Title: A Different Breed of Woman 2/?
Warnings: language
Author's Note: Don't own them, sigh. Don't sue me. And it's not betad. Continuation of my story A Different Breed of Woman, also available on this site. Samantha is my character, but feel free to use her. Thanks to the person who came up with the names of the Seven's horses.
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The next morning Samantha Hunter awoke with a mild headache. Her pains were directly linked to the group of men she had met the day before. The dusty little town of Four Corners was quickly proving to be full of more obstacles than she had counted on. And the race she had yet to ride in was only one.
IN a single day, she had experienced more hassles than she had her entire trip out to Colorado. First off, the hotel had no vacant rooms to rent and so it seemed she would have to spend yet another night sleeping in a stall. As she had been resigning herself to this fact however, when a handsome man with a peculiar accent and a bright red coat came to her rescue. The man, who introduced himself as Ezra Standish, had offered her a room in his saloon for a dollar a night. The price was unreasonable to be sure, but Sam was so happy at the thought of a bed that she chose to let it slide. Unfortunately, Standish had turned out to be less than a knight in shining armor. Much less, in fact.
Not to mention that her secret had almost been found out. For Samantha Hunter had not arrived in Four Corners as herself, but rather in disguise, dressing the part of her own husband, Joseph. While in the midst of changing out of her disguise, casting her hat, fake mustache and sideburns, boots and three layers of shirts aside, a man opened the door to her room and saw her. Not that, she mused to herself as she dressed in a skirt and shirt, the man had noticed much beyond the fact that she was only half dressed. Typical male she thought, show a little skin and they forget what day it is.
Once fully clothed, she and the man, Vin Tanner, had struck up a conversation. Samantha had been more than happy to talk with the handsome young man with intense blue eyes, long hair and lazy drawl. She did, however, have to keep reminding herself that she was married, sort of.
The next, and final indignity had come from Standish. The sarcastic Southerner had, with the help of two friends, removed Samantha's prized horse from the confines of his stall. Luckily Chance, her horse, nor either of the two men had been hurt during the incident. A decidedly lucky break, considering the extent of Chance's hatred towards anyone he didn't know. In her anger Sam had knocked Standish to the ground and called him some rather unpleasant things, and then informed him of the fact that her stay in his tavern was now free.
Samantha sighed as she straightened the fake ponytail she had attached to her head. "I have never," she muttered, "come across a town with so many good looking men. Of course, it doesn't really matter. They all think I'm married. And it's goin to stay that way." With a final glance at herself in the mirror, Sam left the room, having to move the chair blocking her door as she did so.
The saloon was virtually empty when Sam entered from the back, save seven men seated in one corner, and a pretty, dark haired woman behind the bar. Sam eyed the men for a moment, and then walked to the bar. "Morning. Anyplace in this town I can get some breakfast?"
"Oh sure," a heavy Spanish accent laced the woman's words. "You can get food at the hotel or at our restaurant down the street. Or, I can make you something here."
Sam sat on a stool and sighed. "If you're talking about whiskey I want no part in it, but if you mean strong black coffee, bring it on."
The woman grinned and poured Sam a steaming cup. "Rough night?"
"That's one way of putting it. And it seems you are the friend of some of my troubles." Samantha glanced again at the seven men at the far end of the saloon.
"Ah, so you have met the Siete Magnifico."
"Excuse me?" Samantha blinked sleepily.
"Those men were hired to protect this town by Judge Travis. The people are around here have taken to calling them the Magnificent Seven. My name is Inez by the way."
"Good to meet you Inez. I'm Samantha Hunter. My husband and I are renting a room here till the race Saturday. What's the deal with them anyway? Are they all linked at the hip?"
Inez laughed heartily. "It does seem that way doesn't it? Don't worry, you'll get used to them, eventually."
"Is that a promise or a threat?" Sam asked dryly. Inez laughed again. "What can you tell me about them? Are any of them planning to race? Helps to know the competition after all."
"The man in black is Chris Larabee. He's the leader. Don't cross him. The short one with the long dark hair is JD. He's a sweet boy who wants to prove himself a man. The one hanging over his shoulder is Buck Wilmington. Watch out for him. He'll try to sweet talk you."
"I'm married."
"That's never stopped him before. The black man reading his book is Nathan Jackson. He'll try to tell you that he's not a doctor, but everyone in town knows he is. Josiah Sanchez is the preacher in this town. He gives sermons at the old run down church at the far east side. Those last two," Inez shook her head.
"Ah yes. I've already had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Tanner. Seems like a nice enough man. I have also met your employer. That was not such a pleasure."
"Vin is a good man, but a wanted man just the same. But, for a crime he certainly did not commit. See the mare's leg at his hip? He can shoot a pea and twenty yards with that. And Ezra, Ezra is a sheep in wolves clothing." Samantha gave her an odd look. "Trust I got that right. He may not be the most honest man, but I trust him with my life. I trust all of them with my life."
"And are any of them racing?" Sam pressed.
"I think Buck is toying with the idea, but JD and Ezra certainly are. The rest," she shrugged.
Samantha swallowed the last of her coffee and thanked Inez. Then she laid some coins on the bar and left. She walked down the already busy street, enjoying the warm spring breeze. She didn't hear the footsteps coming up behind her. When the hand touched her shoulder, she nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Whoa there. Didn't mean to scare ya."
"Quite all right Mr. Tanner."
"Look, I was hopin to apologize for Ezra. He's so used to bein' underhanded, I don't think he knows how to ask for somthin outright. He didn't mean no harm."
"Why doesn't Ezra apologize himself?"
"Well, Ezra don't say he's ever wrong neither. Where you headin?"
"The livery. I want to check on Chance and Bonfire. Jose don't really like Chance all that much. Not since that blasted horse busted his arm."
"If he's such a terror why don't you get rid of him?"
