Well here's another chapter. Again not betaed as I want to get this up for all you good people to enjoy. I have another fic in the works that I'm sure some of ya'll will enjoy. Thanks to those still reading and for the reviews.
The Other Side
Chapter 13
Nearly another week had past as they rode. Sara got in the habit of draping the reins over the saddle horn and let her horse walk along with the others while paying attention to her baby. Gil never left her side since they had been traveling. Jim and Grey Wolf were riding several lengths in front of them. Everything had been going great until something caused them to stop.
"What is it?" Gil reined his horse to see what had caused the other two men to stop.
They were glancing down at the remains of a person. The body was well decomposed and had been used to feed several species of wildlife. The clothes and majority of the bones remained.
Sara approached and glanced down. "Oh my."
Gil looked at her. "Let's keep moving."
Everyone recollected their thoughts and proceeding in the direction they were going. But Sara was quick to stop. "Wow." She said nearly breathlessly. The three men stopped and looked to what her eyes had encountered. "This is it."
They all looked over the valley lined with fir trees and green grass. The sparkling blue lake was as memorizing as the silhouette of the mountain in the far distance shadowed the land. Echoing through the woods was the bugle of a bull elk.
Sara turned to seek her husband's approval. Gil cracked a small smile as his eyes scanned the magnificent horizon. "This is it."
The four rode down into the valley and Jim was the first one to spot the cabin. "Hey, over there." He pointed.
As they neared, Gil instructed Sara to stay behind. Knowing she would protest, he asked Grey Wolf to remain with her. He and Jim eased up to the strange dwelling and slowly climbed off of their horses. Gil kept one hand down next to his gun as they approached the door. With a nod, Jim knocked. Gil continued to look around for any unsuspecting danger as Jim knocked once again.
With a shrug Jim slowly opened the door. Both men cautiously entered and inspected the home. A thick layer of dust covered every surface while the corners held cobwebs. "I think I know who the owner is."
Gil glanced at Jim. "Who?"
"The man on the hill."
Gil inclined his head. "By the looks of this place I'm sure."
They continued to observe the large cabin. A room was sectioned off for privacy with its own small fireplace, while the main area was one large room. Gil opened the cupboards and found them to be stocked with canned goods and tin dinner ware. While he inspected the inside, Jim walked out. He waved over Sara and Grey Wolf before walking around to the other small building. Jim already knew it was for hanging meat, but had to double check anyway. He quickly opened the door, gun drawn, only to find that it was half stocked with dry meat.
Sara rode up to the front meeting her husband. Gil stepped off of the porch to take his son. He cradled the infant as he slept. After Sara got off her horse, she walked inside with Gil. Grey Wolf went around checking on what else was nearby with Jim.
After everyone was convinced the place was abandoned, they decided to call it home. Sara settled Matt in the small bedroom on the bed after he fed so he could sleep. She then went about making dinner for the guys while they brainstormed.
Gil sat on the front porch with Jim. "So what are we going to do, stick together, or split up?"
Jim sighed. "Gil, we're running from the kind of people who won't stop until we're all dead."
"Or they die first."
"Exactly." Jim pulled the remaining tobacco he had in his cheek and threw it on the ground. "I think for now it would be best if we stick together until we know the heat's off."
Gil nodded and glanced at Grey Wolf. "What about you?"
"You are the only people I have left." He softly responded.
Both men nodded and sat in silence as they glanced over the valley. They let the sounds of silence fill their ears. The geese on the water honking, the elk bugles, and the occasional screech of a lone eagle.
Sara stepped out onto the small porch. "I've got dinner ready."
Gil turned to glance at her. He took a moment to relish in her beauty before responding. "We'll be right there." She smiled and returned inside. Gil sighed and returned his gaze back over the landscape. "I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there."
The other men nodded and they all stood and entered their new home.
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As the sun slowly crested over the eastern horizon, Jim stepped out onto the small porch. His coffee cup was emitting a thick steam from the cool mountain air. He carefully scanned the land before him, checking for any signs of unwanted strangers. While he was enthralled with the surroundings he didn't notice Grey Wolf approach him from around the side of the cabin. "Mornin."
Jim jumped as he instinctively reached for his gun. His coffee spilled out of the rim and onto his hand. "Dammit!" He shook his scalding hand trying to rid himself of the pain.
Grey Wolf cracked a small grin when he realized that he had startled his friend. "I thought you saw me."
Jim shook his head as he cussed. "Where the hell have you been?!"
"I went scouting."
"Where?" Jim gritted through strained teeth.
Grey Wolf pointed off into the distance. "There's a town several miles in that direction."
Once Jim felt his hand was going to be fine, he glanced in the direction his friend was pointing. "We should check it out. We'll need some supplies." Grey Wolf nodded. Jim shrugged. "So, let's go."
They both saddled their horses and rode towards the small settlement.
Gil tried to move but his body was trapped. His eyes opened slowly and he tried to recollect where he was, but when the familiar smell of Sara's hair filled his senses, and he didn't care where he was. She was there with him. The right side of his body was sore from lying on it all night. He back was pushed against the wall, pinned between it and Sara. Gil made a mental note to move the bed away from the wall later when the feeling came back to his arm.
