at us."
Jimmie then looked like he had just remembered something.
"Oh wait, before yar leave, don't forget this!"
Jimme walked over and opened a little door along the staircase to pull out a parcel.
Ya dropped this back in town!"
Wayne realized that in the parcel were town clothes he had bought with Jimmie earlier today. Wayne had forgotten about them after his encounter with Hex.
"Ya might want to wear these sometime. Black looks good on ya."
A surge of guilt went through Wayne. Jimmie not only had given him a home for the past two weeks but he also had given him new clothes as well. Now he was leaving him and potentially putting his family at risk.
"I…"
"It's alright. Take it as payment for helpin' out 'round here the last couple of weeks."
Sighing Wayne held the parcel and turned to walk out of the house.
"Oh Wayne, another thin!'" Jimmie called out from the front door as Wayne had stepped down from the porch. The American turned back around to look at his friend.
"Look out for Pete for me will ya?"
"I will," Wayne promised.
"It ain't fair! Sheriff thinks I don't deserve the bounty! I caught 'em!"
"That will be all Cletus," Judge Savage ordered. "You are going to be helping with the train operation next week anyways. Feel free to take any spoils you want."
That seemed to satisfy Cletus who grinned showing his stained teeth. The man then exited the room.
"Idiot," Savage muttered under his breath. He needed a smarter man than that. All his men weren't that bright. It was time to raise his recruiting standards. Luckily he just got a response from a man he sent a letter to a few weeks ago. Savage lazily picked it up to read it again.
Your Honor,
My gang and I will be happy be the new "law and order" of your town. We are forty men strong and are the best shooters you can hire. We will discuss terms of payment later. However I will make it clear to you that my men are damn good at their jobs and don't ask questions. Also we will be busy with a few other operations and at the earliest will arrive at Desert Star between a week and a half to two weeks. Look forward to working with you.
-Q. Turnbull.
Up next Wayne and others form a posse to bring down Judge Savage while Metron discovers a terrible possible outcome for Batman.