"Cause that terror is the key to our future. He's the fastest horse on either side of the Mississippi, and Joe and I aim to prove it. And he's not always a terror. Give him a piece of hard candy and he's your friend for life. This prize money is our ticket to payin' for the land we just bought."
"Oh? And what land would that be?"
"Joseph and I were in California when a friend of ours heard about a ranch up for sale a few miles from here. The old Johansson place three or four miles out of town. We saw the land and just fell in love. We have a down payment on it, but really need this money to help pay off the last of it. Our entire savings are held up in that land."
"Well, there are some twenty other men who are aimin for the same cash as you and your husband. And I don't think they plan to just let you have it. These aren't rich racin' folk. Most of em are poor farmers with a fast horse looking to make some quick dough. They'll have tricks up their sleeves."
"Maybe, but they won't have Chance. Some times I think that horse will just sprout wings and take off. He's the closest I'll ever be to actually flyin. He's seven you know, and this is goin to be his last race. We plan to retire him and start raisin some colts. That's what our farm's gonna be, home to the fastest horses in the West. After Saturday, Chance's colts will do the runnin for him."
"And if you lose?"
"We won't." Samantha said with all the confidence she could muster. "We can't." Samantha's stride lengthened until she was ahead of Vin. The conversation was over, at least for her. SO Vin decided to change the subject.
"Where is your husband anyway? I was kind of hoping to meet him. Kind of hopin to see him ride."
"You won't see him ride till race day. I do all the riding till then. As for meetin him," her voice trailed off. "I think he went out to the farm. Should be back late tonight or tomorrow."
"Really? Both your horses are still here." It was a statement, not a question.
"Our foreman must've picked him up in the wagon. You've probably met him, Jerry Weston. A good foreman with an eye for horseflesh. He'll be helping us pick out some good mares to breed to Chance."
"Yeah, I've met Jerry. Never mentioned he was working the old Johansson place though."
"We asked him to keep quiet our plans for the farm. Some people can be kind of touchy." The two had reached the livery and Samantha poked her head inside the door. "Jose? You here?"
The short Mexican rider called, but didn't step out to where they could see him. There was a muffled thump from the hayloft. "Jose, what in tarnation you doin up there?"
Vin senses were on the alert. Something about the situation didn't feel quite right to him. The tracker rushed past Samantha and clambered up the rickety ladder to the hayloft. "Hey!"
The two men that had been with Samantha on the stage looked over to Vin. The husky, unshaven man who had been boasting about his horse had his fist raised. Vin had heard around town that his name was Jim. His rider, a well-muscled young man about Vin's height held Jose's arms to his sides. Jose was slumped against him, blood trickling down his nose. "This ain't none of your business Mister. So why don't you just leave us be?"
Vin shook his head. "Can't do that. See Jose there is a friend of mine, and I am makin this my business. Now. Let him go."
"Who's gonna make us? You friend?" The husky man took a threatening step toward the tracker.
Vin shook his head again, pushing one flap of his well-worn jacket aside to reveal the saw off Winchester strapped to his thigh. "I just might. And let's get one thing clear, I ain't your friend. Now git."
The husky man nodded to his rider and the two hurried from the loft, taking a wide birth around Vin. Samantha, in the meantime, had made her way toward Jose. Upon passing Sam, Jim stopped and stared at her for a moment, before following his rider down the ladder.
"You all right Jose?" Samantha knelt beside him, examining his bloody nose and the nasty bruise forming around his eye.
"Si senora. Those men, they accuse me of trying to poison their caballo. Jose would not do such a thing to an animal. They just want trouble. Please Senora, you must believe."
"Of course I believe you Jose. Don't worry about them. Right now I'm just worried about you. Are you okay?"
"Si senora. I will be ready to ride in an hour. Chance and Bonfire will be ready too."
Samantha could have laughed. "Wonderful. Here," she gave the man a few dollars, "go get some breakfast and clean up your face. I'll meet you back here in an hour and a half." With a final smile, the little man hurried away. She and Vin followed at a slightly less frantic pace.
"Seems like you're headin for some trouble."
"Maybe. I think those guys were just blowin off steam though. At the moment, I have bigger problems. I need to make some money quick. I thought I had enough cash to register both my horses, but I'm a hundred or so short. I registered Chance last night. Now I have to turn my fifty into one hundred and fifty by this afternoon, if I want to register Bonfire too. Think there'll be a poker game goin on at this time in the morning?"
"In this town? With this many new people? Yep. All these newbies haven't learned to avoid Ezra yet."
"Good."
Samantha entered the room and scanned the scene. There were two or three games going on at a few tables, all with money trading hands, but she wanted the high rollers. And she found them, circled around a felt covered table, with Ezra gathering in a load of chips. "Room for one more?" she queried.
Ezra eyed her doubtfully for a moment, then nodded to a man to his right. "I believe this gentleman has run dry. If you choose to, I have no qualms with you taking his vacated seat. Have you ever played Poker before?"
Samantha picked up the stack of playin cards and fingered them awkwardly. "Once or twice, but I'm a fast learner."
Ezra flashed her a toothy grin, a stream of sunlight bouncing off his gold tooth. "Well then. We'll let this first hand be a bit of a tutorial for you. Do any of you gentlemen object?" No one at the table uttered a word, happy to let someone else be the center of the gambler's attentions. Sam took her seat.
Vin sat next to Buck at the bar and ordered himself a whiskey. "You're just goin to let that pretty lady get fleeced by Ezra? I thought you had better manners than that Vin." Buck crowed with indignation. "I'm going to put a stop to this." Buck rose, but Vin grabbed his arm and quietly shook his head. Buck sat. "You're not worried about her getting taken?"
Vin merely grinned and sipped his drink. "Nope."
"But it's Ezra Vin, our Ezra."
"Yep."
"And yet you're not concerned?"