He was about to make an attempt to pry himself free when he heard Sara's soft voice accompanied by the sounds of suckling. "See, you have nothing to worry about. You just grow up and be healthy. Your daddy will make sure you're safe. He'll make sure both of us stay safe." Gil couldn't stop the smile that crossed his face. "And someday you might get a sibling."
It was too much and Gil moved as much as he could and place a kiss to the side of her exposed neck. "Or two." He finished.
Sara smiled and turned her head just enough to see him. "Two?" He wiggled his eyebrows and smiled. She smiled wide and tried to move to give him a kiss, but their nursing son stopped her short. Gil leaned towards her enough to barely let their lips brush against each other.
Gil let a slight moan escape his lips. "Is he done yet?"
A sharp laugh flew from Sara's mouth. "Gil…" He responded with a low moan. "can't you hold off for a while longer?"
He fell back against the wall and sighed. "I suppose, I've waited this long." She smiled and swatted her hand at him before turning her attention back to their son. Gil groaned and struggled to get away from the wall. Once he was off the bed and standing, he attempted to stretch his aching muscles. When he took in a deep breath, he caught the scent of morning. "Mmm, I smell coffee."
"The others have been up for a while. I heard Jim rummaging around earlier." She softly ran her hand over the thin dark hair of her infant.
Gil stood and let his eyes linger over the sight before him. He burned the image to memory of his wife and child; peaceful and safe. With a smile he opened the small door and went into the main area of the cabin.
The smell of coffee was strong. Gil inwardly smiled hoping he could stomach Jim's extra strong concoction. After pouring himself a cup, Gil stepped outside. He let his lungs fill with free air. His only wish was that they were never found.
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Jim and Grey Wolf slowly walked into the small bustling town. Being strangers the people going about their business stopped to look at the new comers. They smiled at the people watching them indicating that they were of no threat. Once Jim spotted the general store, they reined their horses to stop in front of it.
They cautiously entered but the harsh voice of the store owner stopped them. "He needs to leave. I don't serve his kind."
Jim glanced back at Grey Wolf. "We're just here to purchase some supplies."
"I don't care." The man pulled a rifle from behind the counter.
Both men dared not to further the angered owner. Grey Wolf placed a hand on Jim's shoulders. "I'll wait outside." He slowly backed out of the store.
The man lowered the gun and Jim proceeded to walk inside. "I take it you don't get many Indians up this way."
The owner shrugged. "Several came this way a year ago. Many people lost several head of cattle and one family was murdered."
Jim inclined his head. "Well, not all of them are pillagers. My friend there did some tracking for the cavalry a few years back." He moved through the store, never turning his back to the agitated store owner.
The man continued to keep an eye on Grey Wolf, even as he ran his hands over the legs of their horses. "I guess they aren't all that bad."
Jim placed his items before the owner. "That man saved the life of my friend's wife. He successfully delivered their baby several weeks ago."
"Huh."
After he paid for his things, Jim cleared his throat. "Um, is there a telegraph office near?"
"Yeah. It's just down the street." He pointed in the general direction of its location. Jim nodded his thanks and proceeded to leave. "Say…" The man's voice stopped him. "Are you and your friends planning on staying in the area?"
Jim cocked his head as he began to question the owner's motives. "Well, my friend and his wife really like the area. We were both once in law enforcement."
"Really?" The man's eyes lit up.
"Yes. But we gave that life up for some peace and quiet." He hoped that he could ensure the uneasy man that they meant no harm.
"I was just asking because we've been a peaceful town without any real authority. In fact, I don't know if the state even knows this town exists it's so secluded." The man smiled.
Jim gave a half smile with the man. "Well, we discovered an abandoned cabin near the lake and spent last night in there."
"Oh yeah, that belongs to Frank. He's crazy for living out there alone. You had better watch it; if he finds you guys in there he'll shoot first and ask questions later."
"Well, the place was covered in a thick layer of dust."
"Yeah, he goes out on these expeditions. He's normally gone for days."
Jim pursed his lips. "How long has it been since you last saw him?"
The man shrugged. "I don't know, like a month or so, but that's not unusual."
"Well, on our way into the valley we discovered a body of a man. He was carrying a rifle and appeared to have suffered from an animal attack."
"Do you have the gun?" Jim nodded and stepped outside. The man moved around the counter and followed. Grey Wolf was patiently waiting and took the items from Jim as they were passed to him. Jim moved to the side of his horse and pulled a rifle from the scabbard. "Is this it?"
The man carefully evaluated the rifle. He nodded. "This is Frank's. Damn." He passed the gun back to Jim. "I always warned him about being out there alone."
Jim put the rifle away. "Sorry." He proceeded to untie his horse. "I'm sure we'll be back later. The baby is going to need things and I don't have a clue what he's gonna need."
The store owner smiled. "Just send them in. I have many blankets, and my wife is a seamstress. She can make anything."
"I'll be sure to tell them. Thanks for your help." He waved to the man before mounting his horse and headed down the street.
Grey Wolf followed. "Why doesn't he like me?"
Jim shrugged. "I guess they had a bad experience with your kind a while back."
