Sheriff McMahon-Part Two
"Aw, not again," said Shane, before rising and following the hunter trough his path of destruction.
At the bar, Austin, was watching Johnson's progress across the room through the mirror behind Manny's head, a little smile on his face, which was almost respect for his younger rival. He still deserves on ass whooping though, thought Austin. He turned around to face the raging hunter, his eyes wide end nostrils flaring, his handsome features contorted with rage.
Shane almost flew across the room, tying to get between them, when he spotted one of his deputy's lounging against the bar, further down from where Austin stood.
"Michaels! Michaels, get your ass in gear!" screamed Shane at the deputy, who was engrossed in conversation with one of the bar girls. He locked around at Shane, and ten followed his furious pointing to where Austin stood awaiting Johnson's charge. All this happened in a matter of seconds, and the deputy acted almost too late. He dived towards Austin a split second before Johnson did. All three collided in an untidy heap, with Michaels sandwiched between the two furious bounty hunters.
Shane ran towards the tangle of bodies writhing on the floor, and attempted to drag Johnson away, an act not unlike trying to drag a bull by its horns. Shane wrapped his muscular arms around Johnson's (equally muscular) neck.
"Dwayne, listen to me. You better calm down or you're going to have one hell of a headache when you wake up!" screamed Shane in the hunter's ear. Johnson flailed his arms wildly as his air supply was cut off. Shane glanced over to where his deputy, Manny and tree other regulars were sat on Austin, tying to hold him down. Shane let his hold on Johnson relax slightly as he watched Austin, still surging and bucking under the weight of five people. He turned his attention back to his own quarry, whose struggles had weakened.
"Dwayne, I'm gonna let you go now, and you are going to walk right out of that door. You hear me?" said Shane into Johnson's ear.
Shane let go slowly. The minute he was free, Johnson jumped off the floor, flinging Shane backwards and barreling towards Austin.
Shane landed on his back. He stared up at the ceiling, tying to focus his vision. One day I'm going to kill both those assholes.
He staggered to his feet and walked unsteadily to where Austin and Johnson were brawling with each other, and half the bar. Michaels was fighting desperately to get out of the melee.
"I've had enough, that is it!" shouted Shane to no one in particular and everyone in general. "I'm going to shoot them both." He drew his gun, and fired a single shot at the ceiling. Once again, everyone in the saloon ceased activity, including the two enraged bounty hunters, who looked up from where they were fighting on the floor, to see Shane pointing his gun in their direction.
"I'm going to end this feud right now." the Sheriff declared, a look of madness his eyes. The hunters looked at each other and then back at Shane. Michaels took advantage of the lull to grab hold of Austin and pull him to his feet, as several others did the same to Johnson, and held them away from each other.
Shane placed his gun back in its well oiled holster, and looked at the two hunters, still struggling against their captors.
What the hell is wrong with you two?" Shane said quietly. "Did you listen to a word I said? Either of you?"
"That goddamn son of a bitch-" began Johnson.
"Who? Me? You're damn right I am," replied Austin. "And you can bet your ass that I am gonna get you, you little bastard!"
"Yeah, you try it Austin, and I'll take my gun and stick it straight up your ass!" "Guys..." said Shane, wearily.
"After I've killed you, I'm gonna spit on your grave, you arrogant little shit!" bellowed Austin. Johnson struggled a little harder.
"Hey!" shouted Shane. "Enough!"
"Shane you better tell him to stay outta my way...' warned Johnson.
"I'm telling both of you-" The Sheriff stopped, looking at Austin's face. The hunter was grinning from ear to ear.
"Oh, you think this is funny, asshole?' Shane asked.
Austin started laughing out loud. "I'm sorry, I've just...just…" he was laughing so hard now he couldn't finish his sentence.
Shane looked over to Johnson in disbelief. He too was beginning to laugh.
"Have you two gone crazy all of a sudden? Look at the state of yourselves, and you're...you're laughing?"
"The hunters looked at each other. Both were drenched in beer that had toppled off the bar, and both were bleeding in several places; Austin's eye was beginning to swell and one of Johnson's lips was split wide open. Looking at their various states of disarray made the hunters laugh even louder at how ludicrous the situation was.
'Well this is just great,' Shane said in exasperation. "Get them outta here."
Michaels directed several of the clientele to kick Austin and Johnson out of the saloon - from separate exits.