"Nope. I get this feelin that Samantha Hunter don't go into something half cocked. If she's sitting at that table, she expects to win. And from what I've seen so far, she just might."
Now Buck was grinning. He chuckled softly. "Huh. Ezra bein taken by a lady. That would be a sight. I think I'm goin to watch this."
An hour later Samantha and Ezra were the last two people remaining at the card table. Between the two of them, they cleaned out everyone to their last nickel. They sat across from one another, each face a blank mask. By the end of their game, Samantha was sure that there was no better Poker player in all of Colorado than the man sitting across from her. He could bluff, cheat and play it straight, all without a muscle twitching. That was not to say however, that Sam did not hold her own. She won as much as she lost, and ended up with a pot comparable to Ezra's own.
She had passed her hundred and fifty dollar goal twenty minutes before, and was no playing her last hand for the sure enjoyment of it. "I'll take two." She tossed her cards at the gambler.
"Two for the lady," Ezra drawled, "and the dealer takes one." They both examined their cards studiously. "You're good." He said seriously.
"You too. I'll see your twenty, and raise you five."
"Accepted, and bettered by ten. But in all seriousness, how did you come into this extraordinary talent? You are by far the most challenging game I've played in months."
"Glad I could help keep you sharp." She threw down another ten dollars worth of chips. Neither player seemed aware of the sizeable crowd now gathered around their table. Even Chris, for all his misgivings about the upcoming race, held an interest in the outcome of the match.
"But I am afraid that I will have to end this hand, and our game. I call."
Ezra grinned again, wide enough to reveal the gold tooth and bring out the sparkle in his emerald green eyes. "I do hate to relieve you of your burden, but as you see, these four lovely ladies must insist." There was a gasp let up by the audience, and Ezra leaned back in his chair clasping his hands behind his head. He put his boots up on the table.
Sam's face remained very grave. "Yes, that is a very good hand. Too bad." Ezra held his hands palms up, waiting for the woman to admit defeat. "Too bad," she repeated, "that I have a better one. Do you think your ladies would like to be accompanied by my four handsome kings?" She laid the cards out on the table. Ezra was rendered momentarily speechless. He might have said something after overcoming his shock, but he was too busy picking himself up off the floor, having tipped his chair. Not to mention that he probably would not have been heard over the cheering.
To his credit, Ezra in this instance was a gracious loser. He tipped his hat to Samantha and helped her gather her winnings, pocketing only a few smaller chips for himself. "How did you do that? Please, I really must know where you learned the intricacies of this game of chance."
"I'm sorry, but there are some things a lady must a keep a secret. Hope you understand." With a quick salute, Sam hurried up the tavern stairs.
Buck and Vin approached Ezra from either side. "I for one," Buck assured the con man, "will not forget that game for a long time."
"And pard, I sure as hell ain't gonna forget the look on your face when you fell over your chair." Buck and Vin howled with laughter. Ezra barely seemed to hear them.
"Gentlemen please. I am not one to begrudge a lady with such immense talents."
"Since when Ez?"
"You are incredibly uncouth Mr. Tanner. I take my leave of you." Ezra turned on his heel and left the bar, presumably to go lick his wounds.
"I'd say that little lady had our gambling friend all tied up in knots." Buck patted Vin's shoulder.
Vin laughed. "I'd say so. He was so busy looking at her face, he didn't even notice the extra King she had up her sleeve." Then the two friends laughed even harder.
Samantha changed, registered Bonfire and hid the remainder of her winnings in her room. Then she walked down to the livery with a light bounce in her step. The day had turned crisp and warm, a light breeze coming in from the West. It was the perfect day for a ride.
Samantha had a pair of gloves tucked into the waistband of her loose fitting, flowing pants. A black hat hung around her shoulders. Upon nearing the livery she heard Chance's clarion call, ringing through the air. She broke into a jog. Jose was bringing the immense stallion outside, but was not having an easy time of it. Chance plunged and bucked at his side, wringing his neck around like a snake. The little Mexican could do little more than provide himself as dead weight to slow the horse's charge.
She caught the reins and halted Chance mid-stride. Jose looked up at her gratefully. "Go get Bonfire. I'll meet you at the training area." Jose nodded and dashed back into the confines of the barn. Sam walked Chance down the street, actually walked and wasn't dragged. She knew where she was going, for the town had cleared a fairly substantial amount of land outside its limits for use by the racers.
Halfway to her destination, three riders on horseback approached her from the training field. Chance tensed, so when he acted Sam was ready. The stallion reared, striking out with slim forelegs. She let the reins slide through her fingers until they had reached the end of their length and kept close to his side, away from the deadly hooves. The horse landed, and Sam gave a firm tug on the reins to make him understand that he should stay there.
"You're not actually planning on riding that animal are you?" Buck called out from atop his gray.
"Is he always this much of a pain-in-the-ass when it comes to protecting women?" She asked Ezra and Vin.
"Yes." They both answered at the same time.
As if to prove her point, Samantha locked eyes with Buck, grabbed the pommel of her saddle, stuck her foot in the stirrup and swung on, just as nice as you please. Chance reared again, Samantha sticking to the saddle expertly.
"All right, I get the point," Buck surrendered. Samantha nodded with satisfaction.
"That's an unusual saddle." Vin commented as the four of them headed to the field.
Samantha looked down at the saddle she was riding in and nodded. She hardly noticed anymore, but had to admit that it must look strange. The seat of the saddle was that of a western saddle, with a high pommel, deep seat and wide cantle, but the flaps were that of a traditional English saddle, as were the stirrups. "I suppose so, but it make sense for what I need. I had it made special in Kentucky a few years back. I get all the comfort of a western seat, but its about ten pounds lighter. Makes a big difference when you're riding all day or racing a long way."
