Spike's eyes narrowed. Someone was following him, and he didn't like it. Anyone who followed that close behind and was that careful to stay hidden was up to no good. Spike had his enemies and he wasn't an easy man to kill. The canyon they were in would be a perfect place for an ambush. Whisky snorted to agree with his feelings.
"Easy fella. I know they're there."
As Spike spoke, an arrow sank into the tree next to him. There was a rolled up piece of paper attached. From the rim of the canyon, he could hear maniacal laughter and the barking of a small dog. Carefully Spike scanned the canyon, looking for life between the stunted trees and rocks. Finding none, he unbound the message and lit a cigarette.
Hodge City Poker Tournament! The best of the best will be here! See players compete for a $20,000 prize! Come to the Red Moon Saloon on May 13th. Ante is at 6pm.
"Well boy, this is the second message I've gotten this way. Think someone wants me there? Maybe they feel rich and want to loose their money?"
Whiskey snorted at this one.
" Could be a delicate situation if someone wants me there that badly." Spike gave his trademark smirk, tossed the butt of his cigarette and lit another.
"Good thing I'm not the delicate cautious type."
*********************************
Faye sniffed the air. There was a strange scent there. Star began to prance and jig under her.
" Easy girl, easy." Faye took a firm hold on the reins and looked around.
"Dammit, I'm on my way to that tournament, minding my own business, and someone decides to try to get the jump on me. WHY does someone always try to ruin things for me?"
Faye was beginning to loose her patience. Just then an arrow flew into the ground at Star's feet. There was maniacal laughter, a few dog barks, then silence. Faye lit a cigarette and proceeded to read the attached flyer.
Hodge City Poker Tournament! The best of the best will be here! See players compete for a $20,000 prize! Come to the Red Moon Saloon on May 13th. Ante is at 6pm.
"Well, that's unusual. I've been hearing a lot about this tourney lately, both times ending with someone trying to kill me. What's with this country any ways?"
Faye ground out her cigarette, stowed the flyer and arrow in her saddlebags, and lit another cigarette. Star whickered at her and proceeded to head to Hodge City, totally unaware that they were still being followed.
**************************
"You're sure you delivered both messages to both people? It's Imperative that they both arrive for the tournament." It was a large man behind the desk. He wore all black -- duster, boots, hat and bandanna. The only thing relieving the black was the deep rose colored shirt he wore.
"Yes -- Yes Captain! Both Spike -- person and Faye -- Faye received messages. Ed and Ein delivered them personally!"
"Good, things are going just right."
***************************
The first thing Spike noticed about Hodge City was the size of it. Almost every building was at least two stories high for real, not just false front stores. He gave a low whistle and lit a cigarette.
"Yo. Whisky. This place is nice. Let's see what we can find for lodging. I need a hot bath."
After stabling his horse at the livery stable, Spike began to wander the town. With his head thrown back, cigarette between his lips, hand in pocket and whistling under his breath, he went in search of somewhere to get a bath and a shave.
"Damn I'm getting scruffy."
Out of the corner of his eye, Spike caught sight of something red and brown. He spun to the left and heard a disturbingly familiar maniacal cackle. He couldn't place it, shrugged it off, and kept walking.
**********************
"OOOOH Ein! That was really bad! We almost let Spike -- Person see us! We must be more careful or the captain will not be happy!"
The little corgi yipped in agreement.
**********************
Faye was setting up camp for the night. She had Star fed with what little grain she had left was drinking the last of her coffee. She didn't need to hobble Star -- she came on command and never wandered far.
Rolling out her bedroll, Faye laid down and looked up at the stars.
"What do you think is out there Star? Think that man is out there? Do you think I'll ever kill him?"
The little mare came over and nuzzled her mistress. Faye stroked her cheek and rolled over to sleep.
*************
The warmth was all around him. Spike lay reclining in a huge claw footed bathtub. His thick curley hair was plastered to his head and limp from the steam.
"Ahhhh.... This is the life. Nothing is better than a warm bath!"
The water was making him drowsy, so he decided to take a short nap, not knowing when he would get the luxury of sleeping in the bath again.
**********
"Spike, don't go. Please! You might not return! Ple --"Her voice caught with sobs.
"Julia, I have to go. Its my job. No matter how dangerous, I have to go. You know that."
Spike held Julia by the arms, looking deep into her eyes, seeing all the love that was there, willing his strength into her.
"Julia, remember, no matter what, I love you. You are my angel." His voice was deep, rasping, betraying his emotion. His thumbs wiped tears from her smooth cheeks. She looked into his garnet colored eyes and was sobbing softly, knowing it could be the last time he ever held her.
"Don't go, lets just run away. We can start all over again! In a new place, a new life --"
"Julia, stop." His voice was calm, quiet, and very hoarse.
"Please don't beg me to stay, you know I can't. If I ran away I wouldn't be a man. I have to go now. I love you."
"Spike --"
"Shhh." He placed his fingers on her lips and kissed her once more.
"I'll return as soon as possible. I love you." With a final choked up sob she was in his arms, they were kissing for all they were worth, trying to meld their souls and hearts.
Without a word, Spike broke away, mounted his horse and rode away.
He didn't look back.
He couldn't look back
***************************
"OOOOUCH! Goddamit!" Spike woke with a lurch, smashing his headoff the side of the tub. He was heaving for breath and there were tears running down his face. The water was tepid at best now. He had dreamed of Julia again. Would she never stop haunting him? Maybe when he found his vicious man, she could be at rest.
**********************
It was the middle of the night. The fire was almost burnt out. Something didn't feel right. Something was wrong. A twig snapped. Faye jerked her head around but she was too late! Dirt sprayed onto the fire hissing as it hit. Strange hands grabbed her -- rough hands. Before she had time to react her wrist and feet were hogtied, she was bound and tied into her horses saddle with her hands tied to the horn.
She could not even reach her guns or bullwhip.
She was helpless.
In the distance she heard a maniacal scream very familiar to that maniacal laugh from earlier.