Once they were gone, and the saloon had gone back to some semblance of 'normal', Michaels sauntered over to where the Sheriff had slumped into a seat at the far end of the bar. "Wooh, I thought we were in trouble there!" said Michaels.
Shane turned to his deputy slowly, anger building slowly on his features.
"What the hell were you doing, Shawn? Those two almost killed each other! I told you last night to make sure that Austin and Johnson stayed out of here, and what do you do? Let them both just waltz back in here to raise hell once again.'
"Well...I was occupied at the time." Said the deputy with a grin, winking at the girl behind the bar. She returned the wink with a sultry smile.
"Oh! Oh I see, that's alright then." Shane said with a grin. Shawn twisted uncomfortably in his chair. "When I have to tell their mothers that they killed each other, I'll just say, 'sorry ma'am nothing I could do about it...my deputy was trying to get laid at the time.' Ok, Shawn?'
"Sorry, Shane, but I really didn't think they'd try anything again. Not after last night."
"They are too god damn stubborn and hot tempered to let it rest - you know that. Look Shawn, I need you're full concentration on the job at the moment, ok?'
The deputy was engrossed in the showgirls dancing at the other end of the saloon.
"Shawn, are you even listening to me? Shawn!" the Sheriff shouted.
The deputy spun around. "What? Who? Yes, yes, I'm listening, I am...what was the question?"
"Oh for Christ's sake...that warrant that came through yesterday, for this guy, they call him The Undertaker? Remember?"
"Yeah! Yeah, there was this guy who rode in yesterday... shit, I meant to tell you, but I forgot what with the fight and everything, and then I met this girl...'
Shane sighed. Forgot to tell me what, Shawn?"
"This guy rode in from Tularosa yesterday, says he saw this guy, and he knows him."
"Knows him? What do you mean, knows him'?' asked Shane.
"Knows who The Undertaker is.'
"Nobody knows who he is. No one who ever saw him lived to tell about it."
"Well this guy does. Say's his name is Mark Calloway," Said the deputy. "Calloway? Don't I know that name?' asked Shane.
"Damn right you do. Austin brought him in two years ago, for killing that preacher down in Texas."
'Shit. That guy. Christ, I should've known. There was something about him... .I mean, I only saw him for a minute when Austin came through here with him, I didn't even talk to him, but there was something. ...something cold about him... it was like he was dead." The sheriff shivered involuntarily.
'Remember what happened when Austin brought him through here? said Michaels with a grim smile.
Yeah...all those good Christian folks around here decided they wanted to string him up right there and then. Caused a hell of a riot."
"Exactly. Imagine what's gonna happen this time around.' Replied the deputy. Shane looked up, imagining the grim scene. Then another memory of the incident struck him. "Hey, wasn't he also the guy—"
'That Austin and Johnson first fought over." Cut in the deputy. "Yeah. That's where this rivalry of theirs started. Only reason Austin got to him first was because Johnson's horse broke its leg. And he still didn't give up even then." Shawn said, smiling. 'He tracked Austin half way across the damn country-'
'Until he came through here and I made him stay." Shane said with a sigh.
"Exactly."
"Shawn, this is precisely the reason we have to keep this quiet What about this guy who told you? Who was he?"
"I dunno, I've never seen him before. He rode in here, came to the Fortuna and sat down at the bar right there beside me. It was weird."
"What was?"
"Well, he just started talking. No introductions, no how do you do, he just sat there and talked about Calloway, as if his sole purpose in coming was to tell me about him. Then he left."
"Left the bar?"
'Left town, rode in and out, just like that"
"That is strange. What did he look like?" Shane asked.
"Kinda oldish, but he looked younger than he was, y'know?"
'No," replied the sheriff, confused.
"He musta been mid-fifties. I didn't see much of his face; he kept his hat on the whole time. Had a funny chin."
'What do you mean, funny? You're a lawman for Christ's sake, you're supposed to remember faces, give accurate descriptions?" Shane said, exasperated.
"He was only in for a minute," Shawn replied, guiltily.
"Well, as long as he's gone..." Shane looked down at the bar. It was stained with old blood and even older beer from the numerous fights that had occurred over the years.
'We're going to get him for good this time, Michaels. That bastard is not getting into my town."
"Yeah, we got enough with those two crazy assholes trying to wreck the place," said the deputy with a grin.
"Hmmf," Said Shane. 'Well I may have taken care of that particular problem..." he told his deputy about his plan.