The three men continued to talk and she would occasionally answer with a yep or mm-hm, but her mind was not on talking. Chance was giving her a hard time, but not so that it was visible to anyone watching. He played with the bit, taking it in his teeth and attempting to break into a trot, but Sam held him back. She could feel his tension; it surrounded them like a cloud. Every muscle in his body felt tense. He ached to run.
At the field they stopped and looked around. Sam took Chance's moment of calm to slip on her gloves. Ten or so competitors were out riding. She sighted in on a tall, lanky bay. "Who's that?" she motioned to the horse with her chin, not daring to let the reins go.
"That would be JD. He's been all excited about winning this race on Seven for weeks. It's all the boy can think about." Buck told her. Buck stuck to fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp, blaring whistle. The bay horse broke from a gallop to a trot, and headed in their direction. Chance stomped the ground.
JD's eyes were bright as he rode to them. His horse trotted calmly; lather having formed on his neck. The horse's nostrils were dilated and red and his sides heaved. "Seven and I just put in the fastest work over half a mile we've done so far. I think we've got a shot for Saturday."
Samantha nodded slowly. "Nice horse. Clean lines, a well-sloped shoulder and long enough through the back for a fairly large stride. But, exactly how much time have you spent with him conditioning?"
JD eyed Samantha curiously. He wiped sweat from his forehead, taking off his odd hat to do so. "Conditioning?" He repeated.
"You know, making sure he can run the four miles without keeling over. Having a fast horse doesn't help you if he can't sustain his drive over a distance. Long, slow works at the trot and canter really help with that."
JD blushed, and stammered. "W...well I mean, I hadn't really thought about it. I...I uh ride him all the time. I thought he was fit."
Samantha shook her head. "Riding fit is not necessarily racing fit. Not to worry though," she added quickly, realizing how condescending she must sound. She glanced over her shoulder to ensure that Jose and Bonfire were in fact coming up behind her. "You still have some time before the race. They opened the course today right?" She asked Vin.
"Yep, open for the competitors to ride over."
"Look JD, it'll take Jose a good twenty minutes to warm Bonfire up. Walk Seven till he's done and then ride with him over the course at a trot. Do the same thing tomorrow too, but ride the course twice. Day after that, ride one circuit at the canter and two at the trot. Should set you up pretty well for Saturday. Sound good?"
JD nodded, feeling mildly less ignorant. He rode off with Seven at a walk to wait for Jose and Bonfire. Sam leaned over to Jose and spoke a few words in Spanish. The Mexican smiled and nodded. "Si, I will ride with the boy over the track. No problemo."
Samantha nodded. "After the first trip around, take Bonfire around again at a canter. We'll run him out tomorrow." Jose saluted and rode off.
"That was a good thing you did." Buck told her.
She shrugged. "JD didn't know, and besides, Bonfire needs conditioning too. I'll take Chance out later today and see what I see. Right now though, I'm going to warm him up and let him stretch out a bit. Stay back from his heels though, he's a firecracker when he's excited." She warned. Samantha nudged Chance into a trot across the field, circling first to the left and then to the right, crossing the field in a complicated series of turns. Ezra guessed that it was her way of keeping Chance's attentions.
He and Vin sat on their mounts, watching Sam put Chance through his paces. The gray moved effortlessly, his muscles sliding easily under his thin coat. He appeared to float. When she asked the stallion to canter, he exploded in a series of bucks before settling into a less than even pace.
"Quite the rider," Vin muttered.
"Yes," Ezra mused. "Odd. That horse seems so much attached to her. He's as much of a one person horse as Chaucer here. It's a wonder her husband can ride him as well." Ezra patted his chestnut's well-muscled shoulder lovingly. Chaucer shook his head at the touch.
Vin glanced at the southerner, his eyes narrowed. Exactly how much, Vin wondered, has Ez guessed? "I'm not sure what you've been watching, but that horse is givin her one hell of a time."
"Think about it Mr. Tanner. If he really wanted to toss his rider, he could easily do so. He's playing around as much as she'll let him, but no more. Quite a charade those two are pulling."
Ten minutes or so later, Sam trotted back to Vin and Ezra. Buck had gone off with JD and Jose to ride the course. Sweat rolled down Sam's face and she was breathing hard, but was grinning just the same. "He feels great!" She exclaimed. She opened her mouth to speak again, when the sound of shots rang through the air. No one else in the training field seemed to notice, but Sam Ezra and Vin were closest to the source. The shots seemed to have originated from the course.
Samantha flinched and Chance leaped into the air. Ezra and Vin exchanged a glance. They wheeled their horses and took off for the ridge. It was the only section of the course not able to be seen from the field and the best place for a sniper. Samantha reined Chance back and took off after them. "Remain here!" Ezra called back at her.
Chance drew even with the other two horses. Sam's face was stony. "That's my friend and my horse. I'm coming." Neither of the two men argued with her further.
In a matter of minutes the three galloping horse reached the ridge. The rider's drew their horses to a halt when they saw Seven and Clyde, Buck's sturdy gray gelding. They didn't see Buck, Jose or JD.
"Buck! JD!" Vin called, drawing his gun. Ezra pulled his Remington.
From her vantage point, Sam saw a prone figure lying in the dirt. She recognized the man's plain gray hat and bandana. "Jose!" She called. She spurred Chance forward, unmindful of the danger.
Samantha galloped up to her friend's form, and leaped off while Chance was still cantering. She tried to go to him, but Chance, fearful of the smell of blood, pulled her away. Hooves clattered behind her. Buck and JD appeared out of the brush, guns drawn. "Ambushed," Buck gasped. "From the rocks. We couldn't find him."
Vin left Peso ground tied near Jose and kneeled over the body. Samantha held Chance as close as the stallion dared get. She could see the dark pool of blood spreading out around him. Her hands shook and her knees felt week. Her eyes searched Vin's desperately, hoping against hope that she would find some comfort there. Vin only shook his head. "He's dead."
The End: Part 2
Part three coming soon. Tell me what you think.