"Ah." They walked down the street until Jim abruptly stopped. "Why are we stopping?"
"Um, I just need to check something. I'll be right back out." Jim went into the small office on the edge of town while Grey Wolf waited outside.
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Heather was quietly sitting in her place of business gently stirring her cup of tea. She was growing more concerned by the day as it had been over two weeks since she last received a message from Jim. Her heart was with him, and without him near, she felt empty. Her business kept her occupied during the night, but since his exile she was not as enthused about it.
The swinging doors burst open and the boy working at the telegraph office entered. Heather's face lightened up at his sudden appearance. He passed the folded piece of paper to her and she greatly accepted it.
We've stopped running. Sara had a baby boy and they are both fine. We are in northern California. We found a cabin near a lake and in the shadow of a beautiful mountain. The last town we passed through was Ponderosa, and I'm not sure of where we are now. Just know that we are safe and that I love you. Jim.
Tears were streaking down her face by the end of the note. She missed him so much that it pained her not to run to him. She thanked the boy and he went on his way.
Catherine came down the stairs dressed in only a scantily robe. Her hair disheveled from her encounter last night. She noticed Heather's tears and took a seat beside her. "What's the matter?"
"Jim and the others have finally stopped and settled into a place."
She looked confused. "And this is sad how?"
Heather glance at her friend. Her vision blurred by the tears. "Because I miss him so much. And the fact that I'll never be happy as long as he's gone." Then her head snapped up and she sat up straighter. "Unless…" Heather pushed her chair back from the table and stood. "Catherine, you've been here with me since the beginning. I can't do this anymore. I need to be with Jim."
Catherine was conflicted. "Heather, are you trying to say what I think you're saying?"
"You can run this place without me and make a living. You don't need me, and I certainly don't need this place anymore. It's yours. I need to get to Jim." She quickly disappeared to the back of the brothel. Catherine sat at the table still bewildered about her friend's response.
Once Heather had packed only what she could carry, she stepped onto her horse and headed west.
Tom was walking down the middle of the deserted street with Nic. While they were out and about, none of the townsfolk dared to leave the buildings. "So, I hope you think this big elaborate plan of yours works. I'd hate to be disappointed and have to shoot you for being ignorant."
Nic scoffed. "Tom…" He was about to respond when they noticed a single horse and rider heading west out of town. They squinted and could just make out the dark hair.
"What were you going to say son?"
"One, I'm not your son, and two, you can go fuck yourself." Nic walked away from Tom and headed to the brothel. He glanced in cautiously before entering. Catherine was sitting alone at the table enjoying a small breakfast. "Good morning."
Catherine looked up. "Oh…um…"
Nic moved over and sat down next to her. He picked up her hand and gently placed a kiss over her knuckles. "I'm sorry I left so early this morning. I had business to attend to." He moved to kiss her cheek. "But you were amazing." Catherine blushed. "Is Heather here, I need to speak with her?"
"No, she said she had something to do." Catherine didn't lie but she didn't tell the truth.
"Okay. Maybe I'll catch her later." Nic stood and winked at Catherine before leaving.
As he was walking down the street Tom caught up with him. "So, was that her?"
"Yes." He responded shortly.
"Well, aren't you going to go after her?" Tom's voice escalating.
Nic stopped. "You don't get it do you. If I go after her now, she'll know I'm following her. She knows where they are and is going after them. If you had any fucking common sense at all you would know that setting a trap takes time." He turned and continued down the street, entering the small bank.
Tom was waiting for him as he emerged. "How much money did you take?" Nic never responded and crossed the street. Tom continued to stalk him until he had his horse saddle and ready to go. "I'm not going to ask again…"
"Oh drop it would you." Nic quickly swung up onto his horse. "You have plenty."
He slowly began riding away when Tom called out to him. "Need any help?"
Nic stopped and turned to face Tom. "Listen, I've always worked alone, why in the hell would I want help now? It's a waste of time. I can travel and track faster alone than with luggage."
Tom's face hardened. "I just don't want whatever Heather told you to cloud your judgment. I've paid you good money in advance to have them killed. I expect you to hold up your end of the deal."
"What do you think that Heather told me; that you're not my real father? That's nothing new Tom. I've known that since I was little. We look nothing alike, but what I do find interesting is that I do have some features that mirror Heather's, don't you?"
"Boy, I'm warning you…"
"No Tom, I'm warning you. If you send men to track me and make sure that I do my job, I will not only kill them, but I will come back after you." Nic narrowed his eyes. "And I will succeed."
"What about Heather?"
"What about her?"
Tom grinned. "If she's in with them, you'll have to kill her as well. I want all affiliates dead." Nic scoffed and turned his horse. "You hear me boy!" Tom yelled after him as he got further away. He pursed his lips and watched Nic slowly make his way out of town following in Heather's footsteps. A black haired hardened man stepped up and stood next to Tom observing Nic's departure. "Follow him." The man nodded and went to get his horse. He remained watching the horizon and spoke to himself. "Cross me and you'll regret it."
Oh snap! She's gonna lead two killers to them. But will it all turn out okay or go to hell? That is the question.
TDCSI