"So they both think they are staying to keep everyone else here, keep an eye on the town-"
'And each other," said Shane with a devious look in his eyes.
'Good, good plan, I like it…will it work?' Shawn said, doubtfully
"01 course it will work." Came the sheriff's confidant reply. "Ifs my plan.'
"Er...well, as long as you're happy with it"
"Look, don't you have something better to do than sit here and bother me? Why don't you go and look after the town like you're supposed to, huh?'
"Fine. I'm going." The deputy walked away, muttering under his breath.
Shane watched him go with a grimace, wondering why he had ever deputized Michaels; he hoped that when it came to the showdown he was going to be on form. ...else Calloway would eat him for breakfast
The sheriff thoughts turned to the mysterious figure that had rode in to town, seemingly just to let them know who The Undertaker was. What the hell was all that about? Shane sat brooding miserably, and was so lost in thought he didn't even turn around as the double doors of the saloon opened and admitted another stranger. However this new face was somewhat softer than the regular clientele. As the woman made her way towards the bar, heads turned and eyes followed, taking in the sight before them. Her clothes were new and of good quality; her long blond hair held up in the latest fashion. She carried with her an air of complete confidence and sophistication; so out of place in the rowdy saloon that the people within couldn't help but notice.
Manny looked her up and down as she approached him he could barely believe that there was a woman in his saloon who wasn't a showgirl or a whore. The woman placed both hands on the bar top, and as Manny looked into her clear blue eyes, he felt as if there was something familiar about her; something he couldn't quite place.
'Whiskey, straight." She said.
"Er, ma'am, this is really no place for a lady such as your self," Manny said, his voice becoming unsteady under her steady gaze. However, he had already seen the leers she was getting from several of his customers.
'I appreciate your concern, but don't worry about me. I can take care of yourself" She opened her purse, taking out several bills.
"Whiskey, please." Her tone left no room for argument, and Manny reluctantly nodded and poured her drink.
She swallowed it in one mouthful, and smiled at Manny as she gestured for her glass to be refilled. Manny obliged her, shocked, but happy that he was' going to profit from his enigmatic customer. He watched her, entranced, as she gazed around the room, clearly looking for someone.
'Ma'am, if I may ask, what is a lady like you doing in a place like this?'
"I'm looking for my brother. I was told he might be in here.' She replied, smiling warmly. 'I'm in town with a theatre company; I'm an actress.' '~
Manny laughed. "A theatre company? In this town? That's a first..." he said.
'We're just passing through on our way to Chicago." She replied.
'Who is your brother, I might know him." Manny inquired, curious as to whom this beautiful woman could be related to in Deadwood.
"It doesn't matter, he's not here...' she replied distractedly as she looked around the saloon once again; she noticed that many of the men, if not all of them were looking at her – some with curiosity, some with something else she didn't even want to think about. She cursed her looks at times like these; she hated men staring at her like a piece of meat. If I wanted to be leered at, I'd be kicking my legs up like one of those tarts, she thought to herself, glancing at the showgirls on the stage as she sipped her whiskey. Her eyes wandered along the bar – and stopped as they rested on the one man who was not looking at her. Had not even noticed her by the looks of it. Despite herself, she frowned for a second, wondering what was so different about him, before seeing it for herself. Unlike many of the others in the bar, he was clean shaven. His black hair was short and clean, his clothes tidy and washed. In short he did not look like the disreputable scum usually seen in this part of the world. She watched entranced as he, obviously deep in thought, traced the grooves and scratches on the bar top with his fingertips. She watched as he breathed in deeply and let out a long sigh before putting his elbows n the bar top and resting his face in his hands. She was amazed to find her heart aching for him; she wondered what possibly could have happened to leave him so depressed, so worn out. She wanted to go to him, ask him what was wrong and was contemplating just that when a tall figure stepped in front of her, blocking her view.
She looked up to see a man fitting her exact description of what she would call 'disreptable scum'. He leered down at her, grinning with blackened dirty teeth.
"Hello there," he said, and she felt his foul breath upon her face. She gave a tiny smile, and turned away quickly, hoping he would take the hint, and she wouldn't have to deal with him. No such luck, she thought as she felt his hand on her shoulder. Without turning to look at him she said, "Look, I would appreciate it if you could leave me alone, if you don't mind."