Warnings: language
Author's Note: Don't own them, sigh. Don't sue me. And it's not betad. Continuation of my story A Different Breed of Woman, also available on this site. Samantha is my character, but feel free to use her. Thanks to the person who came up with the names of the Seven's horses.
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The next morning Samantha Hunter awoke with a mild headache. Her pains were directly linked to the group of men she had met the day before. The dusty little town of Four Corners was quickly proving to be full of more obstacles than she had counted on. And the race she had yet to ride in was only one.
IN a single day, she had experienced more hassles than she had her entire trip out to Colorado. First off, the hotel had no vacant rooms to rent and so it seemed she would have to spend yet another night sleeping in a stall. As she had been resigning herself to this fact however, when a handsome man with a peculiar accent and a bright red coat came to her rescue. The man, who introduced himself as Ezra Standish, had offered her a room in his saloon for a dollar a night. The price was unreasonable to be sure, but Sam was so happy at the thought of a bed that she chose to let it slide. Unfortunately, Standish had turned out to be less than a knight in shining armor. Much less, in fact.
Not to mention that her secret had almost been found out. For Samantha Hunter had not arrived in Four Corners as herself, but rather in disguise, dressing the part of her own husband, Joseph. While in the midst of changing out of her disguise, casting her hat, fake mustache and sideburns, boots and three layers of shirts aside, a man opened the door to her room and saw her. Not that, she mused to herself as she dressed in a skirt and shirt, the man had noticed much beyond the fact that she was only half dressed. Typical male she thought, show a little skin and they forget what day it is.
Once fully clothed, she and the man, Vin Tanner, had struck up a conversation. Samantha had been more than happy to talk with the handsome young man with intense blue eyes, long hair and lazy drawl. She did, however, have to keep reminding herself that she was married, sort of.
The next, and final indignity had come from Standish. The sarcastic Southerner had, with the help of two friends, removed Samantha's prized horse from the confines of his stall. Luckily Chance, her horse, nor either of the two men had been hurt during the incident. A decidedly lucky break, considering the extent of Chance's hatred towards anyone he didn't know. In her anger Sam had knocked Standish to the ground and called him some rather unpleasant things, and then informed him of the fact that her stay in his tavern was now free.
Samantha sighed as she straightened the fake ponytail she had attached to her head. "I have never," she muttered, "come across a town with so many good looking men. Of course, it doesn't really matter. They all think I'm married. And it's goin to stay that way." With a final glance at herself in the mirror, Sam left the room, having to move the chair blocking her door as she did so.
The saloon was virtually empty when Sam entered from the back, save seven men seated in one corner, and a pretty, dark haired woman behind the bar. Sam eyed the men for a moment, and then walked to the bar. "Morning. Anyplace in this town I can get some breakfast?"
"Oh sure," a heavy Spanish accent laced the woman's words. "You can get food at the hotel or at our restaurant down the street. Or, I can make you something here."
Sam sat on a stool and sighed. "If you're talking about whiskey I want no part in it, but if you mean strong black coffee, bring it on."
The woman grinned and poured Sam a steaming cup. "Rough night?"
"That's one way of putting it. And it seems you are the friend of some of my troubles." Samantha glanced again at the seven men at the far end of the saloon.
"Ah, so you have met the Siete Magnifico."
"Excuse me?" Samantha blinked sleepily.
"Those men were hired to protect this town by Judge Travis. The people are around here have taken to calling them the Magnificent Seven. My name is Inez by the way."
"Good to meet you Inez. I'm Samantha Hunter. My husband and I are renting a room here till the race Saturday. What's the deal with them anyway? Are they all linked at the hip?"
Inez laughed heartily. "It does seem that way doesn't it? Don't worry, you'll get used to them, eventually."
"Is that a promise or a threat?" Sam asked dryly. Inez laughed again. "What can you tell me about them? Are any of them planning to race? Helps to know the competition after all."
"The man in black is Chris Larabee. He's the leader. Don't cross him. The short one with the long dark hair is JD. He's a sweet boy who wants to prove himself a man. The one hanging over his shoulder is Buck Wilmington. Watch out for him. He'll try to sweet talk you."
"I'm married."
"That's never stopped him before. The black man reading his book is Nathan Jackson. He'll try to tell you that he's not a doctor, but everyone in town knows he is. Josiah Sanchez is the preacher in this town. He gives sermons at the old run down church at the far east side. Those last two," Inez shook her head.
"Ah yes. I've already had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Tanner. Seems like a nice enough man. I have also met your employer. That was not such a pleasure."
"Vin is a good man, but a wanted man just the same. But, for a crime he certainly did not commit. See the mare's leg at his hip? He can shoot a pea and twenty yards with that. And Ezra, Ezra is a sheep in wolves clothing." Samantha gave her an odd look. "Trust I got that right. He may not be the most honest man, but I trust him with my life. I trust all of them with my life."
"And are any of them racing?" Sam pressed.
"I think Buck is toying with the idea, but JD and Ezra certainly are. The rest," she shrugged.
Samantha swallowed the last of her coffee and thanked Inez. Then she laid some coins on the bar and left. She walked down the already busy street, enjoying the warm spring breeze. She didn't hear the footsteps coming up behind her. When the hand touched her shoulder, she nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Whoa there. Didn't mean to scare ya."
"Quite all right Mr. Tanner."
"Look, I was hopin to apologize for Ezra. He's so used to bein' underhanded, I don't think he knows how to ask for somthin outright. He didn't mean no harm."
"Why doesn't Ezra apologize himself?"
"Well, Ezra don't say he's ever wrong neither. Where you headin?"
"The livery. I want to check on Chance and Bonfire. Jose don't really like Chance all that much. Not since that blasted horse busted his arm."
"If he's such a terror why don't you get rid of him?"
"Cause that terror is the key to our future. He's the fastest horse on either side of the Mississippi, and Joe and I aim to prove it. And he's not always a terror. Give him a piece of hard candy and he's your friend for life. This prize money is our ticket to payin' for the land we just bought."
"Oh? And what land would that be?"
"Joseph and I were in California when a friend of ours heard about a ranch up for sale a few miles from here. The old Johansson place three or four miles out of town. We saw the land and just fell in love. We have a down payment on it, but really need this money to help pay off the last of it. Our entire savings are held up in that land."
"Well, there are some twenty other men who are aimin for the same cash as you and your husband. And I don't think they plan to just let you have it. These aren't rich racin' folk. Most of em are poor farmers with a fast horse looking to make some quick dough. They'll have tricks up their sleeves."
"Maybe, but they won't have Chance. Some times I think that horse will just sprout wings and take off. He's the closest I'll ever be to actually flyin. He's seven you know, and this is goin to be his last race. We plan to retire him and start raisin some colts. That's what our farm's gonna be, home to the fastest horses in the West. After Saturday, Chance's colts will do the runnin for him."
"And if you lose?"
"We won't." Samantha said with all the confidence she could muster. "We can't." Samantha's stride lengthened until she was ahead of Vin. The conversation was over, at least for her. SO Vin decided to change the subject.
"Where is your husband anyway? I was kind of hoping to meet him. Kind of hopin to see him ride."
"You won't see him ride till race day. I do all the riding till then. As for meetin him," her voice trailed off. "I think he went out to the farm. Should be back late tonight or tomorrow."
"Really? Both your horses are still here." It was a statement, not a question.
"Our foreman must've picked him up in the wagon. You've probably met him, Jerry Weston. A good foreman with an eye for horseflesh. He'll be helping us pick out some good mares to breed to Chance."
"Yeah, I've met Jerry. Never mentioned he was working the old Johansson place though."
"We asked him to keep quiet our plans for the farm. Some people can be kind of touchy." The two had reached the livery and Samantha poked her head inside the door. "Jose? You here?"
The short Mexican rider called, but didn't step out to where they could see him. There was a muffled thump from the hayloft. "Jose, what in tarnation you doin up there?"
Vin senses were on the alert. Something about the situation didn't feel quite right to him. The tracker rushed past Samantha and clambered up the rickety ladder to the hayloft. "Hey!"
The two men that had been with Samantha on the stage looked over to Vin. The husky, unshaven man who had been boasting about his horse had his fist raised. Vin had heard around town that his name was Jim. His rider, a well-muscled young man about Vin's height held Jose's arms to his sides. Jose was slumped against him, blood trickling down his nose. "This ain't none of your business Mister. So why don't you just leave us be?"
Vin shook his head. "Can't do that. See Jose there is a friend of mine, and I am makin this my business. Now. Let him go."
"Who's gonna make us? You friend?" The husky man took a threatening step toward the tracker.
Vin shook his head again, pushing one flap of his well-worn jacket aside to reveal the saw off Winchester strapped to his thigh. "I just might. And let's get one thing clear, I ain't your friend. Now git."
The husky man nodded to his rider and the two hurried from the loft, taking a wide birth around Vin. Samantha, in the meantime, had made her way toward Jose. Upon passing Sam, Jim stopped and stared at her for a moment, before following his rider down the ladder.
"You all right Jose?" Samantha knelt beside him, examining his bloody nose and the nasty bruise forming around his eye.
"Si senora. Those men, they accuse me of trying to poison their caballo. Jose would not do such a thing to an animal. They just want trouble. Please Senora, you must believe."
"Of course I believe you Jose. Don't worry about them. Right now I'm just worried about you. Are you okay?"
"Si senora. I will be ready to ride in an hour. Chance and Bonfire will be ready too."
Samantha could have laughed. "Wonderful. Here," she gave the man a few dollars, "go get some breakfast and clean up your face. I'll meet you back here in an hour and a half." With a final smile, the little man hurried away. She and Vin followed at a slightly less frantic pace.
"Seems like you're headin for some trouble."
"Maybe. I think those guys were just blowin off steam though. At the moment, I have bigger problems. I need to make some money quick. I thought I had enough cash to register both my horses, but I'm a hundred or so short. I registered Chance last night. Now I have to turn my fifty into one hundred and fifty by this afternoon, if I want to register Bonfire too. Think there'll be a poker game goin on at this time in the morning?"
"In this town? With this many new people? Yep. All these newbies haven't learned to avoid Ezra yet."
"Good."
Samantha entered the room and scanned the scene. There were two or three games going on at a few tables, all with money trading hands, but she wanted the high rollers. And she found them, circled around a felt covered table, with Ezra gathering in a load of chips. "Room for one more?" she queried.
Ezra eyed her doubtfully for a moment, then nodded to a man to his right. "I believe this gentleman has run dry. If you choose to, I have no qualms with you taking his vacated seat. Have you ever played Poker before?"
Samantha picked up the stack of playin cards and fingered them awkwardly. "Once or twice, but I'm a fast learner."
Ezra flashed her a toothy grin, a stream of sunlight bouncing off his gold tooth. "Well then. We'll let this first hand be a bit of a tutorial for you. Do any of you gentlemen object?" No one at the table uttered a word, happy to let someone else be the center of the gambler's attentions. Sam took her seat.
Vin sat next to Buck at the bar and ordered himself a whiskey. "You're just goin to let that pretty lady get fleeced by Ezra? I thought you had better manners than that Vin." Buck crowed with indignation. "I'm going to put a stop to this." Buck rose, but Vin grabbed his arm and quietly shook his head. Buck sat. "You're not worried about her getting taken?"
Vin merely grinned and sipped his drink. "Nope."
"But it's Ezra Vin, our Ezra."
"Yep."
"And yet you're not concerned?"
"Nope. I get this feelin that Samantha Hunter don't go into something half cocked. If she's sitting at that table, she expects to win. And from what I've seen so far, she just might."