"But I do mind. I can't leave a pretty lady such as yourself all alone now, can I?" came the reply close to her ear. She shuddered in revulsion, and threw his hand off her shoulder with one hand, while delving into her purse with the other, a point which escaped her would be romancer. He grabbed hold of her arm and swung her around to face him. The look of fear that he had expected to see on her face was not there; instead was a look of pure anger and aggression. She brought her knee up to connect squarely with his crotch, and he let out an anguished squeak before folding to the floor.
The woman looked down at the agonized form at her feet with satisfaction, the small gun she had drawn from her purse aimed at his head, ready to shoot in the unlikely event he should recover quickly. She jumped as she felt another arm on her shoulder, and swung around gun raised, only to find her self face to face with the mysterious figure she had been staring at only moments ago. She had not been able to see his eyes before, but now she stared into the dark brown depths and almost lost herself completely. The depression she had seen on his face before was gone, but the weariness she could still see. She almost didn't notice that he was talking to her.
"I think it's time you left, ma'am," he said, gently taking her upper arm in one hand and relieving her of her gun with his other.
She let it go without arguing, still entranced by this man. For the first time she noticed the sheriff's badge, and mentally shook herself, as she let him lead her to the saloon doors. People stared as they walked across the room, still amazed at what they had seen this night.
Shane led her out into the street, wondering what the hell else could happen. He didn't think he could cope with any more drama; first the two hunters, and then this little scene. He couldn't believe what had happened; this woman had incapacitated one of the most ruthless characters in Deadwood with one swift move; not to mention the fact that she was possibly the most beautiful woman he had ever met – and evidently one of the most dangerous. He stared at her curiously, and wondered what the hell she could be doing here in Deadwood.
"Do you have somewhere to stay ma'am?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He felt ridiculous being this affected by a woman whose name he didn't even know.
"Yes, my company is staying at a hotel in town." Her voice was soft and melodious.
"Your company?" the sheriff asked.
"Theatre company," the woman explained. "I'm an actress." She smiled, and the sheriff stared, intoxicated. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever met.
"We're just passing through on our way to Chicago – I was looking for my brother in there," she explained, indicating the saloon. She stared back at him, and Shane wondered if perhaps she was mesmerizing him on purpose.
"Well, I'm the sheriff of Deadwood, I know just about everyone in town, I can help you…" he trailed off, realizing he was rambling; but with her staring at him, he had lost all rational train of thought.
"No, it's not important. I'll let you get back to your work; I'm sure the town keeps you busy," she said ruefully, with a glance at The Fortuna. "Thank you for your help." She held out her hand and Shane took it gently into his.
"Well, thank you for the entertainment. It's not everyday someone gets the drop on that idiot." The sheriff said with a smile.
She smiled back at him, and once again, he was lost. She turned to walk away and he searched for something to say to her, to make this meeting last a little longer.
"Can I you tell me your name? Next time I'm in Chicago I could catch one of your shows," he said, a blush growing on his cheek.
" You won't have to. We're doing one show at The Merchant Hotel tomorrow night," she called back. "I'll look forward to seeing you there." And with that, she was gone, as she entered the hotel across the street. Shane stood and stared for a while, wondering if she may have been a figment of his imagination. He wandered back to the jailhouse almost in a daze. She hadn't told him her name, or who her brother was. He entered the small building that served as the town lock up to find Michaels sat at his desk. The deputy looked up at him.
"What the hell happened to you?" he said, noting the dazed look in the Sheriff's eyes.
Shane considered telling his deputy about the mysterious woman, and then thought better of it.
"Let's just say that if I never have another night like tonight, I'll die a happy man."
"Why? What happened? Not those two again!"
"No…not those two," Shane said, thinking ruefully about the way her eyes had lit up when she smiled at him. Something much worse, he thought. I think I've fallen in love.
Michaels watched his sheriff as he stared in to space, and shook his head. Sometimes he would swear his boss was crazy.
* * *
Outside the town, up in the foothills, a tall figure stood looking down at the lights that shone from the main street.
Another figure shorter, older, walked to his side.
"Soon." The smaller figure said, quietly.
The tall man, almost a giant, didn't reply. He just stared out at the town with his steady gaze.
"They will come out to stop us. The sheriff…leave him to me. He is not to be harmed. The rest, you can deal with."
The giant looked at his companion, and then returned his gaze to the town.
The other smiled and went back to their small makeshift camp. While the silent monster stood guard, barely moving, he slept. He dreamed his nightly dreams that had haunted him for years…dreams of flames and blood, and the screams of the innocent.
To Be Continued…