Now Buck was grinning. He chuckled softly. "Huh. Ezra bein taken by a lady. That would be a sight. I think I'm goin to watch this."
An hour later Samantha and Ezra were the last two people remaining at the card table. Between the two of them, they cleaned out everyone to their last nickel. They sat across from one another, each face a blank mask. By the end of their game, Samantha was sure that there was no better Poker player in all of Colorado than the man sitting across from her. He could bluff, cheat and play it straight, all without a muscle twitching. That was not to say however, that Sam did not hold her own. She won as much as she lost, and ended up with a pot comparable to Ezra's own.
She had passed her hundred and fifty dollar goal twenty minutes before, and was no playing her last hand for the sure enjoyment of it. "I'll take two." She tossed her cards at the gambler.
"Two for the lady," Ezra drawled, "and the dealer takes one." They both examined their cards studiously. "You're good." He said seriously.
"You too. I'll see your twenty, and raise you five."
"Accepted, and bettered by ten. But in all seriousness, how did you come into this extraordinary talent? You are by far the most challenging game I've played in months."
"Glad I could help keep you sharp." She threw down another ten dollars worth of chips. Neither player seemed aware of the sizeable crowd now gathered around their table. Even Chris, for all his misgivings about the upcoming race, held an interest in the outcome of the match.
"But I am afraid that I will have to end this hand, and our game. I call."
Ezra grinned again, wide enough to reveal the gold tooth and bring out the sparkle in his emerald green eyes. "I do hate to relieve you of your burden, but as you see, these four lovely ladies must insist." There was a gasp let up by the audience, and Ezra leaned back in his chair clasping his hands behind his head. He put his boots up on the table.
Sam's face remained very grave. "Yes, that is a very good hand. Too bad." Ezra held his hands palms up, waiting for the woman to admit defeat. "Too bad," she repeated, "that I have a better one. Do you think your ladies would like to be accompanied by my four handsome kings?" She laid the cards out on the table. Ezra was rendered momentarily speechless. He might have said something after overcoming his shock, but he was too busy picking himself up off the floor, having tipped his chair. Not to mention that he probably would not have been heard over the cheering.
To his credit, Ezra in this instance was a gracious loser. He tipped his hat to Samantha and helped her gather her winnings, pocketing only a few smaller chips for himself. "How did you do that? Please, I really must know where you learned the intricacies of this game of chance."
"I'm sorry, but there are some things a lady must a keep a secret. Hope you understand." With a quick salute, Sam hurried up the tavern stairs.
Buck and Vin approached Ezra from either side. "I for one," Buck assured the con man, "will not forget that game for a long time."
"And pard, I sure as hell ain't gonna forget the look on your face when you fell over your chair." Buck and Vin howled with laughter. Ezra barely seemed to hear them.
"Gentlemen please. I am not one to begrudge a lady with such immense talents."
"Since when Ez?"
"You are incredibly uncouth Mr. Tanner. I take my leave of you." Ezra turned on his heel and left the bar, presumably to go lick his wounds.
"I'd say that little lady had our gambling friend all tied up in knots." Buck patted Vin's shoulder.
Vin laughed. "I'd say so. He was so busy looking at her face, he didn't even notice the extra King she had up her sleeve." Then the two friends laughed even harder.
Samantha changed, registered Bonfire and hid the remainder of her winnings in her room. Then she walked down to the livery with a light bounce in her step. The day had turned crisp and warm, a light breeze coming in from the West. It was the perfect day for a ride.
Samantha had a pair of gloves tucked into the waistband of her loose fitting, flowing pants. A black hat hung around her shoulders. Upon nearing the livery she heard Chance's clarion call, ringing through the air. She broke into a jog. Jose was bringing the immense stallion outside, but was not having an easy time of it. Chance plunged and bucked at his side, wringing his neck around like a snake. The little Mexican could do little more than provide himself as dead weight to slow the horse's charge.
She caught the reins and halted Chance mid-stride. Jose looked up at her gratefully. "Go get Bonfire. I'll meet you at the training area." Jose nodded and dashed back into the confines of the barn. Sam walked Chance down the street, actually walked and wasn't dragged. She knew where she was going, for the town had cleared a fairly substantial amount of land outside its limits for use by the racers.
Halfway to her destination, three riders on horseback approached her from the training field. Chance tensed, so when he acted Sam was ready. The stallion reared, striking out with slim forelegs. She let the reins slide through her fingers until they had reached the end of their length and kept close to his side, away from the deadly hooves. The horse landed, and Sam gave a firm tug on the reins to make him understand that he should stay there.
"You're not actually planning on riding that animal are you?" Buck called out from atop his gray.
"Is he always this much of a pain-in-the-ass when it comes to protecting women?" She asked Ezra and Vin.
"Yes." They both answered at the same time.
As if to prove her point, Samantha locked eyes with Buck, grabbed the pommel of her saddle, stuck her foot in the stirrup and swung on, just as nice as you please. Chance reared again, Samantha sticking to the saddle expertly.
"All right, I get the point," Buck surrendered. Samantha nodded with satisfaction.
"That's an unusual saddle." Vin commented as the four of them headed to the field.
Samantha looked down at the saddle she was riding in and nodded. She hardly noticed anymore, but had to admit that it must look strange. The seat of the saddle was that of a western saddle, with a high pommel, deep seat and wide cantle, but the flaps were that of a traditional English saddle, as were the stirrups. "I suppose so, but it make sense for what I need. I had it made special in Kentucky a few years back. I get all the comfort of a western seat, but its about ten pounds lighter. Makes a big difference when you're riding all day or racing a long way."
The three men continued to talk and she would occasionally answer with a yep or mm-hm, but her mind was not on talking. Chance was giving her a hard time, but not so that it was visible to anyone watching. He played with the bit, taking it in his teeth and attempting to break into a trot, but Sam held him back. She could feel his tension; it surrounded them like a cloud. Every muscle in his body felt tense. He ached to run.
At the field they stopped and looked around. Sam took Chance's moment of calm to slip on her gloves. Ten or so competitors were out riding. She sighted in on a tall, lanky bay. "Who's that?" she motioned to the horse with her chin, not daring to let the reins go.
"That would be JD. He's been all excited about winning this race on Seven for weeks. It's all the boy can think about." Buck told her. Buck stuck to fingers in his mouth and let out a sharp, blaring whistle. The bay horse broke from a gallop to a trot, and headed in their direction. Chance stomped the ground.
JD's eyes were bright as he rode to them. His horse trotted calmly; lather having formed on his neck. The horse's nostrils were dilated and red and his sides heaved. "Seven and I just put in the fastest work over half a mile we've done so far. I think we've got a shot for Saturday."
Samantha nodded slowly. "Nice horse. Clean lines, a well-sloped shoulder and long enough through the back for a fairly large stride. But, exactly how much time have you spent with him conditioning?"
JD eyed Samantha curiously. He wiped sweat from his forehead, taking off his odd hat to do so. "Conditioning?" He repeated.
"You know, making sure he can run the four miles without keeling over. Having a fast horse doesn't help you if he can't sustain his drive over a distance. Long, slow works at the trot and canter really help with that."
JD blushed, and stammered. "W...well I mean, I hadn't really thought about it. I...I uh ride him all the time. I thought he was fit."
Samantha shook her head. "Riding fit is not necessarily racing fit. Not to worry though," she added quickly, realizing how condescending she must sound. She glanced over her shoulder to ensure that Jose and Bonfire were in fact coming up behind her. "You still have some time before the race. They opened the course today right?" She asked Vin.
"Yep, open for the competitors to ride over."
"Look JD, it'll take Jose a good twenty minutes to warm Bonfire up. Walk Seven till he's done and then ride with him over the course at a trot. Do the same thing tomorrow too, but ride the course twice. Day after that, ride one circuit at the canter and two at the trot. Should set you up pretty well for Saturday. Sound good?"
JD nodded, feeling mildly less ignorant. He rode off with Seven at a walk to wait for Jose and Bonfire. Sam leaned over to Jose and spoke a few words in Spanish. The Mexican smiled and nodded. "Si, I will ride with the boy over the track. No problemo."
Samantha nodded. "After the first trip around, take Bonfire around again at a canter. We'll run him out tomorrow." Jose saluted and rode off.
"That was a good thing you did." Buck told her.
She shrugged. "JD didn't know, and besides, Bonfire needs conditioning too. I'll take Chance out later today and see what I see. Right now though, I'm going to warm him up and let him stretch out a bit. Stay back from his heels though, he's a firecracker when he's excited." She warned. Samantha nudged Chance into a trot across the field, circling first to the left and then to the right, crossing the field in a complicated series of turns. Ezra guessed that it was her way of keeping Chance's attentions.
He and Vin sat on their mounts, watching Sam put Chance through his paces. The gray moved effortlessly, his muscles sliding easily under his thin coat. He appeared to float. When she asked the stallion to canter, he exploded in a series of bucks before settling into a less than even pace.
"Quite the rider," Vin muttered.
"Yes," Ezra mused. "Odd. That horse seems so much attached to her. He's as much of a one person horse as Chaucer here. It's a wonder her husband can ride him as well." Ezra patted his chestnut's well-muscled shoulder lovingly. Chaucer shook his head at the touch.
Vin glanced at the southerner, his eyes narrowed. Exactly how much, Vin wondered, has Ez guessed? "I'm not sure what you've been watching, but that horse is givin her one hell of a time."
"Think about it Mr. Tanner. If he really wanted to toss his rider, he could easily do so. He's playing around as much as she'll let him, but no more. Quite a charade those two are pulling."
Ten minutes or so later, Sam trotted back to Vin and Ezra. Buck had gone off with JD and Jose to ride the course. Sweat rolled down Sam's face and she was breathing hard, but was grinning just the same. "He feels great!" She exclaimed. She opened her mouth to speak again, when the sound of shots rang through the air. No one else in the training field seemed to notice, but Sam Ezra and Vin were closest to the source. The shots seemed to have originated from the course.
Samantha flinched and Chance leaped into the air. Ezra and Vin exchanged a glance. They wheeled their horses and took off for the ridge. It was the only section of the course not able to be seen from the field and the best place for a sniper. Samantha reined Chance back and took off after them. "Remain here!" Ezra called back at her.
Chance drew even with the other two horses. Sam's face was stony. "That's my friend and my horse. I'm coming." Neither of the two men argued with her further.
In a matter of minutes the three galloping horse reached the ridge. The rider's drew their horses to a halt when they saw Seven and Clyde, Buck's sturdy gray gelding. They didn't see Buck, Jose or JD.
"Buck! JD!" Vin called, drawing his gun. Ezra pulled his Remington.
From her vantage point, Sam saw a prone figure lying in the dirt. She recognized the man's plain gray hat and bandana. "Jose!" She called. She spurred Chance forward, unmindful of the danger.
Samantha galloped up to her friend's form, and leaped off while Chance was still cantering. She tried to go to him, but Chance, fearful of the smell of blood, pulled her away. Hooves clattered behind her. Buck and JD appeared out of the brush, guns drawn. "Ambushed," Buck gasped. "From the rocks. We couldn't find him."
Vin left Peso ground tied near Jose and kneeled over the body. Samantha held Chance as close as the stallion dared get. She could see the dark pool of blood spreading out around him. Her hands shook and her knees felt week. Her eyes searched Vin's desperately, hoping against hope that she would find some comfort there. Vin only shook his head. "He's dead."
The End: Part 2
Part three coming soon. Tell me what you think.